(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY(PCT)
`(19) World Intellectual Property
`=
`Organization
`International Bureau
`
`NOTAAAA
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`27 July 2017 (27.07.2017)
`
`=
`WIPO!) PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 2017/127208 Al
`
`(51)
`
`International Patent Classification:
`G02B 6/38 (2006.01)
`Nawber®
`Int
`dianad Aponesdon
`>1)
`fo), ATCA Lp DE INCE ;
`PCT/US2016/067903
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`21 December 2016 (21.12.2016)
`
`English
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`62/388,129
`62/398,673
`
`(81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY,
`BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DJ, DK, DM,
`DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM,GT,
`HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IR, 1S, JP, KE, KG, KH, KN,
`KP, KR, KW, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LU, LY, MA,
`MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG,
`NI, NO, NZ, OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO,RS,
`RU, RW,SA, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY,
`TH, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN,
`ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`.
`US
`20 January 2016 (20.01.2016)
`us (84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`23 September 2016 (23.09.2016)
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`;
`GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, ST, SZ,
`(71) Applicant: ALLIANCE FIBER OPTIC PRODUCTS,
`TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU,
`INC. [US/US]; 275 Gibraltar Drive, Sunnyvale, California
`TJ, TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE,
`94089 (US).
`DK, EE, ES, FLFR, GB, GR. HR, HU, IB, 1S, 10, LT. LU,
`Inventor: LEE, Jhih-Ping; No. 90-1, Zhongyi Rd.,
`LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO,PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK,
`Tucheng District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 236 (CN)
`SM, TR), OAPI (BE, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ,
`Bere
`’
`=
`GW, KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`(74) Agent: WEEKS, AdamR.; Corning Optical Communica-
`tions LLC, Intellectual Property Department SP-TI-03-1, Published:
`Corning, NewYork 14831 (US).
`with international search report (Art. 21(3))
`
`(72)
`
`WoO2017/127208A1[IMTNIININOTINIANHIYTA (57) Abstract: A fiber optic connector includesat least one ferrule configured to support at least one optical fiber, an inner connect -
`
`
`
`(54) Title: FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR WITH SMALL PROFILE, AND CABLE ASSEMBLIES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS
`INCLUDING THE SAME
`
`
`
`/
`
`FIG]
`
`or body having a front end from whichtheat least one ferrule extends, a latch arm extending outwardly from the inner connector
`body, and a handle. The handle has a housing portion in which the inner connector body is at least partially received and a grip por-
`tion extending rearwardly from the housing portion. The handle can moverelative to the inner connector body sothat the housing
`portion can cause the latch armto flex toward the inner connector body.
`US Conec EX] 004
`IPR2024-00115
`U.S. Patent No. 11,307,369
`
`US Conec EX1004
`IPR2024-00115
`U.S. Patent No. 11,307,369
`
`

`

`WO 2017/127208
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`PCT/US2016/067903
`
`FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR WITH SMALL PROFILE, AND CABLE ASSEMBLIES,
`SYSTEMS, AND METHODSINCLUDING THE SAME
`
`PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial
`
`No. 62/388129,
`
`filed on January 20, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.
`
`62/398,673, filed on September 23, 2016, the content of both applications being relied upon
`
`and incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002]
`
`‘This disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connectors, and more particularly
`
`fiber optic connectors suitable for use in data centers or the like. This disclosure also relates
`
`to cable assemblies, systems, and methods including such fiber optic connectors.
`
`[0003] Optical fibers and copper wires are useful in a wide variety of applications,
`
`including the telecommunications industry for data transmission.
`
`In a telecommunications
`
`system that uses either of these data transmission elements, there are typically many
`
`locations where cables that carry the elements connect to equipment or othercables.
`
`Connectorsare typically provided on the endsof the cables to conveniently provide these
`
`connections. The connectors are designed to be received in ports that align the optical
`
`fiber(s) carried by connectors with the optical fiber(s) of other connectors or with
`
`equipment(e.g., transceivers) so that data can be transmitted between the components.
`
`[0004] The demandfor high bandwidth tendsto drive a need for high-density
`
`interconnects,i.e. a large number of optical connections in a given space. By increasing the
`
`numberof optical connections, more data can be transmitted in the given space. It canbe a
`
`challenge, however, to design fiber optic connectors cable of providing high-density
`
`interconnects. The fiber optic connectors often become moredifficult to handle and less
`
`robust as components are made smaller.
`
`

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`WO 2017/127208
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`PCT/US2016/067903
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`SUMMARY
`
`[0005] According to one embodimentofthis disclosure, a fiber optic connector comprises
`
`at least one ferrule configured to support at least one optical fiber, an inner connector body
`
`having a front end from whichtheat least one ferrule extends, a latch arm extending
`
`outwardly from the inner connector body, and a handle having a housing portion in which
`
`the inner connector bodyis at least partially received and a grip portion extending
`
`rearwardly from the housing portion. The handle can moverelative to the inner connector
`
`body so that the housing portion can cause the latch arm to flex toward the inner connector
`
`body. For example, the handle may be movable between a forward position in which the
`
`housing portion does notflex the latch arm and a rearward position in which the housing
`
`portion flexes the latch arm toward the inner connector body.
`
`[0006] According to another embodimentofthis disclosure, a fiber optic connector like
`
`the one mentioned above mayinclude at least two ferrules. For example, a fiber optic
`
`connector may comprise first and second ferrules each configured to support at least one
`
`optical fiber and arranged to extend parallel to each otherin a ferrule plane. The fiber optic
`
`connector may also comprise an inner connector body having a front end from which the
`
`first and second ferrules extend, a latch arm extending outwardly from the inner connector
`
`body andintersecting the ferrule plane, and a handle having a housing portion in which the
`
`inner connector bodyis at least partially received and a grip portion extending rearwardly
`
`from the housing portion. Again, the handle can moverelative to the inner connector body
`
`so that the housing portion can cause the latch arm to flex toward the inner connector
`
`body.
`
`[0007] According to another embodimentofthis disclosure, a fiber optic connector
`
`comprises at least one ferrule configured to support at least one optical fiber, an inner
`
`connector body extending along a longitudinal axis and having a front end from which the at
`
`least one ferrule extends, a latch arm extending outwardly from the inner connector body,
`
`the latch arm having first and second latching features spaced apart from each other ina
`
`direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a handle having a housing portion in which
`
`the inner connector body is at least partially received and a grip portion extending
`
`rearwardly from the housing portion. The handle can moverelative to the inner connector
`
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`PCT/US2016/067903
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`body so that the housing portion can causethe latch arm to flex toward the inner connector
`
`body. Additionally, the housing portion of the handle includes a pushing feature for
`
`contacting the latch arm to cause the latch arm flex toward the inner connector body.
`
`Furthermore, the latch arm includes a ramp that the pushing feature can slide along, and
`
`the rampis positioned betweenthefirst and second latching features.
`
`[0008] According to yet another embodiment ofthis disclosure, a fiber optic connector
`
`comprises at least one ferrule configured to support at least one optical fiber, an inner
`
`connector body having a front end from whichtheat least one ferrule extends, alatch arm
`
`extending outwardly from the inner connector body, a handle having a housing portion in
`
`which the inner connector bodyis at least partially received and a grip portion extending
`
`rearwardly from the housing portion, an outer spring received over a portion of the inner
`
`connector body within the housing portion of the handle. The handle can moverelative to
`
`the inner connector body so that the housing portion can cause the latch arm to flex toward
`
`the inner connector body. Additionally, the outer spring biases the housing portion of the
`
`handle relative to the inner connector body.
`
`[0009]
`
`Accordingto still another embodimentofthis disclosure, a fiber optic connector
`
`comprises at least one ferrule each configured to support at least one optical fiber, an inner
`
`connector body having a front end from whichthe at least one ferrule extends and a back
`
`end opposite the front end, alatch arm extending outwardly from the inner connector
`
`body, an outer connector body coupled to the back end of the inner connector body, and at
`
`least one inner spring extending within the inner connector body and outer connectorbody.
`
`The at least one inner spring biases the at least one ferrule toward the front end of the inner
`
`connector body. The fiber optic connectoralso includes a spring push received in the outer
`
`connector body. The spring pushincludes at least one slot for accommodatingthe at least
`
`one optical fiber that the at least one ferrule is configured to support. Additionally, the
`
`spring push defines at least one spring seat for positioning the at least one inner springin
`
`the outer connector body.
`
`[0010]
`
`Fiber optic connectorsin this disclosure, including those summarized above, may
`
`be provided as part of a cable assembly. As an example, a cable assembly may include a
`
`fiber optic cable havingfirst and second optical fibers. The cable assembly may also include
`
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`any of the fiber optic connectors mentioned abovethatinclude first and second ferrules,
`
`with the fiber optic connector mounted onthe fiber optic cable. Thefirst and second
`
`optical fibers of the fiber optic cable are supported by the respective first and second
`
`ferrules of the fiber optic connector.
`
`[0011]
`
`Fiber optic connectorsin this disclosure, including those summarized above, may
`
`also be provided together with an adapteras part of asystem. As an example, a fiber optic
`
`connector system may include anyof the fiber optic connectors mentioned above that
`
`includefirst and second ferrules and a handle, and an adapter. The adapter includes an
`
`adapter body defining a port into which the fiber optic connector can be inserted and an
`
`adapterlatching feature communicating with the port. The adapteralso includesfirst and
`
`second sleeves disposed in the port for receiving the first and second ferrules whenthe fiber
`
`optic connector is inserted into the port. Additionally, the housing portion of the handle of
`
`the fiber optic connector is configured to be received in the port, and the latch arm on the
`
`inner connector bodyofthe fiber optic connectoris configured to engage the adapter
`
`latching feature to retain the fiber optic connectorin the port.
`
`[0012]
`
`As another example, a fiber optic connector system may comprise a fiber optic
`
`connector thatincludes: at least one ferrule configured to supportat least one optical fiber;
`
`an inner connector body having a front end from which the at least one ferrule extends; a
`
`latch arm extending outwardly from the inner connector body; and a handle having a
`
`housing portion in which the inner connector bodyis at least partially received and a grip
`
`portion extending rearwardly from the housing portion. The fiber optic connector system
`
`may also comprise an adapter that includes an adapter body having a port into which the
`
`fiber optic connector can be inserted and an adapterlatching feature communicating with
`
`the port. The adapteralso includes at least one sleeve disposed in the port for receiving the
`
`at least one ferrule whenthefiber optic connectoris inserted into the port. The housing
`
`portion of the handle can beinserted into the port to position the at least one ferrule in the
`
`at least one sleeve and to cause the latch arm on theinner connector body to engage the
`
`adapterlatching feature on the adapter body. Additionally, the handle can moverelative to
`
`the inner connector body so that the housing portion can cause the latch arm to disengage
`
`the adapter latching feature on the adapterbody.
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`[0013] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description
`
`whichfollows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the technical field of
`
`optical communications.
`
`It is to be understood that the foregoing general description, the
`
`following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary and
`
`intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of
`
`the claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0014] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and
`
`are incorporatedin and constitute a part of this specification. The drawingsillustrate one or
`
`more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and
`
`operation of the various embodiments. Features and attributes associated with any of the
`
`embodiments shown or described may be applied to other embodiments shown,described,
`
`or appreciated based onthis disclosure.
`
`[0015]
`
`Fig. 1 is aperspective view of one embodimentofa fiber optic connector system
`
`that includes a fiber optic connector and an adapter, wherein thefiber optic connector is
`
`shown removed from the adapter.
`
`[0016]
`
`Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fiber optic connector ofFig. 1.
`
`[0017]
`
`Fig. 3 is across-sectional side view of a portion of the fiber optic connectorof Fig.
`
`Fig. 4is a perspective view of a portion of the fiber optic connectorofFig. 1,
`
`a [
`
`0018]
`
`illustrating how an inner connector body of the fiber optic connector is received in a housing
`
`portion of a handle.
`
`[0019]
`
`Fig. 5 is aperspective view of the inner connector bodyof the fiber optic connector
`
`of Fig. 1.
`
`[0020]
`
`Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion ofthe fiber optic connectorofFig. 1,
`
`illustrating an example of how the housing portion of the handle may cooperate with a
`
`bottomside of the inner connector body.
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`[0021]
`
`Fig. 7 is aperspective view of selected components of the fiber optic connector of
`
`Fig. 1 to illustrate how first and second inner springs of the fiber optic connector are
`
`positioned by a spring push.
`
`[0022]
`
`Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the adapterofFig.1.
`
`[0023]
`
`Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connectorofFig. 1 partially inserted
`
`into the adapter of Fig. 1.
`
`[0024]
`
`Fig. 10 is similar to Fig. 9, butillustrates the fiber optic connectorfully inserted into
`
`the adapter.
`
`[0025]
`
`Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an example hardwaresolution incorporating the
`
`fiber optic connector system of Fig. 1 to provide a high-density interconnect.
`
`[0026]
`
`Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connectorof Fig. 1 removed froma
`
`transceiver module.
`
`[0027]
`
`Fig. 13 is similar to Fig. 12, butillustrates the fiber optic connectorfully inserted
`
`into the transceiver module.
`
`[0028]
`
`Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another embodimentofa fiber optic connector
`
`system that includes a fiber optic connector and an adapter.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0029] Various embodimentswill be further clarified by examples in the description
`
`below. To this end, Fig. 1 illustrates one example of a fiber optic connector 10 (also referred
`
`to as “optical connector 10”, or simply “connector 10”) and an adapter 12, which together
`
`represent a fiber optic connector system 14 (hereinafter “system 14”). The connector 10
`
`and adapter 12 will each be discussedin further detail below.
`
`In general, the connector 10
`
`is designed to have a small profile and thereby enable high-density interconnects. Asa
`
`result, the connector10 is particularly suitable for data centers and other environments
`
`where many connections are desired in small spaces. The connector 10, adapter 12, and
`
`system 14 may even bereferred to respectively as the “DC connector,” “DC adapter,” and
`
`“DC connector system.”
`
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`[0030]
`
`Still referring to Fig. 1, the connector 10 includesfirst and second ferrules 20, 22,
`
`an inner connector body 24 having a front end 26 from whichthefirst and second ferrules
`
`extend, a latch arm 28 extending outwardly from the inner connector body 24, and a handle
`
`30 that cooperates with the inner connector body 24 and latch arm 28. More specifically,
`
`the handle 30 includes a housing portion 32 in which the inner connector body 24is
`
`received and a grip portion 34 extending rearwardly from the housing portion 32. Aswill be
`
`described in greater detail below, the handle 30 can moverelative to the inner connector
`
`body 24 so that the housing portion 32 can causethe latch arm 28 to flex toward the inner
`
`connector body 24. The connector 10 also includes an outer connector body 36 coupled to
`
`the inner connector body 24 within the housing portion 32 of the handle 30. A boot 38 is
`
`coupled to the outer connector body 36 outside of the housing portion 32. The connector
`
`10 is shown as being mounted on acable 40, thereby forming a cable assembly.
`
`[0031]
`
`Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the connector10thatillustrates the above-mentioned
`
`componentsin further detail, along with components of the connector 10 that cannot be
`
`seen in Fig. 1. As shownin Fig. 2, the housing portion 32 of the handle 30 is in the form of a
`
`tubular body having a rectangular profile defined by sides 44 that are 90 degrees(or
`
`approximately 90 degrees) relative to each other. The sides 44 extend from a front opening
`
`46 to a rear opening (not shownin Fig. 2) of the housing portion 32 so that the housing
`
`portion 32 has aninternal cavity 50 (Fig. 3) defined by the sides 44. Three of the sides 44
`
`each include a tab 52 located in the front opening 46. Additionally, one of the sides 44
`
`includes an opening 54 for through whichthe latch arm 28 extends whenthe inner
`
`connector body 24 is received in the housing portion 32 (see Fig. 1).
`
`[0032] Unlike the housing portion 32, the grip portion 34 of the handle 30 in the
`
`embodiment shownis in the form of a plate-like extension. The grip portion 34 may even
`
`extendin a plane parallel (or approximately parallel) to one of the sides 44, effectively
`
`acting like an extension of that side in a rearward direction. Indeed, the housing portion 32
`
`and grip portion 34 may beintegrally formed as a monolithic structure. For example, the
`
`handle 30 may be formed from metal that has been worked or otherwise processed into
`
`shape(e.g., punched, stamped, bent, etc.). Alternatively, the handle 30 may be formed
`
`from plastic by way of molding. The handle 30 need not even be a monolithic structure if
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`desired, with the housing portion 32 andgrip portion 34 formed as separate components
`
`that are coupled together.
`
`[0033]
`
`Still referring to Fig. 2, the connector 10 further includes an outer spring 60
`
`received over a portion of the inner connector body 24 within the housing portion 32 of the
`
`handle 30. Morespecifically, the inner connector body 24 includes a back end 62 opposite
`
`the front end 26 and a flange 64 positioned betweenthe front and back ends 26, 62. The
`
`flange 64 defines a forward-facing spring seat 66, and a front portion 68 of the inner
`
`connector body 24 extends from the spring seat 66 to the front end 26 of the inner
`
`connector body 24. The outer spring 60 is received over the front portion 68 when the
`
`connector 10 is assembled and is covered by the housing portion 32 of the handle 30.
`
`In
`
`particular, the outer spring 60 extends betweenthe spring seat 66 of the flange 64 and the
`
`tabs 52 on the housing portion 32.
`
`[0034]
`
`In the example shown,the flange 64 is positioned between notonly the front and
`
`back ends 26, 62 of the inner connector body 24, but also between the front end 26 and the
`
`latch arm 28. This is due to the latch arm 28 extending outwardly from the inner connector
`
`body 24 at or behind the flange 64. The latch arm 28 maybeintegrally formed with the
`
`inner connector body 24 (e.g., as a monolithic structure), as shown. The inner connector
`
`body 24 also includes a back portion 70 extending from the flange 64 to the back end 62.
`
`Althoughaninternal cavity 72 extends within the inner connector body 24 between the
`
`front end 26 and back end 62, internal geometry (not shownin Fig. 2) prevents components
`
`that hold the first and second ferrules 20, 22 from being inserted through inner connector
`
`body 24 whenthe connector 10 is assembled.
`
`[0035]
`
`In particular, the first and second ferrules 20, 22 are respectively received in first
`
`and second ferrule holders 74, 76 that have larger diameters or widths than the first and
`
`secondferrules 20, 22. An internal wall 78 (Fig. 3) within the inner connector body 24
`
`includes openings 80 that accommodatethefirst and second ferrules 20, 22, but not the
`
`first and second ferrule holders 74, 76. Thus, the first and second ferrules 20, 22 can be
`
`inserted through the back opening of the inner connector body 24, moved forward in the
`
`internal cavity 72, and extended through the openings 80 until the first and second ferrule
`
`holders 74, 76 contact the internal wall 78. The first and second ferrules 20, 22 extend
`
`beyondthe front end 62 of the inner connector body 24 at this point. A dust cap 82 may be
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`inserted into the font end 62 of the inner connector body 24 and received overthefirst and
`
`second ferrule 20, 22 when the connector 10 is not in use.
`
`[0036]
`
`The first and second ferrules 20, 22 are arranged to extend parallel to each otherin
`
`a ferrule plane. More specifically, the first and second ferrules 20, 22 include respectivefirst
`
`and second longitudinal axes FA1, FA2 along which thefirst and second ferrules extend 20,
`
`22. The first and second ferrules 20, 22 in the embodiment shownarecylindrical, and the
`
`first and second longitudinal axes FA1, FA2 each represent a central axis of the
`
`correspondingferrule. The first and second ferrules 20, 22 are arranged so thatthe first and
`
`second longitudinal axes FA1, FA2 are parallel and thereby define the ferrule plane.
`
`[0037] As shownin Figs. 2 and 3, the cable 40 includesfirst and second optical fibers 86,
`
`88 extending into bores 90 of the respective first and second ferrules 20, 22. Each bore 90
`
`extends between a front end 92 and back end 94 of the correspondingferrule andis aligned
`
`or approximately aligned (e.g., to within an acceptable tolerance) with the corresponding
`
`longitudinal axis (Fa; or Faz). The first and second opticalfibers 86, 88 are secured in the
`
`bores 90 using an adhesive.
`
`[0038]
`
`Still referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the connector 10 further includesfirst and second
`
`inner springs 100, 102 for biasing the respective first and second ferrules 20, 22 toward the
`
`front end 26 of the inner connector body 24. Thefirst and second inner springs 100, 102
`
`each extend between one ofthe first and second ferrule holders 74, 76 and a spring push
`
`104 that is received in the outer connector body 36 when the connector 10 is assembled.
`
`Additional details related to the spring push 104 and assembly of the connector 10 in
`
`generalwill be described in greater detail below.
`
`It can be appreciated from Figs. 2 and 3,
`
`however, that the outer connector body 36 being coupled to the inner connector body 24
`
`results in the first and second inner springs 100, 102 extending within the inner connector
`
`body 24 and outer connector body 36, biasing the first and second ferrules 20, 22 ina
`
`forward direction.
`
`[0039] The outer connector body 36 maybe coupled to the inner connector body 24 in
`
`any suitable manner.
`
`In the embodiment shown, the outer connector body 36is designed
`
`to be snapped onto the back portion 70 of the inner connector body 24. Latching features
`
`in the form of ramps or shoulders 106 are provided on the back portion 70 of the inner
`
`connector body 24. The outer connector body 36is designed to receive the back portion 70
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`10
`
`and includes openings 108 that cooperate with the shoulders 106 to couple the inner
`
`connector body 24 to the outer connector body 36.
`
`In other words, the outer connector
`
`body 36 can be inserted over the back portion 70, flexing as needed to accommodate the
`
`shoulders 106, until the shoulders 106 are received in or otherwise engage the openings
`
`108. At this point the outer connector body 36 flexes (e.g., snaps) back towards an un-
`
`flexed shape. The shoulders 106 are designed so that the outer connector body 36 cannot
`
`easily be pulled back over the shoulders 106 and off the back portion 70 of the inner
`
`connector body 24.
`
`[0040]
`
`Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate a crimp body 110 extending rearwardly from the outer
`
`connector body 36. The crimp body 100 in this example embodiment is a separate
`
`componentthat may be coupled to the outer connector body 36 by any suitable method.
`
`For example, the crimp body 110 may be a metal sleeve coupled to the outer connector
`
`body 36 byinserting molding techniques.
`
`In alternative embodiments, the crimp body 110
`
`may be formed integrally with the outer connector body 36 as a monolithic structure.
`
`Although not shown, strength members(e.g., aramid yarn) from the cable 40 may be placed
`
`over a grooved portion 112 of the crimp body 110 and securedin place using a crimp band
`
`or tube 114. Aheat shrink tube 116 is also provided to help further secure the cable 40 to
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`the connector 10. The boot 38 extends over the heat shrink tube 116 and crimp tube 114 to
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`abut the outer connector body 36 when the connector 10 is assembled.
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`[0041] Now that the componentsof the connector 10 have been introduced, additional
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`details of the inner connector body 24 will be described to better understand how the
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`handle 30 cooperates with the inner connector body 24. To this end,Fig. 4 is an enlarged
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`perspective view showing only the inner connector body 24, and Fig. 5 is an enlarged
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`perspective view of the portion of the assembled connector 10 including the inner
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`connector body 24 and housing portion 32 of the handle 30.
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`[0042] The inner connector body 24 in the embodiment shownis a generally rectangular
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`body and can generally be considered to have four noticeable sides 120 (120a-120d). A
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`rectangular profile is schematically illustrated in Fig. 4 to betterillustrate how the inner
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`connector body 24 can be considered to have the four sides 120. Two of the sides 120
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`(120b, 120d) are generally parallel to the ferrule plane, and twoofthe sides 120 (120a,
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`120c) are generally perpendicular to the ferrule plane. The latch arm 28 extends from one
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`of the sides 120 perpendicular to the ferrule plane anditself intersects the ferrule plane.
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`[0043] Various features are provided on the latch arm 28 for cooperating with the handle
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`30. For example, the latch arm 28 includes a ramp 124 “nestled” or otherwise positioned
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`betweenfirst and second latching features 126, 128. A portion of the latch arm 28 defining
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`the ramp 124 extends from the inner connector body 24 in an arcuate manner, thereby
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`providing the ramp 124 with an arcuate shape in the example embodiment shown. More
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`specifically, the latch arm 28 includes a lower side 130 facing the inner connector body 24
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`and an upperside 132 opposite the lowerside 130 (e.g., facing away from the inner
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`connector body 24). A portion of the upper side 132 extends outwardly from the inner
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`connector body 24 in an arcuate manner and defines the ramp 124. Other portions of the
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`upperside 132 extend outwardly from the inner connector body 24 in a generally linear
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`mannerto thefirst and second latching features 126, 128.
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`[0044]
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`Thefirst and second latching 126, 128 features are spaced apart from each otherin
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`a transversedirection(i.e., a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis A1). Thus, the ramp
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`124 is positioned betweenthe first and secondlatching features 126, 128 in the transverse
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`direction.
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`In a longitudinal direction (i.e., a direction along the longitudinal axis A1), thefirst
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`and second latching features 126, 128 are spaced further from the inner connector body 24
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`than at least a portion of the ramp 124. This is due to the latch arm 28 also extendingin the
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`longitudinal direction as it extends outwardly from the inner connector body 24.
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`[0045]
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`The first and second latching features 126, 128 in the embodiment shownarein
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`the form of shoulders that define rearward-facing surfaces 136. The shoulders cooperate
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`with openings 140 in the adapter 12 (Fig. 1) to retain the connector 10 in the adapter 12, as
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`will be more apparent after further discussing the adapter below. The latch arm 28
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`continues to extend beyondthe first and second latching features 126, 128. Thus, the latch
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`arm 28 includes a terminal end 138 spaced from thefirst and second latching features 126,
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`128. Advantageously, the extension of the latch arm 28 beyondthe first and second
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`latching features 126, 128 does not increase the footprint of the inner connector body 24 in
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`a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Al.
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`In particular, the extent to which the latch
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`arm 28 extends outwardly as it extends rearwardly beyond thefirst and second latching
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`features 126, 128 is limited; in some embodiments there may not even be any further
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`extension outwardly. The latch arm 28 is therefore shaped such thatthefirst and second
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`latching features 126, 128 (or at least portions thereof) are spaced further from the inner
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`connector body 24 than the terminal end 138.
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`[0046] Although twoshoulders are providedasthe first and secondlatching features 126,
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`128 in the embodiment shown, in alternative embodiments there may be a single latching
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`feature or more than twolatching features included on the latch arm. Furthermore, the
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`latching features 128 may be formed as structures other than shoulders, as the exact form
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`will depend on the correspondinglatching features 140 of the adapter 12.
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`[0047] Asshownin Fig. 5, and as mentioned above, the housing portion 32 of the handle
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`30 includes an opening 54 for through which the latch arm 28 extends when the connector
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`10 is assembled. The housing portion 32 also includes a pushing feature 142 adjacent the
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`opening 54 for contacting the latch arm 24.
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`In the embodiment shown,the pushing feature
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`142 is in the form ofa finger extending into the opening 54. The finger is bent back to
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`define a rounded surface 144, as best seen in Fig. 3. When the handle 30 is moved
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`rearwardly relative to the inner connector body 24, the rounded surface 144 contacts and
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`slides along the ramp 124 to causethe latch arm 28 to flex toward the inner connector body
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`24.
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`In alternative embodiments, the pushing feature 142 may be a different type of
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`projection with a rounded surface, or may not include any rounded surface,yet still be
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`capable of contacting the latch arm 28 and causing the latch arm 28to flex toward the inner
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`connector body 24.
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`[0048] There isa limit to how much the handle 30 can moverearwardly relative to the
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`inner connector body 24.
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`In particular, the outer spring 60 is compressed between the tabs
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`52 andthe flange 64 during such movement. Eventually the outer spring 60 cannot be
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`compressed any further and thereby prevents further movementof the handle 30 in the
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`rearward direction. At this point, the rounded surface 144 of the pushing feature 142
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`remains in contact with the ramp 124.
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`In other words, the connector10 is designed so that
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`pushing feature 142 does not extend past the terminal end 138 of the latch arm 28 when
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`the handle 30 has reached a rearwardlimit of its movementrelative to the inner connector
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`body 24. Such a design helps preventthe latch arm 28 from catching or otherwise blocking
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`the handle 30 from moving back toward an initial position. For example, the terminal end
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`138 of the latch arm 28 does not engage the pushing feature 142 in a manner that might
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