U.S. patent application number 14/782934 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-11 for fiber optic connection assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Wenyong FAN, Jianfeng JIN, Xin TIAN, Liming WANG, Zhengbin WANG.
Application Number | 20160041356 14/782934 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50543270 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160041356 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WANG; Zhengbin ; et
al. |
February 11, 2016 |
FIBER OPTIC CONNECTION ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home,
comprising: a fan-out member; a multi-fiber optical cable having a
first end introduced into the fan-out member and a second end
extending out of the fan-out member; a multi-fiber optic connector
connected to the second end of the multi-fiber optical cable; a
plurality of single-fiber optical cables each having a first end
introduced into the fan-out member and spliced with a respective
one of fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable and a second end
extending out of the fan-out member; and a plurality of
single-fiber optic connectors connected to the second ends of the
single-fiber optical cables, respectively; a plurality of first
fiber optic adapters mated with the plurality of single-fiber optic
connectors, respectively; and a plurality of outer shields each
constructed to receive the connector and the adapter of a
respective single-fiber optical cable therein, wherein the outer
shield is hermetically fitted on the connector and the adapter of
the respective single-fiber optical cable to form a sealed inner
chamber so as to prevent moisture or water from entering into the
inner chamber.
Inventors: |
WANG; Zhengbin; (Shanghai,
CN) ; FAN; Wenyong; (Shanghai, CN) ; JIN;
Jianfeng; (Shanghai, CN) ; TIAN; Xin;
(Shanghai, CN) ; WANG; Liming; (Shanghai,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD. |
Shanghai |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
50543270 |
Appl. No.: |
14/782934 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
March 27, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2014/060209 |
371 Date: |
October 7, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
385/56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/3885 20130101;
G02B 6/3897 20130101; G02B 6/4494 20130101; G02B 6/3821 20130101;
G02B 6/4453 20130101; G02B 6/3887 20130101; G02B 6/3825 20130101;
G02B 6/4471 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/44 20060101
G02B006/44; G02B 6/38 20060101 G02B006/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 7, 2013 |
CN |
2013101171987 |
Apr 7, 2013 |
CN |
2013201691652 |
Claims
1. A fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home,
comprising: a fan-out member; a multi-fiber optical cable having a
first end introduced into the fan-out member and a second end
extending out of the fan-out member; a multi-fiber optic connector
connected to the second end of the multi-fiber optical cable; a
plurality of single-fiber optical cables each having a first end
introduced into the fan-out member and a second end extending out
of the fan-out member; a plurality of single-fiber optic connectors
connected to the second ends of the single-fiber optical cables,
respectively; a plurality of first fiber optic adapters mated with
the plurality of single-fiber optic connectors, respectively; and a
plurality of outer shields each constructed to receive the
connector and the adapter of a respective single-fiber optical
cable therein, wherein the outer shield is hermetically fitted on
the connector and the adapter of the respective single-fiber
optical cable to form a sealed inner chamber so as to prevent
moisture or water from entering into the inner chamber.
2. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the outer shield has a first end screwed onto a housing of
the fiber optic adapter; wherein a first elastic seal ring is
interposed between an inner flange surface of the first end of the
outer shield and an outer flange surface of the housing of the
fiber optic adapter; and when the outer shield is screwed onto the
housing of fiber optic adapter, the first elastic seal ring is
axially pressed between the inner flange surface of the outer
shield and the outer flange surface of the fiber optic adapter to
seal an interface between the outer shield and the fiber optic
adapter.
3. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the fiber optic connector comprises an outer tube having a
groove formed in an outer wall of the outer tube, and a second
elastic seal ring is received in the groove; wherein the outer
shield is formed with an radial protrusion on an inner wall of the
outer shield at a second end of the outer shield; and when the
outer shield is screwed onto the housing of fiber optic adapter,
the second elastic seal ring is radially pressed in the groove by
the an inner peripheral surface of the radial protrusion to seal an
interface between the outer shield and the fiber optic
connector.
4. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 3,
wherein the fiber optic adapter comprises a seal cap screwed into a
port of the housing of the fiber optic adapter opposite to the
fiber optic connector; wherein a third elastic seal ring is
interposed between an outer peripheral surface of the seal cap and
an inner peripheral surface of the housing of the fiber optic
adapter; and when the seal cap is screwed into the port of fiber
optic adapter, the third elastic seal ring is radially pressed
between the outer peripheral surface of the seal cap and the inner
peripheral surface of the fiber optic adapter to seal an interface
between the seal cap and the fiber optic adapter.
5. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 4,
wherein the fiber optic connector comprises a shrinkable tube
having a first end firmly attached on a first end of the outer tube
and a second end firmly attached on the optical cable to seal an
interface between the fiber optic connector and the optical
cable.
6. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 5,
wherein the radial protrusion of the outer shield has a slope for
guiding the second elastic seal ring to the inner peripheral
surface of the radial protrusion.
7. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 6,
wherein the fiber optic connector further comprises an inner tube
passing through the outer tube and having a first end inserted into
a housing of the fiber optic connector; and wherein a buffer spring
is interposed between an outer flange on an outer wall of a second
end of the inner tube and an inner flange on an inner wall of the
second end of the outer tube.
8. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 7,
wherein a slot is formed in the outer wall of the inner tube, and a
block ring is received in the slot; and wherein the outer tube is
formed with an radial outer protrusion at the second end of the
outer tube, and the radial outer protrusion is limited between an
radial inner protrusion of the outer shield and the block ring to
prevent the outer tube and the buffer spring from being disengaged
from the inner tube.
9. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 8,
wherein the fiber optic connector further comprises a crimp tube
for crimping Kevlar elements of the optical cable on the first end
of the outer tube to prevent an external force exerted on the
optical cable from being transferred to a ferrule of the fiber
optic connector.
10. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 9,
wherein an outer surface of the first end of the outer tube is
knurled to enhance a friction engagement force with the crimp
tube.
11. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the multi-fiber optical cable and the single-fiber optical
cables are introduced into the fan-out member from a same side or
different sides of the fan-out member.
12. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the single-fiber optical cables have different lengths
extending out the fan-out member.
13. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the single-fiber optical cables are divided into a
plurality of groups, and each group of single-fiber optical cables
have a same length extending out the fan-out member; and wherein
different groups of single-fiber optical cables have a same length
or different lengths extending out the fan-out member.
14. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 13,
wherein the single-fiber optic connectors of the same one group of
single-fiber optical cables are arranged in the same layer; and
wherein the single-fiber optic connectors of different groups of
single-fiber optical cables are arranged in different layers.
15. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein there is not provided any fiber optic connector or fiber
optic adapter for coupling with a fiber optic connector of a user
side in the fan-out member.
16. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the single-fiber optic connector is configured to be a
sealed type of optic connector.
17. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 16,
further comprising: a second fiber optic adapter mated with the
multi-fiber optic connector.
18. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 17, the
single-fiber optic connectors and the mating single-fiber optic
connectors are hermetically fitted in the first fiber optic
adapters.
19. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 18,
wherein, before the mating single-fiber optic connector of the user
side is fitted into a respective port of the first fiber optic
adapter, the respective port is provisionally sealed by a sealing
cap.
20. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the multi-fiber optical cable and the single-fiber optical
cables are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member.
21. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 20,
wherein the multi-fiber optical cable and the single-fiber optical
cables are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member by pressing a
sealing gel block.
22. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 21,
wherein the fan-out member comprising: a housing; a tray received
in the housing and constructed to store and manage the redundant
fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable; a first pressing plate
hermetically fitted in the housing by a sealing ring; and a second
pressing plate disposed at a side of the first pressing plate
opposite to the housing, wherein the sealing gel block is received
in an inner space defined by the first and second pressing plates,
wherein the first end of the multi-fiber optical cable passes
through the second pressing plate, the sealing gel block and the
first pressing plate and extends into the housing, wherein the
first end of the single-fiber optical cable passes through a hole
in the second pressing plate and is received in a hole in the
sealing gel block, wherein the housing, the sealing gel block and
the second pressing plate are assembled together by bolts, so that
the sealing gel block and the sealing ring can be pressed by
screwing the bolts, and that the multi-fiber optical cable and the
single-fiber optical cable can be hermetically fitted in the
fan-out member.
23. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 22,
wherein the multi-fiber optical cable is fixed to the first
pressing plate to transfer an external force exerted on the
multi-fiber optical cable to the housing rather than the fibers of
the multi-fiber optical cable; and wherein a crimp ring is crimped
on the first end of the single-fiber optical cable, and the crimp
ring has a diameter larger than that of the hole formed in the
second pressing plate to prevent the single-fiber optical cable
from being disengaged from the second pressing plate and transfer
an external force exerted on the single-fiber optical cable to the
housing rather than the fiber of the single-fiber optical
cable.
24. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 20,
wherein the multi-fiber optical cable and the single-fiber optical
cable are hermetically fitted in the fan-out member by filling a
sealing gel into the fan-out member.
25. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 24,
wherein the fan-out member comprising: a housing having a chamber
therein; and an end plate fitted in a port of the housing, wherein
the first end of the single-fiber optical cable passes through a
hole in the end plate and extends into the chamber, wherein the
first end of the multi-fiber optical cable extends into the chamber
of the housing, and wherein the sealing gel is filled into the
chamber of the housing, so that the multi-fiber optical cable and
the single-fiber optical cable are hermetically fitted in the
fan-out member.
26. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 25,
wherein the multi-fiber optical cable is fixed to the housing to
transfer an external force exerted on the multi-fiber optical cable
to the housing rather than the fibers of the multi-fiber optical
cable; and wherein a crimp ring is crimped on the first end of the
single-fiber optical cable, and the crimp ring has a diameter
larger than that of the hole in the end plate to prevent the
single-fiber optical cable from being disengaged from the end plate
and transfer an external force exerted on the single-fiber optical
cable to the housing rather than the fiber of the single-fiber
optical cable.
27. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 26,
wherein the fan-out member further comprising: a tray received in
the chamber of the housing and constructed to store and manage the
redundant fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable.
28. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 26,
wherein Kevlar elements of the multi-fiber optical cable are
directly joined to the crimp ring of the single-fiber optical
cables by the sealing gel.
29. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim, wherein
the fan-out member further comprising: an elastic tail sleeve
sleeved on the multi-fiber optical cable and/or the single-fiber
optical cables and connected to the housing or the end plate to
protect the multi-fiber optical cable and/or the single-fiber
optical cables from being damaged by a lateral force.
30. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the plurality of single-fiber optical cables each has a
fiber spliced with a respective one of the plurality of fibers of
the multi-fiber optical cable in the fan-out member.
31. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein a splitter is disposed in the fan-out member to separate
the multi-fiber optical cable into a plurality of fibers.
32. The fiber optic connection assembly according to claim 31,
wherein the plurality of fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable
each runs through a respective one of the single-fiber optical
cables and is terminated at the single-fiber optic connector on the
respective one of the single-fiber optical cables.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent
Application No. 201310117198.7 filed on Apr. 7, 2013 and Chinese
Patent Application No. 201320169165.2 filed on Apr. 7, 2013 in the
State Intellectual Property Office of China, the whole disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a fiber optic connection
assembly, more particularly, relates to a fiber optic connection
assembly for fiber to the home (FTTH).
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In a conventional technology of fiber to the home (FTTH), a
fiber optic connection box is commonly used to couple fibers of a
multi-fiber optical cable to respective fibers of single-fiber
optical cables of a user side. For example, FIG. 1 is an
illustrative perspective view of a conventional fiber optic
connection box 10, and FIG. 2 shows the fiber optic connection box
10 of FIG. 1 after a cover 14 is removed from a body 12.
[0006] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the fiber optic connection box mainly
comprises the body 12 and the cover 14. A multi-fiber optical cable
16 containing a plurality of fibers is introduced into the body 12
from an end of the fiber optic connection box 10. A plurality of
fiber optic adapters 18 are provided on a back side of the body 12.
The fiber optic adapter s18 each comprises an internal port located
inside the body 12 and an external port located outside the body
12. When the fiber optic adapter 18 is not in use, the external
port is often sealed by a sealing cap 19. When it needs to operate
the external port, the sealing cap 19 can be simply removed.
[0007] Referring to FIGS. 1-2 again, the plurality of fibers 11 of
the multi-fiber optical cable 16 are coupled to a plurality of
single-fiber optic connectors 13, respectively. The single-fiber
optic connector 13 is fitted in the internal port of the fiber
optic adapter 18. When a single-fiber optic connector of the user
side is fitted in the external port of the fiber optic adapter 18
after the sealing cap 19 is removed from the external port, the
single-fiber optic connector 13 is coupled to the single-fiber
optic connector of the user side, and the fiber of the multi-fiber
optical cable 16 is optically coupled to the fiber of the
single-fiber optic connector of the user side.
[0008] Please refer to FIGS. 1-2, the fiber optic connectors 13 and
adapters 18 are all provided in the fiber optic connection box 10.
Therefore, the conventional fiber optic connection box 10 has a
large size and cannot be used in a narrow workspace, for example,
in a well. Accordingly, the conventional fiber optic connection box
10 is limited in the practical application. Further, the cost of
the conventional fiber optic connection box 10 is very high.
[0009] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the fiber optic adapters
18 are fixed on the body 12 of the fiber optic connection box 10,
therefore, the single-fiber optical cable from the user side must
have an enough length to be coupled to the fiber optic connector
18. If the single-fiber optical cable from the user side is too
short to reach the fiber optic connector 18, the single-fiber
optical cable from the user side must be replaced, complicating the
operation of coupling fibers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate
at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.
[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a fiber optic connection assembly having a small volume and
adapted to be used in a narrow workspace.
[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a fiber optic connection assembly for fiber to the home,
comprising: a fan-out member; a multi-fiber optical cable having a
first end introduced into the fan-out member and a second end
extending out of the fan-out member; a multi-fiber optic connector
connected to the second end of the multi-fiber optical cable; a
plurality of single-fiber optical cables each having a first end
introduced into the fan-out member and a second end extending out
of the fan-out member; and a plurality of single-fiber optic
connectors connected to the second ends of the single-fiber optical
cables, respectively; a plurality of first fiber optic adapters
mated with the plurality of single-fiber optic connectors,
respectively; and a plurality of outer shields each constructed to
receive the connector and the adapter of a respective single-fiber
optical cable therein, wherein the outer shield is hermetically
fitted on the connector and the adapter of the respective
single-fiber optical cable to form a sealed inner chamber so as to
prevent moisture or water from entering into the inner chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The above and other features of the present invention will
become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments
thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a conventional
fiber optic connection box;
[0015] FIG. 2 shows the fiber optic connection box of FIG. 1,
wherein a cover has been removed from a body;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an illustrative perspective view of a fiber optic
connection assembly for fiber to the home according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a
fan-out member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the fan-out member of FIG.
4 after it has been assembled;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a
fan-out member according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a
fan-out member according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is an illustrative view of a fiber optic connection
assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an illustrative view of a fiber optic connection
assembly according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an illustrative exploded view of a fiber optic
connection seal assembly for the fiber optic connection assembly of
FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 11 is an illustrative assembled view of a fiber optic
connection seal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 12 is an illustrative perspective exploded view of a
fiber optic connector of FIG. 10;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a cross section view of the fiber optic
connection seal assembly of FIG. 11;
[0027] FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross section view of an outer shield
of FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross section view of an outer tube
of FIG. 12; and
[0029] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross section view of an inner tube
of FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached
drawings, wherein the like reference numerals refer to the like
elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the
embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided
so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in
the art.
[0031] FIG. 3 is an illustrative perspective view of a fiber optic
connection assembly for fiber to the home according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the fiber optic connection assembly
mainly comprises a multi-fiber optical cable 100, a plurality of
single-fiber optical cables 200 and a fan-out member 300.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 has a
first end introduced into the fan-out member 300 and a second end
extending out of the fan-out member 300. A multi-fiber optic
connector 110 is hermetically connected to the second end of the
multi-fiber optical cable 100. The multi-fiber optic connector 110
may be coupled to another mating multi-fiber optic connector (not
shown) by a fiber optic adapter.
[0034] Please refer to FIG. 3 again, the plurality of single-fiber
optical cables 200 each has a first end introduced into the fan-out
member 300 and a second end extending out of the fan-out member
300. A plurality of single-fiber optic connectors 1000 are
connected to the second ends of the single-fiber optical cables
200, respectively. The single-fiber optic connectors 1000 each may
be coupled to another mating single-fiber optic connector (not
shown) from a user side by a fiber optic adapter 2000.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the multi-fiber
optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 are
introduced into the fan-out member 300 from the same side of the
fan-out member 300. But the present invention is not limited to
this, in other embodiments, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and
the single-fiber optical cables 200 may be introduced into the
fan-out member 300 from different sides of the fan-out member 300,
as shown in FIGS. 6-7 and 9.
[0036] Please refer to FIG. 3 again, in an exemplary embodiment,
the single-fiber optical cables 200 have the same length extending
out of the fan-out member 300. But the present invention is not
limited to this, in other embodiments, the single-fiber optical
cables 200 may have different lengths extending out of the fan-out
member 300, as shown in FIGS. 8-9.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, there are provided
twelve single-fiber optical cables 200. The twelve single-fiber
optical cables 200 are divided into three groups. Each group of
single-fiber optical cables 200 has four single-fiber optical
cables 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the single-fiber optic connectors
1000 of the same one group of single-fiber optical cables 200 are
arranged in the same layer; and the single-fiber optic connectors
1000 of different groups of single-fiber optical cables 200 are
arranged in different layers and may be held in different layers
by, for example, a locking mechanism.
[0038] Please be noted that the present invention is not limited to
the illustrated embodiments, the number and the arrangement of the
single-fiber optical cables 200 may be freely adjusted as
necessary.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, each group of single-fiber optical
cables 200 have a same length extending out of the fan-out member
300; and different groups of single-fiber optical cables 200 also
have the same length extending out of the fan-out member 300. But
the present invention is not limited to this, in other embodiments,
the different groups of single-fiber optical cables 200 may have
different lengths extending out of the fan-out member 300, as shown
in FIGS. 8-9.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the single-fiber optic connector 1000 may be
configured to be a sealed type of fiber optic connector to have
excellent waterproof performance.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as
shown in FIG. 3, the fiber optic connection assembly may further
comprises a plurality of first fiber optic adapters 2000 mated with
the plurality of single-fiber optic connectors 1000, respectively.
The single-fiber optic connector 1000 may be coupled to another
mating single-fiber optic connector (not shown) from a user side by
the fiber optic adapter 2000.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as
shown in FIG. 3, the fiber optic connection assembly may further
comprises a second fiber optic adapter (not shown in FIG. 3) mated
with the multi-fiber optic connector 110. The multi-fiber optic
connector 110 may be hermetically fitted in the second fiber optic
adapter.
[0043] FIG. 4 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a
fan-out member 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention; FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the fan-out
member 300 of FIG. 4 after it has been assembled.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, there is not provided any fiber optic
connector and fiber optic adapter in the fan-out member 300. The
fiber optic connector 110, 1000 and fiber optic adapters 2000 are
all disposed on ends of the respective optical cables 100, 200
extending outside of the fan-out member 300.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
single-fiber optic connectors of the fiber optic connection
assembly and the mating single-fiber optic connector (not shown)
from the user side are hermetically fitted in the first fiber optic
adapters 2000.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, before the mating single-fiber optic
connector of the user side is fitted into a respective port of the
first fiber optic adapter 2000, the respective port of the first
fiber optic adapter 2000 may be provisionally sealed by a sealing
cap 2200. When it needs to fit the mating single-fiber optic
connector of the user side into the respective port of the first
fiber optic adapter 2000, the sealing cap 2200 may be simply
removed, and the mating single-fiber optic connector of the user
side can be inserted into the respective port of the first fiber
optic adapter 2000. In this way, the fiber of the single-fiber
optical cable 200 can be optically coupled to a mating fiber of the
single-fiber optical cable of the user side.
[0047] In the illustrated embodiments, the multi-fiber optical
cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 are hermetically
fitted in the fan-out member 300. Hereafter, it will describe the
sealing manners of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the
single-fiber optical cables 200 in detail according to several
embodiments.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and
the single-fiber optical cables 200 are hermetically fitted in the
fan-out member 300 by pressing a sealing gel block 306.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4-5, the fan-out
member 300 mainly comprises a housing 301, a tray 302, 303, a first
pressing plate 305, the sealing gel block 306, and a second
pressing plate 307.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the tray 302, 303 is received in the
housing 301 to store and manage the fibers of the multi-fiber
optical cable 100. The tray 302, 303 comprises a body 302 and cover
303 fitted or sealed on the body 302. In addition the tray 302, 303
contains a pillar 310 inside thereof. The redundant fibers of the
multi-fiber optical cable 100 may be wound on the pillar 310.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the first pressing plate 305 may be
hermetically fitted in the housing 301 by a sealing ring 304.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the second pressing plate 307 is
disposed at a side of the first pressing plate 305 opposite to the
housing 301, and the sealing gel block 306 is received in an inner
space defined by the first and second pressing plates 305, 307.
[0053] Please refer to FIGS. 4-5 again, the first end of the
multi-fiber optical cable 100 extends into the housing 301 after
passing through the second pressing plate 307, the sealing gel
block 306 and the first pressing plate 305. The first ends of
fibers of the single-fiber optical cable 200 are received in holes
308 formed in the sealing gel block 306, respectively, after
passing through holes formed in the second pressing plate 307.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4-5, the housing 301,
the sealing gel block 306 and the second pressing plate 307 may be
assembled together by bolts. In this case, the sealing gel block
306 and the sealing ring 304 can be pressed by screwing the bolts,
so that the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber
optical cable 200 can be hermetically fitted in the fan-out member
300 (the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the
single-fiber optical cable 200 can be hermetically sealed in the
fan-out member 300).
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 is
fixed to the first pressing plate 305 with, for example, epoxy
glue. As a result, an external force exerted on the multi-fiber
optical cable 100 is transferred to the housing 301 rather than the
fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 4-5, a crimp ring 201 is crimped on the
first end of the single-fiber optical cable 200, and the crimp ring
201 has a diameter larger than that of the hole in the second
pressing plate 307 to prevent the single-fiber optical cable 200
from being disengaged from the second pressing plate 307, and
transfer an external force exerted on the single-fiber optical
cable 200 to the housing 301 rather than the fiber of the
single-fiber optical cable 200.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the fan-out member 300 may further
comprises an elastic tail sleeve 309 sleeved on the multi-fiber
optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical cables 200 and
connected to the second pressing plate 307 at an end of the housing
301 to protect the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the
single-fiber optical cables 200 from being damaged by a lateral
force.
[0058] FIG. 6 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a
fan-out member according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and
the single-fiber optical cable 200 are hermetically fitted in the
fan-out member 300 by filling a sealing gel into the fan-out member
300.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 6, the fan-out member mainly comprises a
housing 301', 302' and an end plate 307'. The housing 301', 302'
defined a chamber 311' therein. The end plate 307' is fitted in a
port of the housing 301', 302'. The housing 301', 302' comprises a
body 301' and a cover 302' fitted on the body 301'.
[0061] Please refer to FIG. 6, the first end of the single-fiber
optical cable 200 passes through a hole in the end plate 307' and
extends into the chamber 311', and the first end of the multi-fiber
optical cable 100 extends into the chamber 311' of the housing
301'. When the sealing gel is filled into the chamber 311' of the
housing 301', 302', the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the
single-fiber optical cables 200 are sealed in the fan-out member
300.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, the multi-fiber optical cable 100 may be
fixed to the housing 301' to transfer an external force exerted on
the multi-fiber optical cable 100 to the housing 301' rather than
the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 6 again, a crimp ring 201 is crimped on
the first end of the single-fiber optical cable 200, and the crimp
ring 201 has a diameter larger than that of the hole in the end
plate 307' to prevent the single-fiber optical cable 200 from being
disengaged from the end plate 307' and transfer an external force
exerted on the single-fiber optical cable 200 to the housing 301'
rather than the fiber of the single-fiber optical cable 200.
[0064] Please refer to FIG. 6, the fan-out member 300 may further
comprises an elastic tail sleeve 309' sleeved on the single-fiber
optical cables 200 and connected to the end plate 307' to protect
the single-fiber optical cables 200 from being damaged by a lateral
force.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 6, the fan-out member 300 may further
comprises a tray 310' for store and managing the redundant fibers
of the multi-fiber optical cable 100. The tray 310' is received in
the chamber 311' of the housing 301'.
[0066] FIG. 7 is an illustrative exploded perspective view of a
fan-out member according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, the fan-out member does not comprise a
tray for managing the fibers of the multi-fiber optical cable 100,
and Kevlar elements 101 of the multi-fiber optical cable 100 may be
directly joined to the crimp ring 201 of the single-fiber optical
cables 200 by a sealing gel. In this case, the fibers of the
multi-fiber optical cable 100 can be directly spliced with the
fibers of the single-fiber optical cables 200, respectively,
without needing a tray to manage the fiber of the multi-fiber
optical cable 100.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 7, Kevlar elements of the single-fiber
optical cables 200 is disposed on a metal piece 202 and is crimped
on the metal piece 202 by the crimp ring 201.
[0069] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, the fan-out member
is configured to have a cylindrical housing 301'. The cylindrical
fan-out member defines a chamber 311' in the housing 301'. When the
sealing gel is filled into the chamber 311' of the housing 301',
the multi-fiber optical cable 100 and the single-fiber optical
cables 200 are sealed in the fan-out member 300.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 7, the single-fiber optical cables 200 are
introduced into the fan-out member from one side of the fan-out
member, and the multi-fiber optical cable 100 is introduced into
the fan-out member from the other side of the fan-out member. An
elastic tail sleeve 309' is sleeved on the multi-fiber optical
cable 100 and connected to the housing 301' to protect the
multi-fiber optical cable 100 from being damaged by a lateral
force. Similarly, another elastic tail sleeve 309' is sleeved on
the single-fiber optical cables 200 and connected to the housing
301' to protect the single-fiber optical cables 200 from being
damaged by a lateral force.
[0071] Although several exemplary embodiments of the fan-out member
have been shown and described with reference to FIGS. 4-7, the
present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.
Many other suitable fan-out members may be made according to the
teaching of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the
plurality of single-fiber optical cables 200 each may have a fiber
spliced with a respective one of the plurality of fibers of the
multi-fiber optical cable 100 in the fan-out member 300. In another
exemplary embodiment, a splitter may be disposed in the fan-out
member 300 to separate the multi-fiber optical cable 100 into a
plurality of fibers, and the plurality of fibers of the multi-fiber
optical cable 100 each may directly run through a respective one of
the single-fiber optical cables 200 and is terminated at the
single-fiber optic connector 1000 on the respective one of the
single-fiber optical cables 200.
[0072] Hereafter, it will describe in detail a seal configuration
for sealing the single-fiber optic connector 1000 and the adapter
2000 of each single-fiber optical cable 200 with reference to FIGS.
10-16.
[0073] FIG. 10 is an illustrative exploded view of a fiber optic
connection seal assembly for the fiber optic connection assembly of
FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 10, the fiber optic connection seal
assembly mainly comprises the fiber optic connector 1000, the fiber
optic adapter 2000 and an outer shield 3000.
[0075] FIG. 11 is an illustrative assembled view of a fiber optic
connection seal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention; FIG. 13 is a cross section view of the fiber
optic connection seal assembly of FIG. 11.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 10-11 and 13, an end of an optical cable
1000 is inserted into and coupled to the fiber optic connector
1000. The fiber optic adapter 2000 is configured to position the
fiber optic connector 1000 therein, so that the fiber optic
connector 1000 is optically coupled with a mating fiber optic
connector (not shown) in the fiber optic adapter 2000. The outer
shield 3000 is disposed on the fiber optic connector 1000 and the
fiber optic adapter 2000. The outer shield 3000 is hermetically
fitted on the fiber optic connector 1000 and the fiber optic
adapter 2000 to form a sealed inner chamber so as to prevent
moisture or water from entering into the inner chamber.
[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the fiber optic connector 1000
may comprise LC connector or other type of connector.
[0078] Please refer to FIG. 13, the outer shield 3000 has a first
end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of
the outer shield 3000 is screwed onto a housing 2100 of the fiber
optic adapter 2000. A first elastic seal ring 1010 is interposed
between an inner flange surface 3020 (see FIG. 14) of the first end
of the outer shield 3000 and an outer flange surface (not
indicated) of the housing 2100 of the fiber optic adapter 2000.
When the outer shield 3000 is screwed onto the housing 2100 of
fiber optic adapter 2000, the first elastic seal ring 1010 is
axially pressed between the inner flange surface 3020 of the outer
shield 3000 and the outer flange surface of the fiber optic adapter
2000 to seal an interface between the outer shield 3000 and the
fiber optic adapter 2000.
[0079] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 13, when the outer
shield 3000 is screwed in position on the fiber optic adapter 2000,
for example, an end face of the first end of the outer shield 3000
becomes contact with the housing 2100 of the adapter 2000, the
interface between the outer shield 3000 and the fiber optic adapter
2000 is sealed by the first elastic seal ring 1010.
[0080] FIG. 12 is an illustrative perspective exploded view of the
fiber optic connector 1000 of FIG. 10.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 12, the fiber optic connector 1000
comprises an outer tube 1300 having a groove 1330 formed in an
outer wall of the outer tube 1300. A second elastic seal ring 1020
is received in the groove 1330. The outer tube 1300 may be made of
metal.
[0082] As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the outer shield 3000 is formed
with a radial protrusion 3300 on an inner wall of the outer shield
3000 at the second end of the outer shield 3000. When the outer
shield 3000 is screwed onto the housing 2100 of fiber optic adapter
2000, the second elastic seal ring 1020 is radially inward pressed
in the groove 1330 by the an inner peripheral surface 3030 of the
radial protrusion 3300 to seal an interface between the outer
shield 3000 and the fiber optic connector 1000.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 13 again, the fiber optic adapter 2000
comprises a seal cap 2200 screwed into a port of the housing 2100
of the fiber optic adapter 2000 opposite to the fiber optic
connector 1000. A third elastic seal ring 1030 is interposed
between an outer peripheral surface of the seal cap 2200 and an
inner peripheral surface of the housing 2100 of the fiber optic
adapter 2000. When the seal cap 2200 is screwed into the port of
fiber optic adapter 2000, the third elastic seal ring 1030 is
radially inward pressed between the outer peripheral surface of the
seal cap 2200 and the inner peripheral surface of the fiber optic
adapter 2000 to seal an interface between the seal cap 2200 and the
fiber optic adapter 2000.
[0084] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when it
needs to couple the fiber optic connector 1000 with a mating fiber
optic connector (not shown), the seal cap 2200 may be removed, and
the mating fiber optic connector may be inserted into the port of
the fiber optic adapter 2000. In this way, the fiber optic
connector 1000 is coupled with the mating fiber optic
connector.
[0085] As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the fiber optic connector 1000
comprises a shrinkable tube 1600 having a first end 1610 firmly
attached on a first end 1310 of the outer tube 1300 and a second
end 1620 firmly attached on the optical cable 200 to seal an
interface between the fiber optic connector 1000 and the optical
cable 200.
[0086] As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the radial protrusion 3300 of the
outer shield 3000 has a slope 3100 for guiding the second elastic
seal ring 1020 to the inner peripheral surface 3030 of the radial
protrusion 3300.
[0087] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross section view of the outer tube
1300 of FIG. 12; and FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross section view of
an inner tube 1200 of FIG. 12.
[0088] As shown in FIGS. 12-13 and 15-16, the fiber optic connector
1000 further comprises an inner tube 1200 passing through the outer
tube 1300 and having a first end inserted into a housing 1100 of
the fiber optic connector 1000. A buffer spring 1400 is provided
between an outer flange 1220 on an outer wall of a second end of
the inner tube 1200 and an inner flange 1340 (see FIG. 15) on an
inner wall of the second end of the outer tube 1300.
[0089] As shown in FIGS. 12-13 and 15-16, a slot 1210 is formed in
the outer wall of the inner tube 1200, and a block ring 1700 is
received in the slot 1210. The outer tube 1300 is formed with an
radial outer protrusion 1320 at the second end of the outer tube
1300, and the radial outer protrusion 1320 is limited between an
radial inner protrusion 3300 of the outer shield 3000 and the block
ring 1700 to prevent the outer tube 1300 and the buffer spring 1400
from being disengaged from the inner tube 1200.
[0090] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
inner tube 1200 may be made of metal.
[0091] As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the radial outer protrusion 1320 of
the outer tube 1300 has a first axial force carrying face 1350 (see
FIG. 15), and the radial protrusion 3300 of the outer shield 3000
has a second axial force carrying face 3320 (see FIGS. 13-14)
facing the first axial force carrying face 1350. As shown in FIG.
13, when the optical cable 200 is pulled outward by an external
force, the first axial force carrying face 1350 of the outer tube
1300 abuts against the second axial force carrying face 3320 of the
outer shield 3000 to prevent the fiber optic connector 1000 from
being pulled out of the outer shield 3000 and prevent the external
force from being transferred to the inner tube 1200 and a ferrule
(not indicated, which is received in the housing 1100) of the fiber
optic connector 1000.
[0092] As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the fiber optic connector 1000 may
further comprise a crimp tube 1500 for crimping Kevlar elements of
the optical cable 200 on the first end 1310 of the outer tube 1300
to prevent the external force exerted on the optical cable 200 from
being transferred to the ferrule of the fiber optic connector.
[0093] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an
outer surface of the first end 1310 of the outer tube 1300 is
knurled to enhance a friction engagement force with the crimp tube
1500 and reliably hold the Kevlar elements of the optical cable 200
on the outer tube 1300.
[0094] In the above various embodiments of the present invention,
the outer shield 3000 provides a simple and reliable seal
structure, and the fiber optic connection seal assembly may reach a
classification of waterproof IP68. Furthermore, once the outer
shield 3000 is screwed onto the fiber optic adapter 2000, the fiber
optic connector 1000 is reliably positioned in the outer shield
3000 and cannot be pulled out of the outer shield 3000 under the
external force, therefore, the seal performance of the assembly is
independent of the external force exerted on the optical cable 200.
Moreover, the outer shield 3000 can limit a movement of the outer
tube 1300 on which Kevlar elements of the optical cable 200 are
crimped so as to prevent the external force exerted on the optical
cable 200 from being transferred to the ferrule of the fiber optic
connector 1000, therefore, the optical performance of the fiber
optic connector 1000 is not affected by the external force.
[0095] It should be appreciated for those skilled in this art that
the above embodiments are intended to be illustrated, and not
restrictive. For example, many modifications may be made to the
above embodiments by those skilled in this art, and various
features described in different embodiments may be freely combined
with each other without conflicting in configuration or principle,
so that more kinds of fiber optic connection assembly can be
achieved with overcoming the technical problem of the present
invention.
[0096] Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and
described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various changes or modifications may be made in these embodiments
without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure,
the scope of which is defined in the claims and their
equivalents.
[0097] As used herein, an element recited in the singular and
proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not
excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion
is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment"
of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as
excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also
incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly
stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an
element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may
include additional such elements not having that property.
* * * * *