Fiber optic connector and assembly thereof
A factory processed and assembled optical fiber arrangement is configured to pass through tight, tortuous spaces when routed to a demarcation point. A connector housing attaches to the optical fiber arrangement at the demarcation point (or after leaving the tight, tortuous spaces) to form a connectorized end of the optical fiber. A fiber tip is protected before leaving the factory until connection is desired.
1. A fiber optic connector assembly, comprising:
a fiber optic arrangement configured to be pushed or pulled through a duct, the fiber optic arrangement including:
an optical cable defining a longitudinal axis;
a ferrule that holds a distal end of the optical fiber extending from a terminated end of the optical cable;
a ferrule hub that carries the ferrule;
a spring disposed at the ferrule hub; and
an anchor member secured to the cable;
a proximal housing including an axial slot extending along an entire length of the proximal housing parallel to the longitudinal axis, another slot, latch members, and a radial flange;
a distal housing, the latch members of the proximal housing being configured to hold the proximal housing to the distal housing; and
a strain relief boot having a distal portion configured to mount to the proximal housing and a proximal portion that tapers towards the cable,
wherein the proximal housing is configured to be inserted over the optical fiber by passing the optical fiber through the axial slot perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
wherein the another slot of the proximal housing is configured to receive and engage the anchor member such that the proximal housing limits proximal axial movement and distal axial movement of the anchor member relative to the proximal housing; and
wherein the boot is configured to be moved distally along the longitudinal axis until it reaches the radial flange of the proximal housing to mount the boot to the proximal housing.
2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the anchor member is secured to a jacket of the optical cable with epoxy or other adhesive.
3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the anchor member includes an anchor slot configured to allow the anchor member to be installed on the optical cable by passing the optical fiber through the anchor slot perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and the then sliding the anchor member parallel to the longitudinal axis.
4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fiber optic arrangement includes a keying member to key the fiber optic arrangement in an orientation relative to the distal housing.
5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the proximal housing includes two of the another slots that are configured to receive and engage tabs of the anchor member.
6. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the latch members of the proximal housing are configured to be received in slots of the distal housing to hold the proximal housing to the distal housing.
7. The assembly of claim 6 , wherein the slots of the distal housing are open at a proximal end of the distal housing.
8. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the fiber optic arrangement is configured to be received within the distal housing.
9. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the proximal housing is configured to be positioned proximally of the distal housing.
10. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein an entirety of the proximal housing is configured to be positioned proximally of the fiber optic arrangement.
11. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the strain relief boot is configured to be mounted over the optical cable with a spreader.
12. A fiber optic connector assembly, comprising:
a fiber optic arrangement configured to be pushed or pulled through a duct, the fiber optic arrangement including:
an optical cable defining a longitudinal axis;
a ferrule that holds a distal end of the optical fiber extending from a terminated end of the optical cable;
a ferrule hub that carries the ferrule;
a spring disposed at the ferrule hub; and
an anchor member secured to the cable;
a proximal housing including an axial slot extending along an entire length of the proximal housing parallel to the longitudinal axis, another slot, latch members, and a radial flange;
a distal housing, the latch members of the proximal housing being configured to be received in openings of the distal housing to hold the proximal housing to the distal housing; and
a strain relief boot having a distal portion configured to mount to the proximal housing and a proximal portion that tapers towards the cable;
wherein the proximal housing is configured to be inserted over the optical fiber by passing the optical fiber through the axial slot perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
wherein the another slot of the proximal housing is configured to receive and engage the anchor member such that the proximal housing limits proximal axial movement and distal axial movement of the anchor member relative to the proximal housing;
wherein the boot is configured to be moved distally along the longitudinal axis until it reaches the radial flange of the proximal housing to mount the boot to the proximal housing;
wherein a portion of the fiber optic arrangement is configured to be received within the distal housing; and
wherein at least a portion of the proximal housing is configured to be positioned proximally of the distal housing.