CA1132388A - Optical fiber connector and means and method for centering optical fiber - Google Patents
Optical fiber connector and means and method for centering optical fiberInfo
- Publication number
- CA1132388A CA1132388A CA351,546A CA351546A CA1132388A CA 1132388 A CA1132388 A CA 1132388A CA 351546 A CA351546 A CA 351546A CA 1132388 A CA1132388 A CA 1132388A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- terminal member
- connector
- outer coating
- fiber core
- fiber optic
- 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
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3855—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture characterised by the method of anchoring or fixing the fibre within the ferrule
-
- 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
- G02B6/3885—Multicore or multichannel optical connectors, i.e. one single ferrule containing more than one fibre, e.g. ribbon type
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Means for and method of properly positioning optical fibers with respect to the connectors, for optically coupling fiber optic cables wherein the cable includes an outer coating and an inner fiber core. A terminal member is provided which includes a body having a through hole extending axially there-through. The through hole has a first portion extending through a forward mating end of the terminal member, and is sized to snugly receive a length of the fiber core to properly position the core with respect to the mating end of the terminal member, The through hole has a second portion rearwardly of the first portion which is sized sufficiently larger than the outer coating of the fiber optic cable to accommodate any eccentricity between the fiber core and the coating. The outer coating is fixedly secured within the second portion of the through hole. The part of the terminal member containing the first portion of the through hole, and the core therein, is then removed to leave the remainder of the fiber core properly positioned.
Means for and method of properly positioning optical fibers with respect to the connectors, for optically coupling fiber optic cables wherein the cable includes an outer coating and an inner fiber core. A terminal member is provided which includes a body having a through hole extending axially there-through. The through hole has a first portion extending through a forward mating end of the terminal member, and is sized to snugly receive a length of the fiber core to properly position the core with respect to the mating end of the terminal member, The through hole has a second portion rearwardly of the first portion which is sized sufficiently larger than the outer coating of the fiber optic cable to accommodate any eccentricity between the fiber core and the coating. The outer coating is fixedly secured within the second portion of the through hole. The part of the terminal member containing the first portion of the through hole, and the core therein, is then removed to leave the remainder of the fiber core properly positioned.
Description
`" 113Z3~i8 OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR AND MEANS AND ~ETHOD
FOR CENTERING OPTICAL FI~ER
BACKGROUND OF THE PRIOR ART
This invention relates generally to fiber optic connectors and, more speciflcally, to a separable in-line fiber optic connector for coupling a palr of fiber optic cables or a single flber optlc cabls and a light source or detecfor. The terminal end surface of an Inner fiber core for use tn llghtwave transmlssion must be flat and highly pollshed to minlmize Insertion losses. The Inner fiber core typlcally must also be axlally, laterally, and angularly allgned wlthln certaln parameters to establIsh an excellent opflcal coupllng between two flber optlc cables. The success achleved In the development and productlon of flber optlc cables has therefore focused strongly upon low loss connectors and couplers for such cables Includlng In-llne connectors. The abillty to deslgn, manu-facture, deploy and servlce a data transmission llne, for Instance, requlres suitable oonnectors in order to assure the continued progress of the fiber optlcs field. Accordingly, connectors for this and other applications must be developed which can be used without any significant Increase In Insertion losses.
Many fiber optic connectors presently available are preclsion, expensive instruments providing very low insertTon losses but they are deslgned for certain applications such as long dlstance applications in telephonic systems and in other appllcatlons requlring extremely low insertion losses where expen-sive low 105s connectors may be employed. It has been found, however, thaf expenslve low loss connectors are not always well sulted for applicatlons requlring a large number of connectors where very expen-sive connectors are not economlcally feaslble. For Instance, In such appllcatlons as computers and other data transmlssion appllca-tlon, a large number of flber optlc cables are employed and there Is a need for low cost, low loss fiber optlc connectors whlch mlnimlzes Insertlon losses due to off-centerlng of the flber core relative to the connector or terminal member. It is well known In such appllcations to use low cost flber optlc cables In whlch the Inner flber core ts often not concentrTc with the outer coatlng or claddlng. Of course, thls non-concentrlcity has a tendency to lead to excesslve Insertion losses when a connector that utllizes the outer or claddlng as a Jlgging surface Is put Into a data transmission ~3Z3~8
FOR CENTERING OPTICAL FI~ER
BACKGROUND OF THE PRIOR ART
This invention relates generally to fiber optic connectors and, more speciflcally, to a separable in-line fiber optic connector for coupling a palr of fiber optic cables or a single flber optlc cabls and a light source or detecfor. The terminal end surface of an Inner fiber core for use tn llghtwave transmlssion must be flat and highly pollshed to minlmize Insertion losses. The Inner fiber core typlcally must also be axlally, laterally, and angularly allgned wlthln certaln parameters to establIsh an excellent opflcal coupllng between two flber optlc cables. The success achleved In the development and productlon of flber optlc cables has therefore focused strongly upon low loss connectors and couplers for such cables Includlng In-llne connectors. The abillty to deslgn, manu-facture, deploy and servlce a data transmission llne, for Instance, requlres suitable oonnectors in order to assure the continued progress of the fiber optlcs field. Accordingly, connectors for this and other applications must be developed which can be used without any significant Increase In Insertion losses.
Many fiber optic connectors presently available are preclsion, expensive instruments providing very low insertTon losses but they are deslgned for certain applications such as long dlstance applications in telephonic systems and in other appllcatlons requlring extremely low insertion losses where expen-sive low 105s connectors may be employed. It has been found, however, thaf expenslve low loss connectors are not always well sulted for applicatlons requlring a large number of connectors where very expen-sive connectors are not economlcally feaslble. For Instance, In such appllcatlons as computers and other data transmlssion appllca-tlon, a large number of flber optlc cables are employed and there Is a need for low cost, low loss fiber optlc connectors whlch mlnimlzes Insertlon losses due to off-centerlng of the flber core relative to the connector or terminal member. It is well known In such appllcations to use low cost flber optlc cables In whlch the Inner flber core ts often not concentrTc with the outer coatlng or claddlng. Of course, thls non-concentrlcity has a tendency to lead to excesslve Insertion losses when a connector that utllizes the outer or claddlng as a Jlgging surface Is put Into a data transmission ~3Z3~8
-2-line.
As stated above, alignment of the fiber core is important to mintmize insertion losses, but mest connectors which are effective to properly position or center the core with respect to the mating terminal end of the connector or terminal member are very expensive instruments. Thls invention is dlrected to solving these problems by providlng a new and improved fTber optic connector and means and method of centering or properly positionlng optlcal flbers or Inner ftber cores of fiber optic cables with respect to the matlng terminal end of the connector.
BRIEF SUiMMARY Oi~ THE INVEiiTlON
Accordlngly, a princlpal obJect of the present inventlon Is to provlde a new and Improved low cost, low loss, separable In-llne flber optlc connector adapted for coupling a palr of flber opt1c cables or a slngle flber optlc cable and a light source or detector.
Another obJect of the Invention is to provlde a flber optlc connector whlch includes new and improved, sTmple and tnexpensive means associated wlth the connector for properly poslttonlng or centering an optlcal flber or fTber core of a fiber optic cable wlth respect to the mating end of the connector.
A further obJect of the inventlon is to provide a means or method of centering an optical fiber or fiber core of a fiber optic cable In a fiber optlc connector.
In uslng optical f7bers, such as a plastTc clad silica flber, the tnner fiber core or optical flber often is not concentrtc with the outer diameter of the plastic claddlng or outer coatlng. This non-concentricity leads to excessive Insertion losses when a connector Is put Into a llne that utlllzes the outer dlameter of the claddlng or coatlng as a Jlgglng means or surface. The present Invention provides a flber optic connector for optical coupling of a pair of flber opttc cables or a slngle flber optlc cable and a llght source or detector, whereln the cable Includes an outer coatlng and an Inner flber core whlch may or may not be concentrlc wlth the outer coatlng. The con-nector of the present invention mitigates agalnst insertion losses by assuring that the fiber core is aligned wlth respect ot the mating end of the connector~ independently of the non-concentricity between the core and the outer diameter of the coating or cladding.
More particularly, the fiber optic connector of the present invention Includes a terminal member having a through hole extending axially therethrough. The through hole has a first portion extending through a forward extension of the terminal member.
The first portion of the through hole is sized to snugly receive a length of the fiber core stripped of the outer coating to properly position the core in a selected position in the terminal member. The through hole includes a second portion rearwardly of the first portion for receiving the outer coating. The second portion is sized sufficiently larger than the outer coating of the fiber optic cable to accommodate any eccentricity between the fiber core and the outer coating. Means is provided for fixedly securing the outer coating of the fiber optic cable within the second portion of the through hole to maintain the core properly positioned in the terminal member. The forward extension is constructed so as to be readily removable from the remainder of the terminal member to form a forward mating end with the fiber core located in the selected position in the terminal member.
In the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, the first portion of the through hole is formed in a reduced boss portion of the terminal member and protrudes outwardly from a body portion of the terminal member. The means for fixedly securing the outer coating of the fiber optic cable within the second portion of the through hole comprises an epoxy material. After the epoxy hardens, the boss portion is removed from the body portion of the terminal member, leaving the core properly positioned or centered in the terminal member. Of course, more than one through hole may be provided in a single terminal member body portion to accommodate a plurality of fiber optic cables.
The invention is also directed toward a method of locating an inner fiber core of a fiber optic cable in a selected position in a fiber optic connector, wherein the inner fiber core may or may not be concentric with an outer coating of fiber optic
As stated above, alignment of the fiber core is important to mintmize insertion losses, but mest connectors which are effective to properly position or center the core with respect to the mating terminal end of the connector or terminal member are very expensive instruments. Thls invention is dlrected to solving these problems by providlng a new and improved fTber optic connector and means and method of centering or properly positionlng optlcal flbers or Inner ftber cores of fiber optic cables with respect to the matlng terminal end of the connector.
BRIEF SUiMMARY Oi~ THE INVEiiTlON
Accordlngly, a princlpal obJect of the present inventlon Is to provlde a new and Improved low cost, low loss, separable In-llne flber optlc connector adapted for coupling a palr of flber opt1c cables or a slngle flber optlc cable and a light source or detector.
Another obJect of the Invention is to provlde a flber optlc connector whlch includes new and improved, sTmple and tnexpensive means associated wlth the connector for properly poslttonlng or centering an optlcal flber or fTber core of a fiber optic cable wlth respect to the mating end of the connector.
A further obJect of the inventlon is to provide a means or method of centering an optical fiber or fiber core of a fiber optic cable In a fiber optlc connector.
In uslng optical f7bers, such as a plastTc clad silica flber, the tnner fiber core or optical flber often is not concentrtc with the outer diameter of the plastic claddlng or outer coatlng. This non-concentricity leads to excessive Insertion losses when a connector Is put Into a llne that utlllzes the outer dlameter of the claddlng or coatlng as a Jlgglng means or surface. The present Invention provides a flber optic connector for optical coupling of a pair of flber opttc cables or a slngle flber optlc cable and a llght source or detector, whereln the cable Includes an outer coatlng and an Inner flber core whlch may or may not be concentrlc wlth the outer coatlng. The con-nector of the present invention mitigates agalnst insertion losses by assuring that the fiber core is aligned wlth respect ot the mating end of the connector~ independently of the non-concentricity between the core and the outer diameter of the coating or cladding.
More particularly, the fiber optic connector of the present invention Includes a terminal member having a through hole extending axially therethrough. The through hole has a first portion extending through a forward extension of the terminal member.
The first portion of the through hole is sized to snugly receive a length of the fiber core stripped of the outer coating to properly position the core in a selected position in the terminal member. The through hole includes a second portion rearwardly of the first portion for receiving the outer coating. The second portion is sized sufficiently larger than the outer coating of the fiber optic cable to accommodate any eccentricity between the fiber core and the outer coating. Means is provided for fixedly securing the outer coating of the fiber optic cable within the second portion of the through hole to maintain the core properly positioned in the terminal member. The forward extension is constructed so as to be readily removable from the remainder of the terminal member to form a forward mating end with the fiber core located in the selected position in the terminal member.
In the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, the first portion of the through hole is formed in a reduced boss portion of the terminal member and protrudes outwardly from a body portion of the terminal member. The means for fixedly securing the outer coating of the fiber optic cable within the second portion of the through hole comprises an epoxy material. After the epoxy hardens, the boss portion is removed from the body portion of the terminal member, leaving the core properly positioned or centered in the terminal member. Of course, more than one through hole may be provided in a single terminal member body portion to accommodate a plurality of fiber optic cables.
The invention is also directed toward a method of locating an inner fiber core of a fiber optic cable in a selected position in a fiber optic connector, wherein the inner fiber core may or may not be concentric with an outer coating of fiber optic
-3~
~ Z3~f~3 cable. The method comprises: providing the fiber optic con-nector with means for locating the inner fiber core in the selected position; locating a length of the inner fiber core, stripped of the outer coating, in the selected position in the fiber optic connector utilizing the locating means; securing a portion of the outer coating to the fiber optic connector while the inner fiber core is so located to thereby maintain the inner fiber core in the selected position in the fiber optic connector; and removing the locating means of the fiber optic connector after the outer coating portion is secured to the fiber optic connector.
The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.
The invention, together with the further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings, like reference numerals identify like elements in the several figures, in which:
FIGURE 1 shows a front perspective view of the fiber optic connector of the present invention having a pair of fiber optic cables terminated therein with the centering or positioning boss removed;
FIGURE 2 is a vertical sectional view through the fiber optic connector and one of the through holes thereof, with the top portion of the connector removed;
-3a-FIGURE 3 is an end elevatlonal view looking in the direction of arrows 3-3 of Figure 2;
FIGURE 4 is a vertlcal sectional view slmilar to that of Figure 2, with an inner fiber core of a fiber optic cable properly posltioned so that a stripped portlon of the core extends through the centering boss;
FIGURE 5 Is a vertlcal sectional view slmllar to that of Flgure 4, with epoxy materlal surrounding an outar coatTng of the flber optlc cable wlthTn the connector, with the top portlon of the connector In proper posltion;
FIGURE 6 Is a vertlcal sectlonal vlew taken generally along the llne 6-6 of Flgure 5;
FIGURE 7 Is a vertlcal sectlonal view slmilar to that of Flgure S, wlth the centerlng boss and assoclated portlons of the flber optlc cable removed, leadlng the Inner flber core properly posltloned In the terminal member; and FIGURE 8 7s an end elevational view looking generally In the direction of arrows 8-8 in Figure 7.
DETAiLED Di--SCRlPTlC~i OF THE INVENTlOii Referring to the drawings in greater detall, a separable in-llne flber optlc connector is shown generally designated 10 In Figure I which is designed to recelve and terminate a palr of fiber optic cables 12. However, the connector may be designed to receive and terminate a single flber optic cable or a plurality thereof more than the two cables shown. i~eferring to Figures 4 and 5, the cable 12, prlor to assembly to the hole is disposed adjacent to or rearwardly of the flrst portlon 26 for rec~lving the outer coated or cladded portlon 16 of the fiber optlc cable 12. The second portlon 28 of the through hole is overslzed or slzed sufficlently larger than the outer coatlng 16 to accommodate any eccentrlcity between the flber core 14 and the outer diameter of the coating 16. The thlrd portlon 30 of the through hole Is provlded to accommodate the remalntng, rearwardly extendlng portlon of the flber optlc cable 12. Of course, It is comtemplated that a through hole whlch would include only the first and second portions 26 and 28, respectlvely, may be utlllzed for centerlng purposes.
The assembly of the flber optic cable 12 within the respec-tive portions 26, 28 and 30 of the through hole is best seen by first referring to Figure 4. After thls step of assembly, means Is provided 1~3'~
in the form of an epoxy material 32 for fixedly securing the outer coating 16 within the second portion 28 of the through hole. The top half 20 of the body portion of the terminal member 10 then Is placed in position as shown in Figure 5. Upon hardening of the epoxy material 32, the outer coating 16 will be fixedly secured In ptace wlthin the connector to maintaln the fiber core 14 properly posi-tioned or centered with respect to the forward matlng end of face 24 or the termTnal member 10. The top half 20 of the termlnal member also will be fIxed in place about the coating 16 of cable 12.
The next step of the present invention is shown best in Flgure 7 and comprises the procedure of removing the centertng boss 22 and assoclated flber core, or optlcal flber 14 and plastlc claddlng, or outer coatlng of the flber optic cable 12 as shown by the phantom llnes In Flgure 7. After the boss and cable portlons are removed, as by shearlng, the flber optic connector 10, Is strlpped so that a length of Its Inner fiber core 14 and a length of the cladding or outer coatlng 16 about the core 14 are exposed, as shown, In order to be properly received within the connector as described In greater detail herelnafter. The connector 10 Includes a terminal member or body portion which includes a lower half 18 and an upper halfi 20.
Referring to Flgures 2 through 7, the body portlon of the terminal member 10 InTtially is provided with a centering boss 22 molded Integrally with the forward or mating end 24 whlch Ts defined by the forward end of the lower half 18 of the body portion of the terminal member. The centering boss 22 is reduced in size and protrudes outwardly or forwardly of the termlnal mating end 24. In the examplary embodiment of the invention, a centerlng boss 22 Is provlded for each flber optlc cable as best shown In the end eleva-tlonal view of Figure 3, but it is contemplated that a slngle boss may be provided for multlple flbers.
The termlnal member 10 Includes a through hole extendlng axlally therethrough. The through hole Includes a first portlon 26 (see partlcularly Flgure 2), a second portion 28, and a thlrd portion 30. The first portion 26 of the through hole extends through the centering boss 22 and is slzed to snuggly receive the length of the fiber core 14 stripped of the outer coattng 16 of the fiber optic cable 12 to properly position the core with respect to the forward mating end or face 24 of the terminal member 10. The second portion ~;3Z3~
28 of the through hole is disposed adjacent to or rearwardly of the first portion 26 for receiving the outer coated or cladded portion 16 of the fiber optic cable 12. The second portion 28 of the through hole is oversized or sized sufficiently larger than the outer coatlng 16 to accommodate any eccentricity between the fiber core 14 and the outer diameter of the coating 16. The thTrd portion 30 of the through hole is provided to accommodate the remaining, rearwardly extending portion of the fiber optlc cable 12. Of course, It is contemplated that a through hole which would Include only the first and second portions 26 and 289 respectively, may be utilized for centering purposes.
The assembly of the flber optic cable 12 withi,l the respective portions 26, 28 and 30 of the through hole Is best seen by first referring to Flgure 4. After this step of assembly, means is provided in the form of an epoxy material 32 for fixedly securlng the outer coating 16 within the second portion of the terminal member 10 then is placed In posltion as shown in Figure 5. Upon hardening of the epoxy material 32, the outer coating 16 will be fixedly secured In place within the connector to maintain the fiber core 14 properly positioned or centered with respect to the forward mating end or face 24 or the terminal member 10. The top half 20 of the terminal member also wlll be fixed in place about the coating 16 of cable 12.
The next step of the present invention is shown best In Figure 7 and comprises the procedure of removing the centering boss 22 and associated fiber core or optical fiber and plastic cladding or outer coating 16 of the flber optic cable 12 as shown by the phantom llnes in Figure 7. After the boss and cable portions are removed, as by shearing, the fiber optlc cable 12 Is properly posltioned In the termlnal member 10 wlth the core 14 properly centered wlth respect to the matlng end or face 24, as shown In Flgure 6, not wlthstanding any eccentricity between the core 14 and the outer dlameter of the outer coating 16. The end of the terminal member 10 then can be properly pollshed for In-line coupling of a pair of flber optic cables or a slngle flber optic cable and a light source or detector.
It is readily apparent from the above descrlption of the present invention, including the overall fiber optlc connector structure as well as the means and method of centering optical fibers, that the centerlng of the flber core 14 with respect to the mating end of the termlnal member 10 is not dependent upon the precise positioning of a Jigging surface such as the inner diameter of the through hole portion 28 as is prevalent in many fiber optic connectors presently available. In addition other extraneous jigging means as Is pre-valent in many expensive optical fiber connectors or l;instrumentsi Is ellminated. Thus with the present invention it is contemplated to provlde a fiber optic connector and centering means wherein a termlnal member slmply Includes first means for receiving the length of the flber core 14 stripped of its outer coating 16 to properly posltion or center the core with respect to the mating end of the termlnal member and second means for recelving the adjacent outer coated portion 16 of the flber optic cable 12. Further means for flxedly securlng the outer coated portlon 16 In the second means to maintaln the flber core 14 properly posltioned wlth respect to the matlng end of the termlnal member 10 Irrespectlve of any eccentrlclty between the f1ber core 14 and the outer coated portion 16 Is provlded.
Epoxy materlal 32 has been shown as one form of provldlng the securlng means~
Whlle in the foregoing specification a detailed descrlptlon of the Inventlon has been set forth for purposes of illustration variation of the details herein glven may be made by those skllled in tha art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
~ Z3~f~3 cable. The method comprises: providing the fiber optic con-nector with means for locating the inner fiber core in the selected position; locating a length of the inner fiber core, stripped of the outer coating, in the selected position in the fiber optic connector utilizing the locating means; securing a portion of the outer coating to the fiber optic connector while the inner fiber core is so located to thereby maintain the inner fiber core in the selected position in the fiber optic connector; and removing the locating means of the fiber optic connector after the outer coating portion is secured to the fiber optic connector.
The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.
The invention, together with the further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings, like reference numerals identify like elements in the several figures, in which:
FIGURE 1 shows a front perspective view of the fiber optic connector of the present invention having a pair of fiber optic cables terminated therein with the centering or positioning boss removed;
FIGURE 2 is a vertical sectional view through the fiber optic connector and one of the through holes thereof, with the top portion of the connector removed;
-3a-FIGURE 3 is an end elevatlonal view looking in the direction of arrows 3-3 of Figure 2;
FIGURE 4 is a vertlcal sectional view slmilar to that of Figure 2, with an inner fiber core of a fiber optic cable properly posltioned so that a stripped portlon of the core extends through the centering boss;
FIGURE 5 Is a vertlcal sectional view slmllar to that of Flgure 4, with epoxy materlal surrounding an outar coatTng of the flber optlc cable wlthTn the connector, with the top portlon of the connector In proper posltion;
FIGURE 6 Is a vertlcal sectlonal vlew taken generally along the llne 6-6 of Flgure 5;
FIGURE 7 Is a vertlcal sectlonal view slmilar to that of Flgure S, wlth the centerlng boss and assoclated portlons of the flber optlc cable removed, leadlng the Inner flber core properly posltloned In the terminal member; and FIGURE 8 7s an end elevational view looking generally In the direction of arrows 8-8 in Figure 7.
DETAiLED Di--SCRlPTlC~i OF THE INVENTlOii Referring to the drawings in greater detall, a separable in-llne flber optlc connector is shown generally designated 10 In Figure I which is designed to recelve and terminate a palr of fiber optic cables 12. However, the connector may be designed to receive and terminate a single flber optic cable or a plurality thereof more than the two cables shown. i~eferring to Figures 4 and 5, the cable 12, prlor to assembly to the hole is disposed adjacent to or rearwardly of the flrst portlon 26 for rec~lving the outer coated or cladded portlon 16 of the fiber optlc cable 12. The second portlon 28 of the through hole is overslzed or slzed sufficlently larger than the outer coatlng 16 to accommodate any eccentrlcity between the flber core 14 and the outer diameter of the coating 16. The thlrd portlon 30 of the through hole Is provlded to accommodate the remalntng, rearwardly extendlng portlon of the flber optlc cable 12. Of course, It is comtemplated that a through hole whlch would include only the first and second portions 26 and 28, respectlvely, may be utlllzed for centerlng purposes.
The assembly of the flber optic cable 12 within the respec-tive portions 26, 28 and 30 of the through hole is best seen by first referring to Figure 4. After thls step of assembly, means Is provided 1~3'~
in the form of an epoxy material 32 for fixedly securing the outer coating 16 within the second portion 28 of the through hole. The top half 20 of the body portion of the terminal member 10 then Is placed in position as shown in Figure 5. Upon hardening of the epoxy material 32, the outer coating 16 will be fixedly secured In ptace wlthin the connector to maintaln the fiber core 14 properly posi-tioned or centered with respect to the forward matlng end of face 24 or the termTnal member 10. The top half 20 of the termlnal member also will be fIxed in place about the coating 16 of cable 12.
The next step of the present invention is shown best in Flgure 7 and comprises the procedure of removing the centertng boss 22 and assoclated flber core, or optlcal flber 14 and plastlc claddlng, or outer coatlng of the flber optic cable 12 as shown by the phantom llnes In Flgure 7. After the boss and cable portlons are removed, as by shearlng, the flber optic connector 10, Is strlpped so that a length of Its Inner fiber core 14 and a length of the cladding or outer coatlng 16 about the core 14 are exposed, as shown, In order to be properly received within the connector as described In greater detail herelnafter. The connector 10 Includes a terminal member or body portion which includes a lower half 18 and an upper halfi 20.
Referring to Flgures 2 through 7, the body portlon of the terminal member 10 InTtially is provided with a centering boss 22 molded Integrally with the forward or mating end 24 whlch Ts defined by the forward end of the lower half 18 of the body portion of the terminal member. The centering boss 22 is reduced in size and protrudes outwardly or forwardly of the termlnal mating end 24. In the examplary embodiment of the invention, a centerlng boss 22 Is provlded for each flber optlc cable as best shown In the end eleva-tlonal view of Figure 3, but it is contemplated that a slngle boss may be provided for multlple flbers.
The termlnal member 10 Includes a through hole extendlng axlally therethrough. The through hole Includes a first portlon 26 (see partlcularly Flgure 2), a second portion 28, and a thlrd portion 30. The first portion 26 of the through hole extends through the centering boss 22 and is slzed to snuggly receive the length of the fiber core 14 stripped of the outer coattng 16 of the fiber optic cable 12 to properly position the core with respect to the forward mating end or face 24 of the terminal member 10. The second portion ~;3Z3~
28 of the through hole is disposed adjacent to or rearwardly of the first portion 26 for receiving the outer coated or cladded portion 16 of the fiber optic cable 12. The second portion 28 of the through hole is oversized or sized sufficiently larger than the outer coatlng 16 to accommodate any eccentricity between the fiber core 14 and the outer diameter of the coating 16. The thTrd portion 30 of the through hole is provided to accommodate the remaining, rearwardly extending portion of the fiber optlc cable 12. Of course, It is contemplated that a through hole which would Include only the first and second portions 26 and 289 respectively, may be utilized for centering purposes.
The assembly of the flber optic cable 12 withi,l the respective portions 26, 28 and 30 of the through hole Is best seen by first referring to Flgure 4. After this step of assembly, means is provided in the form of an epoxy material 32 for fixedly securlng the outer coating 16 within the second portion of the terminal member 10 then is placed In posltion as shown in Figure 5. Upon hardening of the epoxy material 32, the outer coating 16 will be fixedly secured In place within the connector to maintain the fiber core 14 properly positioned or centered with respect to the forward mating end or face 24 or the terminal member 10. The top half 20 of the terminal member also wlll be fixed in place about the coating 16 of cable 12.
The next step of the present invention is shown best In Figure 7 and comprises the procedure of removing the centering boss 22 and associated fiber core or optical fiber and plastic cladding or outer coating 16 of the flber optic cable 12 as shown by the phantom llnes in Figure 7. After the boss and cable portions are removed, as by shearing, the fiber optlc cable 12 Is properly posltioned In the termlnal member 10 wlth the core 14 properly centered wlth respect to the matlng end or face 24, as shown In Flgure 6, not wlthstanding any eccentricity between the core 14 and the outer dlameter of the outer coating 16. The end of the terminal member 10 then can be properly pollshed for In-line coupling of a pair of flber optic cables or a slngle flber optic cable and a light source or detector.
It is readily apparent from the above descrlption of the present invention, including the overall fiber optlc connector structure as well as the means and method of centering optical fibers, that the centerlng of the flber core 14 with respect to the mating end of the termlnal member 10 is not dependent upon the precise positioning of a Jigging surface such as the inner diameter of the through hole portion 28 as is prevalent in many fiber optic connectors presently available. In addition other extraneous jigging means as Is pre-valent in many expensive optical fiber connectors or l;instrumentsi Is ellminated. Thus with the present invention it is contemplated to provlde a fiber optic connector and centering means wherein a termlnal member slmply Includes first means for receiving the length of the flber core 14 stripped of its outer coating 16 to properly posltion or center the core with respect to the mating end of the termlnal member and second means for recelving the adjacent outer coated portion 16 of the flber optic cable 12. Further means for flxedly securlng the outer coated portlon 16 In the second means to maintaln the flber core 14 properly posltioned wlth respect to the matlng end of the termlnal member 10 Irrespectlve of any eccentrlclty between the f1ber core 14 and the outer coated portion 16 Is provlded.
Epoxy materlal 32 has been shown as one form of provldlng the securlng means~
Whlle in the foregoing specification a detailed descrlptlon of the Inventlon has been set forth for purposes of illustration variation of the details herein glven may be made by those skllled in tha art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
Claims (22)
1. A fiber optic connector for optically coupling a pair of fiber optic cables or a single fiber optic cable and a light source or detector, wherein said cable includes an outer coating and an inner fiber core which may or may not be concen-tric with said outer coating, comprising: a terminal member having a through hole extending axially therethrough, said through hole having a first portion extending through a forward extension of said terminal member, said first portion being sized to snugly receive a length of said fiber core stripped of said outer coating to locate said core in a selected position in said terminal member, said through hole having a second portion rearwardly of said first portion for receiving said outer coating of said fiber optic cable, said second portion being sized sufficiently larger than said outer coating to accommodate any eccentricity between said fiber core and said outer coating; and means for fixedly securing said outer coating of said fiber optic cable within said second portion of said through hole to thereby maintain said fiber core in said selected position in said terminal member; said forward extension being constructed so as to be readily removable from the remainder of said terminal member to form a forward mating end with said fiber core located in said selected position in said terminal member.
2. The connector of claim 1 wherein said first portion of said through hole is formed in a boss portion of said terminal member protruding outwardly from a body portion of said terminal member, said boss portion of said terminal member comprising said forward extension thereof, whereby said boss portion can readily be removed from said body portion leaving said fiber core located in said selected position in said terminal member.
3. The connector of claim 2 wherein said boss portion of said terminal member is formed integrally with said body portion.
4. The connector of claim 2 wherein at least a length of said second portion of said through hole is disposed within said boss portion.
The connector of claim 4 wherein said boss portion of said terminal member is formed integrally with said body portion
6 The connector of claim 1 wherein said cable includes a plurality of outer coatings and inner fiber cores, said terminal member including a plurality of through holes, each of said through holes having a first and a second portion sized to receive respective ones of said fiber cores and said outer coatings, whereby each said fiber core is individually located in a selected position in said terminal member.
7. The connector of claim 6 wherein said first portion of said through holes are formed in a reduced boss portion of said terminal member protruding outwardly from a body portion of said terminal member, said reduced boss portion of said terminal member comprising said forward extension thereof, whereby said reduced boss portion can be readily removed from said body por-tion leaving said fiber cores located in said selected positions in said terminal member.
8. The connector of claim 7 wherein said reduced boss portion of said terminal member is formed integrally with said body portion,
9 The connector of claim 7 wherein at least a length of said second portions of said through holes is disposed within said reduced boss portion.
The connector of claim 9 wherein said reduced boss portion of said terminal member is formed integrally with said body portion.
11 The connector of claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises an epoxy material or the like for bonding said fiber cable to said terminal member while said fiber core is located in said selected position in said terminal member.
12. A fiber optic connector for optically coupling a pair of fiber optic cables or a single fiber optic cable and a light source or detector, wherein said cable includes an outer coating and an inner fiber core which may or may not be concentric with the outer coating, comprising: a terminal member having first forward means for receiving a length of said fiber core stripped of said outer coating and locating said core in a selec-ted position in said terminal member, and having second means rearwardly of said first, forward means for receiving said outer coating of said fiber optic cable; and means for fixedly securing said outer coating of said fiber optic cable with respect to said second means to thereby maintain said fiber core in said selected position in said terminal member irrespective of any eccentricity between said fiber core and said outer coating; said first means of said terminal member being readily removable from the remainder of said terminal member to form a forward mating end with said fiber core located in said selected position in said terminal member
13. The connector of claim 12 wherein said first means of said terminal member for receiving said fiber core comprises a through hole extending through a forward extension of said terminal member.
14. The connector of claim 13 wherein said through hole is formed in a boss portion of said terminal member protruding outwardly from a body portion of said terminal member, said boss portion of said terminal member comprising said forward extension thereof, whereby said boss portion can readily be removed from said body portion leaving said fiber core located in said selected position in said terminal member.
The connector of claim 14 wherein said boss portion of said terminal member is formed integrally with said body portion.
16 The connector of claim 12 wherein said securing means comprises an epoxy material or the like for bonding said outer coating to said terminal member while said fiber core is located in said selected position in said terminal member.
17. The connector of claim 12 wherein said second means of said terminal member for receiving said outer coating comprises a through hole sufficiently oversized with respect to said coating to accommodate any said eccentricity between said fiber core and said coating.
18. The connector of claim 17 wherein said through hole is formed in a boss portion of said terminal member protruding outwardly from a body portion of said terminal member, whereby said boss portion can readily be removed from said body portion leaving said outer coating in said terminal member.
19. The connector of claim 17 wherein said securing means comprises an epoxy material or the like for bonding said outer coating to said terminal member while said fiber core is located in said selected position in said terminal member.
20. A method of locating an inner fiber core of a fiber optic cable in a selected position in a fiber optic connector, wherein said inner fiber core may or may not be concentric with an outer coating of fiber optic cable, comprising the steps of:
providing said fiber optic connector with means for locating said inner fiber core in said selected position; locating a length of said inner fiber core, stripped of said outer coating, in said selected position in said fiber optic connector utilizing said locating means; securing a portion of said outer coating to said fiber optic connector while said inner fiber core is so located to thereby maintain said inner fiber core in said selected position in said fiber optic connector; and removing said locating means of said fiber optic connector after said outer coating portion is secured to said fiber optic connector.
providing said fiber optic connector with means for locating said inner fiber core in said selected position; locating a length of said inner fiber core, stripped of said outer coating, in said selected position in said fiber optic connector utilizing said locating means; securing a portion of said outer coating to said fiber optic connector while said inner fiber core is so located to thereby maintain said inner fiber core in said selected position in said fiber optic connector; and removing said locating means of said fiber optic connector after said outer coating portion is secured to said fiber optic connector.
21. The method of claim 20 including the step of stripping said outer coating from said length of said inner fiber core prior to said locating step.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein said securing step includes bonding said outer coating portion to said fiber optic connector by using an epoxy material or the like.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US3726079A | 1979-05-09 | 1979-05-09 | |
| US37,260 | 1979-05-09 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1132388A true CA1132388A (en) | 1982-09-28 |
Family
ID=21893366
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA351,546A Expired CA1132388A (en) | 1979-05-09 | 1980-05-08 | Optical fiber connector and means and method for centering optical fiber |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS564114A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1132388A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3016521A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2456335B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2049220B (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0063506B1 (en) * | 1981-04-03 | 1984-08-08 | Lignes Telegraphiques Et Telephoniques L.T.T. | Protection device for open optical fibres at the end of a cable element, cable element with said device, and application of such a cable element |
| FR2506956B1 (en) * | 1981-05-26 | 1988-01-29 | Lignes Telegraph Telephon | DEVICE FOR PROTECTING OPTICAL FIBERS CLEARED AT THE END OF A CABLE ELEMENT SUPPORT, CABLE ELEMENT PROVIDED WITH SUCH A DEVICE, AND USE OF SUCH AN ELEMENT |
| FR2503384A1 (en) * | 1981-04-03 | 1982-10-08 | Lignes Telegraph Telephon | Optical fibre bundle end protector - has elastomer sleeve with protruding flexible tubular sheaths to enclose individual fibres |
| US4553813A (en) * | 1983-05-16 | 1985-11-19 | International Business Machines Corporation | Fiber optic connector system for integrated circuit modules |
| GB2191871B (en) * | 1986-06-12 | 1989-12-06 | Plessey Co Plc | Improvements relating to optical fibre cable termination |
| JP2896802B2 (en) * | 1990-06-05 | 1999-05-31 | セイコーインスツルメンツ株式会社 | Manufacturing method of optical fiber connector plug |
| FR2669155A1 (en) * | 1990-07-16 | 1992-05-15 | Puritan Bennett Corp | Hybrid electrooptical connector |
| US5109452A (en) * | 1990-07-16 | 1992-04-28 | Puritan-Bennett Corporation | Electrical-optical hybrid connector |
| US5193133A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1993-03-09 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | Method of terminating optical fiber utilizing a plastic alignment ferrule with polishing pedestal |
| DE29914825U1 (en) * | 1999-08-26 | 2000-06-08 | L & H Kabeltechnik Gmbh | Apparatus for performing a cable end surface finishing process |
| DE10131273C1 (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2002-12-05 | Framatome Connectors Int | Light waveguide plug connector arrangement, has plug casing attached to one fiber end with plug casing components connected to each other irreversibly and movably by flexible straps |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2175547B1 (en) * | 1972-03-13 | 1978-12-08 | Fort Francois | |
| FR2313687A1 (en) * | 1975-03-28 | 1976-12-31 | Thomson Csf | CONNECTOR FOR OPTICAL FIBER HARNESS |
| DE2615389A1 (en) * | 1975-04-18 | 1976-10-21 | Bunker Ramo | OPTICAL-ELECTRONIC CONNECTION |
| GB1480445A (en) * | 1975-05-06 | 1977-07-20 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Termination of optical fibres |
| DE2522804A1 (en) * | 1975-05-22 | 1976-12-02 | Siemens Ag | Connection device for incoming and outgoing optical fibre cable - has ends of optical fibres held in guiding device |
| US4133601A (en) * | 1975-11-21 | 1979-01-09 | Thomson-Csf | Optical fibers bundle positioning ferrule |
| US4045121A (en) * | 1976-01-22 | 1977-08-30 | The Deutsch Company Electronic Components Division | Optical fiber connector |
| FR2344853A1 (en) * | 1976-02-27 | 1977-10-14 | Thomson Csf | FIBER OPTIC CABLE INTERCONNECTION SHEET |
| NL172188C (en) * | 1977-02-11 | 1983-07-18 | Deutsch Co Elec Comp | SYSTEM FOR COUPLING AN OPTICAL FIBER TO AN OPTICAL COMPONENT THAT PROVIDES OR RECORDS OPTICAL ENERGY. |
| GB1576459A (en) * | 1977-04-28 | 1980-10-08 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Optical fibres connectors |
| DE2837016C2 (en) * | 1978-08-24 | 1982-04-08 | Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt | Method for centering optical fiber ends in socket tubes |
-
1980
- 1980-04-25 GB GB8013776A patent/GB2049220B/en not_active Expired
- 1980-04-29 DE DE19803016521 patent/DE3016521A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1980-05-07 FR FR8010351A patent/FR2456335B1/en not_active Expired
- 1980-05-08 JP JP6006380A patent/JPS564114A/en active Pending
- 1980-05-08 CA CA351,546A patent/CA1132388A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS564114A (en) | 1981-01-17 |
| GB2049220B (en) | 1983-06-15 |
| GB2049220A (en) | 1980-12-17 |
| FR2456335B1 (en) | 1986-02-14 |
| FR2456335A1 (en) | 1980-12-05 |
| DE3016521A1 (en) | 1980-11-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |