Optical fibers duplex connector assembly

• US 5,315,679 A
• Filed: 04/27/1992
• Issued: 05/24/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Howe, David B., Kellerman, Thomas B., Baldwin, Clark F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ullah, Akm E.
• Application Number:
  US07/874,162
• Time in Patent Office: 757 Days
• Field of Search: 385/76, 385/77, 385/78, 385/79, 385/87, 385/88, 385/89
• US Class Current: 385/76
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3869 Mounting ferrules to connector body, i.e. plugs
• 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 6/38875 Protection from bending or twisting
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3893 Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on

Abstract

An optical fiber duplex connector assembly wherein two individual optical fiber connectors are positioned and retained within a common housing, such that relative freedom of movement between the two connectors within the common housing facilitates positioning of the retained two connectors within a suitable receiving common housing (e.g., shroud). Such movement accomodates for manufacturing tolerances within the housing and/or connectors while still assuring successful insertion. A housing, having two chambers (one for each connector) and a cover assures the defined movable connector positioning while also providing effective retention. A boot may be attached to the housing to accomodate for severe bends and turns of the optical fiber cable, without loss of attenuation.

Claims

1. An optical fiber duplex connector assembly comprising:

a first housing;

a pair of second housings, each of said second housings including therein an optical fiber and a ferrule secured to an end of said optical fiber, said ferrule movably positioned within said second housing; and

a pair of third housings, each of said second housings being positioned within a respective one of said third housings, each of said third housings being movably positioned within said first housing.

2. The optical fiber connector of claim 1 wherein said first housing includes a base portion and a cover portion adapted for being positioned on said base portion.

3. The optical fiber connector of claim 2 wherein said first housing includes latching means for securing said cover portion to said base portion.

4. The optical connector of claim 3 wherein said latching means comprises a tab member on said cover portion and a groove within said base portion, said tab member adapted for being positioned within said groove.

5. The optical fiber connector of claim 2 wherein said base portion includes a pair of chamber portions, each of said third housings adapted for being movably positioned within a respective one of said chamber portions.

6. The optical fiber connector of claim 5 wherein each of said third housings includes a first width and each of said chambers includes a second width, said second width being greater than said first width.

7. The optical fiber connector of claim 5 wherein said base portion of said first housing includes a plurality of upstanding walls, said walls defining said chamber portions therein.

8. The optical fiber connector of claim 7 wherein at least one of said upstanding walls of each of said chamber portions includes a rib member, each of said third housings further including at least one groove therein, each of said rib members adapted for being positioned within a respective one of said grooves.

9. The optical fiber connector of claim 8 wherein said rib member includes a first width and said groove includes a second width, said second width of said groove being greater than said first width of said rib member.

10. The optical fiber connector of claim 1 further including a spring means positioned within said second housing for biasing said ferrule in a first direction within said second housing.

11. The optical fiber connector of claim 10 wherein said spring means comprises a compression spring concentrically positioned substantially about said ferrule.

12. The optical fiber connector of claim 1 wherein each of said second housings is movably positioned within said respective third housing.

13. The optical fiber connector of claim 12 wherein each of said second housings includes a plurality of upstanding walls, at least two of said upstanding walls of said second housings including a rib member, each of said third housings further including at least one groove therein, said rib members of said second housings adapted for aligning with and being located within a respective one of said grooves.

14. The optical fiber connector of claim 13 wherein each of said rib members of said second housings includes a first width and each of said grooves of said third housing includes a second width, each of said second widths being greater than said first widths.

15. The optical fiber connector of claim 14 wherein said second housings are movable in a lateral direction of motion within said third housings.

16. The optical fiber connector of claim 1 further including a boot substantially positioned within said first housing member, said optical fiber extending through said boot.

17. The optical fiber connector of claim 16, wherein said boot includes a sheath portion and a retaining portion, said portion being located within said first housing, said sheath portion projecting from said first housing.

18. The optical fiber connector of claim 17, wherein said boot further includes a groove portion located between said sheath portion and said retaining portion, said first housing further including a slot therein, said groove portion of said boot adapted for being positioned within said slot of said first housing.

19. The optical fiber connector of claim 17 wherein said boot is flexible, having a first thickness at said retaining portion and a second thickness less than said first thickness at said sheath portion to substantially prevent severe bending of said optical fiber within said boot.

20. The optical fiber connector of claim 16, wherein said boot is comprised of plastic material.

21. The optical fiber connector of claim 16, wherein said boot is comprised of rubber material.

22. The optical connector of claim 1, wherein each of said third housings is movable in at least three different directions of motion within said first housing.

23. The optical fiber connector of claim 22, wherein each of said third housings is adapted for being angularly displaced within said first housing.

24. The optical fiber connector of claim 22, wherein each of said third housings is rotationally movable within said first housing.