MULTI CHANNEL CONNECTOR

Abstract: Multi channel connector for transmission means (15), preferably optical fiber ends, diodes or the like, equipped with lenses. The connector comprises two connector parts (11a, 11b) shaped for cooperation with at least one centering means for the centering of the transmission means. The centering means are respectively male and female shaped. The transmission means (15) are each located in a related holder (14) in both connector parts (11a, 11b). Each holder (14) has in limited extent radial mobility as well as axial mobility against the action of a spring (20) in one for each connector part arranged respective channel (13), so that each holder (14) is self-centering independant of the other holders.

Description: MULTI CHANNEL CONNECTOR The present invention refers to a multi channel connector for coupling-up the end portions of an in coupled up posi¬ tion opposite each other situated transmission means, such as pereferably optical fiber ends, provided with lenses, diodes or the like, and which connector includes two connec¬ tor parts, shaped for cooperation with a male and a female respectively shaped centering means for each of the trans¬ mission means for coaxial guiding and fixation of each transmission means regardless of the other transmission means. The background of the invention Known multi channel connectors of above mentioned type requires very high tolerances when manufacturing the closed parts, and then in particularly the case of the connector parts and linings, where the parallelism between the control hole for the transmission means to the optical fibers, the diode or the like must be within 0,001 mm, as well as the control hole and guide-pin for centering of connector among themselves. Further, the right angle between the end-surf- aces of the connector parts and the longitudinal axis of the guiding holes must lie within ± 0,002 mm, as well as the partition between the control hole and the guide pin respec¬ tively. In order not to let the transmission means be able to change position, these are fastened permanently in the case of the connector parts by means of, for example forced fit. This implies that if the transmission means should be defective, these can not be exchanged, but the whole multi channel connector must be discarded and replaced with a new one. Through the German Patent Specification No. 2743626, it is known that a number of optical fibers can be coupled up b means of a connector device. A problem with this connecto device is, that the optical fibers consist of extremely thi fibres, with sizes of some micrometers. Because of this, i is extremely important that the centering is absolutel exact, since even very little deviations entails that th fiber ends lie side by, ie. they are not coaxial. When number of fibers are placed in one channel, as it is th case with the above-mentioned invention, a poor centering i obtained. The ob ect of the invention The purpose of the present invention is to provide a connec tor of the type mentioned by way of introduction, where th high demands for exact centering of the fiber end portion are fulfilled with appreciable simpler and cheaper mean than earlier, where an exchange of in the connector par closed components, such as transmission means, is easil accomplished, and which connector is formed so that standar components present on the market can be used. Further, it i possible to place the end portions of the optical fibers an one or more LED:s, for cooperation with optical fibers, i one and same connector, and in one hand attain a accurat centering for all in a connector closed optical fibers an in the other attain that the holders consisting of tw connector parts, in coupled up position, with their en surfaces come to bearing on each other, which further impro¬ ves the coaxiality. These problems are solved by placing the transmission means in the both connector parts in each belonging holder, whic in limited extent has as well radial mobility as, by means of a spring, an axial mobility in each of connector part arranged channels, so that each holder is self-centerin regardless of the other holders. Description of the drawings The invention is explained closer hereinafter with referen ce to the enclosed drawings, which show an embodiment. Fig. 1 shows in enlarged scale section through two connecto parts of a multi channel connector, according to the in vention, whereby both of the connector parts are slightl pulled apart from each other. Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of one of the connector part shown in fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows a bottom view of a centering-cone, contained i the holder. Fig. 4 shows a section along the line IV-IV in fig. 3. Fig. 5 shows partly in section a complete housing of a mult channel connector, but without holder and transmissio means. Description of embodiments The connector according to the invention consists of tw connector parts 11a and lib, which in a way previously know are insertable in each other and by means of a nut 12 fix able in theirs coupled-up position. Each of connector par 11 is provided with a number of axial channels 13, in whic a holder 14, with some play is inserted for each transmis sion device 15, via a centering one 16. The transmissio means 15 can have the shape of a plug, in which the en portion of a optical fibre is situated, so that the end-su rface of the fiber, coincide with one front end-surface o the plug. The transmission means 15 can also be a trans mitter or a receiver for a diode 17. The holder 14 is provided with a shoulder 18, which bears o a corresponding ledge 19 in the channel 13. The holder 14 i kept in its inserted position by means of a spring 20, whic rests against a pressable holder-on 21, which is screwed-on by the connector part's posterior end surface. Thus it is possible, by means of the spring 20, to axially displace the holder 14 within the channel 13. Besides, the play between the holder and the channel is -so high, that the holder can perform a limited radial motion. The transmission mean 15 is centered in the holder 14 with the centering-cone 16, the conic form of which corresponds the conical outlet 30 of the socket formed holder 14. Even the centering-cone has the shape of a socket and is provided with elastic sectors 22, consisting of material-reduced axial portions 23, which is apparent from the figures 3 and 4. The inner outlet 31 of the centering-cone is shaped in accordance to external form of the transmission means, ie. it has cylindrical form. Further, the transmission means 15 is provided with a peripheral flange 24, which forms the contact surface for a compression spring 25, purpose of which is to press the forward end-surface of the transmis- sion means to bear on an opening 26 in a seat 27, which is provided at the front end of the holder 14. The seat 27 takes up a lens 28, the center axis of which coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the transmission means 15. In the joined position of the connector parts 11a, lib, one of the connector parts 11a of the transmission means 15 will be positioned right opposite to a corresponding trans¬ mission means 15 in the other connector part lib, and to accomplish an exact coaxial coupling-up between the trans- mission means 15 in the both connector parts 11a and lib, in one of the connector parts, for example lib, the holders 14 upper end portion is provided with a guide-sleeve 31, which by means of forced-fit is permanently attached to the hol¬ der. The other holder 14 of the connector part 11a does not have a similar guide-sleeve, but it is however formed with a guide 32, which working-fit can be inserted in the guide- -sleeve 31, so that the both holders with their transmission means 15 will be situated in exact coaxial position. Each individual holder 14 with transmission means 15 can consequ¬ ently independently of the other holders in same coupling part in pairs be centered relative the other holder in the pair, which is possible by the holders being not rigidly fixed in each coupling part, but having a certain radial as well as axial mobility. Reference desi nations

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Multi channel connector for coupling-up of the end por tions of in coupled up position' opposite each other situate transmission means (15), such as pereferably with lens equi ped optical fiber ends, diodes or the like, and which con nector includes two connector parts (11a, lib) shaped fo cooperation with a male and a female respectively shape centering means for each of transmission means for coaxia guiding and fixation of each transmission means, regardles the other transmission means, c h a r a c t e r i z e d t h e r e i n, that the transmission means (15) in both connector part (11a, lib) are placed in to each belonging holder (14), which has in limited extent radial mobility as well as, b means of a spring (20) axial mobility in one of for eac connector part arranged channel (13), so that each holde (14) is self-centering independent of the other holders. 2. Connector according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d t h e r e i n, that the holder (14) consists of an external cylindric socket, which in the inside is formed with a coaxial, coni- cal outlet (29), for taking up a centering-cone (16), which in turn is equipped with a coaxial outlet (30) for taking up transmission means (15). 3. Connector according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d t h e r e i n, that in one, front end of the holder (14) a seat (27) is arranged for a lens (28), placed coaxially of the longitudi¬ nal axis of the holder (14). 4. Connector according to claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d t h e r e i n, that the transmission means (15), against the action of a spring (25), is arranged axially displacable in outlet of the centering cone (16), which is dimensioned such, that one, free end of the transmission means is located to bear against an opening (26), arranged in the lens seat (27). 5. Connector according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d t h e r e i n, that at one, rear end of the holder (14), a pressable holde- r-on (21) for a spring (20) is arranged, which is arrange to allow an axial motion at the holder by means of the said spring. 6. Connector according to claim 2 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d t h e r e i n, that the centering-cone (16) consistes of a socket, which is formed with elastic, peripheral sectors (22), consisting of material reduced, axial parts (23), which are elastic defor- mable and/or in cross section curved, folded or in othe manner elastically yeildable. 7. Connector according to claim 1 c h a r a c t e r i z e d t h e r e i n, that the centering means of the holders related in pairs is constituted by a guiding flange, a guide-sleeve or the like, and by a guide-pin provided at one of the front ends of th second holder contained in the pair which guide-pin i formed to fit into said guide-sleeve by working-fit. 8. Connector according to claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d t h e r e i n, that the holder is formed for enclosing a transmitter or receiver, formed as a diode or the like. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 29 June 1992 (29.06.92); original claim 1 amended; other claims unchanged (1 page)] 1. Multi channel connector for coupling-up the end portions of in coupled up position opposite each other situated opti¬ cal fiber ends through transmission means (15), and which connector includes two connector parts (11a, lib) shaped for cooperation with respectively a male and a female shaped centering means for each of transmission means for coaxial guiding and fixation of each transmission means, regardless the other transmission means, c h a r a c t e r i z e d t h e r e i n, that the transmission means (15) in both connector parts (11a, lib) are placed in to each belonging holder (14), which even is provided with a seat (27) for a lens (28), the centeraxis of which coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the transmission means (15), and which holder (14) has in limited extent radial mobility as well as, by means of a spring (20) axial mobility in one of for each connector part arranged channel (13), so that each holder (14) is self-centering independent of the other holders, and that the transmission means (15) is under the influence of a compression spring (25), to press the forward end-surface of the transmission means (15) against a contact surface pro- vided with an opening (26) in the seat (27). 2. Connector according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d t h e r e i n, that the holder (14) consists of an external cylindric socket, which in the inside is formed with a coaxial, coni¬ cal outlet (29), for taking up a centering-cone (16), which in turn is equipped with a coaxial outlet (30) for taking up transmission means (15). 3. Connector according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d t h e r e i n, that in one, front end of the holder (14) a seat (27) is

Inventors: NODFELT INGVAR, STANITZ BERND, NODFELT, INGVAR, STANITZ, BERND
Applicants: NODFELT INGVAR, STANITZ BERND, NODFELT, INGVAR, STANITZ, BERND
Application year: 1992
Main classification: G02B6
IPC codes: G02B6