US 2001/0036342 A1 · MULTIFIBER FERRULE DEFINING ALIGNMENT HOLES HAVING A TAPERED LEAD-IN PORTION

Abstract

A multifiber ferrule is provided that includes a ferrule body that defines at least one elongate hole opening through the front face of the ferrule body that, in turn, includes a lead-in portion proximate the front face for guiding the respective alignment member into the elongate hole. The ferrule body at least partially defines one or more elongate holes, such as a guide pin hole or an alignment groove, each having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. Each elongate hole includes the lead-in portion proximate the front face and an adjacent alignment portion. The lead-in portion expands radially outward from the longitudinal axis in a direction extending from the adjacent alignment portion to the front face of the ferrule body. As such, the opening of the lead-in portion through the front face of the ferrule body is larger in lateral cross-section than the opening of the lead-in portion into the adjacent alignment portion. The lead-in portion is therefore capable of guiding the respective alignment member into the adjacent alignment portion that, in turn, is sized to snugly receive the alignment member, thereby serving to properly align the ferrule with the alignment members. In addition, the lead-in portion of each elongate hole defined by the multifiber ferrule serves as a receptacle for dirt or other particulates that are transferred from the alignment member as the alignment member is inserted into the respective elongate hole.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A multifiber ferrule comprising:

a ferrule body having a front face and an opposed rear face and defining a plurality of bores extending therebetween for receiving end portions of respective optical fibers, said ferrule body also at least partially defining at least one elongate hole opening through the front face and adapted to receive a respective alignment member in order to align the multifiber ferrule, wherein the elongate hole that is at least partially defined by said ferrule body defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and
wherein the elongate hole includes a lead-in portion proximate the front face and an adjacent alignment portion, the lead-in portion expanding radially outward from the longitudinal axis in a direction extending from the adjacent alignment portion to the front face of said ferrule body such that the lead-in portion is capable of guiding the respective alignment member into the adjacent alignment portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multifiber ferrule defining alignment holes having a tapered lead-in portion

Life of this patent

Multifiber ferrule defining alignment holes having a tapered lead-in portion

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20