Patent ID: 6402391
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A plug-and-socket connector for optical fibers, comprising:a socket in which an optical fiber to be connected is retained; and a plug for receiving and centering an end portion of said optical fiber inserted into said plug when said socket and said plug are connected together; wherein said plug: has a first end portion and a second end portion which are rotatable with respect to each other about an axis passing through said first end portion and said second end portion of said plug; comprises at least three wrap springs, each of which comprise a cylindrical wire having one end secured to said first end portion of said plug at a position which is radially spaced from said axis at a distance larger than a radius of said optical fiber, and a second end secured to said second portion of said plug at a position which is radially spaced from said axis at a distance larger than said radius of said optical fiber; in a released condition said springs are substantially straight and extend at circumferential spacings from each other in a direction substantially parallel to said axis from said first end portion to said second end portion of said plug; and upon application of rotational movement of the second portion of the plug with respect to the first portion of the plug, an intermediate portion of each spring is displaced towards said axis to contact and be urged against the circumference of said end portion of said optical fiber inserted into said plug, so that the intermediate portions of all springs grip said end portion of said optical fiber at circumferentially spaced positions of contact and center said optical fiber on said axis.