US20220113476A1 - Optical connectors and optical ferrules - Google Patents
Optical connectors and optical ferrules Download PDFInfo
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- US20220113476A1 US20220113476A1 US17/645,396 US202117645396A US2022113476A1 US 20220113476 A1 US20220113476 A1 US 20220113476A1 US 202117645396 A US202117645396 A US 202117645396A US 2022113476 A1 US2022113476 A1 US 2022113476A1
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- Prior art keywords
- optical
- ferrule
- mating
- resilient member
- connector
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3825—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3826—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres characterised by form or shape
- G02B6/383—Hermaphroditic connectors, i.e. two identical plugs mating with one another, each plug having both male and female diametrically opposed engaging parts
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3818—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres of a low-reflection-loss type
- G02B6/3821—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres of a low-reflection-loss type with axial spring biasing or loading means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3869—Mounting ferrules to connector body, i.e. plugs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
- G02B6/3885—Multicore or multichannel optical connectors, i.e. one single ferrule containing more than one fibre, e.g. ribbon type
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3826—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres characterised by form or shape
- G02B6/3829—Bent or angled connectors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3853—Lens inside the ferrule
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
- G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
- G02B6/4204—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details the coupling comprising intermediate optical elements, e.g. lenses, holograms
- G02B6/4214—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details the coupling comprising intermediate optical elements, e.g. lenses, holograms the intermediate optical element having redirecting reflective means, e.g. mirrors, prisms for deflecting the radiation from horizontal to down- or upward direction toward a device
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to optical connector assemblies and optical ferrules.
- Optical connectors can be used for optical communications in a variety of applications including telecommunications networks, local area networks, data center links, and internal links in computer devices. Optical communication can also be extended to applications inside smaller consumer electronic appliances such as laptops and cell phones. With the miniaturization of optical modules and optical fiber devices, optical fiber congestion can occur at optical interfaces and connection distribution points.
- Some embodiments include an optical connector including a housing having a resilient member.
- the optical connector includes an optical ferrule assembled to the housing.
- the optical ferrule includes a plurality of attachment areas for receiving and securing a plurality of optical waveguides.
- the optical ferrule further includes a light redirecting side for changing a direction of light received from an optical waveguide received and secured in an attachment area.
- the optical connector is configured such that when an optical waveguide is received and secured in any of the attachment areas and light from the optical waveguide propagates along an optical path, the resilient member is not in the optical path.
- the resilient member is resiliently deformed to resiliently force the optical ferrule against the mating optical ferrule.
- an optical connector includes a resilient member; and an optical ferrule.
- the optical ferrule includes an attachment area for receiving and securing an optical waveguide.
- the optical ferrule further includes a light redirecting side for changing a direction of light received from an optical waveguide received and secured in the attachment area.
- the optical connector is configured such that the light propagating along an optical path does not intersect the resilient member.
- an optical connector including an optical ferrule for mating with a mating optical ferrule along a mating direction and for directing light received from an optical waveguide along an optical path.
- the optical connector is configured such that at least a portion of the optical path along a first direction is different from the mating direction.
- the optical connector includes a spring member for resiliently forcing the optical ferrule against the mating optical ferrule along a second direction different from the mating direction and the first direction.
- an optical ferrule including a plurality of attachment areas for receiving and securing a plurality of optical waveguides.
- the optical ferrule further includes a light redirecting side for changing a direction of light received from an optical waveguide received and secured in an attachment area by at least 45 degrees.
- the optical ferrule includes opposing first and second arms integrally formed with, and extending from, opposing respective first and second sides of the optical ferrule in a direction substantially perpendicular to the respective first and second sides and the mating direction of the optical ferrule.
- FIG. 1 schematically shows an optical connector with an optical ferrule in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure
- FIG. 2 schematically shows a side view of an optical ferrule mated with an optical mating ferrule according to certain aspects of the disclosure
- FIG. 3 schematically shows an optical ferrule in contact with housing of an optical connector according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- FIGS. 4A-4C schematically show different embodiments of the optical ferrule according to the disclosure.
- Optical connectors can be used to connect multi-fiber ribbon cables, for example.
- a ribbon cable typically includes a plurality of optical fibers organized and molded side by side in a plastic ribbon.
- An optical connector may include an optical ferrule configured to receive optical fibers from a ribbon cable. Two mating optical ferrules with the same fiber spacing may be placed in an abutting relationship so that the ends of the fibers of the respective ferrules are substantially co-axially aligned with one another, thereby forming a multi-fiber connection.
- Mating of optical ferrules can utilize constant forward and normal forces that can be directly or indirectly applied to the ferrules. Bending of the multi-fiber ribbons can be used to provide the desired forward and normal forces to keep the ferrules mated to each other.
- optical ferrules and/or optical connectors include features than generate the desired forward and normal forces substantially without using bending of the optical fibers to produce the desired forces.
- Optical connectors including expanded beam optical connectors may include optical ferrules (also known as “light coupling units”) that may be formed as unitary, molded structures.
- a unitary optical ferrule is a single piece structure that includes one or more elements for receiving and securing a waveguide, one or more elements for affecting light from the waveguide, and one or more alignment features.
- Optical connectors described herein include one or more optical cable assemblies disposed in a housing.
- the optical cable assemblies may include one waveguide or arrays of multiple parallel waveguides (typically 4, 8 or 12 or more parallel waveguides) attached to one or more optical ferrules.
- an optical connector 200 includes an optical ferrule 30 for mating with a mating optical ferrule 310 along a mating direction 91 .
- the optical ferrules 30 , 310 may have a unitary construction.
- the optical ferrule may be a ferrule that includes pieces formed separately and adhered or otherwise fastened together.
- the ferrule may be made from any suitable materials including polymers or ceramics.
- the ferrule may include one or more elements that guide or help guide the ferrule and a mating ferrule into alignment when the two ferrules are mated.
- the optical ferrule 30 directs light 70 received from an optical waveguide 50 along an optical path 80 . At least a portion 81 of the optical path is along a first direction (z-axis) different from the mating direction 91 .
- the optical ferrule 30 includes a resilient member, for example, a spring member 20 , for resiliently forcing the optical ferrule 30 against the mating optical ferrule 310 along a second direction 90 different from the mating direction 91 and first direction (z-axis).
- an optical connector includes a housing 10 and an optical ferrule 30 assembled to the housing 10 .
- the housing 10 may function to prevent dirt from interfering with optical connections, for example.
- the housing may provide retention force to maintain the ferrules in positive contact, as well as a latching and release mechanism for mating and de-mating the connector.
- the housing can protect an optical ferrule from outputting stray light that can be a safety hazard to those nearby.
- the housing may have a latching mechanism to prevent its accidental opening.
- the housing may have a door mechanism that may be opened by the action of mating two connectors.
- the housing can have any suitable configuration for holding and securing the optical ferrule and for mating the optical connector to the mating optical connector.
- the optical connector includes optical cables disposed within the housing 10 .
- Each optical cable may include a waveguide array having one or more optical waveguides 50 .
- the term optical waveguide is used herein to refer to an optical element that propagates signal light.
- An optical waveguide may have at least one core with a cladding, wherein the core and cladding are configured to propagate light, e.g., by total internal reflection.
- An optical waveguide may be, for example, a single or multi-mode waveguide, a single core optical fiber, a multi-core optical fiber, a polymeric waveguide, or planar waveguides disposed on a substrate.
- a waveguide may have any suitable cross sectional shape, e.g., circular, square, rectangular etc.
- the individual waveguides in the waveguide array may be optical fibers made of glass with a protective buffer coating. Multiple parallel waveguides of a waveguide array may be enclosed by a jacket.
- the optical ferrule 30 includes a plurality of attachment areas 40 for receiving and securing a plurality of optical waveguides 50 .
- Each attachment area 40 extends along a first direction (x-axis) as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the optical waveguides 50 may be optical fibers and may be aligned in grooves provided in the attachment areas 40 to which they are permanently attached. At the point of attachment, the fiber buffer coating and protective jacket (if any) of the waveguides 50 are stripped away to allow only the bare optical fibers to lie aligned and permanently affixed to the grooves in the attachment areas 40 .
- the ferrule 30 also includes a light redirecting side 60 for changing a direction of light 70 received from the optical waveguide 50 received and secured in an attachment area.
- the light redirecting side 60 is configured to change the direction of light 70 received from the optical waveguide 50 received and secured in the attachment area 40 by at least 45 degrees, or at least about 60 degrees.
- the ferrule 30 includes an array of light redirecting elements 65 in the light redirecting side 60 , at least one for each optical waveguide 50 in the waveguide array attached to ferrule 30 .
- each light redirecting element 65 in the light redirecting side 60 has one or more of a prism, a lens, and a reflecting surface.
- the light redirecting side 60 is configured to change the direction of the light 70 received from an optical waveguide 50 received and secured in the attachment area 40 from a first direction (x-axis) to a substantially perpendicular second direction (z-axis) as illustrated more clearly in FIG. 2 .
- the light redirecting side 60 is configured to change the direction of the light 70 received from an optical waveguide 50 received and secured in an attachment area 40 primarily by total internal reflection (TIR).
- the light redirecting elements 65 in the light redirection side 60 may include a reflective coating, for example, or otherwise be made reflective.
- the housing 10 includes a resilient member 20 .
- the resilient member extends along a first direction 90 and is attached to a first coupling end 22 attached to the housing 10 and to an opposite second coupling end 23 for making contact with the optical ferrule 30 .
- the resilient member 20 when an optical waveguide 50 is received and secured in any of the attachment areas 40 and light 70 from the optical waveguide 50 propagates along an optical path 80 , the resilient member 20 is not in the optical path 80 .
- the resilient member 20 is resiliently deformed to resiliently force the optical ferrule 30 against the mating optical ferrule 310 .
- the resilient member 20 is resiliently deformed along the first direction 90 .
- the resilient member 20 includes a spring. In some other embodiments, the resilient member may be elastic materials such as rubbers, or magnetic elements, or electrostatic elements, etc. In some embodiments, the resiliently deformed resilient member makes contact with, and applies the force to, a top major surface 31 of the optical ferrule 30 . In some aspects, the optical ferrule 30 includes a mating end 32 and an opposite rear end 33 . The resiliently deformed resilient member 20 makes contact with, and applies the force to, a region 34 of the optical ferrule disposed between the light redirecting side 60 and the mating end 32 of the optical ferrule.
- the resiliently deformed resilient member 20 applies the resilient force to the optical ferule 30 along the first direction 90 making an oblique angle ( ⁇ ) with a mating direction 91 of the optical ferule 30 .
- the mating direction 91 of a ferrule refers to a direction along which a ferrule is adapted to be moved in order to mate with a mating ferrule. According to the Cartesian coordinate system shown in FIG. 2 , the mating direction 91 extends in the x-axis.
- the oblique angle ( ⁇ ) made with the mating direction of the optical ferrule 30 may be about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees. In some other embodiments, the oblique angle ( ⁇ ) may be between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or between 50 degrees to 65 degrees.
- each attachment area 40 extends along a first direction (x-axis), and the resiliently deformed resilient member 20 is configured to apply the resilient force to the optical ferule 30 along a second direction 90 making an oblique angle ( ⁇ ) with the first direction.
- the oblique angle ( ⁇ ) made with the first direction (x-axis) may be about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees.
- the oblique angle ( ⁇ ) may be between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or between 50 degrees to 65 degrees.
- a ferrule may have more than one mating direction.
- the ferrule may be adapted to be moved along a first mating direction, or along a second orthogonal mating direction, or along a vector sum of the first and second mating directions relative to a mating ferrule in order to mate with the mating ferrule.
- the resilient force along a mating direction 91 in a 12-fiber ferrule, for example, may be around 0.4-0.6 N (or 50 grams force), or 0.45-0.55 N.
- the resilient force may be roughly proportional to the number of fibers in the ferrule.
- the optical ferrule may include one or more flexible arms that guide or help guide the optical ferrule and a mating optical ferrule into alignment when the two ferrules are mated.
- first and second arms may have the same flexing properties (e.g., the same modulus and the same geometry).
- the resiliently deformed resilient member 120 makes contact with, and applies the force to, a first arm 35 of the optical ferrule 130 .
- the first arm 35 is integrally formed with, and extends from, a first side 131 of the optical ferrule 130 in a direction (y-axis) substantially perpendicular to the first side 131 and a mating direction (x-axis) of the optical ferrule 130 .
- the optical ferrule 130 includes opposing first 35 and second 36 arms integrally formed with, and extending from, opposing respective first 131 and second 132 sides of the optical ferrule in a direction (y-axis) substantially perpendicular to the respective first and second sides and a mating direction (x-axis) of the optical ferrule.
- the optical connector 200 includes a pair of first resilient members 120 contacting the first arm 35 and a pair of second resilient members 121 contacting the second arm 36 .
- first resilient members 120 and at least one second resilient member 121 are resiliently deformed to resiliently force the optical ferrule 130 against the mating optical ferrule 310 .
- At least one first resilient member 120 and at least one second resilient member 121 are resiliently deformed to produce resilient forces urging the optical ferrule 130 against the mating optical ferrule 310 along the first direction 90 .
- one or more of the pairs of first and second resilient members 20 include a spring.
- the one or more of the pairs of first and second resilient members may be elastic materials such as rubbers, or magnetic elements, or electrostatic elements, etc.
- each of the first and second arms may have a circular cross-section as shown in FIG. 4A .
- each of the first and second arms may have an oval cross-section as shown in FIG. 4B .
- each of the first and second arms may have a trapezoidal cross-section as shown in FIG. 4C .
- Various other shapes of the first and second arms are also within the scope of this disclosure.
- Resilient members may make contact with the arms on one or both sides of the arms to provide the forward and normal forces desired for mating the optical ferrule with a mating optical ferrule.
- first resilient members 120 contact opposite sides of the first arm 35
- second resilient members 121 contact opposite sides of the second arm 36 .
- one end of the resilient member makes contact with the respective arm of the ferrule 130
- an opposing end of the resilient member makes contact with the housing 330 of the optical connector.
- the resiliently deformed resilient member 120 , 121 applies the resilient force to the optical ferule 130 along a first direction 190 making an oblique angle ( ⁇ ) with a mating direction 191 of the optical ferule 130 .
- the oblique angle ( ⁇ ) made with the mating direction 191 may be about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees.
- the oblique angle ( ⁇ ) may be between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or between 50 degrees to 65 degrees.
- at least 30% of the resilient force is along the mating direction 191 , and at least 30% of the resilient force is along a direction orthogonal to the mating direction.
- the resilient force along a mating direction 191 , in a 12-fiber ferrule may be around 0.4-0.6 N (or 50 grams force), or 0.45-0.55 N.
- the resilient force may be roughly proportional to the number of fibers in the ferrule.
- an optical connector 200 includes a resilient member 20 and an optical ferrule 30 .
- the optical ferrule 30 includes an attachment area 40 for receiving and securing an optical waveguide 50 as seen in FIG. 1 .
- the optical ferrule 30 includes a light redirecting side 60 , as described elsewhere in this disclosure, for changing a direction of light 70 received from the optical waveguide 50 received and secured in the attachment area 40 , the light 70 propagating along an optical path 80 not intersecting the resilient member 20 .
- the resilient member 20 When the optical ferrule 30 mates with an optical mating ferrule 310 along a mating direction 91 , the resilient member 20 is resiliently deformed to produce a resilient force 21 urging the optical ferrule 30 against the mating optical ferrule 310 along a first direction 90 making an oblique angle ( ⁇ ) with the mating direction 91 .
- the resilient member 20 may extend along a second direction 90 . The resilient member 20 may be resiliently deformed along the second direction 90 when the optical ferrule 30 mates with a mating optical ferrule 310 .
- the light redirecting side is configured to change the direction of the light received from an optical waveguide 50 received and secured in the attachment area 40 from a second direction (x-axis) to a substantially perpendicular third direction (z-axis).
- the second direction (x-axis) may be substantially parallel to the mating direction 91 .
- the attachment area extends along the second direction (x-axis) making an oblique angle ( ⁇ ) with a first direction 90 .
- the oblique angle ( ⁇ ) may be about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees. In some other embodiments, the oblique angle ( ⁇ ) may be between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or between 50 degrees to 65 degrees.
- the resilient member 20 may include a spring. In some other embodiments, the resilient member 20 may be elastic materials such as rubbers, or magnetic elements, or electrostatic elements, etc. In some embodiments, the resiliently deformed resilient member makes contact with, and applies the force to, a top major surface 31 of the optical ferrule 30 . In some aspects, the optical ferrule 30 includes a mating end 32 and an opposite rear end 33 . The resiliently deformed resilient member 20 makes contact with, and applies the force to, a region 34 of the optical ferrule disposed between the light redirecting side 60 and the mating end 32 of the optical ferrule.
- the light redirecting side is configured to change the direction of the light received from an optical waveguide 50 received and secured in the attachment area 40 by at least 45 degrees, or at least 60 degrees.
- the light redirecting side 60 is configured to change the direction of the light 70 received from an optical waveguide 50 received and secured in an attachment area 40 primarily by total internal reflection (TIR).
- TIR total internal reflection
- light redirecting elements 65 in the light redirection side 60 may include a reflective coating, for example, or otherwise be made reflective.
- the optical ferrule 130 includes opposing first 35 and second 36 arms integrally formed with, and extending from, opposing respective first 131 and second 132 sides of the optical ferrule in a direction (y-axis) substantially perpendicular to the respective first and second sides and a mating direction (x-axis) of the optical ferrule.
- the optical connector 200 includes a pair of first resilient members 120 contacting the first arm 35 and a pair of second resilient members 121 contacting the second arm 36 .
- At least one first resilient member 120 and at least one second resilient member 121 are resiliently deformed to produce resiliently forces urging the optical ferrule 130 against the mating optical ferrule 310 along the first direction.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
- Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
Abstract
An optical connector includes a housing having a resilient member and an optical ferrule. The optical ferrule includes a plurality of attachment areas for receiving and securing a plurality of optical waveguides and a light redirecting side for changing a direction of light received from an optical waveguide. The optical connector is configured such that when an optical waveguide is received and secured in any of the attachment areas and light from the optical waveguide propagates along an optical path, the resilient member is not in the optical path. When the optical ferrule mates with a mating optical ferule, the resilient member is resiliently deformed to resiliently force the optical ferrule against the mating optical ferrule.
Description
- This disclosure relates generally to optical connector assemblies and optical ferrules.
- Optical connectors can be used for optical communications in a variety of applications including telecommunications networks, local area networks, data center links, and internal links in computer devices. Optical communication can also be extended to applications inside smaller consumer electronic appliances such as laptops and cell phones. With the miniaturization of optical modules and optical fiber devices, optical fiber congestion can occur at optical interfaces and connection distribution points.
- Various aspects and embodiments described herein relate to optical connectors and optical ferrules.
- Some embodiments include an optical connector including a housing having a resilient member. The optical connector includes an optical ferrule assembled to the housing. The optical ferrule includes a plurality of attachment areas for receiving and securing a plurality of optical waveguides. The optical ferrule further includes a light redirecting side for changing a direction of light received from an optical waveguide received and secured in an attachment area. The optical connector is configured such that when an optical waveguide is received and secured in any of the attachment areas and light from the optical waveguide propagates along an optical path, the resilient member is not in the optical path. Further, when the optical connector mates with an optical mating connector having an optical mating ferrule assembled thereto, and the optical ferrule mates with the mating optical ferule, the resilient member is resiliently deformed to resiliently force the optical ferrule against the mating optical ferrule.
- In some embodiments, an optical connector includes a resilient member; and an optical ferrule. The optical ferrule includes an attachment area for receiving and securing an optical waveguide. The optical ferrule further includes a light redirecting side for changing a direction of light received from an optical waveguide received and secured in the attachment area. The optical connector is configured such that the light propagating along an optical path does not intersect the resilient member. When the optical ferrule mates with an optical mating ferrule along a mating direction, the resilient member is resiliently deformed to produce a resilient force urging the optical ferrule against the mating optical ferrule along a first direction making an oblique angle with the mating direction.
- Other aspects of the disclosure relate to an optical connector including an optical ferrule for mating with a mating optical ferrule along a mating direction and for directing light received from an optical waveguide along an optical path. The optical connector is configured such that at least a portion of the optical path along a first direction is different from the mating direction. The optical connector includes a spring member for resiliently forcing the optical ferrule against the mating optical ferrule along a second direction different from the mating direction and the first direction.
- Another aspect of the disclosure relates to an optical ferrule including a plurality of attachment areas for receiving and securing a plurality of optical waveguides. The optical ferrule further includes a light redirecting side for changing a direction of light received from an optical waveguide received and secured in an attachment area by at least 45 degrees. The optical ferrule includes opposing first and second arms integrally formed with, and extending from, opposing respective first and second sides of the optical ferrule in a direction substantially perpendicular to the respective first and second sides and the mating direction of the optical ferrule.
- These and other aspects of the present application will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims.
- The various aspects of the disclosure will be discussed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying figures where,
-
FIG. 1 schematically shows an optical connector with an optical ferrule in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure; -
FIG. 2 schematically shows a side view of an optical ferrule mated with an optical mating ferrule according to certain aspects of the disclosure; -
FIG. 3 schematically shows an optical ferrule in contact with housing of an optical connector according to certain aspects of the disclosure; and -
FIGS. 4A-4C schematically show different embodiments of the optical ferrule according to the disclosure. - The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labelled with the same number.
- In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration several specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.
- Optical connectors can be used to connect multi-fiber ribbon cables, for example. A ribbon cable typically includes a plurality of optical fibers organized and molded side by side in a plastic ribbon. An optical connector may include an optical ferrule configured to receive optical fibers from a ribbon cable. Two mating optical ferrules with the same fiber spacing may be placed in an abutting relationship so that the ends of the fibers of the respective ferrules are substantially co-axially aligned with one another, thereby forming a multi-fiber connection. Mating of optical ferrules can utilize constant forward and normal forces that can be directly or indirectly applied to the ferrules. Bending of the multi-fiber ribbons can be used to provide the desired forward and normal forces to keep the ferrules mated to each other. However, bending of the fibers may create stress over time in the fibers themselves and in the bonding between the fibers and the ferrule. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, optical ferrules and/or optical connectors include features than generate the desired forward and normal forces substantially without using bending of the optical fibers to produce the desired forces.
- Optical connectors including expanded beam optical connectors may include optical ferrules (also known as “light coupling units”) that may be formed as unitary, molded structures. A unitary optical ferrule is a single piece structure that includes one or more elements for receiving and securing a waveguide, one or more elements for affecting light from the waveguide, and one or more alignment features. Optical connectors described herein include one or more optical cable assemblies disposed in a housing. The optical cable assemblies may include one waveguide or arrays of multiple parallel waveguides (typically 4, 8 or 12 or more parallel waveguides) attached to one or more optical ferrules.
- In some embodiments, illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 anoptical connector 200 includes anoptical ferrule 30 for mating with a matingoptical ferrule 310 along amating direction 91. In some aspects, theoptical ferrules - In some embodiments, the
optical ferrule 30directs light 70 received from anoptical waveguide 50 along anoptical path 80. At least aportion 81 of the optical path is along a first direction (z-axis) different from themating direction 91. Theoptical ferrule 30 includes a resilient member, for example, aspring member 20, for resiliently forcing theoptical ferrule 30 against the matingoptical ferrule 310 along asecond direction 90 different from themating direction 91 and first direction (z-axis). - In some embodiments as illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 an optical connector includes ahousing 10 and anoptical ferrule 30 assembled to thehousing 10. Thehousing 10 may function to prevent dirt from interfering with optical connections, for example. The housing may provide retention force to maintain the ferrules in positive contact, as well as a latching and release mechanism for mating and de-mating the connector. In addition, the housing can protect an optical ferrule from outputting stray light that can be a safety hazard to those nearby. In some embodiments, the housing may have a latching mechanism to prevent its accidental opening. In some embodiments, the housing may have a door mechanism that may be opened by the action of mating two connectors. The housing can have any suitable configuration for holding and securing the optical ferrule and for mating the optical connector to the mating optical connector. - The optical connector includes optical cables disposed within the
housing 10. Each optical cable may include a waveguide array having one or moreoptical waveguides 50. The term optical waveguide is used herein to refer to an optical element that propagates signal light. An optical waveguide may have at least one core with a cladding, wherein the core and cladding are configured to propagate light, e.g., by total internal reflection. An optical waveguide may be, for example, a single or multi-mode waveguide, a single core optical fiber, a multi-core optical fiber, a polymeric waveguide, or planar waveguides disposed on a substrate. A waveguide may have any suitable cross sectional shape, e.g., circular, square, rectangular etc. The individual waveguides in the waveguide array may be optical fibers made of glass with a protective buffer coating. Multiple parallel waveguides of a waveguide array may be enclosed by a jacket. - According to an embodiment, the
optical ferrule 30 includes a plurality ofattachment areas 40 for receiving and securing a plurality ofoptical waveguides 50. Eachattachment area 40 extends along a first direction (x-axis) as shown inFIG. 1 . Theoptical waveguides 50 according to some embodiments may be optical fibers and may be aligned in grooves provided in theattachment areas 40 to which they are permanently attached. At the point of attachment, the fiber buffer coating and protective jacket (if any) of thewaveguides 50 are stripped away to allow only the bare optical fibers to lie aligned and permanently affixed to the grooves in theattachment areas 40. Theferrule 30 also includes alight redirecting side 60 for changing a direction of light 70 received from theoptical waveguide 50 received and secured in an attachment area. In some aspects, thelight redirecting side 60 is configured to change the direction of light 70 received from theoptical waveguide 50 received and secured in theattachment area 40 by at least 45 degrees, or at least about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, theferrule 30 includes an array of light redirectingelements 65 in thelight redirecting side 60, at least one for eachoptical waveguide 50 in the waveguide array attached toferrule 30. The exit ends ofoptical waveguides 50 are situated so as to be able to direct light 70 emanating from eachoptical waveguide 50 in the optical waveguide array into the input side or face of a correspondinglight redirecting element 65 in thelight redirecting side 60 of theferrule 30. For example, in various embodiments, each light redirectingelement 65 in thelight redirecting side 60 has one or more of a prism, a lens, and a reflecting surface. - In some embodiments, the
light redirecting side 60 is configured to change the direction of the light 70 received from anoptical waveguide 50 received and secured in theattachment area 40 from a first direction (x-axis) to a substantially perpendicular second direction (z-axis) as illustrated more clearly inFIG. 2 . In some other aspects, thelight redirecting side 60 is configured to change the direction of the light 70 received from anoptical waveguide 50 received and secured in anattachment area 40 primarily by total internal reflection (TIR). In some embodiments, thelight redirecting elements 65 in thelight redirection side 60 may include a reflective coating, for example, or otherwise be made reflective. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thehousing 10 includes aresilient member 20. In some embodiments, the resilient member extends along afirst direction 90 and is attached to afirst coupling end 22 attached to thehousing 10 and to an oppositesecond coupling end 23 for making contact with theoptical ferrule 30. In some aspects of the disclosure, when anoptical waveguide 50 is received and secured in any of theattachment areas 40 and light 70 from theoptical waveguide 50 propagates along anoptical path 80, theresilient member 20 is not in theoptical path 80. Further, when theoptical connector 200 mates with anoptical mating connector 300 including anoptical mating ferrule 310 assembled thereto, and theoptical ferrule 30 mates with the matingoptical ferule 310, theresilient member 20 is resiliently deformed to resiliently force theoptical ferrule 30 against the matingoptical ferrule 310. In some embodiments, when theoptical ferrule 30 mates with the matingoptical ferule 310, theresilient member 20 is resiliently deformed along thefirst direction 90. - In some embodiments, the
resilient member 20 includes a spring. In some other embodiments, the resilient member may be elastic materials such as rubbers, or magnetic elements, or electrostatic elements, etc. In some embodiments, the resiliently deformed resilient member makes contact with, and applies the force to, a topmajor surface 31 of theoptical ferrule 30. In some aspects, theoptical ferrule 30 includes amating end 32 and an oppositerear end 33. The resiliently deformedresilient member 20 makes contact with, and applies the force to, aregion 34 of the optical ferrule disposed between the light redirectingside 60 and themating end 32 of the optical ferrule. - The resiliently deformed
resilient member 20 applies the resilient force to theoptical ferule 30 along thefirst direction 90 making an oblique angle (α) with amating direction 91 of theoptical ferule 30. Themating direction 91 of a ferrule refers to a direction along which a ferrule is adapted to be moved in order to mate with a mating ferrule. According to the Cartesian coordinate system shown inFIG. 2 , themating direction 91 extends in the x-axis. In some embodiments, the oblique angle (α) made with the mating direction of theoptical ferrule 30 may be about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees. In some other embodiments, the oblique angle (α) may be between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or between 50 degrees to 65 degrees. - In other aspects, each
attachment area 40 extends along a first direction (x-axis), and the resiliently deformedresilient member 20 is configured to apply the resilient force to theoptical ferule 30 along asecond direction 90 making an oblique angle (α) with the first direction. In some embodiments, the oblique angle (α) made with the first direction (x-axis) may be about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees. In some other embodiments, the oblique angle (α) may be between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or between 50 degrees to 65 degrees. - In some embodiments, a ferrule may have more than one mating direction. For example, in some embodiments the ferrule may be adapted to be moved along a first mating direction, or along a second orthogonal mating direction, or along a vector sum of the first and second mating directions relative to a mating ferrule in order to mate with the mating ferrule.
- In some embodiments, at least 30% of the resilient force is along the
mating direction 91, and at least 30% of the resilient force is along a direction orthogonal to the mating direction. In some embodiments, the resilient force along amating direction 91, in a 12-fiber ferrule, for example, may be around 0.4-0.6 N (or 50 grams force), or 0.45-0.55 N. The resilient force may be roughly proportional to the number of fibers in the ferrule. - In some embodiments, the optical ferrule may include one or more flexible arms that guide or help guide the optical ferrule and a mating optical ferrule into alignment when the two ferrules are mated. In some embodiments, first and second arms may have the same flexing properties (e.g., the same modulus and the same geometry). According to an aspect of the disclosure as best seen in
FIG. 3 , the resiliently deformedresilient member 120 makes contact with, and applies the force to, afirst arm 35 of theoptical ferrule 130. Thefirst arm 35 is integrally formed with, and extends from, afirst side 131 of theoptical ferrule 130 in a direction (y-axis) substantially perpendicular to thefirst side 131 and a mating direction (x-axis) of theoptical ferrule 130. - In other embodiments, the
optical ferrule 130 includes opposing first 35 and second 36 arms integrally formed with, and extending from, opposing respective first 131 and second 132 sides of the optical ferrule in a direction (y-axis) substantially perpendicular to the respective first and second sides and a mating direction (x-axis) of the optical ferrule. - In some embodiments, the
optical connector 200 includes a pair of firstresilient members 120 contacting thefirst arm 35 and a pair of secondresilient members 121 contacting thesecond arm 36. When theoptical connector 200 mates with anoptical mating connector 300 having a matingoptical ferrule 310 assembled thereto, and the optical ferrule mates with the mating optical ferule, at least one firstresilient member 120 and at least one secondresilient member 121 are resiliently deformed to resiliently force theoptical ferrule 130 against the matingoptical ferrule 310. In some other aspects, when theoptical ferrule 30 mates with the matingoptical ferule 310, at least one firstresilient member 120 and at least one secondresilient member 121 are resiliently deformed to produce resilient forces urging theoptical ferrule 130 against the matingoptical ferrule 310 along thefirst direction 90. - In some aspects, one or more of the pairs of first and second
resilient members 20 include a spring. In some other embodiments, the one or more of the pairs of first and second resilient members may be elastic materials such as rubbers, or magnetic elements, or electrostatic elements, etc. - In some aspects, each of the first and second arms may have a circular cross-section as shown in
FIG. 4A . In other aspects, each of the first and second arms may have an oval cross-section as shown inFIG. 4B , In some other aspects, each of the first and second arms may have a trapezoidal cross-section as shown inFIG. 4C . Various other shapes of the first and second arms are also within the scope of this disclosure. Resilient members may make contact with the arms on one or both sides of the arms to provide the forward and normal forces desired for mating the optical ferrule with a mating optical ferrule. - In some aspects, the first
resilient members 120 contact opposite sides of thefirst arm 35, and the secondresilient members 121 contact opposite sides of thesecond arm 36. In other aspects, for each of the first and secondresilient members ferrule 130, and an opposing end of the resilient member makes contact with thehousing 330 of the optical connector. - In some aspects, the resiliently deformed
resilient member optical ferule 130 along afirst direction 190 making an oblique angle (β) with amating direction 191 of theoptical ferule 130. In some embodiments, the oblique angle (β) made with themating direction 191 may be about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees. In some other embodiments, the oblique angle (β) may be between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or between 50 degrees to 65 degrees. In some aspects, at least 30% of the resilient force is along themating direction 191, and at least 30% of the resilient force is along a direction orthogonal to the mating direction. In some aspects, the resilient force along amating direction 191, in a 12-fiber ferrule, for example, may be around 0.4-0.6 N (or 50 grams force), or 0.45-0.55 N. The resilient force may be roughly proportional to the number of fibers in the ferrule. - In other embodiments of the disclosure as more clearly illustrated in
FIG. 2 , anoptical connector 200 includes aresilient member 20 and anoptical ferrule 30. Theoptical ferrule 30 includes anattachment area 40 for receiving and securing anoptical waveguide 50 as seen inFIG. 1 . Theoptical ferrule 30 includes alight redirecting side 60, as described elsewhere in this disclosure, for changing a direction of light 70 received from theoptical waveguide 50 received and secured in theattachment area 40, the light 70 propagating along anoptical path 80 not intersecting theresilient member 20. When theoptical ferrule 30 mates with anoptical mating ferrule 310 along amating direction 91, theresilient member 20 is resiliently deformed to produce aresilient force 21 urging theoptical ferrule 30 against the matingoptical ferrule 310 along afirst direction 90 making an oblique angle (α) with themating direction 91. In some aspects, theresilient member 20 may extend along asecond direction 90. Theresilient member 20 may be resiliently deformed along thesecond direction 90 when theoptical ferrule 30 mates with a matingoptical ferrule 310. - In other aspects, the light redirecting side is configured to change the direction of the light received from an
optical waveguide 50 received and secured in theattachment area 40 from a second direction (x-axis) to a substantially perpendicular third direction (z-axis). The second direction (x-axis) may be substantially parallel to themating direction 91. In some embodiments, the attachment area extends along the second direction (x-axis) making an oblique angle (α) with afirst direction 90. - In some aspects, the oblique angle (α) may be about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees. In some other embodiments, the oblique angle (α) may be between about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or between 50 degrees to 65 degrees.
- In some aspects, the
resilient member 20 may include a spring. In some other embodiments, theresilient member 20 may be elastic materials such as rubbers, or magnetic elements, or electrostatic elements, etc. In some embodiments, the resiliently deformed resilient member makes contact with, and applies the force to, a topmajor surface 31 of theoptical ferrule 30. In some aspects, theoptical ferrule 30 includes amating end 32 and an oppositerear end 33. The resiliently deformedresilient member 20 makes contact with, and applies the force to, aregion 34 of the optical ferrule disposed between the light redirectingside 60 and themating end 32 of the optical ferrule. - In some aspects, the light redirecting side is configured to change the direction of the light received from an
optical waveguide 50 received and secured in theattachment area 40 by at least 45 degrees, or at least 60 degrees. In some aspects, thelight redirecting side 60 is configured to change the direction of the light 70 received from anoptical waveguide 50 received and secured in anattachment area 40 primarily by total internal reflection (TIR). In some embodiments,light redirecting elements 65 in thelight redirection side 60 may include a reflective coating, for example, or otherwise be made reflective. - In other embodiments, the
optical ferrule 130 includes opposing first 35 and second 36 arms integrally formed with, and extending from, opposing respective first 131 and second 132 sides of the optical ferrule in a direction (y-axis) substantially perpendicular to the respective first and second sides and a mating direction (x-axis) of the optical ferrule. Theoptical connector 200 includes a pair of firstresilient members 120 contacting thefirst arm 35 and a pair of secondresilient members 121 contacting thesecond arm 36. When theoptical connector 200 mates with anoptical mating connector 300 including a matingoptical ferrule 310 assembled thereto, and the optical ferrule mates with the mating optical ferule, at least one firstresilient member 120 and at least one secondresilient member 121 are resiliently deformed to produce resiliently forces urging theoptical ferrule 130 against the matingoptical ferrule 310 along the first direction. - Descriptions for elements in figures should be understood to apply equally to corresponding elements in other figures, unless indicated otherwise. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific Embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific Embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
Claims (8)
1. An optical connector, comprising:
a housing comprising a resilient member; and
an optical ferrule assembled to the housing and comprising:
a plurality of attachment areas for receiving and securing a plurality of optical waveguides; and
a light redirecting side for changing a direction of light received from an optical waveguide received and secured in an attachment area, such that when an optical waveguide is received and secured in any of the attachment areas and light from the optical waveguide propagates along an optical path, the resilient member is not in the optical path,
such that when the optical connector mates with an optical mating connector comprising an optical mating ferrule assembled thereto, and the optical ferrule mates with the mating optical ferule, the resilient member is resiliently deformed to resiliently force the optical ferrule against the mating optical ferrule;
wherein at least 30% of the resilient force is along the mating direction, and at least 30% of the resilient force is along a direction orthogonal to the mating direction, and wherein the resiliently deformed resilient member makes contact with, and applies the force to, a top major surface of the optical ferrule.
2. The optical connector of claim 1 , wherein the resilient member extends along a first direction, and wherein when the optical ferrule mates with a mating optical ferule, the resilient member is resiliently deformed along the first direction, and wherein the resilient member is attached to a first coupling end attached to the housing and an opposite second coupling end for making contact with the optical ferrule.
3. The optical connector of claim 1 , wherein the light redirecting side is configured to change the direction of the light received from an optical waveguide received and secured in the attachment area by at least 45 degrees, and wherein each attachment area extends along a first direction, and the resiliently deformed resilient member is configured to apply the resilient force to the optical ferule along a second direction making an oblique angle with the first direction.
4. The optical connector of claim 1 , wherein the resiliently deformed resilient member makes contact with, and applies the force to, a first arm of the optical ferrule integrally formed with, and extending from, a first side of the optical ferrule in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side and a mating direction of the optical ferrule.
5. An optical connector, comprising:
a housing comprising a resilient member; and
an optical ferrule assembled to the housing and comprising:
a plurality of attachment areas for receiving and securing a plurality of optical waveguides; and
a light redirecting side for changing a direction of light received from an optical waveguide received and secured in an attachment area, such that when an optical waveguide is received and secured in any of the attachment areas and light from the optical waveguide propagates along an optical path, the resilient member is not in the optical path,
such that when the optical connector mates with an optical mating connector comprising an optical mating ferrule assembled thereto, and the optical ferrule mates with the mating optical ferule, the resilient member is resiliently deformed to resiliently force the optical ferrule against the mating optical ferrule;
wherein the optical ferrule comprises a mating end and an opposite rear end, and wherein the resiliently deformed resilient member makes contact with, and applies the force to, a region of the optical ferrule disposed between the light redirecting side and the mating end of the optical ferrule.
6. The optical connector of claim 5 , wherein the resilient member extends along a first direction, and wherein when the optical ferrule mates with a mating optical ferule, the resilient member is resiliently deformed along the first direction, and wherein the resilient member is attached to a first coupling end attached to the housing and an opposite second coupling end for making contact with the optical ferrule.
7. The optical connector of claim 5 , wherein the light redirecting side is configured to change the direction of the light received from an optical waveguide received and secured in the attachment area by at least 45 degrees, and wherein each attachment area extends along a first direction, and the resiliently deformed resilient member is configured to apply the resilient force to the optical ferule along a second direction making an oblique angle with the first direction.
8. The optical connector of claim 5 , wherein the resiliently deformed resilient member makes contact with, and applies the force to, a first arm of the optical ferrule integrally formed with, and extending from, a first side of the optical ferrule in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side and a mating direction of the optical ferrule.
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US17/645,396 US20220113476A1 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2021-12-21 | Optical connectors and optical ferrules |
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US201962825300P | 2019-03-28 | 2019-03-28 | |
US16/822,269 US11237340B2 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2020-03-18 | Optical connectors and optical ferrules |
US17/645,396 US20220113476A1 (en) | 2019-03-28 | 2021-12-21 | Optical connectors and optical ferrules |
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WO2017065999A2 (en) * | 2015-10-12 | 2017-04-20 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Ferrules, alignment frames and connectors |
US11237340B2 (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2022-02-01 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Optical connectors and optical ferrules |
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KR100212057B1 (en) * | 1996-12-26 | 1999-08-02 | 윤종용 | Housing for fixing of optical connector adaptor |
JP2003315624A (en) * | 2002-04-23 | 2003-11-06 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Optical connector adapter and information outlet |
JP4903120B2 (en) * | 2007-10-03 | 2012-03-28 | 株式会社フジクラ | Optical path changing member |
WO2012015734A1 (en) | 2010-07-30 | 2012-02-02 | Corning Cable Systems Llc | Ferrules with complimentary mating geometry and related fiber optic connectors |
US9261656B2 (en) * | 2011-11-23 | 2016-02-16 | Intel Corporation | Optical transceiver interface with flat surface lens and flat surface interfaces |
JP6611724B2 (en) * | 2014-02-18 | 2019-11-27 | スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー | Optical ferrule and connector |
CN106104337B (en) * | 2014-03-19 | 2019-06-21 | 3M创新有限公司 | Optical conenctor |
CN105824081B (en) | 2015-01-06 | 2018-05-25 | 爱德奇电讯国际贸易(上海)有限公司 | Optical fiber connector and its assembly and disassembly method |
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WO2017065999A2 (en) * | 2015-10-12 | 2017-04-20 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Ferrules, alignment frames and connectors |
US11237340B2 (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2022-02-01 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Optical connectors and optical ferrules |
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JP2020166267A (en) | 2020-10-08 |
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