CN100565262C - Fiber optic industrial connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A kind of fiber optic industrial connector that comprises electric wire connecting junction support and duplex clip assembly, described duplex clip assembly is fixed in the electric wire connecting junction support.This duplex clip assembly comprises two electric wire connecting junctions of a duplex clip and this duplex clip internal fixation.Duplex clip has a front surface and a rear surface, is provided with two openings between front and rear surfaces.This duplex clip also comprises a prodger of extending to front surface from the rear surface.Prodger comprises on it locking key that is provided with, and this locking key is arranged to combine with a revetment on the electric wire connecting junction support inside surface, thereby stops two electric wire connecting junctions to move towards axial cooperation direction with respect to the electric wire connecting junction support.

Description

Fiber optic industrial connector

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to prior US Application Serial No. 60/622,636, filed October 27, 2004, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

technical field

The invention relates to an optical fiber industrial connector, in particular to an LC optical fiber industrial connector.

Background technique

Industrial communication connectors are prior art, shown and described in US Patent Nos. 6,475,009 and 6,595,791. The '009 and '791 patents disclose RJ-45 connectors that do not include the duplex clip and connector assembly. Furthermore, prior art industrial connectors do not disclose an LC fiber optic industrial connector that allows easy removal of the LC connector during or after termination.

Contents of the invention

It would be desirable to provide an LC fiber optic industrial connector that allows easy removal of the LC connector during or after termination.

At the same time, it is desired to provide an LC optical fiber industrial connector with an LC compound clip and two LC connectors removably fixed on the LC connector bracket.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an optical fiber industrial connector is provided, which includes a connector bracket and a compound clip assembly fixed in the connector bracket. The compound clip assembly includes a compound clip and two connectors fixed in the compound clip. The compound clamp has a front surface and a rear surface, and two openings are provided between the front surface and the rear surface. The compound clip also has a protrusion extending from the rear surface to the front surface. The protruding part includes a locking key arranged on it, and the locking key is arranged to combine with a retaining wall on the inner surface of the connector bracket, so as to prevent the two connectors from moving in an axial mating direction relative to the connector bracket.

Preferably, each multi-clip opening is substantially C-shaped and has a detent on its inner side.

Preferably, the protruding member is a cantilever with a locking key provided thereon.

Preferably, the optical fiber industrial connector is an LC type connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a multi clip and connector assembly is provided, which includes a multi clip and two connectors secured within the multi clip. The compound clip includes a front surface and a rear surface, two openings disposed between the front surface and the rear surface, and a protrusion extending from the rear surface to the front surface. The protruding part includes a locking key arranged on it, and the locking key is arranged to combine with a retaining wall on the inner surface of a connector bracket, so as to prevent two connectors from moving in an axial mating direction relative to the connector bracket.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of removably securing a connector within a connector holder, the method comprising the steps of: inserting two connectors into the sides of a multiclip to form a multiclip and A connector assembly, wherein the assembly includes a multiple clip and two connectors fixed in the multiple clip, the multiple clip includes a front surface and a rear surface, two openings provided between the front surface and the rear surface, and from a protruding piece extending from the rear surface to the front surface, the protruding piece including a locking key arranged therein; The retaining wall is combined, thereby preventing the movement of the two connectors in the axial mating direction.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of an assembled industrial connector according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the industrial connector in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the industrial connector in Fig. 2;

Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the compound clip of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a front view of the compound clip in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a right side view of the compound clip in Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the LC connector in Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of the industrial connector plug assembly of Figure 2;

Figure 9 is a top view of the two LC connectors and the LC compound clip shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the plug assembly of Figure 8, showing the LC connector secured within the LC duplex clip;

Figure 12 is a top view of the LC connector and LC compound clip shown in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of Figure 12;

Fig. 15 is a partially exploded perspective view of the industrial connector in Fig. 2;

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of Figure 15;

Figure 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plug assembly shown in Figure 16;

Figure 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plug assembly shown in Figure 16, showing the LC duplex clip inserted into the LC connector bracket;

Figure 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plug assembly shown in Figure 16, showing the LC duplex clip inserted into the LC connector bracket;

Fig. 20 is a partially exploded perspective view of the industrial connector in Fig. 2;

Fig. 21 is a partially exploded perspective view of the industrial connector in Fig. 2;

Fig. 22 is a partially exploded perspective view of the industrial connector in Fig. 2;

Fig. 23 is a side view of the industrial connector in Fig. 2;

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of Figure 23;

Figure 25 is a top view of the industrial connector in Figure 2;

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 of Figure 25;

Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 of Figure 25;

Figure 28 is a perspective view of the industrial connector plug assembly of Figure 2;

Figure 29 is a perspective view of the plug assembly of the industrial connector of Figure 2, showing the plug cap secured to the plug ring;

Figure 30 is a perspective view of the industrial connector plug assembly of Figure 2; and

Figure 31 is a perspective view of the industrial connector plug assembly of Figure 2, showing the plug cap secured to the plug.

Detailed ways

1-31 depicts an LC fiber optic industrial connector 40. Other fiber optic type connectors can also be used, such as SC or ST type connectors. FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the industrial connector 40 . 28 and 29 show the assembled plug wing 42 of the industrial connector 40 , while FIGS. 30 and 31 show the assembled plug wing 44 of the industrial connector 40 .

Referring to Fig. 3, in order to assemble the plug wing 42 of the industrial connector 40, firstly, the plug sealing gasket 46 and the O-ring 48 are installed on the front side and the rear side of the LC connector bracket 50 respectively to form the LC connector bracket assembly , Then the plug face seal 54 and the plug plug 56 are mounted on the plug cap 58 to form a plug cap assembly. The flexible cover 62 , liquid tight joint 64 and plug cap assembly slide over the fiber optic cable 66 . The plug ring 60 , the LC connector assembly and the shrink sleeve 68 slide over the fiber optic cable 66 in sequence. The fibers are then cut at LC splice 70 using standard termination procedures.

Then, the two terminating LC connectors 70 slide into the sides of the LC duplex clip 72 and are secured by the LC duplex clip lock key 74 (see FIG. 5 ), which snaps onto the groove of the LC connector 70 (see FIG. Figure 13). Then, the assembly is fitted on the opening at the front end of the LC connector holder 50 . Once the LC connector detent 76 is fully seated within the LC connector bracket 50, it becomes recessed and therefore inoperable (see FIG. 19).

Finally, the plug ring 60 and plug cap assembly slide over the rear end of the LC connector bracket assembly and are secured to the LC connector bracket 50 by the threaded liquid-tight joint 64 . A flexible cover 62 is screwed onto a liquid-tight joint 64 . Once the flexible cover 62 is fully secured, the liquid tight connector 64 is pressed against the round fiber cable 66 to form a sealed cable/plug interface. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 29 , plug cap 58 may be secured to plug ring 60 .

Referring to Fig. 3, in order to assemble the plug wing 44 of the industrial connector 40, the plug face seal 78 is assembled on the front end of the plug 80, and the plug sealing washer bolt 82 and the plug sealing washer (not shown) are assembled on the plug cap. 84, then slide the assembly over the threads at the rear end of plug 80. Optionally, plug sealing washer 86 slides over the threads at the rear end of plug 80 .

The composite LC adapter module 88, which includes the composite LC adapter 90, snaps onto the rear of the plug 80 and is held in place by an integral plug detent 92. The subassembly is then positioned through the holes in mounting plate 94 in any of four 90 degree orientations. Plug 80 may be rotated in 90 degree intervals before assembly nut 96 is secured. Thrust washer 98 is aligned on the threads at the rear end of plug 80 and assembly nut 96 is threaded onto plug 80 to secure the entire plug assembly. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 31 , a plug cap 84 can be fixed on the plug 80 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , in order to match the plug wings 42 and plug wings 44 of the industrial connector 40 , the LC connector 70 is inserted into the opening of the plug 80 . The keyway of the LC connector bracket 50 provides precise alignment of the LC industrial connector plug with the plug 80 . The plug ring 60 is screwed into place and held in place by pins 100 on the plug ring 60 which fit into grooves 102 on the plug 80 (see Figures 21 and 22). The pin-and-slot assembly prevents separation between mating components.

The internal components of the industrial connector 40 are secured in a different manner than typical copper or fiber industrial connectors. The plug wings of a typical industrial connector are only held together at one point on the cable. When the flexible cover is screwed onto the liquid-tight fitting, the liquid-tight fitting presses against the cable forming the only locking mechanism in a typical industrial connector. It is possible to use this mechanism with standard copper-based industrial connectors because the copper connector housing shrinks tightly over the cable. This leaves a gap for a connector from the plug wings of a typical copper-based industrial connector when inserted into the hole in its connector bracket. However, the copper-based connector housing is not fixed to the connector holder.

Simply attaching liquid-tight connectors to fiber optic cables does not always provide a robust LC industrial connector. If the fiber connector comes loose from the outer PVC sleeve in the crimped area of the fiber cable, it may cause the LC connector to move toward the connector bracket. However, the present invention provides an additional support means necessary for the robustness of the industrial connector 40 .

As shown in FIGS. 10-13 , the LC connector 70 is assembled on the side of the LC multi clip 72 . This multiple clip/connector assembly is then slid into the front opening of the LC connector bracket 50 as best shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 . Once the LC connector housing is lowered to the lowest point within the LC connector bracket 50 , the LC multi clip/connector assembly is fully seated within the LC connector bracket 50 . At this point, the LC clip lock key 104 engages within the LC connector bracket 50 with an audible click. As shown in FIG. 19 , the detent 104 prevents the LC connector 70 from sliding out of the front end of the LC connector bracket 50 during the removal of the LC industrial connector plug from the plug 80 .

The double clip design also solves the common problems of conventional industrial connectors. Final assembly of the plug wings of a typical industrial connector requires tightening the retaining nut of the flexible cover to the liquid-tight joint. The enormous torque applied to tighten this nut moves the cable forward within the connector bracket. In a conventional industrial connector, the only clamping force on the cable acts on the vent riser, which pushes the plug forward within the connector bracket.

However, in the present invention, when the nut of the flexible cover 62 is fixed on the liquid-tight joint 64, the LC connector 70 will not Move forward, as shown in Figures 19 and 26. This retention feature enables more precise axial fixation of the LC connector 70 . When the plug wing 42 of the industrial connector 40 is mated with another LC connector 70 at the far side of the LC adapter 90, the positioning of the end face of the ferrule of the plug wing will be more precise. Accordingly, this ensures a stronger spring force on the LC connector 70, ultimately providing more reliable optical measurements.

Furthermore, the LC connector 70 can be removed from the front end of the LC connector holder 50 at any time. First, the flexible cover 62 is loosened to relieve pressure on the cable 66 . Next, the cantilever beam 108 at the front of the LC multiclip 72 is deflected downwardly by a distance of a finger or a knob, thereby disengaging the LC multiclip locking key 104 from the retaining wall 106 formed on the LC connector bracket 50 . Thus allowing the LC connector 70 to be pulled forward. Releasing the LC connector 70 from the LC connector holder 50 allows the ferrule end faces to be reground or enlarged for re-inspection at any time after the connector is terminated, if so desired.

The present invention provides an LC fiber optic industrial connector that allows easy removal of the LC connector during or after termination. It should be appreciated that the embodiments and preferred embodiments of the invention described and illustrated above are not exhaustive of the styles of LC fiber optic industrial connectors in which the invention may be used, but are examples or illustrations of embodiments for the current understanding of the invention. Many other forms of the invention are also contemplated to be encompassed herein.

Claims (12)

1. fiber optic industrial connector comprises:

One electric wire connecting junction support; With

One is fixed on the duplex clip assembly in this electric wire connecting junction support, and this assembly comprises a duplex clip and two electric wire connecting junctions that are fixed in the duplex clip;

Wherein, described duplex clip comprises two openings that are provided with between a front surface and a rear surface, front surface and the rear surface and a prodger of extending to front surface from the rear surface, described prodger comprises a locking key that is provided with on it, described locking key is arranged to combine with a revetment on the electric wire connecting junction support inside surface, thereby stops two described electric wire connecting junctions to move towards axial cooperation direction with respect to described electric wire connecting junction support.

2. electric wire connecting junction as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that:

Each opening is the C-type basically.

3. electric wire connecting junction as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that:

Each opening all has a locking key on the surface within it.

4. electric wire connecting junction as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that:

Described prodger is an overarm.

5. electric wire connecting junction as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that:

Each electric wire connecting junction all is a LC type electric wire connecting junction.

6. duplex clip and electric wire connecting junction assembly comprise:

One duplex clip; With

Be fixed on two electric wire connecting junctions in this duplex clip;

Wherein:

Described duplex clip comprises two openings that are provided with between a front surface and a rear surface, front surface and the rear surface and a prodger of extending to front surface from the rear surface, described prodger comprises a locking key that is provided with on it, described locking key is arranged to combine with a revetment on the electric wire connecting junction support inside surface, thereby stops two described electric wire connecting junctions to move towards axial cooperation direction with respect to described electric wire connecting junction support.

7. assembly as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that:

Each opening is the C-type basically.

8. assembly as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that:

All has a locking key on the inside surface of each opening.

9. assembly as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that:

Described prodger is overarm.

10. assembly as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that:

Each electric wire connecting junction all is a LC type electric wire connecting junction.

11. one kind is removably mounted in method in the electric wire connecting junction support with electric wire connecting junction, this method comprises the steps:

The sidepiece that two electric wire connecting junctions is inserted a duplex clip is to form duplex clip and electric wire connecting junction assembly, wherein, described assembly comprises a duplex clip and is fixed on two interior electric wire connecting junctions of this duplex clip, this duplex clip comprises two openings that are provided with between a front surface and a rear surface, described front surface and the rear surface and a prodger of extending to front surface from the rear surface, and described prodger comprises a locking key that is provided with in it; And

This assembly is inserted in the electric wire connecting junction support, on the inside surface of this electric wire connecting junction support revetment is arranged, described locking key is arranged to combine with described revetment, thereby stops two described electric wire connecting junctions to move towards axial cooperation direction.

12. method as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, also comprises the steps:

Forcing down described prodger downwards breaks away from the revetment of locking key and electric wire connecting junction internal stent; And

Electric wire connecting junction is removed from the electric wire connecting junction support.

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