U.S. patent application number 15/716770 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-30 for optical communications connectors.
This patent application is currently assigned to Panduit Corp.. The applicant listed for this patent is Panduit Corp.. Invention is credited to Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny.
Application Number | 20190162917 15/716770 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44736099 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-30 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190162917 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuffel; Gregory L. ; et
al. |
May 30, 2019 |
Optical Communications Connectors
Abstract
In accordance with the following description, an optical
communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable
alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a
retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner
housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing
positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is
shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a
movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for
aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be
slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a
second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or
in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a
communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an
asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an
installer to change a polarity of the communication connector. Such
a feature may actuated by being moved from a first position to a
second position relative to the communication connector.
Inventors: |
Kuffel; Gregory L.;
(Plainfield, IL) ; Kwasny; Joel D.; (Plainfield,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Panduit Corp. |
Tinley Park |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Panduit Corp.
Tinley Park
IL
|
Family ID: |
44736099 |
Appl. No.: |
15/716770 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15472526 |
Mar 29, 2017 |
9798094 |
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15716770 |
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15262636 |
Sep 12, 2016 |
9638872 |
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15472526 |
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14165028 |
Jan 27, 2014 |
9442256 |
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15262636 |
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12909974 |
Oct 22, 2010 |
8636424 |
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14165028 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/3885 20130101;
G02B 6/3825 20130101; G02B 6/381 20130101; G02B 6/3831 20130101;
G02B 6/3898 20130101; G02B 6/3882 20130101; G02B 6/3893 20130101;
G02B 6/387 20130101; G02B 6/383 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/38 20060101
G02B006/38 |
Claims
1. An optical communications connector, comprising: an outer
housing; and a polarity key located on the outer housing of the
connector, the polarity key having a configuration that can be
altered to change a polarity of the connector by rotating the
polarity key in relation to the connector, wherein the outer
housing is rotatable around an axial length of the connector to
effect the change in polarity.
2. The optical communications connector of claim 1, comprising: a
ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between
an extended position and a retracted position.
3. The optical communications connector of claim 1, wherein the
polarity key is integrated into the outer housing.
4. The optical communications connector of claim 1, wherein the
polarity key is formed separately from the outer housing and
attached to the outer housing.
5. The optical communications connector of claim 1, comprising: an
inner housing, the inner housing comprising recessed features that
are shaped to accept the polarity key when the outer housing is
installed over the inner housing.
6. An optical communications patch cord, comprising: a first
optical communications connector at a first end of the patch cord,
the first optical communications connector comprising a polarity
key having a configuration that can be altered to change a polarity
of the first optical communications connector by rotating the
polarity key in relation to the first optical communications
connector; and a second optical communications connector at a
second end of the patch cord opposite the first end, the second
optical communications connector comprising a ferrule having
alignment pins that are slideable between a female position, where
the alignment pins are retracted into alignment pin cavities in the
second optical communications connector, and a male position, where
the alignment pins extend out of the alignment pin cavities.
7. The optical communications patch cord of claim 6, wherein the
polarity key is rotated 180 degrees to change the polarity of the
first optical communications connector from a first polarity to a
second polarity.
8. The optical communications patch cord of claim 6, wherein the
polarity key comprises: a polarity key tab on a first side of an
outer housing of the first optical communications connector; and a
blank tab on a second side of the outer housing opposite the first
side.
9. The optical communications patch cord of claim 7, wherein the
outer housing of the first optical communications connector is
removed from the first optical communications connector, rotated
180 degrees relative to the first optical communications connector,
and reattached to the first optical communications connector to
change the polarity of the first optical communications
connector.
10. The optical communications patch cord of claim 6, wherein the
second optical communications connector comprises: a pin clamp
coupled to the alignment pins, the pin clamp including a post that
may be engaged by a fingertip to effect sliding of the alignment
pins between the female position and the male position.
11. The optical communications patch cord of claim 10, wherein the
pin clamp may be slid to a first position associated with the
female position of the alignment pins and a second position
associated with the male position of the alignment pins when the
fingertip engages the post.
12. An optical communications connector, comprising: an inner
housing assembly and an outer housing assembly that slides over the
inner housing assembly; the inner housing assembly including a pin
clamp slideable between a first position corresponding to a male
gender of the connector and a second position corresponding to a
female gender of the connector; and the pin clamp including two
tabs, the pin clamp being slideable between the first position and
the second position when the two tabs are deflected inward toward
each other.
13. The optical communications connector of claim 12, wherein the
two tabs are deflected inward toward each other by engaging a hole
in each tab with a tool.
14. The optical communications connector of claim 13, wherein the
pin clamp is locked in place when the tool releases the two
tabs.
15. The optical communications connector of claim 13, wherein the
tool can engage the hole on each tab when the outer housing
assembly is removed from the inner housing assembly.
16. The optical communications connector of claim 12, wherein the
pin clamp is slideable between the first position and the second
position in a direction orthogonal to a front face of a ferrule of
the connector.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/472,526, filed on Mar. 29, 2017 (now allowed), which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/262,636, filed on Sep.
12, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,638,872, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 14/165,028, filed Jan. 27, 2014, now U.S.
Pat. No. 9,442,256, which is a continuation of U.S. application
Ser. No. 12/909,974, filed Oct. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,636,424, the entirety of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to communication
connectors, and more particularly, to an optical communication
connector having a configurable polarity and/or gender.
BACKGROUND
[0003] As optical cabling technology continues to improve, bringing
higher transmission speeds and better reliability, existing data
centers typically must decide whether to upgrade their
infrastructures to embrace the newer technology. This involves a
cost-benefit analysis to determine whether the benefits to be
derived from the upgrade outweigh the costs of the upgrade.
[0004] One cost to consider is the extent of the upgrade. An
extensive upgrade, such as replacing an entire infrastructure, is
likely to be more costly (in equipment costs and installation
man-hours) than a less-extensive upgrade, such as swapping out a
limited number of components with upgraded components that are able
to interface with the existing infrastructure. A data center will
typically attempt to reuse existing cabling infrastructure when
possible, in order to lessen costs.
[0005] Another cost relates to the complexity of each component
upgrade. When an upgrade is undertaken, an installer must install
the upgraded component so that it interfaces properly with any
installed network equipment and intermediate links. This may
include matching transmission-speed capabilities, polarity, and/or
gender of cables and/or connectors. An increase in the complexity
of network equipment, cabling, and connectors may be accompanied by
a corresponding increase in the complexity of the installation.
[0006] Yet another cost relates to the number of unique parts that
must be ordered and installed. This cost is closely related to
complexity. An upgrade that requires many unique parts (such as
cables and connectors) results in a more complicated Bill of
Material (BOM). In turn, an installer must transport and install
each of these unique parts. A larger number of unique parts is
likely to increase the risk of a part being installed at an
incorrect location (e.g. a part installed with a reversed
polarity).
[0007] Thus, an optical communication connector that assists in
reducing the cost of an upgrade and/or that assists in simplifying
the upgrade would be desirable.
SUMMARY
[0008] In accordance with the following description, an optical
communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable
alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a
retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner
housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing
positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is
shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a
movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for
aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be
slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a
second position (corresponding to a female gender).
[0009] The inner housing assembly preferably has a stop surface
that defines the first position corresponding to the male gender
and the second position corresponding to a female gender.
Furthermore, the movable pin clamp preferably has a deflectable tab
that may be slid relative to the stop surface from the first
position to the second position to change the gender of the
connector.
[0010] In one embodiment, the outer housing is structured (e.g.
with a slot through which the pin clamp can be accessed) so that
the pin clamp can be actuated without removing the outer
housing.
[0011] Another feature described herein relates to changing the
polarity of a connector. The outer housing preferably has a
polarity key disposed thereon. When the outer housing is rotated
180-degrees along an axis orthogonal to a front face of the
connector's ferrule, the polarity key is correspondingly rotated
from a first position to a second position, where the first
position corresponds to a first polarity and the second position
corresponds to a second polarity. The inner housing assembly
preferably has at least two recessed features that are each shaped
to accept the polarity key when the outer housing is slid over the
inner housing assembly.
[0012] Generally, the polarity of a communication connector may be
changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing
feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of
the communication connector. Such a feature may actuated by being
moved from a first position to a second position relative to the
communication connector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages, and
the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the
technology will be better understood by reference to the following
description of one or more embodiments taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram showing an
example of a typical cross connect system;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram showing an
example of a typical upgraded version of the same cross connect
system;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an upper left perspective view of an MPO connector
(an example of an optical connector) in the Male orientation;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an upper left perspective view of an MPO connector
(an example of an optical connector) in the Female orientation;
[0018] FIG. 5 is an upper left perspective view of a portion of a
Male-oriented MPO connector with the outer housing removed;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the
MPO connector shown in FIG. 5, showing the retractable pin clamp in
the first (Male) position;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the
MPO connector shown in FIG. 5, showing the retractable pin clamp in
the second (Female) position;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for changing
a gender of an optical connector from male to female, according to
an embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for changing
a gender of an optical connector from female to male, according to
an embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a
transceiver mapping of two connectors communicating over eight of
twelve provided fiber channels;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a simplified plan view of a Type-A patch
cord/connector cable;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a simplified plan view of a Type-B patch
cord/connector cable;
[0026] FIG. 13 is an upper left perspective view of a connector in
accordance with a preferred embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 14 is an upper left perspective view of a partially
disassembled connector in accordance with a preferred
embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 15 is an upper left perspective view of a connector in
accordance with a preferred embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 16 is an upper left perspective front view of an inner
housing assembly and an outer housing of a partially disassembled
connector in accordance with a preferred embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view illustrating a back side
of the outer housing (i.e. opposite the polarity key) according to
a preferred embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for changing
a polarity of an optical connector, according to an embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for changing
a gender and a polarity of an optical connector, according to an
embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a connector according to the present invention, showing an outer
housing separated from an inner housing assembly;
[0034] FIG. 21 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 20, showing
an outer housing separated from an inner housing assembly; and
[0035] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 20,
with the outer housing latched to the inner housing assembly.
[0036] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out
herein illustrates one or more preferred embodiments of the
invention, and such exemplification is not to be construed as
limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Example Implementation Context
[0037] To provide context for much of the discussion herein, FIGS.
1 and 2 set forth an example, based on Method A in the "Optical
Fiber Cabling Components Standard," Edition C, Telecommunications
Industries Association, Jun. 1, 2008 (TIA-568-C.3), of a typical
cross connect system 100 (FIG. 1) and a typical upgraded version of
the same cross connect system 200 (FIG. 2).
[0038] As can be seen with reference to FIG. 1, first network
equipment 102 communicates with second network equipment 104
through an optical communication path comprising a series of ports,
cables, and cassettes. Starting from left to right in FIG. 1, the
first network equipment 102 has an LC transceiver port 106 that
connects through a first LC equipment cord 114 to a first cassette
116. A first MPO (Multi-fiber Push-On) patchcord/trunk cable 110
links the first cassette 116 to a second cassette 118. An LC cross
connect cord 120 connects the second cassette 118 to a third
cassette 122. A second MPO patchcord/trunk cable 112 links the
third cassette 122 to a fourth cassette 124. A second LC equipment
cord 126 connects the fourth cassette 124 to the second network
equipment 104 through its LC transceiver port 108.
[0039] The LC transceiver ports 106 and 108, the LC equipment cords
114 and 126, the LC cross connect cord 120, and cassettes 116, 118,
122, and 124 interface with one another via LC connectors. LC
connectors are small form-factor fiber connectors that use a 1.25
mm diameter ceramic ferrule in a standard RJ-45 telephone plug
housing (in either a simplex or duplex configuration). In the
example shown, the cassettes 116, 118, 122, and 124, which serve as
junction points, include LC ports on a front side (for interfacing
with the LC equipment cords 114 and 126 and cross connect cord 120)
and MPO ports on a rear side (for interfacing with the MPO
patchcord/trunk cables 110 and 112). The illustrated
patchcord/trunk cables 110 and 112 are Female MPO-Female MPO of
Type A, which interface with Male MPO ports on the rear side of the
cassettes 116, 118, 122, and 124. In both FIGS. 1 and 2, "F" stands
for "Female MPO," while "M" stands for "Male MPO" (with alignment
pins).
[0040] For purposes of discussion, we will assume that the MPO
patchcord/trunk cables 110 and 112 are permanent links to be reused
in a proposed upgrade to the example system 100. The LC components
are to be upgraded to MPO components, which include/support
communications over multiple fibers (e.g. up to 24 strands). Such
an upgrade may be to implement 40G data rates, for example. Thus,
as shown in FIG. 2, the MPO patchcord/trunk cables 110 and 112 are
still present in the upgraded version 200 of the example. The
choice of components and reused parts for the example of FIGS. 1
and 2 is completely arbitrary and other configurations and upgrades
may utilize the teachings described herein.
[0041] As can be seen with reference to FIG. 2, first upgraded
network equipment 202 includes a parallel optics transceiver with
an MPO port 206 to interface via an MPO patchcord/trunk cable 214
to a first FAP (Fiber Adapter Panel) 216. The first FAP 216 is
linked to a second FAP 218 through the first reused MPO
patchcord/trunk cable 110 to a second FAP 218. The second FAP 218
is linked through a second MPO patchcord/trunk cable 220 to a third
FAP 222. The third FAP 222 is linked to a fourth FAP 224 through
the second reused MPO patchcord/trunk cable 112. The fourth FAP 224
is linked through a third MPO patchcord/trunk cable 226 to a
parallel optics transceiver with an MPO port 208 on second upgraded
network equipment 204.
[0042] Comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, as a result of the upgrade from the
example 100 to the upgraded version 200, first and second network
equipment 102 and 104 has been upgraded to first and second
upgraded network equipment 202 and 204 having respective parallel
optics MPO transceiver ports. The first LC equipment cord 114 has
been upgraded to a Female MPO-Male MPO patchcord/trunk cable-Type A
214. The second LC cross connect cord 120 has been upgraded to a
Male MPO-Male MPO patchcord/trunk cable-Type A 220. The second LC
equipment cord 126 has been upgraded to a Female MPO-Male MPO
patchcord/trunk cable-Type B 226. The cassettes 116, 118, 122, and
124 have been upgraded to FAPs 216, 218, 222, and 224 with
respective MPO adapters. As previously mentioned, the MPO
patchcord/trunk cables 110 and 112 are permanent links that were
reused in the example upgrade.
[0043] Thus, a BOM (Bill of Material) for the above upgrade would
list three distinct MPO-MPO cable assemblies (not including the
existing, reused cables 110 and 112):
[0044] Cable 214: Female MPO-Male MPO patchcord/trunk cable-Type
A
[0045] Cable 220: Male MPO-Male MPO patchcord/trunk cable-Type
A
[0046] Cable 226: Female MPO-Male MPO patchcord/trunk cable-Type
B.
Overview
[0047] In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein,
an installer can change a gender of an optical communication
connector, such as an MPO patchcord/trunk cable connector, from
male to female (or visa versa) by removing an outer housing and
retracting (or extending) alignment pins corresponding to the
gender of the cable. As a result, few unique component types are
required. This will simplify the BOM, since there are fewer part
number variations, due to the same cables (possibly with different
length) being used. In addition, installation is made easier, since
parts are more generic and can be adapted as needed for particular
parts of the installation. The installer can conveniently change
the gender of the connector in the field.
[0048] In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein,
an installer can change a polarity of an optical communication
connector, such as an MPO patchcord/trunk cable connector, from a
first polarity to a second polarity by reversing a configuration of
a polarity key. Thus, a single component can be used for either
polarity, which reduces the number of unique component types
required for a typical installation, simplifies the BOM, and makes
installation easier.
[0049] The above-summarized retractable alignment pins and
reversible polarity key may be implemented separately or in
combination.
Retractable Alignment Pins
[0050] As can be seen with reference to FIG. 3, an MPO connector
300 (an example of an optical connector) in the male orientation
includes an inner housing assembly 400, an outer housing 500, a
ferrule 600, and alignment pins 602 extending outward from the
ferrule 600, which contains optical fibers for communication.
Similarly, FIG. 4 shows the MPO connector 300 in the female
orientation, with the alignment pins 602 retracted into alignment
pin cavities 604. The same MPO connector 300 can thus be used in
both the male and female orientation by respectively extending or
retracting the alignment pins 602.
[0051] FIG. 5 shows a portion of the MPO connector 300 with the
outer housing 500 removed to expose a retractable pin clamp 402.
The retractable pin clamp 402 is mechanically coupled (preferably
fixed) to the alignment pins 602 through the ferrule 600. The
retractable pin clamp 402 preferably includes one or more tabs 404,
each with a hole 406 for engagement by a tool. One or more spacers
407 situated in the inner housing assembly 400 includes one or more
corresponding stop surfaces 408, adjacent to the one or more tabs
404, to define a first position (a male position) and a second
position (female position) for the retractable pin clamp 402. FIGS.
6 and 7 are cross-sectional side views of the portion of the MPO
connector 500 shown in FIG. 5, showing the retractable pin clamp
402 in the first and second positions, respectively, according to a
preferred embodiment.
[0052] The process for changing the gender of the connector will
now be described with reference to FIGS. 5-7, which show a
preferred embodiment in which the retractable pin clamp 402 has two
tabs 404, each having a hole 406 and the spacer 407 has two stop
surfaces 408. After removing the outer housing 500 from the MPO
connector 300, an installer may slide the retractable pin clamp 402
along a z-axis 410 that is orthogonal to a front face 412 of the
ferrule 600 to cause the alignment pins 602 to move between the
male configuration and the female configuration. To do so, the
installer deflects the tabs 404 inward (toward each other) by
engaging the two holes 406 with a tool (such as a pliers-like tool
having two pegs that mate with the two holes 406) and sliding the
retractable pin clamp 402 (and coupled alignment pins 602) along
the z-axis 410 between the first position (male position) and the
second position (female position). The installer releases the tool
to lock the retractable pin clamp 402 into position along the
z-axis 410 on the other side of the stop surfaces 408. The
installer may then reinstall the outer housing 500, so that the
connector is ready for mating to an opposite gender connector.
[0053] In other embodiments of the invention, tools are not
necessary to affect the gender change. For example, referring to
FIG. 5, the hole 406 can be replaced with a post for fingertip
actuation.
[0054] The first position (male position) and second position
(female position) are defined by the dimensions of the stop
surfaces 408, and in particular, by the z-axis length between the
stop surfaces 408. Preferably, this length should be greater than
approximately twice the extended length of one of the alignment
pins 602 relative to the front face 412 of the ferrule 600. This
ensures that two oppositely-gendered connectors 300 will be able to
interface completely, so that the extended alignment pins 602 of
the male connector 300 are fully engaged within the corresponding
cavities 604 housing the retracted alignment pins 602 of the female
connector 300. In addition to setting the distance through which
the alignment pins 602 are extended and retracted with the stop
surfaces 408, the spacer 407 also helps transfer a load from a
spring 606 to the ferrule 600 to isolate the retractable pin clamp
402.
[0055] While the above description pertains to a preferred
implementation of a connector having a changeable gender, other
implementations are also possible. For example, one example
implementation utilizes only a single tab 404 that is deflected to
move below a single stop surface 408. Another example
implementation utilizes more than two tabs 404 and/or more than two
stop surfaces 408. In yet another example implementation, rather
than being fixed to the alignment pins 602, the retractable pin
clamp 402 is coupled to the alignment pins 602 by some other type
of mechanical linkage that causes the alignment pins 602 to extend
or retract by a larger displacement than the displacement of the
actuated retractable pin clamp 402. In yet another alternative
implementation, the stop surfaces 408 are not part of the inner
housing assembly 400. Many other alternatives are possible for
implementing the connector as claimed herein.
[0056] FIGS. 8 and 9 are flow diagrams illustrating methods 1800
and 1900 for changing a gender of an optical connector, such as the
connector 300 described above, from male to female and from female
to male, respectively.
[0057] In the method 1800, an installer removes the outer housing
500 from the connector 300, as shown in block 1802. The installer
deflects inward one or more tabs 404 on the retractable pin clamp
402, as shown in block 1804, and slides the retractable pin clamp
402 from a male position to a female position, causing the
alignment pins 602 to retract into the ferrule 600, as shown in
block 1806. The installer releases the tabs, as shown in block
1808, and replaces the outer housing 500, as shown in block 1810.
The method 1900 differs from the method 1800 only in block 1906, in
which the installer slides the retractable pin clamp 402 from a
female position to a male position, causing the alignment pins 602
to extend out of the ferrule 600. Blocks 1902, 1904, 1908, and 1910
in the method 1900 correspond respectively to blocks 1802, 1804,
1808, and 1810 in the method 1800. In methods according to
embodiments of the present invention, the connector assembly
remains intact, and the fibers within the connector are not exposed
to damage or handling during reconfiguration.
Reversible Polarity Key
[0058] In addition to gender, another parameter to be considered by
an installer during an upgrade is the polarity of a connector. The
polarity may be considered separately or in combination with the
gender, depending on the specific type (e.g. mechanical
configuration) of optical connector.
[0059] In order to utilize a parallel optics transceiver with an
MPO port, there must be at least one Type-B MPO-MPO patchcord in
the link, assuming connectivity Method A is utilized per the
"Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard," Edition C,
Telecommunications Industries Association, Jun. 1, 2008
(TIA-568-C.3), which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety. FIGS. 10-12 are provided for clarification. FIG. 10 is a
simplified schematic diagram illustrating a transceiver mapping of
two connectors communicating over eight of twelve provided fiber
channels. FIGS. 11 and 12 are simplified plan views of respective
Type-A and Type-B patch cords/connector cables. As can be seen with
reference to FIGS. 10-12, including at least one Type-B MPO-MPO
patchcord in the link effectively routes channel 1 to channel 12,
channel 2 to channel 11, channel 3 to channel 10, and channel 4 to
channel 9, which effectively routes transmit (Tx) to receive (Rx).
Fiber numbers 9 through 12 of transceiver 700 a transmit (Tx) one
or more communication signals to fiber numbers 1 through 4 of
transceiver 700b, which receive (Rx) the corresponding signal(s)
across these four fibers. Fiber numbers 1 through 4 of transceiver
700a receive (Rx) signal(s) from fiber numbers 9 through 12 of
transceiver 700b, which transmit (Tx) the corresponding signal(s)
across these four fibers. The fiber scheme shown and described with
reference to FIGS. 10-12 is compatible with the "Transceiver MPO
Connector" transmit/receive configuration established by the POP4
MSA "Four Channel Pluggable Optical Transceiver Multi-Source
Agreement" industry technical specification, which is incorporated
by reference herein in its entirety.
[0060] The polarity keys 800 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 will be
discussed below, in conjunction with FIGS. 13-17. In essence, the
polarity keys 800 provide a mechanical means for identifying the
polarity and for ensuring proper interfacing between adjoining
connectors.
[0061] Changing the polarity of one connector in a patchcord
effectively changes it from Type-A to Type-B, or vice versa. As
will be described in detail below, an installer can change the
polarity of an optical communication connector, such as an MPO
patchcord/trunk cable connector, from a first polarity to a second
polarity by reversing a configuration of a polarity key. Thus, a
single component can be used for either polarity, which reduces the
number of unique component types required for a typical
installation, simplifies the BOM, and makes installation easier.
For an installation involving a plurality of patchcords, only one
type of patchcord needs to be ordered, and during installation, it
does not matter where each cable end is located, since the polarity
can be changed as needed. Further, the connector interior
(including the fiber and ferrule), is not exposed to damage during
the polarity changing operation.
[0062] FIGS. 13-17 are perspective views illustrating a connector
300 and associated components, in both assembled and partially
disassembled configurations. In these figures, like reference
numerals refer to like components.
[0063] A polarity key 800 is integrated into the outer housing 500.
For example, the outer housing 500 may have the polarity key 800
integrally formed therein. Alternatively, the polarity key 800 may
be a separate piece that is attached to the outer housing 500 by an
appropriate fastener or adhesive.
[0064] The polarity key 800 includes, at its base, a polarity key
tab 802. Formed opposite the polarity key tab 802 and integrated
into (integrally formed in or separately fastened to) the outer
housing 500 is a blank tab 804. The polarity key tab 802 and the
blank tab 804 extend outward, along the z-axis 410. Unlike the
polarity key tab 802, the blank tab 804 does not include a polarity
key, and instead serves as a filler, thus, effectively being an
absence of the polarity key 802, as will be described below.
[0065] The inner housing assembly 400 includes two symmetric
recessed features 806, one on either side of where the ferrule 600
is located in the inner housing assembly 400. The recessed features
806 are shaped and configured to accept the polarity key tab 802
(and associated polarity key 800) and the blank tab 804. According
to a preferred embodiment, the polarity of the connector 300 is
reversed by removing and rotating the outer housing 500 180-degrees
around the z-axis 410 of the ferrule 600 and reinstalling the outer
housing 500 into the assembly 400. The polarity key tab 802 and
blank tab 804 fit into the recessed features 806 opposite of where
they were before the 180-degree rotation. As a result, only the
outer housing 500 is removed. The inner housing assembly 400 is not
removed, which prevents disturbing the sensitive spring 606,
ferrule 600, optical fiber, and spring push assembly 810. Removing
the inner housing assembly 400 would also expose the optical
fibers, which is undesirable.
[0066] The preferably symmetric design of the inner housing
assembly 400 allows the outer housing 500 to be flipped and
reinstalled for polarity-changing. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the
recessed features 806 on the inner housing assembly 400 help the
installer to locate and secure the geometries of the polarity key
tab 802 and the blank tab 804 on the outer housing 500. Sidewalls
812 on the polarity key 800 and/or polarity key tab 802 interface
with corresponding polarity key sidewall retainers 814 to control
movement of the polarity key tab 802 and blank key tab 804 in the
x-axis direction 414. Similar sidewalls are placed on the blank tab
804. To control movement of the polarity key tab 802 in the y-axis
direction 416, the polarity key tab 802 and blank key tab
preferably both include planar protrusions 816 that are overlapped
by protrusion retainers 818 located on the inner housing assembly
400 as part of the recessed features 806. The protrusion retainers
818 thus serve as guides along which the outer housing 500 may
slide via its polarity key tab 802 and blank tab 804, as
illustrated in FIGS. 13-16.
[0067] FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view illustrating a back side
of the outer housing 500 (i.e. opposite the polarity key 800)
according to a preferred embodiment. The outer housing 500 includes
two compression springs 820 located on compression spring alignment
posts 824 in respective compression spring wells 822. Small crush
ribs 826 are located on the alignment posts 824. During assembly,
the compression springs 820 are pressed over the crush ribs 826
around the alignment posts 824 and are thus held in place by
interference with the crush ribs 826. Stop posts 828 on the
exterior of the inner housing assembly 400 interface with the
compression spring wells 822 when the outer housing 500 is
assembled onto the inner housing assembly 400. The stop posts 828
provide a surface for the compression springs 820 to act (compress)
against, to force the outer housing forward (toward the ferrule
endpiece). Ribs 831 of the outer housing engage with detents 833 of
the inner housing assembly 400 to prevent the compression spring
from separating the outer housing 500 from the inner housing
assembly 400.
[0068] FIG. 18 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 2800 for
changing a polarity of an optical connector, such as the connector
300 described above. In the method 2800, an installer removes the
outer housing 500 from the connector 300, as shown in block 2802.
The installer rotates the outer housing 180-degrees around the
z-axis (orthogonal to the front face of the ferrule 600), as shown
in block 2804, and replaces the outer housing 500, as shown in
block 2806.
[0069] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 2900 for
changing a gender and a polarity of an optical connector, such as
the connector 300 described above. In the method 2900, an installer
removes the outer housing 500 from the connector 300, as shown in
block 2902. The installer deflects inward one or more tabs 404 on
the retractable pin clamp 402, as shown in block 2904, and slides
the retractable pin clamp 402 to appropriate gender position (male
or female, as defined by location relative to the stop surface(s)
408), causing the alignment pins 602 to retract into or extend out
of the ferrule 600, as appropriate, as shown in block 2906. The
installer releases the tabs 404, as shown in block 2908. The
installer then rotates the outer housing 500 180-degrees around the
z-axis (orthogonal to the front face of the ferrule 600), as shown
in block 2910, and replaces the outer housing 500, as shown in
block 2912.
[0070] FIG. 20 is a perspective diagram of another embodiment of
the present invention, in which the outer housing 2000 latches to
an inner housing assembly 2001 using deflecting latch flaps 2002
provided on the outer housing 2000 and latch ramps 2004 provided on
the inner housing assembly 2001. FIG. 21 is a side view of this
embodiment. The location of the polarity key 800 can be swapped
between the top and bottom of the connector by flipping the outer
housing before attaching the outer housing 2000 to the inner
housing assembly 2001. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an
assembled connector of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the
outer housing 2000 can be unlatched by squeezing the outer housing
from the sides. Clearance along the sides of the outer housing 2000
then allows the top and bottom portions of the outer housing to bow
outwardly, allowing unlatching.
[0071] While this invention has been described as having a
preferred design, the present invention can be further modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of
the appended claims.
* * * * *