JPS6041009A - Optical fiber connector having two support surfaces and termination of optical fiber transmission member - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fiber connector for terminating a transmission member having a support surface.

U.S. Patent No. 3,999,837 includes a housing member;
A source fiber connector is disclosed that includes a ferrule member(s) that connects to the exposed end of the source fiber transmission member(s). The Haunonk section has a profiled bore with a central cylindrical portion of different diameters and first and second identical outer portions. The ferrule member has a circular tip portion that fits into the concave portion within the rounded portion of the housing, a tapered portion that engages the ferrule and the second outer portion, and a tapered portion that engages the surface of the housing member. It has an annular step. A coupling member on the ferrule member is coupled to the housing member to secure the ferrule member within the profiled bore, and a cylindrical portion applies a radial compressive force to the cylindrical tip portion to axially align the fiber optic transmission member. , the annular step portion engages a surface of the housing member that limits the degree of penetration of the ferrule member into the profiled bore to position the front surfaces of the ferrule members next to each other, and when the side edges are applied to the ferrule member. Minimize misalignment of optical fiber transmission members.

When the annular stepped portion of the ferrule member does not engage the surface of the housing member, the side blades may cause misalignment of the original fiber transmission member. Mismatches in single mode and multimode fibers result in signal loss or quality degradation.

Ex-fiber connectors are particularly used in equipment that is subject to wide temperature variations, from -40°C to as much as 85°C, such as telecommunications and data transmission equipment. The original fiber connector expands and contracts under these temperatures.

If fluid is used in the connector, the fluid will be forced out of the interface between the ferrule members of the connector at high temperatures and will not return due to the structure of the connector even when the temperature drops.

It is also necessary to provide room for expansion at high temperatures at the front end of the connector to prevent damage to the end of the original fiber transmission member. This is necessary even if the mL form is not used.

A fiber connector according to the present invention includes a housing member and ferrule members, the housing member being rigid and having a profile pore extending therethrough. The bore has a central cylindrical surface, tapered surfaces on either side of the central cylindrical surface, and support surfaces at the outer ends of each tapered surface. Ferrule parts (multiple)
are made of a resilient, deformable material and are terminated to each original fiber transmission member. Each ferrule member has a profile that includes a front cylindrical portion that is slightly larger in diameter than the central cylindrical surface of the bore, tapered portions that are slightly smaller than the pore tapered surface, and a matching portion that tightly engages the support surface. It has a front end. The coupling member is a ferrule member (
? ! By engaging the crotch part of the ridge (ridge) and pushing its profiled front end into the profile bore, the front cylindrical part is tightly engaged with the central cylindrical surface, thereby moving the radial compressive force to the outside of the front cylindrical part. axially aligning the members and engaging the aligned portions of the ferrule members with the support surface of the housing member to maintain the ferrule members in alignment when the side blades are applied to the ferrule members; . The peripheral surface of the front end of the front cylindrical portion forms an annular groove surrounding the front ends of both ferrule members in the 1f:I central cylindrical surface when the front faces of the ferrule members engage each other.

In one method of terminating an original fiber transmission member into a ferrule member, the ferrule member has a domed surface molded at its forward end and a hole therethrough that communicates with a bore in the ferrule member, and the original fiber transmission member is partially Do 4-
A portion of the bore is cut or torn to fit the dome end, and the dome end and the end of the original fiber transmission member are polished to form a bond between the dome end and the end of the original fiber transmission member. A flat polished end surface is obtained, and a rounded peripheral surface is left between the flat surface and the cylindrical surface of the front end of the ferrule member.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings will be described.

The ferrule member αO) is terminally coupled to one end of the original fiber cable +121. The original fiber cable U is surrounded by a cladding material and can transmit the original fiber transmission member (including 141. The buffer material d61 (Fig. 8) protects the clad optical fiber transmission member u4), Outside jacket H8) 4;! Protect the entire cable. The cable generally includes strength members (not shown) that provide tensile strength. The original fiber cable u4 is stripped to expose the length comprising the fiber optic transmission member u41 and ready for termination in the ferrule member uO). The original fiber transmission member U (a) may be made of plastic or glass.

The ferrule member 00) is preferably molded from a suitable resilient plastic material. This ferrule member uO) is used in U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,8, cited here.
It is of the type disclosed in No. 37. Ferrule member (
10) has a profiled front end, which includes a front surface C34), a front cylindrical part (20), and a tapered part (
22), the middle cylindrical mating part (24), the rear cylindrical part (z6), and the cylindrical part (28+) (Fig. 8).

A step (30) is provided at the joint between the portion (24) and the top. Profile bore (three are ferrule parts uO)
The front cylindrical portion (20) is tapered to a diameter that accommodates the original fiber transmission member I. The front surface t34) of the ferrule member uO) has a dome shape when molded, as shown in FIG. A metal ferrule (30) is attached to the cylindrical part (2), and its flange is attached to the part (26).
). The outer end (40) of the metal ferrule C36) has a hexagonal or other suitable shape.

To connect the end of the original fiber cable side to the ferrule member α, peel off the original fiber cable T12+ and attach the end of the optical fiber transmission member U4) to the 1-mm front end C34).
Insert into the bore (321) until it protrudes briefly from the bore C.
321 is filled with epoxy resin and the original fiber transmission member u
can be fixed inside the ferrule member QOI, and then crimped to the metal ferrule (column is the outer jacket α8 of the original fiber cable strand) and the original fiber cable U7J
is terminally coupled into the ferrule member 110). The portion protruding from the dome-shaped front end (34) of the ex-Fino\transmission member u4) is cut off if the transmission member is made of plastic, or torn and removed if the transmission member I is made of glass.

The original fiber cable (12) is US Patent Wi No. 381,
The ferrule member 10) can be fixed by the method disclosed in No. 495 (May 24, 1982) or other suitable method.

After the original fiber cable is terminated into the ferrule member 00), the profiled front end of the ferrule member [00] is frictionally engaged with the profiled bore (44) of the mounting abrasive tool (42). The bore (44) is located at the portion (2o+, (22+,
It has the same shape as I2 (A), but the part zO) is compressed to tightly engage the original fiber transmission member (14J) of the bore (3), and the domed front end (34) is attached to the flat polishing tool (421). The outer surface (4) has dimensions that allow it to protrude from the surface.

CIGI is a round protrusion (the decoy is protruding).

The end-bonded ferrule member fitted with an abrasive tool (42) is now attached to an abrasive material 60, such as a very fine silicon carbide or acid-ratio aluminum grid, as shown in FIG. The abrasive action is applied by sliding (42) over time. To stabilize this polishing, the round surface was removed and the dome-shaped front surface (3a and the end of the original fiber transmission member circle was polished to one flat surface (,3ω) as shown in Figure 4. As such, a rounded peripheral surface (52) is left between the polished front surface (3ω and the outer surface of the cylindrical portion S0).

As shown in FIG. 5, if the original fiber transmission section 44114) is made of glass and is torn, even if the torn end is not flat, it will have a 1-mm shape as described above. When polishing is performed, the fractured ends of the transmission member 0440) are also polished to a flat planar shape as shown in FIG. 4, and the fractured ends are removed.

When the front surface is dome-shaped, there is an advantage that the amount of polishing is small (the time required for polishing the front end of the Fuco-rule member (lo) is shortened).

The end-bonded ferrule members (10) (+M number) are then assembled as described in U.S. Patent No. 415,123 (1,982).
1ifiI belonging to the type disclosed in
The connector housing member (58) can be coupled together within the profile pore (56) of the connector housing member (58). The profile bore (56) has a central cylindrical surface (6o) and an oblique surface (60
)S・1 Rain side tapered surface (62), cylindrical support surface (6
4) and an outer cylindrical surface (66). A step (68) is provided at the seam between surfaces (64) and (66). A slot (70) is also provided in the central cylindrical surface (60).
) as shown in Figure 8.

The diameter of the front cylindrical portion (a) of the ferrule member uQ1 is slightly larger than the diameter of the central cylindrical surface (60) of the bore (56), and similarly, the matching portion (2) of the ferrule member (io) is ) is slightly larger than the cylindrical support surface (64). Tapered portion of ferrule member (10) (
c) dimensions are the tapered surface (6) of the profile bore (56).
It is slightly smaller than that of 2). Therefore, the profiled front part of the ferrule member uO) is connected to the profiled bore (
When inserted into the housing member (56), due to the elasticity of the material of the ferrule member μ0), the front part 0)
8) to reduce the diameter and align the original fiber transmission member concentrically due to the radial compression force caused by
), the image transmission member u4 is aligned in the axial direction. The tight engagement of the matching portion (2) with the corresponding cylindrical support surface (64) resists lateral forces exerted on the outer end of the ferrule member (IQ supporting the bore (56) and the ferrule member α0). It provides resistance and forms a seal. Depending on the tolerances involved, the step (to) of the ferrule member uO+ may abut the step (68) of the housing member (58) which limits the movement of the ferrule member uQI within the bore (56). Part (24
) can be slightly inclined with the support surface (64), as shown in FIG. 9, if desired.

In many cases, polishing of both ferrule members (101)
A fluid having a refractive index almost equal to that of the original fiber transmission member I is placed at the interface between the front surface C35+, which increases the transmittance of light between the two optical fiber transmission member circles. Protecting the leading edges as they engage each other. As shown in FIG. 8, both ferrule members (10
) The reservoir formed by the front end peripheral surface (52) of part -0 becomes a gathering place for fluid when it expands at high temperatures, and when the temperature is very low, the fluid also flows into the slot (70). I can do it. This fluid has parts (2(a) and (64)
) is retained within the original fiber connector by a seal comprising: The slot (7) also acts as a vent to prevent fluid pressure effects from occurring if an index matching fluid is used, and if no index matching fluid is used, the trapped air will This can prevent both ferrule members from being pushed apart at times.

The spring clip member (72) provides a compression member that engages both ferrule members IIQ to compress and maintain them within the bore (56). Spring clip member (72
) is stamped and formed from a metal with suitable spring properties, such as spring steel, and has curved forks (76) rising from both ends of an arcuate base member (74). The profiled front end of the ferrule member (uO) is inserted into the profiled bore (5) of the rigid housing (58) to form the original fiber connector, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
The metal ferrule @ is inserted into the curved fork end (76) and attached to the spring clip member (72), and the curved fork end (76) engages with the flange (end) of the metal ferrule (end) and the ferrule member Apply directional force to move the cylindrical portion 4 to the profile bore (58) of the housing member (58).
56) is maintained in rotational alignment within the central circular portion (6o) of the ferrule member 110), whereby the optical fiber transmission member u is maintained in axial alignment by the resiliency of the ferrule member 110). The arc shape of the base member (74) is the fork end (76)
Helps with springiness. Of course, other types of coupling members, such as screw members or joint members, can also be used, and a coil spring is attached to the metal ferrule.

After inserting the original fiber connector into the spring clip member (72), light can be passed through the original fiber transmission member I to see if further alignment is required. If necessary, the outer end (4) of one metal ferrule (36)
0) using a wrench (78) to attach the corresponding ferrule member <
101 can be rotated to accurately align the axes of both fiber transmission members 01g.

A pair of barbed legs (80) protrudes from both sides of the central portion of the base member (74), and holes (
82). If desired, the legs (80) can be omitted so that the spring clip members (72) are free to keep the source fiber connectors connected.

As can be seen from the above description, the original fiber connectors described herein are sealed from the external environment, can withstand wide temperature changes, can be used in various types of equipment, are easily disconnectable, and can be adjusted. This allows for a low-loss connection, allows testing of end connections, and has a reservoir to absorb expansion and contraction of the fluid interposed between the front ends of the joined ferrule members.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a ferrule member whose end is connected to the original fiber transmission member and an attached polishing tool removed from the ferrule member, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the state of polishing the front end of the ferrule member and the original fiber transmission member. , FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the front end of the ferrule member whose end is connected to the original fiber transmission member before polishing, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the front end of the ferrule member and the original fiber transmission member after polishing. 3. Figure 1 shows the broken end of the ferrule member, Figure 5 shows the torn end of the original fiber transmission member before polishing the front end of the ferrule member whose ends are joined, and Figure 6 shows the ferrule member of Figure 4. Disassembly of the original fiber connector used; a perspective view; Figure 7 shows the connector in the assembled state, which is finely adjusted to precisely align the axes of the original fiber transmission member; Figure 6; similar view; Figure 8; The figure is a vertical cross-sectional view of the seventh connector, and FIG. 9 is a partial view of another embodiment. 10... Ferrule member 12... Original fiber cable 14... Original fiber transmission Part 20...
Front cylindrical portion 22 of the ferrule member...Tapered portion 24...Middle cylindrical matching portion 26...Rear cylindrical portion 28...Cylindrical portion 30...
...Stepped portion 32...Bore 34...Dome-shaped front end 36...Metal ferrule 46.48...Flat outer surface and round protrusion 52...Peripheral surface 58.56...Housing member and its profile pore surface 68... step 70... slot 72... spring clip member (coupling member) 7
4, 76... Base and fork end 78... Wrench 80... Barbed leg 84... Mounting plate procedure amendment (
September 1980 Director General of the Japan Patent Office 1. Indication of the case 1988 Patent Application No. 116345 2. Title of the invention 2. Optical fiber connector with support surface and optical fiber transmission member termination method 3. Consideration for correction Relationship with A'1 Patent Applicant Name Amp Incorporated 4 Agent Address 1-11-28-6 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
The scope of claims in the specification to be amended is corrected as follows. ``2. Claims (1) A source fiber connector for connecting source fiber transmission members to each other, made of a uniform material having a profiled front end extending therethrough, and having a profiled front end and an optical fiber transmission member. a ferrule member that is terminally connected to an end of the member, and a front face including the fer and a facing surface, the front end of the profiled and flat front end of the 0-fiber transmission part of the ferrule member being flat; The m1 cylindrical portion is slightly larger in diameter than the inner cylindrical surface and has the above-mentioned dimension, and the blob of the ferrule member is reduced to tightly and sealingly engage the original fiber transmission member in the axial direction. 7111) Optical fiber connectors in which the ferrule members are supported against one side force ζ applied thereto and press-fitted to engage the front surfaces with each other. (: a former fiber coil according to claim 1,
lid. (- The original fiber connector according to claim 1. 1) While the ferrule member is loosely attached to the original fiber transmission member, the ferrule 1- is attached to the housing member. Claims zlJA in which the shaft arms of the optical fiber transmission member are rotated relative to each other to accurately read each other.
c Original fiber connector shown here. When the front ends of the ferrule member are held together or almost engaged with each other, the peripheral surface of the ferrule member is inserted into the central cylindrical surface of the housing member.
The original fiber connector according to claim 1, characterized by a reservoir surrounding the 1F front end. (6) The original fiber connector according to claim 5, wherein the peripheral surface is rounded. Ex-fiber connector according to claim jA1, having a marking slot. (8) The original fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein the valley pnJ ferrule member includes a rear cylindrical portion engaged by the cup link member iii. (9) A ferrule member for connecting the end of the original fiber transmission member, the original fiber transmission member having a dome-like front end connected to the end of the ferrule member; A ferrule member that is ground together with an end of the original fiber transmission member to form a flat front surface on the front end of the ferrule member and on the original fiber transmission member. Kawamoto: One end of the fiber transmission member is terminated in a seven-piece rule member, the ferrule member is molded from an excessive material force to make the front end of the ferrule member into a dome shape, and the ferrule member and the dome are formed into a dome shape. providing a bore passing through the dome-shaped front end, fixing the one end of the original fiber transmission member in the bore so that the front end of the optical fiber transmission member coincides with the front surface of the dome-shaped front end; A method of polishing a front end of an original fiber transmission member to form a flat polished surface at the front end of the ferrule member, including a flat polished surface at the front end of the original fiber transmission member. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein a radiused peripheral surface is formed on the polished flat front surface of the ferrule member during the polishing step.

Claims (9)

[Claims] (1) An original fiber connector for connecting original fiber transmission members to each other, including a rigid housing means having profiled pore means, and a profiled front end means made of an elastically deformable material. ferrule means having a ferrule and terminating at the end of the original fiber transmission member;
cup link means for engaging the ferrule means, wherein the profiled bore means of the housing means includes an inner cylindrical surface means, a tapered surface means extending outwardly from the cylindrical surface means; support surface means at the outer edge, the profiled front end means of the ferrule means including a front surface means, a front cylindrical portion means, a tapered portion means and a support portion means, the front surface means substantially The front end of the original fiber transmission member is flat and coincides with the flat front surface means, the front cylindrical portion means is slightly larger in diameter than the inner cylindrical surface means, and the tapered portion means is larger than the tapered surface means iiJ. is also slightly smaller in size, the support portion means being slightly larger than the support surface means, and the profiled front end means of the ferrule means being disposed within the SiJ profile pore means of the housing means.
jJ the front circular cylindrical portion means tightly engages the inner cylindrical surface means and is reduced in diameter to align the original fiber transmission member in the axial direction, and the tapered portion means is disposed along the tapered surface means; said support surface means tightly and sealingly engages said support portion means to support said ferrule member against lateral forces applied thereto, said coupling means being coupled to said ferrule means; an ex-fiber connector adapted to engage and press said profiled front end means of a cherry ferrule means into said profiled bore means such that said @face means engage or nearly engage each other. 2. A fiber optic connector according to claim 1, wherein said support surface means and said support portion means are cylindrical. (3) An original fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein the support surface means and the support portion means are sloped. (4) The ferrule means rotates the ferrule means relative to the housing means while light is being passed through the original fiber transmission member, so that the l1
2. An original fiber connector as claimed in claim 1, having tool engagement means for engaging a tool for precisely aligning the I118J1 with each other. (5) The front surface means of each of the ferrule means fixes the peripheral surface means reaching the front cylindrical portion means surface, and the front ends of both ferrule means incorporated in the housing means are held together or mutually connected. said circumferential surface means forming a reservoir surrounding said front end of said ferrule means within said central cylindrical surface means of said housing means when in a flush engagement with said housing means;
The original fiber connector according to claim 1. (6) The original fiber connector according to claim 5, wherein the peripheral surface means is rounded. 7. An original fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein said housing means has slot means communicating with said central cylindrical surface means. (8) A fiber optic connector according to claim 1, wherein each said ferrule means refers to a rear cylindrical means engaged by said camp link means. (9) A ferrule means for terminating an optical fiber transmission member, including a front end having a dome shape before the optical fiber transmission member is terminating within the ferrule means, the dome-shaped front end being a dome-shaped front end of the optical fiber transmission member. ferrule means having an end thereof polished to form a flat front surface on the forward end of the ferrule means and on the fiber optic transmission member. 101 A method of terminating one end of an original fiber transmission member into a ferrule member, the ferrule member being molded from 7.4 of a suitable material to form a front end of the ferrule member into a dome shape, and the ferrule member and the dome being formed into a dome shape. A bore is provided that passes through the dome-shaped front end, and the one end of the original fiber transmission member described in 11. A method of polishing a worm-like leading end and a leading end of the original fiber transmission member to form a flat polished surface at the leading end of the ferrule member, including a flat polished surface at the leading end of the original fiber transmission member. During the polishing process, a rounded peripheral surface is formed on the polished flat front surface of the ferrule member. 11. The method according to claim 10.