Optical fiber connector

Claim 1

An optical fiber connector for joining the ends of at least one pair of light conducting fibers in such a manner that the fibers of each pair are arranged in axial alignment and the end faces of each pair of fibers are disposed in abutment with, or at a predetermined distance from, one another, said connector comprising a mounting plate having for each pair of fibers a guide groove formed therein for the reception of said fiber ends, a pressure plate structure disposed on top of said mounting plate and having a resilient hinge strap at one side and a latch at the opposite side for connection to said mounting plate, the guide grooves for each pair of fibers being formed only in said mounting plate and having a depth greater than the radius of said fibers and each guide groove further having a parabolic cross-section with the parabola half parameter being equal to or slightly smaller than the radius of the optical fibers to be joined, said pressure plate structure having formed therefrom for each fiber end an elastic clamping member projecting toward said mounting plate so as to resiliently engage the fiber end in the respective guide groove when said pressure plate structure is latched onto said mounting plate with the clamping members for each joint being longitudinally spaced from one another at the fiber joint so as to provide for visibility of and access to the fiber joints, said mounting and pressure plates further having a cooperating clamping structure for firmly engaging said light conducting fibers.