Fiber optic connector with field installable outer connector housing
AssigneeCommScope Technologies LLC
InventorsJulian S. Mullaney, Eric Emmanuel Alston, William Alan Carrico
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An optical connector includes a first sub-assembly that is factory-installed to a first end of an optical fiber and a second sub-assembly that is field-installed to the first end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber and first sub-assembly can be routed through a structure (e.g., a building) prior to installation of the second sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly interlocks with the first sub-assembly to inhibit relative axial movement therebetween. Example first sub-assemblies include a ferrule, a hub, and a strain-relief sleeve that mount to an optical fiber. Example second sub-assemblies include a mounting block; and an outer connector housing forming a plug portion.
Claims20
A plug connector kit for installation about a pre-terminated ferrule assembly to connectorize the pre-terminated ferrule assembly, the pre-terminated ferrule assembly including an optical fiber disposed within a ferrule carried by a ferrule hub, the plug connector kit comprising:
- a plug connector housing extending between a front end and a rear end, the plug connector housing defining an interior passage extending through the plug connector housing in an axial direction between the front end and the rear end, the interior passage having a first portion sized to receive the ferrule hub along the axial direction, the interior passage also having a second portion that is smaller than the first portion, the first portion transitioning to the second portion at an internal ferrule stop, the rear end of the plug connector housing providing access to the first portion of the interior passage;
- and
- a rear housing extending between a front end and a rear end, the rear housing being laterally-mountable so that the rear housing receives the pre-terminated ferrule assembly along a lateral direction that is transverse to the axial direction, the front end of the rear housing including a spring stop, the rear housing being configured to snap-fit to the plug connector housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.