Optical communication connector

Abstract

To provide an optical communication connector that assists in reducing the cost of an upgrade and / or in simplifying the upgrade.SOLUTION: An optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins, which are actuatable between an extended position and a retracted position and for aligning the connector with another connector. The connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers, and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly and shaped to be removable. The inner housing assembly has a movable pin clamp, which is mechanically coupled to alignment pins and may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately from or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed because of its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuatable by being moved from a first position to a second position relative to the communication connector so as to change the polarity of the communication connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 870,119, filed on May 8, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 716,770, filed on September 27, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 472,526, filed on March 29, 2017, issued as U.S. Patent No. 9,798,094 on October 24, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 262,636, filed on September 12, 2016, issued as U.S. Patent No. 9,638,872 on May 2, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 165,028, filed on January 27, 2014, issued as U.S. Patent No. 9,442,256 on September 13, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 909,974, filed on October 22, 2010, issued as U.S. Patent No. 8,636,424 on January 28, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to communication connectors, and more specifically to optical communication connectors having configurable polarity and / or gender.

Background Art

[0003] As optical cable technology continues to improve, bringing higher transmission speeds and better reliability, existing data centers generally need to decide whether to upgrade their infrastructure to take advantage of newer technology. This involves a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether the benefits obtained from the upgrade outweigh the costs of the upgrade.

[0004] One cost to consider is the scope of the upgrade. Extensive upgrades, such as replacing an entire infrastructure, are likely to be more expensive (in terms of equipment costs and installation labor) than smaller upgrades, such as replacing a limited number of components with upgraded components that can interface with the existing infrastructure. Data centers generally try to reuse existing cabling infrastructure whenever possible to reduce costs.

[0005] Another cost relates to the complexity of upgrading each component. When an upgrade is performed, the installer must ensure that the upgraded component interfaces correctly with any existing network equipment and intermediate links. This may involve matching the transmission speed performance, polarity, and / or gender of the cables and / or connectors. As the complexity of network equipment, cables, and connectors increases, the complexity of the installation may also increase accordingly.

[0006] Another cost relates to the number of unique parts that must be ordered and installed. This cost is closely related to complexity. Upgrades requiring a large number of unique parts (such as cables and connectors) result in a more complex bill of materials (BOM). The installer then needs to transport and install each of these unique parts. A large number of unique parts increases the risk of parts being installed in the wrong place (for example, a part being installed with reverse polarity). [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, optical communication connectors that help reduce upgrade costs and / or simplify upgrades are desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the following description, the optical communication connector includes a ferrule having a retractable alignment pin that can operate in a protruding or retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having an optical fiber and an outer housing positioned on top of the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is formed to be detachable from the inner housing assembly, and the inner housing assembly has a movable pink ramp mechanically coupled to an alignment pin that aligns one connector with another. The pink ramp can slide from a first position (corresponding to a male) to a second position (corresponding to a female).

[0009] The inner housing assembly preferably has stop surfaces that define a first position corresponding to a male and a second position corresponding to a female. Furthermore, the movable pink ramp preferably has a flexible tab that can slide from the first position to the second position relative to the stop surface to change the gender of the connector.

[0010] In one embodiment, the outer housing is structured so that the pink lamp can be operated without removing the outer housing (for example, by providing a slot that allows access to the pink lamp).

[0011] Another feature described herein relates to changing the polarity of the connector. The outer housing preferably has a polarity key located on the outer housing. When the outer housing is rotated 180 degrees along an axis perpendicular to the front surface of the connector ferrule, the polarity key rotates accordingly from a first position corresponding to a first polarity to a second position corresponding to a second polarity. The inner housing assembly preferably has at least two recessed features, each formed to receive the polarity key as the outer housing slides on the inner housing assembly.

[0012] The communication connector may typically have its polarity changed, as it includes an asymmetric polarity change function that can be operated by the installer to change the polarity of the communication connector. Such a function can be activated by moving the communication connector from a first position to a second position.

[0013] By referring to the following descriptions of one or more embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other features and advantages, as well as how they are implemented, will become clearer and the technology will be better understood. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] A simplified block diagram illustrating a typical cross-connect system is shown. [Figure 2] A simplified block diagram is shown illustrating a typical upgraded version of the same cross-connect system. [Figure 3] This is a top-left perspective view of a male-oriented MPO connector (an example of an optical connector). [Figure 4] This is a top-left perspective view of a female-oriented MPO connector (an example of an optical connector). [Figure 5] This is a top-left perspective view of a portion of a male-oriented MPO connector with its outer housing removed. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the MPO connector shown, indicating the retractable pink lamp at the first (male) position. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the MPO connector, showing the retractable pink lamp at the second (female) position. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for changing the gender of an optical connector from male to female, according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for changing the gender of an optical connector from female to male, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10]It is a simplified schematic diagram showing transceiver mapping of two connectors that communicate via 8 of the 12 provided fiber channels. [Figure 11] It is a simplified plan view of a Type A patch cord / connector cable. [Figure 12] It is a simplified plan view of a Type B patch cord / connector cable. [Figure 13] It is a top-left perspective view of a connector according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a top-left perspective view of a partially disassembled connector according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a top-left perspective view of a connector according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a top-left front perspective view of an inner housing assembly and an outer housing of a partially disassembled connector according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a rear perspective view showing the rear surface of an outer housing (i.e., the opposite side of a polarity key) according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a flow diagram showing a method for changing the polarity of an optical connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a flow diagram showing a method for changing the gender and polarity of an optical connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a connector according to the present invention, showing an outer housing separated from an inner housing assembly. [Figure 21] It is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 20, showing an outer housing separated from an inner housing assembly. [Figure 22] It is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 20, wherein the outer housing is latched to the inner housing assembly. [Figure 23] It is a perspective view of a polarity-reconfigurable connector using a tool for changing polarity. [Figure 24] It is a perspective view of a tool for use with the connector of Figure 23. [Figure 25] Figure 24 is a perspective view of the tool used to adjust the polarity in Figure 23. [Figure 26] A perspective view of another embodiment of a polarity-reversible connector. [Figure 27] Figure 26 is another perspective view of the connector. [Figure 28] Figure 26 is a front view of the connector. [Figure 29] Figure 26 is another perspective view of the connector. [Figure 30] A perspective view of another embodiment of a polarity-reversible connector. [Figure 31] Figure 30 shows another perspective view of the connector. [Figure 32] Figure 30 is a front view of the connector. [Figure 33] Figure 30 shows another perspective view of the connector. [Figure 34] Figure 30 is a top view of the connector. [Figure 35] This is a partial view of a polarity-changeable connector where the polarity change tool is integrated into the outer housing of the connector. [Figure 36] Figure 35 is a perspective view of the outer housing of the connector used to change the polarity of the connector. [Figure 37] This is an exploded perspective view of a connector with a boot attached to the outer housing of the connector to provide push / pull functionality. [Figure 38] Figure 37 is a perspective view of the connector. [Figure 39] Figure 37 is a perspective view of the front half of the connector boot. [Figure 40] Figure 37 is a perspective view of the rear half of the connector boot. [Figure 41] Figure 37 is a perspective view of the connector, showing how the front half of the boot connects to the rear half of the boot. [Figure 42] Figure 37 shows a top view and a cross-sectional view of the connector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Corresponding reference letters indicate corresponding parts across several figures. The examples described herein illustrate one or more preferred embodiments of the invention, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

[0016] Context of Exemplary Embodiments To provide context for much of the discussion herein, Figures 1 and 2 show examples of a typical cross-connect system 100 (Figure 1) and a typical upgraded version of the same cross-connect system 200 (Figure 2), based on Method A in the Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard, Edition C (TIA-568-C.3), published by the Telecommunications Industries Association on June 1, 2008.

[0017] As can be seen with reference to Figure 1, the first network device 102 communicates with the second network device 104 via an optical communication path including a series of ports, cables, and cassettes. Starting from left to right in Figure 1, the first network device 102 has an LC transceiver port 106 that connects to the first cassette 116 via a first LC device code 114. A first MPO (multi-fiber push-on) patch cord / trunk cable 110 links the first cassette 116 to the second cassette 118. An LC cross-connect cord 120 connects the second cassette 118 to the third cassette 122. A second MPO patch cord / trunk cable 112 links the third cassette 122 to the fourth cassette 124. The second LC device code 126 connects the fourth cassette 124 to the second network device 104 via the LC transceiver port 108 of the second network device 104.

[0018] The LC transceiver ports 106 and 108, LC equipment codes 114 and 126, LC cross-connect code 120, and cassettes 116, 118, 122, and 124 interface with each other via LC connectors. The LC connectors are small form factor fiber connectors using 1.25 mm diameter ceramic ferrules in a standard RJ-45 telephone plug housing (simplex or duplex configuration). In the shown embodiments, cassettes 116, 118, 122, and 124, which function as junction points, include LC ports on the front (for interface with LC equipment codes 114 and 126, and cross-connect code 120) and MPO ports on the rear (for interface with MPO patch cords / trunk cables 110 and 112). The example patch cords / trunk cables 110 and 112 are Type A female MPO-to-female MPO connectors that interface with the male MPO ports on the back of cassettes 116, 118, 122, and 124. In both Figures 1 and 2, "F" represents "female MPO" and "M" represents "male MPO" (with alignment pins).

[0019] For the purposes of discussion, it is assumed that the MPO patch cords / trunk cables 110 and 112 are permanent links to be reused in the proposed upgrade to the exemplary system 100. The LC components are upgraded to MPO components that include / support communication over multiple fibers (e.g., up to 24 strands). Such an upgrade may be for implementing, for example, a 40G data rate. Thus, as shown in Figure 2, the MPO patch cords / trunk cables 110 and 112 are still present in the upgraded version 200 of the embodiment. The selection of components and reused parts in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 is entirely arbitrary, and other configurations and upgrades may be realized using the teachings described herein.

[0020] As can be seen with reference to Figure 2, the first upgraded network device 202 includes a parallel optical transceiver with an MPO port 206 for interfacing with the first FAP (Fiber Adapter Panel) 216 via an MPO patch cord / trunk cable 214. The first FAP 216 is linked to the second FAP 218 via a first reused MPO patch cord / trunk cable 110. The second FAP 218 is linked to the third FAP 222 via a second MPO patch cord / trunk cable 220. The third FAP 222 is linked to the fourth FAP 224 via a second reused MPO patch cord / trunk cable 112. The fourth FAP 224 is linked to a parallel optical transceiver with an MPO port 208 on the second upgraded network device 204 via a third MPO patch cord / trunk cable 226.

[0021] Comparing Figures 1 and 2, as a result of the upgrade from Example 100 to Upgrade Version 200, the first network device 102 and the second network device 104 were upgraded to the first upgraded network device 202 and the second upgraded network device 204, each having parallel optical MPO transceiver ports. The first LC device code 114 was upgraded to a Type A female MPO-to-male MPO patch cord / trunk cable 214. The second LC cross-connect code 120 was upgraded to a Type A male MPO-to-male MPO patch cord / trunk cable 220. The second LC device code 126 was upgraded to a Type B female MPO-to-male MPO patch cord / trunk cable 226. Cassettes 116, 118, 122, and 124 were upgraded to FAPs 216, 218, 222, and 224, each having an MPO adapter. As mentioned above, MPO patch cords / trunk cables 110 and 112 are permanent links reused in the exemplary upgrade.

[0022] Therefore, the BOM (Bill of Materials) for the above upgrade lists three separate MPO-MPO cable assemblies (not including the existing reused cables 110 and 112). Cable 214: Type A Female MPO to Male MPO Patch Cord / Trunk Cable Cable 220: Type A Male MPO-to-Male MPO Patch Cord / Trunk Cable Cable 226: Type B Female MPO to Male MPO Patch Cord / Trunk Cable

[0023] overview According to one or more embodiments described herein, the installer can change the gender of an optical communications connector, such as an MPO patch cord / trunk cable connector, from male to female (or vice versa) by removing the outer housing and retracting (or protruding) the alignment pins corresponding to the cable's gender. As a result, fewer types of unique components are required. This simplifies the bill of materials (BOM) because the same cable (though potentially of different lengths) is used, resulting in fewer variations in part numbers. Furthermore, the parts are more general and can be adapted to specific components of the installation as needed, making installation easier. The installer can conveniently change the connector's gender in the field.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments described herein, the installer can change the polarity of optical communication connectors, such as MPO patch cord / trunk cable connectors, from a first polarity to a second polarity by reversing the polarity key configuration. Thus, a single component can be used for either polarity, which reduces the number of specific component types required for a typical installation, simplifies the BOM, and facilitates installation.

[0025] The retractable alignment pins and reversible polarity keys described above may be implemented separately or in combination.

[0026] Retractable alignment pin As can be seen with reference to Figure 3, the male-oriented MPO connector 300 (an embodiment of an optical connector) includes an inner housing assembly 400, an outer housing 500, a ferrule 600, and an alignment pin 602 protruding outward from the ferrule 600 containing a communication optical fiber. Similarly, Figure 4 shows a female-oriented MPO connector 300 in which the alignment pin 602 is retracted into an alignment pin cavity 604. Thus, by protruding or retracting the alignment pin 602, the same MPO connector 300 can be used in both male-oriented and female-oriented configurations.

[0027] Figure 5 shows a portion of the MPO connector 300 with the outer housing 500 removed to expose the retractable pink ramp 402. The retractable pink ramp 402 is mechanically coupled (preferably fixed) to the alignment pin 602 via a ferrule 600. The retractable pink ramp 402 preferably includes one or more tabs 404, each having a hole 406 for tool engagement. One or more spacers 407 located within the inner housing assembly 400 include one or more corresponding stop faces 408 adjacent to one or more tabs 404, defining a first position (male position) and a second position (female position) of the retractable pink ramp 402. Figures 6 and 7 are partial cross-sectional side views of the MPO connector 300 shown in Figure 5, showing the retractable pink ramp 402 in the first and second positions, respectively, according to a preferred embodiment.

[0028] Here, the process for changing the gender of the connector is described with reference to Figures 5-7, which show a preferred embodiment in which the retractable pink ramp 402 has two tabs 404 each having a hole 406, and the spacer 407 has two stop surfaces 408. After removing the outer housing 500 from the MPO connector 300, the installer can move the alignment pin 602 between the male and female configurations by sliding the retractable pink ramp 402 along the z-axis 410 perpendicular to the front surface 412 of the ferrule 600. To do this, the installer flexes the tabs 404 inward (towards each other) by engaging the two holes 406 with a tool (such as pliers having two pegs that mesh with the two holes 406), thereby sliding the retractable pink ramp 402 (and the connected alignment pin 602) between the first position (male position) and the second position (female position) along the z-axis 410. The installer releases the tool and locks the retractable pink ramp 402 in place along the z-axis 410 opposite the stop surface 408. The installer can then reattach the outer housing 500 so that the connector is ready to mate with the connector of the opposite gender.

[0029] In other embodiments of the present invention, no tools are required to bring about gender change. For example, referring to Figure 5, hole 406 can be replaced with a post for fingertip operation.

[0030] The first position (male position) and the second position (female position) are defined by the dimensions of the stop surface 408, specifically by the z-axis length between the stop surfaces 408. Preferably, this length should be more than about twice the length by which one of the alignment pins 602 protrudes from the front surface 412 of the ferrule 600. This ensures that the two opposite-gender connectors 300 can interface fully, so that the protruding alignment pin 602 of the male connector 300 fully engages within the corresponding cavity 604 that houses the retracted alignment pin 602 of the female connector 300. In addition to the stop surface 408 setting the distance by which the alignment pin 602 protrudes and retracts, the spacer 407 also facilitates the separation of the retractable pink ramp 402 by transmitting the load from the spring 606 to the ferrule 600.

[0031] The above description relates to preferred embodiments of a connector having a changeable gender, but other embodiments are also possible. For example, one exemplary embodiment utilizes only a single tab 404 that is flexed to move below a single stop surface 408. Another exemplary embodiment utilizes three or more tabs 404 and / or three or more stop surfaces 408. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the retractable pink ramp 402 is not fixed to the alignment pin 602 but is connected to the alignment pin 602 by some other kind of mechanical linkage mechanism that causes the alignment pin 602 to protrude or retract with a displacement greater than the displacement of the actuated retractable pink ramp 402. In yet another alternative embodiment, the stop surface 408 is not part of the inner housing assembly 400. Numerous other alternatives are possible to implement the connector claimed herein.

[0032] Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating methods 1800 and 1900 for changing the gender of optical connectors, such as the aforementioned connector 300, from male to female and from female to male, respectively.

[0033] In method 1800, as shown in block 1802, the installer removes the outer housing 500 from the connector 300. The installer bends one or more tabs 404 on the retractable pink ramp 402 inward, as shown in block 1804, and slides the retractable pink ramp 402 from the male position to the female position, as shown in block 1806, to retract the alignment pin 602 into the ferrule 600. The installer releases the tabs, as shown in block 1808, and reattaches the outer housing 500, as shown in block 1810. Method 1900 differs from method 1800 only in block 1906, in which the installer slides the retractable pink ramp 402 from the female position to the male position, causing the alignment pin 602 to protrude from the ferrule 600. Blocks 1902, 1904, 1908, and 1910 of Method 1900 correspond to blocks 1802, 1804, 1808, and 1810 of Method 1800, respectively. In the methods according to embodiments of the present invention, the connector assembly remains intact, and the fibers within the connector are not damaged or processed during reconstruction.

[0034] Reversible polarity key In addition to gender, another parameter that should be considered by the installer during the upgrade is the polarity of the connector. Polarity can be considered separately from or in combination with gender, depending on the specific type of optical connector (e.g., mechanical configuration).

[0035] Assuming that connection method A is used in the Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard, version C (TIA-568-C.3), published June 1, 2008, by the Telecommunications Industries Association, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference, at least one type B MPO-MPO patch cord is required in the link to utilize parallel optical transceivers with MPO ports. Figures 10–12 are provided for clarification. Figure 10 is a simplified schematic diagram showing the transceiver mapping of two connectors communicating over eight of the twelve fiber channels provided. Figures 11 and 12 are simplified plan views of the type A and type B patch cord / connector cables, respectively. As can be seen by referring to Figures 10–12, by including at least one type B MPO-MPO patch cord in the link, channel 1 is effectively routed to channel 12, channel 2 to channel 11, channel 3 to channel 10, channel 4 to channel 9, and transmit (Tx) is effectively routed to receive (Rx). Fibers 9-12 of transceiver 700a transmit one or more communication signals to fiber 1-4 of transceiver 700b (Tx), and fiber 1-4 of transceiver 700b receive the corresponding signal(s) (Rx). Fibers 1-4 of transceiver 700a receive the signal(s) (Rx) from fiber 9-12 of transceiver 700b, and fiber 9-12 of transceiver 700b transmit the corresponding signal(s) (Tx) through these four fibers. The fiber scheme shown and described with reference to Figures 10-12 is compatible with the "Transceiver MPO Connector" transmit / receive configuration established by the POP4 MSA in the "Four Channel Pluggable Optical Transceiver Multi-Source Agreement," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0036] The polarity key 800 shown in Figures 11 and 12 will be discussed below in relation to Figures 13 to 17. Essentially, the polarity key 800 provides a mechanical means for identifying polarity and ensuring proper interface between adjacent connectors.

[0037] Changing the polarity of one connector on a patch cord effectively changes the polarity from Type A to Type B, or vice versa. As detailed below, installers can change the polarity of optical communication connectors, such as MPO patch cord / trunk cable connectors, from one polarity to a second polarity by reversing the polarity key configuration. Thus, a single component can be used for either polarity, reducing the number of specific component types required in a typical installation, simplifying the BOM, and facilitating installation. In installations using multiple patch cords, only one type of patch cord needs to be ordered, and the polarity can be changed as needed during installation, so each cable end can be placed anywhere. Furthermore, the inside of the connector (including the fiber and ferrule) is not damaged during the polarity change operation.

[0038] Figures 13–17 are perspective views showing the connector 300 and related components in both assembled and partially disassembled configurations. In these figures, similar reference numbers refer to similar components.

[0039] The polarity key 800 is integrated into the outer housing 500. For example, the polarity key 800 may be integrally formed within the outer housing 500. Alternatively, the polarity key 800 may be a separate component attached to the outer housing 500 by suitable fasteners or adhesives.

[0040] The polarity key 800 includes a polarity key tab 802 at its bottom. A blank tab 804 is formed on the opposite side of the polarity key tab 802 and is integrated into the outer housing 500 (either formed integrally or fixed separately). The polarity key tab 802 and the blank tab 804 extend outward along the z-axis 410. As will be described later, unlike the polarity key tab 802, the blank tab 804 does not contain a polarity key and instead functions as a filler; therefore, the polarity key 800 is effectively absent from the blank tab 804.

[0041] The inner housing assembly 400 includes one symmetrical recessed feature 806 on each side of the location where the ferrule 600 is positioned within the inner housing assembly 400. The recessed features 806 are formed and configured to receive a polarity key tab 802 (and associated polarity key 800) and a blank tab 804. According to a preferred embodiment, the polarity of the connector 300 is reversed by removing the outer housing 500, rotating the ferrule 600 180 degrees around the z-axis 410, and then reattaching the outer housing 500 to the assembly 400. The polarity key tab 802 and blank tab 804 are now housed in the recessed features 806 opposite to their positions before the 180-degree rotation. As a result, only the outer housing 500 is removed. The inner housing assembly 400 is not removed, thereby preventing obstruction of the high-sensitivity spring 606, ferrule 600, optical fiber, and spring-pressure assembly 810. Removing the inner housing assembly 400 would expose the optical fiber, which is undesirable.

[0042] The preferably symmetrical design of the inner housing assembly 400 allows the outer housing 500 to be inverted and reattached to change the polarity. As shown in Figure 16, the concave feature 806 on the inner housing assembly 400 facilitates the installer in locating and securing the geometric positions of the polarity key tab 802 and blank tab 804 on the outer housing 500. The sidewalls 812 on the polarity key 800 and / or polarity key tab 802 are connected to the corresponding polarity key sidewall retainers 814 to control the movement of the polarity key tab 802 and blank key tab 804 in the x-axis direction 414. Similar sidewalls are located on the blank tab 804. To control the movement of the polarity key tab 802 in the y-axis direction 416, both the polarity key tab 802 and the blank key tab preferably include planar projections 816, which overlap with projection retainers 818 located on the inner housing assembly 400 as part of the concave feature 806. Therefore, as shown in Figures 13 to 16, the projection retainer 818 acts as a guide for the path in which the outer housing 500 can slide via its polarity key tab 802 and blank tab 804.

[0043] Figure 17 is a rear perspective view showing the rear side of the outer housing 500 (i.e., opposite the polarity key 800) according to a preferred embodiment. The outer housing 500 includes two compression springs 820 positioned on compression spring alignment posts 824 in their respective compression spring wells 822. Small crush ribs 826 are positioned on the alignment posts 824. During assembly, the compression springs 820 are pressed across the crush ribs 826 around the alignment posts 824 and are therefore held in place by the overlap with the crush ribs 826. When the outer housing 500 is assembled on the inner housing assembly 400, a stop post 828 on the outside of the inner housing assembly 400 connects to the compression spring wells 822. The stop post 828 provides a surface on which the compression springs 820 act (compress) to push the outer housing forward (towards the ferrule end). The rib 831 of the outer housing engages with the retaining element 833 of the inner housing assembly 400 to prevent the outer housing 500 from separating from the inner housing assembly 400 by the compression spring.

[0044] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating method 2800 for changing the polarity of an optical connector, such as the connector 300 described above. In method 2800, as shown in block 2802, the installer removes the outer housing 500 from the connector 300. As shown in block 2804, the installer rotates the outer housing 180 degrees around the z-axis (the axis perpendicular to the front of the ferrule 600), and as shown in block 2806, the installer returns the outer housing 500 to its original position.

[0045] Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating method 2900 for changing the gender and polarity of an optical connector, such as the connector 300 described above. In method 2900, as shown in block 2902, the installer removes the outer housing 500 from the connector 300. As shown in block 2904, the installer bends one or more tabs 404 on the retractable pink ramp 402 inward and, if necessary, slides the retractable pink ramp 402 to a suitable gender position (male or female position defined by its position relative to the stop surface 408) as shown in block 2906, causing the alignment pin 602 to retract into or protrude from the ferrule 600. As shown in block 2908, the installer releases the tabs 404. Next, the installer rotates the outer housing 500 180 degrees around the z-axis (the axis perpendicular to the front of the ferrule 600) as shown in block 2910, and then returns the outer housing 500 to its original position as shown in block 2912.

[0046] Figure 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, in which the outer housing 2000 latches to the inner housing assembly 2001 using a flexible latch flap 2002 provided on the outer housing 2000 and a latch ramp 2004 provided on the inner housing assembly 2001. Figure 21 is a side view of this embodiment. The position of the polarity key 800 can be swapped between the upper and lower parts of the connector by inverting the outer housing before attaching the outer housing 2000 to the inner housing assembly 2001. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the assembled connector of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the latch of the outer housing 2000 can be released by compressing the outer housing from the side. At this time, a gap along the side of the outer housing 2000 allows the upper and lower parts of the outer housing to bend outward, thereby releasing the latch.

[0047] Figures 23-25 ​​show one embodiment of a polarity-reversible connector and tool. The gender-reversal function of the connector is achieved using tool 3004, which is used to change the connector from a female connector to a male connector. The presence / position of guide pin 3012 identifies whether the MPO connector is male or female. A female MPO connector has a guide pin hole in the ferrule into which pin 3012 is retracted, allowing the female connector to receive the guide pin 3012. A male connector has a guide pin 3012 protruding from the ferrule. When mated to an adapter, the guide pin 3012 on the male connector is housed in the female connector, ensuring the connectors are precisely centered and the two connectors mat securely. Connector 3001 allows the user to change the connector from a male connector to a female connector by moving a thread mechanism 3013 that holds the guide pin 3012. Tool 3004 features a projection 3041, which is positioned within a circular opening 3131 of the thread mechanism 3013 and used to pull the thread mechanism 3013 into either the "female" or "male" position. The shoulder flange 3042 prevents the projection 3041 from being inserted too far into the connector assembly and protects the fibers within the connector assembly.

[0048] Figures 26-29 further highlight the elements of connector 3001. Connector 3001 utilizes an inner housing 3014 and an outer housing 3015. Two springs 3151 are positioned on the sides of the connector and are held on the outer housing 3015. The two springs 3151 allow the outer housing 3015 to move relative to the inner housing 3014, thereby allowing the connector to be removed from the adapter. The inner housing is characterized by having a fastener 3141 for the springs 3151.

[0049] Figures 30–34 show embodiments of connectors with a smaller footprint. The narrower connector 3005 moves the spring position to an opposing corner within the outer housing 3051, rather than directly on the side of the inner housing 3052. The movement of the spring 3151 makes it possible to narrow the side wall 3511 of the outer housing. The inner housing stop function 3521 is also moved to provide the correct stop position for the new spring position. This connector is less than 0.50 inches wide at its widest point, making it very competitive with competitors.

[0050] Figures 35-36 show one embodiment of a polarity-changing connector in which a tool for changing polarity is integrated into the outer housing of the connector. Instead of changing the gender of the connector using an external tool 3004 with a projection, the outer housing 3051 of the connector has a projection located on the outer housing 3051 so that the gender of the connector can be changed using the outer housing. One of the four corners of the outer housing has a hole 3516. A small diameter pin 3512 (approximately 0.03 inches in diameter) is inserted into this hole 3516 to a specific depth controlled by the depth of the hole 3516. Because the diameter of the hole 3516 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the pin 3512, the pin 3512 is press-fitted into the hole 3516 and held in place. A shoulder 3517 is also molded into the outer housing 3051 so as to control the distance the pin enters the connector and protect the fibers inside the connector. In an alternative embodiment, the outer housing may externally cover the pin 3512 so that the pin is held at the correct distance within the outer housing.

[0051] Figures 37–42 show one embodiment of a connector with a boot connected to an outer housing that enables a push / pull function. The front portion 4011 of the push-pull boot is molded or manufactured from a less flexible material than the rear portion of the boot. The front portion 4011 needs to be made of a stronger material to enable the function. The front portion of the boot includes a latch geometry 4111 required for attaching the push-pull boot 4001 to the outer housing of the connector. The rear portion 4012 of the push-pull boot is molded or manufactured from a softer, more elastic material than the front portion 4011 of the boot. The main purpose of the rear portion 4012 of the boot is to provide adequate strain relief to the cable by bending together with the cable exiting the rear of the connector. The rear portion 4012 of the push-pull boot has rectangular holes 4121 located on the sides of the boot. These rectangular holes 4121 allow the rectangular projections 4112 located on the front portion 4011 of the boot to remain in place. This connection is intended to be permanent. Annular projections 4113 are visible on the rear of the front part. These projections are used for the interlocking fit between the front and rear sections. As the rear section 4012 slides onto the front section 4011, the harder material of the front section 4011 allows the annular projections to bite into the softer, more elastic material of the rear section 4012. The added interlocking allowance allows the rear section 4012 to be removed without tearing the boot 4001.

[0052] While the present invention has been described as having a preferred design, the invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, any variation, use, or adaptation of the invention using the general principles of the invention is intended to be included in this application. Furthermore, any departure from this disclosure that involves known or customary practices in the art relating to the invention and falling within the scope of the appended claims is intended to be included in this application.

Claims

1. It is an optical communication connector, Outer housing and A boot mechanically connected to the outer housing, A ferrule having a retractable alignment pin that can be operated in a protruding or retracted position, Equipped with, At the aforementioned protruding position, the alignment pin protrudes from the front surface of the ferrule by a first displacement distance, thereby making the connector a male configuration. In the aforementioned retracted position, the alignment pin is retracted into the alignment pin cavity within the ferrule by a distance greater than or equal to the first displacement distance from the front surface of the ferrule, thereby converting the connector into a female configuration. Therefore, when the optical communication connector mates with an optical communication connector of the opposite gender, the second alignment pin of the optical communication connector of the opposite gender engages with the alignment pin cavity. The optical communication connector comprising an outer housing comprising a tool member used to change the gender of the optical communication connector, the tool member comprising a pin-shaped member inserted into and held in a hole formed in the outer housing, the pin-shaped member being inserted to a specific depth controlled by the depth of the hole, and the outer housing having a shoulder portion formed thereon that controls the distance the pin-shaped member enters the optical communication connector and protects the fiber inside the optical communication connector.

2. The optical communication connector according to claim 1, wherein the boot comprises a front portion and a rear portion, and the front portion is made of a material softer than the rear portion.

3. The optical communication connector according to claim 1, wherein the alignment pins are made to protrude or retract using a tool integrated into the connector.

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