US20010019654A1 - Field repairable hermaphroditic connector tool - Google Patents

Abstract

A hermaphroditic fiber optic termination device including a plug insert removably insertable into a front of a housing. The housing having locking holes. The plug insert formed so as to receive ferrules surrounding terminal ends of the optical fibers. The plug insert having spring latches, where each spring latches has a nub. The nub feature being designed so as to spring into the locking holes of the housing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0001]
• The present invention pertains to a termination of a fiber optic cable or waveguide. The invention more particularly concerns a termination that takes the form of a field repairable hermaphroditic connector.[0002]
• 2. Discussion of the Background[0003]
• Presently, the control of fast, secured communication translates into power. Thus, secured communication lines are a highly valued commodity. Perhaps no where is the need for secured communications so desired as it is on the battlefield. Communication lines transmit data to coordinate the individual components of a larger unit. Communication lines transmit logistical data. Communication lines transmit data concerning the positions of enemy targets.[0004]
• Communication lines transmit data concerning strategic and tactical placement of ordinance and personnel. A breakdown of communications can result in disaster. Throughout history, effective communications have prevailed as a key element to successful military engagement.[0005]
• In the past, communications which could not be secured on a single line were broadcast over the airwaves. To prevent others from knowing the contents of the communications, the communications were coded. The intended recipient of the coded message then decoded the communication to reveal the contents of the message. Military history is replete with examples of code breakers successfully uncovering the secrets contained within the coded communication.[0006]
• Other methods were developed to secure communication lines, such as sending a communication over a dedicated wire cable. Such cables can be tapped or the electrical field can be used to induce an electrical current in another electrical device so that the communication can be monitored.[0007]
• Another problem with communication lines is that slow or small amounts of transferred data is akin to no communication what-so-ever. Additionally, modern devices require an ever increasing amount of data so that the devices operate properly. Thus, there is a need for data communication transmission mediums which convey large amounts of information per unit time; i.e., a large bandwidth.[0008]
• In the modern battlefield, it is envisioned that a command center will link together groups of tanks and artillery batteries with a series of secured communication cables. To overcome the problems described above, manufacturers developed fiber optic cable to convey military communications. The fiber optic cable is a secure, hard-wired, line of communication. A fiber optic cable can not be easily tapped as an electrical wire since optical signals do not induce electro-magnetic fields as does an electrical wire conducting electricity. Furthermore, the fiber optic cable has a large bandwidth; that is, it conveys large amounts of information per unit time. The termination device of the fiber optic cable includes a lens forming a so-called expanded beam connector. The advantage of an expanded beam connector is that it is somewhat tolerant of environmental debris contaminating the union between the two termination devices. In practice, the lens expands the beam of light exiting the optic fiber. The other lens in the adjacent termination device takes the expanded beam of light and focuses it back down to a small point and introduces it into the optic fiber of the other cable. When a small amount of debris blocks a portion of the expanded light signal the communication is not corrupted. Thus the expanded beam termination device achieves one of the requirements of a battlefield communication device.[0009]
• However, expanded beam termination devices have a downside, the insertion loss is relatively high. The insertion loss is high due to expanding the light beam. The expanding light beam is partially scattered and lost, thus, the signal looses power at each union of termination devices. The insertion loss prevents a number of the optical cables from being ganged together since the signal would eventually be lost at the end of the last optical cable; i.e., there would be no usable light energy emanating from the cable. Therefore, the distance between signal transmitting and signal receiving devices is limited unless expensive, cumbersome, power boosting, relay equipment is connected to the optical cable between the transmitting and receiving devices.[0010]
• Another downside of expanded beam connector termination devices is that once the termination device becomes so fouled with environmental or other debris, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to clean and/or fix the termination device. Thus, the entire length of cable must be replaced, provided a replacement cable is available.[0011]
• Furthermore, battlefield conditions require that the coupling of two termination devices be simple. Simplicity is an important design characteristic since a soldier may be mating together two termination devices in a dark battlefield. Battlefield conditions also require that the termination devices be structurally robust so as to withstand the repeated impacts imparted by military vehicles, explosive ordinance, and natural environmental calamities. However, even ordinary battlefield rigors and debris may take their toll on one or many termination devices thus necessitating their repair or replacement.[0012]
• Thus, there is a need for a robust, field repairable termination device which has a low insertion loss when mated with another termination device and which is easily connected to another termination device in the field.[0013]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a termination device for optical fibers which is robust, and easy to repair.[0014]
• It is a further object of the invention to provide a termination device which is blind mateable in the field.[0015]
• It is still yet another object of the invention to provide a termination device which has a low insertion loss when coupled with another termination device.[0016]
• It is another object of the invention to provide a termination device which is hermaphroditic.[0017]
• It is still another object of the invention to provide a termination device which is inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.[0018]
• It is yet still another object of the invention to provide a termination device which is scoop proof.[0019]
• It is yet another object of the invention to provide a tool for repairing the termination device of the invention.[0020]
• In one form of the invention, the hermaphroditic termination device includes a housing and a plug insert removably insertable into the housing. The housing has a front end and mating structures projecting from the front end. The mating structures having locking holes. The mating structures are substantially identical to and mateable with a mating structure of a front end of another housing. The plug insert enters the housing from the front end thereof. The plug insert further has optical connector ports for receiving optical assemblys. Each optical assembly has an optic ferrule to which is attached an optic fiber. The plug insert has a first surface and a substantially cylindrical surface. The substantially cylindrical surface is substantially perpendicular to the first surface. The plug insert has nub features provided on the substantially cylindrical surface for mating with the locking holes of the housing. The first surface of the plug insert has a first ferrule port and a second ferrule port. The first ferrule port has a plug insert extension projecting from the first surface. The second ferrule port is dimensioned so as to receive a plug insert extension of another plug insert. The first optical connector receiving port communicates with the second ferrule port, and the second optical receiving port communicates with the first ferrule port.[0021]
• In another form of the invention, a tool for inserting and removing a plug insert for the termination device includes a body, a plunger, a pin, and a spring. The body has a main aperture formed through the length of the body. The main aperture has a spring seat formed therein. The body also has a pin travel aperture formed through a diameter of the body and substantially perpendicular to the main aperture. The body has a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first friction grip and a second friction grip, where the first and second friction grips react a force supplied by compressed spring latches of the plug insert. The first and second friction grips engage the spring latches over a first distance. The plunger has a large diameter region and a small diameter region. The large diameter region having a spring seat formed thereon. A portion of both the small diameter region and the large diameter region are slidably provided in the main aperture of the body. The large diameter region has a pin receiving aperture. The large diameter region has a free end which acts as an actuation surface. The actuation surface of the plunger extends beyond the second end of the body. The small diameter region of the plunger has a free end which acts as a release surface. The release surface translating through a second distance when the plunger is fully actuated by being translated. The second distance being greater than the first distance. The pin is press-fitted into the pin receiving aperture of the plunger. The pin is also provided in the pin travel aperture of the body. A clearance exists between the pin and the surfaces of the pin travel aperture which allows the pin to translate within the pin travel aperture. The clearance between the pin and the surface of the pin travel aperture is at least as great as the second distance. In an unreleased state, the pin contacts a portion of the surface of the pin travel aperture. The spring is provided in the main aperture of the body. The spring surrounds a portion of the small diameter region of the plunger. The spring is in a state of compression and reacts compression forces against the first and second spring seats.[0022]
• Thus, Applicants' invention provides a termination device which is compact, easy to repair, scoop proof, hermaphroditic, inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, blind mateable, and which has a low insertion loss. These and other features of the invention are set forth below in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment.[0023]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:[0024]
• FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a termination device according to the invention;[0025]
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fiber optic assembly of FIG. 1;[0026]
• FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the two fiber optic assemblies connected to optical fibers, and a crimp sleeve and a cable;[0027]
• FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the plug insert of FIG. 1;[0028]
• FIG. 4B is an end view of the plug insert of FIG. 4A;[0029]
• FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along[0030]section line4C-4C of FIG. 4B;
• FIG. 5A is a side view of the housing of FIG. 1;[0031]
• FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the housing taken along[0032]section line5B-5B of FIG. 5D;
• FIG. 5C is an end view of the insertion end of the housing of FIG. 5A;[0033]
• FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the housing taken along[0034]section line5D-5D of FIG. 5A;
• FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the housing, plug insert, grip ring, and fiber optic connectors of FIG. 1;[0035]
• FIG. 7A is a side view of the extension sleeve half of FIG. 1;[0036]
• FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the extension sleeve half taken along[0037]section line7B-7B of FIG. 7A;
• FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the extension sleeve half taken along[0038]section line7C-7C of FIG. 7A;
• FIG. 8A is a side view of the grip ring of FIG. 1;[0039]
• FIG. 8B is an end view of the grip ring of FIG. 8A;[0040]
• FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the grip ring taken along[0041]section line8C-8C of FIG. 8B;
• FIG. 9A is an end view of the cover tube of FIG. 1;[0042]
• FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the cover tube taken along[0043]section line9B-9B of FIG. 9A;
• FIG. 10A is a side view of the back end plug of FIG. 1;[0044]
• FIG. 10B is an end view of the back end plug of FIG. 10A;[0045]
• FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the back end plug taken along[0046]section line10C-10C of FIG. 10B;
• FIG. 10D is an end view of another end of the back end plug;[0047]
• FIG. 11A is an end view of a crimp sleeve;[0048]
• FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the crimp sleeve taken along[0049]section line11B-11B of FIG. 11A;
• FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view of the plug insert insertion/removal tool;[0050]
• FIG. 13 is an assembled, perspective view of the insertion/removal tool of FIG. 12;[0051]
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the insertion/removal tool holding the plug insert;[0052]
• FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of the termination device of the invention for attaching to a tactical access unit, also shown is an insertion/removal tool;[0053]
• FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the insertion/removal tool, the plug insert, fiber optic connectors, and the housing of FIG. 1; and[0054]
• FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 16 with the components engaged.[0055]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to FIGS.[0056]1-11 thereof, a first embodiment of the present new invention is atermination device10.
• FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of the[0057]hermaphroditic termination device10. Thetermination device10 includes ahousing70, aplug insert20, fiber optic connectors orassemblies40,50, anextension sleeve80, agrip ring100, acover tube110, aclick ring120, acable seal140, aback end plug150, and associatedseals39,60,90,130. As can be seen, the fiber optic assemblies orconnectors40 and50 are removeably insertable into theplug insert20. Likewise, theplug insert20, containing thefiber optic assemblies40 and50, is insertible into thehousing70. Not shown in FIG. 1 are the optical fibers associated with an optical cable and a crimp sleeve (see FIG. 3). At the time of the assembly, each of thefiber optic assemblies40,50 are associated with a corresponding optical fiber. However, for purposes of clarity, FIG. 1 does not show the optical fibers. Also not shown is the crimp sleeve which is then surrounded by the twohalves82,86 of theextension sleeve80. At the same time, theextension sleeve80 surrounds a portion of thehousing70. Theextension sleeve80 acts as a strain relief member so as to remove any physical loading to the optical fibers by transferring such loads from the optical cable through the crimp sleeve to theextension sleeve80. Theextension sleeve80 then transfers the forces to thehousing70. Next thecover tube110 and clickring120 are slid over theextension sleeve80. Thecover tube110 prevents the twohalves82,86 of theextension sleeve80 from becoming misaligned.Grip ring100 is then slid over thecover tube110. To retain thecover tube110 in its location, aback end plug150 is secured against thecover tube110. Theback end plug150 is threadedly engaged with a portion of theextension sleeve80. Placed between the portion of theextension sleeve80 and theback end plug150 is acable seal140.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the[0058]fiber optic connectors40,50. For description purposes both of the connectors or assemblies are identical and as such discussion will be focused upon the fiber optic connector orassembly40. Thefiber optic assembly40 is an RJ-type of connector. Thefiber optic assembly40 includes a cantileveredspring latch44 and aferrule42. In a preferred body embodiment, theferrule42 has an outside diameter of approximately 1.25 mm. By way of example, Methode Electronics, Inc., manufactures such an assembly or connector known as a small form factor LC fiber optic connector.
• FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of two fiber optic RJ-type assemblies or[0059]connectors40,50, connected tooptical fibers270,271. Theoptical fibers270,271 are individually removed from theoptical cable160. To prevent insulation and other coatings from escaping theoptic cable160, acrimp sleeve170 surrounds the exposed portion of theoptical cable160 and theoptical fibers270,271 and is then secured in place by permanently, plastically deforming the metallic material of thecrimp sleeve170. The other ends of theoptical fibers270,271 terminate in thefiber optic assemblies40,50. FIG. 3 shows that eachassembly40,50 has an associatedconnector spring43,53. Connector covers41,51, enclose theferrules42,52, and the connector springs43,53 in the connector package. The connector springs43,53 allow theferrules42,52 to be pushed inward so as to compress the connector springs43,53 and allow theferrules42,52 to float. Floating is important so that when the butt joint is created, when contacting ferrule ends meet in the alignment sleeve, they move so as to co-axially align the associated optical fibers thus reducing coupling losses, especially as compared to expanded beam connectors.
• FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the[0060]plug insert20.Plug insert20 includes first and secondconnector receiving ports29,30 for receivingfiber optic assemblies40,50. The first and secondconnector receiving ports29,30 include features that depress the cantilevered spring latches44,54 of thefiber optic assemblies40,50 and then upon further insertion, the spring latches44,54 expand in the first and secondconnector receiving ports29,30 so as to securely attach thefiber optic assemblies40,50 to theplug insert20. The first and secondconnector receiving ports29,30 align theferrules42,52 of thefiber optic assemblies40,50 withrespective ferrule apertures28,37. Associated with first ferrule receiving port oraperture37 is aplug insert extension23. The second ferrule aperture orport28 has associated therewith afront seal seat32. Thefront seal seat32 accepts a front seal39 (see FIG. 1). Aridge31 is formed along a portion of a circumference of theplug insert20. Diametrically opposed to each other are first and second cantilevered spring latches24,26. The firstcantilevered spring latch24 includes afirst nub feature25 protruding outward. Located on either side of thefirst nub feature25 are tool slide surfaces35,36. The secondcantilevered spring26 is constructed in a similar manner having thenub feature27 protruding outwards and having tool slide surfaces33,34. Each of the first and second cantilevered spring latches24,26 are mounted so as to be depressed inwards towards each other by at least a distance equal to the amount of each nub features'25,27 outward protruding distance.
• FIG. 4B is an end view of the[0061]plug insert20 further showing the protrusion of the first and second nub features25,27. FIG. 4B further shows features of the first and secondconnector receiving ports29,30 and theridge31.
• FIG. 4C in a cross-sectional view taken along[0062]section line4C-4C of FIG. 4B. FIG. 4C illustrates the internal construction of theplug insert20 which includes theplug insert extension23, aretainer21, and analignment sleeve22. In practice, thealignment sleeve22 is pushed into theretainer21. Thereafter, the assembledretainer21 andalignment sleeve22 are inserted into theplug insert extension23. Preferably, thealignment sleeve22 is a split sleeve made of a metallic material.
• FIG. 5A is a side view of the[0063]housing70. Thehousing70 includes a first key71 and a second key73 projecting from a front end thereof. The first key71 has afirst thread form72 and the second key73 has asecond thread form74 formed thereon. Preferably, eachthread form72,74 includes two threads where each thread has a removed portion due to the formation of the keys. The first key71 has afirst locking hole75A, and the second key73 has asecond locking hole75B. At an end of thehousing70 away from the first andsecond keys 71, 73 is anoctagon lock77. Positioned between theoctagon lock77 and the first and thesecond keys71,73 is aretainer76.
• FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the[0064]housing70 taken alongsection line5B-5B of FIG. 5D. FIG. 5B further shows the details of theoctagon lock77. Also shown in further detail are portions of the first andsecond keys71,73.
• FIG. 5C is an end view of the front or insertion end of the[0065]housing70. The insertion end of thehousing70 is so named since it is the end into which theplug insert20 is mated. FIG. 5C shows a stoppingsurface78 and asecond surface79A. Furthermore, additional features of the first andsecond keys71,73 are disclosed.
• FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the housing taken along[0066]section line5D-5D of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5D discloses additional details of the second key73 and the stoppingsurface78. Additional details of theoctagon lock77 are also disclosed.Internal surface79B is shown which is substantially cylindrical about a longitudinal axis.
• FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the[0067]housing70, pluginsert20,grip ring100 and thefiber optic connectors40,50, connected to theirrespective ferrules42,52. FIG. 6 is important so as to show the relative positioning of the second ferrule aperture orport28 relative to the second key73, and the positioning of thefirst ferrule port37 and its associatedplug insert extension23 relative to thefirst key71. In practice, when two misaligned hermaphroditic termination devices are attempted to be joined, it is noted that theferrule42 will not be knocked over or destroyed since theferrule42 is protected by the adjacent second key73 from one direction and by the first key71 and theplug insert extension23 from the other directions. Such a termination device having these design features is known as being scoop-proof. It is more likely than not likely that the only structural feature of a substantially identical hermaphroditic termination device that will touch theferrule42 is the plug insert extension and associated split sleeve and ferrule of the termination device, as is intended. The scoop proof feature adds to the durability of thetermination device10.
• FIG. 7A is a side view of one[0068]half82,86 of theextension sleeve80. Eachhalf82,86 of theextension sleeve80 is essentially identical. Eachhalf82,86 of theextension sleeve80 has athread form81, a firstanti-rotation surface83, asecond anti-rotation surface87, afirst groove84 and asecond groove85.
• FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the one-[0069]half82,86 of theextension sleeve80 taken alongsection line7B-7B of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7B shows the shape of thesecond anti-rotation surface87. Thesecond anti-rotation surface87 includesflat portions88 andcurved portions89.
• FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of one-[0070]half82,86 of theextension sleeve80 taken alongsection line7C-7C of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C shows the general shape of thefirst anti-rotation surface83, which is generally constructed of linear segments.
• FIG. 8A is a side view of the[0071]grip ring100. FIG. 8A shows aknurled surface101 of thegrip ring100.
• FIG. 8B is an end view of the[0072]grip ring100. FIG. 8B shows a first gripring retainer way102 and a second gripring retainer way103, and afirst web104 and asecond web105.
• FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the[0073]grip ring100 taken alongsection line8C-8C of FIG. 8B. FIG. 8C further shows details of the first andsecond webs104,105 and the secondgrip ring retainerway103. A gripring thread form106 is shown on an interior circumferential surface.
• FIG. 9A is an end view of the[0074]cover tube110. FIG. 9A illustrates acover tube aperture112 and covertube undulations111 formed on an outer cylindrical surface of thecover tube110.
• FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the[0075]cover tube110 taken alongsection line9B-9B of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B shows further details of thecover tube undulations111 and thecover tube aperture112.
• FIG. 10A is a side view of the[0076]back end plug150. FIG. 10A further shows one of the gripping lands154.
• FIG. 10B is an end view of the[0077]back end plug150. FIG. 10B further shows a cable aperture, acable seal seat152, and athread form153.
• FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the[0078]back end plug150 taken alongsection line10C-10C of FIG. 10B. FIG. 10C further shows details of thethread form153 located on an internal cylindrical surface of theback end plug150, along with details of thecable aperture151, and thecable seal seat152.
• FIG. 10D is end view of another end of the[0079]back end plug150. FIG. 10D shows additional details of thecable aperture151 and the gripping lands154.
• FIG. 11A is an end view of the[0080]crimp sleeve170. Thecrimp sleeve170 includes a hexagonalanti-rotational surface171.
• FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the[0081]crimp sleeve170 taken alongsection line11B-11B of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11B further shows a detail of thecrimp sleeve aperture172.
• In practice, the[0082]back end plug150 and thecable seal140 are slid over an end of theoptical cable160. The,optical cable160 hasoptical fibers270,271 exposed. Then acrimp sleeve170 is placed around a proportion of theoptical cable160 where theoptical fibers270,271 are left unprotected. Thecrimp sleeve170 is then mechanically crimped or compressed so as to drastically deform the metallic material thus securing, in place, thecrimp sleeve170 which prevents theoptical cable160 from becoming unraveled. As shown in FIG. 3, the free ends of theoptical fibers270,271 are then associated with therespective ferrules42,52. Theferrules42,52 are then enclosed in theirrespective connector housings40,50.
• Then, the[0083]cover tube110, thegrip ring100, theclick ring120, and thehousing70 are slipped over the end optical cable so as to expose thefiber optic connectors40,50. Then, one-half82 of theextension sleeve80 is positioned near the hexagonalanti-rotational feature171 of thecrimp sleeve170 and theoctagon lock77 on thehousing70. The firstanti-rotational surface83 of theextension sleeve half82 is mated with the hexagonalanti-rotational feature171 of the crimp sleeve170 (FIG. 11B). The secondanti-rotational surface87 of the one-half82 of theextension sleeve80 is mated with theoctagon lock77 of the housing70 (FIG. 5A). Thesecond half86 of theextension sleeve80 is then similarly joined to thecrimp sleeve170 and thehousing70. Thecover tube110 is then slid over the assembly of the first andsecond halves82,86 of theextension sleeve80 so as to prevent the first andsecond halves82,86 of theextension sleeve80 from moving away from each other. The anti-rotational features of theextension sleeve80, thehousing70, and thecrimp sleeve170 prevent any relative rotation and translation between those components, furthermore, theextension sleeve80 acts as a strain relief member so thatoptic fibers270,271 do not carry any mechanical forces.
• Next, the[0084]cable seal140 is pushed up against the end of theextension sleeve80. In order to secure theextension sleeve80 in thecover tube110, thebottom end plug150 is slid up theoptical cable160 so as to be adjacent to thethread form81 of theextension sleeve80. Theback end plug150 is then rotated so as to engagethread form153 of theback end plug150 with thethread form81 of theextension sleeve80. Theback end plug150 is further rotated until theback end plug150 is unable to be rotated any further. However, before theback end plug150 is threaded onto thethread81 of the extension sleeve80 a rear seal130 is placed between theback end plug150 and thecover tube110. Thegripping land154 portion of theback end plug150 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B are used to rotate theback end plug150 onto thethread form81 of theextension sleeve80. Theback end plug150 is so torqued to a limit so that it is locked onto the threads of theextension sleeve80. Theback end plug150 is positively secured to theextension sleeve80 by way of a boot (not shown). Next, thegrip seal90 is set in a seal groove within thegrip ring100, and theclick ring120 is set in thegrip ring100. The assembly of thegrip ring100 and theclick ring120 is slid over thecover tube110. Theretainerways102,103 of thegrip ring100 pass by theretainer76 of thehousing70.
• The[0085]middle seal60 is then introduced into theseal groove114 of thehousing70. At this point, nearly all of the components are assembled. However, theplug insert20 is not yet associated with the other components. At such a time, each of thefiber optic connectors40,50 are introduced into their respectiveconnector receiving ports29,30 of theplug insert20. The cantilevered spring latches44,54 click into place in theconnector receiver ports29,30 of theplug insert20. Next, thefront seal39 is positioned into thefront seal seat32 of thesecond ferrule aperture28. Then, theplug insert20 is introduced into thehousing70.
• The[0086]plug insert20 is preferably introduced into thehousing70 by way of a special tool as will be described later. The tool introduces theplug insert20 into thehousing70. Theridge31 and thenub feature25 are positioned so as to be located between the largest arc length available between the first key71 and thesecond key73 of thehousing70. At such a location, theplug insert20 is easily pushed into the slip fit created between the two parts until theridge31 of theplug insert20 contacts the stoppingsurface78 of thehousing70. At that time, theplug insert20 is rotated so as to engage thenub feature25 of the firstcantilevered spring lock24 with thesecond locking hole75B of the second key73 and thesecond nub feature27 of the secondcantilevered spring lock26 with thefirst locking hole75A of thefirst key73. At that location, the nub features25,27 spring back to their substantially undeflected positions and engage the locking holes75 and75B, thus locking theplug insert20 of thehousing70.
• In a preferred embodiment, the arc length of the first key[0087]71 is 60° and the arc length of the second key73 is 120°. So as to be hermaphroditic with other like devices, the first key71 is separated from the second key73 by an arc length of 60° on one side and by an arc length of 120° on the other side.
• Therefore, this arrangement of components is critical, since the[0088]plug insert20 can be removed from the front of thehousing70 by way of a tool as will be described later. Such disassembling of thetermination device10 allows for easy repair. At the time of repair, the tool removes theplug insert20 from thehousing70. Thefiber optic connectors40,50 are easily removed from theplug insert20 by way of depressing their associated cantilevered spring latches44,54. The plug insert can then be discarded and replaced or repaired or theferrules42,52 can be polished so as to eliminate environmental contaminants and debris. The device is again easily assembled by inserting thefiber optic connectors40,50 into theplug insert20 and then inserting theplug insert20 into thehousing70. Thefiber optic device10 is then ready to be used.
• As is noticeable in the figures, the[0089]plug insert20 can mate to another plug insert having similar features and dimensions. Theplug insert extension23 of oneplug insert20 is insertable into the second ferrule port oraperture28 of the other plug insert and makes a seal with afront seal39. Likewise, the plug insert extension of the other plug insert mates into the second aperture of the first plug insert. At such a time, the ferrules butt up against each other and compress thesprings43,53 of theconnectors40,50 so as to place the ferrules in a state of flotation so as to ensure a good, tight butt joint. Likewise, the keys of thehousings70 of the termination device interact with one another where the first key of one of the housings is situated between the first and second keys of the other housing and the second key of the first housing is positioned between the first and second keys of the other housing so as to make for a fully hermaphroditic termination device. Thegrip ring100 is then slid forward so as to engage the threads of72,74 of the firsttermination device housing70 with thethreads106 of thegrip ring100 of the second termination device. Thegrip ring100 is further engaged downward on the threads of the first housing until theclick ring120 positioned in thegrip ring100 translates far enough along thecover tube110 so as engage theundulations111 causing audible noise which indicates that thegrip ring100 is fully threaded onto the first housing. Likewise, the grip ring of the first termination device is slid forward so as to engage the thread forms on thesecond housing70 and is engaged until audible noises are heard due to the undulations of the cover tube coming into contact with the grip ring. At such a position, the union is complete between the two termination devices.
• FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view of the plug insert insertion/[0090]removal tool180. FIG. 12 shows components of the insertion/removal tool180 including thetool body181, thetool spring182, theplunger183, and thepin189. Theplunger183 includes alarge diameter region201, asmall diameter region184, arelease surface185, anactuation surface186, aplunger spring seat202, alanyard receiving aperture188, and apin receiving aperture187. Thetool body181 includes afirst end191, asecond end203, apin travel aperture190, amain aperture196, afirst friction grip192, and asecond friction grip197. Thefirst friction grip192 includes afirst tong193, asecond tong194, and a firstnub receiving slot195 located between the first andsecond tongs193,194. Thesecond friction grip197 includes athird tong198, afourth tong199, and a secondnub receiving slot204 positioned between the third andfourth tongs198,199.
• As is evident from FIG. 12, one end of the[0091]tool spring182 slides over thesmall diameter region184 of theplunger183 so as to contact theplunger spring seat202 of theplunger183. Furthermore, thetool spring182 and thesmall diameter region184 of theplunger183 are inserted into themain aperture196 of thetool body181. Also, a portion of thelarge diameter region201 of theplunger183 is inserted into themain aperture196 of thetool body181. Then theplunger83 is introduced into themain aperture196 of thetool body181 until thepin receiving aperture187 of theplunger183 aligns with thepin travel aperture190 of thetool body181. At that time, thepin189 is introduced into thepin travel aperture190 and thepin receiving aperture187. Thepin189 is press fitted into thepin receiving aperture187. Thepin189 is the final assembly position when thepin189 is at least partially engaged in theplunger183 and in thepin travel aperture190.
• FIG. 13 is an assembled, perspective view of the insertion/[0092]removal tool180 of FIG. 12. In practice, the operator applies a force to theactuation surface186 of theplunger183. The actuation force must be large enough so as to overcome the spring force of thetool spring182. At that time, theplunger183 compresses thetool spring182 so as to allow thesmall diameter region184 of theplunger183 to contact thealignment sleeve extension23. Theplunger183 is able to travel the distance equal to the difference in diameters of thepin travel aperture190 and the outside diameter of thepin189. The amount of travel of theplunger183 is at least as great as the length of the first and secondnub receiving slots195,204. The outer surface of thetool body181 has a textured surface pattern so as to enhance gripping of the insertion/removal tool180. FIG. 13 further shows the cammed or sliding surfaces of the tongs of the first and the second friction grips192,197.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the insertion/[0093]removal tool180 holding aplug insert20. As shown in FIG. 14, thenub feature25 of theplug insert20 is positioned in the nub receiving slot of thefirst friction grip192.
• The cammed or sliding surfaces of the tongs of the first and second friction grips[0094]192,197 engage the tool slide surfaces33,34,35, and36 of theplug insert20 so as to push the opposing nub features25,27 towards each other and ensures that the farthermost portions of the nub features25,27 do not protrude beyond the main body portion of theplug insert20.
• FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of the termination device of the invention for attaching to a[0095]tactical access unit260. The method of assembly is essentially the same as previously described. However, thehousing210 is mounted to thetactical access unit260 and secured thereby by a mountingnut230 which is threadedly engaged onto complementary threads located on thehousing210. Also provided is afiber seal200 which goes through thehousing210 and through which optical fibers are passed. The insertion/removal tool180 is also shown. Once theplug insert20 and the remaining components of the termination device are assembled, acap seal280 is introduced into adust cap250 which is attached to thehousing210 by way of alanyard240. Thedust cap250 is designed to mate with the keys of thehousing210 and to threadedly engage the threads on the keys of thehousing210 so as to protect the ferrules of theconnectors40,50 from debris. Thecap seal28 adds further protection to the ferrules by sealing the apertures in which the ferrules reside. The use of the termination device of the invention as a component of atactical access unit260 is important, since theplug insert20 and the ferrules offiber optic connectors40,50 can be repaired or replaced. The insertion/removal tool180 can remove theplug insert20 from thehousing210. Then, theplug insert20 can be replaced or repaired and theconnectors40,50 and their associated ferrules can be replaced or repaired and then re-assembled. All of this can be done without entering the inside of thetactical access unit260. Thetactical access unit260 can remain in an assembled state without the operator gaining access to the critical components contained therein. Thus, all of the repair work to the connecting device is performed without reaching into the enclosure of thetactical access unit260.
• FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the insertion/[0096]removal tool180, theplug insert20,fiber optic connectors40,50, and thehousing70 of thetermination device 10. In practice, the insertion/removal180 engages the spring latches24,26 of theplug insert20 and then proceeds to insert theplug insert20 into thehousing70.
• FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembly shown of FIG. 16 with the components engaged. In this position, the insertion/[0097]removal180 is being removed from the assembled components.
• As discussed earlier, during insertion, the insertion/[0098]removal tool180 is attached to theplug insert20 and then the assembly is oriented so as to position theridge31 of theplug insert20 and nub feature25 between the first andsecond keys71,73. There, theridge31 and nub feature25 are positioned over the stoppingsurface78 of thehousing70. The insertion/removal tool180 and theplug insert20 are then introduced into thehousing70 until theridge31contacts stopping surface78 of thehousing70. At that time, the insertion/removal tool180 is rotated in the only direction possible which is to align thenub feature25 with theclosest locking hole75B of thehousing70. Once the nub features25,27 are aligned with the locking holes75A,75B, theactuation surface186 of theplunger183 of the insertion/removal tool180 is depressed while themain body181 is moved towards the operator. Themain body181 of the insertion/removal tool180 is further moved relative to theplunger183 until the friction grips192,197 release thetool sliding surfaces33,34,35 and36 of the cantilevered spring latches24,26 of theplug insert20. Then, the cantilevered spring latches24,26 of theplug insert20 are free to expand their associated nub features25 and27, where the nub features25,27 are introduced into thelocking hole75A and75B, thus, locking theplug insert20 into thehousing70. The assembly and/or repair of theconnectors40,50,ferrules54,44, and theplug insert20 is then complete.
• Removal of the[0099]plug insert20 is substantially the reverse of the insertion procedure. The insertion/removal tool180 is introduced to thetermination device10 so as to engage the friction grips with the tool sliding surfaces of the plug insert. Once the insertion/removal tool180 is fully engaged with theplug insert20 the nub features25,27 are removed from the locking holes75A,75B. At that time, the insertion/removal tool180 can be rotated, thus rotating theplug insert20 so as to expose the nub features25,27 between thekeys71,73 of the housing. Then, the insertion/removal tool180 can be removed while it carries the plug insert. The removal and/or repair of theconnectors40,50,ferrules54,44, and theplug insert20 is then complete.
• The preferred materials of construction for the[0100]termination device10 are as follows: thegrip ring100 is an aluminum alloy, thehousing70 is an aluminum alloy, thecrimp sleeve170 is an arcap ap1D, theinsert coupling20 is a PEEK polymer, theretainer21 is a polymer, the alignment sleeve is a copper alloy, theextension sleeve80 is an aluminum alloy, thecover tube110 is an aluminum alloy, therear end plug150 is an aluminum alloy, theseals39,middle seal60, thegrip seal90, the rear seal130, andcable seal140 are a resilient elastomeric compound, theferrules42,52 are a ceramic material. Thelanyard240 is a metallic wire rope covered with a polymer, thedust cap250 is a polymer, thecap seal280 is an elastomeric compound. Various other components are constructed of suitable engineering materials. The preferred materials of construction for the insertion/removal tool180 are as follows: thetool body180 is a passivated303 stainless steel, thetool spring182 is a metallic material, theplunger183 is a metallic material. Thus, the materials of construction provide a termination device which is robust and which withstands the rigors of a hostile battlefield environment.
• Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.[0101]

Claims (24)

What is claimed is:

1. A hermaphroditic cable or waveguide termination device for optical fibers, the termination device comprising:

a housing having locking holes, the housing having a front end, the front end having mating structures which are substantially identical to and mateable with a mating structure of a front end of another housing; and

a plug insert removably provided in the housing through the front end of the housing, the plug insert having optical connector ports, each of the optical connector ports dimensioned so as to receive a respective optical assembly where each optical assembly has a respective optical ferrule which aligns a respective optical fiber, the plug insert having a substantially cylindrical surface and a first surface substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical surface, the plug insert having nub features provided in a region of the cylindrical surface for mating with the locking holes, the first surface having a first ferrule port and a second ferrule port, the first ferrule port having a plug insert extension projecting from the first surface, the second ferrule port dimensioned so as to receive a plug insert extension of another plug insert, the first optical connector receiving port communicating with the second ferrule port, the second optical connector receiving port communicating with the first ferrule port.

2. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 1

wherein each of the nub features is connected to the plug insert with a respective spring latch.

3. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 2

wherein each spring latch is cantilevered to the plug insert.

4. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 3

wherein the second ferrule port has a first seal provided therein.

5. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 4

wherein the cylindrical surface of the plug insert has a ridge feature.

6. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 5

wherein the front end of the housing has a stopping surface, wherein the ridge of the plug insert is adjacent the stopping surface when the plug insert is inserted into the housing.

7. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 6

wherein the plug insert extension of the plug insert has a retainer provided partially therein.

8. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 7

wherein the retainer of the plug insert has an alignment sleeve provided partially therein.

9. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 8

wherein the alignment sleeve in the plug insert is dimensioned so as to accommodate the fiber optic ferrule.

10. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 9

wherein the mating structures of the housing have threadforms formed thereon.

11. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 10

wherein the mating structures of the housing include a first key and a second key.

12. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 11

wherein the first key is separated from the second key by an arc length of approximately sixty degrees on one side and by an arc length of approximately one-hundred-twenty degrees on another side of the first key.

13. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 12

wherein the first key has an arc length of approximately sixty degrees and the second key has an arc length of approximately one-hundred-twenty degrees.

14. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 13

wherein the locking holes of the housing are diametrically opposed to each other.

15. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 14

wherein the housing has an inner diameter surface.

16. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 15

wherein the inner diameter surface has a second o-ring groove.

17. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 16

, further comprising a second o-ring provided in the second o-ring groove, the second o-ring situated against the cylindrical surface of the plug insert.

18. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 17

, further comprising a cover tube surrounding a portion of the housing, the cover tube having a first end, the first end having a first undulating surface.

19. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 18

, further comprising a grip ring slidably and rotationally surrounding a portion of the cover tube, the grip ring having a second end, the second end having a second undulating surface, the first undulating surface of the cover tube adjacent to the second undulating surface of the grip ring so as to emminate an audible indication of the grip ring situated in a closed position.

20. The hermaphroditic termination device according to

claim 1

wherein each optical ferrule has a diameter of substantially 1.25 mm.

21. A tool for inserting/extracting a plug insert into/out of a housing of a hermaphroditic cable or waveguide termination device, the tool comprising:

a body having a main aperture formed through a length of the body, the main aperture having a first spring seat formed therein, the body having a pin travel aperture formed through a diameter of the body and substantially perpendicular to the main aperture, the body having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first friction grip and a second friction grip, the first and second friction grips react a force supplied by compressed spring latches of the plug insert, the first and second friction grips engage the spring latches over a first distance;

a plunger having a large diameter region and a small diameter region and having a second spring seat formed on the large diameter region, a portion of both the small diameter region and the large diameter region slidably provided in the main aperture of the body, the large diameter region having a pin receiving aperture, the large diameter region having a free end which acts as an actuation surface, the actuation surface of the plunger extending beyond the second end of the body, the small diameter region having a free end which acts as a release surface, the release surface translating through a second distance when the plunger is fully actuated, the second distance being greater than the first distance of the friction grips of the body so as to ensure release of the plug insert from the friction grips when the plunger is fully actuated;

a pin pressed into the pin receiving aperture of the plunger, the pin provided in the pin travel aperture of the body, a clearance exists between the pin and surfaces of the pin travel aperture which allow the pin to translate within the pin travel aperture, the clearance between the pin and the surface of the pin travel aperture is at least as great as the second distance, in an unreleased state the pin contacts a portion of the surface of the pin travel aperture; and

a spring provided in the main aperture of the body, the spring surrounding a portion of the small diameter region of the plunger, the spring being in a state of compression and reacting forces against the first and second spring seats.

22. The tool according to

claim 21

wherein the body has a knurled outer surface.

23. The tool according to

claim 22

wherein the first friction grip diametrically opposes the second friction grip.

24. The tool according to

claim 23

wherein the large diameter region of the plunger has a lanyard receiving aperture.

Images