EP0000145B1 - Optical fiber connector and method for joining an optical fiber to a connector - Google Patents

Optical fiber connector and method for joining an optical fiber to a connector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0000145B1
EP0000145B1 EP78100157A EP78100157A EP0000145B1 EP 0000145 B1 EP0000145 B1 EP 0000145B1 EP 78100157 A EP78100157 A EP 78100157A EP 78100157 A EP78100157 A EP 78100157A EP 0000145 B1 EP0000145 B1 EP 0000145B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
segment
fibre
held
transmission
connector
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
Application number
EP78100157A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0000145A1 (en
Inventor
André Tardy
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alcatel Lucent SAS
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Compagnie Generale dElectricite SA
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Publication of EP0000145A1 publication Critical patent/EP0000145A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0000145B1 publication Critical patent/EP0000145B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • G02B6/255—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
    • G02B6/2555—Alignment or adjustment devices for aligning prior to splicing
    • 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
    • G02B6/255—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
    • G02B6/2551—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding using thermal methods, e.g. fusion welding by arc discharge, laser beam, plasma torch
    • 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
    • G02B6/3834—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule
    • G02B6/3841—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule using rods, balls for light guides
    • 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
    • G02B6/3834—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule
    • G02B6/3843—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule with auxiliary facilities for movably aligning or adjusting the fibre within its ferrule, e.g. measuring position or eccentricity
    • 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
    • G02B6/3846—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with fibre stubs
    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3887—Anchoring optical cables to connector housings, e.g. strain relief features
    • G02B6/3888—Protection from over-extension or over-compression
    • 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
    • G02B6/3818—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres of a low-reflection-loss type
    • 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
    • G02B6/36—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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a connector for optical fiber and a method of connecting an optical fiber to a connector.
  • Such a fiber comprises for example a glass core with a diameter of 100 microns surrounded by an optical sheath of the same material and with a lower optical index, itself surrounded by an external sheath of mechanical protection, for example made of plastic.
  • the connector usually includes "holding means” to allow precise manipulation of one end of the optical fiber to be connected stripped of its outer sheath. Other means are used to guide the holding means so as to allow the held end to be placed in the precise position which ensures the desired optical connection, for example the connection to another optical fiber held in a connector of complementary type ( a male connector being complementary to a female connector). All of these holding and possibly guiding means constitute the connecting element of the connector, of which other elements will be described later.
  • the precision obtained as to the position of the fiber is all the better as its diameter is closer to that for which the holding means have been provided.
  • These means can for example consist of three steel rods of the same diameter tightened side by side with their axes passing through the three vertices of an equilateral triangle located in a plane perpendicular to these axes. These three rods delimit between them a holding channel for a glass fiber of a certain diameter which can be called "suitable diameter". If a fiber has a diameter greater than the suitable diameter, it cannot be introduced into the holding channel. If a fiber has a diameter smaller than the suitable diameter, it can move transversely in the holding channel, and a good optical connection cannot be practically obtained. If other types of holding means are used, it remains obvious that they will make it possible to obtain an optical connection all the better as the glass fiber to be connected will have a diameter closer to a "suitable diameter".
  • a connector also usually comprises means for blocking the outer sheath of the fiber to be connected. These means make it possible to immobilize the end of this sheath relative to the connector so that if the fiber is pulled outside the connector, the force is transmitted by this sheath to these blocking means and either thus transmitted to the entire connector via these means, and not via the fiberglass segment held in the connecting element. This segment would risk being displaced or broken if it had to transmit the force exerted on the fiber.
  • the object of the present invention is to produce a connector for optical fiber making it possible to obtain good optical connections despite the imprecision with which the diameter of the fiber to be connected can be known in advance.
  • a connection made between two optical fibers using two connectors according to the invention of complementary types has the obvious drawback that three causes of loss of light energy are added, namely a solder in the male connector, the crossing of an air gap between the opposite ends of the two segments held in the connecting elements of the two connectors, and a second weld in the female connector.
  • three causes of loss of light energy are added, namely a solder in the male connector, the crossing of an air gap between the opposite ends of the two segments held in the connecting elements of the two connectors, and a second weld in the female connector.
  • the losses of a connection according to the invention are then 8% for the two welds and 1% for the two air-glass interfaces at the front ends of the two segments maintained with anti-reflective coating. The total loss is 9%.
  • a connection made without the invention would cause, under the same conditions, a loss of approximately 8% for the two air-glass interfaces, without anti-reflective coatings, and a loss which may vary between 1% and 15% due to the almost inevitable misalignment of the two fibers and the random difference in their diameters.
  • the total loss would therefore vary randomly between 9% and almost 23%.
  • FIG. 1 represents a view in half-section through an axial plane of the intermediate assembly of a connector according to the invention
  • Figures 2, 3 and 4 show views of the assembly shown in Figure 1 in section through planes perpendicular to the axis respectively II-II, III-III, IV-IV.
  • FIG. 5 represents a view in half section through an axial plane of the blocking element of the same connector.
  • FIG. 6 represents a view of this same connector in section through an axial plane.
  • FIG. 7 represents a perspective view of an apparatus allowing the methods according to the invention to be implemented.
  • FIG. 8 represents a detail of FIG. 7.
  • Figures 9 and 10 are respectively similar to Figures 1 and 2 and differ only in that they represent elements of a connector complementary to that of Figures 1 and 2.
  • the female type connector which will be described consists of a set of elements arranged coaxially around and along a common axis 4. It is along this axis that the fibers and fiber segments which must be connected follow one another. , so as to create an optical link allowing the transmission of a signal.
  • the fiber diameter is too small, for example 100 microns, to be able to be represented at its exact scale in the figures.
  • the elements of the connector can be made, for example, of brass, except some of them whose constituent material must obviously be different and will sometimes be indicated.
  • This connector comprises a connecting element 2 (see FIG. 1) having the general shape of a thick cylindrical tube. Inside this tube, an assembly consisting of a clamping tube 6 made of a thin spring steel which, by elastic deformation, fixes three guide rods 8, of diameter, has been fixed, for example by gluing. of 1.5 mm for example, between which three retaining rods 10 are clamped with a diameter of 0.82 mm for example, which delimit between them an axial retaining channel in which a segment of optical fiber 12 is maintained.
  • All these rods are parallel to axis 4. They are made of hard steel and machined with precision so as to give them an exactly cylindrical shape and a well determined diameter. They are coextensive along the axis 4 except that the guide rods 8 project towards the front of the connector, that is to say towards the left in FIGS. 1 to 6, relative to the retaining rods. Each retaining rod is in lateral contact with the other two. Each guide rod is in contact, except in its projecting part, with two holding rods. The front end of the maintained fiber segment is in the same plane perpendicular to the axis as the front ends of the three holding rods.
  • This front end received, before its introduction between the retaining rods 10, a double-layer anti-reflective coating consisting for example of a layer of titanium oxide Ti0 2 , and a layer of magnesium fluoride MgF z .
  • the projecting parts of the three guide rods form between them a guide channel into which a set of three other retaining rods 10 ′ can engage, forming part of a male type connector (see FIGS. 9 and 10).
  • Such a connector is analogous to the female connector described, except that it does not carry guide rods, the clamping tube 6 ′ analogous to tube 6 then having a smaller diameter so as to directly secure the clamping of the rods holding, the connecting element 2 'similar to the element 2 then having an inner diameter correspondingly reduced.
  • the connecting element 2 is provided at its front end with an external shoulder allowing the support of the front end of a compressed helical spring 13 (Figure 1) whose rear end rests on an internal shoulder of a front cover 14 which surrounds the connecting element 2 with radial clearance, and which is pushed back by this spring against a stop 16 fixed on the connecting element 2.
  • This arrangement allows this cover to move, elastically by relative to element 2, on the one hand forward over several millimeters, on the other hand radially.
  • the front cover 14 of the female connector and the connecting element 2' of the male connector each carry a thread 28 allowing the fixing by screwing of a rear cover such as 30 ( Figure 6) surrounding the parts of the connector located at the rear connecting elements leaving a certain radial clearance.
  • Each connecting element further comprises a rear extension such as 32 (FIGS. 1 and 3) allowing the fixing of an intermediate element such as 34.
  • the intermediate element 34 has the form of a tube pierced at its front end with two longitudinal parallel grooves 36 and 38 offset angularly by 90 ° around the common axis. Each of these grooves allows the passage of a screw ensuring the fixing of this element on the rear extension 32, with the possibility of longitudinal adjustment.
  • the intermediate element 34 has an internal thickening 40 allowing the housing of a socket 42 pierced with an axial bore in which is fixed a fiber holder 44 made of ceramic.
  • the maintained fiber segment 12 is fixed by its rear part 46 in this fiber holder, the rear end of this segment projecting towards the rear.
  • the rear end of the maintained segment is free.
  • the wall of the intermediate element 34 is pierced with four openings 50, 52, 54 and 56 offset by 90 °, and intended to allow a weld to be made on this end.
  • These openings have for example a length of 7 mm parallel to the axis 4 and each extend over an arc of 30 ° around the axis 4, the intermediate element having a diameter of 10 mm. They allow access to an axial "contact zone" in which the rear end of the maintained segment is located.
  • the intermediate element ends in a rear extension 58 intended to allow the fixing of a blocking element, and hollowed out on the axis to allow the passage of a transmission optical fiber.
  • the locking element 60 ( Figure 5) has a generally tubular shape. Its front end is pierced by two longitudinal parallel grooves 62 and 64 offset angularly by 90 ° around the common axis, and each allowing the passage of a screw for the adjustable fixing of this element on the rear extension 58 of the element intermediate. It internally comprises a clamp with four symmetrical jaws such as 66 which delimit an axial channel and which can move radially towards the axis under the action of a nut with longitudinal displacement which cooperates with the conical outer faces of the four jaws. It is thus possible to tighten on the axis of an optical fiber "transmission" 68 provided with an outer sheath of polyamide.
  • this fiber is stripped of its sheath and protrudes forward beyond the blocking element 60 so as to be able to join the rear end of the segment maintained 46 when this blocking element is attached to the extension 58.
  • the radial clearance between this cover and the intermediate elements 34 and blocking 60 allows, when connecting with a male connector, to ensure that the position of the connecting elements 2, intermediate 34 and blocking 60, is determined by means of the guide rods 8 and not by that of the front cover 14 .
  • the welding of the two fiber ends is carried out using an oxyhydric micro torch 70.
  • the diameter of the injector 72 (hollow metal needle) is 0.1 mm (or 0.2 mm).
  • the flame temperature makes it possible to obtain the softening temperature (of the order of 1700 °) of the silica.
  • the reduced dimensions of the flame allow welding in a reduced space. This characteristic is necessary in order to be able to perform the welding of the fibers inside the connector itself. Indeed, the welding operation leads to weakening of the fibers in the vicinity of the joint. This embrittlement prohibits any manipulation on the welded fiber. This is why the transmission fiber 68 is made integral with the blocking element 60, prior to the welding operation.
  • the shape of the injector facilitates the welding operation inside the connector.
  • An example of a welding tool is illustrated by the perspective views of the various devices that make it up ( Figures 7 and 8).
  • the connecting element is positioned on a fixed support 74 having a V-shaped alignment groove.
  • a presser 76 immobilizes the part.
  • the two lines of the reticle correspond to the axis of supply of the injector and to the theoretical axis of work of the micro-torch which is displaceable along its horizontal axis perpendicular to axis 4, thanks to a screw 80.
  • the working position of the micro torch is adjusted by means of a stop.
  • the working distance between the end of the injector and the axis of the fiber is 0.8 mm.
  • the focusing operation automatically brings the axis of the injector into the horizontal plane of the fiber.
  • the operator positions the blocking element 60 on a movable support 82 parallel to the axis 4 using a screw 83 after having previously introduced and blocked the transmission fiber in this element.
  • a manipulator 84 secured to the movable support 82 makes it possible to adjust the position of the end of the fiber along two axes orthogonal to each other and to the axis 4. It is controlled by two screws 86 and 88 cooperating with an elastically flexible rod 90, and ends with a V-shaped piece allowing the fiber 68 to be trapped. By observation with the viewfinder, the manipulator makes it possible to make the two fibers coaxial, the translation of the support 82 making it possible to exert pressure between the fibers.
  • Observation is facilitated by illumination of the contact area both in the direction of the viewfinder 78 and in the direction prependicular (not shown) to the latter, using two optical lighting fibers such as 92.
  • the operator observes two light lines, one linked to the refraction of light by the fiber, the other less intense and finer linked to the reflection of light from the direction normal to the viewfinder.
  • the alignment of the lines relating to the two fibers causes the alignment of the fibers in the two axes.
  • the alignment of the lines completes a first alignment resulting from the clear observation of the two fibers and from the direct observation of the offset in the plane normal to the viewfinder.
  • the operator fixes the locking element to the intermediate element to the connector 34 using the two screws arranged in the grooves 60 and 62.

Description

L'invention concerne un connecteur pour fibre optique et un procédé de raccordement d'une fibre optique à un connecteur.The invention relates to a connector for optical fiber and a method of connecting an optical fiber to a connector.

Une telle fibre comporte par exemple un coeur de verre d'un diamètre de 100 microns entouré par une gaine optique de même matière et d'indice optique plus faible, elle même entourée par une gaine externe de protection mécanique, par exemple en matière plastique.Such a fiber comprises for example a glass core with a diameter of 100 microns surrounded by an optical sheath of the same material and with a lower optical index, itself surrounded by an external sheath of mechanical protection, for example made of plastic.

Le connecteur comporte habituellement des "moyens de maintien" pour permettre la manipulation précise d'une extrémité de la fibre optique à connecter dénudée de sa gaine externe. D'autres moyens sont utilisés pour guider les moyens de maintien de manière à permettre de placer l'extrémité maintenue dans la position précise qui assure la connexion optique souhaitée, par exemple la connexion à une autre fibre optique maintenue dans un connecteur de type complémentaire (un connecteur mâle étant complémentaire d'un connecteur femelle). L'ensemble de ces moyens de maintien et éventuellement de guidage constitue l'élément connectant du connecteur, dont d'autres éléments seront décrits plus loin.The connector usually includes "holding means" to allow precise manipulation of one end of the optical fiber to be connected stripped of its outer sheath. Other means are used to guide the holding means so as to allow the held end to be placed in the precise position which ensures the desired optical connection, for example the connection to another optical fiber held in a connector of complementary type ( a male connector being complementary to a female connector). All of these holding and possibly guiding means constitute the connecting element of the connector, of which other elements will be described later.

La précision obtenue quant à la position de la fibre est d'autant meilleure que son diamètre est plus proche de celui pour lequel les moyens de maintien ont été prévus. Ces moyens peuvent être par exemple constitués par trois tiges d'acier de même diamètre serrées côte à côte avec leurs axes passant par les trois sommets d'un triangle équilatéral situé dans un plan perpendiculaire a ces axes. Ces trois tiges délimitent entre elles un canal de maintien pour une fibre de verre d'un certain diamètre qui peut être appelé "diamètre adapté". Si une fibre a un diamètre supérieur au diamètre adapté, elle ne peut pas être introduite dans le canal de maintien. Si une fibre a un diamètre inférieur au diamètre adapté, elle peut se déplacer transversalement dans le canal de maintien, et une bonne connexion optique ne peut pas être pratiquement obtenue. Si on utilise d'autre types de moyens de maintien, il reste évident qu'ils permettront d'obtenir une connexion optique d'autant meilleure que la fibre de verre à connecter aura un diamètre plus proche d'un "diamètre adapté".The precision obtained as to the position of the fiber is all the better as its diameter is closer to that for which the holding means have been provided. These means can for example consist of three steel rods of the same diameter tightened side by side with their axes passing through the three vertices of an equilateral triangle located in a plane perpendicular to these axes. These three rods delimit between them a holding channel for a glass fiber of a certain diameter which can be called "suitable diameter". If a fiber has a diameter greater than the suitable diameter, it cannot be introduced into the holding channel. If a fiber has a diameter smaller than the suitable diameter, it can move transversely in the holding channel, and a good optical connection cannot be practically obtained. If other types of holding means are used, it remains obvious that they will make it possible to obtain an optical connection all the better as the glass fiber to be connected will have a diameter closer to a "suitable diameter".

Or, dans une production industrielle de fibres optiques, on constate généralement des variations de l'ordre de 4% de part et d'autre d'un diamètre "nominal" souhaité. On peut espérer que ces variations seront abaissées par exemple à 2% dans l'avenir, mais non qu'elles seront supprimées. Il apparait donc un besoin évident d'améliorer les connecteurs optiques de manière à permettre d'obtenir de bonnes connexions optiques malgré les incertitudes en ce qui concerne le diamètre exact des fibres à connecter.However, in an industrial production of optical fibers, there are generally variations of the order of 4% on either side of a desired "nominal" diameter. We can hope that these variations will be lowered, for example, to 2% in the future, but not that they will be eliminated. There is therefore an obvious need to improve the optical connectors so as to allow good optical connections to be obtained despite the uncertainties as regards the exact diameter of the fibers to be connected.

Un connecteur comporte par ailleurs de manière habituelle des moyens de blocage de la gaine externe de la fibre à connecter. Ces moyens permettent d'immobiliser l'extrémité de cette gaine par rapport au connecteur de telle sorte que si on tire sur la fibre à l'extérieur du connecteur, l'effort soit transmis par cette gaine jusqu'à ces moyens de blocage et soit ainsi transmis à l'ensemble du connecteur par l'intermédiaire de ces moyens, et non pas par l'intermédiaire du segment de fibre de verre maintenu dans l'élément connectant. Ce segment risquerait en effet d'être déplacé ou brisé s'il devait transmettre l'effort exercé sur la fibre.A connector also usually comprises means for blocking the outer sheath of the fiber to be connected. These means make it possible to immobilize the end of this sheath relative to the connector so that if the fiber is pulled outside the connector, the force is transmitted by this sheath to these blocking means and either thus transmitted to the entire connector via these means, and not via the fiberglass segment held in the connecting element. This segment would risk being displaced or broken if it had to transmit the force exerted on the fiber.

La présente invention a pour but la réalisation d'un connecteur pour fibre optique permettant d'obtenir de bonnes connexions optiques malgré l'imprécision avec laquelle le diamètre de la fibre à connecter peut être connu à l'avance.The object of the present invention is to produce a connector for optical fiber making it possible to obtain good optical connections despite the imprecision with which the diameter of the fiber to be connected can be known in advance.

Elle a pour objet un connecteur pour fibre optique comportant:

  • -un élément connectant muni de moyens de maintien aptes à maintenir un segment de fibre optique de diamètre prédéterminé, et aptes à être guidés de manière à permettre de mettre ce segment maintenu en alignement et en contact par son extrémité avant avec une autre fibre optique maintenue par un élément connectant d'un autre connecteur, de manière à assurer la connexion optique entre ce segment maintenu et cette autre fibre optique,
  • ―et un élément de blocage solidaire de l'élément connectant et comportant des moyens de blocage pour permettre de fixer une fibre optique "de transmission" en alignement avec ledit segment maintenu de manière à éviter tout effort sur ce segment lorsque ce segment est en continuité mécanique avec la fibre optique de transmission et lorsque on exerce un effort sur cette fibre au-delà de ces moyens de blocage,
  • -caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte en outre un élément intermédiaire assurant la solidarisation entre l'élément connectant et l'élement de blocage, cet élément intermédiaire présentant au moins une ouverture permettant d'accéder à une zone de contact entre l'extrémité arrière dudit segment maintenu et l'extrémité de ladite fibre de transmission, cette ouverture étant suffisamment large pour permettre à travers elle de réaliser une soudure assurant la continuité optique entre ce segment maintenu et cette fibre de transmission,
  • ―et un segment maintenu dans l'élément connectant, ayant une longueur inférieure à cinq centimètres, et ayant son extrémité avant munie d'un revêtement antireflet.
Its subject is a connector for optical fiber comprising:
  • a connecting element provided with holding means capable of maintaining a segment of optical fiber of predetermined diameter, and capable of being guided so as to allow this segment maintained to be brought into alignment and in contact by its front end with another optical fiber maintained by a connecting element of another connector, so as to ensure the optical connection between this maintained segment and this other optical fiber,
  • ― And a blocking element integral with the connecting element and comprising blocking means to allow fixing of a "transmission" optical fiber in alignment with said segment maintained so as to avoid any force on this segment when this segment is continuous mechanical with the optical transmission fiber and when a force is exerted on this fiber beyond these blocking means,
  • -characterized by the fact that it further comprises an intermediate element ensuring the joining between the connecting element and the blocking element, this intermediate element having at least one opening allowing access to a contact zone between the end rear of said maintained segment and the end of said transmission fiber, this opening being wide enough to allow through it to produce a weld ensuring optical continuity between this maintained segment and this transmission fiber,
  • ―And a segment held in the connecting element, having a length of less than five centimeters, and having its front end provided with an anti-reflective coating.

Elle a aussi pour objet un procédé de raccordement d'une fibre optique à un connecteur caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte les étapes suivantes:

  • -on insère d'abord dans l'élément connectant du connecteur, un segment de fibre optique d'une longueur inférieure à cinq centimètres et diamètre auquel l'élément connecteur est adapté, et on assure le maintien de ce segment dans cet élément, ce segment comportant une extrémité avant par laquelle la connection doit pouvoir se réaliser, et une extrémité arrière libre,
  • -on insère ensuite, dans un élément de blocage du connecteur, la zone d'extrémité de la fibre optique "de transmission" qui doit être raccordée à ce connecteur,
  • -on met en alignement et on rapproche l'extrémité de cette fibre de transmission de l'extrémité arrière du segment maintenu,
  • -on chauffe ces deux extrémités de manière à réaliser une soudure assurant la continuité optique entre cette fibre de transmission et ce segment maintenu,
  • -et on immobilise la fibre de transmission par rapport à l'élément connectant par l'intermédiaire de l'élément de blocage et d'un élément intermédiaire solidarisant cet élément de blocage avec cet élément connectant.
It also relates to a method of connecting an optical fiber to a connector characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
  • -first, a segment of optical fiber less than five centimeters in length and diameter to which the connector element is adapted is inserted into the connector connecting element, and this segment is maintained in this element, segment comprising a front end by which the connection must be able to be made, and a free rear end,
  • -then inserting, in a blocking element of the connector, the end zone of the "transmission" optical fiber which must be connected to this connector,
  • we align and bring the end of this transmission fiber closer to the rear end of the maintained segment,
  • these two ends are heated so as to produce a weld ensuring optical continuity between this transmission fiber and this maintained segment,
  • -and the transmission fiber is immobilized relative to the connecting element via the blocking element and an intermediate element securing this blocking element with this connecting element.

Elle a encore pour objet un procédé de réalisation d'une connexion optique amovible entre deux fibres optiques "de transmission" à l'aide de deux connecteurs complémentaires coopérant entre eux et comportant chacun:

  • -un élément connectant muni de moyens de maintien aptes à maintenir un segment de fibre optique de diamètre prédéterminé et aptes à être guidés pour mettre le segment maintenu en alignement et en contact par son extrémité avant avec un autre segment de fibre optique maintenu par l'élément connectant du connecteur complémentaire de manière à assurer la connexion optique entre ces deux segments maintenus, ce procédé étant caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte les étapes suivantes:
  • -on dispose un segment de fibre optique dans chaque élément connectant de manière que ce segment soit maintenu par lesdits moyens de maintien, ce segment maintenu ayant une longueur inférieure à cinq centimètres et ayant son extrémité avant munie d'un revêtement antireflet,
  • ―et on soude l'extrémité arrière de chacun des deux segments maintenus à l'extrémité de la fibre de transmission correspondante.
Another subject of the invention is a method for producing a removable optical connection between two “transmission” optical fibers using two complementary connectors cooperating with each other and each comprising:
  • a connecting element provided with holding means capable of maintaining a segment of optical fiber of predetermined diameter and capable of being guided to bring the segment maintained in alignment and in contact by its front end with another segment of optical fiber maintained by the connecting element of the complementary connector so as to ensure the optical connection between these two maintained segments, this method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
  • there is a segment of optical fiber in each connecting element so that this segment is maintained by said holding means, this segment maintained having a length of less than five centimeters and having its front end provided with an anti-reflective coating,
  • ―And the rear end of each of the two segments held at the end of the corresponding transmission fiber is welded.

Il est à remarquer que l'on savait déjà classiquement réaliser une connexion optique entre deux fibres par soudure des extrémités de ces fibres. Mais la connexion ainsi réalisée n'était évidemment pas amovible. Elle occasionnait une perte d'énergie lumineuse, voisine en général de 6%.It should be noted that it was already known conventionally to make an optical connection between two fibers by welding the ends of these fibers. But the connection thus produced was obviously not removable. It caused a loss of light energy, generally around 6%.

Une connexion réalisée entre deux fibres optiques à l'aide de deux connecteurs selon l'invention de types complémentaires présente l'inconvénient évident que l'on additionne trois causes de perte d'énergie lumineuse, à savoir une soudure dans le connecteur mâle, la traversée d'un intervalle d'air entre les extrémités en regard des deux segments maintenus dans les éléments connectants des deux connecteurs, et une deuxième soudure dans le connecteur femelle. Compte tenu du fait que, pour tout homme de l'art, le but à atteindre lors de la réalisation de la connexion était de diminuer la perte totale d'énergie lumineuse, cette addition de trois causes de perte pouvait sembler empêcher absolument d'atteindre ce but. Cette situation est évidemment très différente de celle des connecteurs électriques, qui comportent parfois des soudures entre des fiches de connexion, mâles ou femelles, et les extrémités des fils métalliques à raccorder. En effet, dans ces connecteurs électriques on ne rencontre, ni quant à l'alignement des éléments, ni quant aux pertes aux soudures, aucun problème de difficulté comparable à celles rencontrées dans les connecteurs optiques. On sait réaliser des soudures présentant des résistances électriques aussi faibles que nécessaire.A connection made between two optical fibers using two connectors according to the invention of complementary types has the obvious drawback that three causes of loss of light energy are added, namely a solder in the male connector, the crossing of an air gap between the opposite ends of the two segments held in the connecting elements of the two connectors, and a second weld in the female connector. In view of the fact that, for any person skilled in the art, the goal to be achieved when making the connection was to decrease the total loss of light energy, this addition of three causes of loss could seem to absolutely prevent reaching this goal. This situation is obviously very different from that of electrical connectors, which sometimes include soldering between connection plugs, male or female, and the ends of the metal wires to be connected. In fact, in these electrical connectors, neither with regard to the alignment of the elements, nor with regard to the welding losses, there is no problem of difficulty comparable to those encountered in optical connectors. It is known to make welds having electrical resistances as low as necessary.

Pour apercevoir les avantages de la présente invention il convient d'étudier les conditions dans lesquelles le signal lumineux perd de l'énergie en divers points de son trajet selon que la connexion optique entre deux fibres optiques est réalisée à l'aide de deux connecteurs complémentaires de type connu, ou de deux connecteurs complémentaires conformes à l'invention. Cette étude va être faite approximativement ci-après dans le cas où les fibres à connecter sont d'un type courant, c'est-à-dire -présentent un couplage moyen entre les divers modes de propagation de la lumière, et une incertitude moyenne sur le diamètre de la fibre de verre. Elle tient compte des trois faits suivants qui permettent de comprendre l'efficacité de l'invention pour atteindre le but recherché:

  • Premièrement le segment de fibre maintenu dans l'élément connectant a une faible longueur. Son diamètre peut donc être choisi avec toute la précision désirable sans qu'il en résulte de dépense supplémentaire gênante. Deuxièmement ce segment court peut être inséré dans l'élément connectant dans l'usine même dans laquelle le connecteur est fabriqué. Il en résulte. que son extrémité avant qui doit être en contact avec l'intervalle d'air inévitable entre fibres à connecter, peut être pourvue aisément d'un revêtement du type "antireflet" qui diminue les pertes par réflexion à l'interface verre-air. Au contraire il n'est pratiquement pas possible de déposer un tel revêtement sur l'extrémité d'une fibre de transmission de grande longueur coupée sur le chantier de réalisation d'un système de transmission. Troisièmement, il est connu qu'une soudure entre deux fibres occasionne des pertes d'énergie lumineuse non pas sur l'ensemble des modes de propagation de la lumière dans les fibres, mais seulement sur certains de ces modes, correspondant à des rayons lumineux formant des angles relativement grands avec la surface de séparation entre le coeur de la fibre et la gaine d'indice plus faible. Au cours de la propagation ultérieure de la lumière dans la fibre, après la soudure, ces modes reprennent progressivement de l'énergie au dépens des autres modes, grâce au couplage existant entre tous les modes se propageant dans une fibre. Ce couplage est d'autant plus intense que la fibre est de moins bonne qualité. Il résulte de ceci que, si deux soudures se suivent sur une ligne à très petite distance, les modes qui ont perdu leur énergie en franchissant la première soudure n'ont pas le temps de prendre une énergie importante aux autres modes avant de recontrer la deuxième soudure. La traversée de cette deuxième soudure ne provoquera donc qu'une faible perte supplémentaire d'énergie. Au contraire si les deux soudures sont très éloignées l'une de l'autre, l'équilibre entre les modes se sera complètement rétabli quand la lumière parviendra à la deuxième soudure, et cette deuxième soudure fera perdre à la lumière la même proportion de son énergie que la première. Pour une fibre de qualité courante, une seule soudure provoque par exemple une perte d'énergie de 6%. Deux soudures éloignées de 10 cm provoquent alors une perte totale de 8% environ, alors que si elles sont éloignées de 40 cm, la perte totale atteint presque 12%. L'importance de ce troisième fait apparaît lorsqu'on sait qu'il est facile de donner au segment maintenu une longueur inférieure à 5 cm, et que la distance entre les deux soudures nécessaires à la réalisation d'une connexion selon l'invention entre deux fibres de transmission est égale à la somme des longueurs des deux segments maintenus dans les deux connecteurs complémentaires coopérant entre eux pour assurer cette connection.
To see the advantages of the present invention, it is necessary to study the conditions under which the light signal loses energy at various points in its path, depending on whether the optical connection between two optical fibers is made using two complementary connectors. of known type, or of two complementary connectors in accordance with the invention. This study will be made approximately below in the case where the fibers to be connected are of a common type, that is to say have a medium coupling between the various modes of propagation of light, and a medium uncertainty. on the diameter of the fiberglass. It takes account of the following three facts which make it possible to understand the effectiveness of the invention in achieving the desired goal:
  • First, the fiber segment held in the connecting element has a short length. Its diameter can therefore be chosen with all the desired precision without resulting in annoying additional expense. Secondly, this short segment can be inserted into the connecting element in the same factory in which the connector is manufactured. This results. that its front end which must be in contact with the inevitable air gap between the fibers to be connected, can easily be provided with a coating of the "anti-reflective" type which reduces the losses by reflection at the glass-air interface. On the contrary, it is practically not possible to deposit such a coating on the end of a very long transmission fiber cut on the construction site of a transmission system. Third, it is known that a weld between two fibers causes light energy losses not on all of the modes of propagation of light in the fibers, but only on some of these modes, corresponding to light rays forming relatively large angles with the separation surface between the core of the fiber and the sheath with a lower index. During the subsequent propagation of light in the fiber, after welding, these modes gradually regain energy at the expense of the other modes, thanks to the coupling existing between all the modes propagating in a fiber. This coupling is all the more intense as the fiber is of lower quality. It follows from this that, if two welds follow each other on a line at a very short distance, the modes which have lost their energy by crossing the first weld do not have time to take a significant energy in the other modes before meeting the second welding. The crossing of this second weld will therefore cause only a small additional loss of energy. On the contrary if the two welds are very far from each other, the balance between the modes will be completely restored when the light reaches the second weld, and this second weld will cause the light to lose the same proportion of sound energy than the first. For a common quality fiber, a single weld causes for example an energy loss of 6%. Two welds spaced 10 cm apart then cause a total loss of around 8%, whereas if they are spaced 40 cm apart, the total loss is almost 12%. The importance of this third fact becomes apparent when it is known that it is easy to give the maintained segment a length of less than 5 cm, and that the distance between the two welds necessary for making a connection according to the invention between two transmission fibers is equal to the sum of the lengths of the two segments held in the two complementary connectors cooperating with each other to ensure this connection.

Les pertes d'une connexion selon l'invention sont alors de 8% pour les deux soudures et de 1% pour les deux interfaces air-verre aux extrémités avant des deux segments maintenus avec revêtement antireflet. La perte totale est de 9%.The losses of a connection according to the invention are then 8% for the two welds and 1% for the two air-glass interfaces at the front ends of the two segments maintained with anti-reflective coating. The total loss is 9%.

Une connexion réalisée sans l'invention provoquerait dans les mêmes conditions une perte d'environ 8% pour les deux interfaces air-verre, sans revêtements antireflet, et une perte pouvant varier entre 1% et 15% en raison du presque inévitable mauvais alignement des deux fibres et de la différence aléatoire de leurs diamètres. La perte totale varierait donc de manière aléatoire entre 9% et presque 23%.A connection made without the invention would cause, under the same conditions, a loss of approximately 8% for the two air-glass interfaces, without anti-reflective coatings, and a loss which may vary between 1% and 15% due to the almost inevitable misalignment of the two fibers and the random difference in their diameters. The total loss would therefore vary randomly between 9% and almost 23%.

A l'aide des figures schématiques 1 à 8 ci- jointes, on va décrire ci-après, à titre non limitatif, comment l'invention peut être misé en oeuvre.Using the attached schematic figures 1 to 8, a description will be given below, without implied limitation, of how the invention can be implemented.

Les éléments qui se correspondent sur plusieurs de ces figures y sont désignés par les mêmes signes de référence.The elements which correspond in several of these figures are designated therein by the same reference signs.

La figure 1 représente une vue en demie- coupe par un plan axial de l'ensemble intermédiaire d'un connecteur selon l'invention,FIG. 1 represents a view in half-section through an axial plane of the intermediate assembly of a connector according to the invention,

Les figures 2, 3 et 4 représentent des vues de l'ensemble représenté figure 1 en coupe par des plans perpendiculaires à l'axe respectivement II-II, III-III, IV-IV.Figures 2, 3 and 4 show views of the assembly shown in Figure 1 in section through planes perpendicular to the axis respectively II-II, III-III, IV-IV.

La figure 5 représente une vue en demie coupe par un plan axial de l'élément de blocage d'un même connecteur.FIG. 5 represents a view in half section through an axial plane of the blocking element of the same connector.

La figure 6 représente une vue de ce même connecteur en coupe par un plan axial.FIG. 6 represents a view of this same connector in section through an axial plane.

La figure 7 représente une vue en perspective d'un appareil permettant la mise en oeuvre des procédés selon l'invention.FIG. 7 represents a perspective view of an apparatus allowing the methods according to the invention to be implemented.

La figure 8 représente un détail de la figure 7.FIG. 8 represents a detail of FIG. 7.

Les figures 9 et 10 sont respectivement analogues aux figures 1 et 2 et en diffèrent seulement par le fait qu'elles représentent des éléments d'un connecteur complémentaire de celui des figures 1 et 2.Figures 9 and 10 are respectively similar to Figures 1 and 2 and differ only in that they represent elements of a connector complementary to that of Figures 1 and 2.

Le connecteur de type femelle qui va être décrit est constitué d'un ensemble d'éléments disposés coaxialement autour et le long d'un axe commun 4. C'est selon cet axe que se succèdent les fibres et segments de fibres qui doivent être connectés, de manière à réaliser une liaison optique permettant la transmission d'un signal. Le diamètre de fibre est trop petit, par exemple 100 microns, pour pouvoir être représenté à son échelle exacte sur les figures. Les éléments du connecteur peuvent être constitués par exemple en laiton, sauf certains d'entre eux dont le matériau constitutif doit être évidemment différent et sera parfois indiqué.The female type connector which will be described consists of a set of elements arranged coaxially around and along a common axis 4. It is along this axis that the fibers and fiber segments which must be connected follow one another. , so as to create an optical link allowing the transmission of a signal. The fiber diameter is too small, for example 100 microns, to be able to be represented at its exact scale in the figures. The elements of the connector can be made, for example, of brass, except some of them whose constituent material must obviously be different and will sometimes be indicated.

Ce connecteur comporte un élément con= nectant 2 (voir figure 1 ) ayant la forme générale d'un tube cylindrique épais. A l'intérieur de ce tube on a fixé, par exemple par collage, un assemblage constitué par un tube de serrage 6 constitué d'un acier à ressort mince qui enserre, par déformation élastique, trois tiges de guidage 8, d'un diamètre de 1,5 mm par exemple, entre lesquelles sont serrées trois tiges de maintien 10 d'un diamètre de 0,82 mm par exemple, qui délimitent entre elles un canal de maintien axial dans lequel est maintenu un segment de fibre optique 12.This connector comprises a connecting element 2 (see FIG. 1) having the general shape of a thick cylindrical tube. Inside this tube, an assembly consisting of a clamping tube 6 made of a thin spring steel which, by elastic deformation, fixes three guide rods 8, of diameter, has been fixed, for example by gluing. of 1.5 mm for example, between which three retaining rods 10 are clamped with a diameter of 0.82 mm for example, which delimit between them an axial retaining channel in which a segment of optical fiber 12 is maintained.

Toutes ces tiges sont paralièles à l'axe 4. Elles sont constituées d'acier dur et usinées avec précision de manière à leur donner une forme exactement cylindrique et un diamètre bien déterminé. Elles sont coextensives le long de l'axe 4 sauf que les tiges de guidage 8 débordent vers l'avant du connecteur, c'est-à-dire vers la gauche sur les figures 1 à 6, par rapport aux tiges de maintien. Chaque tige de maintien est en contact latéral avec les deux autres. Chaque tige de guidage est en contact, sauf dans sa partie débordante, avec deux tiges de maintien. L'extrémité avant du segment de fibre maintenu est dans le même plan perpendiculaire à l'axe que les extrémités avant des trois tiges de maintien.All these rods are parallel to axis 4. They are made of hard steel and machined with precision so as to give them an exactly cylindrical shape and a well determined diameter. They are coextensive along the axis 4 except that the guide rods 8 project towards the front of the connector, that is to say towards the left in FIGS. 1 to 6, relative to the retaining rods. Each retaining rod is in lateral contact with the other two. Each guide rod is in contact, except in its projecting part, with two holding rods. The front end of the maintained fiber segment is in the same plane perpendicular to the axis as the front ends of the three holding rods.

Cette extrémité avant a reçu, avant son introduction entre les tiges de maintien 10, un revêtement antireflet double couche constitué par exemple par une couche d'oxyde de titane Ti02, et une couche de fluorure de magnésium MgFz.This front end received, before its introduction between the retaining rods 10, a double-layer anti-reflective coating consisting for example of a layer of titanium oxide Ti0 2 , and a layer of magnesium fluoride MgF z .

Les parties débordantes des trois tiges de guidage forment entre elles un canal de guidage dans lequel peut s'engager un ensemble de trois autres tiges de maintien 10' faisant partie d'un connecteur de type mâle (voir figure 9 et 10).The projecting parts of the three guide rods form between them a guide channel into which a set of three other retaining rods 10 ′ can engage, forming part of a male type connector (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

Un tel connecteur est analogue au connecteur femelle décrit, sauf qu'il ne com-, porte pas de tiges de guidage, le tube de serrage 6' analogue au tube 6 ayant alors un diamètre plus faible de manière à assurer directement le serrage des tiges de maintien, l'élément connectant 2' analogue à l'élément 2 ayant alors un diamètre intérieur diminué de manière correspondante.Such a connector is analogous to the female connector described, except that it does not carry guide rods, the clamping tube 6 ′ analogous to tube 6 then having a smaller diameter so as to directly secure the clamping of the rods holding, the connecting element 2 'similar to the element 2 then having an inner diameter correspondingly reduced.

Une telle disposition permet d'obtenir un alignement très précis des segments de fibre disposés dans les deux canaux de maintien formés par les deux ensembles de trois tiges de maintien. Elle nécessite cependant pour cela que le diamètre des tiges de maintien soit égal à celui de la fibre multiplié par 6,46 de manière que chacune de ces tiges soit en contact avec la fibre. Cette exigence peut être satisfaite si l'on connait bien le diamètre de la fibre, lors de l'usinage des tiges de maintien. Ceci est facile à obtenir lorsque le segment de fibre maintenu entre les tiges de maintien à une très petite longueur, voisine par exemple de 2,5 cm. Ce ne serait pratiquement pas possible avec une fibre de grande longueur.Such an arrangement makes it possible to obtain a very precise alignment of the fiber segments disposed in the two holding channels formed by the two sets of three holding rods. However, for this it requires that the diameter of the holding rods is equal to that of the fiber multiplied by 6.46 so that each of these rods is in contact with the fiber. This requirement can be satisfied if the diameter of the fiber is well known when machining the holding rods. This is easy to obtain when the segment of fiber held between the holding rods to a very short length, for example around 2.5 cm. It would hardly be possible with a very long fiber.

L'élément connectant 2 est muni à son extrémité avant d'un épaulement externe permettant l'appui de l'extrémité avant d'un ressort hélicoïdal 13 (figure 1) comprimé dont l'extrémité arrière s'appuie sur un épaulement interne d'un capot avant 14 qui entoure l'élément connectant 2 avec jeu radial, et qui est repoussé par ce ressort vers l'arrière contre une butée 16 fixée sur l'élément connectant 2. Cette disposition permet à ce capot de se déplacer, élastiquement par rapport à l'élément 2, d'une part vers l'avant sur plusieurs millimètres, d'autre part radialement.The connecting element 2 is provided at its front end with an external shoulder allowing the support of the front end of a compressed helical spring 13 (Figure 1) whose rear end rests on an internal shoulder of a front cover 14 which surrounds the connecting element 2 with radial clearance, and which is pushed back by this spring against a stop 16 fixed on the connecting element 2. This arrangement allows this cover to move, elastically by relative to element 2, on the one hand forward over several millimeters, on the other hand radially.

Son but apparaît lorsque l'on réalise la connexion amovible entre le connecteur mâle (figure 9) et le connecteur femelle (figure 1) par engagement du capot avant 14 du connecteur femelle autour de l'élément connectant 2' du connecteur mâle et encliquetage de ce capot sur cet élément connectant grâce à un anneau 18 constitué d'un élastomère, porté par l'élément connectant 2', et coopérant avec une gorge interne 20 du capot 14. Les tiges de maintien 10' du connecteur mâle s'engagent alors dans le canal de guidage constitué par les tiges de guidage 8 et viennent en butée contre l'extrémité avant des tiges de maintien 10. Elles sont alors maintenues élastiquement en appui contre cette extrémité par l'intermédiaire de l'élément connectant 2', du capot avant 14, du ressort 12 comprimé, et de l'élément connectant 2.Its purpose appears when the removable connection is made between the male connector (Figure 9) and the female connector (Figure 1) by engagement of the front cover 14 of the female connector around the connecting element 2 'of the male connector and snap-in of this cover on this connecting element thanks to a ring 18 consisting of an elastomer, carried by the connecting element 2 ', and cooperating with an internal groove 20 of the cover 14. The holding rods 10' of the male connector then engage in the guide channel formed by the guide rods 8 and abut against the front end of the retaining rods 10. They are then resiliently supported against this end by means of the connecting element 2 ', of front cover 14, compressed spring 12, and connecting element 2.

On assure ainsi le contact entre les extrémités avant des deux segments de fibres optiques maintenus dans les deux éléments connectants. D'autre part l'alignement de ces segments est assuré par les tiges de guidage 8 usinées avec précision, et non par l'intermédiaire du capot avant 14 en raison du jeu radial de celui-ci par rapport à l'élément connectant 2. Un prépositionnement angulaire approximatif des tiges de maintien 10' par rapport aux tiges de guidage 8 est assuré par l'intermédiaire d'un ergot radial 22 porté intérieurement par le capot 14 et coopérant avec une rainure longitudinale 24 creusée extérieurement dans l'élément connectant 2', et par l'intermédiaire d'un ergot longitudinal 25 porté par la butée 16 et coopérant avec un creux 26 porté par l'élément connectant 2.This ensures contact between the front ends of the two segments of optical fibers held in the two connecting elements. On the other hand, the alignment of these segments is ensured by the guide rods 8 machined with precision, and not by means of the front cover 14 due to the radial clearance of the latter relative to the connecting element 2. An approximate angular prepositioning of the holding rods 10 ′ with respect to the guide rods 8 is ensured by means of a radial lug 22 carried internally by the cover 14 and cooperating with a longitudinal groove 24 hollowed out in the connecting element 2 ', and by means of a longitudinal lug 25 carried by the stop 16 and cooperating with a recess 26 carried by the connecting element 2.

' Le capot avant 14 du connecteur femelle et l'élément connectant 2' du connecteur mâle portent chacun un filetage 28 permettant la fixation par vissage d'un capot arrière tel que 30 (figure 6) entourant les parties du connecteur situées à l'arrière des éléments connectants en laissant un certain jeu radial. Chaque élément connectant comporte en outre un prolongement arrière tel que 32 (figure 1 et 3) permettant la fixation d'un élément intermédiaire tel que 34. Chacun des éléments du connecteur mâle qui vont être décrits maintenant correspond à un élément identique du connecteur femelle.'The front cover 14 of the female connector and the connecting element 2' of the male connector each carry a thread 28 allowing the fixing by screwing of a rear cover such as 30 (Figure 6) surrounding the parts of the connector located at the rear connecting elements leaving a certain radial clearance. Each connecting element further comprises a rear extension such as 32 (FIGS. 1 and 3) allowing the fixing of an intermediate element such as 34. Each of the elements of the male connector which will now be described corresponds to an identical element of the female connector.

L'élément intermédiaire 34 a la forme d'un tube percé à son extrémité avant de deux rainures parallèles longitudinales 36 et 38 décalées angulairement de 90° autour de l'axe commun. Chacune de ces rainures permet le passage d'une vis assurant la fixation de cet élément sur le prolongement arrière 32, avec possibilité de réglage longitudinal.The intermediate element 34 has the form of a tube pierced at its front end with two longitudinal parallel grooves 36 and 38 offset angularly by 90 ° around the common axis. Each of these grooves allows the passage of a screw ensuring the fixing of this element on the rear extension 32, with the possibility of longitudinal adjustment.

Un peu plus en arrière l'élément intermédiaire 34 comporte un épaississement intérieur 40 permettant le logement d'une douille 42 percée d'un alésage axial dans lequel est fixé un porte-fibre 44 en céramique. Le segment de fibre maintenu 12 est fixé par sa partie arrière 46 dans ce porte fibre, l'extrémité arrière de ce segment dépassant vers l'arrière.A little further back, the intermediate element 34 has an internal thickening 40 allowing the housing of a socket 42 pierced with an axial bore in which is fixed a fiber holder 44 made of ceramic. The maintained fiber segment 12 is fixed by its rear part 46 in this fiber holder, the rear end of this segment projecting towards the rear.

Les dispositions qui viennent d'être décrites permettent, par coulissement longitudinal des vis dans les rainures 36 et 38, d'assurer que l'extrémité avant du segment maintenu se trouve dans le plan des extrémités avant des tiges de maintien 10.The arrangements which have just been described make it possible, by longitudinal sliding of the screws in the grooves 36 and 38, to ensure that the front end of the segment maintained is in the plane of the front ends of the retaining rods 10.

Dans un premier temps l'extrémité arrière du segment maintenu est libre. En face de cette extrémité arrière, la paroi de l'élément intermédiaire 34 est percée de quatre ouvertures 50, 52, 54 et 56 décalées de 90°, et destinées à permettre de réaliser une soudure sur cette extrémité. Ces ouvertures ont par exemple une longueur de 7 mm parallèlement à l'axe 4 et s'étendent chacune sur un arc de 30° autour de l'axe 4, l'élément intermédiaire ayant un diamètre de 10 mm. Elle permettent d'accéder à une "zone de contact" axiale dans laquelle se trouve l'extrémité arrière du segment maintenu.Initially, the rear end of the maintained segment is free. Opposite this rear end, the wall of the intermediate element 34 is pierced with four openings 50, 52, 54 and 56 offset by 90 °, and intended to allow a weld to be made on this end. These openings have for example a length of 7 mm parallel to the axis 4 and each extend over an arc of 30 ° around the axis 4, the intermediate element having a diameter of 10 mm. They allow access to an axial "contact zone" in which the rear end of the maintained segment is located.

L'élément intermédiaire se termine par un prolongement arrière 58 destiné à permettre la fixation d'un élément de blocage, et évidé sur l'axe pour permettre le passage d'une fibre optique de transmission.The intermediate element ends in a rear extension 58 intended to allow the fixing of a blocking element, and hollowed out on the axis to allow the passage of a transmission optical fiber.

L'élément de blocage 60 (figure 5) a une forme générale tubulaire. Son extrémité avant est percée de deux rainures parallèles longitudinales 62 et 64 décalées angulairement de 90° autour de l'axe commun, et permettant chacune le passage d'une vis pour la fixation réglable de cet élément sur le prolongement arrière 58 de l'élément intermédiaire. Il comporte intérieurement une pince à quatre mors symétriques tels que 66 qui délimitent un canal axial et qui peuvent se déplacer radialement vers l'axe sous l'action d'un écrou à déplacement longitudinal qui coopère avec les faces extérieures coniques des quatre mors. On peut assurer ainsi le serrage sur l'axe d'une fibre optique "de transmission" 68 munie d'une gaine externe en polyamide.The locking element 60 (Figure 5) has a generally tubular shape. Its front end is pierced by two longitudinal parallel grooves 62 and 64 offset angularly by 90 ° around the common axis, and each allowing the passage of a screw for the adjustable fixing of this element on the rear extension 58 of the element intermediate. It internally comprises a clamp with four symmetrical jaws such as 66 which delimit an axial channel and which can move radially towards the axis under the action of a nut with longitudinal displacement which cooperates with the conical outer faces of the four jaws. It is thus possible to tighten on the axis of an optical fiber "transmission" 68 provided with an outer sheath of polyamide.

L'extrémité avant de cette fibre est dénudée de sa gaine et dépasse vers l'avant au delà de l'élément de blocage 60 de manière à pouvoir rejoindre l'extrémité arrière du segment maintenu 46 lorsque cet élément de blocage set fixé sur le prolongement 58. Ceci est représenté sur la figure 6 où ces deux extrémités sont soudées l'une à l'autre et où les ouvertures telles que 50 sont masquées par le capot arriére 30. Le jeu radial entre ce capot et les éléments intermédiaire 34 et de blocage 60 permet, lors de la connexion avec un connecteur mâle, d'assurer que la position des éléments connectant 2, intermédiaire 34 et de blocage 60, est déterminée par l'intermédiaire des tiges de guidage 8 et non par celui du capot avant 14.The front end of this fiber is stripped of its sheath and protrudes forward beyond the blocking element 60 so as to be able to join the rear end of the segment maintained 46 when this blocking element is attached to the extension 58. This is shown in FIG. 6 where these two ends are welded to one another and where the openings such as 50 are masked by the rear cover 30. The radial clearance between this cover and the intermediate elements 34 and blocking 60 allows, when connecting with a male connector, to ensure that the position of the connecting elements 2, intermediate 34 and blocking 60, is determined by means of the guide rods 8 and not by that of the front cover 14 .

Quoique cela ne soit pas représenté il peut en fait être avantageux d'entourer la fibre de transmission 68 par une deuxième gaine externe plus résistante autour de la première et de bloquer cette deuxième gaine externe dans un deuxième élément de blocage situé en arrière de l'élément 60, avec du mou de la fibre entre ces deux éléments de blocage (c'est-à-dire un excès de longueur donnant à la fibre une forme légèrement ondulée). Ceci permet d'éviter des efforts de traction sur la première gaine externe.Although this is not shown, it may in fact be advantageous to surround the transmission fiber 68 with a second stronger outer sheath around the first and to block this second outer sheath in a second blocking element located behind the element 60, with slack of the fiber between these two blocking elements (that is to say an excess of length giving the fiber a slightly wavy shape). This avoids tensile forces on the first outer sheath.

La soudure des deux extrémités de fibres est effectuée à l'aide d'un micro chalumeau oxhydrique 70. Le diamètre dè l'injecteur 72 (aiguille métallique creuse) est de 0,1 mm (ou 0,2 mm). La température de la flamme permet d'obtenir la température de ramollissement (de l'ordre de 1700°) de la silice. Les dimensions réduites de la flamme (longueur 0,5 mm, diamètre 0,2 mm) permettent la soudure dans un espace réduit. Cette caractéristique est nécessaire pour pouvoir effectuer la soudure des fibres à l'intérieur même du connecteur. En effet, l'opération de soudure entraîne une fragilisation des fibres au voisinage du joint. Cette fragilisation interdit toute manipulation sur la fibre soudée. C'est pourquoi la fibre de transmission 68 est rendue solidaire de l'élément de blocage 60, préalablement à l'opération de soudure. Par rapport aux autres procédés, arc entre deux électrodes, focalisation de lumière issue d'une lampe au foyer d'un miroir élliptique, la forme de l'injecteur facilite l'opération de soudure à l'intérieur du connecteur. Un exemple d'outil de soudure est illustré par les vue en perspective des différents dispositifs qui le composent (figures 7 et 8).The welding of the two fiber ends is carried out using an oxyhydric micro torch 70. The diameter of the injector 72 (hollow metal needle) is 0.1 mm (or 0.2 mm). The flame temperature makes it possible to obtain the softening temperature (of the order of 1700 °) of the silica. The reduced dimensions of the flame (length 0.5 mm, diameter 0.2 mm) allow welding in a reduced space. This characteristic is necessary in order to be able to perform the welding of the fibers inside the connector itself. Indeed, the welding operation leads to weakening of the fibers in the vicinity of the joint. This embrittlement prohibits any manipulation on the welded fiber. This is why the transmission fiber 68 is made integral with the blocking element 60, prior to the welding operation. Compared to other methods, arc between two electrodes, focusing of light from a lamp in the focus of an elliptical mirror, the shape of the injector facilitates the welding operation inside the connector. An example of a welding tool is illustrated by the perspective views of the various devices that make it up (Figures 7 and 8).

L'élément connectant est positionné sur un support fixe 74 comportant une rainure en V d'alignement. Un presseur 76 immobilise la pièce.The connecting element is positioned on a fixed support 74 having a V-shaped alignment groove. A presser 76 immobilizes the part.

Par observation grâce à un viseur optique 78 de grandissement de l'ordre de 150, l'opérateur fait coîncider à la main l'axe et l'extrémité arrière du segment de fibre maintenu avec deux traits orthogonaux du réticule du viseur optique.By observation thanks to an optical sight 78 of magnification of the order of 150, the operator makes the axis coincide with the rear end of the segment of fiber maintained by two orthogonal lines of the reticle of the optical sight.

Par construction, les deux traits du réticule correspondent à l'axe d'amenée de l'injecteur et à l'axe théorique de travail du micro-chalumeau qui est déplaçable selon son axe horizontal perpendiculaire à l'axe 4, grâce à une vis 80.By construction, the two lines of the reticle correspond to the axis of supply of the injector and to the theoretical axis of work of the micro-torch which is displaceable along its horizontal axis perpendicular to axis 4, thanks to a screw 80.

La position travail du micro chalumeau est réglée grâce à une butée. La distance de travail entre l'extrémité de l'injecteur et l'axe de la fibre est de 0,8 mm.The working position of the micro torch is adjusted by means of a stop. The working distance between the end of the injector and the axis of the fiber is 0.8 mm.

Du fait que l'équipage mobile de l'injecteur est solidaire dans le sens vertical de la platine de mise au point du viseur, l'opération de mise au point amène automatiquement l'axe de l'injecteur dans le plan horizontal de la fibre. L'opérateur positionne l'élément de blocage 60 sur un support 82 mobile parallélement à l'axe 4 à l'aide d'une vis 83 après avoir préalablement introduit et bloqué la fibre de transmission dans cet élément.Because the movable element of the injector is secured in the vertical direction of the focusing plate of the viewfinder, the focusing operation automatically brings the axis of the injector into the horizontal plane of the fiber. . The operator positions the blocking element 60 on a movable support 82 parallel to the axis 4 using a screw 83 after having previously introduced and blocked the transmission fiber in this element.

Un manipulateur 84 solidaire du support mobile 82 permet de régler la position de l'extrémité de la fibre selon deux axes orthogonaux entre eux et à l'axe 4. Il est commandé par deux vis 86 et 88 coopérant avec une tige 90 flexible élastiquement, et se termine par une pièce en V permettant d'emprisonner la fibre 68. Par observation au viseur, le manipulateur permet de rendre coaxiale les deux fibres en présence, la translation du support 82 permettant d'exercer une pression entre les fibres.A manipulator 84 secured to the movable support 82 makes it possible to adjust the position of the end of the fiber along two axes orthogonal to each other and to the axis 4. It is controlled by two screws 86 and 88 cooperating with an elastically flexible rod 90, and ends with a V-shaped piece allowing the fiber 68 to be trapped. By observation with the viewfinder, the manipulator makes it possible to make the two fibers coaxial, the translation of the support 82 making it possible to exert pressure between the fibers.

L'observation est facilitée par un éclairage de la zone de contact à la fois dans la direction du viseur 78 et dans la direction prependiculaire (non représenté) à ce dernier, à l'aide de deux fibres optiques d'éclairage telles que 92.Observation is facilitated by illumination of the contact area both in the direction of the viewfinder 78 and in the direction prependicular (not shown) to the latter, using two optical lighting fibers such as 92.

L'opérateur observe deux raies lumineuses, l'une liée à la réfraction de la lumière par la fibre, l'autre moins intense et plus fine liée à la réflexion de la lumière issue de la direction normale au viseur. L'alignement des raies relatives aux deux fibres entraine l'alignement des fibres dans les deux axes. L'alignement des raies complète un premier alignement résultant de l'observation nette des deux fibres et de l'observation directe du décalage dans le plan normal au viseur.The operator observes two light lines, one linked to the refraction of light by the fiber, the other less intense and finer linked to the reflection of light from the direction normal to the viewfinder. The alignment of the lines relating to the two fibers causes the alignment of the fibers in the two axes. The alignment of the lines completes a first alignment resulting from the clear observation of the two fibers and from the direct observation of the offset in the plane normal to the viewfinder.

Il reste à l'operateur à amener l'injecteur à distance convenable des fibres par poussée sur l'équipage mobile jusqu'au contact de la butée préréglée par construction.It remains for the operator to bring the injector at a suitable distance from the fibers by pushing on the movable assembly until contact with the stop preset by construction.

L'opérateur surveille dans le viseur 78 l'opération de soudure de durée de l'ordre de 5 secondes.The operator monitors in the viewfinder 78 the welding operation of duration of the order of 5 seconds.

Toutes les opérations de soudure se font en passant par les quatre ouvertures 50, 52, 54, et 56.All welding operations are carried out through the four openings 50, 52, 54, and 56.

Après soudure, avant le retrait du connecteur de son support, l'opérateur fixe l'élément de blocage à l'élément intermédiaire au connecteur 34 à l'aide des deux vis disposées dans les rainures 60 et 62.After welding, before removing the connector from its support, the operator fixes the locking element to the intermediate element to the connector 34 using the two screws arranged in the grooves 60 and 62.

Claims (10)

1. An optical fibre connector which includes:
-a connecting element (2) provided with holding means (10) suitable for holding an optical fibre (12) of a predetermined diameter and suitable for being guided to align the held fibre with another optical fibre held by a connecting element of another connector, and to bring the ends of these two fibres into contact with each other to provide the optical connection between the two fibres;
-and a blocking element (60) which is integral with the connecting element and comprises blocking means behind the holding means for fixing an optical "transmission" fibre in alignment with the holding means so as to avoid any stress on the transmission fibre in front of the blocking means when a force is exerted on the transmission fibre behind the blocking means;
-characterized by the fact that it also includes a segment of optical fibre (12) held in the connection element (2), the length of this segment being less than five centimetres and its front end being covered with an anti-reflection coating,
-and an intermediate element (34) which makes the connecting element (2) integral with the blocking element (60), this intermediate element having at least one opening (50) which allows access to a zone of contact between the rear end (46) of said held segment (12) and the end of said transmission fibre (68), this opening being sufficiently wide to allow welding through it to provide optical continuity between the rear end of the held segment and. the end of the transmission fibre.
2. A connector according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it is provided with blockable sliding means (62, 64) to allow firstly a movement of the blocking element (60) in relation to the connecting element (2), parallel to said held segment (12) and to allow these two elements to be subsequently made completely integral with each other.
3. A connector according to claim 1, with a generally coaxial structure round an axis (4) parallel to said held segment (12), characterized by the fact that said intermediate element (34) is in the shape of a tube which surrounds said axis and has a plurality of openings (50, 52, 54, 56) angularly spaced round said contact zone,
-this connector also including a protective cover (30) which can slide parallel to said axis (4) so as to surround the intermediate element while stopping up the openings.
4. A method of connecting an optical "transmission" fibre to a connector comprising the following steps:
-a segment of optical fibre (12) shorter than five centimetres, with a diameter to which the connecting element is fitted, is inserted in the connecting element (2) of the connector and the segment is held in this element, the segment having a front end by which it can be connected and a free rear end (46);
-the end zone of the optical "transmission" fibre (68) which is to be connected to the connector is inserted in a blocking element (60) of the connector;
-the end of the transmission fibre is aligned with the rear end of the held segment and is brought close thereto;
-these two ends are heated so as to form a weld which provides optical continuity between the transmission fibre and the held segment;
-and the transmission fibre is fixed in relation to the connecting element by means of the blocking element (60) and of an intermediate element (34) which makes the blocking element integral with the connecting element.
5. A method according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that before inserting said fibre segment (12) in the connecting element (2), its front surface undergoes a treatment suitable for facilitating the transmission of light through this surface.
6. A method according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the step during which the "transmission" fibre (68) and the rear end of the held segment (12) are aligned and are brought close to each other, itself comprises the following steps:
-the blocking element (60) is connected to the connecting element (2) by means of said intermediate element (34) so as to align the end zone of the transmission fibre with the held segment and so as to allow the blocking element to move in relation to the connecting element in a movement parallel to the held segment, this intermediate element being provided with at least one opening (50) to allow access to the rear end (46) of the held segment,
-the end zone of the transmission fibre is fixed in the blocking element, and
-the blocking element is moved in relation to the connecting element to bring the end of the transmission fibre close to the rear end of the held segment.
7. A method according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the said intermediate element (34) is in the shape of a tube which surrounds the rear end zone (46) of the held segment (12) and the end zone of the transmission fibre (68), the tube being provided with an inspection opening, a blow-pipe insertion opening, a manipulation opening and a gas evacuation opening facing the blowpipe insertion opening (50, 52, 54 and 56),
-said step in which the end of the transmission fibre (68) is aligned with and brought close to the rear end (46) of the held segment (12) comprising, after the phase in which the blocking element (60) is moved, an extra alignment step in which a manipulator (84) is inserted through said manipulation opening until it comes into contact with the end zone of the transmission fibre (68) or with the held segment (12), and this manipulator is moved in two directions rectangular and perpendicular to the axis of the held segment,
-said heating phase being carried out by inserting a blowpipe (70) through the gas blowpipe insertion opening and by heating by means of this blowpipe.
8. A method according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that said extra alignment step consists of lighting (92) said end zones (46, 68) with at least one non-diffused light beam, so as to make at least one line of reflected and/or refracted light appear on the walls of these end zones by means of the light which passes through the material of each of these two end zones.
9. A method according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that said lighting is obtained by means of at least one lighting optical fibre (92).
10. A method of forming a detachable optical connection between two optical "transmission" fibres (68) by means of two complementary connectors which co-operate together and each of which comprises a connection element (2, 2') provided with holding means (10, 10') suitable for holding a segment of optical fibre of a predetermined diameter and suitable for being guided to align the held segment (12) and put its front end in contact with the end of another segment of optical fibre held by the connecting element of the complementary connector so as to connect these two held segments optically together, this method being characterized by the fact that it comprises the following steps:
-an optical fibre segment (12) is disposed in each connecting element (2, 2') so that the segment is held by said holding means (10, 10'), the held segment being shorter than five centimetres and having its front end provided with an anti-reflection coating;
-and the rear ends of each of the two held segments are welded to the end of the corresponding transmission fibre (68).
EP78100157A 1977-06-22 1978-06-15 Optical fiber connector and method for joining an optical fiber to a connector Expired EP0000145B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR7719084A FR2395518A1 (en) 1977-06-22 1977-06-22 CONNECTOR FOR OPTICAL FIBER
FR7719084 1977-06-22

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EP0000145A1 EP0000145A1 (en) 1979-01-10
EP0000145B1 true EP0000145B1 (en) 1980-09-03

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US (1) US4220394A (en)
EP (1) EP0000145B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS5410753A (en)
CA (1) CA1111688A (en)
DE (1) DE2860127D1 (en)
DK (1) DK144927C (en)
FR (1) FR2395518A1 (en)
IE (1) IE47277B1 (en)
IT (1) IT1097114B (en)

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JPS6110042B2 (en) 1986-03-27
IT1097114B (en) 1985-08-26
CA1111688A (en) 1981-11-03
JPS5410753A (en) 1979-01-26
EP0000145A1 (en) 1979-01-10
DE2860127D1 (en) 1980-12-11
IE47277B1 (en) 1984-02-08
DK144927C (en) 1982-11-29
IT7824788A0 (en) 1978-06-21
US4220394A (en) 1980-09-02
DK144927B (en) 1982-07-05
IE781243L (en) 1978-12-22
FR2395518A1 (en) 1979-01-19
FR2395518B1 (en) 1980-02-15
DK279878A (en) 1978-12-23

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