Ultra-small, form factor single fiber optical interconnect system, with push-push type insertion/withdrawal mechanism and shuttered modular connector and shuttered adapter and method for using same

• US 20060153503A1
• Filed: 06/17/2005
• Published: 07/13/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Adamant Kogyo Co., Ltd., Illum Technology, LLC
• Original Assignee: Adamant Kogyo Company Limited and Illum Technologies
• Inventors: Suzuki, Toshio, Bunm, Gregory
• Granted Patent: US 7,261,472 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 385/53
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3807 Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3825 with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3829 Bent or angled connectors G02B6/3827 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3849 using mechanical protective elements, e.g. caps, hoods, sealing membranes G02B6/3816 takes precedence; provisionally see H01R13/44
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3893 Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3898 Tools, e.g. handheld; Tuning wrenches; Jigs used with connectors, e.g. for extracting, removing or inserting in a panel, for engaging or coupling connectors, for assembling or disassembling components within the connector, for applying clips to hold two connectors together or for crimping tools for cleaning, G02B6/3866; tools in general B25B

Abstract

An optical fiber interconnect system comprising a connector for carrying an optical fiber along a longitudinal axis. The adapter comprises a push-push coupling mechanism configured to receive and couple with the connector upon application of a first pushing force to the connector so as to removably receive the connector in operably connected fashion. The connector is disengaged from the adapter upon application of a second pushing force upon the connector to enable withdrawal of the connector from the adapter. The pushing forces can be applied to the connector at a pushing region by using a stylus member. A zero rotation embodiment provides for linear or curvilinear, non-rotational movement of the ferrule within the connector relative to the optical axis for better alignment and tunability. A moveable plug extender is provided within the ferrule holder to facilitate injection of adhesive and protect fiber from breakage during the termination process and thereafter. The modular connector is provided with an automatic spring operated retracting shutter. Spring-biased automatic shutters are included in both sides of the adapter providing protection when only one of the connector plugs is inserted in the adapter. The release mechanism that disengages connector plug and adapter is contained in the connector and thus facilitates the handling of the small connector plug. When the release is operated, the separation of connector plug and adapter is initiated actively without the need of a strong pull.

Claims

1. An optical fiber interconnect system comprising:

A connector for carrying an optical fiber along a longitudinal axis;

An adapter configured to operably connect with said connector;

Said adapter comprising a coupling mechanism configured to receive and couple with said connector upon application of a first pushing force to said connector so as to removably receive the connector in operably connected fashion; and

Said coupling mechanism being further capable of uncoupling said connector from said adapter upon the application of a second pushing force thereto so as to enable withdrawal of said connector from said adapter.

2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said pushing forces are applied along said longitudinal axis.

3. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said connector further includes a pushing region on its exterior for applying said pushing forces.

4. The invention according to claim 2 wherein a stylus member is used to apply said pushing forces to said pushing region.

5. A method of connecting and disconnecting an optical fiber connector and adapter comprising the steps of:

applying a first pushing force to said connector towards said adapter until said adapter receives said connector;

engaging said connector with said adapter in an operable arrangement; and

,

applying a second pushing force to said connector towards said adapter a second time so as to enable disengaging of said connector from said adapter withdrawal of said connector from said adapter.

6. The invention according to claim 5 wherein said method further includes using a stylus member to apply said pushing forces to said connector for connecting and disconnecting said connector to and from said adapter.

7. An optical fiber interconnect system comprising:

A connector for carrying an optical fiber along a longitudinal axis;

An adapter configured to operably connect with said connector;

Said connector further comprising a pin member affixed thereto, protruding therefrom and capable of entering the interior of said adapter;

Said adapter comprising a coupling mechanism configured to receive and couple with said connector upon application of a first pushing force to said connector so as to removably receive the connector in operably connected fashion;

Said coupling mechanism further comprising a spring biased pivoting member capable of retaining said pin member when said adapter and connector are engaged as said first pushing force is applied to said connector; and

,

Said pivoting member being further capable of urging said pin member into a free position so as to disengage said connector from said adapter upon application of a second pushing force upon said connector and enable withdrawal of said connector from said adapter.

8. The invention of claim 7 wherein said first and second pushing forces are applied along the longitudinal axis in substantially the same direction.

9. The invention of claim 7 wherein said pin member comprises a portion thereof having a substantially square transverse cross-section for removable engagement with said pivoting member.

10. An optical fiber interconnect system comprising:

A modular contact comprising a ferrule having an optical axis for carrying an optical fiber;

A connector plug configured to operably carry said modular contact;

An adapter comprising a first end configured to receive and couple with said modular contact so as to removably and securely receive the ferrule; and

the connector plug and adapter enabling non-rotational movement of the ferrule relative to the optical axis.

11. The invention of claim 10 wherein said invention further comprises said modular contact further comprising:

the modular contact having a stationary body outside said ferrule and an internal opening in communication with an internal opening through said ferrule;

an insert permitting movement of said ferrule within said body; and

the insert having a moveable plug so as to enable movement of said ferrule within said body while avoiding rotation of said ferrule relative to said optical axis.

12. The invention of claim 11 wherein said insert can move in a first direction relative to the optical axis;

13. The invention of claim 11 wherein the plug can move inside of the insert in a second direction;

14. The invention of claim 13 wherein said insert can rotate relative to said plug to provide an additional degree of freedom of non-rotational movement of the ferrule relative to the optical axis.

15. The invention according to claim 14 wherein said plug can rotate relative to said insert so as to provide an additional degree of freedom of non-rotational movement of the ferrule relative to the optical axis.

16. The invention according to claim 10 wherein said modular contact is tunable to increase performance.

17. The invention according to claim 10 wherein said contact further includes:

a plug extender configured to be received within said internal opening of said contact and move from a first position with a first end extending partially outside of said contact to a second position within said contact; and

,

said plug extender configured to prevent optic fiber passing through it from incurring macro-bending and micro-bending.

18. The invention according to claim 17 wherein said plug extender is substantially rigid so that in its first position the plug extender facilitates accurate insertion of adhesive and said extender can operably slide along the interior of the contact to said second position and frictionally engage with said internal opening to maintain its second position.

19. An optical fiber interconnect system comprising:

A modular contact comprising a ferrule having an optical axis for carrying an optical fiber;

A connector plug configured to operably carry said modular contact;

An adapter comprising a first end configured to receive and couple with said modular contact so as to removably and securely receive the ferrule; and

the connector plug and adapter enabling the use of sub-millimeter diameter ferrules and sleeves.

20. A modular optical fiber interconnect system comprising:

a modular connector plug carrying a ferrule;

an adapter capable of receiving the connector plug;

a locking mechanism operably associated with both the plug and the adapter so as to keep plug and adapter together; and

,

an unlock mechanism on the connector plug so as to facilitate its use with sub-micron ferrules.

22. The invention according to claim 20 wherein said spring loading of said ferrule is provided by a coil spring serving to bias said ferrule forward within said shell.

23. The invention according to claim 20 wherein said ferrule holder comprises a flange with at least one flat region about its periphery for engagement with said limiters of said shell to prevent rotation of said ferrule about said longitudinal axis.

21. A modular contact assembly comprising:

a ferrule plug having a longitudinal axis;

said ferrule plug comprising a spring loaded ferrule and a ferrule holder;

a shell for holding said ferrule plug having one or more limiters;

said ferrule plug and said shell being operably connected to each other so as to allow said ferrule to move axially along the longitudinal axis when in contact with another ferrule, but not allowing rotation of said ferrule about said longitudinal axis.

24. The invention according to claim 24 further including a collar on said ferrule holder to prevent rotation of said ferrule about said longitudinal axis.

25. A modular fiber optic interconnect system comprising:

a body having at least two openings at its ends that lead to its interior;

at least two connectors having ferrules capable of being received through said end openings of said body and within said body interior;

said connectors further comprising latches for engaging with said body when fully inserted into said body interior; and

,

said body further being capable of receiving said ferrules in operable, aligned end-to-end contact with the ferrule of another connector within said body.