CONNECTOR FOR OPTICAL FIBER CABLE

摘要

In a hermaphroditic biconic connector, an optical fiber cable extends through a cap into a tapered passageway of a flanged bushing. Optical fibers extend from the cable through a bore in a wedge having a truncated conical shape and being received in the bushing. Portions of a strength member system of the cable in the form of non-metallic filamentary strand material are captured between a wall which defines the tapered passageway and an outer surface of the wedge. The surfaces between which the strength members become locked are substantially smooth to avoid damage to the strength members. Forces applied to the cable and hence to the strength members cause the wedge to be seated further in the bushing. Also, the included angle between diametrically opposite lines on the surface of the wedge that lie in a plane that passes through the longitudinal axis of the wedge enhances the locking features of the connector. The fibers also extend through a retention nut which is turned threadably over a threaded portion of the bushing and each fiber is connected to a truncated, conically shaped plug. The plugs are mounted adjacent to an end of the connector with of plug being received in an alignment sleeve. A sleeve retainer is disposed over the sleeve and the other plug and includes alignment posts so that when another connector is assembled thereto, a plug of the other connector is received in the unused end of the sleeve and a sleeve extending from another plug of the other connector receives the other plug of this connector.