Small form factor multi-fiber optical connectors and methods for making same
First Claim
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1. A multi-fiber optical connector, comprising:
- a stackable multi-fiber ferrule that terminates a plurality of optical fibers;
a single-ferrule housing having a first end, a second end, and an axial passageway extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the housing receives the multi-fiber ferrule in the first end thereof; and
a spring member disposed in the passageway and interacting with the multi-fiber ferrule to axially urge the multi-fiber ferrule outwardly.
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Abstract
A small form factor, multi-fiber connector having the footprint of a LC connector for high density applications is disclosed. A multi-fiber ferrule, which may or may not be stacked, is received in the front end of the housing. A spring member is disposed within the housing for axially urging the multi-fiber ferrule outwardly to maintain the end face of the ferrule flush with the device to which it is coupled. The housing includes an end cap which snaps into the housing body and holds the spring member. Thus, a multi-fiber stackable connector in accordance with the present invention is relatively simple in construction and assembly, inexpensive, and user friendly.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A multi-fiber optical connector, comprising:
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a stackable multi-fiber ferrule that terminates a plurality of optical fibers;
a single-ferrule housing having a first end, a second end, and an axial passageway extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the housing receives the multi-fiber ferrule in the first end thereof; and
a spring member disposed in the passageway and interacting with the multi-fiber ferrule to axially urge the multi-fiber ferrule outwardly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. The method for fabricating a multi-fiber optical connector, comprising:
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providing an elongated single-ferrule housing having a first end, a second end, and an axial passageway extending from the first end to the second end;
placing a spring member in the axial passageway adjacent to the second end; and
placing a stackable multi-fiber ferrule in the first end of the plug housing so that the spring member axially urges the multi-fiber ferrule outwardly from the housing. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A small form factor multi-fiber optical connector for high density applications, comprising
an elongated single-ferrule housing having a first end, a second end, and axial passageway there through; -
a stackable multi-fiber ferrule received in the first end of the elongated single-ferrule housing;
an end cap coupled to the second end of the elongated single-ferrule housing; and
a loading mechanism disposed within the passageway between the multi-fiber ferrule and the end cap for axially urging the multi-fiber ferrule outwardly; and
a latch mechanism coupled to the elongated single-ferrule housing. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A multi-fiber optical connector, comprising:
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a housing having a first end, a second end, and an axial passageway extending from the first end to the second end;
a stackable multi-fiber ferrule received in the first end of the housing;
an end cap received in the second end of the housing, the end cap having a cylindrical passageway for receiving at least a portion of the spring member disposed in the axial passageway of the housing; and
a spring member interacting with the multi-fiber ferrule to axially urge the multi-fiber ferrule outward.
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22. A multi-fiber optical connector, comprising:
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a housing having a first end, a second end, a top side, a bottom side, an axial passageway extending from the first end to the second end and at least one ridge on an inside surface of the housing defining the axial passageway;
a stackable multi-fiber ferrule having a front end, a rear end and a lip disposed adjacent the front end, wherein the ferrule is received in the first end of the housing and the lip is engaged by the ridge; and
a spring member disposed in the passageway and interacting with the multi-fiber ferrule to axially urge the lip against the ridge.
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Specification