KEYED FIBRE OPTIC CONNECTOR
A keyed connector system for providing selective interconnection between a receptacle socket and a connector plug terminating an optic fibre, the connector plug adapted for insertion into the receptacle socket. The keying system comprises a raised boss configured to one of a plurality of predefined boss keying geometries and a cavity configured to one of a plurality of predefined cavity keying geometries. The boss is either in one of the receptacle socket or on a forward end of the connector plug and the cavity is formed in the other of the receptacle socket or the forward end of the connector plug. At least one of the predefined boss keying geometries matches at least one of the predefined cavity keying geometries. When the boss keying geometry matches the cavity keying geometry, the boss can be inserted into the cavity thereby interconnecting the connector plug with the receptacle socket.
This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/779,335 entitled “Back-To-Back Receptacle” filed on Jul. 18, 2007, which is a divisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/945,935 entitled “Keyed Fibre Optic Connector,” filed on Sep. 22, 2004 and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,258,493, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/504,189, entitled “Keyed Fibre Optic Connector,” filed on Sep. 22, 2003, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a keyed fibre optic connector. In particular, the present invention relates to an interlocking connector and receptacle pair for fibre optic cables with a geometric keying system moulded into the interface thereby preventing connectors with a first key from being interconnected via a receptacle having a differing key.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Optical fibres terminated by connectors and the receptacles which are adapted to received these connectors are an important part of virtually any fibre optic communications system. For example, such connectors and receptacles may be used to interconnect fibre segments to create longer lengths, to connect optic fibre to active or passive devices, etc. However, in some cases, for example for security reasons or in order to better manage a telecommunications network, it is desired to physically limit the insertion of a connector plug into a particular receptacle socket, and as a result prevent the transmission of data via that connector plug and receptacle socket.
The prior art reveals a variety of systems for preventing a connector plug from being inserted into a receptacle socket. One of these prior art systems comprises at least one tab arranged at a certain position on the connector plug, each of which is adapted for insertion into a corresponding tab receiving indentation moulded in the receptacle socket. In the absence of such a hollow the tab buts against the opening of the receptacle socket, thereby preventing the connector plug from being completely inserted into the receptacle socket, thereby preventing the connector plug from being correctly interconnected with the receptacle socket. One drawback of these prior art designs is that that the tab, being typically moulded into the plastic connector plug housing, can be easily removed by filing or using a sharp blade or the like. Another drawback is that such prior art designs only allow two types of connector plugs to be differentiated between: connector plugs with a tab and connector plugs without a tab.
The prior art also reveals keying systems such as the U.S. patent application Ser. No. published with the No. 2002/0126960 A1 comprising a connector plug and receptacle socket. Interconnection of the connector plug and receptacle socket is limited to connector plug/receptacle socket pairs where a key within the receptacle socket mates with a corresponding key receiving slot in the connector plug. A connector plug with a key receiving slot in one position is unable to interconnect with receptacle sockets with a differently positioned key. As a result, by providing a number of differently positioned keys and key receiving slot a system of selective interconnection between connector plugs and receptacle sockets can be arrived at. These systems, however, are generally impractical in many fibre optic systems given the relatively small size of the connector plug and the receptacle socket.
SUMMARYIn order to address the drawbacks of the prior art, there is provided a keying system for providing selective interconnection between a receptacle socket and a connector plug terminating an optic fibre, the connector plug adapted for insertion into the receptacle socket. The keying system comprises a raised boss configured to one of a plurality of predefined boss keying geometries and a cavity configured to one of a plurality of predefined cavity keying geometries. The boss is either in one of the receptacle socket or on a forward end of the connector plug and the cavity is formed in another of the receptacle socket or the forward end of the connector plug. At least one of the predefined boss keying geometries matches at least one of the predefined cavity keying geometries. When the boss keying geometry matches the cavity keying geometry, the boss can be inserted into the cavity thereby interconnecting the connector plug with the receptacle socket.
There is also provided a receptacle for providing selective interconnection with a connector plug terminating a first optic fibre, the connector plug comprising a cavity having a connector keying geometry formed in a forward end thereof. The receptacle comprises at least one receptacle socket comprising a raised boss therein, the boss having a shape corresponding to one of a plurality of predefined receptacle keying geometries, the connector keying geometry corresponding to one of the predefined receptacle keying geometries. When the receptacle keying geometry corresponds to the connector keying geometry, the connector plug can be inserted into the receptacle socket.
Furthermore, there is provided a receptacle for providing selective interconnection with a connector plug terminating a first optic fibre, the connector plug comprising a boss having a connector keying geometry formed in a forward end thereof. The receptacle comprises at least one receptacle socket comprising a cavity formed therein, the cavity having a shape corresponding to one of a plurality of predefined receptacle keying geometries, the connector keying geometry corresponding to one of the predefined receptacle keying geometries. When the receptacle keying geometry corresponds to the connector keying geometry, the connector plug can be inserted into the receptacle socket.
Additionally, there is provided a connector terminating an optic fibre for providing selective interconnection with a receptacle socket, the receptacle socket comprising a raised boss having a receptacle keying geometry formed therein. The connector comprises a connector plug adapted for insertion into the receptacle socket and comprising a cavity, the cavity having one of a plurality of predefined connector keying geometries formed in a forward end thereof, the receptacle keying geometry corresponding to one of the predefined connector keying geometries. When the receptacle keying geometry corresponds to the connector keying geometry, the connector plug can be inserted into the receptacle socket.
Also there is provided a connector terminating an optic fibre for providing selective interconnection with a receptacle socket, the receptacle socket comprising a cavity having a receptacle keying geometry formed therein. The connector comprises a connector plug adapted for insertion into the receptacle socket and comprising a boss having one of a plurality of predefined connector keying geometries formed in a forward end thereof, the receptacle keying geometry corresponding to one of the predefined connector keying geometries. When the receptacle keying geometry corresponds to the connector keying geometry, the connector plug can be inserted into the receptacle socket.
Furthermore, there is provided a system for providing selective interconnection between first and second optic fibres. The system comprises a receptacle comprising back-to-back receptacle sockets, each of the sockets comprising a raised boss disposed therein and configured to one of a plurality of predefined receptacle keying geometries, a first connector plug terminating the first optic fibre, the plug adapted for insertion into a first of the back-to-back receptacle sockets and comprising a cavity formed in a forward end of the plug, the cavity configured to one of a plurality of predefined connector keying geometries, and a second connector plug terminating the second optic fibre, the plug adapted for insertion into a second of the back-to-back receptacle sockets and comprising a cavity formed in a forward end of the plug, the cavity configured to one of a plurality of predefined connector keying geometries. At least one of the predefined connector keying geometries matches at least one of the predefined receptacle keying geometries and when a receptacle keying geometry of a boss of a first of the back-to-back receptacle sockets corresponds to the connector keying geometry of the first cable and a receptacle keying geometry of a boss of a second of the back-to-back receptacle sockets corresponds to the connector keying geometry of the second cable, the first cable can be inserted in the first socket and the second cable can be inserted in the second socket bringing the first optic fibre into axial alignment with the second optic fibre.
Additionally, there is provided a receptacle for providing selective interconnection between first and second fibre optic cables, each cable comprising a connector plug comprising a cavity having a connector keying geometry formed in a forward end thereof. The receptacle comprises back-to-back receptacle sockets, each of the sockets comprising a raised boss, the boss having a shape corresponding to one of a plurality of predefined receptacle keying geometries. Each of the connector keying geometries corresponds to one of the predefined receptacle keying geometries and when the receptacle keying geometry of the boss of a first of the back-to-back receptacle sockets corresponds to the connector keying geometry of the first cable and when the receptacle keying geometry of the boss of a second of the back-to-back receptacle socket corresponds to the connector keying geometry of the second cable, the connector plug of the first cable can be inserted in the first socket and the connector plug of the second cable can be inserted in the second socket, thereby interconnecting the first and second cables.
There is also provided a field-configurable receptacle for providing selective interconnection with a connector plug in a fibre optic communications system, the connector plug comprising a connector keying geometry formed in a forward end thereof. The receptacle comprises at least one receptacle socket adapted for receiving the connector plug and comprising a configurable shape, the shape corresponding to one of a plurality of predefined receptacle keying geometries. The he connector keying geometry corresponds to one of the predefined receptacle keying geometries and when the shape is configured to correspond to the connector keying geometry, the connector plug may be inserted into the socket.
In addition, there is provided a field-configurable connector for providing selective interconnection with a receptacle in a fibre optic communications system, the receptacle comprising at least one receptacle socket having a receptacle keying geometry formed therein. The connector comprises a connector plug adapted for insertion into the receptacle socket and comprising a configurable shape corresponding to one of a plurality of predefined connector keying geometries. One of the predefined connector keying geometries corresponds to the receptacle keying geometry and when the receptacle keying geometry corresponds to the connector keying geometry, the connector plug can be inserted into the receptacle socket.
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A cavity 14, also in axial alignment with the central axis A, is moulded or machined into the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6 with the optic fibre 8/ferrule assembly 12 being axially aligned therein. A flexible locking tab or latch 16 is attached to the outside of the plug housing 6 allowing the plug housing 6 to be removeably attached to a suitable receptacle (not shown). The join between optic fibre cable 4 and the plug housing 6 is protected by means of a flexible strain-relieving boot 18, typically manufactured from rubber, rubberised plastic or the like. A pair of raised tabs as in 20 may be moulded to the outside of the plug housing which, as will be seen below, mate with corresponding indentations in the receptacle (both not shown).
During fabrication, the optic fibre 8 is typically inserted through the ferrule 12 and bonded thereto with an appropriate adhesive or bonding technique. The ends of the optic fibre 8/ferrule 12 are then cut and polished according to a predefined geometry dictated to the standard being implemented. The polishing results in an exposed end 22 of the optic fibre 8 extending forward of the forward end 10 of the plug housing, thereby allowing light to propagate to and from the optic fibre 8.
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The cross section of the cavity keying portion 24 could alternatively be of a different shape, for example a square notch or concave depression in the side wall of the cavity 14, or could also be asymmetric. As will be seen below, the combination of the cavity keying portion 24 with the connector keying angle θ provides one embodiment for the connector portion of the keying system.
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Each receptacle socket 30 is terminated by a rear wall 36 and onto which is moulded a raised boss 38, illustratively of an oval or egg shape, having a circular ferrule accepting bore 40 therein. Also moulded into the socket 30 is a reciprocal locking mechanism 42 which, referring to
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It is foreseen that a combination of eight (8) keying angles θ and φ equally distributed around 360° (for example 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°.) will provide adequate keying for most applications, although it will be understood that this could easily be extended to sixteen (16) or even greater with precision manufacturing of the connector 2 and receptacle 26. Referring back to
Note that, although the above illustrative embodiment has been described with the cavity 14 being moulded or machined into the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6 and the raised boss 38 being located within the receptacle socket 30, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that, with appropriate modifications, the cavity 14 could be moulded or otherwise formed into the receptacle socket 30 and the boss formed in the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6.
Of note is that the present system can be designed for use as a one way system or a two way system. A one way system being defined as a system where keyed connectors can only be connected with a keyed receptacle and a two way system is defined as a system where keyed connectors are backward compatible with legacy system receptacles (or vice versa), allowing for example, keyed connectors to be used with existing receptacles.
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It is also foreseen that the plug housings 6 and the sockets 30 be colour coded, with a given colour corresponding to a given pair of keying angles θ, φ, in order to aid the user in determining which connector 2 belongs in which socket 30. Additionally, other coding means such as symbols, alphanumeric characters, etc., may be used alone or in combination with colours to provide a variety of means for distinguishing keyed connectors and receptacle sockets from one another.
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The connector 2 can be readily removed from the receptacle 26 by depressing the latch 16, thereby releasing the reciprocal locking mechanism 42.
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It should be understood that although the protuberance 52 and corresponding indentation 56 have been portrayed as being symmetrically concave in cross section, other shapes of cross sections, for example a square or triangular notch, could also be applied in the context of the present invention. Additionally, the shapes could be asymmetric.
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It is also foreseen that the present keying system be field configurable by the installer in order to provide connectors and receptacles with an installer selected keying. Referring to
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Alternatively, the cavities and raised bosses of the invention could be modifiable and adaptable through removal from or addition to the cavities or raised bosses through the provision of a suitable tool (for example by cutting away a portion of a raised boss or fluting the inside of a cavity).
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Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of an illustrative embodiment thereof, this embodiment can be modified at will without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention.
Claims
1. A connector system comprising:
- a set of optical plugs, each optical plug having a housing and a ferrule, the housing having a front and back orientation and a forward end defining a cavity, the ferrule being disposed within the cavity, the housing defining a first keying geometry on the forward end around the cavity, the first keying geometry for each optical plug of the set of optical plugs being different; and
- a set of optical receptacles, each optical receptacle having an opening to receive the optical plug and a ferrule receiving portion to receive the ferrule, the ferrule receiving portion defining a second keying geometry to cooperate with the first keying geometry, the second keying geometry for each optical receptacle of the set of optical receptacles being different and being adapted to cooperate with one and only one of the first keying geometries, wherein plugs and receptacles having keying geometries that cooperate are mating pairs;
- wherein each plug and receptacle of a mating pair is marked with a matching visual identification different from plugs and receptacles having different first and second keying geometries, the visual identification being at least one of colour, alphanumerical indicia and symbols.
2. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the first and second keying geometries are one or more protuberances and one or more indentations for receiving for receiving the protuberances.
3. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the first keying geometry is a combination of at least one indentation from a plurality of indentation positions, and the second keying geometry is a combination of at least one protuberance from a plurality of possible protuberance positions.
4. The connector system of claim 3, wherein the indentation is contiguous with the cavity and runs from the forward end backward.
5. The connector system of claim 4, wherein the indentation is square-shaped in cross-section.
6. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the housing is an LC housing.
7. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the first keying geometry does not intrude into the cavity.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 4, 2009
Publication Date: Feb 11, 2010
Inventor: Luc Milette (Montreal)
Application Number: 12/365,593
International Classification: G02B 6/38 (20060101);