Connector with contamination protection

Abstract

A connector includes a body; a connection element located within the body; a retractable cover positioned at a mating end of the body; the retractable cover including a passage for receiving the connection element; the retractable cover configured to move between a mated state and an unmated state; wherein in the unmated state, the retractable cover extends at least even with a distal end of the connection element; wherein in the mated state, the retractable cover exposes the distal end of the connection element.

Description

CONNECTOR WITH CONTAMINATION PROTECTIONCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application claims the benefit of u.s. application no. 63 / 713221, filed on October 29, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to connectors, and particularly to connectors with contamination protection.

[0002] Connectors, for example optical fiber connectors, are susceptible to contamination from a variety of sources, namely airborne contaminants (dust, chemicals) or contaminants from incidental contact (oil from skin, clothing fibers). The fiber end-face is exposed to contaminants in the air. An exposed fiber end-face can also become contaminated via incidental contact with items such as clothing and skin. Contaminated fiber will impair application performance, cause poor or disrupted network communications, and may cause permanent damage to the fiber end-face. Fiber contamination can cause network applications to fail or run slow, which can disrupt business and commerce. Troubleshooting network issues caused by fiber contamination can take a significant amount of time to find the source of the problem and rectify the problem through cleaning or other means. Contamination can be spread from one connector to another when unmated / mated unless cleaned in between connections.

[0003] To combat contamination, fiber optic connectors and jumpers are cleaned, tested and protected with a dust cap when shipped from the manufacturer. This ensures initial fiber cleanliness when the user receives the product. However, after initial use if the user does not replace the dust cap, the fiber ferrule end-face is exposed to contamination. Despite recommendations to replace dust caps while not in use, it’s very common to see disconnected fiber connectors without dust caps in many user installations.

[0004] In addition to dust caps, users can clean the fiber using commonly available cleaning tools. Users should clean the fiber between mating cycles, however they frequently do not have the proper cleaning tools, lack the expertise to use the tools if they have them or forget to clean the fibers. Some users do have the proper tools and expertise, however extra time is required to manually clean and retest fiber connectors if contamination is suspected. In some extreme cases, users choose to discard a fiber jumper rather than risk a contaminatedfiber jumper and causing network disruptions. Efforts to encourage users to replace dust caps and clean fiber connectors between use have failed.

[0005] Existing adapters, which connectors mate to, may use shutters or brushes to limit the ingress of contaminants into an adapter. Shutters may actually increase the collection of contaminants, such as dust. Both shutters and brushes are complex designs, requiring several parts that add cost and introduce reliability limitations. Limiting dust entry to the adapter does not prevent a connector from introducing dust into the adapter.SUMMARY

[0006] According to an embodiment, a connector includes a body; a connection element located within the body; a retractable cover positioned at a mating end of the body; the retractable cover including a passage for receiving the connection element; the retractable cover configured to move between a mated state and an unmated state; wherein in the unmated state, the retractable cover extends at least even with a distal end of the connection element; wherein in the mated state, the retractable cover exposes the distal end of the connection element.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein in the unmated state, the retractable cover extends beyond the distal end of the connection element.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the retractable cover provides material radially outward of the ferrule in a contiguous manner, with no gaps or openings.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the retractable cover is made from an anti-static material.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the retractable cover has been treated with an antistatic treatment.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the body is made from an anti-static material.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the body has been treated with an anti-static treatment.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the connection element is made from an anti-static material.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the connection element has been treated with an anti-static treatment.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the retractable cover includes a neck section and a head section, the neck section sized to be received in the cavity of the body, the head section having an outer dimension exceeding an outer dimension of the neck section.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the head section is rectangular.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the head section is square.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the head section is configured to fit within an adapter passageway, wherein the head section is sized and shaped to wipe dust from an interior surface of the adapter passageway.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the neck section does not contact the connection element.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the neck section has an inner radial dimension that is at least 1.5 times an outer radial dimension of the connection element.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the neck section is cylindrical.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a gap between an outside of the connection element and an inside of the neck section, the gap sized to allow a dust cap to be installed on the connection element.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the connection element is a ferrule configured to receive an optical fiber.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a biasing member configured to force the retractable cover into the unmated state.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a cover lock for controlling movement of the retractable cover between the unmated state and the mated state.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the cover lock includes an arm extending from a nose section, the nose section connected to the retractable cover.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the arm includes a retraction stop configured to abut a stop on the body to prevent the retractable cover from moving between the unmated state to the mated state outside of an adapter.

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the arm includes a chamfered surface configured to engage a front wall of the adapter such that the retraction stop passes the stop on the body and the retractable cover moves between the unmated state to the mated state.

[0029] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a latch including a wedge facing the body; wherein the arm includes a beveled ledge on an interior surface thereof configured to engage the wedge such that the retraction stop passes the stop on the body and the retractable cover moves between the unmated state to the mated state.

[0030] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a dust protector mounted on a front face of the retractable cover covering a passage through the retractable cover.

[0031] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein the dust protector includes an adhesive facing the connection element.

[0032] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include wherein upon movement of the retractable cover towards the body, the adhesive of the dust protector contacts the connection element to remove contamination from the connection element.

[0033] According to another embodiment, a connector includes a body; a connection element located within the body; a cover positioned at a mating end of the body; a dust protectormounted on a front face of the cover covering a passage through the cover; wherein the dust protector includes an adhesive facing the connection element.

[0034] According to another embodiment, a connector includes a body; a connection element located within the body; wherein the body is made from an anti-static material or the body has been treated with an anti-static treatment.

[0035] According to another embodiment a connector includes a body; a connection element located within the body; wherein the connection element is made from an anti-static material or the connection element has been treated with an anti-static treatment.

[0036] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and non-limiting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements.

[0038] FIG. 1 depicts a connector having contamination protection features in an example embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1 in an unmated state in an example embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1 in a mated state in an example embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1 and an adapter in an unmated state in an example embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1 and an adapter in a partially mated state in an example embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1 and an adapter in a mated state in an example embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 7 depicts a connector having a cover lock and a retractable cover in an unmated state in an example embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 8 depicts the connector of FIG. 7 with the retractable cover in a mated state in an example embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 7 with the retractable cover in an unmated state in an example embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 7 with the retractable cover in an unmated state in an example embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 7 with the retractable cover in a mated state in an example embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 7 engaging an adapter with the retractable cover in an unmated state in an example embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 7 and an adapter in an unmated state in an example embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 7 and an adapter in a mated state in an example embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a connector in an unmated state in an example embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a connector in a mated state in an example embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a retractable cover with a cover lock in an example embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a connector in an unmated state in an example embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a body in an example embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a latch and an arm of a cover lock in an example embodiment.

[0058] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional, perspective view depicting a cover lock in an example embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of a connector and an adapter in a mated state in an example embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a connector with a dust protector in an example embodiment.

[0061] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a connector with a dust protector in an example embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a connector with a dust protector in an example embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a connector with a dust protector in an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] FIG. 1 depicts a connector 100 having contamination protection features in an example embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1 in an unmated state. The term “unmated” refers to the connector not being connected to another component, such as an adapter. The connector 100 in FIGs. 1-3 is an LC optical fiber connector. It is understood that embodiments of the invention may be used with other types of optical fiber connectors or with connectors using a different type of cabling (e.g., copper, co-axial, etc.).

[0065] The connector 100 includes a connector body 102 having a connection element 104. The connection element 104 is a component that transmits an electrical or optical signal to another component. In the example of FIGs. 1 and 2, the connection element is a ferrule 104 mounted to a ferrule holder 106. The ferrule 104 receives an optical fiber, as known in the art. The ferrule holder 106 can travel within the body 102 along a mating axis, X, of the connector 100. The mating axis, X, corresponds to a direction in which the connectors is inserted into a receptacle. A first biasing member 108 (e.g., a spring) applies force on the ferrule holder 106 to bias the ferrule 104 toward a mating end 110 of the connector 100. The body 102 may include other components, such as a latch, strain relief, etc.

[0066] The connector 100 includes a retractable cover 120 positioned at the mating end 110 of the connector 100. The retractable cover 120 is moveable relative to the body 102 along a mating axis, X, of the connector 100. The retractable cover 120 extends at least even with or beyond a distal end of the ferrule 104 when the connector 100 is in an unmated state, as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2. The retractable cover 120 includes a neck section 122 that is received in a corresponding cavity 112 in the body 102. The neck section 122 and the cavity 112 may be cylindrical. The neck section 122 has an outer dimension slightly smaller than the inside dimension of the cavity 112 so that the neck section 122 can slide inside the cavity 112.

[0067] The neck section 122 does not contact the ferrule 104. As shown in FIG. 3, there is a gap 127 between the outside of the ferrule 104 and the inside of the neck section 122. This gap 127 is sized to allow a dust cap (not shown) to be installed on the ferrule 104. The neck section 122 has an inner radial dimension that is at least 1.5 times the outer radial dimension of the ferrule 104.

[0068] The retractable cover 120 includes a head section 124 at the end of the neck section 122 and distanced from the mating end 110 of the body 102 in the unmated state. Thehead section 124 may be rectangular (e.g., square) and has an outer dimension exceeding an outer dimension of the neck section 122. The head section 124 may reduce contaminants by wiping an inside surface of an adapter to move contaminants away from the tip of the ferrule 104. The head section 124 may also help with alignment during mating of the connector 100 with the adapter.

[0069] The neck section 122 and the head section 124 completely cover the ferrule 104 in the unmated state. In other words, in the unmated state, the retractable cover 120 has material radially outward of the ferrule in a contiguous manner, with no gaps or openings.

[0070] Within the neck section 122 and the head section 124, a passage 126 is provided to allow the ferrule 104 to extend beyond the head section 124 when the connector 100 is in a mated state. A second biasing member 128 (e.g., a spring) applies force on the neck section 122 of the retractable cover 120 to bias the retractable cover 120 away from the mating end 110 of the connector 100.

[0071] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1 in a mated state. The term “mated” refers to the connector 100 being connected to another component, such as an adapter 200 (FIGs. 4-6). As shown in FIG. 3, the retractable cover 120 is pushed back towards the body 102 until the head section 124 contacts the body 102 at the mating end 110 of the body 102. This exposes the distal end of the ferrule 104 so the connector 100 can mate with another component, such as an adapter or another connector. When the connector 100 is unmated, the second biasing member 128 applies force on the retractable cover 120 such that the retractable cover 120 returns to the unmated state, shown in FIG. 2. This protects the ferrule 104 from contaminants in the unmated state.

[0072] To provide further protection from contamination, the retractable cover 120 may be made from an anti-static material and / or treated by an anti-static treatment to repel airborne contaminants from collecting on / in the retractable cover 120, the ferrule 104 and other portions of the connector 100. Example anti-static materials include plastic resins, ceramic compounds and treated or grounded metals. Example anti-static treatments include sprays or coatings (e.g., containing conductive polymers or surfactants), plasma treatment, corona discharge treatment, etc.

[0073] In other embodiments, the body 102 of the connector 100 may be made from an anti-static material and / or treated by an anti-static treatment to repel airborne contaminants. In some embodiments, the connector 100 does not include the retractable cover 120, as the antistatic material and / or the anti-static treatment sufficiently repels airborne contaminants.

[0074] In other embodiments, the ferrule 104 may be made from an anti-static material and / or treated by an anti-static treatment to repel airborne contaminants. In some embodiments, the connector 100 does not include the retractable cover 120, as the anti-static material and / or the anti-static treatment sufficiently repels airborne contaminants.

[0075] One or more of the body 100, the retractable cover 120 and the ferrule 104 may be made from an anti-static material and / or treated by an anti-static treatment to repel airborne contaminants.

[0076] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 100 of FIG. 1 and an adapter 200, in an unmated state. Although FIG. 4 shows a simplex, LC adapter, the connector 100 may be used with other adapters, such as duplex, quad, etc. The adapter 200 includes an adapter passage 202 configured to receive the connector 100. The head section 124 has a geometry that matches the interior geometry of the adapter passage 202. For example, if the adapter passage 202 has a square, internal geometry, then head section 124 is also square.

[0077] The head section 124 is sized to fit within the adapter passage 202, with an outer dimension of the head section 124 being slightly smaller than an inner dimension of the adapter passage 202. The snug fit between the head section 124 and the adapter passage 202 allows the head section 124 to wipe dust from an interior surface of the adapter passage 202, preventing dust from contacting the ferrule 104. The head section 124 provides for maintaining the cleanliness of the adapter passage 202, thereby enhancing the performance and longevity of the ferrule 104 and fiber end-face. The head section 124 prevents the ferrule 104 or optical fiber from making unintentional contact with the body of the adapter, avoiding contamination or damage. The head section 124 also engages the adapter sooner than a traditional connector, helping with alignment during mating.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 100 of FIG. 1 and the adapter 200 in a partially mated state. As shown in FIG. 5, the connector 100 is partially, but not fully, engaged with the adapter 200. The head section 124 wipes dust off the interior walls of the adapter passage 202 as the connector 100 is mated with adapter 200. In this state, the retractable cover 120 still extends at least even with or beyond a distal end of the ferrule 104.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 100 of FIG. 1 and the adapter 200 in a mated state. As shown in FIG. 6, the connector 100 is fully engaged with the adapter 200. In this state, the retractable cover 120 is pushed back towards the body 102, exposing the ferrule 104 and allowing the ferrule 104 to enter an alignment sleeve 204.

[0080] Embodiments of the invention prevent contamination of a connector by protecting the ferrule 104 using the retractable cover 120, even if a user forgets to replace adust cap. Since the ferrule 104 is protected within the retractable cover 120, incidental contact with external items, such as clothing or skin, which can leave contaminants on the ferrule 104, is prevented. Making the retractable cover 120 from an anti-static material, or coating the retractable cover 120 with an anti-static coating, creates an additional barrier which prevents / reduces the ability of airborne contaminants from entering the passage 126 and / or the cavity 112. Embodiments provide a simpler, more reliable and less costly design than other known methods such as a door, internal shutter or external cap to protect the ferrule end-face.

[0081] FIG. 7 depicts a connector 300 having a cover lock 302 and a retractable cover 120 in an unmated state in an example embodiment. Several of the components to the connector 300 are similar to components of connector 100. These similar components are not described with reference to connector 300. The cover lock 302 prevents the retractable cover 120 from entering a mated state, unless the connector 300 is inserted in an adapter. FIG. 8 depicts the connector 302 with the retractable cover 120 in a mated state.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 300 with the retractable cover 120 in an unmated state. The connector 300 differs from connector 100 in that the body 102 and retractable cover 120 include features to accommodate and coact with the cover lock 302. The cover lock 302 includes a nose section 304 that is secured to the head 124 of the retractable cover 120. The nose section may be received in a pocket formed in the head section 124 and secure the cover lock 302 to the retractable cover 120 by an interference fit.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 7 with the retractable cover 120 in an unmated state. The cover lock 302 includes at least one arm 306 (with two arms 306 shown in FIG. 10), extending rearward from the nose section 304. The cover lock 302 is made from a pliable but resilient material that allows the arms 306 to move towards each other and then return to place when outside force is removed. Each 306 arm includes stop surfaces that limit movement of the retractable cover 120.

[0084] The body includes a stop 310 that is, for example, generally rectangular, having a first stop 312 and a second stop 314. Each arm 306 includes a retraction stop 316 and an extension stop 318, spaced apart from each other and on opposite sides of the stop 310. In an unmated state, as shown in FIG. 10, the retraction stop 316 contacts the first stop 312 to prevent the retractable cover 120 from moving towards body 102. In this manner the retractable cover 120 stays in the unmated state. In the unmated state, as shown in FIG. 10, the extension stop 318 contacts the second stop 314 to prevent the retractable cover 120 from moving away from the body 102. The interaction between the extension stop 318 and the second stop 314 controls how far the retractable cover 120 extends relative to the body 120 and the ferrule 104.

[0085] Adjacent to the retraction stop 316 is a first chamfered surface 317 (FIG. 11) which is angled relative to the mating axis of the connector 300. The first chamfered surface 317 is positioned to deflect the arms 306 towards each other when the retractable cover 120 is moved from the mated state to the unmated state under the force of the first biasing member 108. The first chamfered surfaces 317 travel over the second stop 314 to deflect the arms 306 towards each. This allows the retraction stops 316 to pass between the stops 310 when the retractable cover 120 is moved from the mated state to the unmated state.

[0086] Adjacent to the extension stop 318 is a second chamfered surface 319 (FIG. 11) which is angled relative to the mating axis of the connector 300. The second chamfered surface 319 is positioned to deflect the arms 306 towards each other when the retractable cover 120 is moved from the unmated state to the mated state upon the connector 200 entering a passage 202 of adapter 200. This allows the retraction stops 316 to pass between the stops 310 when the retractable cover 120 is moved from the unmated state to the mated state. As shown in FIG. 12, the second chamfered surfaces 319 are contacted by front walls of an adapter 200 which deflects the arms 306 towards each. As shown in further detail herein, this allows the retraction stops 316 to pass between the stops 310 and the retractable over 120 to assume the mated state.

[0087] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 300 and an adapter 200 in an unmated state. In this state, the second biasing member 128 pushes the retractable cover 120 into the unmated state. The extension of the retractable cover 120 from the body 102 is controlled by interference between the extension stop 318 and the second stop 314 (FIG. 10). The retractable cover 120 is also retained in the unmated state by the retraction stop 316 contacting the first stop 312 (FIG. 10).

[0088] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 300 and an adapter 200 in a mated state. In this state, the second chamfered surfaces 319 have been contacted by front walls of the adapter 200 thereby deflecting the arms 306 towards each. This allows the retraction stops 316 to pass between the stops 310 and the retractable cover 120 to assume the mated state.

[0089] FIG. 15 depicts a connector 600 having contamination protection features in an example embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 600 in an unmated state. The term “unmated” refers to the connector not being connected to another component, such as an adapter. The connector 600 in FIG. 15 is an LC optical fiber connector. It is understood that embodiments of the invention may be used with other types of optical fiberconnectors (e.g., SC, MPO) or with connectors using a different type of cabling (e.g., copper, co-axial, etc.).

[0090] The connector 600 includes a connector body 602 having a connection element 604. The connection element 604 is a component that transmits an electrical or optical signal to another component. In the example of FIG. 15, the connection element is a ferrule 604 mounted to a ferrule holder 606. The ferrule 604 receives an optical fiber, as known in the art. The ferrule holder 606 can travel within the body 602 along a mating axis, X, of the connector 600. The mating axis, X, corresponds to a direction in which the connector is inserted into a receptacle. A first biasing member 608 (e.g., a spring) applies force on the ferrule holder 606 to bias the ferrule 604 toward a mating end 610 of the connector 600. The body 602 may include other components, such as a latch, strain relief, etc.

[0091] The connector 600 includes a retractable cover 620 positioned at the mating end 610 of the connector 600. The retractable cover 620 is moveable relative to the body 602 along the mating axis, X, of the connector 600. The retractable cover 620 extends at least even with or beyond a distal end of the ferrule 604 when the connector 600 is in an unmated state, as shown in FIG. 15. The retractable cover 620 includes a neck section 622 that is received in a corresponding cavity 612 in the body 602. The neck section 622 and the cavity 612 may be cylindrical. The neck section 622 has an outer dimension slightly smaller than the inside dimension of the cavity 612 so that the neck section 622 can slide inside the cavity 612.

[0092] The neck section 622 does not contact the ferrule 604. As shown in FIG. 15, there is a gap 627 between the outside of the ferrule 604 and the inside of the neck section 622. This gap 627 is sized to allow a dust cap to be installed on the ferrule 604 or in the front opening of the retractable cover 620. The neck section 622 has an inner radial dimension that is at least 1.5 times the outer radial dimension of the ferrule 604.

[0093] The retractable cover 620 includes a head section 624 at the front end of the neck section 622 and distanced from the mating end 610 of the body 602 in the unmated state. The head section 624 may be rectangular (e.g., square) and has an outer dimension exceeding an outer dimension of the neck section 622. The head section 624 may reduce contaminants by wiping an inside surface of an adapter to move contaminants away from the tip of the ferrule 604. The head section 624 may also help with alignment during mating of the connector 600 with an adapter.

[0094] The neck section 622 and the head section 624 completely cover the ferrule 604 in the unmated state. In other words, in the unmated state, the retractable cover 620 has material radially outward of the ferrule in a contiguous manner, with no gaps or openings.

[0095] Within the neck section 622 and the head section 624, a passage 626 is provided to allow the ferrule 604 to extend beyond the head section 624 when the connector 600 is in a mated state. A second biasing member 628 (e.g., a spring) applies force on the neck section 622 of the retractable cover 620 to bias the retractable cover 620 away from the mating end 610 of the connector 600.

[0096] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the connector 600 of FIG. 15 in a mated state. The term “mated” refers to the connector 600 being connected to another component, such as an adapter 200 (FIG. 22). As shown in FIG. 16, the retractable cover 620 is pushed back towards the body 602 until the head section 624 contacts the body 602 at the mating end 610 of the body 602. This exposes the distal end of the ferrule 604 so the connector 600 can mate with another component, such as an adapter or another connector. When the connector 600 is unmated, the second biasing member 628 (FIG. 15) applies force on the retractable cover 620 such that the retractable cover 620 returns to the unmated state, shown in FIG. 15. This protects the ferrule 604 from contaminants in the unmated state.

[0097] To provide further protection from contamination, the retractable cover 620 may be made from an anti-static material and / or treated by an anti-static treatment to repel airborne contaminants from collecting on / in the retractable cover 620, the ferrule 604 and other portions of the connector 600. Example anti-static materials include plastic resins, ceramic compounds and treated or grounded metals. Example anti-static treatments include sprays or coatings (e.g., containing conductive polymers or surfactants), plasma treatment, corona discharge treatment, etc.

[0098] In other embodiments, the body 602 of the connector 600 may be made from an anti-static material and / or treated by an anti-static treatment to repel airborne contaminants. In some embodiments, the connector 600 does not include the retractable cover 620, as the antistatic material and / or the anti-static treatment sufficiently repels airborne contaminants.

[0099] In other embodiments, the ferrule 604 may be made from an anti-static material and / or treated by an anti-static treatment to repel airborne contaminants. In some embodiments, the connector 600 does not include the retractable cover 620, as the anti-static material and / or the anti-static treatment sufficiently repels airborne contaminants.

[0100] One or more of the body 600, the retractable cover 620 and the ferrule 604 may be made from an anti-static material and / or treated by an anti-static treatment to repel airborne contaminants.

[0101] The connector 600 includes a co ver lock to prevent the retractable cover 620 from exposing the ferrule 604 prior to mating. FIG. 17 depicts the retractable cover 620 acover lock 702. The cover lock 702 prevents the retractable cover 620 from entering a mated state, unless the connector 600 latch is depressed, as described in further detail herein.

[0102] The cover lock 702 includes a nose section 704 that is secured to the head section 624 of the retractable cover 620. The nose section 704 may be integrally molded with the retractable cover 620.

[0103] FIG. 18 is a cross-section view of the connector 600. The cover lock 702 includes at least one arm 706 (with two arms 706 shown in FIG. 18), extending rearward from the nose section 704. The cover lock 702 is made from a pliable, but resilient material that allows the arms 706 to move away from each other and then return to place when outside force is removed. Each 706 arm includes stop surfaces that limit movement of the retractable cover 620.

[0104] The body 602 includes stops that are, for example, generally rectangular, including a first stop 712 and a second stop 714. Each arm 706 includes a retraction stop 716 and an extension stop 718, spaced apart from each other and on opposite sides of arms 706. In an unmated state, as shown in FIG. 18, the retraction stop 716 contacts the first stop 712 to prevent the retractable cover 620 from moving towards body 602. In this manner the retractable cover 620 stays in the unmated state. As shown in FIG. 18, the extension stop 718 contacts the second stop 714 to limit travel of the retractable cover 620 away from the body 602. The interaction between the extension stop 718 and the second stop 714 controls how far the retractable cover 620 extends relative to the body 602 and the ferrule 604.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 17, each arm 706 includes a beveled ledge 730 on an interior surface thereof. The beveled ledge 730 is angled downward towards the nose section 704 and angled inwards towards the opposing arm 706.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 19, the body 602 includes a latch 650 which is used to mate the connector 600 to a receptacle, such as an adapter. The top surface of the latch 650 has a typical construction for mating, for example, with an LC adapter. A lower surface of the latch 650 includes a wedge 720, extending downwards from the latch 650 toward the body 602.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 20, when the latch 650 is pushed downwards toward the body 602 (in a direction, Y, perpendicular to mating axis, X) the wedge 720 contacts the beveled ledges 730 on each arm 706, which in turn moves the arms 706 away from each other. This moves the retraction stops 716 beyond the first stop 712 so that the retractable cover 620 can move towards body 602 and expose the ferrule 604. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the retractable cover 620 moved towards the body 602, after the wedge 720 has moved the arms 706 away from each other, allowing the retraction stops 716 to move past the first stop 712.This allows the retractable cover 620 to slide towards the body 602 until the retractable cover 620 contacts the body 602.

[0108] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 600 and an adapter 200 in a mated state. In this state, the latch 650 has been depressed as part of the mating operation. The wedge 720 moves the arms 706 away from each other so that the retraction stops 716 pass the first stop 712. This allows the retractable cover 620 to move towards the body 602, exposing the connecting element 604, to assume the mated state.

[0109] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of connector 600 with a dust protector 800 mounted on a front face of the head section 624 covering the passage 626 through the retractable cover 620. The dust protector 800 may be a film with adhesive facing the retractable cover 620 to secure the dust protector 800 to the retractable cover 620. When the retractable cover 620 is transitioned towards the body 602 (e.g., by hand or pressing the retractable cover 620 against a surface), the connection element 604 can contact the adhesive to remove residual end-face contamination from the connection element 604. The dust protector 800 is removed prior to mating the connector with a component (e.g., an adapter or transceiver). An unused, second dust protector 800 may be mounted on a front face of the head section 624 covering the passage 626 through the retractable cover 620 when the connector is unmated from a component (e.g., an adapter or transceiver).

[0110] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of connector 600 with a dust protector 802 mounted on a front face of the head section 624 covering the passage 626 through the retractable cover 620. The dust protector 802 is cylindrical and fits inside a front opening off the retractable cover 620. The dust protector 802 may be a conventional dust cap, such as an LC dust cap. The dust protector 802 is removed prior to mating the connector with a component (e.g., an adapter or transceiver). An unused, second dust protector 802 may be mounted on a front face of the head section 624 covering the passage 626 through the retractable cover 620 when the connector is unmated from a component (e.g., an adapter or transceiver).

[0111] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of connector 600 with a dust protector 804 mounted on a front face of the head section 624 covering the passage 626 through the retractable cover 620. The dust protector 804 is cylindrical and fits inside a front opening of the retractable cover 620. The dust protector 802 may be made from paper having an adhesive on the side that faces the connection element 604. When the retractable cover 620 is transitioned towards the body 602 (e.g., by hand or pressing the retractable cover 620 against a surface), the connection element 604 can contact the adhesive to remove residual end-face contamination from the connection element 604. As shown in FIG. 26, the dust protector 804is removed prior to mating the connector with a component (e.g., an adapter or transceiver). An unused, second dust protector 804 may be mounted on a front face of the head section 624 covering the passage 626 through the retractable cover 620 when the connector is unmated from a component (e.g., an adapter or transceiver).

[0112] The dust protectors of FIGs. 23-26 may be used with any of the connectors described herein and are not limited to use with connector 600. The dust protectors of FIGs. 23-26 may be used with conventional connectors that do not include a retractable cover. When used with connectors lacking a retractable cover, the adhesive on the dust protector may contact the connection element (e.g., a ferrule) which, on certain connectors, extends beyond the front end of the connector. The dust protector is removed prior to mating the connector with a component (e.g., an adapter or transceiver).

[0113] FIGs. 1-26 depict an optical fiber connector, but embodiments are not limited to optical fiber connectors and embodiments may be used for both fiber and copper connectors, jumpers, trunks, patch cords, etc. The connectors described herein are example connectors, and embodiments apply to various connectors, including push-pull connectors, such as the LC BladePatch ® connector from The Siemon Company. The connectors depicted herein are simplex connectors, but embodiments may apply to other connector topologies, including connectors with multiple connection elements, such as duplex, quad, SC, MPO, MMC, SN8, etc.

[0114] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0115] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features in the particular embodiments, but the present disclosure is not thus limited. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, subcombinations, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspectsof the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is.

1. A connector comprising: a body; a connection element located within the body; a retractable cover positioned at a mating end of the body; the retractable cover including a passage for receiving the connection element; the retractable cover configured to move between a mated state and an unmated state; wherein in the unmated state, the retractable cover extends at least even with a distal end of the connection element; wherein in the mated state, the retractable cover exposes the distal end of the connection element.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein in the unmated state, the retractable cover extends beyond the distal end of the connection element.

3. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the retractable cover provides material radially outward of the ferrule in a contiguous manner, with no gaps or openings.

4. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the retractable cover is made from an antistatic material.

5. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the retractable cover has been treated with an anti-static treatment.

6. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the body is made from an anti-static material.

7. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the body has been treated with an antistatic treatment.

8. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the connection element is made from an anti-static material.

9. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the connection element has been treated with an anti-static treatment.

10. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the retractable cover includes a neck section and a head section, the neck section sized to be received in the cavity of the body, the head section having an outer dimension exceeding an outer dimension of the neck section.

11. The connector of claim 10, wherein the head section is rectangular.

12. The connector of claim 11, wherein the head section is square.

13. The connector of claim 10, wherein the head section is configured to fit within an adapter passageway, wherein the head section is sized and shaped to wipe dust from an interior surface of the adapter passageway.

14. The connector of claim 10, wherein the neck section does not contact the connection element.

15. The connector of claim 14, wherein the neck section has an inner radial dimension that is at least 1.5 times an outer radial dimension of the connection element.

16. The connector of claim 10, wherein the neck section is cylindrical.

17. The connector of claim 10, further comprising a gap between an outside of the connection element and an inside of the neck section, the gap sized to allow a dust cap to be installed on the connection element.

18. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the connection element is a ferrule configured to receive an optical fiber.

19. The connector of any preceding claim, further comprising a biasing member configured to force the retractable cover into the unmated state.

20. The connector of any preceding claim, further comprising a cover lock for controlling movement of the retractable cover between the unmated state and the mated state.

21. The connector of claim 20, wherein the cover lock includes an arm extending from a nose section, the nose section connected to the retractable cover.

22. The connector of claim 21, wherein the arm includes a retraction stop configured to abut a stop on the body to prevent the retractable cover from moving between the unmated state to the mated state outside of an adapter.

23. The connector of claim 22, wherein the arm includes a chamfered surface configured to engage a front wall of the adapter such that the retraction stop passes the stop on the body and the retractable cover moves between the unmated state to the mated state.

24. The connector of claim 22, further comprising: a latch including a wedge facing the body; wherein the arm includes a beveled ledge on an interior surface thereof configured to engage the wedge such that the retraction stop passes the stop on the body and the retractable cover moves between the unmated state to the mated state.

25. The connector of claim 1, further comprising: a dust protector mounted on a front face of the retractable cover covering a passage through the retractable cover.

26. The connector of claim 25, wherein the dust protector includes an adhesive facing the connection element.

27. The connector of claim 26, wherein upon movement of the retractable cover towards the body, the adhesive of the dust protector contacts the connection element to remove contamination from the connection element.

28. A connector comprising: a body; a connection element located within the body;a cover positioned at a mating end of the body; a dust protector mounted on a front face of the cover covering a passage through the cover; wherein the dust protector includes an adhesive facing the connection element.

29. A connector comprising: a body; a connection element located within the body; wherein the body is made from an anti-static material or the body has been treated with an anti-static treatment.

30. A connector comprising: a body; a connection element located within the body; wherein the connection element is made from an anti-static material or the connection element has been treated with an anti-static treatment.

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