A Rear Body With Reverse Latch Arms

Abstract

A multiple push-on (MPO) optical connector is provided having a ferrule configured to house multiple optical fibers and a housing having a distal end in a connection direction configured to hold the ferrule. The housing further includes a pair of proximal apertures and at least one proximal groove. A backpost has a distal end that urges the ferrule toward the distal end of the housing and a proximal end configured to receive a crimp ring. The backpost includes a pair of proximally extending latch arms that reverse latch in the proximal apertures of the housing. To strengthen the connector in side-loading environments, the backpost further includes a reinforcing rib that is received in the housing proximal groove. In a further aspect, the proximal end of the backpost may include a neck with an approximately curved side profile that, following crimping with a stepped crimp ring, results in an angled crimp.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A rear body comprising:
 a longitudinal bore with a receiver post a second end of the rear body for securing a fiber optic cable;   the rear body at a first end further includes a pair of proximally-extending latch arms configured to reverse latch with apertures of a housing; and wherein the rear body includes protrusions for preventing the crimp ring from extending too far distally, thereby ensuring proper positioning of the crimp ring.   
     
     
         2 . The rear body as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the rear body includes a proximally-extending neck, a flange, and a fillet extending between the neck and the flange. 
     
     
         4 . The rear body as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the protrusions extending from the fillet to prevent the crimp ring from damaging the fillet during crimping. 
     
     
         5 . The rear body as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the crimp ring includes a stepped region for receiving the initial crimping force. 
     
     
         6 . The rear body as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the proximally-extending neck having a curved side profile. 
     
     
         7 . The rear body as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the curved side profile of the neck and the crimp ring form an angled crimp line. 
     
     
         8 . The rear body as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising the housing is slidably positioned over the rear body. 
     
     
         9 . The rear body as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising a boot positioned over the crimp ring.