Covers for fiber optic ferrules and ferrule pushers

Abstract

A cover for a fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher includes a sleeve extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear ends and defining a longitudinally extending opening through the rear end opening for receiving at least a portion of the fiber optic ferrule and ferrule pusher. The sleeve also includes a top side and an opposite bottom side, and two side walls extending between the top and bottom sides and along at least a portion of the sleeve. A receiver is disposed in the top side to receive a projection associated with the ferrule pusher.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 947,966, filed on December 13, 2019, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Serial No. 17 / 251,076, filed on December 10, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] In a data center environment, fiber cabling between data centers often requires connecting thousands of fibers to connect one data center building to another. This connection involves manually splicing thousands of fibers. Splicing is usually the last job before the data center connection is complete. However, manual fiber splicing is time-consuming and expensive due to the labor costs and equipment required for the work. Therefore, this work becomes a bottleneck for the new data center to go online.

[0004] A solution to avoid fusion splicing includes using pre-terminated MT ferrules in a pull handle (or "pull sheath") attached to a jacketed cable between two data center buildings. Such pull handles are known in the art. Depending on the number of fibers present in each fiber ferrule, the number of fiber ferrules within the pull handle will vary. For example, a pull handle can accommodate a total of 3,456 fibers in 288 fiber ferrules (i.e., each ferrule has 12 fibers). These fiber ferrules are then pulled out of the pull handle at a designated location within the second data center building. Subsequently, an MT-MPO adapter, such as the adapter shown in U.S. Patent No. 7,296,935 owned by the applicant, can be used to connect the MT ferrule directly to an MPO-type connector. One problem with this approach is that technicians / users in the data center will need to handle exposed terminated fiber ferrules. This increases the chance of ferrule damage, especially since there are hundreds of fiber ferrules that need to be inserted into the MT-MPO adapter.

[0005] Although the pull handle is fairly clean, the pre-terminated fiber ferrules inside the pull handle may still be susceptible to debris or dust since many of these components coexist in a confined space. Debris or dust may scratch the fiber at the end face and / or cause optical signal degradation. In addition, the pin holder, ferrule pusher, and ferrule may separate during handling inside the pull handle. Such separation may damage the fiber ferrule, ferrule pusher, or optical fiber.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a cover that keeps the face of the pre-terminated optical fiber ferrule protected and covered within the pull handle. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a cover for an optical fiber ferrule and a ferrule pusher, comprising a sleeve extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear ends, the sleeve defining a longitudinally extending opening extending through the rear end opening for receiving at least a portion of the optical fiber ferrule and the ferrule pusher, the sleeve having a top side and an opposite bottom side and two side walls extending between the top and bottom sides and along at least a portion of the sleeve; a cutout in each of the two side walls extending from the rear end toward the front end; and a receiver on the top side engaged with the ferrule pusher.

[0008] In some embodiments, the receiver engages a keyed member of the cannula pusher.

[0009] In some embodiments, the receiver is a recess in the top surface within the longitudinally extending opening.

[0010] In some embodiments, the receiver is a window extending through the top side.

[0011] In other embodiments, the receiver has a forward facing surface to engage a rearward facing surface on the keying portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the optical fiber ferrule and the ferrule pusher are maintained in a spatial relationship within the longitudinally extending opening of the ferrule.

[0013] In yet another aspect, there is a fiber optic assembly comprising a ferrule pusher; a fiber optic ferrule positioned in front of the ferrule pusher within a pulling sheath, the fiber optic ferrule having a plurality of optical fibers supported by the ferrule; and a cover connected to the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher and comprising a sleeve extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear ends, the sleeve defining a longitudinally extending opening extending through the rear end opening for receiving the optical fiber ferrule and at least a portion of the ferrule pusher, the sleeve having a top side and an opposite bottom side and two side walls between the top and bottom sides and extending along at least a portion of the sleeve, wherein the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher are held together in the pulling sheath by the cover.

[0014] And on the other hand, there is a cover for a fiber optic ferrule and a ferrule pusher, comprising a sleeve extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear end portions, the sleeve defining a longitudinally extending opening extending through the rear end opening for receiving at least a portion of the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher, the sleeve having a top side and an opposite bottom side and two side walls extending between the top and bottom sides and along at least a portion of the sleeve; and a receiver located on the top side to receive a protrusion associated with the ferrule pusher.

[0015] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the current embodiments of the invention are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fiber optic assembly according to the present invention, the fiber optic assembly including a cover for a fiber optic ferrule and a ferrule pusher;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of a fiber optic assembly in FIG. 1 with a representative fiber ferrule, ferrule pusher, guide pins, and optical fiber;

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an optical fiber sleeve and a sleeve pusher;

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an optical fiber assembly in FIG.

[0020] Figure 5 is Figure 1 A front left perspective view of the cover portion;

[0021] Figure 6 is Figure 1 A left rear perspective view of the cover portion;

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A top plan view of the optical fiber ferrule and ferrule pusher in a spatial relationship as they would appear in the cover;

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A top view of the optical fiber assembly in FIG.

[0024] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A lower left perspective view of the fiber optic assembly in FIG.

[0025] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an optical fiber assembly according to the present invention;

[0026] Fig.11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cover for an optical fiber ferrule and a ferrule pusher according to the present invention;

[0027] Fig.12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cover for an optical fiber ferrule and a ferrule pusher according to the present invention;

[0028] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 a top perspective view of the middle cover;

[0029] Fig.14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cover for an optical fiber ferrule and a ferrule pusher according to the present invention;

[0030] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A side view of the cover portion of FIG. 1; and

[0031] Fig.16 yes Fig.14 Bottom view of the covering portion in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to one or more present preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0033] Applicants note that the term "front" or "forward" refers to the direction in which a fiber optic connector and / or ferrule will meet another fiber optic connector or device, while the term "rear" or "rearward" is used to refer to the direction from which the optical fiber enters a fiber optic ferrule, fiber optic connector, or ferrule pusher. Thus, each component will have a front portion and a rear portion, and the two front or forward portions of the fiber optic ferrule will engage with each other. Thus, in Figure 1 In the example, the “front” of the fiber assembly is located at Figure 1 The left side of the page and "forward" is toward the left and out of the page. "Rear" or "rear" is the portion of the fiber optic connector or cover located on the right side of the page, and "rear" and "backward" are toward the right and into the page.

[0034] One embodiment of a fiber optic assembly including a cover 10 for a fiber optic ferrule and a ferrule pusher is Figure 1-2, 4-6 and 8-9. The cover 10 has a sleeve 12 extending longitudinally between a front end 14 and a rear end 16. The sleeve 12 has a longitudinally extending opening 18 that opens through the rear end 16 of the sleeve 12 for receiving at least a portion of a fiber optic ferrule and a sleeve pusher, as described below. The combination of the cover 10 and the fiber optic ferrule and sleeve pusher can be referred to as a fiber optic assembly 20. The sleeve 12 has a top side 24 and an opposite bottom side 26. Two side walls 28, 30 extend between the top side 24 and the opposite bottom side 26. The side walls 28, 30 extend along at least a portion of the sleeve 12. Although the side walls 28, 30 are shown as having the same length, they can have different lengths and may not reach all the way to the front end 14 or the rear end 16. As shown, there can be a cutout 32 in each of the two side walls 28, 30, and the cutout 32 preferably extends from the rear end 16 toward the front end 14.

[0035] The longitudinally extending opening 18 is formed and defined by a top side 24, an opposite bottom side 26, two side walls 28, 30, and an inner surface 36 thereof. See FIG6. The top side 24 has a receiver 40 to engage a portion of a cannula pusher 102. Figure 1-2 , 4-6 and 8, the receiver 40 is an opening through the top side 24. However, in another embodiment, the receiver 40' can be a recessed portion in the top side 24' extending longitudinally from the opening 118'. Fig.10 . Receiver 40 (and 40') has a forward facing surface 42 at the rearward end of the receiver. Forward facing surface 42 partially defines receiver 40 (window). Likewise, Fig.10 The receiver 40 ′ shown in FIG. 4 has a channel, rather than a window, shaped to accommodate a portion of the cannula pusher 102 .

[0036] The optical fiber sleeve 104 may be an MT sleeve as is known in the art. It may also be configured in many other ways, such as in Figure 2 and 3 However, the fiber ferrule 104 preferably has a body 110 that includes a plurality of fiber support structures 112 (see also Figure 4 ), which may be a plurality of micro-holes, V-grooves, etc. The optical fiber support structure 112 supports and holds the optical fiber 114 inserted into the optical fiber ferrule 104. The main body 110 extends between a front end 120 and a rear end 122, and the optical fiber 114 extends from the front face 124 of the front end 120 through a central opening in the main body 110 and out of the rear end 122. The rear end 122 of the main body 110 also has a rear face 128. The optical fiber ferrule 104 may also have a guide pin 130 (see Figure 2) and / or a guide pin fixture or spacer 132 disposed at the rear end 122. There may also be more than one central opening through the fiber optic ferrule 104. For example, there may be two or more rows of optical fibers 114, a fiber optic support structure 112 in the fiber optic ferrule 104. See Figure 2 and 3 .

[0037] The fiber ferrule pusher 102 also has a body 150 extending between a front end 152 and a rear end 154. The body includes a central opening 156 extending between the front end 152 and the rear end 154. The central opening 156 also receives the optical fiber 114 disposed in the fiber ferrule 104. The front end 152 of the body 150 preferably has the same dimensions as the rear end 122 of the fiber ferrule 104. However, the dimensions of the body 150 may also be different from the fiber ferrule 104. Since the optical fiber 114 is already in the form of a ribbon, the height of the central opening 156 through which the ribbon optical fiber 114 passes is preferably less than the width of the ribbon (in the transverse direction), at least at the front end 152, and possibly throughout the length of the fiber ferrule pusher 114. This height prevents the fiber ferrule pusher 102 from rotating relative to the ribbon optical fiber 114 and the fiber ferrule 104, for example, when in the pull handle and even after the fiber ferrule 104 engages the fiber ferrule pusher 104. Preferably, the fiber ferrule pusher 102 is generally longer than the fiber ferrule 104 (i.e., in a longitudinal direction parallel to the optical fiber 114). Alternatively, the fiber ferrule pusher 102 may have a similar length to the fiber ferrule 104. Regardless of its length, the fiber ferrule pusher 102 has substantially the same footprint as the fiber ferrule 104. The term "footprint" as used in the present disclosure refers to the height only, the width only, or both the height and the width of the component in question (e.g., the fiber ferrule 104 and / or the fiber ferrule pusher 102) when viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal / longitudinal axis of the component in question (e.g., the fiber ferrule 104 and / or the fiber ferrule pusher 102). In some embodiments, the fiber ferrule pusher 102 (including the key 160, one or more protrusions 180, and the rear boss / flange on one side of the fiber ferrule pusher 102) may protrude no more than or only slightly more than the footprint defined by the fiber ferrule 104 (particularly its flange / shoulder). For example, the footprint may be less than 10% greater than the footprint defined by the fiber ferrule 104.

[0038] The fiber ferrule pusher 102 includes a first alignment structure or protrusion 160 located on a top surface 162 of the body 150. For those of ordinary skill in the art, this may also be referred to as a "key." The first alignment structure 160 is shown as a protrusion in the drawings, but other configurations are also possible. The key 160 may take any shape or location on the fiber ferrule pusher 102. For example, the key 160 may also be located on one of the side surfaces 166 that are located on the opposite side of the top surface 162.

[0039] There may also be a window 168 extending through the top surface 162 and communicating with the central opening 156 forming a passage for the optical fiber 114. The window 168 allows the optical fiber 114 to be accessed and / or visually inspected by a user.

[0040] The fiber ferrule pusher 102 has at least one tab 180 or latch extending from the body 150 to engage a corresponding structure 182 in the housing 106 for the fiber ferrule 104 and ferrule pusher 102. Preferably, there are two such tabs 180, but only one may be required to retain the fiber ferrule pusher 102 within the housing. Figure 7 As shown, the projection 180 is in the form of a cantilevered arm including a front chamfered surface 184 and a rear facing flat surface 186 for engaging the housing.

[0041] like Figure 2 and 7 As shown, the ferrule pusher 102 has an alignment structure or key 160. The key 160 has a rearward facing surface 170. The cover 10 is made of a somewhat flexible or bendable material at least at the rear end 116. Therefore, when the ferrule pusher 102 and the optical fiber ferrule 104 are inserted into the bushing 12, the key pushes against and bends the top side 24 and its inner surface 36. Once the ferrule pusher 102 and the optical fiber ferrule 104 are disposed within the longitudinally extending opening 18, the key 160 will pop out and enter the window 40. The engagement of the rearward facing surface 170 with the forward facing surface 42 prevents the ferrule pusher 102 and the optical fiber ferrule 102 from exiting the cover 10. If the ferrule pusher 102 is pulled up, these two surfaces will prevent the removal of the ferrule pusher 102. The cover 10 is also configured to maintain the ferrule pusher 102 and the optical fiber ferrule 104 in a constant spatial relationship, such as Figure 7 As shown. The ferrule pusher 102 will engage the rear end of the optical fiber ferrule 104. Therefore, when the optical fiber assembly 20 is placed in the pull handle, the ferrule pusher 102 and the optical fiber ferrule 104 will remain connected to each other. Therefore, the optical fiber ferrule 102 and the ferrule pusher 104 are held together in the pull handle by the cover 10. For example, see Figure 4Although the key 160 performs dual functions as a key and as a projection that engages the receiver 40, the key and projection may be two different components and / or structures.

[0042] The longitudinally extending opening 18 can be configured to match the structure of the ferrule pusher 102 and the optical fiber ferrule 104. The front end 120 of the optical fiber ferrule can engage the corresponding structure in the longitudinally extending opening 18 to provide a stopping point for the ferrule pusher 102 and the optical fiber ferrule 104. Figure 4 The cover 10 may also have an opening at the front end 14 to receive the guide pin 130. These structures will be positioned within the bushing so that the key 160 will be disposed within the receiver 40 (or 40') and its rearward facing surface 170 engages the forward facing surface 42. To remove the ferrule pusher 102 and the fiber ferrule 104, a lever or finger may be pulled up on the top side 24 to allow the bushing 12 to be released by the key 160. The cover 10 may then be pulled forward and away from the ferrule pusher 104 and the fiber ferrule 102 outside of the pull sleeve. The cover 10 may then be discarded or reused.

[0043] The cutouts 32 each receive one of the tabs or latches 180 on the ferrule pusher 102. The tabs 180 extend outwardly away from the sides of the ferrule pusher portion 102. The cutouts 32 thus allow the ferrule 10 to be as narrow as possible and still not have to worry about the tabs 180 engaging the ferrule 10, thereby optimizing the available space within the pulling boot for multiple such fiber optic assemblies 20.

[0044] Fig.11 Another embodiment of a cover 210 for a fiber ferrule and ferrule pusher according to the present invention is shown. Cover 210 is similar to cover 10 and has the same general construction and elements. One of the differences in cover 210 is that there are two receivers 40 and 240 to engage a portion of ferrule pusher 102, rather than just one receiver 40 located in top side 224. Fig.11 As shown, there is a receiver 40 located in the top side 224 and a second receiver 240 located in the opposing bottom side 226. As described above, both receivers 40 and 240 may be recesses in the top side extending from a longitudinal opening.

[0045] Each of the receivers 40,240 has a forward facing surface, element 42 and 242, respectively, at a rear end of the receiver. The forward facing surface 42,242 partially defines the receiver 40,240.

[0046] Fig.12 and 13Yet another embodiment of a cover 310 for an optical fiber ferrule 104 and a ferrule pusher 102 according to the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the cover 310 has a top side 324 and an opposite bottom side 326. In this embodiment, the top side 324 and the bottom side 326 do not extend as far back as they did in the previous embodiments. In fact, the top side 324 and the bottom side 326 stop before the location of the receiver in those previous embodiments. In fact, there is no receiver in this embodiment, but rather a cutout as described below. Two side walls 328, 330 extend between the top side 324 and the opposite bottom side 326 and extend back along at least a portion of the liner 312 and extend further back than the top side 324 and the bottom side 326. As shown, there is a cutout 332 in each of the two side walls 328, 330, which is preferably in the form of a hole or opening having a rearward portion 338 to surround the cutout 332. The cutouts will receive the tabs 180 or latches extending from the body 150 of the ferrule pusher 102. In this case, the tabs 180 engaging the cutouts 332 retain the fiber ferrule pusher 102 and the fiber ferrule 104 in the cover 310.

[0047] Figure 14-16 Another embodiment of a cover 410 for a fiber ferrule 104 and ferrule pusher 102 according to the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the cover 410 has a top side 424 and a shortened opposite bottom side 426. In this embodiment, the bottom side 426 does not extend as far back as the top side 424 or as far back as in the previous embodiments (except for the cover 310). However, the bottom side 426 does extend far enough to prevent the end face of the fiber ferrule 104 from being contaminated. Two side walls 428, 430 extend between at least a portion of the top side 424 and the bottom side 426, but then the height of the side walls decreases as one moves further from the rear of the cover 410. The top side 424 does have a receiver 440, which is shown as an opening through the top side 424, alternatively, it can also be a recess, such as the receiver 40'.

[0048] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present invention as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An optical fiber assembly, comprising: Casing pusher; an optical fiber ferrule positioned forward of the ferrule pusher within the pull handle, the optical fiber ferrule having a plurality of optical fibers supported by the ferrule; as well as a cover portion coupled to the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher and including a sleeve extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear end portions, the sleeve defining a longitudinally extending opening through the rear end opening for receiving at least a portion of the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher, the sleeve having a top side and an opposite bottom side, and two side walls extending between the top and bottom sides and along at least a portion of the sleeve, The ferrule pusher engages the rear end of the optical fiber ferrule in such a manner that the optical fiber ferrule and the ferrule pusher are held together within the pulling handle by the covering portion.

2. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The cover is removably coupled to the optical fiber ferrule and the ferrule pusher beyond the pull handle.

3. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The cover also includes a receiver in the top side to receive a protrusion from the cannula pusher.

4. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The receiver engages a keyed member of the cannula pusher.

5. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The receiver is a recess in the top surface within the longitudinally extending opening.

6. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The receiver is a window extending through the top side.

7. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The bushing has a receiving portion for a guide pin disposed within the fiber optic ferrule.

8. The optical fiber assembly of claim 1, wherein: The cover has a footprint that is substantially the same as a footprint of the cannula pusher.

9. A cover for an optical fiber ferrule and a ferrule pusher, comprising: a bushing extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear end portions, the bushing defining a longitudinally extending opening through the rear end opening for receiving the optical fiber ferrule and at least a portion of the ferrule pusher; The bushing has a top side and an opposite bottom side, and two side walls extending between the top side and the bottom side and along at least a portion of the bushing; a cutout in each of the two side walls, the cutout extending from the rear end toward the front end; as well as a receiver located in the top side and engaged with the cannula pusher, wherein the optical fiber sleeve is positioned in front of the sleeve pusher in the pulling handle, and The ferrule pusher engages the rear end of the optical fiber ferrule in such a manner that the optical fiber ferrule and the ferrule pusher are held together within the pulling handle by the covering portion.

10. The covering portion according to claim 9, wherein: The receiver engages a keyed member of the cannula pusher.

11. The covering portion according to claim 9, wherein: The receiver is a recess in the top surface within the longitudinally extending opening.

12. The covering portion according to claim 10, wherein: The receiver is a window extending through the top side.

13. The covering portion according to claim 9, wherein: A latch from the cannula pusher extends at least partially into the cutout.

14. The covering portion according to claim 9, wherein: The bushing has a receiving portion for a guide pin disposed within the fiber optic ferrule.

15. The covering portion according to claim 12, wherein: The receiver has a forward facing surface to engage a rearward facing surface on the key.

16. The covering portion according to claim 15, wherein: The forward facing surface at least partially defines the receptacle.

17. The covering portion according to claim 15, wherein: The forward facing surface defines a portion of the window.

18. The covering portion according to claim 9, wherein: The optical fiber ferrule and the ferrule pusher are maintained in a spatial relationship within the longitudinally extending opening of the bushing.

19. The covering portion according to claim 9, wherein: The cover has a footprint that is substantially the same as a footprint of the cannula pusher.

20. A cover for an optical fiber ferrule and a ferrule pusher, comprising: a bushing extending longitudinally between opposite front and rear end portions, the bushing defining a longitudinally extending opening through the rear end opening for receiving the optical fiber ferrule and at least a portion of the ferrule pusher; The bushing has a top side and an opposite bottom side, and two side walls extending between the top side and the bottom side and along at least a portion of the bushing; as well as a receiver located in the top side to receive a projection associated with the cannula pusher, wherein the optical fiber sleeve is positioned in front of the sleeve pusher in the pulling handle, and The ferrule pusher engages the rear end of the optical fiber ferrule in such a manner that the optical fiber ferrule and the ferrule pusher are held together within the pulling handle by the covering portion.

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