METHOD OF CENTERING AND FIXING A LIGHT-CONDUCTING FIBRE IN A LIGHT CONDUCTOR TERMINAL MEMBER, A LIGHT CONDUCTOR TERMINAL MEMBER PRODUCED BY THAT METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD

摘要

A light conductor terminal member (1) in the form of a centering cylinder (4) comprises a hollow cylindrical outer portion (10) of relatively hard material, and a core portion (11) of relatively soft material. The core portion (11) has an axial bore (5) for accomodating the end (2) of the fibre. The fibre end (2) is secured concentrically to the outside surface (14) of the centering cylinder (4), by means of upsetting of material (12). The material upsetting effect is produced by an annular upsetting tool (8) which is moved by means of a punch member (7) in a guide sleeve (6) which can be fitted over the outside surface (14) of the centering cylinder. That centering process permits a relatively large clearance between the axial bore (5) and the fibre end (2). Fixing and centering are effected directly in the plane of the end (9) which at the same time is the coupling plane.