Integrated connector cable

Abstract

To provide alternative optical cable configurations to reduce bending stresses in cables and bending stresses at components to which the cables are connected and to further enhance functions of optical cables.SOLUTION: An optical cable includes an optical component assembly, an inner optical fiber, an outer optical fiber, a component cover, and a connector. The optical component assembly has an optical unit. The inner optical fiber and the outer optical fiber are on both sides of the optical unit. The optical unit receives a first optical signal from the inner optical fiber and the outer optical fiber receives a second optical signal from the optical unit or the optical unit receives the second optical signal from the outer optical fiber and the inner optical fiber receives the first optical signal from the optical unit. The component cover covers the entirety of the optical unit, a portion of the inner optical fiber, and a portion of the outer optical fiber. The connector has a portion of a first outer optical fiber exposed to transmit the second optical signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to optical cables and optical assemblies, and more particularly to such devices. This relates to reducing bending stress on the material.

[0002] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 725,619, filed August 31, 2018. U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 551,030, filed August 26, 2019, claiming benefit of the filing date No. 6,393,633, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. This shall be done. [Background technology]

[0003] In the optical system, an optical cable is provided with an adapter configured to receive the optical cable. The connector and the cable are connected to components such as adapters, patch panels, and other optical cables. The boots that cover the connectors at the ends of the cables and the parts to which the connectors are connected are placed in a tight environment. The equipment may be exposed to bending stresses when it is used in a crowded environment, for example, Such a termination box or unit is used for terminating optical fiber cables. Stresses may cause the cable or the parts to which it is connected to reach their intended useful life. In response to such stresses, failures often occur in those cables or components before they can be repaired. Boots that are always bent are used. However, depending on the application or space constraints, straight boots may be used. Straight boot sections are preferred, and bent cable boots may be difficult for operators to use in some applications. It can be difficult for

[0004] When a cable is subjected to a force acting in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis defined by the cable, In some cases, the stiffness and weight of the optical components in the cable can cause additional stresses on the cable. The above mentioned cables are used for the interconnection of optical fibers or The terminator refers to the interconnection between optical fiber and another adapter or termination unit that performs a specialized function. The optical components mentioned above include filters, reflectors, and splitters. Such optical components take up valuable instrument space and are loosely mounted. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] This results in bending stresses in the cable and in the components to which the cable is connected. Another step is to reduce the noise and, as always, to further improve the functionality of optical cables. There is a demand for an optical cable configuration that satisfies the above requirements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, an optical cable includes an optical component assembly, a first inner optical fiber, and a second inner optical fiber. The optical component may include an outer optical fiber, a component cover, and a connector. The assembly may include an optical unit. The outer optical fiber is configured to receive a first optical signal from the first inner optical fiber. and the first outer optical fiber transmits a second optical fiber from the optical unit. or the optical unit is connected to the first outer optical fiber so as to receive a signal. and the first inner optical fiber is adapted to receive the second optical signal from the of the optical unit so as to be able to receive the first optical signal from the optical unit. The component cover may be provided on both sides of the optical unit. covering a first portion of the inner optical fiber and a first portion of the first outer optical fiber; The connector may include a second portion of the first outer optical fiber, The second portion may be exposed to deliver the second optical signal.

[0007] In some aspects, the first optical signal can be the same as the second optical signal. In some aspects, the first optical signal can be formed by a light beam. In some such aspects, the light beam is modified by the optical unit. and the second optical signal may be formed by the modified optical beam. .

[0008] In some embodiments, the optical unit may include a termination unit, one or more filters, or Filter modules, splitter devices, coupler devices, reflectors, attenuators, dispersion compensation The present invention may include any one or any combination of the following: The filter or the filter module may be an optical tap filter or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The electro-optical element may be transmitted by an optical fiber. It receives both optical signals that can be transmitted by light and electrical signals that can be transmitted by electrical wires. Examples of suitable photodiode arrays include, but are not limited to, tap photodiode arrays that can be used for detecting the presence of a photodiode. stomach.

[0009] In some aspects, the optical unit includes a termination unit. Each of the outer optical fibers may be terminated in the termination unit. In some aspects, the optical unit includes an electro-optical component. the component is electrically attachable to transmit an electrical signal from said electrical wire; Furthermore, an optical signal from either the first inner optical fiber or the first outer optical fiber can be transmitted.

[0010] In some aspects, an optical unit includes an optical signal splitter device or an optical signal coupler device. The optical signal splitter device may provide N×M optical fiber coupling. The optical signal coupler device may be wavelength-based or power-distribution based. In some aspects, the wavelength-based splitter device or coupler The device is a wavelength-division multiplexer (WDM) and In some aspects, the power distribution bases, none of which are wavelength dependent, may be The splitter or coupler device may be an optical fiber tap. In some such embodiments, the optical fiber tap may include, as the case may be, each of the It may be parallel to one inner optical fiber or to the first outer optical fiber.

[0011] In some aspects, the connector may further include a ferrule, and the first outer The second portion of the optical fiber extends through the ferrule to an end of the ferrule. In some such aspects, the connector may include a ferrule. In some aspects, the connector may further include a connector housing that surrounds the connector portion. The connector may be a simplex connector.

[0012] In some aspects, the cable further includes a jacket and a chamfer or annulus. The jacket may surround a second portion of the first inner optical fiber. The chamfered portion or the annular portion can be attached to the component cover and the jacket, respectively. In some such embodiments, the components may have opposite ends that are attached to the respective ends. The outer diameter of the cover is such that each of the chamfered portions or the annular portions is spaced apart from the component cover. The outer diameter of the jacket may be larger than the outer diameter of the jacket so as to taper toward the nozzle. In some aspects, each of the chamfers or annular portions overlaps the jacket. and a bracket adjacent to each of the component covers so that the component covers are exposed. In this way, the boot can be a component cover. In some aspects, the boot can provide strain relief at the interface with the The boot may be a cover for the optical fiber in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0013] In some aspects, the cable further comprises a separate inner optical fiber and a separate outer optical fiber. The other inner optical fiber and the other outer optical fiber may be included in the optical fiber. A unit receives a third optical signal from the other inner optical fiber and transmits a third optical signal from the other outer optical fiber. a fiber for receiving a fourth optical signal from the optical unit, or receives the fourth optical signal from the other outer optical fiber and receives the fourth optical signal from the other inner optical fiber. a third optical signal from the optical unit, In some such aspects, the component cover may be present in the other interior. Further encapsulating a first portion of each of the side optical fiber and the further outer optical fiber. In some embodiments, the connector may include a second optical fiber for each of the other outer optical fibers. and the second portion of the other outer optical fiber may include a fourth optical signal. It can be exposed to broadcast the issue.

[0014] In some aspects including a separate inner optical fiber and a separate outer optical fiber, the connector may The second portion of the first outer optical fiber and the front end of the second outer optical fiber may further include a ferrule. The second portion of the outer optical fiber is then threaded through the ferrule to the end of the ferrule. In some such aspects, the connector may extend through the It may further include a connector housing surrounding a portion of the rule.

[0015] In some aspects including a separate inner optical fiber and a separate outer optical fiber, the connector may The second portion of the first outer optical fiber may further include a connector housing. and the second portion of the other outer optical fiber extends through the connector housing. In some such embodiments, the connector housing may be non-cylindrical. In some such embodiments, the connector housing may be cylindrical. It is possible.

[0016] In some aspects including a separate inner optical fiber and a separate outer optical fiber, the connector may The connector housing may further include a pair of ferrules. The second portion of the first outer optical fiber may surround a portion of the ferrule. may extend through one of the pair of ferrules, and the other outer The second portion of the optical fiber extends through the other of the pair of ferrules. It is possible.

[0017] In some aspects including a separate inner optical fiber and a separate outer optical fiber, the connector may , duplex connector, such as LC duplex connector or SC duplex The connector may be a connector.

[0018] In some aspects, the cable includes a jacket surrounding a first inner optical fiber; and a bendable cover for attaching the component cover to the jacket. The bendable cover may be bendable from a first condition to a second condition. The second state can be maintained when no external force is applied to the optical cable. In some aspects, the external force is a force other than gravity.

[0019] In some aspects, the cable includes a bend that attaches the component cover to the connector. The cover may further include a bendable cover. The bendable cover may be bent from a first state to a second state. The second state may be defined as a state in which the optical cable is bent when an external force is applied to the optical cable. In some embodiments, the external force is a force other than gravity. In some such embodiments, the bendable cover is at most the length of the optical fiber. The bending angle may be set to an angle corresponding to the minimum bending radius of the bar.

[0020] In some embodiments including the bendable cover, the second optical fiber of the first outer optical fiber A portion of the bendable cover may extend through the bendable cover. In some aspects, the bendable cover can be a metal tube. In some embodiments including the bendable cover, the bendable cover and the component cover The bendable cover and the part cover are at least one of such covers. The components may be integral with each other so that they cannot be separated without being destroyed. In some embodiments involving a bendable cover, the force required to bend the component cover is The force required to bend the bendable cover may be greater than the force required to bend the bendable cover. In such an embodiment, the component cover may be substantially rigid. In some aspects including a flexible cover, the flexible cover may be in the form of a bellows. can.

[0021] In some aspects including the bendable cover, the cable includes the jacket and The component cover may further include a boot overlying the component cover, the boot being configured to be bent over the bent portion. The cover can be bent to expose the cover. The boot may further provide strain relief on the cable. The boot may be a boot that covers the optical fiber in a manner known to those skilled in the art. do.

[0022] In some aspects, the cable includes a pin that attaches the component cover to the connector. In some such aspects, the connector may further include a hinge comprising: After being bent, an external force applied to the optical cable bends the hinge, thereby The connector can remain in substantially the same position until it is moved to a different position. In some embodiments, the external force is a force other than gravity. The component cover is attached directly to the pins of the hinges, and It is possible to form a part.

[0023] In some aspects, the component cover or the connector may include a protrusion, The other of the component cover and the connector receives the protrusion and holds the component cover. It may include a hole defining a hinge for mounting to the connector.

[0024] In some aspects, the cable may further include a ball and socket joint. The ball-and-socket joint has a ball attached to the component cover or the connector. a socket attached to the other of the component cover and the connector. In some such embodiments, the connector may be configured to bend the optical cable after bending. An external force applied to the ball and socket bends the ball and socket joint, thereby connecting the connector. It can remain in substantially the same position until transitioned to a different state. In some embodiments, the ball includes a ball passage. The socket may include a socket passage. The second portion of one optical fiber is inserted into at least one of the ball passage or the socket passage. The first and second electrodes may extend through at least one of the first and second electrodes.

[0025] In some aspects, the component cover is provided with a notch that can extend to an end of the cover. providing a notch through which the first inner optical fiber extends. In some such aspects, the notch is a recess in the insert portion of the component cover. The form can be:

[0026] In some embodiments where the component cover includes a notch, the cable is a first cable. In such an embodiment, another cable in the form of the first cable may be However, together with the first cable, they can form an optical cable combination. In such an embodiment, the other cable is When in each bent state, a portion of the component cover of the other cable is in contact with the first The cable can be bent so that it can access the notch in the cable.

[0027] In some embodiments where the component cover includes a notch, the cable is a first cable. In such an embodiment, another cable in the form of the first cable may be However, together with the first cable, they can form an optical cable combination. In such an embodiment, the other cable is When in each bent state, a portion of the component cover of the other cable is in contact with the first The cable can be bent so that it can fit within the notch of the cable.

[0028] According to another aspect, an optical cable termination assembly includes an optical cable and a termination unit. The optical cable may include an optical component assembly, a first inner optical fiber, and a second inner optical fiber. The optical component may include an outer optical fiber, a component cover, and a connector. The assembly may include an optical unit. The outer optical fiber is configured to receive a first optical signal from the first inner optical fiber. and the first outer optical fiber transmits a second optical fiber from the optical unit. or the optical unit is connected to the first outer optical fiber so as to receive a signal. and the first inner optical fiber is adapted to receive the second optical signal from the of the optical unit so as to be able to receive the first optical signal from the optical unit. The component cover may be provided on both sides of the optical unit. and a first portion of the first outer optical fiber. The connector may include a second portion of the first outer optical fiber. and the second portion may be exposed to deliver the second optical signal. A cable is inserted into the termination unit to extend from the first outer optical fiber to the termination unit. Delivery of the second optical signal to another optical cable inserted in the end unit, or The first outer optical fiber of the second optical signal from the other optical cable inserted into the unit. The transmission can be performed by at least one of receiving the signal at a driver and receiving the signal at a server.

[0029] According to another aspect, an optical cable includes an optical component assembly, a first inner optical fiber, and The optical fiber may include a first outer optical fiber, a component cover, a connector, and a bendable cover. The optical component assembly may include an optical unit. The optical fiber and the first outer optical fiber are arranged such that the optical unit is connected to the first inner optical fiber. a first outer optical fiber for receiving a first optical signal from the first optical fiber; or the optical unit is adapted to receive a second optical signal from the optical unit. The second optical signal can be received from the first outer optical fiber, and the first the inner optical fiber is adapted to receive the first optical signal from the optical unit. The component cover may be provided on both sides of the optical unit. the entirety of the fiber optics, a portion of the first inner optical fiber, and a portion of the first outer optical fiber. The connector may encapsulate a second portion of the first outer optical fiber. and exposing the second portion to deliver the second optical signal. The bendable cover can attach the component cover to the connector. The bendable cover may be bendable from a first condition to a second condition. and the second state can be maintained when no external force is applied to the optical cable. The force required to bend the bendable cover is less than that required to bend the component cover. The force required for the second portion of the first outer optical fiber to be pulled may be less than that required for the second portion of the first outer optical fiber to be pulled. can extend through the bendable cover. is a non-gravitational force.

[0030] In some aspects, the first optical signal can be the same as the second optical signal. In some aspects, the first optical signal can be formed by a light beam. In some such aspects, the light beam is modified by the optical unit. and the second optical signal may be formed by the modified optical beam. .

[0031] In some embodiments, the optical unit may include a termination unit, one or more filters, or Filter modules, splitter devices, coupler devices, reflectors, attenuators, dispersion compensation The present invention may include any one or any combination of the following: The filter or the filter module may be an optical tap filter or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The electro-optical element may be transmitted by an optical fiber. It receives both optical signals that can be transmitted by light and electrical signals that can be transmitted by electrical wires. Examples of suitable photodiode arrays include, but are not limited to, tap photodiode arrays that can be used for detecting the presence of a photodiode. stomach.

[0032] In some aspects, the optical unit includes a termination unit. Each of the outer optical fibers may be terminated in the termination unit. In some aspects, the optical unit includes an electro-optical component. The component may be electrically attached to transmit an electrical signal from the electrical wire; and a first inner optical fiber or a first outer optical fiber, It can be delivered or transmitted.

[0033] In some aspects, an optical unit includes an optical signal splitter device or an optical signal coupler device. The optical signal splitter device may provide N×M optical fiber coupling. The optical signal coupler device may be wavelength-based or power-distribution based. In some aspects, a wavelength-based splitter device or coupler device may be used. In some aspects, the splitter device may be a power distribution based splitter device. The device or coupler may be an optical fiber tap. In one embodiment, the optical fiber tap may include a first inner optical fiber. The first outer optical fiber may be parallel to the first outer optical fiber.

[0034] In some aspects, the connector may further include a ferrule, and the first outer The second portion of the optical fiber extends through the ferrule to an end of the ferrule. In some such aspects, the connector may include a ferrule. In some aspects, the connector may further include a connector housing that surrounds the connector portion. The connector may be a simplex connector.

[0035] In some aspects, the cable further includes a jacket and a chamfer or annulus. The jacket may surround a second portion of the first inner optical fiber. The chamfered portion or the annular portion can be attached to the component cover and the jacket, respectively. In some such embodiments, the components may have opposite ends that are attached to the respective ends. The outer diameter of the cover is such that each of the chamfered portions or the annular portions is spaced apart from the component cover. The outer diameter of the jacket can be made larger than that of the outer diameter of the jacket so that the nozzle can be tapered to the tip. In some aspects, each of the chamfers or annular portions of the jacket may be and overlapping each of the component covers so that the component covers are exposed. In this way, the boots can be in contact with the jacket and the part. In some embodiments, the boot may include a strain relief at the interface with the product cover. may be a boot that covers the optical fiber in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0036] In some aspects, the cable further comprises a separate inner optical fiber and a separate outer optical fiber. The other inner optical fiber and the other outer optical fiber may be included in the optical fiber. A unit receives a third optical signal from the other inner optical fiber and transmits a third optical signal from the other outer optical fiber. a fiber for receiving a fourth optical signal from the optical unit, or receives the fourth optical signal from the other outer optical fiber and receives the fourth optical signal from the other inner optical fiber. a third optical signal from the optical unit, In some such aspects, the component cover may be present in the other interior. Further encapsulating a first portion of each of the side optical fiber and the further outer optical fiber. In some embodiments, the connector may include a second optical fiber for each of the other outer optical fibers. and the second portion of the other outer optical fiber may include a fourth optical signal. It can be exposed to broadcast the issue.

[0037] In some aspects including a separate inner optical fiber and a separate outer optical fiber, the connector may The second portion of the first outer optical fiber and the front end of the second outer optical fiber may further include a ferrule. The second portion of the outer optical fiber is then threaded through the ferrule to the end of the ferrule. In some such aspects, the connector may extend through the It may further include a connector housing surrounding a portion of the rule.

[0038] In some aspects including a separate inner optical fiber and a separate outer optical fiber, the connector may The second portion of the first outer optical fiber may further include a connector housing. and the second portion of the other outer optical fiber extends through the connector housing. In some such embodiments, the connector housing may be non-cylindrical. In some such embodiments, the connector housing may be cylindrical. It is possible.

[0039] In some aspects including a separate inner optical fiber and a separate outer optical fiber, the connector may The connector housing may further include a pair of ferrules. The second portion of the first outer optical fiber may surround a portion of the ferrule. may extend through one of the pair of ferrules, and the other outer The second portion of the optical fiber extends through the other of the pair of ferrules. It is possible.

[0040] In some aspects including a separate inner optical fiber and a separate outer optical fiber, the connector may , duplex connector, such as LC duplex connector or SC duplex The connector may be a connector.

[0041] In some such embodiments, the bendable cover is at most the largest of the optical fibers. It may be bent to an angle corresponding to a small bend radius.

[0042] In some aspects, the second portion of the first outer optical fiber is disposed adjacent the bendable cover. In some aspects, the bendable cover can be a metal tube. In some aspects, the bendable cover and the component cover may be a tube. The bendable cover and the component cover are at least one of such covers. They can be integral to each other so that they cannot be separated without destroying one another. In some embodiments, the force required to bend the component cover is sufficient to bend the bendable cover. In some such embodiments, the force required to disengage the cam may be greater than the force required to disengage the cam. The component cover may be substantially rigid. In some aspects, the bendable cover The bar may be in the form of a bellows.

[0043] In some aspects including the bendable cover, the cable includes the jacket and The component cover may further include a boot overlying the component cover, the boot being configured to be bent over the bent portion. The cover can be bent to expose the cover. The boot may further provide strain relief on the cable. The boot may be a boot that covers the optical fiber in a manner known to those skilled in the art. do.

[0044] In some aspects, the component cover is provided with a notch that can extend to an end of the cover. providing a notch through which the first inner optical fiber extends. In some such aspects, the notch is a recess in the insert portion of the component cover. The form can be:

[0045] In some embodiments where the component cover includes a notch, the cable is a first cable. In such an embodiment, another cable in the form of the first cable may be However, together with the first cable, they can form an optical cable combination. In such an embodiment, the other cable is When in each bent state, a portion of the component cover of the other cable is in contact with the first and the cable can be bent so as to be accessible to the notch. can.

[0046] In some embodiments where the component cover includes a notch, the cable is a first cable. In such an embodiment, another cable in the form of the first cable may be However, together with the first cable, they can form an optical cable combination. In such an embodiment, the other cable is When in each bent state, a portion of the component cover of the other cable is in contact with the first and the cable may be bent so that it can fit within the notch. do.

[0047] According to another aspect, an optical cable termination assembly includes an optical cable and a termination unit. The optical cable may include an optical component assembly, a first inner optical fiber, and The optical fiber may include an outer optical fiber, a component cover, a connector, and a bendable cover. The optical component assembly may include an optical unit. The optical unit is connected to the first inner optical fiber and the first outer optical fiber. and the first outer optical fiber is adapted to receive a first optical signal from the optical fiber. a second optical signal from the optical unit, or The second optical signal can be received from a first outer optical fiber. such that the inner optical fiber can receive the first optical signal from the optical unit. The component cover may be provided on both sides of the optical unit. the entirety of the first inner optical fiber, a portion of the first outer optical fiber, and The connector may include a second portion of the first outer optical fiber. and the second portion may be exposed to deliver the second optical signal. The bendable cover can attach the component cover to the connector. The bendable cover may be bendable from a first condition to a second condition. and the second state can be maintained when no external force is applied to the optical cable. The force required to bend the bendable cover is less than that required to bend the component cover. The second portion of the first outer optical fiber may be weaker than the force required for the first outer optical fiber. , can extend through the bendable cover. In some aspects, the external force is The cable is inserted into the termination unit and the first outer The second optical signal is transmitted from the side optical fiber to another optical cable inserted into the termination unit. or the second optical signal from the other optical cable inserted into the termination unit. and receiving a signal at the first outer optical fiber. .

[0048] According to another aspect, a fiber optic connector includes a single fiber adapter and a multi-fiber adapter. A fiber adapter, a cover, a single optical fiber, an optical signal splitter, and a multi-fiber The cover may include a first end and a second end. The distal end may include a first portion and a second end, and may further define a longitudinal axis. a single fiber adapter coupled to said first end along said longitudinal axis; The multi-fiber adapter may be configured to have a first end and a second end along the longitudinal axis. The single optical fiber may be coupled to the cover along the longitudinal axis. and a single fiber adapter, the single fiber adapter being capable of being positioned at least partially within the single fiber adapter. The splitter can be received in the cover along the longitudinal axis. and can be directly coupled to the single optical fiber. A multi-fiber assembly is positioned within the cover along the longitudinal axis. The mechanical transmission (MT) can be directly connected to the splitter. A ferrule is positioned within the cover along the longitudinal axis. The single fiber adapter may include the single optical fiber, the splitter, , the multi-fiber assembly, and the multi-fiber through the MT ferrule. The multi-fiber assembly and the multi-fiber adapter are connected to each other so as to be in optical communication with each other. The fiber optic adapter can be directly coupled to the optical fiber.

[0049] In some aspects, the splitter is configured to split the single optical fiber and the multi-fiber In some such embodiments, the MT A ferrule can be optically coupled to the multi-fiber assembly.

[0050] In some aspects, the splitter, as described above and further herein, comprises: It can be wavelength-based or power distribution-based. The wavelength-based splitter is adapted to determine whether the optical signal distribution path is through WDM or demultiplexing. Depending on which plexer passes through, it may be the WDM or the demultiplexer.

[0051] According to another aspect, the optical cable includes a fiber optic connector and an LC cable. The optical fiber connector may be a single fiber adapter or a multi-fiber adapter. A cover, a single optical fiber, an optical signal splitter, and a multi-fiber assembly. The cover may include a first end and a mechanical transfer ferrule. The single member may include two ends and may further define a longitudinal axis. A fiber adapter can be coupled to the first end along the longitudinal axis. The multi-fiber adapter couples to the second end along the longitudinal axis. The single optical fiber may be positioned within the cover along the longitudinal axis. and a single fiber adapter that is at least partially received in the single fiber adapter. The splitter may be positioned within the cover along the longitudinal axis. The multi-fiber optical fiber can be directly coupled to the single optical fiber. A fiber assembly is positionable within the cover along the longitudinal axis. , which can be directly coupled to the splitter. The mechanical transmission (MT) ferrule can be The single-filament rod may be positioned within the cover along the longitudinal axis. a splitter for connecting the single optical fiber to the multi-fiber assembly; and capable of optically communicating with the multi-fiber adapter through the MT ferrule. The multi-fiber assembly and the multi-fiber adapter are directly coupled to each other so as to The LC cable can be a single fiber of the optical fiber connector. The LC cable can be coupled to the single optical fiber, the The multi-fiber assembly is connected to the MT ferrule via a splitter. The optical communication is carried out by the LC cable. The signal can be split into multiple optical signals, and multiple optical fibers extending within the MT ferrule can be used. It can be delivered by fiber optics.

[0052] In some aspects, the splitter, as described above and further herein, comprises: It can be wavelength-based or power distribution-based. The length-based splitter determines whether the optical signal distribution path is through WDM or demultiplexing. Depending on which one passes through the WDM, it can be the WDM or the demultiplexer.

[0053] In some aspects, the optical cable includes a multi-fiber optical connector. Mechanical push-on (MPO) blocks that can be mated to adapters The MPO breakout adapter may further include: The single optical fiber, the splitter, the multi-fiber assembly, and the M The MT ferrule can optically communicate with the LC cable through the T ferrule. The optical signals delivered by the optical fibers extending within the MPO Further delivered by corresponding optical fiber extending using a breakout adapter .

[0054] According to another embodiment, the MT ferrule is a top cover part and a joint part for joining the top cover part. The upper cover may include a lower cover portion that may be configured to receive the optical fiber. Each of the bar portion and the lower cover portion may be made of glass, ceramic, or another suitable material. The plurality of optical fibers may be made of the upper cover portion and the lower cover portion. in a fiber hole formed by a fiber groove extending along the outer cover portion, It may extend between an upper cover portion and the lower cover portion.

[0055] In some embodiments, the MT ferrule can include multiple alignment pins. The alignment pins extend along the top and bottom cover portions. The upper cover portion and the lower cover portion are inserted into a pin hole formed by a pin groove. The alignment pin may extend between the upper cover portion and the lower cover portion. It may extend further beyond the adjacent ends of the bar portions.

[0056] By way of example only, embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: do. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a portion of an optical cable according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] 2 is an elevational view of a portion of an optical cable according to another embodiment. [Figure 2B] 2 is an elevational view of a portion of an optical cable according to another embodiment. [Figure 2C] 2 is an elevational view of a portion of an optical cable according to another embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an optical cable according to a further embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an optical cable according to a further embodiment. [Figure 5A] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an optical cable according to a further embodiment. [Figure 5B] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an optical cable according to a further embodiment. [Figure 6A] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an optical cable according to a further embodiment. [Figure 6B] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an optical cable according to a further embodiment. [Figure 7A] 1 is an elevational view of a portion of an optical cable according to a further embodiment. [Figure 7B] 1 is an elevational view of a portion of an optical cable according to a further embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an optical cable system according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a plan view of the system of optical cables of FIG. 8 connected to a portion of a patch panel device according to another embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an adapter with integrated splitter section according to another embodiment. [Figure 10B] 10B is an exploded view of a signal splitting cable including the splitter section integrated adapter of FIG. 10A according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] 10B is a perspective view of an optical fiber and a ferrule assembly of the splitter unit integrated adapter shown in FIG. 10A. [Figure 12A]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a pair of an MT ferrule and an optical fiber according to one embodiment. [Figure 12B] 12B is an exploded view showing the pair of the MT ferrule and the optical fiber shown in FIG. 12A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Continuing with reference to the drawings, as shown in FIG. 1, cable 100 includes an inner cable section The connector section 110 has a component section 120 and a connector section 140. In the example, cable 100 carries one or more optical signals, each formed by a light beam. It can be used for this purpose.

[0059] The inner cable section 110 includes an inner portion of the inner optical fiber 102 that carries the optical signal; A jacket 114 surrounds the inner optical fiber and is generally coaxial with the inner optical fiber. In another configuration for transmitting multiple optical signals, the inner cable section may include an inner optical fiber. The jacket 114 may have multiple inner portions of 102. It can be made from soft plastic materials such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), It is not limited to PVC or soft plastic materials.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the component section 120 includes an outer portion of the inner optical fiber 102 and The inner portion of the outer optical fiber 104 and the outer portion of the inner optical fiber 102 and the outer optical fiber An optical unit 125 that can optically connect to the inner part of the component cover 104. As shown, the component cover 127 may include an inner optical fiber. The outer portion of the driver 102, the inner portion of the outer optical fiber 104, and the optical unit are It covers and surrounds the optical fiber, preventing it from coming loose from the optical unit. The cover 127 is preferably moldable to the shape of the housing, preferably a flexible housing. A plastic material, which may be a moldable plastic, or a metallic material, e.g. The present invention can be made of, but is not limited to, stainless steel. As shown in the example, the component cover 127 and the jacket 114 are joined at an annular portion 128. The loop may be configured to be tensioned on either or both of the component cover and jacket. When the connection is made, tension can be relieved at the connection.

[0061] The optical unit 125 (i) transmits and receives optical signals from the inner optical fiber 102; and (ii) ) transmitting and receiving optical signals from the outer optical fiber 104; and (iii) transmitting optical signals to the outer optical fiber. and (iv) the transmission or transmission of an optical signal to the inner optical fiber. In some embodiments, the first The optical signal is input to the optical unit 12 from one of the inner optical fiber 102 and the outer optical fiber 104. 5, the optical unit 125 is operable to act on the first optical signal. For example, the first optical signal can be filtered or amplified, and then the first A second optical signal resulting from the functional operation on the optical signal is transmitted through the inner optical fiber and the outer optical fiber. In some such aspects or alternative aspects, the first An optical signal of 1 is input from one of the inner optical fiber 102 and the outer optical fiber 104 to the optical unit 1 When received by 25, the optical unit 125 transmits the second optical signal through the inner optical fiber and the outer optical fiber. The light can be transmitted to the other of the side optical fibers.

[0062] The optical unit 125 may include a termination unit, one or more filters or filter modules, Splitter devices, coupler devices, reflectors, attenuators, dispersion compensators, electro-optical elements, and The optical components may include any one or any combination of the following: Alternatively, the filter module may be, but is not limited to, an optical tap filter. Electro-optical elements are different from optical signals that can be transmitted by optical fibers and electrical wires. A tap photodiode array that can receive both an electrical signal that can reach the Ray et al., but are not limited to this.

[0063] An optical unit including an optical signal splitter device or an optical signal coupler device has N×M In this manner, the inner optical fiber 102 can be a single Alternatively, the optical fiber 104 may be a plurality of optical fibers that transmit and receive optical signals to and from the outer optical fiber 104. The inner optical fiber can transmit one or more optical signals to or from a number of outer optical fibers. The inner optical fiber may be a single optical fiber connected to multiple outer optical fibers. It may also be a number of optical fibers carrying one or more optical signals between them.

[0064] The optical signal splitter device or optical signal coupler device may be wavelength-based or power-based. It can be wavelength-based splitter or coupler device. In one example of such a device, the first optical signal or the second optical signal, as the case may be, and receiving either the first optical signal or the second optical signal at a first wavelength, a first inner optical fiber or a first outer optical fiber, and a first wavelength and The second wavelength of each of the first optical signals or the second optical signals is different from that of each of the first inner A wavelength division multiplexer that can be distributed separately to the optical fiber or the first outer optical fiber. The splitter can be a WDM or other dielectric filter. In one example of a device or coupler device, such a device comprises a first optical signal and When one of the second optical signals is received by the optical fiber tap, a portion of this optical signal is diverting each of the first optical signal and the second optical signal as the other of the first optical signal and the second optical signal, The optical fiber tap may be an optical fiber tap capable of transmitting a signal along the optical fiber tap. In some aspects, the optical fiber tap may include a first inner optical fiber tap. Processing can be performed in parallel with the first outer optical fiber or the second outer optical fiber.

[0065] The optical unit includes an electro-optical component that converts an electric signal from an electric wire into a Further, the first inner optical fiber or the first outer optical fiber may be arranged to transmit the It can be attached to electrical wires so that it can transmit optical signals from In some embodiments, the electrical wire is a cover for both the first inner optical fiber and the electrical wire. The inner wall of the jacket 114 may be located within the jacket 114, which acts as a barrier against the outer surface of the jacket. By integrating the optical unit 125, The cable is provided with enhanced functionality over cables known in the art. do.

[0066] As further shown in FIG. 1, the connector section 140 is connected to the outer portion of the outer optical fiber 104. A ferrule 142 surrounds the outer portion and is generally coaxial with the outer portion. The ferrule 142 is surrounded by a connector cover 144 that is generally coaxial with the ferrule. , so that the optical signal can be delivered through the end of the outer optical fiber in a controllable manner. , supporting the optical fiber and providing an outer optical fiber for splicing connection with a terminal or other termination unit. In some aspects, the connector cover 144 is secured to the connector 140 by adhesive, e.g. , epoxy, tongue-and-groove, snap fit, Morse stay Morse taper, or other system that directly fastens one of these components to the other, etc. Locking or other mechanical engagement between the connector cover and the component cover via or by use of fasteners known to those skilled in the art. In another embodiment, the connector cover 144 may be a connector cover and a component cover. The parts are arranged so that the bar cannot be separated without destroying one or both of these parts. It may be integral with the cover 127 .

[0067] Next, as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the cable 200 is Instead of the part cover 127, the part section 220 has a part cover 227, which is flexible. 2. The cable 100 may be similar to or substantially similar to the cable 100, except that it further includes a bendable cover 260. In the illustrated example, the component cover 227 is a part that is connected to the cable As can be seen from the comparison of 100 and cable 200, it is shorter than the component cover 127. , the component cover 227 is adjacent to the flexible cover 260 instead of the connector cover 144. Except for the above, the component cover 127 is the same as or substantially the same as the component cover 127. The component covers of the forms 27 and 227 may be of longer or shorter length; They may also have the same length as each other. In some aspects, the flexible cover 260 is adhesively Adhesives, such as epoxy, tongue and groove joints, snap fits, Morse tapers, etc. or via other systems that directly fasten one of these components to the other, The locking mechanism may be a locking mechanism or other mechanical engagement between the component cover and the component cover, or may be a mechanism known to those skilled in the art. The component cover 227 may be attached by use of fasteners. The flexible cover 260 is a flexible cover and a component cover that are attached to one or both of these components. The cover 227 can be integral with the component cover 227 so that it cannot be separated without destroying the cover. In some aspects, the flexible cover 260 can be secured to the substrate 220 by adhesive, such as an epoxy or other suitable adhesive known in the art. The connector cover 144 can be attached by fasteners known to those skilled in the art. In an embodiment, the flexible cover 260 is a flexible cover and a connector cover. The connector cover 144 and the connector 146 are secured together so that they cannot be separated without destroying one or both of the components. It can be integrated.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 2B, the flexible cover 260 expands, contracts, and bends. The bar may have a bellows 265 that provides flexibility to the bar. 5 is sufficient for the cable 200 to change the bent or straight state of the bellows The bellows must be sufficiently strong to maintain a bent or straight state until acted upon by an external force. In this specification, the term "external force" refers to a force acting on a structure. It is not a force between elements inside the structure, i.e. it is not an "internal force". , gravity acting on a structure or human contact are considered external forces in the context of this disclosure. When the belly 265 is in the bent position as in FIG. 2B, the majority of the component section 220 The bellows is closer to connector section 140 than when it is in the straight position as in FIG. 2A. In this manner, when the bellows is in a bent state, the inner cable section 110, The component section 220 and the bellows 2 between the component section 220 and the bend in the bellows An external force applied to any one of the inner parts of 65 when bellows 265 is in a straight state , and therefore, the same along the cable 200 when the cable 200 is in a straight state. is less than the torque applied to the connector section by the same external force at the same location. A small torque is applied to the connector section 140. Thus, the cable 200 is Reduce torsional stress on the bull 200 and the parts attached to it, while at the same time We provide cables that can be made compact to fit into tighter spaces as needed.

[0069] The flexible cover 260 may be in the form of a bendable metal tube. Various metals can be used for this purpose, including stainless steel, copper, and nickel. , as well as alloys and combinations of such metals. Thus, the flexible cover 260 is used to support the desk lamp. It may be in the form of a shaft or a shaft used in an endoscope tube. Other materials may be used, such as structured plastic in the form of a bellows. The flexible cover 260 can be prepared in a predefined length. 260 up to an angle corresponding to the minimum bend radius of the outer optical fiber 104, preferably , bent to an angle corresponding to a radius slightly larger than the minimum bend radius of the outer optical fiber. It can be said that.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment of the cable 200, the cover 260 may be inflexible. Alternatively, the angle may be adjusted by any substantial amount, e.g., 5% to 20% greater than the predefined angle. Bending the cover to a large angle may result in the cover breaking. The stiffness of such cable embodiments is determined by the cable length. The optical unit 125 can be further protected by a flexible cover. In some embodiments of the bar 260, the cover after bending may be partially due to elasticity. It is possible to avoid being straight.

[0071] The embodiment of the flexible cover 260 includes an interface between the flexible cover 260 and the component cover 227, The component cover 227 and the interface between the component cover 227 and the inner cable section 110 With a permanently curved boot, as known to those skilled in the art, which may be provided across the Alternatively, the component cover 227 and the inner cable section may be used. A straight slit 112 is provided across the boundary surface of the slit 110 as known to those skilled in the art. The cable 200A may be used with a termination unit 99, e.g. As shown in Figure 2C, it is inserted into the receptacle of the equipment, patch panel, or adapter. The permanently curved or flexible cover 260 embodiment may be flexibly configured as known to those skilled in the art. It can be used with a straight boot 250, which can be flexible. As shown, the boot 250 is secured to the component cover 227 and the inner cable section 110. It can be provided at the interface.

[0072] In some alternative embodiments, multiple inner optical fibers 102 and multiple outer optical fibers 10 4 extends through a component cover such as component cover 127, 227. In such an embodiment, the optical unit 125 may include: (i) a plurality of inner optical Transmitting and receiving respective optical signals from any one or any combination of the fibers 102 and (ii) from any one or any combination of the plurality of outer optical fibers 104. (iii) transmitting and receiving optical signals to and from each of the plurality of outer optical fibers. (iv) the distribution or transmission of each of the optical signals to a plurality of inner optical fibers. The present invention can be configured to perform any one or any combination of the above.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 3, the cable 300 is a ferrule 142 . Instead, it has dual ferrules 342A and 342B and is compatible with the cable 200. 3, the connector cover 344 is larger than the component cover 327. Except for this, it is a duplex connector that is the same or nearly the same as cable 200. Each of the rules 342A, 342B includes an outer portion of the plurality of outer optical fibers 104. The connector 342 is generally coaxial with the outer portion and is further surrounded by a connector cover 344. Each of the dual ferrules 342A, 342B is adapted to connect to an outer optical fiber in a controllable manner. A corresponding outer optical fiber 104 is provided so that an optical signal can be sent through the end of the driver. Supports and mating ends of corresponding outer optical fibers for splicing connection with terminals or other termination units. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. As known to those skilled in the art for LC connectors, a clip for a snap-fit ​​connection is provided. It has the same or nearly the same LC duplex connector as cable 300, except that it includes a be.

[0074] Next, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the cable 500 is It is a multi-fiber push on (MPO) connector, and is a registered trademark of Conec Corporation of the United States. The Cable 500 is a significantly more advanced version of the MPO connectors used in Cable 5. 00 has a multi-hole ferrule 542 instead of a single-hole ferrule 142, and the cable A larger component cover 527 and a larger connector cover 544 than their counterparts in module 200. 1. The cable 200 is the same as or substantially the same as cable 200, except that the cable 200 has a plurality of outer optical fibers. The outer portions of 104 are generally coaxial with the respective bores of the ferrules 542. The ferrule 542 is surrounded by a connector cover 544. In some aspects, the connector cover 544 functions as a housing. The housing may be configured to surround the ferrule as known to those skilled in the art. A connector body, a slidable cover surrounding the connector body, and an adapter or other termination. A mating latch portion, such as a hook, of the end unit is engaged to connect the housing to the termination unit. and a latch portion that engages the cable and thus couples the cable to the termination unit. In the illustrated example, a connector cover 544 defines the bore end of the ferrule 542. Rule 542 controls the transmission of optical signals through respective ends of the outer optical fibers in a controllable manner. Each of the outer optical fibers 104 is supported and may have a terminal or other termination unit so that the outer optical fibers 104 can be Align the respective ends of the outer optical fibers for splice connection with the knit.

[0075] As further shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the cable 500 is connected to an exposed connector cover 544. The alignment pins 543A and 543B extend from the ends of the alignment pins 543A and 543B. 43A, 543B are preferably disposed on either side of the ferrule 542 as shown. However, in other aspects, the alignment pins may be located at other locations or on the exposed end of the connector cover. may extend from other locations on the connector cover, including from one or more sides of the connector cover. At least a portion of any such alignment pins may be attached to the ends of these alignment members. 500 and such a terminal or other termination unit. The ferrule 542 is extended so that the connection stability with other termination units can be maintained. The direction in which the optical fiber extends within the ferrule. It can be assumed that there is.

[0076] Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, the cable 600 is inserted into the component section 220. and connector section 620 instead of connector section 140. and at least one hinge pin 660 in place of the flexible cover 260. Component section 620 is the same as or substantially the same as cable 200, except that it includes: The component section 620 has parallel arms 631A, 631B extending from the component cover body 621. The connector section is the same as or substantially the same as the component section 220, except that the connector section further includes a connector section B. The connector section 640 extends from the connector cover body 641. 6. The connector section 650 is the same as or substantially the same as the connector section 140, except that it further includes an arm 651. As shown, arm 651 is arranged to fit between parallel arms 631A, 631B. While this configuration may be implemented as shown in FIG. 6B, in an alternative embodiment, this configuration may be implemented as shown in FIG. As in the example of 00', the arm extending from the component cover body extends from the connector cover body. It can also be reversed so that it can be configured to fit between parallel arms. The configuration of the connector section alternates between parallel arms in the component section. A single hinge pin 660 connects the arms 631A, 631B, 651, or in another embodiment, one The hinge pin extends through holes in the arms 631A, 651 only, and another hinge pin extends through holes in arms 631B, 651 only. Thus, connector section 6 40 can be rotated relative to component section 620 so that cable 600 is bent. In some aspects of the configuration of cable 600, the hinge pin is 6. The connector section 640 may be integral with the connector section 640 so as to protrude from the connector section. While in the embodiment of the cable 600', the hinge pin is The cover may be integral with the component cover body so as to protrude from the component cover body.

[0077] Similar to components section 220, components section 620 includes optical unit 125. A portion of the inner optical fiber 102 and a portion of the outer optical fiber 104 pass through it. Similar to connector section 240, connector section 640 has a passageway extending therethrough. The outer optical fiber 104 has a passage therethrough through which a portion of the outer optical fiber 104 extends. The spring 104 is a dual hinge that is inserted into each of the arms 631A, 631B, and 651. The pins 660 may extend between the two arms or may be inserted in all three arms. Alternatively, the hinge pins 660 may extend around a single hinge pin 660 that is connected to the hinge 660 .

[0078] In some embodiments, an inner arm, e.g., arm 651, is connected to an outer arm, e.g., arm The pressure can be applied from the cylinders 651A and 651B. Such pressure causes the connector section 640 to move relative to the component section 620 in a different state from the initial state. An external force is applied to the cable 600 to bend it into different bent or straight positions. In some embodiments, at least one The hinge pin 660 is attached to at least one of the arms 631A, 631B of the component section 620. One arm is pressed into the other arm, and the other arm is pressed into the connector section 640. In this manner, the connector section 640 can be inserted into the component section 620 by The bending of the wire 620 into a curved or straight state different from the initial state. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to apply an external force to the cable 600, and the component section 620 is then 4. The stator 600 may be prevented from rotating relative to the section 640. The component section 620 is attached to the connector section 640 to provide a ratchet effect. Thus, either the component section or the connector section can be produced. The release button on one side is pressed and the other side of the component section or connector section The passage of the teeth is caused by a lever or slide attached to or engaging the release button. The connector section 640 is forced into a bent position until it can circumvent the step. This configuration rotates in one direction and does not rotate in the opposite direction. 4. Any rotation or at least some rotation of the component section 620 relative to the connector section 640 Both can be used to prevent any large rotations.

[0079] When the cable 600 is in a bent state as shown in FIG. A larger portion of the component section 620 is in contact with the connector section 640 than in the normal state. In this way, the inner cable 600 is closer to the inner cable 602 when the cable 600 is in a bent state. An external force acting on the cable section 110 or the component section 620 may cause the cable 60 When cable 600 is in a straight state, the same external force is applied to the same position along cable 600. A torque smaller than the torque applied to the connector section 6 is applied to the connector section 7. 40. Thus, the cable 600 suppresses the torsional stress on the cable 600. The case is compact enough to fit into tighter spaces when needed. Offer bull.

[0080] Next, as shown in FIG. 7A, the cable 700 is connected to the component section 62. 0 instead of part section 720 and connector section 640 instead of connector section 740 and does not include the hinge pin 660. The parts section 720 is the same or substantially the same. Instead of the parallel arms 631A, 631B extending from the body 621, a socket is defined by a part Except for including a lip 731 extending from the cover body 721, the component section 620. Connector section 740 is the same as or substantially the same as connector section The connector cover body 641 is replaced by parallel arms 651A and 651B. 1. The connector cover 740 includes a ball portion 751 extending from the connector cover body 741. The ball section 751 is the same as or substantially the same as the cutter section 640. As shown, the ball section 751 is Configured to fit within a socket defined by lip 731 and component cover body 721 While this configuration may be used in alternative embodiments, this may be achieved by using the cable 700' shown in FIG. For example, the lip can extend from the connector cover body and the ball portion can extend from the component cover. - can be inverted so that it can extend from the body. The socket forms a ball and socket type joint, and the connector section 740 is To bend 700, it can be rotated relative to part section 720. Similar to the component section 620, the component section 720 surrounds the optical unit 125 and A portion of the side optical fiber 102 and a portion of the outer optical fiber 104 extend therethrough. Similar to connector section 640, connector section 740 includes a passageway 753. A portion of the outer optical fiber 104 includes a passage 754 extending therethrough.

[0081] In some aspects, the ball portion 751 is secured by the lip 731 and the cover body 721. The connector section can be inserted by press-fitting into the socket that is fixed in place. The bend 740 is bent or straightened relative to the component section 720 in a different state from the initial state. An external force must be applied to the cable 700 to bend it into its natural shape, and the component section This can prevent the connector section 720 from rotating relative to the connector section 740.

[0082] When the cable 700 is in a bent state as shown in FIG. 7A, the cable 700 is in a straight state. A larger portion of component section 720 is in contact with connector section 722 than when in the upright position. 40. In this manner, the inner cable 700 is in a bent state. An external force applied to the cable section 110 or the component section 720 The same load applied at the same location along cable 700 when 700 is in a straight state The torque applied to the connector section by the external force is smaller than the torque applied to the connector section by the external force. Therefore, the cable 700 is subjected to a torsional stress on the cable 700. The case reduces weight while allowing it to be more compact and fit into tighter spaces when needed. Offer bull.

[0083] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, each of the cables 800 is connected to a component section. Component cover 827 of component section 820 is included instead of component cover 227 of component section 220. The cable 200 is the same as or substantially the same as the cable 200, except that the component cover 827 is The bar 827 is provided with a notch 829 at least on one longitudinal edge of the component cover. As shown in FIG. 8, the first cable is When both the first cable 800 and the second cable 800 are in a bent state, The first cable 800 is connected to another cable such that a portion fits within a notch 829 of the other cable. 800. In this manner, as further shown in the figure, , a longitudinal edge of the first cable opposite the notch 829 of the first cable is The first cable 800 is wound so as to closely follow the longitudinal edge of another cable 800. 0 can be bent and placed adjacent to another bent cable 800.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 9, the cable 800 is movable to a mounting member 882 of a patch panel device. This patch panel device allows some of the cables to be connected can be operatively connected to the movable members 896 of the mounting member, the movable members being To facilitate easier access for inserting and removing such cables, This allows the cable to be separated from other cables. ,792, 9,851,523, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 917,965. These disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. The notch 829 further allows for the movable member 896 to be Thus, the cable 800 can be attached to the attachment member 882 even when the cable is in a bent state. The casings can be inserted into respective ports attached to the casings.

[0085] Next, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the splitter unit integrated adapter 905 is Adapter 910 and a spool having a first end that is joined to the inner end of the LC adapter. 1 and a single fiber end of the single fiber assembly 920. A splitter 930 having a first end joined to the multi-fibre portion of the splitter. a multi-fiber ribbon assembly 940 having a closed end joined to a ribbon end of the multi-fiber ribbon; A mechanical transmission ( MT ferrule 950 and the outer end of this MT ferrule is received and a mechanical push on (MPO) adapter 960 having an inner end that is adapted to receive the optical fiber. As shown, the LC input cable 970 is connected to the L C adapter to form an input cable with a connector. This connector is located opposite the inner end of the MPO adapter 960. As further shown, the MPO breakout cable 980 is It can be inserted into the outer end of the PO adapter 960 to form the output cable. The LC input cable 970 and MPO breakout cable 980 are integrated into the adapter 9. The cable 900 may be inserted into both outer ends of the cable 900. As such, the integrated adapter 905 receives an optical signal (e.g., a single 980) to multiple optical signals (e.g., a breakout cable 980 by splitting the optical signal carried by the LC input cable The signal splitter cable 900 serves to convert the optical signals from the optical fiber 100 into a plurality of parallel optical outputs. For example, passive optical network (PON) architecture connections In some aspects, the PON connection can be used to provide can be used to distribute the power available from For example, splitting electricity from a service provider distributed to a city or town and In some other aspects, the PON connections can be distributed evenly to individual residences. For example, power inequalities can be detected to allow tapping into the signal to monitor the quality of the signal. In some such embodiments, the power may be distributed very unevenly. It can be distributed, for example, only 5% of the power can be tapped, and the remaining power can be You can continue along the same lines.

[0086] In the illustrated example, an LC input cable 970, an LC adapter 910, a splitter 930, The MPO adapter 960 and the MPO breakout cable 980 are known to those skilled in the art. While single fiber assembly 920 and multi-fiber linker are off-the-shelf components available The bone assembly 940 is custom made. It is used with the signal splitter cable 900. Other suitable single fiber assemblies, splitters, and multi-fiber ribbon assemblies may be used. For an example assembly, see http: / / www.fiber-optic-tutorial.com / typical-example-of-photonic- packaging.html#more-498 and http: / / www.satellitebyfibre.co.uk / contents / en-uk / d111 .html and , the disclosures of both of which are incorporated by reference. The MT ferrule 950 shown in FIGS. , which are off-the-shelf plastic parts known to those skilled in the art, but in some aspects, As further described in, the MT ferroelectric material of glass or silicon shown in Figs. 12A and 12B In some other embodiments, the rule can be made of ceramic or metal. It is possible.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 11, the single fiber assembly 920 is passed through a ferrule 922. In this assembly, the fiber includes a single optical fiber 921 extending As best seen in FIG. 10B, the fiber optic cable is housed in a single fiber casing 923. The rule is housed in an LC adapter 910. The fiber casing 923 is preferably The splitter 930 is made of an inorganic material that has the same thermal expansion as the splitter 930. To ensure that the fiber casing can withstand the high temperatures experienced during the manufacture of the integrated adapter 905, It can be, but is not limited to, glass, ceramic, or metal. In the illustrated example, the fiber casing 923 is used to connect the fiber to the splitter 930. The optical fiber 921 is aligned with the single fiber end of the single fiber assembly. It may be in the form of a right angle prism that acts as a ferrule. In one embodiment, the single fiber casing is As further described herein, the single fiber casing has cover portions on both sides. A multi-fiber reel may have only a single groove formed by The bone assembly 940 may be in two pieces.

[0088] As further shown in FIG. 10B, splitter 930 is housed within a housing 934. A branch network of fibers, both of which are held in the same location relative to one another by a housing 934. In the illustrated example, the splitter 930 includes a housing 934, preferably Alternatively, it may be made of silica glass or other glass materials that have relatively high heat resistance. A planar lightwave circuit (PLC) can be used. A single fiber of the network receives the optical signal carried by the optical fiber 921. The end of the single optical fiber 921 is connected to one end of a fiber network 932 so that the In this way, the optical signal is split into multiple optical signals by splitter 930.

[0089] The multi-fiber ribbon assembly 940 includes an upper cover portion 942 and a lower cover portion 944. 944 and an optical fiber aligned with the opposing grooves in the upper and lower cover portions. The groove is formed when the upper and lower cover parts are assembled together. When the optical fiber is pressed between the groove of the upper cover part and the groove of the lower cover part, This configuration can be in the form of a V-shaped groove, as shown in FIG. The configuration of the MT ferrule 1050 shown in B is the same as that of the multi-fiber end of the splitter. The optical signals delivered by the exposed ends of the optical fibers in the multi-fiber ribbon The optical fiber is then coupled to the closed end of the assembly so as to be received by the exposed end of the optical fiber. The exposed ends of the optical fibers 956 at the closed end of the multi-fiber ribbon assembly 940. The portion is aligned with the multi-fiber end of splitter 930.

[0090] A portion of the jacket covering each of the optical fibers 956 is separated from each of the optical fibers. 940. The multi-fiber ribbon assembly 940 is then removed to remove the optical fiber jacks at the closed end. A socket-free portion is formed (the closed end of the MT ferrule 1050 as shown in FIG. 12B). See the similar example of the jacketless portion on the opposing end of optical fiber 956 in FIG. The jacketed portion of the optical fiber 956 fits into the corresponding port of the MT ferrule. It is inserted into the inner end of the MT ferrule 950. The outer (male) end of the MT ferrule 950 The end is inserted into the inner (female) end of the MPO adapter 960. MT ferrule 95 0 and MPO adapter 960, the MT ferrule 950 is received in the MPO adapter 960 When the MPO breakout cable 980 is received in the MPO adapter, The unjacketed end of the optical fiber 956 in the MT ferrule is used for the MPO breakout The ends of the optical fibers are aligned with the corresponding optical fiber ends in the cable's breakout connector 981. Alignment pins (not shown) on the breakout connector 981 Permanently attached to the MT ferrule within the breakout connector housing MT Ferrule 950 and MPO Breakout Cable 980 can be used with MPO When inserted into the adapter 960, the alignment pin is inserted from the MT ferrule to the M The alignment holes 958A and 958B of the T-ferrule 950 are extended into the alignment holes 958A and 958B of the MT ferrule 9 Fiber optics in 50 956 and fiber optics in MT ferrules in breakout connectors In this way, the MT ferrule 950 can be extended to the inside of the ferrule 950. The optical signal delivered by the optical fiber 956 present in the MPO breakout cable 9 80 and are received by corresponding optical fibers. In an alternative embodiment, the alignment pin is permanently attached to the housing of the MT ferrule; Extending from this housing is an MT ferrule and an MPO breakout cable. O Corresponding alignment in the breakout connector when inserted into the adapter The optical fiber in the MT ferrule is inserted into the hole, and the optical fiber in the breakout connector is inserted into the hole. This can assist in aligning the

[0091] As further shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, at the second end of the single fiber assembly The end of the optical fiber 921 at the end of the splitter and the optical fiber at the single fiber end of the splitter To maintain alignment with the ends, the single fiber assembly 920 is secured to the end of the fiber assembly 920 by adhesive 906. The optical fiber at the multi-fiber end of the splitter is connected to the splitter 930 by the end of the optical fiber and the corresponding optical fiber at the closed end of the multi-fiber ribbon assembly To keep the splitter aligned with the end of 956, the splitter is secured to the multi-layered structure by adhesive 907. 940. In addition, the multi-fiber ribbon assembly Adhesive 908 is applied to the interface between the open and closed ends of the rib 940. The adhesive 908 is disposed within a groove in the bottom cover portion 944 of the multi-fiber ribbon assembly 940. The optical fiber 956 is fixed to the adhesive 906, 907, and 908. The ion exchange material may be, but is not limited to, an oxy.

[0092] Next, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the MT ferrule 950 is replaced with an MT ferrule The MT ferrule 1050 can be used in the upper cover portion 105. 2 and a bottom cover portion 1054. As shown, the multi-fiber ribbon cable The optical fiber 956 of the cable 955 is connected to the upper cover portion 1052 and the lower cover portion 1054. The cable can be inserted into the opposing cable grooves 1053, 1055 and positioned along these grooves. This allows the upper and lower cover parts to be mated together. When the cable is assembled, the unjacketed portion of the optical fiber 956A is between the cable grooves. As further shown, the upper cover portion 1052 is pressurized with the lower cover portion 105 4.

[0093] To prepare the MT ferrule 1050, the unjacketed section of optical fiber 956 956A can be inserted into the cable groove 1055. Temporary adhesive to hold the unjacketed section in place against the bull groove 1055 For example, a relatively high viscosity adhesive or a mechanical clamp may be applied along the cable groove 1055. The optical fiber 956 includes an unjacketed portion 956A extending through the optical fiber 956 and, in some embodiments, a jacketed portion 956B extending through the optical fiber 956. Then, the upper cover part 1052 and the lower The cover portion 1054 is secured to the base 1052 by an adhesive, such as an epoxy or a hardenable low temperature solder. In the configuration shown in FIG. 12A, the jacketless portion between cable grooves 1053, 1055 956A and are joined together. A permanent adhesive is then applied to the jacketed portion of the optical fiber 956. Only the mechanical connection between the fiber and the MT ferrule 1050 is possible without removing the jacket of the optical fiber. Regarding the manner in which the cable grooves 1053, 1055 are pressed against the recessed portion 956A, This is to reduce the chance of breakage of any one fiber when the fiber is bent. do. The top cover portion 1052 and the bottom cover portion 1054 are preferably integral adapters. Provides sufficient heat resistance to keep the cover in a solid state during the heat treatment of the 905 manufacturing process. The two alignment plates can be made of glass, such as silica glass, or silicon. Alignment pins 1057A and 1057B are disposed in lower pin grooves 1058A and 1058B, respectively. When the upper cover portion 1052 is placed over and joined to the lower cover portion 1054, , which extend through upper pin grooves 1059A, 1059B, and which are positioned by these upper pin grooves. The upper cover portion 1052 and the lower cover portion 1054 are appropriately positioned to hold the Dual alignment pins 1057A and 1057B are used to perfectly match the MT ferrule 1050 When assembled together, these alignment pins are In this way, the MT ferrule 1050 and the breakout cable When the cable is inserted into the MPO adapter 960, the optical fiber is inserted into the breakout connector. The end of the fiber 956 and the end of the corresponding optical fiber of the MPO breakout cable. To aid in proper alignment, use alignment pins 1057A and 1057B on the Insert the breakout cable into the corresponding alignment holes on the corresponding breakout connector. A breakout cable having such a breakout connector can be The cable may be in the form of an MPO breakout cable 980. The breakout connector is aligned as described above for the breakout cable 980. Except that it may have holes and no alignment pins. You can use the breakout cable 980, and the pins on this breakout cable are the lower pin grooves 1058A and 1058B and the upper pin grooves 1059A and 1059B, respectively. The interface may extend within a hole defined by the interface.

[0094] In one example, a MT ferrule 1050 is used, but a splitter such as an integrated adapter 905 may be used. To assemble the parts of the integrated adapter, the adhesives 906, 907, and 908 are cured. Before connecting the corresponding breakout adapter parts to the are axially aligned with each other using a fastener. Breakout adapter location The mated parts are then preferably heated to a temperature at which the low temperature solder can flow. Then, the adhesives 906, 907, and 908 are cured at the same time. Suitable for providing water-tightness to elements within a box, jacket, capsule or cover of A connector cover 990, which may take the form of other known covers, is provided. The LC adapter 910 and the MPO adapter 9 60 is received by a corresponding end of the connector cover 99. 0 holds the splitter 930 and adapters 910, 960 in general alignment. The connector cover 990 provides mechanical support. It can be made of a plastic material sufficient to prevent intrusion. MT Ferrule 10 50 using glass, ceramic, or other suitable materials to achieve MT ferrules. The breakouts can then be heated with the adhesives 906, 907, and 908. This makes the adapter assembly process faster. In this way, heated and cooled parts are assembled. The single fiber assembly 920, adhesive 906 are bonded together as a single fiber. , splitter 930, adhesive 907, multi-fiber ribbon assembly 940, adhesive 9 08, and at least any combination of the plurality of optical fibers 956. and then can be cooled at the same time.

[0095] The disclosures mentioned in this specification are intended to be included in the present application regardless of whether they are specifically disclosed in this specification. It should be further understood that the present invention includes any possible combination of the specific features described above. For example, a particular feature may be disclosed with respect to a particular aspect, aspect, configuration, or embodiment. When applicable, the features are to the extent possible in accordance with other specific aspects, modes, configurations, and implementations of the technology. It may also be used in conjunction with and / or with respect to the above-mentioned aspects, and in the present technology in general. can.

[0096] Further, although the technology herein has been described with respect to certain features, these features may include, but are not limited to, It should be understood that these are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. Various features described herein may be incorporated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. Numerous modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiment described above, including modifications to the size of the It should be understood that other embodiments may be devised. The technology encompasses numerous other features in addition to the specific features mentioned herein. Moreover, the present invention is defined by the following claims and is based on the above disclosure. should be construed as illustrative rather than limiting.

Claims

1. A first inner optical fiber; a splitter connected to the inner optical fiber; a multi-fiber assembly connected to the splitter, the splitter being located between the first inner optical fiber and the multi-fiber assembly, the multi-fiber assembly having a plurality of first outer optical fibers; a single fiber adapter that at least partially receives the first inner optical fiber; A multi-fiber adapter; a component cover covering the splitter, the multi-fiber assembly, a first portion of the first inner optical fiber, and a first portion of the first outer optical fiber, the component cover having a longitudinal axis with a first end and a second end, the single fiber adapter being connected to the first end along the longitudinal axis and the multi-fiber adapter being connected to the second end along the longitudinal axis; a mechanical transmission (MT) ferrule located at least partially within the component cover along the longitudinal axis and positioned and connected between the multi-fiber assembly and the multi-fiber adapter, at least a first portion of the plurality of first outer optical fibers extending into the MT ferrule and into the multi-fiber adapter; Equipped with the first inner optical fiber is optically connected to the first outer optical fibers of the multi-fiber assembly through the splitter; Optical cable assembly.

2. 2. The optical cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the splitter is optically connected to the first inner optical fiber and to the multi-fiber assembly.

3. an LC cable connected to the single fiber adapter; the LC cable is optically connected to a plurality of outer optical fibers in the multi-fiber assembly through the first inner optical fiber and the splitter; an optical signal transmitted by the LC cable is split into a plurality of optical signals by the splitter and transmitted by the plurality of first outer optical fibers extending into the MT ferrule; The optical cable assembly according to claim 1 .

4. a mechanical push-on (MPO) breakout cable connected to the multi-fiber adapter; the MPO breakout cable is optically connected to the LC cable through the first inner optical fiber, the splitter, and the first outer optical fibers in the multi-fiber assembly; the optical signals transmitted by the first plurality of outer optical fibers extending into the MT ferrule are further transmitted by a corresponding plurality of optical fibers extending into the MPO breakout cable; The optical cable assembly according to claim 3 .

5. The mechanical transmission (MT) ferrule is an upper cover portion made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass and silicon and having a plurality of first fiber grooves extending along its length; a lower cover portion bonded to the upper cover portion and made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass and silicon, the lower cover portion having a plurality of second fiber grooves extending along its length, each of the first plurality of fiber grooves and each of the second plurality of fiber grooves together defining a respective one of a plurality of fiber passages; Equipped with a plurality of said first outer optical fibers extending in each of said plurality of fiber passages; The optical cable assembly according to claim 1 .

6. A plurality of pin grooves extending along the upper cover portion and the lower cover portion are formed in each of the upper cover portion and the lower cover portion, Corresponding pin grooves in the upper cover portion and the lower cover portion form a pin passage; the MT ferrule further comprising a plurality of alignment pins extending in a plurality of the pin passages, the plurality of alignment pins further extending beyond adjacent ends of the upper cover portion and the lower cover portion. The optical cable assembly according to claim 5 .

7. The optical cable assembly of claim 1 , wherein the single fiber adapter is an LC adapter.

8. The optical cable assembly of claim 7 , wherein the multi-fiber adapter is a mechanical push-on (MPO) adapter.

9. The optical cable assembly of claim 1 , wherein the multi-fiber adapter is a mechanical push-on (MPO) adapter.

10. 2. The optical cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first outer optical fibers extend from the multi-fiber assembly through the MT ferrule to the MPO adapter.

11. The optical cable assembly of claim 1 , wherein the multi-fiber assembly is a multi-fiber ribbon assembly.

12. 2. The optical cable assembly of claim 1, further comprising a single fiber casing surrounding a portion of the first inner optical fiber and aligned between the single fiber adapter and the splitter.

13. 13. The optical cable assembly of claim 12, wherein the single fiber casing is made of glass, ceramic, or metal.

14. The optical cable assembly of claim 13 , wherein the single fiber casing has the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the splitter.

15. The optical cable assembly of claim 12 , wherein the single-fiber casing is rectangular and serves as a ferrule for the first inner optical fiber.

16. 13. The optical cable assembly of claim 12, wherein the single-fiber casing has two portions forming a groove, and the first inner optical fiber extends in the groove.

17. The splitter, a single fiber end having a single splitter optical fiber; a multi-fiber end portion having a multi-splitter optical fiber facing the single splitter optical fiber and optically connected to the single splitter optical fiber; a first adhesive section for bonding the single fiber casing to the single fiber end of the splitter to maintain alignment between the single fiber end of the splitter and the end of the first inner optical fiber; The optical cable assembly of claim 12 , comprising:

18. 20. The optical cable assembly of claim 17, further comprising a second adhesive section bonding the multi-fiber assembly to the splitter to maintain alignment between the multi-fiber ends of the splitter and each end of the first plurality of outer optical fibers.

19. The optical cable assembly of claim 1 , wherein the single-fiber adapter and the multi-fiber adapter are disposed along a first axis.

20. 20. The optical cable assembly of claim 19, wherein the splitter, the multi-fiber assembly, and the MT ferrule are disposed along the first axis.

21. a mechanical push-on (MPO) breakout cable connected to the multi-fiber adapter; the MPO breakout cable is optically connected to the first inner optical fiber through the splitter and the plurality of first outer optical fibers of the multi-fiber assembly; the optical signal transmitted by the first inner optical fiber is split into a plurality of optical signals by the splitter; the optical signals are carried by the first outer optical fibers extending into the MT ferrule and are further carried by corresponding optical fibers extending into the MPO breakout cable; The optical cable assembly according to claim 1 .

22. 22. The optical cable assembly of claim 21, wherein the plurality of first outer optical fibers extend from the multi-fiber assembly through the MT ferrule to the MPO adapter, the MPO adapter aligning the plurality of first outer optical fibers with corresponding optical fibers of the MPO breakout cable.

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