Optical fibre connector

US7927023B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• FIRECOMMS LIMITED · IE

Inventors

• Thomas Moriarty · Lexington, US
• John Douglas Lambkin · Blarney, IE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 13, 2008
• Grant date: Apr 19, 2011
• Expiry date: Oct 13, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/3888
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A connector receives and grips an optical fiber in registry with an optical element. Pivoting portions are held in default inoperative position by the spring action of molded hinges, at which position two shutter portions meet, so forming a shutter preventing the ingress of dirt to the optical element. As the optical liber is pushed a small distance into the connector, the pivoting portions are caused to pivot a small amount about the hinges, bringing teeth into contact with the outside jacket of the fiber. The bodies of the inserts are forced radially away from the central axis of the connector, so providing a leaf spring force which keeps the teeth engaged with the jacket of the fiber. The shutter portions move out of the way of the fiber and the spring action applies a force to draw the fiber further into the body of the connector.