GB2065915A - Optical cable connector - Google Patents

Optical cable connector Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2065915A
GB2065915A GB8037458A GB8037458A GB2065915A GB 2065915 A GB2065915 A GB 2065915A GB 8037458 A GB8037458 A GB 8037458A GB 8037458 A GB8037458 A GB 8037458A GB 2065915 A GB2065915 A GB 2065915A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
fibre optic
connector
connection means
assembly
sleeve member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB8037458A
Other versions
GB2065915B (en
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
UK Secretary of State for Defence
Original Assignee
UK Secretary of State for Defence
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by UK Secretary of State for Defence filed Critical UK Secretary of State for Defence
Priority to GB8037458A priority Critical patent/GB2065915B/en
Publication of GB2065915A publication Critical patent/GB2065915A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2065915B publication Critical patent/GB2065915B/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3801—Permanent connections, i.e. wherein fibres are kept aligned by mechanical means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/4471—Terminating devices ; Cable clamps
    • G02B6/4476—Terminating devices ; Cable clamps with heat-shrinkable elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/4471—Terminating devices ; Cable clamps
    • G02B6/4477—Terminating devices ; Cable clamps with means for strain-relieving to interior strengths element
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
    • G02B6/3865—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture fabricated by using moulding techniques
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
    • G02B6/3874—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/389—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs characterised by the method of fastening connecting plugs and sockets, e.g. screw- or nut-lock, snap-in, bayonet type
    • G02B6/3894—Screw-lock type
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4401—Optical cables
    • G02B6/4415—Cables for special applications
    • G02B6/4427—Pressure resistant cables, e.g. undersea cables

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)

Abstract

A connector for fibre optic cables (10, 11) comprises a connection means e.g. ferrules (12, 13) to optically connect the cables, and a sleeve member (15) preferably of heat shrinkable material enclosing the connection means; the assembly of connection means and sleeve member being encapsulated in a mould material (18). Preferably the mould material extends over the outer sheath to render the connector rugged and waterproof. Preferably strength members (16) in the cables (10, 11) are looped back to provide anchorage in the material (18). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to fibre optic connectors This invention relates to fibre optic connectors and in particular, but not exclusively, to fibre optic connectors for use in underwater or like environmental situations.
There are many different types and designs of fibre optic connectors commercially available the majority of which provide a connect/release capability. The design of such connectors varies from the simple to the extremely sophisticated depending largely upon the constraints of their application.
An object of the present invention is to provide a fibre optic connector which will give a required level of optical transmission performance, will be rugged in construction and will offer protection against hostile environments such as for example water.
According to the present invention the fibre optic connector comprises means for optically connecting together at least two fibre optic cables, a sleeve member enclosing the connection means, the assembly of connection means and sleeve member being encapsulated in a mould material.
Preferably the mould material extends longitudinally over the outer sheath of the fibre optic cables to render the whole assembly waterproof.
The sleeve member might conveniently be of a heat shrinkable material which might be applied to the connection means in tape or tubular form.
Fibre optic cables conventionally include strengthening elements and exposed regions of these might with advantage be looped back upon themselves to provide anchorage in the moulded material to resist any tendency for the fibre optic cable to pull-out of the connectors.
The connection means might be filled with a suitable index matching liquid to reduce optical losses, the index matching liquid being contained at least partially by the sleeve member.
The connection means utilised in the connector of the invention might be any commercially available system.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows diagrammatically a section through a typical connector.
The ends of two fibre optic cables 10 and 11 are prepared to receive end ferrules 12 and 13 by which they are optically connected in a commercially available connector assembly 14.
The connector assembly 14 is chosen to be compatible with the requirements of the optical connection and the other component parts of the connector of the invention.
The connector assembly 14 is enclosed in a sleeve 1 5 of heat shrinkable material which extends to the exposed inner sheath of the fibre optic cables 10 and 11. Heat shrinkable materials are well known and are capable of shrinking upon the application of heat to for example a third or less of their original shape.
The strengthening braid 16, located between the outer and inner sheath of the fibre optic cables 10 and 11 and exposed during preparation of the cable end regions is looped back upon itself and secured by tape or other means 1 7 as shown.
The whole assembly is then encapsulated in a polythene or other suitable mould material 1 8 which extends longitudinally of the assembly to embrace the outer sheath of the fibre optic cables 10 and 11.
The broad concept of the invention is applicable to many detailed design variants, the user being free to select a preferred connector assembly. The heat shrink sleeve which encloses the connector assembly provides an interface barrier between the connector assembly and the mould material; additionally the heat shrink sleeve assists in containing the index matching liquid within the connector assembly when such liquid is considered necessary.
Although the specific example related to the joining of single fibre optic cables it will be readily appreciated that the invention is equally applicable to the joining of multi-core cables or in fact any form of optical connection or accessory where a robust joint capable of affording a high degree of environmental protection is desired.
1. A fibre optic connector comprising means for optically connecting together at least two fibre optic cables, a sleeve member enclosing the connection means, the assembly of connection means and sleeve member being encapsulated in a mould material.
2. A fibre optic connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mould material extends longitudinally over the outer sheath of the fibre optic cables to render the whole assembly waterproof.' 3. A fibre optic connector as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the sleeve member is made of a heat shrinkable material which is applied to the connection means in tape or tubular form.
4. A fibre optic connector as claimed in a preceding claim for connecting fibre optic cables including longitudinally extending strengthening elements wherein the strengthening elements are looped back upon themselves to provide anchorage in the moulded material to resist any tendency for the fibre optic cable to puil-out of the connectors.
5. A fibre optic connector as claimed in any one preceding claim wherein the connection means is filled with a suitable index matching liquid to
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (6)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to fibre optic connectors This invention relates to fibre optic connectors and in particular, but not exclusively, to fibre optic connectors for use in underwater or like environmental situations. There are many different types and designs of fibre optic connectors commercially available the majority of which provide a connect/release capability. The design of such connectors varies from the simple to the extremely sophisticated depending largely upon the constraints of their application. An object of the present invention is to provide a fibre optic connector which will give a required level of optical transmission performance, will be rugged in construction and will offer protection against hostile environments such as for example water. According to the present invention the fibre optic connector comprises means for optically connecting together at least two fibre optic cables, a sleeve member enclosing the connection means, the assembly of connection means and sleeve member being encapsulated in a mould material. Preferably the mould material extends longitudinally over the outer sheath of the fibre optic cables to render the whole assembly waterproof. The sleeve member might conveniently be of a heat shrinkable material which might be applied to the connection means in tape or tubular form. Fibre optic cables conventionally include strengthening elements and exposed regions of these might with advantage be looped back upon themselves to provide anchorage in the moulded material to resist any tendency for the fibre optic cable to pull-out of the connectors. The connection means might be filled with a suitable index matching liquid to reduce optical losses, the index matching liquid being contained at least partially by the sleeve member. The connection means utilised in the connector of the invention might be any commercially available system. An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows diagrammatically a section through a typical connector. The ends of two fibre optic cables 10 and 11 are prepared to receive end ferrules 12 and 13 by which they are optically connected in a commercially available connector assembly 14. The connector assembly 14 is chosen to be compatible with the requirements of the optical connection and the other component parts of the connector of the invention. The connector assembly 14 is enclosed in a sleeve 1 5 of heat shrinkable material which extends to the exposed inner sheath of the fibre optic cables 10 and 11. Heat shrinkable materials are well known and are capable of shrinking upon the application of heat to for example a third or less of their original shape. The strengthening braid 16, located between the outer and inner sheath of the fibre optic cables 10 and 11 and exposed during preparation of the cable end regions is looped back upon itself and secured by tape or other means 1 7 as shown. The whole assembly is then encapsulated in a polythene or other suitable mould material 1 8 which extends longitudinally of the assembly to embrace the outer sheath of the fibre optic cables 10 and 11. The broad concept of the invention is applicable to many detailed design variants, the user being free to select a preferred connector assembly. The heat shrink sleeve which encloses the connector assembly provides an interface barrier between the connector assembly and the mould material; additionally the heat shrink sleeve assists in containing the index matching liquid within the connector assembly when such liquid is considered necessary. Although the specific example related to the joining of single fibre optic cables it will be readily appreciated that the invention is equally applicable to the joining of multi-core cables or in fact any form of optical connection or accessory where a robust joint capable of affording a high degree of environmental protection is desired. CLAIMS
1. A fibre optic connector comprising means for optically connecting together at least two fibre optic cables, a sleeve member enclosing the connection means, the assembly of connection means and sleeve member being encapsulated in a mould material.
2. A fibre optic connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mould material extends longitudinally over the outer sheath of the fibre optic cables to render the whole assembly waterproof.'
3. A fibre optic connector as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the sleeve member is made of a heat shrinkable material which is applied to the connection means in tape or tubular form.
4. A fibre optic connector as claimed in a preceding claim for connecting fibre optic cables including longitudinally extending strengthening elements wherein the strengthening elements are looped back upon themselves to provide anchorage in the moulded material to resist any tendency for the fibre optic cable to puil-out of the connectors.
5. A fibre optic connector as claimed in any one preceding claim wherein the connection means is filled with a suitable index matching liquid to reduce optical losses, the index matching liquid being contained at least partially by the sleeve member.
6. A fibre optic connector substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
GB8037458A 1979-11-29 1980-11-21 Optical cable connector Expired GB2065915B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8037458A GB2065915B (en) 1979-11-29 1980-11-21 Optical cable connector

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB7941207 1979-11-29
GB8037458A GB2065915B (en) 1979-11-29 1980-11-21 Optical cable connector

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2065915A true GB2065915A (en) 1981-07-01
GB2065915B GB2065915B (en) 1984-01-11

Family

ID=26273726

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8037458A Expired GB2065915B (en) 1979-11-29 1980-11-21 Optical cable connector

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2065915B (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2127170A (en) * 1982-09-15 1984-04-04 Standard Telephones Cables Ltd Fibre optic cables
GB2166563A (en) * 1984-11-05 1986-05-08 Telephone Cables Ltd Distributor for optical cable connections
US4714316A (en) * 1985-08-20 1987-12-22 Aster Associates Optical fiber unit having protective assembly
GB2191873B (en) * 1986-06-18 1990-07-18 Zeiss Stiftung Fibre-optic light guide which is resistant to high temperatures in its end-face region, and process for its manufacture
GB2256285A (en) * 1991-06-01 1992-12-02 Northern Telecom Ltd Cable joints and terminations
US20120237172A1 (en) * 2011-03-17 2012-09-20 Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. Optical-fiber mechanical splicer using heat-shrink ferrule

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2127170A (en) * 1982-09-15 1984-04-04 Standard Telephones Cables Ltd Fibre optic cables
GB2166563A (en) * 1984-11-05 1986-05-08 Telephone Cables Ltd Distributor for optical cable connections
US4714316A (en) * 1985-08-20 1987-12-22 Aster Associates Optical fiber unit having protective assembly
GB2191873B (en) * 1986-06-18 1990-07-18 Zeiss Stiftung Fibre-optic light guide which is resistant to high temperatures in its end-face region, and process for its manufacture
GB2256285A (en) * 1991-06-01 1992-12-02 Northern Telecom Ltd Cable joints and terminations
US5222176A (en) * 1991-06-01 1993-06-22 Northern Telecom Limited Optical fiber cable joints and terminations
AU650753B2 (en) * 1991-06-01 1994-06-30 Nortel Networks Corporation Cable joints and terminations
GB2256285B (en) * 1991-06-01 1995-02-01 Northern Telecom Ltd Underwater cable joints
US20120237172A1 (en) * 2011-03-17 2012-09-20 Verizon Patent And Licensing Inc. Optical-fiber mechanical splicer using heat-shrink ferrule

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2065915B (en) 1984-01-11

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee