CN113391402A - Optical fiber micro connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a microconnector kit including first and second ferrules and first and second microconnector ferrule housings. The first and second microconnector ferrule housings each define a cavity sized and shaped to receive a respective one of the first and second ferrules, and the first and second ferrules are disposed in closely spaced relation to the respective first and second microconnector ferrule housings when in the respective cavities. The first and second microconnector ferrule housings may be releasably coupled together such that when the first and second microconnector ferrule housings are coupled together, the first ferrule and the second ferrule form an optical connection. The first and second microconnector ferrule housings have first and second connection structures for releasably coupling the first and second microconnector housings together.

Description

Optical fiber micro connector

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from united states provisional application No. 62/988,361, filed on 11/3/2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connections and more particularly to fiber optic microconnectors.

Background

Optical connectors are used in optical communications networks to interconnect optical cables with optical equipment or other optical cables. Optical connections typically involve two optical connectors connected together.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a microconnector kit includes a first ferrule configured to be connected to a first optical fiber. The second ferrule is configured to be connected to a second optical fiber. The first and second microconnector ferrule housings each define a cavity sized and shaped to receive a respective one of the first and second ferrules, and the first and second ferrules are disposed in closely spaced relation to the respective first and second microconnector ferrule housings when in the respective cavities. The first and second microconnector ferrule housings are integrally formed with the first and second microconnector ferrule housings, respectively, and are configured to be releasably coupled together such that the first ferrule and the second ferrule form an optical connection when the first and second microconnector ferrule housings are coupled together. The first and second microconnector ferrule housings have a first connection structure and a second connection structure configured to releasably couple the first and second microconnector housings together.

Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a microconnector assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the microconnector assembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first type of ferrule forming an optically connected microconnector assembly;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second type of ferrule forming another embodiment of an optically connected microconnector assembly;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two housings of the microconnector assembly of FIG. 1 attached together;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a microconnector assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the microconnector assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of the microconnector assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the two housings of the microconnector assembly of FIG. 6 separated from one another;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a microconnector assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the microconnector assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the microconnector assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an insert of the microconnector assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a ferrule and alignment sleeve of the microconnector assembly of FIG. 10 forming an optical connection;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top plan view of the microconnector assembly of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the microconnector assembly of FIG. 10, taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1-5, a fiber optic connector assembly or microconnector assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The fiber optic connector assembly 10 (or more specifically, the collection of its component parts) may be referred to as a "kit". The fiber optic connector assembly 10 includes first and second ferrules 12 and 14, and first and second microconnector ferrule housings 16 and 18 ("first and second housings"). The first ferrule 12 is connected to a first optical fiber F1. The second ferrule 14 is connected to a second optical fiber F2. The first ferrule 12 and the second ferrule 14 each define an internal channel (not shown) for receiving the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2, respectively. In one embodiment, each ferrule 12, 14 receives a single optical fiber. The fiber optic connector assembly 10 is used to form an optical fiber connection. As shown in fig. 1, when the fiber optic connector assembly 10 is assembled together, an optical connection (e.g., a fiber optic connection) is formed between the first ferrule 12 and the second ferrule 14 (fig. 3), thereby enabling communication between the first ferrule 12 and the second ferrule 14 in an optical communication network (e.g., the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2). Other configurations of the fiber optic connector assembly 10 are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the connector assembly may be used to make electrical connections or other types of connections instead of or in addition to optical connections. Preferably, the fiber optic connector housings 16, 18 are small and fit snugly against the ferrules 12, 14, thereby occupying a minimum of space. The first housing 16 and the second housing 18 may be considered plug frames for their respective ferrules 12, 14.

The first housing 16 and the second housing 18 each define a cavity sized and shaped to receive at least one of the first cannula 12 and the second cannula 14. The first and second sleeves 12, 14 are disposed in closely spaced relation to the first and second housings 16, 18 when in each cavity. The first housing 16 and the second housing 18 are generally cylindrical. In this specification, the polygonal shape of the first housing 16 and the polygonal shape of a portion of the second housing 18 are considered to be substantially cylindrical. As shown, the height and width of each cavity is such that the cavity can only receive one ferrule 12, 14 in the height and width directions (e.g., cannot receive two ferrules in a side-by-side arrangement, but can still be long enough to receive two ferrules in an end-to-end arrangement). In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity of the first housing 16 is also sized and shaped to receive the insert portion 20 of the second housing 18. In this embodiment, the insert portion 20 defines a portion of the cavity of the second housing 18, and the insert portion 20 also receives at least a portion of the first cannula 12 when the first and second housings are coupled together. The insert portion 20 can slide in and out of the first housing 16 (e.g., the open end thereof). Accordingly, the insert portion 20 (broadly, at least a portion of the second housing 18) is configured to be disposed within the first housing 16 when the first and second housings are coupled together. The first and second housings 16, 18 each have a fiber opening (e.g., at one end thereof) sized and shaped to correspond to the shape of the first and second optical fibers F1, F2, respectively, to allow the first and second optical fibers to pass through the respective first and second housings and into each respective cavity.

In this embodiment, the second housing 18 is configured to engage the first sleeve 12 and the second sleeve 14 to prevent the first sleeve and the second sleeve from rotating relative to the second housing. The first sleeve 12 and the second sleeve 14 each include a flange 22 having a polygonal (e.g., hexagonal) cross-section (e.g., cross-sectional shape). The polygonal (e.g. hexagonal) cross-section of the cavity portion defined by the insert portion 20 matches the polygonal cross-section of the flange 22. Thus, when the flanges 22 of the first and second ferrules are disposed within the cavity portion of the second housing 18 defined by the insertion portion, rotation of the first and second ferrules 12 and 14 is prevented by the insertion portion 20. Other configurations of the first and second sleeves 12, 14 are also within the scope of the present disclosure. One example of an alternative configuration of the first and second bushings is generally indicated by reference numerals 12 'and 14', respectively, in fig. 4. The ferrules 12', 14' can be used with the fiber optic connector assembly 10 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the first and second ferrules 12', 14' also include a polygonal flange 22 ', but also include mating ends (e.g., tips) that are narrower than the mating ends of the ferrules 12, 14 in fig. 3. The overall shape of each flange 22' is different from the overall shape of the flange 22.

To facilitate optical connection of the ferrules 12, 12', 14' when the first and second housings 16, 18 are coupled together, the fiber optic connector assembly 10 may include alignment sleeves 24, 24 '. The alignment sleeves 24, 24' are configured to receive mating ends of the first 12, 12' and second 14, 14' ferrules. The alignment sleeves 24, 24' align the first 12, 12' and second 14, 14' ferrules with each other for optimal optical transmission.

The first housing 16 and the second housing 18 are configured to be releasably coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly coupled) together such that the first ferrule 12, 12 'and the second ferrule 14, 14' form an optical connection when the first housing and the second housing are coupled together. The first and second housings 16, 18 each have a connection structure 26, 28 (e.g., first connection structure, second connection structure) configured to releasably couple the first and second housings together. The connecting structures 26, 28 are integrally formed with a respective one of the first and second housings 16, 18. In the illustrated embodiment, first housing 16 and second housing 18 are configured to be directly coupled together. The first and second connection structures 26, 28 are engageable with one another (e.g., directly engageable with one another) to releasably couple the first and second housings 16, 18 together. The first connection structure 26 is part of the first housing 16 and the second connection structure 28 is part of the second housing 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first connection structure 26 includes a recess 30 formed in the first housing 16. The second connection structure 28 includes a protrusion 32 formed as a single piece of material with the second housing 18. The projection 32 is sized and shaped to be received in the recess. The recess 30 is defined by the first housing 16. Protrusion 32 is positioned in recess 30 to couple first housing 16 and second housing 18 together. The first housing 16 defines a channel 34 extending from the recess 30. The channel 34 is sized and shaped to allow the protrusion 32 to move within the channel (e.g., toward or away from the recess 30). In the illustrated embodiment, channel 34 is arcuate such that second housing 18 rotates relative to first housing 16 as protrusion 32 moves within channel 34. In other words, the first and second housings 16 and 18 rotate relative to each other to be coupled and decoupled from each other. The channel 34 has an open end opposite the recess 30. The open end of channel 34 is sized and shaped to allow protrusion 32 to enter the channel and move toward recess 30 to couple first housing 16 and second housing 18 together. The open end of channel 34 is sized and shaped to allow protrusion 32 to exit the channel and move away from recess 30 to disconnect first housing 16 and second housing 18 from each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing 16 and the second housing 18 are each a unitary, one-piece component. For example, first housing 16 and second housing 18 may each be a single molded plastic piece. In other embodiments, the first housing 16 and the second housing 18 may be formed from two or more components that are coupled or secured together.

The fiber optic connector assembly 10 may include one or more biasing springs 36 (e.g., coil springs). When the first and second housings 16, 18 are coupled together, the one or more biasing springs 36 are configured to bias at least one of the first or second ferrules 12, 12', 14' toward the other respective ferrule. In the illustrated embodiment, the fiber optic connector assembly 10 includes a biasing spring 36. The spring 36 helps maintain the optical connection between the first 12, 12 'and second 14, 14' ferrules. One end of the spring 36 engages an end of the first housing 16 and the other end of the spring engages the flange 22, 22 ' of the first sleeve 12, 12' and biases the first sleeve out of the first housing toward the second sleeve 14, 14 '. The spring 36 is received in a cavity of the first housing 16.

In this embodiment, the spring 36 is also configured to bias the first housing 16 and the second housing 18 to remain in the locked position (fig. 2). First housing 16 and second housing 18 are releasably coupled together when the first and second housings are in the locked position. In the locked position, the projection 32 is disposed in the recess 30. The first housing 16 includes a lip 38 that defines the recess 30, the lip 38 preventing the projection from moving into the channel 34 unless the biasing force of the spring 36 is overcome (e.g., manually overcome). Thus, the spring 36 biases the first and second housings 16, 18 away from each other. To disconnect the first and second housings 16, 18, the first and second housings are first pushed together (moving the projection 32 out of the lip 38), and then the first and second housings are rotated relative to each other to move the projection along the channel 34 and out of the channel 34 (through the open end). To couple first housing 16 and second housing 18 together, projection 32 is moved into channel 34 through the open end, and then the first and second housings are rotated relative to each other to move the projection along the channel and into recess 30. Accordingly, the first and second housings 16 and 18 (broadly, at least one of the first and second housings) are configured to rotate relative to each other to connect the first and second housings to each other, and are configured to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other to disconnect the first and second housings from each other.

In one embodiment, to make the connection, the first optical fiber F1 is passed through the opening of the first housing 16, the spring 36 is abutted to the first optical fiber, and the first optical fiber is then terminated in the first ferrule 12, 12'. Similarly, a second optical fiber F2 is passed through an opening in the second housing 18 and then connected to the second ferrule 14, 14'. The first 12, 12' and second 14, 14' sleeves are then inserted into the alignment sleeves 24, 24 '. Thereafter, the first and second housings 16, 18 are moved over the first and second ferrules 12, 12', 14' and coupled together as described above, thereby securing the optical connections.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, a fiber optic connector assembly or microconnector assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral 110. The fiber optic connector assembly 110 (or more specifically, the collection of its component parts) may be referred to as a "kit". The fiber optic connector assembly 110 includes first and second ferrules 112 and 114, and first and second microconnector ferrule housings 116 and 118 ("first and second housings"). The first ferrule 112 is configured to be connected to a first optical fiber F1. The second ferrule 114 is configured to be connected to a second optical fiber F2. The first ferrule 112 and the second ferrule 114 each define an internal channel (not shown) for receiving the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2, respectively. The fiber optic connector assembly 110 is used to form an optical fiber connection. As shown in FIG. 6, when the fiber optic connector assemblies 110 are assembled together, an optical connection (e.g., a fiber optic connection) is formed between the first ferrule 112 and the second ferrule 114 to enable communication between the first ferrule 112 and the second ferrule 114 in an optical communication network (e.g., the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2). Other configurations of the fiber optic connector assembly 110 are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the connector assembly may be used to make electrical or other types of connections instead of or in addition to optical connections.

The first housing 116 and the second housing 118 each define a cavity sized and shaped to receive at least one of the first sleeve 112 and the second sleeve 114. The first sleeve 112 and the second sleeve 114 are disposed in closely spaced relation to the first housing 116 and the second housing 118 when in each cavity. Preferably, the height and width of each cavity is such that the cavity can only receive one ferrule 112, 114 in the height and width directions (e.g., cannot receive two ferrules in a side-by-side arrangement, but can still be long enough to receive two ferrules in an end-to-end arrangement). The first housing 116 and the second housing 118 are generally cylindrical. The first and second housings 116, 118 each have a fiber opening sized and shaped to correspond to the shape of the first and second fibers F1, F2, respectively, to allow the first and second fibers to pass through the respective first and second housings and into each respective cavity.

In this embodiment, the fiber optic connector assembly 110 includes an insert 120. The insert 120 is configured to be disposed in each cavity of the first and second housings 116, 118 when the first and second housings are coupled together. In other words, the cavity of the first housing 116 is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the insert 120, and the cavity of the second housing 118 is sized and shaped to receive another portion of the insert. The insert 120 is capable of sliding in and out of (e.g., the open ends of) the first and second housings 116, 118. Accordingly, when the first and second housings are coupled together, the insert 120 is configured to be disposed within the first and second housings 116, 118.

In this embodiment, the insert 120 is configured to engage the first sleeve 112 and the second sleeve 114 to prevent the first sleeve and the second sleeve from rotating relative to each other. The insert 120 defines a cannula lumen sized and shaped to receive a portion of the first cannula 112 and a portion of the second cannula 114. The first sleeve 112 and the second sleeve 114 each include a flange 122 having a polygonal (e.g., hexagonal) cross-section (e.g., cross-sectional shape). The cannula lumen defined by the insert 120 has a polygonal (e.g., hexagonal) cross-section that matches the polygonal cross-section of the flange 122. Thus, when the flanges 122 of the first and second sleeves are disposed within the sleeve cavities of the insert, the first and second sleeves 112, 114 are prevented from rotating relative to each other by the insert 120.

To assist the ferrules 112, 114 in forming the optical coupling when the first and second housings 116, 118 are coupled together, the fiber optic connector assembly 110 may include an alignment sleeve 124. The alignment sleeve 124 is configured to receive a mating end portion (e.g., tip) of the first sleeve 112, 114. The alignment sleeve 124 aligns the first and second sleeves 112, 114 with one another. The alignment sleeve 124 is sized and shaped to be received in the cannula lumen of the insert 120. In other words, the alignment sleeve 124 is disposed in the insert 120.

The first and second housings 116, 118 are configured to be releasably coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly coupled) together such that the first and second ferrules 112, 114 form an optical connection when the first and second housings are coupled together. The first and second housings 116, 118 each have a connection structure 126, 128 (e.g., a first connection structure, a second connection structure) configured to releasably couple the first and second housings together. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second housings 116, 118 are configured to be directly coupled together. The first and second connection structures 126, 128 are engageable with each other (e.g., directly engaged with each other) to releasably couple the first and second housings 116, 118 together. The first connection structure 126 is part of the first housing 116 and the second connection structure 128 is part of the second housing 118.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first connection structure 126 includes a first hook 130 and the second connection structure 128 includes a second hook 132. First and second hooks 130, 132 are configured to lock with one another (fig. 6) to releasably couple first and second housings 116, 118 together. First hook 130 is formed integrally with first housing 116, and second hook 132 is formed integrally with second housing 118. To align (e.g., longitudinally align) the first and second hooks for interlocking engagement with one another, at least one of the first and second housings 116, 118 is rotated relative to the other. In other words, the first and second housings 116, 118 rotate relative to each other to couple and decouple each other.

In this embodiment, the first and second housings 116, 118 are identical to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second housings 116, 118 are each an integral, one-piece component. For example, the first and second housings 116, 118 may each be a single piece of molded plastic. In other embodiments, the first and second housings 116, 118 may be formed of two or more pieces that are coupled or secured together.

The fiber optic connector assembly 110 may include one or more biasing springs 136 (e.g., coil springs). When the first and second housings are coupled together, the one or more biasing springs 136 are configured to bias at least one of the first or second ferrules 112, 114 away from their respective first or second housing 116, 118 toward the other respective ferrule. In the illustrated embodiment, the fiber optic connector assembly 110 includes two biasing springs 136 (e.g., a first spring and a second spring). The spring 136 helps maintain the optical connection between the first and second ferrules 112, 114. The first spring 136 biases the first sleeve 112 toward the second sleeve 114 when the first and second housings 116, 118 are coupled together. Likewise, the second spring 136 biases the second sleeve 114 toward the first sleeve 112 when the first and second housings 116, 118 are coupled together. One end of each spring 136 engages the first or second housing 116, 118 within the cavity of the first or second housing and the other end of the spring engages the flange 122 of the corresponding first or second sleeve 112, 114 of the first or second housing one spring 136 is received in the cavity of the first housing 116 and the other spring is received in the cavity of the second housing 118.

In this embodiment, the spring 136 is also configured to bias the first and second housings 116, 118 toward the locked position (fig. 6). The first and second housings 116, 118 are releasably coupled together when the first and second housings are in the locked position. In the locked position, the first and second hooks 130, 132 are locked to each other. Thus, spring 136 biases first and second hook portions 130, 132 toward each other. Due to the configuration of first and second hook portions 130, 132, spring 136 biases first and second housings 116, 118 away from each other. To disconnect the first and second housings 116, 118, the first and second housings are first pushed together (disengaging the first and second hooks 130, 132 from one another) and then rotated relative to one another to move the first and second hooks out of alignment with one another. To couple the first and second housings 116, 118 together, the first and second housings are brought together and then rotated relative to each other (fig. 9) to bring the first and second hooks 130, 132 into alignment with each other (e.g., longitudinally aligned) (fig. 6). The first and second housings 116, 118 are then moved apart (e.g., by the force of the biasing spring 136) to lock the first and second hooks 130, 132 to one another. Thus, the first and second housings 116, 118 (broadly, at least one of the at least first and second housings) are configured to rotate relative to each other (e.g., in a first set of directions) to connect the first and second housings to each other and to rotate relative to each other (e.g., in a second set of directions generally opposite the first set of directions) to disconnect the first and second housings from each other.

In one embodiment, to make the connection, the first fiber F1 is passed through the opening of the first housing 116, the first spring 136 is passed over the first fiber, and the first fiber is then terminated in the first ferrule 112. Similarly, a second fiber F2 passes through the opening of the second housing 118, the second spring 136 passes over the second fiber, and the second fiber is terminated in the second ferrule 114. One of the first and second sleeves may then thread 112, 114 into the insert 120. The first and second sleeves 112, 114 are then inserted into the alignment sleeve 124, and the first and second housings are then moved back into the insert 120. The first and second housings 116, 118 are then moved over the insert 120 and coupled together as described above, thereby securing the optical connection. The insert 120 facilitates longitudinal alignment of the first and second housings 116, 118, and the first and second housings can each slide over and rotate about the insert.

Referring to fig. 10-16, a fiber optic connector assembly or microconnector assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated by the reference numeral 210. The fiber optic connector assembly 210 or more particularly the collection of components thereof may be referred to as a "kit". The fiber optic connector assembly 210 includes first and second ferrules 212, 214, and first and second microconnector ferrules 216, 218 ("first housing" and "second housing"). The first ferrule 212 is configured to be connected to a first optical fiber F1. The second ferrule 214 is configured to be connected to a second optical fiber F2. The first and second ferrules 212, 214 each define an interior channel 215 (FIG. 16) for receiving the first and second optical fibers F1, F2, respectively. The fiber optic connector assembly 210 is used to form an optical fiber connection. As shown in fig. 10, when the fiber optic connector assemblies 210 are assembled together, an optical connection is formed between the first and second ferrules 212, 214 that enables communication between the first and second ferrules in an optical communication network (e.g., first and second optical fibers F1, F2). Other configurations of the fiber optic connector assembly 210 are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the connector assembly may form an electrical or other type of connection in place of or in addition to an optical connection.

The first and second housings 216, 218 each define a cavity sized and shaped to receive at least one of the first and second sleeves 212, 214. The first and second ferrules 212, 214 are disposed in closely spaced relation to the first and second housings 216, 218 when in the respective cavities. Preferably, each cavity has a height and width such that the cavity can only receive one ferrule 212, 214 in the height and width directions (e.g., cannot receive two ferrules in a side-by-side arrangement, but may still be long enough to receive two ferrules in an end-to-end arrangement). The first and second housings 216, 218 are generally cylindrical. The first and second housings 216, 218 each have (e.g., in ends thereof) a fiber opening sized and shaped to correspond to the shape of the first and second optical fibers F1, F2, respectively, to allow the first and second optical fibers to pass through the respective first and second housings and into the respective cavities.

In this embodiment, the fiber optic connector assembly 210 includes an insert 220. The insert 220 is configured to be disposed in the respective cavities of the first and second housings 216, 218 when the first and second housings are coupled together. In other words, the cavity of the first housing 216 is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the insert 220, and the cavity of the second housing 218 is sized and shaped to receive another portion of the insert. The insert 120 may slide in and out of (e.g., the open ends of) the first and second housings 216, 218. Accordingly, insert 220 is configured to be disposed within first and second housings 216, 218 when the first and second housings are coupled together.

In this embodiment, the insert 220 is configured to engage the first and second ferrules 212, 214 to prevent the first and second ferrules from rotating relative to each other. The insert 220 defines a cannula cavity 221 that is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the first and second cannulae 212, 214. The first and second sleeves 214 each include a flange 222 having a polygonal (e.g., hexagonal) cross-section (e.g., cross-sectional shape). The polygonal (e.g., hexagonal) cross-section of cannula lumen 221 defined by insert 220 matches the polygonal cross-section of flange 222. Thus, when the flanges 222 of the first and second sleeves are disposed within the sleeve cavity of the insert, rotation of the first and second sleeves 212, 214 relative to each other is inhibited by the insert 220.

To assist the ferrules 212, 214 in making an optical connection when the first and second housings 216, 218 are coupled together, the fiber optic connector assembly 210 may include an alignment sleeve 224. The alignment sleeve 224 is configured to receive mating ends (e.g., tips) of the first and second ferrules 212, 214. The alignment sleeve 224 aligns the first and second sleeves 212, 214 with one another. Alignment sleeve 224 is sized and shaped to be received in cannula cavity 221 of insert 220. In other words, the alignment sleeve 224 is disposed in the insert 220.

The first and second housings 216, 218 are configured to be releasably coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly coupled) together such that the first and second ferrules 212, 214 form an optical connection when the first and second housings are coupled together. The first and second housings 216, 218 each have at least one connection structure 226, 228 (e.g., at least one first connection structure, at least one second connection structure) configured to releasably couple the first and second housings together. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second housings 216, 218 are configured to be indirectly coupled together. Specifically, the first and second housings 216, 218 are configured to be coupled together via an insert 220. The first and second connecting structures 226, 228 engage the insert 220 to releasably couple the first and second housings 216, 218 together. The at least one first connection structure 226 is formed as part of the first housing 216 and the at least one second connection structure 228 is formed as part of the second housing 218. In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing 216 includes two first connection structures 226 and the second housing 218 includes two second connection structures 228. Each first connection structure 226 includes a first recess or opening 231 defined in part by a first shoulder or face 230 and each second connection structure 228 includes a second recess or opening 233 defined in part by a second shoulder or face 232.

In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 220 includes at least one first detent 238 and at least one second detent 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 220 includes two first detents 238 and two second detents 240. Each first detent 238 corresponds to one of the first connection structures 226 and each second detent 240 corresponds to one of the second connection structures 228. Each first detent 238 is configured to engage one of the first connection structures 226 and each second detent 240 is configured to engage one of the second connection structures 228 to releasably couple the first housing 216, the second housing 218, and the insert 220 together. Specifically, each first detent 238 is configured to be received in the first opening 231 of the corresponding first connection structure 226 and engage the first face 230 (in general, the first housing 216). Likewise, each second detent 240 is configured to be received in the second opening 233 of the corresponding second connecting structure 228 and engage the second face 232 (in general, the second housing 218).

Each detent 238, 240 includes a first or longitudinal deflection ramp 242 and a second or lateral deflection ramp 244. The first and second deflection ramps 242, 244 extend generally perpendicularly relative to each other. The first deflection ramp 242 is configured to facilitate connection of the first or second shell 216, 218 to the insert 220. The first deflection ramp 242 of each detent 238, 240 is arranged to deflect the corresponding first or second housing 216, 218 (e.g., a portion thereof) when the first or second housing is coupled to the insert 220. The first and second housings 216, 218 are configured to move along a longitudinal axis of the insert 220 to connect to the insert. Specifically, the first and second housings 216, 218 are connected to the insert 220 by sliding each housing longitudinally on the insert. As the first and second housings 216, 218 slide along the insert 220, the housings engage the first deflection ramp 242, which resiliently deflects the housings to allow the housings to move along and over the detents 238, 240. Once the first or second openings of each housing 216, 218 become aligned with the corresponding detents 238, 240, each housing returns or springs back (snap-back) to its undeformed or undeflected state, thereby securing each housing to the insert 220 (e.g., forming a snap-fit connection). In this configuration, each detent 238, 240 faces and engages the respective first or second face 230, 232 to inhibit disconnection of each housing 216, 218 from the insert 220. Each of the first and second housings 216, 218 may include one or more relief slots 246 (fig. 16) to facilitate resilient deflection of a portion of each of the first and second housings by the ramps 242 of the detents 238, 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 220 includes a circumferential flange 248 extending around the circumference of the insert. The circumferential flange 248 acts as a stop to prevent over-insertion of the first and second housings 216, 218 on the insert 220.

The second deflection ramp 244 is configured to facilitate separation of the first or second shell 216, 218 from the insert 220. The second deflection ramp 244 of each detent 238, 240 is arranged to deflect the respective first or second housing 216, 218 (e.g., a portion thereof) when the first or second housing is disconnected from the insert 220. The first housing 216 and the second housing 218 are configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the insert 220 (fig. 10) to disconnect from the insert. Specifically, first housing 216 and second housing 218 are disconnected from insert 220 by rotating each housing over the insert (fig. 16). As the first and second housings 216, 218 rotate about the insert 220, the housings engage the second deflection ramps 244 that resiliently deflect the housings to allow the housings to move along and over the detents 238, 240. This allows the first and second faces 230, 232 to clear their respective detents 238, 240 and allows the first and second housings 216, 218 to slide longitudinally along the insert to disconnect from the insert. Thus, the first and second housings 216, 218 rotate relative to the insert 220 (one another) and are separated from one another. Accordingly, the first and second housings 216, 218 are configured to rotate relative to one another (and the insert 220) to disconnect the first and second housings from one another.

In this embodiment, the first housing 216 and the second housing 218 are identical to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing 216 and the second housing 218 are each a unitary, one-piece component. For example, first housing 216 and second housing 218 may each be a single piece of molded plastic. In other embodiments, the first housing 216 and the second housing 218 may be formed from two or more pieces that are coupled or secured together.

The fiber optic connector assembly 210 may include one or more biasing springs 236 (e.g., coil springs). The one or more biasing springs 236 are configured to bias at least one of the first or second ferrules 212, 214 toward the other respective ferrule when the first and second housings 216, 218 are coupled together. In the illustrated embodiment, the fiber optic connector assembly 210 includes two biasing springs 236 (e.g., a first spring and a second spring). The spring 236 helps maintain the optical connection between the first and second ferrules 212, 214. When the first and second housings 216, 218 are coupled together, the first spring 236 biases the first sleeve 212 out of the first housing 216 toward the second sleeve 214. Likewise, when the first and second housings 216, 218 are coupled together, the second spring 236 biases the second sleeve 214 out of the second housing 218 toward the first sleeve 212. One end of each spring 236 engages the corresponding first or second housing 216, 218 within the cavity and the other end of the spring engages the flange 222 of its corresponding first or second sleeve 212, 214. One spring 236 is received in a cavity of the first housing 216 and the other spring is received in a cavity of the second housing 218.

In this embodiment, the spring 236 is also configured to bias the first and second housings 216, 218 toward the locked position (fig. 10). The first and second housings 216, 218 are releasably coupled together when the first and second housings are in the locked position. The spring 236 biases the first and second housings 216, 218 away from each other. Thus, in the locked position, the first detent 238 engages and is biased against the first face 230 and the second detent 240 engages and is biased against the second face 232.

In one embodiment, to make the connection, the first fiber F1 is threaded through the opening of the first housing 216, the first spring 236 is threaded onto the first fiber, and the first fiber is then terminated in the first ferrule 212. Similarly, a second fiber F2 passes through the opening of the second housing 218, a second spring 236 passes over the second fiber, and the second fiber then terminates in the second ferrule 214. One of the first and second sleeves 212, 214 may then be threaded into the insert 220. The first and second ferrules 212, 214 are then inserted into the alignment sleeve 224 and then moved back into the insert 220. Subsequently, first housing 216 and second housing 218 are moved longitudinally over insert 220 and coupled together as described above, thereby securing the optical connection. The insert 220 facilitates longitudinal alignment of the first and second housings 216, 218, and the first and second housings can each slide over and rotate about the insert.

In one embodiment, the microconnector assembly 10, 110, 210 may be provided as a kit including the first and second ferrules 12, 12', 14', 112, 114, 212, 214, the first and second housings 16, 18, 116, 118, 216, the inserts 120, 220, the alignment sleeves 24, 24', 124, 224, and/or the springs 36, 136, 216. Other kit configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims. For example, given certain dimensions, it will be understood that they are merely exemplary, and that other dimensions are possible.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (21)

1. A microconnector kit, comprising:

a first ferrule configured to be connected to a first optical fiber;

a second ferrule configured to be connected to a second optical fiber;

a first and second microconnector ferrule housing, each of the first and second microconnector ferrule housings defining a cavity sized and shaped to receive a respective one of the first and second ferrules, and when in the respective cavities, the first and second ferrules are disposed in closely spaced relation to the respective first and second microconnector ferrule housings, the first and second microconnector ferrule housings configured to releasably couple together such that the first and second ferrules form an optical connection when the first and second microconnector ferrule housings are coupled together; and

the first and second microconnector ferrule housings have first and second connection structures integrally formed with the first and second microconnector ferrule housings, respectively, the first and second connection structures configured to releasably couple the first and second microconnector ferrule housings together.

2. The microconnector kit of claim 1, wherein the first ferrule and the second ferrule each define an internal channel for receiving an optical fiber.

3. The microconnector kit of claim 1, further comprising an alignment sleeve configured to receive mating ends of a first ferrule and a second ferrule, and wherein the first connection structure is part of a first microconnector ferrule housing and the second connection structure is part of a second microconnector ferrule housing.

4. The microconnector kit of claim 1, wherein the first and second microconnector ferrule housings each include a plug frame surrounding the first and second ferrules, respectively.

5. The microconnector kit of claim 2, wherein the first connection structure includes a recess and the second connection structure includes a protrusion sized and shaped to be received in the recess.

6. The microconnector kit of claim 5, wherein the first microconnector sleeve housing includes a channel extending from the recess, the channel being sized and shaped to allow the protrusion to move within the channel.

7. The microconnector kit of claim 6, wherein the channel is arcuate such that the second microconnector ferrule housing rotates relative to the first microconnector ferrule housing as the protrusion moves within the channel.

8. The microconnector kit of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the second microconnector sleeve housing is configured to be disposed within the first microconnector sleeve housing when the first and second microconnector sleeve housings are coupled together.

9. The microconnector kit of claim 2, wherein the first connection structure includes a first hook and the second connection structure includes a second hook, the first and second hooks configured to interlock to releasably couple the first and second microconnector ferrule housings together.

10. The microconnector kit of claim 9, wherein the first and second microconnector sleeve housings are configured to rotate relative to each other to connect and disconnect the first and second microconnector sleeve housings to and from each other.

11. The microconnector kit of claim 1, wherein the first microconnector ferrule housing and the second microconnector ferrule housing are identical to each other.

12. The microconnector kit of claim 1, further comprising an insert configured to be disposed in each cavity when the first and second microconnector ferrule housings are coupled together, the insert defining a ferrule cavity sized and shaped to receive the first and second ferrules.

13. The microconnector kit of claim 12, wherein the first and second ferrules each include a flange having a polygonal cross-section, the ferrule lumen of the insert having a polygonal cross-section that matches the polygonal cross-section of the flange such that when the flanges of the first and second ferrules are disposed within the ferrule lumen, rotation of the first and second ferrules relative to each other is inhibited by the insert.

14. The microconnector kit of claim 12, further comprising an alignment sleeve disposed in the insert.

15. The microconnector kit of claim 14, wherein the insert includes a first detent and a second detent, the first detent configured to engage the first connection structure and the second detent configured to engage the second connection structure to releasably couple the first microconnector ferrule housing, the second microconnector ferrule housing, and the insert together.

16. The microconnector kit of claim 15, wherein each detent includes a first deflection ramp and a second deflection ramp, the first deflection ramp of each detent being arranged to deflect the respective first or second microconnector ferrule housing when the respective first or second microconnector ferrule housing is connected to the insert, the second deflection ramp of each detent being arranged to deflect the respective first or second microconnector ferrule housing when the respective first or second microconnector ferrule housing is disconnected from the insert.

17. The microconnector kit of claim 16, wherein the first and second microconnector sleeve housings are configured to move along a longitudinal axis of the insert to connect to the insert and are configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the insert to disconnect from the insert.

18. The microconnector kit of claim 1, wherein the first and second microconnector ferrule housings are configured to be indirectly coupled together.

19. The microconnector kit of claim 1, further comprising one or more biasing springs configured to bias at least one of the first ferrule or the second ferrule toward the other respective ferrule when the first and second microconnector ferrule housings are releasably coupled together.

20. The microconnector kit of claim 19, wherein the one or more bias springs include a first bias spring configured to bias the first ferrule toward the second ferrule when the first and second microconnector ferrule housings are releasably coupled together and a second bias spring configured to bias the second ferrule toward the first ferrule when the first and second microconnector ferrule housings are releasably coupled together.

21. The microconnector kit of claim 19, wherein the one or more biasing springs are configured to bias the first and second microconnector ferrule housings toward a locked position, wherein the first and second microconnector ferrule housings are releasably coupled together when the first and second microconnector ferrule housings are in the locked position.

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