Connector for light-transmitting cables

Claim 1

A connector adapted to optically connect a pair of light-transmitting cables, each of which is respectively secured to tubular terminal members of substantially the same predetermined outer diameter, in a manner such that the optical axes of the two cables are aligned with each other; said connector comprising a cylindrical body member having axially and externally threaded opposite end portions, a flexible sleeve member secured in said body member coaxially with the cylindrical inner wall surface thereof and having a cylindrical inner wall surface of a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tubular terminal members, a tapered outer wall surface increasing in diameter from the opposite ends of said sleeve member toward the central portion thereof, and at least one slit formed in said sleeve member and extending axially over a distance smaller than the axial length thereof to allow said sleeve member to radially expand and contract, a pair of tubular members each having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of said body member and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of said sleeve member at the opposite ends thereof and slidable axially of said body member to impart radially inward deformation to said sleeve member in cooperation with the tapered outer wall surface of said sleeve member, and clamping means cooperative with the respective externally threaded end portions of said body member to urge the tubular terminal members axially inwardly against said sleeve member for pressure engagement therewith.