KR20130004236U - Ferrules with Complimentary Mating Geometry and Related Fiber Optic Connectors - Google Patents

Abstract

Optical fiber ferrules having complementary mating features suitable for making optical connections are disclosed with fiber optical connectors and cable assemblies using the fiber optical connectors. In one embodiment, the fiber optic ferrule includes a body having a mating feature and a plurality of optical paths, the mating feature being at least one guide pin formed integrally with the body of the fiber optical ferrule; At least one spring retaining feature disposed at the rear of the ferrule. Ferrules reduce the number of parts required for fiber optic connectors and allow for quick and fast assembly. The present invention also relates to fiber optic connectors and cable assemblies using ferrules.

Description

Ferrules with Complimentary Mating Geometry and Related Fiber Optic Connectors

This invention claims priority to Application No. 61 / 369,385, filed Jul. 30, 2010, under US 35 U.S.C. §119, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to optical fiber ferrules and related fiber optical connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to an optical fiber ferrule having complementary mating geometry and a fiber optic connector using the optical fiber ferrule.

Optical fibers are increasingly used in a variety of fields, such as, but not limited to, wideband voice, video, and data transmission, for example. As consumer devices continue to use more bandwidth, the connectors for these devices will not use electrical connectors due to the increased bandwidth and will use optical connections. In general, conventional fiber optic connectors used in telecommunication networks and the like are not suitable for home appliances. By way of example, conventional fiber optic connectors are relatively much compared to household appliances and their interfaces. In addition, conventional fiber optic connectors are placed in a relatively clean environment with great care and / or are cleaned by craft before connecting the optical connectors. Moreover, although the fiber optic connectors are reconfigurable (ie, suitable for mating / non- mating), the connectors do not intend to have a relatively significant number of mating cycles. Instead, conventional fiber optic connectors are high precision connectors designed to reduce insertion loss between mating connectors in an optical network.

On the other hand, consumer electronics products are expected to have a relatively significant number of mating / non-mate cycles during normal operation. Consumer electronics will operate in a number of environments where dust, tickles, and various debris are periodically encountered. Moreover, consumer electronics products are typically constrained in size and space to connect. In conclusion, there is an unsolved problem for a fiber optic connector suitable for home appliances.

The present invention relates to an optical fiber ferrule and to a fiber optical connector and cable assembly according to the invention for making said optical fiber ferrule. More particularly, the present invention relates to optical fiber ferrules, and to cable assemblies and fiber optical connectors having suitable features for the optical connectability faced by a relatively large number of mating / non-matching cycles. One disclosed embodiment relates to a mating geometry having a first fiber optical ferrule having a body having a plurality of optical paths formed therein, and at least one slot formed integrally in the body. Slots in ferrules allow a relatively large number of mating / non-mate cycles without generating excessive wear and debris, making them suitable for consumer electronics and the like. The invention also relates to a fiber optic connector and cable assembly using a first ferrule.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a second ferrule having a mating feature complementary to the first ferrule. The second fiber optic ferrule includes a body having a plurality of optical paths and mating features, the mating features being at least one guide pin formed integrally with the body and at least one feature disposed at the rear of the ferrule. Spring retainer. The second ferrule reduces the number of parts required for the fiber optic connector and allows for quick and easy assembly. The present invention also relates to cable assemblies and fiber optical connectors using ferrules.

Additional features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the detailed description below, and those skilled in the art will practice the embodiments described herein, at least from the detailed description or below, and the appended drawings as well as the appended drawings. By doing so, it will be easier to grasp.

It will be appreciated that both the foregoing general description and the detailed description set forth below represent various embodiments that are intended to assist in a broad and general understanding of the features and characteristics of the invention, as specified by the claims. It will be appreciated that the accompanying drawings are provided to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings of the present invention illustrate various embodiments described herein and are used to illustrate the principles and operation of the claims together with the description.

1 is a perspective view of a connector having an enlarged portion of a first fiber optical ferrule having complementary mating features for mating with the fiber optic ferrules shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;
1A is a schematic illustration of the interaction of the mating features of the ferrule of FIG. 1 and the ferrule of FIG. 2;
2 and 3 are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a second fiber optical ferrule having mating features suitable for mating with the first ferrule of FIG. 1;
4 and 5 are exploded perspective views of a mating fiber optical connector using another style of complementary mating fiber optical ferrules having mating features similar to the fiber optical ferrules shown in FIGS. 1-3;
6 and 7 exemplarily show plug connectors and outlets respectively using the first and second fiber optical ferrules shown in FIGS. 1-3 and forming part of the cable assembly, respectively;
8 is a perspective view of the plug connector of FIG. 7 according to an enlarged view detailing the plug connector;
9 is a bottom perspective view of the plug connector of FIGS. 7 and 8 with the shroud removed in accordance with an enlarged view detailing the plug connector;
10 is a rear perspective view of the outlet of FIG. 6 showing an electrical connection;
11 is a perspective view of another fiber optic ferrule with male and female mating features in accordance with the concepts disclosed herein;
12 is a diagram schematically illustrating different shapes for mating features.

Since preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings are described below, please refer to them. Wherever possible, the same part numbers are used to indicate the same components or parts.

The ferrules, connectors and / or cable assemblies described in the present specification are suitable for making optical and / or electrical connections to various devices. The inventive concept advantageously enables simple, fast and economical connection and disconnection of fiber optic ferrules for a relatively large number of mating cycles. Preferred embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings are described below, see for reference. Wherever possible, the same part numbers are used to indicate the same components or parts.

1 to 3 show a first fiber optical ferrule 10 and a second fiber optical ferrule 20 having complementary mating features for use in a suitable complementary structure to make a fiber optical connection. . In particular, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first fiber optic ferrule 10 (hereinafter referred to as a ferrule) that is part of the connector 60, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the second ferrule 20. In particular, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector 60 having an enlarged portion of the first ferrule 10 including mating features at the front end to make and interface optical connections with the second ferrule 20. As shown, the first ferrule 10 includes a body 12 having a plurality of light paths 14. As used in the specification of the present invention, “optical path” means any suitable structure or component that enables the transmission of an optical signal. For example, the optical path may include an optical fiber bore for receiving each optical waveguide, such as an optical fiber, an optical lens, an active device such as a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), a photodiode, an optical signal. It may include other active elements or other structures or components of the ferrule for transmitting the light, or may include other active elements or other structures or components attached to the ferrule for transmitting the optical signal.

The mating geometry of the first ferrule 10 includes a slot 15 for receiving the guide pin 25 of the second ferrule 20 when the first ferrule and the second ferrule are mated together. . In this embodiment, the mating feature of the first ferrule 10 also includes a second female portion, such as a hole 16 that interacts with the slot 15 when mated with the complementary ferrule. . In other words, each of the slots 15 and the holes 16 receive respective guide pins of the second ferrule. Slots 15 and holes 16 are sized and spaced to interact with the guide pins 25 of the second ferrule 20. As used herein, the slot is sufficiently large enough for its complementary mating features in the direction that the mating features pass through both centerlines (ie, X-axis lines) of the mating features. , To allow greater alignment tolerances between their corresponding mating features, such as slots and pins. Ferrules with mating features, including one or more slots, allow for a significant number of mating cycles, as are relatively the same as conventional ferrules with tight tolerance bores and guide pin mating features that create interference fits. This is because a fairly large number of mating cycles does not generate many levels of debris. Additionally, the slot 15 may allow greater tolerances between complementary mating features, such as guide pins of complementary mating features, such as guide pins of mating ferrules. In other words, the tolerance of the mating features of the second ferrule can have greater variation while still providing adequate alignment and optical performance.

As shown, FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a mating feature between the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 20. In particular, the mating features of the first ferrule 10 are indicated by hatched areas and the mating features of the second ferrule 20 are indicated by dashed lines. Although the mating features are schematically represented as rounded or slotted shapes whose ends are rounded, any suitable shape is a mating feature (ie, slots, holes, and / or pins) such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc. Can be used for As shown, the left side of the mating feature between the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 20 is relatively snug fit using the same shape, creating alignment reference data. On the other hand, the right side of the mating feature between the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 20 does not have the same shape. In other words, the slot 15 of the first ferrule 10 is larger than the mating feature (eg, guide pin) of the second ferrule 20, and thus with the left mating feature as shown. Tolerance is provided for the centerline distance L between the right mating features. Additionally, mating features may include chamfers and the like at the edges, which may aid in alignment and / or reduce wear and debris by repeated mating.

2 and 3 show a second ferrule 20 suitable for mating with the first ferrule 10. The second ferrule 20 comprises a body 22 having a plurality of optical paths 14, in this case an optical fiber bore for receiving an optical waveguide, such as an optical fiber. The second ferrule 20 includes a mating feature with at least one guide pin 25 sized to be received by the mating feature of the first ferrule 10, thereby providing an optical waveguide of the mating ferrule. Sort it. As shown, the guide pin 25 is formed into a single body of the body 22 of the second ferrule 20. In other words, the guide pin 25 is integrally made of the same material as the body 22 of the ferrule 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the second ferrule 20 has two guide pins 25, the two guide pins body of the second ferrule 20 on both sides of the plurality of optical paths 14. It is formed so as to be a monolith. Unlike conventional fiber optic ferrules that use pin-receptors and precisely-machined guide pins that are held in place and received in the guide pin bores of the ferrules, the guide pins 25 of the second ferrule 20 have a body It is molded in 22, machined or otherwise formed integrally with the body of the first ferrule. Furthermore, the guide pin 25 of the ferrule 20 protrudes at a distance sufficient to engage the mating feature ferrule 10, so that the respective light paths of the mated first and second ferrules 10, 20 ( 14) Align the optical waveguide mounted in the (eg bore). However, the first ferrule 10 may be mated with a complementary ferrule using a conventional type of ferrule and in this case one or more conventional guide pins received in the guide pin bore of the ferrule.

The mating features of the first and second ferrules 10, 20 disclosed in the present disclosure provide several advantages over conventional mating features for a number of reasons. Conventional mating features use a dedicated guide pin that fits into the guide pin bore of a conventional ferrule and typically results in an interference fit between the guide pin and the guide pin bore due to a change in the guide pin bore spacing. This interference fit, used with conventional ferrules, causes wear and debris during a relatively large number of mating cycles. On the other hand, using at least one slotted ferrule reduces the wear and debris generated with a significant number of mating cycles. In addition, forming the guide pin 25 in one body with the body 22 of the first ferrule 20 provides a suitable reliable and inexpensive solution for a relatively large number of mating cycles, such as in consumer electronics. As described in another way, mating features are advantageous because they allow for a significant number of mating / non-mate cycles, typically as in consumer electronics. Moreover, mating features of the second ferrule 10 with slots 26 reduce wear between mating features of the ferrule when compared to conventional mating features.

The second ferrule 20 can optionally include other features. As shown, the second ferrule 20 has at least one characteristic spring retainer 27 disposed on the rear portion 21 of the body 22. More particularly, the second ferrule 20 has at least two characteristic spring retainers 27 disposed on the rear portion 21 of the ferrule and disposed on both sides of the plurality of optical fiber bores 14. . Although the characteristic spring retainer 27 is shown as a protrusion, various structures such as blind holes, recesses, snap-on structures and the like are possible with the characteristic spring retainer.

Moreover, the second ferrule 20 may optionally include one or more stops 28. In particular, the second ferrule 20 includes two stops 28 formed concave from the front surface and disposed on both sides of the plurality of optical fiber paths 14, but the stops have a front surface of the ferrule. It may extend beyond or form a plane of the same height. Several regions of the second ferrule 20 may also have regions that are concave. For example, the second ferrule 20 optionally includes concave regions (not indicated by reference numerals) with respect to the guide pins 25 formed integrally with the body as best shown in FIG. 2. do. In addition, the ferrules disclosed herein may also provide electrical connections, providing hybrid connections.

As shown, the first and second ferrules 10, 20 also include optional backdraft portions 19 (ie, slopes) adjacent the plurality of optical fiber bores. The backdraft portion 19 enables laser processing of the optical fibers attached to the first and second ferrules 10, 20. In particular, the backdraft portion 19 assists in manufacturing by providing a relief at the front end of the ferrule to prevent marking and / or damage. In particular, the backdraft portion 19 prevents interaction of the laser beam and / or debris during cutting and / or polishing with the laser beam, thereby preventing damage and / or marking at the front end of the ferrule. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the backdraft portion 19 may include a surface that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first and second ferrules 10, 20. The backdraft portion 19 can have any suitable angle and / or shape between 30 degrees and 45 degrees from the front surface, but many suitable angles / shapes are possible. Moreover, the backdraft portion 19 can be initiated at any suitable distance from the light path 14 while the ferrule's dimensions and structural preservation are corrected. As another variant, the backdraft portion 19 may also be selectively formed concave rearward from the front surface of the ferrule having the light path 14. For example, the shoulder may be formed adjacent to the backdraft such that the backdraft portion 19 is recessed back from the front surface of the ferrule. By way of example, the shoulder may have a depth of approximately 2 microns or more from the front surface of the ferrule.

Since the ferrules 10, 20 include a backdraft portion 19, processing the attached plurality of optical fibers comprises cutting and / or polishing the plurality of optical fibers 40 with a laser beam in one or more steps. It may include. By way of example, separate steps may be used to cut and polish the optical fiber 40 with a laser, but cutting and polishing may also occur with the laser in one step. Any suitable type of laser and / or mode of operation of the laser is possible. For example, the laser can be a pulse or a CO ₂ laser that operates continuously or in various suitable modes of operation. The angle between the laser beam and the optical fiber 40 can also be adjusted, for example, to 12 degrees, to 8 degrees, or to the desired angle at the end of the flat optical fiber 40. Because of the distance between the outboard front surface (not shown) and the end face of the ferrule with the bore, the laser beam is provided with the first and second ferrules during cutting and polishing the plurality of optical fibers 40. 10, 20) can be substantially avoided. An optional backdraft portion 19 is provided to further reduce the possibility of interaction between the ferrule and the refracted portion of the laser beam / crumbs. By way of example, the laser beam is aligned to cut and / or polish the plurality of optical fibers 40 in the general direction from the bottom of the first and second ferrules 10, 20 toward the backdraft portion 19.

For example, a suitable complementary structure using the first and second ferrules 10, 20 includes a connector configured as a plug 60 and a receptacle 70, whereby the plug and receptacle allow a user to connect with the plug. Fast and reliable optical and / or hybrid (ie optical / electrical) connections can be made between the outlets. More particularly, the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 20 form a portion of each USB connector type, which portion may optionally include a plurality of electrical contacts as shown or optically. Part of the USB connector can be selectively formed. In other words, the plug 60 is composed of a USB plug connector and the outlet 70 is composed of a USB outlet connector as shown. Other details of the first and second ferrules 10 and 20 are described below in combination with the fiber optic plug 60 and outlet 70 shown in FIGS. 6-10. The concept of the first and second ferrules is that it can be used with several types of ferrules, connectors, and mating devices.

For example, FIGS. 4 and 5 show each of each of the fiber optic connectors 100, 200 using another set of first and second ferrules 110, 120 with complementary mating features. Exploded perspective view. The first ferrule 110 includes a mating feature with at least one slot 115 formed in a body 112 similar to the ferrule 10, such as a portion of the mating feature. As such, the second ferrule 120 includes a mating feature with at least one guide pin 125 formed integrally with a body similar to the ferrule 20, such as a portion of the mating feature. The mating first and second ferrules 110, 120 consist of fiber optic connectors of the MPO type, such as MT fiber optic connectors mated together using an adapter (not shown), but other Fiber optical connector configurations are possible. Moreover, fiber optical connectors 100 and 200 are portions of cable assemblies with one or more optical waveguides, such as optical fibers (not shown for clarity) inserted into bores of ferrules. Fiber optical connectors 100 and 200 are merely examples of cable assemblies and fiber optical connectors that can incorporate ferrules in accordance with the disclosed concepts.

More specifically, FIG. 4 is an assembly view of the optical connector 100, while FIG. 5 is a view of the pre-assembly fiber optical connector 200, which may include components indicated by the same member number. As shown in FIG. 4, optical connector 100 optionally includes spring seating 104, coil spring 105, spring presser 118, lead-in tube 130 and generally hollow. It may include the connector housing 102 of. An optional spring seating 104 of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 4 may be located adjacent the rear face of the rear end 110b between the ferrule 110 and the coil spring 105. The opening 106 extending longitudinally along the spring seat 104 has an end portion of the optical waveguide (not shown) and an introduction tube 130 through the spring presser 118 to the rear face of the ferrule 110. It can be configured to pass through. The inlet tube 130 may be located in the opening 122 of the spring presser 118, the opening 112 of the coil spring 110, and the opening 106 of the spring seating 104. An opening 132 extending longitudinally through the inlet tube 130 receives and guides the end portion of the optical fiber of the fiber optic cable in each bore of each ferrule.

The fiber optic connector 100 may include an alignment and / or attachment structure for mating and fastening in an adapter (not indicated). As shown, the ferrule 110, the spring seating 104, the coil spring 105, the front portion 124 of the spring biasing portion 118 and the inlet tube 130 are at least partially within the connector housing 102. Can be located. In one embodiment, the flexible arm 126 provided on the spring presser 118 engages an opening 103 formed in the connector housing 102 for engaging the connector housing 102 and the spring presser 122. May extend longitudinally from the front portion 124. A front mechanical stop (not shown) is provided on the inner surface of the connector housing 102 so that it is movable when the ferrule 110 is disposed within and maintained within the connector housing 102. The ferrule 110 is pushed forward by the coil spring 105 and the spring seating portion 104. The fiber optic connector 200 of FIG. 5 has a similar configuration as the fiber optic connector 100, but includes a ferrule 110 instead of the ferrule 120, so as to be suitable for mating with the fiber optic connector 100. To provide.

6 to 10 are diagrams each showing an exemplary fiber optical connector using the first and second fiber optical ferrules 10 and 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, respectively. In particular, FIGS. 6 and 10 show an outlet 60 and FIGS. 7-9 are attached to each cable to form part of each cable assembly (not shown). The figure which shows the plug 70 is shown. Outlet 60 and plug 70 are mated directly together in one position (and direction) to form an optical and / or electrical connection between the outlet and the plug. Although the ferrules 10 and 20 are shown as part of the receptacle 60 and the plug 70 , the ferrules or variations thereof can be used with many types of connectors, such as only optical connectors.

The outlet 60 includes a first ferrule 10 disposed at least partially within a shell 62 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. Outlet 60 is composed of a USB connector. In particular, the receptacle 60 may be used as a suitable USB plug that is compatible with previous models of USB plugs that only have electrical connections and that is either optical or both optical and electrical connections. In particular, the receptacle 60 also includes a plurality of electrical contacts 63 for making an electrical connection between the receptacle 60 and the plug 70. The electrical contact 63 may be formed with a ferrule 10 that is substantially flush with, or slightly flush with, the wiping surface of the ferrule (ie, the horizontal surface of the ferrule including the electrical contact). Appropriate attachment means may be provided. Outlet 60 has a transmission member 69 (ie both electrical wire and optical fiber), which is routed to the rear of the connector for electrical connection with electrical contact 63 or FIG. 10. As best shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of light paths 14 of the ferrule 10 are routed. The shell 62 also includes a tab 65 for fastening and / or grounding the outlet 60 to a circuit board or the like. As best shown in FIG. 10, the shell 62, when mated with the outlet 60, includes a plurality of latching arms 62a for engaging the outlet with the plug. Although not shown in the figure, a second set of latching arms 62a are disposed on all of the lower surfaces of the shell 62. As shown, the latching arm 62a is a cantilevered configuration, but may have other suitable configurations or may be omitted entirely. Moreover, the shell 62 includes a locking tab 62b for engaging the seam of the shell 62 as best shown in FIG. 10.

7-9 illustrate a connector comprised of a plug 70 suitable for mating with the receptacle 60. The plug 70 includes a second ferrule 20 at least partially disposed within the shell 72. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a plug 70 in which the ferrule 20 in the ferrule holder 74 is enlarged, and FIG. 9 shows a shell 72 to show the ferrule 20 interaction in the ferrule holder 74. ) Is a bottom perspective view of the plug 70 in a removed state.

Exemplary plug 70 includes ferrule 20, shell 72, electrical contact 73, ferrule guide 74, a pair of elastic members 75 for pressing the ferrule 20 forward, and the outside It includes a housing (the member number is not indicated). Like the receptacle 60, the plug 70 consists of a USB connector, but many types of connectors are possible with the concepts disclosed in the specification of the present invention. In particular, the plug 70 can be used as a suitable USB outlet that is compatible with previous models of USB outlets with only an electrical connection and that has an optical connection or that has both an optical connection and an electrical connection. In particular, the plug 70 comprises a plurality of electrical contacts 73 for making an electrical connection (ie, with the electrical contacts 63 of the outlet 60) between the outlet 60 and the plug 70. . Like the receptacle 60, the electrical contact 73 can be formed with the ferrule 20 to be substantially flush with the wiping surface of the ferrule (ie, the horizontal surface of the ferrule comprising the electrical contact) or otherwise. Appropriate attachment means may be provided. The plug 70 has a transmission member 69 (ie both an electrical wire and an optical waveguide) which is routed to the rear of the connector to make an electrical connection with the electrical contact 73 or as shown in the ferrule (as shown). Routed to a plurality of bores 15.

An enlarged view of FIG. 9 shows the ferrule 20 disposed in a pocket (no member designation is indicated) of the ferrule guide 74 and pressed into the forward position by one or more elastic members 75. As shown, the pocket of the ferrule guide 74 has a channel guided rearward to provide a passage for routing the optical waveguide (ie, transmission member) of the cable 79 to the ferrule 20. In this embodiment, the elastic member 75 is a coil spring, but various suitable elastic members, such as leaf springs or the like, are possible. As best shown in FIG. 2, the ferrule 20 includes spring holders 27 characteristic on both sides of the plurality of bores 14. As shown, the characteristic spring retainer 27 is a protrusion that seats the resilient member 75 at the rear end of the ferrule 20. Additionally, ferrule guide 74 includes protrusions and the like for seating the second end of elastic member 75 as shown. Ferrule guide 74 also includes a ferrule stop 74a to limit the movement of ferrule 20 within the ferrule guide. Ferrule stop 74a has a shape and position complementary to stop 28 of ferrule 20 (FIG. 2). Additionally, ferrule stop 74a and stop 28 have complementary inclined surfaces to help center ferrule 20 with ferrule guide 74 and prevent inappropriate lateral displacement. When the shell 72 is installed, the ferrule 20 is tapered between the ferrule guide 74 and the shell 72 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The shell 72 also includes a plurality of windows 72a for interacting with the latching arm 62a of the receptacle 60 to be engaged when the plug 70 is mated to the receptacle 60. Moreover, both sides of the ferrule guide 74 are used to mount the electrical contacts 73 to both sides as shown.

In addition, the first ferrule may have other mating features while continuing to use slots as disclosed herein. For example, FIG. 11 shows a connector 60 'having a ferrule 10'. The ferrule 10 'is similar to the first ferrule 10' but includes a mating feature having guide pins 25 and slots 15 disposed on both sides of the plurality of optical fiber bores 14. . In other words, the ferrule 10 'has a female part and a male part; Instead it includes two arms, such as ferrule 10. Of course, the concept of using female slot portions and male pins on the same ferrule can be used in any suitable ferrule and / or connector design. Moreover, as described above, the mating features may have shapes other than round. As shown, FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of complementary mating features with rounded holes 16 'and slots 15' for the first ferrule and without rounds. The second ferrule has complementary mating features configured like rectangular guide pins that are sized and shaped to mate with slots 15 'and holes 16'. Using mating features with a flat surface can reduce external forces between the mating features. In other words, the external force spreads on a larger surface having a flat surface (ie, square and rectangular) as compared to the line contact made by the round shape, so that the flat surface can reduce wear and debris. Moreover, the flat surface can increase stability along the weak axis between the ferrules. As described in another way, stability is improved because more volume of material is necessarily deformed into a flat surface before inducing an angle between the ferrules along the weak axis (ie, bending relative to the centerline of the pin).

Also disclosed is a method of making a fiber optic ferrule with a body, the body having a plurality of light paths and mating features as disclosed in the present specification. The method of the present invention includes at least one guide pin formed such that the mating feature is unitary to the body of the fiber optic ferrule and at least one spring retaining feature disposed at the rear of the ferrule. The method may further comprise forming at least two spring retaining features on the back of the ferrule, such as disposed on both sides of the light path. The spring retaining feature can be a protrusion or a bore. Another optional step may include forming a backdraft portion or a recessed backstop on the ferrule. As described, the method of the present invention may include other steps of making cable assemblies and / or connectors using ferrules.

Although the present invention has been described and described in the specification of the present invention as preferred and specific embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art can similarly function and / or exhibit the same results. You will see that there is. All such embodiments and modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are covered by the appended claims. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention covers modifications and variations of the invention made within the scope of the appended claims of the invention.

Claims (23)

Fiber optic ferrule,
A body having a mating feature and a plurality of optical paths, the mating feature comprising at least one guide pin formed integrally with the body of the fiber optic ferrule, and at least disposed at a rear portion of the ferrule. A fiber optic ferrule having one spring retaining feature. The method according to claim 1,
And at least two spring retaining features disposed on either side of the optical path and disposed at the rear of the ferrule. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
And said at least one spring retaining feature is a protrusion or a bore. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The fiber optical ferrule further comprising at least one concave formed stop. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
And the ferrule includes a backdraft portion adjacent to the plurality of optical paths to enable laser processing of the plurality of optical waveguides attached to the ferrule. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
And an area formed concave with respect to at least one guide pin formed to be monolithic in said body of said ferrule. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
And the plurality of optical paths are selected from the group consisting of optical fiber bores, optical lenses, or active elements. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
And said ferrule is part of a connector. The method according to claim 8,
And said connector is part of a cable assembly. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
And said ferrule is part of a USB connector with a plurality of electrical contacts. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
And said ferrule is mated with a complementary fiber optic ferrule. A connector having a fiber optic ferrule,
A body having a mating feature and a plurality of optical paths; And
A plurality of electrical contacts;
And said mating feature has at least one guide pin formed integrally with said body of said fiber optic ferrule. The method of claim 12,
And at least one spring retaining feature disposed at a rear portion of the ferrule. 14. The method according to claim 12 or 13,
And at least two spring retaining features disposed at the rear of the ferrule and disposed at both sides of the plurality of optical fiber bores. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14,
And a at least one concave stop. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15,
And the fiber optical ferrule includes a backdraft portion adjacent to the plurality of optical fiber paths to enable laser processing of a plurality of optical waveguides attached to the ferrule. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16,
And a concavely formed region for said at least one guide pin formed integrally with said body of said ferrule. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17,
The fiber optical ferrule is a connector with a fiber optical ferrule, characterized in that part of the USB connector further comprising a shroud. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18,
And the ferrule is mated with a complementary connector to form an optical connection and an electrical connection. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 19,
And the connector is part of a cable assembly. A method of making a fiber optic ferrule having a mating feature and a body having a plurality of optical paths, the method comprising:
Forming a body of the ferrule with a mating feature comprising at least one guide pin formed integrally with the body with at least one spring retaining feature disposed at the rear of the ferrule; A method of making a fiber optic ferrule having a shape and a body having a plurality of optical paths. 23. The method of claim 21,
Forming a backdraft portion on the ferrule; wherein the fiber optic ferrule has a mating feature and a body having a plurality of optical paths. 23. The method of claim 21 or 22,
A method of making a fiber optic ferrule having a mating feature and a body having a plurality of optical paths, further comprising the step of making a connector or cable assembly comprising the ferrule.

Images