Patent ID: 6416334
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An electro-optical connector comprising a socket connector member having an elongated longitudinally extending cavity formed therein, a plurality of longitudinally spaced mutually insulated first contact elements disposed within said cavity, a mating plug connector member slidably registering with said cavity between advanced and retracted positions and having a leading end directed toward the base of said cavity, a plurality of longitudinally spaced, mutually insulated second contact elements disposed along said plug, means maintaining a predetermined angular orientation between said plug and socket during relative sliding thereof and permitting relative rotation thereof at said plug advanced position, said first and second contact elements being out of engagement at said predetermined angular orientation and in engagement upon rotation in a single predetermined sense from said predetermined angular orientation to a closed contact position, and separable engagable collar members and optical fiber lengths coaxial with and extending to the leading end of said plug and at the base of said cavity and defining an optical fiber connector, said optical fiber connector being in a coupled condition when said plug is in its cavity advanced position.