Connector and its light ray path change manner null for light ray path change

摘要

PURPOSE: To provide an optical path switching connector of high and long-term reliability capable of accurately connecting coated optical fibers and switching the connection of the optical fibers. ;CONSTITUTION: An 8-core coated optical fiber 2 is arranged on the side of a 1st connector 1, an 8-core coated optical fiber 5 is arranged on a 2nd connector 4, and the connection end faces 3 of the 1st and 2nd connectors are placed opposite to each other. Conical positioning grooves 14, 15 and 16 are formed on the side of each connection end face 3 of the 1st and 2nd connectors 1 and 4 respectively, and positioning balls 18 are fixed in respective positioning grooves 14. An optical path switching means 30 for sliding at least one of the 1st and 2nd connectors 1 and 4 relatively with the other is installed, and the positioning ball 18 fixed in the positioning groove 14 is switched from a state where the ball 18 is fitted in the other side positioning groove 16 to a state where the ball 18 is fitted in the positioning groove 15 following up to the relative movement by the means 30, then, the connection of the coated optical fiber 2 and the coated optical fiber 5 is switched following up to the switching of the positioning ball 18.;COPYRIGHT: (C)1996,JPO