US20050281529A1 - Fiber splicing and gripping device - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical fiber splicing and gripping device includes a material having first and second members hingedly attached. A gripping region is formed in the material that includes first and second gripping portions disposed on first and second inner portions of each of the members. The material further includes separate first and second clamping zones along a length of the gripping region. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device further includes a cap engageable with the material to selectively actuate the first clamping zone independently of actuating the second clamping zone.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention is directed to a fiber splicing and gripping device.
• 2. Related Art
• Mechanical devices for splicing optical fibers for the telecommunications industry are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,653 describes an optical fiber splice that includes a sheet of ductile material having a focus hinge that couples two legs, where each of the legs includes a v-type groove to optimize clamping forces for conventional glass optical fibers. The described splice device has been commercially incorporated in the FIBRLOK II™ mechanical fiber optic splice device, available from 3M Company, of Saint Paul, Minn. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,390 describes an adhesiveless connector, with a connector body and ferrule attached to one another, with a mechanical gripping element residing in the connector body to hold an optical fiber in place. The gripping element described therein is engageable by moving a plug in a direction transverse to bores formed in the connector body and ferrule. The described connector has been commercially incorporated in the CRIMPLOK™ fiber optic connector, available from 3M Company, of Saint Paul, Minn. Conventional devices are also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,824,197; 5,102,212; 5,138,681; and 5,155,787. A device for gripping optical fibers is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/668,401 (Atty. Dkt. No. 58973US002), filed on Sep. 23, 2003, now pending, and incorporated by reference in its entirety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• According to a first aspect of the present invention, an optical fiber splicing and gripping device includes a material having first and second members hingedly attached. A gripping region is formed in the material that includes first and second gripping portions disposed on first and second inner portions of each of the members. The material further includes separate first and second clamping zones along a length of the gripping region. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device further includes a cap engageable with the material to selectively actuate the first clamping zone independently of actuating the second clamping zone.
• According to another embodiment, an actuating cap for engageably mating an optical fiber splicing and gripping device includes a main body portion that extends along a length of the cap. A first cap member and a second cap member are coupled by and extend from the main body. The cap further includes a first cam and a second cam, where the first cam and the second cam are disposed on an inner surface of at least one of the first and second members.
• According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an optical connector includes a base that houses the optical fiber splicing and gripping device described above.
• The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description which follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
• FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a fiber splicing and gripping element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an exemplary actuating cap according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2A shows a top view of an unfolded fiber splicing and gripping element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2B shows a top view of an unfolded fiber splicing and gripping element according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2C shows a top view of an unfolded fiber splicing and gripping element according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2D shows a side view of a folded fiber splicing and gripping element according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS. 3A-3D show various cross-sectional views of an exemplary actuating cap according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS. 4A-4D show a schematic actuation sequence of an exemplary fiber splicing and gripping device;
• FIGS. 5A-5C show another a schematic actuation sequence of an exemplary fiber splicing and gripping device;
• FIGS. 6A and 6B show end views of alternative actuating caps;
• FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fiber splicing and gripping device implemented in an optical connector device; and
• FIG. 8 shows a side view of a fiber splicing and gripping element and actuation cap according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
• While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
• The figures show various embodiments of an optical fiber splicing and gripping device. The terms “gripping”, “splicing”, “clamping” or “connecting” may be applied to devices shown, and are not intended to be mutually exclusive, as the devices and methods of the present invention can be utilized for fiber gripping, fiber clamping, fiber splicing, and/or fiber connecting applications. The term “splice” should not be construed in a limiting sense since the elements shown in the various embodiments can indeed allow removal of a fiber.
• FIGS. 1A and 1B show two components of a fiber splicing and gripping device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a splice element110 (FIG. 1A) and an actuating cap150 (FIG. 1B). InFIG. 1A,element110 is shown in a folded state. In this exemplary folded state,element110 provides for the initial alignment of the fiber(s) being spliced.Element110 includes afirst member112 and asecond member114 formed from, e.g., a sheet of material111 (seeFIG. 2A), hingedly attached at a first end of each of the members, here shown ashinge region116.Element110 further includes separate splicing and/or clamping zones. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more slots, such asslot141, can be provided to define the separate splicing/clamping zones. Alternatively, the separate splicing/clamping zones can be defined by the thinning of thesheet111 material thickness between the splicing/clamping zones. Agripping region120 is also provided and includes first grippingportion122 and secondgripping portion124 disposed on first and second inner portions of each of the members, (see e.g.,FIG. 2D).Gripping region120 is adapted to receive an optical fiber in its gripping portions. Optical fibers can be inserted intoelement110 throughports121aand121b. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,gripping device110, when placed in a closed (actuated or engaged) state, can apply a substantial force to an outer perimeter of the optical fiber(s) disposed in the gripping region.
• The dimensions of sheet111 (see e.g.,FIGS. 2A-2C) may vary considerably depending upon the application.Gripping device110 can be formed from asheet111 of deformable material, preferably a ductile metal such as aluminum. An exemplary material is an aluminum alloy conventionally known as “3003”, having a temper of0 and a hardness on the Brinnell scale (BHN) of between 23 and 32. Another acceptable alloy is referred to as “1100”, and has a temper of 0, H14 or H15. Acceptable tensile strengths vary from 35 to 115 megapascals. Other metals and alloys, or laminates thereof, may be used in the construction ofsheet111. Such metals include copper, tin, zinc, lead, indium, gold and alloys thereof. In addition, a polymeric material, clear or opaque, may be used forsheet111. Suitable polymers include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, acetate, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polysulfone, and copolyesters such as VIVAK (a trademark of Sheffield Plastics, Inc., of Sheffield, Mass.).
• With reference toFIGS. 1A and 2D, ahinge region116 can be formed on an outside surface ofsheet111, extending generally the length ofsheet111.Hinge region116 can comprise a centrally located groove that can be formed of an area of reduced thickness that defines a hinge that separatessheet111 into two identical plate-like members orlegs112 and114. Such a hinge can be formed in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,653, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In its folded state, the embodiment ofelement110 is configured to be insertable in an optical fiber splice, such as a FIBRLOK II™ mechanical fiber optic splice device.Element110 can also be implemented in other fiber optic splices and optical connectors, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the present description.
• FIG. 1B shows a front perspective view of anexemplary cap150. Thecap150 is designed to engageelement110 to placeelement110 into a closed or actuated state. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, aselement110 includes separate clamping zones,cap150 is designed to include separate actuating mechanisms, such asregion160 andregion170 that are coupled tomain body portion155. Ascap150 engages withelement110, the different clamping zones can be actuated/closed at different times. A more detailed description of the structure of an exemplary cap is provided below.
• FIG. 2A shows anexemplary element110A in a top plan view in an unfolded state.Element110A includes aslot141 that defines separate splicing/clamping zones185 and187. Slot141 can be cut intosheet111 from one side to near the center of the element, wherehinge region116 can be located.Element110A includes a sheet ofmaterial111 havingmembers112 and114 hingedly attached viahinge region116 such as described above.Member112 includes gripping portions orgrooves192 and193 that can be shaped as v-grooves or can comprise some other polygonal shape, depending on the fiber type(s) to be gripped and/or spliced.Grooves192 and193 can be formed to have the same groove shape, or different groove shapes, depending on the application. Alternatively,grooves192 and193 can be pre-grooved as is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/668,401 (Atty. Dkt. No. 58973US002), incorporated by reference above.Member114 includesgripping portions194 and195 (located opposite grippingportions192 and193, respectively) that can be pre-grooved, configured as v-grooves, or configured as some other polygonal shape.Grooves194 and195 can be formed to have the same groove shape, or different groove shapes, depending on the application. For example, as shown inFIG. 2D, an end view ofelement110A in a folded, fiber receiving (open) state, first grippingportion122 and secondgripping portion124 can be configured to include v-grooves.
• In an alternative embodiment of anelement110C, shown inFIG. 2C,slot141ccan be partially cut intosheet111 from one side so as not to cut through the groove portion of the gripping region.
• Element110A can be utilized to splice optical fibers of any type, such as conventional glass-glass-polymer (“GGP”) fiber (described in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 36,146) conventional glass-based fibers, POF (Plastic Optical Fiber), and TECS (Technically Enhanced Clad Silica) fiber. These fibers may be single mode or multimode fibers and may have a standard diameter (including buffer coatings) such as about 125 μm (with or without a buffer coating being removed), 250 μm outer diameter, and/or 900 μm outer diameter, as well as nonstandard diameters that can be smaller than 125 μm, between 125 μm and 900 μm, and/or larger than 900 μm, or others. In one exemplary alternative embodiment,grooves192 and194 are configured to form a first diameter (or groove size) when the device is actuated, andgrooves193 and195 are pre-grooved to form a second diameter (or groove size) when the device is actuated. The second diameter (or groove size) can be the same as or different than the first diameter (or groove size). In one exemplary embodiment, for example, when splicing silica-clad fibers, groove192 can have a v-groove shape, and groove194 can be omitted, whereasgrooves193 and195 can be configured to clamp a buffered fiber of greater diameter. In addition, one or more of the gripping regions ofmembers112 and114 can optionally further include one or more of cones or recesses132a-132dand134a-134dto form lead-in fiber-receiving regions.
• As shown inFIG. 2A,element110A includes a single slot structure, e.g.,slot141, which can be cut throughmember112 or member114 (in this figure,slot141 is cut through member112). The slot or slots can be used to define different clamping zones (whenelement110A is placed in a folded state), wherezone185 can provide a splicing zone andzone187 can provide a buffer clamping zone, or vice versa. Thus,splicing zone185 can be closed or opened independently of thebuffer clamping zone187, or vice versa, and at a different time in the termination sequence. For example, when splicing a fiber stub to a terminating fiber, the fiber splice can be located in zone185 (also referred to as a splicing region) and the buffer-coated terminating fiber can be held in place by clampingzone187. For example,buffer clamp grooves193 and195 can be designed to clamp onto a 250 μm buffer coated optical fiber (when in a closed or actuated state). This clamping can provide retention of the fiber when the element is fully closed.
• In an alternative embodiment, shown inFIG. 2B, element10B includes a double slot structure (includingslots141aand141bformed insheet111 opposite thehinge116 from each other) to formzones185 and187. Further multiple slot arrangements can offer differing strengths, depending on the application. Of course, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the present description, different numbers of slots may also be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention.
• In a further alternative embodiment,zones185 and187 can be defined by the thinning of thesheet material thickness111 separating the splicing and/or clamping zones. For example, separation of the splicing and or clamping zones can be achieved by reducing the thickness of the sheet material by 50% to 90% of its original thickness, in the region between the zones, depending on the type of sheet material being used.
• These exemplary configurations allow different levels of stress to be imparted on the fiber that is located in each zone. In one exemplary connector embodiment, a short length of optical fiber that is fixed on one end, being adhered into a ferrule, and extending out of the ferrule into the center of the splicing zone, (referred to herein as a “fiber stub”), can be spliced to a terminating fiber, whereby the splicing zone can be actuated (closed) first, followed by actuating the clamping (or gripping) zone that secures the terminating fiber in place. This splicing sequence can ensure sufficient optical contact between the fiber ends. Alternatively, a light stress can be utilized for the precise alignment of two fibers in the splicing zone, while an increased stress can be imparted onto the fiber in the clamping zone to increase overall fiber retention. After actuation of the clamping zone, the splice can be completed by fully actuating the splicing zone. It is noted that the term “closed” or “actuated” is intended to mean when the gripping portions of the element exert a substantial force on an outer portion of the fiber being spliced/gripped/retained. Thus, at least some retention force can be placed on a fiber or buffer without fully actuating the device.
• Thus, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, full actuation of one clamping zone can be accomplished independently of (e.g., prior to, at the same time as, or after) actuation of another clamping zone using the mechanisms described herein.
• As mentioned previously, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a cap150 (also referred to herein as an actuating cap) can be used to actuateelement110,110A,110B,110C.Cap150 can be constructed of rigid materials, such as metals or plastics. For example,cap150 can be formed as a plastic injection molded component. Other suitable materials would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art given the present description.
• FIGS. 3A-3D show various views of anexemplary cap150. InFIG. 3A, a cross sectional side view of an outer surface,cap150 includes amain body portion155 that extends along the length of the cap and couplesfirst clamping mechanism160 andsecond clamping mechanism170. In the exemplary configuration shown inFIG. 3A,cap150 can optionally further include one or more detents, such asdetents156 and157, disposed on an outer surface of either or both offirst clamping mechanism160 andsecond clamping mechanism170. The detent(s) can be utilized for positioning and engagement of the cap with a connector or splice body (shown in more detail inFIGS. 5A-5C). Optionally, more than two detents can also be provided on thecap150.
• FIG. 3B shows a cross section side view of an interior portion ofcap150, which includesinterior cam162 andinterior cam171.Cam162 is disposed on an inner surface ofclamping mechanism160 andcam171 is disposed on an inner surface ofclamping mechanism170.Cam162 includes afirst cam region161. During closure of the splicing and gripping device, the legs of the splicing and gripping element can rest onregion161, wherein the legs still remain in an open position (i.e., the element legs are not urged toward each other thus allowing for fiber entry).Cam162 further includes a firstcam transition area164 and a secondcam transition area166.Cam171 includes afirst cam region176, a firstcam transition area172 and a secondcam transition area173. Using the cross sectional end views ofexemplary cap150 inFIGS. 3C and 3D as a reference,cam transition portion164 can be designed to gradually actuate the closure of the splicing zone ofelement110,110A,110B,110C prior to the actuation of the buffer clamping. In this example,cam transition portion164 is located at a lower position (with respect to main body portion155) on cap members (or legs)151 and152 than iscam transition portion172. In addition, gradual clamping of an element zone (e.g., zone185) can be accomplished by sloping the protrusion ofcam transition area164. Also,cam transition area172 does not engageelement110,110A,110B,110C untilcam transition portion166 has engaged the splice element. Thus, ascap150 engageselement110,110A,110B,110C,cams162 and171 can slide overelement legs112 and114, urging them toward one another. In an exemplary embodiment, rounded edges along the outside surface ofelement legs112 and114 (see e.g.,FIG. 2C) can further facilitate a camming action.
• According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention,cap150 can further include additional cam transition portions for one or both ofcams162 and171.
• FIGS. 4A-4D show an example actuation sequence of asplice element210 bycap250. In this example, it is assumed that a fiber stub and a terminating fiber (not shown) are inserted in the gripping portion ofsplice zone285 and the buffer portion of the terminating fiber has been received in the gripping portion of clampingzone287. InFIG. 4A, an unassembled view,cap250 is not in contact withelement210. As shown in the cross sectional side view ofFIG. 4A, a single (or double)slot241 is shown that defineszones285 and287 ofelement210.
• FIG. 4B shows thatcap250 has been moved towardelement210 in the direction ofarrow205 and is in contact withfirst cam regions161 and176 so that preliminary optical contact of the ends of the fiber stub and the terminating fiber can be made insplicing zone285. InFIG. 4B, the beginning ofcam transition area164 is coincident with the top portion ofsplice zone285.
• The closing movement can be accomplished by hand, and preferably with the use of a tool. For example, an exemplary tool would receive the main body of the fiber alignment and gripping device, (splice or connector), into a locating nest that is part of the tool base. The tool base can be designed for placement onto a flat surface, and/or held in an operator's hand. The fiber alignment and gripping device would be placed into the nest such that the actuation cap is in an upward position (e.g., as is illustrated inFIGS. 5A-5C). This tool can also include a lever arm attached to the base which pivots at the attachment point, and extends from the attachment point to its end which extends beyond the locating nest. The end of the lever arm would be designed to allow a thumb or finger to rest on it, and have force applied to it, in order to drive it toward the tool base. At a point between the lever arm attachment point on the base, and the end of the lever arm, a third point, which can be about the size of the actuation cap, can be located directly in line with the device locating nest. This third point, or actuation point, comes into contact with the top of the actuation cap as the lever arm is rotated toward the tool base. When force is applied to this lever arm, the cap is driven into the device in the same direction asarrow205. This lever arm may also include a stop so the actuation cap is not over actuated. Upon actuation, the lever arm is rotated out of the way and the device is removed from the tool.
• Ascap250 is continually moved in the direction ofarrow205, e.g., by the lever arm of the tool,FIG. 4C shows thattransition cam area164 has fully engagedzone285 prior to the engagement ofzone287, which is not yet acted on bycam transition portion172. By this action, the splicing of the fiber stub to the terminating fiber has been completed.FIG. 4D shows full actuation ofelement210, wherezone285 has been closed bycam162 andzone287 has been closed bycam171. Thus, aszone287 has been fully actuated, the terminating fiber has been securely gripped withinelement210, thus providing better retention of the splice.
• Another illustration of the actuation ofelement210 is shown in cross sectional views inFIGS. 5A-5C, whereelement210 is disposed in abase290, which can be part of an optical connector or a stand-alone splice device. In this example, it is again assumed that a fiber stub and a terminating fiber (not shown) are inserted in the gripping portion ofsplice zone285 and the buffer portion of the terminating fiber has been received in the gripping portion of clampingzone287. InFIG. 5A,element210 is disposed on apedestal portion292 ofbase290. In this exemplary embodiment, thepedestal portion292 can further include adepression296 that receives and supports thehinge portion216 ofelement210.Base290 further includesslots295, to receivecap members251 and252, and base catches294, to catch (or lock in place)cap detents256 and257. The construction ofelement210 andcap250 is similar to that described above.
• InFIG. 5A,cap250 is moved in the direction ofarrow205 to a position wheredetents257 are secured by base catches294. In the exemplary embodiment, this position also corresponds to the beginning of the engagement of members (or legs)212 and214 ofzone285 bytransition cam area164. From this point, as shown inFIG. 5B, with further movement ofcap250 in the direction ofarrow205, zone285 (here, configured as a splicing zone) becomes actuated (closed) as themembers212 and214 ofzone285 are forced towards each other bycam transition area164, while zone287 (here configured as a buffer clamping zone) remains in a folded, open state. In this exemplary embodiment,zone285 further includes agripping region120bthat includes a v-groove configuration to accomplish splicing of the fiber stub to the terminating fiber. In addition,zone287 includes agripping region120athat is configured to grip or clamp the buffer portion of the terminating fiber.
• With continued movement of thecap250 in the direction of arrow205 (toward element210),FIG. 5C illustrates a fully actuated position of bothzone285 andzone287. In this exemplary embodiment, full actuation coincides withdetents256 being secured by base catches294 of thebase290. At this point the cap is locked in placed onbase290, but can be removed with a pulling force in a direction opposite to that ofarrow205. In an alternative embodiment, the distance betweencap detents256 and257 can be altered to allow more or less distance to actuate the element for slower or faster actuation. Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment, the fiber splicing and gripping device can provide independent gripping/splicing to different portions of the fiber(s) being spliced/gripped.
• As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the present description, the sequential and/or gradual clamping of different zone element clamping/splicing zones can be accomplished using different structures. For example, the actuation cap can have a single cam structure andelement members212 and214 ofzone287 can have shorter lengths (extending from the hinge region) thanmembers212 and214 ofzone285. In this manner, by movement ofcap250 towardselement210,zone285 would contact the cam prior tozone287 contacting the cam. In this manner,zone285 would be actuated independent of and prior to actuation ofzone287. Alternatively, the gripping regions ofzone285 and287 can be structured differently to apply different levels of stress to the outer perimeter of the fiber(s) held therein, thus causing actuation to different portions of the fiber(s) at different times. In a further alternative, the actuating cap can be separated into two or more separate actuating caps which can be closed onto different portions of the splicing and gripping element at different times. In yet another alternative, the actuating cap can be designed to slide in a direction parallel to the fiber axis. In this manner, the actuating cap first engages a first clamping zone then, with further movement in a direction parallel to the fiber axis, actuates a second clamping zone.
• According to another exemplary embodiment, the actuating cap can be designed to provide either symmetrical or asymmetrical camming action. For example,FIG. 6A shows a symmetrical configuration, where cap250 (similar to that shown previously) includescams162 and171 on both ofcap members251 and252. Alternatively,FIG. 6B showscap350, which includescams362 and371 that are formed only oncap member352. In another alternative (not shown),cam362 can be formed oncap member351 andcam371 can be formed oncap member352. Other alternative configurations would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the present description.
• As mentioned above,element110 can be implemented in many fiber optic splices and optical connectors. For example, anexemplary fiber connector400 is shown inFIG. 7. In this configuration,element210 is housed inconnector base290. As discussed above, a fiber stub, e.g.,stub430 havingfiber432, can be aligned withinzone285 prior to full actuation. Stub430 can be inserted intoport297 ofbase290. A terminating fiber end (not shown) can be inserted into theconnector400 throughalignment port298, through the open gripping region withinzone287 until butted up tofiber432 withinzone285. Consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments above, actuation of the device can be accomplished by movingcap250 towardselement210. In this exemplary configuration,cam162 actuateszone285 prior tocam171actuating zone287. Alternatively,cap250 can be designed so thatcam171 actuateszone287 at the same time or prior to actuation ofzone285 bycam162. As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill given the present description,device400 can be designed to splice/grip other fibers, such as two terminating fibers.
• In addition, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the present description, in alternative embodiments, variations of the splicing and gripping devices described herein can be utilized within 4×4 FIBRLOK™ and Multifiber FIBRLOK™ fiber optic devices (commercially available from 3M Company).
• In a further alternative embodiment,element110 can be located in a body for an optical fiber splicing and gripping device and can utilize one or more actuation caps that can individually close each section of the element. For example, a length of buffer coated optical fiber of a known diameter (e.g., a fiber optic pigtail) can include a cleaved and polished first end or a conventional optical connector (e.g., ST, LC, or FC type optical connector) attached at the first end. The other (second) end of the pigtail can be located inside of a buffer clamping section of theelement110. This second end of the fiber can have the buffer coating removed, and the stripped portion can extend part way into a splicing section of the same element. A first cap can actuate the buffer clamping section, resulting in the clamping of the element to the buffer coated fiber, while a second cap can be used later to actuate the fiber splicing part of the element when a terminating fiber is provided. As a result,element110 can form a portion of a field-terminable fiber optic pigtail, which would allow for rapid installation in the field (e.g., where an installer would only prepare a second optical fiber (i.e., terminating fiber) for the splicing section to interconnect the fiber optic pigtail to that second fiber).
• Another exemplary embodiment is illustrated inFIG. 8, which shows a fiber splicing andgripping device500 that includes anelement510 and anactuating cap550. In this exemplary embodiment,element510 includes three separate clamping zones—splice zone585, firstbuffer clamping zone587 and secondbuffer clamping zone588.Element510 can optionally include one or more of recesses/ports532,534,535,536 to form lead-in fiber-receiving regions. In embodiments where slots541A and5411B do not extend to the groove region of theelement510, lead-infiber receiving regions535 and536 can be eliminated.
• One or more ofgrooves594,595, and596 can be formed inelement510 as v-grooves or grooves of other shapes, similar to those described above. In this exemplary embodiment,groove594 is formed to have a first diameter (or groove size) when the device is actuated, andgrooves595 and596 are grooved to form a second diameter (or groove size) when the device is actuated. The second diameter (or groove size) can be the same as or different than the first diameter (or groove size). In one exemplary embodiment, for example, when splicing silica-clad fibers, groove594 can have a v-groove shape to grip a stripped fiber, andgrooves595,596 can be shaped to grip the buffer portions of the fibers being spliced.Element510 can be actuated bycap550, which also can include threeseparate actuation mechanisms560,570, and580. For example, as shown inFIG. 8,cap550 can include three separate cams—cam562 to actuatezone585,cam574 to actuatezone587, andcam577 to actuatezone588. In an exemplary configuration,cap550 can be designed so thatcam562 actuateszone585 at the same time or prior to actuation ofzone587 and588 bycams574 and577, respectively. As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill given the present description,device500 can be designed to splice/grip any type of fiber.
• As described above, the splicing and gripping device of the present invention can be configured to include multiple gripping/splicing zones so that a different level of stress can be imparted on the fiber that is located in a particular zone and at a particular place in the splicing sequence.
• As fiber optics are deployed deeper into the metro and access areas of a network, the benefits of such mechanical interconnection products can be utilized for Fiber-To-The-Home/Desk/Building/Business (FTTX) applications. The devices of the present invention can be utilized in installation environments that require ease of use when handling multiple splices and connections, especially where labor costs are more expensive.
• The present invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon review of the present specification. The claims are intended to cover such modifications and devices.

Claims (32)

1. An optical fiber splicing and gripping device, comprising:

a material having first and second members hingedly attached;

a gripping region formed in said material that includes first and second gripping portions disposed on first and second inner portions of each of said members, wherein the material further comprises separate first and second clamping zones along a length of said gripping region; and

a cap engageable with said material to selectively actuate the first clamping zone independently of actuating the second clamping zone.

2. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 1, wherein the cap includes a first cam and second cam, wherein said first cam is adapted to engage said first clamping zone prior to said second cam engaging said second clamping zone.

3. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 1, wherein the material includes at least one slot disposed between the first and second clamping zones.

4. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 3, wherein the material includes a first slot located on the first member and a second slot located on the second member, opposite the first slot.

5. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one slot extends into at least one of the first and second gripping portions.

6. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 3, wherein the folded material includes a region of thinner material disposed between the first and second clamping zones.

7. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 1, wherein the first clamping zone imparts a first amount of stress to a fiber inserted in said gripping region, and the second clamping zone imparts a second amount of stress to the fiber, said first amount different from said second amount.

8. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second gripping portions comprises a v-groove.

9. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 2, wherein the cap includes a main body portion that extends along a length of the cap and couples a first cap member and second cap member extending therefrom.

10. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 9, wherein said first cam is disposed on an inner surface of at least one of said first and second cap members.

11. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 9, wherein said second cam is disposed on an inner surface of at least one of said first and second cap members.

12. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 10, wherein said first cam includes a first transition portion sloping outwardly in a gradual manner from said inner surface.

13. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 12, wherein said second cam includes a second transition portion sloping outwardly in a gradual manner from said inner surface, wherein said second transition portion is disposed closer to said main body portion than said first transition portion.

14. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 9, wherein the cap further comprises at least one detent formed on an outer surface of at least one of the first and second cap members, said at least one detent adapted to engage with a housing for the fiber splicing and gripping device.

15. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 3, wherein the material comprises at least two slots to define separate first, second, and third clamping zones along a length of said gripping region, and wherein the cap includes a first cam, a second cam, and a third cam, wherein said first cam is adapted to engage said first clamping zone independently of said second cam engaging said second clamping zone and said third cam engaging said third clamping zone.

16. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 1, wherein the first member has a length different from a length of the second member.

17. The optical fiber splicing and gripping device according toclaim 7, wherein10 the first and second gripping portions of the first clamping zone include a first groove and the first and second gripping portions of the second clamping zone include a second groove, wherein the second groove has a different groove size than a groove size of the first groove.

18. An actuating cap for engageably mating an optical fiber splicing and gripping device, comprising:

a main body portion that extends along a length of the cap;

a first cap member and a second cap member coupled by and extending from said main body; and

a first cam and second cam, wherein said first cam and said second cam are disposed on an inner surface of at least one of said first and second members.

19. The actuating cap according toclaim 18, wherein said first cam includes a first transition portion sloping outwardly in a gradual manner from said inner surface.

20. The actuating cap according toclaim 19, wherein said second cam includes a second transition portion sloping outwardly in a gradual manner from said inner surface, wherein said second transition portion is disposed closer to said main body portion than said first transition portion.

21. An optical connector, comprising:

a base; and

an optical fiber splicing and gripping device disposed in said base, the optical fiber splicing and gripping device including

a material having first and second members hingedly attached;

a gripping region formed in said material that includes first and second gripping portions disposed on first and second inner portions of each of said members, wherein the sheet of material further comprises separate first and second clamping zones along a length of said gripping region; and

a cap engageable with said material to selectively actuate the first clamping zone independently of actuating the second clamping zone.

22. The optical connector according toclaim 21, wherein the cap includes a first cam and second cam, wherein said first cam is adapted to engage said first clamping zone prior to said second cam engaging said second clamping zone.

23. The optical connector according toclaim 21, wherein the material includes a first slot located on the first member disposed between the first and second clamping zones.

24. The optical connector according toclaim 23, wherein the material includes a second slot located on the second member, opposite the first slot.

25. The optical connector according toclaim 21, wherein the material includes a region of thinner material disposed between the first and second clamping zones.

26. The optical connector according toclaim 21, wherein the first clamping zone imparts a first amount of stress to a fiber inserted in said gripping region, and the second clamping zone imparts a second amount of stress to the fiber, said first amount different from said second amount.

27. The optical connector according toclaim 22, wherein the cap includes a main body portion that extends along a length of the cap and couples a first cap member and second cap member extending therefrom, wherein said first cam is disposed on an inner surface of at least one of said first and second cap members and wherein said second cam is disposed on an inner surface of at least one of said first and second cap members.

28. The optical connector according toclaim 27, wherein said first cam includes a first transition portion sloping outwardly in a gradual manner from said inner surface and said second cam includes a second transition portion sloping outwardly in a gradual manner from said inner surface, wherein said second transition portion is disposed closer to said main body portion than said first transition portion.

29. The optical connector according toclaim 27, wherein the cap further comprises at least one detent formed on an outer surface of at least one of the first and second cap members, said at least one detent adapted to engage with the connector base.

30. The optical connector according toclaim 23, wherein the material comprises at least two slots to define separate first, second, and third clamping zones along a length of said gripping region, and wherein the cap includes a first cam, a second cam, and a third cam, wherein said first cam is adapted to engage said first clamping zone independently of said second cam engaging said second clamping zone and said third cam engaging said third clamping zone.

31. The optical connector according toclaim 21, wherein the first member has a length different from a length of the second member.

32. The optical connector according toclaim 21, further comprising a fiber optic pigtail, wherein a first portion of the fiber optic pigtail is gripped by the first clamping zone.

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