CN113721326A

CN113721326A - Optical fiber connector

Info

Publication number: CN113721326A
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: 2021-11-30
Also published as: CN111239919A; CN111239918A; WO2015191024A1; CN105518503A

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 ferrules and MPO adapters. Reduced profile connection assemblies configured according to some embodiments have a smaller profile and/or require fewer components to effect the connection than conventional connection assemblies. In some embodiments, the reduced profile connection assembly may be used with conventional connection assemblies. For example, a reduced profile connector may use a 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 (components) for connecting data transmission components, and more particularly, to connectors, adapters, and connection assemblies formed from connectors and adapters that are configured to have a reduced profile and/or a reduced number of components compared to conventional connection components while providing a secure connection between data transmission components (e.g., cable segments, devices, and/or equipment).

Background

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

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 housed in the cable, which takes up relatively little space. However, terminating these fibers with connectors greatly increases the space required to connect the cable segments and the communication device. Although multiple fibers may be arranged within a single connector, the resulting connecting member may still increase the space used by the optical fiber by a factor of 20 to 50. For example, multi-fiber connectors, such as those using multi-fiber push-on/pull-off (MPO) technology, may connect 12 or 24 fibers. However, a typical MPO connector may have a length of about 30 to 50 millimeters and a width of about 10 to 15 millimeters. The multiplication of these sizes by thousands of connections in a typical data center results in the need for a large amount of space to service these cable connections. To cost-effectively increase data transmission capacity and speed, data centers must increase the number of fiber optic cables, and therefore cable connections, within the existing space. Thus, 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 the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the 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 described embodiments of the present 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".

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

In one aspect, a reduced profile connection assembly may include a ferrule 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 retainer fixedly disposed therein, the retainer having a hook configured to engage a protrusion extending from an outer surface of the inner housing to prevent the inner housing from moving within the adapter, wherein the ejector housing cooperates with the retainer in the locked position to prevent disengagement of the hook from the protrusion.

In one aspect, a reduced-profile connection assembly may include a ferrule, a connector, and an adapter; the connector having the ferrule and including at least one adapter latch, the ferrule being fixedly disposed in the connector, the at least one adapter latch having at least one adapter latch projection; 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 ferrule, a connector, and an adapter; the connector having the ferrule and including at least one adapter latch, the ferrule being fixedly disposed in the connector, the at least one adapter latch having at least one adapter latch projection; the adapter has a retainer fixedly disposed in the adapter, the retainer having a 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.

Drawings

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

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

Fig. 2A-2C depict connectors illustrating 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 a reduced profile connecting member 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 resilient latch embodiment.

Detailed Description

The described technology relates generally to components configured to connect data transmission components (e.g., cable segments, communication devices, 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 connecting member may be configured to require fewer elements and/or less space than conventional connecting members. In general, the reduced-profile connecting member may be smaller in at least one dimension than a corresponding conventional connecting member. In some embodiments, the reduced-profile connecting member and/or portions thereof may be used with existing conventional connecting 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 from various resilient materials (e.g., plastics, polymers, rubbers, silicon-based materials, and any combination thereof).

The described techniques provide 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 on, for example, a connection interface of a device in a 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 a reduced profile connecting member generally requires fewer elements and/or materials than a corresponding conventional connecting member. In addition, the technical advantage may also operate to reduce labor and/or costs associated with assembling the connecting member. A further non-limiting example of a technical advantage is that the reduced profile connection member is easier to manipulate, such as to establish and/or remove a connection (e.g., "in"/"out" members), than a corresponding conventional connection 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 comprise a member configured to provide a secure connection to the fiber optic data transmission component. In some embodiments, the reduced-profile connection member may be configured to be implemented in various types of fiber optic connection members, including multi-fiber (or multi-fiber) connection members. Non-limiting examples of multi-fiber connecting members include Mechanical Transfer (MT), multiple fiber push on/pull off (MPO), and multi-fiber

Connectors ("MTP"). Although fiber optic connection members, and in particular MPO compatible members, are used herein as examples, embodiments are not so limited, as any type of data transmission medium and associated members capable of operating in accordance with some embodiments are contemplated herein.

Fig. 1 depicts an illustrative conventional MPO-type multi-fiber connection assembly ("MPO connection assembly"). As shown in fig. 1, the MPO connection assembly 100 may include

connectors

105, 110 and corresponding optical fiber adapters ("adapters") 115. The

connectors

105, 110 may be designated as a male connector (male connector)105 having a guide pin or "pin" 120 and a female connector (female connector)110 having a pin receptacle, guide pin hole or "hole" 140. The guide needle 120 may be disposed within the male cannula 130 on a connection side of the male cannula 130, and the guide needle bore 140 may be disposed within the female cannula 150 on a connection side of the female cannula 150. The sleeves 130, 150 may be formed from plastic or other polymeric material. The ferrules 130, 150 may be configured as MT-type ferrules.

The

connectors

105, 110 may be coupled to each other by an adapter 115 such that the introducer needle 120 may be inserted into the introducer needle bore 140 and the face of the male cannula 130 will be in contact with the face of the female cannula 150, connecting the ends of the optical fibers (or "ribbons") 135 disposed within each respective cannula. The optical fibers 135 may be disposed between the guide pins 120 on the male cannula 130 and between the guide pin holes 140 on the female cannula 150 to align the ends of the optical fibers and form a continuous or substantially continuous fiber optic connection. The ferrules 130, 150 may include various numbers of optical fibers 135, such as 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, or 72 optical fibers. When the

connectors

105, 110 are coupled by the adapter 115, a hook (e.g., a flange or resilient flange) 160 disposed on a holder ("adapter holder") disposed within the adapter 115 may hook into the recess 125 of the connector 105 and the recess 145 of the connector 110 to support and maintain the connection of the optical fiber 135 between the ferrules 130, 150. The introducer needle 120 and the introducer needle bore 140 are operable to align the ends of the optical fibers 135 on the faces of the ferrules 130, 150, and the adapter 115 is operable to provide a compressive force on the ferrules configured to maintain sufficient contact between the ferrules to support the connection between the opposing optical fibers.

Fig. 2A-2C depict connectors illustrating 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. Cannula 130 with needle holder 235 (collectively, may be referred to herein as "cannula") may be disposed within 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 a female connector 110 including a female ferrule 150. Fig. 2B depicts an expanded ("exploded") view of the 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 connect 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 may operate to provide a force against the ejector housing 205 to urge the ejector housing towards the front of the front housing 210, with the sleeve projecting from the front housing and away from the sheath 215.

The connector 105 may be inserted (or plugged) into the adapter 115 in such a way that: the connector is pushed into the adapter, for example using a boot, until the hooks 160 in the adapter hook (or "bite") into the recesses 125 of the connector. The spring 230 may operate to maintain the ejector housing 205 in a forward (or "locked") position to hold the hook 160 in the recess 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 may slide over the front housing 210 in a direction away from the adapter to move the hooks 160 out of the recesses 125, thereby disconnecting from the connector 105.

As shown in fig. 2A-2C, the conventional MPO connector 105 requires 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 boot 215, the spring push 220, the spring 225, and the spring (springs) 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 the connector 105 require the connector and connection assembly 100 to have a certain minimum size, and therefore 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. Additionally, sufficient pushing force (typically from the sheath 215) is required to connect 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 the components of the connection assembly 105, such as the access/disconnect connector 105, is inefficient and challenging in the limited space surrounding the subrack and modules within a typical data room. Moreover, assembling the components of the connector 105, such as the

housings

205, 210 and the springs 230 and 220 and 225, is time consuming, inefficient, and consumes 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 holder 310 may be spread apart and 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 hook 160 and/or against the hook 160 to prevent the hook from spreading and moving over the protrusion 170, thereby maintaining the hook within the recess 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 adapter 115, not 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 gripper 405 ("ferrule gripper" or "reduced-profile gripper") disposed within the adapter 425 and configured to hold a ferrule in the adapter 425. The holder 405 may include a hook 410, the hook 410 configured to maintain the sleeve 130 within the adapter 45 by: such as with the cannula 130 and/or the needle holder 420 on the side opposite the connection side or surface of the cannula. In some embodiments, cannula 130 may not include needle holder 420. In such embodiments, a spacer (not shown) may be disposed within the holder 405 to engage the hook 410 in a manner similar to the needle holder 420. In some embodiments, the hook 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 spring 225 and the spring push 220 in conventional connection assemblies.

In some embodiments, the holder 405 may be disposed within a conventional member (e.g., a conventional adapter 425). For example, a reduced profile connection assembly may include an MT ferrule 130 and an MPO adapter 425. In some embodiments, the adapter 425 may include a reduced profile member portion 435 and a conventional member portion 440. The reduced-profile member portion 435 may be configured to engage a reduced-profile connecting member, such as the sleeve 130, that 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 may be configured to incorporate conventional connection members, such as MT, MPO and/or MTP. As such, the reduced-profile coupling member may be configured to operate with existing data transmission equipment, devices, coupling assemblies, and/or the like.

As shown in fig. 4D, the adaptor 425 may include a holder 430 for a second cannula (not shown), such as a female cannula corresponding to the male cannula 130. Inserting a cannula 130 within holder 405 may connect the cannula with a corresponding cannula disposed within holder 430. The hooks 410 may be configured to retain the cannula 130 within the adapter 425 and maintain a connection with a corresponding cannula located at the 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 located outside of a communication device or structure (e.g., a wall), and the inner portion 440 may be located inside of 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., the 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 installation device according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 4E, a ferrule mounting arrangement 445 may be used to mount the ferrule 130 into the holder 410 of the adapter. Cannula mounting device 445 may include a lever 460 that may be pressed (e.g., pushed toward the body of the cannula mounting device) to raise its hook portion 455. The sleeve mounting device 445 may grasp the sleeve 430 in such a manner: the hook portion 455 is raised, the cannula is inserted into the frame portion 470, and the lever 460 is released to seat the hook portion 460 against or within a portion of the cannula, such as within a recess 565 provided within the cannula. When the ferrule mounting arrangement 445 is inserted into the adapter, the frame portions 470 may engage the hooks 410 to spread them apart and allow the ferrule to be positioned within the holder 405. In some embodiments, the frame portion 470 may engage one or more protrusions 475 disposed on the outer surface of the hook 410. Once sleeve 430 has been positioned within holder 405, lever 460 may be depressed, thereby disengaging hook portion 455 from sleeve 130. When cannula mount 445 is removed from adapter 425, hook 410 surrounds and engages cannula 130. 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. The ferrule holder embodiment may be configured to use a holder 405, the holder 405 adapted to hold and support the ferrule 130 without the housing and associated components (e.g., the spring 225 and the rear pusher 220). In some embodiments, the hook 410 of the retainer 425 may extend only about 0 millimeters (e.g., the retainer is fully or substantially fully located 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) outside of the adapter 425. Thus, ferrule holder embodiments may be used to establish a connection using about 30 millimeters to about 50 millimeters less space than conventional connection members.

Although ferrule 130 (e.g., the ferrule holder embodiment depicted in fig. 4A-4C) is a male MT ferrule depicted in the illustrative embodiments herein, the 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 "category neutral" in that either male or female cannula connection members may be used therewith.

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

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

As shown in fig. 5E, inner housing 510 may include a sleeve latch (or "inwardly bent 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, a cross-sectional view of the connector illustrates that the outer housing 505 can push the latches 570 inward to engage the cannula 130 and/or engage a needle holder 565 connected to the cannula. The inner surface of inner housing 510 may also include a protrusion 580 or other structure configured to engage sleeve 530 to prevent movement of the sleeve in a direction opposite sleeve latch 570. Thus, the cannula latch 570 can 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 prevent movement of the cannula in a second direction (e.g., toward the flange 515), while the projection 580 can be configured to prevent movement of the cannula in the first direction. In this manner, the sleeve 130 may be supported and maintained within the inner housing 510 when the outer housing 505 is in a position to push the sleeve latch 570 downward, 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 members 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, the 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, when in the locked position, connector 505 may extend out of 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). In some embodiments, connector 505 can extend about 24 millimeters beyond 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 hold the ferrule 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 maintain 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 ferrule 130 passes through the connector 610, the ferrule may engage the ferrule latch 620 and push the ferrule latch outward (e.g., away from the ferrule). When the cannula 130 and/or needle holder 625 passes the cannula latch 620, the latch may no longer be pushed outward. In this manner, the sleeve latches 620 can retract to their normal positions. The sleeve latch 620 may include an inwardly extending protrusion or other structure (not shown). These projections may engage cannula 130 and/or needle holder 625 to prevent the cannula from moving toward rear opening 630. Connector 610 may also include one or more internal projections or other internal structures configured to project inwardly toward the cavity of the connector to engage the front portion of cannula 130 and/or needle holder 625. These internal projections may prevent movement of sleeve 130 in a direction toward the front of connector 610, away from rear opening 630. 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 may sit in a recess (or opening) 645 in the inner wall of the adapter 605, and the inner wall portion 650 may sit in a recess 655 of the adapter latch 615. When the connector 610 is in the adapter, for example, when the first protrusion has been seated in the recess 645 and/or the sleeve 130 has established connection with a corresponding sleeve (not shown), the internal pressure on the adapter latch 615 can be released and the second protrusion 635 can 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 member portion 660 may be configured to incorporate reduced-profile connecting members, such as the connector 610 and/or the ferrule 130 that are not disposed within or associated with conventional connecting members, such as the ejector housing 205, the front housing 210, the spring 230, the spring 225, or the like. The conventional member portion 665 can be configured to incorporate conventional connection members, such as MT, MPO, and/or MTP. As such, the reduced-profile coupling member may be configured to operate with existing data transmission equipment, devices, coupling assemblies, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the connector 610 may use only one component (the actual connector 610), not including the ferrule 130. In contrast, a conventional connector may require 7 members to achieve the same function. In some embodiments, the 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, the 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 (including endpoints).

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 a 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 a top portion thereof. The adapter latch 715 may include a stop protrusion 725, a stop surface 730, and a recess 735. The connector 710 may include a body 760 and a back cover assembly (or "back cover") 755 configured to attach to (or "snap") the body. The back cap 755 may include a spring 770 and a flange 765. In some embodiments, spring 770 may be configured to press against flange 765 to provide a force that pushes the flange outward (e.g., away from the spring). In some embodiments, the flange 765 can provide a barrier to the spring 770 such that the force of the spring can be directed toward the cannula 130 and/or the needle holder 775, while without the flange, 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 can include a retainer 720, as depicted in fig. 7F, the retainer 720 having a hook 745, a formed latch stop 750, 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, the connector 710 may engage a retainer 720 within the adapter to maintain (or "lock") the connector within the adapter.

Fig. 7G and 7H depict cross-sectional views of a top and side view, respectively, of the connector 710 mounted in the adapter 705. As shown in fig. 7G, the back cap 755 may be mounted within the body 760 of the connector 205. As the back cap 755 is pushed into the body 760, the flange 765 may be pressed inward (towards 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 cap 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, the hooks 745 of the holder 720 may or may not be substantially free of connectors. For example, the hook 745 may not contact and/or engage the connector 710 in a manner that retains the connector within the adapter 705. In some embodiments, the hook 745 may be used to engage and retain a conventional connector, such as an MPO connector.

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 protrusion 725 of the adapter latch to pass (slide under) the latch stop 750 of the retainer 720 while pushing the connector through the opening 740. When the stop protrusion 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 main body 760). The upward force of the adapter latch 715 may cause the stop protrusion 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 protrusion 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 latches 715 while pushing the connector into the adapter.

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

In some embodiments, the connector 710 may use only three or fewer components, not including the sleeve 130. For example, the connector 710 may include a body 760, a back cap 755, and/or a spring 770. In contrast, a conventional connector may require 7 members to achieve the same function. In some embodiments, the 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, the 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 resilient latch embodiment. As shown in fig. 8A-8C, the connector 810 may be configured to hold the ferrule 130. The connector 810 may include a resilient adapter latch 815 on the top thereof. The adapter latch 815 may include a stop projection 825.

Fig. 8D and 8E depict cross-sectional views of the top and side views, respectively, of the connector 810 installed in the adapter 805. The adapter 805 can include a retainer 720, as depicted in fig. 7F, the retainer 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, the hooks 745 of the holder 720 may or may not be substantially free of connectors. For example, the hook 745 may not contact and/or engage the connector 710 in a manner that retains the connector within the adapter 705. In some embodiments, the hook 745 may be used to engage and retain a conventional connector, such as an MPO connector. The connector 810 may include various structures 850 (e.g., bumps, ridges, spacers, or the like), the structures 850 configured to engage the rear of the needle holder 745 and/or the cannula 130 to prevent the cannula from moving toward the rear of the connector 810.

The connector 810 may be inserted into the adapter 805 in such a way that: the adapter latch 815 is pressed downward (e.g., toward the sleeve 130) while pushing the connector into the adapter's opening 840. The connector 810 may engage a retainer 720 in the adapter to maintain (or "lock") the connector in the adapter. The connector 810 may be inserted into the adapter 805 in such a way that: the adapter latch 815 is pushed downward to allow the catch projection 825 of the adapter latch to pass (slide under) the latch catch 750 of the retainer 720 while pushing the connector through the opening 840. When the stop projection 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 upward force of the adapter latch 815 may cause the stop projection 825 to engage an 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 into the adapter 805 may only require pressing of the adapter latch 815.

In some embodiments, connector 810 may use only two or fewer components, not including sleeve 130. For example, the connector 810 may include a body and a rear cover. In contrast, a conventional connector may require 7 members 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, the 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 (including endpoints).

Although fiber optic connectors have been used as the illustrative embodiments, this detailed description is not so limited, as any type of electrical and/or communication connector may be used in accordance with some embodiments. The connectors, adapters and connection assemblies formed by the connectors, adapters may be used in combination with other connection elements and/or materials, such as crimping devices, rings, bands, sleeves, locking materials, fluids, gels or the like.

In the foregoing 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 dictates 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 here. 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 certain embodiments described herein is not to be limited in scope by the specific aspects illustrated. 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 apparatuses, in addition to 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 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 is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, which can, 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. Various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for the sake of clarity.

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 (open)" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to (closing) but" having "should be interpreted as" having at least (closing) and the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but not limited to (closing) but limited to" etc.). Although the various components, methods, and apparatus are described in terms of "comprising" various means or steps (interpreted to mean "including but not limited to"), the components, methods, and apparatus may also be "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of" various means and steps, and such terms should be interpreted as essentially defining closed component groups. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introductory means claim recitation is intended, such an 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 appended claims may contain usage of the introductory device phrases "at least one" and "one or more" as recited in the introductory device claims; however, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a device claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced device claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory device phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and "a" (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 holds true for the use of definite articles used to direct the presentation of device claims. In addition, even if a specific number of a subject 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). Further, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill 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 systems that have a alone, B alone, C alone, a and B together, a and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "A, B or at least one of C" is used, in general, such a syntactic structure is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B or C" would include, but not be limited to, systems that have a alone, B alone, C alone, a and B together, a and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting 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 terms. For example, the phrase "a or B" will be understood to encompass the possibility of "a" or "B" or "a and B".

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

As will be understood by one of skill in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges therein. Any listed ranges may be easily understood as sufficiently describing and enabling the same ranges to be broken down into at least equal two, three, four, five, ten, etc. portions. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein may be readily broken down into a lower third, a middle third, and an upper third, among others. As will also be understood by those skilled in the art, all languages (e.g., "up to" and "at least," etc.) include the recited number and refer to ranges that may be subsequently broken down into sub-ranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by those of skill in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to a group having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to a group having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, 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 sleeve;

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

opposing first and second lateral sidewall portions over opposing lateral sides of the multi-fiber ferrule;

opposed first and second end wall portions over opposite ends of said multi-fiber ferrule, each of said first and second end wall portions extending laterally between said first and second lateral 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 clasps a portion of the adapter to latch with the adapter to retain the fiber optic connector within the adapter;

(2) in the case where the first and second hooks of the adapter are not latched to the first and second lateral side wall portions of the connector housing, the first and second lateral side wall portions are opposed to the first and second hooks, respectively.

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 moving along the longitudinal axis in 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 in 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. The fiber optic connector of 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 press against the first end wall portion.

5. The fiber optic connector of claim 4, wherein the resilient adapter latch is configured to resiliently spring back after the second end portion of the resilient adapter latch is depressed 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 2, wherein the resilient adapter latch further comprises a stop projection.

8. The fiber optic connector of claim 7, wherein the resilient adapter latch further comprises a recess.

9. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second lateral sidewall portions includes a recess along at least a portion of the respective lateral sidewall configured such that the first and second hooks can pass through the recess when the connector housing is inserted into the adapter opening.

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

11. The fiber optic connector of claim 10, the second end wall portion being substantially flat.

12. An optical connection system comprising:

an adapter to receive a connector, the adapter comprising:

an adapter opening having opposing first and second lateral sides and opposing 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-on/pull-out (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 polarity key of the MPO connector therein; and

a curved latching connector configured to mate with the adapter, the curved latching connector comprising:

a multi-fiber sleeve;

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

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