Multi-port devices and optical connectors with rotational discrete locking and keying features

Abstract

Fiber optic connectors and fiber optic cables with connectors include a connector housing having a locking portion defined on the connector housing that allows the connector housing to be selectively coupled to a corresponding push-button fixation member of a multi-port assembly. Methods for selectively connecting and disconnecting a fiber optic connector to and from the multi-port assembly allow a connector housing to be removed from the multi-port assembly forcibly and losslessly.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese national phase application No. 201880048258.5 of PCT international application PCT / US2018 / 039485 with a filing date of June 26, 2018.

[0003] This application claims the benefit of PCT / US2017 / 064072 filed on November 30, 2017, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 526,011 filed on June 28, 2017, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 526,018 filed on June 28, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 526,195 filed on June 28, 2017, the content of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0004] Background

[0005] Field

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to components for interconnecting or otherwise terminating optical fibers and fiber optic cables in a manner adapted to mate with corresponding optical sockets. Technical Background

[0007] Optical fibers are used in an increasing number and variety of applications, such as a wide variety of telecommunications and data transmission applications. Accordingly, fiber optic networks include an increasing number of terminated optical fibers and fiber optic cables that can be readily and reliably mated with corresponding optical sockets in the network. These terminated optical fibers and fiber optic cables are available in a variety of connector - equipped formats, including, for example, hardened and connectors, field - installable connectors, single - or multi - fiber cable assemblies with pre - installed connectors having SC, FC, or LC connectors, etc., all of which are available from Corning Incorporated, and other manufacturers also offer similar products, as detailed in the patent literature.

[0008] The optical sockets to which the foregoing terminated fibers and cables are coupled are typically provided as optical network units (ONUs), network interface devices (NIDs), and other types of network devices or enclosures, and often require hardware that is robust enough to be used in a variety of environments under various installation conditions. These conditions can be attributed to the environment in which the connectors are used or the habits of technicians handling the hardware. Accordingly, there has been an ongoing effort to enhance the robustness of these connector - equipped components while maintaining a fast, reliable, and trouble - free optical connection to the network. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber connector, a cable assembly with a connector, a multi-port assembly, and methods for connecting an optical fiber connector to a multi-port assembly and disconnecting an optical fiber connector from a multi-port assembly.

[0010] In one embodiment, an optical fiber connector includes: a ferrule tube that includes an optical fiber bore; and a connector housing, wherein the connector housing includes: a ferrule tube retaining portion that is positioned at a front portion of the connector housing and is structurally configured to engage and retain the ferrule tube; a longitudinal axis that extends from the front portion of the connector housing through the ferrule tube retaining portion to a rear portion of the connector housing that is positioned opposite the front portion; a nominal housing portion that is defined on an outer surface of the connector housing; and a locking portion that is defined on the outer surface of the connector housing and interrupts the nominal housing portion of the connector housing, wherein the locking portion includes a port engagement surface that extends inwardly from the nominal housing portion of the connector housing toward the longitudinal axis and is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the locking portion further includes a locking portion recess that is positioned behind the port engagement surface of the locking portion and inside the nominal housing portion of the connector housing, and the locking portion recess is oriented transverse to the port engagement surface and includes a planar surface that extends across at least a portion of the outer surface of the connector housing.

[0011] In another embodiment, an optical fiber cable with a connector includes: a ferrule tube, the ferrule tube including an optical fiber hole; and a connector housing, the connector housing including: a ferrule tube holding portion positioned at a front portion of the connector housing, the ferrule tube holding portion engaging with the ferrule tube; a longitudinal axis extending from the front portion of the connector housing through the ferrule tube holding portion and the optical fiber hole of the ferrule tube to a rear portion of the connector housing positioned opposite to the front portion; a nominal housing portion defined on an outer surface of the connector housing; and a locking portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing and interrupting the nominal housing portion of the connector housing, wherein the locking portion includes a port engaging surface extending inward from the nominal housing portion of the connector housing toward the longitudinal axis and oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, and the locking portion further includes a locking portion recess positioned behind the port engaging surface and inside the nominal housing portion of the connector housing, and the locking portion recess is oriented transversely to the port engaging surface and includes a planar surface extending across at least a portion of the outer surface of the connector housing; and an optical fiber cable including an optical fiber extending along the longitudinal axis of the connector housing to the optical fiber hole of the ferrule tube.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, a multi-port assembly includes: a housing defining a cavity positioned within the housing; a plurality of optical adapters positioned within the cavity of the housing, the plurality of optical adapters being structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple different optical connectors; a plurality of optical connector ports including respective connection port passages allowing external optical connectors to contact the plurality of optical adapters positioned within the cavity of the housing, the connection port passages including respective connector insertion paths; and a plurality of push-button fixing members associated with respective ones of the connection port passages, each of the plurality of push-button fixing members including: a hole extending through the push-button fixing member, the hole defining an inner perimeter; a connector engaging surface including an inner end and an outer end positioned outside the inner end; and a ramp positioned on the hole, the ramp extending between the inner perimeter of the hole and the inner end of the connector engaging surface.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, an optical fiber splice includes a multi-port component, the multi-port component including: a housing that defines a cavity positioned within the housing; an optical adapter positioned within the cavity of the housing, the optical adapter being structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple different optical connectors; an optical connection port defined by the housing and in communication with the cavity, the optical connection port including a connection port passage extending into the cavity and defining a connector insertion path; and a push-button fixing member intersecting the connection port passage, the push-button fixing member including a hole extending through the push-button fixing member and defining an inner perimeter and a connector engaging surface extending inwardly from the inner perimeter of the hole; and an optical fiber connector at least partially positioned within the connector insertion path of the multi-port component, the optical fiber connector including a connector housing, the connector housing including: a ferrule holding portion positioned at a front portion of the connector housing, the ferrule holding portion being structurally configured to engage and hold a ferrule; a longitudinal axis extending from the front portion of the connector housing through the ferrule holding portion to a rear portion of the connector housing positioned opposite the front portion; a nominal housing portion defined on an outer surface of the connector housing; and a locking portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing and interrupting the nominal housing portion, wherein the locking portion includes a port engaging surface that extends inwardly from the nominal housing portion of the connector housing toward the longitudinal axis and is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the locking portion further includes a locking portion recess positioned behind the port engaging surface and inside the nominal housing portion of the connector housing, and the locking portion recess is oriented transverse to the port engaging surface and includes a planar surface extending across at least a portion of the outer surface of the connector housing, and wherein the port engaging surface selectively engages the connector engaging surface of the multi-port component.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, a method for selectively coupling an optical fiber connector to a multi-port component includes: inserting a connector housing of the optical fiber connector into a connector port of the multi-port component, the connector housing including a longitudinal axis extending therethrough; engaging a ramp of a push-button securing member of the multi-port component with the connector housing; moving the push-button securing member away from a connector insertion path defined by the multi-port component; passing at least a portion of the connector housing through a bore of the push-button securing member of the multi-port component; moving at least a portion of the push-button securing member into a locking portion recess of the connector housing; and engaging an orientation of the push-button securing member that is transverse to a connector engagement face of the connector insertion path of the multi-port component with an orientation of a port engagement face of the connector housing that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing to selectively couple the connector housing to the multi-port component.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, an optical fiber connector includes a ferrule tube and a connector housing, wherein the ferrule tube includes an optical fiber bore, and the connector housing includes: a ferrule tube retaining portion that is structurally configured to engage and retain the ferrule tube and is located at a front portion of the connector housing; a longitudinal axis that extends from a leading edge plane of the front portion of the connector housing through the ferrule tube retaining portion to a rear portion of the connector housing; a nominal housing portion that is defined on an outer surface of the connector housing; a rotational discrete keying portion that is defined on the outer surface of the connector housing; and a rotational discrete locking portion that is defined on the outer surface of the connector housing, wherein the nominal housing portion is interrupted by the rotational discrete keying portion and the rotational discrete locking portion, the connector housing has an unobstructed line of sight from the rotational discrete keying portion to the leading edge plane of the connector housing along a forward direction of advancement of the optical fiber connector, the rotational discrete keying portion includes at least one rotational discrete contact surface that is structurally configured to inhibit rotation of the connector housing about the longitudinal axis when engaged with a complementary keying portion of an optical connector port, the rotational discrete locking portion includes a rearward-facing port engagement face and a locking portion recess located behind the port engagement face, the locking portion recess is obscured from view from the leading edge plane of the connector housing along the forward direction of advancement of the optical fiber connector by the port engagement face, and the port engagement face of the locking portion is structurally configured to inhibit axial movement of the connector housing in a retraction direction of the optical fiber connector when engaged with a complementary securing member of an optical connector port.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, a multi-port component includes: a housing that defines a cavity positioned within the housing; a plurality of optical adapters positioned within the cavity of the housing, the plurality of optical adapters being structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple different optical connectors; a plurality of optical connector ports that include respective connection port passages that permit access of an external optical connector to the plurality of optical adapters positioned within the cavity of the housing, the connection port passages including corresponding connector insertion paths; a plurality of rotational discrete keying portions associated with respective ones of the connection port passages in the connection port passages, wherein each keying portion includes at least one rotational discrete contact surface in an unobstructed line of sight with an open end of the respective connection port passage, and the at least one rotational discrete contact surface is structurally configured to inhibit rotation of a connector housing residing within the respective connection port passage; and a plurality of push-button fixing members associated with respective ones of the connection port passages in the connection port passages, wherein each push-button fixing member is biased in an engaged position in which a rotational discrete locking portion of the push-button fixing member is positioned within the corresponding connector insertion path and is selectively positionable into and out of a disengaged position in which the rotational discrete locking portion of the push-button fixing member is positioned outside of the corresponding connector insertion path, the rotational discrete locking portion of each push-button fixing member includes a ramp and a locking portion recess, the ramp being oriented to gradually constrict the corresponding connector insertion path along a direction of advancement of an optical fiber connector within the respective connection port passage, the locking portion recess being blocked from view from the open end of the respective connection port passage by a connector engaging surface of the rotational discrete locking portion of the push-button fixing member, and the connector engaging surface of the rotational discrete locking portion being structurally configured to inhibit axial movement of the optical fiber connector within the connection port passage along a direction of retraction of the optical fiber connector within the respective connection port passage.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, a method for connecting an optical fiber connector to a multi-port component includes: providing an optical fiber connector including a ferrule and a connector housing, wherein the ferrule includes a fiber aperture, and the connector housing includes: a ferrule retaining portion configured structurally to engage and retain the ferrule, located at a front portion of the connector housing; a longitudinal axis extending from a leading edge plane of the front portion of the connector housing through the ferrule retaining portion to a rear portion of the connector housing; a nominal housing portion defined on an outer surface of the connector housing; a rotational discrete keying portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing; and a rotational discrete locking portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing, wherein the nominal housing portion is interrupted by the rotational discrete keying portion and the locking portion, the rotational discrete keying portion includes an unobstructed line of sight with the leading edge plane of the connector housing along a forward direction of advancement of the optical connector, the rotational discrete keying portion includes at least one rotational discrete contact surface configured structurally to inhibit rotation of the connector housing about the longitudinal axis when engaged with a complementary keying portion of an optical connector port, the locking portion includes a rear-facing port engagement surface and a locking portion recess positioned behind the port engagement surface and obscured from view from the leading edge plane of the connector housing along the forward direction of advancement of the optical fiber connector by the port engagement surface, and the port engagement surface of the locking portion is configured structurally to inhibit axial movement of the connector housing in a retraction direction of the optical fiber connector when engaged with a complementary locking portion of an optical connector port; advancing the optical fiber connector in the forward direction into an optical connector port of a multi-port component, the multi-port component including: a plurality of optical adapters configured structurally to receive, align, and optically couple the optical fiber connector with different optical connectors within the multi-port component; aligning the rotational discrete keying portion of the connector housing with a complementary rotational discrete keying portion associated with the optical connector port to permit the rotational discrete locking portion of the connector housing to engage a rotational discrete locking portion of a push-button fixture associated with the optical connector port; and engaging the rotational discrete locking portion of the connector housing with the rotational discrete locking portion of the push-button fixture associated with the optical connector port.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, an optical fiber cable assembly with a connector includes: a ferrule sleeve, a connector housing, a cable adapter, an optical fiber cable, and an SC-type conversion housing, wherein the connector housing includes: a ferrule sleeve holding portion; an adapter base portion; a longitudinal axis that extends transversely from a leading edge plane of the front portion of the connector housing through the ferrule sleeve holding portion and the adapter base portion of the connector housing to a rear portion of the connector housing; a rotational discrete keying portion defined on an outer surface of the connector housing; a rotational discrete locking portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing; and a nominal housing portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing and interrupted by the keying portion and the locking portion of the connector housing, the ferrule sleeve includes a 2.5 mm nominal ferrule sleeve diameter, is held by the ferrule sleeve holding portion of the connector housing, and includes an optical fiber hole, the keying portion of the connector housing includes at least one rotational discrete contact surface that is structurally configured to inhibit rotation of the connector housing about the longitudinal axis when engaged with a complementary keying portion of an optical connector port, the locking portion of the connector housing includes a rearward-facing port engagement surface and a locking portion recess positioned behind the port engagement surface, the locking portion recess of the locking portion is obscured from view from a leading edge plane of the connector housing along a forward direction of the optical fiber connector by the port engagement surface, the port engagement surface of the locking portion is structurally configured to inhibit axial movement of the connector housing in a retraction direction of the optical fiber connector when engaged with a complementary locking portion of an optical connector port, the cable adapter includes: an optical cable passageway; an optical fiber passageway; a housing insertion portion that is disposed in the adapter base portion of the connector housing to align the optical cable passageway and the optical fiber passageway with the longitudinal axis of the connector housing; and an adapter base that limits the extent to which the cable adapter extends into the adapter base portion of the connector housing, the optical fiber cable extends along the optical cable passageway of the cable adapter and includes an optical fiber that extends along the optical fiber passageway of the cable adapter and the optical fiber hole of the ferrule sleeve, and the connector housing includes a line of sight from the keying portion of the connector housing to the leading edge plane that is only obscured by the SC-type conversion housing along a forward direction of the optical fiber connector.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, an optical fiber cable assembly with a connector includes: a ferrule sleeve, a connector housing, a cable adapter, an optical fiber cable, and a hardened transition housing, wherein the connector housing includes: a ferrule sleeve retaining portion; an adapter base portion; a longitudinal axis that extends transversely from a leading edge plane of the front portion of the connector housing through the ferrule sleeve retaining portion and the adapter base portion of the connector housing to a rear portion of the connector housing; a rotational discrete keying portion defined on an outer surface of the connector housing; a rotational discrete locking portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing; and a nominal housing portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing and interrupted by the keying portion and the locking portion of the connector housing, the ferrule sleeve includes a 2.5 - millimeter nominal ferrule sleeve diameter, is retained by the ferrule sleeve retaining portion of the connector housing, and includes an optical fiber bore, the keying portion of the connector housing includes at least one rotational discrete contact surface that is structurally configured to inhibit rotation of the connector housing about the longitudinal axis when engaged with a complementary keying portion of an optical connector port, the locking portion of the connector housing includes a rear - facing port engaging surface and a locking portion recess positioned behind the port engaging surface, the locking portion recess of the locking portion is obscured from view from the leading edge plane of the connector housing along the advancement direction of the optical fiber connector by the port engaging surface, the port engaging surface of the locking portion is structurally configured to inhibit axial movement of the connector housing in the retraction direction of the optical fiber connector when engaged with a complementary locking portion of an optical connector port, the cable adapter includes: an optical cable passageway; an optical fiber passageway; a housing insertion portion that is disposed in the adapter base portion of the connector housing to align the optical cable passageway and the optical fiber passageway with the longitudinal axis of the connector housing; and an adapter base that limits the extent to which the cable adapter extends into the adapter base portion of the connector housing, the optical fiber cable extends along the optical cable passageway of the cable adapter and includes an optical fiber that extends along the optical fiber passageway of the cable adapter and the optical fiber bore of the ferrule sleeve, the hardened transition housing includes a pair of opposing fingers, the pair of opposing fingers includes opposing inner surfaces that extend parallel to and are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis of the connector housing, the finger spacing between the opposing inner surfaces of the pair of opposing fingers is between 10.80 millimeters and 10.85 millimeters, and the finger depth in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is between 8.45 millimeters and 8.Between 55 millimeters, the width of the finger in a direction perpendicular to the depth of the finger and the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is less than 10 millimeters, the outer surfaces of the opposing fingers are along a common outer diameter between 15.75 millimeters and 15.85 millimeters, the outer surface of one of the opposing fingers is truncated in a plane parallel to the opposing inner surface to define a truncated span extending from the outer surface of the truncated opposing finger to the outer surface of the opposing finger between approximately 14.75 millimeters and approximately 14.95 millimeters, and the connector housing includes a line of sight from the keyed portion of the connector housing to the leading edge plane, which is only blocked by the hardened transition housing along the advancement direction of the fiber optic connector.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, an optical fiber cable assembly with a connector includes: a ferrule sleeve, a connector housing, a cable adapter, an optical fiber cable, and an SC type conversion housing, wherein the connector housing includes: a ferrule sleeve holding portion positioned at a front portion of the connector housing; an adapter base portion; a longitudinal axis that extends transversely from a leading edge plane of the front portion of the connector housing through the ferrule sleeve holding portion and the adapter base portion of the connector housing to a rear portion of the connector housing; a nominal housing portion defined on an outer surface of the connector housing; and a locking portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing and interrupting the nominal housing portion of the connector housing, the locking portion of the connector housing including a port engaging surface that extends inward from the nominal housing portion of the connector housing toward the longitudinal axis and is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, the locking portion of the connector housing further including a locking portion recess positioned behind the port engaging surface of the locking portion and inside the nominal housing portion of the connector housing, the locking portion recess being oriented transversely to the port engaging surface of the locking portion and including a planar surface extending across at least a portion of the outer surface of the connector housing, the ferrule sleeve includes a 2.5 millimeter nominal ferrule sleeve diameter, is held by the ferrule sleeve holding portion of the connector housing, and includes an optical fiber hole, the cable adapter includes: an optical cable passageway; an optical fiber passageway; a housing insertion portion disposed in the adapter base portion of the connector housing to align the optical cable passageway and the optical fiber passageway with the longitudinal axis of the connector housing; and an adapter base that limits the extent to which the cable adapter extends into the adapter base portion of the connector housing, the optical fiber cable extends along the optical cable passageway of the cable adapter and includes an optical fiber extending along the optical fiber passageway of the cable adapter and the optical fiber hole of the ferrule sleeve, the SC type conversion housing surrounds the ferrule sleeve holding portion of the connector housing and a portion of the connector housing located behind the ferrule sleeve holding portion of the connector housing, and the SC type conversion housing is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the connector housing in front of the locking portion of the connector housing such that the SC type conversion housing will potentially interfere with the engagement of the locking portion of the connector housing with a fixing member of an optical port.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, an optical fiber cable assembly with a connector includes: a ferrule tube, a connector housing, a cable adapter, an optical fiber cable, and a hardened transition housing. The connector housing includes: a ferrule tube holding portion positioned at a front portion of the connector housing; an adapter base portion; a longitudinal axis that extends transversely from a leading edge plane of the front portion of the connector housing through the ferrule tube holding portion and the adapter base portion of the connector housing to a rear portion of the connector housing; a nominal housing portion defined on an outer surface of the connector housing; and a locking portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing and interrupting the nominal housing portion of the connector housing. The locking portion of the connector housing includes a port engaging surface that extends inward from the nominal housing portion of the connector housing toward the longitudinal axis and is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis. The locking portion of the connector housing further includes a locking portion recess positioned behind the port engaging surface of the locking portion and inside the nominal housing portion of the connector housing. The locking portion recess is oriented transverse to the port engaging surface of the locking portion and includes a planar surface extending across at least a portion of the outer surface of the connector housing. The ferrule tube includes a 2.5 millimeter nominal ferrule tube diameter, is held by the ferrule tube holding portion of the connector housing, and includes an optical fiber hole. The cable adapter includes: an optical cable passageway; an optical fiber passageway; a housing insertion portion disposed in the adapter base portion of the connector housing to align the optical cable passageway and the optical fiber passageway with the longitudinal axis of the connector housing; and an adapter base that limits the extent to which the cable adapter extends into the adapter base portion of the connector housing. The optical fiber cable extends along the optical cable passageway of the cable adapter and includes an optical fiber that extends along the optical fiber passageway of the cable adapter and the optical fiber hole of the ferrule tube. The hardened transition housing includes a pair of opposing fingers that include opposing inner surfaces that extend parallel to and are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis of the connector housing. The finger spacing between the opposing inner surfaces of the opposing fingers is between 10.80 millimeters and 10.85 millimeters. The finger depth in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is between 8.45 millimeters and 8.55 millimeters. The finger width in a direction perpendicular to the finger depth and the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is less than 10 millimeters. The outer surfaces of the opposing fingers are along a common outer diameter between 15.75 millimeters and 15.85 millimeters. The outer surface of one of the opposing fingers is truncated in a plane parallel to the opposing inner surfaces to define between approximately 14.75 millimeters and approximately 14.a truncated span extending from the outer face of the truncated opposing finger to the outer face of the opposing finger between 95 millimeters, and the hardened conversion housing surrounds the ferrule retention portion of the connector housing and the locking portion of the connector housing to interfere with the engagement of the locking portion of the connector housing with a securing member of the optical port.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, a multi-port assembly includes: a housing that defines a cavity positioned within the housing; a plurality of optical adapters positioned within the cavity of the housing, the plurality of optical adapters being structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple different optical connectors; a plurality of optical connector ports that include respective connection port passages that permit access to the plurality of optical adapters positioned within the cavity of the housing by external optical connectors, the connection port passages including respective connector insertion paths; and a plurality of push-button securing members associated with respective ones of the connection port passages, wherein each push-button securing member is biased to an engaged position in which a locking portion of the push-button securing member is positioned within a corresponding connector insertion path and is selectively positionable to a disengaged position and beyond the disengaged position, in which the locking portion of the push-button securing member is positioned outside of the corresponding connector insertion path; and the locking portion of each push-button securing member is configured to permit forceful, non-destructive disengagement of the external optical connector from the locking portion of the push-button securing member when a force is applied to the external optical connector in a direction along an axis extending along the corresponding connector insertion path.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, a multi-port component includes: a housing that defines a cavity positioned within the housing; a plurality of optical adapters positioned within the cavity of the housing, the plurality of optical adapters being structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple different optical connectors; a plurality of optical connector ports that include respective connection port passages that permit external optical connectors to access the plurality of optical adapters positioned within the cavity of the housing, the connection port passages including respective connector insertion paths; and a plurality of push-button securing members associated with respective ones of the connection port passages in the connection port passages, wherein each push-button securing member includes a locking portion, wherein the push-button securing member is repositionable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, in the disengaged position the locking portion being positioned outside of a corresponding connector insertion path and in the engaged position the locking portion being positioned within the corresponding connector insertion path.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, a method for selectively connecting an optical fiber connector to a multi-port component includes: inserting a connector housing of the optical fiber connector into a connector port of the multi-port component; engaging a push-button securing member of the multi-port component with the connector housing; moving the push-button securing member away from a connector insertion path defined by the multi-port component; passing the connector housing through the push-button securing member of the multi-port component; and engaging a locking portion of the push-button securing member with the connector housing to selectively couple the connector housing to the multi-port component.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, a method for selectively disconnecting an optical fiber connector from a multi-port component includes: disengaging a locking portion of a push-button securing member of the multi-port component from a connector housing of the optical fiber connector; moving the push-button securing member away from a connector insertion path defined by the multi-port component; and passing the connector housing through the push-button securing member of the multi-port component.

[0026] Although the concepts of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to a set of drawings showing a particular type of optical fiber cable and connector components of a particular size and shape, it is contemplated that the concepts may be used in any optical fiber connection scheme, including, for example, but not limited to, hardened and connectors, field installable connectors, single or multi-fiber cable assemblies having SC, FC, or LC or multi-fiber connectors, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present disclosure may be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structures are indicated by like reference numerals, and in which:

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view schematically depicting an optical fiber connector including a connector housing according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0029] Figure 2 A lower perspective view schematically depicting an optical fiber connector including a locking portion according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 1 of;

[0030] Figure 3A A cross-sectional view schematically depicting an optical fiber connector according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 1 of;

[0031] Figure 3B Another cross-sectional view schematically depicting a port engaging surface of an optical fiber connector according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 1 of;

[0032] Figure 4 A top perspective view schematically depicting a connector housing of an optical fiber connector according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 1 of;

[0033] Figure 5 A perspective cross-sectional view schematically depicting a connector housing of an optical fiber connector according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 1 of;

[0034] Figure 6 Another cross-sectional view schematically depicting an optical fiber connector according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 1 of;

[0035] Figure 7 A schematic depiction of an optical fiber connector according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein in which a conversion housing is installed onto the connector housing; Figure 1 of;

[0036] Figure 8 An exploded view schematically depicting an optical fiber connector including another conversion housing according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 1 of;

[0037] Fig. 9 A schematic depiction of an optical fiber connector according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 8Cross-sectional view of the conversion housing and the retaining member;

[0038] Fig.10 Schematically depicts a Fig. 9 retaining member according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Rear perspective view of

[0039] Fig.11 Schematically depicts a Fig. 9 retaining member according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Front perspective view of

[0040] Fig.12 Perspective view of another connector housing according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0041] Fig.13 Schematically depicts a Fig.12 connector housing taken along section 13-13 of Fig.12 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Cross-sectional view of

[0042] Fig.14 Perspective view of another connector housing according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0043] Fig.15 Perspective view of another connector housing according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0044] Fig.16A Schematically depicts a multi-port component according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0045] Fig. 16B Schematically depicts a Fig.16A multi-port component according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Cross-sectional view of

[0046] Fig.17 Cross-sectional view of the optical connector port of the multi-port component of FIG. 16 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0047] Fig.18 Schematically depicts a Fig.17 fiber optic connector inserted into the optical connector port of

[0048] Fig.19 Front perspective view of the push-button fixing member of the multi-port component of FIG. 16 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0049] Fig. 20 A rear perspective view schematically depicting a push-button fixing member of the multi-port component of FIG. 16 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0050] Fig.21 A side perspective view schematically depicting a push-button fixing member of the multi-port component of FIG. 16 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0051] Fig. 22 A fiber optic connector schematically depicting a multi-port component approaching FIG. 16 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0052] Fig.23 A fiber optic connector schematically depicting insertion into an optical connection port of the multi-port component of FIG. 16 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0053] Fig.24 A fiber optic connector schematically depicting further insertion into an optical connection port of the multi-port component of FIG. 16 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0054] Fig.25 A side cross-sectional view schematically depicting a fiber optic connector inserted into an optical connection port of the multi-port component of FIG. 16 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0055] Fig.26 A fiber optic connector schematically depicting engagement with a push-button fixing member of the multi-port component of FIG. 16 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0056] Fig. 27 A fiber optic connector schematically depicting complete insertion into an optical connection port of the multi-port component of FIG. 16 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0057] Fig.28 A front view schematically depicting another push-button fixing member according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0058] Fig.29 Schematically depicting according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein Fig.28 a top view of the button of the push-button fixing member;

[0059] Fig.30 Schematically depicting according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein in which an O-ring is placed on the button Fig.28Another top view of the button of the push-button fixing member;

[0060] Fig.31 Schematically depicts according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein Fig.29 Bottom view of the button;

[0061] Fig.32 Schematically depicts according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein for making Fig.28 Blank of the push-button fixing member;

[0062] Fig.33 Schematically depicts according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein a separate Fig.28 Push-button fixing member;

[0063] Fig.34 Schematically depicts according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein another multi-port component including a push-button fixing member;

[0064] Fig.35 Schematically depicts according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein Fig.34 Cross-sectional view of the multi-port component and the push-button fixing member;

[0065] Fig.36 Schematically depicts according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein a separate Fig.34 Push-button fixing member. Detailed Description

[0066] The embodiments described herein generally relate to various devices for forming optical connections between optical fibers. More specifically, the embodiments described herein include an optical fiber connector that includes a connector housing having a locking portion that selectively engages a push-button fixing member of a multi-port component to selectively couple the optical fiber connector to the multi-port component. The locking portion of the connector housing and / or the push-button fixing member of the multi-port component can be configured to allow the connector housing to be disengaged from the multi-port component forcefully and without damage when a predetermined force is applied to the connector housing. In this way, damage to the multi-port component and / or the optical fiber connector caused by an accidental or unexpected force applied to the connector housing can be minimized.

[0067] In an embodiment, the push-button securing member may generally intersect the connection port passage of the multi-port assembly, which may reduce the need to position securing features on the perimeter of the connection port passage. By reducing the need to position securing features on the perimeter of the connection port passage, adjacent connection port passages on the multi-port assembly may be positioned closer to each other, such that a greater number of connection port passages may be included in the multi-port assembly without increasing the overall size of the multi-port assembly. Additionally, the push-button securing member may be configured to automatically engage the connector housing when the connector housing is fully inserted into the connection port passage, such that the user may selectively couple the connector housing to the multi-port assembly with one hand, thereby simplifying the connection of the connector housing to the multi-port assembly. The connector housing may further include a keying portion that selectively engages a corresponding keying portion of the multi-port assembly to ensure and maintain the rotational orientation of the fiber optic connector with respect to the multi-port assembly. These and other embodiments of the fiber optic connector and multi-port assembly are disclosed in more detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] As used herein, the term "insertion direction" refers to the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing and in which the connector housing may be inserted into a corresponding port. Conversely, references herein to a "retraction direction" refer to the opposite direction, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing and in which the connector housing may be retracted from a corresponding port. In the figures, the insertion direction is depicted as "AD" and the retraction direction is depicted as "RD".

[0069] First referring to Figure 1 , a perspective view of a fiber optic connector 100 is schematically depicted. The fiber optic connector 100 generally includes a connector housing 110 that includes a ferrule holding portion 112 at a front portion 111 of the connector housing 110. The connector housing 110 further includes a rear portion 113 that is axially opposite the front portion 111. The ferrule holding portion 112 of the connector housing 110 is generally configured to hold and retain a ferrule 102 that is at least partially positioned within the ferrule holding portion 112.

[0070] In an embodiment, the fiber optic connector 100 is coupled to a fiber optic cable 10 at a rear portion 113 of the fiber optic connector 100. The fiber optic cable 10 generally includes an optical fiber 12 that extends through the fiber optic cable 10. The optical fiber 12 may generally extend through the connector housing 110 and the ferrule 102 along the longitudinal axis 114 of the connector housing 110. For a fiber optic cable 10 that includes a single optical fiber 12, the optical fiber 12 may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis 114. For a multi-fiber cable, such alignment will be orthogonally offset for one, more than one, or all of the optical fibers of the cable.

[0071] In an embodiment, the connector housing 110 generally includes an outer surface 118 that extends around the perimeter of the connector housing 110, and the outer surface 118 may include one or more cross-sectional shapes. For example, in Figure 1 the depicted embodiment, the front portion 111 of the connector housing 110 includes a rectangular cross-section with planar sides, while the rear portion 113 of the connector housing 110 includes a curved outer surface 118.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 , schematically depicts a lower perspective view of the connector housing 110. The connector housing 110 includes a nominal housing portion 120 defined on the outer surface 118 of the connector housing 110. The nominal housing portion 120 extends around and axially along the outer surface 118 of the connector housing 110, but may be interrupted by a variety of different surface features defined on the outer surface 118 of the connector housing 110. The nominal housing portion 120 is referred to herein as "nominal" to help distinguish it from the various different surface features defined on the connector housing 110. In the absence of these different surface features, the nominal housing portion 120 would form a relatively uniform and continuous surface of the connector housing 110 and would extend far enough along the length of the connector housing 110 to provide a surface for a user to conveniently grasp the connector housing 110 without using a dedicated connector gripping tool or other supplemental hardware. References herein to surface features (e.g., keying portions or locking portions) "defined on the outer surface 118 of the connector housing 110" contemplate that the surface features may be subtractive surface features (such as cuts) or additive surface features (such as protrusions).

[0073] In Figure 2 the depicted embodiment, the connector housing 110 includes a locking portion 130 defined on the outer surface 118 at the rear portion 113 of the connector housing 110. The locking portion 130 is positioned on the curved surface of the outer surface 118 in Figure 2 the depicted embodiment and generally includes a port engagement surface 132 that extends inwardly from the nominal housing portion 120 toward the longitudinal axis 114 of the connector housing 110. In one embodiment, the port engagement surface 132 generally may define an edge-to-edge cross-section cutout of the connector housing 110, where the port engagement surface 132 extends across the outer surface 118 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 114. In other embodiments, the port engagement surface 132 generally may define a pocket cutout of the connector housing 110, in which the port engagement surface 132 extends radially inwardly from the outer surface 118 toward the longitudinal axis 114 and is circumferentially bounded by the nominal housing portion 120.

[0074] The locking portion 130 further includes a locking portion recess 134 that is located behind the port engagement surface 132 and inside the nominal housing portion 120. The locking portion recess 134 includes a generally planar surface 136 that is oriented transverse to the port engagement surface 132 and extends at least partially across the outer surface 118 of the connector housing 110. The locking portion recess 134 may further include a ramp portion 138 that is located behind the planar surface 136, and the ramp portion 138 extends outwardly from the planar surface 136 to the nominal housing portion 120 as it moves in the retraction direction along the locking portion recess 134.

[0075] In an embodiment, the port engagement surface 132 extends inwardly from the nominal housing portion 120 of the connector housing 110 and mates with the push-button fixing member 230 ( Fig.17 ) such that the connector housing 110 can be selectively coupled to the push-button fixing member 230 ( Fig.17 ) and removed therefrom by a corresponding distance. In one embodiment, the port engagement surface 132 extends inwardly from the nominal housing portion 120 by a distance of at least about 0.75 millimeters.

[0076] With continued reference Figure 2 and Figure 3A , the port engagement surface 132 generally defines a planar surface that is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis 114. The port engagement surface 132 includes an inner end 131 and an outer end 133 that is located outside the inner end 131 and extends therebetween. The outer end 133 may include a rounded or chamfered edge that helps prevent breakage of the outer end 133 when force is applied to remove the connector housing 110 from the connection port, as described in more detail herein.

[0077] In some embodiments, the outer end 133 is positioned axially closer to the front portion 111 of the connector housing 110 than the inner end 131, such that the port engagement surface 132 faces both rearward and outward. In these embodiments, the port engagement surface 132 generally defines a plane that intersects the longitudinal axis 114 at an angle of less than 30 degrees as evaluated from the vertical.

[0078] For example, as Figure 5 best shown, the port engagement surface 132 is formed as a rearward-facing notch that lies in a plane that intersects the longitudinal axis 114 at an acute angle α1, and the ramp portion 138 is formed as a forward-facing notch that lies in a plane that intersects the longitudinal axis 114 at an angle α2 that is greater than α1. In an embodiment, α2 generally lies between 110 degrees and 180 degrees and can generally be selected to mate with the push-button fixing member 230 ( Fig.17) corresponds to the features, as described in more detail below. As described above, in an embodiment, the angle α1 is typically within 30 degrees of the perpendicular (i.e., the port engagement surface 132 is located in a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis at an angle between 60 degrees and 90 degrees), such that the port engagement surface 132 faces both outward and rearward. By orienting the port engagement surface 132 to face rearward and outward, when a force higher than a predetermined threshold is applied, the port engagement surface 132 can be selectively disengaged from the push-button fixing member 230 ( Fig.17 ), as described in more detail herein. In an embodiment, the port engagement surface 132 is oriented such that the port engagement surface 132 extends in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 114.

[0079] Referring to Figure 3B , in some embodiments, the port engagement surface 132 may include a locking surface 135 extending in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 114 ( Figure 3A ) and a release surface 137 located outside the locking surface 135. In Figure 3B the depicted embodiment, the release surface 137 extends in a plane intersecting the locking surface 135 at an angle . In an embodiment, the angle is between about 0 degrees and 30 degrees (including the endpoints), such that the release surface 137 faces both outward and rearward. By including both the locking surface 135 extending in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 114 and the release surface 137 facing outward and rearward, the port engagement surface 132 of the connector housing 110 can be rigidly connected to the push-button fixing member 230 ( Fig.17 ) that engages the locking surface 135. However, when a force higher than a predetermined threshold is applied, the port engagement surface 132 of the connector housing can be releasably engaged with the push-button fixing member 230 ( Fig.17 ) that engages the release surface 137, as described in more detail herein.

[0080] Referring again to Figure 2 and Figure 3A , in an embodiment, the front portion 111 has a perimeter extending around the outer surface 118 of the front portion 111, and the perimeter is less than the perimeter extending around the outer surface 118 of the rear portion 113 of the connector housing 110. The connector housing further includes a transition region 116 positioned between the front portion 111 and the rear portion 113, wherein the perimeter extending around the outer surface 118 of the connector housing 110 increases axially from the front portion 111 to the rear portion 113 along the transition region 116.

[0081] In an embodiment, the connector housing 110 includes threads 122 extending around the outer surface 118 at the transition region 116. The threads 122 generally include thread crests 126 separated from each other by a pitch 124. The threads 122 can be used to selectively couple one or more transition housings to the connector housing 110, as described in more detail herein. Although the threads 122 are depicted as being located on the transition region 116, it should be understood that the threads 122 can alternatively or additionally be located on the outer surface 118 of the front portion 111 and / or the rear portion 113 of the connector housing 110.

[0082] In an embodiment, the pitch 124 between the thread crests 126 of the threads 122 is less than the length 140 of the locking portion recess 134 as evaluated axially. Since the pitch 124 of the threads 122 is less than the length 140 of the locking portion recess 134, the locking portion recess 134 can be selectively retracted by the push-button fixing member 230 ( Fig.17 ), while the pitch 124 prevents the threads 122 from interacting with the push-button fixing member 230 ( Fig.17 ), as described in more detail herein.

[0083] Specifically referring to Figure 3A , the ferrule 102 is positioned within and engages the ferrule retention portion 112 of the connector housing 110. The ferrule 102 defines a ferrule bore 104 that is configured to hold the optical fiber 12. The ferrule bore 104 is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis 114 of the connector housing 110 such that the longitudinal axis 114 is coaxial with the ferrule bore 104.

[0084] With continued reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a perspective view of the connector housing 110 and a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber connector 100 are schematically depicted. The connector housing 110 includes a keying portion 150 defined on the outer surface 118 of the connector housing 110, and the keying portion 150 includes a pair of opposing contact surfaces 152. The opposing contact surfaces 152 are structurally configured to inhibit rotation of the connector housing 110 about the longitudinal axis 114 when engaged with a complementary keying portion of the optical connection port 220 ( Fig.17 ). In the embodiment depicted in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the keying portion 150 is positioned at the rear portion 113 of the connector housing 110 and interrupts the nominal housing portion 120. In an embodiment, the keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110 extends closer to the front portion 111 of the connector housing 110 than the locking portion 130 of the connector housing 110 such that the keying portion 150 can contact features of the optical connection port 220 ( Fig.17 ) prior to the locking portion 130, as described in more detail herein. In Figure 5 In the depicted embodiment, the keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110 extends at least partially into the transition region 116 of the connector housing 110. In some embodiments, the keying portion 150 may only extend forward into the transition region 116 such that the keying portion 150 terminates before the front portion 111 of the connector housing 110 moves forward along the outer surface 118. The keying portion 150 may generally extend axially a distance longer than the transition region 116 and / or the front portion 111 in the axial direction.

[0085] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , in an embodiment, the keying portion 150 and / or the locking portion 130 (and portions thereof) may be rotationally discrete on the outer surface 118 of the connector housing 110. As used herein, the term "rotationally" discrete means a limited lateral extent along the outer surface 118 of the connector housing 110 as the connector housing 110 rotates about its longitudinal axis 114. For example, the keying portion 150 may be relatively long and have a relatively narrow width, which may be described with reference to the rotational arc θ1 defined by the width of the keying portion 150 relative to the longitudinal axis 114 of the connector housing 110. In the depicted embodiment, the arc θ1 is about 50 degrees, and it is contemplated that in many embodiments the arc θ1 is between about 30 degrees and about 70 degrees. Similarly, in the depicted embodiment, the locking portion 130 is wider than the keying portion 150 (i.e., about 90 degrees wider), and it is contemplated that the arc θ2 defined by the width of the locking portion 130 may be between about 120 degrees and about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the locking portion 130 is wider than the keying portion 150 such that the rotational arc θ1 is less than 30% of the rotational arc θ2. In one embodiment, the rotational arc θ2 is less than 90 degrees. In Figure 5 and Figure 6 the depicted embodiment, the rotational arcs θ1, θ2 are mutually exclusive such that the keying portion 150 and the locking portion 130 define different surface portions on the outer surface of the connector housing. In one embodiment, the rotational arc θ2 defined by the width of the locking portion 130 relative to the longitudinal axis 114 of the connector housing 110 is greater than about 90 degrees, and the rotational arc θ1 defined by the width of the keying portion 150 relative to the longitudinal axis 114 of the housing is less than the rotational arc θ2. In another embodiment, the rotational arc θ2 defined by the width of the locking portion 130 relative to the longitudinal axis 114 of the connector housing 110 is greater than about 120 degrees, and the rotational arc θ1 defined by the width of the keying portion 150 relative to the longitudinal axis 114 of the housing is less than the rotational arc θ2. In one embodiment, the sum of the rotational arcs θ1, θ2 is defined such that (θ1 + θ2) < 180°.

[0086] The keying portion 150 generally has an unobstructed line of sight to the leading edge plane 115, which is defined by the front portion 111 of the connector housing 110 and is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 114. The keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110 helps ensure the correct rotational orientation of the fiber optic connector 100 when it engages with an optical connection port 220 ( Fig.17 ) having a complementary keying portion. The locking portion 130 may also be configured to help ensure that the connector housing 110 is not inadvertently locked into the optical connection port 220 ( Fig.17 ) in a rotationally misaligned state. It is contemplated that relying solely on the locking portion 130 to achieve correct rotational alignment of the connector housing may not be sufficient because in some cases, there will be no tight contact between the respective surfaces of the locking portion recess 134 and the push-button fixing member 230 ( Fig.17 ) of the optical connection port 220 ( Fig.17 ). In fact, in some embodiments, a gap will be intentionally provided between these surfaces to isolate the spring-loaded movement of the push-button fixing member 230 ( Fig.17 ) of the optical connection port 220 ( Fig.17 ) from the connector housing 110, as described in more detail herein. It is also worth noting that the locking portion 130 does not have an unobstructed line of sight to the leading edge plane 115 of the connector housing 110, as is the case with the keying portion 150. When the connector housing 110 is initially advanced into the complementary optical connection port 220 ( Fig.17 ), and before the blocker of the locking portion 130 begins to interface with and interfere with various parts of the optical connection port 220 ( Fig.17 ), the unobstructed line of sight of the keying portion 150 can be used to help ensure the correct rotational orientation of the connector housing 110. Thus, although in embodiments both the keying portion 150 and the locking portion 130 are rotationally discrete and may be contemplated for use alone to help ensure correct rotational alignment, the inventors have recognized that relying on the keying portion 150 to achieve rotational alignment and the locking portion 130 to achieve engagement is optimal because the keying portion 150 has an unobstructed line of sight that is not subject to inadvertent interference from the optical connection port 220 ( Fig.17 ), and the locking portion 130 is generally designed to avoid tight contact with the hardware of the optical connection port 220 ( Fig.17 ).

[0087] In Figure 5 and Figure 6In the depicted embodiment, the mating portion 150 includes a pair of rotational discrete contact surfaces 152 that interrupt the nominal housing portion 120 as a negative cutout. The discrete contact surfaces 152 generally include planar surfaces that are unobstructedly accessible from the leading edge plane 115 of the connector housing 110. The contact surfaces 152 are generally straight in a plane that intersects the plane defined by the port engagement face 132. In one embodiment, the contact surfaces 152 are located in a plane orthogonal to the port engagement face 132. For example, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 the depicted embodiment, the contact surfaces 152 are located in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 114 such that the contact surfaces 152 can limit rotation of the connector housing 110 about the longitudinal axis 114. The port engagement face 132 is generally located in a plane that intersects the longitudinal axis 114 of the connector housing 110 such that the port engagement face 132 can limit axial movement of the connector housing 110 along the longitudinal axis 114 when engaging a corresponding surface within the optical connection port 220( Fig.17 ).

[0088] Referring Figure 7 , the SC type conversion housing 180 is selectively coupled to the front portion 111 of the connector housing 110. In Figure 7 the depicted embodiment, the SC type conversion housing 180 generally increases the perimeter evaluated around the front portion 111 of the connector housing 110 in order to provide the connector housing 110 with an encapsulation suitable for use in an SC type connection. The SC type connection housing is characterized by a connector encapsulation as set forth in IEC 61754-4 published by the International Electrical Commission, which defines the standard interface dimensions for the SC type fiber optic connector series and may be updated periodically. As set forth in the foregoing standard, the parent connector for the SC type connector series is a single-position plug connector, which is characterized by a nominal ferrule diameter of 2.5 millimeters. The single-position plug connector includes a push-pull coupling mechanism that is spring-loaded in the optical axis direction relative to the ferrule. The plug has a single male key that can be used to orient the connector with respect to the component with which the connector mates and to limit the relative position between them. The optical alignment mechanism of the connector is of the resilient sleeve type. IEC 61754-4 defines the standard interface dimensions for the active device socket for the SC type connector. The socket is used to hold the connector plug and mechanically maintain the optical reference target of the plug at a defined position within the socket housing. The SC connector standard includes single-mode plug connector interfaces, single-mode adapter connector interfaces, dual-mode plug connector interfaces, and dual-mode adapter connector interfaces.

[0089] The connector housing 110 includes from the mating portion 150 of the connector housing 110( Figure 6 ) to the leading edge plane 115( Figure 5 ) of the line of sight, the leading edge plane 115 along the advancing direction of the fiber optic connector 100 is only blocked by the SC type conversion housing 180. The SC type conversion housing 180 surrounds the ferrule holding portion 112 of the connector housing 110( Figure 4 ) and the portion of the connector housing 110 located behind the ferrule holding portion 112 of the connector housing 110. The SC type conversion housing 180 is positioned along the longitudinal axis 114 of the connector housing 110 in front of the locking portion 130 of the connector housing 110( Figure 5 ), so that the SC type conversion housing 180 will potentially interfere with the engagement of the locking portion 130 of the connector housing 110( Figure 5 ) with the fixing member of the optical port.

[0090] Reference Figure 8 、 Fig. 9 、 Fig.10 and Fig.11, schematically depicts a hardened transition housing 182. In an embodiment, the hardened transition housing 182 includes an internal thread that engages the thread 122 of the connector housing 110. The hardened transition housing 182 can be held in place by a retention member 185 that can be selectively coupled to the front portion 111 of the connector housing 110. The retention member 185 can be configured to mechanically interfere with and prevent rotation of the hardened transition housing 182 relative to the connector housing 110, thereby holding the hardened transition housing 182 on the thread 122 of the connector housing 110. In an embodiment, the hardened transition housing 182 includes opposing fingers 183 that include inner faces 187 that extend parallel to and are symmetrically disposed about the longitudinal axis 114 of the connector housing 110. In an embodiment, the opposing inner faces 187 of the opposing fingers 183 are spaced apart by a distance 189 that is selected to be between approximately 10.80 millimeters and approximately 10.85 millimeters, inclusive of the endpoints. Each of the fingers 183 has a depth 186 that is evaluated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 114 of the connector housing 110, and the depth 186 is between approximately 8.45 millimeters and approximately 8.55 millimeters, inclusive of the endpoints. Each of the fingers 183 also includes a width 188 that is evaluated in a direction perpendicular to both the finger depth 186 and the longitudinal axis 114 of the connector housing 110, and the width 188 is less than approximately 10 millimeters. The outer faces of the opposing fingers 183 are along a common outer diameter 190 that is between approximately 15.75 millimeters and approximately 15.85 millimeters, inclusive of the endpoints. The outer face of one of the opposing fingers 183 is truncated in a plane parallel to the opposing inner faces 187 to define a truncated span 192 that extends from the outer face of the truncated opposing finger 183 to the outer face of the opposing finger 183, and the span 192 is between approximately 14.75 millimeters and approximately 14.95 millimeters, inclusive of the endpoints.

[0091] In an embodiment, the connector housing 110 includes a line of sight from the keyed portion 150 ( Figure 6 ) of the connector housing 110 to the leading edge plane 115 ( Figure 5 ) that is blocked only by the hardened transition housing 182 along the advancement direction of the fiber optic connector 100. The hardened transition housing 182 surrounds the ferrule retention portion 112 ( Figure 4 ) of the connector housing 110 and a portion of the locking portion 130 ( Figure 5 ) of the connector housing 110 such that the hardened transition housing 182 will interfere with the engagement of the locking portion 130 of the connector housing 110 with the securing member of the optical port.

[0092] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 , respectively, schematically depict a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the connector housing 110. In Fig.13 In the depicted embodiment, the outer surface 118 of the rear portion 113 of the connector housing 110 includes a planar surface, as compared to Figure 1 the curved surface depicted and described above. The planar surface may correspond to a planar surface within a port component configured to receive the connector housing. In Fig.13 the depicted embodiment, the outer surface 118 of the rear portion 113 of the connector housing 110 forms a hexagonal shape. However, it should be understood that the connector housing 110 may include any suitable number of planar surfaces. In Fig.12 and Fig.13 the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 110 includes a locking portion 130, but the keying portion 150 ( Figure 6 ) may optionally be omitted. Since the connector housing 110 includes a planar surface that may correspond to a complementary planar surface within the port component, rotational misalignment between the connector housing 110 and the port component may be restricted. For example, the connector housing 110 may only be inserted into the port component in a plurality of rotational positions corresponding to the number of planar surfaces of the connector housing 110.

[0093] Refer to Fig.14 for a perspective view schematically depicting another connector housing 110. In Fig.14 the depicted embodiment, the threads 122 are positioned on the front portion 111 of the connector housing 110, in front of the transition region 116. As described above, the threads 122 may be used to selectively couple the adapter housing to the connector housing, and the threads 122 may be positioned on the front portion 111, the transition region 116, and / or the rear portion 113 of the connector housing 110.

[0094] Refer to Fig.15 for a perspective view schematically depicting another connector housing 110. In Fig.15 the depicted embodiment, the contact surface 152 of the keying portion 150 extends outwardly from the connector housing 110 as a positive surface protrusion, as compared to the recessed contact surface 152 described above. The contact surface 152 may be configured to engage a recessed contact surface of the port component to align the connector housing 110. Additionally, in Fig.15 the depicted embodiment, the locking portion 130 is formed as a concave surface that curves from the nominal housing portion 120, as compared to the locking portion 130 having a port engagement surface 132 ( Figure 5 ) described above. The concave surface of the locking portion 130 may be configured to engage a push-button fastening member 230 ( Fig.28 ) including opposing arms 274 ( Fig.28 ), as described in more detail herein.

[0095] The optical fiber connector 100 described above can be used to optically couple an optical fiber 12 ( Figure 3A ) to other optical fibers. For example, the optical fiber connector 100 can be selectively coupled to an optical connector port to optically couple the optical fiber 12 ( Figure 3A ) to another optical fiber positioned within the optical connector port. To facilitate the connection of multiple optical fiber connectors 100, the "multi-port" components described herein may include multiple optical connector ports. The structure and construction of an exemplary multi-port component and the interaction of the connector housing 110 of the optical fiber connector 100 are described below.

[0096] Collective reference Fig.16A and Fig. 16B , respectively schematically depict a perspective view of the multi-port component 200 and a cross-sectional view of the multi-port component 200 along section 16B-16B. The multi-port component 200 generally includes a plurality of optical connection ports 220 configured to receive the optical fiber connector 100 ( Figure 1 ). In the Fig.16A depicted embodiment, the multi-port component 200 includes five optical connection ports 220. However, it should be understood that the multi-port component 200 according to the present disclosure may include any suitable number of optical connection ports 220. The multi-port component 200 includes an upward-facing top surface 207 and an outward-facing front end 206. In an embodiment, the multi-port component 200 generally includes a fan-shaped notch 205 associated with and aligned with each of the optical connection ports 220 and extending between the outward-facing front end 206 and the top surface 207 of the multi-port component 200. The fan-shaped notch 205 generally includes incisions extending into the outward-facing front end 206 and the top surface 207 of the multi-port component 200 and may provide a tactile indication and positioning of the optical connection ports 220 and the push-button fixing member 230 associated with the optical connection ports 220. For example, a user can insert the optical fiber connector 100 ( Figure 1 ) into the optical connection port 220, and / or can press the push-button fixing member 230 to remove the optical fiber connector 100 ( Figure 1 ) from the multi-port component 200. In some settings, the multi-port component 220 may be difficult to access and / or the user may not have a direct line of sight to the optical connection ports 220 and / or the push-button fixing member 230, and the fan-shaped notch 205 can provide a tactile indication to the user for positioning the optical connection ports 220 and / or the push-button fixing member 230.

[0097] Collective reference Fig.17 and Fig.18, respectively schematically depict cross-sectional views of one of a plurality of optical connection ports 220 without and with an optical fiber connector 100 positioned within the optical connection port 220. In an embodiment, the optical connection port 220 is generally positioned at the front end 206 of the multi-port assembly 200 and extends towards the rear end 208 of the multi-port assembly 200 that is positioned opposite the front end 206. The multi-port assembly 200 includes a housing 202 that defines a cavity 204 positioned within the housing 202. In Fig.17 and Fig.18 the depicted embodiment, the housing 202 includes an upper member 201 that is coupled to a lower member 203 to form the housing 202. In other embodiments, the housing 202 may have a one-piece construction or may include a plurality of members coupled to each other to define the cavity 204.

[0098] In an embodiment, the multi-port assembly 200 includes a plurality of optical adapters 210 positioned within the cavity 204, and the plurality of optical adapters 210 correspond to each of the optical connection ports 220. Each of the optical adapters 210 is structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple different optical connectors. For example, the optical adapter 210 is configured to receive the optical fiber connector 100 on one side and optically couple the optical fiber connector 100 to another optical fiber connector including a different shape.

[0099] Each of the optical connection ports 220 includes a connection port passage 222 that includes an open end positioned opposite the cavity 204 and allows an external optical fiber connector 100 to access a corresponding optical adapter 210 positioned within the cavity 204 of the housing 202. Each of the connection port passages 222 defines a connector insertion path 224 that extends inwardly along the connection port passage 222 to the optical adapter 210. The connector insertion path 224 generally defines the path along which the optical fiber connector 100 follows when being inserted into the connection port passage 222.

[0100] The multi-port assembly 200 includes a plurality of push-button fixing members 230, and each of them intersects a corresponding connector insertion path 224. The push-button fixing members 230 are capable of moving in a direction transverse to the connection port passage 222, as further described herein.

[0101] With common reference to Fig.19 , Fig. 20 and Fig.21 , respectively schematically depict a rear perspective view, a front perspective view, and a side view of the push-button fixing member 230. The push-button fixing member 230 generally includes a body 242 and a retaining portion 240 that extends outwardly from the body 242. The retaining portion 240 may be configured to contact the multi-port assembly 200 ( Fig.18 ) the housing 202 of Fig.18 ) and holds the push-button fixing member 230 within the housing 202 of the multi-port component 200. Each push-button fixing member 230 generally defines a hole 232 extending through the push-button fixing member 230, and each hole 232 defines an inner circumference 231. Although Figures 19 to 21 the depicted hole 232 is depicted as including a circular shape, it should be understood that the hole 232 can include any shape suitable for receiving the fiber optic connector 100 ( Figure 1 ). For example, in some embodiments, the hole 232 can include a planar surface configured to interface with a planar surface of the connector housing 110 ( Fig.13 ).

[0102] Each push-button fixing member 230 includes a locking portion 233, and the locking portion 233 includes a connector engaging surface 234 positioned on the hole 232. When installed in the multi-port component 200 ( Fig.17 ), in some embodiments, the connector engaging surface 234 is generally oriented transversely to the corresponding connector insertion path 224 ( Fig.17 ), and defines a locking portion recess 239, which is generally blocked by the connector engaging surface 234 and not visible from the open end of the connector insertion path 224 ( Fig.17 ). The connector engaging surface 234 extends between an inner end 237 and an outer end 235 positioned outside the inner end 237 (as evaluated from the center of the hole 232). In an embodiment, the outer end 235 can include a rounded or chamfered edge, which helps prevent breakage of the outer end 235 when the connector housing 110 ( Fig.18 ) is removed from the connection port access 222 ( Fig.18 ), as described in more detail herein.

[0103] In some embodiments, the outer end 235 is positioned on the inner circumference 231 of the hole 232 such that the connector engaging surface 234 extends inwardly from the inner circumference 231. In other embodiments, the connector engaging surface 234 can extend outwardly from the inner circumference 231 of the hole 232. The push-button fixing member 230 further includes a ramp 236, which extends between the inner circumference 231 of the hole 232 and the inner end 237 of the connector engaging surface 234, such that when the push-button fixing member 230 is positioned within the multi-port component 200 ( Fig.17 ), the ramp 236 faces upward and outward. The ramp 236 generally includes a rising portion 238a extending inwardly from the inner circumference 231 of the hole 232 and a platform portion 238b extending between the rising portion 238a and the inner end 237 of the connector engaging surface 234. The rising portion 238a of the ramp 236 is oriented to gradually constrict the corresponding connector insertion path 224 ( Fig.17 )。

[0104] Referring again to Fig.17 and Fig.18 , the platform portion 238b of each of the push-button fastening members 230 is substantially aligned with the connector insertion path 224. In an embodiment, the ramp 236 of each of the push-button fastening members 230 is positioned in front of the connector engagement surface 234 of the push-button fastening member 230. In other words, the ramp 236 of each of the push-button fastening members 230 is positioned closer to the front end 206 of the multi-port assembly 200 than the connector engagement surface 234 of the push-button fastening member 230. In this way, the ramp 236 can contact the fiber optic connector 100 inserted along the connector insertion path 224 before the connector engagement surface 234, as described in more detail herein.

[0105] In some embodiments, the connector engagement surface 234 of each of the push-button fastening members 230 defines a plane orthogonal to the connector insertion path 224. In other embodiments, Fig. 20 ) the inner end 237 of the connector engagement surface 234 of each of the push-button fastening members 230 is positioned Fig. 20 ) closer to the front end 206 of the multi-port assembly 200 than the outer end 235 of the connector engagement surface 234. In these embodiments, the connector engagement surface 234 of each of the plurality of push-button fastening members 230 defines a plane that intersects the corresponding connector insertion path 224 at an angle less than 30 degrees with respect to the vertical such that the connector engagement surface 234 faces rearward and upward. By orienting the connector engagement surface 234 of each of the push-button fastening members 230 rearward and upward, the fiber optic connector 100 can be removed from the multi-port assembly 200 when a force is applied to the fiber optic connector 100 in the direction along the connector insertion path 224, as described in more detail herein.

[0106] In an embodiment, the resilient member 250 engages each of the pushbutton securing members 230. The resilient member 250 can bias the pushbutton securing members 230 and can generally include a spring, such as, but not limited to, a compression spring, a tension spring, a torsion spring, etc. In an embodiment, the resilient member 250 includes a spring constant between about 10 newtons per millimeter and about 50 newtons per millimeter (including the endpoints). In another embodiment, the resilient member 250 includes a spring constant between about 12 newtons per millimeter and about 16 newtons per millimeter (including the endpoints). Increasing the spring constant can increase the force required to move the pushbutton securing members 230 between the engaged position and the disengaged position, as described in more detail herein. The resilient member 250 can include a free length between about 3 millimeters and about 20 millimeters (including the endpoints). In one embodiment, the resilient member 250 has a free length between about 5 millimeters and about 8 millimeters (including the endpoints).

[0107] The pushbutton securing members 230 are capable of being repositioned between an engaged position in which the locking portion 233 of each of the pushbutton securing members 230 is positioned in and intersects a corresponding connector insertion path 224 and a disengaged position in which the locking portion 233 is spaced from the corresponding connector insertion path 224. More specifically, the pushbutton securing members 230 are capable of being repositioned between an engaged position in which the connector engaging surface 234 of each of the pushbutton securing members 230 is positioned in and intersects a corresponding connector insertion path 224 and a disengaged position in which the connector engaging surface 234 is spaced from the corresponding connector insertion path 224.

[0108] In an embodiment, the resilient member 250 biases the pushbutton securing members 230 into the engaged position such that a force must be applied to the resilient member 250 to reposition the pushbutton securing members 230 into the disengaged position.

[0109] For example, and with reference Fig. 22 , a fiber optic connector 100 approaching an optical connection port 220 is depicted. As Fig. 22 shown, a front portion 111 of the connector housing 110 is initially inserted into a connector insertion path 224 of a connection port passage 222.

[0110] With reference Fig.23, when the fiber optic connector 100 is further inserted along the connector insertion path 224, the front portion 111 of the connector housing 110 can pass through the hole 232 of the push-button fixing member 230. As described above, in some embodiments, the perimeter of the front portion 111 of the connector housing 110 can be smaller than the perimeter of the rear portion 113 of the connector housing 110, and in some configurations, the front portion 111 of the connector housing can be sized to pass through the hole 232 of the push-button fixing member 230 without contacting the ramp 236 of the push-button fixing member 230.

[0111] Common reference Fig.24 and Fig.25 , the optical connection port 220 includes a rotational discrete keying portion 260 that extends inwardly into the connector insertion path 224. The rotational discrete keying portion 260 includes a rotational discrete contact surface, more specifically, a forward-facing surface 262 that is oriented to face the open end of the connection port passage 222, and one or more side-facing surfaces 264 that are configured to engage the contact surface 152 of the keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110. By engaging the contact surface 152 of the keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110, the side-facing surfaces 264 are structurally configured to inhibit rotation of the connector housing 110 when it is inserted into the connection port passage 222. Each of the rotational discrete contact surfaces of the keying portion 260 of the multi-port assembly 200 has an unobstructed line of sight to the open end of the connection port passage 222.

[0112] As Fig.24 and Fig.25 shown, in some cases, the fiber optic connector 100 can be inserted into the connection port passage 222 with the keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110 misaligned with the corresponding keying portion 260 of the connection port passage 222. In Fig.24 and Fig.25 the depicted embodiment, the keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110 includes a recessed portion of the connector housing and the keying portion 260 of the connection port passage 222 that extends inwardly into the connector insertion path 224. Thus, the keying portion 260 can mechanically interfere with portions of the connector housing 110 other than the keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110, thereby preventing further insertion of the connector housing 110, as Fig.24 and Fig.25 shown. Conversely, the connector housing 110 must be rotated to align the keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110 with the keying portion 260 of the connection port passage 222 to allow further insertion of the connector housing 110 into the connection port passage 222. In some configurations, the rotational alignment of the keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110 with the keying portion 260 of the connection port passage 222 can help maintain the optical fiber 12( Figure 3A ) an appropriate optical connection with the optical fiber positioned in the optical adapter 210. For example but not limited by theory, in some configurations, the optical fiber 12 ( Figure 3A ) the signal loss between the optical fiber positioned in the optical adapter 210 may depend on the optical fiber 12 ( Figure 3A ) with respect to the rotational position of the optical fiber positioned in the optical adapter 210. Thus, the optical fiber 12 ( Figure 3A ) may be positioned within the connector housing 110 such that when the keying portion 150 is aligned with the keying portion 260 of the connection port passage 222, the optical fiber 12 is rotationally aligned with the optical fiber positioned in the optical adapter 210.

[0113] As described above, in some embodiments, the keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110 includes a positive surface protrusion (see, for example Fig.14 ), as compared to the recessed keying portion 150 depicted Fig.25 . In these embodiments, the keying portion 260 of the connection port passage 222 may include a complementary recessed keying portion 260 that restricts the insertion of the connector housing 110 in a similar manner, unless the keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110 is rotationally aligned with the keying portion 260 of the connection port passage 222.

[0114] Referring Fig.26 , in the case where the keying portion 150 of the connector housing 110 is aligned with the keying portion 260 of the connection port passage 222, the connector housing of the fiber optic connector 100 may be further inserted into the connection port passage 222. When the connector housing 110 of the fiber optic connector 100 is further inserted, the connector housing 110 contacts the ramp 236 of the push-button fixing member 230. As described above, the ramp 236 is oriented upward and forward. Thus, when the connector housing 110 is further inserted, the axial force applied to the ramp 236 as the connector housing 110 is inserted may be decomposed into a downward force applied to the push-button fixing member 230. The downward force applied to the push-button fixing member 230 causes the push-button fixing member 230 to move downward in a vertical direction transverse to the connector insertion path 224, and the locking portion 233 of the push-button fixing member 230 including the connector engaging surface 234 may be moved out of the connector insertion path 224, thereby moving the push-button fixing member 230 into the disengaged position. As described above, in an embodiment, the elastic member 250 engages with the push-button fixing member 230 and biases the push-button fixing member 230 into the engaged position. Therefore, in these embodiments, the biasing force of the elastic member 250 must be overcome to move the push-button fixing member 230 into the disengaged position.

[0115] Referring Fig. 27When the fiber optic connector 100 is fully inserted into the connection port passage 222, the front portion 111 of the connector housing 110 can engage with the optical adapter 210. In addition, the button-type fixing member 230 can be repositioned back into the engagement position. More specifically, the port engagement surface 132 ( Fig.26 ) can engage with the connector engagement surface 234 of the button type fixing member 230, and the slope 236 ( Fig.26 ) can be positioned in the locking portion recess 134 ( Fig.26 ) inside. Button type fixing member 230 ( Fig.17 ) of the connector mating surface 234 ( Fig.17 ) and the port mating surface 132 ( Fig.17 ) inhibits axial movement of the connector housing relative to the multiport assembly 200 in the retraction direction of the optical fiber connector 100, thereby selectively coupling the connector housing 110 to the multiport assembly 200. In addition, when the button-type fixing member 230 is repositioned into the engagement position, the retaining portion 240 of the button-type fixing member 230 may hit and contact the housing 202, which may produce an audible sound. The user who inserts the connector housing 110 may use the audible sound of the retaining portion 240 hitting the housing 202 to confirm that the connector housing 110 has been fully inserted and selectively coupled to the multiport assembly 200.

[0116] like Fig.18 As best shown in the cross-sectional view shown, a gap can be positioned between the locking portion recess 134 of the connector housing and the ramp 236 of the button type retaining member 230 so that only the port engagement surface 132 of the connector housing 110 contacts the button type retaining member 230. In this way, minimal vertical force can be transmitted from the button type retaining member 230 to the connector housing 110, which can help maintain the alignment of the connector housing 110 with the optical adapter 210.

[0117] Despite Figure 22 to Figure 27 In the embodiment of the present invention, a single optical connector port 220 is shown in cross-section as described above, but it should be understood that the other optical connector ports 220 of the multi-port assembly 200 may be substantially the same. When the optical fiber connector 100 is inserted into the optical connector port 220 and selectively coupled to the button-type fixing member 230, the optical fiber 12 ( Figure 1) can be optically coupled to another optical fiber positioned within the optical adapter 210 to form an optical fiber junction 300. By inserting the fiber optic connector 100 and moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position and then returning to the engaged position when the fiber optic connector 100 is fully inserted, a user can selectively couple the fiber optic connector 100 to the multi-port assembly 200 with one hand. In this way, the multi-port assembly 200 and the connector housing 110 of the present disclosure can provide significant advantages over conventional port assemblies that may require the use of two hands to manipulate bayonet connections, lock nut connections, etc.

[0118] In addition, and referring to Fig. 27 , the use of a push-button fixing member 230 selectively positioned within the connector insertion path 224 can reduce the distance between adjacent optical connection ports 220, as compared to conventional port assemblies. For example, some conventional port assemblies utilize bayonet connections and / or lock nut connections, each of which requires connection components positioned radially outside of the connector insertion path. In contrast, the push-button fixing member 230 of the present disclosure typically intersects the connector insertion path 224, thereby minimizing the need for connection components positioned outside of the connector insertion path 224. As such, the distance between adjacent optical connection ports 220 can be reduced, allowing for an increase in the overall density of the optical connection ports 220 on the multi-port assembly 200. For example, in Fig. 27 the depicted embodiment, adjacent optical connection ports 220 can be spaced apart by a distance 280 evaluated between central axes 282 extending along the connector insertion path 224 of the optical connection ports 220. In an embodiment, the distance 280 can be less than about 13 millimeters. Additionally, although Fig.21 the depicted embodiment shows extending laterally across the optical connection ports 220 of the multi-port assembly 200, it should be understood that the multi-port assembly 200 according to the present disclosure can be positioned relative to each other in any suitable orientation and can be positioned on top of each other in the vertical direction.

[0119] Referring again to Fig.17, to remove the fiber optic connector 100 from the multi-port component, the push-button fixing member 230 is moved from the engaged position back to the disengaged position by moving it downward in a direction transverse to the central axis 282 extending along the connector insertion path 224 (vertically as depicted). For example, the push-button fixing member 230 can be moved to the disengaged position by pressing down on the top surface 228 of the push-button fixing member 230 to overcome the biasing force of the elastic member 250. In one embodiment, the push-button fixing member can be repositioned to the disengaged position under a force applied to the push-button fixing member 230 in a direction transverse to the axis extending along the corresponding connector insertion path 224 that exceeds a threshold between 5 Newtons and 50 Newtons. In another embodiment, the push-button fixing member 230 can be repositioned to the disengaged position under a force applied to the push-button fixing member 230 in a direction transverse to the axis extending along the corresponding connector insertion path 224 that exceeds a threshold between 20 Newtons and 25 Newtons.

[0120] In an embodiment, each push-button fixing member 230 is configured to allow the external optical connector 100 to be disengaged from the locking portion 233 of the push-button fixing member 230 forcefully and without damage when a force is applied to the external optical connector 100 in a direction along the central axis 282 extending along the corresponding connector insertion path 224. For example, in an embodiment, the push-button fixing member 230 is configured to be repositioned to the disengaged position when a force is applied to the optical connector 100 that is transmitted through the engagement between the connector engagement surface 234 of the push-button fixing member 230 and the port engagement surface 132 of the connector housing 110 to the push-button fixing member 230. As described above, one or both of the connector engagement surface 234 of the push-button fixing member 230 and the port engagement surface 132 of the connector housing 110 can be oriented at an angle relative to a vertical direction as depicted (i.e., the port engagement surface 132 of the connector housing is at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 114 and the vertical line, and the connector engagement surface 234 is at an angle with respect to the connector insertion path 224 and the vertical line). Thus, a force applied axially (i.e., along the connector insertion path 224) to the connector housing 110 can be decomposed into a vertical force applied to the push-button fixing member 230 by the connector engagement surface 234 of the push-button fixing member 230 and / or the port engagement surface 132 of the connector housing 110. The vertical force can reposition the push-button fixing member 230 to the disengaged position.

[0121] In addition, as described above, the outer end 133 (Figure 3) of the port engagement surface 132 of the connector housing 110 and / or the outer end 235 of the connector engagement surface 234 of the push-button fixing member 230 ( Fig. 20) includes a chamfer or rounded edge. The outer end 133 (FIG. 3) of the port engagement surface 132 of the connector housing 110 and / or the outer end 235 of the connector engagement surface 234 of the push-button fixing member 230 ( Fig. 20 ) The chamfer or rounded edge can reduce the point force on the connector housing 110 and / or the push-button fixing member 230 when the push-button fixing member 230 is repositioned to the disengaged position. By reducing the point force on the connector housing 110 and / or the push-button fixing member 230, the breakage of the connector housing 110 and / or the push-button fixing member 230 can be reduced.

[0122] In one embodiment, when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold between 20 Newtons and 500 Newtons (including the endpoints) is applied to the external optical connector 100, the plurality of push-button fixing members 230 each move to the disengaged position. In some embodiments, when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold of 20 Newtons and 25 Newtons is applied to the external optical connector 100, the plurality of push-button fixing members 230 each move to the disengaged position. Thus, when a predetermined force is applied, the fiber optic connector can be removed from the multi-port assembly 200. For example, in the case of applying an accidental or unwanted force to the fiber optic connector 100, this selective engagement can help reduce damage to the multi-port assembly 200 and / or the fiber optic connector 100.

[0123] The force required to reposition the plurality of push-button fixing members 230 to the disengaged position is related to the relative orientation of the port engagement surface 132 of the connector housing 110 and the connector engagement surface 234 of the push-button fixing member 230, and can be customized as needed. For example, as described above, the port engagement surface 132 is generally oriented in a plane that intersects the longitudinal axis 114 at an angle of 30 degrees or less with respect to the vertical line, and is oriented to face rearward and outward. Increasing the angle of the port engagement surface 132 with respect to the longitudinal axis 114 (e.g., orienting the port engagement surface 132 to face more downward) can reduce the force required to remove the fiber optic connector 100 because more of the axial force on the connector housing 110 can be resolved into the vertical direction. Conversely, as the angle of the port engagement surface 132 with respect to the longitudinal axis 114 approaches the vertical line, the force required to remove the fiber optic connector 100 will increase because less of the axial force on the connector housing 110 is resolved into the vertical direction.

[0124] Similarly, as described above, the connector engagement surface 234 of each of the push-button fastening members 230 defines a plane that intersects the corresponding connector insertion path 224 at an angle less than 30 degrees with respect to the vertical such that the connector engagement surface 234 faces rearward and upward. Increasing the angle that the connector engagement surface 234 makes with respect to the connector insertion path 224 (e.g., orienting the connector engagement surface 234 to be more upward-facing) can reduce the force required to remove the fiber optic connector 100 because more of the axial force on the connector housing 110 can be resolved into the vertical direction. Conversely, as the angle of the connector engagement surface 234 with respect to the connector insertion path 224 approaches the vertical, the force required to remove the fiber optic connector 100 will increase because less of the axial force on the connector housing 110 is resolved into the vertical direction. In this way, the orientations of the port engagement surface 132 of the connector housing 110 and the connector engagement surface 234 of the push-button fastening members 230 can be customized to achieve the force required to remove the connector housing 110 from the multi-port assembly 200.

[0125] In some embodiments as described above, the port engagement surface 132 may include a locking surface 135 ( Figure 3B ) and a release surface 137 ( Figure 3B ). In these embodiments, the locking surface 135 ( Figure 3B ) may be configured to engage the connector engagement surface 234 of the push-button fastening member 230 that is oriented orthogonal to the connector insertion path 224, thereby fixing the connector housing 110 such that the connector housing 110 cannot be removed from the multi-port assembly 200 by force. In particular, because the locking surface 135 of the connector engagement surface 234 of the push-button fastening member 230 or the port engagement surface 132 resolves the axial force applied to the connector housing into the vertical direction (i.e., because both the locking surface 135 ( Figure 3B ) of the push-button fastening member 230 and the connector engagement surface 234 are oriented in the vertical direction), the connector housing 110 cannot be removed due to the axial force applied to the connector housing 110. In other configurations, the release surface 137 ( Figure 3B ) may be configured to engage the connector engagement surface 234 of the push-button fastening member 230 such that the axial force applied to the connector housing 110 can be resolved into vertical forces, and the connector housing can be removed from the multi-port assembly by force, as described above. The connector housing 110 including the port engagement surface 132 having both a locking surface 135 ( Figure 3B ) and a release surface 137 ( Figure 3B ) may be capable of being selectively removed from the multi-port assembly 200 including the push-button fastening member 230 that engages with the release surface 137 ( Figure 3B ), while being attached in a fixed manner to the multi-port assembly including the locking surface 135 ( Figure 3B)Multi-port component 200 of the engaged push-button fixing member 200.

[0126] Now refer to Fig.28 , which schematically depicts another embodiment of the push-button fixing member 230. In the Fig.28 depicted embodiment, the push-button fixing member 230 includes a button 270 and a fixing member 272 including a pair of opposing arms 274, and the pair of opposing arms 274 can be selectively deformed between an engaged position and a disengaged position inside and outside the connector insertion path 224 respectively. In the Fig.28 depicted embodiment, when the button 270 is depressed, the pair of opposing arms 274 can elastically deform outward from the connector insertion path 224. In some configurations, the opposing arms 274 are configured to engage the concave locking portion 130 of the connector housing 110 ( Fig.15 ).

[0127] Collectively refer to Figure 29 to Figure 31 , which schematically depict a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of the button 270 respectively. In some embodiments such as the Figure 29 to Figure 31 depicted embodiment, the button 270 includes a flat top surface 271 and optionally includes an O-ring 269 disposed on the button 270. Specifically refer to Fig.31 , in the embodiment, the button 270 includes a wedge 273 positioned on the bottom surface, and the wedge 273 is configured to engage the corresponding arm 274 ( Fig.28 ) and reposition it to the disengaged position.

[0128] Refer to Fig.32 and Fig.33 , which depict a perspective view of a blank that can be used to form the fixing member 272 and a perspective view of the formed fixing member 272 respectively. The fixing member 272 includes opposing arms 274, and the opposing arms are configured to engage and hold the connector housing 110 ( Fig. 27 ). The fixing member 272 further includes tabs 276, and the tabs 276 are positioned on the opposing arms 274 and extend outward therefrom. Each of the tabs 276 includes a flange 277 oriented transversely to the connector insertion path 224 ( Fig.28 ). The flange 277 can be configured to engage the connector housing 110 ( Fig. 27 ) when the connector housing 110 ( Fig. 27) and move the opposing arm 274 outward. The fixed member 272 also includes a push-button flange 278 positioned at the top end of the fixed member 272. The push-button flange 278 is oriented upward and configured to engage the button 270 such that when the button 270 is depressed, the opposing arm 274 moves outward to a disengaged position. In an embodiment, the fixed member 272 can be selected such that when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold between 20 Newtons and 25 Newtons is applied to the external optical connector 100, the opposing arm 274 can selectively deform outward.

[0129] Reference Figure 34 to Figure 36 , schematically depicts another embodiment of the push-button fixing member 230. Similar to the embodiment described above with respect to Figures 28 to 33 , the push-button fixing member 230 includes a fixed member 272 having an arm 274 that is selectively deformable, the arm 274 having a tab 276 having a flange 277 oriented transverse to the connector insertion path 224. However, in this embodiment, when the flange 277 is located on the opposing arm 274, the push-button flange 278 is oriented outward and in the same direction. This allows the button 270 to be positioned in line with the connector insertion path 224, as Fig.35 depicted.

[0130] Accordingly, it should now be understood that the embodiments described herein include an optical fiber connector that includes a connector housing having a locking portion that selectively engages a push-button fixing member of a multi-port assembly to selectively couple the optical fiber connector to the multi-port assembly. The locking portion of the connector housing and / or the push-button fixing member of the multi-port assembly can be configured to allow the connector housing to be disengaged from the multi-port assembly with force and without damage when a predetermined force is applied to the connector housing. In this way, damage to the multi-port assembly and / or the optical fiber connector due to accidental or unanticipated forces applied to the connector housing can be minimized.

[0131] In an embodiment, a push-button securing member generally intersects a connection port passage of a multi-port component, which can reduce the need to position securing features on the perimeter of the connection port passage. By reducing the need to position securing features on the perimeter of the connection port passage, adjacent connection port passages on the multi-port component can be positioned closer to each other, such that a greater number of connection port passages can be included in the multi-port component without increasing the overall size of the multi-port component. Additionally, the push-button securing member can be configured to automatically engage the connector housing when the connector housing is fully inserted into the connection port passage, such that a user can selectively couple the connector housing to the multi-port component with one hand, thereby simplifying the connection of the connector housing to the multi-port component. The connector housing can further include a keying portion that selectively engages a corresponding keying portion of the multi-port component to ensure and maintain the rotational orientation of the fiber optic connector to the multi-port component.

[0132] It should be noted that a recitation herein that a component of the present disclosure is "structured" in a particular way to embody a particular property or to function in a particular manner is a structural recitation, as opposed to a recitation of intended use. More specifically, a reference herein to the manner in which a component is "structured" represents the existing physical condition of the component and will thus be regarded as a definite recitation of a structural characteristic of the component.

[0133] It should be noted that terms such as "preferably," "generally," and "typically" as used herein are not used to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to clarify particular aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure and to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in particular embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0134] For purposes of describing and defining the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "substantially" and "about" are used herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms "substantially" and "about" are also used herein to represent the degree to which a quantitative representation can vary from a stated reference without causing a substantial change in the basic function of the subject matter being discussed.

[0135] The subject matter of the present disclosure has been described in detail by reference to the specific embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the various details disclosed herein should not be considered as implying that these details relate to the elements of the basic components of the various embodiments described herein, even in the case where each of the specific elements is shown in the drawings attached to this specification. In addition, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, including but not limited to the embodiments defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present disclosure are identified herein as being preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure need not be limited to these aspects.

[0136] It should be noted that one or more of the following claims use the term "wherein" as a transitional phrase. For the purpose of defining the present invention, it should be noted that this term is introduced in the claims as an open transitional phrase for introducing a recitation of a series of features of a structure and should be interpreted as the more commonly used open preamble term "comprising".

Claims

1. An optical fiber connector, the optical fiber connector comprising: Sleeve and connector housing, wherein the sleeve includes an optical fiber bore, and the connector housing is integral and includes: A sleeve holding portion configured structurally to engage and hold the sleeve, located at a front portion of the connector housing; A longitudinal axis extending from a leading edge plane of the front portion of the connector housing through the sleeve holding portion to a rear portion of the connector housing; A nominal housing portion defined on an outer surface of the connector housing; A rotational discrete keying portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing; and A rotational discrete locking portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing at the rear portion of the connector housing, wherein The nominal housing portion is interrupted by the rotational discrete keying portion and the rotational discrete locking portion; The connector housing has an unobstructed line of sight along a forward direction of advancement of the fiber optic connector from the rotational discrete keying portion to the leading edge plane of the connector housing; The rotational discrete keying portion includes at least one rotational discrete contact surface configured structurally to inhibit rotation of the connector housing about the longitudinal axis when engaged with a complementary keying portion of an optical connector port; The rotational discrete locking portion includes a rearward-facing port engaging surface and a locking portion recess located behind the port engaging surface, wherein an outer end of the port engaging surface includes a rounded or chamfered edge, The locking portion recess is obscured from view along the forward direction of the fiber optic connector from the leading edge plane of the connector housing by the port engaging surface; and The port engaging surface of the locking portion is configured structurally to face both outward and rearward, such that when engaged with a complementary securing member of an optical connector port, it inhibits axial movement of the connector housing in a retraction direction of the fiber optic connector and selectively disengages from the complementary securing member of the optical connector port when a force above a predetermined threshold is applied, wherein the sleeve holding portion of the connector housing is located in front of the keying portion and the locking portion of the connector housing, and The connector housing further includes a transition region between the front portion and the rear portion of the connector housing, and the keying portion of the connector housing extends at least partially into the transition region of the connector housing, such that the keying portion of the connector housing extends closer to the front portion of the connector housing than the locking portion of the connector housing, such that the keying portion of the connector housing contacts the optical connection port before the locking portion of the connector housing.

2. The fiber optic connector according to claim 1, wherein: The keying portion includes a pair of rotational discrete contact surfaces that are accessible unobstructed from the leading edge plane of the connector housing; And The rear-facing port engagement surface of the locking portion is formed by an edge-to-edge cross-sectional cut of the connector housing.

3. The fiber optic connector according to claim 2, wherein the rotational arc θ2 defined by the edge-to-edge cross-sectional cut forming the rear-facing port engagement surface is less than 90 degrees.

4. The fiber optic connector according to claim 2, wherein each of the rotational discrete contact surfaces of the keying portion lies in a plane intersecting the rear-facing port engagement surface.

5. The fiber optic connector according to claim 2, wherein each of the rotational discrete contact surfaces of the keying portion lies in a plane extending orthogonally to the plane of the rear-facing port engagement surface.

6. The fiber optic connector according to claim 1, wherein: The keying portion includes a pair of rotational discrete contact surfaces that are accessible unobstructed from the leading edge plane of the connector housing; Each of the rotational discrete contact surfaces of the keying portion lies in a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing; And The rear-facing port engagement surface of the locking portion lies in a plane penetrated by the longitudinal axis of the connector housing.

7. The fiber optic connector according to claim 1, wherein: The keying portion and the locking portion define respective rotational arcs θ1, θ2 relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing; and The rotational arcs θ1, θ2 are mutually exclusive such that the keying portion and the locking portion are defined on different surface portions of the outer surface of the connector housing.

8. The fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The rotational arc θ2 defined by the width of the locking portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is greater than about 90 degrees; The rotational arc θ1 defined by the width of the keying portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is less than the rotational arc θ2; and (θ1 + θ2) < 180°.

9. The fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotational arc θ1 defined by the width of the keying portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is less than the rotational arc θ2 defined by the width of the locking portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing.

10. The fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotational arc θ1 is less than about 30% of the rotational arc θ2.

11. The fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The rotational arc θ1 defined by the width of the keying portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is between about 30 degrees and about 70 degrees; And the rotational arc θ2 defined by the width of the locking portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is between about 60 degrees and about 120 degrees.

12. The fiber optic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The rotational radian θ1 defined by the width of the keying portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is less than about 70 degrees; and The rotational radian θ2 defined by the width of the locking portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is greater than about 60 degrees but not more than about 120 degrees.

13. The optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein the keying portion only partially extends into the transition region of the connector housing.

14. The optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein the length of the keying portion exceeds the length of the transition region in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the connector housing.

15. The optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein the length of the keying portion exceeds the length of the front portion of the connector housing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing.

16. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the keying portion and the locking portion interrupt the nominal housing portion as a negative notch, a positive surface protrusion, or a combination thereof.

17. The optical fiber connector according to claim 16, wherein the rotational discrete contact surface of the keying portion, the port engagement surface of the locking portion, and the locking portion recess are formed by planar surfaces, flat surfaces, or a combination thereof.

18. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotational discrete locking portion is defined as a notch on the outer surface of the connector housing, the notch comprising: A rear-facing notch surface that extends along a portion of a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the connector housing at an acute angle α1; And A front-facing notch surface that intersects the rear-facing notch surface and extends along a portion of a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the connector housing at an angle α2 greater than the acute angle α1.

19. The optical fiber connector according to claim 18, wherein α2 ≤ 180° and α1 is between 60° and 90°.

20. The optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein: The keying portion of the connector housing includes a pair of rotational discrete contact surfaces that can be accessed unobstructed from the leading edge plane of the connector housing; The locking portion is defined as a notch on the outer surface of the connector housing, the notch comprising: a rear-facing notch surface that extends along a portion of a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the connector housing at an acute angle α1; and A front-facing notch surface that intersects the rear-facing notch surface and extends along a portion of a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the connector housing at an angle α2 greater than the acute angle α1; Each of the rotational discrete contact surfaces of the keying portion is located in a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing; The keying portion and the locking portion define respective rotational arcs θ1, θ2 relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing; The rotational arcs θ1, θ2 are mutually exclusive such that the keying portion and the locking portion are defined on different surface portions of the outer surface of the connector housing; The rotational arc θ1 defined by the width of the keying portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is less than about 70 degrees; And the rotational arc θ2 defined by the width of the locking portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is greater than about 60 degrees but not more than about 120 degrees.

21. A multi-port component, the multi-port component comprising: A housing that defines a cavity positioned within the housing; A plurality of optical adapters positioned within the cavity of the housing, the plurality of optical adapters being structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple different optical connectors; A plurality of optical connector ports, the plurality of optical connector ports including respective connection port passages that permit external optical connectors to access the plurality of optical adapters positioned within the cavity of the housing, the connection port passages including corresponding connector insertion paths; A plurality of rotational discrete keying portions associated with respective ones of the connection port passages in the connection port passages, wherein each keying portion includes at least one rotational discrete contact surface in an unobstructed line of sight with an open end of the respective connection port passage, and the at least one rotational discrete contact surface is structurally configured to inhibit rotation of a connector housing residing in the respective connection port passage; And A plurality of push-button fixing members associated with respective ones of the connection port passages in the connection port passages, wherein Each push-button fixing member defines a hole extending through the push-button fixing member, wherein the hole has Suitable for a shape for receiving an optical fiber connector; Each push-button fixing member is biased in an engaged position in which a rotational discrete locking portion of the push-button fixing member is positioned within the corresponding connector insertion path and is selectively positionable into and out of a disengaged position in which the rotational discrete locking portion of the push-button fixing member is positioned outside the corresponding connector insertion path, wherein the push-button fixing member is configured to be movable from the engaged position to the disengaged position by depressing the push-button fixing member to overcome the biasing force; The rotational discrete locking portion of each push-button fixing member includes a ramp and a locking portion recess, the ramp being oriented to gradually constrict the corresponding connector insertion path along the advancement direction of an optical fiber connector in the respective connection port passage, the locking portion recess being obscured from view from the open end of the respective connection port passage by a connector engagement surface of the rotational discrete locking portion of the push-button fixing member, and The connector engagement surface of the rotational discrete locking portion is structurally configured to inhibit axial movement of the fiber optic connector in the retraction direction of the fiber optic connector in the respective connection port passage, wherein an outer end of the connector engagement surface includes a rounded or chamfered edge, and the optical connector port contacts the keying portion of the connector housing before contacting the locking portion of the connector housing.

22. A method for connecting a fiber optic connector to a multi-port assembly, the method comprising: providing a fiber optic connector including a ferrule and a connector housing, wherein the ferrule includes a fiber aperture and the connector housing is unitary and includes: a ferrule retention portion structurally configured to engage and retain the ferrule, located at a front portion of the connector housing; a longitudinal axis extending from a leading edge plane of the front portion of the connector housing through the ferrule retention portion to a rear portion of the connector housing; a nominal housing portion defined on an outer surface of the connector housing; a rotational discrete keying portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing; and a rotational discrete locking portion defined on the outer surface of the connector housing at the rear portion of the connector housing, wherein the nominal housing portion is interrupted by the rotational discrete keying portion and the locking portion, the rotational discrete keying portion includes an unobstructed line of sight with the leading edge plane of the connector housing along the advancement direction of the fiber optic connector, the rotational discrete keying portion includes at least one rotational discrete contact surface structurally configured to inhibit rotation of the connector housing about the longitudinal axis when engaged with a complementary keying portion of an optical connector port, the locking portion includes a rear-facing port engagement surface and a locking portion recess positioned behind the port engagement surface and obscured from a view from the leading edge plane of the connector housing along the advancement direction of the fiber optic connector by the port engagement surface, and the port engagement surface of the locking portion is structurally configured to face both outwardly and rearwardly so as to inhibit axial movement of the connector housing in the retraction direction of the fiber optic connector when engaged with a complementary locking portion of an optical connector port and to selectively disengage from the complementary locking portion of the optical connector port when a force above a predetermined threshold is applied, wherein an outer end of the port engagement surface includes a rounded or chamfered edge; advancing the fiber optic connector in the advancement direction into an optical connector port of a multi-port assembly, the multi-port assembly including: a plurality of optical adapters structurally configured to receive, align, and optically couple the fiber optic connector with different optical connectors within the multi-port assembly; Align the rotational discrete keying portion of the connector housing with a complementary rotational discrete keying portion associated with the optical connector port to allow the rotational discrete locking portion of the connector housing to engage a rotational discrete locking portion of a pushbutton fixing member associated with the optical connector port; and Engage the rotational discrete locking portion of the connector housing with the rotational discrete locking portion of the pushbutton fixing member associated with the optical connector port, wherein the connector housing further includes a transition region located between the front portion and the rear portion of the connector housing, and the keying portion of the connector housing at least partially extends into the transition region of the connector housing, such that the keying portion of the connector housing extends closer to the front portion of the connector housing than the locking portion of the connector housing, so that the keying portion of the connector housing contacts the optical connector port before the locking portion of the connector housing.

23. An optical fiber connector, the optical fiber connector comprising: A ferrule, the ferrule including a fiber aperture; and A connector housing, the connector housing being integral and including: A ferrule holding portion, the ferrule holding portion being structurally configured to engage and hold the ferrule, located at the front portion of the connector housing; A longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis extending from a leading edge plane of the front portion of the connector housing through the ferrule holding portion to the rear portion of the connector housing; A nominal housing portion, the nominal housing portion being defined on an outer surface of the connector housing; A rotational discrete keying portion, the rotational discrete keying portion being defined on the outer surface of the connector housing, wherein the rotational discrete keying portion includes at least one rotational discrete contact surface, the at least one rotational discrete contact surface being structurally configured to inhibit rotation of the connector housing about the longitudinal axis when engaged with a complementary keying portion of an optical connector port, and the connector housing having an unobstructed line of sight from the rotational discrete keying portion to the leading edge plane of the connector housing along the advancement direction of the optical fiber connector; The front portion of the connector housing includes a rectangular cross-section having a planar side, while the rear portion of the connector housing includes a curved outer surface, wherein the length of the keying portion exceeds the length of the front portion of the connector housing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing; and A rotatable discrete locking portion is defined on the outer surface of the connector housing at the rear portion of the connector housing. The rotatable discrete locking portion includes a port engagement surface, wherein the port engagement surface faces rearward. The rotatable discrete locking portion includes a locking portion recess positioned behind the port engagement surface. The locking portion recess is blocked from view from the leading edge plane of the connector housing along the advancement direction of the fiber optic connector by the port engagement surface. The port engagement surface of the locking portion is structurally configured to face both outward and rearward, such that when engaged with a complementary securing member of an optical connector port, axial movement of the connector housing in the retraction direction of the fiber optic connector is inhibited and, when a force above a predetermined threshold is applied, selectively disengages from the complementary securing member of the optical connector port. The outer end of the port engagement surface includes a rounded or chamfered edge; and The nominal housing portion is interrupted by the rotatable discrete bonding portion and the rotatable discrete locking portion; The connector housing further includes a transition region located between the front portion and the rear portion of the connector housing. The bonding portion of the connector housing at least partially extends into the transition region of the connector housing, such that the bonding portion of the connector housing extends closer to the front portion of the connector housing than the locking portion of the connector housing, such that the bonding portion of the connector housing contacts the optical connection port before the locking portion of the connector housing.

24. The fiber optic connector of claim 23, wherein the bonding portion includes a pair of rotatable discrete contact surfaces that are accessible unobstructed from the leading edge plane of the connector housing.

25. The fiber optic connector of claim 24, wherein each of the rotatable discrete contact surfaces of the bonding portion lies in a plane that extends orthogonally to the plane of the port engagement surface.

26. The fiber optic connector of claim 24, wherein each of the rotatable discrete contact surfaces of the bonding portion lies in a plane that intersects the port engagement surface.

27. The fiber optic connector of claim 23, wherein the port engagement surface of the locking portion is formed by an edge-to-edge cross-sectional cut of the connector housing.

28. The fiber optic connector of claim 27, wherein the rotational arc θ2 defined by the edge-to-edge cross-sectional cut forming the port engagement surface is less than 90 degrees.

29. The fiber optic connector of claim 23, wherein: The bonding portion includes a pair of rotatable discrete contact surfaces that are accessible unobstructed from the leading edge plane of the connector housing; Each of the rotatable discrete contact surfaces of the bonding portion lies in a plane that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing; And The port engaging surface of the locking portion lies in a plane penetrated by the longitudinal axis of the connector housing.

30. The fiber optic connector according to claim 23, wherein: The keying portion and the locking portion define respective rotational arcs θ1, θ2 relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing; and The rotational arcs θ1, θ2 are mutually exclusive such that the keying portion and the locking portion are defined on different surface portions of the outer surface of the connector housing.

31. The fiber optic connector according to claim 23, wherein the rotational arc θ1 defined by the width of the keying portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing is less than the rotational arc θ2 defined by the width of the locking portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing.

32. The fiber optic connector according to claim 23, wherein the keying portion only partially extends into the transition region of the connector housing.

33. The fiber optic connector according to claim 23, wherein the length of the keying portion extends beyond the length of the transition region in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the connector housing.

34. The fiber optic connector according to claim 23, wherein the rotationally discrete locking portion interrupts the nominal housing portion as a negative notch.

35. The fiber optic connector according to claim 34, wherein the port engaging surface of the locking portion is formed by a planar surface, a flat surface, or a combination thereof.

36. The fiber optic connector according to claim 23, wherein the rotationally discrete locking portion is defined as a notch on the outer surface of the connector housing, the notch comprising: A rear-facing notch surface that extends along a portion of a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the connector housing at an acute angle α1; And A forward-facing notch surface that intersects the rear-facing notch surface and extends along a portion of a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the connector housing at an angle α2 greater than the acute angle α1.

37. The fiber optic connector according to claim 36, wherein α2 ≤ 180° and α1 is between 60° and 90°.

38. The fiber optic connector according to claim 23, wherein the port engaging surface defines a plane that intersects the longitudinal axis at an angle less than 30 degrees as evaluated from the perpendicular.

39. The fiber optic connector according to claim 23, wherein the locking portion recess includes a planar surface oriented transversely to the port engaging surface and extending at least partially across the outer surface of the connector housing.

40. The fiber optic connector according to claim 23, wherein the rotationally discrete keying portion includes a pair of rotationally discrete contact surfaces that interrupt the nominal housing portion as a negative notch.

41. The multi-port assembly according to claim 21, wherein the at least one rotationally discrete contact surface of each keying portion is in an unobstructed line of sight with the open end of the corresponding connection port passage.

42. The multi-port component according to claim 21, wherein the connector engagement surface defines a plane orthogonal to its corresponding connector insertion path.

43. The method according to claim 22, wherein the keying portion associated with the optical connector port includes at least one rotationally discrete contact surface in an unobstructed line of sight with the open end of the connection port passage of the optical connector port.

44. The method according to claim 22, wherein after aligning the rotationally discrete keying portion of the connector housing with the complementary rotationally discrete keying portion associated with the optical connector port, the rotationally discrete locking portion of the connector housing is engaged with the rotationally discrete locking portion of the push-button fixing member.

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