Fiber optic connector with field installable outer connector housing
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.
1 . A method of installing an optical fiber in at least one of a duct, riser or plenum or other small conduit, comprising:
routing a ferrule, a ferrule hub having an asymmetric shape with angled top and bottom major sides that define a predetermined rotational orientation, a spring, and at least a portion of the optical fiber through the at least one of a duct, riser or plenum;
inserting at least a portion of the optical fiber into an open channel positioned on a side of a mounting block, wherein the portion of the optical fiber is inserted into the open channel from the side in a direction substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, wherein the spring is captured between a first spring stop defined by the ferrule hub and a second spring stop defined by the mounting block, wherein the ferrule hub is configured for insertion into a rear cavity of a main connector housing in only the predetermined rotational orientation due to the asymmetric shape; and
inserting a front portion of the mounting block into a rear cavity of a main connector housing in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, to effect latching of the main connector housing to the mounting block along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber by a snap-fit connection,
wherein the spring biases the ferrule hub and the ferrule in a forward direction relative to the main connector housing to enable access to a front end face of the ferrule at a front end of the main connector housing.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the main connector housing forms a plug portion configured to fit within a corresponding fiber optic adapter.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the plug portion is configured as one of an LC-type, SC-type, ST-type, or FC-type connector.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the optical fiber is incorporated into a fiber optic cable having an outer jacket.
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the outer jacket has an outer diameter of less than or equal to 1.2 millimeters.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the optical fiber includes one or more coating layers having a polymeric construction.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the one or more coating layers have an outer diameter in a range of 240-260 microns.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein only a core and a cladding of the optical fiber are supported within the ferrule.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the core and the cladding are constructed of a silica-based material.
10 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the cladding has an index of refraction less than an index of refraction of the core.
11 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising interlocking the mounting block with a strain relief sleeve surrounding the optical fiber.
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the strain relief sleeve includes a tapered portion that reduces in cross-sectional size as the strain relief sleeve extends rearwardly from the mounting block.
13 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the strain relief sleeve includes a segmented construction that enhances flexibility.
14 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the strain relief sleeve is of a polymeric construction.
15 . The method of claim 11 , wherein a mechanical interlock between the strain relief sleeve and the mounting block inhibits relative axial movement between the strain relief sleeve and the mounting block.
16 . A method of installing an optical fiber in a duct, the optical fiber having a ferrule supporting a distal end of the optical fiber, a ferrule hub having an asymmetric shape with angled top and bottom major sides that define a predetermined rotational orientation to support the ferrule, and a spring positioned proximally from the ferrule hub, the method comprising:
routing at least a first portion of the optical fiber through the duct;
inserting at least the first portion of the optical fiber into an open channel defined along a side of a mounting block in a direction substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, wherein the spring is captured between a first spring stop defined by the ferrule hub and a second spring stop defined by the mounting block, wherein the ferrule hub is configured for insertion into a rear cavity of a main connector housing in only the predetermined rotational orientation due to the asymmetric shape; and
inserting a front portion of the mounting block into the rear cavity of the main connector housing in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, to effect latching the main connector housing to the mounting block along the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber by a snap-fit connection,
wherein the spring biases the ferrule hub and the ferrule in a forward direction relative to the main connector housing to enable access to a front end face of the ferrule at a front end of the main connector housing.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the main connector housing forms a plug portion configured to fit within a corresponding fiber optic adapter.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the plug portion is configured as one of an LC-type, SC-type, ST-type, or FC-type connector.
19 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising interlocking the mounting block with a strain relief sleeve surrounding the optical fiber.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein a mechanical interlock between the strain relief sleeve and the mounting block inhibits relative axial movement between the strain relief sleeve and the mounting block.