JP7309852B2 - Retaining assembly for securing POF fiber within connector - Google Patents

Description

Cross-references to related applications:
This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/716,119 filed on August 8, 2018 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-098045 filed on May 24, 2019. Both patent applications are fully incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connectors and systems, and more particularly to securing plastic fiber optic strands using a retention assembly. The plastic strands are cut on site and inserted into SC, LC or MPO ferrule assemblies.

The spread of the Internet has brought about unprecedented growth of communication networks. Increasing consumer demand for services and increased competition require network providers to continually find ways to improve service quality while reducing costs.

Particular solutions include deploying high-density interconnect panels. High-density interconnect panels can be designed to consolidate the increasing amount of interconnect required to support rapidly growing networks into a compact form factor, resulting in improved service quality and reduced floor space. Costs such as space and support overhead are reduced. However, there is still room for improvement, especially in the area of data centers related to fiber optic connections. For example, connector and adapter manufacturers are constantly seeking to reduce device size while increasing ease of deployment, robustness, and post-deployment modifiability. In particular, to provide backward compatibility with existing data center equipment, there is a need to accommodate more optical connectors in the same footprint previously used for fewer connectors. For example, one current footprint is known as the Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver footprint. This footprint currently accommodates two LC type ferrule optical connections. However, it may be desirable to accommodate four optical connections (two transmit/receive duplex connections) within the same footprint. Another current footprint is the quad small form factor pluggable (QSFP) transceiver footprint. This footprint currently accommodates four LC type ferrule optical connections. However, it may be desirable to accommodate 8 optical connections (4 transmit/receive duplex connections) for an LC type ferrule within the same footprint.

In communication networks such as data centers and switching networks, large numbers of interconnections between mating connectors may be compacted into high density panels. Panel and connector producers may optimize for such high densities by reducing the size of the connectors and/or the spacing between adjacent connectors on the panel. Both methods are effective in increasing panel connector density, but reducing connector size and spacing can increase support costs and degrade service quality.

In high density panel configurations, adjacent connectors and cable assemblies may block access to individual release mechanisms. Such physical obstructions can hinder the operator's ability to minimize stress on cables and connectors. For example, these stresses may be applied when a user comes to a closely spaced group of connectors and presses on surrounding optical fibers and connectors to access individual connector release mechanisms with thumb and forefinger. Excessive stress on cables and connectors can create potential defects, compromise the integrity and reliability of terminations, and seriously disrupt network performance.

The reliability of communications infrastructure relies on secure connections between components such as cable segments, network equipment, and communications devices. Such connections are constantly exposed to dust, dirt, moisture, and/or other contaminants that can penetrate the connections and degrade performance or break connections between components. .

The fiber is typically glass. The glass has an outer jacket, inner strength or reinforcement fibers, and a coating. These parts are removed and replaced. A glass fiber is cleaved, inserted into a ferrule assembly, and polished. The glass fiber is ground at the proximal end of the connector. A ferrule assembly is inserted into the connector housing and secured therein. The distal end of the fiber cable is secured with a crimp ring and crimp boot.

As the size of connectors decreases, there is a need for a simple and efficient method of removing the connector from the receptacle. The receptacle can be located on the adapter or transceiver housing.

The present invention reduces field installation time when inserting and clamping POF fibers with or without cable jackets into connector housings. No measurement is made of the amount of glass fiber exposed when inserted into the ferrule or the amount of outer cable jacket required prior to crimping. This is a huge time saver.

The connector assembly includes one or more securing members formed as part of the retaining body and retaining cap. The retaining body is secured to the connector housing of the connector assembly. The retaining cap or connector housing, separately or both, biases one or more securing members to secure the strength members of the POF fiber and jacket to form the connector assembly. The fixation member is formed from at least one pair of opposed flexible wings that are biased closed around the POF fiber or cable. The POF optical fiber is pre-inserted into the hole through the centerline of the connector assembly. A connector assembly includes a connector housing, a ferrule therein, a retention body, a POF fiber or cable, a retention cap, and a latch. The retaining body is secured to the distal end of the connector housing, the distal end opposite the ferrule end of the connector housing. The ferrule end of the connector housing is called the proximal end.

In use, the polymer fiber optic cable jacket is stripped back to the optical fibers to expose the strength members. An optical fiber is inserted through the retention cap into the bore and through a bore in the retention body that connects to a channel or bore in the connector housing. The ferrule receives a polymer optical fiber (“POF”) within the ferrule bore. A ferrule assembly includes a ferrule and a POF, typically at its distal end, inserted into the connector housing. Once the ferrule assembly is secured within the connector housing, the retaining body is inserted into and secured to the distal end of the connector housing. A retention cap is inserted into the distal end of the retention body. In one embodiment, a fixation member having a pair of wings is inserted into the distal end of the connector housing to secure the optical fiber, strength member, or cable jacket individually or a combination of the optical fiber, cable jacket, and strength member. clamp. A second fixation member opposite the first fixation member can clamp each of the above components individually or together. The first locking member is clamped by corresponding structure at the distal end of the connector housing and the second locking member is biased closed or clamped by the retaining cap. Opposing fixing members are formed at both ends of the holding body.

The securing member or wing accommodates optical fibers, cable jackets or jacketed optical fibers, and any combination of the above components into the proximal end of the ferrule and into the bore along the longitudinal axis of the connector. It is chamfered or has a radius to guide. The radii or chamfers are opposite each other or face each other and the chamfers are formed as part of the wings.

1 is a perspective view of the connector of the present invention using a screw cap retention assembly; FIG.

FIG. 2 is FIG. 1 with the retaining cap removed.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' of FIG. 2 with the retaining cap installed.

4 is a perspective view of the retaining cap of FIG. 1; FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the retention wings compressed in the "C" direction during insertion of the retention cap.

6 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 mounted in a receptacle; FIG.

7 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 attached to a standard transceiver; FIG.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a retention assembly in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 9 shows Figure 8 with the retaining cap removed from the retaining body;

10 is a perspective view of the retaining body of FIG. 9; FIG.

11 is an end view of the retaining cap of FIG. 9; FIG.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B' in FIG.

Figure 13 is a top view of a third embodiment of a retention assembly;

14 is a side view of the retaining body of FIG. 13; FIG.

Figure 15 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a retention assembly;

16 is a perspective view of a retaining cap used to secure a POF or polymer optical fiber to the connector of FIG. 15; FIG.

Figure 17 is an exploded view of a fifth embodiment of a retention assembly;

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled connector of Figure 17;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a sixth embodiment of a retention assembly;

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled connector of Figure 19;

Figure 21 is an exploded view of a seventh embodiment of a retention assembly;

Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled connector of Figure 21;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of an eighth embodiment of a retention assembly;

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled connector of Figure 23;

Figure 25 is an exploded view of the POF cable and connector assembly.

FIG. 26 is a prior art connector.

FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram of the present invention.

The following terms shall, for the purposes of this application, have the respective meanings set forth below.

A connector is a device that completes a communication path from a fiber bundle that transmits optical signals to another connector or transceiver electronics. Electronics convert optical signals into digital signals. A connector is inserted into and secured to either end of the adapter. The connector can be, for example, a ferrule connector (FC), fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) connector, LC connector, mechanical transfer (MT) connector, standard connector (SC) connector, SC duplex connector, or straight tip (ST) connector. be. A connector may generally be defined by a connector housing body, an external latch or recess for securing said connector to an adapter opening, and one or more ferrules having optical fibers therein. In some embodiments, the housing body may incorporate any or all of the components described herein.

A receptacle is an adapter having internal structure that secures the proximal or ferrule end of a connector within a port or opening. The adapter, in one example, allows the first and second connectors to connect or face each other to transmit optical signals from one portion of the cable assembly to another. The receptacle can be a transceiver with an opening for receiving the connector.

"Fiber optic cable" or "optical cable" refers to a cable that includes one or more optical fibers for conducting optical signals in light beams. The optical fiber can be constructed of any suitable transparent material such as glass, glass fiber, polymer optical fiber, or plastic. Cables may include a jacket or sheath material surrounding the optical fibers. Between the outer sheath and the optical fiber are strands of strength or tensile members. Additionally, the cable can be connected to connectors at one or both ends of the cable.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an optical connector 100 comprising a retaining assembly, connector housing 03a, latch 01 and ferrule 02. FIG. The holding assembly consists of a holding cap 10 with a holding screw 20 and a hole 04 for receiving a POF optical fiber 06b or a plastic fiber strand capable of transmitting light. As mentioned above, light has different frequencies that represent information.

FIG. 2 shows retention body 12 secured within connector housing 03a, with retention screw 20 and one or more retention wings 16 at the distal end of the connector assembly of FIG. The longitudinal axis of the connector assembly or POF fiber channel 04 is along line A-A'. The proximal end of connector housing 03 a is closer to ferrule 02 and the distal end is closer to incoming fiber or wing 16 .

FIG. 3 shows a section of FIG. 1 along line A-A'. The POF fiber channel 04 is a longitudinal bore 24 (FIG. 4) or POF fiber channel 04 extending from the distal end (D) of the connector assembly 03 to the proximal end (P). A jacketed polymer optical fiber (POF) or jacketed fiber cable 06 typically extends through the hole until it bottoms out of the distal end or is fully inserted through the proximal end of the ferrule 02 . 24 is inserted. Retaining cap 18 is inserted over the distal end of the connector and engages retaining screw 20 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. As the cap rotates, the retaining wings 16 are circumferentially depressed, clamping around the POF cable 06 and securing the POF cable 06 as part of the connector assembly 03 . In a more common method, the cable is crimped onto a crimp ring having teeth that bite into the outer cable jacket.

The jacketed POF cable 06 has a jacket 06a and an optical fiber 06b. Between the jacket 06a and the optical fibers 06b are a plurality of strength members 06c. Strength member 06c is secured between retaining cap 18 and retaining screw 20 and helps prevent optical fiber 06b from disengaging from ferrule 02 when POF cable 06 is stressed. The strength member 06c is made from aramid or polyester fibers, although small gauge wire may also be used. Jacket 06a protects strength member 06c and optical fiber 06b. The jacket 06a may be made of resin such as polyvinyl chloride. The optical fiber 06b has a high refractive index forming a transmission path for optical signals carrying data. Jacket 06a and strength member 06c form a coating around the fiber. The coating has a low refractive index that reflects the optical signal back into the fiber, thereby reducing data loss. The optical fiber 06b may be made of a resin material such as polymethylmethacrylate.

FIG. 4 shows the retaining cap 18 and the opening leading to the hole 24. FIG. The opening is internally chamfered 24a to help guide the POF fiber into the bore 24, and the opening is dimensioned to ensure that the POF fiber can be inserted without clogging. Outer groove 22 assists the user in attaching the cap to retention body 12 at the distal end.

FIG. 5 shows how a retaining cap 18 is used to fix the POF optical fiber, which is rotated onto the retaining screw 12 of the retaining body 20 . As the cap 18 rotates in the direction of arrow "R", the retaining wings 16 are compressed inwardly over the POF optical fiber (not shown) inserted into the hole along line O-O'. The compressive force applied to each retaining wing 16 is determined by the draft angle and number of turns of the screw. A gap “G” is formed between retaining wings 16 . The wings 16 are also called clamp pieces. Wing 16 has a tapered surface 16b or radius that guides the POF or jacket POF to hole 24 forming POF channel 04 . Wings 16 have a peripheral surface 16a or frustoconical chamfer that guides retention cap 18 onto wings 16 which clamp or secure the POF or jacketed POF to the distal end of connector assembly 03. do. Optical fiber 06b or jacketed POF cable 06 is inserted along line O-O'.

FIG. 6 shows a pair of connector assemblies 03 with threaded retention caps 18 positioned and inserted into receptacles 05 . The jacketed POF cable 06 is shown fully inserted and secured between the retaining wings (as illustrated in FIG. 5). A connector housing 03 a secures the retention body 12 to the distal end of the housing and a cap 18 secures the jacketed POF cable 06 within the connector assembly 03 .

5 and 6, field installable operations using embodiments of the present invention are described. At S 1 in FIG. 5, the jacketed POF cable 06 is inserted along the distal end hole 24 of the retaining cap 18 . After the cable jacket 06b is stripped and the strength member 06c is pulled, the optical fiber 06b is secured within the ferrule 02 via the POF fiber channel 04, as shown in FIG. Ferrule 02 is secured to the proximal end of connector housing 03a by ferrule assembly 2a (FIG. 3). A connector housing latch 03b secures the retention body 12 to the distal end of the connector housing 03a. Continuing with reference to FIG. 5, at S1, the retention cap 18 is inserted over the wings 16 along the tapered surface 16b, which guides the retention cap onto the distal end retention body 12. , S2 into the screw 20 . With continued reference to FIG. 6, at S3, the retaining cap 18 is fully secured by being fully threaded onto the retaining screw 12 formed as part of the retaining body 20. As shown in FIG. At S4, the connector assembly 03 is inserted into the port of the receptacle 05 and the latch 01 secures the connector to the receptacle 05.

FIG. 7 shows connector assembly 03 with retention assembly fully inserted into standard SFP transceiver receptacle 08 . FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the connector assembly 03 that uses the slide retention cap 10 to compress the wings 16 and secure the POF jacketed cable 06 within the connector housing 03a. The longitudinal axis of the connector assembly is along line B-B'. A connector release housing 07 is secured to the distal end of connector housing 03a. Thumb release 07a depresses latch 01 and allows connector assembly 03 to be released from a receptacle port formed as part of the adapter or transceiver housing.

FIG. 9 shows a partially exploded view of connector assembly 03 of FIG. The retaining body 12 has a pair of opposing wedge-shaped projections 12a that receive and lock the slider retaining cap 18 thereon. Protrusions 12 a are received in corresponding slots 18 a formed as part of cap 18 . Wings 16 are formed at the distal end of retention body 12 . POF jacketed cables 06 or unjacketed optical fibers 06 b , ie polymer optical fibers or POF only, are received in the POF fiber channel 04 . As cap 18 slides over wings 16 in the direction of arrow "I", wings 16 are compressed as shown in FIG. kept on top.

Figure 10 shows a retaining body 12 for slide lock deployment. Retaining cap 18 engages a beveled circumferential surface or frusto-conical chamfer 16a that engages cap 18 in a recess (FIG. 9) that engages its internal slot 18a or wedge-shaped locking projection 12a. Orient. Continue pushing the retaining cap 18 toward the proximal end of the connector to apply a compressive force "C" to the retaining wings to secure the already fully inserted POF fiber through the longitudinal POF fiber channel 04 . Retaining cap 18 is fully inserted into POF cable 06 by depressing wings 16 when chamfered surface 18 b of cap 18 seats against receiving surface 12 c of retaining body 12 . Referring to FIG. 10, a retention cap slot 18a (FIG. 11) receives a wedge-shaped locking projection 12a with a radius 12b to guide it into slot 18a. The holding body 12 has ribs 12d. Ribs 12d receive latches 03b (FIG. 3) to secure retention body 12 within connector housing 03a.

11 shows an end view of retaining cap 18. FIG. Slot 18a receives wedge-shaped projection 12a. The holes in the cap 18 are tapered 18b to guide the retaining cap 18 over the retaining wings 16. As shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 (assembled) along line B-B'. Wings 16 are compressed to clamp POF cable 06 as shown. As indicated by callout 26, wedge-shaped projection 12a is secured within slot 18a. The cable 06 is inserted along the POF channel 04 with the POF optical fiber 06 b previously fixed to the proximal end of the ferrule 02 . A bias spring 09 maintains the orientation of the connector assembly 03 components after assembly.

Referring to FIG. 13, a third embodiment discloses angled retention wings that bend forward or backward under the influence of the POF cable 06 or optical fiber 06b. Upon insertion of the POF into the opening, at the distal end of retention body 12, wings 17 move or deflect toward the proximal end of the connector under the insertion "I" force of the POF fibers. The distance between and across the slanted wings 17 determines the insertion force required to deflect the proximally facing slanted wings 17 . A user may attempt to remove the connector distally using the POF fiber. The slanted wings 17 deflect distally but have limited movement due to the proximal slanting. A proximal face of each retention wing couples to the POF cable or optical fiber and inhibits withdrawal of the POF cable from the connector assembly. The thickness and durometer or hardness of the slanted wings 17 may allow a single pair of wings to secure the POF cable fibers within the connector. FIG. 14 shows a side view of the slanted wings 17 within the retaining body 12 . The POF is inserted along POF channel 04 .

FIG. 15 shows a fourth embodiment of a retention assembly for securing POF optical fibers to fiber optic connectors without the use of crimp boots and rings. In order to secure a POF fiber cable using crimp boots and rings, the cable requires an outer jacket and inner strength fibers. This increases the cost of the fiber cable itself and requires the user to (1) select a connector and determine the amount of overcoat to strip the fiber from, rather than inserting fiber without an overcoat. In contrast, it substantially increases field installation time. Also, (2) the user needs to insert the fiber into the ferrule and make sure it is bottoming out, if not, then the fiber needs to be removed and stripped again according to (1), so it takes more time. It takes. Additionally, the user must (3) insert the crimp ring and crimp the boot. In contrast, when the POF fiber is fully inserted and bottomed out, a retaining cap is attached to secure the fiber within the connector.

Referring to FIG. 15, the POF fiber channel 04 has opposing wings 16 at its distal end as part of the retaining body. Referring to FIG. 16, retaining cap 18 has a plurality of legs 18d with latching surfaces 18c that engage and secure wings 16 through openings in latching surfaces 18c. The legs apply a compressive force that deflects the wings 16 around the POF fibers, which secures the fibers within the channels 04 .

FIG. 17 shows a fifth embodiment of the retaining body 12 . A screw retaining cap 18 receives the retaining body 12 with a pair of opposing wings 16 forming a gap "G". Connector assembly 03 is assembled in the direction of arrow "A". FIG. 18 shows a cross section of the assembled connector of FIG. Upon assembly, the fiber jacket 06a is clamped or secured between the retaining wings 16 as shown in the callout box 26. FIG. Strength member 06c is secured between retaining screws 20 by securing retaining cap 18 to screws 20 as shown in callout box 28 .

19 and 20 show a sixth embodiment of the retaining body 12. FIG. The POF fiber channel 04 is just sized to receive the optical fiber 06b. Opposed wings 16 form a smaller gap "G" in FIG. 17 to receive optical fiber 06b. The back post 14 is threaded and has a pair of opposed notches 14a that receive the wedge-shaped projections 12a. The mating of notch 14a and protrusion 12a in the direction of arrow "A" orients retention body 12 so as not to stress optical fiber 06b when retention cap 18 is threaded onto backpost 14. Secondly, it restrains the rotation of the holding body. A circumferential rib 12 d is formed around the holding body 12 . When the retaining cap 18 is screwed or slid onto the distal end of the retaining body 12, the ribs 12d become embedded in the optical cable jacket 06a.

FIG. 20 shows that the sixth embodiment fixes the POF jacketed cable 06 at three points. A strength member 06c is secured between the threaded back post 14 and the threaded retention cap 18 as shown in the callout box 28 . Optical fiber 06b is secured between wings 16 as shown in callout 26 when retaining cap 18 compresses wings 16 as shown in FIG. The retaining cap 18 has an inner tapered surface 18e corresponding to the outer tapered surface 16b of the wings 16 and wing circumferential ribs 12d which become embedded in the cable jacket 06a when the retaining cap 18 is screwed onto the back post 14. Circumferentially spaced around the This can prevent the jacket from being pulled out from the distal end of the connector.

FIG. 21 shows an exploded view of a sixth embodiment of connector assembly 03 using retaining body 12 . Retention body 12 is secured between the two halves of split back post 32 forming back post 14 . Each half-body portion further includes a body portion (32a, 32b), a threaded portion 20, a pin 32c, a pin recess 32d, and a notch 14a for receiving protrusion 12a. To assemble the two halves, in step A1, the proximal end "P" of retaining body 12 is partially positioned with the distal ends of the halves. The two half bodies are then secured together in direction A2 when the pins 32c are received in corresponding recesses in the first half body portion 32b. Securing the two halves together secures the retention body 12 as part of the back post 14 . Protrusion 12a is received in notch 14a, which prevents rotation of retaining body 12 during assembly, particularly when retaining cap 18 is screwed onto retaining screw 20 to secure POF cable 06 to connector assembly 03. Deter. Securing the POF cable 06 using the retaining body 12 is described in FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. As shown in Figure 22, the two half body portions (32a, 32b) clamp or secure the optical fiber 06b.

FIG. 22 shows a cross-section of FIG. Optical fiber 06b is clamped between the two half-body portions (32a, 32b) and is shown at callout 26. FIG. This fixes the POF optical fiber directly near the ferrule 02 and helps reduce insertion loss due to movement of the optical fiber 06b within the ferrule 02. FIG. A second clamp is applied to the strength member 06c between the inner threads of the retaining cap 18 and the retaining threads 20 of the retaining body 12, as formed and described in FIG. This second clamp is shown at callout 28 . The clamping strength members 06c by the threaded portion of the retention cap 18 and backpost 14 retention screws 20 help provide the POF cable 06 with the maximum pull force rate. The final clamp is a retaining cap 18 that clamps the POF cable jacket 06a with wings 16, depicted at callout 30, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 shows an exploded view of the last embodiment of retaining body 12 having clamping or securing structures at the first and second ends of retaining body 12 . This embodiment is similar to that described in Figures 21 and 22 above, except that the retaining body 12 is a single unitary body rather than being formed from two separate body portions. A single body reduces assembly time and increases connector assembly stability. Referring to FIG. 23, retaining body 12 further comprises circumferential ribs 12d secured within the distal end of connector housing 03a by slots 03c. Circumferential rib 12d and slot 03c secure retention body 12 within connector housing 03a. Similarly, rib 12d receives latch 3b. To prevent rotation of body 12 when secured with retaining cap 18, protrusion 12e is mounted in internal slot 03c formed near the proximal end of the inner housing of connector housing 03a, as described above. Once the retention body 12 is secured within the connector housing 03a, the retention cap 18 is screwed onto the back body or back post 14 retention screw 20 forming the connector assembly, as shown in FIG. The retaining body 12 further comprises two sets of fixing or clamping wings (16f, 16r). The first set (16f) is at the proximal end of the retaining body. The second set (16r) is at the distal end of the retaining body.

24 shows the final assembly of connector assembly 03. FIG. Callout 26 shows the front (f) wing (16f) that clamps the POF optical fiber 06b. This is a direct clamping of the optical fiber without strength members 06c or outer jacket 06a. The callout 30 has a rear (r) wing (16r) that clamps the POF cable 06 and is embedded in the outer jacket 06a along with circumferential ribs 12d (as described in FIG. 20) to increase the tensile strength of the POF cable 06. thereby reducing failure of the connector assembly 03 due to the POF cable 06 being pulled out of the connector. Callout 34 shows wings (16r) clamped around optical fiber 06b. Callout 26 shows a forward wing (16f) that clamps optical fiber 06b to reduce insertion loss by helping reduce fiber movement within ferrule 02 under cable stress during use. ing. Callout 28 shows a strength member 06c secured between the inner threads of the retaining cap and the outer threads 20 of the retaining body 12. FIG.

25 shows an exploded view of the connector assembly of FIG. 23 with strength member 06c and POF cable 06 cut open to fit the distal end of retention body 12. FIG. To assemble, the user slices the outer cable jacket 06a to expose the strength member 06c and inserts the optical fiber 06b through the retention body 12 over the first or forward clamping wing 16f. Enough fiber 06b is exposed and inserted into ferrule 02 until it exits the ferrule, after which the optical fiber 06b can be cut flush with the tip in the field.

FIG. 26 shows a prior art connector assembly with a total length of 46 units and a retaining cap 18. FIG. FIG. 27 shows that the overall length has been reduced to 37 units of length by placing the retaining body 12 within the connector housing 03a. The connector assembly 03 is assembled in the direction of the arrow.

Claims (6)

An optical fiber connector,
a connector housing having a proximal end and a distal end;
a backpost, wherein the connector housing is configured to receive the backpost at the distal end;
a ferrule configured to receive an optical fiber of an optical cable, said ferrule being located at said proximal end of said connector housing;
and
said back post comprising a pair of wings at a proximal end of said back post ;
wherein the pair of wings are configured to clamp directly onto the optical fiber during assembly of the optical fiber connector;
the pair of wings configured to be located near the distal end of the connector housing;
fiber optic connector. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the pair of wings are configured to clamp the optical fiber within the connector housing. said back post having a retaining screw;
The fiber optic connector further comprises a retaining cap with internal threads for securing to the back post.
The optical fiber connector of Claim 1. wherein the optical cable includes a strength member configured such that a clamp is applied to the strength member between the retaining cap and the back post during assembly of the fiber optic connector.
4. The optical fiber connector of claim 3 . 2. The fiber optic connector of claim 1, further comprising a retention body with retention wings configured such that the jacket of the optical cable is clamped between the retention wings during assembly. the back post includes a retaining screw;
The fiber optic connector further comprises a retaining cap configured to secure a strength member of the optical cable between the retaining screws by securing the retaining cap to the back post. ,
The optical fiber connector of Claim 5 .

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