Connector for multiple core optical fiber
AssigneeCommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
InventorJeffrey D. Nielson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fiber optic plug, suitable for multi-core fiber (MCF), is structured to hold satellite cores of the MCF in a precise angular positions so as to attain suitable alignment with satellite cores of a mating connector. The plug includes features to permit a ferrule holding the MCF to move longitudinally relative to the connector's housing, so that a spring may control a mating force to an abutting ferrule of a mating connector. The ferrule may be held by ferrule barrel having splines projecting away from an outer peripheral surface. The splines may slide longitudinally within notches of the connector housing or a strength member attached to the connector housing. The notches and splines have a tight tolerance, so that the satellite cores remain in a desired, set angular position.
Claims20
A multi-core fiber connector comprising:
- a ferrule;
- a multi-core fiber secured within said ferrule;
- a ferrule barrel surrounding at least a portion of said ferrule, said ferrule barrel including at least one spline extending away from an outer peripheral surface of said ferrule barrel;
- and
- a connector housing having an inner cavity receiving said ferrule barrel, said inner cavity including at least one notch receiving said at least one spline and permitting said at least one spline to move within said at least one notch in a first direction which is substantially parallel to an extension direction of said ferrule.
A multi-core fiber connector comprising:
- a ferrule;
- a multi-core fiber secured within said ferrule;
- a ferrule barrel surrounding at least a portion of said ferrule, said ferrule barrel including at least one spline extending away from an outer peripheral surface of said ferrule barrel;
- a strength member surrounding the multi-core fiber to a rear of said ferrule barrel, said strength member including at least one notch receiving said at least one spline and allowing said at least one spline to move in a direction substantially parallel to an extension direction of said ferrule;
- a connector housing having an inner cavity receiving said ferrule barrel and said strength member, wherein said strength member is attached directly or indirectly to said connector housing.
A multi-core fiber connector comprising:
- a ferrule;
- a multi-core fiber secured within said ferrule;
- a ferrule barrel surrounding at least a portion of said ferrule, said ferrule barrel including first and second splines extending away from an outer peripheral surface of said ferrule barrel;
- a first collar surrounding said ferrule on a first side of said ferrule barrel, said first collar including first and second notches to receive said first and second splines and allowing said first and second splines to slide therein, said first collar including first and second tabs protruding away from a surface of said first collar;
- a second collar surrounding said ferrule, said second collar including third and fourth notches to receive said first and second tabs and allowing said first and second tabs to slide therein;
- and
- a connector housing having an inner cavity receiving said second collar, wherein said second collar is adhered to said inner cavity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.