Snap-action fiber optic connector

• US 4,327,964 A
• Filed: 12/20/1979
• Issued: 05/04/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Inventors: Dierschke, Eugene G., Harris, Richard D., Hailey, Michael R., Haesly, Barry F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, John D.
• Application Number:
  US06/105,814
• Time in Patent Office: 866 Days
• Field of Search: 350/96.20, 350/96.21, 350/96.22, 250/227, 339/46
• US Class Current: 385/78
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3825 with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3865 fabricated by using moulding techniques shaping techniques of plastic materials in general B29C; producing plastic optical fiber connectors B29D11/0075
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/389 characterised by the method of fastening connecting plugs and sockets, e.g. screw- or nut-lock, snap-in, bayonet type
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3897 Connectors fixed to housings, casing, frames or circuit boards G02B6/44528 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49876 by snap fit

Abstract

A simple low-cost fiber optic connector having a body member into which a ferrule is inserted and held in place by an expandable retainer which allows the ferrule to snap out of the assembly upon the application of a substantial pulling force, and thereby avoid damage to the fiber or to the connector. A preferred embodiment includes two aligned ferrules inserted into opposite sides of the body such that their tips meet at the center to interconnect the ends of two optical fibers. A multiple-ferrule embodiment is also contemplated.

Claims

1. A connector comprising:

(a) a body member having a cavity therein;

(b) a ferrule extending into said cavity;

(c) means in combination with said body for retaining said ferrule in place, and for mounting of the connector on a selected surface, comprising an interchangeable elastic member which allows said ferrule to snap out of the assembly upon application of a substantial pulling force, said member having molded extensions which are directed past said body member from that side of the body wherein the member is inserted, to the far side of said body, said extensions having compressable latching fingers for insertion into openings in a mounting surface, said fingers resuming their normal position after compression while being inserted, to secure the connector assembly to said mounting surface.

2. A connector as in claim 1, wherein said means for mounting comprises said interchangeable member, said member having molded extensions, said extensions extending out away from the body of said connector and having an area through which an opening exists, for attachment to a mounting means with a fastener.

3. A connector as in claim 2, wherein said mounting means is a metal bracket.

4. A connector as in claim 1, wherein said mounting surface is a printed circuit board.