Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-08
2001-05-29
Sikder, Mohammad (Department: 2872)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
C385S058000, C385S059000, C385S062000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06238101
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to the art of fiber optic connectors and, particularly, to a fiber optic connector assembly wherein the connector can be“tuned” by selectively adjusting the rotational position of a terminated optical fiber about its own axis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the field of fiber optic signal transmission, proper centering of the optical fiber in the connector is critical to avoid what is called “insertion losses”, i.e., losses in the transmission of light waves through the connector. Most often, an optical fiber is terminated within a cylindrical ferrule fabricated of such materials as ceramic. Known processes allow the fiber to be generally centered in a bore of the ferrule. The ferrule then is positioned within the fiber optic connector by various connector bodies, plugs or the like.
However, problems are caused because the core of the optical fiber is not centered within the ferrule. This creates “insertion losses”. The core can be misaligned for various reasons. First, the core may not be centered with respect to the outside diameter of the fiber. Second, the hole in the ferrule which receives the fiber may not be centered with respect to the outside diameter of the ferrule. Third, the hole in the ferrule is bigger than the fiber and the fiber may be offset in the hole. Other considerations include the fact that the fiber may not even be round.
The present invention is directed to solving the problems discussed above by a fiber optic connector assembly which includes two parts, namely a connector body and an inner plug and wherein the inner plug can be rotationally adjusted relative to the connector body after assembly of the body in an outer member, with the adjustment being carried out from the front of the connector after it has been assembled. This procedure effectively “tunes” the connector by rotationally adjusting the plug so that the fiber core offset is towards a predetermined reference, usually the connector key. Optimum fiber alignment (or lowest insertion loss) is achieved at the interface of two such tuned connectors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object, therefore, of the invention is to provide a new and improved fiber optic connector assembly arranged for adjusting the rotational position of a terminated optical fiber about its axis relative to the axis of the connector assembly.
In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, an outer coupling member is provided for coupling the connector assembly to an appropriate complementary mating fiber optic connecting device, such as a mating connector assembly. An intermediate connector body is insertable into the outer coupling member. The body has a central bore extending rearwardly from a front open end of the body. An inner plug terminates the optical fiber and is positioned in the bore of the connector body. The plug is captured axially in the body but is rotatable relative to the body about the axis of the fiber. Complementary interengaging keying means are provided between the inner plug and the connector body to define a plurality of positions of rotational adjustment of the plug about the axis of the fiber relative to the body. Tool engaging means are provided on the inner plug accessible through the front open end of the connector body. Therefore, an adjusting tool can be inserted into the open front end of the connector body after the connector assembly is assembled and into engagement with the inner plug to rotationally adjust the plug relative to the body.
As disclosed herein, the inner plug is mounted for limited axial movement within the connector body. A spring is interposed between the plug and the body for biasing the inner plug forwardly. The complementary interengaging keying means include at least one axially extending key on one of the inner plug or connector body engageable within one of a plurality of axially opening keyways in the other of the plug or body. The spring is effective to bias the key into a selected keyway.
The inner plug includes a forwardly projecting fiber-terminating ferrule spaced inwardly of the interior of the bore in the connector body. The tool engagement means is located on the plug for access by the adjusting tool inserted between the ferrule and the interior of the bore in the body.
The inner plug is a “universal” component that can be used in different forms of fiber optic connector assemblies. In other words, the connector assembly may be a “FC” connector, and the outer coupling member may be a rotatable coupling nut axially captured about the intermediate connector body. Alternatively, the connector assembly may be a “SC”, connector, and the outer coupling member may be a push-pull type coupling member non-rotatably mounted about the intermediate connector body.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5134677 (1992-07-01), Leung et al.
patent: 5142598 (1992-08-01), Tabone
patent: 5146525 (1992-09-01), Tabone
patent: 5212753 (1993-05-01), Maranto
patent: 5384885 (1995-01-01), Diner
patent: 5390269 (1995-02-01), Palecek et al.
patent: 5436995 (1995-07-01), Yoshizawa et al.
Belenkiy Yuriy
Chen Wenzong
Grois Igor
Koliopoulos Gary
Molex Incorporated
Sikder Mohammad
Tirva A. A.
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