FERRULE HOLDER FOR OPTICAL FIBER PROCESSING TOOL

摘要

A ferrule holder for a tool for processing an end face of an optical fiber held by a ferrule of an optical fiber connector is disclosed. The ferrule holder includes first and second confronting faceplates, with the first face plate operably arranged with the tool. The first and second face plates are configured to magnetically engage while being kinematically aligned. The second face place is configured to receive the optical fiber connector and the ferrule therein so that the end face of the optical fiber resides immediately adjacent an aperture of the first face plate. Light from a light source in the tool is directed through the aperture to process the fiber end. The second face plate can be disengaged from the first face plate and replaced with another second face plate configured to accommodate a ferrule having a different size.

主权项

1. A ferrule holder for holding a ferrule of an optical fiber connector, wherein the ferrule holds an optical fiber having an end face to be processed by an optical fiber processing tool that uses light, the ferrule holder comprising:
a first face plate having a first magnetic feature, first kinematic alignment features and a conical bore with a wide proximal end and a narrow distal end that defines a narrow aperture; a second face plate having a second magnetic feature complementary to the first magnetic feature, second kinematic alignment features that are complementary to the first kinematic alignment features, and a central bore that closely accommodates the ferrule; and Wherein, whenever the first and second face plates are interfaced, the first and second magnetic features magnetically engage and hold the first and second face plates together while the first and second kinematic alignment features operably align and make contact, thereby placing the fiber end face in axial alignment with and in proximity to the narrow aperture.