DE2932986A1 - CONNECTOR FOR LIGHT GUIDE - Google Patents

Description

description

The present invention relates generally to a connector for optical fibers, i.e. for cables containing glass fibers or optical fibers, and in particular to a detachable connector for aligned light guides in order to couple two light guides or optical fibers or a single light guide and a light source or detector.

The surface of the terminal ends of an optical fiber to be used for the transmission of light waves must be flat and highly polished in order to avoid insertion loss. In addition, optical fibers must generally also be aligned axially, laterally and with respect to their angular position with certain parameters in order to enable a high-quality optical coupling between two optical fibers. The successes in the development and manufacture of optical fibers have therefore led to the fact that strong efforts are now being made in relation to the further development of connectors and coupling elements for such fibers, including connectors that connect aligned, possibly even built-in glass fibers with one another. Thus, the design, manufacture, operation and maintenance of a fiber optic data transmission line requires the development of suitable connectors in order to be competitive with conventional data transmission lines. Therefore, for these and other applications, connecting links are required which can be coupled and uncoupled again a number of times without resulting in a noticeable increase in the insertion losses.

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Most of the connecting links for light guides that have been developed to date are manufactured with great precision correspondingly expensive components that cause only very low insertion losses, however cannot be coupled and uncoupled repeatedly; also the maintenance of these fasteners not possible due to not specially trained fitters. This is especially true for applications in which large distances are bridged must, for example, in telephone systems and in other areas where extremely low insertion losses are required, so that previously only relatively expensive links could be used. However, it has been found that these conventional, expensive links with low Losses are not always well suited for applications where a large number of links is needed that does not have the same value of low Have to achieve introductory losses. In such use cases as computers and others A large number of relatively short optical fibers are used for data transmission applications each end in connecting links; these links need to be coupled and decoupled several times so that maintenance of the system can be carried out on site; because of this, a needed improved, relatively inexpensive link that meets the above requirements.

It is therefore an essential object of the present invention to provide a new, improved, relatively inexpensive, to create a detachable connector for aligned optical fibers in order to facilitate the coupling between two optical fibers

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Fibers or between a single optical fiber and a light source or detector.

The optical fiber connector according to the present invention is constructed so as to be cooperative of several characteristics this goal is achieved.

The optical fiber connector of the present invention includes a terminal closure member with a through hole which extends axially through the closure element to an optical Take up fiber. The closure element is split axially so that first and second, separate, longitudinal Areas arise that form the through hole; these areas can be transverse are engaged with each other to pinch the optical fiber therebetween. One housing takes on the closure element and holds its split areas in their position of engagement in the clamp the optical fiber tightly. The closure element contains at least one longitudinal closure area, that along at least one axial portion of the through hole in the transverse direction is ribbed to come into engagement with this area with the optical fiber and thereby its axial Prevent displacement. An engagement device is provided between the two locking areas, to prevent axial displacement between them.

The optical fiber connector of the present invention Invention can be a light guide with an insulating layer or a cladding of a absorb thermoplastic coating. That through-

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going hole contains a first region of relatively large inner diameter that is substantially the same is the outer diameter of the optical fiber cladding and extends axially from one end of the closure element extends further a second region having a relatively small diameter that is substantially the same is the diameter of the optical fiber itself and extends axially from the other end of the closure element, and a third area, which is substantially at the transition area between the first and second area is located, and is sized to accommodate the reinforcing elements may, which are arranged between the optical fiber and the outer cladding. So accordingly contains the. Through hole three separate areas, the size and shape are designed so that the optical fiber can be included.

Appropriately, mutually corresponding devices for angular alignment between the housing and one of the longitudinal locking areas is provided for the polarization of the connecting link. the Alignment device has an axial, inner groove in either the housing or the locking area is formed, and a protrusion formed on the other part of the housing and the closure portion is; this projection can be arranged axially in the groove.

According to a preferred embodiment, there are fixing devices between the housing and the closure element provided to hold the closure element axially in the housing. The fixing device has a

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Locking groove either in the housing or in the locking element and a locking projection in the other part of the housing and closure element; this locking tab will snap-fit arranged in the locking groove.

One of the closure areas of the split closure element expediently extends from an outer end of the through hole to one inner end. At its inner end it is provided with an engagement surface which is a connecting end of the closure element forms. According to a preferred embodiment, the engagement end extends completely over the connection end of the closure element.

In an embodiment of the invention disclosed here, two of the above-mentioned closure elements are provided, the housing being in the form of a sleeve. The housing is then axially dimensioned so that the sleeve receives the two locking elements in the position of engagement. Appropriately, the sleeve and each closure element have mutually corresponding angular alignment devices to permit polarized engagement of the locking elements with the housing; In addition, corresponding locking elements are provided to the opposite- ^ to hold lying closure elements axially in the housing that the connecting ends of the optical fibers are in axial, lateral, and angular alignment. The distance between the two locking elements of the two locking elements and the axial dimensions between the corresponding locking elements of the housing can be varied and, in particular, adapted to the locking elements which are in engagement,

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which means that the S-end distance of the corresponding optical Fibers can be adjusted very precisely. The closure elements and the housing can be made of elastoraeren, in particular thermoplastic materials are produced at low cost, so a simple, reliable manufacture and distribution result in use.

The present invention is thus directed to a releasable, aligned fiber optic coupling connector, with the two optical fibers or a single optical fiber and a light source or detector can be connected to each other. It is among the objects of the present invention to provide a connector to create the "iahrnais to be coupled and decoupled can, which means that the maintenance on the spot by not Specially trained maintenance personnel is possible, for example at the place of use of the light guide in the Industry; the connecting link can be molded from several different thermoplastics so that it is compact with existing electrical and optical components.

The invention thus provides a connector for light guides or optical fibers, and in particular a releasable connector for aligned optical fibers to couple two optical fibers or a single optical fiber and a light source or detector. Many optical fiber connectors hitherto available are very expensive precision elements that have very little insertion loss but cannot be repeatedly coupled and decoupled;

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ORIGINAL INSPECTED

cm - ^ - z d_a; \ cwr-iung by not specially designed-Ldt-cas rv ^ röor ^ l ar. Orr and Stella generally not possible. The optical fiber pre-tie member of the present invention is designed to obviate these shortcomings.

The optical fiber connector of the present invention includes a terminal closure member with a through hole running axially through the locking element for an optical fiber to record. The locking element is split axially, so that first and second, separate, longitudinal regions are formed which form the through hole; these areas can be brought into transverse engagement with the optical fiber therebetween to clamp.

A housing accommodates the terminal closure element and holds its split areas in their position of engagement, in which they clamp the optical fibers tightly.

At least one of the longitudinal locking areas may have a rib along at least an axial portion of the through hole in the transverse direction be provided to capture the optical fiber and thus prevent its axial displacement. In engagement Coming surfaces can be provided on the two closure areas for axial displacement to prevent between them.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. Show it

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ORIGINAL INSPECTED

Fig. I is a perspective view of a connecting link for optical fibers according to the present invention, having various application possible options are shown,

Fig. 2 shows, on an enlarged scale, a central section through the connecting member, which in Double fibers should be used and contains two identical Verschiußcaile that are straight ir. are coupled to a housing,

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section through the connection se linen t of Figure 2, wherein a portion of Verschiußelementes removed and ge-Crenn ^- c is shown, to facilitate the reproduction,

Figure 4 is a vertical section along line "4-4 from Figure 2,

FIG. 5 is a vertical section along the line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

6 is a vertical section along line 6-6 of FIG. 2, and FIG

Fig. 7 is an end view in the direction of arrows 7-7 of Figure 2 with a section through the optical cal fiber.

In the figures, a separable or detachable, optical fibers in a straight line, that is to say in alignment with one another, aligning connecting member can be seen, which are used in the broadest sense

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ORIGINAL INSPECTED

can connect two optical fibers or a single optical fiber with a light source. or a detector. As can be seen in the figures, at the connecting member according to the present invention as a light guide a so-called "double" or "duplex" Cable 12 used. However, as shown in the lower right corner of Figure 1, the light guide also consist of a single cable 14 used with the connector of the present invention will.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the double cable 12 has an outer, insulating layer or a

Sheath 16 made of thermoplastic material. Each individual optical fiber 20 of the double cable 12 also contains an inner insulating layer or sheath 18 made of thermoplastic material. As shown in the figures, the outer sheath 16 and the inner sheath 18 are configured, in particular cut to size, so that the inner sheaths 18 extend beyond the outer sheath 16 and the optical fibers 20 extend beyond the corresponding inner sheaths 18 thus, the terminal end of the optical fiber 12, the fiber optics: form containing cable; Reinforcing elements 22 are provided between the inner sheaths 18 and the corresponding optical fibers 20 and are exposed, slightly widened towards the outside, as can be seen in FIG .

FIG. 2 shows the connecting member 10 for optical fibers according to the present invention in the coupling of two optical fibers 12 which are aligned opposite one another. The connector 10 aligns the corresponding to the optical fibers 20 of the light guides 12 so that

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ORIGINAL INSPECTED

Due to errors in the axial, lateral, or angular alignment, there are only very small losses in orientation result. The features and advantages of the optical fiber connector 10 of the present invention can, however, in the same way also when coupling a single light guide 12 to a light source or a detector can be used, as will be described in detail below.

As can be seen in detail in Figures 2 to 7, The optical fiber connector 10 of the present invention includes one or more closure members 24, the number depending on the intended use of the link 10. Each locking element 24 is axially divided so that a first, longitudinal closure area 26 and a second, longitudinal closure area 28 arise, which in Figure 3 as the lower and upper closure area are shown. The closure areas 26, 28 form a r.; It contour or a starry shape provided, through hole axially extending through connector 24; the closure areas 26, 28 can interlock transversely, to clamp the light guide 12 and the optical fibers 20 in the through hole, such as will be described below.

A housing 30 is designed as a right-angled sleeve, which receives the closure elements 24 to place them in to hold axially aligned position and the divided closure areas 26, 28 in an engaged position to limit, in which they clamp the light guide 12 firmly. The outsides of the closure elements 24 have also generally rectangular in shape so that they are inserted into the inner, rectangular receiving hole

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that can be completely vcn. Extends through housing 30 end to end. The outsides of the Fastening elements 24 on the split areas 26, 28 can be at their outer, exposed ends ribbed or provided with: longitudinal ribs, as shown at 34 (see FIG. 3), in order to during the introduction and the removal of the closure elements in and from the housing 30, the contact and thus the Improve connection. The closure elements 24 include shoulders 36, which are at the ends of the housing 30 abut so that the connecting ends of the closure elements 24 are connected to one another when required Ends can be arranged at a small distance from each other, as at 28 (see Figures 2 and 3) is shown to prevent scratching of the aligned optical fibers 20 when they are tight and are fully engaged with each other.

Corresponding interlocking locks or fixing means are between each closure element 24 and the housing 30 is provided to releasably hold the locking elements axially in the housing. As can be seen from figure 3 results, the fixing means has a bore 40 through the housing 30, which with each closure element 24 in Connection is / and a radially protruding locking projection or a stop 42 attached to the lower, split area 26 of each closure element is trained. As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, the distance between the locking holes 40 in the housing 30 can be slightly smaller than the entire , be the added dimension between the centerlines of the locking stops 42. When two closure elements 24 and their respective light guides 12 are coupled in alignment with this feature, shoulders 36 so arranged / that the closure elements 24 on one another

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ORIGINAL INSPECTED

to be moved cork; this increases the distance between the eri-csprec'r.o-ids, opposite one another Ends of the optical lasers 20 in the housing 30 so small as possible do.

Between the closure elements 24 and the housing 30 a device is provided to adjust the angular relationship of the various elements so that the desired polarized coupling results, as is particularly the case for twin cables 12 or bundles of several Fibers is required. As can be seen in detail from Figure 6, an inwardly protruding, axial rib 44 formed on the inside of the housing 30, while an axial groove 46 on the outside des Verschluüelemenees 24 is formed around the rib 44 so that the closure element only in one predetermined angular relationship can be introduced into the housing. The groove 45 can be at each of the locking areas 26, 28 of the locking element 24 as a function on the design and desired orientation of the closure element be formed.

As noted above, each closure member 24 includes first and second closure portions 26, 28 (the lower and upper closure portions shown in Figure 3). Its axial engagement device is provided between the locking portions 26, 28 to prevent axial displacement between them. This device includes two axially extending grooves 48 (see FIG. 2) along the inner surface of the locking area 26 and two protruding, axially extending ribs 50 on the corresponding inner surface of the locking area 28. When assembling the locking areas 26, 28 , in which the Light guide 12 between them

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ORIGINAL INSPECTED

is placed, the closure portion 26 is simply attached in the lateral direction, whereby the ribs 50 of the closure area 28 are inserted into the grooves 48 of the closure area 25 in order to the light guide 12 to be clamped between them.

After the closure elements 24 have been assembled, they are inserted axially into the housing 30, as has been described above. The closure area 26 of each closure element 24 is longer than the corresponding one Closure area 28 (see FIG. 3) and dimensioned at its connection end so that it extends over the terminal end of the closure portion 28 extends to. essentially the size and shape of the inside of the housing 30 to correspond. The locking area 26 has a single, continuous engagement surface 52, which extends completely over the closure element 24 at the terminal end which the corresponding connection surface 52 of the closure element 24 connected therewith in the complete coupling (See FIGS. 2 or 3) or a light source or a detector is opposite if a single closure element 24 is used. In addition, grant the non-segmented engagement surfaces 52 of the Closure elements 24 provide the corresponding coupling of the closure elements, adding any source for otherwise not alignment errors to be avoided are reliably eliminated. The relative dimensions between the Locking holes 40 of the housing 30 and the locking stops 42 of the closure element 24 as well of the shoulders 36 of the closure elements 24, as described above, are intended to match the existing Set the distance between the engagement surfaces 52 of the opposing closure elements 24.

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ORIGINAL INSPECTED

According to a preferred embodiment, the glass fibers 20 after assembly or clamping between the closure areas 26, 28 designed, in particular trimmed, so that they are flush with the engagement surface 52 their respective closure valves 24 are.

As mentioned above, the through hole axially extending through each closure element 24 is included a contour or provided with a defined outline to the components of the light guide, such as the double cable 12 to include. The double cable 12 (see FIG. 2) contains the composite, continuous cable Hole in detail an area 54 with small

Diameter for each optical fiber 20 and a region 56 of relatively larger diameter to the inner Cladding 18 of each optical fiber 20 to receive. Furthermore, the composite, through hole has a even larger area 58 for receiving the one-piece or integral, outer casing or the outer Sheath 16 of the double cable 12. Furthermore, the interior of the region 58 of the through hole is inclusive the area which extends through the two closure areas 26, 28 is provided with ribs on the inside, such as is indicated at 60 (see FIG. 3) in order to make it easier for the double cable 12 to be grasped by the closure element 24. As can also be seen in Figure 3, the through hole contains each closure element 24 finally a widened area 62, which is in the closure element 28 at the transition between the Areas 54 and 56 of the through hole is formed to receive the reinforcement elements 22.

The housing 30 and the closure portions 26, 28 of each closure element 24 can be made of thermoplastic material made to manufacture and assemble

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ORIGINAL INSPECTED

to facilitate; this results in a reliable, only extremely low loss-causing connecting link for glass fibers, which can be manufactured relatively inexpensively. Du.s link and its new features can easily be adapted to different uses. For example, the connecting member shown in Figures 2 to 7 can be used for coupling existing light guides, so as so-called "flying splice" 70 (see FIG. 1) can be used as a partition connecting member which is fastened to a wall 72 (see FIG. 1) with the aid of snap fingers 74; the snap fingers 74 are formed in one piece along the sides of the housing 30, in particular molded on The connecting member can also be attached to a printed circuit board 76 (see FIG. 1) with the aid of stops or bosses or connection surfaces 73 which are formed in one piece with the housing 30, in particular shaped to snap-fit into holes 80 in the circuit board 76 The connecting link shown in Figures 2 to 7 can also be used with the housing 30, which is shown at 82 (see Figure 1) Eigte orphan is made to form an expandable portion for a plurality of individual closure elements 24. In addition, the closure member 24 can be used with input / output connectors which form part of an emitter or detector by using a corresponding housing 84 (see FIG. 1), the interior of which has been manufactured in a manner similar to that of housing 30 .

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ORIGINAL INSPECTED

With the link of the present invention it becomes possible / ei:; to use a split construction, wherein the molded in the closure element Outline of the through hole the optical fiber, the inner casing, the reinforcement elements and the take up outer wrapping. The reinforcement elements are fixed by being between the longitudinal Different areas: 'I grasped v / ground, - when these together connected v / earth. Zs hac found that this Construction of the connecting link xi.it the conventional Zpoxy connection techniques can be used; in addition, however, the closure areas of the connecting link can also be welded by ultrasound

by selecting and using suitable thermoplastics as the material for forming the connecting links. If optical fibers made of plastic are used, the connection surfaces of the optical fibers can be produced either by polishing the fiber ends or by cutting the fiber ends, for example with a razor blade, when such a connector is used. A single continuous mating surface, which is not segmented at the terminal end of the closure member, also facilitates the configuration of the optical fiber terminal surfaces and avoids a common source of misalignment. The non-segmented surface on which the optical fiber terminates also avoids any possibility of the closure areas overlapping which could otherwise be caused by deviations from the acceptable manufacturing tolerances or possible assembly errors. Although the connector according to the present invention is particularly well suited for twin cables / it can easily be modified so as to

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'G / NAL INSPECTED

that it is in Voroindur.c- ii; single-channel light guides / multi-channel light guides and planar arrangements, that is, ribbon-shaped light guides with any number of channels, can be used by the continuous Hole (or the through holes) is formed so that it corresponds to the associated light guide.

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ORIGINAL INSPECTED

Claims (16)

PATEN TANWAUI E. A. GRUNECKER αΡι, -ΐΝα H. KINKELDEY DR-ING W. STOCKMAIR DR -INC ■ Α · 6 (CAtTECMt K. SCHUMANN DR HER NAT DPL.-PHYS P. H. JAKOB DlPL ING. G. BEZOUD DRRERMW QPU-CHEM 8 MUNICH MAXlMlLtANSTRASSS * 3 Aug 16, 1979 P 14 157 BUNKER RAMO CORPORATION Commerce Drive, Oak Brook, 111. 60521, USA Link for light guides Claims Separable connecting member for aligned light guides for coupling two light guides or a single light guide to a light source or a detector, characterized by
a closure member (24) having a through hole extending axially through the closure member (24) for receiving a light guide (12, 14), the closure member (24) being axially split and first and second separate longitudinal portions (26, 28), which form the through hole and in transverse Q300Q9 / 0861 (oaü) TELEX O5-2B38O TELEGRAMS MONAPTH ORIGINAL INSPECTED 2932988 direction are engageable to clamp the light guide (12, 14) between them, and by a housing (30, 82, 84) for receiving the locking element (24) around its longitudinal locking area to hold in the engaged position in which they clamp the light guide (12, 14) firmly between them. 2. Link for light guide according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the longitudinal Closure areas (26, 28) in the transverse direction along at least one axial section of the continuous Hole is ribbed to engage the light guide (12, 14) and to allow its axial displacement impede. 3. Link according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by axial engagement means between the first and second closure areas (26, 28) to prevent axial displacement between them. 4. Link according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the inclusion of an optical fiber with an insulating covering, the continuous Hole has a first region with a relatively large inner diameter, which is substantially equal to the outer Is the diameter of the insulating sheath extending axially from one end of the closure element, and a second region having a relatively small diameter substantially equal to that Is the diameter of the optical fiber extending axially from the other end of the closure element (24). 030009/0861 - 3 - 2932988 5. Link according to claim 4, characterized in that the through hole has a third area generally in the transition area of the first and second area with such a size, that this area receives the reinforcing elements (22) between the optical fiber and the insulating Sheath (16) are arranged. 6. Link according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the housing (30) and one of the longitudinal locking portions (26, 28) corresponding angular alignment devices have to enable the polarized engagement between the closure element (24) and the housing (30). 7. Link according to claim 6, characterized in that either the housing (30) or a longitudinal Closure area (26, 28) an axial, inner groove and the other part of the housing (30) and longitudinal closure area (26, 28) has a projection which is arranged axially in the groove will. 8. Link according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the housing (3o) and the closure filament (24) correspondingly engage have upcoming fixing devices in order to releasably releasably axially position the VersuliJnßelenent (24) in the housing (30) to ha ι '* η. 030009/0861 9. Connecting link according to claim 8, characterized in that either the housing (30) or the closure element (24) has a locking groove, and that the other part of the housing (30) and closure element (24) has a locking projection for snap engagement in the locking groove. 10. Link.nach one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that one of the longitudinal locking regions (26, 28) extends from an outer end of the through hole extends to its inner end and at the inner end with an engaging ' surface is provided which forms a connection end of the closure element (24). 11. Connecting link according to claim 10, characterized in that the engaging surface is completely over the terminal end of the closure element (24) extends. 12. Link according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by an opposing pair of closure elements (24), the housing (30) having the shape of a sleeve which is axially dimensioned so that they the two closure elements (24) in opposite Ends of the sleeve are inserted, accommodates the closure elements (24) in the Are engaged position. 13. Connecting link according to claim 12, characterized in that that the sleeve and each closure element (24) have a corresponding device for angular alignment 030009/0861 5- 2932936 device has the polarized engagement between closure elements (24) and sleeve allows. 14. Link according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the inclusion of a double cable (12) of optical fibers with an outer, insulating sheath (16), through in the outer insulating Sheath (16) arranged reinforcing elements (22), and by two optical fibers (20), the are arranged in the reinforcement elements (22), each optical fiber (20) extending in an inner, insulating sheath (18) is located. 15. Link according to claim 14, characterized in that the through hole has an area small diameter to accommodate each optical fiber, an area of relatively larger diameter to accommodate the inner, insulating sheath of each optical fiber and an area of even larger size Diameter for receiving the outer insulating sheath (16) of the optical fiber cable. 16. A connecting link according to claim 15, characterized in that the through hole further comprises a widened one Has area for receiving the reinforcing elements (22) of the light guide made of optical fibers. 030009/0861