Jacket subassembly for fiber optic connector

Abstract

A fiber optic ferrule sub-assembly for insertion into an outer housing of a fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly having a ferrule that forms an optically communicating connection with another fiber optic device. A rear housing includes a rear post that is attached to a fiber optic cable. A spring is operably disposed between the ferrule assembly and the rear housing. A link connects the ferrule assembly to the rear housing such that the spring is compressed and biases the ferrule away from the rear housing prior to insertion of the fiber optic ferrule sub-assembly into the outer housing.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 056,508 filed July 24, 2020 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 056,503 filed July 24, 2020. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connectors, and more particularly to a ferrule sub-assembly for a fiber optic connector. BACKGROUND

[0004] Optical connectors are used within optical communication networks to interconnect optical cables and optical equipment or other optical cables. An optical connection typically includes two optical connectors with ferrules that are connected together, the ferrules facilitating the formation of an optical connection formed by the connected optical connectors. SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, a fiber optic ferrule sub-assembly for insertion into an outer housing of a fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly including a ferrule configured to form an optical communication connection with another fiber optic device. A rear housing includes a rear post configured to be attached to a fiber optic cable. A spring is operably disposed between the ferrule assembly and the rear post. A link connects the ferrule assembly to the rear housing such that the spring is compressed and biases the ferrule away from the rear housing prior to insertion of the fiber optic ferrule sub-assembly into the outer housing.

[0006] In another aspect, a fiber optic connector includes the fiber optic sub-assembly of the preceding paragraph. The fiber optic sub-assembly is received in and connected to an outer housing.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of assembling a fiber optic connector includes forming a ferrule sub-assembly. Forming the ferrule sub-assembly includes the steps of providing a ferrule assembly including a ferrule and at least one optical fiber received in the ferrule in a configuration for optical communication with another fiber optic device; connecting the ferrule assembly to a rear housing such that a spring disposed between the ferrule assembly and the rear housing is held in a compressed state; and after the ferrule assembly is connected to the rear housing, securing a fiber optic cable to a rear post of the rear housing. The method of assembling further includes inserting the ferrule sub-assembly into an outer housing of the fiber optic connector and attaching the ferrule sub-assembly to the outer housing.

[0008] Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fiber optic ferrule sub-assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure attached to a fiber optic cable;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the fiber optic sleeve assembly;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the fiber optic sleeve subassembly;

[0012] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the fiber optic sleeve subassembly;

[0013] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a fiber optic connector, including the fiber optic sleeve subassembly.

[0014] Figures 6A to 6F It shows the assembly Figure 5 The steps for using fiber optic connectors;

[0015] Figure 7 This is another embodiment of the fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 8 This is yet another embodiment of the fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of the fiber optic sleeve assembly;

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A longitudinal sectional view of the fiber optic sleeve assembly;

[0019] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 An exploded view of the fiber optic sleeve assembly.

[0020] The corresponding reference numerals in the attached figures refer to the corresponding components in each figure. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Refer to the attached diagram, especially Figure 5 and Figure 6FThis illustration shows a fiber optic sleeve subassembly for a fiber optic connector 10. The fiber optic connector 10 is configured to form a fiber optic connection with a fiber optic device, such as another fiber optic connector or fiber optic adapter. When coupled to a fiber optic device, the fiber optic connector 10 and the fiber optic device form an optical connection, enabling communication between different fiber optic devices (e.g., cables, devices, etc.) in an optical communication network. The fiber optic connector 10 is attached to the end of a fiber optic cable C, but other arrangements are also within the scope of this disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the fiber optic connector 10 includes an outer housing 12 that houses or surrounds the fiber optic sleeve subassembly, a peripheral seal or washer 14 forming a seal for the fiber optic device, a coupling nut 16 for coupling the fiber optic connector to the fiber optic device, a locking ring 18 to prevent the coupling nut 16 from unintentionally disengaging from the fiber optic device, a crimping ring 20 for securing the fiber optic cable C (e.g., its outer sheath) to the fiber optic sleeve subassembly, a heat-shrinkable sheath 22 extending over the outer housing and the fiber optic cable, and the fiber optic sleeve subassembly. The fiber optic sleeve assembly is received in the outer housing 12 of the fiber optic connector 10 and connected to the outer housing 12. Figures 1 to 6F In the illustrated embodiment, connector 10 is an outdoor fiber optic connector. Other configurations of the fiber optic connector 10 are also within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the connector may have other housing configurations, such as housing 12' ( Figure 11 In another example, the connector may not include one or more components such as a coupling nut, washer, and locking ring. In yet another example, instead of an optical connection, or in addition to an optical connection, the connector may form an electrical connection or other types of connection.

[0022] refer to Figures 1 to 6F According to one embodiment of the fiber optic sleeve subassembly of this disclosure, it is generally referred to by reference numeral 110. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly 110 is sized and shaped to be inserted into the housing 12 of a connector 10. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly 110 includes a sleeve assembly 112 having a sleeve 114 (broadly, at least one sleeve). The sleeve 114 is configured to form an optical connection with another fiber optic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 114 is a mechanically convertible (MT) sleeve, more specifically, a multifiber push-out (MPO) sleeve, but other types of sleeves are also within the scope of this disclosure. The sleeve 114 is directly connected to one or more optical fibers F of the fiber optic cable C. In this embodiment, the sleeve assembly 112 also includes a pin holder or pin retainer 116 that holds one or more alignment pins 118. The sleeve assembly 112 is a male sleeve assembly, wherein the pins 118 extend through and out of the sleeve 114 to be received by a corresponding female sleeve (broadly, sleeve assembly) of the fiber optic device. In one embodiment, the sleeve assembly 112 may be a female sleeve assembly with a pin retainer, wherein the pin extends only partially into the sleeve or is omitted along with the pin retainer.

[0023] Fiber optic ferrule assembly 110 includes a rear portion or rear housing 120. The rear housing 120 is located at the distal end of the ferrule assembly 112. The rear housing 120 includes a rear strut 122 at its rear or distal end. The rear strut 122 is configured to attach to an optical fiber cable C (specifically, the outer sheath and / or the strength fibers of the outer sheath). A crimping ring 20 is crimped or compressed around the outer sheath of the optical fiber cable C and the rear strut 122 to secure the optical fiber cable to the rear housing 120 (broadly, the fiber optic ferrule assembly 110). The rear strut 122 defines a fiber opening 125 through which one or more fibers F extend. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear strut 122 defines a longitudinally extending slot 124 communicating with the fiber opening 125. Fibers F can be moved through the slot 124 (e.g., laterally through the slot) to position the fiber in the fiber opening 125 when attaching the optical fiber cable C to the rear housing 120, rather than threading the fiber through the fiber opening. This makes the fiber optic ferrule assembly 110 easier to assemble. The fiber optic ferrule assembly 110 may include a rear strut slide or rear strut cover 126, sized and shaped to insert into a slot 124 to prevent the fiber F from unintentionally moving rearward through the slot and leaving the fiber opening 125 once it is positioned in the fiber opening. The rear housing 120 also includes a first arm and a side arm 128 extending forward or proximal to the rear strut 122. The arm 128 extends from the opposite side of the rear strut 122. The rear housing 120 includes a connection structure configured to connect to the outer housing 12 of the connector 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection structure of the rear housing 120 includes one or more housing pawls 130 configured to engage (e.g., form a snap-fit ​​connection) with the outer housing 12 of the connector 10 when the fiber optic ferrule assembly 110 is coupled to the housing to secure the fiber optic ferrule assembly to the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear housing 120 includes two housing pawls 130, one on each arm 128.

[0024] The fiber optic ferrule assembly 110 includes a spring 132 (e.g., a helical spring). The spring 132 is operatively disposed between the ferrule assembly 112 and the rear housing 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring extends between the ferrule assembly 112 and the rear housing 120, with one end engaging a pin retainer 116 and the other end engaging the rear housing 120 between arms 128. The spring 132 biases the ferrule assembly 112 proximally or distally from the rear housing 120. One or more fibers F extend through the spring 132. The arms 128 of the rear housing 120 are spaced apart and defined in size and shape to receive the opposite sides (e.g., left and right sides) of the space receiving the spring 132 when the spring is compressed between the ferrule assembly 112 and the rear housing.

[0025] The fiber optic ferrule subassembly 110 includes a connector 134. Connector 134 connects the ferrule assembly 112 to the rear housing 120. Specifically, connector 134 is connected to both the ferrule assembly and the rear housing 120. In this embodiment, connector 134 includes a ferrule holder 136 and two retaining arms 138 (generally, at least one retaining arm). The ferrule holder 136 captures the ferrule 114 of the ferrule assembly 112. The ferrule holder 136 has the shape of a rectangular ring and defines a ferrule opening. The ferrule 114 is disposed within (and extends through) the ferrule opening of the ferrule holder 136. The ferrule 114 is movable relative to the ferrule holder 136 within the ferrule opening. The enlarged base of the ferrule 114 engages with the ferrule holder 136 to prevent distal movement of the ferrule out of the ferrule holder. Thus, from Figure 1 As shown, the sleeve 114 cannot move distally relative to the sleeve support 136, but the sleeve and pin retainer 116 can move proximally relative to the sleeve support. It is understood that the spring 132 biases the sleeve 114 and pin retainer 116 distally. Each retaining arm 138 extends from the sleeve support 136. In the illustrated embodiment, two (e.g., first and second) retaining arms 138 extend from opposite sides (e.g., upper and lower) of the sleeve support 136. The two retaining arms 138 are generally identical but can have different configurations. Furthermore, the number of retaining arms can be less than or more than two. The retaining arms 138 of the link 134 are connected to the rear housing 120.

[0026] The rear housing 120 includes a connection structure connected to the link 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection structure of the rear housing 120 includes a pair (generally, one or more) pawls 140. Each pawl is configured to engage the link 134 to attach the link to the rear housing 120. The link 134 includes an opening 142 (generally, at least one opening) that receives the pawl 140 to attach the link to the rear housing 120. It is understood that the opening 142 may be referred to as a "recess" in this specification. In other embodiments, the link 134 may include one or more pawls and the rear housing 120 may include one or more recesses that receive the one or more pawls (generally, one of the rear housing 120 and the link 134 includes a pawl, and the other of the rear housing and the link includes a recess that receives the pawl to attach the link to the rear housing). Referring back to the illustrated embodiment, each arm 138 of the link 134 defines an opening 142 adjacent to its distal end that receives two pawls 140 of the rear housing 120. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rear housing 120 includes four pawls 140, two on each side. One retaining arm 138 engages the two pawls 140 on one side of the rear housing 120, and the other retaining arm engages the two pawls on the other side of the rear housing.

[0027] Link 134 is attached to rear housing 120 via a snap-fit ​​connection. The two arms 138 of link 134 are resiliently deflectable. To attach link 134 to rear housing 120, link 134 is moved distally or rearward relative to rear housing. As link 134 moves distally, arms 138 engage pawl 140 and are deflected by pawl 140. As link 134 continues to move distally, recesses 142 on each arm 138 become aligned with pawl 140, allowing the arm to return to or slide out to its initial undeflected position.

[0028] Connector 134 connects the sleeve assembly 112 to the rear housing 120 such that spring 132 is compressed and the sleeve 114 is biased away from the rear housing before the fiber optic sleeve subassembly 110 is inserted into the housing 12. In this way, spring 132 is generally pre-compressed before the fiber optic sleeve subassembly 110 is inserted into the housing 12 of the connector 10. In particular, spring 132 is compressed before the fiber optic cable C is secured to the fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 (e.g., rear support 122) by crimp ring 20. In conventional fiber optic connectors, the spring is not compressed before the fiber optic sleeve assembly is inserted into the housing. Because the fiber optic cable C must be attached to the fiber optic sleeve assembly before being inserted into the housing, compressing the spring during the insertion of the fiber optic sleeve assembly into the housing (and after the fiber optic cable is attached to the fiber optic sleeve assembly) would cause the fiber F to fold or bend. As the sleeve moves distally relative to the rear support connected to the fiber optic cable C (through the housing when the fiber optic sleeve subassembly is inserted into the housing), causing spring compression, fiber F may fold or bend. Such folding or bending can damage fiber F and / or cause transmission loss. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly 110 of this disclosure allows spring 132 to be compressed before fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 is inserted into the housing 12 of connector 10 and before fiber optic cable C is attached to fiber optic sleeve assembly. As a result, fiber F will not fold or bend due to compression of spring 132 during fiber optic connector 10 assembly.

[0029] refer to Figures 6A to 6F The diagram generally illustrates the steps for assembling a fiber optic connector 10 with a fiber optic sleeve subassembly 110. To begin assembling the connector 10, the fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 is formed. First, as... Figure 6A As shown, the optical fiber F of the fiber optic cable C is received in a sleeve 114 of the sleeve assembly 112 (e.g., connected to). The end surfaces of the fiber terminations in the sleeve 114 are polished. Some components, such as spring 132, crimp ring 20, and heat-shrinkable sheath 22, may be threaded onto the fiber optic cable C for later steps, such as by passing these components through the other end of the cable or over the sleeve 114, before attaching the sleeve 114 to one or more fibers F or for later positioning on the cable.Figure 6B As shown, a pin retainer 116 is attached to a sleeve 114. One or more pins 118 are inserted proximally into corresponding pin channels in the sleeve 114. The rear housing 120 is then positioned on the cable C (specifically, the fiber F) by moving the fiber through a slot 124 and into a fiber opening 125 defined by the rear support 122. As the rear housing 120 is positioned, a spring is also positioned along the fiber F between the sleeve 114 and the rear housing. Figure 6C As shown. After the fiber F is placed in the fiber opening 125 defined by the rear support 122, the rear support cover 126 can be inserted into the groove 124 to secure the fiber in the fiber opening.

[0030] Next, as Figure 6D As shown, the sleeve assembly 112 is connected to the rear housing 120, keeping the spring 132 in a compressed state. Specifically, the connector 134 is connected to the sleeve assembly 112 and the rear housing 120 to compress the spring 132. The sleeve 114 is inserted proximally into the sleeve opening of the sleeve support 136 of the connector 134 to attach the connector to the sleeve assembly 112. Then, the connector 134 and the sleeve assembly 112 are moved distally until the connector is connected to the rear housing 120, as described above. The fiber optic cable C is then secured to the rear support 122 of the rear housing 120. The cable sheath of the fiber optic cable C is positioned over the rear support 122 of the rear housing 120, and then a crimping ring 20 is crimped onto the cable sheath and the rear support, thereby securing these components together.

[0031] Now, the fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 is formed, and the fiber optic sleeve assembly is inserted into the outer shell 12 of the connector, as follows. Figure 6E As shown. Preferably, when the fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 is inserted into the housing 12 or when the fiber optic sleeve assembly is attached to the housing, the spring 132 is not further compressed (or is compressed by no more than a negligible amount). Once the fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 is in the housing 12, the housing pawl 130 (via a snap-fit ​​connection similar to the snap-fit ​​connection described above) engages the housing to attach the fiber optic sleeve assembly to the housing. Other elements, such as the seal 14, the coupling nut 16, and the locking ring 18, may be positioned on the housing 12 before the fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 is attached to the housing. After the fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 is attached to the housing 12, the heat-shrinkable sleeve 22 may be attached to the housing and the portion of the cable C extending distally from the housing. The heat-shrinkable sleeve 22 moves into place, as... Figure 6F As shown, heat is then applied to shrink the heat-shrink sleeve 22 onto the housing 12 and the cable C. The connector 10 is now assembled and attached to the fiber optic cable C.

[0032] refer to Figure 7Another embodiment of the fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to this disclosure is generally referred to by reference numeral 210. Figure 7 The fiber optic sleeve assembly 210 is generally similar to Figures 1 to 6F The fiber optic sleeve assembly 110, therefore, for ease of understanding, similar, analogous, or identical parts are indicated by reference numerals that are higher than "100". Therefore, unless clearly stated or specified, the above description of... Figures 1 to 6F The description of the fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 also applies to Figure 7 Fiber optic sleeve assembly 210. For example. Figure 7 The fiber optic sleeve assembly 210 can be Figures 5 to 6F The fiber optic connector 10 shown in the figure has a fiber optic sleeve assembly.

[0033] In this embodiment, the link 234 is integral with the sleeve assembly 212. As used herein, "integral" means that something can be formed as a single part with other articles, or can be separately formed and connected to other articles. The link 234 includes at least one retaining arm 238 integral with the pin retainer 216. At least one retaining arm 238 extends from the pin retainer 216 and connects to the rear housing 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the link 234 includes four retaining arms 238 that are generally identical to each other (e.g., mirror images of each other). Two retaining arms 238 extend from the upper side of the pin retainer 216, and two other retaining arms (obscured in the figure) extend from the lower side of the pin retainer. Each retaining arm 238 defines an opening (or "recess") 242 that receives one of the pawls 240 of the rear housing 220 to engage the link (and thus the sleeve assembly 212) to the rear housing. Additionally, Figure 7 The construction and operation of the fiber optic sleeve assembly 210 are generally similar to Figures 1 to 6F The fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 is the same. For example, having Figure 7 The fiber optic connector of the fiber optic sleeve assembly 210 is generally designed to work with... Figures 1 to 6F The fiber optic connector 10 of the fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 is assembled in the same manner, except when forming Figure 7 The fiber optic sleeve subassembly 210 does not include the step of attaching the connector to the sleeve assembly.

[0034] refer to Figures 8 to 11 Another embodiment of the fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to this disclosure is generally referred to by reference numeral 310. Figures 8 to 11 The fiber optic sleeve assembly 310 is generally similar to Figures 1 to 6F The fiber optic sleeve assembly 110, therefore, for ease of understanding, similar, analogous, or identical parts are indicated by reference numerals that are 200 units higher. Therefore, unless clearly stated or specified, the above description of... Figures 1 to 6FThe description of the fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 also applies to Figures 8 to 11 Fiber optic sleeve assembly 310. For example. Figures 8 to 11 The fiber optic sleeve assembly 310 can be Figures 5 to 6F The fiber optic connector 10 shown in the figure has a fiber optic sleeve assembly.

[0035] In this embodiment, the link 334 is integral with the sleeve assembly 312. The link 334 includes two pawls 341 (generally, at least one pawl) integral with the pin retainer 316. Each pawl 341 is configured to engage the rear housing 320 to connect the link 334 and the sleeve assembly 312 to the rear housing. The rear housing 320 includes two openings or recesses 343 (generally, connection structures), each receiving a corresponding one of the pawls 341 to connect the link to the rear housing. It is understood that the rear housing 320 may include only one recess or more than two recesses. In the illustrated embodiment, the two (first and second) pawls 341 are located on each side (e.g., left and right) of the pin retainer 316 and on the corresponding sides (e.g., left and right) of the rear housing 320. Each recess 343 receives one of the pawls 341. Each arm 328 of the rear housing 320 defines one of the recesses 343 adjacent to its free end or proximal end. In one embodiment, the recess 343 is slightly oversized to allow the sleeve 314 (and via the extension of the connector 334) to move to the distal end as the sleeve engages the fiber optic device and forms an optical connection.

[0036] Link 334 is connected to rear housing 320 via a snap-fit ​​connection. The two arms 328 of link 334 are resiliently deflectable. To connect link 334 to rear housing 120, link 334 (i.e., sleeve 314 and pin retainer 316) is moved distally or rearward relative to rear housing. As link 334 moves distally, arms 328 engage pawls 341 of the link and are deflected by pawls 341. As link 334 continues to move distally, recesses 343 on each arm 328 align with pawls 341, allowing the arms to return to or slide out to their initial undeflected position. Additionally, Figures 8 to 11 The construction and operation of the fiber optic sleeve assembly 310 are generally similar to Figures 1 to 6F The fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 is the same. For example, having Figures 8 to 11 The fiber optic connector of the fiber optic sleeve assembly 310 is generally designed to be compatible with... Figures 1 to 6F The fiber optic connector 10 of the fiber optic sleeve assembly 110 is assembled in the same manner, except when forming Figures 8 to 11 The fiber optic sleeve subassembly 310 does not include the step of attaching the connector to the sleeve assembly. As mentioned herein, Figures 8 to 11 The fiber optic sleeve assembly 310 can be inserted Figures 5 to 6F The outer casing 12 or having such asFigure 11 The outer shell 12' shown in the figure is constructed in the outer shell body.

[0037] Variations and modifications of the disclosed embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, where specific dimensions are given, it is understood that they are merely exemplary and other dimensions are also possible.

[0038] When describing elements of the invention or embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “described” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be other elements besides those listed.

[0039] Since various changes can be made to the above structures, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, all contents contained in the above description and all contents shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and non-limiting.

Claims

1. A fiber optic sleeve assembly for insertion into the outer housing of a fiber optic connector, the fiber optic sleeve assembly comprising: A sleeve assembly, the sleeve assembly including a sleeve configured to form an optical communication connection with another fiber optic device; The rear housing includes a rear support configured to be attached to an optical fiber cable; A spring, operably disposed between the sleeve assembly and the rear housing; A connector that links the ferrule assembly to the rear housing, such that before the fiber optic ferrule subassembly is inserted into the housing, the spring is compressed and biases the ferrule away from the rear housing. The rear housing includes a first connection structure connected to the connector and a second connection structure configured to connect to the outer shell of the fiber optic connector.

2. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector is attached to the rear housing via a snap-fit ​​connection.

3. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to claim 2, wherein, One of the rear housing and the linker includes a pawl, and the other of the rear housing and the linker includes a recess for receiving the pawl to connect the linker to the rear housing.

4. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to claim 3, wherein, The rear housing includes the pawl, and the linker includes the recess for receiving the pawl to connect the linker to the rear housing.

5. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to claim 1, wherein, The link includes a cannula support for supporting the cannula, and at least one retaining arm extending from the cannula support and connected to the rear housing.

6. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to claim 5, wherein, The link includes two retaining arms extending from the opposite side of the sleeve support.

7. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to claim 5, wherein, The sleeve support defines a sleeve opening, and the sleeve is disposed in the sleeve opening.

8. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to claim 1, wherein, The link includes a first retaining arm and a second retaining arm connected to opposite sides of the rear housing.

9. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to claim 1, wherein, The sleeve assembly further includes at least one pin and a pin retainer for retaining the pin, wherein the linker includes at least one retaining arm extending from the pin retainer and connected to the rear housing.

10. The fiber optic sleeve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The sleeve assembly further includes at least one pin and a pin retainer for retaining the pin, wherein the linker includes a pawl on the pin retainer and the rear housing includes a recess for receiving the pawl to connect the linker to the rear housing.

11. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to claim 10, wherein, The pawl is a first pawl, the recess is a first recess, the linker includes a second pawl fixed to the pin retainer, and the rear housing includes a second recess receiving the second pawl to connect the linker to the rear housing.

12. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to claim 11, wherein, The rear housing includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm defining a first recess adjacent to its free end, and the second arm defining a second recess adjacent to its free end.

13. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to claim 1, wherein, The sleeve is a multifiber push-fit (MPO) sleeve.

14. The fiber optic sleeve subassembly according to claim 1, wherein, The rear housing includes one or more housing pawls configured to engage the housing of the fiber optic connector when the sleeve subassembly is attached to the housing to secure the sleeve assembly to the housing.

15. An optical fiber connector comprising the sleeve subassembly of claim 1, the sleeve assembly being received in and connected to the housing of the optical fiber connector.

16. A method for assembling an optical fiber connector, the method comprising: The steps for forming the sleeve assembly include: A sleeve assembly is provided, comprising a sleeve and a configuration for receiving at least one optical fiber in the sleeve for optical communication with another optical fiber device. The sleeve assembly is connected to the rear housing such that a spring disposed between the sleeve assembly and the rear housing is held in a compressed state, wherein the sleeve assembly is connected to the rear housing via a connector of the sleeve subassembly, and the rear housing includes a first connection structure connected to the connector; and After the sleeve assembly is connected to the rear housing, the fiber optic cable is secured to the rear support of the rear housing; The sleeve subassembly is inserted into the outer housing of the fiber optic connector, wherein the rear housing includes a second connection structure configured to connect to the outer housing of the fiber optic connector; and The sleeve subassembly is attached to the housing.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Connecting the fiber optic cable to the rear support includes using a crimping ring to crimp the fiber optic cable to the rear support.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The spring is not further compressed when the sleeve assembly is inserted into the housing or when the sleeve assembly is attached to the housing.

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