Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Optical fiber to a nonfiber optical device connector
Patent
1995-05-01
1996-11-19
Bovernick, Rodney B.
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Optical fiber to a nonfiber optical device connector
385 78, 385 81, G02B 636
Patent
active
055771459
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical connector for optical connection between optical transmission lines or between an optical transmission line and a opto-electronic conversion element.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a known optical connector, a receptacle housing is used which, in order to achieve an accurate alignment between a fibre optic ferrule and a opto-electronic conversion element (light emitting element or light receiving element), contains a precision bore to maintain the ferrule accurately in position. In order to achieve the necessary strict tolerances of the fixed bore, it is necessary that the fixed bore of the housing be exactly machined by a precision machine tool. Even if the fixed bore is accurately formed, it does not allow for elastic deformation to accommodate variations in ferrule sizes and manufacturing tolerances associated with the manufacture of the ferrule. It is, therefore, difficult to obtain a standardised optical connector with high reliability of alignment between the ferrule and aforementioned element. Further, since the required accuracy and stability of alignment requires a relatively long connection between the ferrule and the opto-electronic element, and the fixed bore is formed as a cylindrical projection extending from the receptacle housing, relatively high manufacturing costs are associated with such an the optical connector.
In another known optical connector, a precision split sleeve or a hollow tube is employed to connect together two ferrules or to make a connection between one ferrule and an active device on which a dummy ferrule of the same structure as the ferrule is mounted. In order to achieve an accurate alignment, the split sleeve has an inner diameter made slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ferrules. Since such a split sleeve is always used in a manner which causes the sleeve to expand when fitted onto the ferrules, the diameter of the split sleeve does not have a set, fixed diameter. Because of this, an accurate ferrule-to-ferrule alignment with an adequate pressure force is difficult to achieve.
When the ferrule is connected to the active device, the dummy ferrule is mounted on the forward end portion of the receptacle housing and then needs to be inserted into the split sleeve. Thus an even greater ferrule-to-device connection length is required than in the case of the first mentioned connector type, and the optical connector involves a relatively high manufacturing cost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention aims to provide an improved optical connector which addresses problems inherent in existing optical connectors.
More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector which can accommodate some size variations and manufacturing tolerances, that can be provided as a standardised optical connector with highly reliable connection.
According to the present invention, an optical connector is provided for optically connecting together first and second optical media having corresponding optical input/output ends, comprising: plug means for supporting the first optical medium; receptacle means connectable to the plug means and supporting the second optical medium; and a split tube member having a free end via which the optical input/output end of the first optical medium can be inserted and an end fixed to the receptacle means and located at the optical input/output end of the second optical medium and a slit extending from its free end to its fixed end and gripping the first optical medium through an elastic deformation toward its substantial centre axis, wherein, when the plug mean is connected to the receptacle means, the optical input/output end of the first optical medium is optically aligned with that of .the second optical medium through the elastic deformation of the split tube member.
Preferably, the optical connector further comprises urging means for urging the gripping of the first optical medium through the elastic deformation of the spl
REFERENCES:
patent: 4461538 (1984-07-01), Breed, III et al.
patent: 4684210 (1987-08-01), Matsunaga et al.
patent: 4707068 (1987-11-01), Moulin
patent: 4737008 (1988-04-01), Ohyama et al.
patent: 4892379 (1990-01-01), Takeda et al.
patent: 5050953 (1991-09-01), Anderson et al.
patent: 5104242 (1992-04-01), Ishikawa
patent: 5109454 (1992-04-01), Okuno et al.
patent: 5151961 (1992-09-01), Hvezda et al.
patent: 5179608 (1993-01-01), Ziebol et al.
patent: 5239603 (1993-08-01), Sonoda et al.
patent: 5243681 (1993-09-01), Bowen et al.
patent: 5317663 (1994-05-01), Beard et al.
patent: 5432879 (1995-07-01), Lee
patent: 5434941 (1995-07-01), Bechtel et al.
Bovernick Rodney B.
Hewlett--Packard Company
Sanghari Hemang
LandOfFree
Optical connector including split sleeve secured in expanded sta does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Optical connector including split sleeve secured in expanded sta, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical connector including split sleeve secured in expanded sta will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-547375