Patent Application
20210031330
A commonly used SC fiber optic connector, used for Telecom and Datacom applications, has a two-piece push-pull connector housing design. The inner housing is typically white and houses a ceramic ferrule and a metal flange assembly. There are two horizontal bars on the side of the inner housing that make the mechanical reference plane. The adapter to which the connector mates includes latches that catch the bars to hold the connector securely. The outer housing or “grip” slides over the inner housing and the installer grasps the outer housing to push it into the adapter or pull it to release it from the adapter. There are four ramps on the outer housing that when pulled will release the adapter latches from the bars of the inner housing allowing the connector to be removed. There are typically three different colors of outer housings: Blue represents single mode, Beige represents multimode, and Green represents angled endface single mode.
SC fiber optic cable fibers can be polished to produce a particular performance specification. Optical fiber polishers typically include a rotating platen and an arm mechanism that positions and supports the connectors during the polishing process. Typically, the end face is lowered onto a film resting on the platen, and depending upon the film, the speed of the platen, the pressure applied, and its duration, produces a product suitable for a particular application.
Optical fiber polishers generally include a fixture coupled to the arm mechanism that is capable of holding and gripping one or more fiber optic connectors and advancing them under controlled conditions of speed and force to engage a plurality of fiber optic ends into engagement with a polishing member such as a rotatable platen having an abrasive surface. In order to achieve the precision typically needed, the fiber optic connectors must be secured within the fixture in such a way that all the connectors protrude from the bottom of the fixture at approximately the same angle and to approximately the same extent.
Current SC polishing fixtures utilize a molded plastic clip that has two latches that hold onto the bars of the inner housing and are released by the outer housing when pulled, similar to the adapter to which the SC connector mates.
Certain applications use the SC connector without the outer housing. This leaves a gap between the clip and the inner housing where the outer housing typically is, allowing the connector to rotate when inserted in the polishing fixture. Also, without the outer housing there is no way to release the latches of the clip to remove the SC connector. The cable typically used for this application is flat and reinforced with 2 fiberglass rods that makes the cable very stiff and only able to bend in one direction. The standard fixture clips are not strong enough and not designed to hold the SC without the outer housing.
As such, fixtures typically employ complex clamping assemblies that are used to hold the connectors at the desired angle and depth. These clamping assemblies can require extensive manipulation from an operator in order to load and unload the connectors from the fixture, thus increasing the time needed to polish multiple connectors. In addition, existing fixtures can present obstacles when one or more of the clamping assemblies needs replacing. For example, when even a single clamping assembly needs replacing, an operator may need to halt polishing in order to send the entire fixture back to the manufacturer for repairs.
For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for an improved optical fiber polishing fixture, including a spring member and a clamping assembly.
The above-mentioned problems associated with prior devices are addressed by embodiments of the present invention and will be understood by reading and understanding the present specification. The following summary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid the reader in understanding some of the aspects of the invention.
In one embodiment, an optical fiber polishing fixture assembly comprises a fixture base and a clamping assembly, The fixture base has a receiving cavity in which a ferrule support having a ferrule bore is positioned. The clamping assembly has first and second base portions, a lever, and a biasing member. The first base portion has a first inner facing side with a first slot and a first inner facing surface. The second base portion has a second inner facing side with a second slot and a second inner facing surface. The first and second slots are configured and arranged to receive bars on opposing sides of a fiber optic connector and cable assembly. The lever has a first end positioned between the first and second inner facing surfaces and a second end extending outward therefrom. The biasing member biases the first and second base portions toward each other. The first and second base portions, the first end of the lever, and the biasing member are configured and arranged to be received in the receiving cavity and operatively connected to the fixture base. The clamping assembly has a locked position and an unlocked position. The locked position is when the first and second base portions are biased toward one another, and the unlocked position is when the lever overcomes a biasing force of the biasing member and separates the first and second base portions. When the lever is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, the lever overcomes the biasing force and moves the first and second base portions away from one another.
In one embodiment, a method of connecting a ferrule to an optical fiber polishing fixture assembly comprises obtaining a fixture base to which a clamping assembly is operatively connected, positioning a lever in an unlocked position thereby creating a gap between first and second base portions, obtaining a fiber optic connector and cable assembly including a ferrule operatively connected to a cable, positioning the ferrule in a ferrule bore, and moving the lever from the unlocked position to a locked position thereby causing the first and second base portions to engage the fiber optic connector and cable assembly. The fixture base has a receiving cavity in which a ferrule support having a ferrule bore is positioned. The clamping assembly has first and second base portions, a lever, and a biasing member. The first base portion has a first inner facing side with a first inner facing surface. The second base portion has a second inner facing side with a second inner facing surface. The lever has a first end positioned between the first and second inner facing surfaces and a second end extending outward therefrom. The biasing member biases the first and second base portions toward each other. The first and second base portions, the first end of the lever, and the biasing member are configured and arranged to be received in the receiving cavity and operatively connected to the fixture base. The clamping assembly has a locked position, being when the first and second base portions are biased toward one another, and an unlocked position, being when the lever overcomes a biasing force of the biasing member and separates the first and second base portions. As the lever is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, the lever overcomes the biasing force and moves the first and second base portions away from one another.
The present invention can be more easily understood, and further advantages and uses thereof can be more readily apparent, when considered in view of the detailed description and the following Figures in which:
In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughout the Figures and the text,
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and equivalents thereof.
Generally, embodiments of the present invention provide a fixture including a spring member and a clamping assembly for securing a cable assembly to a polisher.
Generally, the polisher 100 includes a polishing unit 102 comprising a pneumatic overarm assembly 103, a platen assembly 108 rotatably supported by a stage 109, a processor, a porting device 110 for a portable memory device 111, and an input device 112. A housing 101 supports and aligns the polishing unit 102, the processor, and the input device 112 in an operative position. A slot 116 is inserted along one side of the housing 101 to allow the portable memory device 111 to access the porting device 110. A cable management attachment 118 is connected to the back of the housing 101 for supporting fiber optic cables undergoing a polishing process.
The pneumatic overarm assembly 103 includes an overarm 105 hingedly secured along one end to a base 104, the overarm 105 rotatable about the hinged end. A pair of pneumatic cylinders 106 is coupled to the overarm 105, opposing rotational movement thereof. A mounting pole 107 extends downward from the overarm 105 and is configured and arranged, as is well known in the art, to connect to a mounting tube 202 of a fixture 200, which is described in more detail below.
The polisher 100 maintains rigid control of each polishing process through feedback mechanisms which control the operation of both the platen assembly 108 and the pneumatic overarm assembly 103. The feedback mechanisms communicate with the processor to continuously monitor the performance of the platen assembly 108 and the pneumatic overarm assembly 103 and ensure that both are functioning at their set levels. In some embodiments, the processor communicates with the porting device 110, the input device 112, and a USB port for a keyboard to enable rapid programming of the polisher 100. The input device 112 also serves as a visual indicator of actual operating parameters.
Although assemblies 150 and 170 are shown and described, and generally known in the art, it is recognized that other suitable types of assemblies could be used. In some embodiments, a fixture could be adapted to receive one or more different types of assemblies.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a fixture and a clamping assembly for connecting a fiber optic SC ferrule assembly to the fixture.
In an embodiment shown in
As shown in
Another receiving cavity includes first and second receiving cavities 224 and 234, with a divider 233 between them. First receiving cavity 224 is generally a rectangular shaped recessed area including a bottom and sides, one side being formed by divider 233. First and second supports 225 and 227 with bores 226 and 228, respectively, extend upward from the bottom of the recessed area. The bores 226 and 228 are configured and arranged to receive the ferrules. On a side opposing divider 233, the base 201 includes recessed bore 230, which is preferably threaded, configured and arranged to receive fastener 231, which is preferably a screw.
Second receiving cavity 234 is generally a rectangular shaped recessed area including a bottom and sides, one side being formed by divider 233. First and second supports 235 and 237 with bores 236 and 238, respectively, extend upward from the bottom of the recessed area. The bores 236 and 238 are configured and arranged to receive the ferrules. On a side opposing divider 233, the base 201 includes recessed bore 240, which is preferably threaded, configured and arranged to receive fastener 241, which is preferably a screw.
First and second receiving cavities 224 and 234 are adjacent, and proximate their juncture is an intermediate recessed bore 244, which is preferably threaded, configured and arranged to receive fastener 245, which is preferably a screw.
In this example, receiving cavities 224 and 234 are positioned proximate the outer circumference on opposing sides of the base 201, and the receiving cavities 204 are positioned between the receiving cavities 224 and 234 and the mounting tube 202, proximate the outer circumference.
The clamping assembly 300 is shown in
The first and second base portions 301a and 301b are generally similar except for angles of their inner facing angled surfaces 305a and 305b. Therefore, base portions 301a and 301b include similar components, which have corresponding reference numerals.
The first base portion 301a, shown in
The outer facing side 318a includes a receiver bore (not shown) on each side of the bore 304a in which an end of a biasing member is positioned. Although coils springs 320a and 322a are shown as the biasing members, it is recognized that leaf springs or other suitable biasing members could be used.
The second base portion 301b includes an inner facing side 302b and an outer facing side 318b. A receiver 303b is generally positioned in the middle of the first base portion 301b and extends outward from the inner facing side 302b. The receiver 303b is generally cylindrical and includes a bore 304b and an inner facing angled surface 305b. The bore 304b is configured and arranged to slidably receive pin 326. Alternatively, one of the bores 304a or 304b may be sized to provide a friction fit with the pin 326. The inner facing angled surface 305b is angled so that the top is shorter than the bottom of the receiver 303b, which is different than the inner facing angled surface 305a. This is illustrated in
The outer facing side 318b includes a receiver bore 319b and 321b on each side of the bore 304b in which an end of a biasing member is positioned. Although coils springs 320b and 322b are shown as the biasing members, it is recognized that leaf springs or other suitable biasing members could be used. A single biasing member could also be used to bias both of the first and second base portions 301a and 301b.
The lever 330, shown in
To assemble the clamping assembly 300, the pin 326 is positioned in one of the bores 304a or 304b, through the aperture 334 of the lever 330, and into the other of the bores 304a or 304b, and the ends of the springs 320a, 322a, 320b and 322b are positioned in the respective receiver bores 319a, 321a, 319b, and 321b. Optionally, one of the bores of the base portions could be sized to provide a friction tit with the pin 326 so that the pin 326 only slid through the other bore. This is one example of assembly as it is recognized that the clamping assembly 300 could be assembled in any suitable order or manner.
The assembled clamping assembly is inserted into the desired receiving cavity (e.g., receiving cavities 204, 224, and 234), with the first and second base portions 301a and 301b extending generally lengthwise along opposite sides of the cavity. To insert the clamping assembly, the springs of the first and second base portions 301a and 301b are compressed and then slid into the receiving cavity. The springs contact the sides of the base forming the receiving cavity and exert force on the first and second base portions 301a and 301b, biasing them toward each other. To secure the clamping assembly, a connecting plate 338 is used.
The connecting plate 338, shown in
Although this example includes two fiber optic SC cable assembly connections for each base cavity/clamping assembly, it is recognized that at least one connection could be used. As a non-limiting example, two connections could be positioned on each side of the lever.
In operation, the clamping assembly 300 is biased toward the locked position 346, shown in
When a ferrule is positioned in the connector in the receiving cavity and the springs are biasing the first and second base portions 301a and 301b toward the ferrule, the bars are positioned in the slots. The upper portions forming the slots could be relative straight with minimal clearance for the bars or they could be tapered, acting like ramps to guide the ferrule downward as the base portions move toward each other. The tapering of the slots 306a, 312a, 306b, and 312b assists in providing a tighter, more secure fit of the bars, and therefore the fiber optic connector and cable assemblies, within the clamping assemblies because the fiber optic connector and cable assemblies move downward as the bars move along the tapered surfaces as the first and second base portions 301a and 301b move toward each other.
The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of embodiments of the invention. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
