Connector system with interchangeable connector modules for optical fibers, electrical conductors, or both

Abstract

A modular connector system for various types of different fiber optic and/or electrical connectors may include a connector having a housing configured to accommodate various different configurations of inserts that are configured to hold different types of either fiber optic connector, electrical connectors, or a combination of fiber optic and electrical connectors.

1 . A connector system comprising:
 a housing; and   a clip insert configured to be removably coupled to the housing;   wherein the clip insert is configured to be coupled to at least one optical fiber connector and at least one electrical connector while the insert is removed from the housing to form a hybrid connector insert assembly; and   wherein the clip insert interchangeable accepts and secures the fiber optic connector, the at least one optical fiber connector is one of an LC connector, an SC connector and an MPO connector, and the at least one electrical connector is one of a pin contact, an electrical socket and an RJ45 connector   
     
     
         2 . The connector system of  claim 1 , wherein the clip insert includes a catch configured to engage a catch opening of the housing so as to couple the insert to the housing. 
     
     
         3 . The connector system of  claim 2 , wherein the catch is a wedge shaped catch. 
     
     
         4 . The connector system of  claim 1 , wherein an interior surface of the housing is keyed to match a corresponding surface of the clip insert so as to allow coupling of the insert to the housing in a single orientation. 
     
     
         5 . The connector system of  claim 1 , wherein the clip insert includes a plurality of channels each being configured to receive a respective one of the at least one optical fiber connector and the at least one electrical connector. 
     
     
         6 . The connector system of  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the plurality of channels includes a respective catch configured to engage a recess in a sidewall of a respective one of the the at least one optical fiber connector and the at least one electrical connector. 
     
     
         7 . The connector system of  claim 1 , wherein the clip insert includes a respective tab configured to engage an arm of at least one of the at least one optical fiber connector and the at least one electrical connector. 
     
     
         8 . The connector system of  claim 1 , wherein the hybrid connector insert assembly includes a protective sheath disposed around the at least one electrical connector. 
     
     
         9 . The connector system of  claim 1 , wherein the hybrid connector insert assembly is configured so as to hold the at least one optical fiber connector and the at least one electrical connector in a stacked arrangement. 
     
     
         10 . The connector system of  claim 1 , wherein the hybrid connector insert assembly includes:
 a bottom clip portion configured to hold the at least one electrical connector; and   a top clip portion disposed against the bottom clip portion so as to clamp the at least one optical fiber connector therebetween.   
     
     
         11 . The connector system of  claim 1 , wherein the insert includes a plurality of bracket arms configured to hold the at least one optical fiber connector. 
     
     
         12 . The connector system of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one optical fiber connector is an MPO connector. 
     
     
         13 . The connector system of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured to removably couple to any one of a plurality of different types of clip inserts. 
     
     
         14 . The connector system of  claim 13 , wherein the insert comprises a first clip insert, the plurality of different types of inserts further comprising a second insert configured for being coupled only to at least one optical fiber connector. 
     
     
         15 . The connector system of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of different types of clip inserts further includes a third clip insert being coupled only to at least one electrical connector. 
     
     
         16 . The connector system of  claim 1 , further comprising a coupling nut disposed around the housing. 
     
     
         17 . The connector system of  claim 17 , further comprising an adapter coupled to the housing by the coupling nut. 
     
     
         18 . The connector system of  claim 16 , further comprising a coupling nut lock ring. 
     
     
         19 . The connector system of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion being threaded for receiving a cable strain relief member. 
     
     
         20 . The connector system of  claim 1 , wherein the connector system is an ingress protected connector system, further comprising at least one weather proofing seal.