EP1049947A1 - Device for connecting two optical fibres with axial retaining means and unlocking key - Google Patents

Device for connecting two optical fibres with axial retaining means and unlocking key

Info

Publication number
EP1049947A1
EP1049947A1 EP99900913A EP99900913A EP1049947A1 EP 1049947 A1 EP1049947 A1 EP 1049947A1 EP 99900913 A EP99900913 A EP 99900913A EP 99900913 A EP99900913 A EP 99900913A EP 1049947 A1 EP1049947 A1 EP 1049947A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ferrule
ferrules
axial
channel
unlocking key
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.)
Ceased
Application number
EP99900913A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Damien Dominique Alain Sejourne
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.)
Proptic
Original Assignee
Proptic
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Proptic filed Critical Proptic
Publication of EP1049947A1 publication Critical patent/EP1049947A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
    • G02B6/3874—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules
    • G02B6/3878—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules comprising a plurality of ferrules, branching and break-out 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
    • G02B6/381—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
    • G02B6/3821—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 with axial spring biasing or loading 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
    • G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
    • G02B6/3874—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for connecting / disconnecting two individual optical fibers and a connector-expander for optical fibers.
  • the spreader-connector of the present invention is a new device making it possible to individually connect optical fibers grouped in ribbon or in a microgain to individual optical fibers, and this, in a very reduced space.
  • individual connectors of optical fibers which comprise two connector elements intended to be mounted each at the end of an optical fiber in order to connect it to another individual optical fiber.
  • the present invention aims to provide a space-saving individual connector and to combine these two functions of individual connection and development in a single device having a minimum space requirement.
  • the present invention firstly relates to a device for connecting / disconnecting two individual optical fibers comprising:
  • connection channel in which the two ferrules can engage opposite
  • connection in a direction opposite to its direction of engagement in said channel
  • an elastic member pushing one of the ferrules to apply the front faces of the two ferrules against each other during connection, characterized in that it comprises, for disconnection, an unlocking key capable of neutralizing the means axial retention of one of the ferrules and by the fact that the elastic member is arranged for, when the unlocking key neutralizes the retention means, push said ferrule outward from the alignment sleeve and cause disconnection.
  • the individual connector according to the invention is original in that it does not comprise means for assembling and separating two connector elements acting on one another, unlike connectors known in which each connector element comprises on the one hand, a means of retaining the ferrule which is permanently operational and on the other hand a separate means of assembly with the other connector which only comes into operation for the connection.
  • the invention therefore consists in using the means for retaining the ferrules as means for assembling and separating the optical fibers, thereby eliminating any separate means of assembly.
  • the present invention also relates to a device for individually connecting / disconnecting optical fibers grouped in a fiber optic cable such as a ribbon or a microgain with individual optical fibers, characterized in that it comprises:
  • an orifice for introducing a fiber optic cable opposite this introduction orifice, a plurality of connection channels opening out of the housing,
  • the device further comprising:
  • a plurality of internal ferrules each having a front face and being able to be mounted at the end of a fiber - 3 -
  • a plurality of external ferrules each having a front face and being able to be mounted at the end of an individual optical fiber and to be engaged in a connection channel from the outside of the housing, opposite an internal ferrule,
  • two axial retention means each having the function of limiting the axial displacements of a ferrule relative to the connection channel, in a direction opposite to its direction of engagement in said channel,
  • connection channel In each connection channel, an elastic member pushing one of the ferrules in its direction of engagement in the connection channel to apply the front faces of the two ferrules against each other during connection, this elastic member being in in addition arranged for, when the unlocking key neutralizes the axial retention means of an external ferrule, push this external ferrule out of the housing and cause the individual disconnection of the two optical fibers.
  • the device according to the invention allows, on the one hand, to develop the optical fibers of a fiber optic cable of the ribbon or microgain type, and, on the other hand, to individually connect each of the flourished fibers from from cable to an individual fiber.
  • each connection channel forms an individual connector for an optical fiber.
  • This device has a reduced overall size thanks to the fact that each of its connection channels is only equipped with means for retaining an external ferrule, unlocking being ensured by the unlocking key external to the housing, which s 'used individually to release each ferrule, and by the elastic member of each connection channel.
  • the retention means consists of a clip provided with elastic fingers with radial clearance and by a shoulder.
  • the clip is secured to the connection channel and the shoulder is secured to the ferrule.
  • the ferrule has, adjacent to its shoulder, a clearance portion whose cross section is less than that of the axial passage, so that there remains a radial clearance between the ferrule and said passage when the ferrule is introduced into the orifice.
  • the unlocking key comprises an end portion in the form of a hollow cylinder split longitudinally, the cross section of which fits into the radial clearance existing between the ferrule and the orifice and which can be slid axially along the ferrule, between the latter and the wall of the axial passage of the body, to move the elastic fingers apart from the clip and thus release the ferrule.
  • the ferrule comprises, between its release portion and its end opposite to the front face, a radially hollowed portion, which is bounded by an axial stop in the direction of said opposite end, while the unlocking key comprises, behind its end portion in the form of a split hollow cylinder, a projection which is free from any constraint when it is in line with the radially hollowed-out portion of the ferrule, thus allowing axial movements of the key unlocking with respect to the ferrule, and which is capable of crossing the axial stop by elastic deformation under the effect of an axial thrust exerted by an operator.
  • the radially hollowed-out portion of the ferrule is sufficiently long for the unlocking key to be outside the connection channel when its projection crosses the axial stop of the ferrule, the latter being engaged in the channel of connection and retention by the clip.
  • the crossing of the axial stop by the projection which realizes the locking of the unlocking key on the ferrule takes place outside the connection channel, which allows the elastic deformation of the key.
  • the ferrule can for example be obtained by overmolding on the end of the individual optical fiber.
  • the elastic member is a helical spring which acts only on the internal ferrules.
  • the device comprises, in each connection channel, an alignment sleeve capable of receiving the front faces of an internal ferrule and an external ferrule opposite to align the latter.
  • the device according to the invention has a very small footprint.
  • it can be made with ferrules of 1.25 mm in diameter and have a center distance, between two neighboring connection channels, of 3 mm.
  • FIG. 1 is a view in axial section of a connection / disconnection device according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 corresponds to the right half of FIG. 1 during the separation of the two fibers
  • FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 and represents the device at a later stage of separation of the two fibers
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a top view of part of the device in FIG. 4,
  • FIG. 6 is a view in elevation of an external ferrule of the device of FIGS. 4 and 5,
  • FIG. 7 is a view in axial section of the unlocking key of the same device.
  • FIGS. 8 to 11 are detailed sectional views of an external ferrule when it is disconnected using the unlocking key. - 6 -
  • connection / disconnection device of FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises two ferrules 1,2 which are each overmolded at the end of an optical fiber, shown diagrammatically by an axis line 3,4.
  • Each ferrule is in the form of a cylinder comprising a front face 5,6 and a portion 7,8 of larger diameter than the cylinder, defining in particular a shoulder 9, 10 on the side opposite to the front face 5,6, the cylinder extending on either side of the portion 7,8 into two sections 1a, 1b and 2a, 2b.
  • the device also comprises an elongated body 11 inside which is reserved a cylindrical connection channel 12, comprising an intermediate part 12a of diameter very slightly greater than the outside diameter of the cylinder constituting each ferrule and two end parts 12b and 12c opening out on the opposite faces 13 and 14 of the body 11 and having a diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the portion 7.8 of each ferrule.
  • the length of the intermediate part is much less than the sum of the lengths of the ferrule parts located between the large diameter portion 7.8 and the front face 5.6 of each fiber.
  • the device comprises a means of axial retention of the corresponding ferrule, this means being constituted by a clip 13, 14, formed by a ring provided with elastic fingers able to deform radially outwards and reducing, in the rest position, the diameter of the free passage of the connection channel.
  • a clip 13, 14 is firmly fixed in the corresponding end portion 12b, 12c and is oriented so that its elastic fingers reduce the passage diameter of the end portion to the right of the inner edge of the ring.
  • the shoulder 10 bears on the elastic fingers of the clip 14 when the corresponding ferrule 2 is in place in the body 11.
  • the elastic fingers and the ring are positioned so that the front face 6 of the locked ferrule is located substantially in the middle of the intermediate part 12a.
  • the clip 13 and the shoulder 9 are sufficiently spaced to accommodate a helical spring 17 interposed between the clip and the shoulder around the cylindrical section la. It is understood that the helical spring 17 pushes the ferrule 3 towards the intermediate part 12a. In the absence of the ferrule 2, the larger diameter portion 7 of the ferrule 3 bears against the wall 15.
  • the device For the disconnection of the ferrule 2, the device comprises an unlocking key 16 which is constituted by a portion of cylindrical tube whose internal diameter is slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical section 2b of the ferrule and whose external diameter is slightly greater than the diameter of the larger diameter portion 8 of the ferrule, but slightly less than the diameter of the straight portion 12c of the connection channel.
  • an unlocking key 16 which is constituted by a portion of cylindrical tube whose internal diameter is slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical section 2b of the ferrule and whose external diameter is slightly greater than the diameter of the larger diameter portion 8 of the ferrule, but slightly less than the diameter of the straight portion 12c of the connection channel.
  • the unlocking key engages in the end portion 12c of the body 11, around the ferrule 2.
  • the key 16 is split longitudinally to allow the passage of the optical fiber.
  • the key 16 neutralizes the clip by spreading the elastic fingers and comes to bear against the shoulder 10 of the ferrule.
  • the device of FIGS. 4, 5, 6 firstly comprises a plastic casing 21 comprising an inlet portion 21a, rectangular, provided with an insertion orifice 22 of a sheath or of a ribbon 23 of optical fibers, an intermediate portion 21b whose width increases from the inlet portion and which delimits an interior flourishing space 24, and an outlet portion 21c which is also rectangular and ends in a front wall pierced with eight channels connection 25.
  • the housing 21 is made closed in its outlet portion but has a cover 26 covering its inlet portion 21a and its intermediate portion 21b.
  • the outlet portion 21c is better visible in FIG. 5.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 show only four of the eight individual connectors that the device comprises.
  • Each guide 27 comprises a first section 27a opening into the development space 24, extended by a second section 27b, of diameter less than the first, opening into the connection channel 25.
  • the guide 27 and the connection channel 25 are cylindrical and coaxial.
  • a removable comb 28 comprising eight grooves, each of which is located in the axis of a connection channel is placed upstream of each guide 27 by bearing on stops 29 located in the fiber development space 24.
  • each open fiber is provided at its end with an internal ferrule constituted by a terminal guide 30 engaged in a sleeve 31 and by a body 32 on which is supported by a helical spring 33 which pushes the assembly towards the connection orifice 25.
  • the end guide 30 and the sleeve 31 are then positioned in the second section 27b of the guide 27 while the body 32 and the spring 33 remain in its first section 27a.
  • each external ferrule 34 mounted on an individual fiber comprises an end guide 35 which guides the end of the fiber and a rigid body 36 which can be molded onto the fiber and onto the end guide.
  • the body 36 of the external ferrule consists of a front section 36a, a flange 36b whose diameter corresponds substantially to that of the connection channel 25, an intermediate section 36b also designated clearance portion, whose diameter is slightly lower than that of the connection channel, so that there remains a clearance between this clearance portion and the connection orifice, and a rear section 36d also designated radially hollowed portion, terminated by a frustoconical part 36e forming a axial stop 36f_ at its base.
  • each connection channel 25 comprises locking means constituted by radially elastic blades 37 extending axially in the orifice and comprising a first end 37a directed towards the outside (on the right in the drawing) integral with the wall of the channel 25 and a second end 37b directed inwards (on the left in the drawing) closer to the axis of the channel and able to be displaced, by elastic deformation of the blade, to come into contact with the wall of the orifice.
  • the outlet portion 21c of the housing is produced in two parts 2Ici and 21ç.2 joined at the level of the housing of the elastic blades 37.
  • the elastic blades 37 can be positioned while these two parts 21ç_l and 21ç2 of the housing are separate, then join the latter for example by gluing to trap the elastic blades 37 in each connection channel 25. - 10 -
  • An unlocking key 39 external to the housing, shown in FIG. 7, is constituted by a tube comprising an end portion 39a of cylindrical slit whose internal diameter is very slightly greater than that of the clearance portion 36c from the body of each ferrule external, and whose external diameter is very slightly smaller than that of each connection channel 25.
  • the cross section of the end portion of the key fits into the clearance existing between the cross sections of the connection channel 25 and of the clearance portion 36c: of the body of the external ferrule 34.
  • the thickness of the end portion 39a of the unlocking key 39 is substantially equal to the difference in thickness between the flange 36b and the clearance portion 36c of the ferrule.
  • the unlocking key 39 comprises, projecting from its inner face, an annular groove 39b whose diameter is less than that of the axial stop 36f_ formed by the base of the frustoconical part 36e of the ferrule.
  • the groove 39b has two lateral chamfers 39c which allow said groove to pass through the axial stop 36f_ when the unlocking key 39 is subjected to an axial thrust exerted by an operator.
  • the groove 39b and the axial stop 36jE constitute cooperating means which make it possible to snap the unlocking key 39 onto the external ferrule 34.
  • the unlocking key has a frustoconical external profile. - li ⁇
  • the unlocking key can continue its progression in the direction of the connection channel as shown in FIG. 9 without acting on the ferrule.
  • the unlocking key is hollow over a length at least equal to the part of the ferrule between its shoulder 38 and its end opposite the front face.
  • the unlocking key is also hollow over its entire length.
  • the longitudinal slot 40 provided on the unlocking key 39 makes it possible to engage the latter around an individual optical fiber, as shown in FIG. 5, so that it can then slide along the optical fiber until it covers the body of the external ferrule mounted at the end of this optical fiber.
  • the key 39 After having been snapped onto the ferrule as already explained with reference to FIG. 8, the key 39 is fully depressed until it comes to abut against the bearing surface 38 of the ferrule, as seen in FIG. 9. It repels then the second end 37b of the elastic blades 37 and thus releases the ferrule which is pushed out of the channel by the spring 33, as has been explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
  • the key can thus be used not only to neutralize the elastic blades but also to handle the plugs during their removal, which is advantageous given their very small size.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for connecting/disconnecting two individual optical fibres (3, 4) comprising: two ferrules (1, 2) each having a front surface (5, 6), a connection groove (12) wherein the two ferrules can be engaged facing each other, two axial retaining means (13, 14) to restrict the axial movements of one ferrule relative to the connection groove, in a direction opposite to the engagement direction in said groove, an elastic member (17) pushing back one of the ferrules (1) to press the front surfaces of the two ferrules against each other during the connection. For disconnection, the device has an unlocking key for neutralising the axial retaining means (14) of one of the ferrules (2), and the elastic member (17) is so arranged that, when the unlocking key neutralises the retaining means, it drives back the ferrule outwards from the alignment sleeve and brings about the disconnection.

Description

DISPOSITIF DE CONNEXION DE DEUX FIBRES OPTIQUES AVEC MOYEN DE RETENTION AXIALE ET AVEC CLE DE DEVEROUILLAGEDEVICE FOR CONNECTING TWO OPTICAL FIBERS WITH AXIAL RETENTION MEANS AND WITH UNLOCKING KEY
La présente invention concerne un dispositif de connexion/déconnexion de deux fibres optiques individuelles et un épanouisseur-connecteur pour fibres optiques.The present invention relates to a device for connecting / disconnecting two individual optical fibers and a connector-expander for optical fibers.
L'épanouisseur-connecteur de la présente invention est un nouveau dispositif permettant de raccorder individuellement des fibres optiques regroupées en ruban ou dans une microgaine à des fibres optiques individuelles, et ce, dans un espace très réduit.The spreader-connector of the present invention is a new device making it possible to individually connect optical fibers grouped in ribbon or in a microgain to individual optical fibers, and this, in a very reduced space.
On connaît, d'une part, les épanouisseurs qui permettent de séparer les fibres optiques d'un câble à fibres optiques tel qu'un ruban ou une microgaine.On the one hand, there are known spreaders which make it possible to separate the optical fibers of a fiber optic cable such as a ribbon or a microgaine.
Il s'agit de dispositifs de guidage du type comprenant un faisceau de canaux divergents dans lequel les fibres optiques pénètrent en étant regroupées dans le câble, se logent chacune dans un canal, puis quittent l'épanouisseur en étant séparées les unes des autres .These are guiding devices of the type comprising a bundle of divergent channels into which the optical fibers penetrate by being grouped in the cable, are each housed in a channel, then leave the spreader while being separated from each other.
On connaît, d'autre part, les connecteurs individuels de fibres optiques qui comportent deux éléments de connecteur destinés à être montés chacun à l'extrémité d'une fibre optique pour la raccorder à une autre fibre optique individuelle.On the other hand, individual connectors of optical fibers are known which comprise two connector elements intended to be mounted each at the end of an optical fiber in order to connect it to another individual optical fiber.
De tels connecteurs individuels sont assez encombrants, en comparaison avec les fibres optiques qu'ils raccordent.Such individual connectors are quite bulky, in comparison with the optical fibers that they connect.
La présente invention vise à fournir un connecteur individuel peu encombrant et à réunir ces deux fonctions de connexion individuelle et d'épanouissement en un seul dispositif présentant un encombrement minimum.The present invention aims to provide a space-saving individual connector and to combine these two functions of individual connection and development in a single device having a minimum space requirement.
La présente invention a tout d'abord pour objet un dispositif de connexion/déconnexion de deux fibres optiques individuelles comprenant :The present invention firstly relates to a device for connecting / disconnecting two individual optical fibers comprising:
- deux ferrules, chacune ayant une face frontale et étant apte à être montée à l'extrémité d'une des fibres optiques,- two ferrules, each having a front face and being able to be mounted at the end of one of the optical fibers,
- un canal de connexion dans lequel les deux ferrules peuvent s'engager en vis-à-vis,- a connection channel in which the two ferrules can engage opposite,
- deux moyens de rétention axiale, chacun ayant pour fonction de limiter les déplacements axiaux d'une ferrule par rapport au canal - 2 -- two axial retention means, each having the function of limiting the axial displacements of a ferrule relative to the channel - 2 -
de connexion, dans une direction opposée à sa direction d'engagement dans ledit canal,connection, in a direction opposite to its direction of engagement in said channel,
- un organe élastique repoussant une des ferrules pour appliquer les faces frontales des deux ferrules l'une contre l'autre lors de la connexion, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte, pour la déconnexion, une clé de déverrouillage apte à neutraliser le moyen de rétention axiale d'une des ferrules et par le fait que l'organe élastique est agencé pour, lorsque la clé de déverrouillage neutralise le moyen de rétention, repousser ladite ferrule vers l'extérieur du manchon d'alignement et provoquer la déconnexion.- an elastic member pushing one of the ferrules to apply the front faces of the two ferrules against each other during connection, characterized in that it comprises, for disconnection, an unlocking key capable of neutralizing the means axial retention of one of the ferrules and by the fact that the elastic member is arranged for, when the unlocking key neutralizes the retention means, push said ferrule outward from the alignment sleeve and cause disconnection.
En d'autres termes, le connecteur individuel selon l'invention est original en ce qu'il ne comporte pas de moyen d'assemblage et de séparation de deux éléments de connecteur agissant l'un sur l'autre, à la différence des connecteurs connus dans lesquels chaque élément de connecteur comporte d'une part, un moyen de rétention de la ferrule qui est opérationnel en permanence et d'autre part un moyen séparé d'assemblage avec l'autre connecteur qui n'entre en fonction que pour la connexion.In other words, the individual connector according to the invention is original in that it does not comprise means for assembling and separating two connector elements acting on one another, unlike connectors known in which each connector element comprises on the one hand, a means of retaining the ferrule which is permanently operational and on the other hand a separate means of assembly with the other connector which only comes into operation for the connection.
L'invention consiste donc à utiliser les moyens de rétention des ferrules comme moyens d'assemblage et de séparation des fibres optiques, en éliminant de ce fait tout moyen séparé d'assemblage.The invention therefore consists in using the means for retaining the ferrules as means for assembling and separating the optical fibers, thereby eliminating any separate means of assembly.
La présente invention a également pour objet un dispositif pour connecter/déconnecter individuellement des fibres optiques regroupées dans un câble à fibres optiques tel qu'un ruban ou une microgaine avec des fibres optiques individuelles, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend :The present invention also relates to a device for individually connecting / disconnecting optical fibers grouped in a fiber optic cable such as a ribbon or a microgain with individual optical fibers, characterized in that it comprises:
- un boîtier comportant :- a housing comprising:
. un orifice d'introduction d'un câble à fibres optiques, . à l'opposé de cet orifice d'introduction, une pluralité de canaux de connexion débouchant à l'extérieur du boîtier,. an orifice for introducing a fiber optic cable,. opposite this introduction orifice, a plurality of connection channels opening out of the housing,
. intercalé entre l'orifice d'introduction et les canaux de connexion, un espace d'épanouissement permettant aux fibres regroupées dans le câble de se séparer les unes des autres, le dispositif comprenant en outre :. interposed between the introduction orifice and the connection channels, a blooming space allowing the fibers grouped in the cable to separate from each other, the device further comprising:
- une pluralité de ferrules internes, chacune ayant une face frontale et étant apte à être montée à l'extrémité d'une fibre - 3 -- A plurality of internal ferrules, each having a front face and being able to be mounted at the end of a fiber - 3 -
optique épanouie issue du câble et à être engagée dans un canal de connexion du boîtier, du côté de l'espace d'épanouissement,blooming optic from the cable and to be engaged in a connection channel of the housing, on the side of the blooming space,
- une pluralité de ferrules externes, chacune ayant une face frontale et étant apte à être montée à l'extrémité d'une fibre optique individuelle et à être engagée dans un canal de connexion par l'extérieur du boîtier, en vis-à-vis d'une ferrule interne,- A plurality of external ferrules, each having a front face and being able to be mounted at the end of an individual optical fiber and to be engaged in a connection channel from the outside of the housing, opposite an internal ferrule,
- dans chaque canal de connexion, deux moyens de rétention axiale, chacun ayant pour fonction de limiter les déplacements axiaux d'une ferrule par rapport au canal de connexion, dans une direction opposée à sa direction d'engagement dans ledit canal,- in each connection channel, two axial retention means, each having the function of limiting the axial displacements of a ferrule relative to the connection channel, in a direction opposite to its direction of engagement in said channel,
- une clé de déverrouillage extérieure au boîtier, apte à neutraliser le moyen de rétention axiale d'une seule ferrule externe pour la déconnexion d'une fibre optique individuelle,- an unlocking key external to the housing, able to neutralize the axial retention means of a single external ferrule for the disconnection of an individual optical fiber,
- dans chaque canal de connexion, un organe élastique repoussant une des ferrules dans sa direction d'engagement dans le canal de connexion pour appliquer les faces frontales des deux ferrules l'une contre l'autre lors de la connexion, cet organe élastique étant en outre agencé pour, lorsque la clé de déverrouillage neutralise le moyen de rétention axiale d'une ferrule externe, repousser cette ferrule externe vers l'extérieur du boîtier et provoquer la déconnexion individuelle des deux fibres optiques.- In each connection channel, an elastic member pushing one of the ferrules in its direction of engagement in the connection channel to apply the front faces of the two ferrules against each other during connection, this elastic member being in in addition arranged for, when the unlocking key neutralizes the axial retention means of an external ferrule, push this external ferrule out of the housing and cause the individual disconnection of the two optical fibers.
On comprend que le dispositif selon l'invention permet, d'une part, d'épanouir les fibres optiques d'un câble à fibres optiques du type ruban ou microgaine, et, d'autre part, de connecter individuellement chacune des fibres épanouies issues du câble à une fibre individuelle.It is understood that the device according to the invention allows, on the one hand, to develop the optical fibers of a fiber optic cable of the ribbon or microgain type, and, on the other hand, to individually connect each of the flourished fibers from from cable to an individual fiber.
Dans ce dispositif, chaque canal de connexion forme un connecteur individuel pour une fibre optique.In this device, each connection channel forms an individual connector for an optical fiber.
Ce dispositif selon 1 ' invention présente un encombrement réduit grâce au fait que chacun de ses canaux de connexion n'est équipé que de moyens de rétention d'une ferrule externe, le déverrouillage étant assuré par la clé de déverrouillage extérieure au boîtier, qui s'utilise individuellement pour libérer chaque ferrule, et par l'organe élastique de chaque canal de connexion.This device according to the invention has a reduced overall size thanks to the fact that each of its connection channels is only equipped with means for retaining an external ferrule, unlocking being ensured by the unlocking key external to the housing, which s 'used individually to release each ferrule, and by the elastic member of each connection channel.
Ainsi, en supprimant les moyens de déverrouillage dans chaque canal de connexion, on diminue l'encombrement de chaque connecteur - 4 -Thus, by eliminating the unlocking means in each connection channel, the size of each connector is reduced. - 4 -
individuel et l'on permet l'agencement dans le boîtier d'une pluralité de tels connecteurs individuels rapprochés.individual and allowing the arrangement in the housing of a plurality of such individual connectors close together.
Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, le moyen_de rétention est constitué par un clip muni de doigts élastiques à débattement radial et par un épaulement.In a particular embodiment, the retention means consists of a clip provided with elastic fingers with radial clearance and by a shoulder.
Dans une variante de ce mode de réalisation, le clip est solidaire du canal de connexion et l'épaulement est solidaire de la ferrule.In a variant of this embodiment, the clip is secured to the connection channel and the shoulder is secured to the ferrule.
Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, la ferrule présente, contiguë à son épaulement, une portion de dégagement dont la section transversale est inférieure à celle du passage axial, de manière qu'il subsiste un jeu radial entre la ferrule et ledit passage lorsque la ferrule est introduite dans l'orifice.In a preferred embodiment, the ferrule has, adjacent to its shoulder, a clearance portion whose cross section is less than that of the axial passage, so that there remains a radial clearance between the ferrule and said passage when the ferrule is introduced into the orifice.
Dans un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, la clé de déverrouillage comporte une portion d'extrémité en forme de cylindre creux fendu longitudinalement dont la section transversale s'inscrit dans le jeu radial existant entre la ferrule et l'orifice et qui peut être coulissée axialement le long de la ferrule, entre celle-ci et la paroi du passage axial du corps, pour venir écarter les doigts élastiques du clip et libérer ainsi la ferrule.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the unlocking key comprises an end portion in the form of a hollow cylinder split longitudinally, the cross section of which fits into the radial clearance existing between the ferrule and the orifice and which can be slid axially along the ferrule, between the latter and the wall of the axial passage of the body, to move the elastic fingers apart from the clip and thus release the ferrule.
Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, la ferrule comporte, entre sa portion de dégagement et son extrémité opposée à la face frontale, une portion radialement évidée, qui est bornée par une butée axiale en direction de ladite extrémité opposée, tandis que la clé de déverrouillage comporte, en arrière de sa portion d'extrémité en forme de cylindre creux fendu, une saillie qui est libre de toute contrainte lorsqu'elle se trouve au droit de la portion radialement évidée de la ferrule, autorisant ainsi des mouvements axiaux de la clé de déverrouillage par rapport à la ferrule, et qui est apte à franchir la butée axiale par déformation élastique sous l'effet d'une poussée axiale exercée par un opérateur.In a particular embodiment, the ferrule comprises, between its release portion and its end opposite to the front face, a radially hollowed portion, which is bounded by an axial stop in the direction of said opposite end, while the unlocking key comprises, behind its end portion in the form of a split hollow cylinder, a projection which is free from any constraint when it is in line with the radially hollowed-out portion of the ferrule, thus allowing axial movements of the key unlocking with respect to the ferrule, and which is capable of crossing the axial stop by elastic deformation under the effect of an axial thrust exerted by an operator.
Selon une variante avantageuse, la portion radialement évidée de la ferrule est suffisamment longue pour que la clé de déverrouillage se trouve à l'extérieur du canal de connexion lorsque sa saillie franchit la butée axiale de la ferrule, cette dernière étant engagée dans le canal de connexion et retenue par le clip. - 5 -According to an advantageous variant, the radially hollowed-out portion of the ferrule is sufficiently long for the unlocking key to be outside the connection channel when its projection crosses the axial stop of the ferrule, the latter being engaged in the channel of connection and retention by the clip. - 5 -
Ainsi, le franchissement de la butée axiale par la saillie qui réalise 1 'encliquetage de la clé de déverrouillage sur la ferrule, s'opère en dehors du canal de connexion, ce qui permet la déformation élastique de la clé. La ferrule peut par exemple être obtenue par surmoulage sur l'extrémité de la fibre optique individuelle.Thus, the crossing of the axial stop by the projection which realizes the locking of the unlocking key on the ferrule, takes place outside the connection channel, which allows the elastic deformation of the key. The ferrule can for example be obtained by overmolding on the end of the individual optical fiber.
De préférence, l'organe élastique est un ressort hélicoïdal qui agit uniquement sur les ferrules internes.Preferably, the elastic member is a helical spring which acts only on the internal ferrules.
Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, le dispositif comporte, dans chaque canal de connexion, un manchon d'alignement apte à recevoir les faces frontales d'une ferrule interne et d'une ferrule externe en vis-à-vis pour aligner ces dernières.In a particular embodiment, the device comprises, in each connection channel, an alignment sleeve capable of receiving the front faces of an internal ferrule and an external ferrule opposite to align the latter.
Le dispositif selon l'invention présente un encombrement très réduit. A titre d'exemple, il peut être réalisé avec des ferrules de 1,25 mm de diamètre et présenter un entraxe, entre deux canaux de connexion voisins, de 3 mm.The device according to the invention has a very small footprint. For example, it can be made with ferrules of 1.25 mm in diameter and have a center distance, between two neighboring connection channels, of 3 mm.
Dans le but de mieux faire comprendre l'invention, on va en décrire maintenant des modes de réalisation donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, en référence au dessin annexé dans lequel :In order to better understand the invention, we will now describe embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
- la figure 1 est une vue en coupe axiale d'un dispositif de connexion/déconnexion selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,FIG. 1 is a view in axial section of a connection / disconnection device according to a first embodiment of the invention,
- la figure 2 correspond à la moitié droite de la figure 1 lors de la séparation des deux fibres,FIG. 2 corresponds to the right half of FIG. 1 during the separation of the two fibers,
- la figure 3 est analogue à la figure 2 et représente le dispositif à un stade ultérieur de séparation des deux fibres,FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 and represents the device at a later stage of separation of the two fibers,
- la figure 4 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention,
- la figure 5 est une vue de dessus d'une partie du dispositif de la figure 4,FIG. 5 is a top view of part of the device in FIG. 4,
- la figure 6 est une vue en élévation d'une ferrule externe du dispositif des figures 4 et 5,FIG. 6 is a view in elevation of an external ferrule of the device of FIGS. 4 and 5,
- la figure 7 est une vue en coupe axiale de la clé de déverrouillage du même dispositif,FIG. 7 is a view in axial section of the unlocking key of the same device,
- les figures 8 à 11 sont des vues de détail en coupe d'une ferrule externe lors de sa déconnexion à l'aide de la clé de déverrouillage. - 6 -- Figures 8 to 11 are detailed sectional views of an external ferrule when it is disconnected using the unlocking key. - 6 -
Le dispositif de connexion/déconnexion des figures 1 à 3 comprend deux ferrules 1,2 qui sont chacune surmoulée à l'extrémité d'une fibre optique, schématisée par un trait d'axe 3,4.The connection / disconnection device of FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises two ferrules 1,2 which are each overmolded at the end of an optical fiber, shown diagrammatically by an axis line 3,4.
Chaque ferrule se présente sous la forme d'un cylindre comportant une face frontale 5,6 et une portion 7,8 de plus gros diamètre que le cylindre, définissant notamment un épaulement 9, 10 du côté opposé à la face frontale 5,6, le cylindre s 'étendant de part et d'autre de la portion 7,8 en deux tronçons la, lb et 2a, 2b.Each ferrule is in the form of a cylinder comprising a front face 5,6 and a portion 7,8 of larger diameter than the cylinder, defining in particular a shoulder 9, 10 on the side opposite to the front face 5,6, the cylinder extending on either side of the portion 7,8 into two sections 1a, 1b and 2a, 2b.
Le dispositif comporte également un corps 11 allongé à l'intérieur duquel est réservé un canal de connexion cylindrique 12, comportant une partie intermédiaire 12a de diamètre très légèrement supérieur au diamètre extérieur du cylindre constituant chaque ferrule et deux parties d'extrémité 12b et 12ç débouchant sur les faces opposées 13 et 14 du corps 11 et présentant un diamètre légèrement supérieur au diamètre extérieur de la portion 7,8 de chaque ferrule.The device also comprises an elongated body 11 inside which is reserved a cylindrical connection channel 12, comprising an intermediate part 12a of diameter very slightly greater than the outside diameter of the cylinder constituting each ferrule and two end parts 12b and 12c opening out on the opposite faces 13 and 14 of the body 11 and having a diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the portion 7.8 of each ferrule.
La longueur de la partie intermédiaire est nettement inférieure à la somme des longueurs des parties de ferrule situées entre la portion de gros diamètre 7,8 et la face frontale 5,6 de chaque fibre.The length of the intermediate part is much less than the sum of the lengths of the ferrule parts located between the large diameter portion 7.8 and the front face 5.6 of each fiber.
A chaque embouchure du canal de connexion, dans les parties d'extrémité 12b et 12ç, le dispositif comporte un moyen de rétention axiale de la ferrule correspondante, ce moyen étant constitué par un clip 13, 14, formé par une bague munie de doigts élastiques aptes à se déformer radialement vers l'extérieur et réduisant, en position de repos, le diamètre du passage libre du canal de connexion. Chaque clip 13, 14 est fermement fixé dans la partie d'extrémité 12b, 12ç correspondante et est orienté de manière que ses doigts élastiques réduisent le diamètre de passage de la partie d'extrémité au droit du bord intérieur de la bague.At each mouth of the connection channel, in the end parts 12b and 12c, the device comprises a means of axial retention of the corresponding ferrule, this means being constituted by a clip 13, 14, formed by a ring provided with elastic fingers able to deform radially outwards and reducing, in the rest position, the diameter of the free passage of the connection channel. Each clip 13, 14 is firmly fixed in the corresponding end portion 12b, 12c and is oriented so that its elastic fingers reduce the passage diameter of the end portion to the right of the inner edge of the ring.
L' épaulement 10 prend appui sur les doigts élastiques du clip 14 lorsque la ferrule correspondante 2 est en place dans le corps 11.The shoulder 10 bears on the elastic fingers of the clip 14 when the corresponding ferrule 2 is in place in the body 11.
Dans la partie droite 12c du canal de connexion, les doigts élastiques et la bague sont positionnés de manière que la face frontale 6 de la ferrule verrouillée se situe sensiblement au milieu de la partie intermédiaire 12a. Dans la partie gauche 12b du canal de connexion, le clip 13 et 1 'épaulement 9 sont suffisamment espacés pour loger un ressort hélicoïdal 17 intercalé entre le clip et l'épaulement autour du tronçon cylindrique la. On comprend que le ressort hélicoïdal 17 repousse la ferrule 3 en direction de la partie intermédiaire 12a. En l'absence de la ferrule 2, la portion de plus gros diamètre 7 de la ferrule 3 s'appuie contre la paroi 15.In the right part 12c of the connection channel, the elastic fingers and the ring are positioned so that the front face 6 of the locked ferrule is located substantially in the middle of the intermediate part 12a. In the left part 12b of the connection channel, the clip 13 and the shoulder 9 are sufficiently spaced to accommodate a helical spring 17 interposed between the clip and the shoulder around the cylindrical section la. It is understood that the helical spring 17 pushes the ferrule 3 towards the intermediate part 12a. In the absence of the ferrule 2, the larger diameter portion 7 of the ferrule 3 bears against the wall 15.
Lorsque la ferrule 2 est présente dans le corps 11, sa face frontale 6 s'appuie contre celle 5 de la ferrule 3 qui est repoussée vers la gauche, par rapport au dessin, de sorte que les deux faces frontales se trouvent sensiblement au milieu de la partie intermédiaire 12a.When the ferrule 2 is present in the body 11, its front face 6 is pressed against that 5 of the ferrule 3 which is pushed to the left, relative to the drawing, so that the two front faces are located substantially in the middle of the intermediate part 12a.
Pour la déconnexion de la ferrule 2, le dispositif comporte une clé de déverrouillage 16 qui est constituée par une portion de tube cylindrique dont le diamètre interne est légèrement supérieur au diamètre du tronçon cylindrique 2b de la ferrule et dont le diamètre externe est légèrement supérieur au diamètre de la portion de plus gros diamètre 8 de la ferrule, mais légèrement inférieur au diamètre de la partie droite 12c du canal de connexion.For the disconnection of the ferrule 2, the device comprises an unlocking key 16 which is constituted by a portion of cylindrical tube whose internal diameter is slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical section 2b of the ferrule and whose external diameter is slightly greater than the diameter of the larger diameter portion 8 of the ferrule, but slightly less than the diameter of the straight portion 12c of the connection channel.
Comme on le voit sur la figure 2, la clé de déverrouillage s'engage dans la partie d'extrémité 12ç du corps 11, autour de la ferrule 2.As can be seen in FIG. 2, the unlocking key engages in the end portion 12c of the body 11, around the ferrule 2.
A cet effet, la clé 16 est fendue longitudinalement pour permettre le passage de la fibre optique. En arrivant au contact du clip 13, la clé 16 neutralise le clip en écartant les doigts élastiques et vient prendre appui contre 1'épaulement 10 de la ferrule.To this end, the key 16 is split longitudinally to allow the passage of the optical fiber. When coming into contact with the clip 13, the key 16 neutralizes the clip by spreading the elastic fingers and comes to bear against the shoulder 10 of the ferrule.
Du fait que le ressort hélicoïdal 17 repousse la ferrule 1 vers la droite et que les faces frontales 5, 6 des deux ferrules s'appuient l'une contre l'autre, l'action du ressort 17 se traduit par le fait que l' épaulement 10 de la ferrule reste collé à la clé 16 lors du déplacement de cette dernière vers la droite, jusqu'à ce que la ferrule 1 arrive en bout de course, lorsque sa portion 7 arrive au contact de la paroi 15.Because the helical spring 17 pushes the ferrule 1 to the right and the front faces 5, 6 of the two ferrules bear against each other, the action of the spring 17 results in the fact that the shoulder 10 of the ferrule remains stuck to the key 16 when the latter moves to the right, until the ferrule 1 reaches the end of its travel, when its portion 7 comes into contact with the wall 15.
A ce stade, la ferrule 2, qui ne peut plus être verrouillée par les doigts élastiques du clip, comme on le voit à la figure 3, - 8 -At this stage, the ferrule 2, which can no longer be locked by the elastic fingers of the clip, as seen in FIG. 3, - 8 -
est suffisamment sortie du corps 1 pour être saisie à la main et extraite complètement dudit corps 1.is sufficiently extended from the body 1 to be grasped by hand and completely extracted from the said body 1.
Le dispositif des figures 4, 5, 6 comprend tout d'abord un boîtier 21 en matière plastique comportant une portion d'entrée 21a, rectangulaire, munie d'un orifice d'introduction 22 d'une gaine ou d'un ruban 23 de fibres optiques, une portion intermédiaire 21b dont la largeur va croissant depuis la portion d'entrée et qui délimite un espace intérieur d'épanouissement 24, et une portion de sortie 21c qui est également rectangulaire et se termine par une paroi frontale percée de huit canaux de connexion 25.The device of FIGS. 4, 5, 6 firstly comprises a plastic casing 21 comprising an inlet portion 21a, rectangular, provided with an insertion orifice 22 of a sheath or of a ribbon 23 of optical fibers, an intermediate portion 21b whose width increases from the inlet portion and which delimits an interior flourishing space 24, and an outlet portion 21c which is also rectangular and ends in a front wall pierced with eight channels connection 25.
Le boîtier 21 est réalisé fermé dans sa portion de sortie mais comporte un couvercle 26 recouvrant sa portion d'entrée 21a et sa portion intermédiaire 21b.The housing 21 is made closed in its outlet portion but has a cover 26 covering its inlet portion 21a and its intermediate portion 21b.
La portion de sortie 21c est mieux visible sur la figure 5.The outlet portion 21c is better visible in FIG. 5.
Pour la clarté du dessin, on n'a représenté, sur les figures 4 et 5, que quatre des huit connecteurs individuels que comporte le dispositif.For the sake of clarity of the drawing, only FIGS. 4 and 5 show only four of the eight individual connectors that the device comprises.
Dans la partie supérieure de la figure 5, où ces connecteurs n'apparaissent pas, on voit clairement des guides 27 reliant l'espace d'épanouissement 24 aux canaux de connexion 25.In the upper part of FIG. 5, where these connectors do not appear, one can clearly see guides 27 connecting the development space 24 to the connection channels 25.
Chaque guide 27 comprend un premier tronçon 27a débouchant dans l'espace d'épanouissement 24, prolongé par un second tronçon 27b, de diamètre inférieur au premier, débouchant dans le canal de connexion 25. Le guide 27 et le canal de connexion 25 sont cylindriques et coaxiaux. Un peigne amovible 28 comprenant huit rainures dont chacune se situe dans l'axe d'un canal de connexion est mis en place en amont de chaque guide 27 en prenant appui sur des butées 29 situées dans l'espace d'épanouissement de fibres 24.Each guide 27 comprises a first section 27a opening into the development space 24, extended by a second section 27b, of diameter less than the first, opening into the connection channel 25. The guide 27 and the connection channel 25 are cylindrical and coaxial. A removable comb 28 comprising eight grooves, each of which is located in the axis of a connection channel is placed upstream of each guide 27 by bearing on stops 29 located in the fiber development space 24.
Comme on le voit à la partie inférieure de la figure 5, où les connecteurs sont représentés, chaque fibre épanouie est munie à son extrémité d'une ferrule interne constituée par un guide terminal 30 engagé dans un manchon 31 et par un corps 32 sur lequel prend appui un ressort hélicoïdal 33 qui repousse l'ensemble vers l'orifice de connexion 25.As can be seen in the lower part of FIG. 5, where the connectors are shown, each open fiber is provided at its end with an internal ferrule constituted by a terminal guide 30 engaged in a sleeve 31 and by a body 32 on which is supported by a helical spring 33 which pushes the assembly towards the connection orifice 25.
Pour mettre en place chaque ferrule interne, on retire le peigne 28 et l'on introduit la ferrule, le manchon 31 et le - 9 -To install each internal ferrule, the comb 28 is removed and the ferrule, the sleeve 31 and the - 9 -
ressort 33 dans le guide 7, puis on comprime tous les ressorts 33 pour positionner le peigne 28.spring 33 in the guide 7, then all the springs 33 are compressed to position the comb 28.
Le guide terminal 30 et le manchon 31 viennent alors se positionner dans le second tronçon 27b du guide 27 tandis que le corps 32 et le ressort 33 demeurent dans son premier tronçon 27a.The end guide 30 and the sleeve 31 are then positioned in the second section 27b of the guide 27 while the body 32 and the spring 33 remain in its first section 27a.
Comme on le voit sur la figure 6, chaque ferrule externe 34 montée sur une fibre individuelle comprend un guide terminal 35 qui guide l'extrémité de la fibre et un corps rigide 36 qui peut être surmoulé sur la fibre et sur le guide terminal. Le corps 36 de la ferrule externe se compose d'un tronçon avant 36a, d'une collerette 36b dont le diamètre correspond sensiblement à celui du canal de connexion 25, d'un tronçon intermédiaire 36b également désigné portion de dégagement, dont le diamètre est légèrement inférieur à celui du canal de connexion, de sorte qu'il subsiste un jeu entre cette portion de dégagement et l'orifice de connexion, et d'un tronçon arrière 36d également désigné portion radialement évidée, terminée par une partie tronconique 36e formant une butée axiale 36f_ à sa base.As can be seen in FIG. 6, each external ferrule 34 mounted on an individual fiber comprises an end guide 35 which guides the end of the fiber and a rigid body 36 which can be molded onto the fiber and onto the end guide. The body 36 of the external ferrule consists of a front section 36a, a flange 36b whose diameter corresponds substantially to that of the connection channel 25, an intermediate section 36b also designated clearance portion, whose diameter is slightly lower than that of the connection channel, so that there remains a clearance between this clearance portion and the connection orifice, and a rear section 36d also designated radially hollowed portion, terminated by a frustoconical part 36e forming a axial stop 36f_ at its base.
A la hauteur du raccordement entre la collerette 36b et la portion de dégagement 36ç. du corps 36 de chaque ferrule externe introduite dans un canal de connexion 25, chaque canal de connexion 25 comporte des moyens de verrouillage constitués par des lames 37 radialement élastiques s 'étendant axialement dans l'orifice et comportant une première extrémité 37a dirigée vers l'extérieur (à droite sur le dessin) solidaire de la paroi du canal 25 et une seconde extrémité 37b dirigée vers l'intérieur (à gauche sur le dessin) plus rapprochée de l'axe du canal et apte à être déplacée, par déformation élastique de la lame, pour venir au contact de la paroi de l'orifice.At the height of the connection between the flange 36b and the clearance portion 36c. of the body 36 of each external ferrule introduced into a connection channel 25, each connection channel 25 comprises locking means constituted by radially elastic blades 37 extending axially in the orifice and comprising a first end 37a directed towards the outside (on the right in the drawing) integral with the wall of the channel 25 and a second end 37b directed inwards (on the left in the drawing) closer to the axis of the channel and able to be displaced, by elastic deformation of the blade, to come into contact with the wall of the orifice.
Pour permettre l'introduction des lames élastiques dans chaque canal de connexion, la portion de sortie 21c du boîtier est réalisée en deux parties 2Ici et 21ç.2 réunies au niveau du logement des lames élastiques 37. Ainsi, on peut positionner les lames élastiques 37 alors que ces deux parties 21ç_l et 21ç2 du boîtier sont séparées, puis réunir ces dernières par exemple par collage pour emprisonner les lames élastiques 37 dans chaque canal de connexion 25. - 10 -To allow the introduction of the elastic blades in each connection channel, the outlet portion 21c of the housing is produced in two parts 2Ici and 21ç.2 joined at the level of the housing of the elastic blades 37. Thus, the elastic blades 37 can be positioned while these two parts 21ç_l and 21ç2 of the housing are separate, then join the latter for example by gluing to trap the elastic blades 37 in each connection channel 25. - 10 -
Lorsqu'une ferrule externe 34 est mise en place dans un canal de connexion 25, la seconde extrémité 37b de chaque lame vient prendre appui contre un épaulement 38 résultant de la différence de diamètre entre la collerette 36b et la portion de dégagement 36ç_.When an external ferrule 34 is placed in a connection channel 25, the second end 37b of each blade comes to bear against a shoulder 38 resulting from the difference in diameter between the flange 36b and the clearance portion 36ç_.
On voit que ces moyens de verrouillage sont particulièrement peu encombrants, ce qui permet de positionner les canaux de connexion 25 très près les uns des autres.It can be seen that these locking means are particularly compact, which makes it possible to position the connection channels 25 very close to one another.
Une clé de déverrouillage 39 extérieure au boîtier, représentée sur la figure 7, est constituée par un tube comprenant une portion d'extrémité 39a cylindrique fendue dont le diamètre intérieur est très légèrement supérieur à celui de la portion de dégagement 36ç du corps de chaque ferrule externe, et dont le diamètre extérieur est très légèrement inférieur à celui de chaque canal de connexion 25.An unlocking key 39 external to the housing, shown in FIG. 7, is constituted by a tube comprising an end portion 39a of cylindrical slit whose internal diameter is very slightly greater than that of the clearance portion 36c from the body of each ferrule external, and whose external diameter is very slightly smaller than that of each connection channel 25.
Ainsi, la section transversale de la portion d'extrémité de la clé s'inscrit dans le jeu existant entre les sections transversales du canal de connexion 25 et de la portion de dégagement 36c: du corps de la ferrule externe 34.Thus, the cross section of the end portion of the key fits into the clearance existing between the cross sections of the connection channel 25 and of the clearance portion 36c: of the body of the external ferrule 34.
En d'autres termes, l'épaisseur de la portion d'extrémité 39a de la clé de déverrouillage 39 est sensiblement égale à la différence d'épaisseur entre la collerette 36b et la portion de dégagement 36ç de la ferrule.In other words, the thickness of the end portion 39a of the unlocking key 39 is substantially equal to the difference in thickness between the flange 36b and the clearance portion 36c of the ferrule.
En arrière de sa portion d'extrémité 39a, la clé de déverrouillage 39 comporte, en saillie de sa face intérieure, une rainure annulaire 39b dont le diamètre est inférieur à celui de la butée axiale 36f_ formée par la base de la partie tronconique 36e de la ferrule.Behind its end portion 39a, the unlocking key 39 comprises, projecting from its inner face, an annular groove 39b whose diameter is less than that of the axial stop 36f_ formed by the base of the frustoconical part 36e of the ferrule.
La rainure 39b comporte deux chanfreins latéraux 39ç qui permettent à ladite rainure de franchir la butée axiale 36f_ lorsque la clé de déverrouillage 39 est soumise à une poussée axiale exercée par un opérateur.The groove 39b has two lateral chamfers 39c which allow said groove to pass through the axial stop 36f_ when the unlocking key 39 is subjected to an axial thrust exerted by an operator.
Ainsi, la rainure 39b et la butée axiale 36jE constituent des moyens coopérants qui permettent d'encliqueter la clé de déverrouillage 39 sur la ferrule externe 34.Thus, the groove 39b and the axial stop 36jE constitute cooperating means which make it possible to snap the unlocking key 39 onto the external ferrule 34.
Afin de présenter l'élasticité requise dans sa partie avant et d'être suffisamment rigide dans sa partie arrière, la clé de déverrouillage présente un profil extérieur tronconique. - li ¬In order to have the required elasticity in its front part and to be sufficiently rigid in its rear part, the unlocking key has a frustoconical external profile. - li ¬
on constate, notamment sur les figures 8 à 11, que la partie radialement évidée 36d de la ferrule externe présente un diamètre très inférieur à celui de la rainure annulaire 39b de la clé de déverrouillage, ce qui permet à cette dernière de coulisser librement le long de la ferrule sans l'entraîner avec elle.it can be seen, in particular in FIGS. 8 to 11, that the radially hollowed out part 36d of the external ferrule has a diameter much smaller than that of the annular groove 39b of the unlocking key, which allows the latter to slide freely along of the ferrule without dragging it with it.
De ce fait, une fois l'encliquetage réalisé, comme on le voit sur la figure 8, la clé de dé errouillage peut continuer sa progression en direction du canal de connexion comme représenté sur la figure 9 sans agir sur la ferrule.Therefore, once the locking has been carried out, as can be seen in FIG. 8, the unlocking key can continue its progression in the direction of the connection channel as shown in FIG. 9 without acting on the ferrule.
A cet effet, la clé de déverrouillage est creuse sur une longueur au moins égale à la partie de la ferrule comprise entre son épaulement 38 et son extrémité opposée à la face frontale.To this end, the unlocking key is hollow over a length at least equal to the part of the ferrule between its shoulder 38 and its end opposite the front face.
Dans l'exemple représenté, la clé de déverrouillage est d'ailleurs creuse sur toute sa longueur.In the example shown, the unlocking key is also hollow over its entire length.
La fente longitudinale 40 prévue sur la clé de déverrouillage 39 permet d'engager cette dernière autour d'une fibre optique individuelle, comme représenté à la figure 5, pour pouvoir ensuite coulisser le long de la fibre optique jusqu'à venir recouvrir le corps de la ferrule externe montée à l'extrémité de cette fibre optique.The longitudinal slot 40 provided on the unlocking key 39 makes it possible to engage the latter around an individual optical fiber, as shown in FIG. 5, so that it can then slide along the optical fiber until it covers the body of the external ferrule mounted at the end of this optical fiber.
Les différentes étapes de la déconnexion sont illustrées par les figures 8 à 11.The different stages of disconnection are illustrated in Figures 8 to 11.
Après avoir été encliquetée sur la ferrule comme déjà expliqué en référence à la figure 8, la clé 39 est enfoncée complètement jusqu'à venir buter contre la portée d'appui 38 de la ferrule, comme on le voit sur la figure 9. Elle repousse alors la seconde extrémité 37b des lames élastiques 37 et libère ainsi la ferrule qui est repoussée en dehors du canal par le ressort 33, comme cela a été expliqué en référence aux figures 1 à 3.After having been snapped onto the ferrule as already explained with reference to FIG. 8, the key 39 is fully depressed until it comes to abut against the bearing surface 38 of the ferrule, as seen in FIG. 9. It repels then the second end 37b of the elastic blades 37 and thus releases the ferrule which is pushed out of the channel by the spring 33, as has been explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
Pour extraire complètement la ferrule, on peut soit tirer directement dessus, soit utiliser la clé de déverrouillage comme illustré par les figures 10 et 11.To completely extract the ferrule, you can either pull directly on it or use the unlocking key as shown in Figures 10 and 11.
Une fois que le ressort 33 a presque totalement expulsé la ferrule externe du canal de connexion, ladite ferrule externe stoppe sa progression vers l'extérieur.Once the spring 33 has almost completely expelled the external ferrule from the connection channel, said external ferrule stops its progression towards the outside.
Si l'opérateur continue de tirer la clé de déverrouillage, la rainure intérieure 39b de cette dernière vient au contact de la butée 12 -If the operator continues to pull the unlocking key, the inner groove 39b of the latter comes into contact with the stop 12 -
axiale 36f_ de la ferrule, ce qui entraîne cette dernière vers l'extérieur jusqu'à son extraction complète du canal de connexion.axial 36f_ of the ferrule, which drives the latter outwards until it is completely extracted from the connection channel.
Une fois extraite, la ferrule externe demeure encliquetée sur la clé de déverrouillage.Once extracted, the external ferrule remains snapped onto the unlocking key.
Pour séparer la ferrule externe de la clé de déverrouillage, l'opérateur exerce une traction sur chacune d'elles pour les désencliqueter.To separate the external ferrule from the unlocking key, the operator pulls each of them to unlock them.
La clé peut ainsi être utilisée non seulement pour neutraliser les lames élastiques mais également pour manipuler les fiches lors de leur retrait, ce qui est avantageux compte-tenu de leur très petite taille.The key can thus be used not only to neutralize the elastic blades but also to handle the plugs during their removal, which is advantageous given their very small size.
Il est bien entendu que le mode de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit ne présente aucun caractère limitatif et pourra recevoir toutes modifications désirables sans sortir pour cela du cadre de l'invention. It is understood that the embodiment which has just been described does not have any limiting character and can receive any desirable modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

- 13 -- 13 -
REVENDICATIONS
1 - Dispositif de connexion/déconnexion de deux fibres optiques individuelles comprenant : __1 - Device for connecting / disconnecting two individual optical fibers comprising: __
- deux ferrules (1,2 ; 30,34), chacune ayant une face frontale (5,6) et étant apte à être montée à l'extrémité d'une des fibres optiques (3,4),- two ferrules (1,2; 30,34), each having a front face (5,6) and being able to be mounted at the end of one of the optical fibers (3,4),
- un canal de connexion (12 ; 25) dans lequel les deux ferrules peuvent s'engager en vis-à-vis,- a connection channel (12; 25) in which the two ferrules can engage opposite,
- deux moyens de rétention axiale (13,14 ; 28,37), chacun ayant pour fonction de limiter les déplacements axiaux d'une ferrule par rapport au canal de connexion, dans une direction opposée à sa direction d'engagement dans ledit canal,- two axial retention means (13,14; 28,37), each having the function of limiting the axial displacements of a ferrule relative to the connection channel, in a direction opposite to its direction of engagement in said channel,
- un organe élastique (17 ; 33) repoussant une des ferrules (1 ; 30) pour appliquer les faces frontales des deux ferrules l'une contre l'autre lors de la connexion, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte, pour la déconnexion, une clé de déverrouillage (16 ; 39) apte à neutraliser le moyen de rétention axiale (14 ; 37) d'une des ferrules (2 ; 34) et par le fait que l'organe élastique (17 ; 33) est agencé pour, lorsque la clé de déverrouillage neutralise le moyen de rétention, repousser ladite ferrule vers l'extérieur du manchon d'alignement et provoquer la déconnexion.- an elastic member (17; 33) pushing back one of the ferrules (1; 30) to apply the front faces of the two ferrules against each other during connection, characterized in that it comprises, for disconnection , an unlocking key (16; 39) capable of neutralizing the axial retention means (14; 37) of one of the ferrules (2; 34) and by the fact that the elastic member (17; 33) is arranged to , when the unlocking key neutralizes the retention means, push said ferrule outwards from the alignment sleeve and cause disconnection.
2 - Dispositif pour connecter/déconnecter individuellement des fibres optiques regroupées dans un câble à fibres optiques tel qu'un ruban (23) ou une microgaine avec des fibres optiques individuelles, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend :2 - Device for individually connecting / disconnecting optical fibers grouped in a fiber optic cable such as a ribbon (23) or a microgain with individual optical fibers, characterized in that it comprises:
- un boîtier (21) comportant : un orifice (22) d'introduction d'un câble à fibres optiques (23),- a housing (21) comprising: an orifice (22) for introducing a fiber optic cable (23),
. à l'opposé de cet orifice d'introduction, une pluralité de canaux de connexion (25) débouchant à l'extérieur du boîtier, intercalé entre l'orifice d'introduction (22) et les canaux de connexion (25), un espace d'épanouissement (24) permettant aux fibres regroupées dans le câble de se séparer les unes des autres, le dispositif comprenant en outre :. opposite this introduction orifice, a plurality of connection channels (25) opening out of the housing, interposed between the introduction orifice (22) and the connection channels (25), a space spreading (24) allowing the fibers grouped in the cable to separate from each other, the device further comprising:
- une pluralité de ferrules internes (30), chacune ayant une face frontale et étant apte à être montée à l'extrémité d'une fibre - 14 -- a plurality of internal ferrules (30), each having a front face and being able to be mounted at the end of a fiber - 14 -
optique épanouie issue du câble et à être engagée dans un canal de connexion (25) du boîtier, du côté de l'espace d'épanouissement,blooming optic from the cable and to be engaged in a connection channel (25) of the housing, on the side of the blooming space,
- une pluralité de ferrules externes (34), chacune ayant une face frontale et étant apte à être montée à l'extrémité d'une fibre- a plurality of external ferrules (34), each having a front face and being able to be mounted at the end of a fiber
5 optique individuelle et à être engagée dans un canal de connexion5 individual optics and to be engaged in a connection channel
(25) par l'extérieur du boîtier, en vis-à-vis d'une ferrule interne,(25) from the outside of the housing, facing an internal ferrule,
- dans chaque canal de connexion, deux moyens de rétention axiale (28,37), chacun ayant pour fonction de limiter les déplacements axiaux d'une ferrule par rapport au canal de connexion, o dans une direction opposée à sa direction d'engagement dans ledit canal,- in each connection channel, two axial retention means (28, 37), each having the function of limiting the axial displacements of a ferrule relative to the connection channel, o in a direction opposite to its direction of engagement in said channel,
- une clé de déverrouillage (39) extérieure au boîtier (21), apte à neutraliser le moyen de rétention axiale (37) d'une seule ferrule (34) externe pour la déconnexion d'une fibre optique individuelle, 5- an unlocking key (39) external to the housing (21), capable of neutralizing the axial retention means (37) of a single external ferrule (34) for the disconnection of an individual optical fiber, 5
- dans chaque canal de connexion, un organe élastique (33) repoussant une des ferrules (30) dans sa direction d'engagement dans le canal de connexion pour appliquer les faces frontales des deux ferrules l'une contre l'autre lors de la connexion, cet organe élastique étant en outre agencé pour, lorsque la clé de 0 déverrouillage neutralise le moyen de rétention axiale d'une ferrule externe, repousser cette ferrule externe vers l'extérieur du boîtier et provoguer la déconnexion individuelle des deux fibres optiques.- In each connection channel, an elastic member (33) pushing one of the ferrules (30) in its direction of engagement in the connection channel to apply the front faces of the two ferrules against each other during connection , this elastic member being further arranged so that, when the unlocking key 0 neutralizes the axial retention means of an external ferrule, push this external ferrule out of the housing and cause the individual disconnection of the two optical fibers.
3 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé par le fait que le moyen de rétention (14 ; 37) est 5 constitué par un clip muni de doigts élastiques à débattement radial et par un épaulement (10 ; 38).3 - Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the retention means (14; 37) is 5 constituted by a clip provided with elastic fingers with radial clearance and by a shoulder (10; 38) .
4 - Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé par le fait que le clip (14 ; 37) est solidaire du canal de connexion (12 ; 25) et que l'épaulement (10 ; 38) est solidaire de la ferrule externe (2 ; 34). 04 - Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the clip (14; 37) is integral with the connection channel (12; 25) and that the shoulder (10; 38) is integral with the external ferrule (2; 34). 0
5 - Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé par le fait que la ferrule externe (34) présente, contiguë à son épaulement (38), une portion de dégagement (36ç) dont la section transversale est inférieure à celle du canal axial (25), de manière qu'il subsiste un jeu radial entre la ferrule externe et ledit canal lorsque la 5 ferrule externe est introduite dans ce canal. - 15 -5 - Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the external ferrule (34) has, contiguous to its shoulder (38), a release portion (36c) whose cross section is less than that of the axial channel (25) , so that there remains a radial clearance between the outer ferrule and said channel when the outer ferrule is introduced into this channel. - 15 -
6 - Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé par le fait que la clé de déverrouillage (39) comporte une portion d'extrémité (39a) en forme de cylindre creux fendu longitudinalement dont la section transversale s'inscrit dans le jeu radial existant entre la ferrule externe (34) et le canal (25) et qui peut être coulissé axialement le long de la ferrule externe, entre celle-ci et la paroi du passage axial du corps, pour venir écarter les doigts élastiques (37) du clip et libérer ainsi la ferrule externe.6 - Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the unlocking key (39) has an end portion (39a) in the form of a hollow cylinder split longitudinally whose cross section fits into the radial clearance existing between the external ferrule (34) and the channel (25) and which can be slid axially along the external ferrule, between the latter and the wall of the axial passage of the body, in order to separate the elastic fingers (37) from the clip and release thus the external ferrule.
7 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 et 6, caractérisé par le fait que la ferrule comporte, entre sa portion de dégagement (36ç et son extrémité opposée à la face frontale, une portion radialement évidée (36d) qui est bornée par une butée axiale en direction de ladite extrémité opposée, tandis que la clé de déverrouillage (39) comporte, en arrière de sa portion d'extrémité (39a) en forme de cylindre creux fendu, une saillie (39b) qui est libre de toute contrainte lorsqu'elle se trouve au droit de la portion radialement évidée (36d) de la ferrule, autorisant ainsi des mouvements axiaux de la clé de déverrouillage par rapport à la ferrule, et qui est apte à franchir la butée axiale (36f par déformation élastique sous l'action d'une poussée axiale exercée par un opérateur.7 - Device according to any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the ferrule comprises, between its release portion (36c and its end opposite to the front face, a radially hollowed portion (36d) which is bounded by an axial stop in the direction of said opposite end, while the unlocking key (39) comprises, behind its end portion (39a) in the form of a split hollow cylinder, a projection (39b) which is free from any constraint when it is in line with the radially hollowed-out portion (36d) of the ferrule, thus allowing axial movements of the unlocking key relative to the ferrule, and which is capable of crossing the axial stop (36f by elastic deformation under the action of an axial thrust exerted by an operator.
8 - Dispositif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé par le fait que la portion radialement évidée (36d) de la ferrule est suffisamment longue pour que la clé de déverrouillage (39) se trouve à l'extérieur du canal de connexion (25) lorsque sa saillie (39b) franchit la butée axiale (36f.) de la ferrule externe, cette dernière étant engagée dans ledit canal et retenue par le clip.8 - Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the radially hollowed-out portion (36d) of the ferrule is long enough for the unlocking key (39) to be outside the connection channel (25) when its projection (39b) crosses the axial stop (36f.) of the external ferrule, the latter being engaged in said channel and retained by the clip.
9 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, caractérisé par le fait que la ferrule (34) comporte un corps obtenu par surmoulage sur l'extrémité de la fibre optique individuelle .9 - Device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the ferrule (34) comprises a body obtained by overmolding on the end of the individual optical fiber.
10 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que l'organe élastique (17 ; 33) est un ressort hélicoïdal.10 - Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic member (17; 33) is a helical spring.
11 - Dispositif selon les revendications 2 et 10, caractérisé par le fait que le ressort hélicoïdal (33) agit uniquement sur les ferrules internes (30). 16 -11 - Device according to claims 2 and 10, characterized in that the helical spring (33) acts only on the internal ferrules (30). 16 -
12 - Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte, dans chaque canal de connexion (25), un manchon d'alignement (31) apte à ^recevoir les faces frontales d'une ferrule interne et d'une ferrule externe en vis-à-vis pour aligner ces dernières. 12 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises, in each connection channel (25), an alignment sleeve (31) adapted to ^ receive the front faces of a internal ferrule and an external ferrule opposite to align the latter.
EP99900913A 1998-01-28 1999-01-08 Device for connecting two optical fibres with axial retaining means and unlocking key Ceased EP1049947A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9800916 1998-01-28
FR9800916A FR2774181B1 (en) 1998-01-28 1998-01-28 DEVICE FOR CONNECTING / DISCONNECTING TWO INDIVIDUAL OPTICAL FIBERS AND SPLITTER-CONNECTOR FOR OPTICAL FIBERS
PCT/FR1999/000025 WO1999039228A1 (en) 1998-01-28 1999-01-08 Device for connecting two optical fibres with axial retaining means and unlocking key

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AU (1) AU2057799A (en)
CA (1) CA2319772A1 (en)
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WO1999039228A1 (en) 1999-08-05
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CA2319772A1 (en) 1999-08-05
AU2057799A (en) 1999-08-16
US6527452B1 (en) 2003-03-04

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