OPTICAL CONNECTOR

摘要

An optical connector includes a sleeve (14) extending from a flange. The sleeve has a wide zone adjacent to the flange (10) and a deformable zone, of smaller cross-sectional area, further from the flange. The deformable zone is conveniently constituted as a plurality of spring segments (16a, 16b) separated by a plurality of longitudinally extending slits (17a, 17b). The optical system is attached to the flange on the opposite side to the collar (15). During use, the ferrule of a terminated optical fiber is located in the sleeve for communication with the optical system. The connector is based on the theory that the sleeve repeatable locates a ferrule inserted therein and the optical member is adjusted to this repeatable position using an active technique which monitors the performance of a test optical system until optimal performance indicates that the optical system is located in the best position. The connector with a fibre ferrule (60) is located in the sleeve. The ferrule contains a fibre (61) and the ferrule (60) is part of the termination of this fibre which extends to whatever location is appropriate. The termination also includes a cap (62) which is spring loaded to the ferrule (60) by spring (63). The cap (62) includes a retaining lip (64) which is located in a retaining groove (43) of the tubular protective member (41). Because of this engagement of the cap (62) the spring (63) is compressed which urges the ferrule (60) into contact with the flange (10). This locates the flange in the longitudinal direction. Because the flange has a wider diameter than the deformable zone of the component (40) the spring members (16a) and (16b) are forced apart. Because they are springy they grip the ferrule and hold it in a reproducible location. Thus the insertion of the ferrule (60) into the component (40) produces a reproducible location of the tip of the fibre (61). The component is machined from a resilient material such as phosphor-bronze.