Optical assembly having adapter for interconnecting different multi-fiber ferrule forms

Abstract

An adapter receives a multi-fiber ferrule in opposite ends, the multi-fiber ferrule having different forms, end face configuration configurations, and areas. The ferrule may be disposed in a fiber optic connector or sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the MT ferrule is optically mated with the TMT ferrule, the MT ferrule is disposed in the MPO connector, and the TMT ferrule is disposed in the VSFF connector.

Description

[0001] References to related cases

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 405,964, filed on September 13, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Background Art

[0003] Conventional adapters for optical components are designed to mate similar types of optical fiber connectors (hereinafter referred to as "connectors") having similar types of optical fiber ferrules (hereinafter referred to as "ferrules"). For example, an MPO adapter connects an MPO connector on each of its two sides, each MPO connector having an MT ferrule. For example, there is an adapter that connects an MPO connector to a bare MT ferrule. One such adapter for directly mating an MPO connector to a bare MT ferrule is disclosed in the applicant's U.S. Patent No. 11,237,339, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, as long as bare ferrules are mated (single-fiber or multi-fiber), they are generally mated to the same optical fiber ferrule. For example, a bare MT ferrule will only be mated with another MT ferrule, and not with a non-MT type ferrule.

[0004] Recently, the applicant has introduced a TMT ferrule, which has a significantly smaller size than a traditional MT ferrule. In addition, the TMT ferrule is shoulder-free, which in turn enables it to have a smaller size, and there is no need to worry about cracking or breaking of the shoulder (as may occur in the MT ferrule). Typically, the TMT ferrule is included in a connector in the form of a Very Small Form Factor ("VSFF"), such as the MMC connector provided by the applicant. The usual dimensions for the larger MT ferrule are 3.0mm height, 8.05mm length between the front and rear ends, and 7mm width. In contrast, the dimensions for the TMT ferrule are 1.25mm height, 4mm length (between the front and rear ends), and 6.4mm width. In other words, the TMT ferrule has a much smaller amount of space than the MT ferrule. TMT ferrules and VSFF connectors are described in detail, for example, in the applicant's WIPO publication WO 2021 / 217050. The entire contents of this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference. Another advantage of TMT ferrules over MT ferrules is that the dimensions are particularly useful in transceiver interfacing.

[0005] In order to make the smaller TMT ferrule more widely used in the industry, it is necessary to have such a mating infrastructure that allows the TMT ferrule to be directly mated to the MT ferrule of the MPO connector to form an optical connection. In addition, in order to expand the application space and increase design flexibility, it is necessary to mate heterogeneous ferrule types, for example, mating the MT ferrule to a non-MT multi-fiber ferrule. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to one aspect, the present invention relates to an adapter for mating two heterogeneous multi-fiber ferrules, the adapter comprising: a main body having a top wall, a bottom wall, and two opposite side walls connecting the top wall and the bottom wall; and a main opening extending between a first end and a second end of the main body and extending along a longitudinal axis of the main body, wherein the main opening is smaller at the first end than at the second end to receive a first multi-fiber ferrule having a first end face configuration at the first end, and wherein the main opening is configured at the second end to receive a second multi-fiber ferrule having a second end face configuration different from the first end face configuration, the first multi-fiber ferrule and the second multi-fiber ferrule being mated within the main body to form an optical connection.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first multi-fiber ferrule is in a first style of fiber optic connector and the second multi-fiber ferrule is in a second style of fiber optic connector.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first end-face configuration has a first area and the second end-face configuration has a second area, the first area being different from the second area.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second multi-fiber ferrule is a MT multi-fiber ferrule and the first multi-fiber ferrule is a non-MT multi-fiber ferrule within the housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first style of fiber optic connector is a VSFF connector and the second style of fiber optic connector is an MPO connector.

[0011] In yet another aspect, there is provided an adapter for mating two heterogeneous multi-fiber ferrules, the adapter comprising: a body having a plurality of walls and a first end and a second end; and a main opening at least partially defined by the plurality of walls and extending along a longitudinal axis of the body and extending between the first end and the second end of the body, wherein the main opening is smaller at the first end than at the second end to receive a first multi-fiber ferrule having a first end face configuration at the first end, and wherein the main opening is configured at the second end to receive a second multi-fiber ferrule having a second end face configuration different from the first end face configuration, the first multi-fiber ferrule and the second multi-fiber ferrule mating within the body to form an optical connection.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first multi-fiber ferrule is in a first style of fiber optic connector and the second multi-fiber ferrule is in a second style of fiber optic connector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first style of fiber optic connector is a VSFF connector and the second style of fiber optic connector is an MPO connector.

[0014] In some implementations, the MPO connector has an MT ferrule and the VSFF connector has a TMT ferrule.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first end-face configuration has a first area and the second end-face configuration has a second area, the first area being different from the second area.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first multi-fiber ferrule is a non-MT multi-fiber ferrule and the second multi-fiber ferrule is a MT multi-fiber ferrule within a housing.

[0017] In yet another aspect, there is provided a mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules forming an optical connection, the mating pair comprising: a first multi-fiber ferrule having a first end face having a first area and having a first plurality of optical fibers terminated at the first end face; and a second multi-fiber ferrule having a second end face having a second area and having a second plurality of optical fibers terminated at the second end face, wherein the first area is different from the second area, and wherein, in a mated configuration within a hybrid adapter, the first multi-fiber ferrule and the second multi-fiber ferrule are engaged with each other at the first end face and the second end face to form an optical connection between the first plurality of optical fibers and the second plurality of optical fibers.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description of the current embodiment of the invention are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed invention. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate different embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an optical assembly according to the present invention having an adapter configured to receive a VSFF connector on a first side and mate the VSFF connector on the first side to an MPO connector on a second side;

[0020] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional picture of TMT ferrule and MT ferrule;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of a cross section of the optical assembly before mating;

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of a cross section of an optical assembly in FIG. 1 showing ferrules mated to each other;

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 a side view of a cross section of an assembly in;

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an adapter in an optical assembly;

[0025] Figure 7 Viewed from the MPO side Figure 6 Elevation diagram of the adapter in;

[0026] Figure 8 Viewed from the MMC side Figure 6 Elevation diagram of the adapter in;

[0027] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an optical assembly having an adapter for use with an MPO connector on one side and a TMT ferrule and sleeve on the other side;

[0028] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A perspective view of the adapter in which the TMT ferrule and sleeve are removed from the adapter;

[0029] Fig.11 This is a stereoscopic view of the TMT ferrule and sleeve from the front;

[0030] Fig.12 This is a stereoscopic view of the TMT ferrule and sleeve from the rear;

[0031] Fig.13 is with Fig. 9 A perspective view of a trigger member used together with an optical assembly;

[0032] Fig.14 yes Fig. 9 A side view of a cross section of the adapter and the multi-fiber ferrule;

[0033] Fig.15 When the multi-fiber ferrule is in the mating configuration Fig. 9 A partial view of the adapter in ;

[0034] Fig.16 From the TMT side Fig. 9A perspective view of an adapter view of an adapter in FIG.

[0035] Fig.17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an optical assembly having an adapter for use with an MPO connector on one side and a TMT ferrule with a ferrule push portion on the other side;

[0036] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 A perspective view of an optical assembly having an MPO connector on one side and a TMT ferrule with a ferrule push portion on the other side, with an adapter removed for clarity;

[0037] Fig.19 yes Fig.17 An elevation view of a cross section of an optical component in FIG.

[0038] Fig. 20 yes Fig.17 A stereoscopic view of the TMT end of the adapter in FIG.

[0039] Fig.21 yes Fig.17 An enlarged perspective view of a cross section of the adapter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0041] Figure 1-8 One embodiment of a mating pair of heterogeneous multi-fiber ferrules that form an optical connection is shown in . The term "heterogeneous" as used herein refers to two different types of fiber optic ferrules, not simply two different fiber optic ferrules of the same type. For example, two heterogeneous multi-fiber ferrules may have at least one structural difference such as a different end face configuration structure. The mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules includes a first fiber optic connector 100 inserted on a first side 102a of a hybrid adapter 102 and a second fiber optic connector 104 inserted on a second side 102b of the hybrid adapter 102. In this regard, the term "hybrid" as used herein refers to an adapter or receptacle that mates two heterogeneous ferrules or two connectors having heterogeneous ferrules. Each of the fiber optic connectors 100, 104 has a multi-fiber ferrule 106, 108, respectively, of a different configuration. See . Figure 2 The first optical fiber connector 100 (which is a VSFF connector provided by the applicant) includes a TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 . Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106. As mentioned above, the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 is Figure 2The conventional MT multi-fiber ferrule 108 also shown in the figure is significantly smaller. The TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 is shoulder-free, which in turn enables it to have a smaller size and there is no need to worry about shoulder breakage (as may occur in the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108). Typically, the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 is included in a connector of the ultra-small ("VSFF") form factor (i.e., the MMC connector 100 provided by the applicant). As described above, the dimensions for the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 are 1.25 mm in height, 4 mm in length (between the front and rear ends), and 6.4 mm in width. The TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 is also provided with cutouts 110, 112 to assist in positioning and stabilizing the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 in the VSFF fiber optic connector 100.

[0042] The second optical fiber connector 104 is provided with an MT multi-fiber ferrule 108, which is used to mate with the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 in the hybrid adapter 102. Figure 2 For example, in a multi-fiber ferrule 106, 108 having relative sizes to each other. Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the end face 120 (first area A1) of the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 is smaller than the area (second area A2) of the end face 122 of the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108. The MT multi-fiber ferrule 108 is larger in both width and height than the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106, and the shoulder 114 makes it larger. The end face 120 of the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 also has a different configuration than the end face 122 of the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108. However, the end face 120 for the optical fiber 140 (see FIG. 1 ) in the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 is smaller than the end face 122 of the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108. Figure 5 ) is aligned with the opening 128 for the optical fiber and the guide pin opening 130 in the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108. In addition, there are differences in the profile / shape of the end face, for example, the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108 has a rectangular configuration, while the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 has a generally rectangular shape but with rounded corners and cutouts 110, 112. In addition, the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108 has a window in front of the shoulder 114, while the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 is windowless. Since the TMT ferrule is smaller than the MT ferrule, it is simple to adapt the TMT ferrule to the connector currently using the MT ferrule. For example, the TMT ferrule can be easily used in the MPO connector where the MT ferrule is conventionally used. Therefore, for the design shown with the MT ferrule, the TMT ferrule can also be used.

[0043] As is known in the art, the optical fiber 140 is terminated at the end faces 120, 122 in the openings 124, 128, respectively. It should be noted that the end faces 120, 122 can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A through the connector / ferrule, or they can be angle-polished. In the illustrated embodiment, the end faces 120, 122 are angle-polished. Therefore, the mating plane MP discussed below is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. See Figure 3 and Figure 4 .

[0044] Applicants note that the term "front" or "forward" refers to the direction in which the multi-fiber ferrule will meet another multi-fiber ferrule or device, while the term "rear" or "backward" is used to refer to the direction from which the optical fiber enters the multi-fiber ferrule or optical fiber connector. In this application, the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 will therefore have a front and a rear, and the front will be inserted into the hybrid adapter 102 first. Therefore, in Figure 2 In the figure, the "front" of the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 (and the optical fiber ferrule or connector) points out of the figure and slightly to the left. The "back" or "rear" is the hidden and invisible part of the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 (or optical fiber connector) (and opposite to the front), and "backward" and "rearward" are slightly to the right and toward the page.

[0045] The MPO connector 104 is a standard MPO connector, and in addition to the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108, the MPO connector also has an inner housing 130 that holds the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108, an outer housing 132 that engages the hybrid adapter 102, guide pins 134 (if the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 does not have guide pins), a pin retainer 136, a spring 138, and optical fibers 140. Similarly, the VSFF fiber optic connector 100 has a receiver 142 for holding the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106, a pin retainer or spacer 144, a spring 146, a housing 148, a crimping ring 150, and a push-pull boot 152. Of course, depending on the use and environment, there may be other components that are provided or removed from the VSFF fiber optic connector 100. The push-pull boot 152 has a latch 154 that engages a corresponding structure 156 on the hybrid adapter 102. In Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , structure 156 is an opening in the top of adapter 102. Structure 156 may also be a depression (which does not pass completely through hybrid adapter 102).

[0046] Go to Figure 3, the two fiber optic connectors 100, 104 have been inserted into the main opening 170 of the hybrid adapter 102 from their respective sides. The two fiber optic connectors 100, 104 are approaching each other, and the guide pins 134 are about to engage the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the figure, the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108 have been mated by contacting the end faces 120 and 122 to form an optical connection between the optical fibers 140 in each of the two optical fiber connectors 100 and 104 at the mating plane MP.

[0047] refer to Figure 6-8 , a hybrid adapter 102 is provided for mating two heterogeneous multi-fiber ferrules (i.e., a TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and an MT multi-fiber ferrule 108). The hybrid adapter 102 has a main body 160, which has a top wall 162, a bottom wall 164, and two opposite side walls 166, 168. The two opposite side walls 166, 168 connect the top wall 162 and the bottom wall 164 to form a first end 172 and a second end 174 of the main body and along the longitudinal axis A of the main body 160 (see Figure 1 ) is a main opening 170 extending from the first end 172. The terms "top", "bottom", and "side" are used merely as a convention and for ease of discussion and are not used in a limiting or specific manner. It should be noted that the first end 172 will receive the VSFF fiber optic connector 100, and the second end 174 will receive the MPO connector 104. It is not important which end is marked as the first end and which end is marked as the second end, as long as the fiber optic connectors 100, 104 are inserted into the correct end. It should be noted that the main opening 170 is smaller at the first end 172 to receive the smaller VSFF fiber optic connector 100 with the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106, and the main opening 170 is larger at the second end 174 to receive the larger MPO connector 104 with the larger MT multi-fiber ferrule 108.

[0048] As described above, the hybrid adapter 102 has a main opening 170 of different sizes at different ends 172, 174. The same is true for the top wall 162, the bottom wall 164, and the two opposing side walls 166, 168. For example, the top wall 162 and the bottom wall 164 can be flat between the first end 172 and the second end 174 (except for the flange discussed below), or for the smaller first end 172, there can be a step between the first end 172 and the second end 174. The same is true for the two opposing side walls 166, 168. Preferably, there is a step 178 between the first end 172 and the second end 174. See Figure 6This is possible, in part, because the VSFF fiber optic connector 100 is thinner. The hybrid adapter 102 preferably has flanges 180 on the top wall 162 and the bottom wall 164 to prevent the hybrid adapter 102 from being pushed too far into a receiver / receptacle (e.g., an adapter panel). Figure 4 and Figure 7 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the outer surfaces of the top wall 162, the bottom wall 164, and the two opposing side walls 166, 168 are in multiple planes. In this embodiment, there are at least 6 planes, but if there were no steps, there would be only 4 planes - each of the top wall 162, the bottom wall 164, and the opposing side walls 166, 168 are flat and continuous from one end to the other.

[0049] Two latch arms 182, 184 are provided within the main opening 170 on the second end 174, which engage the inner housing 130 of the MPO connector 104, as is standard in the industry for connecting the MPO connector 104 in a standard MPO adapter. An example advantage of the hybrid adapter 102 is that an existing MPO connector (e.g., the MPO connector 104) can also be mated to a newer connector format having a newer type of ferrule, i.e., a VSFF fiber optic connector 100 having a TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106.

[0050] Figure 9-16 2 is another embodiment of a mating pair of heterogeneous multi-fiber ferrules forming an optical connection. The mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules shown therein includes a first multi-fiber ferrule 106' inserted on the first side 202a of the hybrid adapter 202 and a second fiber optic connector 204 inserted on the second side 202b of the main opening 270 of the hybrid adapter 202. In this case, the second fiber optic connector 204 is the same as the MPO connector 104 with the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108 and will not be described in detail here. The first multi-fiber ferrule 106' is similar to the TMT ferrule 106 described above except that the multi-fiber TMT ferrule 106 of this embodiment has only one row of optical fibers 140. Similarly, the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108 will also basically have one row of optical fibers. This embodiment of the hybrid adapter can also use the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108. Furthermore, in this embodiment, instead of disposing the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 ′ in a multi-component connector, the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 ′ is held together with the hybrid adapter 202 by the sleeve 242 .

[0051] The hybrid adapter 202 is the same as in the first embodiment on the second side 202b. That is, the hybrid adapter 202 has a main body 260 having a top wall 262, a bottom wall 264, and two opposing side walls 266, 268. The two opposing side walls 266, 268 connect the top wall 262 and the bottom wall 264 to form a longitudinal axis L (see FIG. 2 ) between the first end 272 and the second end 274 of the main body and along the main body 260. Fig.10 ) extending from the main opening 270. The hybrid adapter 202 has main openings 270 of different sizes at different ends 272, 274. The top wall 262, the bottom wall 264, and the two opposing side walls 266, 268 may also have different sizes. For example, due to the different sizes of the MPO connector 104 and the multi-fiber ferrule 106', the adapter 202 may be smaller at one end. In this case, due to the size difference, the top wall 262, the bottom wall 264, and the two opposing side walls 266, 268 may not be flat from the first side 202a to the second side 202b. See Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In this case, there is a step-down 278 between the top and bottom walls 262, 264 and the two opposing side walls 266, 268. Fig. 9 Alternatively, the outside of the hybrid adapter 202 may be flat between the first end 272 and the second end 274. The hybrid adapter 202 may have flanges on the top wall 262 and the bottom wall 264 to prevent the hybrid adapter 202 from being pushed too far into a receiver / receptacle (e.g., an adapter panel). The flange is not shown in this embodiment, but it will be similar to the flange 180 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.16 As can be seen in the top wall 262, the bottom wall 264 and the outer surfaces of the two opposing side walls 266, 268 are in multiple planes. In this embodiment, there are at least 8 planes, but if there is no step-down, there will be only 4 planes - each of the top wall 262, the bottom wall 264 and the opposing side walls 266, 268 will be flat and continuous from one end to the other.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first side 202a of the hybrid adapter 202 is different in that the hybrid adapter is configured to receive the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106' and the sleeve 242. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A trigger member 244 is also provided, which is used to release the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106' and the sleeve 242 from the hybrid adapter 202 when necessary. Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.13 as well as Fig.14The trigger is discussed below in relation to the hybrid adapter 202 .

[0053] Now go to Figure 10-12 , wherein there is a sleeve 242 for use with the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106' and the adapter 202. In general, the sleeve 242 makes it easier to manipulate the bare TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106', particularly when inserting and removing the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106' into the adapter 202. The sleeve 242 has a body 300 having a first side 302, a second side 304 opposite the first side 302, a top side 306, and a bottom side 308 opposite the top side 306. The top side 306 and the bottom side 308 are preferably curved, with the curvature extending farthest from the body 300 approximately halfway between the first side 302 and the second side 304. See Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The body 300 also has a central opening 310 that is at least partially defined by the first side 302, the second side 304, the top side 306, and the bottom side 308. The central opening 310 receives the optical fiber 140 that is secured within the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106. The optical fiber 140 may be in ribbon form or loose optical fiber terminated at the opening 124' at the end face 124'.

[0054] The sleeve 242 has a slot 314 extending longitudinally from a rear end 316 of the fiber ferrule holder 306 to a front end 318 of the central opening 310. Fig.11 and Fig.12 As can be seen, the location of the groove 314 is approximately where the first side 302 meets the top side 306. However, the groove 314 may be located at other locations around and on the body 300 and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the groove 314 is sized so that it is larger than the optical fiber or optical ribbon that will be installed through the groove. For example, for the use of a 2-row ferrule, the groove will be wider than the height of 2 ribbons.

[0055] The sleeve extensions 320, 322 extend longitudinally from the first side 302 and the second side 304. The first sleeve extension 320 extends from the front 324 of the first side 302, and the second sleeve extension 322 extends from the front 326 of the second side 304. Each of the first sleeve extension 320 and the second sleeve extension 322 are mirror images of each other, and therefore only the first sleeve extension 320 will be discussed. The discussion will also apply to the second sleeve extension 322.

[0056] The first sleeve extension 320 has a main arm 328 with a head portion 330 having opposite, generally forward facing, chamfered side surfaces 332. These chamfered side surfaces 332 assist in aligning the sleeve 242 and the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106' with the hybrid adapter 202. The sleeve extensions 320, 322 also each have a chamfered surface 334 that faces toward each other and assists in splaying the sleeve extensions 320, 322 away from each other when the sleeve 242 is installed on the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106'. Moving backward from the head portion 330 toward the first side 302, a ramp stop surface 336 is provided on the rear portion of the head portion 330 that faces toward the first side 302 and engages the adapter 202. A channel 338 is also provided between the ramp stop surface 336 and the first side 302 that receives a portion of the adapter 202.

[0057] Another chamfered surface is provided that further assists in installing the sleeve 242 with the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 in the adapter 202. That is, the first side 302 and the second side 304 have chamfered surfaces 340, 342 extending from the front thereof, respectively. The chamfered surface 340 extends from the front 324 of the first side 302, while the chamfered surface 342 extends from the front 326 of the second side 304. The chamfered surfaces 340, 342 assist in aligning the sleeve 242 and the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 with the adapter 202.

[0058] Finally, for the sleeve 242, a rearward-facing stop surface 390 is provided on each of the sleeve extensions 320, 322. Each of the rearward-facing stop surfaces 390 is configured to engage the forward-facing surface (ferrule stop surface) of the cutouts 110', 112' of the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106', respectively. Thus, when pulling on the sleeve 242, the sleeve extensions 320, 342 move relative to the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106', and the rearward-facing stop surfaces 390 engage the forward-facing surfaces of the cutouts 110', 112' of the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106', pulling the fiber ferrule 106' out of the adapter 202 together with the sleeve 242. The retainer extensions 320, 322 are substantially made of plastic and are biased to contact the cutouts 110, 112 of the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106'.

[0059] A trigger member 244 is also provided in the hybrid adapter 202, and the trigger member is located on the top surface of the hybrid adapter 202 and preferably at the junction of the first side 202a and the second side 202b. Fig. 9 and Fig.10The trigger member 244 has a top portion 246 and a leg 248 extending into the main opening 270 of the hybrid adapter 202. When the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106' and the sleeve 242 are inserted into the hybrid adapter 202, the head portion 330 of the sleeve 242 engages the leg 248 and particularly the upwardly extending protrusion 250. The head portion 330 pushes the protrusion 250 downward, and the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106' and the sleeve 242 are advanced and then captured by the protrusion 250 disposed within the channel 338. See FIG. Fig.14 When the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 ′ and sleeve 242 are to be removed, push down on the top portion 246 of the trigger member 244 and the protrusion 250 moves downward and out of the channel 338 , and the head portion 330 (along with the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 ′ and sleeve 242 ) can be pulled out of the adapter 202 .

[0060] A pedestal 260 is also disposed in the main opening 270. Fig.16 . The stand 260 is designed and positioned to engage the cutouts 110', 112' of the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106'. The stand 260 helps center the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106' and also helps provide a stop within the cutouts 110', 112' so that the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106' is not inserted too deeply into the main opening 270. A sleeve stop 272 may also be provided, which is located at the top and bottom of the main opening 270 to provide additional protection and prevent the sleeve 242 from entering too far. The TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106' is mated with the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108 within the hybrid adapter 202, such as in, for example Fig.15 As shown in .

[0061] Another embodiment of a mating pair of heterogeneous multi-fiber ferrules forming an optical connection is Figure 17-21. The mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules includes a first multi-fiber ferrule 106 inserted into a main opening 470 on a first side 402a of a hybrid adapter 402 and a second fiber optic connector 404 inserted into the main opening 470 on a second side 402b of the hybrid adapter 402. In this case, the second fiber optic connector 404 is the same as the MPO connector 104 with the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108 as used for the two second fiber optic connectors discussed above. The first multi-fiber ferrule 106 is a TMT ferrule as also described above; however, instead of the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 being disposed within a multi-component connector or sleeve, a ferrule pusher 404 is provided that surrounds the optical fiber 140 and is disposed behind the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and holds the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 within the hybrid adapter 402. It should be noted that since the multi-fiber ferrules are the same multi-fiber ferrules discussed above, they have the same shape and size as those previously discussed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the area and configuration of the end face 120 of the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 is smaller than the area of ​​the end face 122 of the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108.

[0062] The hybrid adapter 402 is identical on the second side 402b as in the first two embodiments. However, the first side 402a of the hybrid adapter 402 is different in that it is configured to receive the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and the ferrule pusher 404. Figure 17-19 The first side 402a of the hybrid adapter 402, together with the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and the ferrule push portion 404, also has a smaller outer perimeter than the perimeter on the second side 402b, which is partly due to the smaller size of the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and the ferrule push portion 404. The configuration of the outside of the hybrid adapter 402 is similar to the configuration of the outside of the hybrid adapter 102. That is, the top wall 462 and the bottom wall 464 are flat between the first end 472 and the second end 474 (except for the flange), and for the opposing side wall 446, a step 478 is preferably provided between the first end 472 and the second end 474. See Fig.17 This is possible, in part, due to the thinner TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and ferrule pusher 404. The hybrid adapter 402 preferably has flanges 480 on the top wall 462 and the bottom wall 464 to prevent the hybrid adapter 402 from being pushed too far into a receiver / receptacle (such as an adapter panel).

[0063] As in Fig.18 and Fig.19As seen in FIG. 4 , a spacer 444 is provided, which is preferably positioned between the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and the ferrule pusher 404. The spacer 444 assists in distributing the force of the ferrule pusher 404 on the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106, but the ferrule pusher 404 can also be configured to directly engage the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106. The ferrule pusher 404 has a top wall 450, a bottom wall 452, and two side walls 454, 456, which are positioned between the top wall 450 and the bottom wall 452 to define a central opening 458 for receiving the optical fiber 140 between the front end 460 and the rear end 462.

[0064] The ferrule pusher 404 has several features related to its use with the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106. First, a polarity key or polarity feature 464 is provided on one of the walls. Fig.18 The middle side wall 456 is shown as having this polar bond or polar feature. The polar bond or polar feature 464 can also be on any other wall.

[0065] Two latches 446 are also provided on opposite sides of the ferrule pushing portion 404. In this case, the two latches 446 are located on the top wall 450 and the bottom wall 452. Fig.18 and Fig.19 As can be seen in the figure, the two latches 446 are cantilevered protrusions that extend slightly beyond the edge of the ferrule push portion 404. The two latches 446 have rearwardly facing flat surfaces 448a that engage a dimple or depression 448 in the hybrid adapter 402 to prevent the ferrule push portion 404 from being dislodged from the main opening 470. This arrangement retains the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 in position for mating with the MPO connector 104 with the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108.

[0066] The first side 402a of the hybrid adapter 402 preferably includes a polarity channel 484 that receives the polarity key or polarity feature 464. Fig.17 , Fig. 20 as well as Fig.21 This feature ensures that the MPO connector 104 with the MT multi-fiber ferrule 108 is aligned with the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and the ferrule pusher 404 so that after the first multi-fiber ferrule 106 is mated with the second multi-fiber ferrule within the adapter 402, the optical fibers 140 in each of the connectors are optically aligned.

[0067] Another similar feature, polarity check feature 482, may also be provided on the ferrule push portion 404. Fig. 20, this is shown as a flat, rearward-facing surface 482. The polarity check feature 482 provides a stop surface for the polarity key or polarity feature 464. If the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and the ferrule push portion 404 are reversed relative to the correct positioning, the polarity key or polarity feature 464 will hit the polarity check feature 482, preventing the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and the ferrule push portion 404 from being inserted incorrectly. The user will then know to flip the TMT multi-fiber ferrule 106 and the ferrule push portion 404 180 degrees for correct alignment. Obviously, the two features, namely the polarity key or polarity feature 464 and the polarity check feature 482, must be on opposite sides of the ferrule push portion 404 to perform their functions. Both the polarity key or polarity feature 464 and the polarity check feature 482 may also take other forms and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] An optical assembly for mating a pair of fiber optic connectors, comprising a hybrid adapter having a longitudinal main opening between a first end and a second end, the main opening being smaller at one of the first end and the second end than at the other of the first end and the hybrid adapter having: a body; a first fiber optic connector having a fiber optic ferrule configured for a first end face configuration, the first fiber optic connector being received at the first end and positioned for mating within the body of the hybrid adapter; and a second fiber optic connector having a fiber optic ferrule configured for a second end face configuration, the second fiber optic connector being received at the second end and also positioned for mating with the first fiber optic connector within the body of the hybrid adapter.

[0069] The above optical assembly, wherein the first optical fiber connector is an MPO connector and the second optical fiber connector is a super small form factor (VSFF) connector.

Claims

1. A mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules for forming an optical connection, comprising: a first multi-fiber ferrule having a first end face having a first area and a first plurality of optical fibers terminated at the first end face; as well as a second multi-fiber ferrule, the second multi-fiber ferrule having a second end face, the second end face having a second area, and the second plurality of optical fibers being terminated at the second end face, wherein the first area is different from the second area, and Wherein, in a configuration structure mated in a hybrid adapter, the first multi-fiber ferrule and the second multi-fiber ferrule are joined to each other at the first end face and the second end face to form an optical connection between the first plurality of optical fibers and the second plurality of optical fibers.

2. The mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules according to claim 1, wherein: The first multi-fiber ferrule is provided with a sleeve that engages the first end of the hybrid adapter.

3. The mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules according to claim 2, wherein: The second multi-fiber ferrule is arranged in the optical fiber connector.

4. The mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules according to claim 3, wherein: The optical fiber connector is an MPO connector.

5. The mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules according to claim 4, wherein: The MPO connector has an MT multi-fiber ferrule, and the first multi-fiber ferrule is a TMT multi-fiber ferrule.

6. The mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules according to claim 1, wherein: The first multi-fiber ferrule is a non-MT multi-fiber ferrule, and the second multi-fiber ferrule is a MT multi-fiber ferrule in a housing.

7. The mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules according to claim 1, wherein: The first multi-fiber ferrule terminates a first plurality of optical fibers at a first end face thereof, and the second multi-fiber ferrule terminates a second plurality of optical fibers at a second end face thereof, the first plurality of optical fibers being optically aligned with the second plurality of optical fibers after the first multi-fiber ferrule and the second multi-fiber ferrule are mated within a body of the adapter.

8. An adapter for mating two heterogeneous multi-fiber ferrules, comprising: a body having a plurality of walls and a first end and a second end; as well as a main opening at least partially defined by the plurality of walls and extending along a longitudinal axis of the body and between the first and second ends of the body, and The main opening is smaller at the first end than at the second end so as to receive a first multi-fiber ferrule having a first end surface configuration at the first end, and The main opening is configured at the second end to receive a second multi-fiber ferrule having a second end surface configuration different from the first end surface configuration, and the first and second multi-fiber ferrules are mated in the body to form an optical connection.

9. The adapter according to claim 8, wherein: The first multi-fiber ferrule is in a sleeve, and the second multi-fiber ferrule is in a fiber optic connector.

10. The adapter according to claim 9, wherein: The optical fiber connector is an MPO connector.

11. The adapter according to claim 10, wherein: The MPO connector has an MT multi-fiber ferrule, and the sleeve has a TMT multi-fiber ferrule.

12. The adapter according to claim 8, wherein: The first end surface configuration has a first area and the second end surface configuration has a second area, the first area being different from the second area.

13. The adapter according to claim 8, wherein: The first multi-fiber ferrule is a non-MT multi-fiber ferrule, and the second multi-fiber ferrule is a MT multi-fiber ferrule in a housing.

14. The adapter according to claim 8, wherein: The first multi-fiber ferrule terminates a first plurality of optical fibers at a first end face thereof, and the second multi-fiber ferrule terminates a second plurality of optical fibers at a second end face thereof, and after the first multi-fiber ferrule and the second multi-fiber ferrule are mated within the body of the adapter, the first plurality of optical fibers are optically aligned with the second plurality of optical fibers.

15. A mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules for forming an optical connection, comprising: a first multi-fiber ferrule having a first end face having a first area and a first plurality of optical fibers terminated at the first end face; as well as a second multi-fiber ferrule, the second multi-fiber ferrule having a second end face, the second end face having a second area, and the second plurality of optical fibers being terminated at the second end face, wherein the first area is different from the second area, and Wherein, in a configuration structure mated in a hybrid adapter, the first multi-fiber ferrule and the second multi-fiber ferrule are joined to each other at a first end face and a second end face to form an optical connection between the first plurality of optical fibers and the second plurality of optical fibers.

16. The mating pair of multi-fiber ferrules according to claim 15, wherein: The first multi-fiber ferrule is a TMT multi-fiber ferrule, and the second multi-fiber ferrule is an MT multi-fiber ferrule in a housing.

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