Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to connectors for optical fiber cables, and more particularly the present invention relates to an optical fiber connector with an integrated sealing screw and crimp band.
BACKGROUND
Optical fibers are widely used for data transmission. Generally, the optical fibers are connected to each other via a connector assembly. Optical fibers are required to be terminated when are employed in communication networks. The optical fibers further required to be joined with another optical fiber to facilitate large connections in the communication network. This necessitates a need for the optical fiber connector that facilitates connection between two optical fibers and/or two optical fiber cables. The optical fiber cables are required to be terminated in the optical fiber connector. There are various prior art references that disclose about the optical fiber connectors.
For example, a prior art reference “US7881576B2” discloses an optical fiber connector for a flat cable and the cable includes optical fiber and strength members. The strength members are inserted into the connector housing. Another prior art reference “US10605998B2” discloses an optical fiber connector housing with an adapter seating portion and an adhesive window to fill the adhesive material inside the housing. Another prior art reference “US6648520B2” discloses an optical fiber plug assembly having a plug body with shroud and collar to lock the plug into an adapter unit.
Thus, there is a need to develop an optical fiber connector that efficiently connects the optical fiber and/or facilitate the optical fiber to efficiently terminate.
SUMMARY
In an aspect of the present disclosure, an optical fiber connector is disclosed. The optical fiber connector has a connector assembly, a connector body, an outer housing, and an integrated metallic sealing unit. The connector assembly has a ferrule that is arranged within the connector assembly. The ferrule has a hole to receive an optical fiber of an optical fiber cable to establish an optical path between the optical fiber and the ferrule. The connector body at least partially retains the connector assembly. The outer housing at least partially covers the connector body such that a portion of the connector body extends outside the outer housing. The integrated metallic sealing unit has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end engages with the connector body and the distal end is crimped to hold a cable jacket of the optical fiber cable. The optical fiber connector bears a load that is in a range of 40 Kilograms (Kg) to 65 Kg in a straight pulling force test.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The following detailed description of the preferred aspects of the present disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not limited by the accompanying figures, in which, like references indicate similar elements.
FIG. 1 illustrates a side sectional view of an optical fiber connector.
FIG. 2 illustrates an un-assembled side view of the optical fiber connector.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a cable holder of the optical fiber connector.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the cable holder that holds an optical fiber cable.
FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the integrated metallic sealing unit.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the optical fiber connector when the integrated metallic sealing unit engages with a connector body and covers the cable holder.
FIG. 7 illustrates a zoomed view of section A-A of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the optical fiber connector when the integrated metallic sealing unit is crimped to hold the optical fiber cable.
FIG. 9 illustrates a zoomed view of section B-B of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a strip.
FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the optical fiber connector.
FIG. 12 illustrates a collapsed view of the optical fiber connector.

DEFINITIONS
The term “optical fiber” as used herein refers to a light guide that provides high-speed data transmission. The optical fiber has one or more glass core regions and a glass cladding region. The light moving through the glass core regions of the optical fiber relies upon the principle of total internal reflection, where the glass core regions have a higher refractive index (n1) than the refractive index (n2) of the glass cladding region of the optical fiber.
The terms “crimp”, “crimping”, or “crimped” as used herein refers to a process in which one end of a metallic element is pressed with the help of a tool such that an optical fiber cable is held by a crimp band more tightly.
The term “core region” as used herein refers to the inner most cylindrical structure present in the centre of the optical fiber, that is configured to guide the light rays inside the optical fiber.
The term “cladding” as used herein refers to one or more layered structure covering the core of an optical fiber from the outside, that is configured to possess a lower refractive index than the refractive index of the core to facilitate total internal reflection of light rays inside the optical fiber. Further, the cladding of the optical fiber may include an inner cladding layer coupled to the outer surface of the core of the optical fiber and an outer cladding layer coupled to the inner cladding from the outside.
The term “optical fiber cable” as used herein refers to a cable that encloses one or more optical fibers and accordingly, the optical fiber cable is referred to as a single-fiber cable or multi-fiber cable. For example, the optical fiber cable enclosing only one optical fiber, then the optical fiber cable is a single-fiber cable and the optical fiber cable enclosing multiple optical fibers, then the optical fiber cable is a multi-fiber cable.
The term “heat shrink tube” refers to a flexible tube that is used for sealing. The heat shrink tube slides over a cable termination portion and with the help of hot air, such that the heat shrink tube gets shrunk to hold the cable termination portion and thereby providing sealing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The detailed description of the appended drawings is intended as a description of the currently preferred aspects of the present disclosure, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different aspects that are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 illustrates a side sectional view of an optical fiber connector 100 (hereinafter referred to and designated as “the connector 100”). The connector 100 may be adapted to terminate an optical fiber cable 102 i.e., a connectorized fiber cable. The connector 100 may bear a load that may be in a range of 40 Kilograms (Kg) to 65 Kg in a straight pulling force test. The connector 100 may have a single component that may act as a sealing screw and a crimp band, simultaneously, for example the connector 100 may have a single component i.e., an integrated metallic sealing unit 206 (as shown later in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5). The connector 100 may be applicable to a flat cable assembly. In other words, the connector 100 may be adapted to terminate a flat optical fiber cable. Specifically, the connector 100 may be applicable to the flat cable assembly by using a cable holder unit.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the connector 100 may be one of, a SC connector and a LC connector.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, to facilitate the straight pulling force test, the optical fiber cable 102 may be fixed in a manner that one end (connector end) of the optical fiber cable 102 may be gripped at one side of a test apparatus and other end of the optical fiber cable 102 may be gripped at other side of the apparatus. The test apparatus may facilitate to apply a pulling force at both ends of the optical fiber cable 102. Specifically, the test apparatus may facilitate to apply the pulling force in straight reverse direction. The test apparatus may further facilitate to gradually increase the pulling force until a connection between the connector 100 and the optical fiber cable 102 gets broken. The test apparatus may measure a force value when the connection between the connector 100 and the optical fiber cable 102 gets broken such that the force value is a result of the straight pulling force test. As per the straight pulling force test, higher force value indicates high load bearing capacity of the connector 100.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the connector 100 may be made up of a material including, but not limited to, hardened plastic material. The hardened plastic material may include one of, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), nylon plastic (PA), and glass-filled polymer. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed materials for the connector 100, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the connector 100 may be used for a flat cable i.e., the optical fiber cable 102 may be the flat cable. The flat cable may have the at least one optical fiber i.e., an optical fiber 103 and at least one strength member inside a cable jacket of the optical fiber cable 102.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the connector 100 may be used for a round cable i.e., the optical fiber cable 102 may be the round cable. The optical fiber cable 102 may have a diameter that may be in a range of 4 millimeters (mm) to 9 mm. Preferably, the connector 100 may be used for the optical fiber cable 102 having the diameter that may be 4.2 mm, 4.8 mm, 5.5 mm, 8 mm, and 8.2 mm. Therefore, the connector 100 may be advantageously compatible with the optical fiber cable with different diameters.
The connector 100 may have a first end 104 and a second end 106. The connector 100 may further have a connector assembly 108 and a connector body 110. The connector assembly 108 may have a ferrule 112.
The connector assembly 108 may be disposed at the first end 104. The connector assembly 108 may be adapted to house the ferrule 112. The connector assembly 108 may have a channel (not shown). The channel may be adapted to house the ferrule 112 of the connector assembly 108. The ferrule 112 may be coupled to the connector assembly 108. Specifically, the ferrule 112 may be encapsulated or arranged within the connector assembly 108. In other words, the connector assembly 108 may house the ferrule 112. The ferrule 112 may have a hole such that the hole receives the optical fiber 103 of the optical fiber cable 102. Specifically, the hole may be adapted to receive the optical fiber 103 to establish an optical path between the optical fiber 103 and the ferrule 112.
The connector body 110 may be coupled to the connector assembly 108 and the ferrule 112. The connector body 110 may have a third end 114, a fourth end 116, a threaded portion 118, and an elongated slot 120. The third end 114 of the connector body 110 may be disposed near to the first end 104 of the connector 100 and the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110 may be disposed near to the second end 106 of the connector 100. The connector body 110 may hold the connector assembly 108 and the ferrule 112. The connector body 110 may have a corresponding cavity that may receive the connector assembly 108 and the ferrule 112 such that the connector assembly 108 and the ferrule 112 are recessed inside the connector body 110. Specifically, the third end 114 of the connector body 110 may be adapted to hold the connector assembly 108 and the ferrule 112. In other words, the third end 114 of the connector body 110 may partially retain the connector assembly 108. The threaded portion 118 may be disposed at the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110. The elongated slot 120 may extend within the connector body 110. Specifically, the elongated slot 120 may extend from a middle portion of the connector body 110 to the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110. The connector body 110 may be adapted to receive at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 of the optical fiber cable 102. Specifically, the connector body 110 may be adapted to receive the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 of the optical fiber cable 102 to connect with the ferrule 112. The connector body 110 may be adapted to receive the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 of the optical fiber cable 102 from the fourth end 116. Specifically, the connector body 110 may receive the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 of the optical fiber cable 102 from the fourth end 116 to facilitate the connection i.e., between the optical fiber 103 and the ferrule 112, at the third end 114 of the connector body 110. The connector body 110 may receive the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 such that the optical fiber 103 is inserted in the elongated slot 120 of the connector body 110. In other words, the connector body 110 may be adapted to receive the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 through the elongated slot 120. In other words, the connector body 110 may be adapted to receive the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 through the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110 such that the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 enters the connector body 110 through the elongated slot 120. The connector body 110 may facilitate entrance of only the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 and may not facilitate entrance of the cable jacket of the optical fiber cable 102. In other words, the optical fiber cable 102 may enter in the connector 100 till the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110 and beyond the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110, only the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 may enter in the connector body 110 to establish the optical connection with the ferrule 112. In other words, only the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 may enter in the connector body 110 and the cable jacket of the optical fiber cable 102 may remain outside the connector body 110 i.e., the cable jacket of the optical fiber cable 102 may retain by the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110. The elongated slot 120 of the connector body 110 may be closed from the fourth end 116. Specifically, the elongated slot 120 of the connector body 110 may be closed from the fourth end 116 by way of a strip 1000 (as shown later in FIG. 10). The elongated slot 120 of the connector body 110 may be closed from the fourth end 116 by way of the strip 1000 upon insertion of the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103. The connector body 110 may facilitate the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 to enter in the elongated slot 120 such that at least one strength member of the optical fiber cable 102 is turned backwards i.e., away the connector body 110. In other words, the at least one strength member may not enter into the connector body 110. Therefore, only the optical fiber 103 may be entered in the connector body 110 and the at least one strength member may not enter into the connector body 110. To facilitate entrance of the optical fiber 103 in the connector body 110, a portion of the optical fiber cable 102 may be profiled i.e., the cable jacket of the optical fiber cable 102 may be removed from that portion of the optical fiber cable 102. The cable jacket of the optical fiber cable 102, upon removal from the portion of the optical fiber cable 102, may facilitate exposure to the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103 and the at least one strength member.
FIG. 2 illustrates an un-assembled side view of the optical fiber connector 100. The connector 100 may further have an outer housing 202, a cable holder 204, and an integrated metallic sealing unit 206.
The outer housing 202 may have a fifth end 208, a sixth end 210, a pair of extended portions 212a, 212b (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the extended portions 212”), and a stepped portion 214. The outer housing 202 may be disposed over the connector body 110. Specifically, the outer housing 202 may be adapted to partially cover the connector body 110 such that a portion i.e., the threaded portion 118 of the connector body 110 extends outside the outer housing 202. The fifth end 208 of the outer housing 202 may be disposed near to or over the third end 114 of the connector body 110 while the outer housing 202 partially covers the connector body 110. The sixth end 210 of the outer housing 202 may be disposed near to or over the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110 while the outer housing 202 partially covers the connector body 110. The extended portions 212 may be disposed at the fifth end 208 of the outer housing 202. The extended portions 212 may facilitate the connector 100 to be coupled to a mating adapter. In other words, the extended portions 212 may be inserted and locked in a corresponding recess that may be disposed in the mating adapter such that insertion and locking of the extended portions 212 facilitates coupling of the connector 100 with the mating adapter. The stepped portion 214 may be disposed opposite to the extended portions 212. Specifically, the stepped portion 214 may be disposed at the sixth end 210 of the outer housing 202. The outer housing 202 when partially covers the connector body 110, the portion of the connector body 110 may extend outside from the stepped portion 214 of the outer housing 202.
The cable holder 204 may be coupled to the connector body 110. Specifically, the cable holder 204 may be coupled to the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110. In other words, the cable holder 204 may be disposed at the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110. The cable holder 204 may be adapted to encapsulate a portion of the connector body 110. Specifically, the cable holder 204 may be adapted to encapsulate a portion that may be disposed at the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110. The cable holder 204 may further be adapted to hold the optical fiber cable 102. The cable holder 204 may be provided or filled with epoxy such that the epoxy adheres the cable holder 204 with the portion of the connector body 110 and the optical fiber cable 102. The epoxy may be a gel type adhesive that may be filled inside the connector 100 to hold the cable holder 204 with respect to the optical fiber cable 102. The epoxy, upon drying, may get hardened such that the epoxy maintains the cable holder 204 at a desired position with respect to the optical fiber cable 102. Specifically, the cable holder 204 may hold the optical fiber cable 102 such that at least one strength member of the optical fiber cable 102 is turned backwards i.e., away from the connector body 110 and therefore the at least one strength member does not enter into the connector body 110. Therefore, only the optical fiber 103 may be entered in the connector body 110 and the at least one strength member may not enter into the connector body 110.
The integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may have a proximal end 216 and a distal end 218. The proximal end 216 may be disposed near to the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110. The integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be inserted in the outer housing 202 and may be coupled to the connector body 110. Specifically, the proximal end 216 may engage with the connector body 110. The proximal end 216 may engage with the threaded portion 118 of the connector body 110. The distal end 218 may be disposed opposite to the proximal end 216 i.e., away from the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110. Specifically, the distal end 218 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be crimped to tightly hold the cable jacket of the optical fiber cable 102. The proximal and distal ends 216, 218 may be hollow ends such that the proximal and distal ends 216, 218 may facilitate the optical fiber 103 of the optical fiber cable 102 to pass through the integrated metallic sealing unit 206.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the cable holder 204 of the optical fiber connector 100. The cable holder 204 may have a base portion 306, and at least two elongated members 308a, 308b (hereinafter collectively referred to and designated as “the elongated members 308”). Each elongated member of the elongated members 308 may have a teeth like structure 310.
The cable holder 204 may be moved or slide over the connector 100 from the second end 106 to the first end 104. Specifically, the cable holder 204 may slide over the connector 100 to partially encapsulate a portion of the connector body 110. In other words, the cable holder 204 may be adapted to, upon being moved over the connector 100, partially encapsulate the portion of the connector body 110. Specifically, the cable holder 204 may slide from the fourth end 116 and towards the third end 114 such that the cable holder 204 encapsulates the portion of the connector body 110.
Each elongated member of the elongated members 308 may extend from the base portion 306. Specifically, each elongated member of the elongated members 308 may extend from a circumference of the base portion 306 in a direction that may extend along a length of the cable holder 204. The teeth like structure 310 may extend along a length of each elongated member of the elongated members 308.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the cable holder 204 may be provided with epoxy i.e., the epoxy may be filled inside the cable holder 204. The epoxy inside the cable holder 204 may facilitate to strengthen a position of the cable holder 204 with respect to the connector body 110 and the optical fiber cable 102.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the cable holder 204 may have a length that may be in a range of 16 mm to 24 mm. Preferably, the cable holder 204 may have the length that may be 20 mm.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the cable holder 204 that holds the optical fiber cable 102. The cable holder 204 may be moved or slide from the second end 106 to the first end 104. Specifically, the base portion 306 of the cable holder 204 may slide from the second end 106 to the first end 104 such that the base portion 306 partially encapsulates the portion of the connector body 110. The cable holder 204 may be filled with the epoxy to strengthen the position of the cable holder 204. Specifically, the epoxy may be filled in the base portion 306 of the cable holder 204 such that the positioning of the base portion 306 of the cable holder 204 is strengthened. The cable holder 204 may be adapted to receive the optical fiber cable 102. In other words, the optical fiber cable 102 may be entered into the cable holder 204. Specifically, a portion of the cable holder 204 may be adapted to receive the optical fiber cable 102 such that the at least one strength member and the cable jacket of the of the optical fiber cable 102 are restricted to enter the connector body 110. In other words, the portion of the cable holder 204 i.e., the elongated members 308 may restrict the at least one strength member and the cable jacket of the optical fiber cable 102 to enter in the connector body 110. The teeth like structure 310 of the cable holder 204 may facilitate grappling of the optical fiber cable 102. In other words, the teeth like structure 310 of the cable holder 204 may facilitate to grab the optical fiber cable 102. Specifically, the teeth like structure 310 of the cable holder 204 may engage with the cable jacket of the optical fiber cable 102 to facilitate the cable holder 204 to grab the optical fiber cable 102. The teeth like structure 310 may be a protrusion that may bite in the cable jacket of the optical fiber cable 102. Therefore, the teeth like structure 310 may facilitate the cable holder 204 to grab the optical fiber cable 102.
FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. The integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may include a skirt portion 502 and a tubular portion 504. The skirt portion 502 may be disposed at the proximal end 216 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. The tubular portion 504 may be disposed at the distal end 218 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. The skirt portion 502 and the tubular portion 504 may be fused or joined together to form an integrated unit i.e., the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. Since, the skirt portion 502 and the tubular portion 504 are integrated, therefore, the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 eliminates need of requirement of two different components. Since, the skirt portion 502 and the tubular portion 504 are integrated, therefore, the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may advantageously impart strength to the connector 100. The integration of the skirt portion 502 and the tubular portion 504 may advantageously increase strength of the connector 100. Specifically, integration of the skirt portion 502 and the tubular portion 504 may facilitate the connector 100 to bear the load that may be in the range of 40 Kilograms to 65 Kilograms in the straight pulling test. The skirt portion 502 may have a diameter that may be greater than a diameter of the tubular portion 504. The integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be coupled to the connector body 110. Specifically, the skirt portion 502 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be coupled to the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110. The integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be adapted to receive the optical fiber cable 102. Specifically, the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be adapted to receive the optical fiber cable 102 from the tubular portion 504 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may have a length that may be in a range of 27 mm to 33 mm. Preferably, the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may have the length that may be 30 mm.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the proximal end 216 may have a first diameter and the distal end 218 may have a second diameter. In other words, the proximal and distal ends 216, 218 may have first and second diameters, respectively. The first diameter may be greater than the second diameter.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be made up of a material including, but not limited to, a metal such as aluminum. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed materials for the integrated metallic sealing unit 206, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the tubular portion 504 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be pressed. Specifically, the tubular portion 504 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be pressed to facilitate adequate gripping of the optical fiber cable 102.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the optical fiber connector 100 when the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 engages with the connector body 110 and covers the cable holder 204. The optical fiber cable 102 may be passed through the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. The optical fiber cable 102 may be passed through the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 from the distal end 218 to the proximal end 216. Since, the proximal end 216 and the distal end 218 are the hollow ends, therefore, the proximal end 216 and the distal end 218 facilitate the optical fiber cable 102 to enter into the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. Specifically, the optical fiber cable 102 may be firstly passed through the tubular portion 504 and then through the skirt portion 502. Upon passing of the optical fiber cable 102 through the integrated metallic sealing unit 206, the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 is moved/slide from the second end 106 and towards the first end 104.
FIG. 7 illustrates a zoomed view of section A-A of FIG. 6. Specifically, the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may slide towards the first end 104 to partially cover the cable holder 204. In other words, the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may at least partially encapsulate the cable holder 204. The integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may slide to partially cover the cable holder 204 such that the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 abuts with the connector body 110. The integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may have an internal threaded portion (not shown). The internal threaded portion may be disposed on an inner side of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. Specifically, the internal threaded portion may be disposed on the inner side of the skirt portion 502. The integrated metallic sealing unit 206, upon being moved towards the first end 104 from the second end 106, engages with the connector body 110 such that the internal threaded portion meshes with the threaded portion 118 of the connector body 110. In other words, the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be tightened over the connector body 110. Specifically, the skirt portion 502 may be tightened over the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110 to facilitate coupling of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 with the connector body 110. The internal threaded portion of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be tightened over the threaded portion 118 of the connector body 110 to facilitate coupling of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 with the connector body 110.
FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the optical fiber connector 100 when the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 is crimped to hold the optical fiber cable 102. The integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be crimped to tightly hold the optical fiber cable 102. Specifically, the distal end 218 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be crimped to tightly hold the cable jacket of the optical fiber cable 102. Prior to the crimping, the optical fiber cable 102 may enter in the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. Specifically, prior to the crimping, the optical fiber cable 102 may enter from the distal end 218 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 such that the optical fiber cable 102 enters the tubular portion 504. Upon entering of the optical fiber cable 102 in the integrated metallic sealing unit 206, the distal end 218 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may be crimped. The optical fiber cable 102 may enter the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 and the at least one strength member of the optical fiber cable 102 may be turned backward such that the at least one strength member comes out from the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. Specifically, the at least one strength member of the optical fiber cable 102 may come out from the distal end 218 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. In other words, the at least one strength member of the optical fiber cable 102 may come out from the tubular portion 504 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206.
FIG. 9 illustrates a zoomed view of section B-B of FIG. 8. The connector 100 may further include a heat shrink tube 902. The heat shrink tube 902 may facilitate environmental sealing of the distal end 218 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. To facilitate environmental sealing of the distal end 218 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206, the heat shrink tube 902 may be positioned over the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. In other words, to facilitate environmental sealing of the distal end 218 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206, the heat shrink tube 902 may cover the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. The heat shrink tube 902 may be adapted to cover the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. Specifically, the heat shrink tube 902 may be adapted to cover an end of the tubular portion 504 of the integrated metallic sealing unit 206. To facilitate environmental sealing, hot air may be supplied to the shrink tube 902 such that the shrink tube 902 may shrunk. Specifically, the hot air may be supplied to the shrink tube 902 such that the shrink tube 902 may shrunk to provide sealing between the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 and the cable holder 204. The hot air may facilitate melting of the shrink tube 902 such that the shrink tube 902 facilitates sealing between the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 and the cable holder 204.
FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the strip 1000. The strip 1000 may have a broad end 1002 and a narrow end 1004. The strip 1000 may extend between the broad end 1002 and the narrow end 1004. In other words, the strip 1000 may have a length that may be equal to distance between the broad end 1002 and the narrow end 1004. The narrow end 1004 may be disposed at a side that may be opposite to the broad end 1002. In other words, the narrow end 1004 may be disposed opposite to the broad end 1002. The strip 1000 may be inserted in the connector body 110. Specifically, the strip 1000 may be inserted in the connector body 110 such that the strip 1000 closes the elongated slot 120 of the connector body 110. The strip 1000 may be inserted in the connector body 110 to close the elongated slot 120 of the connector body 110 from the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110. Specifically, the strip 1000 may close the elongated slot 120 from the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110 before applying the cable holder 204. Specifically, the broad end 1002 may facilitate to close the elongated slot 120 from the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110. The elongated slot 120 of the connector body 110 may be closed from the fourth end 116 by way of the strip 1000 upon insertion of the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103. Specifically, the broad end 1002 of the strip 1000 may be adapted to close the elongated slot 120 from the fourth end 116 of the connector body 110 upon insertion of the at least one optical fiber i.e., the optical fiber 103.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the strip 1000 may be made up of a material including, but not limited to, plastic. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed materials for the strip 1000, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the optical fiber connector 100. The connector 100 may further include a flexible boot 1102, a coupling nut 1104, a dust cap 1106, and a tether 1108.
The flexible boot 1102 may be adapted to partially cover the heat shrink tube 902. The flexible boot 1102 may be adapted to provide a strength to the connector 100. Specifically, the flexible boot 1102 may be adapted to provide a tensile strength to the connector 100.
The coupling nut 1104 may have threads to couple the connector 100 to the mating adapter. The coupling nut 1104 may be hollow or open from either ends of the coupling nut 1104.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the coupling nut 1104 may be made up of a hardened plastic material. The hardened plastic material may include one of, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), nylon plastic (PA), and glass-filled polymer. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed materials, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
The dust cap 1106 may be coupled to the coupling nut 1104. Specifically, the dust cap 1106 may be coupled to the coupling nut 1104 by way of the threads of the coupling nut 1104. In other words, the dust cap 1106 may be tightened over the threads of the coupling nut 1104. The dust cap 1106 may be adapted to protect the connector 100. Specifically, the dust cap 1106 may be adapted to protect the connector 100 from one of, debris, dust, dirt, and the like. In other words, the dust cap 1106 may be adapted to prevent the debris, dust, dirt, and the like to enter the connector 100. The dust cap 1106 may therefore advantageously prevent damage of the connector from one of, the debris, the dust, the dirt, and the like. Specifically, the dust cap 1106 may be adapted to protect the connector 100 when the connector 100 is not in use. In other words, the dust cap 1106 may be adapted to protect the connector 100 when the connector 100 is stored i.e., the connector 100 is not operational.
The tether 1108 may be a strip provided with a pair of rings that may be positioned on either ends of the tether 1108.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the tether 1108 may be made up of a material including, but not limited to, plastic. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of known and later developed material for the tether 1108, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 illustrates a collapsed view of the optical fiber connector 100. Specifically, FIG. 12 illustrates an assembled view of the optical fiber connector 100. To assemble the connector 100, the flexible boot 1102 may be positioned over the heat shrink tube 902. The flexible boot 1102 may be disposed at the second end 106 of the connector 100. Specifically, the flexible boot 1102 may be positioned over the heat shrink tube 902 in such a way that the heat shrink tube 902 extends beyond the flexible boot 1102. The coupling nut 1104 may be disposed over the outer housing 202. The dust cap 1106 may be disposed at the first end 104 of the connector 100. Specifically, the dust cap 1106 may be disposed at the first end 104 of the connector 100 such that the dust cap 1106 abuts the coupling nut 1104. The tether 1108 may be adapted to tie or fix the dust cap 1106 to the connector 100. In other words, the dust cap 1106 may be coupled to the connector 100 by way of the tether 1108.
Thus, the connector 100 may advantageously facilitate to connect optical fibers of two different optical fiber cables in a cost-effective way. The connector 100 may advantageously facilitate to terminate the optical fiber 103 of the optical fiber cable 102 in a cost-effective way. The connector 100 may advantageously facilitate to bear load that may in a range between 40 Kilograms to 60 Kilograms in the straight pulling test. Therefore, the connector 100 may advantageously bear a range of load without failure. Specifically, the connector 100 may advantageously bear the range of load while being pulled from the optical fiber cable 102 and keeping the connector 100 fixed, or vice-versa. The connector 100 may advantageously facilitate to use a round optical fiber cable connector for a flat optical fiber cable. The connector 100 may employ the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 that may be a single/integrated unit and thereby may eliminate requirement of two different components. The integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may provide robustness to the connector 100. Since, the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 is a single unit that may be crimped, therefore, the integrated metallic sealing unit 206 may provide strength to the connector 100t
While various aspects of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the present disclosure is not limited to these aspects only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as described in the claims. Further, unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements.
, Claims:I/We Claim(s):
1. An optical fiber connector (100) comprising:
a connector assembly (108) comprising:
a ferrule (112) arranged within the connector assembly (108) such that the ferrule (112) is provided with a hole that receives an optical fiber (103) of an optical fiber cable (102) to establish an optical path between the optical fiber (103) and the ferrule (112);
a connector body (110) at least partially retaining the connector assembly (108);
an outer housing (202) at least partially covering the connector body (110) such that a portion of the connector body (110) extends outside the outer housing (202); and
an integrated metallic sealing unit (206) having a proximal end (216) and a distal end (218), where the proximal end (216) engages with the connector body (110) and the distal end (218) is crimped to hold a cable jacket of the optical fiber cable (102), where the optical fiber connector (100) bears a load that is in a range of 40 Kilograms (Kg) to 65 Kg in a straight pulling force test.

2. The optical fiber connector (100) of claim 1, where the connector body (110) comprising a threaded portion (118) such that the proximal end (216) engages with the threaded portion (118).

3. The optical fiber connector (100) of claim 1, where the proximal end (216) and the distal end (218) are hollow ends such that the proximal end (216) and the distal end (218) facilitate the optical fiber (103) to pass through the integrated metallic sealing unit (206).

4. The optical fiber connector (100) of claim 1, where the proximal and distal ends (216, 218) comprising first and second diameters, respectively, such that the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

5. The optical fiber connector (100) of claim 1, further comprising a cable holder (204) that encapsulates the portion of the connector body (110) such that epoxy adheres the cable holder (204) with the portion of connector body (110).

6. The optical fiber connector (100) of claim 1, further comprising a cable holder (204) that encapsulates the portion of the connector body (110) such that the integrated metallic sealing unit (206) at least partially encapsulates the cable holder (204).

7. The optical fiber connector (100) of claims 5 and 6, where the cable holder (204) comprising at least two elongated members (208a, 208b) that facilitates to grab the optical fiber cable (102).

8. The optical fiber connector (100) of claims 5 and 6, where the optical fiber cable (102) is a flat cable having the optical fiber (103) and at least one strength member inside the cable jacket.

9. The optical fiber connector (100) of claim 8, where the connector body (110) receives the at least one optical fiber (103) to connect with the ferrule (112).

10. The optical fiber connector (100) of claim 8, where the at least one strength member and the cable jacket are received by a portion of the cable holder (204) and restricted to enter inside the connector body (110).

11. The optical fiber connector (100) of claim 8, further comprising:
a heat shrink tube (902) that covers the integrated metallic sealing unit (206); and
a flexible boot (1102) that covers the heat shrink tube (902), where the flexible boot (1102) prevents tearing of the cable jacket and the at least one strength member.

12. The optical fiber connector (100) of claim 1, where the optical fiber connector (100) is made up of a hardened plastic material such that the hardened plastic material comprising one of, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), nylon plastic (PA), and glass-filled polymer.

13. The optical fiber connector (100) of claim 1, where the integrated metallic sealing unit (206) is made up of a metal such that the metal is an aluminum.