CN112987189A - Hybrid fiber optic adapter and connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A fiber optic connection assembly is generally described that may include a hybrid adapter and connector assembly. The hybrid adapter can be configured to connect a first connector type and a second connector type, the first connector type being different from the second connector type. For example, the first connector type may be a micro connector and the second connector type may be an LC connector. The connector assembly may be configured as a miniature connector with a tensioning element configured to facilitate optimal optical performance by spring loading the ferrule while maintaining a small form factor.

Description

Hybrid fiber optic adapter and connector assembly

The present application is a divisional application of an invention patent application entitled "fiber optic hybrid adapter and connector assembly", filed 2016, 28/1/2016, international application No. PCT/US2016/015444, national application No. 201680080282.8.

Technical Field

The described technology relates generally to components for connecting data transmission elements, and more particularly to adapters configured to connect different types of fiber optic connectors and connector assemblies configured to facilitate optimal performance of connections formed within the adapters.

Background

Optical fibers have become the standard routing medium used in data centers to meet the ever-increasing demands for data volume, transmission speed, and low loss. Fiber optic connectors are mechanical devices disposed at the ends of optical fibers that serve as connectors for optical circuits, for example, when joining optical fibers together. The fiber optic connector may be coupled with an adapter to connect the fiber optic cable to another fiber optic cable or device. An adapter may generally include a housing having at least one port configured to receive and retain a connector to facilitate optical connection of one connector to another connector or device. For example, LC adapters are typically configured to receive one or more standard-sized LC connectors.

A hybrid adapter is configured to couple different types of fiber optic connectors. At least one disadvantage of conventional hybrid adapters is that they are configured to couple two full-size connectors, resulting in bulky adapter ends and thus excessive space on both sides of the adapter. This is a major disadvantage in most hybrid adapter applications when it is desired to arrange one end of the adapter within a small module, since both the corresponding adapter end and the connector occupy too much space within the module.

Some conventional hybrid adapters have been designed to be suitable for coupling standard full-size fiber optic connectors with simplified fiber optic connectors. The simplified fiber optic connector is simply a ferrule that may or may not have a metal flange assembled to the ferrule for terminating the end of the optical fiber. At least one disadvantage of such hybrid adapters is that the simplified connector is rigidly held within the adapter. However, to obtain optimal optical performance, the mating ferrules should be floating and subject to spring pressure that pushes the end faces of the mating pair of ferrules together. Unlike standard size fiber optic connectors that include a tension spring preloaded behind the ferrule to allow the ferrule to float, a simplified fiber optic connector may not include a spring located behind the ferrule. Thus, the simplified fiber ferrule will be rigidly held within one end of the adapter and the connection made by the hybrid adapter will be subject to performance degradation.

Accordingly, there is a need for a hybrid fiber optic adapter that occupies less space than conventional hybrid adapters while achieving better optical performance by providing a spring or spring-like pressure to allow the ferrule to float.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices, and methods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular implementations or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope.

As used in this document, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure should be construed as an admission that the described embodiments of the present disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. As used in this document, the term "including" means "including but not limited to".

In one embodiment, a fiber optic connection assembly may include a hybrid adapter and at least one first fiber optic connector. The hybrid adapter may include: a first adapter end configured to couple to a first connector type; a second adapter end configured to couple to a second connector type different from the first connector type; and at least one mating feature disposed on the first adapter end. The at least one first fiber optic connector may include: a mating housing configured to couple the at least one first fiber optic connector to a second adapter end; and a tensioning element disposed between the mating housing and the second adapter end, the tensioning element configured to facilitate float of the at least one first fiber optic connector.

In one embodiment, a fiber optic hybrid adapter may comprise: a first adapter end configured to couple to a first connector type; a second adapter end configured to couple to a second connector type different from the first connector type; and at least one mating component disposed on the first adapter end, wherein the mating component is configurable to couple to the at least one first fiber optic connector. The at least one first fiber optic connector may include: a mating housing configured to couple the at least one first fiber optic connector to a second adapter end; and a tensioning element disposed between the mating housing and the second adapter end, the tensioning element configured to facilitate float of the at least one first fiber optic connector.

Drawings

The above and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1A is an exploded view of a prior art SC-FC hybrid adapter.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the assembled SC-FC hybrid adapter of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an LC-LC adapter.

Figure 2A is an exploded view of a prior art miniature circuit board adapter.

Figure 2B is a perspective view of the assembled prior art miniature circuit board adapter of figure 2A.

Fig. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary connection assembly according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplary hybrid adapter according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplary connector assembly according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows an exemplary mating element of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 7A and 7B illustrate an exemplary ferrule flange of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 8A-8F illustrate an exemplary tension element of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 9A-9F illustrate an exemplary tension element of a connector assembly according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 10A-10E illustrate an exemplary tension element of a connector assembly according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 11A-11D illustrate an exemplary connection assembly according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 12A and 12B show an exemplary connection assembly according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 13A and 13B illustrate an exemplary hybrid adapter according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 14A and 14B illustrate an exemplary connector assembly according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 15A-15E illustrate an exemplary mating element of a connector assembly according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 16A-16F illustrate an exemplary connection assembly according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 17A-17I illustrate an exemplary connection assembly according to a second embodiment.

Detailed Description

The described technology relates generally to hybrid fiber optic adapters and fiber optic connectors configured to couple therewith. In some embodiments, the hybrid adapter may be configured to occupy less space within the module, for example, as compared to conventional hybrid adapters, while facilitating optimal optical performance. In some embodiments, optimized optical performance is achieved by spring loading a ferrule of a fiber optic connector coupled to a hybrid adapter, thereby allowing the ferrule to float and securely fix the ferrule within the adapter.

FIG. 1A shows one example of a hybrid adapter for SC and FC type connectors. The SC-FC hybrid adapter 100 is configured to be mounted on a mounting panel 102 using mounting screws 104. The SC-FC hybrid adapter 100 includes a first adapter end 106 configured to receive an SC connector 108 and a second adapter end 110 configured to receive an FC connector 112. The second adapter end 110 is configured to pass through an opening 114 of the mounting panel 102, allowing each of the SC and FC connectors to be received from opposite sides of the mounting panel. Fig. 1B shows the SC-FC hybrid adapter 100 of fig. 1A assembled to the mounting panel 102 and coupled to each of the SC connector 108 and the FC connector 112.

Fig. 1C shows one example of a hybrid adapter for an LC type connector, such as a duplex LC type connector. LC-LC adapter 120 is configured to be mounted on mounting panel 122. LC-LC adapter 120 includes a first adapter end 124 configured to receive a first LC connector 128 and a second adapter end 126 configured to receive a second LC connector 130. The second adapter end 126 is configured to pass through an opening 132 of the mounting panel 122, thereby allowing each of the first and second LC connectors 128, 130 to be received from opposite sides of the mounting panel.

One disadvantage of conventional adapters as shown in fig. 1A-1C is that they are bulky, taking up too much space on both sides of the adapter. In particular, they are configured to couple to a full-size connector, and therefore the corresponding adapter end is bulky. This is a disadvantage, for example, when one end of the adapter is used for arrangement in a small module, since both the corresponding adapter end and the connector will take up too much space within the module. Thus, instead of coupling to two full-size connectors, some adapters have been designed to accommodate coupling a standard full-size fiber optic connector with one simplified fiber optic connector or two simplified fiber optic connectors. The simplified fiber optic connector is simply a ferrule that may or may not have a metal flange assembled to the ferrule and used to terminate the end of an optical fiber.

For example, U.S. patent No. 5719977 entitled "Optical Connector with Immovable Ferrule" discloses an adapter configured to couple at one end to a standard size Connector and at the other end to a simplified fiber optic Connector. However, a disadvantage of such hybrid adapters is that the simplified connector is rigidly held within the adapter. Unlike standard size fiber optic connectors that allow the ferrule to float and also include a tension spring preloaded behind the ferrule, the simplified fiber optic connector may not include a spring located behind the ferrule. Thus, the ferrule will be rigidly held within one end of the adapter. However, for optimum optical performance, the mating ferrules should be floating and subject to spring pressure that urges the end faces of the mating pair of ferrules together. For example, fig. 2A shows a miniature circuit board adapter that includes a ferrule alignment body 200 disposed within a ferrule spring 202. The ferrule spring 202 is mounted on the circuit board 204 via solder holes 206. Ferrule alignment body 200 is configured to receive a microconnector 208 at each end. Fig. 2B shows the assembled adapter coupled to two microconnectors such that each microconnector is disposed between a respective end of ferrule alignment body 200 and a respective end of ferrule spring 202. However, the adapter shown in fig. 2A and 2B is not a hybrid adapter designed for direct mounting on a circuit board rather than coupling an external fiber optic connector to a connector disposed within a module.

As used herein, the term "optical fiber" shall apply to all types of single-mode and multi-mode optical waveguides including one or more bare optical fibers, coated optical fibers, loose tube optical fibers, tight buffered optical fibers, ribbon optical fibers, bend performance optical fibers, bend insensitive optical fibers, nanostructured optical fibers, or any other means for transmitting optical signals. The term fiber optic cable may also include multi-fiber cables having a plurality of optical fibers.

To connect cables together or to connect cables to other fiber optic devices, the terminations of the cables may include connectors. The connector may include a housing structure configured to interact with and connect to the adapter. A simple form of adapter may include two aligned ports for aligning fiber optic connectors therein to align and connect optical fibers end-to-end. The hybrid adapter can be configured to couple different types of fiber optic connectors. The hybrid fiber optic adapter and corresponding fiber optic connector may be referred to as a "connection assembly.

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide a hybrid adapter that uses minimal space at least at one end of the hybrid adapter. In some embodiments, the hybrid adapter may be configured to be disposed in a module, device, apparatus, behind-the-wall application, or the like. In some embodiments, the hybrid adapter can be configured to receive miniature fiber optic connectors or simplified fiber optic connectors. This is a desirable feature for modules or devices that have very little space inside the module and further reduces or even eliminates obstructions inside the module that may block the optimal airflow required to cool the electronic circuitry within the module. In contrast, prior art adapters, such as the adapter shown in fig. 1A-1C, have bulky ends, both of which are configured to receive standard size connectors. The various embodiments disclosed herein require less space within the module and do not sacrifice optical performance by supporting the ferrule with a spring and allowing it to float and secure the fiber optic connector securely to the adapter. Additionally, due to the relatively small form factor, hybrid adapters constructed according to some embodiments may be stackable while still allowing an installer to remove and/or install the connector.

Fig. 3A shows an exploded view of an exemplary connection assembly according to a first embodiment. Fig. 3B shows a side view of an assembled exemplary connection assembly according to the first embodiment. As shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the connection assembly 300 may include a hybrid adapter 305 having a first end 301 and a second end 302. The first end 301 can be configured to couple to one or more connectors having a first connector type, and the second end 302 can be configured to couple to one or more connectors having a second connector type, different from the first connector type. In some embodiments, the first end 301 can be configured to couple to a microconnector, while the second end 302 can be configured to couple to a standard-sized connector, such as an LC connector. Although miniature connectors and LC connectors are used in the exemplary embodiments herein, embodiments are not so limited as any type of connector capable of operating in accordance with some embodiments is contemplated herein.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 3A, the second end 302 can be configured to couple to an LC connector, such as a duplex LC connector having two LC connector plugs 340a, 340 b. The LC connector plugs 340a, 340b may have ferrules 350a, 350b, each ferrule 350a, 350b terminating a fiber optic cable 335a, 335b disposed therein. In some embodiments, LC connector plugs 340a, 340b may be coupled to second end 302 via latches 345a, 345b disposed on LC connector plugs 340a, 340 b.

The first end 301 can be configured to couple to a miniature (or "simplified") connector 360a, 360 b. The first end 301 may include a connector interface having a sleeve retainer 310a, 310b, the sleeve retainer 310a, 310b including an alignment key 320a, 320 b. The sleeve retainers 310a, 310b can be configured to receive the sleeves (or "alignment sleeves") 355a, 355b within the ports 315a, 315b disposed therein. The sleeves 355a, 355b may be configured to facilitate alignment of the ferrules 365a, 365b with the ferrules 350a, 350b within the adapter. The mating components 325a, 325b may be configured to facilitate coupling of the first end 301 to the connector assemblies 360a, 360 b.

The connector assemblies 360a, 360b may include ferrules 365a, 365b that terminate the fiber optic cables 335c, 335d extending therethrough. In some embodiments, connector assemblies 360a, 360b may include mating housings 370a, 370b, tensioning elements 380a, and ferrule flanges 385a, 385 b. In some embodiments, the tension element 380a may be formed from a polymeric material, a metallic material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the tension element 380a may be formed from aluminum, steel, sheet metal material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the mating housings 370a, 370b may be configured as bayonet-type connectors, such as slot-based bayonet connectors having slots 375a, 375b that are configured to couple the mating housings 370a, 370b to the mating components 325a, 325b by rotatably engaging the posts (or "bayonet posts") 330 a-c.

Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate isometric and side views, respectively, of an exemplary hybrid adapter 305 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 5A and 5B show an exploded isometric view and an assembled isometric view of an exemplary connector assembly 360a according to a first embodiment. As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, ferrule flange 385A can include keyway 505. In some embodiments, the use of alignment key 320a and corresponding keyway 505 may allow connection assembly 300 to be used for Angled Physical Contact (APC) applications and Ultra Physical Contact (UPC) applications. In some embodiments, keyway 505 can be configured to correspond to alignment key 320a for aligning and/or preventing rotation of ferrule flange 385a when connector assembly 360a is coupled to hybrid adapter 305. Tensioning element 380a may be disposed between mating housing 370a and ferrule flange 385 a. The tensioning element 380a, for example, may allow the connector assembly 360a (a "miniature" or "simplified" connector that is not spring loaded according to conventional techniques) to be spring loaded (or "floated") while maintaining a small form factor of the miniature or simplified connector. Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary mating housing 370a according to a first embodiment, including bayonet slots 375a, 375c configured to form bayonet-type connections with mating components 325a, 325b of a hybrid adapter 305. Fig. 7A and 7B show front and rear isometric views, respectively, of an exemplary ferrule flange 385 according to the first embodiment.

The tensioning elements 380a, 380b can have various shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the tensioning elements 380a, 380b may have a conventional spring shape, such as the springs used in typical LC connectors. Fig. 8A-8F show a tensioning element 385a according to a first embodiment (an embodiment of a "wave" spring). Fig. 8E shows a cross-sectional view through line Y-Y of fig. 8D, and fig. 8F shows a cross-sectional view through line X-X of fig. 8D. Fig. 9A-9F show a tensioning element 385a according to a second embodiment (an embodiment of a "bending" spring). Fig. 9E shows a cross-sectional view through line Y-Y of fig. 9D, and fig. 9F shows a cross-sectional view through line X-X of fig. 9D. Fig. 10A-10E show a tensioning element 385a according to a third embodiment. Fig. 10E shows a cross-sectional view through line K-K of fig. 9D (an embodiment of a "lobed" spring).

Fig. 11A-11D illustrate an exemplary connection assembly according to a first embodiment. In particular, FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate an exemplary process for connecting the connector assembly 360a to the adapter 305. As shown in fig. 11A and 11B, an installer may align ferrule 365a with alignment sleeve 355a and alignment sleeve retainer 310a and begin moving connector assembly 360a toward first side 301 of adapter 305 to place the ferrule within the alignment sleeve. As shown in fig. 11C and 11D, the connector assembly 360a can be positioned on the mating component 325a in an orientation such that the bayonet posts 330a enter the openings of the bayonet slots 375 a. Additionally, the connector assembly 360a can be positioned on the mating component 325a in an orientation such that the alignment key 320a is aligned with the alignment slot 505. The mating member 325a can be rotated to move the bayonet post 330a through the bayonet slot 375a to mate the connector assembly 360a with the mating member 325a and thus with the adapter 305.

Fig. 12A and 12B show an exploded view and an assembled view, respectively, of an exemplary connection assembly 1200 according to a second embodiment. As shown in fig. 12A and 12B, the adapter 1205 can include a connector interface having mating features 1225a, 1225B, the mating features 1225a, 1225B including posts (or "locking posts") 1210a, 1210B and alignment keys 1220a, 1220B. The connector assemblies 1260a, 1260b may include mating housings 1270a, 1270b, the mating housings 1270a, 1270b having walls 1275a, 1275b with post openings 1290a, 1290b disposed in the walls 1275a, 1275 b. The connector assemblies 1260a, 1260b can be configured to engage the locking posts 1210a, 1210b via a snap-on, bayonet-type connection.

In some embodiments, the shield member 1240 may be disposed on the adaptor 1205, such as on the first side 301 thereof. In some embodiments, shield member 1240 may be configured as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield. In some embodiments, the shield member 1240 may include openings 1245a, 1245b, the openings 1245a, 1245b configured to receive the mating members 1225a, 1225b such that the shield member may be mounted on the connector interface of the first side 301.

Fig. 13A and 13B show front isometric and side views, respectively, of an exemplary adapter 1205 according to a second embodiment. Fig. 14A and 14B show an assembled view and an exploded view, respectively, of a connector assembly 1260a according to a second embodiment. As shown in fig. 14B, the tensioning member 380a may be installed, for example, through an opening between the first and second portions 1271, 1272 of the mating housing 1270a prior to inserting the fiber optic cable 335 into the ferrule 365 a. Fig. 15A-15B illustrate various views of an exemplary mating housing 1270a according to a second embodiment. Fig. 15A and 15B are isometric views of mating housing 1270a showing slot 1230 in the bottom thereof. In some embodiments, the slot 1230 can be configured to receive one or more tools for twisting, rotating, pushing, etc. on the mating housing 1270a, e.g., to mount the mating housing to the adapter 1205 and/or remove the mating housing from the adapter 1205. Fig. 15C shows a side view of the fitting housing 1270a, and fig. 15D shows a sectional view through line Y-Y of fig. 15C. As shown in fig. 15D, the angled front surface of mating housing 1270a facilitates the action of locking post 1210a moving into the interior of mating housing 1270 a. Fig. 15E shows a front view of the fitting housing 1270 a. As shown in fig. 15E, the mating housing 1270a may include housing walls 1540a, 1540b having asymmetric thicknesses that allow the locking post 1210a to rotate and move in a horizontal direction, for example, when disengaging the mating housing 1270a from the mating part 1225 a.

Fig. 16A-16F illustrate an exemplary connection assembly according to a first embodiment. In particular, FIGS. 16A-16F illustrate an exemplary process for connecting the connector assembly 1260a to the adapter 1205. As shown in fig. 16A and 16B, an installer can align ferrule 365a with alignment sleeve 355a and mating component (which can also serve as an alignment sleeve retainer) 1225a and begin moving connector assembly 1260a toward first side 301 of adapter 1205 to place the ferrule within the alignment sleeve. As shown in fig. 16C and 16D, the connector assembly 1260a can be positioned on the mating component 1225a in an orientation such that the locking post 1210a can engage the wall 1275 a. Fig. 16D shows the detail region 1605 of fig. 16C. Additionally, connector assembly 1260a can be positioned on mating component 1225a in an orientation such that alignment key 1220a is aligned with alignment slot 505. As the mating housing 1270a is moved over the mating piece 1225a, the locking posts 1210a deflect the walls 1275a outward until the locking posts enter the corresponding post openings 1290 a. For example, fig. 16E shows a cross-sectional view of locking post 1210a deflecting wall 1275 a. When the locking post 1210a enters the post opening 1290a, the wall 1275a returns to its original position and the mating housing 1270a is coupled to the mating component 1225 a. For example, fig. 16F illustrates a cross-sectional view of the locking post 1210a within the post opening 1290a, which enables the mating housing 1270a, and thus the connector assembly 1260a, to be coupled to the hybrid adapter 1205.

Fig. 17A-17I illustrate an exemplary connection assembly according to a first embodiment. In particular, FIGS. 17A-17I illustrate an exemplary process for separating the connector assembly 1260a from the adapter 1205. Fig. 17A and 17B illustrate the mating housing 1270a mounted on the mating component 1225a, such as by positioning the locking post 1210a within the post opening 1290 a. Fig. 17B shows a cross-sectional view through line Y-Y of fig. 17A. Fig. 17C and 17D show the connection assembly 1200 when the mating housing 1270a has been rotated. Fig. 17D shows a cross-sectional view through line Y-Y of fig. 17E. In some embodiments, the mating housing 1270a can be configured to rotate in a single direction, for example, due to the asymmetric thickness of the housing walls 1540a, 1540b, to release the locking posts 1210a, 1210c from the post openings 1290 a. Fig. 17E and 17G illustrate the connection assembly 1200 when the mating housing 1270a has been rotated such that the locking posts 1210a, 1210c have been fully released from the corresponding post openings 1290 a. Fig. 17F shows a cross-sectional view through line Y-Y of fig. 17E, and fig. 17G shows a cross-sectional view through line Z-Z of fig. 17E. Fig. 17H shows the connection assembly 1200 when the mating housing 1270a has been released from the adapter 1205. Fig. 17I shows a cross-sectional view through line Z-Z of fig. 17H.

The various embodiments of the hybrid adapter disclosed herein may also be configured for use with other simplified connectors on one side rather than with miniature connectors. Also, instead of duplex LC adapters, embodiments may be configured for use with other standard size adapters (e.g., a single LC adapter) on the opposite side.

One advantage of embodiments of the adapters and connectors provided herein is that the size of the adapter on the side protruding within the module is reduced. Another advantage is the inclusion of a ferrule spring to allow ferrule movement without the need for a full size connector on the adapter side, such as protruding inside the module. In particular, embodiments provide an LC adapter that has a small size inside the module and provides spring-loaded motion for fiber ferrules within the module when the adapter is externally mated with a conventional LC connector. Thus, various embodiments require less space inside the module than conventional adapters, and do not sacrifice optical performance.

The various components, assemblies, or configurations described with respect to any one of the embodiments above may also be applicable to any other of the embodiments provided.

The present disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices, and methods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, like numerals generally refer to like parts unless the context indicates otherwise. The exemplary embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other modifications may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which should be considered expressly herein.

The present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of several aspects. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

As used in this document, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure should be construed as an admission that the described embodiments of the present disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. As used in this document, the term "including" means "including but not limited to".

While various combinations, methods and apparatus have been described with "comprising" various components or steps (interpreted as meaning "including, but not limited to"), the combinations, methods and apparatus may also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various components and steps, and such terms should be interpreted as defining substantially closed sets of components.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. Various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for the sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced description is intended within the limitations of the claims, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same is true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Further, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." is used, in general the meaning of such a grammatical structure should be that understood by those skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" should include but not be limited to systems having only a, systems having only B, systems having only C, systems having both a and B, systems having both a and C, systems having both B and C, and/or systems having three of A, B and C, etc.). Where a convention analogous to "A, B or at least one of C, etc." is used, in general the meaning of such a grammatical structure should be that understood by those skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B or C" should include but not be limited to systems having only a, systems having only B, systems having only C, systems having both a and B, systems having both a and C, systems having both B and C, and/or systems having three of A, B and C, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any alternative terms and/or phrases given two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "a or B" should be understood to include the possibility of "a" or "B" or "a and B".

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any single member or subgroup of members of the markush group.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily considered to be fully descriptive and enable the same range to be broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein may be readily broken down into a lower third, a middle third, an upper third, and so on. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, all language such as "up to," "at least," and the like includes the referenced value and the referenced range can subsequently be resolved into subranges as described above. Finally, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1 to 3 cells refers to a group having 1 cell, 2 cells, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1 to 5 cells refers to a group having 1 cell, 2 cells, 3 cells, 4 cells, or 5 cells, and so forth.

The various features and other features disclosed above, as well as functions or alternatives thereof, may be combined in many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

Claims (20)

1. A fiber optic microconnector for connecting to a fiber optic receptacle, the fiber optic microconnector comprising:

a ferrule having a longitudinal axis and a length in a direction along the longitudinal axis;

a housing receiving the ferrule therein, the housing having a connection structure for releasably connecting with the fiber optic receptacle when the fiber optic micro-connector is attached to the fiber optic receptacle, the housing having a length along the longitudinal axis of the ferrule, the length of the housing being less than the length of the ferrule.

2. The fiber optic microconnector of claim 1, wherein the housing has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the ferrule protruding from the first end and protruding from the second end.

3. The fiber optic microconnector of claim 2, wherein the ferrule includes an optical fiber, a pin that engages and retains the optical fiber, and a retainer that retains the pin and engages with the housing for mounting the ferrule in the housing.

4. The fiber optic microconnector of claim 3, wherein a length of the pin along the longitudinal axis is greater than a length of the housing.

5. The fiber optic microconnector of claim 3, wherein the pin protrudes from a first end of the housing and the retainer protrudes from a second end of the housing.

6. The fiber optic microconnector of claim 2, further comprising a spring biasing the ferrule outward from the first end of the housing.

7. The fiber optic microconnector of claim 6, wherein the spring comprises a tension element.

8. The fiber optic microconnector of claim 7, wherein the tensioning element comprises a wave washer.

9. The fiber optic microconnector of claim 1, wherein the ferrule is an LC-type ferrule and the housing contains only a single LC-type ferrule.

10. The fiber optic microconnector of claim 1, wherein the housing includes spaced apart walls defining a first end of the housing, the connection structure being located on the walls.

11. The fiber optic microconnector of claim 10, wherein the connection structure comprises an opening in the wall.

12. The fiber optic microconnector of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the housing is substantially elliptical.

13. A fiber optic connector assembly, comprising:

an adapter having a first end and a second end configured to receive different fiber optic connectors;

a fiber optic microconnector, the fiber optic microconnector comprising: a ferrule having a longitudinal axis and a length in a direction along the longitudinal axis; and a housing receiving the ferrule therein, the housing having a connection structure for releasably connecting with the adapter when the fiber optic microconnector is attached to the adapter, the housing having a length along the longitudinal axis of the ferrule, the length of the housing being less than the length of the ferrule.

14. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the housing has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the ferrule projecting from the first end and projecting from the second end.

15. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 14, wherein the ferrule includes an optical fiber, a pin that engages and retains the optical fiber, and a retainer that retains the pin and engages with the housing for mounting the ferrule in the housing.

16. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 15, wherein a length of the pin along the longitudinal axis is greater than a length of the housing.

17. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 15, wherein the pin protrudes from a first end of the housing and the retainer protrudes from a second end of the housing.

18. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the adapter includes a protrusion configured to receive a housing of the fiber optic microconnector to connect the housing to the adapter.

19. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the ferrule is an LC-type ferrule and the housing contains only a single LC-type ferrule.

20. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the housing is generally oval-shaped in cross-section.

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