Self-aligning rotating optical connector

An optical connection includes a plurality of ferrules, an optical contact to allow transfer of light, a mechanical contact to allow torque transfer from the optical connection, and a rotational self-alignment structure to allow optical fibers of different optical connectors to self-rotate into rotational self-alignment upon action of connecting, wherein the ferrules are aligned and engage the torque transfer. The rotational self-alignment structure can be a tooth configuration, a helical thread configuration, a ferrule guide configuration, a spring sleeve configuration, derivatives thereof and combinations therefrom.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure generally relates to optical connectors and, more particularly, to a self-aligning rotating optical connector.

Description of the Related Art

Optical connections generally include optical connectors that interconnect optical fibers together to provide optical and electrical communication between cabling, equipment, or the like. Optical connectors can include interconnecting ferrules formed as mating components, for example female plugs or male connectors with ferrules having ends of optical fibers held therein. In a connection between two optical fibers that abut each other, the ferrules of the connectors for each of the ends are coupled together to hold the optical fibers in alignment and in close contact. Optical connectors generally have keyed ferrules to contact mating ferrules tightly to reduce the air gap between the ferrules, thereby reducing loss and back reflection of the light. Optical connectors can be spring-loaded so the fiber faces are pressed together when the connectors are mated. A specific orientation of the male and female plug is normally employed in order to have proper engagement upon connection.

A medical device hand piece, such as a spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) hand piece for example, can have a rotating optical connection between a rotating motor shaft of a medical instrument like an endoscope and a handle like a multiuse (MU) handle. Users need a quick connection of the endoscope to the MU handle, however the optical connection on the motor shaft can be in any orientation.

It would be beneficial to overcome these concerns and provide an optical connection that allows the optical ferrules to self-rotate into rotational self-alignment upon the action of connecting.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an optical connection includes a plurality of ferrules, an optical contact to allow transfer of light, a mechanical contact to allow torque transfer from the optical connection, and a rotational self-alignment structure to allow optical fibers of different optical connectors to self-rotate into rotational self-alignment upon action of connecting, wherein the ferrules are rotationally self-aligned and engage the torque transfer. The rotational self-alignment structure can be a tooth configuration, a helical thread configuration, a ferrule guide configuration, a spring sleeve configuration, derivatives thereof and combinations therefrom.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the rotational self-alignment structure can be a tooth configuration including angled and pointed teeth configured to interconnect with another complementary optical connector by rotating the two connectors together. The optical connection can include a friction sleeve configuration comprising a friction sleeve that has a compression fit on and axially aligns and interconnects opposed ferrules. The optical connection can include a spring, wherein drive torque is generated using friction from the friction sleeve and the axial forces of the spring. The plurality of ferrules can include optical faces and the at least one spring allows for constant contact of the optical faces during connection.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the optical connection can have a housing that extends between two ends, and a flange connected at one end of the housing and a connection ferrule connected at the other end of the housing. The optical connection can have a multi-piece rod or segmented shaft connected to the flange and extending through the housing between the flange and the connection ferrule. The optical connection can have a spring and an internal sheath, wherein the spring is contained in the internal sheath of the housing near the flange. The housing of the optical connection can axially align and interconnects two internally opposed optical ferrules that are cooperatively held together with the rotational self-alignment structure. The rotational self-alignment structure can align the ferrules axially to allow light transfer between fibers with low light loss.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the optical connection can include a rotating optical connector. The optical connection can include at least one optical fiber. The optical connection can be configured for rotational self-alignment and torque transfer. The plurality of ferrules can be optical ferrules. The plurality of ferrules can include a mechanical connection ferrule. The plurality of ferrules can be configured to self-rotate into a rotational self-alignment that allows for contact of optical faces and engagement of the torque transfer. The plurality of ferrules can include optical fibers that rotate together simultaneously with respect to one another while motorized. The plurality of ferrules can be optical ferrules that are passively connected in an axial direction. The plurality of ferrules can be optical ferrules that are connected and disconnected by push/pull action.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In the following embodiments, optical connector or connection configurations are described to provide optical or electrical communication that may have different characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, performance parameters, or the like. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular configuration. Optical communications, for example, are described between medical devices at one end of a connector and an external device, motor, or component at another end of the connector, and can be made between other elements.

Optical connection configurations generally include optical connectors that interconnect optical fibers together to provide optical or electrical communication between the fibers. Optical connectors are described that can be applied to various fields including, for example, minimally invasive medical devices that implement intravascular imaging modalities including, for example, optical coherence tomography (OCT), spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), combinations or hybrids thereof, or the like.

An optical connector according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is configured to hold or support one or more optical fibers and can include a rotational self-alignment or self-aligning structure to facilitate the rotational self-alignment of optical fibers of the optical connector with optical fibers of another connector, and is described herein as an rotational self-alignment or self-aligning structure, component, mechanism, feature, or element, and can be referred to as other variations.

In particular, the rotational self-alignment structure allows optical fibers of different optical connectors to self-rotate into rotational self-alignment upon the action of connecting conveniently to properly align with each other through interconnection and rotation of one connector with another connector.

An optical connector with the rotational self-alignment structure can include one or more ferrules, optical contacts between the ferrules to allow transfer of light, sleeves, springs, mechanical contacts to allow the transfer of torque from a motor to an instrument, mechanical contacts of a connector body housing, derivatives thereof and combinations therefor, to allow for quick connect/disconnect to maintain engagement of connections.

In the following embodiments, one or more aspects or features of the present disclosure are directed to optical connections, rotational self-alignment and torque transfers, and mechanical housing connections.

An optical connection can include two or more connectors that interconnect together, such as a male plug, a female receptacle, or the like. The male plug can have an exposed optical ferrule. The female receptacle can include an optical ferrule embedded within a rotational self-alignment sleeve. The sleeve can rotationally self-align the ferrules axially to allow light transfer between fibers with low light loss. At least one side or both can have a spring to allow for constant contact of the optical faces during connection.

The optical connection arrangements described herein are configured for rotational self-alignment and torque transfer. Upon connection, the ferrule bodies are configured to self-rotate into a rotational self-alignment that allows for contact of the optical faces and engagement of the torque transfer. The optical contacts can be engaged rotationally and can rotate together simultaneously with respect to one another while the motor is in action. The optical ferrules can be connected passively in an axial direction and can be connected and disconnected by the action of push/pull. Bearings can be incorporated to reduce friction during rotation.

A mechanical housing connection can be configured where the optical contacts are in a housing which hold the components in place. The housing of a medical device like an endoscope housing can be connected to a multi-use (MU) handle. The mechanical connection of these bodies maintains the axial connections of the optical and rotational sub-connections. The mechanical housing connection can be configured as a variety of connectors including, for example, push/pull quick connect, screw-on, snap-in, bayonet, or the like.

The optical connectors can be configured to hold or pass through one or more optical fibers or similar waveguides, where the optical fibers can be configured circular, rectangular, or the like, and can include polymer, glass, silicon, air, or combinations thereof. The optical fibers can be single-mode or multimode optical fibers, photonic crystal fibers, photonic bandgap fibers, polarization maintaining fibers, or the like, and may include one or more fibers, a plurality of fibers, a fiber bundle, or the like. Single-mode optical fibers can support a single optical mode, and multimode optical fibers can support multiple optical modes.

The optical fibers can be configured as fiber optic cables that can include a few optical fiber threads or several hundred optical fiber threads, each of which may transmit data modulated into light waves. The optical fibers can include a transparent core having a higher index of refraction surrounded by a transparent cladding material with a lower index of refraction. Light may be kept in the core by a phenomenon of total internal reflection, and some light may travel in cladding as an evanescent wave, which may include all the wavelengths of the light that are outputted by a light source.

An optical connection according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure can have a rotational self-alignment structure and a rotating optical connector including one or more types of rotational self-alignment engagement upon connection. These rotational self-alignment engagement types can include, for example, an optical contact between the ferrules to allow transfer of light, one or more ferrules, sleeves, and springs. Consider a configuration including two ferrules, one sleeve, and one or two springs. A mechanical contact can allow the transfer of torque from a motor to a scope. The mechanical contact of the connector body housings can facilitate or allow a quick connect and disconnect to maintain engagement of the above connections.

The optical connector can mechanically couple the end of an optical fiber cable to another optical fiber structure such as an adapter, another connector, a transceiver, or the like, to establish an optical connection between one or more pairs of optical fibers. The optical connector can be a mechanical coupling device that is configured to align opposed ends of optical fibers for optical communication. An optical fiber connecter can be configured to establish an optical connection of two or more ferrules or a multi-fiber ferrule.

Rotational self-alignment structures that provide rotational self-alignment engagement of the optical connection arrangements can be selected from tooth configurations, helical thread configurations, ferrule guide configurations, spring sleeve configurations, derivatives thereof and combinations therefrom, to facilitate interconnection of one connector with a cooperating rotational self-alignment structure of another connector. The ferrule guide can be at the entrance of a passage to guide the ferrule during insertion.

Optical connection arrangements are described below that have the rotational self-alignment structures to provide rotational self-alignment engagement and allow the optical ferrules to self-rotate into rotational self-alignment upon the action of connecting according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS.1and2illustrate an exemplary rotational self-alignment structure100with a tooth configuration for an optical connector according to the present embodiment.

The rotational self-alignment structure100has a tooth configuration that can be used to self-rotate and interconnect components or ferrule bodies into a rotational self-alignment that allows for contact of the optical faces and engagement of torque transfer. The rotational self-alignment structure100has a base101and a plurality of teeth102where the teeth have a tooth shape with a flat side and a smooth angular or arch-shaped side so the optical contacts can be rotationally engaged and can rotate together simultaneously with respect to one another while a motor is in action. As shown inFIG.2, two interconnecting rotational self-alignment structures100with tooth configurations can allow optical ferrules to be connected passively in an axial direction and be connected and disconnected by the action of push/pull. Bearings can be incorporated to reduce friction during rotation.

The base101of the rotational self-alignment structures100is shaped to allow interconnection of an optical connector with a cooperative structure on another connector. The rotational self-alignment structures100have teeth configurations in the form of angled and pointed teeth to operate or facilitate interconnection with a cooperating rotational self-alignment component of another connector. The angled and pointed teeth of the rotational self-alignment structures100are configured to interconnect with another complementary optical connector by rotating the two connectors together, whereby the angled and pointed teeth of one connector rotationally engage with the cooperating and complementary angled and pointed teeth of the other connector. The angled and pointed tooth rotational self-alignment structure allows optical fibers of different optical connectors to self-rotate into rotational self-alignment upon the action of connecting conveniently and properly align with each other through interconnection and rotation of one connector with the other connector.

The optical connectors interconnect together, and have connector components including, for example, a male plug, a female receptacle, or the like. The male plug can have an exposed optical ferrule. The female receptacle can include an optical ferrule embedded within a rotational self-alignment sleeve. The sleeve can rotationally self-align the ferrules axially to allow light transfer between fibers with low light loss. At least one side or both can have a spring to allow for constant contact of the optical faces during connection.

An optical fiber held or contained within the connectors and an optical contact is provided between the ferrule and the opposing ferrule to allow transfer of light. The mechanical contact of the flange and the housing allows the transfer of torque from a motor to an instrument, such as a medical device. The connector is configured to allow for quick connect/disconnect to maintain engagement of connections.

Upon connection, the ferrule bodies are configured to self-rotate into a rotational self-alignment that allows for contact of the optical faces and engagement of the torque transfer. The optical contacts can be engaged rotationally and can rotate together simultaneously with respect to one another while the motor is in action. The optical ferrules can be connected passively in an axial direction and can be connected and disconnected by the action of push/pull. Bearings can be incorporated to reduce friction during rotation.

FIGS.3and4illustrate an exemplary axial-alignment structure200with a friction sleeve configuration that can be implemented in a rotational self-alignment optical connector according to the present embodiment.

InFIG.3, a friction sleeve axial-alignment configuration200shows a friction sleeve axial-alignment component217configured to facilitate the axial-alignment of optical fibers of an optical ferrule215with optical fibers of an opposing optical ferrule216. The friction sleeve axial-alignment component217has a compression fit on and axially aligns and interconnects the two internally opposed ferrules215,216to allow the transfer of torque from a motor. The ferrules215,216are axially aligned and connected together within the friction sleeve217and drive torque is generated using the friction from the friction sleeve217.

FIG.4shows a friction sleeve axial-alignment schematic220with an optical fiber or waveguide221that is contained within or passes through a friction sleeve alignment component227that is biased by a spring228. The friction sleeve axial-alignment component can facilitate the axial-alignment of optical fibers of an optical ferrule with optical fibers of an opposing optical ferrule. The friction sleeve axial-alignment component227has a compression fit on and axially aligns and interconnects internally opposed ferrules to allow the transfer of torque from a motor. The ferrules are axially aligned and connected together within the friction sleeve227and drive torque is generated using the friction from the friction sleeve227.

The friction sleeve axial-alignment configuration200can be implemented in rotational self-alignment optical connection arrangements to facilitate interconnection of one connector with a cooperating alignment structure of another connector.

FIGS.5-7show front perspective and top views of optical ferrules and rotational self-alignment component configurations300,302,304according to one or more embodiments, where the rotational self-alignment components include an angled tooth configuration.

FIGS.8,9,11and12show various views of optical ferrule and rotational self-alignment component configurations306,308,312,314, according to one or more embodiments.FIGS.10and13-15show various views of rotational self-alignment component configurations310,316,318,320according to one or more embodiments.

InFIG.16, front schematics322of rotational self-alignment components are shown according to one or more embodiments.

In these figures, an end of a housing near the ferrule is shaped to allow interconnection of an optical connector with a cooperative structure on another connector. In these cases, the housings are configured with a rotational self-alignment structure or component in the form of an angled and pointed tooth to facilitate interconnection with another connector. The angled and pointed tooth can operate as a rotational self-alignment structure to engage with a cooperating rotational self-alignment component of another connector. The angled and pointed tooth of the housing is configured to rotationally interconnect with another complementary optical connector by rotating the two connectors together, whereby the angled and pointed tooth rotational self-alignment connector of one connector rotationally engages with the cooperating and complementary rotational self-alignment component of the other connector. The angled and pointed tooth rotational self-alignment structure allows optical fibers of different optical connectors to conveniently and properly align with each other through interconnection and rotation of one connector with the other connector.

An optical fiber held or contained within the connectors and an optical contact is provided between the ferrule and the opposing ferrule to allow transfer of light. The mechanical contact of the flange and the housing allows the transfer of torque from a motor to an instrument, such as a medical device. The connector is configured to allow for quick connect/disconnect to maintain engagement of connections.

Upon connection, the ferrule bodies are configured to self-rotate into a rotational self-alignment that allows for contact of the optical faces and engagement of the torque transfer. The optical contacts can be rotationally engaged and can rotate together simultaneously with respect to one another while the motor is in action. The optical ferrules can be connected passively in an axial direction and can be connected and disconnected by the action of push/pull. Bearings can be incorporated to reduce friction during rotation.

FIGS.17-19illustrate various views of an exemplary optical connector400with an alternate ferrule guide according to the present embodiment.

FIG.17is a side perspective view of the optical connector400where a male plug410is separated from and axially aligned with a female receptacle420. The male plug410and female receptacle420interconnect together through use of interconnecting rotational self-alignment components417and427. The male plug410has a ferrule411extending from one end of a cylindrical housing configuration where the rotational self-alignment component417is provided. The female receptacle420has a ferrule421internally recessed within the housing of the receptacle420and the rotational self-alignment component427extends from the other end of the receptacle420. The rotational self-alignment components417and427are configured to facilitate rotational self-alignment of optical fibers of the male plug410with optical fibers of the female receptacle420. The rotational self-alignment component417of the male plug410includes substantially flat parallel surfaces that are shaped by forming or otherwise shaving away or removing portions on opposing sides of the cylindrical housing of the male plug410. The rotational self-alignment component427of the female receptacle420includes substantially flat parallel extensions shaped by forming or otherwise removing portions of the cylindrical housing of the female receptacle420.

FIG.18is a cross-sectional side view of the connector400where the male plug410is axially and rotational self-aligned with and separated from the female receptacle420.FIG.19is a cross-sectional side view of the connector400where the male plug410is interconnected with the female receptacle420.

The rotational self-alignment components417and427are interconnected with each other by rotating the plug410and the receptacle420together, whereby the rotational self-alignment component417of the plug400rotationally engages with the cooperating and complementary rotational self-alignment component427of the receptacle420. The rotational self-alignment components417and427allow optical fibers of the plug410and optical fibers of the receptacle420to conveniently and properly align with each other through interconnection and rotation of the plug410and receptacle420.

An optical fiber held or contained within the male plug410and an optical fiber held or contained within the female receptacle420allow transfer of light when they are rotationally self-aligned to optically communicate with each other. The male plug210and the female receptacle420allow the transfer of torque from a motor to an instrument, and are configured to allow for quick connect/disconnect to maintain engagement of connections.

Upon connection, the ferrule bodies are configured to self-rotate into a rotational self-alignment that allows for contact of the optical faces and engagement of the torque transfer. The optical contacts can be rotationally engaged and rotate together simultaneously with respect to one another while the motor is in action. The optical ferrules can be connected passively in an axial direction and can be connected and disconnected by the action of push/pull. Bearings can be incorporated to reduce friction during rotation.

FIGS.20-24illustrate various views of an exemplary optical connector500with a ferrule guide that can be configured as a rotational self-alignment connector according to the present embodiment.

The optical connector500can be configured to include rotational self-alignment structures as described above that provide rotational self-alignment engagement of the optical connector500and can be selected from tooth configurations, helical thread configurations, ferrule guide configurations, spring sleeve configurations, and other derivatives thereof and combinations therefor, to facilitate interconnection of one connector with a cooperating rotational self-alignment structure of another connector. The ferrule guide can be at the entrance of a passage to guide the ferrule during insertion.

The rotational self-alignment structures provide rotational engagement and allow the optical ferrules to self-rotate into rotational self-alignment upon the action of connecting according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG.20is a side perspective view andFIG.21is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector500that has a housing510extending between two ends. A flange511is connected at one end and a mechanical housing connection ferrule513is connected at the other end of the housing510. A multi-piece rod or segmented shaft514is connected to the flange511and extends through the housing510between the flange511and the connection ferrule513. The housing510axially aligns and interconnects two internally opposed optical ferrules515,516that are cooperatively held together with an axial-alignment structure or component517that is configured as a friction sleeve. The friction sleeve517aligns the ferrules515,516axially to allow light transfer between optical fibers with low light loss. The ferrules515,516are configured to hold or pass through one or more optical fibers or similar waveguides. The ferrules515,516are provided at ends of optical fiber and hold and position the fibers. The ferrules515,516can be configured as a tubular member with two ends and an internal passageway that extends lengthwise between the two ends. The fibers can pass through the ferrules515,516and end substantially flush with or extend beyond the end of the ferrules515,516.

A spring518is contained in an internal sheath519of the housing510near the flange511, as illustrated inFIG.20. The flange511has an extension512that is interconnected with the shaft514within the internal sheath519, and the spring518provides bias to the ferrule515in the friction sleeve517. The spring518and internal sheath configuration can be provided to either one or both of the ferrules515,516to allow for constant contact of the optical faces during connection. For example, the housing510can be configured with another similar spring and internal sheath configuration to provide bias to the ferrule516in the friction sleeve517. The spring518ensures constant contact is maintained between opposing optical ferrules.

The spring518is an elastic member that is disposed in a compressible state between a spring reception part in the housing110and a rear of the ferrule515. The ferrule515is biased forward by an elastic force of the compressed spring518. The parts of the connection are held in a connected state within the housing110. The connector500is configured to rotate about an operating rotation shaft that is provided through the ends of the housing.

The friction sleeve axial-alignment component517is configured to facilitate the axial-alignment of optical fibers of the ferrule515with optical fibers of the opposing ferrule516. The friction sleeve axial-alignment component517has a compression fit on and axially aligns and interconnects the two internally opposed ferrules515,516to allow the transfer of torque from a motor connected to the flange511to the ferrule513. The ferrules515,516are axially aligned and connected together within the friction sleeve516and drive torque is generated using the friction from the friction sleeve516and the axial forces of the spring518and the housing510and the mechanical connector. Ribs or additional features (not shown) can be added to the flange511to reduce wear.

The connector500can be used to interconnect different configurational arrangements including, for example, an SEE scope, a motor, medical devices, or the like. The motor can drive optical fibers in the connector100.

The connector500ofFIG.22is similar toFIG.20and the mechanical housing connection ferrule522is configured as a bayonet type and can be configured as a variety of other configurations including, for example, push/pull quick connect, screw-on, snap-in, or the like.

InFIG.23, and end of the housing510near the ferrule513is shaped to allow interconnection of the optical connector500with a cooperative structure on another connector. In this case, the housing510is configured with an alignment structure or component in the form of an extended notch520to facilitate interconnection with another connector. The extended notch520can operate as a rotational self-alignment structure to engage with a cooperating alignment component of another connector. The notch520of the housing510is configured to interconnect with another complementary optical connector by rotating the two connectors together, whereby the notch rotational self-alignment component520of the connector100engages with the cooperating and complementary rotational self-alignment component of the other connector. The notch rotational self-alignment component520allows optical fibers of different optical connectors to conveniently and properly align with each other through interconnection and rotation of one connector with the other connector.

An optical fiber held or contained within the connector500and an optical contact is provided between the ferrule515and the opposing ferrule516to allow transfer of light. The mechanical contact of the flange511and the housing100allows the transfer of torque from a motor to an instrument, such as an SEE scope, a medical device, or the like. The connector500is configured to allow for quick connect/disconnect to maintain engagement of connections.

Upon connection, the ferrule bodies514,515are configured to self-rotate into a rotational self-alignment that allows for contact of the optical faces and engagement of the torque transfer. The optical contacts can be rotationally engaged and can rotate together simultaneously with respect to one another while the motor is in action. The optical ferrules514,515can be connected passively in an axial direction and can be connected and disconnected by the action of push/pull. Bearings can be incorporated to reduce friction during rotation.

FIGS.24and25illustrate various views of an exemplary optical connector600with a spring sleeve that can be configured as a rotational self-alignment connector according to the present embodiment.

The optical connector600can be configured to include rotational self-alignment structures as described above that provide rotational self-alignment engagement of the optical connector600and can be selected from tooth configurations, helical thread configurations, ferrule guide configurations, spring sleeve configurations, and other derivatives thereof and combinations therefor, to facilitate interconnection of one connector with a cooperating rotating self-alignment structure of another connector. The ferrule guide can be at the entrance of a passage to guide the ferrule during insertion.

The rotational self-alignment structures provide rotational self-alignment engagement and allow the optical ferrules to self-rotate into rotational self-alignment upon the action of connecting according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG.24is a cross-sectional side view of the optical connector600that has two elongated cylindrical sections610and620interconnected together. The section610is configured as an elongated cylindrical section with a protruding ferrule615. The female receptacle620is configured as an elongated housing with a recessed ferrule616within the receptacle620and a mechanical housing connection ferrule613at the other end.

A flange611is connected to the section610and a mechanical housing connection ferrule613is connected to the section620. A multi-piece rod or segmented shaft614is connected to the flange611and extends through the sections610and620between the flange611and the ferrule613. The sections610and620axially align and interconnect two internally opposed optical ferrules615,616that are cooperatively held together with an axial-alignment structure or component317that is configured as a friction sleeve. The friction sleeve617can align the ferrules615,616axially to allow light transfer between fibers with low light loss. The ferrules615,616are configured to hold or pass through one or more optical fibers or similar waveguides.

A spring618is contained in an internal sheath619of the section610near the flange611. The flange611has an extension612that is interconnected with the shaft614within the internal sheath619, and the spring618provides bias to the ferrule615in the friction sleeve617. Each ferrule615,616can have a spring to allow for constant contact of the optical faces during connection, and the section320can be configured with another similar spring and internal housing configuration to provide bias to the ferrule616in the friction sleeve617.

The friction sleeve axial-alignment component617is configured to facilitate the axial-alignment of optical fibers of the ferrule615with optical fibers of the opposing ferrule616. The friction sleeve axial-alignment component617has a compression fit on and axially aligns and interconnects the two internally opposed ferrules615,616to allow the transfer of torque from a motor connected to the flange611to the ferrule613. The ferrules615,616are axially aligned and connected together within the friction sleeve617and drive torque is generated using the friction from the friction sleeve617and the axial forces of the spring618and the housing610and the mechanical connector. Ribs or additional features (not shown) can be added to the flange311to reduce wear.

FIG.25shows a top perspective view of different configurations of the connector600, where the left configuration is the same asFIG.24and a different configuration on the right includes a helical threaded mechanical element630interconnecting the sections610and620.

An optical fiber held or contained within the connector600and an optical contact is provided between the ferrule615and the opposing ferrule616to allow transfer of light. The mechanical contact of the flange611and the section610allows the transfer of torque from a motor to an instrument, such as a medical device. The connector600is configured to allow for quick connect/disconnect to maintain engagement of connections.

Upon connection, the ferrule bodies615,616are configured to self-rotate into a rotational self-alignment that allows for contact of the optical faces and engagement of the torque transfer. The optical contacts can be engaged rotationally and can rotate together simultaneously with respect to one another while the motor is in action. The optical ferrules615,616can be connected passively in an axial direction and can be connected and disconnected by the action of push/pull. Bearings can be incorporated to reduce friction during rotation.

FIGS.26-29illustrate various views of an exemplary push/pull quick disconnect optical connector700according to one or more embodiments.

The optical connector700can be configured to include rotational self-alignment structures as described above that provide rotational self-alignment engagement of the optical connector700and can be selected from tooth configurations, helical thread configurations, ferrule guide configurations, spring sleeve configurations, and other derivatives thereof and combinations therefor, to facilitate interconnection of one connector with a cooperating rotational self-alignment structure of another connector. The ferrule guide can be at the entrance of a passage to guide the ferrule during insertion.

The rotational self-alignment structures provide rotational engagement and allow the optical ferrules to self-rotate into rotational self-alignment upon the action of connecting according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS.26and27show the optical connector700where a male plug701is axially aligned and separated from a female receptacle702. The male plug701and female receptacle702interconnect together by pushing the male plug701into the female receptacle702. The female receptacle220has a recessed cavity within the housing of the receptacle702.FIGS.28and29show the optical connector700where the male plug701is interconnected with the female receptacle702. The male plug701has a pressing link to disconnect the male plug from the female receptacle701.

FIG.30shows various views of an optical ferrule710that can be implemented in rotational self-alignment connectors according to one or more embodiments.

The optical connectors800,802,804,806ofFIGS.31-34are similar to the optical connector ofFIG.20. The mechanical housing connection ferrules ofFIGS.31and33are configured as a bayonet type and can be configured as a variety of other configurations including, for example, push/pull quick connect, or the like.

FIGS.35and36show various views of optical connectors808and810that can be configured with rotational self-alignment structures as described above according to one or more embodiments.

FIG.37are side views showing optical connectors812that can be configured with rotational self-alignment structures as described above in an unloaded state, a loaded and misaligned state, and a loaded state with mechanical engagement according to one or more embodiments.

As described above, the optical connection may include a plurality of ferrules, an optical contact to allow transfer of light, a mechanical contact to allow torque transfer from the optical connection, and a rotational self-alignment structure to allow optical fibers of different optical connectors to self-rotate into rotational self-alignment upon action of connecting, wherein the ferrules are aligned and engage the torque transfer.

The rotational self-alignment structure can be a tooth configuration, a helical thread configuration, a ferrule guide configuration, a spring sleeve configuration, derivatives thereof and combinations therefrom, to facilitate interconnection of one connector with a cooperating rotational self-alignment structure of another connector. The rotational self-alignment structure can be a tooth configuration including angled and pointed teeth configured to interconnect with another complementary optical connector by rotating the two connectors together. The optical connection can include a friction sleeve configuration comprising a friction sleeve that has a compression fit on and axially aligns and interconnects opposed ferrules. The optical connection can include a spring, wherein drive torque is generated using friction from the friction sleeve and the axial forces of the spring. The plurality of ferrules can include optical faces and the at least one spring allows for constant contact of the optical faces during connection.

The optical connection can have a housing that extends between two ends, and a flange connected at one end of the housing and a connection ferrule connected at the other end of the housing. The optical connection can have a multi-piece rod or segmented shaft connected to the flange and extending through the housing between the flange and the connection ferrule. The optical connection can have a spring and an internal sheath, wherein the spring is contained in the internal sheath of the housing near the flange. The housing of the optical connection can axially and rotationally self-align and interconnect two internally opposed optical ferrules that are cooperatively held together with the rotational self-alignment structure. The rotational self-alignment structure can axially and rotationally self-align the ferrules to allow light transfer between fibers with low light loss.

The optical connection can include a rotational self-alignment optical connector. The optical connection can include at least one optical fiber. The optical connection can be configured for rotational self-alignment and torque transfer. The plurality of ferrules can be optical ferrules. The plurality of ferrules can include a mechanical connection ferrule. The plurality of ferrules can be configured to self-rotate into a rotational self-alignment that allows for contact of optical faces and engagement of the torque transfer. The plurality of ferrules can include optical fibers that rotate together simultaneously with respect to one another while motorized. The plurality of ferrules can be optical ferrules that are passively connected in an axial direction. The plurality of ferrules can be optical ferrules that are connected and disconnected by push/pull action.

The optical connection rotational self-alignment arrangements described above include tooth configurations, helical thread configurations, ferrule guide configurations, spring sleeve configurations, derivatives thereof, and combinations therefrom, and other optical connection configurations that allow the optical ferrules to self-rotate into rotational self-alignment upon the action of connecting according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

The optical connection configurations described above can be configured to conform to a variety of connector types including LC, SC, FC, ST, LX-5, MU, and MPO. SC and LC are the most common connector configurations.