HK1071933B - Mechanical splice optical fiber connector - Google Patents

Description

Mechanically spliced fiber optic connector

Reference to related application

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No.60/234,478, filed earlier at 9/22/2000, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Background

The fiber optic connector device passage provides a means for mating optical fibers, and in particular, two pairs of optical fibers. The device includes a connector that is mated at the adapter. A cable terminates at each connector. The cable includes a number of individual optical fibers having two ends that are disposed within the connector and positioned to mate with other optical fibers when the cable is properly terminated.

Proper termination of the fiber optic cable with the connector is critical to ensure proper functioning of the fiber optic connection. Improper termination of the connector can result in increased connector attenuation and internal reflections, thereby reducing the overall performance of the connector.

Various different apparatus and methods for terminating fiber optic connectors exist. Epoxy-based connectors employ viscous epoxy to hold individual optical fibers within the connector, thereby properly positioning the optical fibers for mating with an opposing optical fiber. However, epoxy termination is time consuming and labor intensive, requiring the preparation and curing of the epoxy. The use of adhesive epoxy terminated connectors takes several minutes to an hour or more and often requires the use of an epoxy curing oven and associated tooling. Thus, terminating with epoxy is particularly unsuitable for field termination of connectors.

Disclosure of Invention

The above-described deficiencies in the art are overcome or alleviated by a linear sliding locking mechanism for a fiber optic cable. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a linear slide lock mechanism includes: a base having a channel; a plurality of fingers having a first end and a second end, the plurality of fingers surrounding the channel and extending from the base at the second end; a sliding actuator surrounding the plurality of fingers; an inner housing including a sliding actuating portion, said sliding actuating portion including an actuating chamber for receiving the fingers and the sliding actuating member; and wherein the plurality of fingers are biased together as the sliding activation piece moves from the second end toward the first end. In another exemplary embodiment, a mechanical splice connector for fiber optic cables includes: a linear slide locking mechanism; an inner housing having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to receive a linear slide locking mechanism; a capillary tube supported by the inner housing; and a ferrule slide lock mechanism; a capillary tube supported by the inner housing; and a ferrule having a first side and a second side, the first side of the ferrule mounted to the second end of the inner housing, the ferrule including a fiber stub extending from the second side, the fiber stub extending within the capillary.

Description of the drawings

Reference is now made to the following drawings, in which like elements are referred to by like numerals.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanically mated fiber optic connector;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rear cover;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gripping chuck;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sliding actuator;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an inner housing;

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the inner shell of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a ferrule having a fiber stub mounted thereon;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a housing; and

fig. 11 is a perspective view of a visual cover.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-3 illustrate a mechanically mated fiber optic connector 10. The connector 10 includes a first end 12 and an opposite second end 14. The first end 12 is formed to receive a fiber optic cable 13. The optical cable 13 comprises at least one optical fiber, and preferably two optical cables 13. The second end 14 is formed, for example, for mating with another connector in the adapter.

Referring now to fig. 1-4, the mechanical splice fiber optic connector 10 includes a back cover 16. The rear cover 16 includes a panel 18. The panel 18 is a thin member and, in one embodiment, is substantially rectilinear. The panel 18 includes a first side 20 and an opposite second side 22. The first side 20 faces the first end 12. The second side 22 faces the second end 14.

The rear cover 16 also includes a cable mating section 24. In one embodiment, the cable mating section 24 is a substantially cylindrical member that is attached to and extends from the first side 20. Portion 24 includes a first end 26 formed adjacent first end 12 and an opposite second end 28. Second end 28 of cable mating section 24 is mounted to panel 18 such that first end 26 extends perpendicularly from panel 18. Specifically, a longitudinal axis 27 of portion 24 is oriented perpendicular to face plate 18. The mating portion 24 has a cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape that is particularly suited for connection with fiber optic cables, as will be described further below. For example, the mating portion may have a circular cross-section.

The rear cover 16 also includes at least one arm 30 extending from the second side 22. The arms 30 are substantially rectilinear and are formed to extend perpendicularly to the panel 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear cover 16 includes two parallel formed arms 30 at opposite ends of the panel 18.

The rear cover 16 also includes at least one fiber channel 32 formed therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear cover 16 includes two fiber channels 32 that are parallel to each other. The fiber channels 32 extend through the panel 18 and through the cable mating section 24 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 27 of the cable mating section 24. The channel 32 includes a number of first apertures 34 formed at the first end 26. Accordingly, the channel 32 includes several second apertures 36 formed at the panel second side 22. The channel 32 is shaped and sized to receive, pass and retain an optical fiber.

The rear cover 16 also includes a plurality of annular flanges 38 formed around the second aperture 36 at the panel second side 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the annular flanges 38 are frustoconical in shape and extend from the second side 22 such that, with the mounting end 42 secured to the panel 18 and the extension end 40 extending therefrom, the extension end 40 has a smaller radius than the mounting end 42.

The rear cover 16 may be made of any material suitable for the application discussed with respect to the scope of the present invention. Specifically, in one embodiment, rear cover 16 is made of molded plastic. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the rear cover 16 may be constructed of a variety of materials, for example, the faceplate 18 and arms 30 are constructed of a hard plastic, while the fiber engagement portion 24 is constructed of a resilient material such as rubber. Of course, panel 18, portion 24 and arm 30 may be formed separately and subsequently assembled together to assemble rear cover 16, or may be integrally formed to form rear cover 16.

Referring now to fig. 1-5, the mechanical splice fiber optic connector 10 also includes at least one gripping collet 44. The capture clip 44 includes a base 46. The base 46 is substantially cylindrical, that is, it has a circular cross-section. The base 46 includes a first end 48 and an opposite second end 50. The gripping collet 44 also includes a fiber channel 52 formed therethrough. A passage 52 extends through the base 46 from the first end 48 to the second end 50 and is formed concentrically with the circular cross-section of the base 46.

The capture collet 44 also includes a plurality of fingers 54. The fingers 54 are connected to the base 46 at the second end 50 around the fiber channel 52. The fingers 54 extend from the second end 50 substantially perpendicular to the second end 50 and substantially parallel to the fiber channel 52.

Each finger 54 includes a base end 56 and an opposite tip end 58. The base end 56 is mounted atop or integrally formed with the base 46 at the second end 50. The tip 48 has a shape that is particularly suited for grasping an optical fiber, as will be described further below. The tip 58 includes a raised band 60 having a larger cross-sectional area than the fingers. Tip 58 also includes a tapered portion 62 formed adjacent raised strip 60. The tapered portion 62 is shaped as a semi-circular cone having a cross-sectional area that decreases from a point away from the raised strip 60.

The fingers 54 are basically resilient members that extend from the base 46. The resilient fingers 54 are able to pivot at the base ends 56. Thus, the tips 58 may be pulled together.

In the exemplary embodiment, the capture collet 44 includes four fingers 54 that are integrally formed with the base 46 at the second side 50. The fingers are formed substantially parallel to each other and to the direction of the fiber channel 52. The base ends 56 of the four fingers are mounted on the second end 50 around the fiber channel 52 such that a biasing space 64 is formed between the fingers. As will be discussed below, these fingers 54 are also biased about the base ends 56 to facilitate receiving and retaining the optical fibers. The four fingers may be biased into the bias space 64 such that the tips 58 of the respective fingers are brought into close proximity. In doing so, the four tapered portions 62 may combine to form a conical shape. That is, each tip 62 of the four fingers is shaped like a quarter of a cone.

The gripping collet 44 may also include a base support 66 formed at the base 46 and at the base end 56. These base supports 66 support the interface of base 46 and fingers 54. In addition, base support 66 facilitates biasing of fingers 54.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 3 and 5, the at least one gripping collet 44 includes two gripping collets 44 positioned adjacent to each other. The gripping collet 44 may be made of any material suitable for the various applications of the collet and the mechanical splice fiber optic connector 10 contemplated within the scope of the present invention. For example, the clip 44 may be integrally formed from molded plastic. Alternatively, the fingers 54 may be formed of a resilient material independent of the base 46 being formed of a rigid plastic. In addition, the fingers 54, particularly the portion of the fingers adjacent the biasing space 64, may be formed to include a gripping surface that is a relatively high friction surface for holding the fiber, as will be described below.

Referring now to fig. 1-6, the mechanically spliced fiber optic connector 10 further includes a sliding actuation member 68. The sliding actuator 68 includes a body 70. In one embodiment, the body 70 is substantially in the shape of a rectilinear solid having a first end 72 and an opposite second end 74. The body 70 also includes a side 76 formed perpendicular to the first and second ends 72 and 74.

A passage 78 is formed through the body 70 such that the passage extends from the first end 72 to the second end 74. The channel 78 is shaped to receive and retain the capture collet 44. More specifically, the passage 78 includes first and second portions 80 and 82, respectively, for receiving the two gripping collets 44. The passage 78 also includes a third portion formed between the first and second portions 80 and 82 to provide fluid communication therebetween.

As will be described below, the sliding actuation member 68 is positioned about the collet 44 when the mechanical splice fiber optic connector 10 is assembled. That is, the collet is inserted into the channel 78 at the first end 72 and passes through the body 70 to emerge at the second end 74.

As will be discussed below, in the connector 10, the sliding activation piece 68 is able to move along the collet 44, passing into and around the internal shape of the first and second portions 80 and 82 of the collet 44 such that the fingers 54 are biased together as the sliding activation piece 68 moves toward the tip 58. That is, as the sliding activation piece 68 traverses the length of the collet 44, the fingers 5454 are pinched together, thereby being biased in a linearly increasing amount about the base 46 as the sliding activation piece 68 approaches the tip 58.

The sliding actuator 68 also includes first and second side members 86 and 88 that are disposed opposite one another on the opposite side 76. The first and second side members 86 and 88 each include an arm 90 with an actuating slide tab 92 attached to the arm 90. The arm 90 is an elongated member mounted on the side 76 and extending in a direction parallel to the channel 78. The arm 90 of the second side member 88 includes a latch 94 disposed on one end of the distal side 76 of the arm 90. An actuating slide tab 92 is provided atop the arm 90 and adjacent the proximal edge 76. The tab 92 is a substantially rectilinear solid member sized to be grasped by a user, as will be described below.

In an exemplary embodiment, actuating slide tab 92 includes a base member 93 that is secured between tab 92 and arm 90. In addition, the width of the arm 90 is less than the width of the tab 92. That is, the arms 90 are narrower than the tabs 92.

Sliding actuation member 68 may be constructed of any material suitable for the parts and applications of mechanically engaging fiber optic connector 10 described herein and within the scope of the present invention. In particular, the actuator 68 may be integrally formed from molded plastic. Alternatively, a variety of materials can be used to construct the various components of the actuator 68, which can then be connected and assembled into the sliding actuator 68.

Referring now to fig. 1-8, the mechanical splice fiber optic connector 10 also includes an inner housing 98. The inner housing 98 includes a sliding actuator portion 100 and also includes a capillary portion 102 mounted on the actuator portion 100.

The sliding actuation portion 100 includes a first end 104 and an opposite second end 106. The actuating portion 100 also includes a side 108 formed perpendicular to the first and second ends 104 and 106.

The actuating portion 100 also includes an actuating chamber 110 formed therein. The portion 100 also includes first and second side openings 112 and 114 formed in the opposite side edges 108. First and second side apertures 112 and 114 extend from the first end 104 in a longitudinal direction toward the second end 106. The first and second side openings 112 and 114 terminate before reaching the second end 106. The first and second side openings 112 and 114 can act as slide rails for the sliding actuator 68, as described below.

Portion 100 also includes a cavity opening 116 formed at first end 104 and a latch opening 118 formed at side 108. The side apertures 112 and 114, the cavity aperture 116, and the latch aperture 118 expose the actuation cavity 110.

The sliding actuation portion 100 also includes a plurality of fiber holes 120 formed at the second end 106 to form a passageway from the chamber 110 through the second end 106 to the capillary portion 102. Preferably, portion 100 includes fiber holes 120 formed adjacent to one another.

The fiber holes 120 include a chamber opening 122 proximate the actuation chamber 110 and a capillary hole 124 formed in the capillary portion 102 proximate the proximal end. The chamber aperture 122 includes a collet receptacle 126 formed around the fiber holes 120. The collet receptacle 126 is a recess for receiving the capture collet 44 when the connector 10 is assembled. In one embodiment, the collet receptacle 126 is frustoconical such that the receptacle 126 tapers toward the fiber bore 120.

Capillary portion 102 is connected to sliding actuation portion 100 so as to extend perpendicularly out of second end 106. Capillary portion 102 includes a fiber optic connection portion 128 formed adjacent to sliding actuation portion 100 and a plug portion 130 formed at the distal end of actuation portion 100.

A plurality of capillary grooves 132 are formed in the connecting portion 128. The capillary grooves 132 are formed parallel to each other and are disposed to extend from the fiber holes 120. The connecting portion 128 further includes several capillary guides 134 disposed on either side of the capillary groove 130. A fiber separator 136 is disposed on the connection portion 128 between the capillary groove 132 and the plug portion 130. The fiber spacers 136 are triangular in shape to facilitate spacing of the fibers, as will be discussed further below. Of course, the fiber separators may be of any suitable shape to separate the fibers.

Plug portion 130 includes a head portion 138. The head 138 has a first side 140 and an opposite second side 142. The first side is formed adjacent to the fiber spacer 136. Second side 142 includes a plug mating portion 144 extending therefrom.

Plug portion 130 also has a fiber channel 146 formed therein. The fiber channel 146 is transverse to the head 138 from the first side 140 to the second side 142. Plug portion 130 also includes alignment post holes 148 formed adjacent and parallel to fiber channels 146.

The inner housing 98 may be made of any material suitable for the various applications of the collet and mechanical splice fiber optic connector 10 contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Specifically, the inner housing 98 may be integrally formed from molded plastic. Alternatively, the various components of the inner housing 98 may be constructed from a variety of materials and then joined to assemble the inner housing 98.

The inner housing 98 also includes a number of capillaries 150 (see FIG. 3). In an exemplary embodiment, two capillaries are disposed within capillary groove 132 and capillary guide 134 such that capillary 150 is in communication with fiber hole 120. The capillary 150 is an elongated tubular member, which may be made of glass or ceramic, for example.

With particular reference to fig. 3 and 9, the mechanical splice fiber optic connector 10 also includes a ferrule 152. The ferrule 152 is preferably made of a plastic material and includes a fiber stub 154 fixedly mounted thereon. In an exemplary embodiment, two fiber stubs 154 are coupled to the ferrule 152 to pass therethrough. A fiber stub 154 extends a predetermined length from the ferrule 152. The ferrule 152 also includes alignment post channels 153 formed therethrough.

As shown in fig. 3, the connectorized fiber optic connector 10 also includes an alignment post 156. The posts 156 may align and secure the entirety of the connector 10 by passing the posts 156 through the passages 153 of the ferrule 152 and into the inner housing 98 in which they are retained.

Referring now to fig. 1-3 and 10, the mechanical splice fiber optic connector 10 also includes a housing 158. The housing 158 includes a connecting end 160 and an opposing fiber mating end 162. The housing 158 is a substantially rectilinear solid body having a receiving cavity 164 formed therein. A receiving cavity 164 extends from the connecting end 160 through the housing 158 to the fiber mating end 162.

The receiving cavity 164 may receive and retain various components of the connector 10, as will be discussed below. The housing includes a first opening 166 formed at the connection end 160 that exposes the receiving cavity 164. The assembly is received into the chamber 164 through the aperture 166. The housing 158 also includes a second opening 168 formed at the cable mating end 162 to allow the optical fibers to extend therethrough for mating with other optical fibers.

A cover opening 170 is formed in the connecting end 160 to expose the receiving cavity 164. A cover aperture 170 is formed on a first side 172 of the housing 158. A relief opening 174 is also formed in the connecting end 160 to also expose the receiving cavity 164. A release aperture 174 is formed on a second side 176 of the housing 158 adjacent the first aperture 166. The first and second sides 172 and 176 are disposed perpendicular to each other.

The housing 158 also includes a snap-lock flange 178 disposed at the cover aperture 170. These latch flanges 178 are protruding members for receiving and retaining a latch.

The housing 158 may be made of any material suitable for the various applications of the collet and the mechanical splice fiber optic connector 10 contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Specifically, the housing 158 may be integrally formed from molded plastic. Alternatively, the various components of the housing 158 may be constructed from multiple materials and then joined to assemble the housing 158.

As shown in fig. 11, the mechanical connection optical fiber connector 10 further includes a cover 180. The cover 180 is shaped to fit flush with the cover aperture 170 of the housing 158. Specifically, the cover 180 includes a top view portion 182 and an opposing latch portion 184.

The top viewing portion 182 is shaped to conform to the outer surface of the connecting end 160 of the housing, thereby consistently maintaining the shape of the connecting end through the cover aperture 170. Specifically, the top viewing portion 182 may be U-shaped or may be rectilinear having a top 186 and sides 188, wherein the sides 188 are disposed perpendicular to the top 186. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 180 includes two sides 188.

Latch portion 184 includes a latch 190. Preferably, latch 190 extends from each of the two sides 188 in a direction perpendicular to top 186. The latch 190 is shaped and oriented to be received in the receiving cavity 164 of the housing 158 through the cover aperture 170 such that the latch 190 releasably latches the latch lip 178.

The latch portion 184 also includes an extension arm 192. The extension arms 192 extend perpendicularly from the side edges 188 toward the interior 194 of the cover 180. Preferably, the arms 192 are positioned such that when the cover 180 is received within the cover aperture 170 of the housing, the arms 192 are relatively close to the fiber mating ends 162.

The cover 180 may be made of any material suitable for the various applications of the collet and the mechanical splice fiber optic connector 10 contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Specifically, the cover 180 may be integrally formed from molded plastic. Alternatively, various components of cover 180 may be constructed from multiple materials and subsequently joined to assemble cover 180. In one embodiment, the cover 180 is made of a transparent material. These various embodiments allow a user mechanically engaging the fiber optic connector 10 to view the mechanical connection of the optical fibers within the connector through the cover 180.

Referring to fig. 1-11, the assembly of the mechanically joined fiber optic connector 10 will be discussed. The capture clip 44 is inserted within the channel 78 of the sliding actuator 68 such that the clip passes through the actuator with the tip 58 extending partially from the second end 74 of the actuator 68.

The sliding actuator 68 through which the collet 44 is inserted is then positioned adjacent the first end 104 of the inner housing 98 such that the arms 90 and collet tips 58 are positioned adjacent the chamber opening 116. The first and second side members 86 and 88 are aligned with the first and second side openings 112 and 114. The sliding actuator 68 is moved into the actuation chamber 110 such that the first and second side members 86 and 88 are inserted into the first and second side openings 112 and 114 and the side 108 is received in the recess 96. In this configuration, the actuation slide tab 92 is disposed outside of the slide actuation portion 100, while the arm 90 is located within the first and second side apertures 112 and 114.

Preferably, the sliding actuator 68 is not mounted or secured in any way within the connector 10. Instead, as described above, the actuator 68 is configured to move within the connector 10 about the gripping collets 44.

Then, the rear cover 16 approaches the first end 104 of the sliding movement portion 100 of the inner case. The arm 30 is positioned within the first and second apertures 112 and 114, while the rear cover is positioned such that the second side 22 is in contact with the first end 104 of the slide actuating portion 100 and the first end 48 of the capture collet 44. The annular flange 38 facilitates this engagement with the first end 48 of the collet 44. Thus, the passageway 32 of the rear cover 16 is made to communicate with the fiber passage 52 of the gripping collet.

The positioning of rear cover 16 as described above will clip tip 58 of clip 44 into clip receptacle 126 of slide actuating portion 100. In this manner, the cartridge is held stationary within the actuation chamber 110 between the rear cover 16 and the cartridge receptacle 126.

The alignment post 156 is then inserted into the ferrule 152 through the alignment post channel 153. Ferrule 152 with post 156 mates with plug portion 130 of inner housing 98. The ferrule 152 receives the plug mating portion 144 such that the fiber stub 154 and the alignment post 156 can enter the fiber channel 146 and the alignment post hole 148, respectively. The post 156 is releasably retained within the post aperture 148. The fiber stub 154 extends around the fiber spacer 136 and into the capillary 150. Portions of the alignment post 156 and the fiber stub 154 each extend from the ferrule 152 relative to the inner housing 98.

Next, the inner housing 98, rear cover 16, collet 44, and actuator of the connected ferrule 152 are inserted into the receiving cavity 164 of the outer housing 158 through the first opening 166. The inner housing 98 is held within the outer housing by adhesive means or simply by friction or any other suitable means.

Next, the cover 180 is attached to the housing 158. The cover 180 is proximate to the cover aperture 170. The cover is positioned so that latch 190 enters aperture 170. Cover 180 is pressed into opening 170 until latch 190 releasably snaps onto latch lip 178. Upon attachment of the cover 180 as described above, the extension arm 192 is ultimately located in a position atop the capillary 150. In this position, the arms 192 serve to retain the capillary in the capillary groove and guides 132, 134, thereby facilitating the mechanical connection therein.

The inner housing 98 is positioned within the outer housing 158 such that the ferrules 152 partially extend from the second openings 168 at the fiber mating ends 162, thereby exposing a portion of the alignment posts 156 and a portion of the optical fibers 154. The sliding actuation portion 100 of the inner housing is positioned such that the latch aperture 118 is positioned adjacent the release aperture 174 of the outer housing.

Next, the mechanically engaged fiber optic connector 10 is assembled as shown in fig. 1 and 2. The function of the mechanical coupling connector 10 will be discussed below. When assembled, the sliding actuation member 68 is movable along the capture collet 44 within the connector 10. First and second portions 80 and 82 of channel 78 through which collet 44 passes are shaped such that fingers 54 are not biased when sliding activation piece 68 is positioned adjacent base end 56 of the collet. In this first open position, the area of the biasing space 64 is at a maximum. However, as the sliding activation piece 68 moves along the capture collet 44 toward the tip 58, the shape of the channel 78 biases the fingers 54 toward each other, thereby reducing the area of the biasing space 64. The sliding actuator 68 can be manipulated adjacent the housing 158 such that the arm 90 can extend beyond the first and second side openings 112 and 114. In this second closed position, latch 94 latches within side 108 at latch opening 118, thereby releasably retaining sliding actuator 68. In the second closed position, the fingers 54 are biased together and the area of the biasing space 64 is minimized.

The termination and use of the connector 10 will be discussed below with reference to fig. 1-11. The fiber optic cable containing the optical fibers is prepared for termination by removing the outer cable jacket and the inner insulation layer, thereby exposing a predetermined length of the optical fibers.

The prepared cable is brought near the first end 12 of the connector 10. The sliding actuator 68 is located within the actuation chamber 110. The fiber optic cable 13, which may include two strands of fiber optic cable 13, is inserted into the first opening 32 of the channel 34 at the rear cover 16. The fiber optic cable 13 passes through the rear cover 16 and then into the passage 52 of the gripping collet 44. The cable 13 passes through the passage 52 and into the biasing space 64 until the cable reaches the tip 58 of the finger 54. At the tip 58, the fiber optic cable 13 is pressed into the fiber hole 120 and through the second end 106 of the sliding actuation portion 100. The fiber optic cable 13 then enters the capillary 150, which is in communication with the fiber bore 120.

At this time, the user can observe the optical cable 13 entering the capillary 150 through the transparent cover 180. As described above, the fiber stub 154 is pre-positioned within the capillary 150. The fiber stub 154 and the fiber optic cable 13 are viewable through the transparent cover 180 and the user positions the fiber optic cable 13 within the capillary 150 in contact with the fiber stub 154.

When the fiber optic cable 13 satisfactorily contacts the fiber stub 154, the actuating slide nub 92 moves along the side apertures 112 and 114 toward the housing 158. The sliding actuator 68 is positioned in the second closed position by locking the latch 94 into the latch opening 118 as described above. When sliding actuator 68 is in the second closed position, fingers 54 are tightly biased together. A portion of the fiber optic cable 13 extending through the biasing space 64 is held between the biased fingers. In this way, the optical cable 13 is prevented from moving within the connector 10 and the mechanical connection of the optical cable 13 and the fiber stub 154 is completed. Securing the cable jacket around rear cover 16 completes termination of cable 13 on connector 10. For example, a collar or a tension-release member may be utilized.

When terminated, the connector 10 can be used in all common connector configurations. For example, the terminated connector 10 may be mated to another connector in an adapter. The end knot connector 10 may also be fitted directly into a wall installation.

If the termination of the connector 10 is to be disengaged, the sliding actuator 68 can simply be placed into the first open position, withdrawing the inserted light from the connector. The sliding actuator 68 is released from the second closed position by inserting a small object through the release opening 174 into the latch opening 118 and pressing the latch 94 to release the latch from the side 108. The sliding actuator 68 can then be easily moved into the first open position.

This mechanical splice fiber optic connector 10 provides a simple, quick, and efficient termination of the fiber optic cable 13. One benefit of this mechanical splice fiber optic connector 10 is that because the ferrule 152 is factory polished, the connector 10 eliminates the need for a polishing process to be performed in the field. Connector 10 provides a simple way to lock a fiber optic cable in place without the use of adhesives and without the use of tools. In addition, the connector can be terminated quickly and accurately in the field. Also, the connector terminations can be quickly and easily disassembled without the use of tools.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. A linear sliding locking mechanism for a fiber optic cable, the locking mechanism comprising:

a base having a channel;

a plurality of fingers having a first end and a second end, the plurality of fingers surrounding the channel and extending from the base at the second end;

a sliding actuator surrounding the plurality of fingers;

an inner housing, said inner housing including a sliding actuation portion, said sliding actuation portion including an actuation chamber receiving said finger and said sliding actuation member; and

wherein the plurality of fingers are biased together as the sliding activation piece moves from the second end toward the first end.

2. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the channel receives the fiber optic cable.

3. The mechanism of claim 2, wherein said plurality of fingers grip said fiber optic cable when said sliding activation piece is moved toward said first end.

4. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said first ends of said plurality of fingers are tapered.

5. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fingers are resilient members.

6. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fingers comprises four fingers.

7. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said sliding activation piece comprises a body with a channel shaped to receive and retain said plurality of fingers.

8. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said sliding activation piece includes a body with a first partial channel shaped to receive and retain said plurality of fingers and a second partial channel shaped to receive and retain said plurality of fingers.

9. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said sliding actuator comprises an arm having an actuating slide tab.

10. The mechanism of claim 9, wherein said inner housing surrounds said sliding activation piece and engages said activation slide tab.

11. The mechanism of claim 10, wherein said arm includes a latch, said latch being connected to said inner housing.

12. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said inner housing includes a capillary, said fiber optic cable extending within said capillary and abutting said fiber stub supported by said inner housing.

13. The mechanism of claim 12, further comprising an outer shell surrounding said inner shell.

14. The mechanism of claim 13, wherein said housing includes a cover with a transparent window, said transparent window displaying said fiber stub.

15. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said sliding activation piece includes an arm having an activation slide tab, said arm being slidably received by said inner housing.

16. The mechanism of claim 15, wherein said arm includes a latch, said latch being connected to said inner housing.

17. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the sliding actuation member includes a plurality of tabs extending beyond the side edges of the sliding actuation portion.