Coupler for optical fibers

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupler (100, 200) for optical fibers (500, 500'), in particular plastic-based optical fibers, wherein: the coupler comprises a plurality of fiber receptacles (130, 230) on each of a first side (110, 210) and a second side (120, 220) opposite the first side; pairs of the plurality of fiber receptacles are oppositely arranged, and the coupler has one coupling region between each pair of oppositely arranged fiber receptacles; the coupler comprises, for each fiber receptacle, a fixing means (150, 250) for fixing one optical fiber in each fiber receptacle; and the coupler is designed to align two optical fibers, disposed in two oppositely arranged fiber receptacles, with respect to one another in the relevant coupling region; characterized in that the coupler comprises at least one connecting element (160, 260) for stackable connection to at least one further coupler (100', 200').

Description

[0001] Applicant: HARTING Electronics GmbH Title: Coupler for optical fibers

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a coupler for optical fibers according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0004] These types of couplers are needed to connect optical fibers, especially polymer optical fibers, over long distances. Optical fibers are primarily used for transmitting data at particularly high data rates, especially in short-range data transmission.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Optical fibers are typically point-to-point connections, meaning they run directly from the transmitter to the receiver without being interrupted. However, in some applications, space constraints and / or installation requirements make it necessary to disconnect and then reconnect the optical fibers at certain points. Couplings or connectors are used for this purpose.

[0007] Especially when using polymer optical fibers, it is crucial to maintain a precise distance when connecting the fibers. An excessive distance, even a few tenths of a millimeter, typically results in an undesirably high attenuation rate. If the connection is made end-to-end, movement and / or vibrations during operation of the machine can cause damage, preventing or disrupting data transmission.

[0008] The state of the art includes couplers that allow optical fibers to be connected in such a way that they are aligned with each other. Typically, optical fibers are connected individually, which logically requires more space or effort.

[0009] Couplers with multiple slots for optical fibers are also known, but their handling is very complex.

[0010] Furthermore, the couplers are not suitable for use in harsh environments, such as transportation, especially on trains, where high tensile loads can occur on the optical fibers.

[0011] The German Patent and Trademark Office has searched the following prior art in the priority application for the present application: DE 24 49 359 A1 , DE 102013219 595 A1 , DE 20 2008 006 934 U1 and WO 2009 / 147159 A1.

[0012] Task

[0013] The object of the invention is to offer a simple and safe coupler which prevents possible damage to optical fibers, in particular polymer optical fibers, even under strong tensile load.

[0014] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0016] According to the invention, the coupler is designed and configured for optical fibers, preferably plastic-based optical fibers. The coupler has a plurality of fiber receptacles on a first side and on a second side opposite the first side, with two of the plurality of fiber receptacles facing each other. The first side and the second side are preferably identical. The coupler has a coupling area between each pair of opposing fiber receptacles.

[0017] The coupler is designed to align two optical fibers, which are arranged in two opposing fiber receptacles, with each other in the respective coupling area; in particular, the coupler is designed to guide and / or hold the two optical fibers in the coupler.

[0018] The coupler has a fixing agent for each fiber receptacle for the detachable fixing of one optical fiber in the fiber receptacle.

[0019] Furthermore, the coupler has at least one connecting element to allow it to be stacked with at least one other coupler, and in particular to be detachably connected. That is, the coupler is designed to be connected to another coupler via the connecting element, and in particular to be detachably connected.

[0020] The coupler according to the invention enables a stable and easy-to-assemble connection of a plurality of optical fibers.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, each fiber receptacle has a cylindrical cavity for guiding and holding the respective fiber. This enables a particularly stable connection of optical fibers.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting element has at least two through-holes for receiving and guiding a fastening element in order to connect the coupler to the other coupler. This enables a particularly simple way of connecting two or more couplers.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the coupler is symmetrically constructed with respect to a first plane perpendicular to one insertion direction of the optical fibers. Additionally or alternatively, the coupler is preferably symmetrically constructed with respect to a second plane parallel to a plurality of insertion directions of the optical fibers. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the coupler is preferably symmetrically constructed with respect to a third plane that is arranged perpendicular to both the first and second planes.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, the coupling area has a feedthrough that tapers towards the center on both sides. This allows the spacing between the optical fibers to be controlled or adjusted. Furthermore, this results in a particularly stable connection between two optical fibers and prevents the optical fibers from touching (and thus prevents friction between the fiber ends). The feedthrough is particularly preferably cylindrical in shape.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the coupler has an opening through each fixing element. The opening is preferably cylindrical and particularly preferably arranged perpendicular to each fiber receptacle. The fixing element then includes a cable holder that can be positioned in the opening and at least partially around each optical fiber. This allows for particularly easy fixing and releasing of the optical fibers from the coupler. If at least two couplers are connected together, two adjacent couplers are preferably oriented such that the fixing elements are arranged relative to each other, i.e., on two opposite sides of the two adjacent couplers.In a further preferred embodiment, the fixing means at each fiber receptacle has a pair of wings configured to hold a connector located at one end of the optical fiber in position. The wings project from the coupler, particularly laterally, and at least partially encircle the connector. The connector may include a seal. This enables particularly easy fixing and disconnection of the optical fibers with a connector.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the coupler is designed such that it is tightly sealed in all fiber receptacles when optical fibers are inserted. This increases the coupler's applicability.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment, the coupler is formed in one piece. A particularly preferred embodiment is the coupler being formed in one piece.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the coupler preferably consists of a single material, most preferably plastic.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the coupler has at least ten fiber receptacles on both the first and second sides.

[0030] The invention also relates to a system with at least, preferably, two couplers, each configured according to one of the embodiments described above or below and preferably identical in configuration. The at least two couplers are then preferably stacked and connected via connecting elements, in particular detachably. Exemplary embodiment

[0031] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. The drawings show:

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the coupler according to the invention,

[0033] Fig. 2 shows another perspective view of the first embodiment of the coupler according to the invention,

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a system of two couplers according to the invention, corresponding to the first embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the system of two couplers according to the invention, corresponding to the first embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the system of two couplers according to the invention, corresponding to the first embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the coupler according to the invention,

[0038] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a system of two couplers according to the invention, corresponding to the second embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 8 shows an exploded view of the system of two couplers according to the invention, corresponding to the second embodiment and

[0040] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of the system of two couplers according to the invention, corresponding to the second embodiment.

[0041] The figures contain some simplified, schematic representations.

[0042] In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for elements that are the same but may not be identical. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional terms such as "left," "right," "up," and "down" are to be understood in relation to the respective figure and may vary in the individual representations compared to the depicted object. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, not all described features are necessarily marked with reference symbols, especially when they are identical features.

[0043] First, the first embodiment is described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0044] The coupler 100 is designed and configured for optical fibers, in particular polymer-based optical fibers. The coupler 100 has a plurality of fiber receptacles 130 on a first side 110 and on a second side 120 opposite the first side 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 110 and the second side 120 are identical. Two of the plurality of fiber receptacles 130 are located opposite each other. The coupler 100 has a coupling area 140 between each pair of opposing fiber receptacles 130. The coupler 100 is configured to align two optical fibers 500, 500', which are arranged in two opposing fiber receptacles 130, with each other in the respective coupling area 140. The fibers 500, 500' can be identical.

[0045] Furthermore, the coupler 100 has a fixing element 150 for each fiber receptacle 130 for the detachable fixing of one optical fiber 500, 500' in the fiber receptacle 130. The coupler 100 has at least one connecting element 160 for stacking with at least one other coupler 100'.

[0046] Each fiber receptacle 130 has a cylindrical cavity for guiding and holding the respective fiber 500, 500' or a respective fiber end 510. Furthermore, the connecting element 160 has two feedthroughs 161, 162 for receiving and passing through a fastening element 170 in order to connect the coupler 100 to the further coupler 100'. The two feedthroughs 161, 162 are arranged at two ends of the coupler 100. Furthermore, the two feedthroughs 161, 162 are configured such that a

[0047] Fastening element 170, in the form of a screw 171 and a nut 172, is completely embedded in the feedthroughs 161, 162, i.e., in the couplers 100, 100'. The feedthroughs 161, 162 can also be used to connect more than two couplers 100 together.

[0048] The coupler 100 is symmetrically constructed with respect to a first plane perpendicular to a insertion direction S, S' of the optical fibers 500, 500', to a second plane parallel to a plurality of insertion directions S, S' of the optical fibers 500, 500' and to a third plane which is arranged perpendicular to the first plane and perpendicular to the second plane.

[0049] Furthermore, the coupling area 140 has a feedthrough that tapers towards the center on both sides and preferably a cylindrical outer shape.

[0050] Furthermore, the coupler 100 has an opening 180 for each fixing element 150, which is round or cylindrical and is arranged perpendicular to a respective fiber receptacle 130. The fixing element 150 has a cable holder that can be positioned in the opening 180 and at least partially around a respective optical fiber 500, 500'.

[0051] The coupler 100 is designed as a single unit and consists of a single material, preferably plastic. Furthermore, the coupler 100 has ten fiber receptacles 130 on both the first side 110 and the second side 120.

[0052] Figures 3 to 5 each show two couplers 100, 100', which can be understood as a system according to the invention. The two couplers 100, 100' are stacked and connected via connecting elements 160.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the two couplers 100, 100' are arranged such that the fixing means 150 of coupler 100 and the fixing means of coupler 100' are arranged relative to each other, i.e., on two opposite sides of the two couplers 100, 100'. This further increases the resistance to loss of the fixing means 150.

[0054] The second embodiment is described below with reference to Figures 6 to 9. In particular, the first and second embodiments differ essentially in the fixing agent. Explanations of features described in connection with the first embodiment are partially omitted here.

[0055] The coupler 200 is designed and configured for optical fibers, in particular plastic-based optical fibers. The coupler 200 has a plurality of fiber receptacles 230 on a first side 210 and on a second side 220 opposite the first side 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 210 and the second side 220 are identical. Two of the plurality of fiber receptacles 230 are located opposite each other. The coupler 200 has a coupling area 240 between each pair of opposing fiber receptacles 230. The coupler 200 is configured to align two optical fibers 500, 500', which are arranged in two opposing fiber receptacles 230, with each other in the respective coupling area 240. The fibers 500, 500' can be identical and, in this case, each has a connector 520.

[0056] Furthermore, the coupler 200 has a fixing element 250 for each fiber receptacle 230 for the detachable fixing of one optical fiber 500, 500' or the respective connector 520 in the fiber receptacle 230. The coupler 200 has at least one connecting element 260 for stacking with at least one other coupler 100'.

[0057] Each fiber receptacle 230 has a cylindrical cavity for guiding and holding the respective fiber 500, 500' or connector 520. Furthermore, the connecting element 260 has two feedthroughs 261, 262 for receiving and passing through a fastening element 270 to connect the coupler 200 to the other coupler 200'. The two feedthroughs 261, 262 are arranged centrally in the coupler 200 and the coupler 200'. The two feedthroughs 261, 262 are configured such that a fastening element 270, in the form of a screw 271 and a nut 272, is completely embedded in the feedthroughs 261, 262 of the coupler 200 and the coupler 200'.

[0058] The coupler 200 is symmetrically constructed with respect to a first plane perpendicular to a insertion direction S, S' of the optical fibers 500, 500', to a second plane parallel to a plurality of insertion directions S, S' of the optical fibers 500, 500' and to a third plane which is arranged perpendicular to the first plane and perpendicular to the second plane.

[0059] Furthermore, the coupling area 140 has a feedthrough that tapers towards the center on both sides and preferably a cylindrical outer shape.

[0060] As previously described, the coupler 200, or the connecting element 260, has two feedthroughs 261, 262 for receiving and guiding a fastening element 270 in order to connect the coupler 200 to (at least) one other coupler 200'. In this embodiment, the two feedthroughs are arranged in a central area of ​​the coupler 200. This makes the coupler 200 even more compact. The feedthroughs 261, 262 can also be used to connect more than two couplers 200 together.

[0061] In the second embodiment, the coupler 200, acting as the fixing means 250, has a pair of wings 251 at each fiber receptacle 230, configured to hold a connector 520 arranged at one end of the optical fiber 500, 500' in position. The wings 251 project from the coupler 200, particularly laterally, and at least partially encircle the connector 520. The connector 520 may include a seal 521.

[0062] The coupler 200 is also designed as a single unit and consists of a single material, preferably plastic. Furthermore, the coupler 200 has ten fiber receptacles 230 on both the first side 210 and the second side 220.

[0063] Even though the figures show various aspects or features of the invention in combination, it is apparent to the person skilled in the art – unless otherwise stated – that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or sets of features from different embodiments can be interchanged.

[0064] Applicant: HARTING Electronics GmbH

[0065] Title: Coupler for optical fibers

[0066] Reference symbol list

[0067] 100, 100', 200, 200' couplers

[0068] 110, 210 first page

[0069] 120, 220 second page

[0070] 130, 230 fiber uptake

[0071] 140, 240 coupling range

[0072] 150, 250 fixatives

[0073] 251 wings

[0074] 160, 260 connecting element

[0075] 161, 162, 261, 262 executions

[0076] 170, 270 Fastening element

[0077] 171 screw

[0078] 172 Mother

[0079] 180° opening

[0080] 500, 500' optical fiber

[0081] 510 Fiber end

[0082] 520 plug

[0083] 521 Seal

[0084] S, S' insertion direction

Claims

Applicant: HARTING Electronics GmbH Title: Coupler for optical fibers Claims 1. Coupler (100, 200) for optical fibers (500, 500'), in particular plastic-based optical fibers, wherein the coupler (100, 200) has a plurality of fiber receptacles (130, 230) on a first side (110, 210) and on a second side (120, 220) opposite the first side (110, 210), wherein two of the plurality of fiber receptacles (130, 230) are opposite each other, wherein the coupler (100, 200) has a coupling area (140, 240) between each pair of opposite fiber receptacles (130, 230), wherein the coupler (100, 200) is configured to accommodate two optical fibers (500, 500') arranged in two opposite fiber receptacles (130, 230) in the respective coupling area (140, 240) to align each other, wherein the coupler (100, 200) provides a fixing agent (150, 250) for each fiber receptacle (130, 230) for the releasable fixing of each optical fiber (500, 500') in the fiber receptacle (130,230) and characterized in that the coupler (100, 200) has at least one connecting element (160, 260) in order to be stackably connected with at least one further coupler (100', 200').

2. Coupler (100, 200) according to claim 1 , characterized in that each fiber receptacle (130, 230) has a cylindrical cavity for guiding and holding the respective fiber.

3. Coupler (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (160, 260) has at least two passages (161, 162, 261, 262) for receiving and passing through a fastening element (170, 270) in order to connect the coupler (100, 200) to the further coupler (100', 200').

4. Coupler (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupler (100, 200) is symmetrically constructed with respect to a first plane perpendicular to a insertion direction (S, S') of the optical fibers (500, 500') and / or is symmetrically constructed with respect to a second plane parallel to a plurality of insertion directions (S, S') of the optical fibers (500, 500') and / or is symmetrically constructed with respect to a third plane which is arranged perpendicular to the first plane and perpendicular to the second plane.

5. Coupler (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling area (140, 240) has a passage tapering towards the center on both sides and preferably a cylindrical outer shape.

6. Coupler (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupler (100, 200) has an opening (180) for each fixing means (150) passing through the coupler (100, 200), which is preferably cylindrical and is particularly preferably arranged perpendicular to a respective fiber receptacle (130), wherein the fixing means (150) has a cable holder which can be positioned in the opening (180) and at least partially around a respective optical fiber (500, 500').

7. Coupler (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fixing means (250) has a pair of wings (251) at each fiber receptacle (230) which is configured to hold a connector (520) arranged at one end of the optical fiber (500, 500') in position.

8. Coupler (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupler (100, 200) is designed such that the coupler (100, 200) is tightly designed in all fiber receptacles (130, 230) when optical fibers (500, 500') are received.

9. Coupler (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupler (100, 200) is designed in one piece, in particular as a single unit, and preferably is made of plastic.

10. Coupler (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupler (100, 200) has at least ten fiber receptacles (130, 230) on the first side (110, 210) and the second side (120, 220).

11. System with at least two couplers (100, 100' , 200, 200') each configured according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two couplers (100, 100', 200, 200') are stacked and detachably connected via the connecting elements (160, 260).

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