Patent ID: 6857793
Filing Date: 2005-02-22
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A splice module for optically interconnecting ends of first and second optical fibers, each of which has a predetermined radius, the splice module comprising: a first plate having a surface, in which at least one groove is formed, the groove extending in a predetermined direction; a second plate having a surface, which is arranged on the surface of the first plate to define a passage way for receiving and aligning the ends of the first and the second optical fibers, wherein the passage way has in a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction an inscribed circle, said inscribed circle having a radius larger than the predetermined radius by a predetermined difference of 1.0 μm or less; and a main member and a pressing lid, wherein: the main member has a mounting portion for mounting the first plate and projections: the pressing lid is formed with recesses; which engage with and are fitted with the projections while the first and the second plates are caught and fixed between the main member and the pressing lid; wherein: the main member comprises a pair of frame portions and a base portion; each of the frame portions extends in a first direction as the predetermined direction and is arranged apart from the other frame portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the projections are provided for the frame portions and project between the frame portions; the base portion connects between the frame portions in the second direction and is provided with the mounting portion; the pressing lid has a top plate portion and sidewall portions; the top plate portion has opposite ends in the second direction; and the sidewall portions project from the opposite ends of the top plate portion towards the base portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first and the second directions, wherein the sidewalls have outside surfaces, respectively, and the recesses are formed in the outside surfaces of the sidewalls; wherein the outside surfaces of the sidewalls are in contact with the respective frame portions while the projections engage with the recesses; and wherein: the top plate portion is formed with an opening and is provided with a beam portion; the beam portion extends over the opening in the second direction and projects beyond the top plate portion towards the base portion in the third direction; the base portion is formed with two standing-up portions, which are arranged away from each other in the second direction and project from the base portion towards the top plate portion in the third direction, wherein the standing-up portions are brought into contact with the beam portion while the first and the second plates are placed and fixed between the beam portion and the base portion.