CN108701937B - Narrow width connector and adapter with spring loaded remote release mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

The narrow width fiber optic connector has a spring-loaded remote release mechanism to facilitate operation and use of the connector in a high density array. The narrow width optical fiber connector includes: a multi-fiber connector, wherein the narrow width fiber optic connector has a width of less than about 12.4 mm; a housing configured to hold a multi-fiber connector and further comprising a connector recess; and a pull tab having a ramp region configured to disengage the latch of one of the adapter and the SFP from the connector recess. The pull tab may include a spring configured to allow a latch of one of the adapter and the SFP to engage the connector recess.

Description

Narrow width connector and adapter with spring loaded remote release mechanism

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application No.15/044,838, filed on day 16/2/2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No.14/996,865, filed on day 15/1/2016, and from international application PCT/US16/13629, filed on day 15/1/2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to connectors having remote release mechanisms, and more particularly to narrow width adapters and connectors (e.g., narrow pitch LC duplex connectors and adapters having spring-loaded remote release mechanisms), and narrow width multi-fiber connectors.

Background

The popularity of the internet has led to an unprecedented growth in communication networks. Consumer demand and increased competition for services has prompted network providers to continually search for ways to improve quality of service while reducing costs.

Some solutions include the deployment of high density interconnect panels. High density interconnect panels may be designed to consolidate the ever increasing amount of interconnects needed to support a fast growing network into a compact form factor, thereby improving quality of service and reducing costs (e.g., floor space and support costs). However, the deployment of high density interconnect panels has not been fully realized.

In communication networks (e.g., data centers and switching networks), many of the interconnections between mating connectors can be compactly integrated into high-density panels. Panel and connector manufacturers can optimize this high density by reducing the connector size and/or spacing between adjacent connectors on the panel. While both of these approaches may effectively increase panel connector density, reducing connector size and/or spacing may also increase support costs and reduce quality of service.

In a high density panel configuration, each adjacent connector and cable assembly may impede the operation of each individual release mechanism. Such physical barriers may hinder the ability of the operator to minimize the stress applied to the cable and connector. This stress may be applied, for example, when a user inserts a hand into a dense set of connectors and pushes the surrounding fibers and connectors apart to operate the individual connector release mechanisms with a thumb and forefinger. Overstressing the cables and connectors can create potential defects, compromise the integrity and/or reliability of the terminals, and can cause serious disruption to network performance.

While an operator may attempt to use a tool, such as a screwdriver, to reach into the dense set of connectors and actuate the release mechanism, each adjacent cable and connector may obstruct the operator's view, making it difficult to guide the tool to the release mechanism without pushing the surrounding cables apart. Furthermore, even when the operator has an unobstructed line of sight, guiding the tool to the release mechanism can be a time consuming process. Therefore, the use of tools is not effective in reducing support maintenance time and improving service quality.

Small form-factor pluggable transceivers (SFPs), also known as ethernet switches and/or patch hubs (patching hubs), are currently employed in telecommunications infrastructures within rack-mounted copper-to-fiber media converters. The connectivity of these infrastructure ethernet and fiber optics is evolving daily to increase the density of connections because of the limited space available for such equipment. Although fiber optic connectors have become smaller and smaller over the years, they have not been designed to be smaller than is necessary for insertion into a commonly sized and readily available SFP. However, as transceiver technology evolves, smaller SFPs will be used to create higher density switches and/or patch hub devices. Accordingly, there is a need for fiber optic connectors that meet the future development needs for smaller SFPs.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects of the invention relate to providing adapters and fiber optic connectors for future development of smaller SFPs, including, for example, narrow pitch SFPs for LC-type duplex connectors and narrow width SFPs for MPO connectors. Aspects of the invention also provide a spring-loaded remote release mechanism to facilitate the handling and use of narrow pitch connectors in high density arrays or panels.

According to an aspect, there is provided a narrow width optical fiber connector comprising: a multi-fiber connector, wherein the narrow width fiber optic connector has a width of less than about 12.4 mm; a housing configured to hold a multi-fiber connector and further comprising a connector recess; and a pull tab having a ramp region configured to disengage the latch of one of the adapter and the SFP from the connector recess. The multi-fiber connector may include a multi-fiber MT ferrule. In some embodiments, the width of the narrow width fiber optic connector may be less than or equal to about 9.6 mm. The pull tab may include a spring configured to allow a latch of one of the adapter and the SFP to engage the connector recess.

According to another aspect, there is provided a narrow pitch optical fiber connector comprising: a plurality of LC connectors arranged such that the pitch of the narrow pitch fiber optic connectors is less than about 5.25 mm; a housing configured to hold the plurality of LC connectors and further comprising a connector recess; and a pull tab having a ramp region configured to disengage the latch of one of the adapter and the SFP from the connector recess. In some embodiments, the spacing may be less than or equal to about 4.8 mm. The pull tab may include a spring configured to allow a latch of one of the adapter and the SFP to engage the connector recess. In some embodiments, the pull tab may include a distal end for remotely unlocking the narrow pitch fiber optic connector. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector may be a duplex connector. In some embodiments, the housing may include a bottom shell and a top shell coupled to the bottom shell. The bottom case may include a sidewall configured to be opened. The side wall may include a raised profile at a rear end thereof.

According to another aspect, there is provided a narrow pitch optical fiber connector comprising: a plurality of LC connectors arranged such that the pitch of the narrow pitch fiber optic connectors is less than about 5.25 mm; a plurality of latch arms coupled to the plurality of LC connectors; a housing configured to hold the plurality of LC connectors; and a pull tab coupled to the plurality of latching arms and configured to remotely unlock the narrow pitch fiber optic connector. In some embodiments, the spacing may be less than or equal to about 4.8 mm.

In some embodiments, the pull tab may include a spring configured to provide a force to return the latching arm to the un-displaced position. The pull tab may include: a distal end for remotely unlocking the narrow pitch fiber optic connector; and a proximal end configured to couple a pull tab to the plurality of latch arms. The proximal end may include a single leg configured to engage the plurality of latching arms. The proximal end may include a plurality of pins configured to slide along the semi-circular profile of the plurality of latching arms. In various embodiments, the narrow pitch fiber optic connector is a duplex connector.

In various embodiments, the housing may include a bottom shell and a top shell coupled to the bottom shell. The bottom case may include a sidewall configured to be opened. The side walls may include a raised profile at the rear end. The top shell may be configured to retain the pull tab. The pull tab may be further configured to be pushed downward in order to unlock the narrow pitch fiber optic connector without causing any horizontal movement of the pull tab.

According to another aspect, a duplex fiber optic connector is disclosed, comprising: two LC connectors arranged such that the pitch of the duplex LC connectors is less than about 5.25 mm; and a pull tab coupled to the two LC connectors to remotely unlock the duplex fiber optic connectors when pulled horizontally, wherein the pull tab is spring loaded. In one embodiment, the spacing may be less than or equal to about 4.8 mm.

In some embodiments, the pull tab may include a proximal end configured to couple to the latch arms of each of the two LC connectors. The duplex fiber optic connector may also include a housing having a sidewall configured to open. The outer casing may also include a top shell configured to receive the pull tab. The pull tab may be further configured to be pushed downward in order to unlock the duplex fiber optic connectors without causing any horizontal movement of the pull tab.

According to another aspect, a narrow pitch adapter is disclosed that includes a recess configured to receive duplex fiber optic connectors having a pitch of less than about 5.25 mm. In some embodiments, the spacing may be less than or equal to about 4.8 mm.

According to another aspect, a narrow width fiber optic connector is disclosed, comprising: a multi-fiber connector, wherein the narrow width fiber optic connector has a width of less than about 12.4 mm; at least one latching arm coupled to the multi-fiber connector; a housing configured to hold a multi-fiber connector; and a pull tab coupled to the at least one latching arm and configured to remotely unlatch the narrow width fiber optic connector. The multi-fiber connector may include a multi-fiber MT ferrule. In some embodiments, the width may be less than or equal to about 9.6 mm. In some embodiments, the pull tab may include a spring configured to provide a force to return the at least one latching arm to an un-displaced position.

Drawings

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a prior art standard 6.25mm pitch LC connector SFP;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a prior art standard 6.25mm pitch LC adapter;

FIG. 1C is a top view of the prior art adapter of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1D is a front view of the prior art adapter of FIG. 1B, showing a 6.25mm spacing;

fig. 2A is a perspective view of a prior art LC duplex connector;

fig. 2B is a perspective view of a prior art LC duplex connector with a remote release tab;

FIG. 2C is a top view of a prior art LC connector used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 2D is a side view of the prior art LC connector of FIG. 2C;

fig. 3 is a perspective view of a future narrow pitch LC SFP for receiving the connectors disclosed herein, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a narrow pitch LC adapter in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a top view of the narrow pitch LC adapter of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a front view of the narrow pitch LC adapter of FIG. 4A, showing a 4.8mm pitch;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a narrow pitch LC duplex connector with a remote release mechanism according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a top view of an LC connector used in the embodiment of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the LC connector of FIG. 6A, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

fig. 7 is a perspective view of the narrow pitch LC duplex connector of fig. 5 with the release mechanism removed, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the narrow pitch LC duplex connector of fig. 5, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a prior art standard MPO SFP;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a prior art standard MPO connector;

FIG. 10B is a top view of the 12.4mm wide prior art MPO connector of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a front view of the prior art MPO connector of FIG. 10A;

fig. 11 is a perspective view of a future narrow width multi-fiber SFP for receiving the connectors disclosed herein, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

fig. 12A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a narrow width multi-fiber connector with a remote release mechanism according to aspects of the present invention;

fig. 12B is a top view of the narrow width multi-fiber connector of fig. 12A having a width of 9.6mm, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

fig. 12C is a front view of the narrow width multi-fiber connector of fig. 12A, in accordance with aspects of the present technique;

fig. 13A is a perspective view of a narrow width multi-fiber connector inserted into a narrow width SFP with an SFP latch, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

fig. 13B is a perspective view of a narrow width multi-fiber connector inserted into a narrow width adapter having an adapter latch, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

fig. 14 is a side view of the narrow width multi-fiber connector of fig. 13A with a recess engaged with the SFP latch in a normal tab position, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and is

Fig. 15 is a side view of the narrow width multi-fiber connector of fig. 13A disengaged from the SFP latch by retracting the pull tab, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The invention is not limited to the specific systems, devices, and methods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope.

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this specification should be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this specification are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. As used herein, the term "including" means "including but not limited to".

For the purposes of this application, the following terms will have the corresponding meanings set forth below.

As used herein, a connector refers to a device and/or components thereof that connects a first module or cable to a second module or cable. The connector may be configured for optical fiber transmission or electrical signal transmission. The connector may be of any suitable type now known or later developed, such as a ferrule style connector (FC), a Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) connector, an LC connector, a Mechanical Transition (MT) connector, an SC duplex connector, or a straight-in (ST) connector. The connector may generally be defined by a connector housing. In some embodiments, the housing may contain any or all of the components herein.

"fiber optic cable" or "fiber optic cable" refers to a cable containing one or more optical fibers for conducting optical signals in an optical beam. The optical fibers may be constructed of any suitable transparent material, including glass, fiberglass, and plastic. The cable may include a jacket or sheath material surrounding the optical fibers. Further, the cable may be connected to the connector at one or both ends of the cable.

Various embodiments described herein generally provide a remote release mechanism so that a user can remove cable assembly connectors that are densely arranged together on a high density panel without damaging surrounding connectors, accidentally disconnecting surrounding connectors, interrupting transmissions through surrounding connectors, and the like. Various embodiments also provide narrow pitch LC duplex connectors and narrow width multi-fiber connectors, for example for use with future narrow pitch LC SFPs and future narrow width SFPs. The remote release mechanism allows the use of narrow pitch LC duplex connectors and narrow width multi-fiber connectors in a dense array of narrow pitch LC SFPs and narrow width multi-fiber SFPs.

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a prior art standard 6.25mm pitch LC connector SFP 100. The SFP100 is configured to receive duplex connectors and provides two receptacles 102, each for receiving a respective LC connector. The pitch 104 is defined as the axis-to-axis distance between the central longitudinal axes of each of the two receptacles 102. Fig. 1B shows a perspective view of a prior art standard 6.25mm pitch LC adapter 106. The adapter 106 is also configured to receive a duplex connector and provides two receptacles 108, each for receiving a respective LC connector. Fig. 1C is a top view of the adapter 106 of fig. 1B. Similar to the pitch of the SFP100, the pitch 110 of the adapters 106 is defined as the axis-to-axis distance between the central longitudinal axes of each of the two receptacles 108, as shown in FIG. 1D, which illustrates a front view of the adapters 106.

Fig. 2A illustrates a prior art LC duplex connector 200 that may be used with a conventional SFP100 and a conventional adapter 106. The LC duplex connector 200 includes two conventional LC connectors 202. Fig. 2B shows another prior art LC duplex connector 204 having a remote release tab 206 and including two conventional LC connectors 208. As shown, the remote release tab includes two pins 210, each pin 210 configured to couple to an extension member 212 of a respective LC connector 208. Fig. 2C and 2D show top and side views, respectively, of a conventional LC connector 208 having a width of 5.6mm, and also showing the extension member 212.

Various embodiments disclosed herein are configured for use with future SFPs, such as the narrow pitch LCSFP 300 shown in fig. 3, which is less than conventional 6.25mm and 5.25mm pitches. Various embodiments employ LC-type fiber optic connectors in a duplex arrangement (with transmit and receive fibers), but the axis-to-axis distance of the connectors is less than the conventional 6.25mm and 5.25mm pitch, as described further below.

According to another aspect, embodiments of a narrow pitch duplex LC adapter are disclosed. Fig. 4A-4C illustrate one embodiment of a narrow pitch adapter 400. The narrow pitch adapter 400 has receptacles 402 on both ends thereof, the receptacles 402 being configured to mate two narrow pitch LC duplex connectors according to aspects disclosed herein. Fig. 4B shows a top view of adapter 400. Fig. 4C shows a front view, further illustrating that adapter 400 has a pitch of 4.8 mm. The adapter 400 is configured to receive duplex LC connectors, with the pitch of the adapter corresponding to the axis-to-axis distance between the LC connectors of the LC duplex connectors. Although adapter 400 has a pitch of 4.8mm, various embodiments of the narrow pitch adapters disclosed herein can have a different pitch that is less than conventional adapter pitches (e.g., less than 6.25mm and less than about 5.25 mm). In some embodiments, the spacing may be about 4.8mm or less.

In addition to the need for narrow connectors, remote unlocking of narrow connectors for dense narrow SFP arrays is also required. This is because: finger manipulation of the connector is nearly impossible without disrupting the service of the adjacent fibers. While there are currently designs for remote unlocking fiber optic connectors (such as shown in fig. 2B), the current designs have proven difficult to function as desired when inserted into the die cast structures that all SFPs typically have. Die-cast SFPs are not free of sharp edges and internal flash (burrs) that would interfere with the normal bending motion of the fiber optic connector plastic latch. Interference between the metal edge and the burr can prevent complete engagement or easy disengagement of the fiber optic connector plastic latch, especially for latches that are remotely triggered by a pull tab that protrudes a distance behind the connector to prevent fingers from interfering with adjacent optical fibers.

To make the latching/unlatching of the connector with respect to the SFP more reliable, various embodiments disclosed herein add a spring force to the remote latching feature (pull tab), such as shown and described below with respect to fig. 5, 7, 8, and 12, to ensure that the connector latch is allowed to return to an un-displaced position to fully engage within the recess of the SFP.

Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a narrow pitch connector 500 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein. The narrow pitch connector 500 is a duplex LC connector comprising two LC connectors 502. Each LC connector 502 includes a respective ferrule 503 and a respective extension member or latch arm 504. The connectors 500 have a pitch of 4.8mm, which is defined as the axis-to-axis distance between the central axes of the two LC connectors 502. In other embodiments, the connector pitch may be less than that of conventional connectors, such as less than 6.25mm and less than about 5.25 mm. In some embodiments, the spacing may be about 4.8mm or less.

Connector 500 also includes a housing 506, housing 506 having a bottom shell 508 and a top shell 510. The bottom chassis 508 includes sidewalls 512. In various embodiments, the housing of the connector may be a switchable housing. The side walls may be configured to open to facilitate opening of the housing, for example to change the polarity of the connector. The side walls 512 may bulge toward the rear of the connector as shown in fig. 5. One advantage of having the side walls bulging towards the rear of the connector is that it is easier to handle. In other embodiments, the sidewall may be raised at another location.

Connector 500 also includes a pull tab 514 having a distal end 516 and a proximal end 518. The pull tab 514 also includes a spring 520, the spring 520 configured to provide a force to return the connector latching arm 504 to the un-displaced position and thereby fully engaged within the recess of the SFP. The distal end 516 of the pull tab 514 may be pulled to remotely release the connector 500 from the SFP or adapter. The proximal end 518 of the pull tab 514 has a unique shape to engage with the unique profile of the latching arm 504 of the narrow pitch LC connector 500. The proximal end 518 simultaneously engages both latch arms 504 of the duplex LC connector 500. That is, the proximal end 518 includes a single pin configured to engage the latch arms of both connectors 502. At the proximal end 518 of the pull tab 514 is an outwardly extending pin 522 configured to rest directly over and slide along the semi-circular surface of the latching arm 504 of the duplex LC connector 502. The horizontal rearward path direction of pin 522 causes the semi-circular profile of connector latching arm 504 to curve downward. Because pin 522 is not received in the ramp slot of connector latching arm 504, pull tab 514 may also be pushed downward at a point directly behind LC connector 502, rather than being pulled rearward from a distance behind the connector (e.g., from distal end 516). The act of pushing the connector's integral lever or latch arm 504 downward unlocks the connector 500. In some cases, horizontal movement of the pull tab 514 is not desirable. Thus, connector latching arm 504 may be pushed downward without causing horizontal movement of pull tab 514.

Fig. 6A and 6B show top and side views, respectively, of an LC connector 502 of the narrow pitch connector 500. Fig. 6A also shows that LC connector 502 has a width of 4.6 mm. Fig. 6B shows a semi-circular profile of the latch arm 504.

Fig. 7 shows a partially exploded view of the narrow pitch connector 500 of fig. 5. The top shell 510 is separated from the bottom shell 508. A pull tab 514 is coupled to the top shell 510 and is configured to slide longitudinally along the length of the connector. The top shell 510 also includes a restraint 524 configured to receive the pull tab 514.

Fig. 8 shows a further exploded view of the narrow pitch connector 500. Specifically, the pull tab 514 is shown separated from the top shell 510, and the spring 520 is removed from the pull tab. The pull tab 514 includes a longitudinal recess 526 configured to receive the spring 520 and at least one restraint 528 configured to retain the spring. The top shell 510 also includes a recess 530, the recess 530 configured to receive at least a portion of the pull tab 514, such as the spring 520 and the proximal end 518. In various embodiments, the pull tab may be removably coupled to the connector via the top shell.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a prior art standard MPO SFP 900. The SFP 900 is configured to receive standard MPO connectors and provides receptacles 902 for receiving conventional width MPO connectors, such as those shown in fig. 10A-10C.

Fig. 10A shows a perspective view of a conventional MPO connector 1000. As shown in fig. 10B, the conventional MPO connector 1000 has a width of 12.4 mm. Fig. 10C shows a front view of the MPO connector 1000.

Fig. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a future narrow width multi-fiber SFP 1100 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Various embodiments disclosed herein are configured for use with a narrow width multi-fiber SFP 1100 having a width less than that of conventional MPO connectors and a width less than about 12.4 mm. The narrow width multi-fiber SFP has a receptacle 1102, the receptacle 1102 being configured to receive a narrow width multi-fiber connector, such as a narrow width connector having an MT ferrule.

Fig. 12A illustrates one embodiment of a narrow width connector 1200 in accordance with aspects disclosed herein. The narrow width connector 1200 is a multi-fiber connector that includes a multi-fiber MT/MPO ferrule 1202. The connector 1200 includes two extension members or latch arms 1204. In other embodiments, the connector may include at least one latching arm. The connector 1200 has a width of 9.6mm as shown in the top view of the connector 1200 in fig. 12B. In other embodiments, the connector width may be less than the width of a conventional multi-fiber connector, such as less than 12.4mm of the conventional MPO connector shown in fig. 10B. In some embodiments, the width may be about 9.6mm or less.

Connector 1200 also includes an outer housing 1206 having a bottom housing 1208 and a top housing 1210. The bottom housing 1208 includes a sidewall 1212. In various embodiments, the housing of the connector may be a switchable housing. The side walls may be configured to open to facilitate opening of the housing, for example to change the polarity of the connector. The sidewall 1212 may bulge toward the rear of the connector. One advantage of having the side walls bulging towards the rear of the connector is that it is easier to handle. The side wall may also be raised at another location.

The connector 1200 also includes a pull tab 1214 having a distal end 1216 and a proximal end 1218. The pull tab 1214 further includes a spring 1220, the spring 1220 configured to provide a force to return the connector latching arm 1204 to an un-displaced position and thereby fully engage within the recess of the SFP. The distal end 1216 of the pull tab 1214 may be pulled to remotely release the connector 1200 from the SFP or adapter. The proximal end 1218 of the pull tab 1214 has a unique shape to engage with a unique profile of the latch arm 1204 of the narrow width multi-fiber connector 1200. The proximal end 1218 engages both latching arms 1204 of the multi-fiber connector 1200 simultaneously. That is, proximal end 1218 includes a single pin configured to engage both latch arms 1204. At a proximal end 1218 of the pull tab 1214, there is an outwardly extending pin 1222, the pin 1222 being configured to rest directly above and slide along the semi-circular surface of the latching arm 1204. The horizontal rearward path direction of the pin 1222 causes the semi-circular profile of the connector latching arm 1204 to bend downward. Because the pin 1222 is not received in the ramp slot of the connector latching arm 1204, the pull tab 1214 may also be pushed downward at a location just behind the latching arm 1204 rather than being pulled rearward from a distance behind the connector (e.g., from the distal end 1216). The act of pushing down on the connector's integral lever or latch arm 1204 unlocks the connector 1200. In some cases, horizontal movement of the pull tab 1214 is not desirable. Thus, the connector latching arm 1204 may be pushed downward without causing the pull tab 1214 to move horizontally.

Fig. 12B and 12C show a top view and a front view, respectively, of the narrow width multi-fiber connector 1200. Fig. 12B also shows that connector 1200 has a width of 9.6 mm.

In the various embodiments described above, the narrow-width connector has a latching arm configured to engage with a fixed or stationary recess within the narrow-width SFP or narrow-width adapter. In these embodiments, the pull tab of the connector displaces the flexible latch arm of the connector to disengage the latch arm from the recess of the SFP or adapter. For example, as the pull tab is pulled back, the latch arm flexes downward to disengage the connector from the SFP or adapter.

In other embodiments, the remote latch release tab may be configured to couple with a latch or hook within an adapter or SFP, as described further below, for example, with reference to fig. 13-15. In these embodiments, the flexible latching arm of the connector moves into the main cavity of the SFP or adapter and the latch of the SFP or adapter engages the recess of the connector when the pull tab is in the normal position pushed forward by the spring. The pull tab may be configured with a ramp area so that when the pull tab is pulled back, the latch of the SFP or adapter is lifted by the retracted pull tab, thereby disengaging the latch of the SFP or adapter from the connector.

Fig. 13A shows narrow pitch multi-fiber connector 1300 being inserted into narrow pitch SFP1302 such that the recess of the connector engages the SFP latch. Fig. 13B shows the narrow pitch connector 1300 inserted into the narrow pitch adapter 1304 such that the recess of the connector engages the latch of the adapter.

Fig. 14 illustrates a side view of the narrow-width connector 1300 of fig. 13A, the narrow-width connector 1300 coupled to a narrow-width SFP 1302. Details of the coupling are shown within circle 1400. In particular, SFP1302 includes SFP latch 1402. The connector 1300 includes a recess 1404. For example, the connector housing may include a recess 1404. As described with respect to various embodiments, pull tab 1406 may be spring loaded. This allows pull tab 1406 to return to a position that will allow SFP latch 1402 to engage with connector recess 1404. When the pull tab 1406 is in the normal tab position, pushed forward by the spring, as shown in fig. 14, the SFP latch 1402 engages the connector recess 1404, as shown within circle 1400.

Fig. 15 illustrates a side view of the narrow width connector 1300 of fig. 13A disengaged from the narrow width SFP 1302. The details of the decoupling are shown within circle 1500. The pull tab 1406 includes a tapered or ramped area 1502. As the pull tab 1406 is pulled back in the direction of arrow 1504 as shown, the SFP latch 1402 lifts through the ramped area of the retracted pull tab, thereby disengaging the SFP latch 1402 from the connector, as shown in circle 1500. The same effects described herein in connection with fig. 15 apply to other connector embodiments coupled to narrow width adapters, such as shown in fig. 13A.

Although fig. 14 and 15 illustrate the coupling of the connector with a narrow width SFP, in other embodiments of the connector, the connector may be coupled to a narrow width adapter having an adapter latch similar to the SFP latch. Further, although the embodiments shown in fig. 13-15 include narrow width multi-fiber connectors, the embodiments are also applicable to narrow pitch LC connectors.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, like numerals generally refer to like parts unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present invention, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the present application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the invention, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular methods, reactants, compounds, components or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. Various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for the sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," etc.). Although the various components, methods, and apparatus have been described in terms of "comprising" (interpreted as "including but not limited to") various elements or steps, the components, methods, and apparatus may also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various components and steps, and such terms should be interpreted as defining a substantially closed group of components. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same is true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or more than two recitations). Moreover, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." is used, in general such a grammatical structure is intended to be used in the sense one having skill in the art understands the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" would include but not be limited to systems having a alone a, a alone B, a alone C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and/or A, B and C, etc.). Where a convention analogous to "A, B or at least one of C, etc." is used, in general such a grammatical structure is intended to be used in the sense one having skill in the art understands the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B or C" would include but not be limited to systems having a alone a, a alone B, a alone C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and/or A, B and C, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "a or B" will be understood to include the possibility of "a" or "B" or "a and B".

In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one of skill in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges. Any listed range can be easily understood as the same range that fully describes and allows for decomposition into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein may be readily broken down into a lower third, a middle third, an upper third, and so on. As those skilled in the art will also appreciate, all terms (e.g., "up to," "at least," etc.) include the stated numbers and refer to ranges that may be subsequently broken down into subranges as described above. Finally, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to a group having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so on.

Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

Claims (18)

1. A narrow width fiber optic connector for releasably connecting to a latch of one of an adapter and an SFP, the narrow width fiber optic connector having a width of less than 12.4mm, comprising:

a plurality of optical fibers;

a housing configured to hold the plurality of optical fibers and further comprising a connector recess;

a flexible latch arm configured to move into a main cavity of the SFP or adapter; and

a pull tab having a ramp region configured to disengage the latch of one of the adapter and the SFP from the connector recess; wherein the latch is within the main cavity of the one of the adapter and SFP, the pull tab is mounted on the housing for movement between a displaced position and an undeflected position, and the pull tab includes a spring biasing the pull tab toward the undeflected position; and, when the pull tab is in a normal position pushed forward by the spring, the SFP or adapter latch engages the connector recess, and when the pull tab is pulled back, the SFP or adapter latch is lifted by the retracted pull tab to disengage the SFP or adapter latch from the connector.

2. The narrow width fiber optic connector of claim 1, further comprising one of at least one LC ferrule and a multi-fiber MT ferrule.

3. The narrow width fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the width is less than or equal to 9.6 mm.

4. The narrow width fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the spring is configured to allow a latch of one of the adapter and the SFP to engage with the connector recess.

5. The narrow width fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the spring is supported by the housing.

6. The narrow width fiber optic connector of claim 5, wherein the spring directly engages the housing and the pull tab.

7. The narrow width fiber optic connector of claim 5, wherein the housing includes another recess configured to receive at least a portion of the spring.

8. A narrow pitch fiber optic connector for releasably connecting to a latch of one of an adapter and an SFP, comprising:

a plurality of LC connectors arranged such that the pitch of the narrow pitch fiber optic connectors is less than 5.25 mm;

a housing configured to hold the plurality of LC connectors and further comprising a connector recess;

a flexible latch arm configured to move into a main cavity of the SFP or adapter; and

a pull tab having a ramp region configured to disengage the latch of one of the adapter and the SFP from the connector recess; wherein the latch is within the main cavity of the one of the adapter and SFP and the pull tab is mounted on the housing for movement between a displaced position and an undeflected position and the pull tab includes a spring biasing the pull tab toward the undeflected position; and, when the pull tab is in a normal position pushed forward by the spring, the SFP or adapter latch engages the connector recess, and when the pull tab is pulled back, the SFP or adapter latch is lifted by the retracted pull tab to disengage the SFP or adapter latch from the connector.

9. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector of claim 8, wherein the pitch is less than or equal to 4.8 mm.

10. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector of claim 8, wherein the spring is configured to allow a latch of one of the adapter and the SFP to engage with the connector recess.

11. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector of claim 10, wherein the pull tab includes a distal end for remotely unlocking the narrow pitch fiber optic connector.

12. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector of claim 8, wherein the narrow pitch fiber optic connector is a duplex connector.

13. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector of claim 8, wherein the housing includes a bottom shell and a top shell coupled to the bottom shell.

14. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector of claim 13, wherein the bottom shell includes a sidewall configured to open.

15. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector of claim 14, wherein the sidewall includes a ridge profile at a rear end thereof.

16. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector of claim 8, wherein the spring is supported by the housing.

17. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector of claim 16, wherein the spring directly engages the housing and the pull tab.

18. The narrow pitch fiber optic connector of claim 16, wherein the housing includes another recess configured to receive at least a portion of the spring.

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