Multi-port mechanically dominant row adapter assembly
By using levers and carrier structures in the row adapter assembly, the problems of high force and difficult alignment during the installation of multiple fiber optic connectors are solved, achieving a simple and stable fiber optic connector installation effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-14
AI Technical Summary
During the installation of existing fiber optic connectors, inserting multiple connectors requires considerable force, which can easily lead to hand injuries for the installer. Furthermore, uneven force may cause misalignment of the connectors, affecting the optical connection effect.
A row of adapters is designed, including adapters and carriers. A rotatable lever engages with a protrusion on the carrier, leveraging mechanical advantages to accurately insert multiple fiber optic connectors into the adapters, reducing installation effort, and ensuring alignment through guide rails and a latching structure.
It enables simple and accurate installation of multiple fiber optic connectors, reduces the burden on the installer's hands, and ensures the stability and consistency of optical connections.
Smart Images
Figure CN121866498A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Cross-references to related applications
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 583,397, filed September 18, 2023, pursuant to 35 U.S.C., Section 119(e), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology
[0002] The number of fiber optic connectors installed today has increased dramatically in the past few years. Both single-fiber and multi-fiber connectors exist. Given the large volume of fiber optic connectors that need to mate with other fiber optic connectors, it is easier to install multiple fiber optic connectors simultaneously. This is typically done in multiples of two fiber optic connectors (four, six, and twelve fiber optic connectors are also popular). However, inserting multiple fiber optic connectors into an adapter can require significantly more force, for example, 10N per connector. Repeated mating of fiber optic connectors can cause problems for the installer, including injuries to their hands and wrists from all the mating of the connectors. Additionally, as the number of connectors in a row increases, uneven force can be applied to a group of fiber optic connectors inserted into an adapter simultaneously, potentially causing some connectors to be misaligned relative to the mating plane, resulting in optical connection problems.
[0003] The applicant has developed a row adapter assembly that uses mechanical advantages to allow for easier and more accurate installation of row fiber optic connectors in the adapter. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to a row adapter assembly comprising an adapter having a body formed by two long sides defined by two opposing short sides and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the body, the first main opening for receiving a plurality of fiber optic connectors from each of the first and second sides; a carrier formed by two long sides defined by two opposing short sides and having a second main opening extending along a second longitudinal axis between the first and second sides, the second main opening for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber optic connectors; and at least one lever rotatably attached to the body to engage a corresponding protrusion on the carrier to move the carrier and the at least two fiber optic connectors toward a mating position inside the body when mounted in the carrier, as the at least one lever is rotated.
[0005] In some embodiments, the at least one lever includes two levers disposed on opposite sides of the first main opening.
[0006] In some embodiments, the protrusion on the carrier is disposed at the junction of the long side and the short side and extends away from the carrier.
[0007] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of fiber optic connectors has a housing having a length along the second longitudinal axis.
[0008] In some embodiments, the sleeve is used to rotate the at least one lever.
[0009] In some embodiments, the lever is orthogonal to the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis and extends along one of the long sides.
[0010] In some embodiments, the carrier has an opening to receive connector latches on the plurality of fiber optic connectors.
[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one lever has at least one slot to receive a carrier protrusion.
[0012] In some embodiments, a locking portion is provided to hold the at least one lever in the engaged position.
[0013] In some embodiments, the locking portion is disposed on the body.
[0014] In some embodiments, the locking portion is disposed on the carrier.
[0015] According to another embodiment, there is a row adapter assembly comprising: an adapter having a body and two flexible latching arms, the body being formed by two long sides defined by two opposing short sides and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the body, the first main opening for receiving a plurality of fiber optic connectors from each of the first and second sides, each of the flexible latching arms extending on the opposite side of the first main opening and away from the body; and a carrier having a second main opening along a second longitudinal axis between the first side and the second side of the body for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber optic connectors, the carrier having two flanges, each of the flanges on the opposite side of the second main opening to engage a flexible latching arm on the body.
[0016] According to another embodiment, there is a row adapter assembly comprising an adapter having a body formed by two long sides defined by two opposing short sides and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the body, the first main opening receiving a plurality of fiber optic connectors from each of the first and second sides; latches on each of the two opposing sides, each latch having a pair of protrusions; and a carrier formed by two long sides defined by two opposing short sides and having a second main opening along a second longitudinal axis between the first side and the second side of the body for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber optic connectors, wherein the carrier includes sockets for receiving the protrusions respectively, and when the latches are moved toward the carrier, at least two fiber optic connectors mounted in the carrier move toward a mating position / plane inside the body, and the protrusions are positioned in the corresponding sockets.
[0017] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description below, and will be apparent in part from the description or by practice of the invention as described herein (including the detailed description below, the claims and the drawings).
[0018] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the claimed invention. The accompanying drawings are included 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
[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view from the right front, showing an embodiment of the row adapter assembly in the locked position according to the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the front right side of the row of adapter components in the unlocked position; Figure 3 From Figure 1 Exploded view of the front right of the row adapter assembly; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter in the row adapter assembly; Figure 5 This is a right perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier according to the present invention; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A front view of the carrier in the image; Figure 7 Is with Figure 1 A perspective view of a lever according to the present invention used in conjunction with a row of adapter assemblies; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Different 3D diagrams of the levers in the image; Figure 9 yes Figure 1 Front perspective view of the adapter and carrier of the row adapter assembly; Figures 10 to 12 yes Figure 1 A top plan view of the adapter, including two levers and a carrier, of the row adapter assembly, showing the engagement of the adapter and carrier with the fiber optic connector on the first side; Figure 13 This is another embodiment of the carrier according to the invention, on an alternative carrier instead of Figure 1 The adapter has a locking part; Figure 14 This is a perspective view from the right front, showing another embodiment of the row adapter assembly according to the present invention; Figure 15 This is a right-side perspective view of another embodiment of the carrier according to the present invention; Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A front view of the carrier in the image; Figure 17 yes Figure 14 A perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter of the row adapter assembly; Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A rear-view perspective of the main body in the image; Figure 19 Is with Figure 14 A perspective view of another lever according to the invention used in conjunction with the row adapter assembly; Figure 20 yes Figure 19 Different 3D diagrams of the levers in the image; Figure 21 yes Figure 19 Different 3D diagrams of the levers in the image; Figures 22 to 24 It shows the relationship with Figure 15 Sleeves used together with the row adapter assembly; Figure 25 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the row of adapter assemblies, showing the interaction between the sleeve, adapter, and lever; Figure 26 and Figure 27 The movement of the carrier entering the adapter is shown, wherein the movement of the lever originates from the movement of the sleeve toward the adapter; Figures 28 to 30 It shows in Figure 14 A more detailed version of the movement of the carrier and the locking of the carrier and fiber optic connector in the components. Figure 31 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the row adapter assembly according to the present invention; Figure 32 yes Figure 31 Rear-view perspective view of the adapter and carrier of the row adapter assembly; Figures 33 to 35 Showing from Figure 31 The carrier of the row adapter assembly; Figures 36 to 38 Showing more details Figure 31 The main body of the row adapter assembly; Figures 39 to 42 The carrier and Figure 31 The attachment of the main body of the row adapter assembly; Figure 43 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the row adapter assembly according to the present invention; Figure 44 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the row adapter assembly according to the present invention; Figures 45 to 46 Showing more details Figure 44 The adapter in the row of adapter components; Figures 47 to 50 Showing more details Figure 44 The carrier of the row adapter assembly; Figures 51 to 53 It shows the relationship with Figure 44 The carrier for the adapter engagement of the row adapter assembly; Figures 54 to 55 It shows Figure 44 The movement of the lever and the carrier in the row adapter assembly; and Figures 56 to 57 It shows Figure 44 The connection between the carrier and the main body of the row adapter assembly. Detailed Implementation
[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.
[0021] An embodiment of the row adapter assembly 100 according to the present invention is in Figures 1 to 12As shown in the figure, the row adapter assembly 100 has two main components: an adapter 102 and a carrier 104, which can be mounted in a panel or rack (not shown). The adapter 102 has a body 106 formed by two long sides 108, 110 defined by two opposing short sides 112, 114, and has a first main opening 116 along a first longitudinal axis A1 between a first side 118 and a second side 120 of the body 106. As can be seen from the figure, there are multiple fiber optic connectors 130 that can be mounted into the adapter 102. There may be a first plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a mounted on the first side 118 into the opening 116 and a second plurality of fiber optic connectors 130b mounted on the second side 120 into the first main opening 116. The plurality of fiber optic connectors 130b (and the second side of the adapter 102) are typically located behind the panel or rack and are not easily accessible to installers or technicians. In practice, when using the present invention, it is possible that none of the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130b are installed, or only a smaller number than shown in the figure may be installed. In addition, multiple fiber optic connectors 130b can be installed at a future date.
[0022] The row adapter assembly 100 also includes a carrier 104. The carrier 104 is formed by two long sides 142, 144 defined by two opposing short sides 146, 148 and has a second main opening 150 along a second longitudinal axis A2 between the first side 152 and the second side 154 of the carrier 104 for receiving at least some of a first plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a in the second main opening 150. In one embodiment, at least two fiber optic connectors 130a are mounted in the carrier 104.
[0023] The first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 are collinear with each other, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown. Additionally, the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130 are preferably very small form factor (VSFF) connectors, although they can be any number of other forms, such as LC duplex or MPO types, wherein corresponding structural modifications are made to the carrier 104 and adapter 102 to accommodate any given format of size, housing geometry, and force requirements. Each of the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130 has a housing 132 extending along the length of the fiber optic connector 130 and in the directions of a first longitudinal axis A1 and a second longitudinal axis A2.
[0024] There are also levers 160, 162 rotatably attached to the body 106 of the adapter 102. Levers 160, 162 engage corresponding protrusions 164 on the carrier 104 to move the carrier 104 and any mounted fiber optic connectors of the first plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a, when mounted in the carrier 104, toward a mating position or plane 124 inside the body 106 as the levers 160, 162 rotate about a pivot 168. This... Figure 1 and Figure 2 as well as Figures 10 to 12 The best view is shown in the image. It can be seen that the protrusion 164 on the carrier 104 is located at the junction of the long sides 142, 144 and the opposite short sides 146, 148, and extends away from the carrier 104. See also... Figure 5 and Figure 6 .
[0025] Turning more detailed to each component in the row adapter assembly 100, adapter 102 in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The adapter 102 is best illustrated in the diagram. The body 106 of the adapter 102 may have a guide rail 170 within a first main opening 116 to aid in the positioning and orientation of the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130 within the first main opening 116. A strength member 172 (or inner wall 172) may also extend within the body 106 and at least partially between the first side 118 and the second side 120 for structural support. For only two or even three fiber optic connectors 130, the strength member 172 may be optional due to the smaller size of the adapter 102. On the other hand, for a higher port count (i.e., a higher number of fiber optic connectors 130), more than one strength member 172 may be used. At the second side 120 of the body 106, a latching opening or recess 174 may be present in the body 106 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130b.
[0026] On the opposite side of the first main opening 116 and on the outer side of the body 106 are locking portions 176 to prevent the levers 160, 162 from rotating beyond a specific point and to allow the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130 to move relative to the adapter 102. Figure 13 As shown, the locking part 176' can be on the carrier 104' instead of on the adapter. Then... Figure 13 In this configuration, levers 160 and 162 can be attached to the carrier 104', such that levers 160 and 162 can rotatably engage corresponding protrusions on the adapter 102 to move the carrier 104' and at least two fiber optic connectors 130a toward a mating position inside the body 106 when mounted in the carrier.
[0027] As in Figure 5 and Figure 6As can be more readily seen, the carrier 104 may also have a guide rail 180 within the second main opening 150 to aid in the positioning and orientation of the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a within the second main opening 150. The guide rail 180 on one of the two long sides 142, 144 may have a different height than the guide rail 180 on the other long side 142, 144. A latching opening or recess 182 in the body 106 is also present at the second side 154 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a. Similar to the adapter 102, a strength member 184 (or inner wall 184) extends at least partially between the first side 152 and the second side 154 for structural support, similar to the strength member 172 of the adapter 102.
[0028] Levers 160 and 162 can be mirror images of each other, or they can be of the same structure. See, for example... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The levers 160 and 162 have two extensions 190 and a central member 192. Each extension 190 has a pivot opening 194 and a slot 196. The pivot opening 194 receives a corresponding pivot 168 on the adapter 102, which allows the levers 160 and 162 to rotate relative to the adapter and carrier 104. See also... Figures 10 to 12 The slot 196 receives a corresponding protrusion 164 on the carrier 104, and the surface 198 engages the protrusion 164 on the carrier 104 and moves the carrier 104 toward the adapter 102 when the levers 160 and 162 rotate. The length of the levers 160 and 162 between the pivot opening 194 and the push surface 200 provides a mechanical advantage when the levers 160 and 162 rotate and engage the protrusion 164. Figure 10 In the middle, the carrier 104 begins to be inserted into the adapter 102, and the pivot 168 is aligned with the protrusion 164. Figure 11 In this configuration, levers 160 and 162 rotate toward each other, and protrusion 164 on carrier 104 engages surface 198 in groove 196, thereby moving carrier 104 and the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a into adapter 102. Figure 12 In this configuration, levers 160 and 162 have been rotated to a position where they can reach sufficiently far, and the connector has been installed in adapter 102. Levers 160 and 162 engage locking portion 176 to hold levers 160 and 162 in place, and thus also hold carrier 104 in place, preventing accidental displacement of carrier 104. Movement of levers 160 and 162 over a portion of locking portion 176 may temporarily deform during rotation. Once levers 160 and 162 are fully rotated and carrier 104 is locked to adapter 102, fiber optic connector 130 can also be removed separately, while the remaining fiber optic connector 130 remains engaged.
[0029] As mentioned above, Figure 13 It has an alternative carrier 104', wherein the locking part 176' can be on the carrier 104' instead of on the adapter.
[0030] Another embodiment of the row adapter assembly 300 according to the present invention is in Figures 14 to 30 As shown in the diagram. The row adapter assembly 300 has two main components, an adapter 302 and a carrier 304, which can be mounted in a panel or rack (not shown). In this embodiment, there is a different way to move the carrier 304 relative to the adapter 302, namely, the sleeve 322 is used to push the carrier 304. In this embodiment, the carrier 304 ( Figure 15 and Figure 16 It is the same as carrier 104.
[0031] The adapter 302 has a body 306 formed by two long sides 308 and 310 defined by two opposing short sides 312 and 314. See also Figure 17 A first main opening 316 along a first longitudinal axis A1 is also present between the first side 318 and the second side 320 of the main body 306. As can be seen from the figure, there are multiple fiber optic connectors 130 that can be installed into the adapter 302. There may be a first plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a installed on the first side 318 into the first main opening 316 and a second plurality of fiber optic connectors 130b installed on the second side 320 into the first main opening 316. The connectors 130 meet from each side at a mating position / plane 324 inside the main body 306. The plurality of fiber optic connectors 130b (and the second side 320 of the adapter 302) are typically located behind a panel or rack and are not easily accessible to installers or technicians. In practice, when using the present invention, it is possible that none of the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130b are installed, or only a smaller number than shown in the figure are installed. In addition, the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130b may be installed at a future date.
[0032] The adapter 302 has two center guides 326, one on each of the opposing long sides 308, 310 of the first main opening 316 on the first side 318. The center guides 326 are used to align the adapter 302 with the sleeve 322. This will be discussed in more detail below. The adapter 302 also has two sleeve stops 328a and 328b on each short side 312, 314 to prevent the sleeve 322 from moving too far relative to the body 304.
[0033] The row adapter assembly 300 also includes a carrier 304. The carrier 304 is the same as that in the first embodiment and is formed by two long sides 342, 344 defined by two opposing short sides 346, 348, and has a second main opening 350 along a second longitudinal axis A2, the second main opening 350 extending between the first side 352 and the second side 354 of the carrier 304 for receiving at least some of the first plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a in the second main opening 350.
[0034] Similar to the first embodiment, the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 are collinear with each other, as shown below. Figure 15 and Figure 17 As shown and also as described above. Additionally, the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130 are preferably very small form factor (VSFF) connectors, although they can be any number of other forms, for example, as described above with respect to the first embodiment. Each of the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130 has a housing 132 extending along the length of the fiber optic connector 130 and in the directions of the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2. The plurality of fiber optic connectors 130 also have a latching mechanism 134 that engages with an opening or recess 374 in the adapter 302.
[0035] There are also levers 360, 362 rotatably attached to the body 306 of the adapter 302. Similar to the first embodiment, levers 360, 362 engage corresponding protrusions 364 on the carrier 304 to move the carrier 304. This allows any mounted fiber optic connector of the first plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a in the carrier 304 to move toward a mating position or plane 324 inside the body 306 as the levers 360, 362 rotate about the pivot 368. However, in this embodiment, a sleeve 366 is present, which engages the levers 360, 362 to move the carrier 304. This in… Figures 26 to 30 As best illustrated in the discussion below, protrusions 364 on the carrier 304 are located at the junction of the long sides 342, 344 and the opposite short sides 346, 348, and extend away from the carrier 304. See also Figure 15 and Figure 17 .
[0036] Turning more detailed to each component in the row adapter assembly 300, adapter 302 in Figure 17 and Figure 18As best shown in the diagram. The body 306 of the adapter 302 may have a guide rail 370 within the first main opening 316 to aid in the positioning and orientation of the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130 within the first main opening 316. A strength member 372 may also extend within the body 306 and at least partially between the first side 318 and the second side 320 for structural support. At the second side 320 of the body 306, a latching opening or recess 374 may be present in the body 306 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130.
[0037] As in Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be more readily seen, the carrier 304 may also have guide rails 380 within the second main opening 350 to aid in the positioning and orientation of the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a within the second main opening 350. A latching opening or recess 382 in the body 306 is also present at the second side 354 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a. Similar to the adapter 302, a strength member 384 is present, which extends at least partially between the first side 352 and the second side 354 for structural support.
[0038] The levers 360 and 362 may be mirror images of each other, or they may be identical in structure. Levers 360 and 362 have two extensions 390 and a central member 392. Each extension 390 has a pivot opening 394 and a slot 396. The pivot opening 394 receives a corresponding pivot 368 on the adapter 302, which allows the levers 360 and 362 to rotate relative to the adapter 302 and the carrier 304. See also Figures 26 to 30 The slot 396 receives a corresponding protrusion 364 on the carrier 304, and the surface 398 engages the protrusion 364 on the carrier 304 and moves the carrier 304 toward the adapter 302 when the levers 360 and 362 rotate. The levers 360 and 362 also have a return guide protrusion 402 on each of the two extensions 390 that engages with a return guide opening 404 in the sleeve 322. The combination of the return guide protrusion 402 and the return guide opening 404 allows for smoother rotation of the levers 360 and 362 and allows the carrier 302 to move together with the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a.
[0039] Sleeve 322 in Figures 22 to 24As shown in the diagram, sleeve 322 has a top 406, a bottom 408, and sides 410, 412, forming a sleeve opening 414 to receive carrier 304 and multiple fiber optic connectors 130b. On the front side 416 of sleeve 322 are two push surfaces 418, which are used by the user to move carrier 304 toward adapter 302. On the inner surfaces of top 406 and bottom 408 are multiple structures for engaging levers 360 / 362 and carrier 304. Since they are identical on the top and bottom, only the structures on the bottom surface will be discussed herein. First is a center guide receiver 420 for receiving a center guide 326 on adapter 302. This is the first alignment and engagement of sleeve 322 with adapter 302. On either side of center guide receiver 420 is a lever pusher 422 that engages with an extension 390 of lever 360 / 362. Near the lever actuator 422 is a protrusion 424 on another part of the extension 390 of the engaging lever 360 / 362. See also Figure 27 .
[0040] On the inner surfaces of sides 410, 412 are two locking portions 426 and a sleeve stop surface 428. The locking portions 426 prevent the carrier 304 from moving out of the sleeve 322. When the carrier 304 is pushed into the sleeve 322, the protrusion 364 causes the locking portions to move outward, and then when the carrier reaches a specific point, the locking portions 426 can move behind the protrusion 364, thereby keeping the carrier locked in place. See below for reference. Figures 28 to 30 Describe it.
[0041] Next, the sleeve stop surface 428 prevents the sleeve 322 from unintentionally moving too far. Before using the sleeve 322, the sleeve stop surface 428 engages with the sleeve stop 328a. This prevents the sleeve 322 from being inserted prematurely without the carrier 304. Figure 29 As shown, when the carrier 304 is inserted, the protrusion 364 causes the sleeve stop surface 428 to move outward, and the sleeve stop surface 428 can move past the sleeve stop 328a. When the carrier 304 is further inserted, the sleeve stop surface 428 engages the sleeve stop 328b, thereby preventing the carrier 304 from moving too far. See also Figure 30 .
[0042] It should be noted that levers 360 / 362 are already attached to adapter 302, and carrier 304 is already partially engaged with adapter 302 and levers 360 / 362, such as Figure 26 As shown.
[0043] Now let's move on to the operation of the row adapter assembly 300, please refer to... Figure 14 and Figures 25 to 30 . Figure 14The diagram shows the row of adapter assemblies 300 just before the insertion of fiber optic connector 130a. The states of adapter 302, levers 160 / 162, and sleeve 322 are shown. Figure 25 As shown in the diagram. There, the sleeve stop surface 428 engages with the sleeve stop 328a to prevent premature movement of the sleeve 322 relative to the adapter 302. The fiber optic connector 130a is mounted in the carrier 304, and the user pushes the fiber optic connector 130a and the carrier 304 into the sleeve 322 and the adapter 302. See also Figure 28 The locking part 426 moves outward and the carrier 304 passes through the locking part 426. At this time, the carrier 304 is then held in the sleeve 322. See also Figure 26 and Figure 29 Then the sleeve 322 (and the carrier 304) are pushed, and the carrier 304 pushes the sleeve stop surface 428, thereby allowing the sleeve 322 to move forward. The lever pusher 422 then pushes the extension 390, causing the lever 360 / 362 to rotate and capture the protrusion 364 on the carrier 304 to move the carrier 304. Figure 27 .like Figure 27 and Figure 30 As shown, protrusion 424 engages another portion of the extension 390 of lever 360 / 362 to prevent the carrier 304 from moving. The carrier 304 is disposed between the locking portion 426 and the adapter 302. Figure 30 The sleeve stop surface 428 also engages with the sleeve stop 328b, thereby preventing further movement of the sleeve 322. At this time, the carrier 304 and the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a are secured within the adapter 302.
[0044] Another embodiment of the row adapter assembly 500 according to the present invention is in Figures 31 to 42 As shown in the diagram, the row adapter assembly 500 has two main components: an adapter 502 and a carrier 504, which can be mounted in a panel or rack (not shown). The adapter 502 has a body 506 formed by two long sides 508, 510 defined by two opposing short sides 512, 514, and has a first main opening 516 along a first longitudinal axis A1 between a first side 518 and a second side 520 of the body 506. As in the previous embodiments, a plurality of fiber optic connectors 130 are present that can be mounted into the adapter 502. Given the disclosure in other embodiments of the fiber optic connectors 130 described above, this information will not be repeated here, but this embodiment also relies on this information.
[0045] The row adapter assembly 500 also includes a carrier 504. The carrier 504 is formed by two long sides 542, 544 defined by two opposing short sides 546, 548, and has a second main opening 550 along a second longitudinal axis A2 between the first side 552 and the second side 554 of the carrier 504 for receiving at least some of the first plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a in the second main opening 550. The first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 are collinear with each other, as shown below. Figure 32 As shown.
[0046] Adapter 502 in Figure 32 and Figure 36 As best shown in the diagram. The body 506 of the adapter 502 may have a guide rail 570 within a first main opening 516 to aid in the positioning and orientation of the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130 within the first main opening 516. A strength member 572 may also extend within the body 506 and at least partially between a first side 518 and a second side 520 for structural support. At the second side 520 of the body 506, a latching opening or recess 574 may be present in the body 506 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130.
[0047] On the first side 518 of the adapter 502, there are two flexible latching arms 568 extending away from the body 506 and the second side 520. Each of the opposing shorter sides 512, 514 has one flexible latching arm 568. The flexible arms 568 are capable of bending away from the body 506, such as... Figure 38 As indicated by the arrow in the diagram. The edge of the adapter 502 between the two flexible latching arms 568 facing the carrier 504 may have a slight radius or bend to allow easy levering or rotation of the carrier 504 at one of the flanges 560 when engaged with one of the flexible latching arms 568. This allows levering action and subsequent attachment of the other flange of the flanges 560 to the other flexible latching arm of the flexible latching arms 568.
[0048] The carrier 504 may also have a guide rail 580 within the second main opening 550 to aid in the positioning and orientation of the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a within the second main opening 550. The guide rail 580 may have a narrowing structure that allows space for the fiber optic connectors 130a mounted on the carrier 504 to move, rotate, or slide laterally when the carrier 504 utilizes a fulcrum operation, as described below. A latching opening or recess 582 is also present in the carrier 504 at the second side 554 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a. A strength member 584 is also present, extending at least partially between the first side 552 and the second side 554 for structural support.
[0049] Four flanges 560 are located on the second side 554 of the carrier 504, and two flanges are located on each side of the second main opening 550 and on the short sides 546, 548. Each flange 560 has a surface pointing towards the first side 552 and configured to engage the flexible latch arm 568. See also Figure 31 , Figure 34 and Figure 41 The carrier 504 also has a pushing region 562 on either side of the second main opening 550 on the first side 552. See also Figure 33 .
[0050] like Figures 39 to 42 The attachment of carrier 504 to adapter 502 is shown. For clarity, fiber optic connector 130 is omitted. Carrier 504 is brought to adapter 502, and one of the flexible latching arms 568 on adapter 502 is biased to one side to engage two of the flanges 560 on carrier. See also Figure 41 Another flexible latching arm 568 on adapter 502 bends outward and away from carrier 504. The flexible latching arm 568 on adapter 502 is used to form a fulcrum for a lever by first connecting it to two flanges 560 on the carrier, allowing the user to push the actuation area 562 (in...). Figure 41 The upper side of the adapter 502 gains mechanical advantage when the carrier 504 is connected to the adapter 502 by utilizing another of the flexible latch arms 568 and another of the flanges 560 on the adapter 502.
[0051] Another embodiment of the row adapter assembly 600 according to the present invention is in Figure 43 As shown in the diagram, the row adapter assembly 600 has two main components: an adapter 602 and a carrier 604, which can be mounted in a panel or rack (not shown). In this embodiment, levers 660 / 662 extend across the two long sides 642, 644 of the carrier 604 and the long side of the adapter 602. A protrusion 664 engaging the levers 660 / 662 is also on the short side 612. Similarly, a pivot 668 about which the levers 660 / 662 rotate is also on the short side 612 of the adapter 602. The remaining components are identical to those of the row adapter assembly 100.
[0052] Another embodiment of the row adapter assembly 700 according to the present invention is in Figure 44As shown in the diagram, the row adapter assembly 700 has two main components: an adapter 702 and a carrier 704, which can be mounted in a panel or rack (not shown). The adapter 702 has a body 706 formed by two long sides 708, 710 defined by two opposing short sides 712, 714, and has a first main opening 716 along a first longitudinal axis A1 between a first side 718 and a second side 720 of the body 706. As in other embodiments, a plurality of fiber optic connectors 130 that can be mounted into the adapter 702 may be present. A first plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a mounted on the first side 718 into the first main opening 716 and a second plurality of fiber optic connectors 130b mounted on the second side 720 may be present.
[0053] The carrier 704 is formed by two long sides 742, 744 defined by two opposing short sides 746, 748, and has a second main opening 750 along a second longitudinal axis A2 between the first side 752 and the second side 754 of the carrier 704 for receiving at least some of the first plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a in the second main opening 750.
[0054] The first longitudinal axis A1 in adapter 702 and the second longitudinal axis A2 in carrier 704 are collinear with each other, as shown below. Figure 45 As shown.
[0055] There are also levers 760 and 762 attached to the relatively short sides 712 and 714 of the body 706 of the adapter 702. The levers 760 and 762 are fixedly attached to the adapter 702, but can be bent inwards toward each other. See also Figure 54 and Figure 55 On levers 760 and 762, there is an inclined protrusion 766 to engage part of the carrier 704. See also Figure 46 On the top and bottom of levers 760 and 762 are latches or protrusions 768 to receive corresponding openings or sockets 764 in the carrier 704. See also Figure 47 .
[0056] Turning more detailed to each component in the row adapter assembly 700, adapter 702 in Figure 44 and Figure 45 As best shown in the diagram. The body 706 of the adapter 702 may have a guide rail 770 within a first main opening 716 to aid in the positioning and orientation of the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130 within the first main opening 716. A strength member 772 may also extend within the body 706 and at least partially between a first side 718 and a second side 720 for structural support. At the second side 720 of the body 706, a latching opening or recess 774 may be present in the body 706 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130.
[0057] As in Figure 47 As is more readily apparent, the carrier 704 may also have guide rails 780 within the second main opening 750 to aid in the positioning and orientation of the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a within the second main opening 150. A latching opening or recess 782 is also present in the carrier 704 at the second side 754 to receive latches on the plurality of fiber optic connectors 130a. Alternatively, the latching opening 782 may be equidistant from the first side 752 and the second side 754. Similar to the adapter 702, a strength member 784 is present, which extends at least partially between the first side 752 and the second side 754 for structural support.
[0058] refer to Figures 47 to 50 The carrier 704 has an extension 776 extending from its short sides 746 / 748 to engage the adapter 702. The extension 776 has an opening 764 and also a lip 778 to engage the back side of a pin or protrusion 768, thereby preventing rearward movement of the carrier 704. See also Figure 53 The shorter sides 746 / 748 also have a protruding surface 786 to engage the inclined protrusions 766 on the levers 760, 762. See also Figure 55 .
[0059] Reference Figures 51 to 57 The operation of the row adapter assembly 700 is discussed. Figure 51 In this configuration, carrier 704 (and fiber optic connector, not shown for clarity) is advanced into adapter 702. When extension 776 engages pin or protrusion 768, extension 776 bends upward and passes over pin or protrusion 768. See also Figure 52 The lip 778 engages the dorsal side of the bolt or protrusion 768, thereby preventing the carrier 704 from moving rearward. See also Figure 53 At this point, the user can pinch levers 760 and 762 inward (see...). Figure 54 The inclined protrusion 766 engages with the protrusion surface 786 to move the carrier 704 toward the adapter 702. See also Figure 55 The extension 776 moves past the bolt or protrusion 768, and the bolt or protrusion 768 moves into the opening 764. See also Figure 56 and Figure 57 At this point, the carrier 704 is fully mounted on the adapter 702.
[0060] Accordingly, the various embodiments of this disclosure thus provide mechanical advantages for the accurate simultaneous insertion and mating of multiple fiber optic connectors in a row at the mating plane, without the end user having to apply excessive force to their parts due to lever action from the row adapter assembly. Finally, once the connectors are mated, and if it is necessary to pull out individual connectors one at a time or even two at a time (e.g., using the sheath portion of fiber optic connector 130), the above-described embodiments allow the end user to do so without interfering with other individual fiber optic connectors.
[0061] 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, this invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A row adapter assembly, comprising: An adapter having a body formed by two long sides defined by two opposing short sides, and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the body, the first main opening being for receiving a plurality of fiber optic connectors from each of the first side and the second side. as well as The carrier is formed by two long sides defined by two opposing short sides and has a second main opening extending along a second longitudinal axis between the first and second sides for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber optic connectors. as well as At least one lever, rotatably attached to the body to engage a corresponding protrusion on the carrier, so as to move the carrier and the at least two fiber optic connectors toward a mating position inside the body when mounted in the carrier, when the at least one lever is rotated.
2. The row adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one lever comprises two levers disposed on opposite sides of the first main opening.
3. The row adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion on the carrier is disposed at the junction of the long side and the short side and extends away from the carrier.
4. The row adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fiber optic connectors has a housing having a length along the second longitudinal axis.
5. The row adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is used to rotate the at least one lever.
6. The row adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the lever is orthogonal to the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis and extends along one of the long sides.
7. The row adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the carrier has an opening to receive connector latches on the plurality of fiber optic connectors.
8. The row adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one lever has at least one slot to receive a carrier protrusion.
9. The row adapter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a locking portion to hold the at least one lever in an engaged position.
10. The row adapter assembly according to claim 9, wherein the locking portion is disposed on the body.
11. The row adapter assembly according to claim 9, wherein the locking portion is disposed on the carrier.
12. A row adapter assembly, comprising: An adapter having a body and two flexible latching arms, the body being formed by two long sides defined by two opposing short sides and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the body, the first main opening being for receiving a plurality of fiber optic connectors from each of the first side and the second side, each of the flexible latching arms extending on the opposite side of the first main opening and away from the body; as well as The carrier has a second main opening along a second longitudinal axis between a first and a second side of the body for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber optic connectors, the carrier having two flanges, each of the flanges being on the opposite side of the second main opening to engage a flexible latching arm on the body.
13. The row adapter assembly of claim 12, wherein a first flange of the two flanges is connected to the adapter, and when a second flange of the two flanges moves to contact the adapter, the second flange of the two flanges engages the carrier, the connection between the first flange of the two flanges and the adapter acting as a fulcrum to move the carrier to the adapter.
14. A row adapter assembly, comprising: An adapter having a body formed by two long sides defined by two opposing short sides, and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the body, the first main opening receiving a plurality of fiber optic connectors from each of the first side and the second side. Each of the two opposite sides has a latch, each latch having a pair of protrusions; and The carrier is formed by two long sides defined by two opposing short sides and has a second main opening along a second longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the body for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber optic connectors. The carrier includes sockets for receiving the protrusions respectively, and when the latch is moved toward the carrier, at least two fiber optic connectors mounted in the carrier move toward mating positions / planes inside the body, and the protrusions are positioned in their respective sockets.
15. A row adapter assembly, comprising: An adapter having a body formed by two long sides defined by two opposing short sides, and having a first main opening along a first longitudinal axis between a first side and a second side of the body, the first main opening being for receiving a plurality of fiber optic connectors from each of the first side and the second side. as well as The carrier is formed by two long sides defined by two opposing short sides and has a second main opening along a second longitudinal axis between the first and second sides for receiving at least two of the plurality of fiber optic connectors. as well as At least one lever, rotatably engaging a corresponding protrusion on the carrier or the adapter, to move the carrier and the at least two fiber optic connectors, when mounted in the carrier, toward a mating position inside the body for engaging the plurality of fiber optic connectors from the first side and the second side, when the at least one lever is rotated. After the engagement, each of the plurality of fiber optic connectors can be removed from the row adapter assembly.