| 摘要 |
A method and apparatus for securing an optical fiber to a structure and an appropriate strain relief boot to the optical fiber as well as to the structure is disclosed. A channel is formed proximate to an opening in a wall surface of the structure. The fiber is inserted into a passage in a compressible ferrule sized to accommodate the fiber and having a lip around its body and a strain relief boot is slid over one longitudinal end of the fiber to cover the lip. The ferrule and boot are inserted into a channel sized to accommodate the ferrule in a friction fit. The ferrule is cylindrical in shape and has one or more passages through it, aligned along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A slot extends the length of the ferrule between its outer surface and a passage proximate thereto. Slots may interconnect passages. The diameter along which the slots extend terminate in notches which narrow the ferrule width along this direction. A key is formed on the outer surface of the ferrule to mate with a keyway in the channel and secure the ferrule to the channel. The channel is U-shaped and has a width greater than the cylinder's narrow dimension but less than its wide dimension. If the ferrule is inserted so that its narrow dimension extends between the ends of the channel, no compressive force is applied and the fiber is free to move relative to the ferrule. If the ferrule is inserted in a direction normal to this, the channel applies compressive force, shrinking the passage diameter and applying a uniform compressive force to the fiber, securing it to the ferrule. At the same time, the lip on the ferrule cooperates with the channel to clamp the boot to the fiber. The ferrule may be enclosed between the channel and a retaining member to ensure uniform clamping pressure on the boot. |
