CN113721326B

CN113721326B - Optical fiber connector

Info

Publication number: CN113721326B
Application number: CN202111041959.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: K·塔卡诺; K·伊祖米
Original assignee: Senko Advanced Components Inc
Current assignee: Senko Advanced Components Inc
Priority date: 2014-06-09
Filing date: 2014-06-09
Publication date: 2024-07-26
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-09
Also published as: CN113721326A; CN105518503A; WO2015191024A1; CN111239919A; CN111239918A

Abstract

Reduced profile fiber optic connectors and connection systems are described. The reduced profile optical fiber connector is configured to connect various data transmission components, including cables, network devices, and computing devices. Non-limiting examples of connection assemblies include fiber optic connection assemblies (including connectors, adapters, and assemblies formed from connectors, adapters). In some embodiments, the connection assemblies may include Mechanical Transfer (MT) and multi-fiber push/pull (MPO) connection assemblies, such as MT ferrule and MPO adapter. A reduced profile connection assembly configured according to some embodiments has a smaller profile and/or requires fewer components to achieve a connection than conventional connection assemblies. In some embodiments, the reduced profile connection assembly may be used with conventional connection assemblies. For example, the reduced profile connector may use conventional MT ferrule to establish a connection within a conventional MPO adapter.

Description

Optical fiber connector

Technical Field

The described technology relates generally to components for connecting data transmission components, and more particularly to connectors, adapters, and connection assemblies formed from connectors and adapters configured to provide a secure connection between data transmission components (e.g., cable segments, equipment, and/or devices) while having a reduced profile and/or reduced number of components compared to conventional connection components.

Background

The demand for bandwidth by businesses and individual consumers continues to grow exponentially. In order to meet such demands efficiently and economically, data centers have to implement ultra-high density wiring with low loss budgets. Fiber optics has become a standard cabling medium for data centers to meet the increasing demands for data capacity and transmission speeds.

The individual optical fibers are extremely small. For example, even with a protective coating, the optical fiber is only about 250 microns in diameter (only 4 times the diameter of human hair). As such, hundreds or thousands of fibers may be installed in the cable, which would take up relatively little space. Terminating these fibers with connectors, however, greatly increases the space required to connect the cable segments and the communications devices. Although multiple fibers may be arranged within a single connector, the resulting connecting member may still increase the space used by the optical fibers by a factor of 20 to 50. For example, a multi-fiber connector (e.g., those using multi-fiber push/pull (MPO) technology) may connect 12 or 24 fibers. However, a typical MPO connector may have a length of about 30 millimeters to 50 millimeters and a width of about 10 millimeters to 15 millimeters. Many thousands of connections in a typical data center multiply these sizes, resulting in a large amount of space being required to service these cable connections. In order to increase data transmission capacity and speed cost effectively, data centers must increase the number of fiber optic cables and thus increase cable connections within existing space. Accordingly, data centers and other communication service providers would benefit from multi-fiber connectors having a reduced profile that can securely connect multiple fibers while requiring less space than conventional multi-fiber connectors.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices, and methods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing particular specifications or embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting in scope.

As used in this document, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. As used in this document, the term "comprising" means "including but not limited to" (but not limited to).

In one aspect, a reduced-profile connection assembly may include an adapter, a sleeve having a connection side, and a reduced-profile holder fixedly disposed within the adapter, the reduced-profile holder having a hook configured to engage a portion of the sleeve relative to the connection side to prevent movement of the sleeve within the adapter.

In one aspect, a reduced profile connection assembly may include a sleeve having a connection end, a connector, and an adapter; the connector includes an inner housing having the sleeve fixedly disposed therein at a first end and a flange extending from a second end opposite the first end, and an ejector housing disposed about the inner housing and configured to slide along the inner housing between a locked position and an unlocked position; the adapter has a holder fixedly disposed therein, the holder having a hook configured to engage a protrusion extending from an outer surface of the inner housing to prevent movement of the inner housing within the adapter, wherein the ejector housing mates with the holder in the locked position to prevent disengagement of the hook from the protrusion.

In one aspect, a reduced profile connection assembly may include a sleeve, a connector, and an adapter; the connector has the sleeve and includes at least one adapter latch fixedly disposed therein, the at least one adapter latch having at least one adapter latch protrusion; the adapter has at least one recess configured to engage the adapter latch protrusion when the connector is locked in the adapter to prevent movement of the connector within the adapter.

In one aspect, a reduced profile connection assembly may include a sleeve, a connector, and an adapter; the connector has the sleeve and includes at least one adapter latch fixedly disposed therein, the at least one adapter latch having at least one adapter latch protrusion; the adapter has a retainer fixedly disposed therein, the retainer having a recess configured to engage the adapter latch protrusion when the connector is locked therein to prevent movement of the connector within the adapter.

Drawings

The above and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 depicts an illustrative conventional multi-fiber push/pull (MPO) multi-fiber connection assembly.

Fig. 2A-2C depict connectors of an illustrative conventional MPO connection assembly.

Fig. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of a connector disposed within an assembly.

Fig. 4A-4E depict illustrative reduced profile connection members according to ferrule holder embodiments.

Fig. 5A-5F depict reduced profile connection members according to a dual housing embodiment.

Fig. 6A-6D depict an illustrative reduced profile connecting member according to a first resilient latch embodiment.

Fig. 7A-7J depict an illustrative reduced profile connecting member according to a second resilient latch embodiment.

Fig. 8A-8E depict an illustrative reduced profile connecting member according to a third spring latch embodiment.

Detailed Description

The described technology relates generally to components configured to connect data transmission components (e.g., cable segments, communication equipment, network devices, and computing devices). In some embodiments, the data transmission components may be connected using reduced profile connection members (including, but not limited to, connectors, ferrules, adapters, and connection assemblies formed therefrom). The reduced profile connection member may be configured to require less elements and/or less space than conventional connection members. In general, the reduced profile connection member may be smaller in at least one dimension compared to a corresponding conventional connection member. In some embodiments, the reduced profile connection member and/or portions thereof may be used with existing conventional connection members. For example, some embodiments may include a reduced-profile connector configured to provide a secure connection using a conventional adapter. The reduced profile connection assembly and portions thereof may be made of various resilient materials (e.g., plastics, polymers, rubber, silicon-based materials, and any combination thereof).

The described technology provides a number of technical advantages. A non-limiting example of a technical advantage is that the reduced profile connection member and the connection formed using the reduced profile connection member require less space, for example, on the connection interface of the device in the data room. In this way, an increased number of connections can be formed in a smaller area. Another non-limiting example of a technical advantage is that the reduced profile connecting member generally requires less elements and/or material than a corresponding conventional connecting member. In addition, this technical advantage may operate to reduce labor and/or costs associated with assembling the connecting members. A further non-limiting example of a technical advantage is that the reduced profile connection member is easier to handle than a corresponding conventional connection member, such as establishing and/or removing a connection (e.g., an "access"/"unplug" member).

In some embodiments, the data transmission component may comprise a fiber optic data transmission component. In some embodiments, the reduced profile connection member may include a member configured to provide a secure connection for the fiber optic data transmission component. In some embodiments, the reduced profile connection member may be configured to be implemented on various types of fiber optic connection members, including multiple fiber (or multi-fiber) connection members. Non-limiting examples of multi-fiber connecting members include Mechanical Transfer (MT), multiple fiber push/pull (MPO), and multi-fiberA connector ("MTP"). Although fiber optic connection components, and in particular MPO-compatible components, are used herein as examples, embodiments are not so limited, as any type of data transmission medium and associated components capable of operating in accordance with some embodiments are contemplated herein.

Fig. 1 depicts an illustrative conventional MPO multi-fiber connection assembly ("MPO connection assembly"). As shown in fig. 1, the MPO connector assembly 100 may include connectors 105, 110 and corresponding fiber optic adapters ("adapters") 115. The connectors 105, 110 may be designated as male connectors (male connectors) 105 and female connectors (female connectors) 110, the male connectors 105 having guide pins or "pins" 120, the female connectors 110 having pin receptacles, guide pin holes or "holes" 140. The guide needle 120 may be disposed within the male cannula 130 on the connection side of the male cannula 130 and the guide needle aperture 140 may be disposed within the female cannula 150 on the connection side of the female cannula 150. The bushings 130, 150 may be formed of plastic or other polymeric materials. The cannulas 130, 150 may be configured as MT-type cannulas.

The connectors 105, 110 may be coupled to one another by an adapter 115 such that the guide pin 120 may be inserted into the guide pin bore 140 and the face of the male ferrule 130 will be in contact with the face of the female ferrule 150, connecting the ends of the optical fibers (or "ribbons") 135 disposed within each respective ferrule. The optical fibers 135 may be disposed between the guide pins 120 on the male ferrule 130 and between the guide pin holes 140 on the female ferrule 150 to align the ends of the optical fibers and form a continuous or substantially continuous fiber optic connection. The ferrules 130, 150 can include various numbers of optical fibers 135, such as 1,2, 4,8, 12, 24, or 72 optical fibers. When connectors 105, 110 are coupled through adapter 115, hooks (e.g., flanges or resilient flanges) 160 provided on holders ("adapter holders") disposed within adapter 115 may hook over recesses 125, 145 of connector 105 and connector 110 to support and maintain the connection of optical fibers 135 between ferrules 130, 150. The guide pin 120 and guide pin bore 140 are operable to align the ends of the optical fibers 135 on the faces of Ji Taoguan, 150, and the adapter 115 is operable to provide a compressive force on the ferrules that is configured to maintain sufficient contact between the ferrules to support the connection between the opposing optical fibers.

Fig. 2A-2C depict connectors of an illustrative conventional MPO connection assembly. As shown in fig. 2A, the connector 105 may include an ejector housing 205, the ejector housing 205 being slidably disposed about a front housing 210 connected to a sheath 215. A cannula 130 (collectively, may be referred to herein as a "cannula") having a needle holder 235 may be disposed within the front housing 210. Although the male connector 105 including the male ferrule 130 is depicted in fig. 2A-2C, the illustrative connectors depicted therein may be configured the same or substantially similar when using the female connector 110 including the female ferrule 150. Fig. 2B depicts an expanded ("exploded") view of connector 105. As shown in fig. 2B, the connector may include a spring 225, the spring 225 configured to provide a force against the sleeve 130 in a direction toward the front housing 210 and away from the sheath 215. The spring 225 may be disposed within a spring push (or "backseat") 220, the spring push 220 configured to interface with the sheath 215. Fig. 2C depicts an expanded view of the ejector housing 205 and the front housing 210, showing the spring 230 disposed between the ejector housing 205 and the front housing 210. The spring 230 is operable to provide a force against the ejector housing 205 to urge the ejector housing toward the front of the front housing 210 with the sleeve protruding from the front housing and away from the sheath 215.

The connector 105 may be inserted (or accessed) into the adapter 115 in such a manner that: the connector is pushed into the adapter, for example, using the sheath, until the hooks 160 in the adapter catch (or "snap") into the recesses 125 of the connector. The spring 230 is operable to maintain the ejector housing 205 in a forward (or "locked") position to retain the hooks 160 in the recesses 125 to maintain a secure connection. The connector may be removed (or "unplugged") from the adapter by pulling the ejector housing 205 in a direction away from the adapter. When the ejector housing 205 is pulled in a direction away from the adapter 115, the ejector housing can slide over the front housing 210 in a direction away from the adapter to remove the hooks 160 from the recesses 125, thereby disconnecting the connector 105.

As shown in fig. 2A-2C, conventional MPO connectors 105 require multiple components. For example, rather than including the sleeve 130 or its components, the connector 105 may require about 7 parts, including the ejector housing 205, the front housing 210, the sheath 215, the spring pusher 220, the spring 225, and the spring(s) 230. All of the components of the connector 105 require time, materials, and other resources and/or costs to manufacture and assemble. Furthermore, the multiple components required for connector 105 require that the connector and connection assembly 100 have some minimum size and therefore have a minimum overall profile. For example, the conventional connector 105 may be about 30 millimeters to about 50 millimeters long and about 12 millimeters to about 20 millimeters wide. In addition, sufficient pushing force (typically from the sheath 215) is required to access the connector 105 to the adapter 115, while pulling out the connector requires a relatively large pulling force on the ejector housing 205. Thus, manipulating components of the connection assembly 105, such as the access/extraction connector 105, is inefficient and challenging within the limited space surrounding the subrack and module within a typical data room. Moreover, the components of the assembled connector 105, such as the housings 205, 210 and the springs 230 and the spring push 220 and the springs 225, are time consuming, inefficient, and consume valuable resources that may otherwise be dedicated to data room maintenance.

Fig. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of a connector disposed within an assembly. As shown in fig. 3, when the connector 105 is pushed into the adapter 115, the hooks 160 disposed on the retainer 310 may spread out and be pushed over the protrusions 170 on the outer surface of the front housing 210 to seat in the recesses 125. In the locked position, the spring 230 pushes the ejector housing 205 over the hooks 160 and/or against the hooks 160 to prevent the hooks from spreading out and moving over the protrusions 170, thereby maintaining the hooks within the recesses 125 and preventing the connector 105 from being removed from the adapter. To remove the connector 105 from the adapter 115, the ejector housing 205 must be pulled in a direction away from the adapter and toward the sheath 215. The ejector housing 205 must be pulled with sufficient force to overcome the tension provided by the spring 230 to allow the ejector housing to slide over the front housing 210 and out of the adaptor 115, without covering the hooks 160. Continued force on the ejector housing 205 away from the adapter 115 causes the connector 105 to move in a direction away from the adapter, spreading the hooks 160 apart, the hooks 160 sliding over the protrusions 170, and releasing the connector 105 from the adapter.

Fig. 4A-4E depict illustrative reduced profile connection members according to ferrule holder embodiments. As shown in fig. 4A-4D, the reduced-profile connection assembly may include a holder 405 ("cannula holder" or "reduced-profile holder"), the holder 405 being disposed within the adapter 425 and configured to retain the cannula in the adapter 425. The holder 405 may include a hook 410, the hook 410 configured to maintain the cannula 130 within the adapter 45 in such a manner: for example, on the opposite side of the cannula from the connecting side or surface thereof, with the cannula 130 and/or needle holder 420. In some embodiments, cannula 130 may not include needle holder 420. In such embodiments, a spacer (not shown) may be disposed within holder 405 to engage hook 410 in a manner similar to needle holder 420. In some embodiments, the hooks 410 may be configured to support and maintain a connection between the sleeve 130 and a corresponding sleeve (not shown) within the adapter, similar to the function provided by the springs 225 and the spring pushers 220 in conventional connection assemblies.

In some embodiments, the holder 405 may be disposed within a conventional component (e.g., a conventional adapter 425). For example, a reduced profile connection assembly may include MT ferrule 130 and MPO adapter 425. In some embodiments, the adapter 425 may include a reduced profile component portion 435 and a conventional component portion 440. The reduced-profile member portion 435 can be configured to incorporate a reduced-profile connecting member, such as the sleeve 130, which is not disposed within or associated with a conventional connecting member, such as the ejector housing 205, the front housing 210, the spring 230, the spring 225, or the like. The conventional member portion 440 can be configured to incorporate conventional connection members, such as MT, MPO, and/or MTP. As such, the reduced profile connection member may be configured to operate with existing data transmission equipment, devices, connection assemblies, and/or the like.

As shown in fig. 4D, the adapter 425 may include a holder 430 for a second cannula (not shown), such as a female cannula corresponding to the male cannula 130. Insertion of cannula 130 within holder 405 may connect the cannula with a corresponding cannula disposed within holder 430. Hooks 410 may be configured to retain sleeve 130 within adapter 425 and maintain connection with a corresponding sleeve located at holder 430.

In some embodiments, the adapter 425 may include an outer portion 435 and an inner portion 440, the outer portion 435 may be external to a communication device or structure (e.g., a wall), and the inner portion 440 may be internal to the communication device or structure. Non-limiting examples of communication devices include computing devices, servers, subracks, switches, hubs, wiring, outlets, network test equipment, or the like. In some embodiments, a first type of cannula (e.g., a female cannula (not shown)) may be disposed within the inner portion 440, and a second type of cannula (e.g., a male cannula 130) may be installed (or accessed) into the outer portion 435 to form a connection with the first type of cannula.

Fig. 4E depicts an illustrative cannula mount device according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 4E, a ferrule mounting device 445 may be used to mount the ferrule 130 into the holder 410 of the adapter. The cannula mount 445 may include a lever 460 that may be depressed (e.g., pushed toward the body of the cannula mount) to raise its hook portion 455. The cannula mount 445 may grasp the cannula 430 in such a manner that: lifting hook portion 455, inserting the cannula into frame portion 470, and releasing lever 460 to position hook portion 460 against or within a portion of the cannula, such as within recess 565 provided within the cannula. When the cannula mount 445 is inserted into the adapter, the frame portion 470 can incorporate the hooks 410 to spread them apart and allow the cannula to be placed within the holder 405. In some embodiments, the frame portion 470 may incorporate one or more protrusions 475 disposed on an outer surface of the hook 410. Once sleeve 430 has been placed within holder 405, lever 460 may be pressed, thereby disengaging hook portion 455 from sleeve 130. When the cannula mount 445 is removed from the adapter 425, the hooks 410 encircle and engage the cannula 130. The cannula mount 445 can have a variety of dimensions, including a length of about 20 millimeters to about 40 millimeters. In some embodiments, the cannula mount 445 may have a length of about 36.5 millimeters.

In contrast to conventional connection members (e.g., connector 105), the ferrule holder embodiment depicted in fig. 4A-4C does not require housings, such as ejector housing 205 and front housing 210. Ferrule holder embodiments may be configured to use holders 405, the holders 405 adapted to hold and support the ferrule 130 without a housing and associated components (e.g., spring 225 and rear pusher 220). In some embodiments, the hooks 410 of the holder 425 may extend only about 0 millimeters outside of the adapter 425 (e.g., the holder is located entirely or substantially entirely within the adapter 425), about 1 millimeter, about 2 millimeters, about 3 millimeters, and any value or range between any two of these values (including endpoints). Thus, ferrule holder embodiments may be used to establish a connection using about 30 mm to about 50 mm less space than conventional connection members.

Although the ferrule 130 depicted in the illustrative embodiments herein (e.g., ferrule holder embodiments depicted in fig. 4A-4C) is a male MT ferrule, embodiments are not so limited. Indeed, the cannula 130 may be configured as any type and/or class of cannula capable of operating in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, some embodiments are "class neutral" in that either a male or female cannula connection member may be used therewith.

Fig. 5A-5F depict reduced profile connection members according to a dual housing embodiment. As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the reduced-profile connector 500 may include an inner housing 510, the inner housing 510 configured to retain the ferrule 130 at a front portion of the connector 500. The outer housing 505 may be slidably disposed about the inner housing 505. The inner housing 510 may include a flange 515, the flange 515 having protrusions 535 and depressions 545 formed thereon. Fig. 5C and 5D depict the connector 505 disposed within the adapter 545 in an unlocked position and a locked position, respectively. In some embodiments, the adapters 545 may include conventional adapters and/or adapter members, such as holders ("adapter holders", "MPO adapter holders", or "conventional holders") 520. For example, the adapters 545 may include a conventional MPO adapter and a conventional holder 520, the conventional holder 520 configured to receive a conventional ferrule, such as MT ferrule 130. In this manner, the reduced profile connector 500 may be used with a conventional connection adapter 545.

When connector 500 is pushed into adapter 545, protrusions 550 on inner housing 510 can engage hooks 555 on holder 520, thereby spreading hooks 555 out until the hooks pass (clear) protrusions and sit within recesses 560. In the unlocked position, the distal portion 530 of the outer housing 505 may sit in the recess 540 of the flange 515. To lock the connector 505 in the adapter 545, the outer housing 505 may be pushed along the inner housing 510 in a direction towards the adapter. As the outer housing 505 moves toward the adapter 545, the distal portion 530 may push against the protrusion 535 of the flange 515 and may push the flange 515 inward (e.g., away from the outer housing). As flange 515 moves inward, distal portion 530 may slide over protrusion 535 and outer housing 505 may move toward adapter 545. Flange 515 may return to a straight position after distal portion 530 passes over protrusion 535 and thus the distal portion no longer pushes against the protrusion. The protrusions 535 may prevent the outer housing 505 from sliding away from the adapter 545. When distal portion 530 has passed projection 535, proximal portion 525 of outer housing 505 may engage hooks 555, preventing the hooks from spreading apart and sliding over projections 550.

As shown in fig. 5E, the inner housing 510 may include a sleeve latch (or "flex-in latch") 570 disposed on one or more surfaces thereof. The sleeve latch 570 may be configured to be pushed inward toward the hollow center of the inner housing 510. In fig. 5F, the cross-sectional view of the connector illustrates that the outer housing 505 may push the latch 570 inward to engage the cannula 130 and/or to engage a needle holder 565 attached to the cannula. The inner surface of the inner housing 510 may also include protrusions 580 or other structures configured to engage the sleeve 530 to prevent movement of the sleeve in a direction opposite the sleeve latch 570. Thus, the cannula latch 570 may be configured to push or otherwise engage the cannula 130 and/or the needle holder 565 to push the cannula in a first direction (e.g., away from the flange 515) and/or to prevent movement of the cannula in a second direction (e.g., toward the flange 515), while the protrusion 580 may be configured to prevent movement of the cannula in the first direction. In this way, the sleeve 130 can be supported and maintained within the inner housing 510 when the outer housing 505 is in a position to push down the sleeve latch 570, e.g., when the outer housing is in a locked position.

In some embodiments, connector 500 may use only two components, such as outer housing 505 and inner housing 510, to connect ferrule 130 to a corresponding ferrule (not shown) within adapter 545. In contrast, a conventional connector may require 7 components to achieve the same function. In some embodiments, the connector 505 may have a length of about 20 millimeters to about 30 millimeters. In some embodiments, the connector may have a length of about 26 millimeters. In some embodiments, connector 505 may have a length of about 20 millimeters, about 22 millimeters, about 24 millimeters, about 26 millimeters, about 28 millimeters, about 30 millimeters, and any value or range between any two of these values (including endpoints). In some embodiments, the connector may have a length of about 26 millimeters. In some embodiments, the connector 505 may extend out of the adapter 545 by about 15 millimeters, about 20 millimeters, about 25 millimeters, about 30 millimeters, and any value or range between any two of these values (including endpoints) when in the locked position. In some embodiments, the connector 505 may extend about 24 millimeters out of the adapter 545.

Fig. 6A-6D depict an illustrative reduced profile connecting member according to a first resilient latch embodiment. As shown in fig. 6A and 6B, the connector 610 may be configured to retain the sleeve 130. The connector 610 may include resilient latches, such as an adapter latch 615 and a sleeve latch 620. The ferrule latch 620 may be configured to retain the ferrule 130 within the connector 610. For example, assembly of the connector 610 may include inserting the ferrule 130 into the rear opening 630 of the connector 610 and pushing the ferrule toward the front of the connector (e.g., the end opposite the rear opening). As the sleeve 130 passes through the connector 610, the sleeve may engage the sleeve latch 620 and push the sleeve latch outwardly (e.g., away from the sleeve). When the cannula 130 and/or needle holder 625 pass over the cannula latch 620, the latch may no longer be pushed outward. As such, the cannula latches 620 can be retracted to their normal position. The cannula latch 620 can include inwardly extending protrusions or other structures (not shown). These protrusions may engage the cannula 130 and/or the needle holder 625 to prevent the cannula from moving toward the rear opening 630. The connector 610 may also include one or more internal protrusions or other internal structures configured to protrude inwardly toward the cavity of the connector to engage the forward portion of the cannula 130 and/or needle holder 625. These internal protrusions may prevent the sleeve 130 from moving in a direction away from the rear opening 630 toward the front of the connector 610. In this manner, the sleeve 130 may be retained within the connector 610.

Fig. 6C and 6D depict a connector 610 disposed within the adapter 605. To insert the connector 610 into the adapter 605, the adapter latch 615 may be pressed inward toward the body of the connector sufficient to allow the first protrusion 640 to pass through the inner wall portion 650 of the adapter. When the first protrusion 640 has passed the inner wall portion 650, the first protrusion can seat in a recess (or opening) 645 in the inner wall of the adapter 605 and the inner wall portion 650 can seat in a recess 655 of the adapter latch 615. When the connector 610 is in the adapter, for example, when the first protrusion has seated in the recess 645 and/or the sleeve 130 has established a connection with a corresponding sleeve (not shown), the internal pressure on the adapter latch 615 may be released and the second protrusion 635 may mate with the inner wall portion 650. The second protrusion 635 may prevent further movement of the connector 610 to the adapter 605 by engaging the inner wall portion. Thus, removal and/or insertion (access) of the connector 610 into the adapter 605 may only require pressing the adapter latch 615 while pushing the connector into the adapter.

In some embodiments, the adapter 605 may include a reduced profile component portion 660 and a conventional component portion 665. The reduced-profile component portion 660 may be configured to incorporate a reduced-profile connection component, such as the connector 610 and/or sleeve 130 that is not disposed within or associated with a conventional connection component, such as the ejector housing 205, the front housing 210, the spring 230, the spring 225, or the like. The conventional component portion 665 may be configured to bond conventional connection components, such as MT, MPO, and/or MTP. As such, the reduced profile connection member may be configured to operate with existing data transmission equipment, devices, connection assemblies, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the connector 610 may use only one component (the actual connector 610), not including the sleeve 130. In contrast, a conventional connector may require 7 components to achieve the same function. In some embodiments, connector 610 may have a length of about 10 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. In some embodiments, the connector may have a length of about 13 millimeters. In some embodiments, connector 610 may have a length of about 10 millimeters, about 12 millimeters, about 14 millimeters, about 16 millimeters, about 18 millimeters, about 20 millimeters, and any value or range between any two of these values (inclusive).

Fig. 7A-7J depict an illustrative reduced profile connecting member according to a second resilient latch embodiment. As shown in fig. 7A and 7B, the connector 710 may be configured to hold the cannula 130, e.g., connected to the needle holder 775. The sleeve 130 may include a recess 780 or other similar structure for engaging a portion of the inside surface of the body 760. The connector 710 may include a resilient adapter latch 715 disposed on top thereof. The adapter latch 715 can include a stop projection 725, a stop surface 730, and a recess 735. Connector 710 may include a body 760 and a back cover assembly (or "back cover") 755 configured to attach to (or "clasp") the body. Rear cover 755 may include a spring 770 and a flange 765. In some embodiments, the spring 770 may be configured to press against the flange 765 to provide a force that pushes the flange outward (e.g., away from the spring). In some embodiments, the flange 765 may provide an obstruction to the spring 770 such that the force of the spring may be directed toward the cannula 130 and/or needle holder 775, while if the flange were not present, the force of the spring would be directed in a direction normal to the cannula. In some embodiments, the spring 770 may be formed as a single piece with a curled end configured to provide a resilient force.

Fig. 7D and 7E depict a connector 710 and an adapter 705 configured to receive the connector 710. The adapter 705 may include a holder 720, as depicted in fig. 7F, the holder 720 having a hook 745, a latch stop 750 formed, and an opening proximate the latch stop. The connector 710 may be inserted into the adapter 705 in such a way that: pressing down (e.g., toward the body 760) the adapter latch 715 simultaneously pushes the connector into the opening 740 of the adapter. As shown in more detail in fig. 7G and 7H, connector 710 may incorporate a retainer 720 within the adapter to maintain (or "lock") the connector within the adapter.

Fig. 7G and 7H depict top and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of a connector 710 mounted in an adapter 705. As shown in fig. 7G, the rear cover 755 may be mounted within the body 760 of the connector 205. As the back cover 755 is pushed into the body 760, the flange 765 may be pressed inward (toward the spring 770) until the flange passes the back 785 of the body and sits on the inside of the back. The spring 770 may engage the cannula 130 and/or the needle holder 775 and urge the cannula in a direction away from the back cover 755.

In some embodiments, the adapter 705 may be used with conventional connection members (not shown), such as MPO connectors, as well as reduced profile connectors 710. In some embodiments, hooks 745 of holder 720 may not engage or may not substantially engage the connector. For example, the hooks 745 may not contact and/or engage the connector 710 in a manner that retains the connector within the adapter 705. In some embodiments, hooks 745 may be used to engage and retain conventional connectors, such as MPO connectors.

The connector 710 may be inserted into the adapter 705 in such a way that: the adapter latch 715 is pushed down to allow the stop tab 725 of the adapter latch to pass over (slide under) the latch stop 750 of the holder 720 while pushing the connector through the opening 740. When the stop projection 725 has passed the latch stop 750, the adapter latch 715 can be released. The resilient nature of the adapter latch 715 can cause the adapter latch to push upward (away from the body 760). The force on the adapter latch 715 can cause the stop projection 725 to engage an inner surface of the latch stop 750, the latch stop to seat in the recess 735, and/or the stop surface 730 to engage an outer surface of the latch stop. The engagement between the stop projection 725 and the latch stop 750 may prevent the connector 710 from being removed from the adapter 705. Thus, removal and/or insertion (access) of the connector 710 into the adapter 705 may only require pressing the adapter latch 715 while pushing the connector into the adapter.

Fig. 7I depicts an internal view of a connector 710 installed within an adapter 705. Fig. 7J depicts connector 710 in which the needle holder incorporates spring member 785 instead of spring 770.

In some embodiments, connector 710 may use only three or fewer components, excluding sleeve 130. For example, connector 710 may include a body 760, a back cover 755, and/or a spring 770. In contrast, a conventional connector may require 7 components to achieve the same function. In some embodiments, connector 710 may have a length of about 10 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. In some embodiments, the connector may have a length of about 13 millimeters. In some embodiments, connector 710 may have a length of about 10 millimeters, about 12 millimeters, about 14 millimeters, about 16 millimeters, about 18 millimeters, about 20 millimeters, and any value or range between any two of these values (including endpoints).

Fig. 8A-8E depict an illustrative reduced profile connecting member according to a third spring latch embodiment. As shown in fig. 8A-8C, the connector 810 may be configured to retain the sleeve 130. The connector 810 may include a resilient adapter latch 815 on top of it. The adapter latch 815 can include a stop tab 825.

Fig. 8D and 8E depict top and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of a connector 810 mounted in an adapter 805. The adapter 805 can include a holder 720, as depicted in fig. 7F, the holder 720 having a hook 745 and a latch stop 750 formed thereon. In some embodiments, the adapter 705 may be used with conventional connection members (not shown), such as MPO connectors, as well as reduced profile connectors 710. In some embodiments, hooks 745 of holder 720 may not engage or may not substantially engage the connector. For example, the hooks 745 may not contact and/or engage the connector 710 in a manner that retains the connector within the adapter 705. In some embodiments, hooks 745 may be used to engage and retain conventional connectors, such as MPO connectors. Connector 810 may include various structures 850 (e.g., protrusions, ridges, spacers, or the like), which structures 850 are configured to engage the rear of needle holder 745 and/or cannula 130 to prevent the cannula from moving toward the rear of connector 810.

The connector 810 may be inserted into the adapter 805 in such a manner: the adapter latch 815 is pressed downward (e.g., toward the sleeve 130) while pushing the connector into the opening 840 of the adapter. Connector 810 may incorporate a holder 720 within the adapter to maintain (or "lock") the connector within the adapter. The connector 810 may be inserted into the adapter 805 in such a manner: the adapter latch 815 is pushed downward to allow the latch boss 825 of the adapter latch to pass through (slide under) the latch stop 750 of the holder 720 while pushing the connector through the opening 840. When the stop tab 825 has passed the latch stop 750, the adapter latch 815 can be released. The resilient nature of the adapter latch 815 may cause the adapter latch to push upward (e.g., away from the sleeve 130). The force on the adapter latch 815 can cause the stop boss 825 to engage the inner surface of the latch stop 750. The engagement between the stop projection 825 and the latch stop 750 may prevent the connector 810 from being removed from the adapter 805. Thus, removal and/or insertion (access) of the connector 810 to the adapter 805 may only require pressing of the adapter latch 815.

In some embodiments, connector 810 may use only two or fewer components, excluding sleeve 130. For example, the connector 810 may include a main body and a rear cover. In contrast, a conventional connector may require 7 components to achieve the same function. In some embodiments, connector 810 may have a length of about 10 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. In some embodiments, the connector may have a length of about 13 millimeters. In some embodiments, connector 810 may have a length of about 10 millimeters, about 12 millimeters, about 14 millimeters, about 16 millimeters, about 18 millimeters, about 20 millimeters, and any value or range between any two of these values (inclusive).

While fiber optic connectors have been used as the illustrative embodiments, the detailed description is not so limited, as any type of electronic and/or communication connector may be used in accordance with some embodiments. The connector, adapter, and connection assembly formed by the connector, adapter may be used in combination with other connection elements and/or materials (e.g., crimping devices, rings, bands, sleeves, locking materials, fluids, gels, or the like).

In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, like numerals typically identify like components unless context indicates otherwise. The illustrated embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

The present disclosure, in accordance with the particular embodiments described herein, is not to be limited in scope and is intended as an illustration of the various aspects. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatus, other than those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, within the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions, or biological systems, which may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. For clarity, various singular/plural permutations may be explicitly set forth herein.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies in the appended claims), are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to (including but is not limited to), the term" having "should be interpreted as" having at least (HAVING AT LEAST) ", the term" comprising "should be interpreted as" including but not limited to (includes but is not limited to) ", and the like. Although various components, methods and apparatus have been described in terms of various means or steps including (interpreted as having a meaning of "including but not limited to (but not limited to)", the components, methods and apparatus may also be comprised of various means or steps including (consist essentially of) "or" consist of) "in nature, and such terms should be interpreted as defining in nature a closed group of components. It will be further understood by those with skill in the art that if a specific number of an introductory claim recitation is intended, such intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" as recited in the introductory claims; however, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an") limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and "one" (e.g., "a" or "an") (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); The same applies to the use of definite articles used to guide the device claims. In addition, even if a specific number of a introduced device claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." is used, in general such a syntactic structure is intended in the sense one skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" would include, but not be limited to, a system having a only, B only, C only, a and B, a and C, B and C and/or A, B and C, etc.). in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B or C" is used, typically, such a syntactic structure is intended in the sense that one skilled in the art will understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B or C" will include, but is not limited to, a system having only a, only B, only C, having a and B, having a and C, having B and C, and/or having A, B and C, etc.). Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presents two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one term, another term, or both. for example, the phrase "a or B" will be understood to encompass the possibilities of "a" or "B" or "a and B".

In addition, features or aspects of the present disclosure are described in terms of Markush (Markush) groups, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges therein for any and all purposes, such as in providing a written description. Any listed range can be readily understood as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range to be broken down into at least equal two, three, four, five, ten, etc. parts. As non-limiting examples, each of the ranges discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, a middle third, an upper third, and so on. As will also be understood by those of skill in the art, all language (e.g., "up to" and "at least" etc.) includes the recited numbers and refers to ranges that can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a scope includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 units refers to a group having 1, 2, or 3 units. Similarly, a group having 1-5 units refers to a group having 1, 2,3,4, or 5 units, and so forth.

Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. An optical fiber connector comprising:

A multi-fiber cannula;

A connector housing for retaining the multi-fiber ferrule therein, the connector housing comprising:

Opposing first and second lateral sidewall portions on opposite lateral sides of the multi-fiber sleeve;

Opposing first and second end wall portions on opposite ends of the multi-fiber sleeve, each of the first and second end wall portions extending transversely between the first and second transverse side wall portions; and

A resilient adapter latch disposed over the first end wall portion;

Wherein:

the connector housing is configured to be inserted into an adapter opening of an adapter such that:

(1) The resilient adapter latch is slidably received in the adapter and snaps over a portion of the adapter to latch with the adapter to retain the fiber optic connector within the adapter;

(2) In the event that the first and second hooks of the adapter are not latched to the first and second lateral sidewall portions of the connector housing, the first and second lateral sidewall portions are opposite the first and second hooks, respectively;

The connector includes a body and a rear cover configured to attach to the body;

The back cover includes a flange configured to sit on an inner side of a rear portion of the body and a resilient element configured to engage the multi-fiber cannula and urge the multi-fiber cannula in a direction away from the back cover; and

The resilient element is configured to press against the flange.

2. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the resilient adapter latch has a longitudinal axis and first and second end portions spaced apart along the longitudinal axis, the connector housing configured to be inserted into the adapter opening by movement along the longitudinal axis toward a first longitudinal direction, the first end portion of the resilient adapter latch being spaced apart from the second end portion of the resilient adapter latch toward the first longitudinal direction.

3. The fiber optic connector of claim 2, wherein the first end portion of the resilient adapter latch is connected to the first end wall portion of the connector housing.

4. A fiber optic connector as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second end portion of the resilient adapter latch is raised relative to the first end wall portion of the connector housing and is configured to be pressed against the first end wall portion.

5. The fiber optic connector of claim 4, wherein the resilient adapter latch is configured to resiliently rebound after the second end portion of the resilient adapter latch is pressed and released.

6. The fiber optic connector of claim 4, wherein the second end portion of the resilient adapter latch is configured to be positioned outside of the adapter opening when the fiber optic connector is mated with the adapter.

7. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the resilient adapter latch further comprises a stop tab.

8. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the resilient adapter latch further comprises a recess.

9. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the resilient adapter latch comprises a stop surface.

10. The optical fiber connector of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second lateral side wall portions includes a recess along at least a portion of the respective lateral side wall, the recess along the lateral side wall configured such that the first and second hooks are passable through the recess when the connector housing is inserted into the adapter opening.

11. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, the second end wall portion being devoid of a resilient adapter latch.

12. The optical fiber connector of claim 11, the second end wall portion being substantially planar.

13. The optical fiber connector of claim 1, the resilient element being a spring.

14. An optical connection system, comprising:

An adapter for receiving an optical fiber connector, the adapter comprising:

an adapter opening having opposed first and second lateral sides and opposed first and second end portions, each of the first and second end portions extending laterally between the first and second lateral sides;

Opposing first and second hooks on first and second lateral sides of the adapter opening, respectively, the opposing first and second hooks configured to latch to first and second lateral sidewall portions of a multi-fiber push/pull (MPO) connector when the adapter is mated with the MPO connector; and

A keyway along a first end portion of the adapter opening, the keyway configured to slidably receive a polar key of the multi-fiber push-on/pull-out (MPO) connector therein; and

A curved latch connector configured to mate with the adapter, the curved latch connector comprising:

A multi-fiber cannula;

A resilient adapter latch disposed over the first end wall portion;

Wherein:

(1) The resilient adapter latch is slidably received in the keyway and snaps over a portion of the adapter to latch with the adapter to retain the fiber optic connector within the adapter;

The resilient element is configured to press against the flange.