Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-17
2001-02-20
Bovernick, Rodney (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
C385S065000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06190054
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical fiber connection device and to an optical fiber connection method employing end to end connection of optical fibers using an optical fiber connector.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventionally, an optical fiber connector has a structure in which two optical fibers placed end to end are anchored within the same housing.
There are alignment positioning structures for optical fiber connectors having such structures as (1) a structure wherein optical fibers are inserted end to end in both ends of a fine narrow tube (called a “microcapillary” below), (2) a structure wherein optical fibers are placed together end to end in a positioning groove, and (3) a structure which supports the optical fibers and positions them in the center of three fine rods or three minute bowls. This optical fiber connector aligns a pair of optical fibers, places them end to end, and fastens or mechanically pins them into the alignment mechanism.
However, the following problems arise in the above optical fiber connector when the optical fiber is simply anchored in a housing.
First, because of differences in coefficient of thermal expansion between the housing in which the optical fibers are anchored end to end and the optical fibers, the end-to-end positioning of the optical fibers changes when there is a change in temperature. Thus, connection loss in the optical fibers becomes a problem.
Also, in the above housing the optical fibers are held by an elastic body which deteriorates over time, degrading its ability to hold the optical fibers. The end to end state of the fibers changes, and the connection loss fluctuates.
Furthermore, when a means that can suppress fluctuation in the connection loss is installed, the structure becomes complicated, and there is concern that much labor is necessary in the connecting of the optical fibers using this alignment positioning structure. Specifically, when such problems as breakage of a fiber in a fiber optical system or damage to an optical component occur, it is necessary that the connection work be speedily finished, and thus the development of an optical fiber connector which can connect optical fibers simply and accurately is desired.
In response to this need, the Applicants have already proposed an optical connector, such as that disclosed in PCT/JP96/02357 (International Application Number).
When assembled, this optical fiber connector generally has a structure comprising a component with a two piece structure having the form of a rod, and a C-shaped spring formed in a tube having a C-shape in cross-section applying a clamping force to the components inserted therein. In the center of the components, there is an alignment mechanism which can position the adjustment of optical fibers connected end to end and longitudinally inserted in both ends of this component. This alignment mechanism has such structures as (1) a structure into which optical fibers are inserted and placed end to end in both ends of a microcapillary, (2) a structure into which optical fibers are placed together end to end in a positioning groove, and (3) a structure into which optical fibers are positioned in the center of three fine rods or three minute bowls. By securely clamping the optical fiber inserted in the component by the clamping force of the C-shaped spring, the optical fiber connector securely supports the connected state of the optical fibers connected end to end, and at the same time makes possible the extraction and switching of optical fibers by inserting a wedge through the open part of the C-shaped spring and releasing the clamping force applied to the optical fiber.
However, because the above-described optical connector is small, the operation of stretching open the C-shaped spring is difficult, and when inserting the optical fiber, the optical fiber must be inserted into the component while it is being stretched open. Thus, in order to optically connect the optical fibers together at the desired connection loss, much labor is required, and there is insufficient operability. In addition, if the wedge is inserted with too much force or if a pinching force is applied for an excessively long period of time, small deformations of the components are produced, the insertion capacity of the C-shaped spring becomes unsplatform, and this will possibly influence the precision of the connection between the optical fibers in the optical fiber connector. Thus, it is necessary to pay careful attention to the operation. Because of this, the development of a special device allowing the convenient end to end connecting of optical fibers in an optical fiber connector while not exerting an excessive lateral pressure on the component is desirable.
In the optical connection of optical fibers together, there are many instances when connection switching is necessary. For example, leaving one fiber in place and replacing the other fiber is frequently desired. Thus, as a device for the above optical fiber connector, it is desirable that connection switching be easily performed.
In consideration of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber connection device and optical fiber connection method that makes possible easy end-to-end connection of optical fibers using an optical fiber connector of a type wherein a pair of optical fibers is inserted and connected end to end between components of a two piece structure.
In addition, it is a further object of the present invention to provide an optical fiber connection device and optical fiber connection method that facilitates easy connection switching of optical fibers.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE
The present invention is an optical fiber connection device and optical fiber connecting method which employs an optical fiber connector having a component having a two piece structure, one disposed over the other longitudinally, and held against each other by an tension means, and pinching between the components in one end or the other end in the longitudinal direction one or the other optical fiber, positioning the alignment so that the optical fibers will be connected with one another end to end.
In the above optical fiber connection device, when the optical fibers are connected, by the operation of an insertion mechanism, a separation member is inserted between the components of the optical fiber connector supported by a support mechanism, spreading apart the components, and then by extracting the separation member from the components, the optical fibers which have been made to lay end to end are clamped inside the components by tension of the tension means, and maintained in a connected condition. By this optical fiber connection device, after supporting the optical fiber connector by the support mechanism, simply by operating a pressure mechanism, the operation of inserting the separation member into the components can be performed, and the operability is improved. Moreover, the present invention encompasses structures wherein a pressure mechanism moves the separation member by the driving force of a drive source using electricity, magnetism, oil pressure, etc.
The optical fiber connector utilizing this optical connector device preferably uses a sleeve-shaped spring whose cross-section is, for example, in the form of a round C or a rectangular C as an tension means, and in this case, the separating member is inserted between the components via the opening which opens in the side wall of these springs. Also, the optical fiber connector employs as the optical fiber positioning alignment means such structures as (1) a structure into which optical fibers are inserted and placed end to end in both ends of a microcapillary, (2) a structure in which optical fibers are placed together end to end in a positioning groove, and (3) a structure in which optical fibers are positioned in the center of three fine rods or three minute bowls.
When the separating member is allowed to move in the longitudinal direction of the components, this movement adjusts the insertion posit
Nishimura Akito
Tamaki Yasuhiro
Tanaka Toshiyuki
Yokosuka Hiroshi
Yoshida Yuichi
Bovernick Rodney
Chadbourne & Parke LLP
Fujikura Ltd.
Kim Ellen
LandOfFree
Optical fiber connection device and optical fiber connection... 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 fiber connection device and optical fiber connection..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical fiber connection device and optical fiber connection... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2566622