push sleeve

Abstract

A fiber optic ferrule push includes a body extending between a front end and a rear end, the body having a central opening extending between the front end and the rear end to receive a plurality of optical fibers passing through the central opening, a forward facing surface configured to engage a rear surface of a fiber optic ferrule, and at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the body to engage a housing configured to receive the fiber optic ferrule, the fiber optic ferrule push can further include a key extending outwardly from a surface of the body. The fiber optic ferrule push can be paired with a fiber optic ferrule in a fiber optic assembly.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Card Sleeve Push", filed on September 17, 2020, with application number 202080079134.0.

[0002] Relevant case references

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 901,636, filed September 17, 2019, pursuant to 35 U.SC §119(e), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0004] In data center environments, fiber optic routing between data centers typically requires connecting thousands of fibers to link one data center building to another. This connection necessitates manually splicing thousands of fibers. Splicing is usually the last step before the data center connection is complete. However, manually splicing fibers is both time-consuming and expensive due to the labor and equipment costs required. Therefore, this task becomes a bottleneck when new data centers come online.

[0005] One approach to avoid splicing involves using pre-terminated MT ferrules in the pull grip (or "pull sheath") of the sheathed cable connecting the two data center buildings. Such pull grips are known in the art. The number of fiber optic ferrules within the pull grip will vary depending on the number of fibers in each ferrule. For example, one pull grip might hold a total of 3456 fibers from 288 fiber optic ferrules (i.e., 12 fibers per ferrule). These fiber optic ferrules are then pulled out of the pull grip at a designated location within the second data center building. The MT ferrules can then be directly connected to an MPO connector using an MT-MPO adapter (such as the adapter shown in the applicant's U.S. Patent 7,296,935). One problem with this approach is that data center technicians / users will need to handle bare, terminated fiber optic ferrules. This increases the chance of damaging the ferrules, especially since hundreds of such ferrules need to be inserted into the MT-MPO adapter. Furthermore, an MPO connector is typically already installed on the other side of the adapter. When the bare fiber optic ferrule is installed along with the fiber optic ribbon, it subjects the ferrule to significant forces (up to approximately 20N). These forces make insertion of the fiber optic ferrule somewhat difficult. While the MT-MPO adapter solution is ideal for many other applications involving relatively few connections, it is feasible but not optimal. An MPO-MPO adapter can be used as an alternative. However, MPO connectors are larger, and due to their size, they may not be able to fit within the cable connecting two data centers or the pull grip attached to that cable. Additionally, using MPO connectors increases the footprint (footprint) on the panel where other connectors are placed.

[0006] Therefore, a solution is needed to address the problem of pulling bulky connectors through conduits to connect to data centers. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a fiber optic ferrule pusher comprising a body extending between a front end and a rear end, the body having: a central opening extending between the front end and the rear end for receiving a plurality of optical fibers through the central opening; a front surface configured to engage with a rear surface of the fiber optic ferrule; at least one protrusion extending outward from the body for engaging with a housing configured to receive the fiber optic ferrule; and a key extending outward from a surface of the body.

[0008] In some embodiments, the forward surface is a first forward surface, and the front end of the fiber optic ferrule pusher has a second forward surface, which is parallel to and disposed behind the first forward surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the front end has at least one receiving portion for receiving a portion of a guide pin disposed within a fiber optic ferrule associated with the fiber optic ferrule.

[0010] In other embodiments, the body has a slot in a surface that extends from the front end to the rear end.

[0011] In another aspect, there is an optical fiber assembly comprising an optical fiber ferrule pusher and an optical fiber ferrule, the optical fiber ferrule pusher further comprising: a body extending between a front end and a rear end, the body having a central opening extending between the front end and the rear end for receiving a plurality of optical fibers through the central opening; a latch disposed on one of a housing and the body for engaging with a surface on the other of the housing and the body; a first alignment structure for engaging with a corresponding second alignment structure on the housing to align the optical fiber ferrule pusher onto the housing; and a forward surface configured to push against a rear surface of the optical fiber ferrule, and the optical fiber ferrule further comprising a body having a plurality of optical fiber support structures for receiving the plurality of optical fibers and a rear end having an opening for receiving the plurality of optical fibers, wherein the opening is less than twice the diameter of an optical fiber inserted therein.

[0012] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings are provided to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in 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. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an optical fiber assembly according to the present invention, showing a cross-section of the housing;

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged top view of the fiber optic assembly, without the housing;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the rear side of the optical fiber assembly;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front perspective view of the fiber optic ferrule pusher;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A rear perspective view of the fiber optic ferrule being pushed in;

[0018] Figure 6 It is with Figure 1 A top view of the cross-section of the fiber optic assembly in the housing;

[0019] Figure 7 It has no shell. Figure 1 A top view of the fiber optic components;

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A top view of the cross-section of the ferrule pusher;

[0021] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an optical fiber assembly according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 10 It has no shell. Figure 9 Bottom perspective view of the fiber optic assembly;

[0023] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an optical fiber assembly according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Top perspective view of the fiber optic assembly in the image;

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 Bottom perspective view of the fiber optic assembly;

[0026] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 A front view of the fiber optic ferrule pusher;

[0027] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A front view of the fiber optic ferrule pusher;

[0028] Figure 16 It is used for Figure 11 Rear perspective view of the housing of the fiber optic assembly;

[0029] Figure 17 yes Figure 11 A perspective view of the fiber optic assembly, showing a housing and a sliding sleeve;

[0030] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the fiber optic ferrule pusher according to the present invention; and

[0031] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of an adapter panel that can receive the fiber optic assembly according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, with examples of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0033] The applicant points out that the terms "front" or "forward" refer to the direction in which the fiber optic connector and / or ferrule (clamp) will meet another fiber optic connector or device, while the terms "rear" or "rear" refer to the direction in which the fiber enters the fiber optic ferrule or fiber optic connector. Therefore, each fiber optic ferrule will have a front and a rear, and the two front or forward portions of the fiber optic ferrule will engage with each other. Thus, in Figure 1 In the middle, the "front" of the fiber optic ferrule is Figure 1 "Front" is to the left and exits the page. "Back" or "rear" refers to the part of the page where the fiber optic connector is on the right side; "back" and "rearward" face to the right and enter the page.

[0034] Figure 1-8 An embodiment of an optical fiber assembly 100 according to the present invention is shown. The optical fiber assembly 100 includes an optical fiber ferrule pusher 102 and an optical fiber ferrule 104. The optical fiber assembly 100 may also include a housing 106, such as... Figure 1 As shown. As described herein, fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 and fiber optic ferrule 104 can be inserted together into housing 106 from rear end 108. The installation of fiber optic assembly 100 will be discussed below.

[0035] The fiber optic ferrule 104 can be an MT ferrule, which is well known in the art. It can also take the form of... Figure 2 , 3 And some other configurations shown in 9. However, the fiber optic ferrule 104 preferably has a body 110 that includes a plurality of fiber optic support structures 112 (see also...). Figure 6 and Figure 9 The fiber support structure 112 can be a plurality of micropores, V-grooves, or similar structures. The fiber support structure 112 supports and retains the optical fiber 114 inserted into the fiber optic ferrule 104. The fiber optic ferrule 104 may also include a window (e.g., similar to) located in the top surface 118 of the fiber optic ferrule 104. Figure 9 A window (in the middle) assists in aligning the optical fiber 114 and receives epoxy resin to secure the optical fiber 114 therein. The body 110 extends between a front end 120 and a rear end 122, with the optical fiber 114 extending from the front surface 124 of the front end 120 through a central opening 126 in the body 110 and exiting from the rear end 122. The rear end 122 of the body also has a rear surface 128. The optical fiber ferrule 104 may also have a guide pin 130 (see... Figure 2 And / or a guide pin clamp or pad 132 located at the rear end 122. There may also be more than one central opening 126 through which the fiber optic ferrule 104 passes. For example, the fiber optic ferrule 104 may contain two or more rows of optical fibers 114 and fiber optic support structures 112. See Figure 3 .

[0036] The fiber optic 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 an optical fiber 114 disposed within the fiber optic ferrule 104. The front end 152 of the body 150 preferably has the same dimensions as the rear end 122 of the fiber optic ferrule 104. However, these dimensions of the body 150 may also differ from those of the fiber optic ferrule 104. Since the optical fiber 114 is already in ribbon form, 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), and this is true at least at the front end 152 and possibly along the entire length of the fiber optic ferrule pusher 114. This height prevents the fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 from rotating relative to the ribbon fiber 114 and the fiber optic ferrule 104, for example, when inside the traction gripper, and even after the fiber optic ferrule 104 is engaged with the fiber optic ferrule pusher 104. Preferably, the fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 is substantially longer than the fiber optic ferrule 104 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction parallel to the fiber optic 114). Alternatively, the fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 may be similar in length to the fiber optic ferrule 104. Regardless of its length, the footprint (footprint) of the fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 is substantially the same as that of the fiber optic ferrule 104, as will be discussed further herein.

[0037] Understandably, within the fiber optic cable bundle puller, only the fiber optic ferrule 104 (terminated by ribbon fiber 114) and the fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 exist. Of course, several of these two components (fiber optic ferrule 104 (terminated by ribbon fiber 114) and fiber optic ferrule pusher 102) are optimally spatially distributed within the traction sheath to maximize the number of components. Additionally, a pin clamp or shim 132 may also be provided within the traction sheath, but the pin clamp or shim 132 may be optional and added after the fiber optic ferrule 104 and fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 have been pulled out of the traction sheath.

[0038] The fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 includes a first alignment structure 160 on the top surface 162 of the body 150. This first alignment structure 160 may also be referred to as a "key" by those skilled in the art. The first alignment structure 160 is shown as a raised portion in the figures, but other configurations are also possible. As described below, the first alignment structure 160 corresponds to a second alignment structure 216 in the housing 106 to ensure that the fiber optic assembly 100 is inserted into the housing 106 in the correct (only one) orientation. If the fiber optic assembly 100 is inverted (rotated 180°) relative to the housing 106, the key 160 will engage with a portion of the housing 106, thereby preventing the fiber optic assembly 100 from being inserted into the housing 106. The key 160 can take any shape or position on the fiber optic ferrule pusher 102. For example, the key 160 can also be on one of the side surfaces 166 located on opposite sides of the top surface 162.

[0039] There may also be a window 168 that extends through the top surface 162 and communicates with the central opening 156 of the channel forming the optical fiber 114. The window 168 allows a user to touch and / or visually inspect the optical fiber 114.

[0040] The fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 has at least one structure 182 extending from the body 150 to engage a corresponding structure 182 in the housing 106 (see Figure 6 The protrusion 180 or latch. Preferably, there are two such protrusions 180, but perhaps only one is needed to hold the fiber optic ferrule push 102 within the housing 106. As shown, perhaps in Figure 8 Ideally, the protrusion 180 takes the form of a cantilever, comprising a front chamfered surface 184 and a rearward flat surface 186. When the fiber optic assembly 100 (especially the fiber optic ferrule push 102) is inserted into the housing 106, the front chamfered surface 184 engages the housing 106, causing the protrusion 180 to bend into the space 188 between the body 150 and the protrusion 180, thereby allowing the fiber optic assembly 100 to be inserted into the housing 106. Once the fiber optic ferrule push 102 has been inserted into the housing 106 a sufficient distance, the protrusion 180 returns to its initial position, and the rearward flat surface 186 engages the structure 182 (window or cavity) which has a front surface 182a (see, Figure 1 The fiber optic assembly 100 cannot be removed from the housing 106 until and unless the protrusion 180 is removed from the structure 182. The protrusion 180 is preferably located at the front quarter of the fiber optic ferrule push 102, facing the front end 152 of the fiber optic ferrule push 102. A latch or protrusion may also be located inside the housing 106 and engage with a cutout, recess, or other feature on the fiber optic ferrule push.

[0041] The front end 152 of the body 150 is preferably configured to engage with the rear end 122 of the fiber optic ferrule 104. The front end 152 preferably has at least two raised portions 190 (forward-facing surfaces) extending from the front end 152 and away from the body 150. Figure 4 and Figure 7-8 As shown, the raised portion 190 is elongated (stretched) at the center of each long side 192. These positions correspond to a pattern of the guide pin clamp or gasket 132 and allow the raised portion 190 to directly engage with the rear surface 126 of the fiber optic ferrule 104. The raised portion 190 can be varied to correspond to different patterns of guide pin clamps or gaskets. Furthermore, the front end 152 can also directly engage with the guide pin clamp or gasket, which in turn engages with the rear surface 126 of the fiber optic ferrule 104. It is desirable that the fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 can engage with the fiber optic ferrule 104 directly or indirectly.

[0042] Alternatively, the raised portion 190 may be positioned on the guide pin clamp 132 (albeit facing the opposite side compared to when on the fiber optic ferrule push 102) to engage its front end. Still alternatively, when the guide pin clamp 132 is absent, the fiber optic ferrule 104 may be modified to have a raised portion at its rear end 122 located on the rear surface 126. In any case, not all front ends 152 of the fiber optic ferrule push 102 may engage or contact directly or indirectly with the guide pin clamp 132 and / or the rear surface 126 of the fiber optic ferrule 104. In another variation, the raised portion 190 may be absent and may be optional for the fiber optic assembly 100.

[0043] The front end 152 may also have two recessed portions or receiving portions 194 to receive the rear end of the guide pin 130. The receiving portions 194 preferably communicate with the central opening 156 and are at least partially formed by the front end 152. The central opening 156 may also have a sloping inner surface such that the cross-section of the central opening 156 at the front end 152 is larger than the cross-section at the middle portion of the body 150.

[0044] As mentioned above, the front end 152 of the body 150 preferably has the same dimensions as the rear end 122 of the fiber optic ferrule 104. In some embodiments, the fiber optic ferrule push 102 may generally have a cross-sectional footprint substantially the same as that of the fiber optic ferrule 104. The term "footprint" as used in this disclosure refers to the height-only, width-only, or height and width of a component (e.g., the fiber optic ferrule 104 and / or the fiber optic ferrule push 102) when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal / length axis of the component. In some embodiments, the fiber optic ferrule push 102 (including the key 160, the protrusion 180, and the rear boss / flange on one side of the fiber optic ferrule push 102) may protrude to a degree not exceeding or only slightly exceeding the footprint defined by the fiber optic ferrule 104 (particularly its flange / shoulder). For example, the footprint may be less than 10% larger than the footprint defined by the fiber optic ferrule 104.

[0045] In addition to the rear end 108, the housing 106 also includes a front end 200 and an opening 202 extending between the front end 200 and the rear end 108. See Figure 1 The housing 106 also includes a key or alignment structure 210 located on the outer surface 212. Similar to the key 160 described above, the key 210 prevents the housing 106 from being inserted into the adapter in the wrong orientation. The key 210 is shown as a rectangular structure on the top surface 214, but it can take any shape or position on the housing 106 to prevent the housing 106 from being incorrectly inserted into the adapter. The housing 106 also has a second key or alignment structure 216 in the opening 202, which aligns with and receives the key 160 on the fiber optic ferrule 104. In this case, the key 216 is a groove in the top of the housing 106.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, the fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 extends rearward beyond the rear end 108 of the housing 106. Therefore, a portion of the fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 is not covered by the housing 106. However, the front end 152 of the fiber optic ferrule pusher 102 is covered by the housing 106.

[0047] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Another embodiment of the fiber optic assembly 300 is shown. The fiber optic assembly 300 has a fiber optic ferrule pusher 302 and a fiber optic ferrule 304. The fiber optic assembly 300 may also include a housing 306, such as... Figure 9 As shown. The fiber optic ferrule pusher 302 and the fiber optic ferrule 304 can be inserted together into the housing 306 from the rear end 308.

[0048] The fiber optic ferrule 304 can also be the aforementioned MT ferrule, or have other configurations and structures. However, the fiber optic ferrule 304 preferably has a body 310 that includes a plurality of fiber support structures 312, which can be a plurality of micropores, V-grooves, or similar structures. The fiber support structures 312 support and retain the fiber 114 inserted into the fiber optic ferrule 304. The fiber optic ferrule 304 may also include a window 316 in a top surface 318 of the fiber optic ferrule 304 to assist in aligning the fiber 114 and to receive epoxy resin to secure the fiber 114 therein. The body 310 extends between a front end 320 and a rear end 322, and the fiber 114 extends from the front surface 324 of the front end 320 through a central opening 326 in the body 310 and exits from the rear end 322. The fiber optic ferrule 304 may also have a guide pin 330 disposed at the rear end 322 (see...). Figure 2 ) and / or guide pin clamps or pads 132. There may also be more than one central opening 326 through which the fiber optic ferrule 304 passes. For example, there may be two or more rows of optical fibers 114 and fiber optic support structures 312 in the fiber optic ferrule 304.

[0049] The fiber optic ferrule pusher 302 also has a body 350 extending between a front end 352 and a rear end 354. The body 350 includes a central opening 356 extending between the front end 352 and the rear end 354. The central opening 356 also receives an optical fiber 114 disposed in the fiber optic ferrule 304. The front end 352 of the body 350 preferably has the same dimensions as the rear end 322 of the fiber optic ferrule 304. However, these dimensions of the body 350 may also differ from those of the fiber optic ferrule 304. The fiber optic ferrule pusher 302 generally cannot rotate significantly relative to the optical fiber 114 and the fiber optic ferrule 304.

[0050] The fiber optic ferrule pusher 302 includes a first alignment structure 360 ​​located on the top surface 362 of the body 350. This first alignment structure 360 ​​may also be referred to as a "key" by those skilled in the art. The first alignment structure 360 ​​is shown as a raised portion in the figures, but other configurations are also possible. As described below, the first alignment structure 360 ​​is aligned with a second alignment structure (and) in the housing 306. Figure 1 The key 360 corresponds to 216 in the original text to ensure that the fiber optic assembly 300 is inserted into the housing 306 in the correct (only one) orientation. If the fiber optic assembly 300 is inverted or flipped 180° relative to the housing 306, the key 360 will engage with a portion of the housing 306, thereby preventing the fiber optic assembly 300 from being inserted into the housing 306. The key 360 can take any shape or position on the fiber optic ferrule push 302. For example, the key can also be on one of the side surfaces 366, which are located on opposite sides of the top surface 362.

[0051] The fiber optic ferrule pusher 302 has at least one protrusion 380 extending from the body 350 to engage with a corresponding structure 382a in the housing 306. Preferably, there are two such protrusions 380, one at the top and one at the bottom (see...). Figure 10 However, it may be sufficient to hold the fiber optic ferrule push 302 within the housing 306. As shown, the protrusion 380 takes the form of a cantilever, comprising a front chamfered surface 384 and a rearward flat surface 386. When the fiber optic assembly 300 (specifically the fiber optic ferrule push 302) is inserted into the housing 306, the front chamfered surface 384 engages with the housing 306, causing the protrusion 180 to bend into the central opening 356, thereby allowing the fiber optic assembly 300 to be inserted into the housing 306. Once the fiber optic ferrule push 302 has been inserted into the housing 306 a sufficient distance, the protrusion 380 returns to its initial position, and the rearward flat surface 386 engages with the structure 382 (window or cavity) having a front surface 388. The fiber optic assembly 300 cannot be removed from the housing 306 until and unless the protrusion 380 is removed from the structure 382. The protrusion 380 is preferably located at the rear quarter of the fiber optic ferrule push 302, facing the rear end 354 of the fiber optic ferrule push 302.

[0052] The front end 352 of the body 350 is preferably configured to engage with the rear end 322 of the fiber optic ferrule 304. The front end 352 preferably has at least two raised portions 390 extending from the front end 352 and away from the body 350. As in the previous embodiment, the raised portions 390 are elongated (stretched) at the center of each long side 392. These positions correspond to a pattern of the guide pin clamp or gasket 132 and allow the raised portions 390 to engage directly with the rear end 322 of the fiber optic ferrule 304. The raised portions 390 can be varied to correspond to different patterns of guide pin clamps or gaskets. Alternatively, the front end 352 can also engage directly with the guide pin clamp or gasket, which in turn engages with the rear end 322 of the fiber optic ferrule 304. It is desirable that the fiber optic ferrule pusher 302 engage directly or indirectly with the fiber optic ferrule 304.

[0053] Figure 11-17 Another embodiment of the fiber optic assembly 400 is shown. The fiber optic assembly 400 has a fiber optic ferrule pusher 402 and a fiber optic ferrule 404. The fiber optic assembly 400 may also include a housing 406, such as... Figure 16 As shown. The fiber optic ferrule pusher 402 and the fiber optic ferrule 404 can be inserted together into the housing 406 from the rear end 408.

[0054] The fiber optic ferrule 404 can be the same as in the previous embodiment; only the relevant structure is described here. The fiber optic ferrule pusher 402 is a tool-free fiber optic ferrule pusher, meaning that tools are not required to remove the fiber optic ferrule pusher 402 from the housing 406 as in the first embodiment. In that embodiment, tools are required to disengage the protrusion 480 from the housing 106. However, the fiber optic ferrule pusher 402 can be removed by simply pressing the rear end 454. For example, the ends of the shoulder 458 can be pressed against each other to reduce the central opening 456.

[0055] The fiber optic ferrule pusher 402 has a body 450 extending between a front end 452 and a rear end 454. The body 450 includes a central opening 456 extending between the front end 452 and the rear end 454. The central opening 456 also receives an optical fiber 114 disposed within the fiber optic ferrule 404. The height of the central opening 456 at the front end 452 is also preferably less than twice the diameter of the optical fiber 114, so as to also prevent rotation of the fiber optic ferrule pusher 402 relative to the optical fiber 114 and the fiber optic ferrule 404. The rear end 454 has an enlarged portion or shoulder 458, which makes it easier for a user to grip the rear end 454. Figure 17 As shown, the rear end 454 and the shoulder 458 extend rearward beyond the rear end 408 of the housing 406.

[0056] The fiber optic ferrule pusher 402 has a top side 434 and a bottom side 436, which are separated by two sidewalls 466. On the top side 434, a slot 438 extends from a front end 452 to a rear end 454. The slot 438 communicates with a central opening 456. The fiber optic ferrule pusher 402 also has at least one protrusion 480 extending from the body 450. While one protrusion 480 may be sufficient to retain the fiber optic ferrule pusher 402 within the housing 406, two protrusions 480 are preferred. In this embodiment, the protrusion 480 extends from the sidewall 466 and is closer to the rear end 454 than the front end 452. In fact, the protrusion 480 is located at the rear quarter of the body 450.

[0057] Figure 13The bottom side 436 of the fiber optic ferrule pusher 402 is shown. A second slot 440 extends from the rear end 454 toward the front end 452, but stops at a shorter distance. The second slot 440 is also narrower than the slot 438 on the top side 434. The second slot 440 also communicates with the central opening 456. The slots 438 and 440 divide the shoulder 458 into two parts. When the user presses the two parts of the shoulder 458 together, the protrusion 480 is released from the corresponding structure (e.g., window or cavity) in the housing 406. Therefore, no tools are required to remove the fiber optic ferrule pusher 402. The slot 438 provides conformability or flexibility to the fiber optic ferrule pusher 402. In an alternative embodiment, the slot 438 may be optional.

[0058] The fiber optic ferrule pusher 402 includes a first alignment structure 460 located on the bottom side 436 of the body 450. This first alignment structure 460 may also be referred to as a "key" by those skilled in the art. The first alignment structure 460 is shown as a raised portion in the figures, but other configurations and positions are possible, as described above. The first alignment structure 460 corresponds to a second alignment structure 416 in the housing 406. See Figure 16 If the first and second alignment structures are not aligned, then the fiber optic assembly 400 will not be able to be assembled into the housing 406.

[0059] Go to Figure 14 and Figure 15 The front end 452 will be discussed. The front end 452 has two distinct forward surfaces 442 and 444. The first forward surface 442 is further forward than the second forward surface 444. The first forward surface 442 is generally smaller (thinner) and extends around the second forward surface 444. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the first forward surface 442 can engage with the rearward portion of the fiber optic ferrule 404. The second forward surface 444 can engage with the rear surface of the fiber optic ferrule 404. Both the first and second forward surfaces 442 and 444 can engage with the fiber optic ferrule 404. The second forward surface 444 may also have two recessed portions or a receiving portion 494 to receive the rear end of the guide pin. The receiving portion 494 preferably communicates with the central opening 456.

[0060] Figure 17 The diagram shows an optical fiber assembly 400 inserted into a housing 406, which may also have a slidable sleeve 498 positioned around at least a portion of the housing 406. Similar to a typical MPO connector, the slidable sleeve 498 is movable or slidable relative to the housing 406. As shown, similar to other embodiments, a portion of the optical fiber ferrule push 402 is outside the housing 406.

[0061] Figure 18 Another embodiment of the fiber optic ferrule pusher 502 is shown. In this embodiment, it is... Figure 11-17 Similar to the embodiment described above, the fiber optic ferrule pusher 502 has at least one protrusion 580 extending from the body 550. While one protrusion 580 may be sufficient to retain the fiber optic ferrule pusher 502 within the housing, two protrusions 580 are preferred. In this embodiment, the protrusion 580 extends from the sidewall 566 and is closer to the front end 552 than the rear end 554. In fact, the protrusion 580 is preferably located at the front quarter of the body 550.

[0062] Figure 19 An embodiment of an adapter panel 600 is shown, comprising a plurality of adapters 602 mounted therein. Each adapter 602 removably receives a housing (e.g., 106, 306, 406), which in turn receives an optical fiber assembly including fiber optic ferrules (e.g., 104, 204, etc.). The fiber optic ferrules may be held attached to the housing or may be removable from the optical fiber, for example, in… Figure 9-17 and Figure 18 In the illustrated embodiment, for example, when not in use, the fiber optic ferrule can slide back onto the ribbon fiber and simply rest on it.

[0063] As mentioned above, the size of the conduit through which the optical fiber passes and the size of the traction sheath are both limited. Therefore, it is preferable to make the optical fiber connectors and components as small as possible so that the traction sheath can accommodate as many terminated optical fibers as possible. Furthermore, various embodiments can reduce the number of components required for optical connection. One way to do this is to remove bulky housings (such as housings 106, 406, etc.) until the optical fiber has passed through the conduit. Such housings can then be installed to complete the assembly of the optical connector. Alternatively, it is possible to pre-install the housing into the adapter disposed within the adapter panel 602 (e.g., in…). Figure 19 (As shown in the diagram). Using the fiber optic assembly disclosed herein, the fiber optic assembly can be easily inserted directly into the pre-installed housing on adapter 602 to simultaneously install the optical connector on the associated cable (with ferrules and housing installed) and the optical connector in adapter 602. The fiber optic assembly is disposed within the housing from the rear. See [link to documentation]. Figure 1Therefore, once the fiber optic assembly is removed from the traction sheath, it can be pushed into the housing using a fiber optic ferrule pusher (e.g., 102, 402, 502). A typical MPO connector may already be positioned on the opposite side of adapter 602, connecting to various devices within the data center. This procedure of connecting the fiber in the ferrule eliminates the need for fiber optic splicing when fiber optic bundles from another data center enter the data center, thus significantly reducing the installation time and complexity required to rotate between two data centers. Since the footprint of the ferrule pusher is substantially the same as that of the fiber optic ferrule within the traction sheath, no major modifications to the traction sheath are required. Therefore, the various embodiments of the fiber optic ferrule pusher disclosed herein can be retrofitted into traction sheaths currently used in the field by the fiber optic connectivity industry. The housing may have a dust plug or other structures to protect the internal parts of the housing from dust and debris. Similarly, the back of the panel with the adapter may also have a dust plug to prevent dust and debris from soiling the surface of the previously installed fiber optic assembly. The fiber optic assemblies disclosed herein may be supplied as a bag of parts or a kit, including Figure 1-19 The components shown are then used by end users in cable assembly plants or data centers to implement the setup illustrated herein.

[0064] Therefore, various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for connecting two or more data centers in an automated or “cross-bonding” manner (requiring no days or weeks of manual splicing) and with minimal human labor. Because the components are manufactured with precision, errors caused by human handling of fibers during splicing are also eliminated or significantly reduced. The method includes the step of connecting a fiber optic ferrule (e.g., fiber optic ferrule 104) to an MPO connector by placing the fiber optic ferrule 104 in a pull gripper of a sheathed optical cable. The fiber optic ferrule 104 has at least one optical fiber terminated therein. Preferably, the fiber optic ferrule 104 is a multi-fiber ferrule, although a single fiber ferrule can also use a smaller fiber ferrule pusher than those disclosed herein. The method includes mounting the ferrule pusher on the rear side of the fiber optic ferrule. The fiber optic ferrule pusher is generally not on the fiber optic ferrule except when used to push the fiber optic ferrule. The method includes mounting a housing (e.g., housing 106) that at least partially surrounds the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule pusher, the housing being insertable into an adapter (e.g., one or more adapters 602) in a panel (e.g., adapter panel 600).

[0065] To install the fiber optic ferrule onto the pre-filled adapter 602, the method includes pulling the fiber optic ferrule out of the pull gripper and, after the pull, using a fiber optic ferrule pusher to push the ferrule into the housing.

[0066] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the object of this invention is to cover such modifications and variations, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An optical fiber assembly, the optical fiber assembly comprising: The fiber optic ferrule pusher further includes: A main body extending between a front end and a rear end, the main body having a central opening extending between the front end and the rear end to receive multiple optical fibers passing through the central opening; A latch is provided on one of the housing and the body, the latch being used to engage with a surface on the other of the housing and the body; A first alignment structure, configured to engage with a corresponding second alignment structure on the housing, to push and align the fiber optic ferrule onto the housing; and A forward surface, configured to be pushed against the rear surface of the fiber optic ferrule, such that the fiber optic ferrule pusher is mounted on the fiber optic ferrule, thereby enabling the fiber optic ferrule to be pushed into the housing using the fiber optic ferrule pusher; and The fiber optic ferrule, the fiber optic ferrule comprising: A main body having multiple fiber optic support structures for receiving the multiple optical fibers; and It has a rear end with an opening for receiving the plurality of optical fibers as a strip.

2. The optical fiber assembly of claim 1, further comprising a housing, the housing further comprising a body extending between a front end and a rear end, and having an opening extending between the front end and the rear end to receive the optical fiber ferrule and at least a portion thereof.

3. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The fiber optic ferrule and the fiber optic ferrule push-ins into the housing from the rear end of the housing.

4. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The fiber optic ferrule extends beyond the rear end of the housing and also extends beyond the front end of the housing.

5. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The fiber optic ferrule has a sloping inner surface such that the cross-section of the opening is larger at the front end of the housing than at the middle portion of the housing.

6. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 2, further comprising: An adapter panel having multiple adapters, wherein one of the multiple adapters is coupled to the housing to removably receive the fiber optic ferrule.

7. The optical fiber assembly of claim 2, further comprising an opening in the top portion, the opening communicating with the opening in the rear portion and the plurality of optical fiber support structures.

8. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The height of the opening is less than the width of the strip.

9. An optical fiber assembly, the optical fiber assembly comprising: The fiber optic ferrule pusher further includes: A main body extending between a front end and a rear end, the main body having a central opening extending between the front end and the rear end to receive multiple optical fibers passing through the central opening; A latch is provided on one of the housing and the body, the latch being used to engage with a surface on the other of the housing and the body; A first alignment structure, configured to engage with a corresponding second alignment structure on the housing, to push and align the fiber optic ferrule onto the housing; and A forward surface, the forward surface being used to directly or indirectly engage with the rear surface of the fiber optic ferrule, such that the fiber optic ferrule pusher is mounted on the fiber optic ferrule, thereby enabling the fiber optic ferrule to be pushed into the housing using the fiber optic ferrule pusher; and The fiber optic ferrule, the fiber optic ferrule comprising: A main body having multiple fiber optic support structures for receiving the multiple optical fibers; and It has a rear end with an opening for receiving the plurality of optical fibers as a strip.

10. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The front surface is directly engaged with the rear surface of the fiber optic ferrule.

11. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The fiber optic ferrule is indirectly engaged with the rear surface of the fiber optic ferrule.

12. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 9, wherein, A pin clamp is provided between the fiber optic ferrule pusher and the fiber optic ferrule.

13. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The front surface is indirectly joined to the rear surface via a needle clamp.

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