Fiber optic adapter and fiber optic panel assembly

Abstract

A fiber optic adapter and fiber optic panel assembly are provided. A slidable fiber optic adapter is slidable relative to a mounting bracket configured to be mounted to a fiber optic tray in a panel assembly for fiber optic interconnections. The slidable adapter can be slid between a non-extended position and an extended position. Thus, when fiber optic connectors having different polarities are connected to the slidable adapter, the slidable fiber optic adapter can be pulled into the extended position to allow the fiber optic connectors having different polarities to be in a staggered configuration, thus providing sufficient space between them for finger access by an operator or technician for cable inspection and management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to fiber optic adapters and fiber optic panel assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic connectors, cables, and hardware are continuously improving in performance to meet the demands of increasing user numbers and high transmission rates. Fiber optic hardware is increasingly used in various applications, such as data transmission, video, and broadband voice. Fiber optic cables, connectors, or wires connect to fiber optic adapters mounted in panel assemblies housed in cable management racks located in data distribution centers or server rooms. Fiber optic adapters provide cable-to-cable fiber optic connections and manage the polarity of the fiber optic cable connections. Fiber optic adapters are mounted on trays that can be further mounted on panel assemblies. These trays can extend from the panel assembly like drawers, allowing technicians or operators to access the fiber optic components, connectors, or cables connected to the fiber optic adapters without removing the fiber optic modules from the panel assembly.

[0003] While higher density connections with an increased number of fiber optic components and connectors in fiber optic adapters help meet increased demand, this higher density makes it difficult to access the connected fiber optic components and connectors within the adapter. Traditional tray pull-out configurations typically have narrow spaces between the fiber optic connectors attached to the adapter, making it difficult for operators to access with their fingers to remove or arrange fiber optic connectors in the adapter, which is further mounted in a panel assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A fiber optic panel assembly is provided, including a fiber optic adapter slidable relative to a mounting bracket configured to be mounted to the fiber optic panel assembly. The fiber optic adapter, disposed within the mounting bracket, is slidable between an extended position and a non-extended position to facilitate finger access to fiber optic connectors coupled to the fiber optic adapter. The extended position of the fiber optic adapter relative to the mounting bracket provides sufficient space between the fiber optic connectors for operator finger access while maximizing the number of fiber optic connectors in the fiber optic panel assembly. In one example, the fiber optic adapter includes a housing comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends from the second portion. A plurality of connection ports are defined in the second portion of the housing. A sliding feature is disposed around the outer surface of the first portion.

[0005] In one example, the sliding feature is a rectangular ring that at least partially circumscribes the outer periphery of the first portion. The sliding feature is configured to allow the fiber optic adapter to slide relative to the mounting bracket when it is attached to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is configured to be mounted to the fiber optic panel assembly for fiber optic cable connection.

[0006] In one example, the sliding feature includes sidewalls extending along opposite sides of the sliding feature, and one or more ramps formed on each sidewall of the sliding feature. In one example, a first fixing rod is formed on one of the sidewalls of the sliding feature. A stop is formed at the end face of a first portion of the fiber optic adapter. The stop is configured to engage with a post of the mounting bracket when the fiber optic adapter is coupled to the mounting bracket and pulled to the extended position.

[0007] In one example, multiple engagement features are formed on the second portion of the fiber optic adapter, and these engagement features are configured to engage with the posts of the mounting bracket when the fiber optic adapter is attached to the mounting bracket and held in the non-extended position. The connection port is configured to receive a bipolar fiber optic connector.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an optical fiber panel assembly including a mounting bracket disposed in a slidable tray within the optical fiber panel assembly and a slidable optical fiber adapter disposed in the mounting bracket, wherein the slidable optical fiber adapter is slidable relative to the mounting bracket between an extended position and a non-extended position.

[0009] In one example, the fiber optic adapter includes a housing, which comprises a second portion and a first portion connected to the second portion. Multiple connection ports are defined within the second portion of the housing. Sliding features are arranged around the periphery of the first portion.

[0010] In one example, the connection port is configured to receive a bipolar fiber optic connector. When the sliding fiber optic adapter is in the non-extended position, the sliding fiber optic adapter has an end that is substantially coplanar with the inner surface of the mounting bracket. When the sliding fiber optic adapter is in the extended position, the sliding fiber optic adapter has an end that is recessed inward from the inner surface of the mounting bracket.

[0011] In one example, the slidable fiber optic adapter has a stop configured to engage with a post of the mounting bracket when the slidable fiber optic adapter is in the extended position. The slidable fiber optic adapter has multiple engagement features configured to engage with a post of the mounting bracket when the slidable fiber optic adapter is in the non-extended position.

[0012] In one example, the slidable fiber optic adapter has one or more ramps formed on the sidewall of the slidable fiber optic adapter, which are configured to transition from a compressed state to an extended state when switching from a non-extended position to an extended position. A retaining rod is formed on the sidewall of the slidable fiber optic adapter and configured to engage with a channel formed in a mounting bracket.

[0013] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an optical fiber panel assembly including a top cover, a bottom cover, and two opposite side panels defining an internal opening therein. A plurality of slidable optical fiber adapters are disposed in a mounting bracket within the optical fiber panel assembly, wherein each slidable optical fiber adapter is individually slidable between an extended position and a non-extended position. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1A-1C An example of an optical fiber connector according to aspects of this disclosure is depicted.

[0015] Figure 2 Examples of fiber optic connectors with different polarity configurations connected to a sliding fiber optic adapter according to aspects of this disclosure are depicted.

[0016] Figure 3 An example fiber optic panel assembly according to aspects of this disclosure is depicted, which may have multiple fiber optic adapters mounted therein.

[0017] Figure 4 Depicting aspects according to this disclosure Figure 3 A top view of a fiber optic panel assembly, which may have multiple sliding fiber optic adapters mounted therein.

[0018] Figures 5A-5B Each aspect according to this disclosure is described. Figure 3 Top view and enlarged top view of the fiber optic panel assembly, which has multiple fiber optic connectors that connect to a sliding fiber optic adapter.

[0019] Figure 6 Depicting aspects according to this disclosure Figure 3 A top view of the fiber optic panel assembly, showing a narrow space between the fiber optic connectors of different polarities that are connected to the sliding adapter in the non-extended position.

[0020] Figure 7 Depicting aspects according to this disclosure Figure 3 A top view of a fiber optic panel assembly having one of the fiber optic adapters in an extended position.

[0021] Figure 8 Depicting aspects according to this disclosure Figure 3 A top view of a fiber optic panel assembly having one of its sliding adapters in an extended position for finger access.

[0022] Figures 9A-9B A perspective view of a fiber optic adapter according to aspects of this disclosure is depicted.

[0023] Figure 9C-9DA perspective view depicting a slidable fiber optic adapter in a non-extended position and an extended position relative to a mounting bracket configured for mounting to a fiber optic panel assembly, according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0024] Figures 10A-10B A top view depicts a slidable fiber optic adapter in a non-extended position and an extended position relative to a mounting bracket configured for mounting to a fiber optic panel assembly, according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 11A-11B An example of a bendable support plate that can be disposed in an optical fiber panel assembly according to aspects of this disclosure is depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This disclosure provides a slidable fiber optic adapter relative to a mounting bracket configured to be mounted to a fiber optic tray in a panel assembly for fiber optic interconnection. The fiber optic adapter is slidable between a non-extended position and an extended position, allowing fiber optic connectors to be connected to the adapter with relatively wide space when slid to the extended position. This relatively wide space between the fiber optic connectors provides sufficient room for operator or technician access with their fingers. Therefore, operator or technician can easily access the fiber optic connectors and reduce interference from adjacent fiber optic connectors. The fiber optic adapter can receive and accommodate fiber optic connectors with different polarities while maintaining sufficient space between the connectors for inspection and connection management. Furthermore, by utilizing the slidable fiber optic adapter in the fiber optic panel assembly, multiple fiber optic connectors with different polarities can be placed in a compact arrangement, thereby effectively utilizing space in the fiber optic panel assembly to increase the capacity of adapters that can be carried in the panel assembly. The slidable fiber optic adapter can be individually pulled out to the extended position for easy management of target fiber optic connectors connected to the fiber optic tray for cable inspection and management.

[0027] Figure 1A-1C An example of a fiber optic connector 100 providing a bipolar configuration is depicted. Figure 1A A top view of a fiber optic connector 100 is depicted. The fiber optic connector 100 includes a body 102 having two connector assemblies 110 (shown as 110a, 110b) connected thereto.

[0028] Figure 1BA front view of the fiber optic connector 100 is depicted, showing two connector assemblies 110 (shown as 110a and 110b) formed in the front portion 103 of the fiber optic connector 100. Connector polarity markings 104 are formed in the body 102, indicating the polarity of the fiber optic connector 100. The body 102 encloses two optical fibers that are respectively connected to the two connector assemblies 110a and 110b. The two optical fibers encapsulated in the body 102 are connected to a cable 122 connected to the body 102.

[0029] Figure 1C A side view of the fiber optic connector 100 is depicted. A latch 106 has a first end 120 connected to connector assemblies 110a and 110b via a spring-loaded latch arm 130 and a second end 124 connected to a body 102. The latch 106 secures the fiber optic connector 100 to an adapter. The spring-loaded latch arm 130 releasably engages the latch 106. The spring-loaded latch arm 130 can be pressed to disengage from the latch 106. When the spring-loaded latch arm 130 is released and disengaged from the latch 106, connector assemblies 110a and 110b can be inserted into the adapter in a predetermined insertion direction. The adapter can be disposed in a fiber optic panel assembly 300, which can be mounted in a fiber optic management system. The latch 106 abuts against the spring-loaded latch arm 130 connected to connector assemblies 110a and 110b. When the latch 106 is pressed, it pushes the spring-loaded latch arm 130 in a downward direction. This movement can cause connector assemblies 110a and 110b to disengage from the adapter, allowing them to be removed from the port. When a polarity configuration reversal is desired, the spring latch arm 130 can be pressed to release connector assemblies 110a and 110b from the body 102. Connector assemblies 110a and 110b can then be flipped and rotated 180 degrees for polarity reversal, and the latch 106 will then be reattached to the opposite position on the body 102. Details of adapters that can be used to mate with the bipolar fiber optic connector 100 are referenced below. Figure 2 The details are illustrated below. While operation of latch 106 in this example can cause both connector assemblies 110a and 110b to disengage, it should be understood that in other examples, the latch may be configured to cause additional or fewer connector assemblies to disengage. For example, each connector assembly 110a and 110b may be disengaged by operation of the corresponding one of two separate latches.

[0030] Figure 2 The fiber optic panel assembly 300 (e.g.) is described. Figure 3 An example of a fiber optic adapter (also referred to as an "adapter" or "sliding fiber optic adapter") 200 is further described herein. It should be understood that... Figure 2The number of adapters and / or adapter ports depicted is merely an example and can vary for different requirements and configurations. Note that multiple fiber optic adapters 200 can be connected side-by-side, end-to-end, in multiple arrays or columns, or in any suitable configuration as needed. Figure 2 In the depicted example, two fiber optic connectors 100a and 100b with different polarity configurations are connected to a fiber optic adapter 200. The fiber optic adapter 200 is configured to receive fiber optic connectors 100 with different polarities. For example, two fiber optic connectors 100 with different polarities (such as a first fiber optic connector 100a having a latch 106 positioned upwards from the housing and a second fiber optic connector 100b having a latch 106 positioned downwards from the housing) Figure 2 (Not shown in the image) can both be coupled into fiber optic adapter 200 simultaneously. Note that fiber optic adapter 200 is a sliding adapter, which can slide relative to the mounting bracket to which fiber optic adapter 200 is mounted. Details regarding the structure and configuration of the sliding fiber optic adapter will be described in more detail below.

[0031] Figure 3 An example front view of a plurality of sliding fiber optic adapters 200 placed within a fiber optic panel assembly 300 is depicted, wherein a top cover 325 is mounted on and covers the fiber optic panel assembly 300. The plurality of sliding fiber optic adapters 200 can be disposed within an internal region defined in the fiber optic panel assembly 300. The fiber optic adapters 200 are disposed vertically in the internal region relative to a horizontal plane defined by the top cover 325 or bottom cover 351 of the fiber optic panel assembly 300. A mounting structure 352 can be disposed on a side panel 312, which facilitates the installation of the fiber optic panel assembly 300 into a cable management system, such as a cable rack located in a server room or data center.

[0032] A sliding tray 336 can be mounted in the fiber optic panel assembly 300. The sliding tray 336 can be configured such that it extends out of the fiber optic panel assembly 300 relative to the side panel 312. Figure 4 As shown, the sliding tray 336 can carry multiple arrays of slidable fiber optic adapters 200 disposed in the mounting bracket 398, so that predetermined adapters 200 can be slid or pulled outward from the top cover 325 of the fiber optic panel assembly 300. Figure 3 In the example depicted, the fiber optic panel assembly 300 has a second tray 339 in an extended position (such as a pull-out position) relative to the first tray 338. Note that the number of trays in the fiber optic panel assembly 300 may vary, for example, based on variations in the size, requirements, and configuration of the fiber optic panel assembly 300.

[0033] Figure 4A top view of a fiber optic panel assembly 300 is depicted, in which a plurality of slidable fiber optic adapters 200 are arranged. The plurality of slidable fiber optic adapters 200 can be disposed within the fiber optic panel assembly 300 via mounting brackets 398 fitted within the fiber optic panel assembly 300. The mounting brackets 398 can be mounted onto a sliding tray 336, such as... Figure 3 As depicted herein, mounting bracket 398 can be removed from fiber optic panel assembly 300 either together with or independently of the sliding fiber optic adapter 200. Mounting bracket 398 can be selected to have a structure capable of allowing and accommodating sliding movement of the sliding fiber optic adapter 200 relative to mounting bracket 398. In one example, mounting bracket 398 may have multiple ports, such as holes, formed in a support plate, wherein the ports allow the sliding fiber optic adapter 200 to be inserted therein. Mounting bracket 398 can be mounted to side panel 312 to mount mounting bracket 398 in fiber optic panel assembly 300. Details of the sliding fiber optic adapter 200 will be further described below.

[0034] Figure 5A A top view of a fiber optic panel assembly 300 is depicted, in which multiple sliding fiber optic adapters 200 are arranged. Figure 5A In the example depicted, three fiber optic connectors 100 are shown and connected to a sliding fiber optic adapter 200. (See example...) Figure 5B As shown in the enlarged view, when the fiber optic connectors 100 are coupled to the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 with the same polarity, the space 502 defined between the fiber optic connectors 100 is wide enough to allow the operator to access it with their fingers.

[0035] In contrast, Figure 6 In the examples depicted, as shown in 100a-d, the fiber optic connectors 100 connected to the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 are configured with different polarities, and the space 602 defined between fiber optic connectors 100b and 100c may be narrow, causing interference and making finger access difficult. For example, in Figure 6 In the example depicted, the second fiber optic connector 100b is disposed in the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 with a first polarity (such as the latch 106b of the second fiber optic connector 100b being configured on the right relative to the body of the second fiber optic connector 100b), while the third fiber optic connector 100c is disposed in the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 with a second polarity (such as the latch 106c of the third fiber optic connector 100c being configured on the left relative to the body of the third fiber optic connector 100c). Therefore, the space 602 defined between the latches 106b and 106c of the second and third fiber optic connectors 100b and 100c is relatively narrow and restrictive, resulting in difficulty in finger access.

[0036] Figure 7An example of a slidable fiber optic adapter 200 in its extended position is depicted. As described above, the narrow space 602 defined between the latches 106b, 106c of the second and third fiber optic connectors 100b, 100c can cause difficulty in finger access. Therefore, the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 can utilize a sliding feature 701 provided in the slidable fiber optic adapter 200, allowing it to be selectively and individually pulled out to the extended position relative to the mounting bracket 398. In the extended position, the latches 106b, 106c of the fiber optic connectors 100b, 100c are configured in an alternating configuration. Thus, the latch 106b of the second fiber optic connector 100b can be temporarily moved out of the horizontal plane (which includes adjacent fiber optic connectors 100c and other fiber optic connectors in the panel assembly), thereby providing sufficient space for finger access, such as... Figure 8 As shown. Therefore, when using and configuring fiber optic connectors 100b and 100c with different polarities, the sliding fiber optic adapter 200 can selectively and / or independently slide between a non-extended position and an extended position to provide sufficient space between the fiber optic connectors 100b and 100c. (Refer to previous text) Figure 7 When the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 is pulled outward, its end 750 (such as the front surface) can be recessed in the mounting bracket 398, causing the end 750 to move distally relative to the inner surface 755 defined by the mounting bracket 398. Thus, when the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 is pulled outward to the extended position, a hole 702 is formed. When the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 is pushed back to the non-extended position, the end 750 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 is reset to its default position, coplanar with the inner surface 755 of the mounting bracket 398.

[0037] Figures 9A-9B A front and rear view of a sliding fiber optic adapter 200 are depicted. In this example, the fiber optic adapter 200 may include a housing 981 having a top surface 902, a bottom surface 904, and sidewalls 906a, 906b, 906c, and 906d defining an internal region within the sliding fiber optic adapter 200. Four connection ports 950a, 950b, 950c, and 950d are defined within the fiber optic adapter 200 and can be configured to receive corresponding fiber optic connectors 100. The number of connection ports 950a-950d defined within the sliding fiber optic adapter 200 can vary and is arbitrary. Connection ports 950a-950d can be configured to receive fiber optic connectors 100 with different polarities, such as... Figure 1A -C describes the bipolar fiber optic connector.

[0038] The slidable fiber optic adapter 200 may include a second portion 982 and a first portion 980 connected to the second portion 982. For example, as shown, the first portion 980 is an extension of the second portion 982 and has a relatively smaller width than the second portion 982. A plurality of engagement features 777 may be formed on the second portion 982, which is configured to mate with a mounting bracket 398 during installation. The second portion 982 has four connection ports 950a-950d defined therein, configured to receive corresponding fiber optic connectors 100. A sliding feature 701 is disposed on the first portion 980 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200. The sliding feature 701 may be, for example, a plate, sheath, or other structure disposed on or integrated with the first portion 980. The sliding feature may be made of, for example, metal, plastic, or any other material. Figures 9A-9B In the example depicted, the sliding feature 701 is in the form of a rectangular ring configured to completely or partially surround the outer surface of the first portion 980 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200. The sliding feature 701 can be secured to the first portion 980 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 in any suitable manner, such as molding, clamping, adhering, welding, etc. Note that the sliding feature 701 can be in any configuration and integrated or coupled to the first portion 980 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200. For example, the sliding feature 701 can be a U-shaped configuration or an arcuate structure, etc., to facilitate sliding movement of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 relative to the mounting bracket 398.

[0039] In one example, the sliding feature 701 may have a top surface 941 and a bottom surface 942 connected by sidewalls 999a, 999b. Each sidewall 999a, 999b is configured to have one or more ramps 705a-705b, 705c-705d, which, when mounted in the mounting bracket 398, are configured to engage with the mounting bracket 398. In one example, each sidewall 999a, 999b is configured to have a pair of ramps 705a-705b, 705c-705d formed therein. The ramps 705a-705d have an inclined surface that is at an angle relative to the plane defined by the sidewalls 999a, 999b of the sliding feature 701. The ramps 705a-705d can provide a sliding interface to engage or disengage with the mounting bracket 398 when actuated or pulled / pushed in different positions. A first fixing rod 901 may be formed on the sidewall 999b of the sliding feature 701 on the first portion 980. The first fixing rod 901 may engage in a first channel 940 defined in a portion of the mounting bracket 398. A second fixing rod 912 may be formed on the sidewall of the second portion 982. The second fixing rod 912 may engage in a second channel 943 defined in a portion of the mounting bracket 398.

[0040] In one example, the sliding feature 701 can be of any suitable or appropriate form to provide sliding movement of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 relative to the mounting bracket 398. During the sliding movement of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 relative to the mounting bracket 398, the ramps 705a-705b, 705c-705d formed in the sliding feature 701 can be compressed from an extended state to a compressed state and then released back to an extended state. The expansion and compression of the ramps 705a-705b, 705c-705d can facilitate pushing and pulling of the sliding feature 701 relative to the mounting bracket 398 between a first position and a second position (such as an extended position and a non-extended position). Since the first portion 980 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 is sized to fit a port defined in a mounting bracket 398 for mounting, the sliding feature 701 is also sized to fit the first portion 980 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 and the port defined in the mounting bracket 398, which is configured to receive the slidable fiber optic adapter 200.

[0041] Figure 9C-9D Examples of a sliding fiber optic adapter 200 mounted and engaged with a mounting bracket 398 in both a non-extended and extended position are depicted. When the sliding fiber optic adapter 200 is as... Figure 9C When in the non-extended position, the first portion 980 and the second portion 982 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 are configured to mate with the sidewall 977 of the mounting bracket 398, and the end 750 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 is coplanar with the inner surface 755 of the mounting bracket 398. In contrast, when the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 is in the non-extended position... Figure 9D When in the extended position, the first portion 980 and the second portion 982 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 are pulled and recessed, causing the end 750 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 to be positioned inward from the inner surface 755 of the mounting bracket 398. Figure 7 As shown, when the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 is in the extended position, the sidewall 977 of the mounting bracket 398 is exposed to define the hole 702.

[0042] Figures 10A-10B Top views of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200, mounted in the mounting bracket 398, are depicted in both extended and non-extended positions. Figure 10AIn the example depicted, the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 is pulled out to the extended position, and the adapter stop 962 engages with a post 963 defined in the mounting bracket 398. The post 963 defined in the mounting bracket 398 prevents the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 from being pulled out further, thereby limiting the movement of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 relative to the mounting bracket 398 to a predetermined distance, such as the size of the hole 702 defined therein. The pair of ramps 705a, 705c remain in the extended state and are stored in the compartment defined between the post 963 and the engagement feature 777 or the side portion 783 of the second portion 982 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200.

[0043] In contrast, when the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 is pushed back to the non-extended position, such as Figure 10B As shown, the pair of inclined plates 705a and 705c can be pressed by the post 963 of the mounting bracket 398, changing from an extended state to a compressed state as they pass through the post 963. Once the pair of inclined plates 705a and 705c have passed through the post 963 of the mounting bracket 398, the inclined plates 705a and 705c can return to the extended state to engage with the sidewall and / or post 963 of the mounting bracket 398, thereby fixing the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 in a predetermined position, wherein the end 750 of the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 is coplanar with the inner surface 755 of the mounting bracket 398. At this time, the engagement feature 777 is configured to engage with the post 963 of the mounting bracket 398.

[0044] Figure 11A A schematic diagram of a curved support plate 1100 disposed in a junction box assembly 1102 is depicted. The curved support plate 1100 can be configured to receive a slidable fiber optic adapter 200, similar to the adapter 200 depicted above, to receive a fiber optic connector, such as the fiber optic connector 100 depicted in FIG. 1. The curved support plate 1100 includes a plate body 1103 having a central portion 1104 and two edge portions 1105 formed at both ends of the plate body 1103. The front surface of the central portion 1104 projects outward to form the curved plate 1100. The plate body 1103 has a curved configuration, with its front surface defining a concave surface and its rear surface defining a convex surface. The curvature of the plate body 1103 is selected such that the fiber optic connectors 100 disposed in the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 in the curved support plate 1100 can have a desired spaced relationship that allows fingers to access the space between the fiber optic connectors 100. Figure 11B An enlarged view of the curved support plate 1100 is depicted. The slidable fiber optic adapter 200 disposed in the curved support plate 1100 allows the slidable fiber optic adapter 200 to be slidably moved horizontally relative to the curved support plate 1100, so as to provide wider space between each slidable fiber optic adapter 200 arranged vertically adjacent to each other side by side.

[0045] Therefore, a slidable fiber optic adapter is provided for fiber optic interconnection, which is slidable relative to a mounting bracket to be installed onto a fiber optic tray in a panel assembly. The slidable adapter can slide between a non-extended position and an extended position. Thus, when fiber optic connectors with different polarities are connected to the slidable adapter, the adapter can be pulled out to the extended position to allow fiber optic connectors with different polarities to be in an interleaved configuration, thereby providing sufficient space between them for operator or technician access. Therefore, the slidable adapter can receive and accommodate fiber optic connectors with different polarities while maintaining sufficient space between the connectors for inspection and connection management. The slidable fiber optic adapter has a sliding feature configured to provide movement of the adapter relative to the mounting bracket between the non-extended and extended positions when sufficient space is required between the fiber optic connectors disposed therein. Therefore, the individually slidable fiber optic adapter provides easy management and access to the target fiber optic connectors coupled to the panel assembly for cable inspection and management.

[0046] Unless otherwise stated, the foregoing alternative examples are not mutually exclusive, but can be implemented in various combinations to achieve unique advantages. Since these and other variations and combinations of the features discussed above can be utilized without departing from the subject matter defined by the claims, the foregoing description should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive of the subject matter defined by the claims. Furthermore, the provision of examples described herein and phrases such as “such as,” “comprising,” etc., should not be construed as limiting the subject matter of the claims to specific examples; rather, these examples are intended only to illustrate one of many possible implementations. Additionally, the same reference numerals in different figures may identify the same or similar elements.

[0047] This application claims the filing date benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 345,960, filed May 26, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A fiber optic adapter, comprising: A housing comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part extends from the second part; A plurality of connection ports are defined in the second portion of the housing, the connection ports being configured to receive a connector inserted into the connection port in a first direction; as well as A sliding feature extends along at least a first side surface of the first portion and a second side surface of the first portion opposite to the first side surface, wherein the sliding feature is configured to allow the fiber optic adapter to slide along the inner surface of the mounting bracket in a direction opposite to the first direction.

2. The fiber optic adapter of claim 1, wherein the sliding feature is a rectangular ring that at least partially surrounds the outer periphery of the first portion.

3. The fiber optic adapter of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be mounted to the fiber optic panel assembly for fiber optic cable connection.

4. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 1, wherein the sliding feature includes: A sidewall extending along the opposite side of the sliding feature; as well as One or more inclined plates are formed on each sidewall of the sliding feature.

5. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 4, further comprising: A first fixing rod is formed on one of the sidewalls of the sliding feature.

6. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 1, further comprising: A stop is formed at the end face of the first part of the fiber optic adapter.

7. The fiber optic adapter of claim 6, wherein, When the fiber optic adapter is connected to the mounting bracket and pulled to the extended position, the stop is configured to engage with the post of the mounting bracket.

8. The fiber optic adapter according to claim 7, further comprising: A plurality of engagement features are formed on the second portion of the fiber optic adapter, the engagement features being configured to engage with the posts of the mounting bracket when the fiber optic adapter is coupled to the mounting bracket and held in a non-extended position.

9. The fiber optic adapter of claim 1, wherein the connection port is configured to receive a bipolar fiber optic connector.

10. A fiber optic panel assembly, comprising: The mounting bracket is located in a sliding tray disposed within the fiber optic panel assembly; as well as A slidable fiber optic adapter is disposed in the mounting bracket, wherein the slidable fiber optic adapter is slidable relative to the mounting bracket between an extended position and a non-extended position.

11. The fiber optic panel assembly of claim 10, wherein the fiber optic adapter comprises: The housing includes a second portion and a first portion connected to the second portion; A plurality of connection ports are defined in the second portion of the housing; as well as Sliding features are set around the periphery of the first part.

12. The fiber optic panel assembly of claim 11, wherein the connection port is configured to receive a bipolar fiber optic connector.

13. The fiber panel assembly of claim 10, wherein, When the slidable fiber optic adapter is in the non-extended position, the slidable fiber optic adapter has an end that is substantially coplanar with the inner surface of the mounting bracket.

14. The fiber panel assembly of claim 10, wherein, When the slidable fiber optic adapter is in the extended position, the slidable fiber optic adapter has an end that is recessed inward from the inner surface of the mounting bracket.

15. The fiber optic panel assembly of claim 10, wherein the slidable fiber optic adapter has a stop configured to engage with a post of the mounting bracket when the slidable fiber optic adapter is in the extended position.

16. The fiber optic panel assembly of claim 15, wherein the slidable fiber optic adapter has a plurality of engagement features configured to engage with the post of the mounting bracket when the slidable fiber optic adapter is in the non-extended position.

17. The fiber optic panel assembly of claim 10, wherein the slidable fiber optic adapter has one or more ramps formed on the sidewall of the slidable fiber optic adapter, the ramps being configured to undergo a transition from a compressed state to an extended state when switching from the non-extended position to the extended position.

18. The fiber optic panel assembly of claim 10, further comprising: A fixing rod formed on the sidewall of the slidable fiber optic adapter is configured to engage with a channel formed in the mounting bracket.

19. An optical fiber panel assembly, comprising: The top cover, bottom cover, and two opposite side panels define the internal opening. as well as A plurality of slidable fiber optic adapters are disposed in a mounting bracket disposed in the fiber optic panel assembly, wherein each of the slidable fiber optic adapters is individually slidable between an extended position and a non-extended position.

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