U.S. patent application number 16/419372 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-07 for alignment sleeve assembly and fiber optic adapter.
This patent application is currently assigned to CommScope Telecommunications (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is CommScope Telecommunications (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Xingjun Cheng, Lei Liu, Zhaoyang Tong.
Application Number | 20200142137 16/419372 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57318899 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200142137 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tong; Zhaoyang ; et
al. |
May 7, 2020 |
ALIGNMENT SLEEVE ASSEMBLY AND FIBER OPTIC ADAPTER
Abstract
A fiber optic adapter, including: a mating retainer; an
alignment sleeve received in the mating retainer, a ferrule of a
fiber optic connector being adapted to be inserted into the
alignment sleeve through an insertion port of the fiber optic
adapter; and an adjustment element configured to adjust a
circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve relative to the
mating retainer to a predetermined circumferential angle and hold
the alignment sleeve at the predetermined circumferential angle
relative to the mating retainer. The adjustment element may adjust
the circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve with respect to
the mating retainer to the predetermined circumferential angle, for
example, at which the fiber insertion loss of the coupled
connectors is minimal, and hold the alignment sleeve at the
predetermined circumferential angle. In this way, it may improve
the alignment accuracy of the coupled connectors.
Inventors: |
Tong; Zhaoyang; (Shanghai,
CN) ; Cheng; Xingjun; (Jiangsu Province, CN) ;
Liu; Lei; (Hangzhou City, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CommScope Telecommunications (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. |
Shanghai |
|
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
CommScope Telecommunications
(Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Shanghai
CN
|
Family ID: |
57318899 |
Appl. No.: |
16/419372 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15574389 |
Nov 15, 2017 |
10302874 |
|
|
PCT/CN2016/082021 |
May 13, 2016 |
|
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16419372 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/3871 20130101;
G02B 6/3874 20130101; G02B 6/38 20130101; G02B 6/3825 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/38 20060101
G02B006/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 15, 2015 |
CN |
201510247621.4 |
May 15, 2015 |
CN |
201520319609.5 |
Claims
1. A fiber optic adapter, comprising: a mating retainer; an
alignment sleeve received in the mating retainer, a ferrule of a
fiber optic connector being adapted to be inserted into the
alignment sleeve through an insertion port of the fiber optic
adapter; and an adjustment element configured to adjust a
circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve relative to the
mating retainer to a predetermined circumferential angle and hold
the alignment sleeve at the predetermined circumferential angle
relative to the mating retainer.
2. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 1, wherein when the
alignment sleeve is held at the predetermined circumferential angle
relative to the mating retainer, an alignment error between fiber
cores of fibers, inserted into the alignment sleeve of the fiber
optic adapter, of a pair of fiber optic connectors is minimal.
3. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 1, wherein when the
alignment sleeve is held at the predetermined circumferential angle
relative to the mating retainer, a longitudinal slot in the
alignment sleeve is positioned at a predetermined orientation.
4. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 2, wherein the
adjustment element is adapted to be sleeved on the alignment
sleeve, and a radial protrusion is formed on an inner wall of the
adjustment element and adapted to be inserted into the longitudinal
slot of the alignment sleeve, so that the alignment sleeve is
rotatable with the alignment element, and the circumferential angle
of the alignment sleeve relative to the mating retainer is
adjustable by rotating the adjustment element.
5. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 4, wherein when the
radial protrusion of the adjustment element is inserted into the
longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the alignment sleeve is
limited to be rotated in a circumferential direction relative to
the adjustment element.
6. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 4, wherein when the
radial protrusion of the adjustment element is inserted into the
longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the alignment sleeve is
limited to be rotated in a range of .+-.30 degrees in a
circumferential direction relative to the adjustment element.
7. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 4, wherein when the
radial protrusion of the adjustment element is inserted into the
longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the alignment sleeve is
limited to be rotated in a range of .+-.20 degrees in a
circumferential direction relative to the adjustment element.
8. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 4, wherein when the
radial protrusion of the adjustment element is inserted into the
longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the alignment sleeve is
limited to be rotated in a range of .+-.10 degrees in a
circumferential direction relative to the adjustment element.
9. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 4, wherein the
adjustment element is formed as a polygonal prism with a polygon
cross section; wherein a positioning slot, corresponding to an
outer profile of the adjustment element, is formed in the mating
retainer; and wherein the adjustment element is adapted to be fixed
in the positioning slot of the mating retainer, so as to hold the
alignment sleeve at the predetermined circumferential angle
relative to the mating retainer.
10. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 4, wherein the
adjustment element is formed with multiple spline keys, and the
mating retainer is formed with multiple spline slots; and wherein
the multiple spline keys of the adjustment element are adapted to
be fitted in the multiple spline slots of the mating retainer, so
as to hold the alignment sleeve at the predetermined
circumferential angle relative to the mating retainer.
11. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 9, wherein a first
circumferential angle mark is provided on an outer surface of the
adjustment element, and a second circumferential angle mark is
provided on the mating retainer; and when the alignment sleeve is
adjusted to the predetermined circumferential angle by the
adjustment element, the first circumferential angle mark of the
adjustment element is aligned with the second circumferential angle
mark of the mating retainer.
12. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 11, further
comprises a housing in which the mating retainer are mounted; and
wherein an alignment slot, configured to mate with a sliding block
on the fiber optic connector, is formed in the housing, so as to
ensure the fiber optic connector is inserted into the fiber optic
adapter in a correct orientation relative to the fiber optic
adapter.
13. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 12, when the
alignment sleeve is adjusted to the predetermined circumferential
angle by the adjustment element, the first circumferential angle
mark and the second circumferential angle mark are aligned with the
alignment slot of the housing.
14. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 13, wherein the
second circumferential angle mark of the mating retainer comprises
a notch formed in the mating retainer; wherein an foolproof
assembly protrusion, configured to mate with the notch of the
mating retainer, is formed on an inner wall of the housing; and
wherein the mating retainer is assembled into the housing only when
the foolproof assembly protrusion of the housing is aligned with
the notch of the mating retainer.
15. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 12, further
comprises a fixation element adapted to be mounted on the housing
and hold a tube-like body of the mating retainer, so as to prevent
the mating retainer from being pulled out of the housing.
16. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 12, further
comprises an elastic snapper mounted on the housing and configured
to lock the fiber optic adapter in a fixation installation
position.
17. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 9, wherein the
mating retainer comprises a first mating retainer and a second
mating retainer being assembled together.
18. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 17, wherein the
positioning slot comprises a first positioning slot and a second
positioning slot, aligned to each other, formed in mating ends of
the first mating retainer and the second mating retainer,
respectively.
19. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 18, wherein the
second circumferential angle mark comprises a first notch and a
second notch, aligned to each other, formed in the mating ends of
the first mating retainer and the second mating retainer,
respectively.
20. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 1, wherein the fiber
optic adapter is adapted to interconnect one or more pairs of fiber
optic connectors at the same time; and wherein one or more
alignment sleeves, configured to align ferrules of one or more
pairs of fiber optic connectors, are received in the retainer.
21. An alignment sleeve assembly, comprising: an alignment sleeve
adapted to be received in a mating retainer of a fiber optic
adapter; and an adjustment element configured to adjust a
circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve relative to the
mating retainer to a predetermined circumferential angle and hold
the alignment sleeve at the predetermined circumferential angle
relative to the mating retainer.
22. The alignment sleeve assembly according to claim 21, wherein
the adjustment element is adapted to be sleeved on the alignment
sleeve, and a radial protrusion is formed on an inner wall of the
adjustment element and adapted to be inserted into the longitudinal
slot of the alignment sleeve, so that the alignment sleeve is
rotatable with the alignment element, and the circumferential angle
of the alignment sleeve relative to the mating retainer is
adjustable by rotating the adjustment element.
23. The alignment sleeve assembly according to claim 22, when the
radial protrusion of the adjustment element is inserted into the
longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the alignment sleeve is
limited to be rotated in a circumferential direction relative to
the adjustment element.
24. The alignment sleeve assembly according to claim 22, when the
radial protrusion of the adjustment element is inserted into the
longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the alignment sleeve is
limited to be rotated in a range of .+-.30 degrees in a
circumferential direction relative to the adjustment element.
25. The alignment sleeve assembly according to claim 22, when the
radial protrusion of the adjustment element is inserted into the
longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the alignment sleeve is
limited to be rotated in a range of .+-.20 degrees in a
circumferential direction relative to the adjustment element.
26. The alignment sleeve assembly according to claim 22, when the
radial protrusion of the adjustment element is inserted into the
longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the alignment sleeve is
limited to be rotated in a range of .+-.10 degrees in a
circumferential direction relative to the adjustment element.
27. The alignment sleeve assembly according to claim 23, wherein
the adjustment element is formed as a polygonal prism with a
polygon cross section;
28. The alignment sleeve assembly according to claim 27, wherein a
first circumferential angle mark, configured to identify the
predetermined circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve
relative to the mating retainer, is provided on an outer surface of
the adjustment element.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/574,389, filed on 15 Nov. 2017, which is a
National Stage Application of PCT/CN2016/082021, filed on 13 May
2016, which claims benefit of Serial No. 201510247621.4, filed on
15 May 2015 in China and Serial No. 201520319609.5, filed on 15 May
2015 in China and which applications are incorporated herein by
reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made
to each of the above disclosed applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an alignment sleeve
assembly and a fiber optic adapter comprising the alignment sleeve
assembly.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] In the prior art, a fiber optic adapter (for convenience of
description, herein take a single-fiber SC adapter as an example)
generally comprises an alignment sleeve, a mating retainer for
receiving the alignment sleeve therein and locking a pair of
coupled fiber optic connectors, a housing, a buckle type fixing
clamp spring and a warranty buckle (optional).
[0004] In the prior art, there is machining error in the alignment
sleeve, for example, inner wall roundness of the alignment sleeve
is not enough, and wall thickness of the alignment sleeve is not
uniform. As a result, when ferrules of a pair of fiber optic
connectors are inserted into the alignment sleeve of the fiber
optic adapter from opposite ends of the alignment sleeve and
coupled with each other, in addition to an alignment error, which
will lead to a connection loss, between fiber cores of the coupled
connectors, the alignment sleeve will also cause a certain
alignment error, it will further increase the connection loss or
increase the connection loss uncertainty. For an individual
alignment sleeve, only when the alignment sleeve is located at a
particular circumferential angle, the connection loss caused by it
is minimal.
[0005] In the prior art, for batch manufacturing, the particular
circumferential angle of each individual alignment sleeve
corresponding to the minimum connection loss is apt to be
different. Furthermore, the alignment sleeve is not positioned and
fixed in the circumferential direction, and the alignment sleeve
may rotate randomly. Therefore, minimizing the connection loss by
positioned the alignment sleeve at the particular circumferential
angle is not recognized and well utilized yet by the existing
design.
[0006] As for the fiber optic adapter in the prior art, the
alignment sleeve may freely rotate in the mating retainer along the
circumferential direction and have a certain degree of freedom in
three directions perpendicular to each other. Since the alignment
sleeve has a certain tolerance, the connection loss of the coupled
connectors has certain polarity. That is, only when the alignment
sleeve is positioned at the particular circumferential angle, the
coupled connectors may achieve the minimum insertion loss. However,
in the prior art, the alignment sleeve may be rotated randomly.
Thereby, the insertion loss of the entire optical fiber
interconnection system is not always kept in a state of minimum
loss. In other words, the random nature of the circumferential
angle of the alignment sleeve affects the total insertion loss of
the fiber interconnection system. Such situation does not meet
strict requirements on ultra low insertion loss of optical fiber
interconnection system in future and requirements on the
repeatability of the ultra low insertion loss after the fiber optic
connectors are decoupled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate
at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.
[0008] According to an object of the present invention, there is
provided an alignment sleeve assembly and a fiber optic adapter
comprising the alignment sleeve assembly, in which an alignment
sleeve may be adjusted to and fixed at a predetermined
circumferential angle, at which the fiber optic insertion loss is
minimal, with respect to a mating retainer. In this way, it
improves the alignment accuracy of a pair of coupled fiber optic
connectors.
[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a fiber optic adapter, comprising: a mating retainer; an
alignment sleeve received in the mating retainer, wherein a ferrule
of a fiber optic connector is adapted to be inserted into the
alignment sleeve through an insertion port of the fiber optic
adapter; and an adjustment element configured to adjust a
circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve relative to the
mating retainer to a predetermined circumferential angle and hold
the alignment sleeve at the predetermined circumferential angle
relative to the mating retainer.
[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, when the alignment sleeve is held at the predetermined
circumferential angle relative to the mating retainer, an alignment
error between fiber cores of fibers, inserted into the alignment
sleeve of the fiber optic adapter, of a pair of fiber optic
connectors is minimal.
[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, when the alignment sleeve is held at the predetermined
circumferential angle relative to the mating retainer, a
longitudinal slot in the alignment sleeve is positioned at a
predetermined orientation.
[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the adjustment element is adapted to be sleeved on the
alignment sleeve, and a radial protrusion is formed on an inner
wall of the adjustment element and adapted to be inserted into the
longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, so that the alignment
sleeve is capable of being rotated with the alignment element, and
the circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve relative to the
mating retainer is capable of being adjusted by rotating the
adjustment element.
[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, when the radial protrusion of the adjustment element is
inserted into the longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the
alignment sleeve is unable to be rotated in a circumferential
direction relative to the adjustment element.
[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, when the radial protrusion of the adjustment element is
inserted into the longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the
alignment sleeve is only able to be rotated in a range of .+-.30
degrees in a circumferential direction relative to the adjustment
element.
[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, when the radial protrusion of the adjustment element is
inserted into the longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the
alignment sleeve is only able to be rotated in a range of .+-.20
degrees in a circumferential direction relative to the adjustment
element.
[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, when the radial protrusion of the adjustment element is
inserted into the longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the
alignment sleeve is only able to be rotated in a range of .+-.10
degrees in a circumferential direction relative to the adjustment
element.
[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the adjustment element is formed as a polygonal prism
with a polygon cross section; a positioning slot, corresponding to
an outer profile of the adjustment element, is formed in the mating
retainer; the adjustment element is adapted to be fixed in the
positioning slot of the mating retainer, so as to hold the
alignment sleeve at the predetermined circumferential angle
relative to the mating retainer.
[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the adjustment element is formed with multiple spline
keys, and the mating retainer is formed with multiple spline slots;
the multiple spline keys of the adjustment element are adapted to
be fitted in the multiple spline slots of the mating retainer, so
as to hold the alignment sleeve at the predetermined
circumferential angle relative to the mating retainer.
[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a first circumferential angle mark is provided on an
outer surface of the adjustment element, and a second
circumferential angle mark is provided on the mating retainer; when
the alignment sleeve is adjusted to the predetermined
circumferential angle by the adjustment element, the first
circumferential angle mark of the adjustment element is aligned
with the second circumferential angle mark of the mating
retainer.
[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the fiber optic adapter further comprises a housing in
which the mating retainer are mounted; an alignment slot,
configured to mate with a sliding block on the fiber optic
connector, is formed in the housing, so as to ensure the fiber
optic connector is inserted into the fiber optic adapter in a
correct orientation relative to the fiber optic adapter.
[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, when the alignment sleeve is adjusted to the
predetermined circumferential angle by the adjustment element, the
first circumferential angle mark and the second circumferential
angle mark are aligned with the alignment slot of the housing.
[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the second circumferential angle mark of the mating
retainer comprises a notch formed in the mating retainer; an
foolproof assembly protrusion, configured to mate with the notch of
the mating retainer, is formed on an inner wall of the housing; and
the retainer is able to be assembled into the housing only when the
foolproof assembly protrusion of the housing is aligned with the
notch of the mating retainer.
[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the fiber optic adapter further comprises a fixation
element adapted to be mounted on the housing and hold a tube-like
body of the mating retainer, so as to prevent the mating retainer
from being pulled out of the housing.
[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the fiber optic adapter further comprises an elastic
snapper mounted on the housing and configured to lock the fiber
optic adapter in a fixation installation position.
[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the mating retainer comprises a first mating retainer
and a second mating retainer capable of being assembled
together.
[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the positioning slot comprises a first positioning slot
and a second positioning slot, aligned to each other, formed in
mating ends of the first mating retainer and the second mating
retainer, respectively.
[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the second circumferential angle mark comprises a first
notch and a second notch, aligned to each other, formed in the
mating ends of the first mating retainer and the second mating
retainer, respectively.
[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the fiber optic adapter is adapted to interconnect one
or more pairs of fiber optic connectors at the same time; one or
more alignment sleeves, configured to align ferrules of one or more
pairs of fiber optic connectors, are received in the retainer.
[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an alignment sleeve assembly, comprising: an alignment
sleeve adapted to be received in a mating retainer of a fiber optic
adapter; and an adjustment element configured to adjust a
circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve relative to the
mating retainer to a predetermined circumferential angle and hold
the alignment sleeve at the predetermined circumferential angle
relative to the mating retainer.
[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the adjustment element is adapted to be sleeved on the
alignment sleeve, and a radial protrusion is formed on an inner
wall of the adjustment element and adapted to be inserted into the
longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, so that the alignment
sleeve is capable of being rotated with the alignment element, and
the circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve relative to the
mating retainer is capable of being adjusted by rotating the
adjustment element.
[0031] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, when the radial protrusion of the adjustment element is
inserted into the longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the
alignment sleeve is unable to be rotated in a circumferential
direction relative to the adjustment element.
[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, when the radial protrusion of the adjustment element is
inserted into the longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the
alignment sleeve is only able to be rotated in a range of .+-.30
degrees in a circumferential direction relative to the adjustment
element.
[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, when the radial protrusion of the adjustment element is
inserted into the longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the
alignment sleeve is only able to be rotated in a range of .+-.20
degrees in a circumferential direction relative to the adjustment
element.
[0034] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, when the radial protrusion of the adjustment element is
inserted into the longitudinal slot of the alignment sleeve, the
alignment sleeve is only able to be rotated in a range of .+-.10
degrees in a circumferential direction relative to the adjustment
element.
[0035] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the adjustment element is formed as a polygonal prism
with a polygon cross section;
[0036] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a first circumferential angle mark, configured to
identify the predetermined circumferential angle of the alignment
sleeve relative to the mating retainer, is provided on an outer
surface of the adjustment element.
[0037] In the above various exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, the adjustment element is constructed to adjust the
circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve with respect to the
mating retainer to the predetermined circumferential angle, for
example, at which the fiber insertion loss of the coupled
connectors is minimal, and hold the alignment sleeve at the
predetermined circumferential angle. In this way, it may improve
the alignment accuracy of the coupled connectors.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] 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:
[0039] FIG. 1 is an illustrative exploded view of a fiber optic
adapter according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 is an illustrative perspective view of an adjustment
element of the fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 3 is an illustrative perspective view of an alignment
sleeve of the fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 4 is an illustrative view of an alignment sleeve
assembly formed by assembling the adjustment element of FIG. 2 to
the alignment sleeve of FIG. 3;
[0043] FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of a first circumferential
angle mark formed on an outer surface of the adjustment element of
the alignment sleeve assembly of FIG. 4;
[0044] FIGS. 6 and 7 are illustrative views of mounting the
alignment sleeve assembly of FIG. 5 to a first mating retainer;
[0045] FIGS. 8 and 9 are illustrative views of assembling the first
mating retainer of FIG. 7 to a second mating retainer;
[0046] FIG. 10 is an illustrative view of mounting the assembled
first and second mating retainers of FIG. 9 to a housing;
[0047] FIG. 11 shows a foolproof installation structure between the
housing and the mating retainer;
[0048] FIG. 12 is an illustrative view of mounting an elastic
snapper on the housing;
[0049] FIG. 13 is an illustrative perspective view of the assembled
fiber optic adapter according to the first exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 14 is an illustrative perspective view of a fiber optic
adapter according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, wherein an alignment sleeve assembly is mounted to a
first mating retainer;
[0051] FIG. 15 is an illustrative view of assembling the first
mating retainer of FIG. 14 to a second mating retainer; and
[0052] FIG. 16 is an illustrative perspective view of an assembled
fiber optic adapter according to a second exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0053] 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.
[0054] In the following detailed description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It
will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order
to simplify the drawing.
[0055] According to a general concept of the present invention,
there is provided a fiber optic adapter, comprising: a mating
retainer; an alignment sleeve received in the mating retainer, a
ferrule of a fiber optic connector being adapted to be inserted
into the alignment sleeve through an insertion port of the fiber
optic adapter; and an adjustment element configured to adjust a
circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve relative to the
mating retainer to a predetermined circumferential angle and hold
the alignment sleeve at the predetermined circumferential angle
relative to the mating retainer.
[0056] According to another general concept of the present
invention, there is provided an alignment sleeve assembly,
comprising: an alignment sleeve adapted to be received in a mating
retainer of a fiber optic adapter; and an adjustment element
configured to adjust a circumferential angle of the alignment
sleeve relative to the mating retainer to a predetermined
circumferential angle and hold the alignment sleeve at the
predetermined circumferential angle relative to the mating
retainer.
First Embodiment
[0057] FIGS. 1-13 show a fiber optic adapter according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 1 is an illustrative exploded view of the fiber optic
adapter according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 1, it shows a LC type of fiber optic
adapter. The fiber optic adapter mainly comprises a housing 100, a
mating retainer 110, 120, an alignment sleeve 130 and an adjustment
element 140.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, the mating retainer 110, 120 comprises a
first mating retainer 110 and a second mating retainer 120 capable
of being assembled together. The mating retainer 110, 120 is
configured to receive the alignment sleeve 130 therein and lock
coupled fiber optic connectors (not shown) in place. A ferrule of
one of the fiber optic connector is adapted to be inserted into the
alignment sleeve 130 through an insertion port 101, 102 of the
fiber optic adapter. In this way, fiber cores of the fiber optic
connectors are coupled with each other in the alignment sleeve
130.
[0061] FIG. 2 is an illustrative perspective view of an adjustment
element 140 of the fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an
illustrative perspective view of an alignment sleeve 130 of the
fiber optic adapter of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is an illustrative view of an
alignment sleeve assembly formed by assembling the adjustment
element 140 of FIG. 2 to the alignment sleeve 130 of FIG. 3.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, in an embodiment, the adjustment
element 140 is configured to adjust a circumferential angle of the
alignment sleeve 130 relative to the mating retainer 110, 120 to a
predetermined circumferential angle and hold the alignment sleeve
130 at the predetermined circumferential angle relative to the
mating retainer 110, 120.
[0063] In an embodiment, when the alignment sleeve 130 is held at
the predetermined circumferential angle relative to the mating
retainer 110, 120, an alignment error between fiber cores of
fibers, which are inserted into the alignment sleeve 130 fiber
optic adapter, of a pair of fiber optic connectors is minimal, that
is, an insertion loss is minimal. In this way, it is possible to
minimize the insertion loss of the fiber optic connectors by
adjusting and positioning the circumferential angle of the
alignment sleeve 130 with respect to the mating retainer 110,
120.
[0064] In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-13, only a single
alignment sleeve 130 is received in the mating retainer 110, 120.
The alignment sleeve 130 is configured to align ferrules of the
pair of fiber optic connectors to be coupled. Thereby, the fiber
optic adapter of FIG. 1 is adapted to couple only a pair of fiber
optic connectors at the same time. However, the present invention
is not limited to this; the fiber optic adapter may be configured
to couple a plurality of pairs of fiber optic connectors at the
same time.
[0065] Hereafter, it will describe in detail features and
assembling operation of components of the optical fiber adapter
with reference to drawings.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in an embodiment, the adjustment
element 140 is adapted to be sleeved on the alignment sleeve 130. A
radial protrusion 141 is formed on an inner wall of the adjustment
element 140 and adapted to be inserted into a longitudinal slot 131
of the alignment sleeve 130, so that the alignment sleeve 130 is
capable of being rotated with the alignment element 140, and the
circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve 130 relative to the
mating retainer 110, 120 is adjusted by rotating the adjustment
element 140.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
radial protrusion 141 of the adjustment element 140 has a width in
a circumferential direction equal to or slightly less than a width
of the longitudinal slot 131 of the alignment sleeve 130 in the
circumferential direction. In this way, once the radial protrusion
141 of the adjustment element 140 is inserted into the longitudinal
slot 131 of the alignment sleeve 130, the alignment sleeve 130 is
unable to be rotated in a circumferential direction relative to the
adjustment element 140, or is only able to be rotated in a very
small angle range in the circumferential direction relative to the
adjustment element 140, for example, is only able to be rotated in
a range of .+-.30 degrees, preferably, in a range of .+-.20
degrees, more preferably, in a range of .+-.10 degrees.
[0068] FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of a first circumferential
angle mark 142a formed on an outer surface of the adjustment
element 140 of the alignment sleeve assembly of FIG. 4.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in an embodiment, before the
alignment sleeve 130 is mounted to the mating retainer 110, 120,
the alignment sleeve 130 is adjusted to the optimum circumferential
angle, at which the insertion loss of the optical fiber connectors
is minimal, by the adjustment element 140.
[0070] FIGS. 6 and 7 are illustrative views of mounting the
alignment sleeve assembly of FIG. 5 to the first mating retainer
110; FIGS. 8 and 9 are illustrative views of assembling the first
mating retainer 110 of FIG. 7 to the second mating retainer
120.
[0071] As shown in FIGS. 5-9, in an embodiment, after the alignment
sleeve 130 is adjusted to the optimum circumferential angle at
which the insertion loss of the optical fiber connectors is
minimal, a first circumferential angle mark 142a is provided on the
outer surface 142 of the adjustment element 140. The first
circumferential angle mark 142a is used to identify the optimum
circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve 130 relative to the
mating retainer 110. In an embodiment, when the alignment sleeve
130 is adjusted to the optimum circumferential angle by the
adjustment element 140, the first circumferential angle mark 142a
of the adjustment element 140 should be aligned to a second
circumferential angle mark 112, 122 formed on the mating retainer
110, 120. In this way, during the alignment sleeve assembly of FIG.
5 is mounted to the mating retainer 110, 120, as long as the first
circumferential angle mark 142a of the adjustment element 140 is
aligned to the second circumferential angle mark 112, 122 of the
mating retainer 110, 120, it may ensure that the alignment sleeve
130 is positioned at the optimum circumferential angle, at which
the insertion loss of the optical fiber connectors is minimal, with
respect to the mating retainer 110.
[0072] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as
shown in FIGS. 5-9, the adjustment element 140 is constructed as a
polygonal prism with a polygon cross section exhibiting, for
example, triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon or any other
shape with more edges. In another embodiment, the adjustment
element 140 may have but not limited to a regular polygon cross
section. A positioning slot 111, 121, corresponding to an outer
profile of the adjustment element 140, is formed in mating retainer
110, 120. The adjustment element 140 is adapted to be fixed in
positioning slot 111, 121 of the mating retainer 110, 120, so as to
hold the alignment sleeve 130 at the optimum circumferential angle
relative to the mating retainer 110, 120.
[0073] Please be noted that the present invention is not limited to
the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment element may be fixed on
the mating retainer by any other suitable way. For example, in
another embodiment, the adjustment element 140 is formed with
multiple spline keys; the mating retainer 110, 120 is formed with
multiple spline slots. The multiple spline keys of the adjustment
element 140 are adapted to be fitted in the multiple spline slots
of the mating retainer 110, 120, so as to hold the alignment sleeve
130 at the optimum circumferential angle relative to the mating
retainer 110, 120.
[0074] FIG. 10 is an illustrative view of mounting the assembled
first and second mating retainers 110, 120 of FIG. 9 to a housing
100.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, after the first and second
mating retainers 110, 120 are assembled together, the entire mating
retainer 110, 120 is mounted in the housing 100.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 10, in an embodiment, an alignment slot
103, configured to mate with a sliding block (not shown) on the
fiber optic connector, is formed in the housing 100, so as to
ensure that the fiber optic connector is inserted into the fiber
optic adapter in a correct orientation relative to the fiber optic
adapter. When the alignment sleeve 130 is adjusted to and kept at
the optimum circumferential angle by the adjustment element 140,
the first circumferential angle mark 142a and the second
circumferential angle mark 112, 122 are aligned to the alignment
slot 103 of the housing 100. In this way, during the mating
retainer 110, 120 is mounted to the housing 100, as long as the
first circumferential angle mark 142a and the second
circumferential angle mark 112, 122 are aligned to the alignment
slot 103 of the housing 100, it may ensure that the mating retainer
110, 120 is correctly mounted in the housing 100.
[0077] FIG. 11 shows a foolproof installation structure between the
housing 100 and the mating retainer 110, 120.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 11, in an embodiment, in order to prevent
the mating retainer 110, 120 from being incorrectly mounted to (for
example, reversely mounted to) the housing 100, a foolproof
installation structure between the housing 100 and the mating
retainer 110, 120 is designed.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 11, in an embodiment, the second
circumferential angle mark 112, 122 of the mating retainer 110, 120
comprises a notch formed in the mating retainer 110, 120. A
foolproof assembly protrusion 106, configured to mate with the
notch of the mating retainer 110, 120, is formed on an inner wall
of the housing 100. The mating retainer 110, 120 is allowed to be
assembled into the housing 100 only when the foolproof assembly
protrusion 106 of the housing 100 is aligned to the notch of the
mating retainer 110, 120. In other words, if the foolproof assembly
protrusion 106 of the housing 100 is not aligned to the notch of
the mating retainer 110, 120, the retainer 110, 120 is not allowed
to be assembled into the housing 100. In this way, it may
effectively prevent the mating retainer 110, 120 from being
incorrectly mounted to (for example, reversely mounted to) the
housing 100.
[0080] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the fiber optic adapter may
further comprise a fixation element 150 adapted to be mounted on
the housing 100 and hold a tube-like body 123 of the mating
retainer 110, 120, so as to prevent the mating retainer 110, 120
from being pulled out of the housing 100.
[0081] In an embodiment, the fixation element 150 is inserted into
the housing 100 through a slot 105 (see FIG. 1) formed in the
housing 100. Two legs of the fixation element 150 are inserted into
two holes 104 formed in the housing 100. As a result, the tube-like
body 123 of the mating retainer 110, 120 is clamped and fixed by
the fixation element 150.
[0082] FIG. 12 is an illustrative view of mounting an elastic
snapper 160 on the housing 100; FIG. 13 is an illustrative
perspective view of the assembled fiber optic adapter according to
the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0083] As shown in FIGS. 12-13, in an embodiment, the fiber optic
adapter may further comprise an elastic snapper 160 mounted on the
housing 100 and configured to lock the fiber optic adapter in a
fixation installation position.
[0084] In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-13, the mating
retainer 110, 120 comprises the first mating retainer 110 and the
second mating retainer 120 capable of being assembled together. The
positioning slot 111, 121 comprises a first positioning slot 111
and a second positioning slot 121, aligned to each other, formed in
mating ends of the first mating retainer 110 and the second mating
retainer 120, respectively. The second circumferential angle mark
112, 122 comprises a first notch 112 and a second notch 122,
aligned to each other, formed in the mating ends of the first
mating retainer 110 and the second mating retainer 120,
respectively.
[0085] Also, it should be appreciated that, in some conditions, it
is unnecessary to set the insertion loss of the fiber optic
connectors inserted into the fiber optic adapter to be minimal, but
it is necessary to maintain the longitudinal slot 131 of the
alignment sleeve 130 at a specified circumferential angle (a
predetermined orientation) with respect to the mating retainer 110,
120. In this case, it is also possible to use the adjustment
element 130 to adjust the alignment sleeve 130 to the specified
circumferential angle and kept at the specified circumferential
angle.
Second Embodiment
[0086] FIGS. 14-16 show a fiber optic adapter according to a second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] FIG. 14 is an illustrative perspective view of a fiber optic
adapter according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, wherein an alignment sleeve assembly is mounted to a
first mating retainer 210; FIG. 15 is an illustrative view of
assembling the first mating retainer 210 of FIG. 14 to a second
mating retainer 220; and FIG. 16 is an illustrative perspective
view of an assembled fiber optic adapter according to a second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0088] As shown in FIGS. 14-16, in the second embodiment, the fiber
optic adapter is adapted to couple a plurality of pairs of fiber
optic connectors at the same time. A plurality of alignment sleeves
230, configured to align ferrules of the pairs of fiber optic
connectors, are received in the mating retainer 210, 220.
[0089] Also, in the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the
fiber optic adapter does not comprise a housing, since the mating
retainer 210, 220 is served as a body of the fiber optic adapter
and is directly exposed outside.
[0090] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the mating
retainer 210, 220 comprises a first mating retainer 210 and a
second mating retainer 220 capable of being assembled together. The
mating retainer 210, 220 is configured to receive the alignment
sleeves 130 therein and lock coupled fiber optic connectors (not
shown) in place. A ferrule of a fiber optic connector is adapted to
be inserted into the alignment sleeve 230 through an insertion port
201, 202 of the fiber optic adapter. In this way, fiber cores of
the fiber optic connectors are coupled with each other in the
alignment sleeve 230.
[0091] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the
adjustment element 240 is configured to adjust a circumferential
angle of the alignment sleeve 230 relative to the mating retainer
210, 220 to a predetermined circumferential angle and hold the
alignment sleeve 230 at the predetermined circumferential angle
relative to the mating retainer 210, 220.
[0092] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, when the
alignment sleeve 230 is held at the predetermined circumferential
angle relative to the mating retainer 210, 220, an alignment error
between fiber cores of fibers, inserted into the alignment sleeve
130 fiber optic adapter, of a pair of fiber optic connectors is
minimal, that is, an insertion loss is minimal. In this way, it is
possible to minimize the insertion loss of the fiber optic
connectors by adjusting and positioning the circumferential angle
of the alignment sleeve 230 with respect to the mating retainer
210, 220.
[0093] Hereafter, it will describe in detail features and operation
of assembling components of the optical fiber adapter with
reference to drawings.
[0094] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the
adjustment element 240 is adapted to be sleeved on the alignment
sleeve 230. A radial protrusion 241 is formed on an inner wall of
the adjustment element 240 and adapted to be inserted into a
longitudinal slot 231 of the alignment sleeve 230, so that the
alignment sleeve 230 is capable of being rotated with the alignment
element 240, and the circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve
230 relative to the mating retainer 210, 220 is capable of being
adjusted by rotating the adjustment element 240.
[0095] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
radial protrusion 241 of the adjustment element 240 has a width in
a circumferential direction equal to or slightly less than a width
of the longitudinal slot 231 of the alignment sleeve 230 in the
circumferential direction. In this way, once the radial protrusion
241 of the adjustment element 240 is inserted into the longitudinal
slot 231 of the alignment sleeve 230, the alignment sleeve 230 is
unable to be rotated in the circumferential direction relative to
the adjustment element 240, or is only able to be rotated in a very
small angle range in the circumferential direction relative to the
adjustment element 240, for example, is only able to be rotated in
a range of .+-.30 degrees, preferably, in a range of .+-.20
degrees, more preferably, in a range of .+-.10 degrees.
[0096] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, before the
alignment sleeve 230 is mounted to the mating retainer 210, 220,
the alignment sleeve 230 is adjusted to the optimum circumferential
angle, at which the insertion loss of the optical fiber connectors
is minimal, by the adjustment element 240.
[0097] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, after the
alignment sleeve 230 is adjusted to the optimum circumferential
angle at which the insertion loss of the optical fiber connectors
is minimal, a first circumferential angle mark 242a is provided on
the outer surface 242 of the adjustment element 240. The first
circumferential angle mark 242a is used to identify the optimum
circumferential angle of the alignment sleeve 230 relative to the
mating retainer 210. In an embodiment, when the alignment sleeve
230 is adjusted to the optimum circumferential angle by the
adjustment element 240, the first circumferential angle mark 242a
of the adjustment element 240 should be aligned to a second
circumferential angle mark 212, 222 formed on the mating retainer
210, 220. In this way, during the alignment sleeve assembly of FIG.
14 is mounted to the mating retainer 210, 220, as long as the first
circumferential angle mark 242a of the adjustment element 240 is
aligned to the second circumferential angle mark 212, 222 of the
mating retainer 210, 220, it may ensure that the alignment sleeve
230 is positioned at the optimum circumferential angle, at which
the insertion loss of the optical fiber connectors is minimal, with
respect to the mating retainer 210, 220.
[0098] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the
adjustment element 240 is constructed as a polygonal prism with a
polygon cross section exhibiting, for example, triangle,
quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon or any other shape with more
edges. In another embodiment, the adjustment element 240 may have
but not limited to a regular polygon cross section. A positioning
slot 211, 221, corresponding to an outer profile of the adjustment
element 240, is formed in mating retainer 210, 220. The adjustment
element 240 is adapted to be fixed in positioning slot 211, 221 of
the mating retainer 210, 220, so as to hold the alignment sleeve
230 at the optimum circumferential angle relative to the mating
retainer 210, 220.
[0099] Please be noted that the present invention is not limited to
the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment element may be fixed on
the mating retainer by any other suitable way. For example, in
another embodiment, the adjustment element 240 is formed with
multiple spline keys; the mating retainer 210, 220 is formed with
multiple spline slots. The multiple spline keys of the adjustment
element 240 are adapted to be fitted in the multiple spline slots
of the mating retainer 210, 220, so as to hold the alignment sleeve
230 at the optimum circumferential angle relative to the mating
retainer 210, 220.
[0100] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the second
circumferential angle mark 212, 222 of the mating retainer 210, 220
is a notch formed in the mating retainer 210, 220.
[0101] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the mating
retainer 210, 220 comprises a first mating retainer 210 and a
second mating retainer 220 capable of being assembled together. The
positioning slot 211, 221 comprises a first positioning slot 211
and a second positioning slot 221, aligned to each other, formed in
mating ends of the first mating retainer 210 and the second mating
retainer 220, respectively. The second circumferential angle mark
212, 222 comprises a first notch 212 and a second notch 222,
aligned to each other, formed in the mating ends of the first
mating retainer 210 and the second mating retainer 220,
respectively.
[0102] The first mating retainer 210 and the second mating retainer
220 are coupled with each other in a snap-fit manner. In an
exemplary embodiment, the first mating retainer 210 is provided
with a plurality of first engagement protrusions 251 and a
plurality of first engagement recesses 252, and the second mating
retainer 220 is provided with a plurality of second engagement
protrusions 253, which are engaged with the plurality of first
engagement recesses 252, respectively, and a plurality of second
engagement recesses 254, which are engaged with the plurality of
first engagement protrusions 252, respectively. Furthermore, the
first mating retainer 210 is provided with at least one first
guiding protrusions 255 and at least one first guiding recesses
256, and the second mating retainer 220 is provided with at least
one second guiding protrusions, which are engaged with the
plurality of first engagement recesses 256, respectively, and at
least one second guiding recesses, which are engaged with the
plurality of first engagement protrusions 255, respectively.
[0103] Also, it should be appreciated that, in some conditions, it
is unnecessary to set the insertion loss of the fiber optic
connectors inserted into the fiber optic adapter to be minimal, but
it is necessary to maintain the longitudinal slot 231 of the
alignment sleeve 1230 at a specified circumferential angle (a
predetermined orientation) with respect to the mating retainer 210,
220. In this case, it is also possible to use the adjustment
element 230 to adjust the alignment sleeve 230 to the specified
circumferential angle and kept at the specified circumferential
angle.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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.
* * * * *