as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2017/0227720 Al
`
` Lin (43) Pub. Date: Aug. 10, 2017
`
`
`US 20170227720A1
`
`(54) FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR WITH DUAL
`MULTI-FIBER FERRULES, AND CABLE
`ASSEMBLIES AND SYSTEMS INCLUDING
`THE SAME
`
`(71) Applicant: Alliance Fiber Optic Products, Inc,
`Sunnyvale, CA (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Yen Hsu Lin, New Taipei City (TW)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 15/428,189
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Feb. 9, 2017
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 62/389,436,filed on Feb.
`9, 2016.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`GO2B 6/38
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC we GO02B 6/3893 (2013.01); GO2B 6/3821
`(2013.01); G@2B 6/3881 (2013.01); GO2B
`63883 (2013.01); G02B 6/3887 (2013.01);
`G02B 6/3825 (2013.01)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A fiber optic connector includes first and second ferrules
`arranged next to each other. The first and second ferrules
`each have a plurality of bores configured to support respec-
`tive optical fibers. The fiber optic connector also includes an
`inner connector bodyhaving a front end from whichthefirst
`and second ferrules extend, a latch arm extending outwardly
`from the inner connector body, and an outer body having a
`housing portion in which the inner connector bodyis at least
`partially reecived and a handle extending rearwardly from
`the housing portion. The outer body can moverelative to the
`inner connector body to cause the latch arm to flex toward
`the inner connector body.
`
`
`
`US Conec EX1005
`
`IPR2024-001 16
`U.S. Patent No. 11,307,369
`
`US Conec EX1005
`IPR2024-00116
`U.S. Patent No. 11,307,369
`
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`US 2017/0227720 Al
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`Aug. 10, 2017
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`plurality of optical fibers are supported by the plurality of
`bores in thefirst ferrule of the fiber optic connector, and at
`least a second group of the plurality of optical fibers are
`supported by the plurality bores in the second ferrule.
`[0007]
`Fiber optic connectors in this disclosure, like the
`one summarized above, mayalso be provided together with
`an adapter as part of a fiber optic connector system. The
`adapter mayinclude an adapter body having a passage into
`whichthe fiber optic connector can be inserted. The latch
`arm ofthe fiber optic connector is configured to engage the
`adapter body to retain the fiber optic connector in the
`passage of the adapter body. In some embodiments, the
`adapter body may include opposed first and second ends,
`and the passage extends through the adapter body between
`the opposedfirst and second ends. The fiber optic connector
`can then be inserted into the passage of the adapter body
`from either of the opposedfirst and second ends.
`[0008] Additional features and advantageswill be set forth
`in the detailed description which follows, 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 [rame-
`work to understand the nature and character of the claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR WITH DUAL
`MULTI-FIBER FERRULES, AND CABLE
`ASSEMBLIES AND SYSTEMS INCLUDING
`THE SAME
`
`
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claimsthe benefit ofpriority under
`35 U.S.C. §119 of US. Provisional Application No. 62/389,
`436, filed on Feb. 9, 2016, the content of which is relied
`upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] This disclosure relates generally to fiber optic
`connectors, and more particularly to fiber optic connectors
`that include multiple, multi-fiber ferrules, such as MT fer-
`rules. This disclosure also relates to cable assemblies, sys-
`tems, 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 equipmentor other cables. Connec-
`tors are typically provided on the ends of the cables to
`conveniently provide these connections. The connectors are
`designedto be receivedin 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 demand for high bandwidth tends to 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 givenspace. It can be a challenge, however, to design
`fiber optic connectors cable of providing high-density inter-
`connects. The fiber optic connectors often become more
`difficult to handle and less robust as components are made
`smaller.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0005] According to one embodimentof this disclosure, a
`fiber optic connector comprises first and second ferrules
`arranged next to each other. The first and second ferrules
`each have a plurality of bores configured to support respec-
`tive optical fibers. The fiber optic connectoralso includes an
`inner connector body having a front end from whichthefirst
`and secondferrules extend, a latch arm extending outwardly
`from the inner connector body, and an outer body having a
`housing portion in which the inner connector body is at least
`partially received and a handle extending rearwardly from
`the housing portion. The outer body can moverelative to the
`inner connector body to cause the latch arm to flex toward
`the inner connector body. For example, the outer body may
`be movable betweena forward position in whichthe housing
`portion does not flex the latch arm and a rearward position
`in which the housingportion flexes the latch arm toward the
`inner connector body.
`[0006]
`Fiber optic connectors in this disclosure, like the
`one summarized above, may be provided as part ofa cable
`assembly. As an example, a cable assembly may include a
`fiber optic cable having a plurality of optical fibers. ‘The
`cable assembly may also include the fiber optic connector
`mounted onthefiber optic cable. At least a first group of the
`
`[0009] The accompanying drawings are included to pro-
`vide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and
`constitute a part ofthis specification. ‘Vhe drawingsillustrate
`one or more embodiment(s), and together with the descrip-
`tion 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
`on this disclosure.
`
`FIG. 1 isa perspective view of one embodiment of
`[0010]
`a fiber optic connector system that includesat least one fiber
`optic connector and an adapter, wherein two of the fiber
`optic connectors are shown removed from the adapter.
`[0011]
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fiber optic
`connector system of FIG. 1, wherein the fiber optic connec-
`tors are shown inserted into the adapter.
`[0012]
`[IG. 3 isa perspective view of oneofthefiber optic
`connectors used in the system of FIGS. 1 and 2.
`[0013]
`FIG.4 is close-up perspective view a front portion
`of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 3, whereinthe fiber optic
`connector includesfirst and second ferrules having respec-
`live first and second end faces.
`
`illustrates an
`FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4, but
`[0014]
`alternative embodiment where the fiber optic connector
`includesfirst and second ferrules having respectivefirst and
`second end faces with a different arrangement than whatis
`shown in FIG. 4.
`
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary
`[0015]
`ferrule for use in fiber optic connectors according to some
`embodiments of this disclosure.
`
`FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective viewofthe fiber
`[0016]
`optic connector of FIG. 3.
`[0017]
`FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an inner
`connector body ofthe fiber optic connector of FIG.3.
`[0018]
`FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the inner
`connector body ofthe fiber optic connector of T'IG.3.
`
`
`
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`

`

`US 2017/0227720 Al
`
`Aug. 10, 2017
`
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a spring push and
`[0019]
`a rear connector body ofthefiber optic connector of FIG. 3,
`wherein the spring push is shown removed from the rear
`connector body.
`[0020]
`FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 10, but illustrates the
`spring push received within the rear connector body.
`[0021]
`FIG. 12 is a perspective viewof an outer bodyof
`the fiber optic connector of FIG.3.
`[0022]
`FIGS. 13 and 14 are different perspective views of
`the adapter used in the system of FIGS. 1 and 2.
`[0023]
`FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating
`how the fiber optic connector of FIG. 3 cooperates with the
`adapter of FIGS. 13 and 14 so that the fiber optic connector
`is retained in the adapter.
`[0024]
`FIGS. 16-18 are similar to FIG. 15, but sequen-
`tially illustrate how the outer body of the fiber optic con-
`nector may be movedin a rearward direction to depress a
`latch armofthe fiber optic connector and ultimately remove
`the fiber optic connector from the adapter.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0025] Various embodiments will be further clarified by
`examples in the description below.
`‘lo this end, FIG. 1
`illustrates one example of a fiber optic connector system 8
`(“system”) including at least one fiber optic connector 10
`(also referred to as “optical connector 10”, or simply “con-
`nector 10”) and an adapter 12. The adapter 12 may be used
`to mate two of the connectors 10, as shown in FIG. 2. The
`connector 10 and adapter 12 will each be discussedin further
`detail below.
`
`[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, the connector 10 includesfirst
`and second ferrules 20, 22 arranged next to each other, an
`inner connector body 24 having a front end 26 from which
`the first and second ferrules 20, 22 extend. a latch arm 28
`extending outwardly from the inner connector body 24, a
`rear connector body 30 received over a back portion of the
`inner connector body 24, and an outer body 32 that coop-
`erates with the inner connector body 24, latch arm 28, and
`rear connector body 30. More specifically, the outer body 32
`includes a housing portion 34 in which the inner connector
`body 30 is at
`least partially received and a handle 36
`extending rearwardly from the housing portion 34. As will
`be described in greater detail below, the outer body 32 can
`moverelative to the inner connector body 24 and rear
`connector body 30 so that the housing, portion 34 can cause
`the latch arm 28 to flex toward the inner connector body 24.
`Eventually engagement between the rear connector body 30
`and outer body 32 prevents furtherrelative movementof the
`outer body 32 in a rearward direction. Pulling the handle 36
`of the outer body 32at this point results in the rear connector
`body 30 (and the inner connector body 24 that is coupled to
`the rear connector body 30) moving with the outer body 32
`so that the connector 10 can be removed from the adapter 12.
`[0027]
`FIG.
`3
`illustrates the connector 10 as being
`mounted on a cable 40, thereby forming a cable assembly
`40. ‘lo this end, the connector 10 also includes a boot 44
`coupled to the rear connector body 30 and extending over a
`portion of the cable 40 to help limit bending where the
`connector 10 is mounted on the cable 40. The first and
`second. ferrules 20, 22 each include a plurality of bores 48
`(also referred to as “micro-holes”) that support respective
`optical fibers (not shown in FIG. 3) extending from within
`the cable 40 (i.e., the optical fibers extend from the cable 40,
`
`through the rear connector body 30 and inner connector
`body 24, and into the bores 48ofthe first and second ferrules
`20, 22).
`FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of a front
`[0028]
`portion of the connector 10. In the embodiment shown, the
`first and secondferrules 20, 22 each include two rowsof the
`bores 48. Although 8 bores are illustrated in each row, in
`alternative embodiments each row may include a greater
`numberofbores (e.g., 12 or 16 bores) or less bores (e.g., 4
`bores). Similarly, there maybe a single row ofbores or more
`than two rows of bores in alternative embodiments. Any
`combination of M rowsxNboresis possible (e.g., 1xN, 2xN,
`3xN,
`.
`.
`. MxN), although it may advantageous to use
`arrangements which are already available and used with
`different connector designs. For example,
`the first and
`second ferrules 20, 22 may cach be a mechanical transfer
`(MT)ferrule like those used in known multi-fiber push-on
`(MPO) connectors.
`[0029] The bores 48 in cach row extend parallel to cach
`other through at least a portion of the associated first or
`second ferrule 20, 22. As such, each row defines a respective
`fiber plane F,, one of which is schematically illustrated in
`FIG. 4. Thefirst and second ferrules 20, 22 include respec-
`tive first and second end faces 50, 52 that are inclined (i.e.,
`non-perpendicular) relative to the fiber planes defined by
`their respective bores 48. For example, the first and second
`end. faces 50, 52 may be angle polished to result in the
`geometry shown. lhe polishing may be the same such that
`first end face 50 has the same geometry(e.g., slope/angle) as
`the second end face 52. In the embodiment shownin ['lG.4,
`a “high” end of the first and second end faces 50, 52 is on
`the left side of the first and second ferrules 20, 22, and a
`“low” end of the first and second end faces 50, 52 is ona
`right side of the first and second ferrules 20, 22. An
`alternative embodiment with an opposite arrangement is
`shownin FIG. 5, where the high end ofthe first and second
`end faces 50, 52 is on the right side of the first and second
`ferrules 20, 22, and the lowend is on the left side. Either
`arrangementresults in the first and second end faces 50, 52
`having geometries that match those of a mating connector.
`That is, when a mating connector having the same design as
`the connector 10 is turned 180 degrees to face the connector
`10,
`the first and second end faces 50, 52 of the two
`connectors will have complementary geometry to allow
`close physical contact and, therefore, facilitate optical cou-
`pling between optical fibers carried by the first and second
`ferrules 20, 22.
`[0030]
`Insome embodiments,thefirst and second ferrules
`20, 22 may alternatively have a flat polish. For example,
`FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a ferrule 56 that may be
`used as the first and second ferrules. The ferrule 56 includes
`
`an end face 58 that is perpendicular or substantially perpen-
`dicular (e.g., within +/-1 degree of perpendicular) to the
`fiber planes defined by the rows of bores 48. Other features
`of the ferrule 56 seen in FIG. 6 mayapplyto thefirst and
`second ferrules 20, 22 of FIGS. 3 and 4. In particular, the end
`face 58 is defined on a front portion 60 (“shank”) of the
`ferrule 56 that extends from a rear portion 62 (“shoulder”)
`of the ferrule 56. The rear portion 62 has a greater cross-
`sectional profile in a plane transverse to the fiber planes so
`that the ferrule 56 can be retained within the inner connector
`
`body 24 (see discussion below). ‘he bores 48 extend from
`the end face 58 to a cavity 64 that begins in the front portion
`60 and extends through the rear portion 62 to a rear opening,
`
`

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`US 2017/0227720 Al
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`Aug. 10, 2017
`
`(not shown)ona rear surface 66 of the ferrule 56. A window
`68 may be provided on an outer surface of the front portion
`60 to assist with placing adhesive in the cavity 64 when
`securing the ferrule 56 to optical fibers.
`[0031]
`Still referring to FIG. 6,
`the ferrule 56 further
`includesfirst and second pin holes 70, 72 extending through
`the ferrule 56 on opposite sides of the rows of bores 48.
`Thus,
`the bores 48 are posilioned between the first and
`second pin holes 70, 72. The first and second pin holes 70,
`72 are each designed to accommodate a guide pin (not
`shown in FIG. 6). For example, referring back to FIGS. 3
`and 4, the connector 10 may include a first guide pin 74
`extending through the first pin hole 70 in the first ferrule 20
`and a second guide pin 76 extending through the second pin
`hole 72 in the second ferrule 22. The first and second pin
`holes 70, 72 may be considered as respective “upper” and
`“lower” pin holes when the connector 10 is assembled.
`Alternative embodiments are possible where the first guide
`pin 74 extends through the second (i.e., lower) pin hole 72
`in the first ferrule 20, and the second guide pin 76 extends
`throughthefirst (i.e., upper) pin hole 70 in the secondferrule
`22. Either arrangementresults in the first and second ferrules
`20, 22 each having a single guide pin extending there-
`through.
`[0032] As shownin FIG.7,the first and second guide pins
`70, 72 maybepart of respective first and second guide pin
`assemblies 80, 82 that each include a pin keeper 84 (“pin
`retainer’) from whichthe associated guide pin (i.e., the first
`guide pin 70 or second guide pin 72) extends. Features on
`the pin keeper 84 cooperate with features on the associated
`guide pin to retain a portion of the guide pin within the pin
`keeper 84. When the connector 10 is assembled, the pin
`keepers 84 are positioned against the rear surfaces 66 of the
`first and second ferrules 20, 22, and the first and second
`guide pins 74, 76 extend throughthe associated pin holes 70,
`72 so as to project beyondthe first and second end faces 50,
`52.
`
`the connector further
`Still referring to FIG. 7,
`[0033]
`includes first and second springs 90, 92 for biasing the
`respective first and second ferrules 20, 22 toward the front
`end 26 of the inner connector body 24. Thefirst and second
`springs 90, 92 each extend between one of the pin keepers
`84 and a spring push 96 that is received in the rear connector
`body 30 when the connector 10 is assembled. Additional
`details related to the spring push 96 and assembly of the
`connector 10 in general will be described in greater detail
`below. However, it can be appreciated from FIGS. 3 and 7
`that the rear connector body 30 being coupled to the inner
`connector body 24 results in the first and second springs 90,
`92 extending within the inner connector body 24 and rear
`connector body 30, biasing, the first and second ferrules 20,
`22 in a forward direction.
`
`[0034] The rear connector body 30 maybe coupled to the
`inner connector body 24 in any suitable manner. In the
`embodiment shown,the rear connector body 30 is designed
`to be snapped onto a back portion 98 of the inner connector
`body 24. Latching features in the form of bumps 100 (e.g.,
`ramped shoulders) are provided on the back portion 98 of the
`inner connector body 24. The rear connector body 30 is
`designed to receive the back portion 98 and includes open-
`ings/holes 102 (e.g., holes) that cooperate with the bumps
`100 to couple the inner connector body 24 to the rear
`connector body 30. In other words, the rear connector body
`30 can be inserted over the back portion 98, flexing as
`
`needed to accommodate the bumps 100, until the bumps 100
`are received in or otherwise engage the openings 102. At this
`point the rear connector body 30 flexes (e.g., snaps) back
`towards an un-flexed shape. The bumps 10 are designed so
`that the rear connector body 30 cannoteasily be pulled back
`over the bumps 100 and off the back portion 98 of the inner
`connector body 24.
`[0035]
`FIG. 7 also illustrates the rear connector body 30
`including a knurled portion 106. The knurled portion 106
`may be integrally formed with the remainder of the rear
`connector body 30 as a monolithic structure. Alternatively,
`the knurled portion 106 may be formed separately and
`coupled to the rear connector body 30 by any suitable
`method (e.g., the knurled portion 106 may be a metal sleeve
`coupled to the rear connector body 30 byinserting molding
`techniques). Strength members 194 (e.g., aramid yarn) from
`the cable 40 may be placed over the knurled portion 106 and
`secured in place using a crimp band or tube 108. The boot
`44 extends over the crimp tube 108 to abut the rear con-
`nector bady 30 when the connector 10 is assembled.
`[0036] Various components of the connector that have
`been introduced will now be described in further detail,
`beginning with the inner connector body 24. As shown in
`FIG. 8, the inner connector body 24 maybe a generally
`rectangular body defined by side walls 112a-112d (1.e., the
`side walls define sides of the rectangular body in the
`embodiment shown). The fiber planes I', (see FIG. 4) are
`positioned between the side walls 112a, 112c and intersect
`the side walls 1124, 112d when the connector 10 is
`assembled. Indeed, the side walls 112a, 112c may be gen-
`erally parallel to the fiber planes F, when the connector 10
`is assembled, and the side walls 1126, 112d) may be gen-
`erally perpendicular to the fiber planes F,. The latch arm 28
`extends from the side wall 1125. In some embodiments, the
`latch arm 28 itself may even intersect one or more of the
`fiber planes Fp, when the connector 10 is assembled.
`[0037] The latch arm 28 maybe integrally formed with the
`inner connector body 24 (e.g., as a monolithic structure), as
`shown. Because the latch arm 28 extends outwardly and
`rearwardly, a space is defined between the latch arm 28 and
`the inner connector body 24. The space accommodates
`flexing of the latch arm 28 toward the inner connector body
`24. To this end, the latch arm 28 is coupled to the inner
`connector body 24 in a mannerthat allowsthe latch arm 28
`to flex toward the inner connector body 24 when a down-
`ward force is appliedto the latch arm 28 (e.g., whenthe latch
`arm 28 is depressed).
`[0038]
`Still referring to FIG. 8, the latch arm 28 has a
`generally uniform width until connectorlatches 116 (“latch-
`ing features”) project laterally on opposite sides of the latch
`arom28. The connector latches 116 in the embodiment shown
`are shouldersthat define rearward-facing surfaces. The latch
`arm 28 also includes a ramp 118 spaced rearward from the
`connector latches 116. In other words, the connector latches
`116 arc located on an intermediate portion of the latch arm
`28 (i.e., between where the latch arm 28 extends from the
`side wall 1124 of the inner connector body 24 and the ramp
`118, which defines a terminal end of the latch arm 28 in the
`embodiment shown).
`[0039] Only a single latch arm 28 is provided in the
`embodiment shown, although embodiments with multiple
`latch arms are also possible. ‘lo facilitate discussion for the
`embodiment shown,the side wall 1124 of the inner connec-
`tor body 24 from which the latch arm 28 extends may be
`
`

`

`US 2017/0227720 Al
`
`Aug. 10, 2017
`
`referred to as a “top side wall” (or “top side”’) of the inner
`connector body 24. The opposite side wall 112d may then be
`referred to as a “bottom side wall”, and the side walls 112a,
`112cas “lateral side walls”. The lateral side walls 112¢ each
`include a guide slot extending rearwardly from the front end
`26 of the inner connector body 24. Guide chamfers 122 are
`provided on the connector body 24 at corners defined the
`side walls 112a-112d. The guide chamfers 122 include
`sloped surfaces and extend rearwardly fromthe front end 26.
`As will be apparent based on the description below, the
`guide chamfers 122 help guide the inner connector bady 24
`into an adapter, and the guide slots 120 cooperate with
`corresponding features on the adapter during such insertion
`to further guide the connector 10.
`[0040]
`Still referring to FIG. 8, the mner connector body
`24 includes an internal wall 128 that separates first and
`second passages 130, 132. The first and second passages
`130, 132 receive the first and second ferrules 20, 22 (see,
`e.g., FIG. 4),
`respectively, when the connector 10 is
`assembled. FIG. 9 illustrates howthe first and second
`ferrules 20, 22 may be inserted into the respective first and
`second passages 130, 132 from a back end 134 of the inner
`
`connector body 24. Eachof the first and second passages
`130, 132 includes a portion sized to accommodate the front
`portion 60 (FIG. 5) of the first and secondferrules 20, 22, but
`not the rear portion 62. Thus, internal geometry ofthe inner
`connector body 24 prevents thefirst and second ferrules 20,
`22 from being inserted completely through the first and
`second passages 130, 132.
`[0041] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the internal wall 128
`extends from the front end 26 of the inner connector body24
`to a location spaced from the back end 134. Thus, there is a
`cavity within the inner connector body 24 between the back
`end 134 andthe internal wall 128, communicating with both
`the first and second passages 130, 132. The top side wall
`1124 and bottom side wall 112dof the inner connector body
`24 each include a slot 136 extending the length of the
`commoncavity (1.e., the slots 136 extend from the back end
`134 to the internal wall 128).
`[0042]
`FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the rear connector body
`30 and spring push 96 in further detail. The spring push 96
`includes upper and lower extensions 140, 142 on opposite
`sides of a central member 144. The upper and lower exten-
`sions 140, 142 on each side define a channel(e.g., slot) for
`accommodating optical fibers. Thus,
`the spring push 96
`includes first and second channels 146, 148 for accommo-
`dating respective first and second. groups of optical fibers.
`The spring push 96 also includes guiding members 150 (also
`referred to as “guiding ways” or “tabs’”) above the upper
`extension 140 and below the lower extension 142 for
`reasons that will be discussed below.
`
`[0043] Like the inner connector body 24, the rear connec-
`tor body 30 in the embodiment shownis generally rectan-
`gular and includes a top side wall 154, a bottom side wall
`156, andlateral side walls 158, 160. An internal cavity 162
`ofthe rear connector body 30 accommodates both the spring
`push 96 and the back portion 98 (FIG. 7) of the inner
`connector body 24. In particular, the spring push 96 maybe
`inserted into the internal cavity 162 until a rearward-facing
`surface on the spring push 96 contacts a forward-facing
`surface 164 in the internal cavity 162. A passage 166 that
`defines a smaller opening than the internal cavity 162
`extends from the forward-facing surface 164 and through a
`remainder of the rear connector body 30 (including the
`
`knurled portion 106). The first and second channels 146, 148
`of the spring push 96 haveportionsthat overlap the passage
`166 when the connector 10 is assembledso that optical fibers
`can extend from the cable 40 (see FIG. 7), throughthe rear
`connector body 30, through first and second springs 90, 92,
`and to the first and second ferrules 20, 22 in the inner
`connector body 24. A forward-facing surface ofthe spring
`push 96 defines a spring scat for thefirst and second springs
`90, 92. In other words, the first and second springs 90, 92 can
`abut or otherwise rest against the forward-facing surface of
`the spring push 96 so thatthe first and second springs 90, 92
`can bias the first and second ferrules 20, 22 forward in the
`inner connector body 24.
`[0044]
`InFIG. 11, itcan be seen how the guiding members
`150 on the spring push 96 may contact inner surfaces the top
`side wall 154 and bottom side wall 156 of the rear connector
`body 30 in the assembled position. Such an arrangement
`helps stabilize the spring push 96 before the rear connector
`body 30 is received over the inner connector body 24. The
`spring push 96, however, does not interfere with the internal
`cavity 162 accommodating the back portion 98 (FIG. 7) of
`the inner connector body 24. This is because the side walls
`112a-112d on the inner connector body 24 can extend into
`portions of the internal cavity 162 between the remainder of
`the spring push 96 andthe side walls 154, 156, 158, 160 of
`the rear connector body 30, with the guiding members 150
`being received in the slots 136 on the top side wall 1124 and
`bottom side wall 1124 of the inner connector body 24.
`[0045] Now referring to FIG. 12, the housingportion 34 of
`the outer body 32 has a tubular configuration, and specifi-
`cally a rectangular tubular configuration defined by a top
`side wall 170, bottom side wall 172. and lateral side walls
`174, 176. The top side wall 170 includes a window 178 (..e.,
`an opening through the top side wall 170) for receiving a
`latch 180 (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the rear connector body 30.
`The top side wall 170 also includes a latch opening, 180 for
`receiving, the latch arm 28 (see, e.g., FIG. 4) when the
`connector 10 is assembled. A crossbar member 184 extends
`
`across the latch opening 182 at a front end 186 ofthe outer
`body 32 and includes downwardly-facing, sloped (i.e.,
`angled) surfaces 188 for cooperating with the ramp 118
`(FIG. 8) on the latch arm 28. The handle 36 extends
`rearwardly from the housing portion 34, as mentioned
`above. If desired, the handle 36 may include a cube 190 or
`other gripping memberfor a user to grasp at a terminal end
`of the handle 36.
`
`[0046] Now that the components of the connector 10 have
`been described in further detail, a brief summary of how the
`connector 10 may be assembled ona cable will be provided
`before proceeding to the discuss features of the adapter 12.
`Referring back to FIG. 7, an exemplary assembly process
`may involve placing the boot 44, outer body 32, crimp tube
`108, and rear connector body 30 onto the cable 40. The end
`of the cable 40 may then be prepared to form the cable
`assembly 42 (FIG. 3). This may include separating the
`optical fibers 192 into first and second groups, and even
`separating the optical fibers 192 within each of the first and
`second groups into sub-groups, or rows,
`to prepare the
`optical fibers 192 for insertion into the bores 48 in the
`respective first and second ferrules 20, 22. The manner in
`which the optical fibers 192 are separated and prepared will
`depend on the design of the cable 40. ‘The cable 40 may, for
`example, include optical fiber ribbons (1.e., groups of the
`optical fibers 192 in a ribbonized form) or loose optical
`
`

`

`US 2017/0227720 Al
`
`Aug. 10, 2017
`
`fibers.Appropriate techniques for separating and preparing
`the optical fibers 192 for insertion into the first and second
`ferrules 20, 22 will be appreciated by persons skilled in
`optical cable assembly processes.
`[0047] At this point, the first and second springs 90, 92
`may be placed overthe first and second groups of optical
`fibers, which may then be inserted into and secured to the
`respective first and second ferrules 20, 22 using known
`processes. After forming these cable sub-assemblies,thefirst
`and second ferrules 20, 22 may be polished or otherwise
`processed. Because the inner connector body 24 has not yet
`been installed, the first and second ferrules 20, 22 can be
`accessed and handled with greater ease compared to when
`the connector 10 is fully assembled.
`[0048] Before or after securing the optical fibersto the first
`and second ferrules 20, 22, the spring push 96 may be
`positioned onto the opticalfibers at a location behindthefirst
`and second springs 90, 92. The first and second channels
`146, 148 of the spring push 96 accommodate the first and
`second groups ofthe optical fibers, as noted above. ‘he rear
`connector body 30 may then be moved forward over the
`spring push 96. Also, the inner connector body 24 may be
`installed onto the cable 40 by inserting the first and second
`ferrules 20, 22 into the respective first and second passages
`130, 132 of the inner connector body 24. Ultimately the
`inner connector body 24 is inserted into and coupled to the
`rear connector body 30 in the manner described above.
`[0049] Next,
`the cable 40 may be secured to the rear
`connector body 30. For example, strength members 194
`(e.g., aramid y