DE2933033A1 - CLUTCH DEVICE FOR OPTICAL FIBER STRIP - Google Patents

Description

- 3 - 16,960 August 3, 1979

Coupling Device for Optical Piber Strands The invention is in the field of glass fiber optics.

It relates to a coupling device for optical fiber strands, in which each fiber strand is provided at its end with a conical connector _# which fits into an oppositely open, conical socket having receptacles, the latter being fastened in a connecting member.

A coupling device for optical fiber strands is already known in which the conical or frustoconical designed connecting pieces have an axial opening into which the fiber strand threaded, positioned and is finished.

Each end of the fiber strands practically forming a cable is prepared in this way; after that the two Ends connected by a part which has corresponding weakly conical cavities.

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With suitable screw connections on the mechanical part the cable ends can now be connected to the part having the conical cavities, which, if necessary, the Possibility of a certain rotation of the cable ends in the part having the conical cavities allows to in this way at least approximately compensate for any axial misalignment due to possible unfavorable manufacturing tolerances to be able to.

The object of the present invention is in particular, i. H. in addition to the description and claims resulting tasks, a generic coupling device in a manufacturing technology simpler, use advantageous manner so that two optical fiber strands end with the best possible coaxial and radial alignment can be connected, but without training the mechanical parts particularly precisely to have to.

This object is achieved by the invention specified in claim 1.

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The subclaims are advantageous developments of the coupling device.

As a result of such a configuration is a generic one Coupling device created by means of which the fiber strands can be aligned axially and radially with the highest precision are. Even larger tolerances of the mechanical parts do not necessarily have an adverse effect the axial alignment. Dimensional deviations of the corresponding parts are due to the clearance between compensated for the holding means. There is a high degree of free self-centering of the strands and thus of the plan-machined, smooth forehead achieved; these are flush against each other, so that the coupling points are practical a loss-free flow of light is given. The suggestions from the subclaims optimize corresponding efforts. The structural means are kept extremely simple.

Further advantages and details of the subject matter of the invention are illustrated below with the aid of a drawing, However, the invention is not limiting

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Embodiment explained in more detail;

The only figure in the drawing is the one formed according to the invention Coupling device in longitudinal section again.

As shown in the drawing, this coupling device connects two optical fiber strands (e.g. glass fiber strands) l _f the end of which is each provided with a conical or frustoconical connection piece 2 made of ruby, which is surrounded with play by a holding member 3, whereby a practically in Transversely and longitudinally freely moving restraint of parts 2 and 3 to each other is present.

The connector 2 is axially penetrated by the fiber strand 1; its end section, which terminates at the same level as the fiber strand 1, is adjusted accordingly, smoothed and polished.

The housing-like, encompassing cover of the connection piece 2 in the holding member 3 is through an annular groove 2 a on the end piece circumference

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achieved, in which a rib 3 a of the holding member 3 engages. This configuration can also be reversed Form be realized.

For the purpose of connection, the two connecting pieces 2 enter a conical, outwardly directed plug cavity at either end a forming sleeve 4 made of ruby, which is held in a connecting member 5; the latter takes the Connection pieces 2 captivating retaining members 3 on. The holding members 3 can be screwed into the connecting member 5 or be secured in it by an eyebolt.

The sleeve 4, which in terms of their conical plug cavities and concentricity has an optimal configuration, is used for the coaxial alignment of the connecting pieces 2, even if the holding members 3 themselves deviate somewhat in terms of dimensions due to tolerances.

The deliberately left play between the plugging ruby (connector 2) and the holding member 3 leads to a certain low axial as well as angular displacement possibility of the ruby, which under entry of the connecting pieces

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in the sleeve 4 having the conical plug-in cavities an exact, self-regulating alignment of the Fiber strands 1 brings.

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Claims (3)

Dr. R./P/G August 3, 1979 Les Editions Filmses 16, rue Bertin Poiree F-75OO1 Paris (France) Claims 1. Coupling device for optical fiber strands, in which each fiber strand at its end with a conical Connection piece is provided, which in an oppositely open, conical plug-in cavities having Sleeve fits, the latter being fastened in a connecting member, characterized in that the connecting piece (2) with play in a housing-like enclosing retaining member (3) is tied, which ira connecting member (5) is held. 2. Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the restraining means consists of one on the circumference of the connecting piece (2) or in the holding member (3) provided annular groove (2 a), which with an annular rib (3 a) of the holding member (3) or one of the connecting piece (2) is engaged. 030011/0657 - 2 - 16,960 August 3, 1979 3. Coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting pieces (2) and each other oppositely open, conical socket cavities having sleeve (4) made of ruby, and that with the fiber strand (1) at the same level terminating zone of the connecting piece (2) is smoothed and polished. 030011/0657