Connecting device for fiber-glass connectors and a connecting sleeve

FIELD: engineering of connecting devices for fiber-glass connectors.

SUBSTANCE: device contains front panel 2,4,202 and simplex or two-channel connecting sleeve 1,1',1'',201,207, made with possible insertion into front panel 2,4,202 and with possible disengagement from front portion side, and containing connecting sleeves, which are made with possible blocking in front panel 2,4,202 by means of blocking springs 14,14',14'',214. Besides pin sockets 21,41 for inserting connecting sleeves, front panel 2,4,202 has apertures 22,23,45,46 made in several positions on its front portion for disengaging connecting sleeves, which have flanges 12,121,212,212' for positioning on frontal portion of front panel 2,4,202, and blocking spring 14,14',14'',214 for hooking to front panel 2,4,202 behind the latter.

EFFECT: simplified construction of device.

2 cl, 14 dwg

The present invention relates to a connecting device for fibre optic connectors that contains the front panel, and to the connecting couplings, which are made with the possibility of introducing into the front panel from the front.

Connectors and fiber optic connectors are known, in particular from European patent No. 0590586 A1 or U.S. patent No. 5317663. Described in them, coupling for glass fiber connectors can be entered in the front panel from the front; in addition, they proposed coupling, which may be locked by the locking springs, which are engaged behind the front panel. Coupling for fibre optic connectors includes a housing with two ends, which are made in the form of front and rear plug-in holders for holding plugs, and flanges that protrude from the housing and designed for contact with the front panel and for locking the coupling in this case, at least one locking spring mounted on the coupling for the introduction engages behind the front panel. This locking spring, as mentioned above, has two latch springs on opposite sides of the rear plug holder. The locking spring is ispolneny in the form of leaf springs, which are passed through the corresponding opening in the front panel and block coupling in the front panel. With this purpose it is possible to exert pressure on the leaf spring or reed springs in order to ensure the passage of the leaf spring or reed springs through the front panel in the loaded condition, as well as their subsequent smoothing.

The use of coupling or connecting device, such as a question, depends on the front panel, made it suitable openings, and that the front panel should be ensured through appropriate design special opening for the lock couplings on the panel; coupling should be disconnected from the front part of the front panel.

In addition, from the field of telephone technology and local area networks known plug connectors with locking device, which is arranged to detach the front panel from the front side of the casing and which protrude from the front panel (see, for example, European patent No. 0766350 A2). In this case, it is possible unintended disconnection, and to capture the locking device manually requires relatively much space.

Thus, this invention is implemented based on the C tasks enable simplify the manufacture of such connecting devices and/or development couplings, installed from the front, for a bre-optic connections.

In accordance with the invention the aforementioned problem is solved due to the presence of essential features described in 1 and 3 claims. In the dependent claims describe the signs, developing those specified in the independent claims.

The technical solution includes, first of all, the connecting device for fibre optic connectors that contains the front panel and the coupling is made with the possibility of introducing into the front panel and removable from the front, and these couplings are made with locked by the locking springs in the front panel, the front panel is also located on her front hole to disconnect the couplings, in addition to the holes for the introduction of couplings.

Front panel for a group of couplings, which should be placed side-by-side with each other, has, for example, one hole, which corresponds to the total width of the sleeves.

Each of the input couplings has a flange for insertion into the contact before the front panel and in the first specific embodiment has a locking spring on the surface connect Inoi clutch, intended for introduction into engagement behind the front panel. In addition to the hole injection period for each coupling has an additional hole, which through the front panel, you can insert the instrument through which exert pressure on the locking spring, deblocare coupling and providing its detachment from the front panel.

In the second embodiment, the built-in locking spring has two latch springs on opposite sides of the coupling.

Front panel that is used for this purpose, has, like the above described, an elongated hole for insertion and locking of a variety of couplings, which are arranged in series, with each latch spring has a corresponding groove for the spring as a continuation of the hole for the introduction, although at least one of the locked joints, which in General is at one end of the hole for the introduction, is instead of locking coil springs, the combination with a front panel that you can disconnect from the front. When the coupling is installed, the grooves for springs are located near reeds spring, which in turn planted behind the locking tongue. This gives you the opportunity immediately after disconnecting one with einternal clutch to extract and release the other couplings separately or all of them consistently, pushing them to the side locking tabs through the slots for springs.

In another embodiment, the portion of the locking spring protrudes through the flange to the front and therefore the locking clip, you can press the same way as it is done in the known technical solutions, and then you can extract the coupling when released the latch spring.

For couplings of this generic type differs in that the locking spring is composed of two side parts, which are adjacent to two side surfaces of the coupling, and the fact that these side pieces have tabs that you can enter into engagement behind or in front. These two lateral parts of the locking springs are connected by means of a pressure plate which is held on the third side surface of the coupling. Push plate is backed by a springy feet on the coupling and in this case this springy foot may be built-acting element of the push plate or can be optionally installed under this item pressure plate, providing a spring-loaded bearing on one face of the enclosure of the coupling.

Themselves side details are mostly fitted in the cut or constipation, designed to install behind the stairs on the flange, and can be located so that when the pressure on a pressure plate, despite the possibility of changing the distance between the side parts and the flange, these side of the part adjacent to the side surfaces, but their position is slightly shifted relative to the third side surface, onto which the pressure plate and the spring claw. If the side parts are located within the contour of the coupling, the front panel may need only one opening without any additional steps, which will allow the coupling to pass through the front panel. Therefore punched by punch stamp area in the form of a simple rectangle or square in the front panel will be enough to install the plug together with the coupling and the locking spring and lock them in the front panel. During the process lock push plate is pressed by the force from spring legs, and part of the coupling or, more precisely, the body of the coupling is pushed as a consequence, together with the locking spring in the recess in the front panel, so that the corresponding locking tabs on the side parts can engage behind the front panel. This drive is t to vzaimoponimania connection, but the coupling and in this case can again be extracted separately.

In one preferred embodiment of the latch on the side parts forming the end of the cut, the length of which in this case, of course, equal to the thickness of the flange and the front panel.

In accordance with one additional option step on the flange also occupies essentially the entire area of the side of the coupling between the flange or in the case of two-channel design with flanges - between the two flanges and the front and rear holes of the holders of the plugs. In other words, the entire lateral surface of the housing of the coupling is inserted with a snap fit between the holes for the introduction of plug holders, allowing you to get enough space for the adjacent lateral parts of spring.

For example, for reasons of simplification in the chassis, the coupling having a rectangular cross-section, flange, which in each case has a locking spring located on each of the two narrow sides of the coupling, and such locking spring can be pressed to each other due to the impact of the efforts of the pressure in opposite directions, and after passing through the front panel, they are automatically exempt from loads caused by impact springy legs under a pressure p is astinos, as soon as the stops applying pressure to this pressure plate. As is known to experts in the art on the basis of published information, the locking spring may be made of metal, plastic, or metal coated.

The locking spring is made of such material can also be used similarly for dual plugs.

Below is a more detailed explanation of the invention with reference to schematic drawings depicting possible specific embodiments of the while

figure 1 shows a first specific embodiment of the front panel for couplings

figure 2 shows a side view of the front panel, shown in figure 1,

figure 3 shows a side view of the connecting device with the front panel and with a spring locking device in the first specific embodiment, execution,

figure 4 shows a perspective representation in terms of the front panel, shown in figure 1 in the first specific embodiment of its implementation, with a coupling

on figa shows a second specific embodiment of a spring locking device for a connector in the front panel,

on fig.5b shows a third specific embodiment of a spring locking device for a connector in the front panel,

figure 6 pokazyvalas specific embodiment of the front panel to the coupling, depicted on figa,

7 shows a perspective image in terms of the front panel, shown in Fig.6, with couplings in the installation position,

on Fig shows in plan when installing couplings on the front panel, shown in Fig.7, fully finished,

on figa shows a perspective representation in terms of the locking spring in accordance with the invention,

on fig.9b shows the section along line B-B, held on figa,

figure 10 shows a perspective representation of one channel of the coupling dened locking springs, relevant figa and 9b,

figure 11 shows a perspective image of the two-channel couplings installed locking springs, relevant figa and 9b, and

on Fig shows a side view illustrating the installation process single-channel coupling in the front panel.

The following text is identical positions are used to designate identical or equivalent parts.

Figure 3 shows the first form of locking device for the coupling 1. Fiber optic cables 17 are flexible protective tube 16, which is retained by the plug 3. Coupling equipped with a plug holders 11, 13 at both ends of the chassis, front panel and pose and her. On the front surface of the front panel 2 has a flange 12 of the coupling 1, with one side of the clutch based on the guide rail 24, and the other side is locked by the locking spring 14 behind the front panel 2. Fiber optic cables 31 are United in a similar manner in the plug 3, a configuration which is complementary to the configuration of the halves 11 and 13 of the coupling and which can be inserted into these half so that the rear of the front panel 2 is formed by the connection of fibre optic cables.

Figure 1-4 shows a first specific embodiment of the front panel 2, the form of which is presented on the form As shown in figure 2, where not shown, the housing of the connector. The front part 20, which is configured to secure the housing by means of screws passed through holes 29 has an elongated window 21 of a width LS for a large number of couplings. However, the coupling can also have a separate socket with the corresponding smaller holes. On the form And the side shown in figure 2, showing the guide 24. Through holes 22, 23, 23', etc. possible introduction of a tool such as a screwdriver, and then use it to push on the tab of the spring. After this coupling can be removed. Figure 4 shows the position of the extraction,in which the coupling released and retrieved via plug / socket 21, and extraction carried out towards the front; in this position, you can disconnect coupling and/or plugs, located on the fiber-optic cables 17, 31.

On figa and 5b in a very enlarged scale conventionally shown features lock couplings 1', 1" mount them to the chassis and the front plug holder 11, the flange 12 and the rear plug holder 13 by means of the locking spring 14' or 14" in the front part 40, which is made of plastic. Springs 145, 146, similar to those shown in figa themselves known from the prior art, although the present invention it is preferable to use a spring with a beveled tongue.

The locking spring 14', shown in figa, the only difference is the fact that do not have spring clamps 147, shown in fig.5b, which passes through the slot 125 of the flange is made in the flange 121, or groove 45 in the front part 40, providing the release latch 145 spring from the front face 40 when the spring clip push in the direction of the plug holder 11.

In principle, the locking spring 14', 14" is the whole of the metal plate with frame 143 of the spring, which holds the tongue 141 or 142 of the spring. Both tongue 141, 142 springs on the sides of the coupling 1' can be installed as a single node on takemy holder 13 through connector 144 of the spring and secured in the cavity on the surface of the spring support 149, for example, by bonding with adhesive or clamping.

The locking springs, such as those mentioned, are used in another preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Fig.6-8. The front part 40 is screwed by screws passing through holes 49, the housing which is not shown. In the front panel 4 front part 40 is made plug socket 41 for 12 couplings (7, 8) with 11 grooves 45, 46 for springs designed to enable couplings locking spring 14, and for alternating the locking tabs 43, 48, geared tabs 145, 146 of the spring. The position of the slots for springs is marked 44 positioning. The distance between the grooves 45, 46 for springs and their corresponding labels 44 positioning varies from label to label. The distance shown Fig in a possible specific embodiment, is greater than the width of the couplings. This means that the coupling cannot all simultaneously fall out of the plug socket when released the first coupling, and can be extracted each separately from its groove for the spring only after the forced displacement of each of the coupling side. The last coupling, or one coupling cannot be inserted through the slots for springs; it supports the SJ by means of screws (not shown) into the threaded holes 42, 47. The rest of the coupling can be moved behind the locking tongues 43, 48 immediately, as these couplings introduced in the area of the groove for the spring. However, if the size of the plug socket has the appropriate tolerances under simultaneous pressure from the locking spring may be pressed against the coupling at the same time, introducing each to the proper gap for the plug behind the locking tongue, made in the plug socket. Accordingly, if the released coupling 1', shown in Fig.7, where the intervals for the plugs are numbered from 1 to 12 on the front side 40, the first all screws (not shown)to secure the flange 12 and located in the holes 122 of the flange and into the threaded holes 42, 47, vivenciada from the front 40. Then retrieve the first connection sleeve 1'and then the next coupling moves to the groove 45, 46 for the spring and removed. All couplings or only some of the coupling can be extracted sequentially, or Vice versa, you can subsequently install again.

All of the coupling 1' is equipped with the same, that is, the first coupling also has a locking spring 14', which is shown in figa. However, this built-in spring is removed, if there is only one coupling, and which I have is the first coupler. On Fig shows in plan when clutch is fully installed.

On figa shows a perspective representation in terms of the locking spring 214 in accordance with the invention, is made on the basis of additional solutions and alternative design, shown in fig.5b, or coupling, and contains two side parts 203 and a push plate 204, which connects the two side parts 203.

On fig.9b shows a cross section b-b of the locking spring, depicted on figa, with the push plate 204, equipped with springy foot 223, made as a spring-loaded structural element and passing under the push plate 204 from the front section 221 of the plate 204, and is configured to support the bearing 224 or coupling, which are not shown, and/or on the upper surface of the housing of the coupling. Obviously, this springy foot 223 may undergo further bending in the direction of the push plate 204, when based on the support 224 on the body and when the push plate 204 have respective pressure in the vertical direction. The lateral part 203 has a chamfer 231 to facilitate pushing of the spring 214 through the groove 261 in the front panel 202. The tongue 245 springs made on the lateral parts 203, located behind the front panel 202. Constipation 233 p is adnanced for fastening the locking spring 214 behind the flange of the coupling, which are not shown in the drawing, but the design of which is obvious, for example, from Fig. The rear end 212 of the plate and bent ears 225, and the end 234 of the side parts are designed to maintain the locking spring and the fixing of its position at the plug holder 211 (figure 10-12).

Figure 10 shows the simplex coupling 201 with a flange 212 or 212' on the narrow faces 242 of the coupling 201, which has a rectangular cross-section. The rear plug holder 213 and the front plug holder 211 are used to insert the plug connectors to ensure operational connection with the sleeve 209, the centering pin. The locking spring 214 planted behind the flanges 212, 212' and relies on elastic foot, which in the drawing is not visible, located on the narrow edge 242 of the housing of the coupling, available in simplex couplings 201, the side parts 203 adjacent to the stairs, which at the same time form the side surfaces 244 simplex couplers 201 and therefore hidden within the contours of the plug holders 213, 211, which form the largest cross-section, so that the lateral surface of the plug holders 213, 211, which are located close to each other on the side surface 240, and the side surface parts bet total surface relative to the front panel 202 (Fig).

Figure 11 similarly shows the case of dual-channel couplings 207, and for each channel are two rear plug holder 213 and two front plug holder 211. The side surface 240 in this embodiment is also performed with steps, which are located between the plug holders 213, 211 and flanges 212, 212' and at the same time form a side surface 247.

On Fig shows the cross section of the front panel 202 with a recess 261 and one rectangular aperture. Both the locking spring 214 is shown in the mounted position, while the position of I in the upper half of the drawing indicates a situation in which coupling is already locked, while the position II in the lower half indicates a situation in which the push plate 204 continues to act the force of the pressure so that the locking spring with its lateral part 203 on the side surface 240 is shifted slightly in the direction S of the unfolding of the two locking springs 214. In the depicted position fully assembled simplex coupling is installed as shown in figure 10, with the first on both pressure plates 204 affects the effort of pressing in the direction S of the unfolding, and then simplex coupling 201 is pushed in the direction of insertion through the recess 261 in the front panel 202. Install the connecting cable Inc is th clutch 201, 207 with the locking spring 214 in the recess 261 in the front panel 202 can and without the impact of efforts to pressure on a pressure plate 204, if the impact on both the locking spring 214 is performed automatically by tilting the angle of the bevel 231 during introduction into the recess in the front panel 202, and then the said spring will pass through this notch. The position I shows how the locking tongue 245 engages behind the front panel 202 immediately after removing the load from the pressure plate 204, thereby creating a deadlocked connection for simplex couplings 201 in the front panel 202. This clearly shows that the side part 203 of the locking spring 214 is securely held between the protruding plug holders 213, 211 in step 244 between the flanges 212, 212'. Thus, to disassemble the connection, the pressure on a pressure plate 204 can have only two fingers in the direction S unfolding to move the lateral part 203 to each other, while simplex coupling 201 can again be released and can be removed from the front panel 202 and, therefore, of the recess 261 in the front panel.

List and explain the positions indicated on the drawings.

1, 1', 1" - coupling

2 - front panel

3 - plug

4 - front panel

11-plug holder

12 - flange

13 - plug holder

14, 14', 14" - locking spring

16 is a flexible protective tube

17 - bre-optic cable

20 - front

21 - plug-Jack

22 - hole to detach

23, 23' - hole to detach

24 - guide

29 mounting hole

31 - bre-optic cable

40 - front

41 - plug-Jack

42, 47 - threaded hole

43, 48 - locking tongue

44 - label positioning

45, 46 - groove for the spring

49 mounting hole

121 - flange

122 - hole flange

125 - groove flange

141, 142 - reeds spring

143 - frame springs

144 - connector springs

145, 146 - reeds spring

147 - clip

149 - spring seat

201 - simplex coupling

202 - front panel

203 - side detail

204 - push plate

207 - channel coupling

209 - sleeve, centering pin

211 - front plug holder

212, 212' - flange

213 - back plug holder

214 - locking spring

221 - the front section of the front panel

222 - the final section of the front panel

223 - spring foot

224 - bearing

225 - ear

231 - bevel

233 - constipation

234 - the end of the side part

240 - side surface

242 - uz is the first face of the coupling

244 - side surface in the form of a step

245 - reeds spring

247 - side surface in the form of a step

261 - notch

a - distance

S - direction of unfolding

LS - width plug

E - towards the introduction

I, II - position designating installation option

1. Connecting device for fibre optic connectors that contains the front panel (2, 4) and at least one coupling(1, 1', 1", 201, 207), made with the possibility of introducing into the front side of the front (20, 40), respectively, the front panel (202), with the possibility of locking by the locking springs(14, 14', 14", 214), entered engages behind the front panel (2, 4), characterized in that the coupling(1, 1', 1", 201, 207) configured to detach from the front and in addition to the plug sockets (21, 41) for introducing couplings, front panel (2, 4) holes(22, 23, 23', 42, 47, 45, 46) to disconnect the couplings from the front.

2. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug-in socket (21, 41) on the front panel is made elongated for insertion and locking set couplings (1, 1'), which are arranged in a row, and at least one of the locked coupling (1") is along the locking spring screw connection (122) with a front panel (4).

3. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking spring (14") has a frame (143) of the spring which is in contact with the rear plug holder (13) and from which protrudes the tongue (145, 146) of the spring device (147) in the form of a bent tongue (141, 142) of the spring.

4. The connecting device according to claim 3, characterized in that the said device is made in the form of spring clips (147), which pass through the front panel (4) and the flange (121) towards the front plug holder (11) in the grooves (45, 125).

5. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking spring (214) contains two side parts (203)adjacent to the two lateral surfaces (240, 244, 247) of the coupling (201, 207), reeds (245) springs, which are connected by means of a pressure plate (204), which takes place on the third side surface (242) of the coupling (201, 207).

6. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover plate (204) is supported by spring tabs (223) on coupling (201, 207).

7. The connecting device according to claim 5, characterized in that the side parts (203) have constipation (233), which is made with possibility of installation steps behind (244, 247) on the flange (212, 212').

8. The connecting device according to claim 5, characterized in that the side surface (244, 247), made by the traveler in the form of a step, passes over the main parts of the side surface (240) of the coupling (201, 207) between the flange (212, 212') and plug holders (213, 211).

9. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains two locking springs (214) on the body, springy feet (223) which are guided in opposite directions on opposite sides of the coupling (201, 207).

10. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the coupling is made in the form of a two-channel coupling.

11. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the front panel (4) and/or the locking spring(14, 14', 14", 214) made of metal, plastic, or metal coated.

12. The connecting device according to claim 10, characterized in that the front panel (4) and/or the locking spring(14, 14', 14", 214) made of metal, plastic, or metal coated.

13. Coupling for glass fiber connectors, comprising a housing with two ends, made in the form of front and rear plug-in holders for holding plugs, and at least one flange that protrudes from the housing and is suitable for contact with the front panel to block the coupling, and at least one locking spring mounted on the connection is sustained fashion sleeve for insertion into engagement with the front panel, characterized in that the locking spring(14, 14', 14", 214) it takes at least over parts of the plug holders(11, 13, 211, 213), and in the front side on the connection fitting (1', 201, 207) has a device for locking the front panel (4) and extract from it.

14. Coupling according to item 13, wherein the front panel (4) and/or the locking spring(14, 14', 14", 214) made of metal, plastic, or metal coated.

Priority items:

26.09.2000 according to claims 1-4, 10-14;

11.08.2001 on pp.5-9.