Universal optical fiber connectors and basic plugs thereof

A universal optical fiber connector, comprising:

• a ferrule for supporting a first end portion of an optical fiber opposite a second end portion thereof embedded in an optical fiber cable, the ferrule having an axis extending in an axial direction thereof;
• a tubular housing member for receiving the ferrule for connection to another ferrule through the tubular housing member;
• a first tubular member having a flange connected to an end of the ferrule and a cylindrical portion extending from the flange and coaxial with the ferrule, the cylindrical portion having a protrusion disposed at an end portion thereof;
• a spring element disposed over the cylindrical portion of the first tubular member for biasing the ferrule in the axial direction;
• and a second tubular member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end for connection to the optical fiber cable, and a hole for engagement with the protrusion of the cylindrical portion of the first tubular member to firmly hold the second tubular member in place so as to firmly support the spring element between the first end of the second tubular member and the flange of the first tubular member.

A plug for an optical fiber connector, the plug comprising:

• a ferrule extending in an axial direction and adapted for insertion of an optical fiber therein;
• a first tubular member having a first open end for connection to an end of the ferrule, a flange extending radially from the first open end, and a cylindrical portion extending from the flange in coaxial relation with the ferrule;
• a spring element disposed over a peripheral surface of the first tubular member for biasing the ferrule in the axial direction;
• a second tubular member having an open end for receiving a second en of the first tubular member opposite the first open end thereof, the first tubular member extending into the second tubular member in the axial direction;
• connecting means for connecting the first tubular member to the second tubular member to firmly hold the second tubular member in place so as to firmly support the spring element between the open end of the second tubular member and the flange of the first tubular member;
• and restricting means for restricting the amount of extension of the first tubular member into the second tubular member.