Patent ID: 6053639
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optic fiber inner tube connector adapted to connect two inner tube segments, comprising:an elongated connector body having a central bore extending through the length thereof and having a central axis so as to define two axial ends of the body, the body having an outside surface with two threaded sections formed thereon;an end cap in the form of a hollow member having an axial inner open end having inner threading engageable with each of the threaded sections of the connector body so as to be axially movable along the threaded section of the body by rotating the end cap relative to the body, the end cap having an axial outer open end on which a circumferential, radially inward flange is formed, having an inside diameter large enough to receive the respective inner tube segment extending therethrough;a gripping member made of a resilient material and disposed between the circumferential flange of each of the end caps and the respective axial end of the connector body so as to be movable in the axial direction by means of the axial movement of the end cap, the gripping member having a C-shaped configuration having a first diameter which allows the respective inner tube segment to extend therethrough and having a sideways opening to allow the gripping member to be radially inward deformable with the inside diameter thereof changing from the first diameter to a smaller second diameter to engage the inner tube segment extending therethrough, catching means being provided on the gripping member so that when the gripping member is radially inward deformed to engage the inner tube segment, the catching means firmly grips the inner tube segment and thus securely fixes the inner tube segment in the connector body;wedging means which converts the axial movement of each of the end caps into a radially inward deformation of the respective gripping member to force the gripping member to radially inward deform from the first diameter to the second diameter so as to secure the inner tube segment in the connector body; andsealing means arranged between the connector body and each of the inner tube segments to provide a hermetic sealing therebetween, the sealing means comprising a retainer ring associated with each of the end caps, the retainer ring having a tubular main portion slidably fit over the respective axial end of the connector body and a circumferential rib formed inside the main body to define a circumferential channel, a primary elastically-deformable sealing ring having an axial end fixed on the axial end of the connector body and an opposite axial end received, held and supported by the circumferential channel of the retainer ring, gripping member holding means which is provided on the retainer ring to securely hold the respective gripping member in the retainer ring so that when the end cap is rotated to axially move inward relative to the connector body and thus urge the gripping member axially inward, the retainer ring moves axially inward with the movement of the end cap and the gripping member to compress and deform the primary sealing member located between the retainer ring and the respective axial end of the connector body so as to sealingly engage the respective inner tube segment.