Fiber Optic Connector

• US 20140056562A1
• Filed: 11/16/2012
• Published: 02/27/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ridgemount Technologies Limited
• Original Assignee: Ridgemount Technologies Limited
• Inventors: Limbert, Mark John, Peters, Christopher Russel
• Granted Patent: US 8,834,038 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 385/77
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/36 Mechanical coupling means G02B6/255, G02B6/42 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3825 with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3831 comprising a keying element on the plug or adapter, e.g. to forbid wrong connection keying element on the ferrule G02B6/3851; keying element for electrical coupling H01R13/64
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3878 comprising a plurality of ferrules, branching and break-out means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3879 Linking of individual connector plugs to an overconnector, e.g. using clamps, clips, common housings comprising several individual connector plugs
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3893 Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4246 Bidirectionally operating package structures
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4292 the light guide being disconnectable from the opto-electronic element, e.g. mutually self aligning arrangements

Abstract

A fiber optic connector arranged to be releaseably connected to a fiber optic adaptor. The fiber optic connector includes a body configured to receive and terminate two optical fibers, and a latch mechanism provided on the body. The latch mechanism is configured for releasable engagement with each of two sockets of the fiber optic adaptor. The latch mechanism of the fiber optic connector is configured for actuation in a direction laterally across the body.

Claims

1. A fiber optic connector arranged to be releasably connected to a fiber optic adaptor having two sockets, the fiber optic connector comprising:

a body configured to receive and terminate two optical fibers; and

a latch mechanism provided on the body, the latch mechanism being configured for releasable engagement with each of the two sockets of the fiber optic adaptor, and the latch mechanism being configured for actuation in a direction laterally across the body.

2. A fiber optic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the latch mechanism comprises a pair of latch members, each latch member configured to releasably engage with one side of a respective one of the two sockets of the fiber optic adapter.

3. A fiber optic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the latch mechanism comprises a pair of latch members, each latch member comprises a retention face arranged to cooperate with a portion of a keyway of a respective socket of the fiber optic adaptor.

4. A fiber optic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the latch mechanism comprises a pair of latch members, each latch member comprises a retention face shaped to latch and engage with a portion of a keyway of the respective socket of the fiber optic adaptor.

5. A fiber optic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the latch mechanism comprises a pair of latch members and the connector further comprises a location member provided between the pair of latch members, the location member arranged to engage with a central portion of the fiber optic adaptor between the two sockets of the fiber optic adaptor, to thereby locate and retain the connector in engagement with the fiber optic adaptor.

6. A fiber optic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the latch mechanism comprises a pair of latch members, each latch member comprises an arm a having a generally curved shape, the arms being arranged to curve generally towards one another, each arm being tapered to finish at a retention face.

7. A fiber optic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the latch mechanism comprises a pair of latch members, the latch members are arranged to flex towards each other under the action of lateral force.

8. A fiber optic connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

the retention face of each latch member is configured to be urged out of contact with a portion of a keyway of the respective socket of the fiber optic adaptor under the action of a lateral force.

9. A fiber optic connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

each latch member comprises a release portion located on a side of the latch member, the release portion is responsive to an external lateral force, so as to urge each latch member and its retention face towards each other.

10. A fiber optic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the latch mechanism is releasably mountable on each of two opposing faces of the body.

11. A fiber optic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the latch mechanism further comprises a mounting spigot including one or more anti rotation side flanges, the mounting spigot and side flange are configured for selectable location in first and second mounting sockets provided in each of two opposing faces of the body, the mounting spigot and said flange being configured to engage with the respective mounting socket to secure the latch mechanism to the body and hinder rotation of the connector.

12. A fiber optic connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

the latch mechanism is further configured for actuation in a direction towards the body, the latch mechanism being movable between an engagement position at a first separation from the body and a release position at a second, smaller separation from the body in which the latch mechanism is disengaged from the sockets of the fiber optic adaptor.

13. A fiber optic adaptor unit comprising:

a fiber optic adaptor having two sockets; and

a fiber optic connector arranged to be releasably connected to the fiber optic adaptor, the fiber optic connector including a body configured to receive and terminate two optical fibers, and a latch mechanism provided on the body;

wherein the latch mechanism is configured for releasable engagement with each of the two sockets of the fiber optic adaptor, and the latch mechanism is configured for actuation in a direction laterally across the body.