IL283017B2

IL283017B2 - Fiber optic connector

Info

Publication number: IL283017B2
Application number: IL283017A
Authority: IL
Inventors: Mor Yosef Yehuda
Original assignee: Fibernet Ltd; Mor Yosef Yehuda
Priority date: 2021-05-06
Filing date: 2021-05-06
Publication date: 2023-11-01
Also published as: IL283017B1; IL283017A; WO2022234583A1

Description

OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION [001] The present invention relates generally to optical fiber connectors. More specifically, the present invention relates to optical fibers connector having dual purpose connectable end.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [002] Optical fiber connectors are small devices located at the end of an optical fiber, for enabling quicker connection and disconnection to and from external devices. The connectors mechanically couple and align the cores of fibers so light can pass. Optimal connectors will lose very little light due to reflection or misalignment of the fibers. There are about 1different types of fiber optic connectors in the market.[003] As optical fibers replace metallic fibers as the main communication line in both general and domestic applications, it became necessary to insert (e.g., thread) optical fibers inside communication conduits such as tubes inserted into walls. Threading delicate items such as optical fibers in communication conduits is challenging. In order to maintain as little loses as possible, the end of the optical fiber is polished to a very high degree (e.g., ADS 0.05 microns). If threaded into a communication conduit having any one of the known type of connectors, the end will lose it’s optical properties and will require a new polishing, on site. High degree of optical polishing in sites, such as, construction sites, is difficult to achieve and very expensive.[004] Accordingly, there is a need for a simple solution that will enable threading optical fibers in communication conduits while maintaining and securing the highly polished surface at the fiber’s end.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [005] Some aspects of the invention may be directed to an optical fiber connector, comprising: a hollow gripping element configured to grip an optical fiber threaded in the hollow gripping element; and at least one of: an end connector configured to connect the optical fiber to an external device; and an end pulling cap configured to be inserted and pulled inside a conduit. In some embodiments, the hollow gripping element may include a connectable portion configured to be connected to either one of: the end connector and the end pulling cap.[006] In some embodiments, the hollow gripping element may include a gripping housing; a ferrule extender; a ferrule flange; a spring; and a connectable housing comprising the connectable portion. In some embodiments, the optical fiber connector may further include a tube; and a hollow cover.[007] In some embodiments, end connector is one of: LC connector, SC connector, FC connector, ST connector, SMA connector, DMI connector, MU connector, E-20connector, D4 connector, Biconic connector, MPO connector and MTRJ connector. In some embodiments, the connectable portion may include at least one of: a thread, a clip, a recess, and a pin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [008] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:[009] Fig. 1 is an illustration of an exploded view of an optical fiber connector according to some embodiments of the invention; and[0010] Figs. 2A and 2B are an illustration of optical fiber connectors assembled with an end connector and an end pulling cap respectively, according to some embodiments of the invention.[0011] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Claims

1./ 5 CLAIMS 1. An optical fiber connector, comprising: a hollow gripping element configured to grip an optical fiber threaded in the hollow gripping element; and an end pulling cap configured to be inserted and pulled inside a communication conduit designed to hold a polished end of the optical fiber in a secured position inside the pulling cap, such that engagement of the polished end of the optical fiber with any internal portion of the pulling cap is prevented, wherein the hollow gripping element comprises a connectable portion configured to be detachably connected to the end pulling cap.

2. The optical fiber connector of claim 1, further comprising an end connector configured to connect the optical fiber to an external device and wherein the connectable portion is further configured to be interchangeably connected to the end connector and the end pulling cap.

3. The optical fiber connector of claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the hollow gripping element comprises: a gripping housing; a ferrule extender; a ferrule flange; a spring; and a connectable housing comprising the connectable portion.

4. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a tube; and a hollow cover.

5. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the end connector is one of: LC connector, SC connector, FC connector, ST 283017/ 6 connector, SMA connector, DMI connector, MU connector, E-2000 connector, D4 connector, Biconic connector, MPO connector and MTRJ connector.

6. The optical fiber connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connectable portion comprises at least one of: a thread, a clip, a recess, and a pin.