Fiberoptic connector assembly and method and device for the manufacture thereof
A fiberoptic connector assembly which includes an optical fiber that is engaged within a fiberoptic connector. The fiberoptic connector includes a metal core having a malleable external tip. The tip is deformed by physical contact during the manufacturing process, whereby the optical fiber is held within the fiberoptic connector by mechanical frictional engagement with the deformed portion of the tip. The manufacturing device includes a holder for holding the fiberoptic connector with the optical fiber disposed therewithin. A mechanical spring-loaded punch is utilized to make physical contact with the malleable tip of the fiberoptic connector to deform the tip upon physical contact with the punch. Also disclosed is the method that is utilized for manufacturing the fiberoptic connector assembly.
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Claims
2. A method for assembling a fiberoptic connector and an optical fiber as described in claim 1 further including the steps of symmetrically deforming said deformable portion, such that said optical fiber is held in a centrally disposed orientation relative to said bore of said fiberoptic connector.
3. A method for assembling a fiberoptic connector and an optical fiber as described in claim 2, further including the steps of crimping a rearwardly projecting portion of said fiberoptic connector about said optical fiber to mechanically engage said optical fiber therewithin.
4. A method for assembling a fiberoptic connector and an optical fiber as described in claim 2 further including the steps of inserting a sleeve member around rearward portions of said fiberoptic connector, such that said sleeve portion also surrounds portions of said optical fiber; and
- crimping said sleeve member about said rearwardly disposed portions of said fiberoptic connector and about said portions of said optical fiber to mechanically join said optical fiber to said rearward portions of said fiberoptic connector.
5. A fiberoptic connector assembly device for connecting a fiberoptic connector to an optical fiber comprising:
- a support means, said support means including a fiberoptic connector holding means being engaged thereto;
- a connector engagement means, said connector engagement means being engaged to said support means and functioning to effect the connection of said fiberoptic connector to said optical fiber; movement means, said movement means being engaged to said support means and operable to cause said connector engagement means to make physical contact with said fiberoptic connector, whereby said connector engagement means will cause portions of said fiberoptic connector to become deformed upon said physical contact such that said optical fiber will become functionally engaged within said fiberoptic connector; and
- wherein said fiberoptic connector holding means is pivotally engaged to portions of said support means.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Dec 12, 1994
Date of Patent: Jun 22, 1999
Assignee: Fibotech, Inc. (San Jose, CA)
Inventor: Michel Y. Rondeau (San Jose, CA)
Primary Examiner: John D. Lee
Law Firm: Conley, Rose & Tayon, P.C.
Application Number: 8/333,258
International Classification: G02B 636;