Abstract:
An optical fiber connector including a connector body, a connector case, and a latch spring. The connector body including an opening to receive an optical fiber, the opening having a first end and a second end, the optical fiber to enter the first end and to terminate proximate to the second end. The connector case is coupled to the connector body. The latch spring is coupled to the connector case.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     1. Field  
         [0002]     Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of optical systems and more specifically, but not exclusively, to an optical fiber connector.  
         [0003]     2. Background Information  
         [0004]     Many of today&#39;s electronic components are connected together by way of wire cables. Such cables include Universal Serial Bus (USB) cables, parallel printer cables, and Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) cables. Devices within a computer system are also connected using wired systems such as Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) drive ribbon connectors. However, such electrical connections suffer from limitations in transmission speed and signal integrity.  
         [0005]     Cables carrying optical signals on optical fiber are becoming more and more popular. Optical signals provide high-speed, superior signal quality, and minimal interference from outside electromagnetic energy. In today&#39;s systems, optical cables are often connected to components using glue or screw connectors.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]     Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.  
         [0007]      FIG. 1A  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber cable in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0008]      FIG. 1B  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber cable in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2A  is an exploded view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 2B  is a cut-away perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2C  is a cut-away side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 2D  is an exploded view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 3A  is an exploded view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3B  is a cut-away perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3C  is a cut-away side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3D  is an exploded view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5A  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5B  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6A  is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber cable connected to electro-optical components in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 6B  is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an optical fiber cable connected to electro-optical components in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0022]     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring understanding of this description.  
         [0023]     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.  
         [0024]     Referring to  FIG. 1A , one embodiment of an optical fiber cable  100  is shown. Optical fiber cable  100  includes an optical fiber connector  102  coupled to one end of optical fiber  104  and an optical fiber connector  106  coupled to the other end of optical fiber  104 .  
         [0025]     In one embodiment, optical fiber  104  includes a plastic optical fiber, glass optical fiber, or the like. In one embodiment of plastic optical fiber, the core size of the plastic optical fiber may be, but is not limited to, 100 microns to 1000 microns. In another embodiment, a diameter of the plastic optical fiber may be 350 microns or 500 microns. In one embodiment, optical fiber  104  includes plastic optical fiber “Lucina” from the Asahi Glass Corporation.  
         [0026]     Optical fiber connectors  102  and  106  may each be coupled to electro-optical (EO) components (not shown). The optical fiber cable  100  acts as a bridge to connect the EO components. In one embodiment, the distance between connectors  102  and  106  may be up to 300 meters. In one embodiment, optical fiber connector  102  may have a width (W)  140  of approximately 14 millimeters (mm), a length (L)  142  of approximately 9 mm, and a height (H)  144  (also known as a “profile”) of approximately 2 mm. In one embodiment, the height  144  of connector  102  is 1.2 mm.  
         [0027]     When in operation, an EO component may convert electrical signals into optical signals and transmit the optical signals to another EO component via optical fiber cable  100 . The receiving EO component may then convert the optical signal into an electrical signal. It will be understood that optical signals may travel in either direction along optical fiber cable  100 . In another embodiment, optical fiber cable  100  may be used to transmit optical signals having a wavelength of approximately 850 nanometers with a data rate of approximately 3-10 Gigabits per second. The use of optical fiber cable  100  with EO components will be discussed further below.  
         [0028]     Referring to  FIG. 1B , an embodiment of an optical fiber cable  150  is shown. Optical fiber cable  150  includes an optical fiber connector  152  coupled to one end of optical fiber  154  and an optical fiber connector  156  coupled to the other end of optical fiber  154 .  
         [0029]     Optical fiber connector  152  includes a strain relief  158  and optical fiber connector  156  includes a strain relief  159 . Strain reliefs  158  and  159  alleviate stress on the connection between the optical fiber cable  154  and connectors  152  and  156 . In one embodiment, strain reliefs  158  and  159  may be constructed from plastic, rubber, or other flexible material.  
         [0030]     Turning to  FIGS. 2A-2D , an embodiment of an optical fiber connector  200  is illustrated.  FIG. 2A  shows an exploded view of connector  200 ,  FIG. 2B  shows a cut-away perspective view of connector  200 ,  FIG. 2C  shows a cut-away side view of connector  200 , and  FIG. 2D  shows an exploded view of connector  200 . Optical fiber connector  200  includes a connector case  204  coupled to a connector body  202 . Connector  200  also includes a fiber clip  206 . As will be described in further detail below, an optical fiber  208  passes through an opening  212  in connector body  202 . Fiber clip  206  is coupled to connector body  202  with optical fiber  208  passing between fiber clip  206  and connector body  202 . Fiber clip  206  assists in securing the optical fiber into opening  212  of connector body  202 . Connector case  204  is coupled over at least a portion of connector body  202 . In  FIGS. 2B and 2C , connector case  204  is not shown for clarity.  
         [0031]     Connector body  202  includes opening  212  to receive optical fiber  208 . Opening  212  includes a groove  213  and a tunnel  214 . In one embodiment, groove  213  may be tapered with a gradually reducing diameter as groove  213  gets closer to tunnel  214 . In one embodiment, the widest end of groove  213  may be 1.30 mm and the narrowest end of groove  213  where groove  213  meets tunnel  214  may be 0.52 mm. Tapered groove  213  may ease the assembly of connector  200  by simplifying the lineup of optical fiber  208  with opening  212 .  
         [0032]     In one embodiment, tunnel  214  may have a substantially constant diameter as it passes through connector body  202 . In another embodiment, tunnel  214  may be tapered. In one embodiment, connector body  202  may be constructed substantially from plastic.  
         [0033]     In one embodiment, connector body  202  may include a recess  211  for receiving fiber clip  206 . Fiber clip  206  of  FIGS. 2A-2D  has generally an L-shape. In one embodiment, fiber clip  206  is constructed primarily from metal, such as stainless steel. In one embodiment, fiber clip  206  may be coupled to connector body  202  using a snap fit in recess  211 . In this particular embodiment, the tightness of the snap fit may be controlled by a width  215  of some portion along recess  211 . In another embodiment, fiber clip  206  couples to connector body  202  using glue, or the like.  
         [0034]     In one embodiment, connector body  202  may include a protrusion  210  for receiving fiber clip  206 . In this embodiment, fiber clip  206  may include a notch  216  that fits over protrusion  210 . Notch  216  may be sized to produce a snap fit with protrusion  210 . Fiber clip  206  may also include a cutout  217 . Cutout  217  allows optical fiber  208  to pass by fiber clip  206  when assembled with connector body  202 .  
         [0035]     As shown in  FIGS. 2B and 2C , when assembled, fiber clip  206  engages optical fiber  208  at two clamping points  224  and  226 . In one embodiment using plastic optical fiber, fiber clip  206  may dig into the outside material of optical fiber  208  to provide better retention of optical fiber  208  in connector  200 . In yet another embodiment, the clamping force of fiber clip  206  is controlled by a height  219  and a length  221  of cutout  217 . In  FIG. 2A , height  219  is between a top surface of fiber clip  206  and notch  216 .  
         [0036]     Referring to  FIGS. 2B and 2C , the tapered shape of groove  213  produces a curve in optical fiber  208  as optical fiber  208  passes through connector  200 . In one embodiment, the combination of the fiber clip  206  and the curve of optical fiber  208  create a wedge-effect for securing optical fiber  208  in connector  200 .  
         [0037]     In one embodiment, connector case  204  may include latch springs  218  and  220 . In the embodiment of connector  200 , the latch springs  218  and  220  are positioned on opposite sides of connector case  200 . In another embodiment, latch springs  218  and  220  are constructed from metal. Latch springs  218  and  220  may be used to secure connector  200  to an EO component (discussed further below). In one embodiment, latch springs  218  and  220  are coupled to connector case  204  via a snap fit, glue, screws, or the like.  
         [0038]     Connector case  204  may include a notch  222  to allow optical fiber  208  to pass through connector case  204 . Connector case  204  may be constructed from plastic, metal, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, a strain relief (not shown) may be coupled to case  204  at notch  222  such that optical fiber  208  passes through the strain relief.  
         [0039]      FIG. 2D  shows a tab  230  and a tab  232  of connector case  204 . In one embodiment, tab  230  includes a cutout  234  and tab  232  includes a cutout  236 . In one embodiment, tabs  230  and  232  are formed during the fabrication of connector case  204  such that tabs  230  and  232  are part of connector case  204 . Cutout  234  may fit over corresponding post  237  on connector body  202  and cutout  236  may fit over corresponding post  238  on connector body  202  for coupling connector case  204  to connector body  206 .  
         [0040]     In one embodiment, posts  237  and  238  have a ramp surface facing connector case  204  for ease of assembly. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2C , post  238  has a ramped side  238 A and an unramped side  238 B. As shown in  FIG. 2C , unramped side  238 B is perpendicular to a surface of connector body  202 . In coupling connector case  204  to connector body  202 , tab  232  may slide up ramped side  238 A. Post  238  fits into cutout  236  so tab  232  may fit around post  238 . Once tab  232  is fitted around post  238 , connector case  204  may not be pulled off of connector body  202  because of unramped side  238 B.  
         [0041]     In one embodiment, the width of material connecting the tabs  230  and  232  to their corresponding perpendicular side walls of connector case  204  affects the flexibility of tabs  230  and  232 . The flexibility of tabs  230  and  232  may be adjusted to modify the fit of connector case  204  over connector body  202  and fiber clip  206 .  
         [0042]     Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3D , an embodiment of an optical fiber connector  300  is shown.  FIG. 3A  shows an exploded view of connector  300 ,  FIG. 3B  shows a cut-away perspective view of connector  300 ,  FIG. 3C  shows a cut-away side view of connector  300 , and  FIG. 3D  shows an exploded view of connector  300 . Optical fiber connector  300  includes a connector body  302 , a connector case  304 , a fiber clip  306 , and a strain relief  340 . Optical fiber connector  300  enables the coupling of optical fiber  308  to an EO component. In  FIGS. 3B and 3C , connector case  304  is not shown for clarity.  
         [0043]     Connector body  302  includes an opening  312 . Opening  312  includes a groove  313  and a tunnel  314 . In one embodiment, groove  313  tapers to a smaller diameter as the optical fiber  308  enters the connector  302  and terminates at the end of tunnel  314 . In another embodiment, connector body  302  includes a protrusion  310  to assist in securing fiber clip  306  using a notch  316 .  
         [0044]     In one embodiment, connector body  302  may include a recess  311  for receiving fiber clip  306 . In one embodiment, fiber clip  306  may be coupled to connector body  302  using a snap fit in recess  311  by controlling the width  315  at some portion of recess  311 ; in another embodiment, fiber clip  306  couples to connector body  302  using glue, or the like.  
         [0045]     Fiber clip  306  may have a U-shape, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3D . Fiber clip  306  may also include a cutout  317 . Cutout  317  allows optical fiber  308  to pass by fiber clip  306  when assembled with connector body  302 .  
         [0046]     Connector case  304  may include latch springs  318  and  320 . Latch springs  318  and  320  may used to secure connector  300  to an EO component (discussed further below). Connector case  304  may include a notch  322  to allow optical fiber  308  to pass through connector case  304 .  
         [0047]     As shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , when assembled, fiber clip  306  engages optical fiber  308  at two clamping points  324  and  326 . In one embodiment using plastic optical fiber, fiber clip  306  may dig into the outside material of optical fiber  308  to provide better retention of optical fiber  308  in connector  300 . In yet another embodiment, the clamping force of fiber clip  306  may be controlled by a height  319  between a top surface of fiber clip  306  and notch  316 , and a length  321  of cutout  317 .  
         [0048]     Referring to the embodiments of  FIGS. 3B and 3C , the tapered shape of groove  313  produces a curve in optical fiber  308  as optical fiber  308  passes through connector  300 . In one embodiment, the combination of the fiber clip  306  and the curve of optical fiber  308  create a wedge-effect for securing optical fiber  308  in connector  300 .  
         [0049]     In one embodiment, strain relief  340  relieves the strain put on optical fiber  308  as optical fiber  308  enters optical fiber connector  300 . If optical fiber  308  is bent at a sharp angle in relation to optical fiber connector  300 , strain relief  340  prevents damage to optical fiber  308  from bending at notch  322 . Strain relief  340  may be constructed from rubber, plastic, or other appropriate flexible material.  
         [0050]     In one embodiment, strain relief  340  may include a recess  341 . Notch  322  may fit around recess  341  to hold strain relief  340 . A portion of strain relief  340  may be inside connector case  304 , while the rest of strain relief  340  may be outside of connector case  304 . In one embodiment, a length (L)  342  of strain relief  340  may be approximately 6 mm.  
         [0051]      FIG. 3D  shows a tab  330  and a tab  332  of connector case  304 . In one embodiment, tabs  330  and  332  are an integrated part of connector case  304  formed from the same material as connector case  304 . In one embodiment, tab  330  includes a cutout  334  and tab  332  includes a cutout  336 . Cutout  334  may fit over corresponding post  337  on connector body  302  and cutout  336  may fit over corresponding post  338  on connector body  302  for coupling connector case  304  to connector body  306 . In one embodiment, posts  337  and  338  may have a ramp surface facing connector case  304  for ease of assembly of connector case  304  over connector base  302 .  
         [0052]     In one embodiment, the width of material connecting the tabs  330  and  332  to their corresponding perpendicular side walls of connector case  304  affects the flexibility of tabs  330  and  332 . In one embodiment, cutouts  334  and  336  are enlarged and extended to the corresponding perpendicular side walls of connector case  304 , as shown in  FIG. 3D , to make tabs  330  and  332  more flexible. The flexibility of tabs  330  and  332  may affect the fit of connector  300  when coupling connector case  304  over connector body  302  and fiber clip  306 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 4  illustrates an optical fiber connector  400  to be coupled to an EO component  402 . Connector  400  provides optical fiber  408  with a positive fiber/lens engagement with a lens (not shown) of EO component  402 . Optical fiber connector  400  may be positioned and/or pushed to engage EO component  402  by human hands, human hands using tools, or by a mechanical device. In one embodiment, screws or glue are not needed to couple connector  400  to EO component  402 . In another embodiment, the height of connector  400  is less than 2 mm. This low profile allows optical fiber connector  400  to be used in tight spaces such as inside a notebook computer or other thin devices.  
         [0054]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate the coupling of an optical fiber connector  500  with an EO component  502 . In  FIG. 5A , connector  500  is about to be latched to EO component  502 . Connector  500  includes latch springs  518  and  520 . Connector  500  also includes preload springs  510  and  512 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 5A  and  5 B, the latch springs  518 ,  520  and preload springs  510 ,  512  are formed from the same piece of metal manufactured to the illustrated shape. The latch springs  518 ,  520  and preload springs  510 ,  512  are coupled to opposing sides of a connector case  522 . It will be understood that in other embodiments the latch springs and the preload springs maybe be separate pieces. It will also be understood that latch springs  518 ,  520  and preload springs  510 ,  512  may be placed in different positions of connector  500 .  
         [0055]     EO component  502  may include leads  562  coupled to a frame  564 . In one embodiment, leads  562  may include a conductive material, such as a metal. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , leads  562  include gull wing surface mount technology (SMT) leads. In another embodiment, frame  546  may be constructed from molded plastic.  
         [0056]     EO component  502  may include a lens  560 . In one embodiment, EO component  502  may include a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) for transmitting an optical signal carried by optical fiber  504 . In another embodiment, EO component  502  may include a Photo Intrinsic Diode (PIN) for receiving an optical signal carried by optical fiber  504 .  
         [0057]     EO component  502  may include latch posts  506  and  508 . Latch springs  518 ,  520  are positioned to engage corresponding latch posts  506 ,  508 . In one embodiment, latch posts  506 ,  508  are integrated into the plastic of frame  564 .  
         [0058]     EO component  502  may include guiding rods  550  and  552 . The guiding rods  550 ,  552  correspond to guiding rod holes  554  and  556  in connector body  524  to assist in alignment of the connector body  524  with EO component  502 .  
         [0059]     In one embodiment, to couple optical fiber connector  500  to EO component  502 , the optical fiber connector  500  is pushed towards the EO component  502 . As optical fiber connector  500  is pushed, latch springs  518 ,  520  are pushed against corresponding latch posts  506 ,  508 . In one embodiment, latch spring  518  includes a hook end  518 A and latch spring  520  includes a hook end  520 A. This pushing may result in latch springs  518 ,  520  being depressed toward connector body  524 . The depression of latch springs  518 ,  520  allows hook ends  518 A,  520 A to pass by latch posts  506 ,  508 .  
         [0060]      FIG. 5B  shows connector  500  coupled to EO component  502 . Hook ends  518 A and  520 A have wrapped around latch posts  506  and  508 , respectively. Latch spring  518  exerts a spring force  570  to push latch spring  518  away from connector body  524  and against latch post  506 . Latch spring  520  exerts a spring force  571  to push latch spring  520  away from connector body  524  and against latch post  508 . Spring forces  570 ,  571  assist the latch springs  518 ,  520  to remain engaged with EO component  502 .  
         [0061]     Preload spring  510  exerts a spring force  572  and preload spring  512  exerts a spring force  573 . Preload springs  510 ,  512  push against connector body  524 . The hook ends  518 A and  520 A engaged with posts  506  and  508 , respectively, prevent the preload springs  510  and  512  from pulling the connector case  522  off connector body  524 . In this embodiment, latch springs  518 ,  520  and preload springs  510 ,  512  together push the connector body  524  against EO component  502  to ensure positive contact with EO component  502 . Positive contact eliminates gaps between connector body  524  and lens  560 .  
         [0062]     In one embodiment, connector body  524  may include posts (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) similar to posts  237  and  238 . These posts prevent connector body  524  from being pushed out off connector case  522  by preload springs  510 ,  512 . These posts may also be ramped, as described in connection with posts  237  and  238 . The ramping allows connector case  522  to slide over connector body  524 . The unramped sides of posts stop connector case  522  from being pushed off of connector body  524  by preload springs  510  and  512 .  
         [0063]     Referring to  FIG. 6A , a computer system  602  coupled to a peripheral  604  via optical fiber cables  606  and  616  is illustrated. In one embodiment computer system  602  includes a processor for executing instructions stored in computer system  602  or received over a communication link. Embodiments of computer system  602  include, but are not limited to, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a server, a personal digital assistant, a network workstation, or the like. Computer system  602  may also include other electronic devices such as a digital camera, a Compact Disc (CD) player, a Moving Pictures Experts Group Layer-3 (MP3) player, a Digital Video Disc (DVD) player, or the like. Peripheral  604  may include a display, a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, a fax machine, a scanner, a speaker system, or the like. Peripheral  604  may also include a storage device, such as a disk drive, a tape drive, or the like.  
         [0064]     Computer system  602  includes an EO transmitter (EO TX)  608  and an EO receiver (EO RX)  612 . Peripheral  604  includes an EO RX  610  and an EO TX  614 . In other embodiments, EO TX  608 , EO RX  612  and EO TX  614 , EO RX  610  may be implemented as transceivers such that computer system  602  and peripheral  604  communicate over a single optical fiber cable.  
         [0065]      FIG. 6B  shows a computer system  650  including a motherboard  652  coupled to a disk drive  654  using optical fiber cables  656  and  662 . Disk drive  654  may include a magnetic disk drive and an optical disk drive. It will be understood that in other embodiments of computer system  650 , other components may be coupled to motherboard  652  using optical fiber cables as described herein. In yet another embodiment, optical fiber cables as described herein may couple components within a computer system, such as components within a DVD player.  
         [0066]     Motherboard  652  may include an EO TX  658  communicatively coupled to an EO RX  660  of disk drive  654  via optical fiber cable  656 . Motherboard  652  may also include an EO RX  664  communicatively coupled to EO TX  668  via optical fiber cable  662 . In one embodiment, motherboard  652  and disk drive  654  may communicate at data rates above 3 Gigabits per second.  
         [0067]     The above description of illustrated embodiments of the invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. These modifications can be made to embodiments of the invention in light of the above detailed description.  
         [0068]     The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification. Rather, the following claims are to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claim interpretation.