WO2017081298A1

WO2017081298A1 - Shutter system for a fiber optic adapter

Info

Publication number: WO2017081298A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/077503
Authority: WO
Inventors: Danny Willy August Verheyden
Original assignee: CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
Priority date: 2015-11-13
Filing date: 2016-11-11
Publication date: 2017-05-18

Abstract

A fiber optic adapter for optically mating a pair of fiber optic connectors (100) includes an adapter body (10) for removably receiving a fiber optic connector (100) from opposing ends, the adapter body (10) comprising a receiver passageway extending along a longitudinal axis (Z). At least one shutter (22) is pivotally secured to the adapter body (10), the at least one shutter (22) being pivotally moved inwardly into the receiver passageway to an open position by insertion of a fiber optic connector (100). The adapter further includes a leaf spring (32) comprising a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end of the leaf spring (32) fixed to the adapter body (10), the free end of the leaf spring (32) applying a resistive force against the shutter (22) to pivotally force the shutter (22) outwardly from within the receiver passageway to a closed position upon removal of the at least one fiber optic connector (100) from the receiver passageway.

Description

SHUTTER SYSTEM FOR A FIBER OPTIC ADAPTER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/254,874, filed on November 13, 2015, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic adapters are often used for relaying an optical signal between two connectorized cables. The connectors are mated to opposing sides of the adapters. In order to shield the eyes of users from the optical signals, the adapters can utilize shutters or doors for blocking the unused sides. These shutters/doors protect the eyes from the light projected from the fiber optic connectors. Shutter designs or functionality may be limited by the given footprints of the adapters.

Improvements in shutter design are desired, especially in reducing shutter mechanism complexity and size.

SUMMARY

According to one exemplary aspect, the disclosure is directed to a fiber optic adapter for optically mating a pair of fiber optic connectors, the adapter comprising an adapter body for removably receiving a fiber optic connector from opposing ends, the adapter body comprising a receiver passageway extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis, at least one shutter pivotally secured to the adapter body, the at least one shutter being pivotally moved inwardly into the receiver passageway of the adapter body to an open position by insertion of a fiber optic connector into the receiver passageway, and a leaf spring comprising a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end of the leaf spring being fixed to the adapter body, the free end of the leaf spring applying a resistive force against the at least one shutter to pivotally force the at least one shutter outwardly from within the receiver passageway to a closed position upon removal of the at least one fiber optic connector from the receiver passageway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an adapter with a shutter system according to an example embodiment, showing the adapter receiving a fiber optic connector.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the adapter receiving the fiber optic connector shown in FIG. 1 , as viewed along line A.

FIG. 3 illustrates the shutter system of FIG. 2 as the shutters of the system start pivoting toward a closed configuration after retrieval of the fiber optic connector.

FIG 4 shows the perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG.1 , with the shutter system in a closed state with the fiber optic connector removed.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the shutter system in a closed state as shown in FIG. 4, as viewed along line B.

DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

FIGS. 1 - 5 depict an example fiber optic adapter including a shutter system having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure, the adapter configured for receiving a fiber optic connector 100 from each end for optical mating. The depicted adapter includes an adapter body 10 configured for removably receiving and mating two of the depicted fiber optic connectors 100. In the illustrated example, the fiber optic adapter is depicted as a duplex fiber optic adapter that can receive two pairs of fiber optic connectors for optical alignment.

It should also be noted that even though the inventive aspects of the shutter system of the present disclosure will be described with respect to fiber optic adapters that are configured for mating two connectors coming from opposing ends, the inventive aspects are fully applicable to structures or fixtures that are configured to receive a fiber optic connector (or a pair of fiber optic connectors) from a single end for mating with a live optical signal. For example, the end that opposes the receiving end of such a structure or fixture may be pre-terminated to a fiber optic cable carrying an optical signal, and the shutter system of the present disclosure may be used to block that signal when a connector is not being coupled to the receiving end of the fixture.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, the adapter body 10 extends between a first end 12 and a second end 14. As particularly shown in FIG. 4, the adapter body 10 includes a cross-sectional area defined with reference to a first axis X and a second axis Y. As particularly shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 5, the adapter body 10 defines a receiver passageway extending internally between the first end 12 and second end 14 along a longitudinal axis Z. The longitudinal axis Z, the first axis X and the second axis Y are oriented perpendicularly to each other.

The depicted shutter system also includes at least one shutter 22 that is pivotally secured to the adapter body 10. As particularly shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the shutter system can include four pairs of shutters 22, for example to receive four fiber optic connectors 100. Each shutter 22 pivots along a range of motion that is confined within the cross-sectional area (dimensions) of the adapter body 10. Each shutter 22 in a depicted pair is pivotally secured opposite the other in order to simultaneously pivot open and provide access to the receiver passageway.

Each depicted shutter 22 pivots about a pivot pin or hinge 30 that is oriented along a pivot axis that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis Z. Each pivot pin 30 is supported by the adapter body 10. Each shutter 22 has a pivot end and a free end. The pivot end is pivotally secured to the pivot pin 30, and the free end travels along the range of pivotal motion within the cross-sectional area of the adapter body 10.

Each shutter 22 in a depicted pair pivots to swing open away from each other and swing closed toward each other. As shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shutters 22 are pivoted into the receiver passageway of the adapter body 10 when a fiber optic connector 100 is inserted.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 5, the shutter system can include at least one leaf spring 32 for biasing each shutter 22 to a closed position. Preferably, the shutter system has a pair of leaf springs 32 for each pair of shutters 22. In a relaxed state, as depicted in FIG. 5, the leaf spring 32 has an elongated shape, extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Z, with a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end of the leaf spring 32 is fixed within a pocket defined by the adapter body 10 (e.g., via frictional press-fit).

The free end of the leaf spring 32 is configured to deflect relative to the fixed end of the leaf spring. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the free end of the leaf spring 32 has a range of flex or deflection up to 10 degrees relative to the fixed end of the leaf spring. When flexed, the free end of the leaf spring 32 applies a resistive force against the inwardly pivotal motion of the shutter 22. This resistive force applied by the leaf spring 32 forces the shutter 22 outwardly from within the receiver passageway upon removal of the fiber optic connector 100 from the receiver passageway, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The resistive force applied by the free end of the leaf spring 32 can define a vector along both longitudinal axis Z and the second axis Y so as to provide a pivoting motion to the shutter 22, as will be discussed in further detail below.

As shown particularly in FIGS 1 and 3-5, the adapter depicted in the present disclosure having the inventive shutter system can include a first pair of opposing exterior walls 1 6, 18 (for example, upper and lower) that are separated along the second axis Y. The adapter, as noted above, also includes at least one pocket 34 for receiving the fixed end of one leaf spring 32. The at least one pocket 34 is positioned within one of the first pair of exterior sidewalls 1 6, 18. Preferably, the depicted adapter includes up to eight pockets 34, with each leaf spring 32 being fixed in a different pocket. As depicted, opposing pockets 34 are positioned oppositely on the first pair of exterior sidewalls 1 6, 18 to receive a pair of opposing leaf springs 32 that engage a pair of opposing shutters 22. Each depicted pocket 34 includes a flex opening 38 to allow the free end of the flex spring 32 to resiliently flex. Each flex opening 38 is defined by a surface 36 that is oriented at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the fixed end of the leaf spring 32. The surface 36 is configured to guide the leaf spring 32 as the leaf spring 32 is flexed by the movement of the shutter 22.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 4, the adapter body 10 can also include a second pair of opposing exterior sidewalls 20, 24 (for example, left and right). The second pair of opposing exterior sidewalls 20, 24 are separated along the first axis X. The second pair of opposing exterior sidewalls 20, 24 extend between, and are secured to, the first pair of opposing walls 1 6, 18 to define the receiver passageway of the adapter. Additionally, the pivot pins 30 can function to secure the first exterior sidewalls 1 6, 18 to the second exterior sidewalls 20, 24 and the shutters 22.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 3 and 5, each shutter 22 can include a bumper 40 that contacts the free end of the leaf spring 32 when the shutter is being pivotally moved inwardly into the receiver passageway of the adapter body 10 upon insertion of a fiber optic connector 100 into the receiver passageway. The bumper 40 can include a contact face 42 that engages the leaf spring 32 when the shutter 22 is pivoted inward. The leaf spring 32 applies a resistance force onto the contact face 42 to move the shutter 22 both transversely along the second axis Y and longitudinally along the axis Z so as to provide a pivoting motion to the shutter 22 when the fiber optic connector 100 is retracted from the receiver passageway. The contact face 42 of the bumper 40 defines a rounded or angled portion 43 to provide some relief to the leaf spring 32 when the leaf spring is in a fully flexed position as seen in FIG. 2, to smooth out the transition of the leaf spring 32 from the fixed end to the free end. As shown particularly in FIGS. 3 and 5, each depicted shutter 22 can also include a channel 44 that is defined between a first surface 48 and a second surface 46. The range of flex motion of the free end of each leaf spring 32 is defined within the channel such that the first surface 48 applies a force to the leaf spring 32 to keep the shutter closed. The first surface 48 continues to apply a resistive force to the leaf spring 32 to flex the leaf spring when the shutter 22 is initially being pivoted inwardly into the receiver passageway of the adapter body 10.

The contact face 42 of the bumper 40 takes over the resistive force as the shutter 22 is continued to the fully open state.

As shown in FIG. 2, the leaf spring is accommodated in a compressed or biased state between the interior surface of the sidewalls 1 6, 18 and the contact face 42 of the shutter when the shutter is in a fully open position.

The shutters 22 are kept in the open state by contact from the fiber optic connectors, with the leaf springs 32 in a biased state. As shown particularly in FIGS. 3 and 5, each depicted shutter 22 can also include a stopper 27 to limit the range of pivotal motion of the shutter when the shutter is being pivoted to a closed position. The stopper 27 can engage a distal end 29 of the walls 1 6, 18 when the at least one fiber optic connector 100 is removed from the receiver passageway, wherein the distal ends 29 act as stop surfaces that oppose the stopper 27.

Alternatively, even though the shutter system of the present disclosure has been described as utilizing pairs of opposing shutters 22, the described shutter system could function effectively using a single shutter pivoting about a single pivot pin for each fiber optic connector. Such an alternative system would also function with a single leaf spring. The above described shutter system can alternatively be used for other types of fiber optic enclosures as discussed previously.

Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A fiber optic adapter for optically mating a pair of fiber optic connectors (100), the adapter comprising:

an adapter body (10) for removably receiving a fiber optic connector (100) from opposing ends, the adapter body (10) comprising a receiver passageway extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis (Z);

at least one shutter (22) pivotally secured to the adapter body (10), the at least one shutter (22) being pivotally moved inwardly into the receiver passageway of the adapter body (10) to an open position by insertion of a fiber optic connector (100) into the receiver passageway; and

a leaf spring (32) comprising a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end of the leaf spring (32) being fixed to the adapter body (10), the free end of the leaf spring (32) applying a resistive force against the at least one shutter (22) to pivotally force the at least one shutter (22) outwardly from within the receiver passageway to a closed position upon removal of the at least one fiber optic connector (100) from the receiver passageway.

2. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the at least one shutter (22) pivots about a pivot axis that is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (Z).

3. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the at least one shutter (22) pivots about a pivot pin (30) supported by the adapter body (10).

4. The adapter of claim 1 , further comprising a pair of shutters (22) pivotally secured to opposing sides of the adapter body (10).

5. The adapter of claim 4, further comprising a pair of pivot pins (30) that are supported on opposing sides of the adapter body (10), wherein the pair of shutters (22) pivot about the pair of pivot pins (30).

6. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the resistive force applied by the free end of the leaf spring (32) defines a vector along both the longitudinal axis (Z) and a second axis (Y) that is perpendicular so as to provide a pivoting motion to the shutter (22).

7. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the free end of the leaf spring (32) comprises an elongated body extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis (Z) when the shutter (22) is in the closed position and when the shutter (22) is in the open position.

8. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the free end of the leaf spring (32) comprises a range of flex motion up to 10 degrees relative to the fixed end of the leaf spring (32).

9. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the adapter body (10) comprises a pair of opposing exterior walls (1 6, 18) and a pocket (34) for receiving the fixed end of the leaf spring (32), the pocket (34) being positioned within the adapter body (10) along one of the exterior walls (1 6, 18).

10. The adapter of claim 9, wherein the pocket (34) comprises a flex opening (38) to allow the free end of the flex spring (32) to resiliently flex, the flex opening (38) defined by a guide surface (36) that is oriented at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the fixed end of the leaf spring (32).

1 1 . The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the at least one shutter (22) comprises a bumper (40) that contacts the free end of the leaf spring (32) when the at least one shutter (22) is pivotally moved inwardly into the receiver passageway of the adapter body (10) by insertion of the at least one fiber optic connector (100) into the receiver passageway.

12. The adapter of claim 1 1 , wherein the bumper (40) comprises a contact face (42) that engages the leaf spring (32) when the at least one shutter (22) is pivoted fully inward, and the leaf spring (32) applies a resistance force onto the contact face (42) to pivot the at least one shutter (22) outwardly from the receiver passageway when the fiber optic connector (100) is retracted from the receiver passageway.

13. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the free end of the leaf spring (32) engages a contact surface (48) of the at least one shutter (22) when the at least one shutter (22) is pivoted fully outward in the closed position to keep the shutter (22) in the closed position.

14. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the at least one shutter (22) comprises a stopper (27) to limit the pivotal motion of the at least one shutter (22) in the outward direction.