TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connectors. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to multi-fiber fiber optic connectors.

BACKGROUND

A multi-fiber fiber optic connector, for example an MPO connector, typically includes a connector housing supporting a multi-fiber ferrule at a distal end and a connector boot at a proximal end. A multi-fiber fiber optic connector can be sensitive to side forces on the connector housing, connector boot or cable. Example multi-fiber fiber optic connectors are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,214,730; 6,085,003 and 8,684,611.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to mechanical designs, features, configurations, and manufacturing methods incorporated into or otherwise used with multi-fiber fiber optic connectors for reducing sensitivity to side loading. It will be appreciated that side loading can be particularly problematic for multi-fiber fiber optic connectors terminating ribbon cables (i.e., fiber optic cables including optical fibers arranged in a planar array and held in the planar array by a polymeric matrix material so as to form an optical fiber ribbon). Thus, many aspects disclosed herein are well suited for use in fiber optic connectors adapted for termination of ribbon cables. However, certain aspects are also applicable to multi-fiber fiber connectors adapted for use with loose fiber cables (i.e., fiber optic cables including loose individual optical fiber typically contained within a buffer tube).

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multi-fiber fiber optic connector having a spring push including features to enhance spring seating and spring stability during side loading.

Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to a multi-fiber connector and cable assembly including a multi-fiber connector terminating the end of a ribbon fiber optic cable. The ribbon fiber optic cable includes ribbonized optical fibers arranged in a planar array and retained in the planar array by a ribbon matrix material. The optical fibers of the ribbon fiber optical cable are broken out from the ribbon matrix material within a connector body of the multi-fiber connector so that the optical fibers within the connector body do not have a preferred bending direction which interferes with the ability of a ferrule to float within a body of the connector. In this way, when the ferrule is mated within another ferrule, the ferrule can float to a tilted position relative to the connector body to maintain physical contact with a mated ferrule during side loading.

Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to a multi-fiber connector and cable assembly including a multi-fiber connector terminating the end of a ribbon fiber optic cable. The ribbon fiber optic cable includes ribbonized optical fibers arranged in a planar array and retained in the planar array by a ribbon matrix material. The ribbonized optical fibers has a ribbon profile defining a major axis and a minor axis. The ribbonized optical fiber bend preferentially along the minor axis and The multi-fiber fiber optic connector includes a connector boot with a boot opening through which the ribbonized optical fibers are routed. The boot opening is substantially larger than a width of the ribbonized array of optical fibers so that movement of the ribbonized optical fiber array along the non-preferred bending direction is not substantially limited by the connector boot.

