Ferrule for optical fiber connector having a compliant structure for clamping alignment pins

摘要

A compliant structure clamps the alignment pins to accurately and precisely locate the alignment pins. The compliant structure supports the alignment pins with no clearance. The compliant structure is defined by at least a flexure in the form of a cantilevered structure extending at a side of the ferrule. The cantilevered structure, with or without a complementary support structure, defines a space in which an alignment pin can be supported. The flexure may be defined by one or more slots provided on the body of the ferrule to facilitate bending of the extended cantilevered structure. In another embodiment, the ferrule comprises a ferrule insert having grooves for supporting optical fibers, and a ferrule frame that supports the ferrule insert and alignment pins. The compliant structure is provided on the frame. In a further embodiment, the ferrule insert is provided with optical fiber grooves at its perimeter.

主权项

1. A ferrule for supporting an optical fiber in an optical fiber connector, comprising:
a body having a surface with at least an optical fiber groove defined thereon to support the optical fiber; and a compliant structure defined in the body for clamping an alignment pin, wherein the compliant structure comprises a flexure defined by a slot defined in the body, wherein the slot extends in a direction towards the alignment pin at an angle to the surface of the body of the ferrule where the optical fiber groove is defined, wherein one end of the slot terminates with an opening at the surface of the body of the ferrule on which the optical fiber groove is also defined, and wherein surfaces adjacent each side of the opening of the slot directly contact the alignment pin under bias of the flexure.