Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-02
2001-09-04
Spyrou, Cassandra (Department: 2872)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
C385S071000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06283641
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to an optical connector of the hermaphrodite type.
More precisely, the present invention relates to an optical connector in which the two optical connector elements conventionally referred to as the “male” element and as the “female” element are both of exactly the same structure, in particular with respect to the interconnection portions between the first connector element and the second connector element.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With optical connectors, each connector element has a coupling face which includes the terminations of optical conductors, e.g. optical fibers, of a cable which is coupled to the connector element. The optical terminations which can also consist in respective optical systems associated with each optical fiber, they are disposed in the connection face, and they are accurately positioned relative to the body of the connector. To make a connection, it is naturally necessary to position the two connector elements accurately relative to each other in such a manner as to end up with accurate positioning of the optical terminations themselves.
The optical terminations are present in exactly the same manner in each of the two connector elements, so it is advantageous to provide means for mechanically linking and positioning the two connector elements relative to each other that are of the hermaphrodite type, i.e., as already mentioned, of the type in which both connector elements, and in particular their mechanical coupling elements, are completely identical. It will be understood that it is possible in this way to reduce costs since then all of the connector elements mounted at the ends of cables can be identical.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector element of the hermaphrodite type, i.e. in which the connector is constituted by two connector elements that are completely identical, in particular concerning the members for mechanical coupling and positioning.
To achieve this object, the invention provides a hermaphrodite optical connector comprising two identical connector elements, each connector element comprising a housing having a connection face with optical conductor terminations, said terminations occupying positions in said connection face that are symmetrical about a hermaphrodite axis contained in said face, and means for positioning and mechanically connecting the two connector elements comprising n holes formed in said face and n studs projecting from said face, a hole in one connector element being suitable for receiving the associated stud of the other connector element. The connector is characterized in that:
n is not less than three; and
each connection hole of one connector element is symmetrical with a connection pin of the same connector element about said hermaphrodite axis.
It will be understood that because of the symmetrical positioning about the hermaphrodite axis between a connection stud and a connection hole, a structure is obtained that is indeed identical for both elements forming the optical connector. In addition, the presence of at least three connection studs ensures that positioning is accurate and that the linking is effective.
In a preferred embodiment, each connection stud of a connector element is substantially tangential to a connection hole of said connector element.
This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the bodies of the connector elements are made by molding. Because they are tangential, it is possible to use mold cores of larger size, making it possible simultaneously to make the hole and the orifice serving for insertion of the connection stud.
Preferably, each connection stud has a locking groove at a predetermined distance from the connection face of the connector element to which it belongs, and each connector element has an annular slot in its housing communicating with the connection holes, said connector element also having a resilient annular locking ring mounted in said slot, said ring being suitable for penetrating in a portion of the groove in each connection stud of the other connector element when the two connector elements are coupled together. This method of locking enables the connection faces of the two connector elements to be pressed against each other with sufficient force.
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Doit Stéphane
Kayoun Pierre-Henri
Pouyez Philippe
Amphenol Socapex
Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley LLP
Boutsikaris Leo
Spyrou Cassandra
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