Optical fiber connector and cable anchoring system for optical fiber connector

Abstract

The present disclosure also relates to a fiber optic connector having a connector core housing that can accommodate different cable anchoring configurations. Different types of end caps and clamps may be used with the connector core housing to efficiently anchor different types of fiber optic cables to the connector core housing.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application was filed as a PCT international application on September 1, 2023, and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 403,643 filed on September 2, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connectors. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to fiber optic connectors and configurations for anchoring fiber optic cables to fiber optic connectors. Background Art

[0004] Fiber optic communication systems are becoming more common, in part because service providers want to provide high-bandwidth communication capabilities (e.g., data and voice) to their customers. Fiber optic communication systems use a network of optical fiber cables to transmit large amounts of data and voice signals over relatively long distances. Fiber optic connectors are an important part of most fiber optic communication systems. Fiber optic connectors allow two optical fibers to be quickly optically connected without splicing. Fiber optic connectors can be used to optically interconnect two lengths of optical fiber. Fiber optic connectors can also be used to interconnect multiple lengths of optical fiber with passive and active devices.

[0005] A typical fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly supported at the distal end of a connector housing. A spring is used to bias the ferrule assembly in a distal direction relative to the connector housing. The ferrule is used to support the end of at least one optical fiber (in the case of a multi-fiber ferrule, the ends of multiple optical fibers). The ferrule has a distal face at which the polished end of the optical fiber is located. When two fiber optic connectors are interconnected, the distal faces of the ferrules abut and overcome the bias of their respective springs to apply force to the ferrules proximally relative to their respective connector housings. In the case of a fiber optic connector connection, their respective optical fibers are coaxially aligned so that the end faces of the optical fibers are directly opposite to each other. In this way, optical signals can be transmitted from optical fiber to optical fiber through the aligned end faces of the optical fibers. For many fiber optic connector types, alignment between two fiber optic connectors is provided by using an intermediate fiber optic adapter.

[0006] Reinforced (i.e., hardened) fiber optic connection systems include fiber optic connectors and fiber optic adapters suitable for use in external environments. These types of systems are typically environmentally sealed and include secure fastening devices suitable for withstanding large tensile and lateral loads. Exemplary reinforced fiber optic connection systems are disclosed by U.S. Patent Nos. 7,467,896; 7,744,288 and 8,556,520.

[0007] It should be appreciated that many different types of reinforced fiber optic connectors can be used for use in an external environment. PCT International Publication No. WO2015 / 028433 discloses a system for manufacturing a fiber optic connector in which a plurality of different reinforced outer components having different form factors or configurations can be selectively installed on a pre-terminated cable so that the pre-terminated cable can be customized to be compatible with a specific style or type of fiber optic connector or fiber optic adapter. Other systems are disclosed by PCT International Publication Nos. WO2021 / 041305 and WO2020 / 236512. Summary of the invention

[0008] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to different cable anchoring configurations for securing different styles of fiber optic cables to a fiber optic connector. Various aspects of the present disclosure also relate to a fiber optic connector having a main connector body that can accommodate different cable anchoring configurations.

[0009] Various additional inventive aspects will be described in the following description. Inventive aspects may relate to individual features as well as combinations of features. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and illustrative and do not limit the broad inventive concepts on which the examples disclosed herein are based. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary fiber optic connector according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An assembly perspective view of an optical fiber connector;

[0012] Figure 3 It passes through along the first section plane Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a fiber optic connector cut longitudinally;

[0013] Figure 4 It passes through the second section plane rotated 90 degrees relative to the first section plane. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a fiber optic connector cut longitudinally;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a front plug body of a fiber optic connector;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the front plug body of the optical fiber connector;

[0016] Figure 7 Depicts relative to Figure 1 Improper orientation of the fiber optic connector's main core Figure 5 A front plug body;

[0017] Figure 8 Depicts proper orientation and installation Figure 1 The main core of the optical fiber connector Figure 5 A front plug body;

[0018] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a rear spring stopper of a fiber optic connector;

[0019] Fig.10 is to depict the latch in Figure 1 The main core of the optical fiber connector Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view of a rear spring stop;

[0020] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a main core of an optical fiber connector;

[0021] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A rear perspective end view of the main core;

[0022] Fig.13 Depicts anchorage in Figure 1 a first type of optical fiber cable within a rear end of a main core of the optical fiber connector;

[0023] Fig.14 Depicted Figure 1 an optical fiber connector, wherein an anchoring end cap is installed in the rear end of the main core body for anchoring the second type of optical fiber cable to the rear end of the main core body;

[0024] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 an enlarged view of a portion of the main core depicting an anchor end cap installed in the rear end of the main core;

[0025] Fig.16 It passes through Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of a fiber optic connector cut longitudinally;

[0026] Fig.17 yes Fig.14 A front perspective view of an anchor end cap;

[0027] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 A side view of the anchor end cap;

[0028] Fig.19 yes Fig.14 A rear perspective view of the anchor end cap;

[0029] Fig. 20 yes Fig.14 A modified version of the anchor end cap;

[0030] Fig.21 The rear end of the main core is shown. Fig. 20 Anchor end cap;

[0031] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a cable anchoring clamp in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure suitable for use with a third type of optical fiber cable, the cable anchoring clamp being shown in a closed configuration;

[0032] Fig.23 Shown in open configuration Fig. 22 Cable anchoring clamps;

[0033] Fig.24 It is shown that the positioning Figure 1 The main core of the optical fiber connector Fig. 22 and 23 A cross-sectional view of a cable anchoring clamp;

[0034] Fig.25 It is shown that the positioning Figure 1 The main core of the optical fiber connector Fig. 22 and 23 Another cross-sectional view of the cable anchoring clamp;

[0035] Fig.26 Suitable for installation in Figure 1 A perspective view of another anchoring end cap in the rear end of the main core of the optical fiber connector for anchoring a fourth type of optical fiber cable to the rear end of the main core;

[0036] Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 A front perspective view of an anchor end cap;

[0037] Fig.28 yes Fig.26 A rear perspective view of the anchor end cap;

[0038] Fig.29 is a front perspective view of an alternative anchoring end cap for anchoring a fifth type of optical fiber cable to a rear end of a main core;

[0039] Fig.30 yes Fig.29 A rear perspective view of the anchor end cap;

[0040] Fig.31 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a first cable type to which a fiber optic connector may be mounted;

[0041] Fig.32 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a second cable type to which the fiber optic connector may be mounted;

[0042] Fig.33 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a third cable type to which the fiber optic connector may be mounted;

[0043] Fig.34 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a fourth cable type to which the fiber optic connector may be mounted; and

[0044] Fig.35 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a fifth cable type to which a fiber optic connector may be mounted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 An exemplary fiber optic connector 20 according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown. Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to different cable anchoring configurations for securing different styles of fiber optic cables to the fiber optic connector 20. For example, Figure 3 and Fig.13 A method for connecting a first type of fiber optic cable 22 (eg, a round fiber optic cable (see Fig.31 ), such as a 5 mm round cable) is fixed to the anchoring structure of the fiber optic connector 20. In addition, Figure 14-21 A schematic diagram is depicted including a flat drop cable for inserting a second type of optical fiber cable 24 (eg, a flat drop cable having a tearable jacket that can be torn to access the inner optical fibers of the cable (see Fig.32 )) is fixed to the anchor structure of the end cap 240, 240a of the optical fiber connector 20. In addition, Figure 22-25 A diagram is depicted including a method for connecting a third type of optical fiber cable 26 (e.g., a figure-eight cable, see Fig.33 ) is fixed to the anchoring structure of the cable anchoring fixture 27 of the optical fiber connector 20. In addition, Figure 26-28 A fourth type of fiber optic cable 28 (eg, a flat drop cable that is larger than the second type of fiber optic cable 24 (see FIG. Fig.34 )) is fixed to the cable anchoring end cap 31 of the optical fiber connector 20. In addition, Fig.28 and Fig.29 A fifth type of fiber optic cable 29 (eg, a flat drop cable with an inner round cable (see Fig.35 ))The cable anchoring end cap 33 is fixed to the optical fiber connector 20.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the optical fiber connector 20 includes a connector core, which includes a core housing 12 having a front end 14 and a rear end 16. The core housing 12 includes a main core body 30, a rear spring stopper 36, and a front plug body 38. The front plug body 38 includes a front end 38a and a rear end 38b. The main core body 30 includes a front end 30a and a rear end 30b. The front end 14 of the core housing 12 is defined by the front end 38a of the front plug body 38, and the rear end 16 of the core housing 12 is defined by the rear end 30b of the main core body 30. The rear spring stopper 36 is mounted at the front end 30a of the main core body 30, and the front plug body 38 is mounted above the rear spring stopper 36. The ring assembly 40 and the spring 42 are captured between the front plug body 38 and the rear spring stopper 36, so that the spring 42 biases the ring assembly 40 forward relative to the front plug body 38. The non-hardened dust cover 44 is adapted to be mounted above the ferrule 46 of the ferrule assembly 40, and the hardened dust cover 48 is adapted to be mounted above the front end 14 of the core housing 12. The hardened dust cover 48 can be used as a pull hole. A rotation fixing fastener 50 (e.g., a swivel coupling) is mounted above the rear end portion of the core housing 12. The rotation fixing fastener 50 is suitable for fixing the optical fiber connector 20 to other structures, such as the hardened dust cover 48, an interface converter, another optical fiber connector, or an optical fiber adapter. Exemplary adapters, exemplary interface converters, and exemplary rotation fixing fastener configurations are disclosed in PCT International Publication No. WO 2021 / 041305, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A tail sleeve 52 for providing cable bending radius protection is mounted on the rotation fixing fastener 50. A shape memory sleeve 54, such as a heat shrink sleeve, can be mounted above the rear end 16 of the core housing 12 and mounted above the cable fixed to the core housing 12 to provide sealing and fixation between the rear end 16 of the core housing 12 and the jacket of the cable. An external seal 54 (eg, an O-ring) is mounted around the exterior of the core housing 12 for sealing relative to the structure to which the fiber optic connector 20 is secured by the rotationally secure fastener 50 .

[0047] refer to Fig.11, the main core 30 includes a first forward protrusion 60 and a second forward protrusion 62 located at the front end 30a of the main core 30. The first forward protrusion 60 and the second forward protrusion 62 are positioned on opposite sides of the main core 30 relative to each other. The first forward protrusion 60 and the second forward protrusion 62 can be configured to provide a keying function relative to the front plug body 38 so that the front plug body 38 can only be installed in one rotational position relative to the main core 30. In one example, the first forward protrusion 60 and the second forward protrusion 62 can have different shapes (e.g., profiles). For example, as shown, the first forward protrusion 60 has a shape with a tip, while the second forward protrusion 62 has a flat end. As shown, the first forward protrusion 60 is triangular in shape, while the second forward protrusion 62 is trapezoidal in shape. Alternatively, the second forward protrusion can be rectangular or square. In some examples, the first forward protrusion 60 and the second forward protrusion 62 have different protrusion lengths. For example, the first forward protrusion 60 is depicted as having a longer protrusion length than the second forward protrusion 62.

[0048] Still refer to Fig.11 , the main core 30 defines a circumferential groove 63 for receiving the seal 54, and an outer circumferential shoulder 64, which serves as a forward stop for limiting the forward movement of the rotational fixing fastener 50 relative to the main core 30. The main core 30 defines an adhesive injection port 65 adjacent to the rear end 30b of the main core 30 for allowing an adhesive (e.g., epoxy) to be injected into the interior of the main core 30 for securing the optical fiber cable therein. The main core 30 defines an elongated key 66 adapted to be received in a corresponding keyway of a structure to which the optical fiber connector 20 is coupled, such as an optical fiber adapter or converter. The key 66 has a tapered front end 67 and includes a gap 68 (e.g., a break) at an intermediate position along the key 66. In one example, the key 66 has a length L extending along at least 25% of the total length of the main core 30. The key 66 is longitudinally aligned with the first forward protrusion 60. The latch opening 70 is positioned between the front end 67 of the key 66 and the first forward protrusion 60. In the depicted example, the latch opening 70 is positioned closer to the front end 67 of the key 66 than to the first forward protrusion 60. The latch opening 70 is configured to receive the latch portion 71 of the latch cantilever arm 80 of the rear spring stop 36 (see Fig. 9 ). The latch portion 71 is positioned within the middle third of the length of the rear spring stop 36.

[0049] refer to Figure 5-8, the front end 38a of the front plug body 38 defines a plug form factor depicted as having an SC connector plug form factor. Other form factors, such as LC connector form factors or other shapes may also be used. The front plug body 38 has an open front end through which the ferrule 46 passes when the optical fiber connector 20 is assembled. The rear end 38b of the front plug body 38 includes a side latch opening 72, which is adapted to receive a latch member 73 of the rear spring stop 36 to secure the front plug body 38 to the front end 30a of the main core 30. The rear end 38b of the front plug body 38 also includes a first receiving portion 74 and a second receiving portion 76 for respectively receiving the first forward protrusion 60 and the second forward protrusion 62 of the main core 30 when the front plug body 38 is secured at the front end 30a of the main core 30. The first receiving portion 74 and the second receiving portion 76 have different shapes, which are adapted to complement the shapes of the first forward protrusion 60 and the second forward protrusion 62, respectively, to provide a keying function. In the depicted example, the first receiving portion 74 is deeper than the second receiving portion 76. In the depicted example, the first receiving portion 74 is triangular in shape, while the second receiving portion 76 is trapezoidal in shape. It should be appreciated that the configuration of the first and second forward protrusions 60, 62 and the first and second receiving portions 74, 76 is not suitable when the front plug body is in an incorrect orientation (see FIG. Figure 7 ) prevents the front plug body 38 from being installed at the front end of the main core body 30 and in the correct orientation (see Figure 8 ) allows the front plug body 38 to be installed at the front end of the main core body 30.

[0050] refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10, the rear spring stopper 36 defines a front recess 82 for receiving the rear end of the spring 42 when the fiber optic connector 20 is assembled. The recess 82 is partially defined by a shoulder 81, which acts as a stop for the rear end of the spring 42. The rear spring stopper 36 also includes a longitudinal through passage 83 through which the optical fiber corresponding to the cable terminated to the fiber optic connector 20 can be routed. The through passage 83 includes a tapered portion 84 at the rear end of the rear spring stopper 36 for providing a focusing function for guiding the optical fiber into the through passage 83 during the forward insertion of the optical fiber and its corresponding cable into the fiber optic connector 20. The tapered portion 84 has a large dimension at the rear end of the rear spring stopper 36, and a small dimension offset forward from the rear end of the rear spring stopper 36. In one example, the tapered portion 84 has a frustoconical shape. A fiber insertion observation window 85 is defined between the free end of the latch cantilever 80 and the small end of the tapered portion 84. The latch member 73 of the rear spring stop 36 is located at opposite sides of the rear spring stop 36. In certain examples, the latch member 73 may have a latch surface 87 oriented at an angle in the range of 75 to 85 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis of the rear spring stop 36. The latch surface 87 is depicted as being angled forward as the latch surface 87 extends away from the central longitudinal axis of the rear spring stop 36.

[0051] The ferrule 46 of the ferrule assembly 40 defines a central fiber opening 100 in which an optical fiber corresponding to the optical fiber cable anchored to the optical fiber connector 20 can be fixed. In one example, the optical fiber is fixed in the central fiber opening 100 by an adhesive potting material (such as epoxy). The ferrule assembly 40 also includes a ferrule hub 102 mounted at the rear end of the ferrule 26. The ferrule hub 102 includes a front stop surface 104 that opposes a rear stop surface defined by a shoulder 106 in the front plug body 38 to retain the ferrule assembly 40 in the core housing 12. In the assembled connector 20, the spring 42 is captured between the ferrule hub 102 and the shoulder 81 of the rear spring stop 36. The ferrule assembly 40 also includes an extension sleeve 107 mounted on the ferrule hub 102. The extension sleeve 107 is configured to protrude rearwardly from the ferrule hub 102. The extension sleeve 107 can be configured to guide the optical fiber to the rear end of the ferrule 46 and into the central fiber opening 100 during the fiber insertion process. When the fiber optic connector 20 is assembled, the rear end of the extension sleeve 107 is located at the viewing window 85 of the rear spring stop 36 and is axially aligned with the small end of the tapered portion 84. In some examples, the main core 20 can be constructed of a transparent material so that during the routing of the optical fiber through the fiber optic connector, the optical fiber can be observed through the main core 20 and the viewing window 85 as the optical fiber transitions from the tapered portion 84 of the rear spring stop to the rear end of the extension sleeve 107.

[0052] To assemble the fiber optic connector 20, the ferrule assembly 40 can be loaded into the front end of the rear spring stop 36, with the spring 42 captured between the ferrule hub 102 and the shoulder 81 of the rear spring stop 36. The front plug body 38 can then be installed at the front end of the rear spring stop 36 by inserting the front plug body 38 over the ferrule assembly 40 and snapping the latch members 73 of the rear spring stop 36 into the side latch openings 72 of the front plug body 38 to secure the front plug body 38 to the rear spring stop 36. In this way, the assembled front plug body 38, rear spring stop 36, and ferrule assembly 40 form a front pre-assembly. The rear spring stopper 36 can then be inserted rearward through the front end 30a of the main core 30 and latched within the main core 30 by engagement between the latch opening 70 of the main core 30 and the latch portions 71 of the latch cantilever arms 80 of the rear spring stopper 36 to secure the front preassembly to the front end 30a of the main core 30. In some examples, the rear spring stopper 36 may include two cantilever latch arms 80 including latch portions 71 that fit within latch openings 70 defined at opposite sides of the main core 30.

[0053] The fiber optic connector 20 can be installed on various types of fiber optic cables. Figure 3 and Fig.13 The optical fiber connector 20 is shown mounted on a round cable 22. Fig.31, the cable 22 includes an outer jacket 202 surrounding an inner tube 204. A strength layer 205 (e.g., an aramid yarn and / or a glass fiber layer) is positioned between the outer jacket 202 and the inner tube 204. An optical fiber 206 is positioned within the inner tube 204. The optical fiber 206 may include a glass core surrounded by a glass cladding. The optical fiber 206 may be coated. For example, a coating (e.g., acrylate) may be disposed above the cladding, and a polymer buffer layer may surround the coating. In order to install the optical fiber connector 20 on the cable 22, the cable 22 may be prepared by stripping the outer jacket 202 so that the buffered optical fiber, the strength layer, and the inner tube protrude beyond the jacket 202. The strength layer and the inner tube are trimmed to be shorter than the buffered optical fiber. The buffer layer and the coating are stripped from the farthest end of the buffered optical fiber to expose a bare glass portion of the optical fiber suitable for insertion into the optical fiber opening of the ferrule 46. Epoxy may be dispensed into the ferrule 46, and the front pre-assembly may be assembled and mounted at the front of the main core 30. The prepared cable 22 can be inserted forwardly into the fiber optic connector through the rear end 16 of the core housing 12. During insertion, the distal end of the optical fiber 206 is guided into the extension sleeve 107 by the tapered portion 84 of the rear spring stop 36. The correct insertion of the optical fiber 206 can be visually confirmed through the viewing window 85. The extension sleeve 107 guides the optical fiber 206 into the fiber passage of the ferrule 46. When inserted, the exposed fiber portion of the optical fiber 206 (e.g., only a portion of the cladding and core) is bonded within the ferrule 46, and the buffer portion of the optical fiber extends to the rear end of the ferrule 46. Once the epoxy is cured, the portion of the optical fiber that protrudes beyond the ferrule can be cut, and the cut end of the optical fiber and the end face of the ferrule can also be processed (e.g., via polishing). The cable can be anchored at the rear of the core housing 12 by injecting epoxy into the core housing 12 through the injection port 65 to bond the exposed strength layer 205 and the end of the cable 22 in place relative to the core housing 12. A shape memory sleeve (e.g., heat shrink sleeve 54) containing a heat activated adhesive may be disposed over the interface between the rear end 16 of the connector core housing 12 and the cable jacket 202 to provide additional sealing and reinforcement. Additionally, a tapered boot (e.g., boot 52) ​​may be installed over the shape memory sleeve at the junction where the cable enters the connector core housing 12 to provide bend radius protection to the cable.

[0054] In an alternative method of installation, the cable 22 may be inserted forward through the core housing 12 prior to installing the front pre-assembly to the front end of the main core 30. Once the cable is inserted through the main core 30, the end of the cable may be prepared, and the optical fiber 206 may be loaded into and bonded within the ferrule 46 of the front pre-assembly. The end of the optical fiber 206 may then be processed, and after processing, the front pre-assembly may be secured to the front end of the main core 30. Thereafter, the cable 22 may be anchored to the main core 30 by bonding the cable to the rear end of the main core via epoxy injected through the injection port 65.

[0055] Figure 14-16 A fiber optic connector 20 is depicted mounted on a fiber optic cable 24. Fig.32 , the optical fiber cable 24 includes a cable jacket 220, in which an optical fiber 222 and a first reinforcement member and a second reinforcement member 224 are positioned. The optical fiber 222 may include an optical fiber core and a cladding surrounding the optical fiber core. As shown, a coating 223 and a compact buffer layer 225 surround the cladding. The cable jacket 220 has an elongated cross-sectional shape, which is longer along the long axis A1 of the cross-sectional shape than along the short axis A2 of the cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape has a first long side 226 and a second long side 228 extending along the long axis A1. The first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member 224 are positioned at the long axis A1, wherein the optical fiber 222 is located between the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member 224. In one example, the reinforcement member 224 is a strip, such as a glass fiber reinforced polymer strip. A tear notch 230 is defined at the first long side 226 and the second long side 228. The tear notch 230 provides a weakened area, which allows the jacket 220 to be torn diagonally through a passage in the jacket containing the optical fiber 222 to access the optical fiber 222. One of the notches 230 is disposed at each of the long sides 226 , 228 , wherein the notch is located on a diagonal reference line that intersects the buffered optical fiber 222 .

[0056] The fiber optic connector 20 can be installed on the fiber optic cable 24 in a similar manner to the cable 22, but an additional step is to use a cable anchoring end cap 240 to facilitate anchoring the cable 22 to the rear end 16 of the core housing 12 (e.g., the rear end 30b of the main core 30). During installation, the cable anchoring end cap 240 can be slid onto the cable 24 before inserting the cable 24 into the core housing 12, and can be slid up along the cable 24 and engaged with the rear end 16 of the core housing 12 after the cable 24 is inserted. When epoxy is injected into the core housing 12 through the injection port 65, the end cap 240 is then bonded in place relative to the core housing 12 to bond the reinforcement member 224 within the rear end 16 of the core housing 12.

[0057] refer to Figure 14-19, the cable anchoring end cap 240 is mounted at the rear end 16 of the connector core housing 12 and is adapted to help secure the optical fiber cable 24 to the connector core housing 12. The cable anchoring end cap 240 includes a main cover body 242, which includes a front side 244 and a rear side 246. The cable anchoring end cap 230 also includes a first rearward extension 248 and a second rearward extension 250, which protrude rearwardly from the main cover body 242 and are opposite to the first long side 226 and the second long side 228 of the optical fiber cable 24, respectively. The cable anchoring end cap 240 also includes a first forward extension 252 and a second forward extension 254 that protrude into the rear end 16 of the connector core housing 12. The first forward extension 252 and the second forward extension 254 are positioned opposite each other and are separated by a gap 256, which coincides with the adhesive injection port 65 defined through the connector core housing 12. In this way, adhesive can be injected into the interior of the connector core housing between the first forward extension 252 and the second forward extension 254. The optical fiber 222 and the first and second reinforcement members 224 extend axially through the cable anchoring end cap 240 between the first and second forward extensions 252, 254. The first and second strength reinforcement members 224 are adhesively bonded within the connector core housing 12 by an adhesive (e.g., epoxy) injected through the injection port 65.

[0058] The cable anchoring end cap 240 is loaded into the connector core housing 12 by inserting the first forward extension 252 and the second forward extension 254 forwardly into the rear end 16 of the connector core housing 12. The first forward extension 252 and the second forward extension 254 include latch portions 260 that engage forward facing inner shoulder structures 262 defined within the connector core housing 12 adjacent the rear end 16 of the connector core housing 12. The first forward extension 252 and the second forward extension 254 have a cross-sectional shape that is circumferentially curved about a central longitudinal axis 262 of the cable anchoring end cap 240. The main cover body 242 defines a circular outer shape and includes a forward facing annular surface 264 at a front side of the main cover body 242 that opposes a rear facing surface 266 of the rear end 16 of the connector core housing 12 to prevent the end cap 240 from moving forward relative to the core housing 12 during forward insertion.

[0059] The main cover 242 also includes a forwardly protruding tapered annular transition portion 270 that tapers radially inwardly from an inner diameter 271 (e.g., inner circumference) of the forwardly facing annular surface 266 as the forwardly protruding tapered annular transition portion 270 extends in the forward direction. The inner diameter 271 of the forwardly facing annular surface 266 also coincides with a major diameter (e.g., major circumference) of the tapered annular transition portion 270. The first forwardly extending portion 252 and the second forwardly extending portion 254 are located at a minor diameter 272 (e.g., minor circumference) of the forwardly protruding tapered annular transition portion 270 at a front end of the forwardly protruding tapered annular transition portion 270.

[0060] The optical fiber cable 24 includes a tear notch 230 at a first long side 226 and a second long side 228 of the optical fiber cable 24 extending longitudinally along the optical fiber cable 24. The first rearward extension 248 and the second rearward extension 250 include a protrusion 282 that fits within the tear notch 230 at the first long side 226 and the second long side 228 of the optical fiber cable 24. The tear notch 230 and the protrusion 282 are depicted as having matching triangular cross-sectional shapes. The main cover 242 also includes a rearwardly protruding tapered transition portion 284 that tapers radially inwardly from the outer circumference of the main cover 242 as the rearwardly protruding tapered annular transition portion 284 extends in a rearward direction. The first rearward extension 248 and the second rearward extension 250 protrude rearwardly from the rearwardly protruding tapered transition portion 284. An elongated recess 286 for receiving an end of the cable jacket 220 is defined within the rearwardly protruding tapered annular transition portion 284. A curved recess 288 is defined in the rearwardly protruding tapered annular transition portion 284 for receiving a small end 289 of the cross-sectional shape of the cable jacket 220 .

[0061] The main cover 242 also defines a central opening 290 for receiving the buffered optical fiber 222 of the optical fiber cable 24. The main cover 242 also defines a first reinforcement member opening and a second reinforcement member opening 291 for respectively receiving the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member 224 of the optical fiber cable 24. The central opening 290 is positioned between the first reinforcement member opening and the second reinforcement member opening 291.

[0062] Fig. 20 and Fig.21An alternative cable anchoring end cap 240a is depicted having the same construction as the cable anchoring end cap 240, except that a keying protrusion 297 has been provided at the forward facing annular surface 264 for fitting within a corresponding recess 299 provided at the rear end 16 of the connector core housing 12. The mutual engagement of the protrusion 297 and the recess 299 ensures that the end cap 240a is mounted to the connector core housing 12 in a predetermined rotational orientation relative to the core housing 12 (e.g., with the gap 256 aligned with the injection port 65 defined by the connector core housing 12).

[0063] Fig.24 and Fig.25 Describes the use Fig. 22 and Fig.23 The cable anchoring fixture 27 anchors the cable 26 relative to the connector core housing 12 and the optical fiber connector 20 is installed on the optical fiber cable 26. Fig.33 , the optical fiber cable 26 includes a cable jacket 300, in which the optical fiber 302 and the first and second reinforcement members 304 are positioned. The cable jacket 300 has an 8-shaped cable configuration and has an elongated cross-sectional shape that is longer along the long axis A1 of the cross-sectional shape than along the short axis A2 of the cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape has a first long side 306 and a second long side 308 extending along the long axis A1. The first and second reinforcement members 304 are positioned at the long axis A1, wherein the optical fiber 302 is located between the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member 304. In one example, the reinforcement member is a strip, such as a glass fiber reinforced polymer strip. A tear notch 310 is defined at the first long side 306 and the second long side 308. The centrally positioned tear notch 310 provides a weakened area that allows the jacket 300 to be torn through a passage in the jacket containing the optical fiber 302 to access the optical fiber 222.

[0064] refer to Fig. 22 and Fig.23The cable anchoring clamp 27 includes a first clamp portion 320 and a second clamp portion 322, between which the cable 27 is clamped. The cable anchoring clamp 27 is configured such that when the cable anchoring clamp 27 is loaded into the main core 30 while being installed on the optical fiber cable 26, the first clamp portion 320 and the second clamp portion 322 are compressed together via contact with the interior of the main core 30 to clamp the optical fiber cable 26 (e.g., the jacket of the cable 26). The cable anchoring clamp 27 is installed by: a) inserting the cable 26 forward through the main core body 30 while the front preassembly is disengaged from the front end 30a of the main core body 30; b) preparing the end of the cable 26, and installing the optical fiber 22 in the ring 46 of the front preassembly and processing it; c) installing the cable anchoring clamp 27 on a portion of the optical fiber cable 26 located in front of the front end 30a of the main core body 30; d) pulling the optical fiber cable 26 backward relative to the main core body 30 to move the cable anchoring clamp 27 installed on the cable 26 into the main core body 30, wherein when the optical fiber cable 26 is pulled backward, the first clamp portion 320 and the second clamp portion 322 are compressed together in the main core body 30 to clamp the optical fiber cable 26; and e) after the cable anchoring clamp 27 has been pulled backward into the main core body 30, installing the front preassembly at the front end 30a of the main core body 30. The shape memory sleeve 324 (e.g., a heat shrink sleeve containing a heat activated adhesive) and the flexible tail sleeve 326 can be slid over the cable 26 before inserting the cable 26 through the body 30. Once the cable anchoring fixture 27 is installed in the body 30, the shape memory sleeve 324 can be installed over the joint between the body 30 and the cable 26 and bonded to the body 30 and the cable jacket (e.g., using a heat shrink process and a heat activated adhesive in the sleeve). Then, the tail sleeve 326 can be installed over the shape memory sleeve 324.

[0065] As shown, the first clamp portion 320 and the second clamp portion 322 have teeth 328 that engage the cable jacket 300 during clamping. The cable anchor clamp 27 is also depicted as including a rearwardly facing stop 330 that engages a forwardly facing stop 332 within the main core 30 when the cable is pulled rearwardly to compress the cable anchor clamp 27 within the main core 30 to stop the rearward movement of the cable anchor clamp 27 relative to the main core 30. The cable anchor clamp includes a latch 334 that engages the main core 30 (e.g., the rear end 30b of the main core 30) to resist forward movement of the cable anchor clamp 27 relative to the main core 30 when the cable anchor clamp 27 is fully positioned rearwardly in the main core 30. The clamp 27 can be symmetrical about the transverse midline, and the latch 334 can have a symmetrical dual latch configuration (e.g., including latches 334a, 334b) so that the clamp 27 is mounted to the cable 26 independent of orientation (the clamp 27 can be mounted with either end positioned rearwardly). Fig.23 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first side of the first clamp portion 320 and the second clamp portion 322 are connected by an interconnection portion 336, and wherein the hinged cover 338 is located at the opposite second side of the first clamp portion 320 and the second clamp portion 322. The hinged cover 338 can be in an open position (see FIG. Fig.23 ) and closed position (see Fig.24 ) between the clamp 27 and the interconnecting portion 336. When in the closed position, the cover 338 blocks the open side of the clamp 27 located opposite the interconnecting portion 336 and is adapted to capture the cable 26 between the clamp portions 320, 322 within the interior of the clamp 27. When the cover 338 is in the open position, the cable 26 can be inserted into the clamp 27 through the open side. The latch 334 is integrally formed with the hinged cover 338. When the clamp 27 is latched within the main core 30, the rear portion 340 of the clamp 27 protrudes rearwardly beyond the rear end 16 of the connector core housing 12.

[0066] Figure 26-28 Describes the Fig.34The optical fiber cable 28 is anchored to the cable anchoring end cap 31 of the optical fiber connector 20. The optical fiber cable 28 includes a cable jacket 350, in which the optical fiber 352 and the first and second reinforcing members 354 are positioned. The cable jacket 350 has a flat lead-in cable configuration and has an elongated cross-sectional shape, which is longer along the long axis A1 of the cross-sectional shape than along the short axis A2 of the cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape has a first long side 356 and a second long side 358 extending along the long axis A1. The first and second reinforcing members 354 are positioned at the long axis A1, wherein the optical fiber 352 is located between the first and second reinforcing members 354. In one example, the first and second reinforcing members 354 (i.e., strength members) are strips, such as glass fiber reinforced polymer strips. As shown, the optical fiber 352 is depicted as a coated optical fiber having an outer diameter less than or equal to about 250 microns in some examples.

[0067] The cable anchoring end cap 31 is configured to be mounted at the rear end 16 of the connector core housing 12 and is adapted to help secure the optical fiber cable 28 to the rear end 16 of the connector core housing 12. Figure 26-28 , the cable anchoring end cap 31 includes a main cover body 360, which includes a front side 362 and a rear side 364. The cable anchoring cover 31 also includes a first rearward extension 366 and a second rearward extension 368, which protrude rearward from the main cover body 360 and are adapted to be opposite to the first long side 356 and the second long side 358 of the optical fiber cable 28, respectively. Clamping ribs are provided at the inner surfaces of the rearward extensions 366, 368 for engaging the first long side 356 and the second long side 358. The cable anchoring end cap 31 also includes a first forward extension 370 and a second forward extension 372 adapted to protrude into the rear end 16 of the connector core housing 12.

[0068] refer to Fig.34, the first and second reinforcement members 354 have a first center-to-center spacing S1 within the cable jacket 350. The main cover 360 defines a first reinforcement member opening and a second reinforcement member opening 374 for receiving the first and second reinforcement members 354 of the optical fiber cable 28, respectively. The first and second reinforcement member openings 374 have a second center-to-center spacing S2 adjacent to the front portion of the main cover 360, the second center-to-center spacing being smaller than the first center-to-center spacing S1. When the cable 28 is anchored to the rear end 16 of the connector body core 12 by means of the end cap 31, the first and second reinforcement members 354 transition from the first center-to-center spacing S1 to the second center-to-center spacing S2 as the first and second reinforcement members 354 extend forward through the cable anchoring end cap 31. This transition is advantageous because it allows the main core 30 to receive the reinforcement members 354 even if the spacing S1 is larger than the internal opening of the main core 30. An elongated recess 376 having a shape matching the elongated cross-sectional profile of the cable jacket 350 is defined at a rearward portion of the main cover 360. The main cover 360 includes an inner sleeve 378 defining a central opening 380 for receiving the optical fibers 352 of the optical fiber cable 28. The central opening 380 is positioned between the first and second reinforcement member openings 374. The central opening 380 is tapered such that the transverse dimension of the central opening 380 decreases as the central opening 380 extends forward from a large diameter at the rearward end 382 to a small diameter at the front end 384. The large diameter may be sized such that the rearward end 382 may receive a front end of a protective tube 386 of the cable 28 surrounding the optical fibers 352. The small diameter may be sized to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fibers 352. The main cover 360 can define an adhesive injection port 388 for injecting an adhesive, such as epoxy, into the reinforcement member opening 374 and into the interior of the connector core housing 12 to adhesively anchor the cable 28 and the end cap 31 to the rear end 12 of the connector core housing 12. The connector 20 can be oriented vertically with the front end 14 facing upward when the adhesive is injected into the end cap 31 and the connector core housing 12. The connector core housing 12 can be transparent to allow visual inspection and monitoring of the adhesive injected into the connector core housing 12 to visually confirm the fill level of the adhesive.

[0069] Fig.29 and Fig.30 Describes the Fig.35The optical fiber cable 29 is anchored to the cable anchoring end cap 33 of the optical fiber connector 20. The optical fiber cable 29 has the same construction as the optical fiber cable 28, except that the circular inner cable 390 is positioned within the cable jacket 350. The inner cable 390 includes a cable jacket 391 including a strength layer 392 (e.g., aramid yarn and / or glass fiber), and a buffered optical fiber 393. In one example, the buffered optical fiber has an outer diameter greater than 500 microns (e.g., 700 microns or 900 microns). The cable anchoring end cap 33 has the same construction as the cable anchoring end cap 31 except that: a) an enlarged recess 394 is disposed at the rearward end 382 of the inner sleeve 378 for receiving an end portion of an inner cable (e.g., a cable jacket 391 and a strength layer 392); b) a side opening 395 is defined through the inner sleeve 278 (e.g., through a wall defining the enlarged recess 394), the side opening providing communication between the central opening 380 and the first reinforcement member opening and the second reinforcement member opening 374 to allow adhesive injected through the adhesive injection port 388 to flow to the strength layer 392 to provide bonding to the strength layer 392; and c) a small diameter enlargement at the front end 384 of the inner sleeve 372 to accommodate a buffered optical fiber 393.

[0070] Public Aspects

[0071] Aspect 1. An optical fiber connector, comprising: a connector core housing, the connector core housing comprising a main core body and a front assembly installed at the front end of the main core body, the front assembly comprising a ring assembly and a spring captured between a front plug body and a rear spring stopper.

[0072] Aspect 2. The optical fiber connector according to Aspect 1 further includes a rotational fixing fastener, which is installed above the rear end portion of the connector core housing to fix the optical fiber connector to other structures, such as a hardened dust cover, an interface converter, another optical fiber connector or an optical fiber adapter.

[0073] Aspect 3. The optical fiber connector according to any one of the above aspects, further comprising an external seal installed around the exterior of the core housing.

[0074] Aspect 4. An optical fiber connector according to any one of the above aspects, wherein the front plug body is connected to the rear spring stop by a first snap-fit ​​connection, and wherein the rear spring stop is connected to the front end of the main core body by a second snap-fit ​​connection for fixing the front component to the main core body.

[0075] Aspect 5. The optical fiber connector according to any one of the above aspects further includes different types of end caps, which can be installed on the rear end of the main core to accommodate different types of optical fiber cables.

[0076] Aspect 6. An optical fiber connector according to any one of the above aspects, wherein the main core body includes a first forward protrusion and a second forward protrusion located at the front end of the main core body, the first forward protrusion and the second forward protrusion are positioned on opposite sides of the main core body relative to each other, and the first forward protrusion and the second forward protrusion are configured to provide a keying function relative to the front plug body, so that the front assembly can only be installed in one rotational position relative to the main core body.

[0077] Aspect 7. The optical fiber connector according to aspect 6, wherein the first forward protrusion and the second forward protrusion have different shapes.

[0078] Aspect 8. The optical fiber connector according to aspect 7, wherein the first forward protrusion has a pointed shape and the second forward protrusion has a flat end.

[0079] Aspect 9. The optical fiber connector according to aspect 7, wherein the first forward protrusion is triangular in shape and the second forward protrusion is trapezoidal in shape.

[0080] Aspect 10. The optical fiber connector according to any one of Aspects 7-9, wherein one of the first forward protrusion and the second forward protrusion has a longer protrusion length than the other of the first forward protrusion and the second forward protrusion.

[0081] Aspect 11. The optical fiber connector of aspect 10, wherein the first forward protrusion has a longer protrusion length than the second forward protrusion.

[0082] Aspect 12. The optical fiber connector according to any one of aspects 1-11, wherein the main core defines an adhesive injection port adjacent to a rear end of the main core.

[0083] Aspect 13. The optical fiber connector according to any one of Aspects 1-12, wherein the main core defines an elongated key adapted to be received within a corresponding keyway of a structure to which the optical fiber connector is connected, such as a fiber optic adapter or converter.

[0084] Aspect 14. The optical fiber connector of aspect 13, wherein the key has a tapered front end and includes a gap at a mid-position along the key.

[0085] Aspect 15. The optical fiber connector of aspect 13, wherein the key is longitudinally aligned with the first forward projection.

[0086] Aspect 16. The optical fiber connector according to aspect 15, further comprising a latch opening positioned between the front end of the key and the first forward protrusion for receiving a latch portion of the rear spring stop.

[0087] Aspect 17. The optical fiber connector of aspect 16, wherein the latch opening is located closer to a front end of the key than the first forward protrusion.

[0088] Aspect 18. The optical fiber connector according to Aspect 16 or 17, wherein the latch portion is formed as a cantilever arm extending longitudinally of the rear spring stop, and wherein the latch portion is positioned within a middle third of the length of the rear spring stop.

[0089] Aspect 19. An optical fiber connector according to any one of Aspects 1-18, wherein the ferrule assembly includes a ferrule defining a fiber optic opening, a ferrule hub mounted at a rear end of the ferrule, and an elongated fiber optic sleeve mounted on the ferrule hub, the elongated fiber optic sleeve extending rearward from the ferrule hub in alignment with the fiber optic opening.

[0090] Aspect 20. The fiber optic connector of aspect 19, wherein the spring extends over the elongated fiber optic sleeve and is captured between the ferrule hub and a stop disposed on the rear spring stop.

[0091] Aspect 21. The optical fiber connector according to Aspect 20, wherein the rear spring stop defines a front recess for receiving the rear end of the spring when the optical fiber connector is assembled, wherein the recess is partially defined by a shoulder, and the shoulder serves as a stop for the rear end of the spring, wherein the rear spring stop also includes a longitudinal through-passage, through which an optical fiber corresponding to a cable terminated to the optical fiber connector can be routed, wherein the through-passage includes a tapered portion at the rear end of the rear spring stop for providing a focusing function for guiding the optical fiber and its corresponding cable into the through-passage during forward insertion of the optical fiber into the optical fiber connector, wherein the tapered portion has a large dimension at the rear end of the rear spring stop, and a small dimension offset from the rear end of the rear spring stop, and wherein the rear spring stop defines a fiber insertion observation window between the free end of the cantilever and the small end of the tapered portion.

[0092] Aspect 22. The optical fiber connector according to aspect 21, wherein the rear end of the elongated optical fiber sleeve is observable through the insertion observation window.

[0093] Aspect 23. The optical fiber connector according to aspect 22, wherein the main core is transparent at least at the insertion observation window.

[0094] Having described the preferred aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical fiber connector and cable assembly, comprising: a connector core housing having a front end and a rear end, the front end defining a connector plug end of the optical fiber connector; an optical fiber cable comprising a cable jacket, an optical fiber and a first reinforcement member and a second reinforcement member positioned in the cable jacket, the cable jacket having an elongated cross-sectional shape, the elongated cross-sectional shape being longer along a major axis of the cross-sectional shape than along a minor axis of the cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional shape having a first long side and a second long side extending along the major axis, the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member being positioned at the major axis, wherein the optical fiber is located between the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member; A cable anchoring end cap, the cable anchoring end cap being mounted at the rear end of the connector core housing for fixing the optical fiber cable to the connector core housing, the cable anchoring end cap comprising a main cover body, the main cover body comprising a front side and a rear side, the cable anchoring end cap further comprising a first rearward extension and a second rearward extension, the first rearward extension and the second rearward extension protruding rearwardly from the main cover body and respectively opposite to the first long side and the second long side of the optical fiber cable, the cable anchoring end cap further comprising a first forward extension and a second forward extension protruding into the rear end of the connector core housing, the first forward extension and the second forward extension being positioned opposite to each other and separated by a gap, the gap coinciding with an adhesive injection port defined through the connector core housing to allow adhesive to be injected into the interior of the connector core housing between the first forward extension and the second forward extension, the optical fiber and the first strength member and the second strength member passing through the cable anchoring end cap and extending axially between the first forward extension and the second forward extension, the first strength member and the second strength member being adhesively bonded within the connector core housing by the adhesive injected through the injection port.

2. The optical fiber connector and cable assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cable anchoring end cap is loaded into the connector core housing by inserting the first forward extension portion and the second forward extension portion forward into the rear end of the connector core housing, and wherein the first forward extension portion and the second forward extension portion include a latch portion that engages a forward-facing internal shoulder structure defined within the connector core housing adjacent to the rear end of the connector core housing.

3. The optical fiber connector and cable assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first forward extension and the second forward extension have a cross-sectional shape that is circumferentially curved around a central longitudinal axis of the cable anchoring end cap.

4. The optical fiber connector and cable assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the main cover body defines a circular outer shape and includes a forward-facing annular surface at the front side of the main cover body, the forward-facing annular surface being opposite to the rear-facing surface of the rear end of the connector core housing.

5. The optical fiber connector and cable assembly according to claim 4, wherein the main cover body also includes a forward-protruding conical annular transition portion, and the forward-protruding conical annular transition portion radially tapers inward from the inner diameter of the forward-facing annular surface as the forward-protruding conical annular transition portion extends in the forward direction, and the inner diameter of the forward-facing annular surface coincides with the large diameter of the forward-protruding conical annular transition portion, and wherein the first forward extension portion and the second forward extension portion are at the small diameter of the forward-protruding conical annular transition portion located at the front end of the forward-protruding conical annular transition portion.

6. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic cable includes tear notches at first and second long sides of the fiber optic cable extending longitudinally along the fiber optic cable, and wherein the first rearward extension and the second rearward extension include protrusions at the first and second long sides of the fiber optic cable that fit within the tear notches.

7. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 6, wherein the tear notch and the protrusion have a triangular cross-sectional shape.

8. An optical fiber connector and cable assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the main cover body also includes a rearwardly protruding conical transition portion, the rearwardly protruding conical transition portion radially tapers inwardly from the outer circumference of the main cover body as the rearwardly protruding conical annular transition portion extends in a rearward direction, wherein the first rearward extending portion and the second rearward extending portion protrude rearwardly from the rearwardly protruding conical transition portion, and wherein an elongated recess for receiving the end of the cable sheath is defined in the rearwardly protruding conical transition portion.

9. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 8, wherein a curved recess is defined in the rearwardly protruding tapered transition portion for receiving a small end of a cross-sectional shape of the cable jacket.

10. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the main cover body defines a central opening for receiving the optical fiber of the fiber optic cable, wherein the main cover body also defines a first strength member opening and a second strength member opening for respectively receiving a first strength member and a second strength member of the fiber optic cable, and wherein the central opening is positioned between the first strength member opening and the second strength member opening.

11. An optical fiber connector and cable assembly, comprising: a connector core housing having a front end and a rear end, the front end defining a connector plug end of the optical fiber connector; an optical fiber cable comprising a cable jacket, an optical fiber and a first reinforcement member and a second reinforcement member positioned in the cable jacket, the cable jacket having an elongated cross-sectional shape, the elongated cross-sectional shape being longer along a major axis of the cross-sectional shape than along a minor axis of the cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional shape having a first long side and a second long side extending along the major axis, the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member being positioned at the major axis, wherein the optical fiber is located between the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member; a cable anchoring end cap, the cable anchoring end cap being mounted at the rear end of the connector core housing for fixing the optical fiber cable to the connector core housing, the cable anchoring end cap comprising a main cover body, the main cover body comprising a front side and a rear side, the cable anchoring cover further comprising a first rearward extension portion and a second rearward extension portion, the first rearward extension portion and the second rearward extension portion protruding rearward from the main cover body and respectively opposite to the first long side and the second long side of the optical fiber cable, the cable anchoring end cap further comprising a first forward extension portion and a second forward extension portion protruding into the rear end of the connector core housing; wherein the first strength member and the second strength member have a first center-to-center spacing within the cable jacket, wherein the main cover body defines a first strength member opening and a second strength member opening for respectively receiving the first strength member and the second strength member of the optical fiber cable, wherein the first strength member opening and the second strength member opening have a second center-to-center spacing adjacent to a front portion of the main cover body, the second center-to-center spacing being smaller than the first center-to-center spacing, and wherein as the first strength member and the second strength member extend forward through the cable anchoring end cap, the first strength member and the second strength member transition from the first center-to-center spacing to the second center-to-center spacing.

12. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 11, wherein the main cover includes an inner sleeve defining a central opening for receiving an optical fiber of the fiber optic cable, and wherein the central opening is positioned between the first strength member opening and the second strength member opening.

13. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 12, wherein the inner sleeve defines side openings that provide communication between the central opening and the first and second strength member openings.

14. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 12, wherein the central opening is tapered such that a transverse dimension of the central opening decreases as the central opening extends forwardly.

15. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 12, wherein the main cover defines a cavity having an elongated cross-sectional shape sized to receive an end of the cable jacket.

16. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 14, wherein a circular protective tube of the cable surrounding the optical fiber fits within an outer end of the central opening.

17. An optical fiber connector and cable assembly, comprising: a connector core housing having a front end and a rear end, the front end defining a connector plug end of the optical fiber connector; an optical fiber cable comprising a cable jacket, an optical fiber and a first reinforcement member and a second reinforcement member positioned in the cable jacket, the cable jacket having an elongated cross-sectional shape, the elongated cross-sectional shape being longer along a major axis of the cross-sectional shape than along a minor axis of the cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional shape having a first long side and a second long side extending along the major axis, the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member being positioned at the major axis, wherein the optical fiber is located between the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member; a cable anchoring end cap mounted at a rear end of the connector core housing for fixing the optical fiber cable to the connector core housing; wherein the first strength member and the second strength member have a first center-to-center spacing within the cable jacket, and wherein as the first strength member and the second strength member extend forward through the cable anchor end cap, the first strength member and the second strength member transition from the first center-to-center spacing to a second center-to-center spacing that is smaller than the first center-to-center spacing.

18. An optical fiber connector and cable assembly, comprising: A connector core housing having a front end and a rear end, the connector core housing comprising a main core body and a front plug body, the main core body comprising a front end and a rear end, the front plug body being mountable at the front end of the main core body to define the front end of the connector core housing; an optical fiber cable including a cable jacket in which an optical fiber is positioned; A cable anchoring clamp for anchoring the optical fiber cable in the connector core housing, the cable anchoring clamp comprising a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion, the cable being clamped between the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion, wherein the cable anchoring clamp is configured so that when the cable anchoring clamp is loaded into the main core while being installed on the optical fiber cable, the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion are compressed together via contact with the interior of the main core to clamp the optical fiber cable, wherein the cable anchoring clamp is installed by: a) inserting the cable forward through the main core while the front plug body is disengaged from the front end of the main core; b) installing the cable anchoring clamp on a portion of the optical fiber cable located in front of the front end of the main core; c) pulling the optical fiber cable backward to move the cable anchoring clamp installed on the optical fiber cable into the main core, wherein when the optical fiber cable is pulled backward, the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion are compressed together in the main core to clamp the optical fiber cable; and d) installing the front plug body at the front end of the main core after the cable anchoring clamp has been pulled rearwardly into the main core.

19. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 18, wherein the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion have teeth that engage the cable jacket during clamping.

20. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 18, wherein the cable anchoring clamp includes a rearwardly facing stop that engages a forwardly facing stop within a main connector core to stop rearward movement of the cable anchoring clamp relative to the main connector core.

21. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 20, wherein the cable anchoring clamp includes a latch that engages the main connector core to resist forward movement of the cable anchoring clamp relative to the main connector core when the cable anchoring clamp is fully positioned rearwardly in the main connector core.

22. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 18, wherein first sides of the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion are connected by an interconnect portion, and wherein a hinged cover is located at an opposing second side of the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion.

23. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 20, wherein the cable anchoring clamp includes a portion that protrudes rearwardly beyond the connector core housing.

24. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly of claim 20, further comprising a shape memory sleeve mounted over and bonded to the rear end of the connector core housing and the cable jacket.

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