Connector with self-centering elements for optical conductors

Abstract

A connector for optical conductors, comprising a casing formed by two opposite bodies provided with complementary means for assembly of one to the other with axial pressure, each body receiving a cylindrical member comprising a shoulder portion and a barrel portion, the member being retained by the shoulder portion and disposed with the barrel portion directed toward the corresponding barrel portion of the cylindrical member mounted in the opposite body, each cylinder member further being adapted to receive an end of an optical fiber within a central bore at the end of the barrel portion in such a manner that the conductor is fixed therein with its end being flat and located in the plane of the end of the barrel portion of the cylinder, having at least two annular grooves in the barrel portion and longitudinally spaced along the length of the latter, the bases of the grooves being concentric with the central bore and the grooves containing torroidal joint means, and the connector further comprising a coupling member into which the barrel portions of the cylindrical members extend opposite to one another, the arrangement being such that the torroidal joint means, when under compression, allow self-centering of the cylindrical members within the coupling member when the members are engaged against one another under the action of complementary fixing means.