Cable end optical connector assemblies

Abstract

Aspects of cable end optical connector assemblies are described. An example cable end optical connector assembly includes an optical cable, a cable end housing at an end of the cable, and an optical ferrule and a collet within the housing. An optical waveguide of the cable extends through the collet and terminates to the optical ferrule within the housing. The cable end housing includes an interface end, which includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of channel recesses that extend between the upper and lower walls. An inner surface of the upper wall includes first and second curved surfaces at both sides. The interface end also includes first and second ferrule bumpers with curved surfaces. An outer surface of the optical ferrule rests upon the first and second curved bumper surfaces, with the optical ferrule resting at a mating angle within the cable end housing.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCTCABLE END OPTICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIESBACKGROUND

[0001] The amount of data processed by computing, network switching, telecommunications, and related systems continues to increase. Data centers can include hundreds or thousands of networking and computing systems. The systems are interconnected by optical cables, copper cables, and various connectors, adapters, and terminations between them. The data throughput of the interconnection systems is high and increasing. A range of different input / output (I / O) connectors, cables, cable assemblies, and interconnect systems are designed for those types of data, power, and data and power interconnection applications.

[0002] Example interconnect systems include board-to-board, cable-to-cable, wire-to-wire, and cable- or wire-to-board systems. A variety of designs exist for each type of connector, cable assembly, and interconnect system, depending on the requirements of the power and data communications environment in which the connectors, assemblies, and systems are used. As one example, a cable-to-cable optical connector assembly includes a first optical cable assembly attached to the free end of a first fiber optical cable. A second optical cable assembly can be attached to the free end of a second fiber optical cable, and the first and second optical cable assemblies can be connected or mated to each other. In another example, an optical receptacle connector can be provided in a bulkhead. An optical cable assembly can be inserted into the optical receptacle to establish optical communications.SUMMARY

[0003] An example cable end optical connector assembly includes an optical cable, a cable end housing at one distal end of the optical cable, a housing cover secured with the cable end housing, an optical ferrule and a collet positioned within the cable end housing, and a release sleeve positioned around the cable end housing. The optical cable can include a cable jacket and an optical waveguide extending within the cable jacket. The optical waveguide extends through the collet and terminates to the optical ferrule within the cable end housing. The cable end housing includes an interface end, which includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of channel recesses that extend between the upper wall and the lower wall. An inner surface of the upper wall includes first and second curved surfaces at both sides. The interface end also includes first and secondAttorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT ferrule bumpers with curved surfaces, and an outer surface of the optical ferrule rests upon the first curved bumper surface and the second curved bumper surface, with the optical ferrule resting at a mating angle within the cable end housing.

[0004] Another example cable end optical connector assembly includes an optical cable, a cable end housing at one distal end of the optical cable, a first optical ferrule positioned within the cable end housing, and a second optical ferrule positioned within the cable end housing. A first optical waveguide extends through the optical cable and terminates to the first optical ferrule, and a second optical waveguide extends through the optical cable and terminates to the second optical ferrule. The cable end housing also includes a first ferrule bumper at a first side of an inner surface of the cable end housing and a second ferrule bumper at a second side of the inner surface of the cable end housing. The first optical ferrule rests upon the first ferrule bumper and the second ferrule bumper. The cable end housing also includes a third ferrule bumper at the first side of the inner surface of the cable end housing and a fourth ferrule bumper at the second side of the inner surface of the cable end housing. The second optical ferrule resting upon the third ferrule bumper and the fourth ferrule bumper.

[0005] Another example cable end optical connector assembly includes a cable end housing, a first optical ferrule positioned within the cable end housing, and a second optical ferrule positioned within the cable end housing. The cable end housing also includes a first ferrule bumper and a second ferrule bumper, with the first optical ferrule resting upon the first ferrule bumper and the second ferrule bumper, and a third ferrule bumper and a fourth ferrule bumper positioned at an end of channel recesses in the cable end housing, with the second optical ferrule resting upon the third ferrule bumper and the fourth ferrule bumper.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0007] FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of a cable end optical connector assembly and interconnect adapter according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.Attorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT

[0008] FIG. IB illustrates another top perspective view of the optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1A, with parts exploded, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2D illustrates a front view of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 A illustrates a perspective view of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1A with the release sleeve and housing cover exploded away from the cable end housing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1A with the release sleeve and housing cover omitted from view according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3C illustrates an optical waveguide ribbon, collet, optical ferrule, and housing cover of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates the sectional view designated A-A in FIG. 2A.

[0017] FIG. 5A illustrates a first side perspective view of the housing of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1 A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5B illustrates a second side perspective view of the housing of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of the housing of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1 A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6A illustrates a top perspective view of two cable end optical connector assemblies and interconnect adapter according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.Attorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT

[0021] FIG. 6B illustrates another top perspective view of an optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 6A, with parts exploded, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7B illustrates a bottom view of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7D illustrates a front view of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates the sectional view designated B-B in FIG. 7A.

[0027] FIG. 9A illustrates a first side perspective view of the housing of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 9B illustrates a second side perspective view of the housing of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 9C illustrates a front view of the housing of the cable end optical connector assembly shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] As noted above, the amount of data processed by computers, computing systems, and computing environments continues to increase. Data centers can include hundreds or thousands of networking and computing systems that are interconnected using optical cables, copper cables, and various connectors and terminations therebetween. Some interconnect systems rely upon cable end optical connector assemblies, which can be positioned at the distal ends of one or more optical waveguides (e.g., optical cables, fiber optical cables, etc. . The optical waveguides can be bundled together in a ribbon or ribboned format in some cases to facilitate higher data throughputs.

[0031] Multi-Fiber Push-On (MPO) and Multi-Fiber Termination Push-On (MTP) connectors are examples of cable end optical connector assemblies. MPO and MTP connectors are high- density fiber optic connectors designed for high-speed data transmission in data centers and otherAttorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT high-bandwidth applications. Typical MPO connectors can support 12, 16, or 24 optical fibers in a single connector and use a plastic pin clamp for alignment. MTP connectors include some improvements over MPO connectors, such as steel guide pins with tighter tolerances for accurate alignment, floating optical ferrules for better optical alignment and stable mechanical performance, and other benefits. Some cable end optical connector assemblies include one or more optical ferrules. An example optical ferrule is Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) optical ferrule of 3M™, and other optical ferrules are known in the field. Two cable assemblies, each having an optical ferrule, can be mated together. The cable assemblies are designed to facilitate alignment of the optical ferrules among the cable assemblies when the cable assemblies are mated with each other.

[0032] In the context outlined above, aspects of cable end optical connector assemblies are described. An example cable end optical connector assembly includes an optical cable, a cable end housing at one distal end of the optical cable, a housing cover secured with the cable end housing, an optical ferrule and a collet positioned within the cable end housing, and a release sleeve positioned around the cable end housing. The optical cable can include a cable jacket and an optical waveguide extending within the cable jacket. The optical waveguide extends through the collet and terminates to the optical ferrule within the cable end housing. The cable end housing includes an interface end, which includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of channel recesses that extend between the upper wall and the lower wall. An inner surface of the upper wall includes first and second curved surfaces at both sides. The interface end also includes first and second ferrule bumpers with curved surfaces, and an outer surface of the optical ferrule rests upon the first curved bumper surface and the second curved bumper surface, with the optical ferrule resting at a mating angle within the cable end housing.

[0033] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of a cable end optical connector assembly 10 (also “connector assembly 10”) and an interconnect adapter 12 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. IB illustrates another top perspective view of the connector assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1A, with parts moved or exploded. The connector assembly 10 is illustrated as a representative example in FIGS. 1A, IB, and the other figures of the drawings. The connector assembly 10 is not drawn to any particular size or scale. The orientation, shape, size, style, proportion, and other characteristics of the connector assembly 10 can vary as compared to that shown in some cases, unless particularly specified. In some cases, one or more features or components of the connector assembly 10 described hereinAttorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT can be omited. In other cases, the connector assembly 10 can include other features or components that are not shown or described. Additionally, while the connector assembly 10 is described as an optical connector assembly, the concepts are not limited to use with optical interconnect applications or systems. The concepts can be extended to a range of different interconnect systems and applications, including electrically conductive and wired systems.

[0034] The connector assembly 10 is provided as an example of an optical connector assembly that incorporates a hermaphroditic design of interlocking features. The connector assembly 10 is a hermaphroditic or genderless-type connector, and it is configured to interface with another connector that is identical to itself. The interconnect adapter 12 can be relied upon as a surrounding support (e.g., to provide a physical support around two cable end connector assemblies) between two instances of the connector assembly 10, but the interconnect adapter 12 is not necessary in all embodiments and can be omited in some practical applications. It is also not necessary for the connector assembly 10 to interface with a duplicate of itself. The connector assembly 10 can also be interfaced with a range of different plugs, modules, connectors, and other interconnect interfaces.

[0035] The connector assembly 10 includes a cable end housing 20 (also “housing 20”) and a release sleeve 30 positioned around the housing 20. The cable end housing 20 is positioned and secured at one distal end of an optical cable 40. The optical cable 40 includes a cable jacket and one or more optical waveguides, such as an optical waveguide ribbon 60, that extends within the cable jacket. An optical ferrule 50 and a collet 80 (see FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C) are positioned within the housing 20. The optical waveguide ribbon 60 extends through the collet 80 and terminates to the optical ferrule 50, as described in further detail below. The optical ferrule 50 can be embodied as an EBO optical ferrule, for example, among other optical ferrules known in the field.

[0036] The housing 20, release sleeve 30, and other components of the connector assembly 10 can be formed from a plastic or polymer, such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluoropolymer, or other plastic or insulating material(s). The housing cover 70 (see FIG. 2B) can also be formed from a plastic or polymer, such as LCP, PE, PTFE, fluoropolymer, or other plastic or insulating material(s). The housing 20, release sleeve 30, and housing cover 70 are not limited to being formed from polymers, however, and can be formed from other suitable materials. The housing 20, release sleeve 30, and housing cover 70Attorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT can be formed using any suitable additive or subtractive manufacturing techniques, including molding, injection molding, printing, and other techniques.

[0037] The release sleeve 30 has been removed from the housing 20 in FIG. IB, so that the housing 20 is visible. A spring 32 is positioned between the housing 20 and the release sleeve 30. When the connector assembly 10 is assembled, the spring 32 (along with another spring on the opposite side of the housing 20) applies a force to bias (e.g., push) the release sleeve 30 forward, toward the open end of the housing 20. The release sleeve 30 includes features that, either separately or in connection with features of the housing 20, can latch (e.g., mechanically interfere in a latching arrangement with) the connector assembly 10 into the adapter 12, securing the connector assembly 10 and the adapter 12 together in a mated arrangement. The release sleeve 30 can also latch the connector assembly 10 into a mated arrangement with other types of plugs, modules, and connectors. The connector assembly 10 can also be released from the mated arrangement by pulling back on the release sleeve 30, against the bias of the spring 32, to release the latch.

[0038] The housing 20 includes an interface end 20A and an opposite cable mating end 20B. The interface end 20A of the housing 20 includes an upper wall 22, a lower wall 24, and a pair of channel recesses 26A and 26B that extend between the upper wall 22 and the lower wall 24. The upper wall 22 and the lower wall 24 provide hermaphroditic interlocking features of the connector assembly 10. For example, if a second connector assembly that is identical to the connector assembly 10 is mated with the connector assembly 10, the lower wall of the second connector assembly can fit over the upper wall 22 of the connector assembly 10. Additionally, the upper wall of the second connector assembly can fit into (e.g., within) the lower wall 24 of the connector assembly 10. The upper wall 24 includes an aperture window 27 that extends through from an outer surface to an inner surface of the upper wall 22. The optical waveguide ribbon 60 is visible through the aperture window 27 in FIGS. 1 A and IB, and the front end of the optical ferrule 50 is visible through the front opening in the interface end 20A.

[0039] In some embodiments, the connector assembly 10 can be designed to meet one or more of the standard interface dimensions according to the IEC 61754-7-1 standard, which defines the standard interface dimensions for the MPO family of connectors. Some example dimensions of the connector assembly 10 are described below with reference to FIG. 2A. It is not necessary that the connector assembly 10 be designed to follow or adhere to any particular example in all cases,Attorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT however, and the concepts described herein can be applied to connector assemblies having a range of shapes and sizes.

[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view, FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view, FIG. 2C illustrates a side view, and FIG. 2D illustrates a front view of the connector assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1A. The width W1 of the housing 20 at the interface end 20 A of the connector assembly 10 is identified in FIG. 2A. Additionally, the width W2 of the release sleeve 30 of the connector assembly 10 is identified in FIG. 2A. For the IEC 61754-7-1 standard, the W1 can range from 8.34-8.54 mm and W2 can range from 12.19-12.59 mm. The dimensions of W1 and W2 can also be greater or smaller than those ranges in other cases. It is not necessary that the connector assembly 10 be designed to follow or adhere to any particular example in all cases, as the concepts can be applied to connector assemblies having a range of shapes and sizes.

[0041] FIG. 2B also illustrates a housing cover 70 of the connector assembly 10. The housing cover 70 is secured with the housing 20 and, together with the housing 20, encloses an interior space or region within the connector assembly 10. The optical ferrule 50 and a collet 80 (see FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C) are positioned within the housing 20.

[0042] FIG. 3 A illustrates a perspective view of the connector assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 A with the release sleeve 30 and housing cover 70 exploded away from the housing 20. FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the connector assembly 10 with the release sleeve 30 and housing cover 70 omitted from view. The optical ferrule 50 and collet 80 are positioned within the housing 20, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The optical waveguide ribbon 60 extends through the collet 80 and terminates to the optical ferrule 50. More particularly, the optical waveguide ribbon 60 extends through an outer jacket (not shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3B) of the optical cable 40, extends through the collet 80, and terminates to the optical ferrule 50.

[0043] When the connector assembly 10 is assembled, the collet 80 is secured at an angle between the housing 20 and the housing cover 70. Because the collet 80 is secured at an angle, the optical waveguide ribbon 60 is redirected at an angle (e.g., is bent or is bended) within the housing 20. For example, FIG. 3C illustrates the optical waveguide ribbon 60, collet 80, optical ferrule 50, and housing cover 70 of the connector assembly 10. As shown, the collet 80 is secured at an angle. Thus, the optical waveguide ribbon 60 is also redirected at an angle and extends with a bend within the housing 20.Attorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT

[0044] The optical waveguide ribbon 60 is flexible and elastic to some extent. The optical ferrule 50, which is positioned at the distal end of the optical waveguide ribbon 60, is biased by the redirected angle imparted by the angled collet 80. The optical ferrule 50 is thus biased into contact with two ferrule bumpers within the housing 20, based on the elastic force provided by the optical waveguide ribbon 60. These and other aspects of the connector assembly 10 are described in further below with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 A, and 5C.

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates the sectional view designated A-A in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 4, the collet 80 is secured at an angle between the housing 20 and the housing cover 70. Because the collet 80 is secured at an angle, the optical waveguide ribbon 60 is redirected at an angle (e.g., is bent or is bended) within the housing 20. For example, FIG. 3C illustrates the optical waveguide ribbon 60, collet 80, optical ferrule 50, and housing cover 70 of the connector assembly 10. As shown, the collet 80 is secured at an angle. Thus, the optical waveguide ribbon 60 is also redirected at an angle a, measured from the top surface of the housing cover 70, and extends with a bend within the housing 20.

[0046] The optical waveguide ribbon 60 is flexible and elastic to some extent. The optical ferrule 50, which is positioned at the distal end of the optical waveguide ribbon 60, is biased by the redirected angle imparted by the angled collet 80. The optical ferrule 50 is thus biased into contact with the ferrule bumpers 26 and 28 (see also FIGS. 5 A and 5B) within the housing 20, based on the elastic force provided by the optical waveguide ribbon 60. The ferrule bumpers 26 and 28 can include curved bumper surfaces, and the optical ferrule 50 can be biased into contact with the curved surfaces of the ferrule bumpers 26 and 28 based on the elastic force provided by the optical waveguide ribbon 60 and the redirected angle a imparted by the angled collet 80, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0047] FIG. 5A illustrates a first side perspective view, FIG. 5B illustrates a second side perspective view, and FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of the housing 20 of the connector assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1A. As noted above, the housing 20 includes the upper wall 22, the lower wall 24, and the channel recesses 26A and 26B that extend between the upper wall 22 and the lower wall 24. As also shown among FIGS. 5A-5C, the upper wall 22 includes an inner surface that faces an internal region within housing 20. The inner surface of the upper wall 22 includes a first curved surface corner 91 and a second curved surface corner 92 at a first side of the inner surface.Attorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCTThe inner surface of the upper wall 22 also includes a third curved surface corner 93 and a fourth curved surface corner 94 at a second side.

[0048] Turning to other embodiments, FIG. 6A illustrates a top perspective view of a first cable end optical connector assembly 100 (also “connector assembly 100”), a second cable end optical connector assembly 100A (also “connector assembly 100 A”), and an interconnect adapter 112 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B illustrates another top perspective view of the connector assembly 10 shown in FIG. 6A, with parts moved or exploded. The connector assembly 100 is illustrated as a representative example in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The connector assembly 100 is not drawn to any particular size or scale. The orientation, shape, size, style, proportion, and other characteristics of the connector assembly 100 can vary as compared to that shown in some cases, unless particularly specified. In some cases, one or more features or components of the connector assembly 100 described herein can be omitted. In other cases, the connector assembly 100 can include other features or components that are not shown or described. Additionally, while the connector assembly 100 is described as an optical connector assembly, the concepts are not limited to use with optical interconnect applications or systems. The concepts can be extended to a range of different interconnect systems and applications, including electrically conductive and wired systems.

[0049] The connector assembly 100 is provided as an example of an optical connector assembly that incorporates a hermaphroditic design of interlocking features. The connector assembly 100 is a hermaphroditic or genderless-type connector, and it is configured to interface with connector assembly 100 A, which is identical to the connector assembly 100. The interconnect adapter 112 can be relied upon as a surrounding support (e.g., to provide a physical support around) the first and second connector assemblies 100 and 100 A, but the interconnect adapter 112 is not necessary in all embodiments and can be omitted in some practical applications. It is also not necessary for the connector assembly 100 to interface with a duplicate of itself. The connector assembly 100 can also be interfaced with a range of different plugs, modules, connectors, and other interconnect interfaces.

[0050] The connector assembly 100 includes a cable end housing 120 (also “housing 120”) and a release sleeve 130 positioned around the housing 120. The cable end housing 120 is positioned and secured at one distal end of an optical cable 140. The optical cable 140 includes a cable jacket and two or more optical waveguides, such as the optical waveguide ribbons 160 andAttorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT162 (see also FIG. 8), that extend within the cable jacket. Two optical ferrules 150 and 152 and two collets 180 and 182 (see also FIG. 8) are also positioned within the housing 120. The optical waveguide ribbon 160 extends through the collet 180 and terminates to the optical ferrule 150, as described in further detail below. In a similar way, the optical waveguide ribbon 162 extends through the collet 182 and terminates to the optical ferrule 152, as described in further detail below. The optical ferrules 150 and 152 can be embodied as EBO optical ferrules, for example, among other optical ferrules known in the field.

[0051] The housing 120, release sleeve 130, and other components of the connector assembly 100 can be formed from a plastic or polymer, such as LCP, PE, PTFE, fluoropolymer, or other plastic or insulating material(s). The housing cover 70 (see FIG. 7B) can also be formed from a plastic or polymer, such as LCP, PE, PTFE, fluoropolymer, or other plastic or insulating material(s). The housing 120, release sleeve 130, and housing cover 170 are not limited to being formed from polymers, however, and can be formed from other suitable materials. The housing 120, release sleeve 130, and housing cover 170 can be formed using any suitable additive or subtractive manufacturing techniques, including molding, injection molding, printing, and other techniques.

[0052] The release sleeve 130 has been removed from the housing 120 in FIG. 6B, so that the housing 120 is visible. A spring 132 is positioned between the housing 120 and the release sleeve 130. When the connector assembly 100 is assembled, the spring 132 (along with another spring on the opposite side of the housing 120) applies a force to bias (e.g., push) the release sleeve 130 forward, toward the open end of the housing 120. The release sleeve 130 includes features that, either separately or in connection with features of the housing 120, can latch (e.g., mechanically interfere in a latching arrangement with) the connector assembly 100 into the adapter 112, securing the connector assembly 100 and the adapter 112 together in a mated arrangement. The release sleeve 130 can also latch the connector assembly 100 into a mated arrangement with other types of plugs, modules, and connectors. The connector assembly 100 can also be released from the mated arrangement by pulling back on the release sleeve 130, against the bias of the spring 132, to release the latch.

[0053] The housing 120 includes an interface end 120A and an opposite cable mating end 120B. The interface end 120A of the housing 120 includes an upper wall 122, a lower wall 124, and a pair of channel recesses 126A and 126B that extend between the upper wall 122 and theAttorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT lower wall 124. The upper wall 122 and the lower wall 124 provide hermaphroditic interlocking features of the connector assembly 100. For example, if the second connector assembly 100A is mated with the connector assembly 100, the lower wall of the second connector assembly can fit over the upper wall 122 of the connector assembly 100. Additionally, the upper wall of the second connector assembly 100 A can fit into (e.g., within) the lower wall 124 of the connector assembly 100. The upper wall 124 includes an aperture window 127 that extends through from an outer surface to an inner surface of the upper wall 122. The optical waveguide ribbon 160 is visible through the aperture window 127 in FIGS. 6A and 6B, and the front end of the optical ferrules 150 and 152 are visible through the front opening in the interface end 120A.

[0054] In some embodiments, the connector assembly 100 can be designed to meet one or more of the standard interface dimensions according to the IEC 61754-7-1 standard, which defines the standard interface dimensions for the MPO family of connectors. Some example dimensions of the connector assembly 100 are described below with reference to FIG. 7A. It is not necessary that the connector assembly 100 be designed to follow or adhere to any particular example in all cases, however, and the concepts described herein can be applied to connector assemblies having a range of shapes and sizes.

[0055] FIG. 7A illustrates a top view, FIG. 7B illustrates a bottom view, FIG. 7C illustrates a side view, and FIG. 7D illustrates a front view of the connector assembly 100 shown in FIG. 6A. The width W1 of the housing 120 at the interface end 120A of the connector assembly 100 is identified in FIG. 7A. Additionally, the width W2 of the release sleeve 130 of the connector assembly 100 is identified in FIG. 7A. For the IEC 61754-7-1 standard, the W1 can range from 8.34-8.54 mm and W2 can range from 12.19-12.59 mm. The dimensions of W1 and W2 can also be greater or smaller than those ranges in other cases. It is not necessary that the connector assembly 100 be designed to follow or adhere to any particular example in all cases, as the concepts can be applied to connector assemblies having a range of shapes and sizes.

[0056] FIG. 7B also illustrates a housing cover 170 of the connector assembly 100. The housing cover 170 is secured with the housing 120 and, together with the housing 120, encloses an interior space or region within the connector assembly 100. The optical ferrules 150 and 152 and the collets 180 and 182 (see FIG. 8) are positioned within the housing 120.

[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates the sectional view designated B-B in FIG. 7A. As shown in FIG. 8, the optical ferrules 150 and 152 and collets 180 and 182 are positioned within the housing 120.Attorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCTThe optical waveguide ribbon 160 extends through the collet 180 and terminates to the optical ferrule 150. The optical waveguide ribbon 162 extends through the collet 182 and terminates to the optical ferrule 152. When the connector assembly 100 is assembled, the collets 180 and 182 are secured at an angle between the housing 120 and the housing cover 170. Because the collets 180 and 182 are secured at an angle, the optical waveguide ribbons 160 and 162 are redirected at an angle (e.g. , are bent or are bended) within the housing 120. Thus, the optical waveguide ribbons 160 and 162 are redirected at an angle and extend with bends within the housing 120.

[0058] The optical waveguide ribbons 160 and 162 are flexible and elastic to some extent. The optical ferrules 150 and 152, which are positioned at the distal end of the optical waveguide ribbons 160 and 162, respectively, are biased by the redirected angle imparted by the angled collets 180 and 182. The optical ferrule 150 is thus biased into contact with two ferrule bumpers within the housing 120, based on the elastic force provided by the optical waveguide ribbon 160. The optical ferrule 152 is also biased into contact with two ferrule bumpers within the housing 120, based on the elastic force provided by the optical waveguide ribbon 162. These and other aspects of the connector assembly 100 are described in further below.

[0059] FIG. 9A illustrates a first side perspective view, FIG. 9B illustrates a second side perspective view, and FIG. 9C illustrates a front view of the housing 120 of the connector assembly 100 shown in FIG. 6A. As noted above, the housing 120 includes the upper wall 122, the lower wall 124, and the channel recesses 126A and 126B that extend between the upper wall 122 and the lower wall 124. As also shown among FIGS. 9A-9C, the upper wall 122 includes an inner surface that faces an internal region within housing 120. The inner surface of the upper wall 122 includes a first curved surface corner 191 and a second curved surface corner 192 at a first side of the inner surface. The inner surface of the upper wall 122 also includes a third curved surface corner 193 and a fourth curved surface corner 194 at a second side of the inner surface.

[0060] The upper wall 122 also includes a first ferrule bumper 202 at the first side of the inner surface of the upper wall 122, as shown in FIG. 9A, and a second ferrule bumper 206 at the second side of the inner surface of the upper wall 122, as shown in FIG. 9B. The first ferrule bumper 202 is positioned at an end of the surface corners 191 and 192 at the first side of the inner surface of the upper wall 122. The second ferrule bumper 206 is positioned at an end of the surface corners 191 and 192 at the second side of the inner surface of the upper wall 122. When the connector assembly 100 is assembled with the optical ferrule 150, a surface of the optical ferrule 150 restsAttorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT against the first ferrule bumper 202, as also shown in FIGS. 7D and 8, as well as against the first ferrule bumper 206, as shown in FIG. 7D. The first and second ferrule bumpers 202 and 206 can include curved bumper surfaces, and the optical ferrule 150 can be biased into contact with the curved surfaces of the ferrule bumpers 202 and 206 based on the elastic force provided by the optical waveguide ribbon 160 and the redirected angle imparted by the angled collet 180, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0061] The housing 120 also includes a third ferrule bumper 204 at the end of the channel recess 126A and a fourth ferrule bumper 208 at the end of the channel recess 126B, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. When the connector assembly 100 is assembled with the optical ferrule 152, a surface of the optical ferrule 152 rests against the third ferrule bumper 204, as also shown in FIGS. 7D and 8, as well as against the fourth ferrule bumper 208, as shown in FIG. 7D. The third and fourth ferrule bumpers 204 and 208 can include curved bumper surfaces, and the optical ferrule 152 can be biased into contact with the curved surfaces of the ferrule bumpers 204 and 208 based on the elastic force provided by the optical waveguide ribbon 162 and the redirected angle imparted by the angled collet 182, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0062] Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” “back,” “right,” and “left” are not intended to provide an absolute frame of reference. Rather, the terms are relative and are intended to identify certain features in relation to each other, as the orientation of structures described herein can vary. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous, are used in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense, and not in its exclusive sense, so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0063] Combinatorial language, such as “at least one of X, Y, and Z” or “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless indicated otherwise, is used in general to identify one, a combination of any two, or all three (or more if a larger group is identified) thereof, such as X and only X, Y and only Y, and Z and only Z, the combinations of X and Y, X and Z, and Y and Z, and all of X, Y, and Z. Such combinatorial language is not generally intended to, and unless specified does not, identify or require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to be included. The terms “about” and “substantially,” unless otherwise defined herein to be associated with a particular range, percentage, or related metric of deviation, account at least for some manufacturing tolerancesAttorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT between a theoretical design and a manufactured product or assembly, such as the geometric dimensioning and tolerancing criteria described in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME®) Y14.5 and the related International Organization for Standardization (ISO®) standards. Such manufacturing tolerances are still contemplated, as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, although “about,” “substantially,” or related terms are not expressly referenced, even in connection with the use of theoretical terms, such as the geometric “perpendicular,” “orthogonal,” “vertex,” “collinear,” “coplanar,” and other terms.

[0064] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples of implementations to provide a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. In addition, components and features described with respect to one embodiment can be included in another embodiment. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCTCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A cable end optical connector assembly, comprising: an optical cable, the optical cable comprising an optical waveguide ribbon; a cable end housing at one distal end of the optical cable; a housing cover secured with the cable end housing; an optical ferrule and a collet positioned within the cable end housing, the optical waveguide ribbon extending through the collet and terminating to the optical ferrule, the optical ferrule resting against a curved bumper surface within the housing; and a release sleeve positioned around the cable end housing.

2. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cable end housing comprises an interface end and an opposite cable mating end.

3. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein the interface end of the cable end housing comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of channel recesses that extend between the upper wall and the lower wall.

4. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein the upper wall comprises an aperture window that extends through from an outer surface to an inner surface of the upper wall.

5. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein: the upper wall comprises an inner surface that faces an internal region within the cable end housing; the inner surface of the upper wall comprises a first curved surface corner and a second curved surface corner at a first side of the inner surface; and the inner surface of the upper wall further comprises a third curved surface corner and a fourth curved surface corner at a second side.Attorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT6. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein the interface end of the cable end housing further comprises: a first ferrule bumper at the first side of the inner surface of the upper wall; and a second ferrule bumper at the second side of the inner surface of the upper wall.

7. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein: the first ferrule bumper comprises a first curved bumper surface; and the second ferrule bumper comprises a second curved bumper surface.

8. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein an outer surface of the optical ferrule rests upon the first curved bumper surface and the second curved bumper surface, with the optical ferrule resting at a mating angle within the cable end housing.

9. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the optical ferrule comprises an Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) optical ferrule.

10. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cable end optical connector assembly meets one or more standard interface dimensions of a Multi-Fiber Push-On (MPO) or a Multi-Fiber Termination Push-On (MTP) connector.

11. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cable end optical connector assembly meets one or more standard interface dimensions according to the IEC 61754-7-1 standard.

12. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein a width of an interface end of the cable end housing ranges from about 8.34-8.54 mm according to the IEC 61754-7-1 standard.

13. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein a width of the release sleeve ranges from about 12.19-12.59 mm according to the IEC 61754-7-1 standard.

14. A cable end optical connector assembly, comprising:Attorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT an optical cable; a cable end housing at one distal end of the optical cable; a first optical ferrule positioned within the cable end housing, a first optical waveguide extending through the optical cable and terminating to the first optical ferrule; and a second optical ferrule positioned within the cable end housing, a second optical waveguide extending through the optical cable and terminating to the second optical ferrule, wherein the cable end housing further comprises: a first ferrule bumper at a first side of an inner surface of the cable end housing and a second ferrule bumper at a second side of the inner surface of the cable end housing, with the first optical ferrule resting upon the first ferrule bumper and the second ferrule bumper; and a third ferrule bumper at the first side of the inner surface of the cable end housing and a fourth ferrule bumper at the second side of the inner surface of the cable end housing, with the second optical ferrule resting upon the third ferrule bumper and the fourth ferrule bumper.

15. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 14, wherein: the first ferrule bumper comprises a first curved bumper surface; and the second ferrule bumper comprises a second curved bumper surface.

16. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 14, wherein: the cable end housing comprises a first channel recess and a second channel recess; the third ferrule bumper is positioned at an end of the first channel recess; and the fourth ferrule bumper is positioned at an end of the second channel recess.

17. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 14, wherein: the inner surface comprises a first curved surface corner and a second curved surface corner at the first side; and the inner surface further comprises a third curved surface corner and a fourth curved surface corner at the second side.

18. A cable end optical connector assembly, comprising:Attorney Docket No.: MX-24468-WO-PCT a cable end housing; a first optical ferrule positioned within the cable end housing; and a second optical ferrule positioned within the cable end housing, wherein the cable end housing further comprises: a first ferrule bumper and a second ferrule bumper, with the first optical ferrule resting upon the first ferrule bumper and the second ferrule bumper; and a third ferrule bumper and a fourth ferrule bumper positioned at an end of channel recesses in the cable end housing, with the second optical ferrule resting upon the third ferrule bumper and the fourth ferrule bumper.

19. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 18, wherein: the first ferrule bumper comprises a first curved bumper surface; and the second ferrule bumper comprises a second curved bumper surface.

20. The cable end optical connector assembly according to claim 18, wherein an interface end of the cable end housing comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of channel recesses that extend between the upper wall and the lower wall.

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