OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE CONNECTORS FOR MULTIPLE WAVEGUIDE CABLES

摘要

OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE CONNECTORS FOR MULTIPLE WAVEGUIDE CABLES A multiple waveguide cable connector assembly is disclosed for coupling the opposing pluralities of protectively-jacketed optical fiber waveguides contained within a pair of multi-fiber cables. Each of the two connectors forming the connector assembly contains a plurality of axially extending fiberguiding channels sized to freely accommodate respective fibers, and a like plurality of transversely displaceable finger-like elements extending inwardly from the outer connector periphery into respective channels. The fingerlike elements securely engage the protectively jacketed fibers against the channel walls when transversely displaced. One of the connectors projectingly holds the bared fiber tips from one cable in a predetermined pattern at its mating end. The other connector internally holds the bared fiber tips of the second cable in an abuttment region, and freely accommodates the projecting fiber tips from the first connector upon mating therewith. The second connector additionally includes a plurality of transversely displaceable finger-like elements extending from the outer connector project into respective channels within the abuttment region to securely align the abutting fiber tips within the channels when transversely displaced. Means for displacing the jacket-engaging and fiberengaging finger like elements are provided in the form of sleeve members concentrically mounted about the connectors. The inner walls of the sleeve members engage outwardly extending portions of the finger-like elements to transversely displace them into a substantially flush relationship with the outer connector peripheries.