Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
Reexamination Certificate
2002-02-19
2004-08-17
Lee, John D. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
C385S056000, C385S086000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06776533
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One type of optical fiber connector system includes first and second housings that each holds a fiber block with optic termini therein, with one set of termini being spring biased towards the other termini. When the second housing is moved into the first housing, the tips of fiber-holding ferules abut. The second fiber block is usually moved forwardly until it is close to the front of the first fiber block, with the second fiber block then moving rearward a small distance until the forces of the springs are transmitted between the two housings. This avoids requiring the circuit boards on which the connectors are mounted, to apply constant forces to overcome the partial compression of the termini springs. A variety of mechanisms have been suggested for accomplishing the functions of keeping the termini pressed together while the spring forces are maintained by engaging portions of the two connectors, but prior mechanisms have been complicated and often awkward to use. A system that accomplished the required function, but which was simple and compact, would be of value.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an optical fiber connector system is provided which enables a second connector to be mated to a first one by simple forward movement of the second connector housing, the connectors then automatically latching in a position wherein optical termini of the two connectors firmly abut one another by compression of springs, and yet the spring compression forces are withstood by engagement of the two connectors, in a simple and compact latching arrangement. The first housing has a first housing latch and the second fiber block has a second fiber block latch that can deflect the first housing latch as the connectors mate, until the second fiber block latch lies forward of the first housing latch. Further forward movement of the second connector results in a latch blocker on the second housing preventing the first housing latch from deflecting to release the second fiber block latch. This assures latching together of the two fully mated connectors, and with the spring forces taken by the engaged first housing latch and second fiber block latch.
The second fiber block latch can slide within the second housing. However, a cam retains the second fiber latch in its forward position. The cam on the second fiber block latch has front and rear surfaces that each engage the free ends of arms of the second housing to deflect them out of the way as the second fiber block moves forward or rearward between its two extreme positions. In one arrangement, the rear surface of the cam on the second fiber block forms a ramp that deflects the latch arms outwardly, while the front surface of the second fiber block cam forms a wedge that deflects the arm free ends apart.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention will be best understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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ITT Manufacturing Enterprises Inc.
Lee John D.
Lin Tina M
Turner Roger C.
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