Patent ID: 6811319
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical connector for physically coupling a first plurality of parallel optical fiber wires in respective contact with a second plurality of parallel optical fiber wires, and said first plurality of optical fiber wires defining an axis, said optical connector comprising a plug and coupling member adapted to be fitted with each other;(a) wherein said plug includes a fitting side engageable with said coupling member; a seat for supporting said first plurality of optical fiber wires, said seat having a front end; a bottom plate extending toward said fitting side of said plug beyond said front end of said seat; and a top plate disposed parallel to said bottom plate, and extending toward said fitting side of said plug beyond said front end of said seat; said first plurality of optical fiber wires being supported between said bottom plate and said top plate toward said fitting side of said plug and cantilevered beyond said front end of said seat; and (b) wherein said a coupling member includes a receiving portion for receiving said first plurality of optical fiber wires, said receiving portion including an axis, a first end, and a support region adapted to support said first plurality of optical fiber wires along said axis of said receiving portion; said axis of said receiving portion being offset from said axis of said first plurality of optical fiber wires when said first plurality of optical fiber wires is about to be inserted into said receiving portion; said receiving portion further including a guide region provided at said first end thereof and on an extension of said axis of said first plurality of optical fiber wires when said first plurality of optical fiber wires is about to be inserted into said receiving portion; and said guide region being suitable, when fitting said plug with said coupling member, for contacting said first plurality of optical fiber wires and, as said plug and said coupling member are moved toward each other, to bend and guide said first plurality of optical fiber wires toward said support region; wherein said bottom plate and said top plate sandwich said coupling member therebetween when said plug and said coupling member are fitted together.