Patent Description:
The present disclosure generally relates to optical cables and, more particularly, hermaphroditic hybrid optical cables and connectors.

Benefits of optical fiber include extremely wide bandwidth and low noise operation. Because of these advantages, optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, broadband voice, video, and data transmission. Outdoor fiber networks are popular to support the demand of data consumption. Due to high speed wireless communication networks and the Internet of Things, many communication devices and antennas need to be equipped with a fiber optic connection for communicating data into the optical fiber infrastructure required of such communication networks.

Devices of the communications network may also need to be powered by electrical cables. Hybrid optical cables are optical cables including one or more optical fibers for communicating optical data as well as electrical conductors for providing electrical power. Hybrid optical cables reduce the number of cables that are required to power and enable optical communication between devices. In some outdoor applications, electrical devices may be located at great distances from one another. One example is a large stadium, where electronic devices such as computer servers, radios, antennas, and the like are distributed throughout the stadium. Long runs of electrical conductors cause high electrical losses due to increased electrical resistance.

Electrical loss may be reduced over long runs of electrical conductors by increasing the voltage provided over the electrical conductors. As an example, digital electricity is a technology that sends electrical power over digital packets at high voltages (e.g., <NUM> V-DE, where V-DE stands for voltage digital electricity). Other high-voltage protocols are possible. However, increasing the voltage of the transmitted power requires more stringent clearance and creepage requirements. Thus, uninsulated electrical conductors must be positioned at greater distances between one another.

<CIT> is directed to a hybrid conduit assembly having a central conduit portion with electrical connector assemblies. The connector assemblies from respective conduit assemblies interconnect for providing an electrical connection along with aligning central passageways for forming a continuous passageway. The continuous passageway of the hybrid conduit assemblies allows pulling through a cable assembly through the passageway once the conduit system is assembled. The connector assembly has a connector body <NUM> a central passageway that receives an end of the central conduit. When conduit assemblies are assembled, the passageways of the central conduit form a continuous passageway with the connector bodies for pulling through an optical fiber cable.

<CIT> is directed to a hermaphroditic type electrical connector assembly that uses a single male pin having several fine wires that are cut and bundled together.

<CIT> is directed to electrical contacts with opposed fingers.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose other prior art. <CIT> discloses a hermaphroditic hybrid optical connector disclosing sockets and pins as electrical contacts.

The invention provides a hermaphroditic hybrid optical connector according to claim <NUM>. The invention further provides a hermaphroditic hybrid optical connector according to claim.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a hybrid optical cable includes a cable assembly and a hybrid optical connector. The cable assembly includes an optical fiber, a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor. The hybrid optical connector includes a connector housing having an insertion portion, wherein the insertion portion is asymmetric with respect to a mid-plane of the connector housing that is positioned in an optical axis of the hybrid optical connector. The hybrid optical connector further includes a ferrule disposed within the connector housing, wherein the optical fiber is disposed within the ferrule, a first hermaphroditic electrical contact, and a second hermaphroditic electrical contact. The first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts are disposed within the connector housing adjacent opposing sides of the ferrule. The first electrical conductor is electrically coupled to the first hermaphroditic electrical contact and the second electrical conductor is electrically coupled to the second hermaphroditic electrical contact.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a hybrid optical connector includes a connector housing having an insertion portion, wherein the insertion portion is asymmetric with respect to a mid-plane of the connector housing that is positioned in an optical axis of the hybrid optical connector. The hybrid optical connector further includes a ferrule disposed within the connector housing, and a male electrical contact and a female electrical contact disposed within the connector housing adjacent opposing sides of the ferrule, wherein the female electrical contact defines a bore.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a hybrid optical connector adapter assembly includes an adapter housing and an adapter disposed within the adapter housing. The adapter housing includes a first opening operable to receive a first connector type and a second opening operable to receive a second connector type, wherein the first connector type and the second connector type are different. The adapter housing further includes an insertion portion proximate the second connector type, the insertion portion having a first portion and a second portion that define a first electrical contact receiving portion and a second electrical contact receiving portion, respectively, wherein the insertion portion is asymmetric with respect to a mid-plane of the adapter housing that is positioned in a longitudinal axis of the adapter housing. The adapter includes an inner portion configured to receive a first ferrule and a second ferrule.

Embodiments described herein are directed to hermaphroditic hybrid optical connectors and cable assemblies providing both optical and electrical connections, the cable assemblies not being part of the claimed invention. More particularly, the hybrid optical connectors and cables enable optical communication over optical fiber as well as provide electrical power to powered devices over two electrical conductors. The hybrid optical connectors have two hermaphroditic electrical contacts that are minimally spaced to satisfy clearance and creepage requirements for high voltages, such as voltages up to <NUM> V-DE. Therefore, the minimally spaced contacts allow for a small sized hybrid optical connector. As used herein, V-DE refers to volts of digital electricity sent in packets. An example protocol of digital electricity is that specified by Voltserver Inc. of East Greenwich, RI. V-DE may be employed in long runs of electrical conductors to reduce electrical losses due to electrical resistance of the electrical conductors. It should be understood that embodiments are not limited to V-DE electrical power transmission. However, increased voltage presents electrical conductor spacing requirements due clearance and creepage. The hybrid optical connectors described herein satisfy clearance and creepage requirements set forth by Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) standards. "Clearance" is the shortest distance in air between two uninsulated electrical conductors. "Creepage" is the shortest distance along an insulating material between two uninsulated electrical conductors.

As described in more detail below, the hybrid optical connectors described herein are hermaphroditic meaning that the connector mates with itself. A male contact to male contact coupling reduces the variation on cable assemblies for more efficient storage and management for users. The hybrid optical connectors described herein are configured to mate with Standard Connectors (SC) in either UPC or APC configurations. The asymmetric configuration of the insertion face of the hybrid optical connectors provides keying to ensure that the hybrid optical connector is mated to a mated connector in the proper orientation. The insertion face of the hybrid optical connectors also provides insulation to the hermaphroditic electrical contacts, thereby preventing inadvertent touching of the contacts. Additionally, the housing of the hybrid optical connectors provides easy access to the ferrule tip for cleaning away debris.

Various embodiments of hybrid electrical connectors, optical cable assemblies, and hybrid optical adapters are described in detail herein, the optical cable assemblies and hybrid optical adapters not being part of the claimed invention.

<FIG> schematically depict an example hybrid optical cable assembly <NUM> comprising a hybrid optical connector <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a front perspective view of the hybrid optical connector <NUM> of the hybrid optical cable assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a front elevation view, <FIG> is a top isometric view, and <FIG> is a bottom isometric view of the hybrid optical connector <NUM>. <FIG> is an exploded view of the hybrid optical cable assembly <NUM>, including a hybrid optical connector <NUM>. <FIG> is a cutaway, partial exploded view of the hybrid optical cable assembly <NUM>.

Referring generally to <FIG>, the example hybrid optical cable assembly <NUM> generally comprises a hybrid optical cable <NUM> coupled to a hybrid optical connector <NUM>. Referring particularly to <FIG>, the hybrid optical cable <NUM> may include a first electrical conductor 103A, a second electrical conductor 103B, one or more optical fibers <NUM>, and one or more strength members <NUM>. As an example and not a limitation, the first electrical conductor 103A and the second electrical conductor 103B may be copper wire having an end stripped away from any jacket or insulation.

The one or more strength members <NUM> provide additional strength to the hybrid optical cable <NUM>, and may be formed from resin bonded e-glass (e.g., type of GRP), resin bonded aramid, solid steel, stranded steel, or other materials. The first electrical conductor 103A, the second electrical conductor 103B, the optical fiber <NUM>, and the one or more strength members <NUM> may be disposed within one or more layers (not shown), such as an outer jacket, for example.

The example hybrid optical connector <NUM> generally comprises a boot <NUM>, a rear plug body <NUM>, and, according to the claimed invention, an4- a connector housing <NUM>. Referring particularly to <FIG> and <FIG>, the hybrid optical cable <NUM> is positioned through the boot <NUM>, which, in some embodiments, may be configured as a heat shrink boot that conforms to the shape of the hybrid optical cable <NUM> with the application of heat. The boot <NUM> may provide added strength and strain relief to the hybrid optical cable <NUM> at the hybrid optical connector <NUM>.

The boot <NUM> is coupled to the rear plug body <NUM> of the example hybrid optical connector. In the illustrated embodiment, boot engagement features <NUM> mate with corresponding rear plug engagement features <NUM> to secure the boot <NUM> to the rear plug body <NUM>. As an example and not a limitation, the boot engagement features <NUM> and the rear plug engagement features <NUM> may be configured as mating threads such that the boot <NUM> is screwed onto the rear plug body <NUM>.

The example rear plug body <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and a fiber body <NUM> extending from the main body <NUM>. Referring particularly to <FIG>, the main body <NUM> receives the first electrical conductor 103A, the second electrical conductor 103B, the one or more strength members <NUM>, and the optical fiber <NUM>. A routing feature 114C within the main body <NUM> routes the first electrical conductor 103A and the second electrical conductor such that they exit the rear plug body <NUM> outboard of the fiber body <NUM>. The routing feature 114C further includes a cavity 114A that receives the one or more strength members <NUM> and the optical fibers <NUM>. The one or more strength members <NUM> may be terminated within the cavity 114A or other features of the rear plug body <NUM> by any method such that they are secured to the rear plug body <NUM> (e.g., crimping, adhesive, or other methods). The optical fiber <NUM> passes through a bore within the routing feature 114C and enters the fiber body <NUM>.

The ferrule <NUM> may be disposed within a ferrule holder 119A. The ferrule holder 119A mates with a spring support <NUM> such that a portion of the ferrule holder 119A is inserted into the spring support <NUM>. The ferrule holder 119A may mate with the spring support <NUM> by any method, such as, without limitation, by an interference fit. In the illustrated embodiment, a spring <NUM> is also disposed within the spring support <NUM>. The spring <NUM> engages the ferrule holder 119A such that the spring <NUM> biases the ferrule <NUM> forward (i.e., in the positive z-direction), and allows the ferrule <NUM> to translate backwards (i.e., in the negative z-direction) when the hybrid optical connector <NUM> is mated with a mated connector.

The hybrid optical connector <NUM> further comprises a first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A and a second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B that are electrically coupled to the first electrical conductor 103A and the second electrical conductor 103B, respectively. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, each of the first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A and the second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B includes first and second compliant members <NUM> that extend from a conductor coupling portion <NUM>. The first electrical conductor 103A and the second electrical conductor 103B are coupled to the conductor coupling portion <NUM> of the first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A and the second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B, respectively. As an example and not a limitation, the first electrical conductor 103A and the second electrical conductor 103B may be coupled to the conductor coupling portion <NUM> by crimping, soldering, or by any other method.

The conductor coupling portion <NUM> of the first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A and the second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B may then be disposed within a first insulation member 116A and a second insulation member 116B to provide electrical insulation of the first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A and the second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B within the connector housing <NUM>. The first and second insulation members 116A, 116B and are disposed within first and second conductor recesses 152A, 152B of the connector housing <NUM>, respectively (<FIG>). In some embodiments, the first and second insulation members 116A, 116B include keying features (not shown) to prevent the first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A and the second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B from rotating or otherwise moving within the connector housing <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the compliant members <NUM> of the first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A and the second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B are adjacent to one another. As described in more detail below, the compliant members are operable to be deflected away from one another when mated with mated hermaphroditic electrical contacts of a mated connector.

In the illustrated embodiment, the compliant members have a "D-shape" in cross section such that a round portion of one compliant member <NUM> faces a round portion of the other compliant member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, a first contact plane CP1 is orthogonal to a flat portion of the compliant members <NUM> of the first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A, and a second contact plane CP2 is orthogonal to a flat portion of the compliant members <NUM> of the second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B. The first contact plane CP1 and the second contact plane CP2 may be parallel to one another as shown in <FIG>. The compliant members <NUM> are such that the first contact plane CP1 and the second contact plane CP2 are transverse to an insertion plane IP that is orthogonal to the mid-plane MP and is positioned in the optical axis of the hybrid optical connector. The mid-plane MP passes through the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118A, 118B and the optical axis of the hybrid optical connector <NUM> defined by the ferrule <NUM>. The arrangement of the compliant members <NUM> of the first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A and the second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B allow for hermaphroditic coupling of the hybrid optical connector <NUM>, as described in more detail below.

Once again referring generally to <FIG>, the rear plug body <NUM> is coupled to the connector housing <NUM>. For example, the rear plug body <NUM> may include a lip portion <NUM> that is inserted into an enclosure <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). The lip portion <NUM> may be coupled to the connector housing <NUM> by an interference fit, by a suitable adhesive, by laser welding, by ultrasonic welding, or by any other suitable method. It should be understood that other mechanical features may be provided to be coupled the rear plug body <NUM> to the connector housing (e.g., latching arms).

In the illustrated embodiment, an O-ring <NUM> is disposed within a circumferential groove <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM>. The O-ring <NUM> seals an adapter when the hybrid optical connector <NUM> is inserted into an adapter, as described in more detail below.

Still referring to <FIG>, the example connector housing <NUM> generally comprises a body portion <NUM>, an insertion portion <NUM>, and, according to the claimed invention, a ferrule housing <NUM>. The connector housing <NUM> defines an enclosure <NUM> (see <FIG>) that receives the first electrical conductor 103A, the second electrical conductor 103B and the optical fiber <NUM>. The connector housing <NUM> may be fabricated using a material suitable for optical communications applications. As non-limiting examples, the connector housing <NUM> may be fabricated from polyether ether ketone or polyetherimide. In some embodiments, the connector housing <NUM> is a monolithic component formed by a molding process. In other embodiments, the connector housing <NUM> comprises separate components. For example, the ferrule housing <NUM> may be an integral component of the connector housing <NUM>, or the ferrule housing <NUM> may be a separate component that engages the body portion <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM>.

The ferrule housing <NUM> may be configured to mate with a standard optical connector. In the non-limiting example depicted by <FIG>, the ferrule housing <NUM> has a Standard Connector (SC) optical connector shape such that the ferrule housing <NUM> is operable to mate with SC-type connectors and adapters, as described in more detail below. According to the claimed invention, a slider cap <NUM> is disposed on the ferrule housing <NUM>. The slider cap <NUM> is provided to releasably engage with mating features of a mated optical connector and/or adapter. The ferrule housing <NUM> further defines an enclosure in which the ferrule <NUM> and the ferrule holder 119A are disposed. The ferrule <NUM> includes one or more bores to receive one or more optical fibers <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the ferrule <NUM> has a single bore that receives a single optical fiber. As an example and not a limitation, the front facet of the ferrule <NUM> may have an angled polish (e.g., an angled physical contact (APC) connector) or no angled polish (e.g., an ultra-physical contact (UPC) connector).

Referring particularly to <FIG>, the body portion <NUM> transitions to an insertion portion <NUM> that is operable to mate with a mated optical connector or an adapter. The insertion portion <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> is asymmetric with respect to a mid-plane MP that ensures only unidirectional mating to allow reverse electrical current protection, and also provide insulation for the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118A, 118B disposed therein.

Referring to <FIG>, the example insertion portion <NUM> comprises a first portion 125A and a second portion 125B. The ferrule housing <NUM> and the ferrule <NUM> are disposed within an opening <NUM> between the first portion 125A and the second portion 125B. The first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A is disposed within the first portion 125A of the insertion portion <NUM> and the second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B is disposed within the second portion 125B of the insertion portion <NUM>. The first and second portions 125A, 125B extend beyond a tip of the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118A, 118B, respectively. Thus, the first and second portions 125A, 125B may prevent undesirable contact between an object (e.g., the fingers of a person) and the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118A, 118B.

The ferrule housing <NUM> is located between the first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A and the second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B. A distance between the first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A and the second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B should satisfy clearance and creepage requirements according to the voltage of the desired application and the material of the connector housing <NUM>. As an example and not a limitation, the clearance requirement for electrical conductors at <NUM> V-DE is between <NUM> and <NUM>, including endpoints, depending on pollution degree of the air. The creepage requirements is between <NUM> and <NUM>, including endpoints, depending on the material chosen. As an example and not a limitation the connector housing <NUM> may be made for polyetherimide, which has a creepage distance of <NUM> at <NUM> V-DE. As an example and not a limitation, the center distance between the first hermaphroditic electrical contact 118A and the second hermaphroditic electrical contact 118B is <NUM> or greater, which allows for a creepage path along the ferrule housing <NUM> of more than <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the insertion portion <NUM> is asymmetric about the mid-plane MP of the connector housing <NUM> to ensure that the hybrid optical connector <NUM> mates with a mated connector or adapter in only one mating orientation. This asymmetry provides keying to allow only one insertion orientation upon mating between hybrid optical connectors, and thus to maintain positive and negative connection requirements.

According to the claimed invention, the first portion 125A comprises a first half 123A and a second half 124A. Similarly, the second portion 125B also comprises a first half 123B and a second half 124B. Each of the first halves 123A, 123B have an overall width wi that is greater than an overall width w<NUM> of the second halves 124A, 124B. The second halves 124A, 124B provide a male coupling feature and the first halves 123A, 123B define a female coupling feature. The first halves 123A, 123B define an opening <NUM> operable to receive the second halves 124A, 124B of a mated hybrid optical connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the second halves 124A, 124B have a lobe feature <NUM> having a semi-circle shape in cross section. The openings <NUM> defined by the first halves 123A, 123B have a scalloped wall <NUM> operable to receive the lobe feature <NUM> of the second halves 124A, 124B. Additionally, the first halves 123A, 123B define an outer ledge <NUM>. When mated with a mated hybrid optical connector, the ledges of the first halves 123A, 123B interface with the ledges of the mated hybrid optical connector when the second halves 124A, 124B are inserted into the openings defined by first halves of the mated hybrid optical connector.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an embodiment wherein the ferrule <NUM> and the ferrule holder 119A are maintained by the fiber body <NUM>. As described above, the ferrule holder 119A is inserted into the fiber body <NUM>. During fabrication, the connector housing <NUM> is slid over the prepared cable end provided by the ferrule <NUM>, the ferrule holder 119A, the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118A, 118B, and the rear plug body <NUM>. The interface between the rear plug body <NUM> and the connector housing <NUM> may be sealed by adhesive, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or any other method.

In the example hybrid optical cable <NUM>' depicted by <FIG>, the ferrule <NUM> and the ferrule holder 119A are maintained and secured by the connector housing <NUM>' of the hybrid optical connector <NUM>'. In the example embodiment of <FIG>, the fiber body <NUM>' of the rear plug body <NUM>' is shorter than the fiber body <NUM> depicted by <FIG> and <FIG>, and does not have an opening to receive the ferrule holder 119A. Rather, the enclosure <NUM>' of the connector housing <NUM> is configured to securely receive and maintain the ferrule <NUM> and the ferrule holder 119A. Particularly, the enclosure <NUM>' has a ferrule section 151B' and a fiber body section 151A' separated by a spring wall <NUM>. When assembled, the ferrule <NUM> is disposed within the ferrule section 151B' and the ferrule housing <NUM>. The ferrule holder 119A and spring <NUM> are disposed within the ferrule section 151B' such that the spring <NUM> contacts the spring wall <NUM>. The example spring support <NUM> further includes a notch <NUM> operable to allow the optical fiber <NUM> to pass over the spring support <NUM>. The fiber body <NUM>' is disposed within the fiber body section 151A' of the enclosure <NUM>'.

The connector housing <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> to provide access to the enclosure <NUM>' for installing the ferrule <NUM>, the ferrule holder 119A and the spring <NUM> therein. After assembly, a cover <NUM> may be disposed over the opening <NUM> to seal the enclosure <NUM>' from the environment. The cover <NUM> may be adhered, welded or otherwise secured to the connector housing <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example first hybrid optical connector <NUM> and an example second hybrid optical connector <NUM> in a pre-mated state. The example first hybrid optical connector <NUM> and the example second hybrid optical connector <NUM> are mated utilizing an adapter <NUM>. The adapter <NUM> includes an inner portion <NUM> (i.e., an opening), a ferrule sleeve (not shown in <FIG>) within the opening, and four arms <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> and ferrule sleeve are operable to receive ferrules of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> and the second hybrid optical connector <NUM>. The arms <NUM> are operable to engage latching features of <NUM> of the ferrule housing <NUM> of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> and the second hybrid optical connector <NUM> to maintain the two connectors in a mated relationship.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a cutaway view of a first hybrid optical connector <NUM> partially mated with a second hybrid optical connector <NUM>. <FIG> schematically illustrates the partial connection of <FIG> with the first connector housing <NUM> and the second connector housing <NUM> removed to show the mating of the first hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118A, 218A and the second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118B, 218B.

As the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> is brought into contact with the second hybrid optical connector <NUM>, the ferrule <NUM> of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> and the ferrule <NUM> of the second hybrid optical connector <NUM> are partially disposed within the ferrule sleeve <NUM> and the inner portion <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. The male second halves 124A, 124B of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> are inserted into the openings <NUM> defined by the first halves 223A, 223B of the second hybrid optical connector <NUM>. The second halves (not shown in <FIG>) of the second hybrid optical connector <NUM> are disposed in the openings of the first halves (not shown in <FIG>) of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM>.

Additionally, the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118A, 118B of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> contact the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 218A, 218B of the second hybrid optical connector. The length of the first hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118A, 218A and the second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118B, 218B is such that the tips of these hermaphroditic electrical contacts contact one another prior to contact between the tips of the ferrules <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown by <FIG>, an offset distance d is present between the tips of the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 218A, 218B and the tip of the ferrule <NUM> of the second hybrid optical connector <NUM>. The same is true for the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118A, 118B and the tip of the ferrule <NUM> of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM>. The offset distance d allows for any electrical arcing that is produced between the mated hermaphroditic electrical contacts occurs at a distance away from the tips of the ferrules <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby preventing any damage to the tips of the ferrules <NUM>, <NUM>. This provides hot swappability for the first and second hybrid optical connectors <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118A, 118B of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> are rotated ninety degrees with respect to the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 218A, 218B of the second hybrid optical connector <NUM>. The round portions of the compliant members <NUM> of the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118A, 118B of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> contact the round portions of the compliant members <NUM> of the first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 218A, 218B of the second hybrid optical connector <NUM>. Upon mating between the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> and the second hybrid optical connector <NUM> the compliant members <NUM>, <NUM> are deflected outward by contact with one another.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a cutaway view of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> and the second hybrid optical connector <NUM> of <FIG> in a fully mated state. The compliant members <NUM>, <NUM> partially overlap one another, and press into the surfaces of one another to create low resistance for electrical current flow. The four compliant members <NUM>, <NUM> of each connector provide for four contact points. Thus, if one or more of the compliant members <NUM>, <NUM> fail, there are still other contact points for reliable electrical current flow. The tips of the ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> may contact one another to provide optical coupling between optical fibers <NUM>, <NUM>.

An advantage of the design of the hybrid optical connectors of the present disclosure is that an adapter is only used for the optical connector, and no adapter is used for the electrical connections. This leads to lower electrical resistance, and thus lower electrical loss, provided by the electrical connection compared to the case where an electrical adapter is employed.

In some embodiments, a hardened adapter may be used, particularly in outdoor applications, or in harsh environments where it is desirable to protect the hybrid optical connectors. <FIG> schematically illustrates the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> and the second hybrid optical connector <NUM> depicted by <FIG> and an example hardened adapter <NUM> operable to facilitate connection between the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> and the second hybrid optical connector <NUM>. The example hardened adapter <NUM> includes a first receiving portion 302A operable to receive the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> and a second receiving portion 302B operable to receive the second hybrid optical connector <NUM>. The first and second receiving portions 302A, 302B are sized to securely receive the first and second hybrid optical connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. As an example and not a limitation, the first and second hybrid optical connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are maintained within the first and second receiving portions 302A, 302B by an interference fit. Alternatively, one or more engagement features (not shown) may be utilized to releasably engage the first and second hybrid optical connectors <NUM>, <NUM> within the hardened adapter <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the O-ring <NUM>, <NUM> provides a seal between the first and second hybrid optical connectors <NUM>, <NUM> and the first and second receiving portions 302A, 302B of the hardened adapter <NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a ganged hardened adapter <NUM> comprising a plurality of first receiving portions 402A and a plurality of second receiving portions 402B. <FIG> illustrates one first hybrid optical connector <NUM> to be disposed within one of the first receiving portions 402A and one second hybrid optical connector <NUM> to be disposed within one of the second receiving portions 402B.

It is noted that, in some embodiments, not being part of the claimed invention, the hardened adapter <NUM> of <FIG> and the ganged hardened adapter <NUM> of <FIG> may be configured to feed power to the connected hybrid optical cables. For example, adapter hermaphroditic electrical contacts (not shown) may be provided within the hardened adapter <NUM> and the ganged hardened adapter <NUM> for mating with the hermaphroditic electrical contacts of the first and second hybrid optical connectors <NUM>, <NUM>. A power connection <NUM> as shown in <FIG> may be provided to plug into a power source, such as an electrical outlet. The power connection <NUM> may take on any configuration and is not limited to the power connection <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates electrical connections between a device <NUM>, a first hybrid optical cable assembly <NUM>, an hardened adapter <NUM>, and a second hybrid optical cable <NUM>. The device <NUM> has positive (+) and negative (-) electrical contacts. The first hybrid optical cable assembly <NUM> has first hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118A at opposite ends of a first electrical conductor 103A and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 118B at opposite ends of a second electrical conductor 103B.

The hardened adapter <NUM> has first hermaphroditic electrical contacts 318A at opposite ends of a first electrical conductor 305A and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 318B at opposite ends of a second electrical conductor 305B. In some embodiments, there are no separate electrical conductors between the sets of first and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 318A, 318B. In some embodiments, not being part of the claimed invention, a power connection <NUM> is provided to the first electrical conductor 305A and the second electrical conductor 305B to externally provide electrical power to the coupled components. It should be understood that other embodiments do not utilize a power connection <NUM>.

The second hybrid optical cable <NUM> has first hermaphroditic electrical contacts 218A at opposite ends of a first electrical conductor 203A, and second hermaphroditic electrical contacts 218B at opposite ends of a second electrical conductor 203B.

<FIG> schematically illustrates the hybrid optical connector <NUM> and adapter <NUM> of <FIG> for mating with an SC connector <NUM>. Particularly, the arms <NUM> interface with engagement features <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the SC connector <NUM>.

However, in some cases the SC connector <NUM> may be coupled to the hybrid optical connector <NUM> in only one proper orientation. As an example, the tip of the ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> may be angled (e.g., an APC ferrule), and therefore the ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> may only be mated in one orientation. If the ferrule end faces are <NUM>° with respect to one another, the ferrule end faces of the ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> will not match each other. Therefore, keying may be required to ensure that the SC connector <NUM> is connected to the hybrid optical connector <NUM> in the proper orientation. It should be understood that embodiments are not limited to SC connectors, and other single-fiber connector types are also compatible with the hybrid optical connectors described herein.

<FIG> schematically illustrate the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> and the SC connector of <FIG>, along with an adapter <NUM> disposed within an adapter housing <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate two opposing perspective views of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> the adapter <NUM>, the adapter housing <NUM>, and the SC connector <NUM> in an unmated state. <FIG> schematically illustrates a perspective view of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM>, the adapter <NUM>, the adapter housing <NUM>, and the SC connector <NUM> in a mated state. The adapter <NUM> and the adapter housing <NUM> define a hybrid optical connector adapter assembly <NUM> that enables a first connector type to be optically coupled to a second connector type.

The adapter housing <NUM> is configured to receive the adapter <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the adapter housing <NUM> has an opening <NUM> sized and configured to receive the body <NUM> of the SC connector <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may include keying features operable to mate with the body <NUM> such that the SC connector <NUM> may only be inserted into the opening <NUM> in only one orientation.

The adapter housing <NUM> further includes an insertion portion <NUM> configured as an insertion portion <NUM> described above with respect to the first hybrid optical connector <NUM>. Thus, the insertion portion <NUM> of the adapter housing <NUM> is operable to be mated with the insertion portion <NUM> of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> in a manner as described above with respect to the first and second hybrid optical connectors <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the insertion portion <NUM> of the adapter housing <NUM> may be mated with the insertion portion <NUM> of the first hybrid optical connector <NUM> in only one orientation. Accordingly, the adapter housing <NUM> allows ferrules of optical connectors having angled ferrule end faces to be properly mated in a single orientation.

Referring now to <FIG>, another example embodiment of a hybrid optical connector <NUM> is schematically illustrated. The example hybrid optical connector <NUM> of <FIG> has an insertion portion <NUM> having a configuration that is different from the insertion portion <NUM> described above and illustrated in <FIG>. However, the insertion portion <NUM> of <FIG> is also asymmetric for keying functionality.

The insertion portion <NUM> has a first portion 525A and a second portion 525B. The first portion 525A of the insertion portion <NUM> comprises a first half 523A and a second half 524A. The first half 523A comprises a long outer portion <NUM> and a short inner portion <NUM>, each configured as quarter circles. The long outer portion <NUM> is longer than the short inner portion <NUM> and thus extends beyond the short inner portion <NUM> in an insertion direction of the hybrid optical connector <NUM> (i.e., the z-axis). The second half 524A comprises a long inner portion <NUM> and a short outer portion <NUM>, each configured as quarter circles. The long inner portion <NUM> extends beyond the short outer portion <NUM> in an insertion direction of the hybrid optical connector <NUM>. Thus, the long and short portions of the first half 523A and the second half 524A are opposite from one another.

Similarly, the second portion 525B of the insertion portion <NUM> comprises a first half 523B and a second half 524B. The first half 523B comprises a long outer portion <NUM> and a short inner portion <NUM>, each configured as quarter circles. The long outer portion <NUM> is longer than the short inner portion <NUM> and thus extends beyond the short inner portion <NUM> in an insertion direction of the hybrid optical connector <NUM> (i.e., the z-axis). The second half 524B comprises a long inner portion <NUM> and a short outer portion <NUM>, each configured as quarter circles. The long inner portion <NUM> extends beyond the short outer portion <NUM> in an insertion direction of the hybrid optical connector <NUM>. Thus, the long and short portions of the first half 523B and the second half 524B are opposite from one another.

Thus, the insertion portion <NUM> is asymmetric with respect to a mid-plane MP. This asymmetry provides keying to allow only one insertion orientation upon mating between hybrid optical connectors, and thus to maintain positive and negative connection requirements.

<FIG> not covered by the invention schematically illustrates another example hybrid optical cable <NUM> with an hybrid optical connector <NUM> similar in configuration to the hybrid optical connector <NUM> depicted in <FIG> except that the electrical conductors are configured as a female electrical contact 718A and a male electrical contact 718B rather than hermaphroditic electrical conductors as described above. The male electrical contact 718B is configured as a male pin. The female electrical contact 718A includes a bore <NUM> that is sized to receive a male electrical contact 718B of a mated hybrid optical connector.

To prevent reverse polarity in the hybrid optical cable <NUM> depicted by <FIG>, the electrical conductors within the hybrid optical cable <NUM> may be crossed. <FIG> not covered by the invention schematically depicts electrical connectors of first device <NUM>, a first hybrid optical cable 700A, a second hybrid optical cable 700B, and a second device <NUM>. The polarity of the electrical connections is determined by the powering device (e.g., second device <NUM>). The first device <NUM> has a female electrical contact 18A electrically coupled to a male electrical contact 718B and a male electrical contact 18B electrically coupled to a female electrical contact 718A. First and second electrical conductors 703A, 703B within the first hybrid optical cable 700A are crossed such that the first electrical conductor 703A is electrically coupled to a female electrical contact 718A at a first end and a male electrical contact 718B at a second end, and the second electrical conductor 703B is electrically coupled to a male electrical contact 718B at a first end and a female electrical contact 718A at a second end.

A female electrical contact 718A' of the second hybrid optical cable 700B is electrically coupled to a male electrical contact 718B of the first hybrid optical cable 700A, and a male electrical contact 718B' of the second hybrid optical cable 700B is electrically coupled to a female electrical contact 718A of the first hybrid optical cable 700A. First and second electrical conductors 703A', 703B' within the second hybrid optical cable 700B are crossed such that the first electrical conductor 703A' is electrically coupled to a female electrical contact 718A' at a first end and a male electrical contact 718B' at a second end, and the second electrical conductor 703B' is electrically coupled to a male electrical contact 718B' at a first end and a female electrical contact 718A' at a second end.

A male electrical contact 28B of the second device <NUM> is electrically coupled to a female electrical contact 718A' of the second hybrid optical cable 700B and a female electrical contact 28A of the second device <NUM> is electrically coupled to a male electrical contact 718B' of the second hybrid optical cable 700B. As shown in <FIG>, proper electrical polarity is maintained between the first device <NUM> and the second device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A hermaphroditic hybrid optical connector (<NUM>) comprising:
a connector housing (<NUM>) comprising an insertion portion (<NUM>),
wherein the insertion portion (<NUM>) is asymmetric with respect to a mid-plane (MP) of the connector housing (<NUM>) that is positioned in an optical axis of the hybrid optical connector,
wherein the insertion portion (<NUM>) comprises a first portion (125A) and a second portion (125B),
wherein the first portion (125A) and the second portion each (125B) comprise a first half (123A, 123B) and a second half (124A, 124B) with the first halves (123A, 123B) defining a female coupling feature having an opening (<NUM>) and the second halves (124A, 124B) defining a male coupling feature where a width (W1) of the first half (123A, 123B) of the first and second portions (125A, 125B) is greater than a width (W2) of the second half (124A, 124B) of the first and second portions (125A, 125B);
a ferrule housing (<NUM>) defined by the connector housing (<NUM>);
a ferrule (<NUM>) disposed within the ferrule housing (<NUM>) of the connector housing (<NUM>),
wherein the ferrule (<NUM>) is at least partially disposed within an opening between the first portion (125A) and the second portion (125B);
a first hermaphroditic electrical contact (118A) and a second hermaphroditic electrical contact (118B) disposed within the connector housing (<NUM>) adjacent opposing sides of the ferrule (<NUM>);
a slider cap (<NUM>) disposed on the ferrule housing (<NUM>) to releasably engage with mating features of a mated optical connector (<NUM>) and/or adapter (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).