Connectors for optical conductors utilizing elastomeric pads

Abstract

A connector for optical conductors including two bodies provided with a complimentary fixing device for urging them together under axial pressure and a coupling member to receive the ends of the tubular members. Each body carries a tubular member which is adapted to receive and to have fixed therein an end of one of the optical conductors to be connected. The coupling member includes a transparent elastomeric pad having a refractive index close to or substantially the same as that of the optical conductors which are to be connected and brought into engagement under the action of the complimentary fixing device, and the coupling member and/or the elastomeric pad is so shaped as to define between them a space traversed by a portion of the pad and into which the pad can deform under the axial contact pressure exerted thereon by the tubular members. The pad has a generally cylindrical shape in its rest position and passes through the sleeve into the space into which it may deform whereby the axial contact pressure exerted on the pad by the tubular members is insufficently significant to introduce into the pad constraints giving rise to deterioration in the transmission of light.