Optic fiber connector
US5898807A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/32
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A connector system that includes a pair of connectors (12, 14, FIG. 4) with optical fiber termini (32, 42), is of relatively low cost while assuring sufficiently precise alignment of corresponding termini to transmit a high proportion of light signals between them. A first of the connectors (12) includes an insert (30) with passages that hold termini comprising ball lenses (74) lying in front of optical fiber tips lying in ferrules (82). The plurality of termini are fixed in position and orientation in the insert, but the insert is moveable forwardly and rearwardly (F1, R1) and is biased forwardly by a spring device (160, 162). As a result, the mating faces (70, 72) of the inserts of the two connectors are resiliently pressed against one another in a connector wherein each termini is fixed in position in its insert. Each insert includes a main insert part (120) with a large passage front end (140) that holds the ball lens (74) and a narrower part (142) extending rearwardly therefrom which closely surrounds the ferrule. The insert also includes a spacer (122) lying against the front of the main insert part and holding a ring (150) that presses against the front of the ball lens.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.