Universal polishing fixture for polishing optical fiber connectors

摘要

An optical fiber connector polishing fixture (20) for use with a polishing machine (22). The polishing machine polishes optical fiber connectors which are retained in such fixture by clamping a ferrule of the connector in a connector clamping assembly (32). The fixture (20) includes a plate portion (24) which has a perimeter edge. A plurality of arms (28) extend from the plate portion (24) for attachment to a polishing machine (22). A plurality of segments (30) of said plate portion are defined by areas between neighboring arms (28). A plurality of connector clamping assemblies (32) are positioned within each segment (30) of the plate portion (24). These connector clamping assemblies (32) are generally, radially oriented within the corresponding segment (30). Each clamping assembly (32) includes a nest (46) for retaining a connector, a primary slot (48) extending from the perimeter of the plate portion through the nest (46), and a secondary slot (50) spaced away from the primary slot (48) and extending from the perimeter of the plate portion to a position proximate to the nest (46). A moveable beam (52) is defined between the primary slot (48) and the secondary slot (50) and is displaceable relative to the plate portion by a clamping mechanism (44) attached thereto for clamping a connector within the nest.