阅读说明：本技术 套圈与透镜间的闩锁机构、连接方法及光电系统 (Latching mechanism between ferrule and lens, connecting method and optoelectronic system ) 是由 廉佳 毛延东 施沙美 王怀亮 于 2018-07-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种套圈与透镜间的闩锁机构、连接方法及光电系统。该套圈与透镜间的闩锁机构包括能够相对于光学组件的壳体在打开位置与关闭位置之间移动的盖,在打开位置,由壳体限定的腔是可见的,在关闭位置,该腔被盖覆盖。透镜定位在腔中并且具有一个或更多个引导销,所述一个或更多个引导销在套圈配合至透镜之前于盖处于打开位置时是可见的。联接至壳体且定位在腔中的弹簧夹构造成：在盖处于打开位置时允许套圈从腔插入及移除,并且在套圈配合至透镜时可以使套圈偏置抵靠透镜。当套圈配合至透镜时,盖可以与弹簧夹配合以阻止套圈的移除。(The invention provides a latch mechanism between a ferrule and a lens, a connection method and an optoelectronic system. The latch mechanism between the ferrule and the lens includes a cover movable relative to a housing of the optical assembly between an open position in which a cavity defined by the housing is visible and a closed position in which the cavity is covered by the cover. The lens is positioned in the cavity and has one or more guide pins that are visible when the cover is in the open position prior to mating of the ferrule to the lens. A spring clip coupled to the housing and positioned in the cavity is configured to: the ferrule is allowed to be inserted and removed from the cavity when the cover is in the open position, and the ferrule may be biased against the lens when the ferrule is mated to the lens. When the ferrule is mated to the lens, the cap may mate with the spring clip to prevent removal of the ferrule.)

1. A ferrule and lens latch mechanism, comprising:

a cover movable relative to a housing of an optical assembly between an open position in which a cavity defined by the housing is visible and a closed position in which the cavity is covered by the cover, a lens of the optical assembly being positioned at least partially in the cavity and having one or more guide pins visible in the cavity prior to mating a ferrule within the cavity to the lens and with the cover in the open position; and

a spring clip coupled to the housing and positioned at least partially in the cavity, the spring clip configured to allow insertion and removal of the ferrule from the cavity when the cover is in the open position and configured to bias the ferrule against the lens when the ferrule is mated to the lens,

wherein, when the ferrule is mated to the lens within the cavity and the cover is in the closed position, the cover is configured to mate with the spring clip to prevent removal of the ferrule from the cavity.

2. The ferrule to lens latch mechanism of claim 1, wherein the cap is rotatably coupled to the housing.

3. The ferrule to lens latch mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a locking pin extending downward from a surface of the cover when the cover is in the closed position, the locking pin configured to prevent at least a portion of the spring clip from expanding outward.

4. The ferrule to lens latch mechanism of claim 3,

the locking pin is positioned in a space laterally between a portion of the housing and a narrow neck portion of the spring clip when the cover is in the closed position to prevent outward flexing of the narrow neck portion; and is

The space laterally between the portion of the housing and the narrow neck portion of the spring clip is empty when the cover is in the open position.

5. The ferrule to lens latch mechanism of claim 1, wherein the spring clip is sized and shaped to receive the ferrule through a deflectable narrow neck opening at a narrow neck portion of the spring clip and into a receiving portion of the spring clip, the narrow neck portion of the spring clip configured to: flexing into a flex slot defined by the housing in response to the ferrule being passed through the flexible narrow neck opening, and de-flexing away from the flex slot in response to the ferrule exiting the flexible narrow neck opening.

6. The ferrule to lens latch mechanism of claim 5, wherein the narrow neck portion is positioned to abut the ferrule when the ferrule is inserted into the receiving portion of the spring clip, the abutment of the narrow neck portion with the ferrule configured to bias the ferrule against the lens.

7. The ferrule to lens latch mechanism of claim 6,

the receiving portion of the spring clip is rectangular and includes two opposing side arms extending the length of the receiving portion; and is

The narrow neck portion of the spring clip includes two rounded portions positioned on opposite sides of the deflectable narrow neck opening, the two rounded portions together defining the deflectable narrow neck opening, each of the two rounded portions being connected to a different one of the two opposing side arms of the receiving portion, respectively, a narrow neck width between the two rounded portions being smaller than a distance between the two opposing side arms of the receiving portion, at least when the spring clip is undeflected.

8. The ferrule to lens latch mechanism of claim 7, wherein the narrow neck portion comprises elbow portions positioned adjacent respective opposite sides of the deflectable narrow neck opening, each elbow portion comprising a first portion connected to one of the two rounded portions and a second portion extending along a length of the receiving portion, the second portion configured as a deflection stop adapted to deflect the neck portion outwardly until the second portion abuts an outer boundary of the deflection slot when a locking pin extending from the cap is not positioned adjacent the neck portion.

9. An optoelectronic assembly, comprising:

an optical network;

a host connected to the optical network by one or more board mounted optical assemblies, each of the one or more board mounted optical assemblies comprising:

a housing configured to at least partially enclose a lens;

a cover movable relative to the housing of the board mounted optical assembly between an open position in which a cavity defined by the housing is visible and a closed position in which the cavity is covered by the cover, a lens of the optical assembly being positioned at least partially in the cavity and having one or more guide pins visible in the cavity prior to mating a ferrule within the cavity to the lens and with the cover in the open position; and

a spring clip coupled to the housing and positioned at least partially in the cavity, the spring clip configured to allow insertion and removal of the ferrule from the cavity when the cover is in the open position and configured to bias the ferrule against the lens when the ferrule is mated to the lens,

wherein, when the ferrule is mated to the lens within the cavity and the cover is in the closed position, the cover is configured to mate with the spring clip to prevent removal of the ferrule from the cavity.

10. The optoelectronic system of claim 9, wherein the cover is rotatably or slidably coupled to the housing.

11. The optoelectronic system of claim 9, further comprising a locking pin extending downward from a surface of the cover when the cover is in the closed position, the locking pin configured to prevent at least a portion of the spring clip from expanding outward.

12. The optoelectronic system of claim 11,

the locking pin is positioned in a space laterally between a portion of the housing and a narrow neck portion of the spring clip when the cover is in the closed position to prevent outward flexing of the narrow neck portion; and is

The space laterally between the portion of the housing and the narrow neck portion of the spring clip is empty when the cover is in the open position.

13. The optoelectronic system of claim 12, wherein the spring clip is sized and shaped to receive the ferrule through a deflectable narrow neck opening at a narrow neck portion of the spring clip and into a receiving portion of the spring clip, the narrow neck portion of the spring clip configured to: flexing into a flex slot defined by the housing in response to the ferrule being passed through the flexible narrow neck opening, and de-flexing out of the flex slot in response to the ferrule exiting the flexible narrow neck opening.

14. The optoelectronic system of claim 13, wherein the narrow neck portion is positioned to abut the ferrule when the ferrule is inserted into the receiving portion of the spring clip, the abutment of the narrow neck portion with the ferrule configured to bias the ferrule against the lens.

15. The optoelectronic system of claim 14,

the receiving portion of the spring clip is rectangular and includes two opposing side arms extending the length of the receiving portion; and is

The narrow neck portion of the spring clip includes:

two rounded portions positioned on opposite sides of the flexible narrow neck opening, the two rounded portions together defining the flexible narrow neck opening, each of the two rounded portions being connected to a different one of the two opposing side arms of the receiving portion, respectively, the narrow neck width between the two rounded portions being smaller than the distance between the two opposing side arms of the receiving portion at least when the spring clip is not flexed; and

elbow portions positioned adjacent respective opposite sides of the flexible narrow-neck opening, each elbow portion including a first portion connected to one of the two rounded portions and a second portion extending along a length of the receiving portion, the second portion configured as a deflection stop adapted to deflect the narrow-neck portion outwardly until it abuts an outer boundary of the deflection slot when a locking pin extending from the cap is not positioned adjacent the narrow-neck portion.

16. A method of providing a secure connection between a ferrule and a lens, the method comprising:

moving a cover connected to a housing of an optical assembly to an open position to expose a convex guide pin of a lens of the optical assembly, the convex guide pin of the lens positioned within a receiving portion of a spring clip;

visually aligning the male guide pins of the lens with corresponding female openings of a ferrule, the male guide pins oriented in a direction facing a narrow necked opening in a narrow necked portion of the spring clip;

inserting the ferrule through the narrow neck opening of the spring clip into the receiving portion of the spring clip, the narrow neck portion of the spring clip configured to flex outwardly into a flex groove during insertion;

mating the male guide pins of the lens with the female openings of the ferrule, the mating configured to be completed in response to the narrowed neck portion abutting a rear portion of the ferrule opposite a front portion of the ferrule that mates with the lens; and

moving the cover of the optical assembly to a closed position such that a locking pin of the cover cooperates with the spring clip to prevent removal of the ferrule from the lens of the optical assembly.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein moving the cover to the open position comprises rotating or sliding the cover relative to the housing from the closed position to the open position.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein preventing removal of the ferrule comprises preventing at least a portion of the spring clip from expanding outward via a locking pin extending downward from a bottom surface of the cover.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein inhibiting removal of the ferrule further comprises laterally positioning the locking pin between a flex slot of the housing and the narrow neck portion of the spring clip.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising biasing the ferrule against the lens.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to latching mechanisms between ferrules and lenses.

Background

Unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described herein is not prior art to the claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

The host may be connected to the optical network through one or more board mounted optical assemblies (BOAs). Each BOA may connect the host to the optical network through a ferrule, optical fiber, and other various components of the BOA. For example, various components of the BOA may include lenses, Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), transducers, and the like, located within the housing of the BOA. The housing of the BOA, as well as the other various components, including their configuration relative to each other, may help determine how, for example, the ferrule and the optical fiber are physically connected to the BOA.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided merely to illustrate one exemplary technical field in which some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

Disclosure of Invention

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Some embodiments described herein relate generally to latching mechanisms between ferrules and lenses.

In an exemplary embodiment, the latching mechanism between the ferrule and the lens includes a cap and a spring clip. The cover may be movable relative to the housing of the optical assembly between an open position in which the cavity defined by the housing is visible (exposed) and a closed position in which the cavity is covered by the cover. The lens of the optical assembly may be at least partially positioned in the cavity and may have one or more guide pins that are visible (exposed) in the cavity prior to mating the ferrule to the lens within the cavity and with the cover in the open position. The spring clip may be coupled to the housing and positioned at least partially in the cavity. The spring clip may be configured to allow insertion and removal of the ferrule from the cavity when the cover is in the open position, and may be configured to bias the ferrule against the lens when the ferrule is mated to the lens. The cover may be configured to engage the spring clip to prevent removal of the ferrule from the cavity when the ferrule is mated to the lens within the cavity and the cover is in the closed position.

In another exemplary embodiment, an optoelectronic system may include an optical network and a host connected to the optical network by one or more board mounted optical assemblies (BOAs). Each of the one or more BOAs may include a housing, a cover, and a spring clip. The housing includes a cavity to at least partially enclose the lens. The cover is movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. The cavity of the housing may be exposed when the cover is in the open position. The cavity of the housing may be covered by the cover when the cover is in the closed position. The lens may be positioned within the cavity of the housing. The lens may include guide pins for mating with the ferrule. The guide pin of the lens may be exposed when the cover is in the open position. The guide pin of the lens may be covered when the cover is in the closed position. The spring clip may be positioned at least partially within the cavity. The spring clip may include the following ends: the ferrule may be inserted into and removed from the end portion as it enters and exits the cavity. After the ferrule is inserted into the end of the spring clip, the spring clip may apply a force to the ferrule to push the ferrule against the lens. When the cover is in the open position, the ferrule may freely enter and/or exit the spring clip, for example, to engage and/or withdraw from the lens within the cavity. When the cover is in the closed position, the ferrule is not free to enter and/or exit the spring clip, e.g., preventing the ferrule from engaging and/or withdrawing from the lens within the cavity.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method to provide a secure connection between a ferrule and a lens may include moving a cover connected to a housing of an optical assembly to an open position to expose a convex guide pin of a lens of the optical assembly. The convex guide pin of the lens may be positioned within the receiving portion of the spring clip. The method may further include visually aligning the convex guide pins of the lens with the corresponding concave openings of the ferrule. The method may further include inserting the ferrule into an opening in the spring clip. As the ferrule is inserted, a portion of the spring clip located near the opening may flex outward to help allow insertion of the ferrule. The method may further include mating the male guide pin with the female opening of the ferrule. This mating may be accomplished when the portion of the spring clip near the opening is urged against the back end of the ferrule. The method may also include moving a cover of the optical assembly to a closed position such that a locking pin of the cover cooperates with the spring clip to prevent removal of the ferrule from the lens of the optical assembly.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary ferrule and BOA with a removable cover;

FIG. 2A illustrates the collar and BOA of FIG. 1 with the collar removed from the BOA and the moveable cover in an open position;

FIG. 2B illustrates the collar and BOA of FIG. 1 with the collar inserted into the BOA and the moveable cover in an open position;

FIG. 3A is a front top perspective view of a ferrule mated with a lens and held in place by the spring clip of the BOA of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a front upper side perspective view of the ferrule, lens and spring clip of FIG. 3A, with the ferrule disconnected from the lens;

FIG. 3C is a rear upper side perspective view of the ferrule, lens and spring clip of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 3D is a front underside perspective view of the ferrule, lens and spring clip of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a top view of the spring clip of FIGS. 2A-3D;

FIG. 4B includes a top cross-sectional view and a top side cross-sectional perspective view of the ferrule and BOA of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4C includes another top cross-sectional view and another top cross-sectional perspective view of the ferrule and BOA of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4D includes a top view and an upper side perspective of FIGS. 1-2B without the lens, boot, and movable cover;

FIG. 4E includes a top cross-sectional view and a top cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 4D; and

fig. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method to provide secure attachment of a ferrule to a lens.

All arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein.

Detailed Description

In some applications, the connection between the ferrule and the BOA may be an invisible connection. For example, the connection may be partially invisible by virtue of occurring within a cavity of the BOA defined by a housing of the BOA. In some applications, the housing may extend over or otherwise cover the connection location between the ferrule and the BOA. In this manner, depending on the application, the connection may be made "invisible" such that at least a portion of the connection process between the ferrule and the BOA is made somewhat invisible. Various embodiments as described in this disclosure may affect the connection between the ferrule and the BOA. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments described in the present disclosure may affect the process of connecting and/or disconnecting a ferrule to a BOA.

Some embodiments described in the present disclosure may include a BOA having a shell that may define a cavity inside the BOA. For example, a lens or other component for transmitting optical signals into and/or out of the BOA may be positioned within the cavity. In these or other embodiments, the lens within the cavity may be partially revealed or made visible or exposed to some extent by means of an opening in the housing. For example, the opening in the housing may be covered or uncovered by a housing cover that is movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. Additionally or alternatively, the lens and/or other components of the BOA may be at least partially exposed for visual inspection when the housing cover is in the open position. Where the lens and/or other components of the BOA are visibly exposed, the ferrule may be visually aligned with the lens to initiate a proper connection. For example, the lens may have male guide pins that may correspond to female openings in the ferrule, and the visual alignment of the male guide pins with the female openings may help make the connection easier and/or help reduce the likelihood of component damage due to an incorrect or failed attempt to connect the ferrule to the BOA.

In some embodiments, the cavity within the BOA may be at least partially covered, at least partially unexposed, and/or unexposed when the housing cover is in the closed position. For example, the lenses and/or other components of the BOA may not be visibly exposed when the housing cover is in the closed position. In these or other embodiments, the housing cover may be moved to an open position to form the proper connection between the ferrule and the BOA. After the proper connection between the ferrule and the BOA is made, the housing cover may be moved to the closed position so that the connection between the ferrule and the BOA may be invisible and/or unexposed.

Additionally or alternatively, the housing cover may at least partially secure the connection between the ferrule and the BOA when in the closed position. For example, after the ferrule is connected to the BOA when the housing cover is in the closed position, the connection may become a locked connection by virtue of certain portions of the housing cover, such as locking pins or sets of locking pins, that may protrude from the surface of the housing cover. The locking pin may be positioned to prevent removal of the ferrule from the BOA. For example, the locking pin may be positioned adjacent to and/or interact with other components of the BOA to prevent removal of the ferrule from the BOA when the housing cover is in the closed position. This positioning of the locking pin and/or interaction with other components of the BOA may help to maintain the position of the ferrule such that the ferrule cannot be removed from the BOA.

In these or other embodiments described in this disclosure, other components of the BOA may include spring clips. The spring clip may be coupled to the housing and may be positioned at least partially within the cavity of the BOA. The spring clip may be sized and shaped to allow insertion and removal of the ferrule from the cavity.

In some embodiments, the spring clip may include a receiving portion and a narrow neck portion. The narrow neck portion may be a portion of the spring clip that may interact with both the collar and the locking pin of the housing cover. For example, the ferrule may be inserted through the flexible narrow neck opening of the narrow neck portion when the housing cover is in the open position. The flexible narrow neck opening can flex or expand outward to accommodate insertion of the ferrule into a receiving portion in which a lens can be positioned. Additionally or alternatively, a flexible narrow neck opening may help guide insertion of the ferrule to achieve proper connection with the lens of the BOA.

In some embodiments, after the ferrule is fully inserted through the flexible narrow neck opening and into the receiving portion of the spring clip, the flexible narrow neck opening can be un-flexed, retracted inward, or otherwise restored to its pre-flexed configuration to abut the rear portion of the ferrule. Abutment with the rear portion of the ferrule may apply a spring force to the ferrule to bias the ferrule against the lens of the BOA. Additionally or alternatively, the ferrule may be connected to the lens of the BOA in response to the ferrule being inserted through the deflectable narrow neck opening and into the receiving portion of the spring clip. The ferrule may be removed from or disconnected from the BOA while the ferrule is connected to the lens, so long as the deflectable narrow neck opening can again flex or expand outward to allow the ferrule to be withdrawn.

In some embodiments, the flexible narrow neck opening may flex or expand outwardly when the housing cover is in the open position. Thus, when the housing cover is in the open position, the ferrule may be inserted into the deflectable narrow neck opening and into the receiving portion of the spring clip to be inserted into the lens. The ferrule is also free to be withdrawn from the lens when the housing cover is in an open position such that the deflectable narrow neck opening of the spring clip can deflect or expand outwardly during ferrule withdrawal.

In some embodiments, the flexible narrow neck opening cannot flex or expand outward when the housing cover is in the closed position. For example, the locking pin of the housing cover may block or otherwise interact with the flexible narrow neck opening when the housing cover is in the closed position to prevent, or at least inhibit, insertion or removal of the ferrule. Thus, when the housing cover is in the closed position, the ferrule cannot be inserted into the narrow neck opening nor removed from the lens if already inserted. The reduced ability of the deflectable narrow neck opening of the spring clip to flex or expand outwardly may be a result of the locking pin of the housing cover engaging the spring clip at the narrow neck portion. For example, the locking pin of the housing cover may be positioned adjacent to the narrow neck portion of the spring clip when in the closed position to prevent the deflectable narrow neck opening from flexing and thereby not allowing sufficient space for the ferrule to pass through. In this way, the closed position of the housing cover may result in: the flexible narrow neck opening is substantially fixed in position and the connection between the ferrule and the lens of the BOA is secure.

Turning to the drawings, fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary ferrule 105 and BOA 110 arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The ferrule 105 and BOA 110 may be implemented in an exemplary operating environment 100 (hereinafter "environment 100").

In some embodiments, environment 100 may be part of a connection of a host to an optical network. For example, the ferrule 105 may include or be coupled to one or more optical fibers 106, the one or more optical fibers 106 configured for transmitting optical signals within an optical network. Ferrule 105 may be securely connected to BOA 110, which may be used to send and/or receive communication signals between a host and an optical network, including converting outbound electrical signals from the host into optical signals for sending onto the optical network and/or converting inbound optical signals from the optical network into electrical signals for the host. For example, in some embodiments, an inbound optical signal sent through the ferrule 105 may enter into the lens of the BOA 110 via a secure connection between the ferrule 105 and the BOA 110. Similarly, the outbound optical signal may be sent from the BOA 110 through the lens and to the ferrule 105 through the secure connection between the ferrule 105 and the BOA 110. The secure connection between the ferrule 105 and the BOA 110 as illustrated in fig. 1 may be achieved according to at least one or more embodiments discussed further below.

One or more embodiments of the secure connection, latching, and/or retention mechanisms described herein (e.g., including a moveable cover and a spring clip) may be implemented in a BOA, such as BOA 110 of fig. 1. More generally, one or more embodiments of the robust connection, latching, and/or retention mechanism may be implemented in BOAs, Chip On Flex (COF) based optoelectronic modules, Chip On Board (COB) based optoelectronic modules, Chip On Glass (COG) based optoelectronic modules, Active Optical Cable (AOC) systems or modules, four channel SFP interface (QSFP) compatible optoelectronic modules, and/or other optical, optoelectronic, or electronic modules that comply with other multi-source protocols (MSAs).

In some embodiments, the BOA 110 may include a cover 220, the cover 220 being described in greater detail with reference to the other figures.

Fig. 2A-2B illustrate the ferrule 105 and BOA 110 of fig. 1, with the cover 220 in an open position, arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. In fig. 2A, the ferrule 105 is illustrated as being removed from the BOA 110. In fig. 2B, ferrule 105 is illustrated inserted into BOA 110, but the connection between BOA 110 and ferrule 105 is not secure.

As illustrated in one or both of fig. 2A and 2B, the BOA 110 may include a housing 210, a lens 215, a spring clip 230, a cavity 235, and a cover 220. In some embodiments, the housing 210 may define the boundaries and limits of the cavity 235. For example, the boundaries and limits of the cavity 235 defined by the housing 210 may be sized and shaped to at least partially receive the ferrule 105 in the cavity 235. Additionally or alternatively, lens 215 may be positioned at least partially within housing 210 or relative to the interior of housing 210. In these or other embodiments, lens 215 may be positioned at least partially within cavity 235. For example, the lens 215 may be positioned in a rear portion of the cavity 235 relative to a front portion of the cavity 235 where the ferrule 105 may be inserted into the cavity 235. In some embodiments, the cavity 235 may be spatially configured to receive the ferrule 105 such that the ferrule 105 may be inserted into the cavity 235 a sufficient distance to connect to the lens 215 at a rear portion of the cavity 235. Additionally or alternatively, the cavity 235 may be spatially configured such that a portion of the spring clip 230 may abut a rear portion of the ferrule 105 at a front portion of the cavity 235 when the ferrule 105 is inserted.

In some embodiments, the cavity 235 and various components of the BOA 110 may be visible and/or exposed without obstruction or with relatively little obstruction when the cover 220 is in the open position of fig. 2A and 2B. For example, a front portion of the cavity 235 and a rear portion of the cavity 235 may be exposed and/or visible when the cover 220 is in the open position of fig. 2A and 2B. At least a portion of the lens 215 may also be visible and/or exposed when the cover 220 is in the open position. Additionally or alternatively, one or more convex guide pins 325 of lens 215 may be visible and/or exposed when cover 220 is in the open position. The one or more male guide pins 325, which may be visible and/or exposed when the cover 220 is in the open position, may correspond with one or more female openings in the collar 105. Thus, visual alignment of the lens 215 with the ferrule 105 can be achieved prior to the lens 215 being connected or mated with the ferrule 105. Additionally or alternatively, side arms of the opposite side of the spring clip 230 may be visible and/or exposed when the lid 220 is in the open position.

In some embodiments, the cavity 235 and various components of the BOA 110 may be substantially invisible or may be substantially unexposed or covered when the lid 220 is in the closed position as illustrated in fig. 1. For example, when the cover 220 is in the closed position as illustrated in fig. 1, the front portion of the cavity 235 and the rear portion of the cavity 235 may be substantially invisible, may be substantially unexposed, and/or may be covered, particularly where the ferrule 105 is connected to the BOA 110. More specifically, in the closed position, a top surface of the lid 220 may substantially obstruct visibility of the cavity 235 and various components of the BOA 110, wherein the top surface of the lid 220 is opposite the bottom surface of the lid 220 that includes the locking pin 225. For example, at least a portion of lens 215 may be invisible and/or unexposed when cover 220 is in the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more convex guide pins 325 of the lens 215 may be invisible and/or unexposed when the cover 220 is in the closed position. Thus, visual alignment of the lens 215 with the ferrule 105 may be difficult or impossible to achieve when the cover 220 is in the closed position. Additionally or alternatively, the side arms of the opposing sides of the spring clip 230 may be invisible and/or unexposed when the lid 220 is in the closed position.

The cover 220 and the corresponding positions of the cover 220, including the open position and the closed position, may facilitate or render insufficient visibility of the cavity 235 and various components of the BOA 110.

In some embodiments, the lid 220 may be movably coupled to the housing 210 of the BOA 110 such that the lid 220 may be moved to and from an open position and a closed position. In other embodiments, the cover 220 may be removable from the housing 210 while being fixedly coupleable to the housing 210, in which case the open position may involve the cover 220 being removed from the housing 210, and the closed position may involve the cover 220 being coupled to the housing 210.

As discussed above, the open position may be defined by: that is, the cover 220 is positioned so as to not substantially obstruct the visibility of the cavity 235 and/or to expose the cavity 235. Additionally or alternatively, the open position may be defined by: i.e., the cap 220 is positioned to allow the ferrule 105 to be inserted into the lens 215 and/or removed from the lens 215. Also as discussed above, the closed position may be defined by: i.e., the cover 220 is positioned so as to obstruct some visibility of the cavity 235 and/or to cover the cavity 235. Additionally or alternatively, the closed position may be defined by: i.e., the cap 220 is positioned to not allow or prevent the insertion and/or removal of the ferrule 105 into the lens 215 and/or from the lens 215. As a result, the lid 220 may be configured to move or transition between an open position and a closed position, which may be desirable for a given application or function.

For example, the cover 220 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 210. For example, the cover 220 may rotate about a fixed rotation point or fixed rotation axis 245 connected to the housing 210. The fixed rotation point or fixed rotation axis 245 may comprise a ball and socket, a pin hinge, a partial pin hinge, a pin-recess, or some other coupling pattern that allows relative rotational movement of the cover 220. Additionally or alternatively, the fixed rotation point or fixed rotation axis 245 may be positioned in a plane coplanar with the top surface of the housing 210 or in a plane substantially parallel to the top surface of the housing 210. The top surface of the housing 210 may define a plane that is substantially parallel to the direction along which the ferrule 105 may be inserted into the BOA 110. Thus, in some embodiments, when the cover 220 is rotated to the closed position, the cover 220 may also be positioned in a plane that is coplanar with the top surface of the housing 210 or in a plane that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the housing 210. In this manner, the cover 220 may substantially obstruct visibility of the cavity 235 and at least some other components of the BOA 110, or may otherwise at least partially cover the cavity 235 and at least some other components of the BOA.

Additionally or alternatively, when the cover 220 is rotated or otherwise moved to the open position, the cover 220 may not be positioned in any of a plane that is coplanar with the top surface of the housing 210 or a plane that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the housing 210. For example, when the lid 220 is in the open position, the lid 220 may be oriented in an angled direction relative to the top surface of the housing 210 such that the lid 220 does not substantially obstruct the visibility of the cavity 235 and at least some other components of the BOA 110. In some embodiments, in the open position, the angle of the cover 220 with respect to the top surface of the housing 210 may be equal to 60 ° or 70 ° or between 60 ° and 70 °, equal to 70 ° or 80 ° or between 70 ° and 80 °, equal to 80 ° or 90 ° or between 80 ° and 90 °, equal to 90 ° or 100 ° or between 90 ° and 100 °, equal to 100 ° or 110 ° or between 100 ° and 110 °, equal to 110 ° or 120 ° or between 110 ° and 120 °, equal to 120 ° or 130 ° or between 120 ° and 130 °, equal to 130 ° or 140 ° or between 130 ° and 140 °, equal to 140 ° or 150 ° between 140 ° and 150 °, equal to 150 ° or 160 ° or between 150 ° and 160 °, and equal to 160 ° or 170 ° or between 160 ° and 170 °.

In other embodiments, the lid 220 may be rotated to the open position such that the lid 220 may be positioned in either a plane that is coplanar with the top surface of the housing 210 or a plane that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the housing 210. For example, when the lid 220 is in the open position, the lid 220 may be oriented such that the lid 220 is approximately 180 ° relative to the top surface of the housing 210. In this manner, the lid 220 may be effectively flipped to the open position about a fixed pivot point or fixed pivot axis 245. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the top surface of the lid 220 may rest on and/or face the top surface of the housing 210 when the lid 220 is flipped open to the approximately 180 ° position.

In these or other embodiments, the lid 220 may be rotated to any position between the open and closed positions. For example, the lid 220 may be rotated upward and angled only slightly (e.g., about 60 °, about 50 °, about 40 °, about 30 °, about 20 °, or about 10 °) relative to the top surface of the housing 210. In this manner, full visibility of cavity 235 may not be achieved, but as will be described in further detail below, lid 220 may still be opened an amount sufficient to at least partially expose cavity 235 and allow insertion and/or removal of ferrule 105 into lens 215.

In some embodiments, the cover 220 may be slidably coupled to the housing 210. For example, the lid 220 may be translatable between an open position and a closed position. Thus, in some embodiments, the cover 220 may be positionally fixed to lie in a plane that is coplanar with the top surface of the housing 210 or a plane that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the housing 210, regardless of whether the cover 220 is in an open position, a closed position, or some position between the open and closed positions. For example, the top surface of the lid 220 and the bottom surface of the lid 220 may maintain their orientation relative to the top surface of the housing 210. However, movement of the cover 220 to and from the open and closed positions may correspond to the cover 220 being translated in its entirety relative to the housing 210.

In some embodiments, the cover 220 may be coupled to the housing 210 via a combination of the slidable and rotatable couplings discussed above. For example, the fixed rotation point or fixed rotation axis 245 may be fixed only at certain positions or may not be fixed at all in terms of position. For example, the fixed rotation point or fixed rotation axis 245 may slide or translate at various locations, and thus may also be a movable rotation point or movable rotation axis.

The cover 220 may be movably coupled to the housing 210 and thereby transitioned to and from the open and closed positions. In doing so, visibility and/or exposure of the cavity 235 and one or more components of the BOA 110 may be affected. Additionally, and as discussed further below, movement of the cover 220 to and from the open and closed positions may also affect the connection between the ferrule 105 and the BOA 110.

In more detail, the locking pin 225 of the cover 220 may cooperate with one or more other components to provide a secure connection between the ferrule 105 and the BOA 110. Specifically, after the ferrule 105 is inserted into the lens 215 (as depicted by way of example in fig. 2B), the cover 220 may be ready to close and thereby secure the connection via the locking pin 225. The locking pins 225 may extend outwardly from a surface of the cover 220, such as a bottom surface of the cover 220. Additionally or alternatively, the locking pin 225 may extend outwardly from a surface of the cover 220 in a substantially perpendicular manner. Thus, in some embodiments, the locking pin 225 may extend downward from a surface of the cover and toward a bottom surface of the housing 210 opposite the top surface of the housing 210 when the cover 220 is in the closed position. The bottom surface of the housing 210 may also lie in a plane that is substantially parallel to the direction along which the ferrule 105 may be inserted into the BOA 110 and removed from the BOA 110.

In some embodiments, when the cover 220 is in the open position, the locking pin 225 may not be positioned adjacent to the spring clip 230 and the connection between the ferrule 105 and the lens 215 may not be secure. For example, the spring clip 230 may be free to flex or expand outward in response to insertion or withdrawal of the ferrule 105 into or out of the lens 215. The portions of the ferrule 105, including the ferrule head portion having a front portion configured for insertion into the lens 215 and the rear portion configured to be abutted by the spring clip 230, may each have a dimension that is greater than the dimension of the spring clip 230 at the narrow neck opening of the spring clip 230 when the spring clip 230 is undeflected. Thus, in some embodiments, to pass the ferrule head of the ferrule 105 through the narrow neck opening of the spring clip 230, the spring clip 230 may flex or expand outward.

This outward flexing is possible when the locking pin 225 is not positioned adjacent to the spring clip 230 (e.g., when the lid 220 is in the open position). For example, the housing 210 may include a recess or flex groove 240, wherein the spring clip 230 may flex outward and into the recess or flex groove 240 of the housing 210. Thus, in some embodiments, the housing 210 may remain stationary and a portion of the spring clip 230 (e.g., the narrow neck opening of the spring clip 230) may flex into the recess or flex slot 240 of the housing 210 in a sliding motion in response to the ferrule 105 being passed through the narrow neck opening of the spring clip 230 until the rear portion of the ferrule 105 exits the narrow neck opening of the spring clip 230 such that the narrow neck opening is at least partially unflexed or otherwise at least partially restored to its original, unexpanded/unflexed state. Similarly, in response to the ferrule 105 being removed from the cavity 235 and the spring clip 230, the narrow neck opening of the spring clip 230 may flex into the recess or flex groove 240 of the housing 210 until the front of the ferrule 105 exits the narrow neck opening of the spring clip 230 such that the narrow neck opening does not flex or otherwise returns to its original unexpanded/unflexed state.

When the cover 220 is in the closed position, the locking pin 225 may be positioned adjacent to the spring clip 230, and the locking pin 225 may cooperate with the spring clip 230 to secure the connection between the ferrule 105 and the lens 215 (or prevent insertion of the ferrule 105). For example, in the closed position, the locking pin 225 may be positioned laterally in a space between the spring clip 230 and a portion of the housing 210. This space may be empty when the lid 220 is in the open position, allowing the narrow neck opening of the spring clip 230 to flex into the space and/or the recess or flex groove 240. In this manner, the locking pin 225 in cooperation with the housing 210 and the spring clip 230 may not allow or prevent insertion and/or removal of the ferrule 105 into and/or from the lens 215, or more generally, insertion and/or removal of the ferrule 105 into and/or from the BOA 110. For example, the locking pin 225 may act as a mechanical stop such that the spring clip 230 cannot travel, slide, or flex into the recess or flex slot 240 of the housing 210. In the event of an attempt to insert or remove the ferrule 105, either intentionally or unintentionally, the spring clip 230 may not flex outwardly at all due to engagement with the locking pins 225, or may begin to flex outwardly but may then impinge on a lower portion of each of the locking pins 225. The lower portion of each of the locking pins 225 may be located at an end opposite the following upper portion at each of the locking pins 225: wherein the upper portion may be connected to the cover 220 and may also be supported when abutted by a portion of the housing 210. In this manner, the narrow neck opening of the spring clip 230 may be prevented from flexing outward to accommodate insertion or removal of the ferrule 105 when the cover 220 is in the closed position.

Fig. 3A is a front upper side perspective view of ferrule 105 mated with lens 215 and held in place by spring clip 230 of BOA 110 of fig. 1, arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Fig. 3B is a front upper side perspective view of the ferrule 105, lens 215, and spring clip 230 of fig. 3A, wherein the ferrule 105 is disconnected from the lens 215, arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Fig. 3C is a rear upper side perspective view of the ferrule 105, lens 215, and spring clip 230 of fig. 3B, arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Fig. 3D is a front underside perspective view of the ferrule 105, lens 215, and spring clip 230 of fig. 3A, arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein.

Fig. 3B also illustrates a convex guide pin 325 of the lens 215. Fig. 3C also illustrates a female opening 330 of the ferrule 105, which female opening 330 may correspond to and/or receive the male guide pin 325. Fig. 3D also illustrates lens leg 335 of lens 215.

With continued reference to one or more of fig. 3A-3D, in some embodiments, the lens 215 may be positioned at least partially within the spring clip 230 and/or at least partially surrounded by the spring clip 230, particularly at least partially within a receiving portion of the spring clip 230. The receiving portion of the spring clip 230 may be sized and shaped to at least partially enclose the lens 215. For example, the lens 215 may be positioned at a rear portion of the receiving portion, where the rear portion is opposite a front portion or narrow neck portion of the spring clip 230. Additionally or alternatively, the spring clip 230 may be sized and shaped to receive the ferrule 105 through a deflectable narrow neck opening at a narrow neck portion of the spring clip 230. After passing through the deflectable narrow neck opening, the ferrule 105 may continue to be inserted into the rear portion of the receiving portion of the spring clip 230.

After the ferrule 105 is inserted through the deflectable narrow neck opening and into the receiving portion of the spring clip 230, the ferrule 105 may be inserted into the lens 215. After insertion of the ferrule 105 into the lens 215, the narrow neck portion of the spring clip 230 may be positioned against the ferrule 105. For example, a rear portion of the ferrule 105 opposite a front portion of the ferrule 105 inserted into the lens 215 may be in direct contact with the spring clip 230, and in particular, the narrow neck opening of the spring clip 230. Abutment of the narrow neck portion with the ferrule 105 may bias the ferrule 105 against the lens 215.

In some embodiments, the bias that may be provided by the spring clip 230 may include a resultant force acting on the ferrule 105 and/or the lens 215 that may be approximately zero. For example, the spring force may be transmitted through various components of the spring clip 230 such that there may be no substantially unbalanced force on the spring clip 230. For example, the rear of the spring clip 230 may be anchored on the rear of the lens 215 to pull the ferrule 105 against the lens 215 by the lens 215 itself, e.g., to bias the ferrule 105 against the lens 215. In contrast, if the spring clip 230 were anchored to the housing 210 (fig. 2A-2B) and the ferrule 105 were pushed against the lens 215 by the housing 210 or otherwise biasing the ferrule 105 against the lens 215, this may exert a net force on the lens 215 that would have to be counteracted by the connection of other components (e.g., the connection of the lens legs 335 to the housing 210 of the BOA or other components) to hold the lens 215 in place.

In these or other embodiments, the spring force may be generated about the spring clip 230, including various geometries about the spring clip 230, which may help provide a force balancing effect on the ferrule 105 and the lens 215. For example, if an unbalanced force is provided to the ferrule 105 and lens 215, other components in the optical assembly may in turn be subject to the same unbalanced force or a reduced form of unbalanced force (which may result in distortion or other undesirable effects of inaccuracy and error). For example, unbalanced forces may be transferred from the ferrule 105 to the lens 215, to the lens base 315 to which the lens 215 may be attached, and so forth, in a chain reaction type manner. For the embodiments described in this disclosure, however, the spring clip 230 may protect other components in the optical assembly from unbalanced forces. For example, the lens legs 335 or the lens base 315 may not be subjected to unbalanced forces. Additionally or alternatively, the lens feet 335 and the lens base 315 may not be subjected to any forces.

In some embodiments, spring clip 230 may act as a funnel-like guide or insertion guide, such that the geometry of spring clip 230 and/or the spring force of spring clip 230 may assist in connecting ferrule 105 to lens 215. For example, the convex guide pins 325 of the lens 215 may correspond with the concave openings 330 of the ferrule 105. The visual alignment of the male guide pins 325 with the female openings 330 may facilitate proper connection of the ferrule 105 to the lens 215. However, additionally or alternatively, the geometry of the spring clip 230 and/or the spring force of the spring clip 230 may help align and/or route correct the insertion trajectory of the ferrule 105. For example, a slightly deflected insertion trajectory may be corrected by one or both rounded portions of the narrow necked opening in the spring clip 230 and/or by a balanced spring force exerted by the spring clip 230.

Fig. 4A is a top view of the spring clip 230 of fig. 2A and 2B arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As illustrated, the spring clip 230 includes a receiving portion 405, a narrow neck portion 410, side arms 450, and retaining tabs 455.

In some embodiments, the narrow neck portion 410 may include a flexible narrow neck opening 415, one or more elbow portions 420, and one or more rounded portions 435. The deflectable narrow neck opening 415 may be an entry and exit passage for the ferrule 105/105/105 of fig. 1-3D, such that the ferrule 105 may enter into the spring clip 230 and exit the spring clip 230. For example, the ferrule 105 may pass through a flexible narrow neck opening 415 to connect to the lens 215 positioned in the receiving portion 405. The ferrule 105 may also pass through a flexible narrow neck opening 415 to disconnect the lens 215.

In some embodiments, the narrow neck opening 415 may be at least partially defined by a narrow neck geometry. For example, the narrow neck width 440 of the narrow neck opening 415 may be defined as the distance between the rounded portions 435, one rounded portion 435 being positioned on each opposing side of the flexible narrow neck opening 415. The narrow neck width 440 may be smaller in size than the receiving width 445 of the receiving portion 405, at least when the spring clip 230 is undeflected. To accommodate insertion and removal of the ferrule 105, the side arms 450 or other portions of the spring clip 230 may flex outward as the ferrule 105 is inserted or removed, causing the narrow neck width 440 to expand to the width of the ferrule 105 until the ferrule 105 exits the narrow neck opening 415. Thus, at least the narrow neck width 440 can vary as the side arms 450 and/or other portions of the spring clip 230 flex and de-flex (de-flex) in response to insertion/removal of the ferrule 105. This flexing may be due at least to the width dimension of ferrule 105 being greater than narrow neck width 440 when spring clip 230 is unflexed. For example, when the spring clip 230 is undeflected, the width dimension of the ferrule 105 may be greater than the narrow neck width 440 but less than or equal to the receiving width 445 of the receiving portion 405 so that the ferrule may fit within the receiving portion 405.

In some embodiments, the rounded portion 435 of the narrow neck portion 410 may be configured to abut the ferrule 105 after the ferrule 105 is inserted into the lens 215 and positioned within the receiving portion 405 of the spring clip 230. Additionally or alternatively, the rounded portion 435 may bias the ferrule 105 against the lens 215 after the ferrule 105 is inserted into the lens 215. For example, the rounded portion 435 may exert a spring force on the rear portion of the ferrule 105. The spring force exerted on the inserted ferrule 105 may be due to, for example, the rear portion of the ferrule 105 fitting tightly over the rounded portion 435 and/or the rear portion of the ferrule 105 causing some expansion or flexing of the narrow neck portion 410 such that the narrow neck width 440 is wider than when the spring clip 230 is at rest (e.g., when the ferrule 105 is not inserted into the spring clip 230).

Additionally or alternatively, the spring force or bias applied by the spring clip 230 may be balanced to be approximately equal to zero. For example, the spring force may be transmitted along various components of the spring clip 230, including those components that extend relative to each other in various directions. For example, the spring force may be transmitted along the two opposing side arms 450 and along the rounded portion 435 and the elbow portion 420. In these or other embodiments, the forces generated around to effectively form a full circle may be used to help provide an effect of balancing the forces on the lens 215 and the ferrule 105 when the lens 215 and the ferrule 105 are coupled together.

In some embodiments, each of the rounded portions 435 is connected to a different one of the two opposing side arms 450. The two opposing side arms 450 may at least partially define certain boundaries and limits of the receiving portion 405, including a length and receiving width 445 of the spring clip 230 sufficient to substantially enclose both the lens and the ferrule (when the ferrule is inserted). The receiving portion 405 may be rectangular or square depending on the space requirements and space usage of the various components (e.g., the lens 215 and the ferrule 105) and/or as may be provided by the housing 210.

For example, the spring clip 230 may be sized and shaped to fit within the housing 210 and lock in place via the retention tab 455 of the spring clip 230. When the spring clip 230 is being positioned within the housing 210, the retention tabs 455 may be compressed as they slide against the opposing side arms of the housing 210 that define the cavity 235. Further, at some point within the housing 210, the opposing side arms may include features corresponding to the retention tabs 455, such as recesses, flanges, wings, or openings to allow the retention tabs 455 to decompress and expand outward to the uncompressed state. After the retention tabs 455 have expanded outwardly into corresponding recesses, flanges, wings, or openings of the opposing side arms of the housing 210, the retention tabs 455 may then lock the spring clip 230 in place relative to the housing 210, the decompressed retention tabs 455 being substantially impossible to remove due in part to the corresponding features of the opposing side arms of the housing 210.

In some embodiments, the narrow neck portion 410 of the spring clip 230 includes elbow portions 420, each elbow portion 420 positioned adjacent to each of opposite sides of the deflectable narrow neck opening 415. Each of the elbow portions 420 may include a first portion 425 and a second portion 430. Each first portion 425 may be connected to a corresponding one of rounded portions 435. Each second portion 430 may be connected to a corresponding one of the first portions 425 and may each extend along the length of the receiving portion 405 and/or in a direction substantially parallel to the side arm 450. In these or other embodiments, the narrow neck portion 410, including at least the elbow portion 420, may flex into the recess or flex groove 240 of the housing 210 and un-flex to exit the recess or flex groove 240 of the housing 210 in response to insertion or extraction of the ferrule. For example, the housing 210 may remain stationary and the elbow portion 420 of the narrow neck portion 410 may move in a sliding motion into the recess or flex groove 240 of the housing 210 in response to the ferrule 105 passing through the deflectable narrow neck opening 415 of the spring clip 230. Similarly, in response to the ferrule backing out or otherwise exiting the deflectable narrow neck opening 415 of the spring clip 230, the elbow portion 420 of the narrow neck portion 410 may move in a sliding motion away from the recess or deflection slot 240 of the housing 210. Additionally or alternatively, when there is no locking pin 225 of the cover 220 or additionally the locking pin 225 of the cover 220 is not positioned adjacent to the narrow-necked portion 410 and the housing 210 and not between the narrow-necked portion 410 and the housing 210, each of the second portions 430 may act as a flexure stop, such that movement of the narrow-necked portion 410 may substantially stop in response to the second portion 430 abutting an outer boundary of the recess or flexure slot 240 of the housing 210. In some embodiments, when the second portion 430 functions as a deflection stop, the second portion 430 may help to prevent attempts to connect incompatible or unsuitable ferrules with the BOA 110. For example, ferrules that are too large in size for the BOA 110 cannot fit within the flexible narrow neck opening 415 even when the second portion 430 of the narrow neck portion 410 moves to the outer boundary of the recess or flex groove 240 of the housing, thereby helping to prevent errors and/or component damage.

Fig. 4B includes a top cross-sectional view and a top side cross-sectional perspective view of ferrule 105 and BOA 110 of fig. 1 arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Fig. 4C includes another top cross-sectional view and another top cross-sectional perspective view of ferrule 105 and BOA 110 of fig. 1 arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As illustrated, fig. 4B-4C include the housing 210, the lens 215, the locking pin 225 of the cover 220, the spring clip 230, the flex groove 240, the ferrule 105, the optical fiber 106, and the locking pin 225 of the cover 220.

In more detail, the locking pin 225 of the cover 220 may cooperate with one or more other components to provide a secure connection between the ferrule 105 and the BOA 110. For example, when the cover 220 is in the closed position, the locking pin 225 may be positioned adjacent to the spring clip 230, and the locking pin 225 may cooperate with the spring clip 230 to secure the connection between the ferrule 105 and the lens 215 (or prevent insertion of the ferrule 105). For example, in the closed position, the locking pin 225 may be positioned laterally in a space between the spring clip 230 and a portion of the housing 210. In this manner, the locking pin 225 in cooperation with the housing 210 and the spring clip 230 may not allow or prevent insertion and/or removal of the ferrule 105 into and/or from the lens 215, or more generally, insertion and/or removal of the ferrule 105 into and/or from the BOA 110. For example, the locking pin 225 may act as a mechanical stop such that the spring clip 230 cannot travel, slide, or flex into a recess or flex slot 240 (not shown in fig. 4B) of the housing 210. In the event of an attempt to insert or remove the ferrule 105, either intentionally or unintentionally, the spring clip 230 may not flex outward at all due to engagement with the locking pins 225, or may begin to flex outward but may then impinge on a lower portion of each of the locking pins 225. A lower portion of each of the locking pins 225 is visible at least in fig. 2A, 2B, and 4B and may be located at an opposite end of the locking pin 225 extending away from the cover 220. Additionally, an upper portion of the locking pin 225 is illustrated in fig. 2A, 2B, and 4C and may be connected to the cover 220. The upper portion of the locking pin 225 may also be supported when abutted by a portion of the housing 210. In this manner, the narrow neck opening of the spring clip 230 may be prevented from flexing outward to accommodate insertion or removal of the ferrule 105 when the cover 220 is in the closed position.

Fig. 4D includes top and side perspective views of fig. 1-2B without the lens 215, the ferrule 105, and the movable cover 120, arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As illustrated, fig. 4D includes a housing 210, a flex slot 240, and a spring clip 230 fully inserted into the housing 210. In these or other embodiments, some portions of the spring clip 230 may be more visible than other portions. For example, when the spring clip 230 is fully inserted into the housing 210, the elbow portion 420, the side arms 450, and the retention tabs 455 may be less visible than the rounded portion 435 defining the narrow neck width 440.

Fig. 4E includes a top cross-sectional view and a top cross-sectional perspective view of fig. 4D arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As illustrated, fig. 4E includes a housing 210, a spring clip 230, a flex slot 240, and two retaining elements 250. The retaining elements 250 of the housing 210 may cooperate with the retaining tabs 455 of the spring clip 230 to retain the spring clip 230 in the housing 210. After the spring clip 230 is fully inserted into the housing 210, the spring clip 230 cannot be removed without bending and/or breaking one or both of the retention tabs 455. For example, each of the retention elements 250 may protrude inwardly toward the side arms 450 and each may include two sides that meet at an apex (rounded, pointed, or otherwise). One side (e.g., the entry side) of the retention element 250 may be beveled to facilitate insertion of the spring clip 230 such that the retention tabs 455 and/or the side arms 450 may resiliently flex inward when sliding past the entry side of the retention element 250. For example, the retention tabs 455 and/or the side arms 450 may flex more and more inwardly until exiting the apex of each of the retention elements 250. After the retention tabs 455 are inserted along the entry sides and past the apex of each of the retention elements 250, the retention tabs 455 and/or the side arms 450 may be un-flexed, e.g., expanded outward. The second side (e.g., the rearward facing side) of each of the retention elements 250 may prevent removal of the spring clip 230 due to the apex and/or the angle of the rearward facing side of each of the retention elements 250 relative to the retention tab 455 (e.g., after insertion of the spring clip 230, the retention tab 455 captures the retention element 250 and the spring clip 230 cannot be removed without force and/or damage to the retention tab 455).

Fig. 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 500 to provide a secure ferrule to lens connection, arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Method 500 may be performed in whole or in part in an optical system that may include the BOA or other optical (or electro-optical) component of FIGS. 1-2B. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, the various blocks may be separated into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation.

The method 500 may begin at block 505 where a cover coupled to a housing of an optical assembly may be moved to an open position to expose a convex guide pin of a lens of the optical assembly at block 505. Additionally or alternatively, the convex guide pin of the lens may be positioned within a receiving portion of a spring clip of the optical assembly. In some embodiments, moving the cover to the open position may include rotating and/or sliding the cover relative to the housing from the closed position to the open position. Block 505 may be followed by block 510.

In block 510, the convex guide pins of the lens may be visually aligned with the corresponding concave openings of the ferrule. The male guide pin may be oriented in a direction facing the narrow necked opening in the narrow necked portion of the spring clip. Block 510 may be followed by block 515. Alternatively or additionally, block 510 and block 515 may overlap at least partially in time.

In block 515, the ferrule may be inserted through the narrow neck opening of the spring clip into the receiving portion of the spring clip. When the ferrule is inserted (or withdrawn) through the narrow neck opening of the spring clip, the spring clip can flex such that the narrow neck portion of the spring clip can move outward into the flex groove of the optical assembly. Block 515 may be followed by block 520.

In block 520, the male guide pins of the lens may be mated with the female openings of the ferrules, e.g., the male guide pins may be received into the female openings. The male guide pins may fully mate with the female openings when the narrow necked portion of the spring clip abuts a rear portion of the ferrule opposite the front portion of the ferrule that mates with the lens. Block 520 may be followed by block 525.

In block 525, the cover of the optical assembly may be moved to a closed position such that the locking pin of the cover engages the spring clip to prevent removal of the ferrule from the lens of the optical assembly. For example, preventing removal of the ferrule may include preventing at least a portion of the spring clip from expanding outward via a locking pin extending downward from a bottom surface of the cover. Additionally or alternatively, preventing removal of the collar may include positioning a locking pin laterally between the narrow neck portion and the flex groove such that the narrow neck portion cannot move into the flex groove. Block 525 may be followed by block 530.

In block 530, the ferrule may be biased against the lens. The ferrule may be biased against the lens by a narrow neck portion abutting a rear portion of the ferrule exerting a force on the rear portion of the ferrule urging the ferrule toward the lens.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the functions and/or operations performed with respect to these and other processes, operations, and methods described herein may be performed in a different order. Further, the outlined functions and operations are provided merely as examples, and some of the functions and operations may be optional, may be combined into fewer functions and operations, or may be expanded into additional functions and operations without departing from the spirit of the disclosed embodiments.

In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. The illustrations presented in this disclosure are not meant to be actual views of any particular apparatus (e.g., device, system, etc.) or method, but are merely idealized representations which are employed to describe various embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Additionally, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or all of the operations of a particular method.

The terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims), are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).

In addition, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the claim includes the starting phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

Furthermore, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Further, in those instances where a similar convention is used as "at least one of A, B and C, etc." or "one or more of A, B and C, etc." it is generally intended that such a construction includes: a alone, B alone, C alone, a and B together, a and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together, etc. For example, use of the term "and/or" is intended to be interpreted in this manner.

Furthermore, any disjunctive or disjunctive phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, including any of the terms, or including both terms. For example, the phrase "a or B" should be understood to include the possibility of having "a" or having "B" or having "a and B".

However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the claim includes the starting phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, the use of the terms first, second, third, etc. herein is not necessarily intended to imply a particular order or number of elements. Generally, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are used as general identifiers to distinguish between different elements. Where the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. do not imply a particular order, these terms should not be construed as implying a particular order. Moreover, where the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. do not imply a particular number of elements, these terms should not be taken to imply a particular number of elements. For example, a first utensil may be described as having a first side and a second utensil may be described as having a second side. The use of the term "second side" with respect to the second appliance may be used to distinguish that side of the second appliance from the "first side" of the first appliance, and is not intended to imply that the second appliance has two sides.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.