CA2320684C - Magnetic coaxial electro-optical connector device - Google Patents
Magnetic coaxial electro-optical connector device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2320684C CA2320684C CA002320684A CA2320684A CA2320684C CA 2320684 C CA2320684 C CA 2320684C CA 002320684 A CA002320684 A CA 002320684A CA 2320684 A CA2320684 A CA 2320684A CA 2320684 C CA2320684 C CA 2320684C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- optical
- coaxial
- coaxial electro
- electro
- connector device
- 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 - Fee Related
Links
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 230000005693 optoelectronics Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000000696 magnetic material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000000615 nonconductor Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010453 quartz Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052761 rare earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000002910 rare earth metals Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon dioxide Inorganic materials O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/6205—Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet
-
- 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
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3817—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres containing optical and electrical conductors
-
- 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
- G02B6/3886—Magnetic means to align ferrule ends
-
- 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
- G02B6/3897—Connectors fixed to housings, casing, frames or circuit boards
-
- 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
- G02B6/4202—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details for coupling an active element with fibres without intermediate optical elements, e.g. fibres with plane ends, fibres with shaped ends, bundles
Abstract
A magnetic coaxial electro-optical connector device comprises, a coaxial electro-optical cable and a coaxial electro-optical adapter. The coaxial electro-optical cable comprises a centre optical waveguide for carrying optical signals and a plurality of outer electrical conductors around the centre optical waveguide for carrying electrical power. The coaxial electro-optical adapter comprises a ring-shaped magnetic element magnetised along the axis and means for holding and biasing the ring-shaped magnetic element. The ring-shaped magnetic element engages with a mating ring-shaped magnetic element of another coaxial electro-optical adapter and provides alignment. The coaxial electro-optical connector device further comprises a socket made of a non-magnetic material, having a cylindrical recess. The socket is capable of securely attaching to a wall outlet or to an opto--electronic device. This invention relates to coaxial connector devices, and the principal use of the invention is for electro-optical connection.
Description
Description Title = Magnetic Coaxial Electro-Optical Connector Device Technical Field = This invention relates to coaxial connector devices, more particularly to a coaxial electro-optical connector device.
Background Art = There are many instances where it would be desirable to be able to magnetically connect both electrical conductors and optical waveguides in a coaxial cable.
= A number of patents disclose magnetic connectors for electrical conductors and/or optical waveguides in different configurations.
= Canadian Patent 1 113 760 discloses "MAGNETIC CONNECTOR FOR
OPTICAL CABLES". This prior art magnetically connects optical waveguides, but does not have a coaxial configuration.
= U.S. Patent 4 690 495 discloses "Optical fiber magnetic connector". This prior art magnetically connects optical waveguides, but does not have a socket assembly.
= U.S. Patent 4 844 582 discloses "Hybrid electro-optical connectors", and U.S. Patent 5 015 061 discloses "Optical connector". These prior arts magnetically connect both electrical conductors and optical waveguides, but do not have a coaxial configuration.
= U.S. Patent 5 401 175 discloses "Magnetic coaxial connector".
This prior art magnetically connects electrical conductors, but does not have a socket assembly.
= U.S. Patent 6 004 045 discloses "Optical connector". This prior art magnetically connects optical waveguides, but does not have a socket assembly.
= These prior art arrangements do nat have both electrical conductors and optical waveguides in a coaxial configuration.
Description of the Invention = It is a primary object of the invent;on to provide a coaxial electro-optical connector device for connecting both electrical conductors and optical waveguides in a coaxial configuration.
= It is another object of the invention to provide a coaxial electro-optical connector device which connects one connector to another connector, or one connector to an electro-optical device by a magnetic force.
= A magnetic coaxial electro-optical connector device comprises a coaxial electro-optical cable and a coaxial electro-optical adapter. The coaxial electro-optical cable comprises a centre optical waveguide for carrying optical signals and a plurality of outer electrical conductors around the centre optical waveguide for carrying electrical power. The coaxial electro-optical adapter comprises a ring-shaped magnetic element magnetised along the axis and means for holding and biasing the ring-shaped magnetic element. The ring-shaped magnetic element engages with a mating ring-shaped magnetic element of another coaxial electro-optical adapter and provides alignment. The coaxial electro-optical connector device further comprises a socket made of a non-magnetic material, having a cylindrical recess. The socket is capable of securely attaching to a wall outlet or to an opto-electronic device.
Brief Description of the Figures in the Drawings = In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
o Figure 1 marked "Prior Art" is a perspective view of a conventional coaxial connector device;
o Figure 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a coaxial electro-optical connector device according to the invention;
o Figure 3 is a sectional view of the invention along line I-I of Figure 2;
o Figure 4 is a sectional view of the invention along line II-II of Figure 2;
o Figure 5 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a coaxial electro-optical connector device according to the invention; and o Figure 6 is an expanded sectional view of the coaxial electro-optical connector device according to the invention.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention = One conventional coaxial connector device shown in Figure 1
Background Art = There are many instances where it would be desirable to be able to magnetically connect both electrical conductors and optical waveguides in a coaxial cable.
= A number of patents disclose magnetic connectors for electrical conductors and/or optical waveguides in different configurations.
= Canadian Patent 1 113 760 discloses "MAGNETIC CONNECTOR FOR
OPTICAL CABLES". This prior art magnetically connects optical waveguides, but does not have a coaxial configuration.
= U.S. Patent 4 690 495 discloses "Optical fiber magnetic connector". This prior art magnetically connects optical waveguides, but does not have a socket assembly.
= U.S. Patent 4 844 582 discloses "Hybrid electro-optical connectors", and U.S. Patent 5 015 061 discloses "Optical connector". These prior arts magnetically connect both electrical conductors and optical waveguides, but do not have a coaxial configuration.
= U.S. Patent 5 401 175 discloses "Magnetic coaxial connector".
This prior art magnetically connects electrical conductors, but does not have a socket assembly.
= U.S. Patent 6 004 045 discloses "Optical connector". This prior art magnetically connects optical waveguides, but does not have a socket assembly.
= These prior art arrangements do nat have both electrical conductors and optical waveguides in a coaxial configuration.
Description of the Invention = It is a primary object of the invent;on to provide a coaxial electro-optical connector device for connecting both electrical conductors and optical waveguides in a coaxial configuration.
= It is another object of the invention to provide a coaxial electro-optical connector device which connects one connector to another connector, or one connector to an electro-optical device by a magnetic force.
= A magnetic coaxial electro-optical connector device comprises a coaxial electro-optical cable and a coaxial electro-optical adapter. The coaxial electro-optical cable comprises a centre optical waveguide for carrying optical signals and a plurality of outer electrical conductors around the centre optical waveguide for carrying electrical power. The coaxial electro-optical adapter comprises a ring-shaped magnetic element magnetised along the axis and means for holding and biasing the ring-shaped magnetic element. The ring-shaped magnetic element engages with a mating ring-shaped magnetic element of another coaxial electro-optical adapter and provides alignment. The coaxial electro-optical connector device further comprises a socket made of a non-magnetic material, having a cylindrical recess. The socket is capable of securely attaching to a wall outlet or to an opto-electronic device.
Brief Description of the Figures in the Drawings = In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
o Figure 1 marked "Prior Art" is a perspective view of a conventional coaxial connector device;
o Figure 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a coaxial electro-optical connector device according to the invention;
o Figure 3 is a sectional view of the invention along line I-I of Figure 2;
o Figure 4 is a sectional view of the invention along line II-II of Figure 2;
o Figure 5 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a coaxial electro-optical connector device according to the invention; and o Figure 6 is an expanded sectional view of the coaxial electro-optical connector device according to the invention.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention = One conventional coaxial connector device shown in Figure 1
2 marked "Prior Art" comprises a coaxial electrical cable 1-0 and a male coaxial electrical adapter 2-0, securely attached to the coaxial electrical cable 1-0.
= The conventional coaxial electrical cable 1-0 comprises a centre electrical conductor and an outer electrical conductor around the centre electrical conductor for carrying electrical signal. Each electrical conductor is separated by an electrical insulator from another electrical conductor.
= The conventional male coaxial electrical adapter 2-0 comprises a ring-shaped mechanical element 2-1, and means 2-2 for holding and biasing the ring-shaped mechanical element 2-1, most likely with a mechanical spring.
= The conventional male coaxial connector device further comprises a female coaxial electrical adapter 3-0. The female coaxial electrical adapter 3-0 is capable of securely attaching to a wall outlet or to an opto-electronic device, as shown in Figure 1.
= The conventional coaxial connector device makes a mechanical connection, which is prone to vibration, leading to low reliability of the connection.
= in one embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, a coaxial electro-optical connector device comprises a coaxial electro-optical cable 4-0 and a coaxial electro-optical adapter 5-0 securely attached to the coaxial electro-optical cable 4-0.
= Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the coaxial electro-optical connector device along line I-I of Figure 2. Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the coaxial electro-optical connector device along line II-II of Figure 2.
= The coaxial electro-optical cable 4-0 has a planar end. The coaxial electro-optical cable 4-0 comprises a centre optical waveguide 4-1 for carrying optical signals, and a plurality of outer electrical conductors 4-2 and 4-3 around the centre optical waveguide 4-1 for carrying electrical power (DC
electrical power or AC electrical power). Each electrical conductor is separated by an electrical insulator from another electrical conductor, as shown in Figure 6.
= The coaxial electro-optical adapter 5-0 comprises a ring-shaped magnetic element 5-1. The ring-shaped magnetic element 5-1 has a rotationally symmetrical axis, and is magnetised along the symmetrical axis, and means 5-2 for holding and biasing the ring-shaped magnetic element 5-1, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3. Biasing may be provided by a mechanical spring or by elasticity of a plastic material.
= The conventional coaxial electrical cable 1-0 comprises a centre electrical conductor and an outer electrical conductor around the centre electrical conductor for carrying electrical signal. Each electrical conductor is separated by an electrical insulator from another electrical conductor.
= The conventional male coaxial electrical adapter 2-0 comprises a ring-shaped mechanical element 2-1, and means 2-2 for holding and biasing the ring-shaped mechanical element 2-1, most likely with a mechanical spring.
= The conventional male coaxial connector device further comprises a female coaxial electrical adapter 3-0. The female coaxial electrical adapter 3-0 is capable of securely attaching to a wall outlet or to an opto-electronic device, as shown in Figure 1.
= The conventional coaxial connector device makes a mechanical connection, which is prone to vibration, leading to low reliability of the connection.
= in one embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, a coaxial electro-optical connector device comprises a coaxial electro-optical cable 4-0 and a coaxial electro-optical adapter 5-0 securely attached to the coaxial electro-optical cable 4-0.
= Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the coaxial electro-optical connector device along line I-I of Figure 2. Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the coaxial electro-optical connector device along line II-II of Figure 2.
= The coaxial electro-optical cable 4-0 has a planar end. The coaxial electro-optical cable 4-0 comprises a centre optical waveguide 4-1 for carrying optical signals, and a plurality of outer electrical conductors 4-2 and 4-3 around the centre optical waveguide 4-1 for carrying electrical power (DC
electrical power or AC electrical power). Each electrical conductor is separated by an electrical insulator from another electrical conductor, as shown in Figure 6.
= The coaxial electro-optical adapter 5-0 comprises a ring-shaped magnetic element 5-1. The ring-shaped magnetic element 5-1 has a rotationally symmetrical axis, and is magnetised along the symmetrical axis, and means 5-2 for holding and biasing the ring-shaped magnetic element 5-1, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3. Biasing may be provided by a mechanical spring or by elasticity of a plastic material.
3 = The ring-shaped magnetic element 5-1 engages with a mating ring-shaped magnetic element of another coaxial electro-optical adapter, and also provides self-alignment so that the centre optical waveguide 4-1 optically connects with a centre optical waveguide of another coaxial electro-optical cable, and that the outer electrical conductor 4-2 and 4-3 electrically connects with an outer electrical conductor of another coaxial electro-optical cable.
= The coaxial electro-optical connector device may further comprise a wall-mountable socket 6-0 made of a non-magnetic material. The socket 6-0 has a cylindrical recess in order to securely attach a first coaxial electro-optical adapter on the back end and to detachably receive a second coaxial electro-optical adapter on the front end, as shown in Figure 3. The socket 6-0 is capable of securely attaching to a wall outlet or to an opto-electronic device in a self-alignment fashion.
= In another embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5, the socket 7-0 directly connects the coaxial electro-optical adapter of a first coaxial electro-optical connector device and the coaxial electro-optical adapter of a second coaxial electro-optical connector device, and provides further alignment.
= Preferably, the ring-shaped magnetic element 5-1 of the coaxial electro-optical adapter 5-0 is made of a rare-earth permanent magnet.
= The centre optical waveguide 4-1 of the coaxial electro-optical connector device may be a glass fibre, a plastic fibre, a liquid light guide, or a quartz light guide.
= The coaxial electro-optical connector device may further comprise a wall-mountable socket 6-0 made of a non-magnetic material. The socket 6-0 has a cylindrical recess in order to securely attach a first coaxial electro-optical adapter on the back end and to detachably receive a second coaxial electro-optical adapter on the front end, as shown in Figure 3. The socket 6-0 is capable of securely attaching to a wall outlet or to an opto-electronic device in a self-alignment fashion.
= In another embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5, the socket 7-0 directly connects the coaxial electro-optical adapter of a first coaxial electro-optical connector device and the coaxial electro-optical adapter of a second coaxial electro-optical connector device, and provides further alignment.
= Preferably, the ring-shaped magnetic element 5-1 of the coaxial electro-optical adapter 5-0 is made of a rare-earth permanent magnet.
= The centre optical waveguide 4-1 of the coaxial electro-optical connector device may be a glass fibre, a plastic fibre, a liquid light guide, or a quartz light guide.
4
Claims
1. A coaxial electro-optical connector device, comprising:
~ a coaxial electro-optical cable having a planar end, the coaxial electro-optical connector device comprising:
~ a centre optical waveguide for carrying optical signals, the centre optical waveguide having a connection point; and ~ a plurality of outer electrical conductors around the centre optical waveguide for carrying electrical power, each electrical conductor separated by an electrical insulator from another electrical conductor, each electrical conductor having a connection point; and ~ a coaxial electro-optical adapter securely attached to the coaxial electro-optical cable comprising;
~ a ring-shaped magnetic element having a rotationally symmetrical axis, the ring-shaped magnetic element magnetised along the symmetrical axis; and ~ means for holding and biasing the ring-shaped magnetic element;
the ring-shaped magnetic element engaging with a mating ring-shaped magnetic element of another coaxial electro-optical adapter and providing self-alignment so that the centre optical waveguide optically connects with a centre optical waveguide of another coaxial electro-optical cable, and that the outer electrical conductor electrically connects with an outer electrical conductor of another coaxial electro-optical cable, the connection point of the centre optical waveguides and the connection point of the outer electrical conductors laterally align with the ring-shaped magnetic elements at simultaneous planar mating surfaces in flush fashion.
2. The coaxial electro-optical connector device as defined in claim 1, further comprising:
~ a wall-mountable socket having a front end and a back end, the socket made of a non-magnetic material, the socket having a cylindrical recess in order to securely attach a first coaxial electro-optical adapter on the back end and to detachably receive a second coaxial electro-optical adapter on the front end;
the socket being capable of securely attaching to a wall outlet or to an opto-electronic device in self-alignment fashion.
3. The coaxial electro-optical connector device as defined in claim 1, in which the ring-shaped magnetic element of the coaxial electro-optical adapter is made of a rare-earth permanent magnet.
4. The coaxial electro-optical connector device as defined in claim 1, in which the centre optical waveguide of the coaxial electro-optical cable is a glass fibre.
5. The coaxial electro-optical connector device as defined in claim 1, in which the centre optical waveguide of the coaxial electro-optical cable is a plastic fibre.
6. The coaxial electro-optical connector device as defined in claim 1, in which the centre optical waveguide of the coaxial electro-optical cable is a liquid light guide.
7. The coaxial electro-optical connector device as defined in
claim 1, in which the centre optical waveguide of the coaxial electro-optical cable is a quartz light guide.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002320684A CA2320684C (en) | 2000-09-15 | 2000-09-15 | Magnetic coaxial electro-optical connector device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002320684A CA2320684C (en) | 2000-09-15 | 2000-09-15 | Magnetic coaxial electro-optical connector device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2320684A1 CA2320684A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 |
| CA2320684C true CA2320684C (en) | 2008-03-25 |
Family
ID=4167229
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002320684A Expired - Fee Related CA2320684C (en) | 2000-09-15 | 2000-09-15 | Magnetic coaxial electro-optical connector device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2320684C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP4384127B2 (en) * | 2006-03-22 | 2009-12-16 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | A module in which a plurality of circuit boards are laminated at a predetermined distance, and an optical connector for the module |
| EP3730982A1 (en) | 2019-04-25 | 2020-10-28 | DoseVue NV | Connecting device for fiber optics |
| CN110441868B (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2020-12-25 | 尚华 | Optical fiber guide wire, array magnetic optical fiber connector and using method thereof |
-
2000
- 2000-09-15 CA CA002320684A patent/CA2320684C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2320684A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |