Fiber optic connectors configured for mating with a transceiver assembly

Abstract

Fiber optic connectors configured as a plug connector that are suitable for mating with a transceiver assembly. The fiber optic connector comprises one or more ferrule assemblies disposed within a connector housing that cooperate with an outer housing of the connector. The connector housing comprises a cutout on a first side configured for cooperating with a transceiver assembly mounted adjacent to the edge of a circuit board and allowing optical mating while inhibiting undue forces on the transceiver assembly. The outer housing may comprise a longitudinal open slot disposed on a first side and a latching trigger disposed on a second side. The longitudinal open slot of the outer housing allows easy removal and / or replacement of the outer housing as well as enabling inspection or service as needed. Connectors may use fiber-based or lens-based optical interfaces along with other optional features such as sealing gasket.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: HI24- 129FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS CONFIGURED FOR MATING WITH A TRANSCEIVER ASSEMBLYPRIORITY APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U. S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 725,149 filed on November 26, 2024, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The disclosure is directed to fiber optic connectors configured as a plug connector that are suitable for mating with a transceiver assembly. The fiber optic connector comprises one or more ferrule assemblies partially disposed within a connector housing that cooperate with an outer housing of the connector. The connector housing comprises a cutout on a first side configured for cooperating with a transceiver assembly mounted adjacent to the edge of a circuit board for optical mating between the fiber optic connector and the transceiver assembly.BACKGROUND

[0003] Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission in a variety of new and expanding applications. As bandwidth demands increase optical fiber is migrating deeper into new and emerging applications for communication networks and systems having requirements that are different from the networks and systems of conventional operator networks. One such emerging application for optical networks is the use of optical fiber and fiber optic connectors for in-vehicle optical networks. As optical fiber extends deeper into these in-vehicle optical communication networks there exist a need for quickly and easily making optical connections with optical devices that include a transceiver assembly while meeting the requirements and demands presented in a mobile optical network application that may be used in rugged environments.

[0004] Fiber optic connectors were developed for making plug and play optical connections with suitable fiber optic connectors for the given application while also providing a connection node for mating and unmating of the optical network. Using aAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129node in the optical network provides the flexibility of locating the connection points in convenient locations for efficient network assembly / disassembly, access for service, design and / or deployment. Conventional fiber optic connectors used for telecommunications, are used indoors or inside enclosures for inhibiting moisture, dust, dirt or debris or the like from reaching the mating interface of the fiber optic connector, but are not desirable for in-vehicle optical network applications. Hardened fiber optic connectors were developed for outdoor applications that for inhibiting moisture, dust, dirt or debris or the like from reaching the mating interface of the fiber optic connector. However, these hardened fiber optic connectors developed for outdoor applications are relatively large, bulky and / or expensive for in-vehicle optical network applications.

[0005] In-vehicle optical network applications require new connector designs for meeting the required specification as the in-vehicle applications develop for various designs, specifications or manufacturers for optical mating with optical devices having transceiver assemblies. Using optical systems on vehicles that are intended to travel that may be outdoors present a new environment with specific challenges for successful deployment in potential harsh environments while still requiring a relatively compact footprint in a robust and reliable package.

[0006] Optical connections between devices and connectors requires reliable mating and unmating of connectors with the device along with inspection and serviceability, ease of manufacture, repair and the like. Consequently, there exists an unresolved need for devices making reliable optical connections for in-vehicle optical networks and satisfy the emerging requirements and demands.SUMMARY

[0007] The disclosure is directed to fiber optic connectors having a connector housing and an outer housing that cooperates with the connector housing. The fiber optic connector comprises at least one ferrule assembly that is at least partially disposed within the connector housing when assembled. The fiber optic connector is configured for optical mating with a device having a transceiver assembly mounted and electricallyAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129connector to a circuit board. The connector housing comprises a cutout disposed on a bottom-side (i.e., first side) that extends to a medial portion of the connector housing. The cutout of the connector housing allows the fiber optic connector to optical mate with a transceiver assembly that be mounted adjacent to an edge of the circuit board of the device.

[0008] The outer housing may also comprise a longitudinal open slot extending from a front end to a rear end of the outer housing on a bottom side opposite of the top-side. The longitudinal open slot allows the fiber optic cable of a terminated connector to be able to pass through the longitudinal open slot of the outer housing for providing flexibility in the assembly order for the fiber optic connector as well as allowing removal of the outer housing for inspection or service of the fiber optic connector if needed. A second side or top-side of the outer housing may comprise a latching trigger for unplugging the fiber optic connector. The disclosed concepts are advantageous since they provide a fiber optic connector with an outer housing that is removable and / or re- installable about a terminated connector as needed while providing a compact, robust and reliable fiber optic connector package that also enables serviceability, ease of assembly and the like.

[0009] The fiber optic connectors disclosed provide a simple design that may also use other features. For instance, the connector concepts allow keying of individual connectors as desired for applications such as automotive applications or the like that may desire to exclude incorrect connections during assembly. The connectors disclosed may use a key positioned on the bottom-side (i.e., first side) of the connector housing and positioned rearward of the cutout if desired.

[0010] One aspect of the disclosure is directed to fiber optic connectors comprising at least one ferrule assembly comprising a bore extending from a rear end into the ferrule assembly and an optical interface disposed at a front end of the ferrule assembly. The fiber optic connector also includes a connector housing having a passageway extending from a rear end to a front end with the connector housing comprising a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile at the medial portion with the front end having a cutout disposed on a first side that extends to the medial portion of the connector housing. The connector housing includes a key positioned on the first side rearward of the cutout. The ferrule assembly is configured for being at least partially disposed within the passagewayAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129of the connector housing when the fiber optic connector is assembled. An outer housing comprising a longitudinal open slot extends from an outer housing front end to an outer housing rear end and is disposed on a first side of the outer housing along with a latching trigger disposed on a second side of the outer housing.

[0011] Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to fiber optic connectors comprising a ferrule and a ferrule holder. The ferrule comprises a bore extending from a rear end into the ferrule and an optical interface disposed at a front end of the ferrule. The ferrule holder comprises a forward portion and a rearward portion with a shoulder disposed between the forward portion and the rearward portion, and the ferrule is attached to the ferrule holder to form a ferrule assembly. The fiber optic connector also include a connector housing comprising a passageway extending from a rear end to a front end with the connector housing comprising a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile at the medial portion with the front end having a cutout disposed on a first side that extends to the medial portion of the connector housing. The connector housing includes a key positioned on the first side rearward of the cutout. The ferrule assembly is configured for being at least partially disposed within the passageway of the connector housing when the fiber optic connector is assembled. An outer housing comprising a longitudinal open slot extending from an outer housing front end to an outer housing rear end and is disposed on a first side of the outer housing along with a latching trigger disposed on a second side of the outer housing.

[0012] A further aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method of terminating a fiber optic connector. The method comprises assembling a ferrule into a ferrule holder to form a ferrule assembly where the ferrule comprises a front end, a rear end and a bore extending from a rear end into the ferrule and an optical interface disposed at the front end of the ferrule. Placing an optical fiber within the bore of the ferrule and inserting the ferrule assembly into a passageway of a connector housing. The connector housing extends from a rear end to a front end of the connector housing so that the ferrule assembly is at least partially disposed within the passageway, where the connector housing comprises a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile at a medial portion and the front end comprises a cutout disposed on a first side that extends to the medial portionAttorney Docket No.: HI24-129of the connector housing and a key is positioned on the first side rearward of the cutout. The method also includes placing an outer housing about the connector housing where the outer housing comprises a longitudinal open slot extending from an outer housing front end to an outer housing rear end of the outer housing.

[0013] Many variations using the fiber optic connector concepts disclosed are possible. For instance, the fiber optic connectors may use a single ferrule assembly or fiber optic connectors may include multiple ferrule assemblies such as configured as a duplex connector or other configurations as desired. Additionally, the ferrule assembly of the fiber optic connector may be configured for physical contact or a lens-based opti cal transmission as desired.

[0014] Still other variations are possible for making a robust fiber optic connector. By way of explanation, the fiber optic connectors may further include a sealing gasket disposed within a passageway of the connector housing for providing an internal sealing cavity within the passageway of the fiber optic connectors when mated if desired, thereby providing environmental protection within the passageway of the connector housing that houses the optical interface.

[0015] The disclosed connector concepts also allow quick and easy manufacture and assembly of the connector in a reliable, modular and configurable connector package. Additionally, the fiber optic connectors disclosed may be a portion of a cable assembly used in a vehicle or other applications.

[0016] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the same as described herein, including the detailed description that follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0017] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments that are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation.Attorney Docket No.: HI24- 129BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] FIG. 1 is a front top-side perspective view of an explanatory fiber optic connector configured as a male plug connector that is aligned for cooperating with a receptacle that is mounted to a circuit board and cooperates with a transceiver assembly (not visible) mounted and electrically connected to the circuit board for optical mating with the fiber optic connector;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 aligned with the receptacle for optically mating with the transceiver assembly that is also mounted and electrically connected to the circuit board;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a is a top-side perspective view of the fiber optic connector of FIG.1 showing a connector housing along with a latching trigger disposed on a top side of the outer housing along with a connector position assurance (CPA) that is useful for keeping the fiber optic connector in a mated state when the CPA is engaged;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a bottom-side perspective view of the fiber optic connector of FIG.1 showing a cutout disposed on a bottom side of the connector housing that extends to a medial portion of the connector housing and allows optical mating with the transceiver assembly mounted and electrically connected with the circuit board;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a top-side partially exploded view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 showing the optical assembly and outer housing exploded from the connector housing;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a bottom-side partially exploded view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 showing the optical assembly and outer housing exploded from the connector housing with a cutout disposed on a bottom side of the connector housing along with the longitudinal slot of the outer housing;

[0024] FIG. 7 is an exploded view depicting an explanatory optical assembly along with other components such as sleeves for strain-relieving one or more fiber optic cables to the ferrule assemblies along with other components that may be used with the explanatory fiber optic connector of FIG. 1; and

[0025] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the assembled fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 attached to the receptacle that is mounted to the circuit board; andAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129

[0026] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 aligned for mating with the receptacle that is mounted to the circuit board using fasteners.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

[0028] The concepts disclosed are related to fiber optic connectors (hereinafter “connectors”) suitable for making one or more optical connections with a transceiver assembly. The transceiver assembly is mounted and electrically connected to a circuit board and coverts optical signals to electrical signals on the receive (Rx) channel and electrical signals to optical signals on the transmit (Tx) channel. The connector comprises a connector housing having a cutout disposed on a bottom-side (i.e., first side) that extends to a medial portion of the connector housing. The cutout of the connector housing allows the fiber optic connector to optically mate with a transceiver assembly mounted adjacent to an edge of the circuit board.

[0029] The disclosed connectors may be used in applications that may be exposed to harsh environments that experience temperature variations, moisture, dirt, dust, debris or the like. Suitable applications may include communication systems for vehicles using on-board optical systems such as automotive applications, trucks, motorcycles, aerospace, farm equipment, ships or the like, but other applications are possible for concepts disclosed as well.

[0030] The connectors disclosed may also comprise an outer housing that may comprise a longitudinal open slot disposed along the length extending from a rear end to a front end on a bottom side (i.e., a bottom side of the outer housing) and a latching trigger disposed on a second side (i.e., a top side) of the outer housing. The latching trigger may be used for unmating the connector. The longitudinal open slot of the outer housing allows easy assembly, removal and / or replacement of the outer housing if needed. The longitudinal open slot also provides flexibility during assembly or the removal of the outer housing from the connector and advantageously simplifies assembly of the connector as well as enabling inspection or service as needed. The outer housingAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129may also provide position assurance for one or more ferrule assemblies of the connector. For instance, a transverse wall near the rear end of the outer housing can provide ferrule assembly position assurance (FAP A) when the outer housing is properly assembled. The connector may also include a connector position assurance (CPA) feature for inhibiting the unintended unniating of the connector.

[0031] The connector concepts disclosed may be used with one or more ferrule assemblies each having a respective optical interface for optical mating that may use physical contact such as between optical fibers or may use free space transmission such as using lenses as desired. As used herein, the term “ferrule assembly” may comprise a single component or multiple components. By way of example, the ferrule assembly could be formed as a single molded component if desired or formed from multiple components such as a ferrule holder with a ferrule. The one or more ferrule assemblies may be part of an optical assembly that is disposed within the connector housing when assembled. The connectors may also optionally comprise other features as desired. For instance, a sealing membrane may be disposed on the front opening of the connector housing for keeping the optical interface of the connector clean until mating of the connector is required. Thus, the sealing membrane is advantageous for cleanliness before optical mating such as during assembly of wiring harness using the connector to protect the optical interface. Additionally, the connector may advantageously provide environmental protection or cleanliness for the optical interface after being mated by using one or more sealing gaskets as desired. For instance, the sealing gasket(s) may be disposed on an optical assembly or the ferrule assembly so that the sealing gasket provides environmental protection when the connector is optically mated with a suitable device. The connector concepts also allow quick and easy manufacture and assembly of the connector in a reliable, modular and configurable connector package.

[0032] The connector concepts disclosed may be used as part of a larger wiring harness or device. For instance, the connector may be constructed as a portion of a larger wiring harnesses or sub-assembly built by a contractor for future installation into vehicles or other devices during the manufacturing process.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-129

[0033] Of course, the concepts disclosed may be used in other applications such as in-home networks or the like. For instance, the concepts disclosed herein may also be suitable for fiber optic networks such as for Fiber-to-the-location (FTTx) and 5G applications and are equally applicable to other optical applications as well including indoor, industrial, wireless, or other suitable applications. Additionally, the concepts disclosed may be used with fiber optic connectors having any suitable footprint, configuration or construction. Reference to “forward”, “front”, “rearward” and “rear”, “top” or “bottom” as used herein are relative terms that generally relate to the orientation of the fiber optic connector where the front or forward portion is with respect to the direction of the mating end of the fiber optic connector or component(s) and the rear or rearward portion is with respect to the direction of the portion of the fiber optic connector where the fiber optic cable is first inserted into the fiber optic connector or component(s). Various components or structures are described in this disclosure as being forward or rearward relative to one another. Various designs, constructions, or features for fiber optic connectors are disclosed in more detail with respect to explanatory' embodiments as discussed herein and may be modified or varied as desired.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an explanatory connector 100 configured as a male plug connector and FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of connector 100.FIGS. 3 and 4 are respective top and bottom view of the connector 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIGS. I and 2, the connector 100 is aligned for cooperating with a receptacle 240 that is mounted to a circuit board 300. The receptacle 240 is configured for receiving a front portion of connector 100 and make an optical connection with a transceiver assembly (not visible). The transceiver assembly is mounted and electrically connected to circuit board 300 of a suitable device and connector 100 may be optically mated / unmate to the device and engage with receptacle 240.

[0035] Receptacle 240 is mounted to the circuit board 300 and may be aligned with transceiver assembly so that connector 100 optically mates with the transceiver assembly when attached to receptable 240. The transceiver assembly is configured for cooperating with ferrule assemblies 60 of connector 100 for transmitting or receiving optical signals. The front plug portion of connector 100 may provide gross alignment when inserting the connector 100 into a receptacle passageway 242 of receptacle 240 for guiding theAttorney Docket No.: HI24-129alignment of the one or more ferrule assemblies 60 of connector 100 into the receive (Rx) or transmit (Tx) channels of the transceiver assembly.

[0036] As best shown in FIG. 4, the front end 143 of connector housing 140 comprises cutout 144 disposed on a first side 145 (e g., bottom-side) that extends to a medial portion of the connector housing 140. The cutout 144 allows space for the connector housing 140 to clear the transceiver assembly or circuit board 300. Additionally, the cutout advantageous inhibits contact or forces from connector housing 140 from acting on the transceiver assembly and causing issues with alignment or electrical connections between the transceiver assembly and the circuit board 300.

[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 also show the connector body 150 comprising a latching trigger 152 integrally formed on a first side of the connector body 150. The latching trigger 152 is disposed adjacent a rear end 155 and a forward end comprises the latching tab 158 for cooperating with a latching lug 254 disposed on receptacle 240 as best shown in FIG. 1. The latching trigger 152 allows the unmating of connector 100 from receptacle 240 by being suitably pushed inward (e.g., downward) toward the connector body 150 for raising a latching tab 158 disposed on the forward side. Once the latching trigger 152 is suitably pushed downward, the technician can disconnect connector 100 from receptacle 240 and unmating the connector 100 from the receptacle 240 and unmate the connector 100 from the transceiver assembly. Latching trigger 152 advantageously aids in maintaining a secure mating of connector 100 and provides for inspection, service or repair as may be needed for the device or cable assembly.

[0038] C onnector 100 also includes connector housing 140 comprising a passageway 142 extending from a rear end 141 to a front end 143. When assembled, the at least one ferrule assembly 60 is at least partially disposed within the passageway 142 of the connector housing 140. Connector housing 140 may extend beyond the outer housing 150 and provide gross alignment during insertion into the receptacle. 240. As shown, the connector housing 140 has a generally rectangular cross-section at a medial portion and is configured for housing two ferrule assemblies 60 within the passageway 142 when assembled. The outer housing 150 is configured to fit about a portion of the connector housing 140 when assembled. Connector 100 is configured as a male plug connectorAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129where a portion of the connector housing 140 is inserted into the complimentary optical device having receptacle 240. Connectors using other components or configurations may be used with the connector concepts disclosed.

[0039] Other variations of connector 100 are possible for creating unique profiles for mating with respective receptacles 240. As best shown in FIG. 4, connector housing 140 also comprises a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile at a medial portion. As used herein, the generally rectangular cross-sectional profile of the connector housing 140 means that the connector housing may have geometry that alters the rectangular cross-section such as a chamfered or flat comer such as best shown in FIG. 3 that forms a unique profile for only mating with a similarly shaped receptacle 240 and prevent mating with an unintended receptacle. For instance, a first connector housing 140 may have a flat surface of the generally rectangular cross-sectional profile formed on the upper right¬ hand position that cooperates with a similarly shaped receptacle 240 for mating. A second connector housing 140 may have a flat surface of the generally rectangular cross- sectional profile formed on the upper left-hand position that cooperates with a similarly shaped receptacle 240 for mating. In this instance, the two different shaped connector housings 140 both having the generally rectangular cross-sectional profiles at a medial portion would not be able to be received and mate with the incorrect receptacle 240, thereby aiding assembly for cables assemblies and wiring harnesses along with being advantageous for service or replacement as well.

[0040] For instance, connector housing 140 may also comprise key 147 positioned on first side 145 (e.g., bottom-side) rearward of the cutout 144. Illustratively, FIG. 2 shows an explanatory optional keying arrangement of the key 147 of connector 100 being aligned for insertion into receptacle 240 that further includes a keying feature 247 configured as an appropriately sized slot with a given location that only allows optical mating with the desired complimentary connector 100 having connector housing 140. Thus, various different arrangements or combinations are possible for creating unique mating pairs of connectors 100 and receptacles 240 as may be desired.

[0041] These keying features of connector 100 may be used together for inhibiting optical mating with a non-compliant connector or device. As shown, connector housing 140 may comprise one or more keys 147 formed therein that are configured to cooperate with the counterpart features on receptacle 240 for limiting the optical mating ofAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129connector 100 to a suitable device or wiring scheme. The key 147 of connector may be disposed at any suitable location on the connector 100 and have a desired profile (i.e., male or female with the desired shape) for allowing mating with a compliant receptacle or device. As depicted, key 147 is a protruding key having a shape with a width, a height and a location for being received within a complimentary keyway 247 of receptacle 240 that is appropriately sized and shaped as best shown in FIG. 2. Variations in keying may include changing the width, the height and / or the location of the key 147 on connector 100 for making distinct mating profiles for connector 100 that cooperate with complementary' receptacles 247. Consequently, a wiring assembly or harness end could have two or more connectors 100 disposed on an end of the assembly with each connector 100 having a distinct keying profile adapted for mating with a distinct counterpart receptacle 240 so that the connectors of the wiring assembly or harness only mate in the desired orientation with the correct receptacle 240 for eliminating errors in initial installation and any subsequent service.

[0042] FIG. 4 also depicts other details of the first side of connector 100 (i.e., the bottom side). A longitudinal open slot 150S is in communication with the passageway 156 of outer housing 150. The longitudinal open slot 150S extends into the outer housing 150 and interrupts the circumferential hoop so that the bottom portion of outer housing 150 is furcated into a first side SI and a second side S2 divided by the longitudinal open slot 150S. Consequently, a portion of the connector housing 140 may cooperate with a portion of the longitudinal open slot 150S. This allows the quick and reliable assembly of the connector housing 140 to the connector housing 150. For instance, the optical fiber or cable is thread into the longitudinal open slot 150S and into the passageway 156 for assembly. Then, the connector 100 may be assembled by seating the connector housing 140 in the outer housing 150. This construction also allows for the removal of the connector housing 140 from the outer housing 150 as may be needed or desired. Further, the outer housing 150 may align and engage a portion of the connector housing 140 for securing the connector housing 140 to the outer housing 150 for quick and easy assembly.Attorney Docket No.: HI24-129

[0043] Outer housing 150 comprises the longitudinal open slot 150S that extends from an outer housing front end 153 to an outer housing rear end 155 of the outer housing 150. The longitudinal open slot 150S is disposed on a first side (SI) of the outer housing 150 (e.g., the bottom side). The longitudinal open slot 150S provides outer housing 150 with a generally c-shaped cross-section so it can flex during assembly or removal from the connector housing 140. Connector housing 140 provides a male plug configuration for connector 100 having a portion that fits within the receptacle passageway 242 of receptacle 240 for optical mating. Connector housing 140 provides a rigid body and can have other features for cooperating with outer housing 150.

[0044] As shown, the longitudinal open slot 150S interrupts the circumferential hoop of outer housing 150, thereby allowing the assembly of the outer housing 150 to the connector 100 by passing the optical fiber or cable through the longitudinal open slot 150S for attachment to the connector 100 or removal of the outer housing 150. Outer housing 150 may engage a portion of a connector housing 140 for securing the outer housing 150 to connector 100 for assembly.

[0045] As depicted, the connector housing 140 has features that cooperate with the longitudinal open slot 150S of outer housing 150. By way of example, outer housing may comprise one or more latch features 159 extending inward toward the longitudinal open slot 150S configured for engaging a protrusion 149 disposed on the connector housing 140. Latch features 159 may cooperate with the geometiy of the protrusion 149 as desired for retention of the connector housing 140 within outer housing 150 when assembled. Latch features 159 of outer housing 150 or protrusion 149 of connector housing 140 may have any suitable geometiy for allowing assembly or removal from the connector in a suitable fashion.

[0046] By way of example, the protrusion 149 of connector housing 140 may comprise a front end that is wider than a rear end, but other geometries are possible for the protrusion 149. In this instance, protrusion 149 has front end configured as a flat surface and rear end configured to converge to a smaller portion. For instance, the rear end may converge to a truncated end or to a point that is narrower that the front end as depicted in FIG. 4.

[0047] As depicted, latch features 159 disposed on outer housing 150 cooperate with the connector housing 140 for assembly. For instance, latch features 159 of outerAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129housing 150 cooperate with the protrusion 149 of connector housing 140 for positioning during assembly. Specifically, the front end of protrusion 149 aids in positioning the outer housing 150 for assembly by locating the latch features 159 forward of the front end of the protrusion 149 of the connector housing 140 (i.e., toward the mating interface side). Protrusion 149 may also include lead-in portions if desired for aiding in the installation of the outer housing 150. The lead-in portions of protrusion 149 depicted are angle surfaces that act as ramps for aligning and flexing open the outer housing 150 for installation. Of course, other shapes and arrangements are possible for the protrusion 149 of connector housing 140 and cooperating latch features on the outer housing 150 of connector 100,

[0048] When the outer housing 150 is fully seated on the connector housing 140 it positions other related geometry' of the outer housing 150. Outer housing 150 also comprises a transverse wall (TW) for inhibiting ferrule assemblies 60 or the optical assembly from being displayed by excess rearward movement in the passageway 142 of the connector housing 140 when installed. Transverse wall (TW) of outer housing 150 acts to keep respective structure such as connector housing 140 and in turn the ferrule assemblies 60 or the optical assembly in the respective passageway 142 of the connector housing 140 at a desired longitudinal position for providing ferrule assembly position assurance when connector 100 is mated such as shown in FIG. 8. Consequently, the transverse wall (TW) inhibits the connector housing 140 and respective ferrule assemblies 60 from being displaced from the desired location within the respective passageway 142 of connector housing 140.

[0049] Additionally, the outer housing 150 can have a front portion that is larger than the rear portion of the outer housing 150 if desired. Further, the longitudinal open slot 150S of the outer housing 150 may have a width that varies at different locations. By way of example, and not limitation, a first slot width I50SW1 may be larger than a second slot width 150SW2 for the outer housing 150 as desired. As depicted, the slot width at the forward portion of the outer housing 150 may be sized for cooperating with the outer profile of receptacle 240.Attorney Docket No.: HI24- 129

[0050] The outer housing 150 of connector 100 also has a latching trigger 152 disposed on the second side (e.g., the top side) of the outer housing 150 for cooperating with structure on the receptacle 240, thereby securing the optical mating between connector 100 and the transceiver assembly disposed on the circuit board and housed within the receptacle 240. The latching trigger 152 provides a release that requires depressing of the latching trigger for unmating the connector 100 from the receptacle 240 and transceiver assembly mounted to circuit board 300. The outer housing 150 may also include rails 154 on opposing side of the latching trigger 152 for inhibiting unintentional release of the optical mating between connectors. Other structures are also possible for securing the optical mating of connectors. Further, the outer housing 150 may have other structure such as a bridge 151 disposed on the front portion for protecting the latching trigger 152.

[0051] FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively show partially top and bottom exploded views of connector 100 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 5 and 6 show an explanatory optical assembly that includes one or more ferrule assemblies 60 and may be used with connector 100. Optical assembly may include other components such as inner housing 78, spring push 76 and springs 67, and a nosepiece 170. The optical assembly depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6 is useful with connector 100, However, components of the optical assembly may be eliminated as desired. For instance, connector 100 could have ferrule assemblies 60 that assemble directly into the connector housing 140 by molding the necessary structure of inner housing 78 monolithically as part of connector housing 140.

[0052] Connectors 100 may include one or more ferrule assemblies 60 as desired. Ferrule assemblies 60 may terminate any suitable optical fiber or fiber optic cable as desired. Fiber optic cable includes at least optical fiber 92 that may be disposed within the bore 62 of the ferrule assembly 60 as depicted in FIG. 8. Optical fibers 92 may be any suitable optical fiber for transmitting optical signals and may include multi-mode or single-mode optical fibers, and other suitable optical fibers are possible according to the concepts disclosed. Likewise, optical fiber may have any suitable size for the optical core, cladding or coating desired for the communication system. For instance, the optical fiber may be an OM3 compliant fiber having a 50um nominal core with 125um nominal cladding and one or more coatings having nominal outer diameter of 250um for the optical fiber, but other suitable optical fibers are possible. Optical fiber may have aAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129buffer layer to upsize the diameter and / or protect the optical fiber to form the fiber optic cable such as a 500 um, 700 um or 900 um.

[0053] Although, connector 100 is depicted as a duplex connector having two ferrule assemblies 60 that are at least partially disposed within the connector housing 140, the concepts may be used with any suitable number of ferrule assemblies. Other variations of connector 100 may include connector housings 140 having furcated passageways 142 (i.e., a first passageway and a second passageway) aligned side-by-side for directly receiving respective ferrule assemblies 60. These concepts may be scaled for connectors having more than two ferrule assemblies 60 or configured for a connector having a single ferrule assembly 60 as desired for the application.

[0054] As shown in cross-section in FIG. 8, the optical assembly may have inner housing 78 with one or more ferrule assemblies 60 and one or more springs 67 captured therein using spring push 76. Spring push 76 may snap-fit to the inner housing 78 at the rear end such as by using latches that cooperate with windows 78W on the inner housing 78 for capturing the one or more ferrule assemblies 60 and springs 67 within the optical assembly. Nosepiece 170 has a passageway 172 and one or more latch arms 174 for attaching to cooperating structure on the front end of inner housing 78. Nosepiece 170 may be sized for cooperating with the receptacle 240 or transceiver assembly as appropriate. The optical assembly may include other components as well such as one or more crimp supports 75 that is captured within the optical assembly if desired. Sleeves 80 may be used to strain-relive the optical fibers 92 of the fiber optic cable 90. Boot 96 may be sized for receiving a portion of the sleeves 80 in its passageway as shown in FIG.8 when assembled.

[0055] The optical fibers 92 of fiber optic cable 90 may be strain-relieved using sleeve 80 such as a brass sleeve or the like. Sleeve may be crimped and / or use an adhesive for strain-relieving the cable 90. The sleeve 80 may be slid onto a portion of the fiber optic cable 90 and the optical fiber 92 and the sleeve 80 is sized to fit over a portion of the crimp support 75. The sleeve 80 may slid forward on the fiber optic cable 90 to position the sleeve 80 about the rear end the crimp supports 75. Thereafter, the sleeve 80 may be deformed about the front portion of the fiber optic cable 90 andAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129deformed about the rear portion of the crimp support 75. Alternatively, sleeve 80 may be crimped to a rear end of the ferrule assembly 60, instead of using a crimp sleeve 75. Connectors may further use one or more boots 96 if desired. Boots 96 may provide several different features from providing bending strain relief and / or aiding in securing the terminated ferrule assembly 60 to the connector housing 140. Boot 96 may also include an attachment feature such as a detent for securing the boot 96 to the connector housing 140 or by snap-fitting into window or detent formed in the connector housing 140 when assembled. Consequently, the terminated ferrule assembly 60 is inhibited from being pulled-out of the connector housing. Boot 96 may include one or more alignment features or the like that cooperates with a cooperating alignment feature on the connector housing 140 such as a corresponding slot or the like,

[0056] Polishing of the ferrule assembly, inspection or other assembly steps may be performed as desired. One or more sealing gaskets may be positioned about a forward portion of the ferrule assembly 60 forward of the shoulder if desired. The fiber optic cable 90 terminated by the ferrule assembly 60 may be inserted into the rear end 1 1 of passageway 142 of the connector housing 140 so that the ferrule assembly is at least partially disposed within the passageway 142 of connector housing 140.

[0057] Ferrule assembly 60 may have any suitable optical interface 68 desired. By way of explanation, the connector 100 may use optical interface 68 that allows optical mating using physical contact or free-space coupling using a lens for the disclosed connectors. Lens-based configurations of connectors may also have the mating interface 68 in physical contact if desired. In one variation, ferrule assembly 60 may be configured for physical contact and comprises a ferrule 65 at least partially disposed in a ferrule holder 69 as depicted in FIG. 7. In this configuration, the ferrule holder 69 comprises a forward portion and a rearward portion with shoulder disposed between the forward portion and the rearward portion with the ferrule 65 attached to the ferrule holder 69 to form the ferrule assembly 60. Thus, the bore 62 for the physical contact (PC) configurations extend from the rear end to the front end of the ferrule assembly 60 so the optical fiber 92 may extend to the optical interface 68 at the front end of the ferrule assembly 60 for optical mating with a complimentary mating optical fiber / ferrule assembly.Attorney Docket No.: HI24- 129

[0058] Alternatively, optical interface 68 of the ferrule assembly 60 for connector 100 may comprises a lens. If the ferrule assembly 60 has an optical interface configured as a lens the ferrule assembly 60 may be formed by a single component suitable for transmitting optical signals through the material of the ferrule assembly. In other lens¬ based configurations, the ferrule assembly 60 may comprise a suitable lens component disposed at the optical interface 68 of the ferrule assembly 60. In other words, the ferrule assembly 60 may have a lens molded-in as part of the ferrule assembly 60 or a separate lens may be attached at the end of the ferrule assembly 60. If ferrule assembly 60 is a lens-based configuration, then the bore 62 typically stops short of the optical interface 68 of the ferrule assembly 60 and the optical fiber 92 cooperates with the lens. If the optical interface 68 comprises a lens, the connector can be used without a spring. Connector 100 may also use multi-fiber ferrules assemblies 60 if desired.

[0059] The optical interface 68 is disposed within the passageway 142 of the connector housing 140 and disposed rearward of the front end 143. If desired, a removable sealing membrane (not shown) may be disposed on the front end about a perimeter of the connector housing 140 for inhibiting contaminants from reaching one or more ferrules of the connector.

[0060] As best shown in FIG. 8, ferrule assembly 60 comprises a bore 62 extending from a rear end 61 into the ferrule assembly 60 along with an optical interface 68 disposed at the front end of the ferrule assembly 60. An optical fiber 92 may be disposed within the bore 62 and terminate the respective ferrule assembly 60.

[0061] The disclosed connectors may have other optional features. For example, connector 100 may further include an optional sealing gasket 270 is disposed about a portion of the ferrule assembly or optical assembly for inhibiting contaminants from reaching the optical interface 68 of the ferrule assembly 60 when the connector 100 is mated. Connector housing 140 compri ses passageway 142 extending from a rear end 141 to a front end 143 of the connector housing 140, and the respective ferrule assembly 60 is located rearward of the front end 143 of the connector housing 140 when assembled.

[0062] Additionally, sealing gaskets may be disposed within the respective passageway(s) 142 of the connector housing 140 of connector 100. Thus, the matedAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129connectors create a sealing cavity within the passageway of the connector housing(s) when optically mated. The disclosed concepts provide a robust and reliable connector in a compact package that is quick and easy to assemble, manufacture, disconnect and reconnect as needed.

[0063] Connectors disclosed may also have still other structures or features as desired at a medial portion. For instance, connectors 100 may eliminate the spring or other components.

[0064] Still other variations of connector 100 may use an optical assembly disposed within the connector housing 140. In other variations, connector 100 cooperate with an inline connector for optical mating that may use other structure for alignment of the mating ferrule assemblies, instead of optically mating with the transceiver assembly. For instance, the opposing mating ferrule assembles of connector 100 and the inline connector are aligned using an optional split sleeve and held in position using an alternative retainer for precise alignment of opposing mating ferrule assemblies.

[0065] Returning to FIG. 7, explanatory optical assembly is depicted along with other components such as an alternative retainer 370 that may be used with connector 100. FIG. 7 shows a partially exploded view of an explanatory optical assembly of connector 100 along with optional retainer 370 and alignment sleeves 360 that may be used with connector 100 when configured for mating with an inline connector. Of course, the connector concepts disclosed may be practiced with still other optical assemblies as well.

[0066] Specifically, connector 100 may optionally further include first and second alignment sleeves 360 that cooperate with a complementary inline connector for aligning respective ferrule assemblies 60 of the mating connectors. When assembled, each ferrule 65 of the respective ferrule assembly 60 is received within a portion of the respective alignment sleeve 360 for alignment during mating. The alignment sleeves 360 are retained in position using a retainer 370. When assembled the alignment sleeves 360 are captured within respective sleeve passageways of retainer 370. Retainer 370 may include suitable structure for attaching to the inner housing 78, As shown, retainer 370 may include latch arms (not numbered) that engage and secure the retainer 370 to the inner housing 78, but other structure may be used. If desired, a sealing gasket 270 mayAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129be sized and configured for fitting over the outer barrel of retainer 370 and sealing the optical mating between connector 100 with an inline connector.

[0067] Sealing gasket 270 may comprises a silicone, a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a polymer material or a rubber material, but other suitable materials are possible. By way of explanation, a silicone material may be useful since it remains stable and pliable over a wide temperature range and / or compression forces. Additionally, the sealing gaskets are appropriately sized for providing the desired performance for sealing, compression, etc. Sealing gaskets 270 may include one or more ridges (i.e., one or more glands) for improving sealing performance.

[0068] As shown in FIG, 8, connectors 100 disclosed may be a portion of a cable assembly 200 having one or more cables 90 terminated to connector 100. Further, the connectors 100 or cable assemblies 200 disclosed may be used in any desired application. By way of example, the cable assemblies 200 may be a portion of a vehicle such as an automobile or the like with any suitable ferrule assembly count or arrangement such as single, duplex, triplex, quad, etc. For instance, a connector according to the concepts disclosed may have three ferrule assemblies arranged in a linear array as a triplex arrangement disposed within a suitable connector housing and outer housing as disclosed.

[0069] Fiber optic cable 90 may also include features such as a cable jacket, strength members, ripcords or the like. By way of example, fiber optic cable 90 could be a two- fiber zipcord having a cable jacket that may be separated for separating the optical fibers 92 into separate legs along a portion of the cable for a duplex connector. Other cable types are possible as well such as a round cable if desired.

[0070] Other variations are also possible for the receptacle 240. For instance, receptacle 240 may be aligned and mounted to the circuit board 300 is any suitable fashion. FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of connector 100 aligned for mating with the receptacle 240 as discussed herein. In this embodiment, the receptacle 240 is mounted to the circuit board using fasteners that engage bores 215 of the receptacle.

[0071] Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described herein with reference to explanatory embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary' skill in the art that other embodiments and examples canAttorney Docket No.: HI24- 129perform similar functions and / or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and are intended to be covered by the appended claims. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the concepts disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope of the same. Thus, it is intended that the present application cover the modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: HI24- 129We claim:

1. A fiber optic connector (100) comprising:at least one ferrule assembly (60) comprising a bore (62) extending from a rear end (61) into the at least one ferrule assembly (60), and an optical interface (68) disposed at a front end of the ferrule assembly (60);a connector housing (140) comprising a passageway (142) extending from a rear end (141) to a front end (143), the connector housing (140) comprising a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile at a medial portion and the front end (143) comprises a cutout (144) disposed on a first side (145) that extends to the medial portion of the connector housing (140) and a key (147) positioned on the first side rearward of the cutout (144), wherein the ferrule assembly (60) is configured for being at least partially disposed within the passageway (142) when the fiber optic connector (100) is assembled; andan outer housing (150) comprising a longitudinal open slot (150S) extending from an outer housing front end (153) to an outer housing rear end (155) and disposed on a first side of the outer housing (150), and a latching trigger (152) disposed on a second side of the outer housing (150).

2. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the rear end (155) of the outer housing (150) comprises a transverse wall (TW) for inhibiting the at least one ferrule assembly (60) from being displaced from the passageway (142) of the connector housing (140).

3. The fiber optic connector of claims 1 or 2, wherein the outer housing (150) comprises one or more latch features (159) extending inward toward the longitudinal open slot (150S) configured for engaging a protrusion (149) disposed on the connector housing (140).Attorney Docket No.: HI24- 1294. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the second side of the outer housing (150) comprises a bridge (151) for protecting the latching trigger (152).

5. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the connector housing (140) comprises a protrusion (149) having a front end (149FE) that is wider than a rear end (149RE) of the protrusion (149).

6. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a boot (96) having an attachment feature (97) with the boot being at least partially disposed within the passageway (142) of the connector housing (140).

7. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising a sleeve (80) for strain-relieving the at least one ferrule assembly (60) and a boot (96) configured for being disposed about a portion of the sleeve (80).

8. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the at least one ferrule assembly (60) comprises a first ferrule assembly (60) and a second ferrule assembly (60).

9. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the optical interface (68) comprises a lens.

10. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the at least one ferrule assembly (60) comprises a ferrule (65) that defines the optical interface (68) and is configured for optically mating using physical contact.

11. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the fiber optic connector (100) is a portion of a cable assembly (300).

12. A fiber optic connector (100) comprising:Attorney Docket No.: HI24- 129a ferrule (65) comprising a bore (62) extending from a rear end into the ferrule (65), and an optical interface (68) disposed at a front end of the ferrule (65);a ferrule holder (69) comprising a forward portion (69F) and a rearward portion (69R) with a shoulder (60S) disposed between the forward portion (69F) and the rearward portion (69R), and wherein the ferrule (65) is attached to the ferrule holder (69) to form a ferrule assembly (60);a connector housing (140) comprising a passageway (142) extending from a rear end (141) to a front end (143), the connector housing (140) comprising a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile at a medial portion and the front end (143) comprising a cutout (144) disposed on a first side (145) that extends to the medial portion of the connector housing (140) and a key (147) positioned on the first side rearward of the cutout (144), wherein the ferrule assembly is at least partially disposed within the passageway (142) when the fiber optic connector is assembled; andan outer housing (150) comprising a longitudinal open slot (150S) extending from an outer housing front end (153) to an outer housing rear end (155) and disposed on a first side of the outer housing (150), and a latching trigger (152) disposed on a second side of the outer housing (150).

13. The fiber optic connector of claim 12, wherein the outer housing (150) comprises one or more latch features (159) extending inward toward the longitudinal open slot (150S) configured for engaging a protrusion (149) disposed on the connector housing (140).

14. The fiber optic connector of claim 13, wherein the protrusion (149) of the connector housing (140) comprises a front end (149FE) that is wider than a rear end (149RE) of the protrusion (149).

15. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the second side of the outer housing (150) comprises a bridge (151) for protecting the latching trigger (152).Attorney Docket No.: HI24- 12916. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 12-15, further comprising a boot (96) having an attachment feature (97) with the boot being at least partially disposed within the passageway (142) of the connector housing (140).

17. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 12-16, further comprising a sleeve (80) configured for strain-relieving the at least one ferrule assembly and a boot (96) sized for being disposed about a portion of the sleeve (80).

18. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 12-17, wherein the optical interface (68) comprises a lens.

19. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 12-17, wherein the at least one ferrule assembly (60) comprises a ferrule (65) that defines the optical interface (68) and is configured for optically mating using physical contact.

20. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 12-19, wherein the sealing gasket (70) is disposed within the passageway (142) of the connector housing (140).

21. The fiber optic connector of any one of claims 12-20, wherein the fiber optic connector (100) is a portion of a cable assembly (300).

22. A method of terminating a fiber optic connector (100) comprising:assembling a ferrule (65) into a ferrule holder (69) to form a ferrule assembly (60), wherein the ferrule (65) comprises a front end, a rear end and a bore (62) extending from a rear end into the ferrule (65), and an optical interface (68) disposed at the front end of the ferrule (65);placing an optical fiber (92) within the bore (62) of the ferrule (65); inserting the ferrule assembly (60) into a passageway (142) of a connector housing (140) that extends from a rear end (141) to a front end (143) of the connector housing (140) so that the ferrule assembly (60) is at least partially disposed within the passageway (142), wherein the connector housing (140) comprises a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile at a medial portion and the front end (143) comprisingAttorney Docket No.: HI24-129a cutout (144) disposed on a first side (145) that extends to the medial portion of the connector housing (140) and a key (147) positioned on the first side rearward of the cutout (144); andplacing an outer housing (150) about the connector housing (140), wherein the outer housing (150) comprises a longitudinal open slot (150S) extending from an outer housing front end (153) to an outer housing rear end (155) of the outer housing (150).

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the rear end (155) of the outer housing (150) comprises a transverse wall (TW) for inhibiting the at least one ferrule assembly (60) from being displaced from the passageway (142) of the connector housing (140).

24. The method of claims 22 or 23, wherein the outer housing (150) comprises one or more latch features (159) extending inward toward the longitudinal open slot (150S) configured for engaging a protrusion (149) disposed on the connector housing (140).

25. The method of any one of claims 22-24, further comprising the step of forming a second ferrule assembly (60) and inserting the second ferrule assembly (60) into the passageway (142) of the connector housing (140) so that the second ferrule assembly (60) is at least partially disposed within the passageway (142) of the connector housing (140).

26. The method of any one of claims 22-25, wherein the optical interface (68) comprises a lens or is defined by one or more ferrules that optically mate using physical contact.

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