U.S. patent application number 17/062611 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-25 for a rear body with reverse latch arms.
This patent application is currently assigned to Senko Advanced Components, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Senko Advanced Components, Inc.. Invention is credited to Man Ming HO, Siu Kei MA, Kazuyoshi TAKANO.
Application Number | 20210055485 17/062611 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005197460 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210055485 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TAKANO; Kazuyoshi ; et
al. |
February 25, 2021 |
A Rear Body With Reverse Latch Arms
Abstract
A multiple push-on (MPO) optical connector is provided having a
ferrule configured to house multiple optical fibers and a housing
having a distal end in a connection direction configured to hold
the ferrule. The housing further includes a pair of proximal
apertures and at least one proximal groove. A backpost has a distal
end that urges the ferrule toward the distal end of the housing and
a proximal end configured to receive a crimp ring. The backpost
includes a pair of proximally extending latch arms that reverse
latch in the proximal apertures of the housing. To strengthen the
connector in side-loading environments, the backpost further
includes a reinforcing rib that is received in the housing proximal
groove. In a further aspect, the proximal end of the backpost may
include a neck with an approximately curved side profile that,
following crimping with a stepped crimp ring, results in an angled
crimp.
Inventors: |
TAKANO; Kazuyoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; HO; Man Ming; (Kowloon, HK) ; MA; Siu
Kei; (Kowloon, HK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Senko Advanced Components, Inc. |
Marlborough |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Senko Advanced Components,
Inc.
Marlborough
MA
|
Family ID: |
1000005197460 |
Appl. No.: |
17/062611 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16558474 |
Sep 3, 2019 |
10795095 |
|
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17062611 |
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|
15802693 |
Nov 3, 2017 |
10444442 |
|
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16558474 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/3893 20130101;
G02B 6/3831 20130101; G02B 6/3857 20130101; G02B 6/3887 20130101;
G02B 6/3821 20130101; G02B 6/3885 20130101; G02B 6/3825
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/38 20060101
G02B006/38 |
Claims
1. A rear body comprising: a longitudinal bore with a receiver post
a second end of the rear body for securing a fiber optic cable; the
rear body at a first end further includes a pair of
proximally-extending latch arms configured to reverse latch with
apertures of a housing; and wherein the rear body includes
protrusions for preventing the crimp ring from extending too far
distally, thereby ensuring proper positioning of the crimp
ring.
2. The rear body as recited in claim 1, wherein the rear body
includes a proximally-extending neck, a flange, and a fillet
extending between the neck and the flange.
4. The rear body as recited in claim 2, wherein the protrusions
extending from the fillet to prevent the crimp ring from damaging
the fillet during crimping.
5. The rear body as recited in claim 1, wherein the crimp ring
includes a stepped region for receiving the initial crimping
force.
6. The rear body as recited in claim 2, wherein the
proximally-extending neck having a curved side profile.
7. The rear body as recited in claim 6, wherein the curved side
profile of the neck and the crimp ring form an angled crimp
line.
8. The rear body as recited in claim 1, further comprising the
housing is slidably positioned over the rear body.
9. The rear body as recited in claim 6, further comprising a boot
positioned over the crimp ring.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This present application is a continuation of pending patent
application 16/558,474 filed on Sep. 3, 2019, titled "MPO OPTICAL
FIBER CONNECTOR WITH A BACKPOST HAVING PROTRUSIONS TO ALIGN A CRIMP
RING", which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/802,693, filed on Nov. 3, 2017, titled "MPO OPTICAL FIBER
CONNECTOR", and now U.S. Pat. No. 10,444,442 issued on Oct. 15,
2019, all of which are fully incorporated by reference into this
application.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Demand for bandwidth by enterprises and individual consumers
continues to experience exponential growth. To meet this demand
efficiently and economically, data centers have to achieve
ultra-high density cabling with low loss budgets. Fiber optics have
become the standard cabling medium used by data centers to meet the
growing needs for data volume and transmission speeds.
[0003] Individual optical fibers are extremely small. For example,
even with protective coatings, optical fibers may be only about 250
microns in diameter (only about 4 times the diameter of a human
hair). As such, hundreds of fibers can be installed in cables that
will take up relatively little space. For connections between
cables, however, the fibers are terminated with connectors.
Multiple fibers may be arranged within a single connector. For
example, multi-fiber connectors such as those using multi-fiber
push-on/pull-off (MPO) technology may contain and connect 12 or 24
fibers. Connectors, such as MPO type connectors, generally include
a housing portion that contains a ferrule that terminates the ends
of the fibers. Ferrules are generally used to retain the ends of
the optical fibers for connecting the optical fibers. One type of
optical ferrule that may be used with MPO type connectors is an MT
(Mechanically Transferable) ferrule.
[0004] Typically, MPO connectors are joined together to connect the
optical transmission path of one fiber optic cable to another fiber
optic cable or device, and the connection may be made by inserting
the MPO connectors in an MPO adapter. An adapter generally includes
a housing, or portion of a housing, having at least one port which
is configured to receive and hold a connector to facilitate the
optical connection of the connector ferrule with the ferrule of
another connector or other device. Adapters may be used to
facilitate connections contained within a chassis. The term
"chassis" as used herein broadly refers to a containment structure
for housing electrical components or switching components.
[0005] When connected to a chassis, optical connectors may be
subject to significant side loads as the optical cables attached to
the connectors may hang downward, pulling sideways on the optical
connector. There is a need in the art for MPO connectors having
improved strength in side loading environments.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a multiple
fiber push-on (MPO) optical connector having a ferrule configured
to house multiple optical fibers and a housing having a distal end
in a connection direction and a proximal end in a cable direction
that is configured to hold the ferrule. The housing further
includes a pair of proximal apertures and at least one proximal
groove. A backpost has a distal end that urges the ferrule toward
the distal end of the housing and a proximal end configured to
receive a crimp ring. The backpost includes a pair of proximally
extending latch arms configured to reverse latch in the proximal
apertures of the housing. To strengthen the connector in
side-loading environments, the backpost further includes a
reinforcing rib configured to be received in the housing proximal
groove. In a further aspect, the proximal end of the backpost may
include a neck having an approximately curved side profile that,
following crimping with a stepped crimp ring, results in an angled
crimp that increases the pull-out strength of the connection.
Protrusions extending from the backpost may be provided to prevent
the crimp ring from extending too far distally, ensuring proper
positioning of the crimp ring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict an exploded perspective view and an
assembled perspective view, respectively, of an MPO optical
connector according to an embodiment.
[0008] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D depict a backpost and housing
combination for use in the MPO optical connector of FIGS. 1A and
1B. FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view, FIG. 2B is a side
view, FIG. 2C is a perspective view looking into the housing, and
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled backpost and
housing.
[0009] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C depict a backpost and a crimp ring for
use in the MPO connector of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 3A is a side
view, FIG. 3B is a perspective view with parts separated, and FIG.
3C is a side view assembled of the backpost of crimp ring.
[0010] FIG. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of a backpost and
crimp ring before and after crimping.
[0011] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict a pull-tab (FIG. 5A) and a pull-tab
assembled on an MPG connector (FIG. 5B).
[0012] FIG. 6 depicts a prior art (MPO) optical connector.
[0013] FIG. 7A depicts a prior art (MPO) optical connector of FIG.
6 with a connector cramp and FIG. 7B depicts a prior art (MPO)
optical connector of FIG. 7A after crimping.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] As used herein, the term "optical fiber" is intended to
apply to all types of single mode and multi-mode light waveguides,
including one or more bare optical fibers, coated optical fibers,
loose-tube optical fibers, tight-buffered optical fibers,
ribbonized optical fibers, bend performance optical fibers, bend
insensitive optical fibers, nanostructured optical fibers or any
other expedient for transmitting light signals. A multi-fiber optic
cable includes a plurality of the optical fibers. While the
following description is directed towards MPO adapters and MPO
connectors with MT optical ferrules, the embodiments described may
be applicable to other connectors and ferrule types as well. In the
description below, the distal direction is toward the connection of
the optical fiber while the proximal direction is toward the cable
end on the connector.
[0015] For connection of multiple fiber optic cables together or
with other devices, the terminal end of a cable may include the MPO
connector 10 as represented in FIGS. 1A and 1B. A connector 10 may
include a housing 55 configured to hold a ferrule 45 that may be a
multiple-fiber ferrule, urged towards a distal (connection) end of
the housing by biasing member 30 and backpost 25. In use, a fiber
optic cable is attached to the proximal end of connector 10,
extending from cable boot 15.
[0016] The connector 10 may include a displaceable outer housing
member 60 that may be slidably disposed about the housing 55
adjacent the distal end of the connector 10. To provide for a
pre-determined alignment of fiber optic cables within an adapter or
other connection, the housing 55 may include an alignment key 57
that is configured to fit within a keying slot of an adapter. The
outer housing 60 may also slide along alignment key 57. The outer
housing 60 may be biased towards the distal end of the connector
via springs 50 or alternative types of biasing devices. An optional
dust cap 65 fits over the distal end of connector 10 to protect the
ferrule and the optical fibers contained therein when the connector
is not connected to a mating connector or other device.
[0017] The optical connector 10 further includes a pin retainer 35
having a pair of pins that extend into the ferrule 45. Depending on
whether the connector is configured as a male, female, or
reconfigurable connector, guide pins may extend through the ferrule
or the ferrule will have receiving apertures to accommodate guide
pins from a mating connector. The biasing member 30, depicted in
this embodiment as a spring, may be disposed between the backpost
25 and the pin retainer 35 to bias the ferrule 45 distally within
the housing 55. Such biasing provides a biased mating of ferrule
ends when the connector 10 is mated in an adapter or other
connection to thereby hold the mated ferrule ends in contact with
one another. An optional ferrule boot 40 is provided for fiber
organization as the fibers extend into ferrule 45.
[0018] A fiber optic cable may be retained with the back post 25 by
means of a crimp ring 20, or other type of detainment connector. A
connector such as ring 20 may be crimped to the back post as well
as to a cable sheathing (e.g., aramid fiber sheathing) of the cable
to thereby prevent the cable from being pulled away from the
backpost 25. The boot 15 is positioned over the crimped connection,
providing support to an optical cable extending therethrough. The
boot may be shaped to include an angle for connectors that will be
subject to side loading to orient the cable 90 degrees from the
connection direction.
[0019] More detailed views of the housing 55 and the backpost 25
are represented in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. As seen in FIG. 2A,
the backpost 25 includes a flange 21 that connects to a ridged neck
22 through a fillet 23. Ridges 24 assist in retaining the aramid
fiber sheathing of the optical cable on the neck 22. A pair of
proximally-extending latch arms 26 include latch projections 27 for
mating in proximal apertures 51 of the housing 55. Through the use
of proximally-extending latch arms 26, the connector becomes a
"reverse-latch" connector in that the connector latches adjacent to
flange 21. In contrast to the inventive reverse-latch backpost 25,
a conventional connector 100 with a conventional backpost 150 is
depicted in FIG. 6. As seen in FIG. 6, the conventional backpost
includes a pair distally-extending hooked legs 120. In particular,
stress is concentrated at leg tip 150 which may break more easily
in a side-loading condition. The shape of the proximally-extending
latch arms and the latch projections spreads stress from an applied
load, particularly a side load, throughout the entire arm,
increasing the force that the optical connector is able to
withstand. Further, the force exerted on the latching arms is
changed from a shear stress to a compressive stress; as materials
typically can withstand a greater compressive stress than shear
stress, this enhances the overall strength of the connector. It is
understood that the expression "reverse latch" the opposite latch
direction, that is, proximally-extending latch arms, to the
conventional distally-extending latch arms depicted in FIG. 6.
[0020] To further increase the load capacity of the connector, one
or more strengthening ribs 28 are positioned between the latching
arms 26 on the backpost 25. The strengthening rib(s) is/are
inserted into one or more corresponding grooves 52 within the
housing 55, best seen in FIG. 2C. Optionally, one or more windows
53 are positioned approximately coextensive with the ribs 28 when
the backpost is seated with the housing 55, FIG. 2D. Consequently,
the window is also substantially coextensive with groove 52 that
accommodates the rib 28. Alternatively, the housing may include
grooves 52 enclosed within the housing 55, without windows. The
strengthening ribs 28 increase the side load capacity of the
connector. Further increasing the side load capacity is the window
53 which provides additional support to the strengthening rib 28
when the rib is seated within the window.
[0021] Another way to increase the strength of the optical
connector is to increase the pull-out strength of the connection
between the optical fiber cable and the backpost. As seen in FIGS.
3A, 3B, and 3C, several features ensure the proper positioning of
an optical fiber cable on the backpost and ensure proper
positioning of a crimp ring and enhanced crimp strength to increase
the pull-out strength. As discussed above, ridges 24 on backpost
neck 22 assist in retaining the aramid fiber sheathing of the
optical cable. The neck 22 has a curved profile, in an
approximately concave shape, as seen by the curved dashed line in
FIG. 3A. The curved profile provides additional area in which to
accommodate the aramid fiber between the neck and the crimp ring 20
and, as discussed below, results in an angled crimp as seen by the
dashed line 17 with increased pull-out strength. Interacting with
the curved-profile neck 22 is stepped crimp ring 20, which includes
stepped region 19. During crimping, the greater height of stepped
region 19 makes it the first area to be deformed; it will
consequently undergo a greater deformation, ensuring a stronger
hold on the aramid fiber from an optical cable being terminated by
connector 10. In contrast, FIGS. 7A and 7B show a conventional
crimp on a conventional backpost 160 with a straight-profile neck
130. During crimping, the deformation of the crimp ring 170 is
uniform, resulting in a straight-line crimp profile as seen in FIG.
7B.
[0022] To ensure that the crimp ring is not positioned too far
distally on the backpost 25, stopping protrusions 29 are provided
on fillet 23, preventing the crimp ring from damaging the backpost
fillet 23. As seen in FIG. 3C, a properly-positioned crimp ring 20
covers the entire neck region 22 with protrusions 29 preventing the
crimp ring from being pushed too far forward on the fillet 23 that
leads into flange 21 of backpost 25.
[0023] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict the stepped crimp ring 20 on
curved-profile neck 22 before crimping, FIG. 4A, and after
crimping, FIG. 4B. Before crimping, raised step 19 is clearly
visible; after crimping, as seen in FIG. 4B, it is substantially
flattened by the crimping force, creating an angled crimp line 17
caused by the curved neck 22 and the crimp ring 20. This angled
crimp resists pull-out of an optical fiber cable.
[0024] Various accessories may be added to the basic optical
connector such as the pull tab 90 of FIGS. 5A and 5B. In various
applications, such as optical back planes, connectors are densely
clustered at a chassis, making it difficult to insert or remove an
individual connector 10. Pull tab 90 includes two sections that
snap fit over outer housing 60, permitting a user to remotely slide
outer housing 60 in a proximal direction to remove the connector
10.
[0025] Various parts, components or configurations described with
respect to any one embodiment above may also be adapted to any
others of the embodiments provided. This disclosure is not limited
to the particular systems, devices and methods described, as these
may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the
purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only,
and is not intended to limit the scope.
[0026] In the above detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings,
similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless
context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described
in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to
be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may
be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject
matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the
aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein,
and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted,
combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated
herein.
[0027] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the
particular embodiments described in this application, which are
intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications
and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and
scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of
the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing
descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to
fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present
disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is
not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds,
compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It
is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not
intended to be limiting.
[0028] As used in this document, the singular forms "a," "an," and
"the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific
terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to
be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this
disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue
of prior invention. As used in this document, the term "comprising"
means "including, but not limited to."
[0029] While various methods, and devices are described in terms of
"comprising" various components or steps (interpreted as meaning
"including, but not limited to"), the compositions, methods, and
devices can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the
various components and steps, and such terminology should be
interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups.
[0030] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0031] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims
(e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as
"open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).
[0032] Various of the above-disclosed and other features and
functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other
different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or
unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or
improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in
the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the
disclosed embodiments.
* * * * *