OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR

• US 20020009267A1
• Filed: 04/21/1999
• Published: 01/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
• Original Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
• Inventors: SHIRAKAWA, TSUGUHITO
• Granted Patent: US 6,416,233 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 385/60
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3821 with axial spring biasing or loading means G02B6/3847 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3893 Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on

Abstract

In an optical connector, a ferule accommodated in a ferule chamber of a housing is urged by a spring so that the optical connector is coupled with a complementary connector. The housing is provided with a means for stopping the retracting of the ferule when the ferule retracts by a certain length. In this configuration, a break in communication occurs even when force is applied to an optical fiber cable.

Claims

1. An optical fiber connector comprising:

a housing having a ferule chamber;

a ferule having an optical fiber and accommodated in the ferule chamber;

a spring attached to the optical fiber in the ferule chamber, for urging the ferule so to be coupled with a complementary connector; and

stopping means for stopping the ferule from retracting when it retracts by a prescribed length.

2. An optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein said prescribed length is within a range where said ferule is kept in contact with the complementary connector when the ferule retracts.

3. An optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein said stopping means includes a convex member formed on the outer periphery of the ferule and a securing piece formed in the ferule chamber and to be engaged with the convex member.

4. An optical fiber connector according to claim 3, wherein said securing piece is formed so as to cut a ]-shape slit in a side wall of the ferule chamber and comprises a protrusion attached to its tip and to be brought into contact with the convex member.

5. An optical fiber connector according to claim 3, wherein said convex member prevents the ferule from being coming off from the ferule chamber in engagement with a protrusion formed on an inner wall of the housing.

6. An optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein said stopping means stops the ferule from retracting when the ferule retracts until the spring reach a compression limitation corresponding to the prescribed length.

7. An optical fiber connector according to claim 6, wherein said length can be adjusted by a diameter of the spring.