FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS HAVING A ROTATABLE FERRULE HOLDER AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME

摘要

Fiber optic connectors and components for fiber optic connectors with improved side-loading performance are disclosed along with methods for making the same. The fiber optic connector includes a ferrule and a ferrule holder where the ferrule holder may be disposed within a housing. The ferrule holder has a forward portion with a spherical feature that includes a first portion with a compound surface for cooperating with the housing, thereby allowing relative movement therebetween. Specifically, the spherical feature of the ferrule holder permits rotational translation of the ferrule holder in two degrees of freedom relative to the housing and inhibits the longitudinal translation of the ferrule holder in same two degrees of freedom relative to the housing, thereby providing improved side-loading performance.

主权项

1. A fiber optic connector, comprising:
a ferrule; a ferrule holder having a forward portion with a spherical feature, the spherical feature having a first portion with a compound surface and a second portion, and the forward portion of the ferrule holder includes a first key and a second key disposed on opposite sides of the forward portion of the ferrule holder; and a housing for receiving a portion of the ferrule holder, wherein the housing cooperates with the spherical feature of the ferrule holder to permit rotational translation of the ferrule holder in two degrees of freedom relative to the housing and inhibit the longitudinal translation of the ferrule holder in the same two degrees of freedom relative to the housing.