Field-installable fiber optic ribbon connector and installation tool

Abstract

A fiber optic cable connector for an optical ribbon comprises a multi-fiber ferrule having a plurality of stub fibers secured therein with ends of the fibers projecting beyond the end of the ferrule. The connector also includes first and second opposed splice members extending lengthwise from a first end proximate the end of the ferrule to an opposite second end, and the ends of the stub fibers extend between the opposed splice members at the first end thereof and are disposed in fiber-aligning grooves formed in the first splice member. The splice members are arranged with a fiber-receiving space therebetween to allow the optical fibers of the fiber optic ribbon to be inserted through the fiber-receiving space such that the optical fibers engage the grooves and are guided by the grooves into optically connected relation with the ends of the stub fibers. The connector further includes a cam movable between an initial position allowing the splice members to move apart to enlarge the fiber-receiving space to facilitate insertion of the optical fibers therein, and a final position in which the cam urges the splice members in the vicinity of the ends of the stub fibers toward each other to clamp the ribbon fibers therebetween. The rear end portion of the second splice member can pivot away from the first splice member to facilitate inserting the ribbon into the connector. A tool for installing the connector in the ribbon is also disclosed.