CA2029304A1 - Connector for an optical fiber and method of positioning through the use of the connector - Google Patents
Connector for an optical fiber and method of positioning through the use of the connectorInfo
- Publication number
- CA2029304A1 CA2029304A1 CA002029304A CA2029304A CA2029304A1 CA 2029304 A1 CA2029304 A1 CA 2029304A1 CA 002029304 A CA002029304 A CA 002029304A CA 2029304 A CA2029304 A CA 2029304A CA 2029304 A1 CA2029304 A1 CA 2029304A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- positioning
- connector
- connector pin
- optical fiber
- lugs
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 42
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000013208 measuring procedure Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000937413 Axia Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000183024 Populus tremula Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000000080 chela (arthropods) Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- G02B6/3851—Ferrules having keying or coding 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
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/264—Optical coupling means with optical elements between opposed fibre ends which perform a function other than beam splitting
-
- 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
- G02B6/3854—Ferrules characterised by materials
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract The connector (1) is provided with numerous positioning lugs (9a to 9f) on its positioning section (4) during manufacture. With that, the connector pin (2) is already connected non-rotatably with the positioning section (4). Through a measuring procedure, that positioning lug (9a) whose relative position to the optical fiber (3) on the face (7) ensures the least attentuation value is determined and marked. All superflous positioning lugs (9b to 9f) are subsequently removed, for example through cutting-off.
(Figures 1 and 4)
(Figures 1 and 4)
Description
1 2 ~ 2 ~
~DI025 Connector for an optical fiber and method of posi~ion~ng through the use of the connector The invention concerns a connector for an optical fiber according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a method of positioning the optical fiber through the use of this connector.
Connectors for optical fibers should, when pos~ible, always be inserted into the connector counterpæt in the same angulæ position, since in practice an absolute centering o~ the optical fiber in the connector pin is not possible. Even when using high precision centering methods to grasp the optical fiber in the connector pin, a slight eccentricity within a definite tolerance is unavoidable. Obviously, in the case of an eccentrically arranged optical fiber, the attenuation of the transmitted light within the connector will change depending on the relative angular position of both connectors to one an~er. For this reason this angular position should remain constant, indeed to as high a degree as possible, so that at the same time the least transmission attenuation is achi ved.
The posi~ ioning of the connector pin ensues in the case of known connectors with the aid of a pin or a lug on the outer circumference of the connector. This positioning element engages in a slot in the sleeve of the connector counterpart. The connection can thus only be made if the positioning element engages with the slot. In practice considerable difficulties æise, however, in bringing the positioning element into the optimum posi~on relative to the optical fiber within the connector pin. It is always a precondition that the connector pin can still be rotated relative to the positioning element before being fixed in its eventual position. In the case of connectors with which the connector pin and the positioning section are, for technical reasons of production, already firmly connected to each other during manufacture, as is the case with, for example, plastic connectors, there is no chance of a repositioning of the connector pin, respectively the optical fiber grasped within it:, relative to the positioning element.
... ~.. ... . .. .. .. . .
~ .
~DI025 Connector for an optical fiber and method of posi~ion~ng through the use of the connector The invention concerns a connector for an optical fiber according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a method of positioning the optical fiber through the use of this connector.
Connectors for optical fibers should, when pos~ible, always be inserted into the connector counterpæt in the same angulæ position, since in practice an absolute centering o~ the optical fiber in the connector pin is not possible. Even when using high precision centering methods to grasp the optical fiber in the connector pin, a slight eccentricity within a definite tolerance is unavoidable. Obviously, in the case of an eccentrically arranged optical fiber, the attenuation of the transmitted light within the connector will change depending on the relative angular position of both connectors to one an~er. For this reason this angular position should remain constant, indeed to as high a degree as possible, so that at the same time the least transmission attenuation is achi ved.
The posi~ ioning of the connector pin ensues in the case of known connectors with the aid of a pin or a lug on the outer circumference of the connector. This positioning element engages in a slot in the sleeve of the connector counterpart. The connection can thus only be made if the positioning element engages with the slot. In practice considerable difficulties æise, however, in bringing the positioning element into the optimum posi~on relative to the optical fiber within the connector pin. It is always a precondition that the connector pin can still be rotated relative to the positioning element before being fixed in its eventual position. In the case of connectors with which the connector pin and the positioning section are, for technical reasons of production, already firmly connected to each other during manufacture, as is the case with, for example, plastic connectors, there is no chance of a repositioning of the connector pin, respectively the optical fiber grasped within it:, relative to the positioning element.
... ~.. ... . .. .. .. . .
~ .
2 ~2~3~
It is therefore a purpose of the invention to create a connector of the type mentioned in the introduction, with which the definite orientation of the optical fiber within the connection can still subsequently be defined, also in the case of a connector pin which is already firmly connected to the positioning section. Apart from that, the method of determin~ng this relative angular position in the connector should be able to be carried out without great eEfort, whereby in each case the optimum attenuation value should be attaned. In addition, error positioning should be eliminated as much as possible. This task is, according to the inventLon, fulfilled with a connector possessing the features of claim 1 and with a method possessing the features of claim ~ ~ - 5.
Since the positioning section exhibits numerous posi~ioning lugs distributed around its outer circumference, as many possible end positions are already defined within the connection as positioning lugs exist. It merely req ures the selection of that lug with which the least attenuation is attained. Subsequently, the superfluous lugs can be removed.
~ -' . -. . .
The advantages of this kind of connector are especially apparent if at least the positioning section and the positioning lugs are made of a plastic material and if the positioning lugs are formed in one part with the positioning section. Whilst earlier optical connectors were made almost exclusively from metal and/or ceramic, nowadays many are used which are made also of plastic materials. With that, either the connector pin is formed in one part with the rest of the connector body or, fox example, a connector body with a positioning sect~ion is cast on a metal ccnnector pin. E the optical fiber is then introduced into the connector pin and fixed there, then obviously its relative position to the positioning section can no longer be changed. Thus, merely the possibility of defining the relative position of the entire connector in the connec~ion exists, which is espe~i~lly simply ensured through the numerous positioning lugs. Since the positioning lugs are made of a plastic material, they can be especially easily cut-off, or ,~ . ~ :. .
It is therefore a purpose of the invention to create a connector of the type mentioned in the introduction, with which the definite orientation of the optical fiber within the connection can still subsequently be defined, also in the case of a connector pin which is already firmly connected to the positioning section. Apart from that, the method of determin~ng this relative angular position in the connector should be able to be carried out without great eEfort, whereby in each case the optimum attenuation value should be attaned. In addition, error positioning should be eliminated as much as possible. This task is, according to the inventLon, fulfilled with a connector possessing the features of claim 1 and with a method possessing the features of claim ~ ~ - 5.
Since the positioning section exhibits numerous posi~ioning lugs distributed around its outer circumference, as many possible end positions are already defined within the connection as positioning lugs exist. It merely req ures the selection of that lug with which the least attenuation is attained. Subsequently, the superfluous lugs can be removed.
~ -' . -. . .
The advantages of this kind of connector are especially apparent if at least the positioning section and the positioning lugs are made of a plastic material and if the positioning lugs are formed in one part with the positioning section. Whilst earlier optical connectors were made almost exclusively from metal and/or ceramic, nowadays many are used which are made also of plastic materials. With that, either the connector pin is formed in one part with the rest of the connector body or, fox example, a connector body with a positioning sect~ion is cast on a metal ccnnector pin. E the optical fiber is then introduced into the connector pin and fixed there, then obviously its relative position to the positioning section can no longer be changed. Thus, merely the possibility of defining the relative position of the entire connector in the connec~ion exists, which is espe~i~lly simply ensured through the numerous positioning lugs. Since the positioning lugs are made of a plastic material, they can be especially easily cut-off, or ,~ . ~ :. .
3 2~2~
.
removed in another way. No technical manufacturing problems exist, since the lugs are cast along with the positioning section.
It is especi~lly appropriate if the positioning lugs are arranged with a regulæ angular spacing on the position~ng section. In this way a basic grid is formed to determine the optimum position. With connectors corresponding to the current standards, whose connector pins possess an outer diameter of approximately 2,5 mm to 3,5 mm, the arrangement of six positioning lugs has shown itself to be especiaUy advantageous.
These six lugs provide a sufficiently fine graduation to determine the optimum position. If a finer grid is desired, then more than six lugs can be arranged. In the case of connections where larger attenuation tolerances are permitted, also only four lugs, for example, could be provided .
The method according to the invention is simple and efficient. After fixing of the optical fiber within the connector pin, its eccentr~-ty must be determined. In the theoretical case where the optical fiber is fixed exactly in the center of the connector pin, any arbitrary positioning lug can be selected, whilst all superfluous positioning lugs can be removed. The optical fiber would in each arbitrary position always be arranged in the center within the connec~ion. When an eccentricity is detected, that lug should, however, always be selected which lies on a straight line leading through the center of the connector pin and through the center of the optical fiber, or which at least lies next to this straight line. The connector pins are in actual fact exactly axia~ly a~igned one on the other within the connec tion. If the previDusly stated rule is always observed, in this way it will be ensured that the optical fibers within the connection always ]ie on the same~plane leading through the center of the connector axis. If, in the case of numerous connectors, that positioning lug is always selecte which lies either ever nearer to or ever further from the optical fiber on the straight line, so it will still be achieved in the optimum way that the face end surfaces of the optical fibers within the connection will always lie one on the other, also when an eccent~ity exists r whereby deviations can st~l occur at the most as a result of the exten . .: . - .............................. :
- . - ~
'1 .
~2'~3~
of the eccentriclty. Naturally, with certain types of use, a relative position of the optical fiber to a positioning lug can be selected other than that just described, for example if an increased attenuation should intentionally be attained at the connection~
The eccentricity, respectively the relative position, can be determinedin different ways. The connector pin can be introduced into a measuring arrangement which simulates a connection and which exhibits a sleeve for acceptance of the connector pin. A connector pin of the same type is already firmly fixed in the sleeve. The connector pin to be positioned is now rotated through the different possible grid positions, whereby light is fed into the optical fiber~ This l;ght is measured at the fixed position connector pin, whereby that positioning lug can be marked in whi h position the least attenuation values are measured.
' - - -:
The positioning lug with the optimum relative posi~ ion to the optical -~
fiber can, however, also be determined through close observation of ~ ~
the face of the connector pin under impinging light. This can, for ~ -example, ensue under a microscope or with the aid of a camera which displays the face of the connector pin enlarged on a monitor screen.
With the aid of a measuring scale or similar, the relative position of the optical fiber can be established, after which the corrert positioning lug can be noted.
Superfluous positioning lugs can be removed espec~ally easily with a cutting tool. The positioning lugs can at the same time be individually cut off with a blade . Another toc I which is annularly formed and with which all superfluous positioning lugs could be simultaneously cut-c~ff would also be conceivable. The positioning lugs could, however, also be ground-off, melted-off, or pinched-off with pincers.
An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings, and is subsequently described in greater detail. Namely:
2 ~ 2 ~ ~ Y~
Figure 1 a cross section through a connector according to the invention with inserted optical fiber in a greatly enlarged scale, Figure 2 a plan view of the connector according to figure 1, Figure 3 a view of the face of the conn~tor according to figure 1, Figure 4 a view of the face, once again greatly enlarged, and Figure 5 the schematic representation of a measuring arrangement for determining the optimum positioning lug.
As depicted in figures 1 to 3, a connector 1 comprises essentially a connector pin 2 and a connector body 20 on the front side of which a posi~ioning section 4 is æranged. The connector pin 2 is imbedded in the connector body and non-rotatably connected with this, respectively with the positioning section 4. At the same time it could, for example, concern a plastic connector, whereby the connector pin 2 and the connector body 20, of differing plastic materials, are cast in two different working sequences. The connector pin 2 could, however, also be made of a metal, especially a hard metal, or from a ceramic ma~ l, whereby the conne tor body 20 is cast in a plastic material onto the connector pin.
The connector 1 has, in a known way, a central bore with differing graduated diameters in which the optical fiber is gripped. This is surrounded by an inner jacket 6 and an outer jacket 5. The optical fiber and both the sheaths are bonded in their respective bores. The end surface of the optical fiber lies on the face 7, which is preferably finished by grinding.
A total of six positioning lugs 9a to 9f are arranged with a regular angular spacing on the positioning section 4, which has a somewhat larger outer diameter thah the rest of the connector body 20. The lugs have parallel side walls and their fronts are rounded-off, so that they can be introduced more easily into the centering slot on the connector ~ ' ' ` ' ' ' . :' ' .
counterpart. The positioning lugs could, however, without difficulties also possess another configurat~on. They could, for exampler be formed as cylindrical pins or as a hemispherical bosses or similar, in accordance with the shape of the posi~ioning element on the connector counterpart. The connector outer parts, such as, for example, coup]ing rings, outer sleeves etc, are not shown in the drawings.
The face 7 is shown greatly enlarged in fic3ure 4. At the same time it is assumed that the center 11 of the optical fiber possesses an eccentricity e in relation to the center 10 of the connector pin 2. In the case o numerous conne~rs whose optical fibers always exhibit an eccentricity of e, in order to achieve that the optical fibers within the ~-connection always assume the same position, that positioning lug 9a must be selected which lies on the straight line 12 running through both the centers 10 and 11. TheoreticaUy, in the embodiment under consideration, the positioning lug 9d would also fulfil this requirement.
In order to ensure that no deviation of 180 degrees can occur in the case of two faces lying opposite one another within a connection, that positioning lug 9a must therefore stiU always be selected which, for example, lies with the distance d nearer to the center 1l of the optical fiber. It wou1d however also be quite conceivable that the positioning lug 9d which lies further from the optical fiber 3 is always selected.
However, in practice it has been conventionaUy established that the positioning lug 9a is always selected on the straight ]ine 12.
.~
If the optimum positioning lug 9a is once selected, then the superfluous lugs 9b to 9f can be removed, for example with a cutting tool. In the case of numerous connectors worked on in this way, the optical fiber 3 obviously always lies somewhat in the same relative position to the selected positioning lug, so that within the connection an optimum alignment with a slight attenuation value can be attained.
In figure 5, a measuring arrangement 14 is schematically shown, for example, wi~h which a connector counterpart 8 is shown in the form of a middle part. This connector counterpart could, for example, be bolted to a housing wall 17. On each of its ends it possesses a sleeve . ~
7 202~?~
with a slot 16. A connector 18 is firmly fixed on one sideO A
measuring device 19 is connected to this connector, with which the light received at the connector 18 can be measured.
Light is fed from a light source 15 into the connector pin 2, whose optimum positioning lug must be determined. The connector pin is now rotated in the connector counterpart 8 into as many positions as positioning lugs ex~st, thus into a t~tal of six positions. In each position the received light, respectively the transmission attenuation, is measured at the measuring device 19. Obviously the s]ightest transmission attenuation is measured at that positioning lug 9a at which the conditions depicted in figure 4 are ful~illed. This posii ioning lug can, for example, be provided with colour marking, so that the superfluous positioning lugs can be subsequently cut-off.
The alternati~re measuring procedure, by which the position of the optical fiber is determined through direct measurement, is not described here in greater detail. Observation devices and manipulation devices to measure the face of a connector pin are already known to the expert.
:
.
removed in another way. No technical manufacturing problems exist, since the lugs are cast along with the positioning section.
It is especi~lly appropriate if the positioning lugs are arranged with a regulæ angular spacing on the position~ng section. In this way a basic grid is formed to determine the optimum position. With connectors corresponding to the current standards, whose connector pins possess an outer diameter of approximately 2,5 mm to 3,5 mm, the arrangement of six positioning lugs has shown itself to be especiaUy advantageous.
These six lugs provide a sufficiently fine graduation to determine the optimum position. If a finer grid is desired, then more than six lugs can be arranged. In the case of connections where larger attenuation tolerances are permitted, also only four lugs, for example, could be provided .
The method according to the invention is simple and efficient. After fixing of the optical fiber within the connector pin, its eccentr~-ty must be determined. In the theoretical case where the optical fiber is fixed exactly in the center of the connector pin, any arbitrary positioning lug can be selected, whilst all superfluous positioning lugs can be removed. The optical fiber would in each arbitrary position always be arranged in the center within the connec~ion. When an eccentricity is detected, that lug should, however, always be selected which lies on a straight line leading through the center of the connector pin and through the center of the optical fiber, or which at least lies next to this straight line. The connector pins are in actual fact exactly axia~ly a~igned one on the other within the connec tion. If the previDusly stated rule is always observed, in this way it will be ensured that the optical fibers within the connection always ]ie on the same~plane leading through the center of the connector axis. If, in the case of numerous connectors, that positioning lug is always selecte which lies either ever nearer to or ever further from the optical fiber on the straight line, so it will still be achieved in the optimum way that the face end surfaces of the optical fibers within the connection will always lie one on the other, also when an eccent~ity exists r whereby deviations can st~l occur at the most as a result of the exten . .: . - .............................. :
- . - ~
'1 .
~2'~3~
of the eccentriclty. Naturally, with certain types of use, a relative position of the optical fiber to a positioning lug can be selected other than that just described, for example if an increased attenuation should intentionally be attained at the connection~
The eccentricity, respectively the relative position, can be determinedin different ways. The connector pin can be introduced into a measuring arrangement which simulates a connection and which exhibits a sleeve for acceptance of the connector pin. A connector pin of the same type is already firmly fixed in the sleeve. The connector pin to be positioned is now rotated through the different possible grid positions, whereby light is fed into the optical fiber~ This l;ght is measured at the fixed position connector pin, whereby that positioning lug can be marked in whi h position the least attenuation values are measured.
' - - -:
The positioning lug with the optimum relative posi~ ion to the optical -~
fiber can, however, also be determined through close observation of ~ ~
the face of the connector pin under impinging light. This can, for ~ -example, ensue under a microscope or with the aid of a camera which displays the face of the connector pin enlarged on a monitor screen.
With the aid of a measuring scale or similar, the relative position of the optical fiber can be established, after which the corrert positioning lug can be noted.
Superfluous positioning lugs can be removed espec~ally easily with a cutting tool. The positioning lugs can at the same time be individually cut off with a blade . Another toc I which is annularly formed and with which all superfluous positioning lugs could be simultaneously cut-c~ff would also be conceivable. The positioning lugs could, however, also be ground-off, melted-off, or pinched-off with pincers.
An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings, and is subsequently described in greater detail. Namely:
2 ~ 2 ~ ~ Y~
Figure 1 a cross section through a connector according to the invention with inserted optical fiber in a greatly enlarged scale, Figure 2 a plan view of the connector according to figure 1, Figure 3 a view of the face of the conn~tor according to figure 1, Figure 4 a view of the face, once again greatly enlarged, and Figure 5 the schematic representation of a measuring arrangement for determining the optimum positioning lug.
As depicted in figures 1 to 3, a connector 1 comprises essentially a connector pin 2 and a connector body 20 on the front side of which a posi~ioning section 4 is æranged. The connector pin 2 is imbedded in the connector body and non-rotatably connected with this, respectively with the positioning section 4. At the same time it could, for example, concern a plastic connector, whereby the connector pin 2 and the connector body 20, of differing plastic materials, are cast in two different working sequences. The connector pin 2 could, however, also be made of a metal, especially a hard metal, or from a ceramic ma~ l, whereby the conne tor body 20 is cast in a plastic material onto the connector pin.
The connector 1 has, in a known way, a central bore with differing graduated diameters in which the optical fiber is gripped. This is surrounded by an inner jacket 6 and an outer jacket 5. The optical fiber and both the sheaths are bonded in their respective bores. The end surface of the optical fiber lies on the face 7, which is preferably finished by grinding.
A total of six positioning lugs 9a to 9f are arranged with a regular angular spacing on the positioning section 4, which has a somewhat larger outer diameter thah the rest of the connector body 20. The lugs have parallel side walls and their fronts are rounded-off, so that they can be introduced more easily into the centering slot on the connector ~ ' ' ` ' ' ' . :' ' .
counterpart. The positioning lugs could, however, without difficulties also possess another configurat~on. They could, for exampler be formed as cylindrical pins or as a hemispherical bosses or similar, in accordance with the shape of the posi~ioning element on the connector counterpart. The connector outer parts, such as, for example, coup]ing rings, outer sleeves etc, are not shown in the drawings.
The face 7 is shown greatly enlarged in fic3ure 4. At the same time it is assumed that the center 11 of the optical fiber possesses an eccentricity e in relation to the center 10 of the connector pin 2. In the case o numerous conne~rs whose optical fibers always exhibit an eccentricity of e, in order to achieve that the optical fibers within the ~-connection always assume the same position, that positioning lug 9a must be selected which lies on the straight line 12 running through both the centers 10 and 11. TheoreticaUy, in the embodiment under consideration, the positioning lug 9d would also fulfil this requirement.
In order to ensure that no deviation of 180 degrees can occur in the case of two faces lying opposite one another within a connection, that positioning lug 9a must therefore stiU always be selected which, for example, lies with the distance d nearer to the center 1l of the optical fiber. It wou1d however also be quite conceivable that the positioning lug 9d which lies further from the optical fiber 3 is always selected.
However, in practice it has been conventionaUy established that the positioning lug 9a is always selected on the straight ]ine 12.
.~
If the optimum positioning lug 9a is once selected, then the superfluous lugs 9b to 9f can be removed, for example with a cutting tool. In the case of numerous connectors worked on in this way, the optical fiber 3 obviously always lies somewhat in the same relative position to the selected positioning lug, so that within the connection an optimum alignment with a slight attenuation value can be attained.
In figure 5, a measuring arrangement 14 is schematically shown, for example, wi~h which a connector counterpart 8 is shown in the form of a middle part. This connector counterpart could, for example, be bolted to a housing wall 17. On each of its ends it possesses a sleeve . ~
7 202~?~
with a slot 16. A connector 18 is firmly fixed on one sideO A
measuring device 19 is connected to this connector, with which the light received at the connector 18 can be measured.
Light is fed from a light source 15 into the connector pin 2, whose optimum positioning lug must be determined. The connector pin is now rotated in the connector counterpart 8 into as many positions as positioning lugs ex~st, thus into a t~tal of six positions. In each position the received light, respectively the transmission attenuation, is measured at the measuring device 19. Obviously the s]ightest transmission attenuation is measured at that positioning lug 9a at which the conditions depicted in figure 4 are ful~illed. This posii ioning lug can, for example, be provided with colour marking, so that the superfluous positioning lugs can be subsequently cut-off.
The alternati~re measuring procedure, by which the position of the optical fiber is determined through direct measurement, is not described here in greater detail. Observation devices and manipulation devices to measure the face of a connector pin are already known to the expert.
:
Claims (9)
1. Connector (1) for an optical fiber (3) with a connector pin (2) in which the optical fiber is fixed and with a positioning section (4) which serves to position the connector pin m a connector counterpart (8) and which is connected non-rotatably with the connector pin (2), characterized in that the positioning section (4) exhibits numerous positioning lugs (9a to 9f) distributed around its outer circumference which are optionally removeable from the positioning section (4).
2. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the positioning section (4) and the positioning lugs are made from a plastic material, and that the positioning lugs are formed in one part with the positioning section.
3. Connector according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the positioning lugs (9a to 9f) are arranged with regular anglular spacing on the positioning section (4).
4. Connector according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the positioning section (4) exhibits six positioning lugs.
5. Method of positioning an optical fiber (3) in a connector pin (2) relative to a positioning lug (9a) which serves to position the connector pin in a connector counterpart (8) through the use of a connector according to claim 1, whereby the relative position of the optical fiber (3) to the center (10) of the connector pin (2) and/or a predetermined geometrical relationship between the position of the optical fiber and one of the positioning lugs is established, and whereby all positioning lugs (9a to 9f) are removed with the exception of one lug (9a) which fulfils the said geometrical relationship.
6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that that positioning lug (9a) is selected which lies on a straight line passing through the center (10) of the connector pin and through the center (11) of the optical fiber, or which lies next to this straight line.
7. Method according to one of the claims 5 or 6, characterized in that - for selection of the positioning lug, the connector pin (2) is introduced into a measuring arrangement (14) which exhibits a sleeve for the accommodation of the connector pin, in which sleeve a connector pin (18) of the same type is firmly positioned, - light (15) is fed into the optical fiber to be positioned, and is measured on the optical fiber of the firmly positioned connector pin (18), - the connector pin (2) is rotated through as many individual positions as there are existing positioning lugs, and - any positioning lug (9a) is marked in whose measuring position the least attenuation value of the exiting light is measured.
8. Method according to one of the claims 5 or 6, characterized in that, for selection of the positioning lug, the connector pin (2) is introduced into an observation arrangement in which the face (7) of the connector pin can be observed under impinging light, and that that positioning lug which fulfils the conditions according to claim 5 is selected and marked, if nescessary with the aid of a cross-wire and/or a scale.
9. Method according to one of the claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the superfluous positioning lugs are removed with a cutting tool (13).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH4218/89 | 1989-11-24 | ||
| CH421889 | 1989-11-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2029304A1 true CA2029304A1 (en) | 1991-05-25 |
Family
ID=4272004
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002029304A Abandoned CA2029304A1 (en) | 1989-11-24 | 1990-11-05 | Connector for an optical fiber and method of positioning through the use of the connector |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0429398A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH03177803A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU6665690A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2029304A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5390269A (en) * | 1992-12-23 | 1995-02-14 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | Fiber optic connector with high resolution tunable fiber holder |
| US5590229A (en) * | 1994-04-22 | 1996-12-31 | Litton Systems, Inc. | Multichannel fiber optic connector |
| US5724466A (en) * | 1995-11-16 | 1998-03-03 | Raytheon E-Systems | Ruggedized blind mating connector for optical fibers |
| US5633963A (en) * | 1995-12-12 | 1997-05-27 | Raytheon Company | Optical rotary joint for single and multimode fibers |
| JP3363333B2 (en) * | 1996-11-28 | 2003-01-08 | 京セラ株式会社 | Fiber optic fixture |
| US6464402B1 (en) * | 1999-07-28 | 2002-10-15 | Fitel Usa Corp. | Optical fiber connector tuning index tool |
| DE10120694A1 (en) * | 2001-04-27 | 2003-01-09 | Siemens Ag | Couplers for optical signals and method for setting mechanical guide elements of couplers |
| EP2926181B1 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2020-04-15 | CommScope Technologies LLC | Fiber optic connector with field installable outer connector housing |
| CN104849816B (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2017-01-11 | 泰科电子(上海)有限公司 | Optical fiber connector and assembly method therefor |
| CN104849815B (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2017-01-18 | 泰科电子(上海)有限公司 | Optical fiber connector and assembly method therefor |
| CN105445860B (en) * | 2014-06-24 | 2018-06-26 | 泰科电子(上海)有限公司 | Traction component, optical fiber connector and its manufacturing method and assemble method |
| CN105445862B (en) | 2014-07-09 | 2018-01-19 | 泰科电子(上海)有限公司 | The joints of optical fibre and its on-site assembly method |
| EP4403972A3 (en) | 2015-11-30 | 2024-10-16 | CommScope Technologies LLC | Fiber optic connector and assembly thereof |
| EP3391115A4 (en) | 2015-12-16 | 2019-07-17 | Commscope Technologies LLC | OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR INSTALLED IN THE FIELD |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS56107104A (en) * | 1980-01-31 | 1981-08-25 | Toshiba Corp | Detecting device for position of photofiber |
| FR2528984A1 (en) * | 1982-06-22 | 1983-12-23 | Socapex | PLUG FOR OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR AND CONNECTOR COMPRISING THE SAME |
| DE3683424D1 (en) * | 1985-06-20 | 1992-02-27 | Diamond Sa | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CENTERING THE CORE OF A LIGHT GUIDE IN A LIGHT GUIDE. |
| JPS6341811A (en) * | 1986-08-08 | 1988-02-23 | Fujitsu Ltd | Optical connector positioning structure |
| US4834487A (en) * | 1988-09-29 | 1989-05-30 | Amp Incorporated | Optical connector with plastic alignment ferrule |
-
1990
- 1990-11-05 CA CA002029304A patent/CA2029304A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-11-15 AU AU66656/90A patent/AU6665690A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-11-19 EP EP19900810885 patent/EP0429398A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-11-22 JP JP32058990A patent/JPH03177803A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0429398A3 (en) | 1992-05-27 |
| JPH03177803A (en) | 1991-08-01 |
| AU6665690A (en) | 1991-05-30 |
| EP0429398A2 (en) | 1991-05-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 19930505 |