Light transmitting fiber bundle connector

Abstract

An improved connector is disclosed for interconnecting and terminating bundles of light transmitting fibers in such a manner as to have low light loss at the points of connection. The subject connector is suitable for use in either splicing or terminating individual bundles of light transmitting fibers, each bundle including at least one fiber, as well as for connecting a plurality of light transmitting fiber bundles in a single connector assembly. The subject connector includes an annular crimping ring, an annular cap member, and a profiled ferrule member all of which are slipped over the prepared end of a light transmitting fiber bundle. The end of the bundle is prepared by stripping the exterior layer therefrom to expose the light transmitting fibers. In the case of the bundle including a plurality of fibers, it may be preferable to also pretreat the bundle by applying a potting compound to the fibers to form them into a cohesive unit. The prepared end of the bundle is inserted through a profiled axial bore in the ferrule which guides and gathers the fibers at the face of the assembly. The bundle is secured in the ferrule by deforming the crimp ring in a conventional manner. The face of the ferrule and the fibers projecting therefrom are polished to present a smooth surface. The cap means is adopted to both engage the ferrule and a bushing, which can be a portion of a terminal, a multiple position connector, or a splice. An optional tubular strain relief member can be included to engage the bundle and be secured to the ferrule by the crimp ring.