Behind the wall optical connector with reduced components

Abstract

A behind-the-wall optical connector having an outer housing configured to be inserted into an adapter with a corresponding inner surface, and a latch attached to one side of housing configured to lock the connector into an adapter opening. The latch is further configured with a locking channel and guide to accept a pull tab with a catch at one end, the pull tab releases the connector from the adapter opening when the tab is pulled rearward or away from the adapter. The ferrule assembly is inserted into a first end of the housing and when latched to the adapter, the assembly is retained in the housing without any locking structure therein.

1 . A behind-the-wall optical connector comprising:
 a housing having a first end and a second end, an opening in the first end, an opening in the second end and a passage extending through the housing and connecting the first and second openings;   a latch integrated with the housing;   a ferrule assembly comprising a ferrule, a ferrule alignment sleeve, a ferrule flange and a coil spring received on the ferrule;   the ferrule assembly being received in the passage of the housing at the first end, and the latch engaging an adapter for holding the ferrule assembly in the housing.   
     
     
         2 . The behind-the-wall optical connector of  claim 1  wherein the ferrule assembly and housing are sized so that the ferrule alignment sleeve extends outward from the first end of the housing and the ferrule and coil spring extend outward from the second end of the housing. 
     
     
         3 . The behind-the-wall optical connector of  claim 1  wherein the latch is parallel to the passage and attached to an outer surface of the housing. 
     
     
         4 . The behind-the-wall optical connector of  claim 1  wherein the ferrule flange has an interference fit in the passage. 
     
     
         5 . The behind-the-wall optical connector of  claim 4  further comprising a shoulder in the passage engaging the ferrule flange and locating the ferrule assembly relative to the housing. 
     
     
         6 . The behind-the-wall optical connector of  claim 4 , wherein the first end is inserted into an adapter.