GB2177229A - Connector - Google Patents

Connector Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2177229A
GB2177229A GB08516383A GB8516383A GB2177229A GB 2177229 A GB2177229 A GB 2177229A GB 08516383 A GB08516383 A GB 08516383A GB 8516383 A GB8516383 A GB 8516383A GB 2177229 A GB2177229 A GB 2177229A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
optical fibre
connector
bore
micron
fibre
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08516383A
Other versions
GB8516383D0 (en
Inventor
Gerald Meek
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.)
THORN EMI CABLE TELEVISION LIM
Original Assignee
THORN EMI CABLE TELEVISION LIM
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 THORN EMI CABLE TELEVISION LIM filed Critical THORN EMI CABLE TELEVISION LIM
Priority to GB08516383A priority Critical patent/GB2177229A/en
Publication of GB8516383D0 publication Critical patent/GB8516383D0/en
Publication of GB2177229A publication Critical patent/GB2177229A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
    • G02B6/3855—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture characterised by the method of anchoring or fixing the fibre within the ferrule
    • G02B6/3858—Clamping, i.e. with only elastic deformation
    • 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
    • G02B6/3855—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture characterised by the method of anchoring or fixing the fibre within the ferrule
    • 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
    • G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
    • G02B6/4292—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements the light guide being disconnectable from the opto-electronic element, e.g. mutually self aligning arrangements
    • 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
    • G02B6/3616—Holders, macro size fixtures for mechanically holding or positioning fibres, e.g. on an optical bench
    • 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
    • G02B6/3628—Mechanical coupling means for mounting fibres to supporting carriers
    • G02B6/3632—Mechanical coupling means for mounting fibres to supporting carriers characterised by the cross-sectional shape of the mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/3644—Mechanical coupling means for mounting fibres to supporting carriers characterised by the cross-sectional shape of the mechanical coupling means the coupling means being through-holes or wall apertures

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)

Abstract

The optical fibre connector 1 has only two parts, namely a body 2 and a clamping nut 3 each of which is formed of moulded plastics material. Body 2 has a recess 4 which accommodates, with a gripping fit, one end of an optic/electronic transducer 5, and a bore 6 to accommodate an optical fibre 7 of the plastic clad silicon type with a diameter in the range 50 to 250 micron. The tapering of bore 6 has two quite distinct sections 8 and 9, the first being a guide and the second acting as a clamping surface when nut 3 is screwed onto threaded portion 10 of body 2. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Connector The present invention relates to an optical fibre connector, and to a transmission line incorporating an optical fibre terminated by at least one such connector.
It is known generally that an optical fibre of 1000 micron diameter can readily be connected to another optical fibre or to a component, there being no necessity for careful alignment of the two respective elements.
However, it is also known generally that in order to connect optical fibres of lesser diameter, very accurate alignment of the respective elements is essential; furthermore, it is also important to ensure that the end faces are substantially planar and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fibre(s).
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fibre connector which is of simple construction and of easy operation yet can be used with a broader range of optical fibres than conventionally considered possible.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a transmission line which can readily be assembled yet has good broadband characteristics and is capable of transmitting substantial amounts of light intensity.
The present invention provides an optical fibre connector consisting of a body of moulded plastics material and means to effect clamping of an optical fibre within the body, the body having a recess to accommodate a portion of an electrical and/or optical component and having a bore to accommodate an optical fibre with a diameter in the range 50 to 250 micron (advantageously 85 to 200 micron).
Thus the Applicant has discovered that optical fibres of the specified diameter range can be connected successfully using a connector of exceedingly simple construction, a fact considered impossible hitherto.
The present invention also provides a transmission line for the passage of data signals, the transmission line comprising a length of optical fibre having a diameter in the range of 50 to 250 micron (advantageously 85 to 200 micron), at least one end of the fibre having an optical fibre connector for interfacing with an appropriate electrical and/or optical component, the connector consisting of a body of moulded plastics material and means to effect clamping of an optical fibre within the body, the body having a recess to accommodate a portion of an electrical and/or optical component and having a bore to accommodate an optical fibre with a diameter in the range 50 to 250 micron (advantageously 85 to 200 micron).
Thus the Applicants have discovered that a very effective, broadband transmission line can be achieved using optical fibre of the specified diameter range suitably terminated by at least one connector which can readily and easily be assembled onto the fibre. Such a transmission line is particularly suited for use in a cable television system to provide a link between the subscriber television reciever and the local switching unit.
In order that the invention may more readily be understood, a description is now given, by way of example only, reference being made to the sole accompanying drawing which shows a cross-section of an optical fibre connector embodying the present invention.
The illustrated optical fibre connector 1 has only two parts, namely a body 2 and a clamping nut 3 each of which is formed of moulded plastics material. Body 2 has a recess 4 which accommodates, with a gripping fit, one end of an optic/electronic transducer 5 (e.g. a lightemitting diode or a photo diode). Body 2 also has a bore 6 to accommodate an optical fibre 7 of the plastic clad silicon type with a diameter in the range 50 to 250 micron; bore 6 has a cross-section which tapers down progressively towards the recess 4. The tapering of bore 6 has two quite distinct sections 8 and 9 with surfaces at substantially different inclined angles to the longitudinal bore axis.
Thus section 8 ensures that, when optical fibre 7 is initially directed towards connector 1, fibre 7 is readily guided further into bore 6.
Section 9 ensures that, when clamping nut 3 is screwed onto threaded portion 10 of body 2 and accordingly produces an inward force on portion 10, then there is a gentle but firm clamping action applied to a signficant length of optical fibre 7; in this way optical fibre 7 can be securely clamped with no significant risk of damage occurring.
Preferably, connector 1 and the appropriate end of optical fibre 7 are situated in a housing, one wall of which is shown at 20, the latter having a fibre guide 21. Thus, in the operation to attach fibre 7 to connector 1, the free end of fibre 7 is first threaded through guide 21 and then inserted into bore 6; guide 21 is suitably positioned relative to body 1 such that the resultant curvature in fibre 7 therebetween tends to urge the side of fibre 7 against the bore wall such that the frictional contact retains the fibre end in the bore 6.
Thus the fibre 7 can remain stationary enabling nut 3 to be readily screwed on in order to provide the clamping effect described above.
In a modification, wall 20 has a comb with a number of teeth which are resiliently displaceable laterally, so that the individual optical fibres from a bundle can be jammed between pairs of the teeth in order to seperate them out prior to inserting each fibre into its respective connector. In this way, each optical fibre is anchored between teeth of the comb to provide some degree of mechanical securing against jolts or impacts on the housing wall.
The illustrated connector 1 is particularly suited for use in a transmission line incorporating optical fibre having a diameter in the range 50 to 250 micron (advantageously 85 to 200 micron diameter). In one specific example, a transmission line is formed of 200 micron diameter optical fibre terminated at each end with a connector 1; such a transmission line is particularly suited for use in cable television networks as the link between the local distribution switch and the subscriber because it provides a broadband path with adequate light intensity. Clearly such a transmission line has many other applications related to data communication.

Claims (4)

1. An optical fibre connector consisting of a body of moulded plastics material and means to effect clamping of an optical fibre within the body, the body having a recess to accommodate a portion of an electrical and/or optical component and having a bore to accommodate an optical fibre with a diameter in the range 50 to 250 micron.
2. A connector according to Claim 1, with a bore to accommodate an optical fibre of diameter in the range 85 to 200 micron.
3. An optical fibre connector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and illustrated in the sole accompanying drawing.
4. A transmission line for the passage of data signals, the transmission line comprising a length of optical fibre having a diameter in the range 50 to 250 micron, at least one end of the fibre having an optical fibre connector for interfacing with an appropriate electrical and/or optical component, the connector consisting of a body of moulded plastics material and means to effect clamping of an optical fibre within the body, the body having a recess to accommodate a portion of an electrical and/or optical component and having a bore to accommodate an optical fibre with a diameter in the range 50 to 250 micron.
GB08516383A 1985-06-28 1985-06-28 Connector Withdrawn GB2177229A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08516383A GB2177229A (en) 1985-06-28 1985-06-28 Connector

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08516383A GB2177229A (en) 1985-06-28 1985-06-28 Connector

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8516383D0 GB8516383D0 (en) 1985-07-31
GB2177229A true GB2177229A (en) 1987-01-14

Family

ID=10581467

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08516383A Withdrawn GB2177229A (en) 1985-06-28 1985-06-28 Connector

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2177229A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0392555A2 (en) * 1989-04-13 1990-10-17 Hitachi, Ltd. Device for retaining wire-like optical wave-guide

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4181401A (en) * 1978-03-24 1980-01-01 S. C. Cabling, Inc. Fiber optic waveguide connector
GB2026235A (en) * 1978-06-06 1980-01-30 Nippon Electric Co Light emitting diode mounting structure for optical fiber communications
US4222629A (en) * 1978-03-27 1980-09-16 Sperry Corporation Fiber optic connector assembly
GB2054194A (en) * 1979-06-20 1981-02-11 Philips Nv Light-emitting device coupled to an optical fibre
GB2062893A (en) * 1979-11-02 1981-05-28 Philips Nv Device for coupling two optical fibres using spherical balls
US4291941A (en) * 1980-02-04 1981-09-29 The Deutsch Company Electronic Components Division Optical fiber connector
GB2079966A (en) * 1980-07-07 1982-01-27 Hewlett Packard Co Housing for Interfacing a Semiconductor Device With a Fiber Optic Cable
US4327964A (en) * 1979-12-20 1982-05-04 Texas Instruments Incorporated Snap-action fiber optic connector
GB2049977B (en) * 1979-05-23 1982-12-01 Staeng Ltd Receptacles for clamps for optical fibres
US4533209A (en) * 1983-10-24 1985-08-06 Motorola, Inc. Connectorless fiber optic package

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4181401A (en) * 1978-03-24 1980-01-01 S. C. Cabling, Inc. Fiber optic waveguide connector
US4222629A (en) * 1978-03-27 1980-09-16 Sperry Corporation Fiber optic connector assembly
GB2026235A (en) * 1978-06-06 1980-01-30 Nippon Electric Co Light emitting diode mounting structure for optical fiber communications
GB2049977B (en) * 1979-05-23 1982-12-01 Staeng Ltd Receptacles for clamps for optical fibres
GB2054194A (en) * 1979-06-20 1981-02-11 Philips Nv Light-emitting device coupled to an optical fibre
GB2062893A (en) * 1979-11-02 1981-05-28 Philips Nv Device for coupling two optical fibres using spherical balls
US4327964A (en) * 1979-12-20 1982-05-04 Texas Instruments Incorporated Snap-action fiber optic connector
US4291941A (en) * 1980-02-04 1981-09-29 The Deutsch Company Electronic Components Division Optical fiber connector
GB2079966A (en) * 1980-07-07 1982-01-27 Hewlett Packard Co Housing for Interfacing a Semiconductor Device With a Fiber Optic Cable
US4533209A (en) * 1983-10-24 1985-08-06 Motorola, Inc. Connectorless fiber optic package

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0392555A2 (en) * 1989-04-13 1990-10-17 Hitachi, Ltd. Device for retaining wire-like optical wave-guide
EP0392555A3 (en) * 1989-04-13 1991-10-09 Hitachi, Ltd. Device for retaining wire-like optical wave-guide

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8516383D0 (en) 1985-07-31

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)