RU2626056C2 - Node of splicing optic fibers and fiber-optic connector with such node - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: inventive fiber-optic connector comprises a housing, one end of which has a chamber for receiving a supporting base with the positioning means of the optical fiber, and its other end has a receiving hole; a sealing sleeve inserted into the receiving hole and fixed therein; as well as a fixing unit of the fiber-optic cable. The inventive fiber-optic connector further comprises an optical fiber splicing node comprising a support base having the longitudinal first and the second ends, wherein the optical fiber, to be spliced, is introduced into the splicing node from the second end. A receiving recess is located between the first and the second ends, on the lower surface of which there is a groove for receiving the optical fiber to be spliced. The optical fiber positioning means are mounted on the supporting base, including a pressing member located in the receiving recess for pressing the optical fiber to be spliced, adapted to move between the preload position, in which the optical fiber is pressed, and the open position, in which the optical fiber is not pressed, and a fixing member adapted to fix and release the pressing member at the preload position.

EFFECT: simplifying the operation of the fiber-optic connector, while improving the efficiency of splicing, the possibility of multiple use.

17 cl, 10 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to splicing of optical fibers, in particular, to a splicing unit of optical fibers, allowing quick mounting of the optical fiber at the place of use, as well as to a fiber optic connector having such a node.

State of the art

Fiber optic connectors are used in fiber optic communication systems. Due to the increasing use of optical fibers in local communication networks and with increasing requirements for fiber-optic access networks with bringing the optical cable to the user (FTTH, Fiber To The Home), the requirements for fiber-optic connectors are constantly growing. However, factory manufacturing using polishing and assembly is expensive and cannot meet these requirements, so the connector assembly work is preferably performed at the installation site, which increases the requirements for on-site fiber-optic connectors, the assembly of which should be quick and easy.

On-site fiber-optic connectors should minimize working hours, reduce labor costs, and they should ensure ease of operation. For example, it is acceptable if a reliable fiber optic connector can be assembled within a few minutes. For example, document CN2 00910050536.3 discloses a fiber optic connector that has the advantages described above, but cannot be used repeatedly, in particular, the elements of this fiber optic connector are fixed to each other after splicing so that it is then impossible to disassemble the fiber - Optical connector or reuse it without damaging assembly components or optical fiber.

In the fiber optic connector, the optical fibers must be connected with great accuracy, otherwise large attenuation and internal reflections will be created, which adversely affects the performance of the fiber optic connector. In addition, in order to guarantee an accurate connection of optical fibers, many types of traditional fiber optic connectors also require the use of special tools for installation and assembly, resulting in high production costs.

In addition, many types of traditional fiber optic connectors have low reliability and complex assembly steps, and their performance only meets the requirements for experienced workers, which also means that the splicing failure rate is relatively high.

Disclosure of invention

The invention is directed to reducing at least one aspect of the technical problems arising from the use of known devices.

One object of the invention is an optical fiber splicing unit, comprising:

- a support base for splicing an optical fiber, having in the longitudinal direction a first end and a second end adapted to introduce a fiber to be spliced, a receiving cutout located between the first and second ends, and a groove made on the lower surface of the receiving cutout for insertion into it optical fiber to be spliced; and

- optical fiber positioning means mounted on a support base, including a presser located in a receiving opening for pressing the optical fiber to be spliced, movably mounted between the pressing position in which the optical fiber is pressed and the open position in which the optical fiber is not pressed and a locking element configured to fix and release the pressure element in the preload position.

In particular, the locking element extends on both sides of the pressure element, covering at least a portion of the outer wall of the support base, while several snap joints are formed between the locking element and the external wall of the support base to fix the pressure element in the pressed position.

In addition, the locking element is slidably mounted on the support base between the first position when the pressure element is in the released state and the second position when the pressure element is in the preload position.

The pressing element has a pressing surface for acting on the optical fiber and the drive surface in contact with the locking element, so that when the locking element is slidingly moved from the first position to the second locking element, it presses on the drive surface, moving it to compress the optical fiber to be spliced.

In addition, the pressing surface is parallel to the lower surface of the receiving cut-out, and the driving surface is parallel to the pressing surface, while the driving surface is formed on the protrusion, and the sliding locking element is configured to act on the protrusion to move the pressing element to compress the optical fiber to be spliced by pressure surface.

Alternatively, the pressing surface is parallel to the bottom surface of the receiving cut-out, and the driving surface is parallel to the pressing surface, while the surface of the sliding locking element in contact with the driving surface is parallel to this driving surface, and the sliding locking element is mounted to move in a direction perpendicular to the pressing surface at its sliding movement relative to the support base.

Alternatively, the pressure surface is parallel to the bottom surface of the receiving cut-out, and the drive surface is inclined relative to the pressure surface or is stepped, while the sliding locking element is mounted on the support base with the ability to move in a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the pressure surface. In addition, the sliding locking element has an inclined sliding surface corresponding to the drive surface, and this inclined sliding surface and the drive surface have the same angle of inclination.

The means for positioning the optical fiber may further comprise a device for returning the pressure member to the open position upon termination of the force exerted on it by the locking element.

The specified device for the return is an elastic body that returns the pressure element to the open position upon termination of the force on the pressure element applied by the locking element.

In addition, the elastic body may contain several pairs of elastic bodies located on both sides of the pressing element, directed toward the lower surface of the receiving cutout and extending beyond the pressure surface. The receiving cut-out has an expanded middle part and two narrowed parts at two ends of the middle part, while the width of the pressure element is slightly less than the width of the narrow parts, and the ends of the pressure element are located in the narrow parts. Several pairs of elastic bodies are symmetrically located on both sides of the pressure element in its middle part, being in the expanded middle part of the receiving cut-out.

Another object of the invention is a fiber optic connector, which includes an optical fiber splicing unit; a casing, one end of which has a chamber for receiving a support base with optical fiber positioning means, and a receiving hole is made at its other end; and a sealing sleeve (inner insert of the optical fiber) inserted into the receiving hole and fixed in it; as well as a fiber optic cable fixation unit providing switchable optical fiber fixation, so that fiber without a fiber optic cable sheath can be located in a groove and connected to a fiber without a sheath located in the sealing sleeve.

One end of the fixation unit of the fiber optic cable is inserted into the receiving chamber and connected to it by a snap connection.

The support base for splicing optical fibers may further include a guide tube extending from the second end, the fiber without the sheath of the fiber optic cable passing through this guide tube, which is inserted at one end of the fixation unit of the fiber optic cable. In addition, the diameter of the guide tube is less than the radial width of the second end; and the fiber optic connector further comprises a spring located on the guide tube between the second end and the first end of the fixing unit.

The other end of the fixation unit of the fiber optic cable comprises a cylindrical body forming a fixing part for the protective layer of the optical cable; a longitudinal groove is made between one and the other ends of the fixation unit of the fiber optic cable, radially opening access to the tail of the fiber of the optical cable, so that this part of the fiber can be inserted into the groove.

In addition, on the outer side of the middle part of the fiber optic connector, an external thread is made; and the fiber optic connector further comprises a case, on the inner side of the front end of which is made an internal thread corresponding to the specified external thread. At the same time, a hole is made in the rear end of the cover for the passage of the protective layer.

In addition, the fiber optic connector further includes a sheath mounted on the outside of the casing and matched with the adapter, providing a guaranteed connection of the fiber optic connector with the adapter.

The fixing part of the optical fiber splicing unit contains the above-described sliding fixing element, and an elongated hole is made in the side of the casing, passing from the input end of the receiving chamber. In this case, the sliding locking element has a protruding part that can move along the oblong hole from its outer side, so that the movement of the protruding part along the oblong hole actuates the sliding locking element.

The invention allows to simplify the operation of the fiber optic connector, while improving the efficiency of splicing. In addition, the fiber optic connector can be used repeatedly, which reduces the cost of the splice operation.

The invention will be better understood from the further detailed description of the options for its implementation with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a fiber optic connector in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a perspective view with a spatial separation of the parts;

figure 2 - fiber optic connector shown in figure 1, in the assembled state; perspective view;

figure 3 separately shows the node splicing of optical fibers with remote means for positioning the optical fiber, a perspective view;

figure 4 shows the node splicing of optical fibers, a view with a spatial separation of the parts;

figure 5 - node splicing of optical fibers shown in figure 4, in the assembled state, a perspective view;

figure 6 is a section along the line aa in figure 5, while the pressure element is in an uncompressed state;

Fig.7 is the same, but the pressure element is in a compressed state;

in Fig.8 is a fiber optic connector shown in Fig.2, without casing and cover, perspective view;

figure 9 is the same, another perspective view;

figure 10 is a cross section similar to that shown in figure 6, but in another embodiment of the layout of the splice node of the optical fibers and the support base.

Embodiments of the invention

In the following, specific embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, with like elements being denoted by like reference numerals. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different ways and should not be limited to the described options, which disclose the invention with sufficient completeness and fully reflect its concept for specialists in this field of technology.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7, the optical fiber splicing unit according to the present invention comprises a support base 1 and optical fiber positioning means PA. The support base 1 in the longitudinal direction has a first end 11 and a second end 12. Between the first end 11 and the second end 12 there is a receiving cut-out 19, in the lower part of which a groove 13 is made. The optical fiber 61 to be spliced is inserted into the splicing unit from the second end 12 and fits into the groove. Optical fiber positioning means PA are installed on the supporting base 1, which include a pressing element 2 and a fixing element 3. The pressing element 2 corresponds to the receiving cut-out 19 and is designed to press the optical fiber to be spliced. The pressure member 2 is movably mounted movably between a compression position in which the optical fiber is pressed and an open position in which the optical fiber is not pressed. The locking element 3 is made with the possibility of fixing the pressure element in the preload position and its release.

The pressure element 2 can be installed in the receiving neck 19 in various ways. For example, although this is not shown in the drawings, the pressure element 2 can be rotatable in the receiving neck 19. In particular, one end of the pressure element 2 can be rotatably attached to the receiving hole 19, and the other end of the pressure element 2 is adapted to fixing this pressing element in the turned position of the preload. Preferably, the locking element 3 is mounted on the support base 1 and is movable between a first position in which the pressing element 2 is locked in the preloaded position and a second position in which the pressing element is released. For example, the plate locking element 3 is mounted on the support base 1 with the possibility of rotation from the position in which it covers the pressure element 2, in a position where it does not cover it. In another embodiment, the locking element 3 may be in the form of a pin. When the pin is withdrawn from the receiving cut-out 19, the pressing member 2 is released, and when the pin is inserted into the receiving cut-out 19, this pin engages with the hole in the pressing element, fixing it.

In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the locking member can fix the pressure member in the preloaded position by a snap fit. In particular, the locking element 3 can extend on both sides of the pressing element 2, covering at least a portion of the outer wall of the support base 1, and several snap joints are formed between the locking element 3 and the external wall of the supporting base 1 to fix the pressing element 2 in the preloaded position . Obviously, the snap connection is uncoupled.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 7, other embodiments of the locking element 3 will be described. In these drawings, it is shown that the locking element 3 is slidably mounted on the support base 1. In particular, the sliding locking element can slide between the first and second provisions. When the sliding locking element is located in the first position, the pressing element 2 is in the open position, and when the sliding locking element is in the second position, the pressing element 2 is moved to the pressed position. A sliding locking element 3 covers the pressure element 2 and is guided in the longitudinal direction and is supported by the support base 1.

The pressing element has a pressing surface for the optical fiber and a fixing surface, so that when the locking element is slidingly moved from the first position to the second locking element, it presses on the drive surface, moving it to press the optical fiber to be spliced.

In addition, the pressing member 2 has a pressing surface 27 for influencing the optical fiber, and a driving surface 21 in contact with the locking element 3. When the sliding locking element slides from the first position to the second, it presses the driving surface 21 to actuate the pressing surface 27 and clamp the optical fiber to be spliced. In particular, when the sliding locking element 3 slides in the first direction (left direction in FIG. 1) relative to the support base 1, relative sliding causes the pressure element 2 to move to the pressed position; and when the sliding locking element 3 slides in the second direction (the direction to the right in FIG. 1), the opposite of the first direction, it releases the pressure element 2.

The pressing surface 27 is parallel to the lower surface of the receiving cut-out 19, while the driving surface 21 is parallel to the pressing surface 27. In this case, the driving surface 27 is formed on a protrusion (not shown), and the sliding locking element is configured to act on the said protrusion to move the pressing element 2 s the purpose of preloading the optical fiber to be spliced by means of the pressing surface 27. For example, the sliding locking element 3 when sliding relative to the supporting base 1 is not emeschaetsya in a direction perpendicular to the pressure surface 27. The pressure member 2 is provided in the preload position when the sliding surface 32 of the locking element 3 contacts the drive surface 21 and slides over the protrusion of the drive surface 21 in the first direction. When the sliding locking element 3 slides in the second direction, its surface 32 is not in contact with the protrusion on which the drive surface 21 is located, and the pressure element is released or actuated so as to occupy an open position.

Alternatively, the pressing surface 27 is parallel to the bottom surface of the receiving cut-out 19, and the driving surface 21 is parallel to the pressing surface 27. In this case, the surface 32 of the sliding locking element 3 is in contact with and parallel to this surface. When the locking element slides relative to the support base 1, the sliding locking element 3 moves in a direction perpendicular to the pressing surface 27. In this case, the guides for holding and the direction of the sliding locking element are tilted in the longitudinal direction, or the surfaces of the sliding locking element in contact with the guides for holding and direction sliding locking element, tilted in the longitudinal direction.

Alternatively, the pressing surface 27 is parallel to the bottom surface of the receiving cut-out 19, and the driving surface 21 is inclined with respect to the pressing surface 27, or the driving surface 21 is stepped (not shown). In this case, the sliding locking element 3 does not move in the direction perpendicular to the pressing surface 27, but slides along the supporting base 1. In addition, the sliding locking element has an inclined sliding surface 32 corresponding to the driving surface 21, while the inclined sliding surface 32 and the driving surface 21 have the same angle.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for holding and guiding the sliding locking element 3 on the support base 1, there are guide cutouts extending outside this base in a longitudinal or substantially longitudinal direction, and the sliding locking element 3 has guide rails that correspond to the guides grooves. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the guide rails are made outside the support base 1 and are elongated in the longitudinal direction or in the substantially longitudinal direction, and guide cutouts are made on the sliding locking element 3 that correspond to the guide rails. Guide rails and guide cutouts are not limited to the options shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, guide rails and guide cutouts can be located inside the support base 1.

The optical fiber positioning unit may further comprise a device for returning the pressing element 2 to the open position when the force on the fixing element 3 ceases to act on it. Although not shown in the drawings, between the lower surface of the receiving cut-out 19 and the pressing surface 27 of the pressing element 2 can be installed elastic. Moreover, in order to place such an elastic hoist in a corresponding place on the pressure surface or in a corresponding place on the bottom surface of the receiving cutout, a recess can be made.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, said return device is an elastic body 22 adapted to return the pressure element 2 to the open position (i.e., the pressure element 2 is retracted from the preload position) when the pressure element 2 is not fixed by the locking element 3 In addition, the elastic body 22 may contain several pairs of elastic bodies located on both sides of the pressing element 2, directed toward the lower surface of the receiving cut-out and extending beyond the pressure surface 27.

As also shown in FIG. 1, the receiving cut-out 19 has an expanded middle part and two tapered parts at two ends of the middle part, the width of the pressing element 2 being slightly smaller than the width of the narrow parts, and the ends of the pressing element 2 are located in these narrow parts. Several pairs of elastic bodies 22 are symmetrically located on both sides of the pressing element in its middle part, with each of the elastic bodies moving away from the middle part of the pressing element 2 in the direction of the lower surface of the receiving cut-out 19 and going beyond the pressure surface 27 by a predetermined distance. Pairs of elastic bodies 22 are located in the expanded middle part of the receiving cut-out.

The elastic body can have other forms. For example, the resilient body may be a spring or other resilient material that is embedded in the lower part of the receiving cut-out 19, in which case the receiving cut-out 19 may not have an extended portion. When one end of the pressing element 2 is rotatably connected to the receiving cut-out 19, an elastic body, such as a spring, can be located at the bottom of the receiving cut-out near the other end of the pressing element 2. An elastic body can be formed directly on the part of the pressing element 2, which is not is in contact with the optical fiber, or in a corresponding place on the lower surface of the receiving groove 19, a recess can be made to accommodate the elastic body.

In addition, when one end of the pressing member 2 is pivotally coupled to the receiving cut-out 19 by a hinge, this hinge can be configured to perform a reset function.

When the pressure member 2 is released, this pressure member 2 is pushed out of the preloading position by the return device, thereby weakening or preventing contact of the pressure surface with the end 61 of the fiber to be spliced into the groove 13.

Next, with reference to figures 1 to 9 will be described a fiber optic connector in accordance with the present invention.

Fiber optic connector includes:

- an optical fiber splicing unit including a support base 1 and means PA for positioning an optical fiber. The support base 1 has in the longitudinal direction the first end 11 and the second end 12, and the optical fiber 61 to be spliced is inserted into the splicing unit from the second end 12. Between the first end 11 and the second end 12 there is a receiving cut-out 19, on the lower surface of which a groove 13 is made into which the optical fiber to be spliced is placed. Optical fiber positioning means PA are installed on the supporting base 1, which comprise a pressing element 2 and a fixing element 3. The pressing element 2 is installed inside the receiving cut-out 19 and is intended to press the optical fiber to be spliced. The pressure element 2 is mounted to move between the preload position in which the optical fiber is pressed and the open position in which the optical fiber is not pressed, and the locking element 3 is configured to fix the pressure element in the preload position and release it;

- a casing 4, one end of which has a chamber 42 for receiving a support base 1 with optical fiber positioning means, and a receiving hole is made at its other end;

- a sealing sleeve 5 (inner insert of the optical fiber) inserted into the receiving hole and fixed in it;

- fixation unit 7, providing switchable fixation of the optical cable 6.

When this fiber 61 without a sheath, which should be spliced with a fiber 51 located in the sealing sleeve 5, passes through the groove 13.

The first end 75 of the fixing unit 7 is inserted and mounted in the receiving chamber 42, forming a snap connection with it. For example, as shown in figures 1 and 8, the open side of the casing 4 next to the receiving chamber 42 has a connecting hole 43, and the specified end 75 of the fixing unit 7 is provided with a tooth 71 adapted to enter the specified hole 43. Other types can also be used snap connections.

The first end 75 of the optical fiber fixing unit 7 may be located in the sheath 9 (which will be described later) so as to correspond to one end of the casing 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the support base 1 further includes a guide tube 14 extending from the second end 12, while the fiber 61 of the optical cable 6 freed from the sheath passes through the guide this tube 14, which is inserted into the first end 75 of the fixing unit 7 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the fiber optic connector further comprises a spring 72, wherein the diameter of the guide tube 14 is less than the radial width of the second end 12, and the spring 72 is located on the guide tube 14 between the second end 12 of the support base and the first end 75 of the fixing unit 7 optical fiber.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the other end of the optical fiber fixing unit 7 comprises a cylindrical body 74 defining a fixing part for the protective layer 62 of the optical cable; a longitudinal groove 73 is made between one end 75 and the other end of the fixing unit 7, radially opening access to the tail of the fiber 61 of the fiber optic cable 6, so that this part of the fiber can be inserted into the groove. Introduced fiber without a protective layer 62 can be seen through the longitudinal groove 73.

As shown in FIG. 8, an external thread 76 is formed on the outside of the middle portion of the fiber optic connector; and the fiber-optic connector further comprises a cover 8, on the inside of the front end of which an internal thread is made corresponding to the specified external thread 76. At the same time, an opening for the passage of the protective layer 62 is made in the rear end of the cover 8.

As shown in figures 1 and 2, the fiber optic connector further includes a sheath 9 mounted on the outside of the casing 4 and matched with an adapter (not shown), providing a guaranteed connection of the fiber optic connector with this adapter.

In the described fiber optic connector, the locking element 3 is mounted on the outside of the support base 1 with the possibility of sliding. In this case, the sliding locking element 3 covers the pressure element 2, is guided in the longitudinal direction along the support base 1 and is held thereon. The pressing element 2 has a pressing surface 27 for pressing the optical fiber and a drive surface 21 opposite to the pressing surface 27. When the sliding element 3 slides in the first direction (left direction in FIG. 1) relative to the support base 1, relative sliding causes the pressure element 2 to move in the preload position; and when the sliding locking element 3 slides in the second direction (right direction in FIG. 1) opposite to the first direction, it releases the pressing element 2. As shown in FIG. 9, an elongated groove 41 is made in the side of the casing 4, extending from the input the end of the receiving chamber 42, and the sliding locking element is provided with a protrusion 31 adapted to move along this elongated groove 41. The protrusion 31 is adapted to move from the outer part of the elongated groove 41, and the movement of the protrusion 31 along the lengths This hole 41 actuates the sliding locking element 3.

Next, preferred embodiments of an optical fiber splicing assembly and a fiber optic connector shown in the drawings will be described.

An optical fiber splicing assembly according to the invention includes;

- a support base 1 having a first end 11 and a second end 12;

- a closing element 2 (corresponding to the aforementioned pressing element), aligned with the receiving cutout 19 and located above the longitudinal groove 13 for pressing the spliced optical fiber, while the upper surface 21 of this closing element is made inclined;

- a sliding element 3 mounted on the outside of the support base 1 with the possibility of sliding relative to it, so that it can be advanced from a lower position to the upper inclined surface of the closing element for the gradual pressing of the optical fiber to connect the optical fibers, and the sliding element 3 has a protrusion 31 ;

- a casing 4 located outside the support base 1 and the sliding element 3, while in the lateral part of the casing 4 an elongated groove 41 is made, and the protrusion 31 of the sliding element 3 passes through this elongated groove 41, so that when a force is applied to the protrusion 31 along the elongated groove 41, the sliding member 3 begins to move.

When the sliding member 3 moves from the lower position to the upper along the inclined upper surface of the closure member 2, the optical fiber splices, and when the sliding member 3 is moved from the upper position to the lower along the inclined top surface of the closure member 2, this closure member is released and the optical fiber may to be pulled out. Thus, the fiber optic connector is not destroyed during disassembly and can be used repeatedly.

The upper surface of the closing element may be stepped, and when the sliding element is moved from the lower rear position to the upper front position along this stepped surface, the closing open is pressed, thereby pressing the optical fiber and ensuring its splicing.

Alternatively, a protrusion may be formed on the front side of the upper surface of the closure member, and when the sliding element moves from the back side of the indicated upper surface to the front side of this upper surface having the protrusion, the closure element is pressed, thereby pressing the optical fiber to splicing it.

The fiber optic connector in accordance with the present invention may comprise a sealing sleeve 5, typically made of ceramic, and having an inner hole into which the fiber 51 is inserted without a sheath so that it extends beyond the end of the sealing sleeve 5. A ceramic sealing sleeve 5 is mounted on the first the end 11 of the support base 1, and the fiber 51 without the sheath goes further into the groove 13 inside the support base 1. From the second end of the support base 1 there is a guide tube 14, providing direction n dlezhaschego spliced fibers 61 without the shell 13 in the groove for its connection with the fiber splice or 51 uncoated.

Guide rails 15 are made on both sides of the support base 1 so that the sliding element 3 can slide along them and is held above the cover element without departing from the support base 1. In particular, the guide rails can be formed by side recesses, and the side of the sliding element has inwardly directed protrusions corresponding to these lateral recesses, so that the sliding element 3 can slide when exposed to it.

The closing element 2 is made in the form of a bar, on the two sides of which two hooks 22 are directed downward. The two hooks 22 are placed in the support base 1 on both sides of the groove 13. When the sliding element 3 is moved from the lower position to the upper one along an inclined upper surface the closing element 2, this closing element is pressed, and the two hooks are moved apart, pushing on two surfaces on the sides of the groove 13.

The fiber optic connector according to the invention also comprises an attachment unit 7 for fixing the fiber optic cable 6. The fiber optic cable includes a fiber 61 exempted from the sheath from the front end of the optical cable 6, intended for splicing with the fiber 51 of the optical cable 5 freed from the sheath, and part of the fiber with a protective layer 62. The front end of the fixing device 7 is connected to the casing 4. In particular, as shown in the drawings, each of the two sides of the front end of the fixing device has a protrusion 71 (corresponding to the above-mentioned tines), and in the housing 4 are formed respective holes 43 able to accommodate protrusions 71 when the connection between a casing 4 and the fixing unit 7.

An elastic body, such as a spring 72, may be mounted between the support base 1 and the fixing unit. The spring 72 exerts a counter force on the seal sleeve to ensure a reliable connection when the seal sleeve is attached to an adapter (not shown). In particular, the spring 72 is mounted outside the guide tube of the support base 1, with one end of the spring abutting against the support base 1, and the other at the front end of the optical fiber fixing unit. After assembly, the spring is in a compressed state.

The other end of the optical fiber fixing unit 7 has a cylindrical body 74 defining a fixing part for the protective layer 62 of the optical fiber. In the middle part of the fixing unit 7, a longitudinal groove 73 is made between its ends, radially opening the fiber 61 of the optical cable 6 freed from the sheath, so that this fiber 61 can be radially inserted into the specified longitudinal groove 73. The inserted fiber 61 protruding from the protective layer 62 can be seen through the longitudinal groove 73. When the fiber 61 and the fiber 51 are in contact with each other, the fiber 61 may be slightly curved to ensure good contact.

The fiber optic connector according to the invention may further comprise a case 8, on the front end of which an internal thread is made, corresponding to the external thread on the front of the element in which the longitudinal groove is made. In the case 8, a hole is made at its rear end through which the optical cable 6 can pass. The case contains a front part and a rear part, while the front part is made of hard material, for example, hard plastic, and the back part is made of soft material, so that the bending angle of the optical cable will not be too large, and the optical fiber is guaranteed performance.

The fiber optic connector according to the invention may further comprise a sheath 9 mounted on the outside of the casing 4 when the fiber optic connector is connected to the adapter. Sheath 9 corresponds to the adapter to ensure a connection between this adapter and the fiber optic connector.

Next will be described an example of using a fiber optic connector in accordance with the described embodiment.

First, a part of the protective layer of the optical cable is removed to open the fiber 61 to be spliced. Then, the fiber 61 freed from the sheath is inserted into the support base through the splicing fixing unit with the fiber 51 freed from the sheath installed therein. During the splicing, the fiber 61 is fed forward in such a way so that part of this fiber 61 inside the longitudinal groove 73 is slightly bent (this bend can be seen) to ensure good bonding of the fibers. Then, the optical cable 6 is temporarily fixed with one hand in the fixing unit 7, and the sliding element 3 is pushed with the other hand, overcoming the elastic resistance of the elastic body 22 and moving the pressure element downward towards the fiber. At the final stage, the fiber is clamped (Fig.6 and 7). After the fiber 61 is pressed and spliced, the curved sparse fiber 61 is released, and the cover 8 is attached to the fixation unit using the thread, finally fixing the optical cable 6. Then, the sheath 9 is installed on the casing 4, completing the assembly of the fiber-optic connector.

When it is necessary to replace or remove the docked optical fiber, first unscrew the case 8, and then move the sliding element 3 in the opposite direction to the previously indicated pushing direction in order to gradually release the surface 32 of the sliding element 3 and reduce the pressure on the pressing element 2. At the same time , the elastic body 22 gradually pushes the pressure member from the preload position, and, ultimately, the pressure member 2 is completely released (FIGS. 6 and 7). Then, the fiber 61 freed from the sheath can be pulled out, and the optical cable 6 can be removed from the fixing unit 7.

Although several illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes or modifications can be made in these embodiments without going beyond the principles and ideas of the disclosed invention, the scope of which is defined by the features contained in the claims , and their equivalents.

Claims (25)

1. An optical fiber splicing unit, comprising: a support base (1) having in the longitudinal direction a first end (11) and a second end (12), the second end (12) being adapted to introduce an optical fiber to be spliced, between the first and second ends (11, 12) there is a receiving cut-out (19), on the lower surface of which a groove (13) is made for receiving the optical fiber to be spliced, and on the support base (1), optical fiber positioning means (PA) are installed, including a pressing element (2) located in the receiving cut-out (19) for pressing the optical fiber to be spliced, mounted to move between the compression position in which the optical fiber is pressed and an open position in which the optical fiber is not pressed, and a fixing element (3), configured to fix and release the pressure element in the preload position; the locking element (3) is slidably mounted on the support base (1) between the first position when the pressure element (2) is in the free state and the second position when the pressure element (2) is in the preload position; the pressing element (2) has a pressing surface (27) for acting on the optical fiber and the drive surface (21) in contact with the locking element (3), characterized in that on the supporting base (1) there are guide cuts extending in the longitudinal direction of this base, and the fixing element (3) has guide rails (15) made on its sides with the possibility of interaction with these guide cuts; but the locking element (3) on the outer surface opposite the surface covering the drive surface (21) of the pressing element (2) has a protrusion (31). 2. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing surface (27) is parallel to the bottom surface of the receiving cut-out (19), and the driving surface (21) is parallel to the pressing surface (27), while the driving surface (21) is formed on the protrusion and the sliding locking element is configured to act on said protrusion to move the pressure member to compress the optical fiber to be spliced by the pressure surface. 3. The node according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing surface (27) is parallel to the bottom surface of the receiving cut-out (19), and the drive surface (21) is parallel to the pressing surface (27), while the surface of the sliding locking element in contact with the drive surface (21) parallel to this drive surface, and the sliding locking element is mounted to move in a direction perpendicular to the pressure surface (27) when it is sliding relative to the support base (1). 4. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing surface (27) is parallel to the lower surface of the receiving cut-out (19), and the driving surface (21) is inclined relative to the pressing surface (27) or is made stepwise, while the sliding locking element is installed on the support base (1) with the ability to move in a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the pressure surface. 5. The node according to claim 4, characterized in that the sliding locking element has an inclined sliding surface corresponding to the drive surface (21), and this inclined sliding surface and the drive surface (21) have the same angle of inclination. 6. The node according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, characterized in that the means for positioning the optical fiber further comprise a device for returning the pressing element (2) to the open position upon the termination of the force on it from the locking element (3). 7. The node according to claim 6, characterized in that the return device is an elastic body (22) that returns the pressure element (2) to the open position when the force on the pressure element (2), applied by the fixing element (3), ceases. 8. The assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the elastic body may contain several pairs of elastic bodies located on both sides of the pressure element, directed towards the lower surface of the receiving cutout and extending beyond the pressure surface (27). 9. A node according to claim 8, characterized in that the receiving cut-out (19) has an expanded middle part and two narrowed parts at two ends of the middle part, the width of the pressing element (2) being slightly less than the width of the narrow parts, and the ends of the pressing element (2 ) are located in narrow parts, while several pairs of elastic bodies (22) are symmetrically located on both sides of the pressing element in its middle part, being in the expanded middle part of the receiving cut-out. 10. A fiber optic connector comprising an optical fiber splicing assembly according to claim 1; a casing (4), one end of which has a chamber (42) for receiving a support base (1) with optical fiber positioning means, and a receiving hole is made at its other end; a sealing sleeve (5) inserted into the receiving hole and fixed in it; as well as an assembly (7) for fixing a fiber optic cable (6), providing a detachable fixing of an optical cable (6), so that the fiber (61) freed from the sheath of the fiber optic cable (6) can be located in the groove (13) and connected to fiber (51) freed from the sheath, located in the sealing sleeve (5). 11. The fiber optic connector according to claim 10, in which one end (75) of the optical cable fixing unit (7) is inserted into the receiving chamber (42) and connected to it by a snap connection. 12. Fiber optic connector according to any one of paragraphs. 10 or 11, in which the support base (1) further includes a guide tube (14) extending from the second end (12), while the fiber (61) of the optical cable (6) freed from the sheath passes through this guide tube (14) ), which is inserted at one end (75) of the fixation unit (7) of the fiber optic cable. 13. The fiber optic connector according to claim 12, in which the diameter of the guide tube (14) is less than the radial width of the second end (12); and the fiber optic connector further comprises a spring (72) located on the guide tube (14) between the second end (12) and the first end (75) of the fixing unit (7). 14. The fiber optic connector according to any one of paragraphs. 10 or 11, in which the other end of the fiber optic cable fixing unit (7) comprises a cylindrical body (74) forming the fixing part of the protective layer of the optical cable (62), while a longitudinal longitudinal section is made between one and the other ends of the fiber optic cable fixing unit a groove (73), in the radial direction, providing access to the tail of the optical cable (6) freed from the fiber sheath (61), so that this part of the fiber can be inserted into the groove (73). 15. The fiber optic connector according to claim 14, in which the outer thread (76) is made on the outer side of the middle part of the fiber optic connector, and the fiber optic connector further comprises a case (8), on the inner side of the front end of which an internal thread is made corresponding to the specified external thread (76), while in the rear end of the cover (8) a hole is made for the passage of the protective layer (62) of the cable. 16. The fiber optic connector according to claim 15, further comprising a sheath (9) mounted on the outside of the casing (8) and matched with the adapter, providing a guaranteed connection of the fiber optic connector with the adapter. 17. Fiber optic connector according to any one of paragraphs. 10 or 11, in which an elongated hole (41) is made in the lateral part of the casing (4), extending from the inlet end of the receiving chamber (42), and the protrusion (31) is adapted to be moved along its elongated hole (41) from the outside.

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