Cylindrical optical ferrule alignment apparatus

摘要

An alignment sleeve for an optical fiber adapter includes features to bring precision alignment between optical fiber cores. The sleeve includes a tubular inner area to accept first and second ferrule ends of first and second connectors. First and second tabs project from first and second ends of the sleeve. The first and second tabs slide into holes in the ferrule holders or barrels of the first and second connectors, so as to provide rotational alignment of the first and second ferrules, which may be presenting multi-core optical fibers. A mid-portion of the sleeve may include geometrical features to enable a snap fit of the sleeve into a housing of the adapter. More than one tab may be employed at the ends of the sleeve, and the tabs may have defined spacing and/or dimensions to enable security keying, only permitting coupling between connectors possessing matching holes in the ferrule barrels.

主权项

1. A device comprising:
a ferrule alignment sleeve, wherein said sleeve extends in a longitudinal direction and forms an inner, generally tubular area; a first rim formed around a first opening at one end of said tubular area to receive an end of a first ferrule; a second rim formed around a second opening at an opposite end of said tubular area to receive an end of a second ferrule; and a first tab adjacent said first rim and projecting away from said first rim and said tubular area to interact with a feature associated with the first ferrule to angularly align the first ferrule within said generally tubular area.