Patent Description:
The disclosure is directed to female fiber optic connectors having a rocker latch arm. The disclosed female fiber optic connectors comprise a connection port suitable for receiving a complimentary male plug connector and securing or releasing the connector using the rocker latch arm.

Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission. As bandwidth demands increase optical fiber is migrating deeper into communication networks such as in fiber to the premises applications such as FTTx, <NUM> and the like. As optical fiber extends deeper into communication networks there exist a need for building more complex and flexible fiber optic networks using fiber optic connectors that are capable of making connections in a quick and easy manner.

Fiber optic connectors were developed for making plug and play optical connections at links or devices in the communication network such as terminals, cabinets, patch panels, and like. The fiber optic connectors allow the distribution of optical signals within an optical network and provide the flexibility of locating the devices in convenient locations for efficient network design and deployment and also deferring connectivity and the associated capital expense until needed in the communication network. Moreover, optical connector provide a convenient location for making moves, adds or changes in the communication network as needed. As the deployment of optical networks expands more optical connectors are needed for building complex communications networks especially in the outdoor environment (i.e., outdoor plant) as optical fiber is deployment deeper into the communications network for FTTx, <NUM> or other applications.

Conventional fiber optic connectors for the outdoor environment use threaded coupling nuts or components for retaining or releasing mating optical connectors. However, the use of threaded coupling nuts or components increase the size of the connectors or require additional space for finger access to turn the threaded coupling nuts or components. Consequently, terminals or other devices require the connectors to be larger due to the spacing required between adjacent connectors for finger access or the like. Moreover, it is not always intuitive to the user which side of the mated connection has the threaded component that rotates.

Consequently, there exists an unresolved need for fiber optic connector designs that provide quick and easy optical coupling. Moreover, the connector designs should allow manufacturing in a fast and flexible manner while still providing reliable optical performance.

<CIT> discloses rubber caps, housings and springs being preliminarily inserted respectively successively onto optical fiber cords to be connected. Ferrules are put onto terminal parts of the optical fiber cords and are caulked. The preliminarily inserted springs and housings are pulled back onto the ferrules and the ferrule retaining members are respectively screwed into the screw holes of the housings and after the positions of the ferrules are adjusted, the front ends of both housings are fitted and detained to each other.

<CIT> discloses an optical connector that is fully assembled before connection to an optical fiber cable.

The invention is directed to female fiber optic connectors according to claim <NUM>.

Methods of making a fiber optic cable assembly having a female fiber optic connector comprising a connection port are also disclosed but not encompassed by the claims. The method comprises attaching one or more optical fibers of a fiber optic cable to a ferrule, inserting the ferrule into a passageway of an inner barrel. The inner barrel comprises an inner barrel rear end and an inner barrel front end with an inner barrel passageway extending from the inner barrel rear end to the inner barrel front end, where the inner barrel rear end comprises a rear end opening sized for receiving the ferrule. Placing the inner barrel within a main barrel with the main barrel comprising a main barrel rear end and a main barrel front end with a main barrel passageway extending from the main barrel rear end to the main barrel front end. The main barrel rear end comprises a rear end opening sized for receiving the inner barrel and the main barrel front end comprises a connector port opening, and attaching an actuator such as a rocker latch arm to the main barrel. Other similar methods may be directed to any attaching an actuator as desired such as a sliding button or rotating collar for releasing the external plug connector, instead of the rocker latch arm.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments that are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation.

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The concepts disclosed are related to female fiber optic connectors (hereinafter "female connector(s)") having a connection port along with fiber optic cable assemblies (hereinafter "cable assemblies" or "cable assembly") using the female connectors and methods of making the same. As used herein, "connection port" means a cavity for receiving a fiber optic connector or external plug connector for making an optical connection. The female connectors disclosed comprise a connection port and an actuator such as a rocker latch arm or the like used for retaining (i.e., securing) or releasing an external male plug connector or dust plug received within the connection port. The female connectors disclosed may also be ruggedized (i.e., suitable for outdoor environments) or not depending on the intended environment or use. The concepts disclosed provide a simple and reliable female connector that is quick and easy to assemble for terminating one or more optical fibers. The female connectors disclosed also allow for a quick and easy mating with a complimentary external plug connector (i.e., male plug connector that fits in the connection port) using an actuator such as the rocker latch arm.

On the other hand, conventional hardened connectors are mated using threads or bayonets on the connector. Threads or bayonets used on the conventional hardened connectors increase the size of the connectors or require spacing between adjacent connectors for suitable finger access. The female connectors disclosed advantageously have a relatively small diameter or form-factor compared with conventional connectors. By way of example, the female connectors may have a nominal maximum outer diameter of <NUM> millimeters or less (e.g., cross-sectional diameter taken perpendicular to the longitudinal female connector axis defined by a line passing thru the center of the mating face of the ferrule and extending rearward toward the rear of the female connector along the centerline). The female connectors and fiber optic cable assemblies disclosed may also provide a push-to-secure connection feature for mating with an external plug connector or dust plug if desired.

Alternatively, the female connectors may have an actuator that toggles between a retain and release position similar to a light switch if desired using the concepts disclosed. If the female connector has an actuator that toggles between a retain and release position, then a resilient member is not needed for biasing the actuator such as the rocker latch arm since it will positively retain and toggle between the respective retain and release positions.

The female connector concepts disclosed may be used with any suitable cables. Moreover, the female connector concepts are also scalable to any suitable count of optical fibers within the ferrule (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> fibers or more) in a variety of arrangements or constructions. Further, the ferrule may have the bores for the optical fibers in one or more rows as desired.

The concepts disclosed herein are suitable for fiber optic networks such as for Fiber-to-the-location (FTTx), network densification, <NUM> applications, and are equally applicable to other optical applications as well including indoor, industrial, wireless, or other desired applications. Although, the concepts are shown with a robust and rugged female connector design useful for outdoor applications, the concepts may be used with non-rugged or indoor female connector designs if desired. Various designs, constructions, or features for the female connectors and cable assemblies are disclosed in more detail as discussed herein and may be modified or varied as desired.

<FIG> depict a cable assembly <NUM> having an explanatory female connector <NUM> comprising a connection port opening (CPO) according to the concepts disclosed. <FIG> depict alternative configurations that may be used with the female connectors <NUM> disclosed. <FIG> show details of the construction for one explanatory cable assembly <NUM> having female connector <NUM>, and <FIG> are component views for the female connector <NUM>. <FIG> disclose the assembly steps for methods of making female connector <NUM> according to the concepts disclosed. <FIG> disclose another variation of the female connector <NUM> similar to the female connector shown in <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> are perspective views of an external plug connector (EPC) that may be mated with the female connector <NUM> for making an optical connection.

<FIG> are perspective views of an explanatory female connector <NUM> terminating a fiber optic cable <NUM>, thereby forming a cable assembly <NUM>. Female connector <NUM> comprises a connection port (CP) for receiving a mating fiber optic plug (i.e., and external plug connector). <FIG> depicts female connector <NUM> with a dust plug <NUM> disposed in the connection port (CP) for keeping dirt, debris and the like out of the connection port (CP) of female connector <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the female connector <NUM> with the dust plug <NUM> removed from the connection port (CP). Once dust plug <NUM> is removed from the connection port opening (CPO) access to the connection port (CP) is made available for inserting a complementary external plug connector (EPC) into the connection port (CP) for optical mating.

<FIG> shows an external plug connector (EPC) that may be aligned and inserted into the connection port opening (CPO) of the female connector <NUM> for optical mating in the connection port (CP) of the female connector <NUM>. The connection port opening (CPO) leads to a cavity of the female connector <NUM> that forms the connection port (CP).

An actuator <NUM> such as a rocker latch arm of the female connector <NUM> cooperates with a securing feature 101SF of the dust plug <NUM> shown in <FIG> or the securing feature (SFE) of the external plug connector (EPC) shown in <FIG>. For instance, the securing feature 101SF of the dust plug <NUM> or external plug connector (EPC) may be integrally formed in the dust plug or connector housing as a subtractive portion from a generally cylindrical geometry. Thus, no features such as a rotating coupling nut or bayonet that increases the size of the connector is required for mating.

The dust plug <NUM> or external plug connector (EPC) may be released from the connection port (CP) of the female connector <NUM> by pushing down on the latch release (LR) disposed on the female connector <NUM>. Pushing the latch release (LR) of the actuator such as pushing down on the latch release for moving the rocker latch arm <NUM> from the retain position shown in <FIG> to the release position shown in <FIG> as represented by the vertical arrow. As depicted, pushing the latch release (LR) with sufficient force pivots the rocker latch arm <NUM> comprising a latch <NUM> to a release position as represented by the vertical arrow. Rocker latch arm <NUM> comprises a pivot 70P suitable for pivoting relative to a main barrel <NUM>.

Actuator or rocker latch arm <NUM> may operate as a toggle between the release and retain positions like a light switch or the rocker latch arm <NUM> may be biased to a normally retain position by one or more resilient members <NUM>.

When the rocker latch arm <NUM> is biased to the normally-retain position, the external plug connector (EPC) may be secured in the connection port (CP) of the female connector <NUM> by pushing the external plug connector (EPC) into the connection port (CP). Specifically, the external plug connector (EPC) is rotationally aligned and pushed into the connection port (CP) of the female connector until a securing feature (SF) of the external plug connector (EPC) is secured by an actuator. Although, the explanatory concepts are depicted with an actuator configured as a rocker latch arm <NUM> of the female connector <NUM>, other suitable actuators are possible such as a slider or rotating collar that may be a single component or use multiple components for cooperating with the external plug connector (EPC) as shown in <FIG> Specifically, as the external plug connector (EPC) is pushed into the connection port (CP) the profile of the external plug connector (EPC) pushes the latch <NUM> upward allowing insertion of the external plug connector (EPC) until the securing feature (SFE) of the external plug connector (EPC) reaches the latch <NUM>. Once the securing feature (SFE) of the external plug connector (EPC) reaches the latch <NUM> of the rocker latch arm <NUM>, then the one or more resilient member <NUM> biasing the rocker latch arm <NUM> move to the latch <NUM> to the retain position and secure the external plug connector (EPC) in the connection port (CP) of the female connector <NUM> such as shown in <FIG>. Likewise, the securing of the dust plug <NUM> with its securing feature 101SF occurs in a similar manner as shown in <FIG>. Thus, mating between the female connector <NUM> and the external plug connector (EPC) or the dust plug <NUM> does not require turning a coupling nut or bayonet for making an optical connection.

Any suitable geometry or construction may be used for the actuator or rocker latch arm <NUM> of the female connector <NUM> disclosed herein. Also any suitable material may be used for the actuator or rocker latch arm <NUM> such as a polymer, metal or the like. Likewise, the one or more suitable resilient members <NUM> may be used for biasing the rocker latch arm <NUM> to a retain position. By way of example, the one or more resilient members <NUM> may be a coil spring, a leaf spring, a wave spring or a torsional spring as desired. <FIG> depict different constructions or arrangements for using one or more resilient members <NUM> for biasing the rocker latch arm <NUM> to a retain position. As depicted, rocker latch arm <NUM> comprises a portion that protrudes into the connection port (CP) of the female connector <NUM> when in the retain position.

<FIG> depict rocker latch arm <NUM> comprises latch <NUM> on a forward end 70FE and a spring push 70SP on a rear end (or biasing end) 70RE. A portion of the one or more resilient members <NUM> cooperate with the rear end or biasing end 70RE of the rocker latch arm as shown. Rocker latch arm <NUM> has a pivot point 70P disposed between the forward end 70FE and the rear end 70RE. The pivot point 70P allows the rocker latch arm <NUM> to pivot relative to the female connector <NUM>. As depicted, a main barrel <NUM> may comprise at least one slot <NUM> sized for receiving the latch <NUM> of the rocker latch arm <NUM>.

<FIG> show the rocker latch arm <NUM> being biased by one or more coil springs. When the rocker latch arm <NUM> is biased to the normally-retain position the latch <NUM> projects into the connection port (CP) as shown in <FIG>. When in the latch release 70LR of the rocker latch arm <NUM> is pushed downward with sufficient force the latch <NUM> moves to a position so it may release the device in the connection port such as no longer projecting into the connection port (CP) as shown in <FIG>. Select components of female connector <NUM> are not shown in <FIG> and 4Bb for the sake of clarity.

<FIG> shows a portion of female connector <NUM> with the rocker latch arm removed for showing the arrangement of components among an inner barrel <NUM>, main barrel <NUM> and one or more resilient members <NUM>. As depicted, the inner barrel <NUM> is disposed within the main barrel <NUM>. In this embodiment, inner barrel <NUM> has pockets (not numbered) for receiving a portion of the respective resilient members <NUM>. Moreover, main barrel <NUM> may be shaped for cooperating with the inner barrel <NUM> for creating pockets for the respective resilient members <NUM> such as arcuate cutouts or the like depending on the type of resilient member used. As shown in this embodiment, a portion of the one or more resilient members <NUM> is disposed between the inner barrel <NUM> and the main barrel <NUM>, but other arrangements are possible.

Main barrel <NUM> may also comprise a recess 60R sized for receiving a portion of the rocker latch arm <NUM> if desired. The recess 60R allows the rocker latch arm <NUM> to fit into main barrel <NUM> and providing a smaller footprint for the female connector <NUM>. Main barrel <NUM> may also comprises a pivot mount 60P. Pivot mount 60P may have any suitable structure for attaching the rocker latch arm <NUM>. For instance, the rocker latch arm <NUM> may have a snap-fit attachment or use a retainer 70R. Retainer 70R may be any suitable device such as a pin, a clip or the like for pivotally attaching the rocker latch arm <NUM> to the main barrel <NUM> as desired.

<FIG> depicts a plurality of resilient members <NUM> disposed within the female connector <NUM>. Specifically, two resilient members <NUM> are depicted for biasing the actuator of the female connector. In this case, a first resilient member <NUM> is disposed on a first side of recess 60R and a second resilient member <NUM> is disposed on a second side of recess 60R, but other arrangements are possible for the resilient members to bias the actuator. The first and second resilient members <NUM> are coil springs for biasing the rocker latch arm <NUM> to the normally-retain position when the female connector <NUM> is assembled. As shown, the pockets for the two resilient members are disposed on opposites sides and disposed under the rearward wings at the rear end 70RE of the rocker latch arm <NUM>. Of course, other types, counts or arrangements for the resilient member <NUM> are possible with the concepts for the female connectors <NUM> disclosed herein.

<FIG> shows the rocker latch arm <NUM> disposed within the recess 60R of main barrel <NUM> of the shown in <FIG>. One or more spring pushes 60P are disposed on a rear end 70RE of the rocker latch arm <NUM>. This particular rocker latch arm <NUM> has a plurality of spring pushes <NUM> for cooperating with the resilient members <NUM>. Specifically, this rocker latch arm has a first spring push 60P aligned over the first resilient member <NUM> and a second spring push 60P aligned over the second resilient member <NUM> at the rearward wings at the rear end 70RE. As depicted, the first and second spring pushes 60P are disposed on the outboard sides or wings of this rocker latch arm <NUM>, but other configurations or arrangements are possible according to the concepts disclosed. Further details of this rocker latch arm <NUM> are shown in <FIG>.

Although the female connector concepts disclosed are shown with a main barrel and an inner barrel it may be possible to use the concepts without using an inner barrel and have the features on a main barrel, but this would be outside the scope of the claims. Using a main barrel without an inner barrel would be more complex to manufacture and/or assembly, but may be possible.

<FIG> depict another arrangement for explanatory female connectors <NUM> using the concepts disclosed herein. <FIG> shows a portion of a portion of female connector <NUM> with the rocker latch arm removed for showing the arrangement of components among the inner barrel <NUM>, main barrel <NUM> and one or more resilient members <NUM>. In this embodiment, a single resilient member <NUM> is used for biasing the rocker latch arm <NUM> to the normally-retain position. Resilient member <NUM> is configured as a leaf spring in this embodiment. As shown, resilient member <NUM> has a first end that fits within a notch 60N in the main barrel <NUM>, and a second end disposed in a notch 70N disposed in the spring push 70SP of the rocker arm latch <NUM>. Rocker arm latch <NUM> of this embodiment operates in a similar manner as discussed herein.

<FIG> depict yet another arrangement for female connectors <NUM> using the concepts disclosed herein. <FIG> shows a single resilient member <NUM> is used for biasing the rocker latch arm <NUM> to the normally-retain position. Resilient member <NUM> is configured as a leaf spring in this embodiment. As shown, resilient member <NUM> has a first end that fits within a notch 60N in the main barrel <NUM>, and a second end disposed in a notch 70N disposed in the spring push 70SP of the rocker arm latch <NUM>. However, this embodiment of the resilient member <NUM> has a hairpin turn at the rear end for attaching to the spring push 70SP. Rocker arm latch <NUM> of this embodiment operates in a similar manner as discussed herein.

<FIG> depicts yet another arrangement for female connectors <NUM> using the concepts disclosed herein. <FIG> shows an partially exploded view of female connector <NUM> comprising rocker latch arm <NUM> that is biased by resilient member <NUM> to the normally-retain position. Although only a single resilient member <NUM> is shown a plurality of resilient members <NUM> may be concentrically disposed for biasing the spring push 70P of the rocker latch arm <NUM> to the normally-retain position. The resilient members <NUM> may have their restoring forces selected for tailoring the forces desired. In this embodiment, the rocker latch arm <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the main barrel <NUM> using a retainer 70R configured as a clip, but other retainers are possible for attaching the rocker latch arm <NUM> to the main barrel <NUM> such as a pin, screw, etc..

Still other types of resilient members may be used with the concepts disclosed. By way of example, <FIG> shows a resilient member <NUM> configured as a torsional spring that may be used with the concepts disclosed. Using one or more resilient members <NUM> configured as a torsional spring as shown may require a mounting for the coiled portion. However, it may also be possible for mounting the coiled portion at the pivot 70P, but this could increase the size of the female connector <NUM>.

The one or more resilient members <NUM> provide a suitable downward retention force (RF) for maintaining the latch <NUM> of the rocker latch arm <NUM> in the retain position as depicted in <FIG>. Moreover, the restoring force provided by the one or more resilient members <NUM> at the spring push 70SP of the rocker latch arm <NUM> may have a multiplying factor due to the position of the pivot 70P relative to the length of the rocker latch arm rearward of the pivot to the spring push 70SP versus the length of the arm forward of the pivot 70P to the latch <NUM>. In other words, the arm lengths for the rearward portion and the forward portion from the pivot may not be equal.

By way of explanation, the arm length from the pivot 70P to the spring push 70SP may have a normalized length of <NUM> unit, and the arm length from the pivot 70P to the latch 70P may have a normalized length of <NUM> units, thereby providing a multiplying factor to the restoring force (RF) provided by the one or more resilient members <NUM>. The downward retention force (RF) for maintaining the latch <NUM> in the retain position may have any suitable value. By way of example, the downward retention force (RF) for maintaining the rocker latch arm <NUM> or latch <NUM> in the retain position is between <NUM> Newtons and <NUM> Newtons (N). In other embodiments, the downward retention force (RF) for maintaining the rocker latch arm <NUM> or latch <NUM> in the retain position is between 7N and 12N, but other ranges for the downward retention force (RF) are possible using the concepts disclosed.

Still other arrangements are possible for biasing the rocker latch arm <NUM> to a normally-retain position. <FIG> is an exploded view of an explanatory female connector <NUM>, and <FIG> and <FIG> are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the fiber optic cable assembly <NUM> with the female connector <NUM>. <FIG> show details of the female connector <NUM> mating with a dust plug <NUM>, which are similar to how the female connector <NUM> mates with the external plug connector (EPC), and <FIG> shows the female connector <NUM> mated with the external plug connector (EPC). <FIG> is a detailed partial sectional view of the rear portion of the female connector <NUM> having the optional weatherproofing collar <NUM>, and <FIG> and <FIG> show another variation of the optional weatherproofing collar <NUM> with a different end profile.

The specific construction of the inner barrel <NUM> or main barrel <NUM> will depend on the type of resilient member <NUM> and/or rocker latch arm <NUM> used for the female connector <NUM>. Thus, the explanatory female connector <NUM> and components explained in further detail are shown as an example to explain the construction and assembly of the female connector <NUM> and not limitation for the concepts disclosed herein.

As depicted, the explanatory female connector <NUM> comprises a ferrule <NUM>, inner barrel <NUM>, main barrel <NUM> and rocker latch arm <NUM>. The rocker latch arm <NUM> may toggle between the retain and release positions like a light switch, thereby maintaining a retain position or a release position until the rocker latch arm is moved to the other position.

Alternatively, the female connector <NUM> may optionally comprise one or more resilient members <NUM> for biasing the rocker latch arm <NUM> to the normally-retain position as depicted. Like the other embodiments, a portion of the one or more resilient members <NUM> cooperates with rear end of the rocker latch arm <NUM> as shown. Again, rocker latch arm <NUM> comprises a pivot 70P suitable for pivoting relative to the main barrel <NUM> along with a latch <NUM> and a rear end 70RE, but other arrangements may be possible according to the concepts disclosed. As depicted in this embodiment, the resilient member <NUM> is configured as a leaf spring with a collar mount. This resilient member <NUM> shown in this embodiment is depicted in further detail in <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts dust plug <NUM> aligned with the connection port (CP) for the female connector <NUM> for insertion therein. Specifically, the keying portion 101KP of the dust plug <NUM> is aligned with the keying feature 60KP of the main barrel <NUM> as depicted. The keying feature 60KP may have any suitable shape such as a protrusion (i.e., key) or keyway. In this embodiment, the keying feature 60KP is configured as a male keying feature. The male keying feature protrudes into the connection port (CP) and inhibits the insertion of a non-compliant connector into the connector port (CP). The keying feature 60KP is clocked relative to the latch <NUM> of the rocker latch arm <NUM> in the desired orientation for mating with compliant devices.

By way of explanation and not limitation, the rocker latch arm <NUM> is disposed opposite from the keying feature 60KF on the main barrel (<NUM>). Consequently, the securing feature and keying portions on suitable mating devices will have a similar orientation to allow mating with the connection port. Consequently, the securing feature 101SF of the dust plug <NUM> is also disposed on the opposite side from the keying portion 101KP as shown in <FIG> (i.e., clocked about <NUM> degrees apart), thus the latch <NUM> of the rocker latch arm <NUM> is aligned with the securing feature 101SF of the dust plug when the keying portion 101KP is aligned with the keying feature 60KF of the main barrel <NUM>.

Other clocking orientations between the keying feature 60KF and the rocker latch arm <NUM> of the female connector <NUM> are also possible according to the concepts disclosed instead of being disposed on the opposite side of the main barrel <NUM> (i.e., about <NUM> degree apart). By way of explanation, the clocking orientation between the keying feature 60KF and rocker latch arm <NUM> may be about <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> degrees in either rotational direction as desired.

<FIG> shows the rocker latch arm <NUM> translating as the dust plug <NUM> is inserted into the connection port (CP) of female connector <NUM> as represented by the arrow pointing to the left. The external male plug connector (EPC) will also translate the rocker latch arm (<NUM>) as it is inserted into connection port (CP) of the female connector <NUM> in a similar manner, and it will not be illustrated for the sake of brevity. As depicted, as the dust plug <NUM> or external plug connector (EPC) is inserted into the connection port (CP) the housing pushes the latch <NUM> upward and depresses the resilient member <NUM> during the translation during insertion.

Once the dust plug <NUM> or external plug connector (EPC) is fully-inserted into the connection port (CP) so the latch <NUM> of the rocker latch arm <NUM> is aligned with the securing feature 101SF of the dust plug <NUM> or the securing feature (SFE) of the external plug connector (EPC), then the resilient member <NUM> biases the latch <NUM> to the normally-retain position as represented by the arrow shown in <FIG>, thereby securing the dust plug <NUM> or external plug connector (EPC) in the connection port (CP). <FIG> shows the external male plug connector received and retained within the connection port (CP) of the female connector <NUM> so the optical fibers its ferrule (EPC-F) are in a mated state with the optical fibers <NUM> disposed in ferrule <NUM> for optical communication therewith. Additionally, the female connector <NUM> may be constructed so that the dust plug <NUM> or external plug connector (EPC) are slightly pushed outward when the rocker latch arm <NUM> is translated to the release position.

The securing feature 101SF dust plug <NUM> or securing feature (SFE) of the external plug connector (SFC) may have any suitable geometry for cooperating with the latch <NUM> of the female connector <NUM>. By way of example, the securing feature 101SF of the dust plug <NUM> or securing feature (SFE) of the external plug connector (EPC) may be configured as a ramp with a ledge as the securing feature such as depicted in <FIG> or <FIG>. The ramp and ledge allow for a push and retain feature for securing the dust plug <NUM> or external plug connector (EPC) in the connection port (CP) of the female connector <NUM>. The securing feature may also comprise a flat portion disposed between the ramp and ledge if desired. Of course, other securing features or configurations are possible using the concepts disclosed herein.

The explanatory female connector <NUM> depicted may optionally comprise further components as desired. By way of explanation, female connector may further comprising a rear spring push <NUM>. Rear spring push <NUM> may perform one or more functions for female connector <NUM>. Rear spring push <NUM> be used for biasing inner barrel <NUM> to a forward position relative to main barrel <NUM>. Specifically, rear spring push <NUM> traps a spring <NUM> between the rear spring push <NUM> and the inner barrel <NUM>, thereby biasing the inner barrel <NUM> to a forward position relative to main barrel <NUM>.

Rear spring push <NUM> may also comprise a cable strain relief portion. The cable strain relief portion may have one or more apertures leading to a cavity that may be filled with an adhesive or the like for securing fiber optic cable <NUM> to the female connector <NUM>. Alternatively, a cable <NUM> may be strain-relieved to an outer portion of the rear spring push <NUM> depending on the cable construction. Other methods are also possible for securing fiber optic cable <NUM> to the female connector <NUM>. Moreover, embodiments of female connector <NUM> need not have the spring push <NUM>, and instead could incorporate features into the inner barrel <NUM> if desired, but this may result in a more complex part that is more difficult to manufacture.

As depicted, female connectors <NUM> may also optionally comprise a weatherproofing collar <NUM> if a ruggedized female connector is desired. As well-known to the skilled person, a ruggedized connector is suitable for outdoor plant applications and provides environmental protection that may be experienced in the outdoor environment. On the other hand, indoor optical connectors or optical connectors that are protected by an enclosure do not require the same type of protection from the environment as connectors used for outdoor applications.

Weatherproofing collar <NUM> is sized for being disposed about a portion of the main barrel <NUM> or female connector <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. As depicted, weatherproofing collar <NUM> covers the actuator such as the rocker latch arm <NUM> and inhibits dust, dirt, debris, moisture and the like from entering the female connector <NUM> at the interface between the rocker latch arm <NUM> and the main barrel <NUM> while allowing access to the connection port opening (CPO). Weatherproofing collar <NUM> may also comprise a marking indicia for indicating the location of the latch release of the rocker latch arm <NUM> to the user as depicted in <FIG>. Marking indicia may be a raised portion to provide a tactile indication or marking on the weatherproofing collar <NUM> for the location of the latch release.

Weatherproofing collar <NUM> may be formed by any suitable material that provides environmental protection of the female connector <NUM> while still allowing the rocker latch arm <NUM> to translate between the retain position and the release position, and vice versa. Weatherproofing collar <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material for the desired environment. By way of example, weatherproofing collar <NUM> may be formed from an elastomeric material or other rubber-like material suitable for an outdoor environment. Generally speaking, using an elastomeric material for the weatherproofing collar <NUM> allows deformation of the weatherproofing collar <NUM> under load while being able to restore (or mostly restore) to its original shape when the load is removed. Moreover, elastomeric materials have a relatively high tear strength, are highly waterproof and resist corrosion, thereby making them a good candidate for the weatherproof collar <NUM>. Consequently, the weatherproofing collar <NUM> may directly interface with the actuator of the female connector for moving from a normally-retain position to a release position during operation without tearing and then returning to its original shape while still providing suitable protection from dirt, debris, moisture and the like for weatherproofing female connector.

The weatherproofing collar <NUM> comprises a longitudinal cylinder having open ends so it may be slid over a portion of the female connector <NUM>. One or more of the open ends of the weatherproofing collar <NUM> may be attached or sealed at the respective end to the female connector <NUM> using any suitable means if desired. The attaching or sealing of the one or more ends of the weatherproofing collar <NUM> may use a separate component or not. By way of example, the one or more ends of the weatherproofing collar <NUM> may be sealed using an adhesive, a crimp-band, a clip such as a circlip, a cap, heat-staking, ultra-sonic welding, or the like.

The weatherproofing collar <NUM> may also have other features for aiding in the attachment or sealing of one or more ends. For instance, the respective ends of weatherproofing collar <NUM> may comprise one or more ends with an integrally-formed sealing portion 80SL such as shown in <FIG>.

By way of explanation, sealing portions 80SL may have enlarged lips about the perimeter at one or more ends, thereby providing material that may be compressed for creating a weatherproof seal at the ends of the weatherproofing collar <NUM>. Likewise, portions of the female connector <NUM> such as a front portion of the main barrel <NUM> or the rear spring push <NUM> may have geometry for cooperating with the one or more ends of the weatherproofing collar <NUM>. For instance, portions of the female connector <NUM> may have recesses or grooves for seating the sealing portion 80SL of the weatherproofing collar <NUM>. In other variations, portions of the female connector <NUM> may have slightly out of round outer geometry where the sealing portions 80SL of the weatherproofing collar <NUM> engage. Other sealing portions 80SL for the weatherproofing collar <NUM> may include reservoirs or cavities for receiving an adhesive, material for sonic-welding or the like.

By way of one specific example, one or more caps <NUM> may be disposed at the interface between the ends of weatherproofing collar <NUM> and the female connector <NUM>. One or more caps <NUM> cooperate with the weatherproofing collar <NUM> for attaching or sealing the respective ends of the same for inhibiting dirt, debris or moisture from. Caps <NUM> can compress the sealing portions 80SL of the weatherproofing collar <NUM> for inhibiting the ingress of dust, dirt, debris, moisture or the like at the one or more ends of the weatherproofing collar <NUM>.

The geometry on respective portions of the female connector <NUM> may have geometry such as grooves, recesses or shoulders that cooperates with structure on the one or more caps <NUM> or other suitable component for aiding in the attachment of sealing such as by compression of a portion of one or more ends of the weatherproofing collar <NUM>. In addition to the geometry on the female connector <NUM>, the geometry of the one or more ends of the weatherproofing collar <NUM> may be tailored to cooperate with the cap <NUM> or other component for attaching or sealing the one or more ends. For instance, the one or more ends of the weatherproofing collar <NUM> may have rounded end shaped like a portion of an O-ring that may be compressed by cap <NUM>. Likewise, the one or more ends of the weatherproof collar may have step-down shoulders and/or tapered end portions that fit into a groove or recess of the female connector <NUM> and cooperate with cap <NUM> or other like component. Cap <NUM> or other component may rotate for engaging the weatherproofing collar <NUM> or not depending on the design. In other embodiments, cap <NUM> or other component may push straight-on into position without rotating.

<FIG> and <FIG> show partial sectional views of the rear portion of the female connector <NUM> taken along orthogonal sections depicting another optional weatherproofing collar <NUM> having a different end profile from the weatherproofing collar of <FIG>. As shown, the weatherproofing collar <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> comprises an end profile having a stepped-down shoulder that fits into the groove <NUM> of the main barrel <NUM>. This embodiment allows a robust sealing interface between the weatherproofing collar <NUM> and the main barrel and may be used with or without a cap <NUM> as desired. Of course, still other methods or structures are possible for attaching or sealing the weatherproofing collar <NUM> to female connector <NUM>.

Ferrule <NUM> comprises one or more bores <NUM> as best shown in <FIG> for attaching one or more optical fibers <NUM> as known in the art. By way of example, ferrule <NUM> may be a MT, MPO ferrule, but other suitable ferrule are possible using the disclosed concepts such as one or more single fiber ferrules. When assembled, ferrule <NUM> is disposed within inner barrel <NUM>.

Ferrule <NUM> may also be associated with other components as desired and may depend on the type of ferrule used by the female connector. In this embodiment, ferrule <NUM> is an MT or MTP® ferrule that may use alignment pins 30AP for mating with a complementary ferrule of the external plug connector (EPC) such as depicted in <FIG>. Alignment pins 30AP are sized for cooperating with alignment bores 30B of ferrule <NUM> and provide precision alignment between mating ferrules of the female connector <NUM> and the external plug connector (EPC). Other ferrules may not require alignment pins 30AP or the alignment pins may be disposed on the external plug connector (EPC) if desired.

Ferrule <NUM> may be associated with other components as well such as a spring <NUM>. As shown, the ferrule <NUM> may be biased to a forward position within inner barrel <NUM> using spring <NUM>. Spring <NUM> may be captured within the inner barrel <NUM> using a spring push 30SP.

Detailed views of components for the explanatory female connector <NUM> of <FIG> are shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> depicts an alternative inner barrel <NUM> as a further example of how components may different depending of the design. Specifically, <FIG> and <FIG> show detailed views of inner barrel <NUM>, <FIG> and <FIG> show detailed views of main barrel <NUM>, <FIG> show detailed views of rocker latch arm <NUM>, and <FIG> show detailed views of the resilient member <NUM>, and <FIG> and <FIG> show detailed views of the spring push <NUM>. Another explanatory female connector <NUM> similar to the female connector <NUM> of <FIG> is shown in <FIG>. The features and components for the explanatory female connectors will now be explained in further detail.

As best depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, inner barrel <NUM> comprises an inner barrel rear end <NUM> and an inner barrel front end <NUM> with an inner barrel passageway <NUM> extending from the inner barrel rear end <NUM> to the inner barrel front end <NUM>. The inner barrel rear end <NUM> of inner barrel <NUM> comprises an inner barrel rear end opening 21o sized for receiving the ferrule <NUM>.

To assemble the ferrule <NUM> within the inner barrel <NUM> of female connector <NUM> the optical fibers <NUM> of fiber optic cable <NUM> are attached to ferrule <NUM>, and then the alignment pins 30AP may be attached to the ferrule if used. The ferrule <NUM> with the alignment pins 30AP may be inserted into the inner barrel <NUM> from the inner barrel rear end opening 21o and the spring <NUM> and a ferrule spring push 30SP are slid forward so the spring push 30SP is attached to the inner barrel <NUM> for biasing the ferrule <NUM> to a forward position within the inner barrel <NUM>. Spring push <NUM> may be attached to inner barrel in any suitable manner.

As best shown in <FIG>, inner barrel comprises a ferrule stop 20FS within the longitudinal passageway <NUM> acting as a forward stop for the ferrule <NUM>. Spring <NUM> biases the ferrule <NUM> forward to the ferrule stop 20FS. Ferrule stop 20FS limits travel of the ferrule <NUM> to the front of inner barrel <NUM>, but the ferrule <NUM> is allowed to move rearward during mating as needed subject to the restoring forward-force of the spring <NUM>. Spring <NUM> aids in maintaining physical contact between optical fibers <NUM> disposed in the ferrule <NUM> when the female connector is in a mated state for optical connection.

Ferrule stop 20FS also defines a window (not numbered) for coarse alignment of the ferrule <NUM> within the inner barrel <NUM>. In this embodiment, the ferrule window is a rectangular opening sized for an MT ferrule, but other shapes or sized may be used depending on the type of ferrule used in the female connector <NUM>. Specifically, the window adjacent to ferrule stop 20FS is sized for a ferrule width FW and a ferrule height FH as shown in <FIG>, while not allowing a ferrule shoulder <NUM> to pass thru the window of the inner barrel <NUM>.

The disclosed female connector <NUM> may allow limited movement or "float" of the ferrule within the connector in the unmated state for allowing limited movement of the ferrule during mating with a complimentary device. The limited movement or "float" of the ferrule during mating allows two degrees of freedom of movement (X- and Y-axis) of the ferrule during mating. By way of example, the ferrule is allowed limited movement between about <NUM>-<NUM> microns of movement in the two degrees of freedom for allowing the ferrule to "float" in the unmated state, but other ranges of limited movement are possible for the movement of the ferrule within the connector. For instance, the ferrule may allowed limited movement between about <NUM>-<NUM> microns in the two degrees of freedom (X and Y directions) for allowing the ferrule to "float" within the connector in the unmated state, or the ferrule may allowed limited movement between about <NUM>-<NUM> microns of movement in the two degrees of freedom, thereby allowing the ferrule to "float" within the connector in the unmated state.

Inner barrel <NUM> may also include one or more windows 20W or other features for cooperating with retaining features such as latches or protrusions on the spring push 30SP for retaining the ferrule <NUM> and spring <NUM> within the inner barrel <NUM>. Windows 20W are sized for receiving latches or protrusions on the ferrule spring push 30SP, thereby providing a snap-fit construction, but other structures are possible.

Inner barrel <NUM> may also comprise one or more retention features for attaching spring push thereto. For instance, retention features of inner barrel may be latch arms 20LA comprising latches <NUM>. Latch arms 20LA allow the spring push <NUM> to attach to the inner barrel <NUM> in a quick and reliable manner by deflecting inward until the proper position is reached at which point the latch arm spring outward. Specifically, the latches <NUM> on latch arms 20LA may snap-fit into retention features on the spring push <NUM> such as windows or recesses 50W. However, other structures or arrangements are possible for assembling the components. The inner barrel <NUM> depicted in <FIG> and <FIG> also has a recess 20R for allowing deflection of a portion of resilient member <NUM>. In this embodiment, inner barrel <NUM> may fit into the main barrel in either orientation (i.e., up or down) since the part is symmetrical; however, the inner barrel <NUM> may be constructed so that it only fits into the main barrel <NUM> in one orientation such as shown in <FIG>.

The front portion of passageway <NUM> of inner barrel <NUM> may also comprise a mating connector housing alignment feature (not numbered). Mating connector housing alignment feature is sized and shaped for receiving a front portion of the housing of the external plug connector (EPC) intended to be received within the connection port (CP) of female connector <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, which also aids in alignment of ferrules so that alignment pins 30AP may properly align and engage during mating. Inner barrel <NUM> may also include a shoulder <NUM>. Shoulder <NUM> is sized for allowing spring <NUM> to seat to the shoulder <NUM>, thereby biasing inner barrel <NUM> a forward position in the main barrel <NUM>. Shoulder <NUM> also cooperates with the passageway <NUM> of main barrel <NUM> for properly aligning the inner barrel <NUM> within the main barrel <NUM>.

Spring push <NUM> comprises a passageway <NUM> from a spring push front end <NUM> to a spring push rear end <NUM>. A spring seat 50SS is disposed at the front end <NUM> and acts a rear stop for trapping the spring <NUM> for biasing the inner barrel <NUM> forward when assembled as best shown in <FIG>. Spring push <NUM> also comprises one or more retention features <NUM> such as snaps for engaging with the one or more windows 60W of the main barrel <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, main barrel <NUM> comprises a main barrel rear end <NUM> and a main barrel front end <NUM> with a main barrel passageway <NUM> extending from the main barrel rear end <NUM> to the main barrel front end <NUM>. The main barrel rear end <NUM> comprises a main barrel rear end opening 61o sized for receiving the inner barrel <NUM>, and the main barrel front end <NUM> comprises a connection port opening (CPO). The connector port opening leads to a connection port (CP) that forms a cavity for receiving a portion of the external plug connector (EPC) as shown in <FIG>.

Main barrel <NUM> may also comprise a recess 60R shaped for receiving a portion of the rocker latch arm <NUM>. The shape and size of the recess may depend on the specific rocker latch arm <NUM> used. Main barrel <NUM> may also comprise at least one slot <NUM> sized for receiving a latch <NUM> of the rocker latch arm <NUM>. Slot <NUM> allow a portion of the rocker latch arm <NUM> to protrude into the connection port (CP) when in the retain position. As depicted in this embodiment, the slot <NUM> is disposed in the recess 60R.

Main barrel <NUM> may also include a pivot 60P formed therein. The pivot 60R allows attachment of the rocker latch arm <NUM> thereto in a pivoting manner. The pivot may allow direct attachment of the rocker latch arm or attachment of retainer 70R for attachment of the rocker latch arm <NUM> as desired. The main barrel <NUM> may also include a recess window 60RW rearward of the pivot 60P for allowing the rear end 70RE of the rocker latch arm to engage with the one or more resilient members <NUM>. Main barrel <NUM> may also comprise one or more retention features for attachment. For instance, the main barrel <NUM> may comprise one or more windows 60W for attaching the main barrel <NUM> to the spring push <NUM>. However, other structures are possible for securing the main barrel <NUM> such as a recess or latch as desired.

Main barrel <NUM> has a generally round shape or cylindrical sleeve with one or more features integrally formed in the primitive geometry of the cylindrical sleeve as discussed and shown. For instance, main barrel may also comprise a groove <NUM>. Groove <NUM> and/or other structure that may allow for the compression of the end of the weatherproofing collar <NUM> using cap <NUM> at the front end. Likewise, the spring push <NUM> may have a groove <NUM> and/or other structure that may allow for the compression of the end of the weatherproofing collar <NUM> using cap <NUM> at the rear end. By way of explanation, a chamfered edge may be adjacent to the groove <NUM>,<NUM> to inhibit sharp bends of the weatherproof collar and one or more ridge may be on the other side of the groove <NUM>,<NUM> to allow seating of the cap <NUM> to the female connector <NUM>.

Female connector <NUM> may include an interface between the inner barrel <NUM> and main barrel <NUM> with one or more clocking features for rotational alignment during assembly. While the complimentary alignment feature on inner barrel <NUM> may be a protrusion such as male key and a keyway on the main barrel <NUM>. However, the alignment features could be reversed with suitable geometry. Moreover, inner barrel <NUM> and main barrel <NUM> do not require an alignment feature; however, the use of the alignment features allow assembly of the inner barrel <NUM> and main barrel <NUM> in only a single orientation if desired.

Main barrel <NUM> may include still other features if desired. For instance, main barrel <NUM> may further comprise a suitable keying feature. By way of example, main barrel <NUM> comprises a keying feature (60KF). Keying feature 60KF is disposed within the connection port (CP). One arrangement may have the keying feature 60KF integrally formed in the main barrel <NUM>. As an example, keying feature 60KF may be a male keying feature. In this case, the keying feature 60KF protrudes from an inner wall of the main barrel <NUM> for cooperating with the keying portion 101KP on the dust plug <NUM> as shown in <FIG> or the keying portion KP on the external plug connector (EPC) such as shown in <FIG>. Keying feature 60KF of main barrel may have a specific orientation relative to the rocker latch arm <NUM>. For instance, the rocker latch arm <NUM> may be disposed on the opposite side) from the keying feature 60KP (i.e., about <NUM> degrees apart) on the main barrel <NUM>, but other orientations are possible as well.

Main barrel <NUM> or inner barrel <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material(s) such as a polymer, metal, composite, etc. The materials selected may depend on the construction or intended environment. For instance, if the female connector is intended for outdoor environments then the main barrel <NUM> may be formed from a UV stabilized material. As another example, the material of the inner barrel <NUM> may depend on the method used for securing the cable <NUM> to the female connector <NUM>. For instance, if inner barrel <NUM> was intended to receive an adhesive for securing the cable <NUM>, then the connector housing <NUM> would be made from a suitable material to cooperate with the adhesive. Likewise, other components may use different materials as well depending on the desired characteristics or geometry desired.

<FIG> depict rocker latch arm <NUM> as discussed herein. This rocker latch arm <NUM> comprises a pass-through hole (not numbered) at the pivot 70P for attaching the rocker latch arm <NUM> to the main barrel <NUM> using retainer 70R such as a pin, screw or the like. The rearward end 70RE of rocker latch arm <NUM> comprises a spring push 70SP with an alignment feature 70AF for cooperating with the resilient member <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. The front end 70FE of rocker latch arm <NUM> comprises a latch <NUM>. This embodiment of rocker latch arm <NUM> additionally comprises a pull-back feature 70PBF at the forward end 70FE. Pull-back feature 70PBF aids in retaining the external plug connector (EPC) in the connection port (CP) of female connector <NUM> in case a pulling force is applied to the external plug connector (EPC), thereby inhibiting an inadvertent removal of the external plug connector (EPC) from the female connector <NUM>. However, the female connector <NUM> may be designed so that the female connector <NUM> releases the external plug connector (EPC) at a predetermined pull-out force for inhibiting damage to the female connector <NUM> if desired.

<FIG> depict another resilient member <NUM> that may be used with the female connectors <NUM> discussed herein. This resilient member <NUM> is configured as a leaf spring comprising a collar 75C having a cantilevered arm 75CA extending therefrom. The deflection of the cantilevered arm <NUM> relative to a collar 75C by the spring push 70SP of the rocker latch arm <NUM> provides the restoring spring force. The cantilevered arm 75CA comprises an alignment feature 75AF for cooperating with the alignment feature 70AF on the rocker latch arm <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Collar 75c is sized so that it may slid onto inner barrel <NUM> and is used for securing the resilient member <NUM>. Collar 75A comprises an alignment portion 75AP for aiding in the rotational alignment of the resilient member <NUM> on the inner barrel <NUM>. As discussed herein, female connectors <NUM> may have different resilient members or constructions as well.

<FIG> and <FIG> are detailed views of the rear spring push <NUM>. As discussed, spring push <NUM> comprises a passageway <NUM> from a spring push front end <NUM> to a spring push rear end <NUM>. A spring push 50SS also comprises one or more retention features 50W for attaching to the inner barrel <NUM>. As depicted, retention features 50W for cooperating with the latch arms 20LA of inner barrel <NUM>, but other structures are possible for attaching the inner barrel <NUM> with the spring push <NUM>. Spring push <NUM> also includes a rear portion with a stepped profile for attaching one or more heat shrinks <NUM> or boot <NUM>. For instance, spring push <NUM> may comprise a first portion <NUM> with a first diameter for attaching a portion of heat shrink <NUM> to provide an environmental seal between the cable <NUM> and female connector <NUM>. First portion <NUM> may comprise one or more ribs 20R for securing the heat shrink <NUM> in a robust manner. Likewise, spring push <NUM> may have a second portion <NUM> with a second diameter for attaching a connector boot <NUM> and may also have ribs 50R if desired.

<FIG> depicts another inner barrel <NUM> that may be used with female connectors <NUM> disclosed herein. This inner barrel <NUM> has a keying feature 20KF so that it may only fit properly within main barrel <NUM> in one orientation. Moreover, the inner barrel <NUM> may have geometry tailored for the specific resilient members <NUM> used in the female connector <NUM>. This inner barrel <NUM> also comprises latch arms 20LA that have a different orientation for securing to the spring push <NUM>, but they work in a similar fashion as described herein Other geometry may be use for the inner barrel <NUM> or with other components using the concepts disclosed.

<FIG> show an explanatory method for making the fiber optic cable assemblies <NUM> having female connectors <NUM> as disclosed herein. Cable assemblies <NUM> are formed by terminating cable <NUM> with female connector <NUM>. Other methods may be used for terminating cables <NUM> with female connectors.

<FIG> depicts sliding the desired components of female connector <NUM> onto the cable <NUM> having an optical fiber <NUM>. As depicted, boot <NUM>, heat shrink <NUM> and cap <NUM> are threaded onto cable <NUM> in the desired order. Cable <NUM> may be prepared in any suitable manner and may depend on the type of cable being terminated. Preparation of cable <NUM> typically comprises exposing the optical fiber <NUM> and prepping any other cable components as desired for termination such as strength members <NUM> or cable jacket <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, cable <NUM> is prepared so that optical fibers <NUM> and strength members <NUM> extend beyond cable jacket <NUM>. Strength members <NUM> may be any suitable type such as rigid glass-reinforced plastic (GRPs) or flexible yarns such as aramid or fiberglass. The cable construction may influence how the cable <NUM> is secured to the female connector <NUM>, and may be accomplished in a variety of manners.

<FIG> depicts a plug <NUM> and spring push <NUM> being positioned on the cable <NUM>. Optional plug <NUM> that may be placed about the optical fibers <NUM> for inhibiting adhesive or the like from leaking into the forward portion of the spring push <NUM> of the female connector <NUM>. The forward portion of the spring push provides an area so that the optical fibers are free to move as needed during use. <FIG> depicts the ferrule spring push 30SP and ferrule spring <NUM> being threaded onto the optical fibers <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts attaching one or more optical fibers <NUM> of cable <NUM> to ferrule <NUM>. Ferrule <NUM> comprises a plurality of bores <NUM> for receiving one or more optical fibers <NUM>. Optical fibers <NUM> are secured to ferrule <NUM> in a suitable fashion such as adhesive like a UV or heat curable material, but other processes are possible. Thereafter, the end face of ferrule <NUM> may be polished or finished as known in the art. <FIG> shows alignment pins 30AP and/or pin keeper being attached to the ferrule <NUM> if used.

<FIG> is a detailed view of ferrule <NUM> showing optical fibers <NUM> at the front face of ferrule <NUM>. As depicted, ferrule <NUM> may comprise a ferrule body having ferrule shoulder <NUM> at the rear along with alignment bores 30B for receiving alignment pins as known in the art. If a ferrule boot <NUM> is used, then the optical fibers <NUM> are threaded through the ferrule boot <NUM> before inserting and attaching the optical fibers to the ferrule <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts inserting the ferrule <NUM> into a passageway <NUM> of inner barrel <NUM> by inserting the ferrule <NUM> from the inner barrel rear opening 21o. The ferrule spring <NUM> and ferrule spring push 30SP are slid up into inner housing so that the spring push 30SP is attached to the inner barrel <NUM> as discussed herein. Thus, ferrule <NUM> is biased to the forward position by ferrule spring <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the inner barrel <NUM> attached to the rear spring push <NUM> and capturing spring <NUM> between the inner barrel <NUM> and rear spring push <NUM> as shown.

Cable <NUM> may be secured to the spring push at any suitable step during the process. Rear spring push <NUM> may have one or more apertures 50A for placing an adhesive such as epoxy, glue, resin, radiation-curable, polymer (cured using an ultrasonic or induction welding process) or other such materials for securing cable <NUM> to the rear spring push <NUM>. The adhesive or the like is placed into the rear spring push <NUM> for securing the cable <NUM> to female connector <NUM>. A second aperture on spring push <NUM> allows air to escape and adhesive or the like to wick about the cable <NUM> and fill the passageway <NUM> of spring push <NUM>. The adhesive may secure the cable <NUM>, one or more optical fibers <NUM> and one or more strength members <NUM> to the female connector <NUM> for strain relief if desired. As used herein, "adhesive" means any suitable material for securing the cable <NUM> to connector housing <NUM>.

Of course, the spring push <NUM> may be secured to cable <NUM> or a portion of cable <NUM> in any suitable fashion. For instance, rear spring push <NUM> may be terminated or secured to strength members <NUM> of cable <NUM> using other manners such as a crimp if desired. The type of strength members <NUM> may depend on the type of cable terminated to the connector and may include tensile yarns, fiberglass rods or the like. The concepts of female connector <NUM> may be modified to use any suitable cable type such as by modifying the passageway of the spring push <NUM> and/or other components as desired.

Fiber optic cable assemblies may be formed by securing the fiber optic cable to the female connector in any suitable fashion such as using an adhesive, crimp or the like, but other methods of attaching the cable to connector are possible. Consequently, the disclosed connector design is highly-adaptable to a wide variety of fiber optic cables of various shapes and/or construction for different customer requirements or preferences. For instance, the connector may be terminated to fiber optic cables comprising a round cross-section or a non-round cross-section as desired. Likewise, the connector may be terminated to cables having rigid strength members such as GRPs or flexible yarn-like strength members such as aramid, fiberglass or the like.

In other variations, the outer jacket or strength members could be shaved to fit inside the passageway <NUM> of rear spring push <NUM> to fit an oversized cable or shaping the cable to the passageway <NUM>. Moreover, shaving the cable <NUM> may improve the adhesion to the cable <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts placing the one or more resilient members <NUM> on the female connector <NUM>. In this embodiment, resilient member <NUM> is slid onto the inner barrel <NUM>, but other constructions may place the resilient members <NUM> in place after the main barrel is attached. <FIG> depicts placing the inner barrel <NUM> within the main barrel <NUM> from the main barrel rear opening 61o sized for receiving the inner barrel. <FIG> depicts attaching the rocker latch arm <NUM> to the main barrel <NUM>.

<FIG> shows heat shrink <NUM> that may be installed over the rear portion of the rear spring push <NUM> and a portion of cable <NUM>. Rear spring push <NUM> may have on or more ribs for providing a gripping surface for the heat shrink <NUM>. Using a heat shrink aids in making a weather-proof interface between the cable <NUM> and connector <NUM> Any suitable size or type of heat shrink such as an adhesive lined heat shrink may be used for sealing or securing components as desired. <FIG> shows weatherproofing collar <NUM> placed about a portion of the main barrel <NUM>, and <FIG> depicts the caps <NUM> attached at the respective ends of the weatherproofing collar <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a boot <NUM> attached to a rear portion of rear spring push <NUM>. Ribs may also be used for providing a gripping surface for boot <NUM> if desired. Boot <NUM> may not omitted if desired, but can provided improved side-pull performance for the cable assembly.

The concepts disclosed also enable smaller footprints for the female connector <NUM>. By way of example, female connector <NUM> may have an outer diameter of <NUM> millimeters or smaller, or may even be <NUM> millimeters of smaller for the outer diameter taken transverse to the longitudinal axis of the female connector looking into the connection port opening (CPO) but other sizes are possible.

Explanatory female connectors <NUM> avoid bulky mating structures such as a coupling nut or bayonet used with conventional connectors. In other words, conventional connectors have threaded, bayonet, or push-pull connections that require finger access for connection and disconnecting. By eliminating the structures such as threaded coupling nuts or bayonets (which is a separate component that must rotate about the connector) the size of the female connector may be reduced while also allowing quick and easy mating with the external plug connector. Also eliminating the dedicated coupling nut from the conventional connectors also allows the footprint of the connectors to be smaller, and arrays of connectors to likewise be more compact.

Other variations and modifications are possible for the female connector concepts disclosed. By way of explanation, <FIG> depict views of another explanatory female fiber optic connector having an actuator similar to the explanatory female fiber optic connector of <FIG>, but uses two resilient members <NUM> for biasing the actuator to a normally retain position such as depicted in <FIG>. As shown in the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, this design of female connector <NUM> is similar to the embodiments described herein, but may be easier to assemble and/or manufacture and most of the parts are the same or similar to those described herein.

By way of explanation, this embodiment of female connector <NUM> also comprises a spring seat <NUM> for resilient member <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. Spring seat <NUM> is a separate component for aiding in the assembly of the female connector <NUM>, compared with the spring seat that was integrally formed in the inner barrel <NUM> as a shoulder and shown in <FIG> of the connector of <FIG>. The spring seat <NUM> is configured as a collar that can slide over a rear end <NUM> of the inner barrel <NUM> and be attached by rotating relative to the inner barrel <NUM>, thereby allowing the piece to move until attached. Using a separate spring seat <NUM> allows more room for optical fiber movement or manipulation during assembly. Additionally, the inner barrel <NUM> of this embodiment does not include latch arms that cooperate with the spring push <NUM> shown in <FIG>. sealing portions 80SL may have enlarged lips about the perimeter, thereby providing material that may be compressed for creating a weatherproof seal at the ends of the weatherproofing collar <NUM>.

<FIG> depict inner barrel <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> that is similar to the inner barrel <NUM> of <FIG>. This embodiment of female connector <NUM> comprises a spring seat <NUM> that is a separate component as shown. Inner barrel <NUM> comprises an inner barrel rear end <NUM> and an inner barrel front end <NUM> with an inner barrel passageway <NUM> extending from the inner barrel rear end <NUM> to the inner barrel front end <NUM>. The inner barrel rear end <NUM> of inner barrel <NUM> comprises an inner barrel rear end opening 21o sized for receiving the ferrule <NUM>.

To assemble the ferrule <NUM> within the inner barrel <NUM> of female connector <NUM> the optical fibers <NUM> of fiber optic cable <NUM> are attached to ferrule <NUM>, and then the alignment pins 30AP may be attached to the ferrule if used. The ferrule <NUM> with the alignment pins 30AP may be inserted into the inner barrel <NUM> from the inner barrel rear end opening 21o and the spring <NUM> and a ferrule spring push 30SP are slid forward so the spring push 30SP is attached to the inner barrel <NUM> using windows 20W for a snap-fit assembly and biasing the ferrule <NUM> to a forward position within the inner barrel <NUM> as discussed herein.

Inner barrel <NUM> also comprises a ferrule stop 20FS within the longitudinal passageway <NUM> acting as a forward stop for the ferrule <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Spring <NUM> biases the ferrule <NUM> forward to the ferrule stop 20FS. Ferrule stop 20FS limits travel of the ferrule <NUM> to the front of inner barrel <NUM>, but the ferrule <NUM> is allowed to move rearward during mating as needed subject to the restoring forward-force of the spring <NUM>. Spring <NUM> aids in maintaining physical contact between optical fibers <NUM> disposed in the ferrule <NUM> when the female connector is in a mated state for optical connection. Ferrule stop 20FS also defines a window (not numbered) for coarse alignment of the ferrule <NUM> within the inner barrel <NUM>. In this embodiment, the ferrule window is a rectangular opening sized for an MT ferrule, but other shapes or sized may be used depending on the type of ferrule used in the female connector <NUM>. As discussed herein, the window adjacent to ferrule stop 20FS is sized for a ferrule width FW and a ferrule height FH, while not allowing a ferrule shoulder <NUM> to pass thru the window of the inner barrel <NUM>. Likewise, this female connector <NUM> may allow limited movement or "float" of the ferrule within the connector in the unmated state for allowing limited movement of the ferrule during mating with a complimentary device.

Likewise, this inner barrel <NUM> has a keying feature 20KF so that it may only fit properly within main barrel <NUM> in one orientation. Moreover, the inner barrel <NUM> may have geometry tailored for the specific resilient members <NUM> used in the female connector <NUM>.

<FIG> shows main barrel <NUM> of <FIG> comprising the main barrel rear end <NUM> and the main barrel front end <NUM> with the main barrel passageway <NUM> extending from the main barrel rear end <NUM> to the main barrel front end <NUM>. The main barrel rear end <NUM> comprises the main barrel rear end opening 61o sized for receiving the inner barrel <NUM>, and the main barrel front end <NUM> comprises the connection port opening (CPO). The connector port opening leads to a connection port (CP) that forms a cavity for receiving a portion of the external plug connector (EPC) as shown.

Main barrel <NUM> may also comprises recess 60R shaped for receiving a portion of the rocker latch arm <NUM>. The shape and size of the recess may depend on the specific rocker latch arm <NUM> used. Main barrel <NUM> may also comprise at least one slot <NUM> sized for receiving a latch <NUM> of the rocker latch arm <NUM>. Slot <NUM> allow a portion of the rocker latch arm <NUM> to protrude into the connection port (CP) when in the retain position. As depicted in this embodiment, the slot <NUM> is disposed in the recess 60R.

Main barrel <NUM> also includes pivot 60P formed therein. The pivot 60R allows attachment of the actuator or rocker latch arm <NUM> thereto in a pivoting manner. The pivot may allow direct attachment of the rocker latch arm or attachment of retainer 70R for attachment of the rocker latch arm <NUM> as desired. The main barrel <NUM> may also include recess window 60RW rearward of the pivot 60P for allowing the rear end 70RE of the rocker latch arm to engage with the one or more resilient members <NUM>. Main barrel <NUM> may also comprise one or more retention features for attachment. For instance, the main barrel <NUM> may comprise one or more windows 60W for attaching the main barrel <NUM> to the spring push <NUM>. This embodiment of main barrel <NUM> also include flexure slots 60FS for aiding assembly.

Main barrel <NUM> has a generally round shape or cylindrical sleeve with one or more features integrally formed in the primitive geometry of the cylindrical sleeve as discussed and shown. For instance, main barrel may also comprise a groove <NUM>. Groove <NUM> and/or other structure that may allow for the compression of the end of the weatherproofing collar <NUM> using cap <NUM> at the front end or receiving adhesive, welding materials or the like if desired. For instance, weatherproofing collar <NUM> may have sealing portions 80SL with enlarged lips about the perimeter such as a O-ring type-shape, thereby providing material that may be compressed for creating a weatherproof seal at the ends of the weatherproofing collar <NUM>. Likewise, the spring push <NUM> may have a groove <NUM> and/or other structure that may allow for the compression of the end of the weatherproofing collar <NUM> using cap <NUM> at the rear end.

The female connector <NUM> of <FIG> may include other features or structure as discussed. For instance, the female connector <NUM> may include an interface between the inner barrel <NUM> and main barrel <NUM> with one or more clocking features for rotational alignment during assembly.

<FIG> depict detailed views of rocker latch arm <NUM> of the female connector <NUM>. This rocker latch arm <NUM> comprises a pass-through hole (not numbered) at the pivot 70P for attaching the rocker latch arm <NUM> to the main barrel <NUM> using retainer 70R such as a pin, screw or the like. The rearward end 70RE of rocker latch arm <NUM> comprises two spring pushes 70SP located at the outboard wings on opposite sides with each spring push 70SP having a respective alignment feature 70AF for cooperating with the resilient member <NUM> such as the coil spring. The front end 70FE of rocker latch arm <NUM> comprises a latch <NUM> as discussed herein.

<FIG> shows an end view into female connector <NUM>. As shown, main barrel <NUM> comprises keying feature 60KF disposed within the connection port (CP). The keying feature 20KF is integrally formed in the main barrel <NUM> as a male keying feature. In this case, the keying feature 60KF protrudes from an inner wall of the main barrel <NUM> for cooperating with the keying portion 101KP on the dust plug <NUM> or the keying portion KP on the external plug connector (EPC). Keying feature 60KF of main barrel may have any suitable orientation relative to the rocker latch arm <NUM>. In this case, the rocker latch arm <NUM> is disposed on the opposite side from the keying feature 60KP (i.e., about <NUM> degrees apart) on the main barrel <NUM>.

The concepts disclosed may be used with any suitable fiber optic cable as desired using simple modification of one or more parts. By way of example, <FIG> shows the female connector configured for a flat drop cable <NUM>. As shown, this embodiment uses a modified spring push <NUM> having a rear portion of the passageway sized for receiving the flat drop cable. As discussed, the fiber optic cable <NUM>, strength members <NUM> and/or optical fibers <NUM> may be secured using an adhesive injected into the spring push <NUM> from an aperture located rearward of the plug <NUM>. Plug <NUM> inhibits adhesive from wicking forward of the plug <NUM>. Different fiber optic cables <NUM> may also require different cable preparation for use with the female connector <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict detailed perspective views of the external plug connector (EPC) shown in <FIG>. External plug connector (EPC) may comprise one or more O-rings <NUM> that may be used to seal the mated optical connection.

Claim 1:
A female fiber optic connector (<NUM>) having a connection port (CP) for receiving a mating fiber optic plug, comprising:
a ferrule (<NUM>) comprising one or more bores (<NUM>) for receiving one or more optical fibers;
an inner barrel (<NUM>) comprising an inner barrel rear end (<NUM>) and an inner barrel front end (<NUM>) with an inner barrel passageway (<NUM>) extending from the inner barrel rear end (<NUM>) to the inner barrel front end (<NUM>), wherein the inner barrel rear end (<NUM>) comprises an inner barrel rear end opening (21o) sized for receiving the ferrule (<NUM>);
a main barrel (<NUM>) comprising a main barrel rear end (<NUM>) and a main barrel front end (<NUM>) with a main barrel passageway (<NUM>) extending from the main barrel rear end (<NUM>) to the main barrel front end (<NUM>), wherein the main barrel rear end (<NUM>) comprises a main barrel rear end opening (61o) sized for receiving the inner barrel (<NUM>) and the main barrel front end (<NUM>) comprises a connection port opening (CPO); and
a rocker latch arm (<NUM>) comprising a pivot (70P) suitable for pivoting the rocker latch arm (<NUM>) relative to the main barrel (<NUM>).