Duplex style fiber optic connector interface assembly

• US 7,325,980 B2
• Filed: 08/26/2005
• Issued: 02/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CommScope Technologies, LLC (CommScope Holding Company, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation (TE Connectivity Limited)
• Inventors: Pepe, Paul John
• Primary Examiner(s): HEALY, BRIAN
• Application Number:
  US11/213,377
• Publication Number:
  US 20070047877A1
• Time in Patent Office: 893 Days
• Field of Search: 385/53, 385/55, 385/56, 385/58, 385/59, 385/60, 385/70, 385/71, 385/72, 385/76, 385/77, 385/78, 385/84, 385/86, 385/136, 385/139, 385/100, 385/69
• US Class Current: 385/86
• 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 6/3891 Bayonet type
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3893 Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on

Abstract

A yoke member is provided for selective insertion into a passage of a first-half housing portion of a connector interface assembly, wherein the first-half housing portion is selectively matable with a complementary second-half housing portion. The yoke member includes a base wall; a pair of side walls; and an intermediate wall disposed between the side walls. The base wall, the pair of side walls and the intermediate wall define a pair of channels. A fiber optic connector is selectively positionable within each channel of the yoke member.

Claims

1. A connector interface assembly for fiber optic cabling, the connector interface assembly comprising:

a first-half housing portion including a central body portion defining a passage therethrough;

a second-half housing portion connectable to the first-half housing portion, the second-half housing portion including a body defining a passage therethrough, the body being configured and dimensioned for receiving the central body portion of the first-half housing portion therein; and

a duplex connector assembly operatively supportable in the passage of the central body portion of the first-half housing portion, the duplex connector assembly including a pair of fiber optic connectors, each connector including a connector body and being configured and adapted to terminate a fiber optic cable,

wherein a distal end portion of the fiber optic connectors is receivable in a corresponding complementary connector receptacle provided in the second-half housing portion.

2. The connector interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein the duplex connector assembly comprises a yoke member configured and adapted to selectively support the pair of fiber optic connectors, the yoke member includes a pair of channels each configured and dimensioned to selectively receive a fiber optic connector therein in a snap-fit engagement.

3. The connector interface assembly according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the yoke member is positionable in the passage of the central body portion of the first-half housing portion.

4. The connector interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fiber optic connectors are LC connectors.

5. The connector interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body of the second-half housing portion comprises a cylindrical shape.

6. The connector interface assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

a coupler operatively supported on the second-half housing portion; and

a connector receptacle operatively supported in the coupler, wherein a first end of the connector receptacle is configured and adapted to receive the fiber optic connectors therein upon mating of the first-half and second-half housing portions to one another.

7. The connector interface assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first end of the connector receptacle is disposed within the passage of the second-half housing portion.

8. The connector interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first-half and second-half housing portions connect in a bayonet-type arrangement.

9. In an improved connector interface assembly for fiber optic cabling, wherein the connector interface assembly includes a first-half housing portion connectable with a complementary second-half housing portion, and wherein the first-half housing portion includes a central body portion defining a passage therethrough and the second-half housing portion includes a body defining a passage therethrough, the improvement comprising:

a yoke member configured and adapted to support a pair of fiber optic connectors, and configured and adapted for insertion into the passage of the central body portion, wherein at least a portion of the yoke member is positionable in the passage of the body of the second-half housing portion.

10. The connector interface assembly according to claim 9, further comprising:

a duplex connector assembly insertable into the passage of the central body portion, the duplex connector assembly including;

the yoke member; and

a pair of fiber optic connectors, each connector including a connector body and being configured and adapted to terminate a fiber optic cable.

11. The connector interface assembly according to claim 9, wherein the yoke member includes a pair of channels each configured and dimensioned to receive a fiber optic connector therein in a snap-fit engagement.

12. The connector interface assembly according to claim 9, wherein a distal end portion of the fiber optic connectors is receivable in a corresponding complementary connector receptacle of the second-half housing portion.

13. The connector interface assembly according to claim 9, wherein the yoke member engages the passage of the central body portion in a snap-fit type engagement.

14. The connector interface assembly according to claim 9, wherein the fiber optic connectors are LC connectors.

15. The connector interface assembly according to claim 9, wherein the yoke member includes:

a base wall;

a pair of side walls; and

an intermediate wall disposed between the side walls, wherein the base wall, the pair of side walls and the intermediate wall define a pair of channels, wherein a fiber optic connector is positionable within each channel of the yoke member.

16. The connector interface assembly according to claim 15, wherein the side walls and the intermediate wall each include a rib for snap-fit engaging the fiber optic connector.

17. The connector interface assembly according to claim 15, wherein the intermediate wall includes a stabilizer provided at an upper end thereof for engaging a complementary recess formed in the passage of the central body portion of the first-half housing portion.

18. The connector interface assembly according to claim 15, wherein a recess is provided in the base wall of the yoke member for snap-fit engaging a detent formed in the passage of the central body portion of the first-half housing portion.

19. A yoke member for insertion into a passage of a first-half housing portion of a connector interface assembly, the first-half housing portion being matable with a complementary second-half housing portion, the yoke member comprising:

a base wall;

a pair of side walls; and

a single intermediate wall disposed between the side walls, wherein the base wall, the pair of side walls and the intermediate wall define a pair of channels, wherein a fiber optic connector is positionable within each channel of the yoke member.