CA1085202A - Fiber optic cable and connector element - Google Patents
Fiber optic cable and connector elementInfo
- Publication number
- CA1085202A CA1085202A CA275,879A CA275879A CA1085202A CA 1085202 A CA1085202 A CA 1085202A CA 275879 A CA275879 A CA 275879A CA 1085202 A CA1085202 A CA 1085202A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fiber optic
- fibers
- optic cable
- fiber
- cable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3887—Anchoring optical cables to connector housings, e.g. strain relief features
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3847—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces
- G02B6/3849—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces using mechanical protective elements, e.g. caps, hoods, sealing membranes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3869—Mounting ferrules to connector body, i.e. plugs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
- G02B6/3874—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules
- G02B6/3878—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules comprising a plurality of ferrules, branching and break-out means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/40—Mechanical coupling means having fibre bundle mating means
- G02B6/403—Mechanical coupling means having fibre bundle mating means of the ferrule type, connecting a pair of ferrules
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
- G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
- G02B6/4248—Feed-through connections for the hermetical passage of fibres through a package wall
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
- G02B6/4292—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements the light guide being disconnectable from the opto-electronic element, e.g. mutually self aligning arrangements
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
- Optical Fibers, Optical Fiber Cores, And Optical Fiber Bundles (AREA)
Abstract
FIBER OPTIC CABLE AND CONNECTOR ELEMENT
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A fiber optic cable employing a novel termination pin for coupling to an edge emitting LED which produces a light annulus. A generally conically shaped fiber spreader is concentrically mounted in the termination pin for the cable, which causes the fibers in the fiber optic bundle of the cable to be arranged in an annular array at the mating end of the termination pin. The annular array of fibers is complementary to the light annulus produced by the LED. The LED is mounted in one connector member and the fiber optic cable in a mating connector member such that when the connector members are interengaged, the annular array of fibers in the cable will be concentric with and in abutting relationship to the edge emitting LED.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A fiber optic cable employing a novel termination pin for coupling to an edge emitting LED which produces a light annulus. A generally conically shaped fiber spreader is concentrically mounted in the termination pin for the cable, which causes the fibers in the fiber optic bundle of the cable to be arranged in an annular array at the mating end of the termination pin. The annular array of fibers is complementary to the light annulus produced by the LED. The LED is mounted in one connector member and the fiber optic cable in a mating connector member such that when the connector members are interengaged, the annular array of fibers in the cable will be concentric with and in abutting relationship to the edge emitting LED.
Description
0~352132 R. L. McCartney/E. A.
La ndgree n 12 -4 , B~C KG RO i ND OF T HE I NVE NTI ON
The present invention relates generally to fiber optic connectors,and, more particularly, to a novel fiber optic cable for use with a fiber optic con-nector.
InourU. S. PatentNo. 3,910,678, issuedOctober7, 1975, thereis disclosed an optical fiber connector for coupling a pair of fiber optic cables containing fewer number of larger fibers than are normally incorporated in standard fiber optic cables. In accordance with the invention disclosed in our prior patent, the connector contains a star coupler employing a generally axially elongated spindte tapered at both extremities to form a pointed end at each extremity. These points lie substantially on the axial centerline of the spindle~ An annular sleeve of transparent elastomer optical interface material surroùnds the center portion of the spindle and both are contained in a coaxlal sleeve naving an inside diameter equal to the outside diameter of the elastomer ; element. When the connector members holding the two optical fiber cables to be connected are mated, the tapered ends of the spindle feed into the fiber bun-dles essentially on the axial centerline and force the fibers outward and aroundthe spindle body to a point of abutment against the annular elastomer element from both sides. Thus, the fibers in the two bundles are arranged in complemen-tary annular arrays so that the mating end faces of the flbers may be coupled through the intermediate elastomer element, thereby- permitting light coupling between the two optical fiber cables with minimum light transmlssion losses.
As will be seen from the following description, the present invention is directed to an entirely different problem than the coupling of a pair of fiber optic 5 cables, but the invention embodies some features which have a slmilarlty to
La ndgree n 12 -4 , B~C KG RO i ND OF T HE I NVE NTI ON
The present invention relates generally to fiber optic connectors,and, more particularly, to a novel fiber optic cable for use with a fiber optic con-nector.
InourU. S. PatentNo. 3,910,678, issuedOctober7, 1975, thereis disclosed an optical fiber connector for coupling a pair of fiber optic cables containing fewer number of larger fibers than are normally incorporated in standard fiber optic cables. In accordance with the invention disclosed in our prior patent, the connector contains a star coupler employing a generally axially elongated spindte tapered at both extremities to form a pointed end at each extremity. These points lie substantially on the axial centerline of the spindle~ An annular sleeve of transparent elastomer optical interface material surroùnds the center portion of the spindle and both are contained in a coaxlal sleeve naving an inside diameter equal to the outside diameter of the elastomer ; element. When the connector members holding the two optical fiber cables to be connected are mated, the tapered ends of the spindle feed into the fiber bun-dles essentially on the axial centerline and force the fibers outward and aroundthe spindle body to a point of abutment against the annular elastomer element from both sides. Thus, the fibers in the two bundles are arranged in complemen-tary annular arrays so that the mating end faces of the flbers may be coupled through the intermediate elastomer element, thereby- permitting light coupling between the two optical fiber cables with minimum light transmlssion losses.
As will be seen from the following description, the present invention is directed to an entirely different problem than the coupling of a pair of fiber optic 5 cables, but the invention embodies some features which have a slmilarlty to
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52(~2 R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgrean those disclosed in our Patent No. 3,910,678. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the problem of the use of an edge emitting LED for : coupling light into a fiber optic cable. When using an edge emitting light source, a reflecting surface is required to project the light onto the end face of the cable. The projected beam of light has the form of a hollow cone.
This hollow cone, when intercepted by the fiber bundle of the cable, creates an annulus of light on the receiving surface of the bundle. If the receiving bundle surface contains enough fibers to fully fill the outside diameter of the annulus, then no special adjustments need be made to receive the light beam. However, if the fiber bundle diameter is not large enough to fully intercept the light annulus due to insufficient fibers or due to bundle -;
division for use in optical bus systems, some means must be provided to in-crease the fiber bundle diameter so that the fiber bundle will receive all the light emitted from the edge emitting LED. The present invention achieves a solution to this problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
.
According to a principal aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fiber optic cable for use in a fiber optic connector. The cable comprises a fiber optic bundle including a plurality of light transmitting fibers terminating in a planar end surface. A hollow body surrounds the bundle having a forward end co-planar with said end surface. A rearwardly tapered member centrally located with respect to the center axis of the body positions ~ the fibers in an annular array therein.
; The cable may be used in a fiber optic connector employing a light source which produces a light annulus. The light source and fiber optic cable of the present invention may be mounted in respective conneFtor members such that when the connector members are inter-engaged, the annular array of fibers in the cable will be adjacent to and concentrically aligned with the ; ' _3_ ' ;' - - , :: , . .,. . ~ :. .; ,., .: ,, ,., . ,1 ., : :
1~ 52~2 R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgreen light annulus produced by the light source. Thus, by the present inven-tion, efficient light coupling to a light annulus can be achieved by the use of a fiber optic cable containing fewer fibers than previously required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS -:
Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a receptacle connector member containing a pair of fiber optic cables, one of which embodies the - novel features of the present invention; ~ ;
~` Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken through a plug connector member, which is matable with the receptacle connector member of Figs. 1 and 2, and contains a light source which produces a light annulus;
Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view through the mating end of the fiber optic cable employed in the receptacle connector member of Figs. 1 and 2; and Fig. 5 is a front end view of the cable illustrated in Fig. 4.
, DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings in detail, there is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 a receptacle connector member, generally designated 10, - 20 which is matable with a plug connector member, generally designated 12, illustrated in Fig. 3. The plus connector member comprises a metal shell 14 containing a metal insert 16, which may be formed of aluminum, for example, so as to function as a heat sink. ~;
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2~)2 R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgreen A light source 18 is mounted within a cavity 20 in the in- -- sert 16. The light source may be an edge emitting LED
which produces an annulus of light. An insulator 22 is mounted in the inser~ 16. A light receiving detector 24 is mounted in a cavity 26 în the insulator 22. An insulator disc 28 is mounted behind the insert 16.
The mating receptacle connector member 10 comprises a shell 30 containing an insulator 32 formed with a pair of parallel, axially extending cavities 34, only one being visible in Fig. 2. Fiber optic cables 36 and 38 are mounted in the cavities 34. Each cable is terminated by a termination - -pin, generally designated 40, only one being visible in Fig. 2.
The termination pins on the cables 36 and 38 are arranged -in the respective cavities 34 in the receptacle connector ;
member 10 so that when such member is mated with the plug connector member 12, the termination pins will be aligned with and come into abutmen$ with the light source 18 and detector 24, respectively. Each termination pin 40 is mounted in its respective cavity 34 by means of a spring retention clip 42. The clip has a pair of forwardly and inwardly extending spring fingers 44 engaging the rear-wardly facing shoulder 46 on the termination pin 40, , limiting rearward movement of the pin in the insert 32.
The pin is also formed with an annular groove 48 which contains an elastomeric O-ring 50. The O-ring cooperates with an inclined rearwardly facing surface 52 on the insert 32 to provide axial tolerance relief for the termi-; nation pin.
A rubber grommet 54 is mounted over the rear of the insert 32 behind the ..
. ~. : . . : , ., .. ~ .... . , . - :
8~i2~)2 R. L. McCar~ney/E. A.
Land~reen 12 4 shell 30. The grommet has a pair of passages 56, only one being visible ln Fig. 2, which receive the fiber optic cables 36 and 38. ~n elas~omeric inter~
facial seal 58 is mounted on the front of the insert 32 surrounding each of the termination pins 40. A peripheral seal 60 is provided on the inner surface 62 of the shell 30. The seals 58 and 60 assure that no dust or other contam inants enter the connector members 10 and 12 after they are coupled together.
The termination pin 40 of the fiber optic cable 38 terminates a fiber optic bundle in which the fibers are arranged in a random array in a conventlonal manner, as seen in Fig. 1. Such bundle is coupled to the light detector 24 when the connector members 10 and 12 are interengaged.
In accordance with the present invention, the individuat fibers of the fiber optic bundle of cable 36 are arranged in an annular array which is comple-mentary to the light annulus produced by the edge emitting LED 18.
Referring to Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings for a detailed showing of the cable 36, it is noted that the light transmitting fibers 64 of the~fiber optic ~ , bundle 66 of cable 36 are enclosed by a jacket 68 except for the forward ends ~f the fibers from which the jacket has been removed. The termination pin 40 is in the form of an elongated hollow metal body having an axially extending passage 70 therethrough. The rear portion of the passage is enlarged, as indi-cated at 72, and receives the forward end of the jacket 68 of the fiber optic - bundle 66.
An elongated fiber spreader 74, preferably formed of plastic, is mounted in the forward end of the termination pin 40. The spreader has a forward cylindrical portion ?6 and a rear portion 78 which tapers rearwardly to a point 80. Preferably the rear portion 78 has a conical configuratLon. The ., :1~135202 R. 1,. McCartney/E. A.
La ndgree n 12 -4 fiber spreader 74 is concentrically mounted within thc passage 70 of the termination pin 40 and has a smaller diameter than the passage so as to provide an annular space 82 therebetween. The space is dimensioned to slidably receive the Individual fibers of the bundle 66 therein. The fibers 64 are positioned circumferentially around the spreader 74 in the annular space 82. The spreader and termination pin 40 are dimensioned so that the annular array of fibers surrounding the spreader has the same diameter as the light annulus produced by the light source 18. Preferably, the wall of the passage 70 er~gages the outer peripheries of the annular array of fibers 64 circumscrib-ing the spreader 74, and the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 76 of the spreader engages the inner peripheries of the annular array of fihers so that the . . ~ .
fibers are firmly held between the spreader and the termination pin. As can be seen from Fig. 5, the fibers 64 at the forward end of the termination pin 40 are- ~ in a single annular layer. However, if a thicker light receiving annular surface lS is desired in the termination pin 40, the fiber spreader 74 could ~e reduced in diameter and more than one layer of fibers could be provided therearound, The forward end of the termination pin 40 is ground and polished flat so the plànar forward end surface 84 of the termination pin, the front face 86 of the fibe~ spreader 74, and the mating end faces 88 of the fibers are coplanar or flush lO with each other.
.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing that hy the present invention there is provided an annular arTay of optical fibers which are concentric to the ;-center axis of the termination pin. Hence, when the pin is coaxially mounted with respect to the edge emitting light emitting diode 18 by the mating of the connector !5 members 10 and 12, the annular array of fibers will abut the edge of the LED in ~' - ' ,: ' ', ~ .
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Z R. L. McCartney/E. A.
Landgreen 12-4 concentric abutting relationship therewith so as to recelve the light annulus produced by the diode. The number of fibers required to intercept the edge emitting LED is less than that which would be required employing a conven-tional fiber optic cable without the spreader 74. This results in increased versati`lity of the fiber bundle applications to which the cable of the present invention may be employed, such as in split cables for optical bus system applications .
.
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52(~2 R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgrean those disclosed in our Patent No. 3,910,678. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the problem of the use of an edge emitting LED for : coupling light into a fiber optic cable. When using an edge emitting light source, a reflecting surface is required to project the light onto the end face of the cable. The projected beam of light has the form of a hollow cone.
This hollow cone, when intercepted by the fiber bundle of the cable, creates an annulus of light on the receiving surface of the bundle. If the receiving bundle surface contains enough fibers to fully fill the outside diameter of the annulus, then no special adjustments need be made to receive the light beam. However, if the fiber bundle diameter is not large enough to fully intercept the light annulus due to insufficient fibers or due to bundle -;
division for use in optical bus systems, some means must be provided to in-crease the fiber bundle diameter so that the fiber bundle will receive all the light emitted from the edge emitting LED. The present invention achieves a solution to this problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
.
According to a principal aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fiber optic cable for use in a fiber optic connector. The cable comprises a fiber optic bundle including a plurality of light transmitting fibers terminating in a planar end surface. A hollow body surrounds the bundle having a forward end co-planar with said end surface. A rearwardly tapered member centrally located with respect to the center axis of the body positions ~ the fibers in an annular array therein.
; The cable may be used in a fiber optic connector employing a light source which produces a light annulus. The light source and fiber optic cable of the present invention may be mounted in respective conneFtor members such that when the connector members are inter-engaged, the annular array of fibers in the cable will be adjacent to and concentrically aligned with the ; ' _3_ ' ;' - - , :: , . .,. . ~ :. .; ,., .: ,, ,., . ,1 ., : :
1~ 52~2 R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgreen light annulus produced by the light source. Thus, by the present inven-tion, efficient light coupling to a light annulus can be achieved by the use of a fiber optic cable containing fewer fibers than previously required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS -:
Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a receptacle connector member containing a pair of fiber optic cables, one of which embodies the - novel features of the present invention; ~ ;
~` Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along 2-2 of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken through a plug connector member, which is matable with the receptacle connector member of Figs. 1 and 2, and contains a light source which produces a light annulus;
Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view through the mating end of the fiber optic cable employed in the receptacle connector member of Figs. 1 and 2; and Fig. 5 is a front end view of the cable illustrated in Fig. 4.
, DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings in detail, there is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 a receptacle connector member, generally designated 10, - 20 which is matable with a plug connector member, generally designated 12, illustrated in Fig. 3. The plus connector member comprises a metal shell 14 containing a metal insert 16, which may be formed of aluminum, for example, so as to function as a heat sink. ~;
.. '.
~ 7~ -4-' , ~ , , , . ., ... . ; ,, . .... .; . . , , , .. ; : ,. : .
2~)2 R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgreen A light source 18 is mounted within a cavity 20 in the in- -- sert 16. The light source may be an edge emitting LED
which produces an annulus of light. An insulator 22 is mounted in the inser~ 16. A light receiving detector 24 is mounted in a cavity 26 în the insulator 22. An insulator disc 28 is mounted behind the insert 16.
The mating receptacle connector member 10 comprises a shell 30 containing an insulator 32 formed with a pair of parallel, axially extending cavities 34, only one being visible in Fig. 2. Fiber optic cables 36 and 38 are mounted in the cavities 34. Each cable is terminated by a termination - -pin, generally designated 40, only one being visible in Fig. 2.
The termination pins on the cables 36 and 38 are arranged -in the respective cavities 34 in the receptacle connector ;
member 10 so that when such member is mated with the plug connector member 12, the termination pins will be aligned with and come into abutmen$ with the light source 18 and detector 24, respectively. Each termination pin 40 is mounted in its respective cavity 34 by means of a spring retention clip 42. The clip has a pair of forwardly and inwardly extending spring fingers 44 engaging the rear-wardly facing shoulder 46 on the termination pin 40, , limiting rearward movement of the pin in the insert 32.
The pin is also formed with an annular groove 48 which contains an elastomeric O-ring 50. The O-ring cooperates with an inclined rearwardly facing surface 52 on the insert 32 to provide axial tolerance relief for the termi-; nation pin.
A rubber grommet 54 is mounted over the rear of the insert 32 behind the ..
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8~i2~)2 R. L. McCar~ney/E. A.
Land~reen 12 4 shell 30. The grommet has a pair of passages 56, only one being visible ln Fig. 2, which receive the fiber optic cables 36 and 38. ~n elas~omeric inter~
facial seal 58 is mounted on the front of the insert 32 surrounding each of the termination pins 40. A peripheral seal 60 is provided on the inner surface 62 of the shell 30. The seals 58 and 60 assure that no dust or other contam inants enter the connector members 10 and 12 after they are coupled together.
The termination pin 40 of the fiber optic cable 38 terminates a fiber optic bundle in which the fibers are arranged in a random array in a conventlonal manner, as seen in Fig. 1. Such bundle is coupled to the light detector 24 when the connector members 10 and 12 are interengaged.
In accordance with the present invention, the individuat fibers of the fiber optic bundle of cable 36 are arranged in an annular array which is comple-mentary to the light annulus produced by the edge emitting LED 18.
Referring to Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings for a detailed showing of the cable 36, it is noted that the light transmitting fibers 64 of the~fiber optic ~ , bundle 66 of cable 36 are enclosed by a jacket 68 except for the forward ends ~f the fibers from which the jacket has been removed. The termination pin 40 is in the form of an elongated hollow metal body having an axially extending passage 70 therethrough. The rear portion of the passage is enlarged, as indi-cated at 72, and receives the forward end of the jacket 68 of the fiber optic - bundle 66.
An elongated fiber spreader 74, preferably formed of plastic, is mounted in the forward end of the termination pin 40. The spreader has a forward cylindrical portion ?6 and a rear portion 78 which tapers rearwardly to a point 80. Preferably the rear portion 78 has a conical configuratLon. The ., :1~135202 R. 1,. McCartney/E. A.
La ndgree n 12 -4 fiber spreader 74 is concentrically mounted within thc passage 70 of the termination pin 40 and has a smaller diameter than the passage so as to provide an annular space 82 therebetween. The space is dimensioned to slidably receive the Individual fibers of the bundle 66 therein. The fibers 64 are positioned circumferentially around the spreader 74 in the annular space 82. The spreader and termination pin 40 are dimensioned so that the annular array of fibers surrounding the spreader has the same diameter as the light annulus produced by the light source 18. Preferably, the wall of the passage 70 er~gages the outer peripheries of the annular array of fibers 64 circumscrib-ing the spreader 74, and the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 76 of the spreader engages the inner peripheries of the annular array of fihers so that the . . ~ .
fibers are firmly held between the spreader and the termination pin. As can be seen from Fig. 5, the fibers 64 at the forward end of the termination pin 40 are- ~ in a single annular layer. However, if a thicker light receiving annular surface lS is desired in the termination pin 40, the fiber spreader 74 could ~e reduced in diameter and more than one layer of fibers could be provided therearound, The forward end of the termination pin 40 is ground and polished flat so the plànar forward end surface 84 of the termination pin, the front face 86 of the fibe~ spreader 74, and the mating end faces 88 of the fibers are coplanar or flush lO with each other.
.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing that hy the present invention there is provided an annular arTay of optical fibers which are concentric to the ;-center axis of the termination pin. Hence, when the pin is coaxially mounted with respect to the edge emitting light emitting diode 18 by the mating of the connector !5 members 10 and 12, the annular array of fibers will abut the edge of the LED in ~' - ' ,: ' ', ~ .
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Z R. L. McCartney/E. A.
Landgreen 12-4 concentric abutting relationship therewith so as to recelve the light annulus produced by the diode. The number of fibers required to intercept the edge emitting LED is less than that which would be required employing a conven-tional fiber optic cable without the spreader 74. This results in increased versati`lity of the fiber bundle applications to which the cable of the present invention may be employed, such as in split cables for optical bus system applications .
.
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Claims (5)
1. A fiber optic cable for use in a fiber optic connector comprising:
a fiber optic bundle including a plurality of light transmitting fibers terminating in a planar end surface;
a hollow body surrounding said bundle having a forward end coplanar with said end surface; and a rearwardly tapered member centrally located with respect to the center axis of said body positioning said fibers in an annular array therein.
a fiber optic bundle including a plurality of light transmitting fibers terminating in a planar end surface;
a hollow body surrounding said bundle having a forward end coplanar with said end surface; and a rearwardly tapered member centrally located with respect to the center axis of said body positioning said fibers in an annular array therein.
2. A fiber optic cable as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
said tapered member has a cylindrical forward portion and a rear generally conical portion, said fibers lying along the outer surface of said member.
said tapered member has a cylindrical forward portion and a rear generally conical portion, said fibers lying along the outer surface of said member.
3. A fiber optic cable as set forth in claim 2 wherein:
the inner surface of said hollow body engages the outer exposed surfaces of said fibers, said fibers being firmly held in said annular array between said inner surface of said hollow body and said outer surface of said member.
the inner surface of said hollow body engages the outer exposed surfaces of said fibers, said fibers being firmly held in said annular array between said inner surface of said hollow body and said outer surface of said member.
4. A fiber optic cable for use in a fiber optic connector comprising:
a hollow termination pin having a planar forward end surface and a rear end;
an elongated fiber spreader coaxially mounted within said pin, said fiber spreader including a forward generally circular portion having a front face coplanar with said end surface and a rear rearwardly tapering portion;
the outer surface of said fiber spreader being spaced from the wall of said pin to define an annular space therebetween;
a fiber optic bundle including a plurality of light transmitting fibers extending into said pin through said rear end; and the forward ends of said fibers being positioned in a circumferential array in said annular space around said spreader with the mating end faces of said fibers flush with said end surface, said fibers lying along the surface of said rear portion.
a hollow termination pin having a planar forward end surface and a rear end;
an elongated fiber spreader coaxially mounted within said pin, said fiber spreader including a forward generally circular portion having a front face coplanar with said end surface and a rear rearwardly tapering portion;
the outer surface of said fiber spreader being spaced from the wall of said pin to define an annular space therebetween;
a fiber optic bundle including a plurality of light transmitting fibers extending into said pin through said rear end; and the forward ends of said fibers being positioned in a circumferential array in said annular space around said spreader with the mating end faces of said fibers flush with said end surface, said fibers lying along the surface of said rear portion.
5. A fiber optic cable for use in a fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 4 wherein:
said forward portion has a cylindrical configuration; and said rear portion has a generally conical configuration.
said forward portion has a cylindrical configuration; and said rear portion has a generally conical configuration.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US67705776A | 1976-04-14 | 1976-04-14 | |
| US677,057 | 1976-04-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1085202A true CA1085202A (en) | 1980-09-09 |
Family
ID=24717133
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA275,879A Expired CA1085202A (en) | 1976-04-14 | 1977-04-07 | Fiber optic cable and connector element |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS52127250A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1085202A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2716211A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS55132418U (en) * | 1979-03-12 | 1980-09-19 | ||
| DE3270490D1 (en) * | 1981-12-09 | 1986-05-15 | Sumitomo Electric Industries | Device for spectral analysis of body tissue |
| FR2611388B1 (en) * | 1987-02-26 | 1991-07-05 | Cit Alcatel | ACTIVE OPTICAL MODULE FOR CONNECTOR SOCKET |
| US4798441A (en) * | 1987-03-09 | 1989-01-17 | Itt Corporation | Fiber optic device coupling |
| ATE127249T1 (en) * | 1991-12-21 | 1995-09-15 | Hal Sicherheitstechnik Gmbh | DEVICE FOR MONITORING A CLOSURE. |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU470612B2 (en) * | 1970-09-23 | 1976-03-25 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Multi-element induction device having common armature and magnetic light-load adjusters |
| JPS50126438A (en) * | 1974-03-26 | 1975-10-04 |
-
1977
- 1977-04-07 CA CA275,879A patent/CA1085202A/en not_active Expired
- 1977-04-13 JP JP4246877A patent/JPS52127250A/en active Pending
- 1977-04-13 DE DE19772716211 patent/DE2716211A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2716211A1 (en) | 1977-11-03 |
| JPS52127250A (en) | 1977-10-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |