Patent
1985-04-02
1987-11-24
LaRoche, Eugene R.
350 9622, G02B 638
Patent
active
047084324
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a fiber optic connector which in particular is intended for applications where the probability of contamination is high, for example in military equipment or in offshore and underwater installations and certain industries. A simple connecting operation and good protection when disconnected is important in such applications.
The practical use of fiber optic systems requires detachable contacts for termination at a transmitter and a receiver. In some applications there are also employed fiber optic connectors for joining already terminated cable lengths. A long transmission distance and a safe signal transmission require a minimum of transmission losses in the connectors.
The losses in fiber optic connectors are, inter alia, determined by the positioning accuracy and possible contaminations in the connector. Connectors having lenses which collimate and focus the light require a lower longitudinal and transverse positioning accuracy, for example as described in EPC patent application of Publication No. 0057794. Such a lens system will also reduce the sensitivity of the connector with respect to foreign particles in the light path. At any rate, fiber optic connectors will often be subject to contamination and thereby increased transmission losses.
In EPC Patent Application Publication No. 0024989 there are described fiber optic connectors having movable covers which serve to protect the fiber ends and otherwise the interior of the connector parts. This known arrangement is based upon a terminating axial displacement of the optical fibers in the connector so that these are brought into mutual abutment for the finished interconnection. Thus, the arrangement does not make possible any cleaning of the optical interfaces on the fiber ends in connection with the coupling operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a purpose of this invention to provide an improved fiber optic connector which to a substantial degree reduces the problems discussed above. Thus, from the state of the art the invention takes as a starting point a fiber optic connector comprising two mating connector parts each being provided with a cover for protection in the disconnected condition of the connector, the mating movement of the connector parts for coupling therebetween causing movement of the covers so that there may be formed a continuous light path through the connector. What is novel and specific in the connector according to the invention is that the optical light path is permanently extended to an interface on each connector part, that the interfaces of the connector parts are adapted to slide against each other during the mating movement and that each cover has a wiper element adapted to clean the adjacent interface during movement of the cover.
With this solution the connector will be self-cleaning at the same time as it is protected against contamination when disconnected. Thus, when the connector is disconnected or detached, a protective cover is located in front of the transmission path where it is penetrating an interface in each connector part. When the connector is connected, the covers on both connector parts are displaced and this movement causes a wiping action on the interface of the fiber end or lens concerned, which is incorporated in the optical light or signal path in the connector. The covers are preferably spring biassed and therefore are automatically brought into the proper positions when the connector is disconnected. It is also possible, however, to provide manual retraction of the covers when the connector is disconnected. Moreover, the covers may be provided with return means which make it possible to check the fibers when the connector is disconnected.
In the structure of the invention, the light path is running in such a way in the connector that the direction of movement of each cover coincides with the direction of movement when mating the connector parts. Thus, the direction of movement is essentially transverse to and preferably normal to the light p
REFERENCES:
patent: 4477146 (1984-10-01), Bowen et al.
patent: 4530567 (1985-07-01), Simon
LaRoche Eugene R.
Lee James C.
Stiftelsen for Industriell og Teknisk Forskning ved Norges Tekni
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