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WO2025207464A1 - Connecteurs de fibres optiques pouvant être installés sur le terrain et leurs procédés de fabrication - Google Patents

Connecteurs de fibres optiques pouvant être installés sur le terrain et leurs procédés de fabrication

Info

Publication number
WO2025207464A1
WO2025207464A1 PCT/US2025/021066 US2025021066W WO2025207464A1 WO 2025207464 A1 WO2025207464 A1 WO 2025207464A1 US 2025021066 W US2025021066 W US 2025021066W WO 2025207464 A1 WO2025207464 A1 WO 2025207464A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
fiber optic
fiber
splice
optic connector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2025/021066
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Julian JUAREZ
Joel Christopher ROSSON
Zachary Michael THOMPSON
Lee Alexander WEBB
Jameson Rensloe WRIGHT
Laina Ewing YATES
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Corning Research and Development Corp
Original Assignee
Corning Research and Development Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Corning Research and Development Corp filed Critical Corning Research and Development Corp
Publication of WO2025207464A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025207464A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • G02B6/3846—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with fibre stubs
    • 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
    • G02B6/3887—Anchoring optical cables to connector housings, e.g. strain relief features
    • G02B6/3888—Protection from over-extension or over-compression

Definitions

  • the disclosure is directed to field-installable fiber optic connectors having a housing with a front portion having an actuating cap pocket and rearward portion having an inspection window for viewing the insertion of the field optical fiber.
  • the connector may be hardened and suitable for using in outside plant applications.
  • BACKGROUND [0003]
  • Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission. As bandwidth demands increase optical fiber is migrating toward subscribers in outdoor communication networks such as in fiber to the premises applications such as FTTx and the like. To address this need for making optical connections in communication networks for outdoor environments hardened fiber optic connectors were developed.
  • the term “hardened” describes a connector or receptacle port intended for making an environmentally sealed optical connection suitable for outdoor use for the outside plant applications.
  • Conventional cable assemblies are pre-terminated with fiber optic connectors in the manufacturing factory for providing plug and play connectivity of the cable assembly for the technician without terminating a fiber optic connector to the cable.
  • network operators face many challenges for building, deploying and connecting subscribers to outside plant communication networks such as Fiber-to-the- Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT Home (FTTH), Fiber-to-the-location (FTTx) networks, 5G applications and the like.
  • network operators may have limited space to available on existing poles or in existing vaults for mounting devices and storing lengths of slack cable. Additionally, as outside plant deployments are being deployed deeper into the optical network toward the subscriber, into buildings, and/or rural environments the lengths of fiber optic cable needed between connection nodes may vary widely or have other challenges such as needed to pass-through walls of a building.
  • pre-terminated cable assemblies with given lengths of cable may present challenges for network operators these types of deployment applications due to stocking and inventory of multiples lengths of cable assemblies, slack storage issues for excess cable along with passing the cable assembly with a pre-terminated connector through a wall of a premise since the fiber optic connector is typically larger than the cable and requires a larger passageway for routing. Consequently, there are instances where the network operators would like to use a field-installable connector for terminating the connector on one or more ends of a fiber optic cable by the technician in the field.
  • the disclosure is directed to fiber optic connectors suitable for field termination by making a mechanical splice with a stub optical fiber disposed within the fiber optic connector.
  • the housing of the fiber optic connector comprises a front portion having an actuating cap pocket and a rearward portion of the housing comprising an inspection window that extends to the longitudinal passageway of the housing allowing the technician the ability to view the insertion of the field optical fiber into the fiber optic splice assembly of the fiber optic connector.
  • FIG. 1A depicts a bottom perspective view of a representative fiber optic connector suitable for making a mechanical splice within the fiber optic connector and a front portion of the housing comprises an actuating cap pocket and a rearward portion of housing comprising an inspection window for viewing a field optical fiber being inserted into a fiber optic splice assembly;
  • FIG. 1B depicts the fiber optic connector of FIG.
  • FIG.2 is a partially exploded view of fiber optic connector of FIG.1A showing a fiber optic splice assembly comprising a splice housing with a passageway therethrough, a fiber alignment grip and an actuating cap configured for engaging the fiber alignment grip for securing a mechanical optical fiber splice between a stub optical fiber disposed within a ferrule and a field optical fiber;
  • FIG.3 is a longitudinal perspective sectional view of the fiber optic connector of FIG.
  • FIG. 4 is a longitudinal perspective sectional view of the assembled fiber optic connector of FIG.1A taken in the horizontal direction along line 4-4 without terminating a fiber optic cable;
  • FIG. 4A is a partial longitudinal perspective sectional view of an alternate housing shape at the rearward portion of the passageway acting as a stop surface for the insertion depth of the fiber optic cable when terminating the fiber optic cable;
  • FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the fiber optic splice assembly without the actuating cap for the connector of FIGS.1-4;
  • FIG. 6 shows a detail perspective view of a portion of the assembled fiber optic connector depicting the inspection window that intersects a portion of the locking feature of the housing with the rear end of the fiber optic splice assembly visible;
  • FIG.7 depicts a sectional view of the fiber optic connector taken at section line 7- 7 in FIG.
  • FIG.8 is cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connector showing the fiber optic splice assembly with the fiber alignment grip and actuating cap of the fiber optic splice assembly in the open position for receiving the field optical fiber
  • FIG.9 is cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connector showing the fiber optic splice assembly in the closed position with the actuating cap pushed downward toward the centerline of the connector so that the fiber alignment grip is in the clamping position for securing the mechanical splice between the field optical fiber and the stub optical fiber
  • FIG.10 shows a bottom perspective view of the fiber optic connector terminating the fiber optic cable and making an optical connection between the field optical fiber that enters into the mechanical splice assembly and the stub optical fiber of the fiber optic connector disclosed herein;
  • FIG. 17 shows a top perspective view of a fiber optic connector of FIGS. 1-4 having a cable strain-relief assembly attached to the fiber optic connector (10) without terminating the fiber optic cable;
  • FIG.18 shows a bottom perspective view of the fiber optic connector of FIGS.1- 4 terminating the fiber optic cable and strain-relieved using the cable strain-relief assembly depicted in FIG.17; [0029] FIG.
  • FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of a compression nut and a cable retention member useful as the cable strain-relief assembly of the fiber optic connector of FIGS. 17 and 18;
  • FIG. 20 shows assembly of the components of FIG. 19 with the cable retention member assembled into the compression nut;
  • FIG. 21 depicts a longitudinal cross-section of the assembled components of FIG.20;
  • FIG.22 is a cross-sectional view of the compression nut taken along section line 22-22 shown in FIG.19; Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT [0033]
  • FIG.23 is a sectional view of the assembled components of the cable strain-relief assembly in isolation for securing the fiber optic cable; [0034] FIG.
  • FIG. 24 shows a sectional view of the cable strain-relief assembly attached to a rear end of the fiber optic connector using the external threads of the housing for squeezing the compression element and providing sealing;
  • FIG. 25 shows an exploded view of another compression nut and a cable retention member useful as the cable strain-relief assembly of the fiber optic connector of FIGS.17 and 18;
  • FIG.26 depicts a longitudinal cross-section of the components of FIG.25;
  • FIG. 27 depicts a longitudinal cross-section of the assembled components of FIGS.25 and 26;
  • FIGS.28 and 29 respectively depict a partial perspective view and top view of a rear portion of the cable retention member of FIGS.25 and 26; [0039] FIGS.
  • FIG. 33 depicts a cross-sectional view of an explanatory fiber optic cable that may be terminated to the fiber optic connector;
  • FIG.34 is a perspective rear end view of the cable retention member of FIGS.25 and 26;
  • FIG.35 is a sectional view showing the fiber optic cable being secured using the strain-relief assembly of FIGS.25 and 26; [0043] FIG.
  • FIGS. 37-41 are various views of alternative cable strain-relief assemblies that may be used with the fiber optic connectors disclosed herein.
  • the concepts disclosed advantageously provide fiber optic connectors (hereinafter “connector”) that allow the technician the ability to terminate fiber optic cables in the field in a quick and efficient manner and optically mate the connector with other complimentary devices while providing custom cable lengths where slack storage is not available or it would be wasteful or time-consuming to provide factory pre-terminated cables with a proper length.
  • the connector concepts may also allow the deployment of the fiber optic cable into a duct, raceway, thru walls or the like before having a connector terminated on the end, thereby allowing flexibility and a smaller footprint for the cable installation. For at least these reasons, the field termination of fiber optic cables by a technician in the field has advantages.
  • the fiber optic connectors disclosed are explained and depicted with various alternative components or variations that may be used with the fiber optic connector concepts disclosed.
  • the connector concepts disclosed may be used with any suitable fiber optic splice assembly desired.
  • the connector concepts disclosed provide easy and straight-forward field termination of the connector on an end of the cable by the technician along with providing a quick and reliable optical mating of the connector with another suitable device.
  • Other variations of the connector concepts are possible as disclosed herein.
  • the ferrules of the connector could have more than one stub optical fiber if desired.
  • the connectors disclosed may use any suitable cable strain-relief assemblies desired.
  • the fiber optic splice assembly comprises a fiber alignment grip for aligning and clamping the mechanical splice between a stub fiber of the connector and a field fiber inserted into the connector by the technician for termination.
  • the housing comprises an inspection window to allow the technician the ability to view the insertion of the field optical fiber into the fiber optic splice assembly Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT along with the ability to visually inspect or verify the quality of the mechanical splice for the termination using a light-injection device (LID).
  • the fiber optic connectors disclosed comprise a housing with a rearward portion comprising an inspection window that is disposed rearward of the actuating cap pocket.
  • the actuating cap pocket of the housing is used for receiving an actuating cap capable of translating relative to the fiber optic splice assembly for clamping a fiber alignment grip for holding a mechanical splice between the optical fibers of the connector termination.
  • the inspection window of the housing could also be arranged so that it intersects a portion of the at least one locking feature used for securing the optical mating of the connector.
  • the housing of the connector may comprise at least one locking feature integrally formed in the rearward portion of the housing. The integrally formed locking feature in the housing enables securing of the optical mating of the connector with a suitable device.
  • the locking feature may be a negatively formed feature or subtractive portion from the primitive cross-section of the housing such as a cutout that extends inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the housing, but other variations are possible.
  • negatively formed features include subtractive portions from the round barrel or tube-shaped cross-sections of the housing disposed in the rearward portion.
  • Subtractive portions in the rearward portion of the housing may include notches, grooves, a ramp with a ledge or other suitable configurations.
  • the rearward portion of the housing may have other shapes and features rearward of the locking feature as well.
  • the housing of the connector may also comprise a transition region disposed between the rearward portion and the front portion of the housing.
  • Transition region provides a transition between a non-round cross-sectional shape at the front portion of the housing and a generally round cross-sectional shape at the rearward portion of the housing.
  • the transition region may comprise a threaded portion if desired, but other asymmetric geometries are also possible for the transition region.
  • the threaded portion is fixed (i.e., directly formed as part of the housing so it does not rotate relative to the housing).
  • the threaded portion may provide more than one function for the connector.
  • Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT [0053] By way of example, the threaded portion may be used for securing a connector dust cap to the connector.
  • the threaded portion at the transition region may also be used for attaching a conversion housing for changing the first optical mating footprint of the connector to a second optical mating footprint.
  • the conversion housing be attached to the connector using the threaded portion for converting the first mating footprint such as a Corning style PushlokTM mating footprint for optical mating of the connector to enable a second mating footprint for allowing the optical mating of the connector with an OptiTap® device or the like. Converting to the second mating footprint may require further components for assembly to the disclosed connector such as a conversion housing with an internal threads that engages the threaded portion of the connector housing along with a retention member as disclosed in US Patent No.
  • FIGS. 1-4 depict connector 10 that advantageously allows field termination by the technician. Terminating connector 10 in the field allows tailoring the length of the fiber optic cables for the desired installation along with allowing a smaller cross-section for cable installation. Still further, connector 10 may be hardened connector type and suitable for outside plant applications if desired.
  • FIG.1A depicts a bottom perspective view of connector 10 suitable for making a mechanical splice using a fiber optic splice assembly 40 disposed within connector 10
  • FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the connector 10 of FIG. 1A showing fiber optic splice assembly 40 removed from the housing 20.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 are longitudinal sectional views of the assembled connector 10 of FIG. 1A respectively taken along line 3-3 in the vertical direction and along line 4-4 in the horizonal direction.
  • FIG. 1A shows a bottom perspective view of connector 10 for making a mechanical splice within the connector 10.
  • Connector 10 includes housing 20 comprising a front portion (FP) of housing 20 having an actuating cap pocket 20P and a rearward portion (RP) of the housing 20 comprising an inspection window 20W.
  • the housing 20 also comprises a longitudinal passageway 22 extending from a rear end 21 to Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT a front end 23 with the housing 20.
  • connector 10 comprises fiber splice assembly 40 configured for securing a mechanical optical fiber splice disposed within the longitudinal passageway 22 of the housing 20 when assembled.
  • FIG.2 depicts the fiber optic splice assembly 40 removed from the housing 20 of connector 10.
  • the fiber optic splice assembly 40 comprises a splice housing 41 having a splice housing passageway 42, a fiber alignment grip 47 and an actuating cap 49.
  • the actuating cap 49 is configured for engaging the fiber alignment grip 47 for securing a mechanical optical fiber splice between a stub fiber 35 disposed within the ferrule 30 of connector 10 and the field optical fiber 92 used by the technician for terminating connector 10.
  • fiber optic splice assembly 40 When assembled, fiber optic splice assembly 40 has the fiber alignment grip 47 disposed within the splice housing 41 and the actuating cap 49 is positioned within the actuating cap pocket 20P at the front portion FP of the housing 20 of the connector 10.
  • the actuating cap 49 When assembled, the actuating cap 49 has an open position where the field optical fiber 92 may be inserted into the fiber alignment grip 47 for abutting an end of field optical fiber 92 with an end of the stub optical fiber 35, and a closed position where the end of the field optical fiber 92 may be clamped in position when properly aligned and abutted to the end of the stub fiber 35 for transmitting an optical signal through the mechanical splice.
  • Connector 10 is suitable for receiving and terminating a field optical fiber 92 of a fiber optic cable 90 and making a mechanical splice with the stub fiber 35 disposed within the connector 10. Consequently, a technician can terminate a fiber optic cable 90 to the desired length in the field using connector 10 in a quick and reliable manner.
  • the Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT technician may also strain-relieve the fiber optic cable 90 to connector 10 in the field using a cable strain-relief assembly 99 as disclosed herein.
  • Further details of connector 10 will be described in reference to the FIGS. 1-4.
  • Housing 20 comprises a front portion (FP) and a rearward portion (RP) along its length along axis A-A.
  • the front portion (FP) and the rearward portion (RP) are separated by a transition region (TR) as shown.
  • the transition region TR is disposed between the rear end 21 and the front end 23 where the housing 20 makes a transformational shift in the primitive cross-sectional shapes from a part of the rearward portion (RP) to a part of the front portion (FP).
  • the “rearward portion (RP)” is disposed as a part of housing 20 and located rearward of the front portion (FP). Further, the rearward portion (RP) may be longer than the front portion (FP) or not as desired.
  • a primitive cross-section means the outer perimeter of the cross- section of the housing 20 without regard for the internal features of the cross-section.
  • Examples of a primitive cross-section include as round cross-section at the rearward portion (RP) or non-round cross-section such as at the front portion (FP).
  • portions of the cross-sections may include other features that modify the shape of the primitive cross-sections as desired such as a keying feature, retention feature or a locking feature, while still having a primitive cross-section as described herein.
  • the connector concepts disclosed may have still other cross-sections rearward of the locking features in the rearward portion of housing 20 as disclosed herein.
  • connector 10 comprises fiber optic splice assembly 40 disposed within housing 20 of the connector 10 when assembled.
  • the fiber optic splice assembly 40 allows the technician to terminate a field optical fiber 92 or fiber optic cable in the field using connector 10. Specifically, the fiber optic splice assembly 40 enables a mechanical optical fiber splice between a stub optical fiber 35 disposed within the ferrule 30 of connector 10 and the field fiber 92 inserted into the connector 10 by the technician.
  • a front portion FP of the housing 20 comprises an actuating cap pocket 20P and the rearward portion RP of housing 20 comprises an inspection window 20W.
  • the actuating cap pocket 20P of housing 20 is tailored for receiving the actuating cap 49 that cooperates with the splice housing 41 for use in securing the mechanical splice.
  • Ferrule 30 comprising at least one fiber bore 32 with stub optical fiber 35 disposed Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT within the fiber bore 32 and the free end of the stub optical fiber 35 extends into the fiber alignment grip 47 of fiber optic splice assembly 40 when the connector is assembled.
  • the fiber alignment grip 47 positioned in the open position and suitable for receiving the field optical fiber 92 and making the mechanical fiber optic splice.
  • connector 10 comprises housing 20 having an inspection window 20W. Inspection window 20W advantageously provides the technician a view and access to the insertion path of the field optical fiber 92 as it is being inserted into the connector 10 for ease of installation into the connector 10.
  • FIG. 1A depicts connector 10 with a connector dust cap 120 disposed over the front end of the housing 20 of connector 10 for protecting the connector 10 from dirt, dust or debris before termination.
  • Connector dust cap 120 may be attached to housing 20 using the threaded portion 20TP of housing 20 disposed at the transition region (TR).
  • Connector dust cap 120 may also include a pulling feature 122 for attaching a pulling line to the connector dust cap 120 for use during installation.
  • the connector 10 may also have a ferrule dust cap 110 as depicted in FIG. 1B if desired to protect a ferrule 30 of connector 10 and maintain the cleanliness of the mating end face of the ferrule 30.
  • connector 10 comprises housing 20, fiber optic splice assembly 40, ferrule 30 comprising at least one fiber bore 32, and a stub fiber 35 disposed within the bore 32 of the ferrule 30.
  • Longitudinal passageway 22 extends from a rear end 21 to a front end 23 of housing 20 and allows one or more field optical fibers 92 to be inserted into longitudinal passageway 22 for terminating the connector by making the mechanical splice with the stub fiber 35.
  • Housing 20 may have any suitable configuration using the disclosed concepts.
  • the front portion (FP) of housing 20 comprises actuating cap pocket 20P and the rearward portion (RP) of the housing 20 comprises inspection window 20W.
  • the fiber optic splice assembly 40 comprises splice housing 41 having a splice housing passageway 42 extending from a splice housing front end 43 to a splice housing rear end 45, a fiber alignment grip 47 and an actuating cap 49 configured for engaging the fiber alignment grip 47, and securing the mechanical optical fiber splice therein.
  • the ferrule Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT 30 is configured for being received at the splice housing front end 43 as shown for creating a sub-assembly.
  • the inspection window 20W is formed in the housing 20W and allows the technician the ability to view the field optical fiber 92 inserted into the longitudinal passageway 22 of the housing for alignment and guidance into the fiber optic splice assembly 40 during termination.
  • the field optical fiber 92 may be inserted into a rear end 21 of the housing 20 by the technician and then enter the splice housing rear end 45 and proceed into the splice housing passageway 42.
  • the field optical fiber 92 then is further inserted into fiber alignment grip 47 of the fiber optic splice assembly 40.
  • the fiber alignment grip 47 may include a groove for receiving and aligning the mechanical fiber optic splice.
  • the clamping feature of the fiber alignment grip 47 is activated by pushing the actuating cap 49 downward into the housing 20.
  • FIG.2 shows a partially exploded view of the fiber optic splice assembly 40.
  • the splice housing 41 comprises a splice pocket 41P configured for receiving the fiber alignment grip 47 therein.
  • the fiber alignment grip 47 comprises a clam shell configuration with an open side on one longitudinal length and a hinge disposed on the opposing longitudinal length of the fiber alignment grip 47.
  • the fiber alignment grip 47 is positioned and inserted into the splice pocket 41P so the hinge side is seated into the bottom of the splice housing 41 and the open side faces upward in the splice pocket 41P.
  • a plurality of alignment features 41AF are disposed within the splice housing passageway 42.
  • the alignment features 41AF are configured as pushes for aiding the alignment of the fiber alignment grip 47 within the splice pocket 41P and also cooperate with features on the actuating cap 49.
  • the housing 20 of connector 10 may comprise a first opening 20A at the front end 23 and configured for receiving the splice housing 41 with the fiber alignment 47 therein into the passageway 22 of the housing 20.
  • the fiber optic splice assembly 40 may be biased to a forward position using a resilient member 50 by positioning the resilient member 50 between housing 20 and the splice housing 41 as shown in FIG.2.
  • the splice housing 41 may also comprise a splice Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT housing key 41K for the proper rotational alignment between the housing 20 and the splice housing 41.
  • the splice housing key 41K cooperates with a feature disposed in the passageway 22 of the housing 20 so that the splice pocket 41P aligns with the actuating cap pocket 20P when assembled.
  • the splice housing rear end 45 of splice housing 41 has a passageway to splice pocket 41P where the fiber alignment grip 47 is disposed.
  • the splice housing rear end 45 may have a lip 45L formed on the end for creating a snap-fit assembly to the housing 20 as best shown in FIG. 4.
  • Connector 10 may have other suitable features or components as desired.
  • housing 20 may be monolithically formed as a single component; however, other embodiments could have designs where the housing was formed from one or more components as desired.
  • the monolithically formed housing may still cooperate with other components such as a compressible element installed at the rearward portion of the housing or strain-relief assembly.
  • the rearward portion (RP) of housing 20 may comprise at least one locking feature 20L integrally formed in the rearward portion (RP) of the housing 20.
  • the at least one locking feature 20L is used for securing the optical mating of the connector 10 with another suitable device such as an adapter, port or other device for optical mating.
  • the locking feature 20L may have any suitable configuration or shape for securing the optical mating of the connector 10 in a suitable device.
  • Locking feature 20L may comprise features integrated into the housing such as one or more of a groove, a shoulder, a notch comprising a retention surface, or a ramp with a ledge. In these examples, the locking features 20L advantageously are integrally formed in the housing 20 and do not require extra components.
  • the locking features 20L are subtractive portion(s) from the primitive geometry of the rearward portion RP such as a notch in the cross-section of the round rearward portion RP.
  • the locking feature 20L may have a subtractive portion configured as a ramp with a ledge (i.e., generally transverse with the longitudinal axis of the connector) at the forward portion of the locking feature 20L.
  • a flat portion i.e., Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the connector
  • the locking features 20L integrally formed in the housing 20 may be disposed forward of the sealing location of connector 10.
  • housing 20 are disposed forward (e.g., closer to the ferrule) of at least one groove that seats at least one O-ring 65.
  • housing 20 may use multiple O-rings 65 configured for fitting around a portion of the housing 20 at suitable locations along the longitudinal length of the connector 10.
  • Locking feature 20L may cooperate with features of a complimentary mating device for securing the optical mating of the connector 10 with the complimentary mating device.
  • housing 20 may have the inspection window 20W intersect a portion of the at least one locking feature 20L.
  • the inspection window 20W may have any suitable shape at the opening into the passageway 22 of the housing 20.
  • the inspection window 20W is used for viewing a field optical fiber 92 of the fiber optic cable 90 that enters the fiber optic splice assembly 40 at a splice housing rear end 45 for making the mechanical splice with the stub fiber 35.
  • the inspection window 20W has a generally longitudinal tailored shape useful for guiding the insertion of the field optical fiber 92 into the fiber optic splice assembly 40.
  • Other suitable shapes are possible for the inspection window 20W of housing 20.
  • the inspection window 20W may have an asymmetric shape to help guide the field optical fiber 92.
  • the longitudinal passageway 22 adjacent to the inspection window 20W can narrow in one or more directions for aligning the insertion of the field optical fiber 92 for making the mechanical splice with the stub fiber 35.
  • the longitudinal passageway 22 may narrow along the longitudinal length of the housing 20 (Z-direction) for approaching the splice housing rear end 45.
  • the longitudinal passageway 22 leading to the splice assembly 40 may also narrow in other directions besides the Z-direction.
  • the longitudinal passageway 22 may narrow in two directions for guiding the field optical Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT fiber 92 into the fiber optic splice assembly 40 for making the mechanical optical splice with the stub fiber 35.
  • the longitudinal passageway 22 may as well narrow along the X-direction or Y-direction such as shown in the cross-section of FIG. 7.
  • the inspection window 20W of longitudinal passageway 22 may narrow in two directions or more for guiding the field optical fiber 92 into the fiber optic splice assembly 40.
  • the longitudinal passageway 22 may be shaped to help induce a bow in the field optical fiber 92 when being inserted into the connector 10 if desired or not.
  • Housing 20 may also include further features for connector 10.
  • the rearward portion (RP) of housing 20 may have several different primitive cross-sectional shapes over its length as desired. Select features may be formed in the different primitive cross-sectional regions as desired over the length of the housing 20 progressing toward the rear end 21 of housing 20.
  • the rearward portion (RP) may include one or more retention features or locking features 20L that alter or modify the primitive cross-section.
  • the primitive cross-section taken at the retention or locking feature 20L normal to the longitudinal axis A-A of housing 20 is a generally round cross-section with the subtraction of the locking feature 20L from the cross-section.
  • the housing 20 may use other primitive cross-sectional profiles may be used rearward of the inspection window 20W or locking feature 20L.
  • the housing 20 rearward of the first O-ring 65 may have a different primitive cross-sectional shape if desired.
  • housing 20 has a change from the primitive round cross-section at the forward area of the rearward portion (RP) to a second primitive cross-section at a midship area of the rearward portion (RP).
  • the midship area of the rearward portion (RP) may have a second primitive geometry such as a polygonal cross-section 20H that is different from the primitive round cross-section at Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT the locking feature 20L of housing 20.
  • a primate polygon cross-section at this midship area of the rearward portion (RP) of the housing 20 allows the technician to handle connector 10 during termination.
  • the polygonal cross-section 20H may have a hexagonal shape and be sized for a tool or wrench to aid the technician during termination.
  • the front portion FP of housing 20 depicted has more than one primitive cross- sectional shape over its length.
  • the compression element 60 may be formed from any suitable material for the desired mechanical performance. Further, a passageway 62 for receiving the fiber optic cable 90 through the compression element 60 may be tailored for the cross-sectional profile of the cable. For instance, a round cable could have a suitably tailored round passageway 62 in the compression element 60 for receiving the fiber optic cable 90 Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT therethrough. Likewise, a flat cable could have a suitably tailored flat or oval passageway in the compression element 60 for receiving the fiber optic cable 90 therethrough. [0088] Still other features may be used with connector 10 for enabling the use of connector 10. FIG.
  • the housing 20 may comprise a cable stop 20S configured as one or more internal protrusions extending from the longitudinal passageway 22 for creating a stop surface for a jacket of the fiber optic cable 90 being terminated.
  • the internal protrusions of cable stop 20S may act as a gate allowing the prepared field optical fiber 92 (e.g., 900 um buffered fiber, and 250um fiber) to pass the internal protrusions of cable stop 20S and inhibiting the cable jacket 98 to pass beyond the internal protrusions of the cable stop 20S.
  • Fiber optic splice assembly 40 comprises splice housing 41 with fiber alignment grip 47 disposed within a passageway 42 of the splice housing 41 for aligning and mechanically splicing optical fibers.
  • Stub fiber 35 (not visible) is disposed within the bore 32 of the ferrule 30 and extends into the fiber alignment grip 47 as shown in FIG.8.
  • FIG. 9 is cross-sectional view of the connector 10 with the fiber optic splice assembly 40 having the actuating cap 49 pushed downward (toward the centerline of the connector) so that the fiber alignment grip 47 is in the clamping position for securing the mechanical splice between the field optical fiber 92 and the stub fiber 35.
  • FIGS.10 and 11 show the connector 10 terminated with the field optical fiber 92 of fiber optic cable 90, thereby forming cable assembly 100.
  • the field optical fiber 92 enters the longitudinal passageway 22 of housing 20 at the rear end 21. If used, the field optical fiber 92 and or fiber optic cable 90 may also be threaded through the passageway 62 of compression element 60 disposed within the longitudinal passageway 22 of housing 20 adjacent to the rear end 21.
  • FIG. 10 shows the connector 10 terminated with the field optical fiber 92 of fiber optic cable 90, thereby forming cable assembly 100.
  • the field optical fiber 92 enters the longitudinal passageway 22 of housing 20 at the rear end 21.
  • the field optical fiber 92 and or fiber optic cable 90 may also be threaded through the passageway 62 of compression element 60 disposed within the longitudinal passageway 22 of housing 20 adjacent to the rear end 21.
  • FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the fiber optic connector 10 terminating the optical fiber 92 of fiber optic cable 90 for making the mechanical splice with the stub fiber 35 of connector 10.
  • the field optical fiber 92 of the fiber optic cable 90 enters the splice housing passageway 42 at the splice housing rear end 45 of fiber optic splice assembly 40. Consequently, a mechanical splice is made between the field optical fiber 92 and the stub fiber 35 of the connector 10.
  • the LID may be used for verifying the quality of the mechanical splice between the stub fiber 35 of connector 10 and the field optical fiber 92.
  • the LID injects visible light into the mating end of the stub fiber 35 disposed at the endface of ferrule 30 for transmitting the visible light signal toward the mechanical splice and into the field optical fiber 92 if a suitable mechanical splice is made.
  • the portion of the field optical fiber 92 at the inspection window 20W will glow if a suitable optical signal passes the mechanical splice and enters into the field optical fiber. As shown by FIG.
  • Actuating cap 49 configured for engaging fiber alignment grip 47 for securing the aligned field optical fiber 92 and the stub fiber 35 creating the Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT mechanical splice.
  • the actuating cap 49 fits around a portion of the fiber alignment grip 47 when assembled. In operation as actuating cap 49 is moved from an open position in FIG. 8 to a closed position as shown in FIG. 9 (e.g., actuating cap 49 moved downward) for clamping the fiber alignment grip.
  • Actuating cap 49 comprises a plurality of retention legs 48A-48C for retaining the actuating cap 49 within the actuating cap pocket 20P of housing 20.
  • the retention legs 48A-48C may include detents 49A-49D.
  • Detents 49A-49D are used for retaining the position of the actuating cap 49 within the splice housing 41 by cooperating with the alignment features 41AF disposed within the splice pocket 41P of the splice housing 41.
  • Detents 49A-49D also aid in securing the actuating cap 49 about the fiber alignment grip 47 within the actuation cap pocket 20P of housing 20.
  • the retention legs 48A-48D cooperate with the cap pocket 20P geometry for engaging the fiber alignment grip 47 during use.
  • FIG.14 depicts a bottom perspective view of the actuating cap 49.
  • a medial portion 49M of the underside 49U of actuating cap 49 comprises a chamber 49C that cooperates with the open end of the fiber alignment grip 47. Chamber 49D is defined by adjacent guides 49G for alignment and engagement.
  • the field optical fiber 92 is prepared for termination and insertion into the alignment groove of the fiber alignment grip 47 for abutting stub optical fiber 35.
  • the connector 10 may further Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT comprise one or more components such as the cable strain-relief assembly 99 that cooperates with connector 10.
  • the rearward portion of housing 20 may have features for interacting with the cable strain-relief assembly 99.
  • FIG.15 shows a side view of the rearward portion (RP) of the housing 20 with the compression element 60 disposed within the longitudinal passageway 22 near the rear end 21 of housing 20.
  • the housing 20 adjacent the rear end 21 comprises a plurality of fingers 20F with a plurality of slots 20S therebetween with a predetermined width for allowing the plurality of fingers 20F to be deflected inward.
  • Fiber optic cable 90 is inserted into the passageway 22 at the rear end 21 of housing 20 and through an opening of the compression element 60.
  • the compression element 60 may be used for clamping down on the fiber optic cable 90 and strain-relieving the field optical fiber 92 once terminated.
  • Cable strain-relief assembly 99 may be attached to connector 10 if desired when terminating the fiber optic cable.
  • cable 90 comprises at least one optical fiber 92, one or more strength components 94 and a cable jacket 98.
  • Cable strain-relief assembly 99 may use any suitable components or construction as desired for inhibiting the movement and securing the fiber optic cable 90.
  • the cable strain-relief 99 may be attached at the rear end 21 of the housing 20 of connector 10.
  • FIGS. 17 and 18 are top and bottom perspective views showing an explanatory cable strain-relief assembly 99 attached to connector 10.
  • Other suitable types of cable strain-relief assemblies 99 may be used with connector 10 as well such as depicted in FIGS. 25-35.
  • Still other types of cable strain relief assemblies could have different features or components as desired.
  • FIG. 17 also shows a top perspective view of connector 10 with the keying portion 20KP integrally formed in housing 20.
  • Housing 20 may also comprise a keying portion 20KP disposed in the rearward portion (RP) of housing 20.
  • the front portion FP of housing 20 has a rectangular cross-section that provides a first orientation feature for the connectors for alignment during mating and inhibit insertion into a non-compliant device or port.
  • the keying portion 20KP cooperates with a suitable keying portion in a connection port of a device such as an additive or male portion for inhibiting non-compliant connectors from being inserted into the connection port.
  • a suitable keying portion in a connection port of a device such as an additive or male portion for inhibiting non-compliant connectors from being inserted into the connection port.
  • the keying portion 20KP is disposed about 180 degrees from the at least one locking feature 20L, other arrangements are possible where the keying portion 20KP is disposed less than 180 degrees from the at least one locking feature 20L.
  • FIG. 17 also shows connector 10 with the cable strain-relief assembly 99 attached to the connector 10.
  • the cable strain relief As depicted, the cable strain-relief Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT assembly 99 may include any suitable components for strain-relieving the fiber optic cable 90.
  • FIG. 18 shows a bottom perspective view of connector 10 terminated to fiber optic cable 90 and strain-relieved to connector 10 using the explanatory cable strain- relief assembly 99.
  • the field optical fiber 92 enters the fiber optic splice assembly 40 for making the mechanical splice with the stub fiber 35. After the termination of connector 10, it is desirable to strain-relief the fiber optic cable 90 to the connector 10 to preserve the mechanical splice and operation of connector 10.
  • FIGS.19-22 show further various view of a portion of a first explanatory cable strain-relief assembly 99.
  • Cable strain-relief assembly 99 may comprise cable retention member 80 for use with the compression nut 70 for strain-relieving the fiber optic cable 90.
  • the cable strain-relief assembly 99 may also include a boot 89.
  • FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of the compression nut 70 and cable retention member 80
  • FIG. 20 shows the cable retention member 80 assembled to partially nest in the passageway of compression nut 70
  • the compression nut 70 comprises a passageway extending from a compression nut distal end 71 (e.g., rear end) to a compression nut proximal end 73 (e.g., front end).
  • the coupling nut 70 is configured for receiving a front portion of the cable retention member 80 therein and secured using a plurality of retention arms 84 that may deflect and spring back while still allowing rotation between the components when assembled.
  • the internal threads 75 of the compression nut 70 are used for engaging the threads 20T of housing 20.
  • the cable retention member 80 comprises at least one cantilevered arm 85 that is squeezed for clamping the fiber optic cable 90 as the boot 89 is threaded onto the cable retention member 80 by engaging with the external threads 76 of the compression nut 70. As shown, the cable retention member 80 is inserted into the compression nut 70 so that the cantilevered arm(s) extend rearward of the compression nut 70.
  • the cable retention member 80 comprises two cantilevered arms 85 having a plurality of gripping teeth 85T formed on the inside portion of the respective cantilevered arms 85 for gripping the jacket of the fiber optic cable 90.
  • the plurality of gripping teeth 85T may be canted in one or more directions if desired. For instance, some of the gripping teeth 85T may be canted toward the forward portion of the connector 10 when assembled, and some of the gripping teeth 85T may be canted Attorney Docket No.: HI24-021PCT rearward away from the connector 10.
  • the gripping teeth 85T may be canted to the forward position of the connector 10 and the last tooth 8T on each cantilevered arm 85 can be canted rearward away from the connector 10.
  • FIGS.25-35 Components of a second explanatory cable strain-relief assembly 99 are depicted in FIGS.25-35.
  • the second explanatory cable strain-relief is similar to the first explanatory cable strain-relief assembly 99 and only the differences of the components will be explained in detail for the sake of brevity.
  • FIG. 25-35 Components of a second explanatory cable strain-relief assembly 99 are depicted in FIGS.25-35.
  • the second explanatory cable strain-relief is similar to the first explanatory cable strain-relief assembly 99 and only the differences of the components will be explained in detail for the sake of brevity.
  • FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of compression nut 70 and a cable retention member 80 useful as the cable strain-relief assembly 99 for connector 10 similar to that shown in FIGS.17 and 18.
  • FIG.26 depicts a longitudinal cross-section of the compression nut 70 and a cable retention member 80 of FIG. 25 and
  • FIG. 27 depicts a longitudinal cross-section of the assembled compression nut 70 and a cable retention member 80.
  • the compression nut 70 and cable retention member 80 of the second explanatory cable strain-relief assembly 99 cooperate to isolate forces from the compression element 60 and maintaining a robust seal at the rear end 21 of housing 20.
  • the interlocking feature 74 may receive the anti-rotation feature 86 and inhibit movement between the compression nut 70 and cable retention member 80, which in turn inhibits movement of the fiber optic cable 90 that may disrupt the sealing provided by the compression element 60 when assembled.
  • the anti-rotation feature 86 of the cable retention member 80 is configured as a male spline that is disposed on opposite sides of the second end 83.
  • the cooperating interlocking feature 74 on the compression nut 70 comprises a female spline disposed on opposite sides of the compression nut passageway 72. As shown, the anti-rotation feature 86 and the interlocking feature 74 are only formed about a portion of the respective surfaces, and not the entirety.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention divulgue des connecteurs de fibres optiques pouvant être installés sur le terrain pour réaliser une épissure mécanique avec une fibre optique d'embase disposée à l'intérieur du connecteur de fibres optiques. Le connecteur de fibres optiques comprend un boîtier et un ensemble épissure de fibres optiques pour réaliser une épissure mécanique à l'aide de la fibre optique d'embase du connecteur de fibres optiques. L'ensemble épissure de fibres optiques est approprié pour recevoir une fibre optique à partir d'un câble optique préparé sur le terrain pour venir en butée avec la fibre optique d'embase et réaliser l'épissure mécanique à l'intérieur du connecteur de fibres optiques. Le boîtier comprend avantageusement une fenêtre d'inspection pour visualiser l'insertion de la fibre optique de terrain dans l'ensemble d'épissure de fibres optiques. La fenêtre d'inspection peut chevaucher au moins un élément de verrouillage formé d'un seul tenant dans la partie arrière du boîtier utilisé pour solidariser l'accouplement optique du connecteur.
PCT/US2025/021066 2024-03-28 2025-03-24 Connecteurs de fibres optiques pouvant être installés sur le terrain et leurs procédés de fabrication Pending WO2025207464A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202463571177P 2024-03-28 2024-03-28
US63/571,177 2024-03-28
US202463683288P 2024-08-15 2024-08-15
US63/683,288 2024-08-15

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WO2025207464A1 true WO2025207464A1 (fr) 2025-10-02

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050213892A1 (en) * 2004-03-24 2005-09-29 Barnes Brandon A Field installable optical fiber connector
US20070104425A1 (en) * 2005-10-24 2007-05-10 3M Innovative Properties Company Optical connector and fiber distribution unit
US20190179083A1 (en) * 2017-12-07 2019-06-13 Wei Min Wang Field terminable fiber optic connectors
US11543600B2 (en) 2017-06-28 2023-01-03 Corning Research & Development Corporation Compact fiber optic connectors having multiple connector footprints, along with cable assemblies and methods of making the same

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050213892A1 (en) * 2004-03-24 2005-09-29 Barnes Brandon A Field installable optical fiber connector
US20070104425A1 (en) * 2005-10-24 2007-05-10 3M Innovative Properties Company Optical connector and fiber distribution unit
US11543600B2 (en) 2017-06-28 2023-01-03 Corning Research & Development Corporation Compact fiber optic connectors having multiple connector footprints, along with cable assemblies and methods of making the same
US20190179083A1 (en) * 2017-12-07 2019-06-13 Wei Min Wang Field terminable fiber optic connectors

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