Multi-fiber fiber optic connector

#The present disclosure relates generally to optical fiber communication systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to fiber optic connectors used in optical fiber communication systems.

#Fiber optic communication systems are becoming prevalent in part because service providers want to deliver high bandwidth communication capabilities (e.g., data and voice) to customers. Fiber optic communication systems employ a network of fiber optic cables to transmit large volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances. Optical fiber connectors are an important part of most fiber optic communication systems. Fiber optic connectors allow two optical fibers to be quickly optically connected without requiring a splice. Fiber optic connectors can be used to optically interconnect two lengths of optical fiber. Fiber optic connectors can also be used to interconnect lengths of optical fiber to passive and active equipment.

#A typical fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly supported at a distal end of a connector housing. A spring is used to bias the ferrule assembly in a distal direction relative to the connector housing. The ferrule functions to support an end portion of at least one optical fiber (in the case of a multi-fiber ferrule, the ends of multiple fibers are supported). The ferrule has a distal end face at which a polished end of the optical fiber is located. When two fiber optic connectors are interconnected, the distal end faces of the ferrules abut one another and the ferrules are forced proximally relative to their respective connector housings against the bias of their respective springs. With the fiber optic connectors connected, their respected optical fibers are coaxially aligned such that the end faces of the optical fibers directly oppose one another. In this way, an optical signal can be transmitted from optical fiber to optical fiber through the aligned end faces of the optical fibers. For many fiber optic connector styles, alignment between two fiber optic connectors is provided through the use of an intermediate fiber optic adapter.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example hardened multi-fiber cable assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, and adapter is shown coupling the first cable assembly to a second example cable assembly terminated by a multi-fiber connector;

#FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example fiber optic cable having a major axis and a minor axis;

#FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the components of the first and second cable assemblies shown in FIG. 1;

#Some aspects of this disclosure are directed to certain types of fiber optic cable assemblies 100 including a fiber optic cable 105 terminated by a fiber optic connector 110 (FIG. 3). In accordance with some aspects, the fiber optic connector 110 may be part of a hardened (i.e., environmentally sealed) fiber optic connector arrangement 108. In some implementations, the fiber optic connector arrangement 108 is configured to interface with a second fiber optic cable assembly 200. In the example shown, the second fiber optic cable assembly 200 includes a multi-fiber connector 210 terminating a second fiber optic cable 205.

#In other implementations, the fiber optic connector arrangement 108 is configured to couple to a fiber optic adapter 150 to enable connection to the fiber optic connector 210 of the second fiber optic cable assembly 200. For example, in FIG. 1, the example adapter 150 enables a first fiber optic connector 110, which terminates a first optical cable 105, to mate with a second optic connector 210, which terminates a second optical cable 205. The adapter 150 defines a socket configured to receive a connectorized end of the second cable assembly 200. In some implementations, the fiber optic adapter 150 is configured to mount within an opening defined in a wall, plate, enclosure, or other structure.

#In some implementations, the fiber optic connector arrangement 108 is a hardened (i.e., environmentally sealed) fiber optic connector arrangement 108. In some implementations, the adapter 150 is a hardened (i.e., environmentally sealed) adapter. In certain implementations, the adapter 150 enables the hardened fiber optic connector arrangement 108 to mate with a non-hardened (i.e., unsealed) fiber optic connector 210. For example, in FIG. 1, the adapter 150 coupled to the hardened fiber optic connector arrangement 108 is configured to receive a non-hardened fiber optic connector 210 (e.g., an MPO connector). Certain types of hardened fiber optic connector arrangements 108 are configured to mate with other hardened fiber optic connector arrangements (e.g., in a plug and receptacle style connection).