| 摘要 |
Two sets of optical fiber ends to be connected are contained in opposing v-grooves in the respective interiors of a first (left) and a second (right) mating housings. In the unengaged position, the housing accesses are closed to protect the fibers. In the engaged position, the two housings form a protective enclosure. Each housing include mechanisms which are actuated by surface features of the other housing during mating engagement, to open the access doors to the housing interiors. Each fiber groove contains a fixed alignment ball whose center is on the fiber core axis. In the left housing, the v-groove in which the fiber and ball are contained, is formed on the underside of a pivotally mounted finger. When not engaged to the right housing, the finger is held in a retracted position. As the two housings engage, an actuator slidably mounted in the left housing is moved inwardly by contact with the right housing. This allows the fiber-containing finger in the left housing to commence pivoting downward on a detent of the actuator. Toward the end of the stroke, this ball and fiber assembly come to rest in an alignment groove formed in the floor of the right housing.
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