Fiber optic connector with long terminus movement and moderate length

摘要

An optic fiber connector has a terminus ( 24 ) with a front tip ( 110 ) that lies at an initial position at which the tip is at least flush with or forward of the surrounding housing front surface ( 112 ) and which is moved rearwardly by a mating terminus ( 22 ) so the tips of the termini are halfway between front and rear ends ( 132, 134 ) of an alignment sleeve ( 34 ). The housing has a peripheral portion ( 120 ) that projects forward of the ferrule front tips to protect them even though they project forward of the housing front surface. The alignment sleeve has a short length (A) that is about three times its inside diameter (C), and a long spring ( 84 ) is used to bias the terminus forwardly and maintain a substantially constant forward force on the terminus, the spring having an initial length (B) which is at least 150% of the alignment sleeve length. A plug ( 96 ) that holds the alignment sleeve in place, has an internal bore with a rear bore portion ( 154 ) that receives the front end of the terminus body ( 90 ). A retainer ( 100 ) includes a clip holder ( 102 ) with a holder rear portion ( 172 ) surrounded by the spring.