Optical fiber connector and method of its application

FIELD: optoelectronics.

SUBSTANCE: proposed connector assembly comprises connector (10) made from material with shape memory and having casing (16), connector channel (22) running from first end (18) to second end (20) and having multiple pins (24, 26), first and second flanges (34), and connector socket consisting of four parts (38) that make, when assembled, a connector chamber. Two of aforesaid assembled parts make first end, the other two parts make the connector socket second end, both parts being arranged to allow applying expanding force to connector (10) and flanges, fitted inside aforesaid chamber, by axially rotating connector socket first end relative to second end. In compliance with second version, every aforesaid end has a hole and passage through channel between said hole and connector chamber, while connector assembly additionally comprises needle (54) to be inserted through said hole, to expand aforesaid channel on inserting said needle through said channel.

EFFECT: simple and fast mounting, good signal passage between optical fibers.

3 cl, 12 dwg

The scope of the invention

The present invention in General relates to the field of connectors for optical fibres, and in particular to the node connector, suited for use as a "last mile".

Prerequisites to the creation of inventions

In the field of Photonics optical fiber (optic fibers) are used for transmission of optical signals, and for coupling optical switches, fiber gratings, optical amplifiers, modules, etc. of the Optical transmission system using elements of Photonics becoming increasingly important, because the optical signal can carry much larger amounts of data compared to conventional communication systems using copper wires. For example, through the use of technology multiplexing wavelength high density (DWDM) and demuxing it is possible to transmit multiple wavelengths over a single fiber, providing data throughput 40 gigabits per second and more.

Optical network with DWDM equipment and other similar devices require a large number of devices for splicing cables and connectors. The operation of splicing and connections play a big role in the value network and its operational parameters. Despite t is, what mechanical splicing of optical fibers may be sufficient in those cases which do not require frequent connection and disconnection, the connectors must be used in such applications in which the necessary flexibility for laying (trace) or, reconfiguration, or to connect a target device, such as a computer or other electronic device, fiber, or other such devices. Currently known technology connections or splices are time-consuming and expensive because they are difficult to miniaturizing and they are difficult to control.

As a bad connection between the ends of two optical fibers leads to distortion of the signal and to the loss of field strength, have already been proposed several methods for the proper connection of optical fibers that provide a good signal. One of the proposals of the authors of the present invention contained in the application for U.S. patent No. 60/358392, filed February 22, 2002

In this application proposes a connector for connecting the ends of two optical fibers by adjoining to each other (it stops at each other) of their ends, and the connector is divided into many pins, running in the longitudinal direction at each end of the connector and provides a channel for the fiber coming from the first contado second end. This connector is made from a material with shape memory, such as a polymer or a metal alloy. Typically, such materials, if they are deformed from the state of rest by using any suitable means, for example by application of heat will then return to the rest state, when removed the cause of deformation. In this patent application shows an example of such material is any material which is deformed within its elastic under the application of mechanical deformation. Another example is any material that expands due to temperature increase and then returns to its original steady state when the temperature is reduced to the initial temperature. An example of such a material is alloy with shape memory (SMA). Examples of the activation element shape memory in SMA listed in publications D..Muntges et. al., Proceedings of SPIE volume 4327 (2001), pages 193-200, and Byong-Ho Park et. al., Proceedings of SIE volume 4327 (2001), pages 79-87. Miniaturization SMA components can be manufactured using the processing laser radiation, as described, for example, in the publication .Haferkamp et. al., Laser Zentrum Hannover e.v., Hannover, Germany.

To connect the ends of two optical fibers by using the previously proposed connector connector, you must first deform any possible the way, for example by heat or application of compressive forces along its longitudinal axis. For example, the connector can be heated to a temperature sufficient to expand the channel of the connector sufficiently to skip through it, the ends of the joined optical fibers. In this state, the connector in its channel enter the ends of the optical fibers. Can also be applied optical gel, which is essentially the same refractive index as the optical fiber, to ensure consistent optical performance over the connection between the fibers.

After the ends of the optical fibers is fully introduced into the connector, and the corresponding ends adjacent to each other, the connector may be cooled and may return to its original state (to its original size). Upon cooling, the connector will attach a controlled compressive force to the optical fiber, the value of which is sufficient to hold the optical fiber in a state of rest in each other, but insufficient to damage the optical fibers due to compression.

SMA technology is particularly well suited for connection of optical fibers, as it allows you to ensure the mechanical accuracy of about +/- 0.01 μm, 400 times more accurately than provide available in the us is Aasee time of joining technology.

However, the use of such a connector for optical fibers, as described above, is not entirely satisfactory, as during the operation of the cooling connector arranged for his return to the initial state, it may be likely spreading apart of the ends of the optical fibers. This makes it necessary during the operation of connecting the ends of the optical fibers can include the additional step of holding the optical fiber in a fixed position when the connector is returned to its original size, to prevent separation from each other of the ends of the optical fibers upon cooling of the connector. Therefore, it requires some form of fixed clamp shell, which normally covers and protects the optical fiber or harness optical fiber, to prevent axial movement of the connected optical fibers.

This operation is cumbersome and cannot be easily and quickly carried out in the case of the connection of optical fibers using the above-mentioned connector. This operation usually requires some skills in the technique, which she spends, and prevents a quick and easy connection of optical fibers, especially in the context of the connection of the "last mile"when the incoming from the optical fiber network should be with whom United with the target device, located in a residential area, office, workplace, etc.

It should be borne in mind that despite the fact that the SMA connector described in application for U.S. patent No. 60/358,392, is an improved means for connection of optical fibers, there is still a need to create a site connector of the optical fiber, which is easy to install and use and allows quick installation and also to maintain a good signal between the optical fibers, particularly for the connection, which is carried out in the location of the end user.

Summary of invention

In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention offers a connection node for connecting optical fibers, which contains the running in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the specified body has a first end and a second end, with the specified body has a channel running from the specified first end to the specified second end, and the specified body has many pin tabs that go in the longitudinal direction of each of the above first and second ends. Connecting node contains the first flange, which circumference is connected with a first end of the specified connector, and a second flange, which is okruzhnost is connected with the specified second end of the specified connector. Connecting node also has a socket connector, which contains four parts, which when connected form the camera connector designed to receive the specified connector when connecting to the specified flange. These four parts of the connecting unit is designed in such a way as to apply tensile stress to the specified connector and the flange of the connector, when they are installed in the chamber of the connector, due to the axial rotation of the first specified portion of the socket connector relative to the specified second part. Due to the application of such tensile forces to the connector when it is installed in the connecting node, the diameter of the channel of the connector sufficiently increased, due to the elastic deformation of the connector that allows you to type in the channel of the connected optical fiber. Due to the opposite axial rotation of the ends of the socket connector is removed tensile forces, which allows the flange and the connector to return to the rest state, the clamping elasticity of the optical fiber and pressing the ends of the optical fibers to each other for transmission of optical signals.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, it is proposed a method of using the above-described connector for connecting optical fibers.

These and the other features of the invention will be more apparent from the subsequent detailed description, in this example, not having restrictive and described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a connector in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the connector in a disassembled state shown in figure 1, together with the flanges.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the connector with flanges.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of part of the socket connector in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5 shows another perspective view of the connector with flanges and fiber, passed through the channel of the connector.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view in section of the connector in accordance with the present invention.

7 shows a perspective view of the connecting node in accordance with the present invention.

On Fig shows a perspective view of the connecting node in accordance with the present invention, when the stretching force applied to the connector.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the connecting node with sheath in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a side view of the connector in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the connecting node according to the first variations is that the implementation of the present invention.

On Fig shows the connector in a disassembled state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the preferred option

We now turn to a consideration of figure 1, showing the connector 10 is intended for use in connection node in accordance with the present invention. The connector 10 may be used to connect ends of the first optical fiber 12 and the second optical fiber 14 in order to transmit the optical signal. The connector 10 has a housing of the connector 16, which may be mainly cylindrical. The connector housing 16 typically has a first end 18 and second end 20.

The body of the connector 16 also has a pass through the channel 22, which runs from first end 18 to second end 20. The optical fibers 12 and 14 may be passed through the channel 22 and secured therein, when fit to each other of the ends of the fibers for transmitting optical signal. The channel 22 is designed and shall be of such dimensions that the connector 10 apply sufficient compressive force to the optical fibers 12 and 14 for holding the fiber when fit to each other when the fibers are located in the channel 22. It should be borne in mind that the compressive force must be sufficient to hold the optical fibers and maintain theirof the state seal, without the application of excessive force, which could cause damage or breakage of the optical fibers, which prevents the transmission of optical signals.

The connector 10 also includes a set of first pins 24, which are from the first end 18 to second end 20, and a set of second pins 26, which are from the second end 20 to the first end 18. The first pin 24 to hold the first optical fiber 12 in a predetermined position in the connector 10, when the optical fiber 12 is introduced into the connector. By selecting a given length of the first pin 24 and second pins 26, it is possible to control the compressive force of the connector attached to the optical fibers 12 and 14, and it is also possible to change the length of the body of the connector 16. The second pins 26, which are similar to the pins 24, to hold the second optical fiber 14. The body of the connector 16 may be divided into any suitable number of first pins 24 and second pins 26. Alternatively, the connector may have more or fewer first 10 and second pins. The first and second pins may take any suitable area of the circumference of the body 16. For example, each of the first pins 24 may take approximately 90° of a circle. The pins can be formed by any suitable method, for example, by milling running in the axial direction of the slots 30 at the first end 18 and extends axially directed and the grooves 32 on the second end 20. It should be borne in mind that the size and number of second pins may differ from the number and size of the first pins. For example, the second pin may be similar in size, length and number of the first pins. Alternatively, the second pins can be made different from the first pin to match the mechanical properties of the second optical fiber. For example, the second pins can be shorter or longer than the first pins, or their number may be different from the number of the first pins.

The first and second pins may be displaced circumferentially from each other at any suitable angle shift, such as, for example, 45°.

In addition, the first and second pins can walk along the body of the connector at a sufficiently large distance from the respective ends so that they overlap at a certain area of the body of the connector; this overlap allows additional control of the compressive force provided by the body of the connector to an optical fiber, particularly at the point where the first and second optical fibers are adjacent to each other.

The connector 10 may be made from any suitable material that has shape memory. Materials that have shape memory, are materials which, after deformation from their rest position by any suitable means, return to their state of dormancy what I'm after removal efforts deformation. For example, this material can be any material which is deformed within the elastic material during the application of the efforts of mechanical deformation and wants to go back or returns to its initial state of rest, when mechanical force ceases to act. Another example of such a material is any material that expands due to the increase in temperature and then wants to go back or returns to its initial state of rest, when the temperature decreases.

The connector 10 may be made of any of a variety of suitable materials, including SMA, depending on the conditions of the specific environment within which the connector will be used, and depending on the specific governing rules and regulations concerning the design and application of connectors, with regard to the distribution and transmission of optical signals.

The connector 10 can be manufactured, for example, from polymeric materials, such as isostatic 1 polybutene, piezoelectric ceramics, copper alloys, including binary and ternary alloys, such as alloys of copper with aluminum, alloys of copper with zinc, alloys of copper with aluminium and beryllium alloys, copper, aluminum and zinc and alloys of copper with aluminum and Nickel; alloys of Nickel such as Nickel alloys with titanium and iron and alloys of Nickel and titanium and to the viola; iron alloys, such as alloys of iron with manganese, alloys of iron with manganese and silicon, alloys of iron with chromium and manganese and alloys of iron with chromium and silicon; aluminum alloys and composite materials with high elasticity, which if necessary can be metallic or polymeric hardening.

To effect the Assembly of the proposed connection site also has an annular flange or ring, which can be installed around the circumference of the first and second ends of the connector having a suitable strength, for example made of copper. We now turn to a consideration of figure 2, 3 and 5, showing that the annular flanges 34 and 36 mounted respectively on the ends 18 and 20. The flanges can be secured to the ends of the connector by any suitable means, including, for example, with glue, resin or adhesive.

The connector flange is then set in the camera socket node connector. The socket connector is made of four parts, which are in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention are identical in configuration. Figure 4 shows that each of the four sections 38 of the socket connector has a contact surface 40, the recess 42 of the hole and the notch 44 of the camera connector. In addition, there is also a fiber passed through new the ku 46. All of the above elements are designed so that when the four parts assembled to form the full socket connector, then the notches 42 form a hole for the introduction of optical fiber and fiber cable. While the notches 44 form the camera connector, designed to hold the connector flange, and the groove 46 forms a channel for passage of the optical fiber from the hole in the connector.

On. 6 and 7 shows the assembled socket connector with connector, with the connector installed in the grooves of the camera socket connector and secured by clamping the four parts of the socket connector. Two of these parts when the bond each other to form the first end 48 of the socket connector, and the other two parts form the second end 50 of the socket connector. Parts forming each end of the socket connector can be fastened to each other by means of appropriate fastening means, for example, by screws 52 or fasteners.

The first needle 54, the diameter of which slightly exceeds the diameter of the optical fiber is inserted through a hole through the channel and the channel of the connector, from the first end of the socket connector. The second needle 56 similarly skipped through the second end of the slot of the node connector. The needle is made of a suitable metal, such as steel, and has a Taco is the diameter, when miss her aforementioned manner, it produces a very small expansion of the diameter of the channel of the connector due to the very small displacement of the pin housing connector.

Each of the four parts of the socket connector has a slightly inclined or spiral support 62. 7 and 8 shows that the two parts when connected form the end of the socket connector, which, when rotated, as shown in Fig caused by the presence of a support 62 will have a slight rotational effect on the connector and the flange that is installed in the camera connector. These parts are made in such a way that during the rotation of the reverse trend rotational movement is limited. This can be done due to the formation of grooves or teeth on the pole to ensure the capture or gear to prevent reverse rotation after removal torque force. Each bearing surface may also have a pin 58 and a complementary hole 60 for a pin to fasten and align these parts.

In practice, each end of the camera connector will work as follows.

After insertion of the needles as stated above, each end of the socket connector is attached to a small reverse axial movement and due to the inclined or helical surfaces of the axial traction movement will own the woman to the flanges of the connector. Such rotation of the ends of the socket connector will provide traction or slightly tensile impact on the connector. Due to the amorphous and elastic character of deformation of the material of the connector tensile deformation of the connector will cause not only the elongation of the connector, but also to create tension in the connector, so that the point of vagueness will be achieved that allows you to keep the diameter of the connector is slightly larger than the diameter of the needle, due to the deformation in the amorphous state. Thus, after removing the needle, the diameter of the connector will be slightly larger than the diameter of the needle.

To connect the optical fibers of the first needle is removed and the optical fiber light guide cable is inserted through the hole of the first end, the optical fiber passes through the hole in the channel of the connector.

The optical fiber typically has a protective shell, which when introduced into the hole may be captured and may be held in a predetermined position through the wall of the hole 42, which may be appropriate grooves or teeth.

To connect with the second optical fiber needle is removed from the second end of the connecting node and the second optical fiber with a sheath is inserted through the hole of the second end, the optical fiber passes through the channel and enters canalsatellite. And in this case, the shell of the second cable is held in a predetermined position in the hole. This optical fiber is then injected into contact with the optical fiber, is introduced from the opposite end. Later, for the communication of the first and second ends of the socket connector rotate radially in opposite directions to one another to cause axial rotation in the opposite direction. This reduces the tensile forces applied to the connector. This decrease in tensile stress leads to a decrease of the diameter of the channel of the connector and to the creation of small movements of the pins of the connector housing, at the same time from the first end and the second end of the connector that leads to clamp the optical fiber. Due to the longitudinal reduce tension is tight clamping of the ends of optical fibers to each other. In addition, by reducing the diameter of the channel two optical fibers are clamped and secured in position stop. Moreover, the wall of the bore, which may have a serrated or other means grip the cable sheath will be pressed against the ends of the optical fibers to each other, and the size of the hole allows the optical fiber is slightly bent, which are excluded or limited, the gap, slippage or breakage joined) the ski fibers, and provides a proper fit of the ends of the optical fibers to transmit signals.

As shown in Fig.9, the completed host with the United optical fibers may optionally be coated or case to protect against dust and other polluting materials or particles.

We now turn to a consideration of figure 10, 11 and 12, which shows the specific use of a socket connector in accordance with the present invention for connection of optical fibers at the end of the "last mile", in which the optical fiber extending from the fiber-optic network connected to the target device. For example, this can be done in a residential home or in the office. The socket connector in accordance with the present invention is particularly well suited to complete a simple connection in such conditions. The socket connector in accordance with the present invention can be installed in the appropriate location on the wall 66 residential homes or office buildings during the construction of such buildings or later upgrades. The socket connector may have a first flange grip 68 and the second flange grip 70, respectively, the first and second ends of the socket connector, for mounting on the wall. In such applications, the first end of the socket will connect the La will protrude from the walls, as shown in figure 10 and 11. The node should remove the pin from the first end and enter the incoming optical fiber from the optical network using the above-described operations. The pin, as mentioned here previously, should be retained on the second end of the socket connector, i.e. the end facing into the room. Such a socket connector will be located in a predetermined position with retention of tensile load. At the time of connection to the target device, you should remove the second pin using the above-described operations, omit the second optical fiber connected to this unit through the second end of the connector and reconnect it to rotate around the axis going into the bathroom end of the connecting node, as has been mentioned here previously, to relieve tensile strength to make the connection. Rotation (turn) can be carried out by rotating the flange capture and mauerlata. In this way the connection can be completed and the target device may be connected in such a way as to receive the optical signal from the optical network; the device is ready for use.

Despite what has been described the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is clear that it specialists in this field can be changes and additions which do not go beyond the frames and the claims.

1. The connection node for connecting optical fibers, comprising a connector (10)made of a material having shape memory, when this connector contains the running in the longitudinal direction of the housing (16), which has a first end (18) and second end (20) and the channel connector (22)coming from the specified first end (18) to the specified second end (20) and has many male protrusions (24, 26), which run in the longitudinal direction at each of the said first (18) and second (20) all when this connecting node includes a first flange (34), which is circumferentially connected to the first end (18) of the connector (10)and second flange (36), which circumference is connected with the second end (20) of the connector (10), the socket connector, which contains four parts (38)forming the assembled camera connector, intended for the reception and retention of the specified connector when connecting to the specified flanges (34, 36), and four parts (38) socket connector designed two of these parts in assembled form, the first end (48)and the other two of these parts in assembled form a second end (50) of the specified socket connector, and is designed so as to apply tensile force to the connector (10) and the flanges (34, 36)when they are installed in the camera soy is initely, due to the axial rotation of the first end of the socket connector relative to the second end.

2. The connection node for connecting optical fibers, which includes:
(a) connector (10), which is made from a material having shape memory, and contains the running in the longitudinal direction of the housing (16)having a first end (18) and second end (20), the channel connector (22)coming from the specified first end (18) to the specified second end (20) and many of the male protrusions (24, 26), which run in the longitudinal direction at each of the said first (18) and second (20) all,
(b) a first flange (34), which is circumferentially connected to the first end (18) of the connector (10)and second flange (36), which circumference is connected with the second end (20) of the connector (10),
(c) a socket connector, which contains four parts (38)forming the camera connector designed to receive the specified connector when connecting to the specified flanges (34, 36),
moreover, these four equal parts (38) socket connector is designed in such a way that two of these parts (38) in the assembled form, the first end (48)and the other two of these parts in assembled form a second end (50) of the specified socket connector, and is designed so as to apply tensile stress to the specified connector (10), to whom he installed in the chamber of the connector, due to the axial rotation of the first end (48) relative to the second end (50) of the socket connector, and each of these ends of the socket connector has a hole and pass through the channel between the said aperture and the camera connector, and
(d) needle (54), made with the possibility of insertion through the opening indicated, the passage through the channel of the socket connector and the channel of the connector, and with the possibility of extension of the specified channel of the connector when it is inserted through him.

3. The method of using the connector according to claim 2 for the connection of optical fibers, which includes:
(a) inserting a needle (54) through the hole, passing it through the channel of the socket connector and the channel of the connector (22), in order to cause expansion of the diameter of the channel of the connector opposite the axial rotation of the first end (48) of the socket connector relative to the second end (50) of the socket connector, wherein the connector (10) is applied tensile stress sufficient to elastic deformation of the connector (10) and the expansion of the channel of the connector due to this;
(b) removing the needle (54);
(c) transmission of the first optical fiber (12) through one of these holes through the channel and the first end (18) of the connector, and the transmittance of the second optical fiber (14) through another of these holes and pass through the channel and through the second end(20) of the connector, in order to rest against the end of the first optical fiber (12); and
(d) opposite axial rotation of the ends of the socket connector to relieve tensile forces applied to the connector, and reduce channel connector, clamp the optical fibers (12, 14) and clamp the end of one optical fiber (12) to another (14).