EP2090398A1 - Device for polishing optical fibres mounted in a connector - Google Patents

Device for polishing optical fibres mounted in a connector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2090398A1
EP2090398A1 EP08305021A EP08305021A EP2090398A1 EP 2090398 A1 EP2090398 A1 EP 2090398A1 EP 08305021 A EP08305021 A EP 08305021A EP 08305021 A EP08305021 A EP 08305021A EP 2090398 A1 EP2090398 A1 EP 2090398A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plate
polishing
connector
housing
polishing film
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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.)
Granted
Application number
EP08305021A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2090398B1 (en
Inventor
Bareel Baudoin
Peter D'hondt
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Nexans SA
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Nexans SA
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Publication date
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Priority to EP08305021A priority Critical patent/EP2090398B1/en
Priority to AT08305021T priority patent/ATE516920T1/en
Priority to US12/368,370 priority patent/US8187059B2/en
Publication of EP2090398A1 publication Critical patent/EP2090398A1/en
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Publication of EP2090398B1 publication Critical patent/EP2090398B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24B—MACHINES, DEVICES, OR PROCESSES FOR GRINDING OR POLISHING; DRESSING OR CONDITIONING OF ABRADING SURFACES; FEEDING OF GRINDING, POLISHING, OR LAPPING AGENTS
    • B24B19/00—Single-purpose machines or devices for particular grinding operations not covered by any other main group
    • B24B19/22—Single-purpose machines or devices for particular grinding operations not covered by any other main group characterised by a special design with respect to properties of the material of non-metallic articles to be ground
    • B24B19/226—Single-purpose machines or devices for particular grinding operations not covered by any other main group characterised by a special design with respect to properties of the material of non-metallic articles to be ground of the ends of optical fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24B—MACHINES, DEVICES, OR PROCESSES FOR GRINDING OR POLISHING; DRESSING OR CONDITIONING OF ABRADING SURFACES; FEEDING OF GRINDING, POLISHING, OR LAPPING AGENTS
    • B24B41/00—Component parts such as frames, beds, carriages, headstocks
    • B24B41/06—Work supports, e.g. adjustable steadies

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an optical fiber polishing apparatus mounted in a connector.
  • An optical fiber connector generally comprises a ferrule in which the end of an optical fiber is held.
  • the ferrules of the connectors of each end are coupled, in order to keep the optical fibers in alignment and in close contact, in order to minimize the losses. The light is indeed lost in the case where the ends of the fibers are misaligned or separated by a space.
  • the ends are inserted and glued into the ferrules of the connectors.
  • the ends of the fibers are then cut at a distance from the front face of the ferrule and polished, in a first step of reducing their length with a relatively large grain polishing paper, and in one or more additional polishing steps with one or more polishing papers of finer grain. Paper with grains of alumina or diamond is usually used.
  • This support is then placed on a polishing paper and moved manually, generally forming an eight, to ensure polishing movements in all directions and avoid the formation of polishing grooves that may result in a polishing finish imperfect and additional losses when the optical fibers are butted.
  • the document US 6,951,508 proposes a mechanical polishing device ensuring the rotation of a support disc of a polishing film and the synchronized translation of a ferrule support, by rotation of an operating crank which can be turned manually or controlled by an engine .
  • this device is relatively bulky and is of particularly complex construction, the synchronization being performed by a gear system internal to the device.
  • the invention proposes a device for polishing optical fibers that is of very light construction, while ensuring optimal polishing of the end of these fibers, by simultaneous application of a translational and rotational movement of the optical fiber mounted in a connector.
  • the invention proposes an apparatus for polishing the end of at least one optical fiber mounted in a connector, comprising a mobile part supporting at least one connector and another moving part carrying a polishing film, the displacement of these two parts being synchronized, characterized in that these two parts are in direct contact via a movement transmission element, the displacement of one causing the displacement of the other.
  • the support piece of the connector or connectors is a free disk rotating.
  • the piece carrying the polishing film is then preferably a translatable plate.
  • said motion transmission element is a non-slip element.
  • said plate has a longitudinal rib provided with said non-slip element and is guided in translation in a housing.
  • Said non-slip element may consist of a rubber band.
  • said disk is rotatably supported on said housing and is disposed in contact with said rib.
  • Said disc may comprise a manual actuation flange of its rotation, allowing when the plate is in abutment at one end, to rotate the disc without causing translational movement of said plate.
  • Said plate is advantageously removable from the housing.
  • This disassembly of the plate makes it possible to change the polishing film when the latter is worn. It also makes it possible to turn over the plate, in order to use the two sides of the plate provided each with a polishing film with different grains.
  • the second face is used in a second polishing step.
  • said plate may comprise on each of these end faces a receiving face of a polishing film.
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention, seen from above.
  • FIGS. 2 , 3 and 4 are partial perspective views of an apparatus according to the invention.
  • the figure 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention, seen from below.
  • the figure 6 is a partial perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention.
  • an apparatus for polishing the end of an optical fiber carried by a connector comprises a movable support part of this connector 1 and a moving part carrying a polishing film 2, the displacement of these two parts being synchronized. As will be described below more precisely, these two parts are in direct contact via a non-slip element, the displacement of one thereby causing the movement of the other.
  • the support part of the connector 1 is a free disk in rotation which is also shown in detail on the figure 2 .
  • the disc 1 comprises a flange 1A for manually actuating its rotation and a receiving cavity 1 B of a connector.
  • the piece carrying the polishing film 2 is a translatable plate which is also shown in detail on the figure 3 .
  • the plate has a longitudinal and lateral rib 2A provided with the anti-friction material which preferably consists of a rubber band 2B.
  • the plate 2 is guided in translation in a housing 3 consisting of two assembled half-housings and the disc 1 is rotatably mounted on the upper half-housing 3A, as visible on the Figures 4A and 4B and is disposed in contact with the rib 2A.
  • the disc 1 comprises an annular flange 1C which is retained free in rotation by three rings 4A, 4B, 4C screwed on three studs 5A, 5B, 5C carried on the inner face of the upper half-housing 3A.
  • the plate 2 comprises a gripping extension 2C which projects from the housing in the position of complete introduction of this plate.
  • the plate 2 is advantageously dismountable housing 3 and may have on each of these front faces a receiving surface of a polishing film and a rib provided with a non-slip element.
  • An optical fiber is placed in its connector and cut at a distance from the end of the ferrule.
  • the connector is disposed in the receiving cavity 1B of the disk 1.
  • the end of the fiber slightly protruding from the end of the ferrule of the connector then comes into contact with the polishing film carried by the plate 2, through the orifice 1 D visible on the figure 4 .
  • the gripping extension 2C of the plate 2 By manual gripping of the gripping extension 2C of the plate 2, the latter is translated back and forth in the casing 3. During this translation, the disc 1 is rotated in rotation on the rubber band 2B of the plate 2. These translational movements back and forth and synchronized rotation, the end of the optical fiber is polished along lines of friction in all directions, which ensures optimal polishing. The connector can then be removed and used.
  • the plate 2 is advantageously removable from the housing 3 and may comprise on each of these front faces a receiving surface of a polishing film and a rib provided with a non-slip element.
  • two polishing operations are performed, the first with the larger grain film on one side of the tray and the second with the finer grain film on the other side of the tray, by disassembly and turnaround of the board.
  • This second polishing on a finer grain film makes it possible to obtain a better surface finish of the optical face and thus a lower loss of light when the fibers of two connectors are completed.
  • the translation of the plate 2 can be motorized by installation of a motor, the device then becoming automatic.
  • the disk 1 may comprise a single cavity 1B for receiving a connector as previously described. It can also include several such receptor receiving cavities. These receiving cavities can then allow the support of identical connectors or of different type.
  • the movement transmission element is a non-slip element 2B, preferably made of rubber, carried by the plate 2 and on which the disk 1 rolls.
  • the element The motion transmission device may, for example, consist of a rack arrangement, ensuring the transformation of the translation of the plate 2 in rotation of the disc 1. A worm is then placed in place of the rib 2A and the disc 1 comprises on its periphery a corresponding toothing.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Grinding And Polishing Of Tertiary Curved Surfaces And Surfaces With Complex Shapes (AREA)
  • Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)

Abstract

The apparatus has a movable piece e.g. free rotation disc (1), for supporting an optical fiber connector, and another movable piece e.g. translatable plate (2), carrying a polishing film, where displacement of the movable pieces is synchronized. The movable pieces are in direct contact through a movement transmitting element e.g. non-skid element, where movement of one of the movable pieces enables movement of the other movable piece. The transmitting element comprises a rubber band, and the plate is demountable from a case (3).

Description

L'invention concerne un appareil de polissage de fibres optiques montées dans un connecteur.The invention relates to an optical fiber polishing apparatus mounted in a connector.

Un connecteur de fibres optiques comporte généralement une ferrule dans laquelle est maintenue l'extrémité d'une fibre optique. Lorsque la connexion est réalisée entre deux fibres optiques aboutées, les ferrules des connecteurs de chaque extrémité sont accouplées, afin de maintenir les fibres optiques en alignement et en contact étroit, afin de minimiser les pertes. La lumière est en effet perdue au cas où les extrémités des fibres sont désalignées ou séparées par un espace.An optical fiber connector generally comprises a ferrule in which the end of an optical fiber is held. When the connection is made between two abutting optical fibers, the ferrules of the connectors of each end are coupled, in order to keep the optical fibers in alignment and in close contact, in order to minimize the losses. The light is indeed lost in the case where the ends of the fibers are misaligned or separated by a space.

Il est donc recherché de supprimer la présence de tout désalignement ou espace de ce type.It is therefore desirable to eliminate the presence of any misalignment or space of this type.

Afin d'assurer un bon contact des faces des extrémités des fibres et donc une bonne transmission de la lumière, les extrémités sont insérées et collées dans les ferrules des connecteurs. Les extrémités des fibres sont ensuite coupées à une certaine distance de la face avant de la ferrule et polies, selon une première étape de réduction de leur longueur avec un papier de polissage de grain relativement gros, et selon une ou plusieurs étapes de polissage supplémentaires avec un ou des papiers de polissage de grain plus fin. Du papier avec des grains d'alumine ou de diamant est en général utilisé.In order to ensure good contact of the faces of the ends of the fibers and thus a good transmission of light, the ends are inserted and glued into the ferrules of the connectors. The ends of the fibers are then cut at a distance from the front face of the ferrule and polished, in a first step of reducing their length with a relatively large grain polishing paper, and in one or more additional polishing steps with one or more polishing papers of finer grain. Paper with grains of alumina or diamond is usually used.

Il est connu de réaliser ce polissage de façon manuelle au moyen d'un support de ferrule comme décrit dans le document de brevet US 5 201 148 ou d'un support de connecteurs de différents types comme divulgué dans le document de brevet US 5 863 242 .It is known to carry out this polishing manually by means of a ferrule support as described in the patent document. US 5,201,148 or a connector support of different types as disclosed in the patent document US 5,863,242 .

Ce support est alors disposé sur un papier de polissage et déplacé manuellement, en règle générale en formant des huit, afin d'assurer des mouvements de polissage dans toutes les directions et éviter la formation de rainures de polissage susceptibles d'entraîner un fini de polissage imparfait et des pertes additionnelles lorsque les fibres optiques sont aboutées.This support is then placed on a polishing paper and moved manually, generally forming an eight, to ensure polishing movements in all directions and avoid the formation of polishing grooves that may result in a polishing finish imperfect and additional losses when the optical fibers are butted.

Cependant, un tel procédé de polissage manuel exige un personnel particulièrement qualifié, si l'on veut obtenir un bon résultat.However, such a manual polishing method requires a personnel particularly qualified, if we want to obtain a good result.

Le document US 6 951 508 propose un dispositif mécanique de polissage assurant la rotation d'un disque support d'un film de polissage et la translation synchronisée d'un support de ferrule, par rotation d'une manivelle d'actionnement qui peut être tournée manuellement ou commandée par un moteur.The document US 6,951,508 proposes a mechanical polishing device ensuring the rotation of a support disc of a polishing film and the synchronized translation of a ferrule support, by rotation of an operating crank which can be turned manually or controlled by an engine .

Cependant, cet appareil est relativement encombrant et est de constitution particulièrement complexe, la synchronisation s'effectuant par un système d'engrenages internes à l'appareil.However, this device is relatively bulky and is of particularly complex construction, the synchronization being performed by a gear system internal to the device.

L'invention propose un appareil de polissage de fibres optiques qui soit de constitution très légère, tout en assurant un polissage optimal de l'extrémité de ces fibres, par application simultanée d'un mouvement de translation et de rotation de la fibre optique montée dans un connecteur.The invention proposes a device for polishing optical fibers that is of very light construction, while ensuring optimal polishing of the end of these fibers, by simultaneous application of a translational and rotational movement of the optical fiber mounted in a connector.

Pour ce faire, l'invention propose un appareil de polissage de l'extrémité d'au moins une fibre optique montée dans un connecteur, comportant une pièce mobile support d'au moins un connecteur et une autre pièce mobile portant un film de polissage, le déplacement de ces deux pièces étant synchronisé, caractérisé en ce que ces deux pièces sont en contact direct par l'intermédiaire d'un élément de transmission de mouvement, le déplacement de l'une entraînant le déplacement de l'autre.To do this, the invention proposes an apparatus for polishing the end of at least one optical fiber mounted in a connector, comprising a mobile part supporting at least one connector and another moving part carrying a polishing film, the displacement of these two parts being synchronized, characterized in that these two parts are in direct contact via a movement transmission element, the displacement of one causing the displacement of the other.

Grâce à cette synchronisation par contact direct des deux pièces mobiles, il est possible de réaliser un appareil de dimension réduite, par exemple d'une longueur d'environ 20 cm et d'une largeur d'environ 5 cm, et même moins.Thanks to this synchronization by direct contact of the two moving parts, it is possible to produce a device of reduced size, for example of a length of about 20 cm and a width of about 5 cm, and even less.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, la pièce support du connecteur ou des connecteurs est un disque libre en rotation.According to a preferred embodiment, the support piece of the connector or connectors is a free disk rotating.

La pièce portant le film de polissage est alors de préférence un plateau translatable.The piece carrying the polishing film is then preferably a translatable plate.

Selon une variante préférée, ledit élément de transmission de mouvement est un élément antidérapant.According to a preferred variant, said motion transmission element is a non-slip element.

Avantageusement, ledit plateau comporte une nervure longitudinale pourvue dudit élément antidérapant et est guidé en translation dans un boîtier.Advantageously, said plate has a longitudinal rib provided with said non-slip element and is guided in translation in a housing.

Ledit élément antidérapant peut être constitué d'une bande de caoutchouc.Said non-slip element may consist of a rubber band.

De préférence, ledit disque est porté rotatif sur ce boîtier et est disposé en contact avec ladite nervure.Preferably, said disk is rotatably supported on said housing and is disposed in contact with said rib.

Ledit disque peut comporter une bride d'actionnement manuel de sa rotation, permettant lorsque le plateau est en butée à une extrémité, de faire tourner le disque sans occasionner de déplacement de translation dudit plateau.Said disc may comprise a manual actuation flange of its rotation, allowing when the plate is in abutment at one end, to rotate the disc without causing translational movement of said plate.

Grâce à la rotation manuelle et volontaire de cette bride d'actionnement et donc du disque, le positionnement relatif du connecteur et donc de la fibre par rapport au plateau et donc au film de polissage est modifié et en conséquence le polissage ne se fait pas toujours sur la même trajectoire sur le film de polissage. Cette opération de rotation est donc effectuée régulièrement pas à pas dans le but de ne pas user le film de polissage au même endroit et donc de pouvoir polir un plus grand nombre de connecteurs avec le même film de polissage.Thanks to the manual and voluntary rotation of this actuating flange and therefore the disk, the relative positioning of the connector and therefore of the fiber relative to the plate and therefore to the polishing film is modified and consequently the polishing is not always done. on the same trajectory on the polishing film. This rotation operation is therefore performed regularly step by step in order not to wear the polishing film in the same place and therefore to polish a larger number of connectors with the same polishing film.

Ledit plateau est avantageusement démontable du boîtier.Said plate is advantageously removable from the housing.

Ce démontage du plateau permet de changer le film de polissage quand ce dernier est usé. Il permet également de retourner le plateau, afin d'utiliser les deux faces du plateau munies chacune d'un film de polissage avec des grains différents. La seconde face est utilisée lors d'une seconde étape de polissage.This disassembly of the plate makes it possible to change the polishing film when the latter is worn. It also makes it possible to turn over the plate, in order to use the two sides of the plate provided each with a polishing film with different grains. The second face is used in a second polishing step.

Pour ce faire, ledit plateau peut comporter sur chacune de ces faces frontales une face de réception d'un film de polissage.To do this, said plate may comprise on each of these end faces a receiving face of a polishing film.

L'invention est décrite ci-après plus en détail à l'aide de figures ne représentant qu'un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention.The invention is described below in more detail with the aid of figures representing only a preferred embodiment of the invention.

La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un appareil conforme à l'invention, vu de dessus.The figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention, seen from above.

Les figures 2, 3 et 4 sont des vues en perspective partielles d'un appareil conforme à l'invention.The figures 2 , 3 and 4 are partial perspective views of an apparatus according to the invention.

La figure 5 est une vue en perspective d'un appareil conforme à l'invention, vu de dessous.The figure 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention, seen from below.

La figure 6 est une vue en perspective partielle d'un appareil conforme à l'invention.The figure 6 is a partial perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention.

Représenté sur la figure 1, un appareil de polissage de l'extrémité d'une fibre optique portée par un connecteur, conforme à l'invention, comporte une pièce mobile support de ce connecteur 1 et une pièce mobile portant un film de polissage 2, le déplacement de ces deux pièces étant synchronisé. Comme il sera décrit plus loin plus précisément, ces deux pièces sont en contact direct par l'intermédiaire d'un élément antidérapant, le déplacement de l'une entraînant de ce fait le déplacement de l'autre.Represented on the figure 1 , an apparatus for polishing the end of an optical fiber carried by a connector, according to the invention, comprises a movable support part of this connector 1 and a moving part carrying a polishing film 2, the displacement of these two parts being synchronized. As will be described below more precisely, these two parts are in direct contact via a non-slip element, the displacement of one thereby causing the movement of the other.

La pièce support du connecteur 1 est un disque libre en rotation qui est représentée également en détail sur la figure 2. Le disque 1 comporte une bride 1A d'actionnement manuel de sa rotation et une cavité de réception 1 B d'un connecteur.The support part of the connector 1 is a free disk in rotation which is also shown in detail on the figure 2 . The disc 1 comprises a flange 1A for manually actuating its rotation and a receiving cavity 1 B of a connector.

La pièce portant le film de polissage 2 est un plateau translatable qui est représentée également en détail sur la figure 3. Le plateau comporte une nervure longitudinale et latérale 2A pourvue de la matière anti-frottement qui est constitué de préférence d'une bande de caoutchouc 2B.The piece carrying the polishing film 2 is a translatable plate which is also shown in detail on the figure 3 . The plate has a longitudinal and lateral rib 2A provided with the anti-friction material which preferably consists of a rubber band 2B.

Le plateau 2 est guidé en translation dans un boîtier 3 constitué de deux demi boîtiers assemblés et le disque 1 est porté rotatif sur le demi boîtier supérieur 3A, comme visible sur les figures 4A et 4B, et est disposé en contact avec la nervure 2A.The plate 2 is guided in translation in a housing 3 consisting of two assembled half-housings and the disc 1 is rotatably mounted on the upper half-housing 3A, as visible on the Figures 4A and 4B and is disposed in contact with the rib 2A.

Le disque 1 comporte une bride annulaire 1C qui est retenue libre en rotation par trois bagues 4A, 4B, 4C vissées sur trois plots 5A, 5B, 5C portés sur la face interne du demi boîtier supérieur 3A.The disc 1 comprises an annular flange 1C which is retained free in rotation by three rings 4A, 4B, 4C screwed on three studs 5A, 5B, 5C carried on the inner face of the upper half-housing 3A.

Sur ce demi boîtier 3A est assemblé le demi boîtier inférieur 3B, comme visible sur la figure 5, enfermant le plateau 2 translatable et le disque 1 libre en rotation en contact direct avec la bande de caoutchouc 2B portée par la bride latérale 2A du plateau, comme illustré sur la figure 6.On this half housing 3A is assembled the lower half-housing 3B, as visible on the figure 5 enclosing the translatable plate 2 and the rotating disc 1 in direct contact with the rubber band 2B carried by the side flange 2A of the plate, as shown in FIG. figure 6 .

Comme bien visible sur ces deux dernières figures, le plateau 2 comporte un prolongement de préhension 2C qui fait saillie du boîtier en position de complète introduction de ce plateau. Le plateau 2 est avantageusement démontable du boîtier 3 et peut comporter sur chacune de ces faces frontales une face de réception d'un film de polissage et une nervure pourvue d'un élément antidérapant.As clearly visible in these last two figures, the plate 2 comprises a gripping extension 2C which projects from the housing in the position of complete introduction of this plate. The plate 2 is advantageously dismountable housing 3 and may have on each of these front faces a receiving surface of a polishing film and a rib provided with a non-slip element.

Le fonctionnement de l'appareil de polissage de l'extrémité d'une fibre optique conforme à l'invention est le suivant.The operation of the polishing apparatus of the end of an optical fiber according to the invention is as follows.

Une fibre optique est mise en place dans son connecteur et coupée à une certaine distance de l'extrémité de la ferrule. Le connecteur est disposé dans la cavité de réception 1B du disque 1. L'extrémité de la fibre dépassant légèrement de l'extrémité de la ferrule du connecteur vient alors en contact avec le film de polissage porté par le plateau 2, par l'orifice 1 D visible sur la figure 4.An optical fiber is placed in its connector and cut at a distance from the end of the ferrule. The connector is disposed in the receiving cavity 1B of the disk 1. The end of the fiber slightly protruding from the end of the ferrule of the connector then comes into contact with the polishing film carried by the plate 2, through the orifice 1 D visible on the figure 4 .

Par préhension manuelle du prolongement de préhension 2C du plateau 2, ce dernier est translaté en va et vient dans le boîtier 3. Lors de cette translation, le disque 1 est entraîné en rotation par roulement sur la bande de caoutchouc 2B du plateau 2. Lors de ces déplacements de translation en va et vient et de rotation synchronisés, l'extrémité de la fibre optique est donc polie selon des lignes de frottement dans toutes les directions, ce qui assure un polissage optimal. Le connecteur peut ensuite être retiré et utilisé.By manual gripping of the gripping extension 2C of the plate 2, the latter is translated back and forth in the casing 3. During this translation, the disc 1 is rotated in rotation on the rubber band 2B of the plate 2. these translational movements back and forth and synchronized rotation, the end of the optical fiber is polished along lines of friction in all directions, which ensures optimal polishing. The connector can then be removed and used.

Comme il a été déjà précisé, le plateau 2 est avantageusement démontable du boîtier 3 et peut comporter sur chacune de ces faces frontales une face de réception d'un film de polissage et une nervure pourvue d'un élément antidérapant. Dans ce cas, deux opérations de polissage sont effectuées, la première avec le film de grain plus gros sur l'une des faces du plateau et la seconde avec le film de grain plus fin sur l'autre des faces du plateau, par démontage et retournement du plateau. Ce second polissage sur un film de grain plus fin permet d'obtenir un meilleur fini de surface de la face optique et donc une plus faible perte de lumière lorsque les fibres de deux connecteurs sont abouties.As already stated, the plate 2 is advantageously removable from the housing 3 and may comprise on each of these front faces a receiving surface of a polishing film and a rib provided with a non-slip element. In this case, two polishing operations are performed, the first with the larger grain film on one side of the tray and the second with the finer grain film on the other side of the tray, by disassembly and turnaround of the board. This second polishing on a finer grain film makes it possible to obtain a better surface finish of the optical face and thus a lower loss of light when the fibers of two connectors are completed.

Par ailleurs, grâce à la rotation manuelle et volontaire de la bride d'actionnement 1A et donc du disque 1, lorsque le plateau est en butée à une extrémité, le positionnement relatif du connecteur et donc de la fibre par rapport au plateau 2 et donc au film de polissage est modifié et en conséquence le polissage ne se fait pas toujours sur la même trajectoire sur le film de polissage. Ceci évite de toujours polir la fibre au même endroit sur le film de polissage et donc de rapidement rendre ce dernier inefficace. Cette opération de rotation au moyen de la bride d'actionnement 1A est donc effectuée régulièrement pas à pas.Moreover, thanks to the manual and voluntary rotation of the actuating flange 1A and thus of the disc 1, when the plate is abutting at one end, the relative positioning of the connector and therefore the fiber by compared to the plate 2 and therefore to the polishing film is modified and accordingly the polishing is not always on the same trajectory on the polishing film. This avoids always polishing the fiber in the same place on the polishing film and thus quickly make the latter ineffective. This rotation operation by means of the actuating flange 1A is therefore performed regularly step by step.

Un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention a été décrit, mais l'invention englobe d'autres modes de réalisation.A preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, but the invention encompasses other embodiments.

Par exemple, sur le principe de l'invention, la translation du plateau 2 peut être motorisée par installation d'un moteur, l'appareil devenant alors automatique.For example, on the principle of the invention, the translation of the plate 2 can be motorized by installation of a motor, the device then becoming automatic.

Le disque 1 peut comporter une seule cavité 1B de réception d'un connecteur comme précédemment décrit. Il peut également comporter plusieurs telles cavités de réception de connecteur. Ces cavités de réception peuvent alors permettre le support de connecteurs identiques ou de type différent.The disk 1 may comprise a single cavity 1B for receiving a connector as previously described. It can also include several such receptor receiving cavities. These receiving cavities can then allow the support of identical connectors or of different type.

Selon le mode de réalisation décrit, l'élément de transmission de mouvement est un élément antidérapant 2B, de préférence en caoutchouc, porté par le plateau 2 et sur lequel roule le disque 1. Toujours dans le cadre de l'invention, l'élément de transmission de mouvement peut, par exemple, être constitué d'un agencement de crémaillère, assurant la transformation de la translation du plateau 2 en rotation du disque 1. Une vis sans fin est alors disposée à la place de la nervure 2A et le disque 1 comporte sur sa périphérie une denture correspondante.According to the embodiment described, the movement transmission element is a non-slip element 2B, preferably made of rubber, carried by the plate 2 and on which the disk 1 rolls. Still within the scope of the invention, the element The motion transmission device may, for example, consist of a rack arrangement, ensuring the transformation of the translation of the plate 2 in rotation of the disc 1. A worm is then placed in place of the rib 2A and the disc 1 comprises on its periphery a corresponding toothing.

Claims (10)

Appareil de polissage de l'extrémité d'au moins une fibre optique montée dans un connecteur, comportant une pièce mobile support d'au moins un connecteur (1) et une autre pièce mobile portant un film de polissage (2), le déplacement de ces deux pièces étant synchronisé, caractérisé en ce que ces deux pièces sont en contact direct par l'intermédiaire d'un élément de transmission de mouvement, le déplacement de l'une entraînant le déplacement de l'autre.Apparatus for polishing the end of at least one optical fiber mounted in a connector, comprising a movable part supporting at least one connector (1) and another moving part carrying a polishing film (2), the displacement of these two parts being synchronized, characterized in that these two parts are in direct contact via a movement transmission element, the displacement of one causing the movement of the other. Appareil selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que la pièce support du connecteur ou des connecteurs est un disque libre en rotation (1).Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support part of the connector or connectors is a free disk rotating (1). Appareil selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que la pièce portant le film de polissage est un plateau translatable (2).Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the piece carrying the polishing film is a translatable plate (2). Appareil selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément de transmission de mouvement est un élément antidérapant.Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said motion transmitting element is a non-slip element. Appareil selon les revendications 3 et 4, caractérisé en ce que ledit plateau (2) comporte une nervure longitudinale (2A) pourvue dudit élément antidérapant et est guidé en translation dans un boîtier (3).Apparatus according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said plate (2) comprises a longitudinal rib (2A) provided with said non-slip element and is guided in translation in a housing (3). Appareil selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément antidérapant est constitué d'une bande de caoutchouc (2B).Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said non-slip element consists of a rubber band (2B). Appareil selon la revendication 5 ou 6, caractérisé en ce que ledit disque (1) est porté rotatif sur ce boîtier (3) et est disposé en contact avec ladite nervure (2B).Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said disk (1) is rotatably supported on said housing (3) and is disposed in contact with said rib (2B). Appareil selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que ledit disque (1) comporte une bride d'actionnement manuel de sa rotation (1A).Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said disk (1) comprises a flange for manually operating its rotation (1A). Appareil selon l'une des revendications 5 à 8, caractérisé en ce que ledit plateau (2) est démontable du boîtier (3).Apparatus according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that said plate (2) is removable from the housing (3). Appareil selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que ledit plateau (2) comporte sur chacune de ces faces frontales une face de réception d'un film de polissage.Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said plate (2) has on each of these end faces a receiving face of a polishing film.
EP08305021A 2008-02-13 2008-02-13 Device for polishing optical fibres mounted in a connector Not-in-force EP2090398B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP08305021A EP2090398B1 (en) 2008-02-13 2008-02-13 Device for polishing optical fibres mounted in a connector
AT08305021T ATE516920T1 (en) 2008-02-13 2008-02-13 DEVICE FOR POLISHING GLASS FIBERS MOUNTED IN A CONNECTOR
US12/368,370 US8187059B2 (en) 2008-02-13 2009-02-10 Device for polishing optical fibers mounted in a connector

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP08305021A EP2090398B1 (en) 2008-02-13 2008-02-13 Device for polishing optical fibres mounted in a connector

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2090398A1 true EP2090398A1 (en) 2009-08-19
EP2090398B1 EP2090398B1 (en) 2011-07-20

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EP08305021A Not-in-force EP2090398B1 (en) 2008-02-13 2008-02-13 Device for polishing optical fibres mounted in a connector

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US (1) US8187059B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2090398B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE516920T1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9358657B1 (en) * 2010-04-16 2016-06-07 Commscope Technologies Llc Recess forming tool for preparing fiber optic ferrule endfaces

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5201148A (en) 1992-03-27 1993-04-13 Amp Incorporated Polishing bushing for polishing an optical fiber in an optical fiber connector
US5577149A (en) * 1994-11-29 1996-11-19 Adc Telecommunications, Inc. Fiber optic polishing fixture
US5727989A (en) * 1995-07-21 1998-03-17 Nec Corporation Method and apparatus for providing a workpiece with a convex tip
US5863242A (en) 1996-12-20 1999-01-26 Methode Electronics, Inc. Fiber optic connector polishing apparatus
US6951508B1 (en) 2002-09-30 2005-10-04 Brubacher Michael J Optical fiber polishing device

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US426716A (en) * 1890-04-29 Pencil-sharpener
US431517A (en) * 1890-07-01 Henry k barker
US547151A (en) * 1895-10-01 moseley
US4291502A (en) * 1979-09-24 1981-09-29 International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation Grinding or polishing tool
US5199224A (en) * 1992-07-24 1993-04-06 Aluotto Peter A Dart sharpener

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5201148A (en) 1992-03-27 1993-04-13 Amp Incorporated Polishing bushing for polishing an optical fiber in an optical fiber connector
US5577149A (en) * 1994-11-29 1996-11-19 Adc Telecommunications, Inc. Fiber optic polishing fixture
US5727989A (en) * 1995-07-21 1998-03-17 Nec Corporation Method and apparatus for providing a workpiece with a convex tip
US5863242A (en) 1996-12-20 1999-01-26 Methode Electronics, Inc. Fiber optic connector polishing apparatus
US6951508B1 (en) 2002-09-30 2005-10-04 Brubacher Michael J Optical fiber polishing device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20090221220A1 (en) 2009-09-03
US8187059B2 (en) 2012-05-29
EP2090398B1 (en) 2011-07-20
ATE516920T1 (en) 2011-08-15

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