WO2023169928A1

WO2023169928A1 - Optical connector

Info

Publication number: WO2023169928A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/055342
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Greub
Original assignee: Huber+Suhner Ag
Priority date: 2022-03-09
Filing date: 2023-03-02
Publication date: 2023-09-14

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an optical connector (1) to terminate an optical cable (2) which optical cable (2) comprises an optical fiber (3) encompassed by a strength member (4) encompassed by a cable jacket (5). Said optical connector (1) comprises a base (6) with a through hole (7) extending in a longitudinal direc-5 tion (x), configured to receive the optical fiber (3) and a first fastening means (8) which is configured to attach the strength member (4) to the base (6) and a thereto in the longitudinal direction (x) spaced apart second fastening means (9) which is configured to directly or indirectly attach the cable jacket (5) to the base (6). The first fastening means (8) is incorporated with the base (6) and comprises a fan out surface (14) which encompasses the through hole (7) and to which in the mounted position the strength member (4) of the optical cable (2) is attached by gluing and/or welding.

Description

Optical connector

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to optical connectors and optical connector assemblies. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

W02008128940 published by the applicant on 30.10.2008 relates to an optical connector, in particular for outside use, for detachably connecting at least two optical cables along a connector axis comprising a socket portion and a plug portion, which portions are substantially of cylindrical design with respect to the con- nector axis and can be detachably plugged into one another along the connector axis and can be locked in the plugged-in state. A locking mechanism which is equipped with a latch function and which latches automatically during insertion is provided for the purposes of rapid locking.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Optical connectors in the form of passive fiber-optic termini are generally understood as self-contained sub-assemblies with a certain degree of modularity at the end of fiber-optical cable. The use of optical connectors which are configured to interconnect optical cables to one another, respectively the optical fiber to another optical are known and widely used throughout various industries and fields of applications. Optical fiber connectors are used in telephone company central offices, at installations on customer premises, and in outside plant applications. Their uses include: Making the connection between equipment and the telephone plant in the central office. Connecting fibers to remote and outside plant electronics such as Optical Network Units (ONUs) and Digital Loop Carrier (DLC) systems, optical cross connects in the central office, patching panels in the outside plant to provide architectural flexibility and to interconnect fibers belonging to different service providers, connecting couplers, splitters, and Wavelength Division Multiplexers (WDMs) to optical fibers.

Passive fiber-optic termini typically come in two main designs, namely butt-coupling and expanded beam optical interface. Butt-coupling is usually established via a physical contact (PC) between two fiber termini. The optical interface is thereby the joint face where two fiber end faces meet and the light exits one fiber end face and enters the other via a fiber-to-fiber physical contact connection. Optical interface coupling is typically designed as an expanded beam (EB) optical interface. Thereby two optical windows meet in close proximity or distant and the light exits one window and enters the other in expanded beam or free-space connections.

One problem of the known optical connectors is the attachment of the strength member which is e.g. an E-glass filament or Aramid braid and the cable jacket. One big challenge is securing the cable jacket to the fiber termini, since the jacket easily glides on the underlying strength member. In addition, cable jacket shrinking after the extrusion can occur. The shrinkage can lead to a considerable overlength of the optical fiber which must be accommodated without fiber buckling. The resulting wavy fiber can lead to significant macro bending and the related transmission loss even with bend-insensitive fibers. It is important that low radius macro bending of optical fibers is prevented to ensure a mechanical reliability of the fiber reliability i.e. probability of breakage. Cable jacket shrinking may also lead to a dislocated jacket and exposed strength members at the termini end.

One objective can therefore be seen in providing an improved attachment of the optical cable to the optical connector.

An optical connector according to the present disclosure is - according to its nature - configured to terminate an optical cable. The optical cable typically comprises an optical fiber encompassed by a strength member, encompassed by a cable jacket. To achieve the low assembly tolerances, a low number of interfaces and a comparatively simple design is desired. Good results can be achieved when the optical connector only comprises interfaces in form of a through hole which extends in a longitudinal direction and is configured to receive the optical fiber as well as a fiber terminus which terminates the optical fiber and is configured to transmit an outgoing or receive an incoming signal. The fiber terminus can be in form of an optical lens and comprise a lens cone at its rear side merging into the actual fiber bore which fiber bore is configured to receive the end of the optical fiber.

Typically, during assembly the optical fiber is glued into the back end of the fiber terminus, before the fiber terminus is fitted into the base. The gluing application is typically done under vacuum conditions to avoid air bubbles and completely fill the cavity in the fiber terminus. The capillary effect can be used to distribute and hold the glue in the receiving opening of the fiber terminus. Good results can be achieved when relief channels are arranged along the fiber bore to allow backflow of displaced glue. Given the high production numbers, a low number of highly precise parts is desired as well as an assembly process with as little as possible assembly steps.

Therefore, a preferred variation of the optical connector comprises a base, wherein the through hole extends in the longitudinal direction within the base, configured to receive the optical fiber. In a preferred variation the base is a rotationally symmetrical part which is made by injection molding. Typically, the optical fiber is attached to the fiber terminus being encompassed by a fiber coating. The fiber coating with therein arranged optical fiber can be glued to the fiber terminus to secure the fiber end and seal the connection. The optical connector typically comprises a first fastening means and a thereto in the longitudinal direction spaced apart second fastening means, wherein the first fastening means is configured to attach the strength member to the base and the second fastening means is configured to directly or indirectly attach the cable jacket to the base. The optical connector can be designed as an expanded beam connector, with an optical lens and a tight or semi-tight cable design. Preferably an optical cable with an E-glass filament strength member is used which can be directly attached to the base by gluing. Alternatively or in addition, a crimp sleeve can be used to attach the strength member to the base.

In a preferred variation the first fastening means is incorporated with the base and comprises a fan out surface which encompasses the through hole and to which in the mounted position the strength member of the optical cable is attached by gluing and/or welding. Although alternatively a tight cable design with spring loaded termini could be used, where the fiber overlength is just forced into the cable, the solution is generally considered bad engineering. While the increased contacting force at the optical interface is easily manageable, the fiber push-in will lead to unacceptable macro-bending and stress in the fiber. This conflicts with the requirement that a very low elasticity of the cable attachment and the cable itself is desired, in order to avoid even low stress of the optical fiber under tensile loads is desired.

Therefore, in a preferred variation the base comprises a fan out surface which is essentially funnel shaped. During the assembly the strength member is preferably automatically fanned out when inserting the cable along the longitudinal direction. The strength member which is fanned out by the fan out surface is preferably attached by gluing or welding it to the fan out surface. In addition, the fan out surface can at least partially have a star-shaped cross-section as will be described in more detail hereinafter. The attachment of the strength member, especially in the case of expanded beam termini can accommodate the transfer of mechanical loads such as cable pulling, side-loads or bending from the cable end to the optical interface end of the termini. To be able to provide visible access to the strength member and access for the attachment in form of gluing or welding, an access opening can be arranged between the first fastening means and the second fastening means.

The access opening can be foreseen to provide visible access to the strength member and/or elements of the optical cable arranged thereunder. In a preferred variation the base is essentially rotationally symmetrical and comprises access openings designed as a windows. The windows can be arranged in a circumferential manner with respect to the longitudinal direction, facing the fan out surface. The windows can be configured to receive glue or allow access for the fusion welding operation. Good results can be achieved when the windows are casted with an adhesive or compound after inserting the strength member, thereby attaching the strength member to the fan out surface and sealing the base against environmental influences.

In a preferred variation the first and the second fastening means are positioned with respect to each other by at least one bridge. In a preferred variation the case that the first and the second fastening means are made in an integral manner with the base. In that case the base is preferably made from injection molded material and the bridges are made in an integral manner connecting the first and the second fastening means. The first and the second fastening means can be part of the base and be connected to each other by several bridges at least partially encompassing the first fastening means. For the assembly usually no vacuum conditions for the glue application are required. The resulting windows between the bridges allow easy access to the fiber attachment section.

In a variation, the base comprises two half-shells which are assembled together along a parting plane. Such a body geometry allows for a reasonable good cleaning, although it still requires inspection and optical testing after connecting. A plug-socket style concept is more difficult to clean since the optical interface is buried within the female connection side. A partial two-shell design in comparison may allow for a pick-and-place style assembly process with Hawk’s view vision access. Typically, the base comprises a fiber terminus, a fiber terminus holder, a spring and a crimp neck. The spring is typically assembled in a pre-compresses manner to the specified length and force. The spring can be compressed during the assembly of the optical connector. Preferably the two half-shells are welded together after the components therein are assembled.

The fiber terminus holder can comprise projections at the distal end facing the back end of the fiber terminus configured to support the fiber terminus during the assembly and prevent movement under mating force and at elevated temperatures. The two half-shells of the base can form a receiving space which is configured to house the fiber terminus holder and a spring encompassing the fiber terminus holder which spring pre-loads the fiber terminus holder. The present fiber terminus holder ensures that the buffer is pushed into or pulled out of the cable jacket when the spring is loaded/unloaded during connecting.

For attaching the cable jacket and the strength member to the connector, the base can comprise a crimp neck. The crimp neck can be designed as a nozzle neck extending away from the base in the longitudinal direction, configured to receive a crimp element. The nozzle neck can be designed as an essentially rotational symmetrical part with a chamfer or curved ending to ease the assembly of the crimp element. The strength member of the optical cable can be attached to the nozzle neck which is rigidly fixed to or designed in an integral manner with the base. The strength member can be attached to the base by either gluing or welding or can be alternatively or in addition be held in place by the crimp element. The cable jacket, which encompasses the strength member can be attached to the base by a crimp sleeve. The sleeve can be tube-shaped or an open sleeve which is press-bent, the fiber terminus holder can thereby be arranged in the through hole in a floating manner.

Typically, the above described optical connector is part of an optical connector assembly. The optical connector assembly typically comprises an optical connector and a mating optical connector. If a multi-core fiber (MCF) optical interface connector assembly is envisioned, the at least two fiber termini of the connection must be accurately clocked relative to each other, typically with less than ±1 degree. This requires suitable means in the form of geometric features on the fiber terminus holder, the base and the connector housing. Clocking of the ferrule during the fitting process to the ferrule holder usually requires visual marks e.g. a marker core within the fiber, which allow for clocking using a vision system. Precise fiber clocking requires special anti-rotation features to be implemented in the connector. The drawbacks of anti-rotation features, integrated in the connector housing almost always constrict the lateral freedom of the inner subsystem, comprising a fiber terminus holder and the fiber terminus. In addition, anti-rotation features usually need to be mechanically isolated from the housing as to not transmit outer moments to the ferrules.

The optical present optical connector in comparison typically comprises an outer housing foreseen to interconnect the optical connector to a mating optical connector directly and/or by an adapter. Expanded beam (EB) optical interfaces allow greatly relaxed lateral beam axis offset tolerances and very large longitudinal offsets in a connection. Nevertheless, the angular beam axis error must be controlled fairly tightly for low optical loss. This requires precise angular i.e. parallel alignment of the optical beam axes of the optical connector and the mating optical connector. To allow a precise assembly, the base can be interconnected to the outer housing by a snap connection and/or a fastening clip. The snap connection ensures a position-safe installation in order to achieve the envisioned optical performance.

In a preferred variation the base can have an essentially rotational symmetric shape and comprises at least one bead configured to engage with the snap connection and/or a fastening clip. A base with geometrical features does not require additional alignment elements. Good results can be achieved when the geometrical features of the base in form of beads interact with the outer housing in the assembled position and secure the base with respect to the longitudinal direction. This ensures a safe and reliable connection, as the cable attachment end of the termini are sensitive to mechanical loads, especially cable side loads and bending, which quickly cause unwanted part deformation and the resulting loss fluctuations. in a mounted position at least one of the first and/or the second fastening means is at least partially arranged in the outer housing. To avoid sharp radii of the optical cable at the entry point of the optical cable into the housing, the optical cable can be encompassed at least partially by a bend protection sleeve.

In a preferred variation the base is designed as a single-fiber and cable, expanded beam (EB) fiber-optic termini, which can be inserted into a variety of outer housings. The advantage of such a universal base is that the least possible number of individual parts is required. In addition, the elongated rotationally symmetrical base allows for a robust, very slim cable and optical connector design. Depending on the design, either the female connection side (plug-socket style concept) or the adaptor (symmetric plug-adaptor plug concept) can incorporate the alignment elements. For achieving a good longitudinal water tightness of the optical connection assembly, in particular at the point of the cable attachment, selfswelling cable strength members can be for water blocking. This allows for a quasi-hermetic sealing.

The applicant reserves the right to focus a divisional patent application on the inventive concept of a crimp element as first and second fastening means described throughout the present application.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing:

Fig. 1 shows a first variation of the optical connector assembly in a perspective view from the front and above; Fig. 2 shows a lateral view of the first variation of the optical connector assembly according to Figure 1 ;

Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the first variation of the optical connector assembly according to Figure 2; Fig. 4 shows a second variation of the optical connector assembly in a perspective view from the front and above;

Fig. 5 shows a lateral view of the second variation of the optical connector assembly according to Figure 4;

Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the second variation of the optical connector assembly according to Figure 5;

Fig. 7 shows a third variation of the optical connector assembly in a perspective view from the front and above;

Fig. 8 shows a lateral view of the third variation of the optical connector assembly according to Figure 7; Fig. 9 shows a detailed view of the third variation of the optical connector assembly according to Figure 8;

Fig. 10 shows a fourth variation of the optical connector assembly in a perspective view from the front and above; Fig. 11 shows a lateral view of the fourth variation of the optical connector assembly according to Figure 10;

Fig. 12 shows a detailed view of the fourth variation of the optical connector assembly according to Figure 11 ;

Fig. 13 shows a first variation of the base of the optical connector in a perspective view with a partial cut-out from the front and above;

Fig. 14 shows a second variation of the base of the optical connector in a perspective view from the front and above;

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

Figures 1 to 3 show a first variation of the optical connector assembly 29. The shown optical connector assembly 29 comprises an optical connector 1 and a mating optical connector 19. The optical connector 1 as well as the mating optical connector 19 each terminate an optical cable 2 which optical cable 2 comprises an optical fiber 3 encompassed by a strength member 4 encompassed by a cable jacket 5. To terminate the optical fiber 3, the optical connector 1 and the mating optical connector 19 of the shown variation each comprise an optical lens 25 which is arranged at a front end 26 of the respective base 6. The optical lens comprises a receiving opening 30 with a cylindrical portion 31 and a conical portion 32 which rejuvenates towards the front end. In the shown variation the cylindrical portion 31 is configured to receive the buffer 33 and the conical portion 32 is configured to receive the optical fiber 3 and adhesive. To avoid contamination of the optical lens 25, the base 6 comprises a sealing element 34 which is arranged in a circumferential manner. To avoid that the optical cable 2 is bend with a sharp angle which could lead to a rupture of the strength member 4 or the optical fiber 3 itself, the optical cable 5 is protected by a bend protection sleeve 27. As can be obtained best from Figure 3, the bend protection sleeve 27 is attached to the base 6 by a snap-in connection. As can be obtained best from Figure 2, the optical connector 1 as well as the mating optical connector 19 each further comprises an outer housing 18. In the shown variation the optical connector 1 is connected to the mating optical connector 19 by an adapter 20. As can be obtained best from Figure 2, the base 6 is interconnected to the outer housing 18 by a snap connection 21 and a fastening clip 22. The base 6 has therefore an essentially rotational symmetric shape and comprises several beads 23 configured to engage with the snap connection 21 and the fastening clip 22. As can be also obtained best from Figure 3, the base 6 comprises a through hole 7 which extends in a longitudinal direction x and is configured to receive the optical fiber 3. The through hole 7 is at least partially shaped conical whereby the diameter of the through hole 7 widens towards the optical lens 26. In the shown variation the first fastening means 8 and the thereto in the longitudinal direction x spaced apart second fastening means 9 are integrally designed with the base 6. The first fastening means 8 is thereby incorporated with the base 6 and comprises a fan out surface 14 which encompasses the through hole 7 and to which in the mounted position the strength member 4 of the optical cable 2 is attached by gluing and/or welding. The fan out surface 14 is funnel shaped and access openings 10 arranged between the first fastening means 8 and the second fastening means 9. The access openings 10 are foreseen to provide visible access to the strength member 4 and/or elements of the optical cable 2 arranged thereunder and to apply the adhesive or allow access for the welding operation. In the shown variation the access opening 10 is designed as a window 15 facing the fan out surface 14, which window is configured to receive glue or allow access for the fusion welding operation. The second fastening means 9 which is interconnected to the base by several bridges 16 configured to attach the cable jacket 5 to the base 6.

Figures 4 to 6 show a second variation of the optical connector assembly 29. The second variation of the optical connector assembly 29 also comprises an optical connector 1 and a mating optical connector 19 but differs from the fist variation in that, the base 6 and the outer housing 18 are made in an integral manner. As can be obtained best from Figure 5, the base 6 of the optical connector 1 is interconnected to the base of the mating optical connector 19 by a snap connection 21. The base 6 of the optical connector 1 has therefore a protrusion configured to engage with the snap connection 21 of the mating optical connector. As can be obtained best from Figure 6, the base 6 comprises a through hole 7 which extends in a longitudinal direction x and is configured to receive the optical fiber 3. The through hole 7 is shaped cylindrical. In the shown variation the first fastening means 8 and the thereto in the longitudinal direction x spaced apart second fastening means 9 are integrally designed with the base 6. The first fastening means 8 and the thereto in the longitudinal direction x spaced apart second fastening means 9 of the second variation are integrally designed with the base 6. The first fastening means 8 is thereby incorporated with the base 6 and comprises the fan out surface 14 which encompasses the through hole 7 and to which in the mounted position the strength member 4 of the optical cable 2 is attached by gluing and/or welding. The fan out surface 14 is funnel shaped and access openings 10 arranged between the first fastening means 8 and the second fastening means 9. The access openings 10 are foreseen to provide visible access to the strength member 4 and/or elements of the optical cable 2 arranged thereunder and to apply the adhesive or allow access for the welding operation. In the shown variation the access opening 10 is designed as a window 15 facing the fan out surface 14, which window is configured to receive glue or allow access for the fusion welding operation.

Figures 7 to 9 show a third variation of the optical connector assembly 29. The third variation of the optical connector assembly 29 also comprises an optical connector 1 and a mating optical connector 19 but differs from the fist variation in that, the optical connector 1 and the mating optical connector 19 each comprise an optical lens 25 which is arranged at a front end 26 of the respective base 6 in a floating manner. As can be obtained best from Figure 7, the base 6 of the shown variation comprises a protrusion 35 which is configured to receive a first end of a spiral spring 36. The optical lens 25 comprises a receiving opening 30 encompassing the optical fiber, configured to receive a second end of the spiral spring 36. To avoid contamination of the optical lens, the shown base 6 comprises a sealing element 34 which is arranged in a circumferential manner. To avoid that the optical cable 2 is bend with a sharp angle which could lead to a rupture of the strength member or the fiber itself, the optical cable 2 is protected by a bend protection sleeve 27. As can be obtained best from Figure 9, the first fastening means 8 and the thereto in the longitudinal direction x spaced apart second fastening means 9 are integrally designed with the base 6. The first fastening means 8 is thereby incorporated with the base 6 and comprises the fan out surface 14 which encompasses the through hole 7 and to which in the mounted position the strength member 4 of the optical cable 2 is attached by gluing and/or welding. The fan out surface 14 is funnel shaped and access openings 10 arranged between the first fastening means 8 and the second fastening means 9. The access openings 10 are foreseen to provide visible access to the strength member 4 and/or elements of the optical cable 2 arranged thereunder and to apply the adhesive or allow access for the welding operation. In the shown variation the access opening 10 is designed as a window 15 facing the fan out surface 14, which window is configured to receive glue or allow access for the fusion welding operation. The optical connector 1 as well as the mating optical connector 19 are connected to each other by an adapter 20. As can be obtained best from Figure 8, the lens 25 which is arranges in a floating manner is conically shaped. The resulting lead in surfaces 37 are configured to align the optical lens 25 of the optical connector 1 with the optical lens 25 of the mating optical connector 19 along the longitudinal direction x. The adapter 20 therefore comprises funnel shaped receiving openings 38, which are shaped complementary to the conically shaped lenses 25.

Figures 10 to 12 show a fourth variation of the optical connector assembly 29.

The shown optical connector 1 and the mating optical connector 19 of the fourth variation each terminate an optical cable 2 which optical cable 2 comprises an optical fiber 3 encompassed by a strength member 4 encompassed by a cable jacket 5. To terminate the optical fiber 3, the optical connector 1 and the mating optical connector 19 of the shown variation each comprise an optical lens 25 which is arranged at a front end 26 of the respective base 6. The optical lens comprises a receiving opening 30 with a cylindrical and a conical portion which rejuvenates towards the front end. In the shown variation the cylindrical portion is configured to receive the buffer 33 and the conical portion is configured to receive the optical fiber 3 and adhesive. To avoid that the optical cable 2 is bend with a sharp angle which could lead to a rupture of the strength member 4 or the optical 3 fiber itself, the optical cable 2 is protected by a bend protection sleeve 27. As can be obtained best from Figure 12, the bend protection sleeve 27 is attached to the base 6 by a snap-in connection. As can be obtained best from Figure 11 , the optical connector 1 as well as the mating optical connector 19 each further comprises an outer housing 18. In the shown variation the optical connector 1 is connected to the mating optical connector 19 by an adapter 20. As can be obtained best from Figure 12, the base 6 is interconnected to the outer housing 18 by a snap connection 21 and a fastening clip 22. The base 6 has therefore an essentially rotational symmetric shape and comprises several beads 23 configured to engage with the snap connection 21 and the fastening clip 22. As can be also obtained best from Figure 12, the base 6 comprises a through hole 7 which extends in a longitudinal direction x and is configured to receive the optical fiber 3. The through hole 7 is at least partially shaped conical whereby the diameter of the through hole 7 widens towards the optical lens 25. In the shown variation the first fastening means 8 and the thereto in the longitudinal direction x spaced apart second fastening means 9 are integrally designed with the base 6. The first fastening means 8 is thereby incorporated with the base 6 and comprises a fan out surface 14 which encompasses the through hole 7 and to which in the mounted position the strength member 4 of the optical cable 2 is attached by gluing and/or welding. The fan out surface 14 is funnel shaped and access openings 10 arranged between the first fastening means 8 and the second fastening means 9. The access openings 10 are foreseen to provide visible access to the strength member 4 and/or elements of the optical cable 2 arranged thereunder and to apply the adhesive or allow access for the welding operation. In the shown variation the access opening 10 is designed as a window 15 facing the fan out surface 14, which window is configured to receive glue or allow access for the fusion welding operation. The second fastening means 9 which is interconnected to the base by several bridges 16 is configured to attach the cable jacket 5 to the base 6. The optical connector 1 as well as the mating optical connector 19 are connected to each other by an adapter 20. As can be obtained best from Figure 12, the optical lens 25 which is arranged in a floating manner is conically shaped. The resulting lead in surfaces 37 are configured to align the lens 25 of the optical connector 1 with the optical lens 25 of the mating optical connector 19 along the longitudinal direction x. The adapter 20 therefore comprises funnel shaped receiving openings, which are shaped complementary to the conically shaped lenses 25. Between the base 6 and the lens 25 a combined damping and sealing element 34 is arranged which seals the connection against environmental influences and allows minor adjustments of the lens with respect to the longitudinal direction x. Instead of a bore to align the fiber, a V-groove is arranged at the distal end of the lens 25. The V-groove is preferably arranged a distance from the alignment element and typically sealed with an adhesive after the assembly. Figure 13 shows a first variation of the base 6 of the optical connector 1 . The first fastening means 8 is incorporated with the base 6 and comprises a fan out surface 14 which encompasses the through hole 7 and to which in the mounted position the strength member 4 of the optical cable 2 is attached by gluing and/or welding, the fan out surface 14 is funnel shaped, the fan out surface 15 at least partially has a star-shaped cross-section, an access opening 10 is arranged between the first fastening means 8 and the second fastening means 9. the access opening 10 is foreseen to provide visible access to the strength member 4 and/or elements of the optical cable 2 arranged thereunder, the access opening 10 is designed as a window 15 facing the fan out surface 14, which window is configured to receive glue or allow access for the fusion welding operation, the first 8 and the second 9 fastening means are part of the base 6 and are connected to each other by several bridges 16 at least partially encompassing the first 8 fastening means, the through hole 7 is at least partially shaped conical.

Figure 14 shows a second variation of the base 6 of the optical connector 1 . an access opening 10 is arranged between the first fastening means 8 and the second fastening means 9. the access opening 10 is foreseen to provide visible access to the strength member 4 and/or elements of the optical cable 2 arranged thereunder, a first fastening means 8 and a thereto in the longitudinal direction x spaced apart second fastening means 9; wherein the first fastening means 8 is configured to attach the strength member 4 to the base 6; the second fastening means 9 is configured to directly or indirectly attach the cable jacket 5 to the base 6. the first 8 and the second 9 fastening means are positioned with respect to each other by at least one bridge 16. the first fastening means 8 comprises a nozzle neck 11 arranged at a rear end 12 of the base 6 and a sleeve 13 which in a mounted position is arranged on the nozzle neck 11 and thereby attaches the second fastening means 9 to the base 6. the sleeve 13 of the first fastening means 8 is configured to in the mounted position attach the strength member 4 to the nozzle neck 11 by crimping and/or gluing and/or fusion welding, the second fastening means 9 is configured to be attached to the cable jacket 5 by crimping and/or gluing and/or fusion welding, the first 8 and the second 9 fastening means are designed in an integral manner as a fastener 17 which is made from sheet metal and/or injection molded plastic material, the base 6 consists two half-shells 28 which are assembled along a parting plane. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

1 Optical connector 22 Fastening clip

2 Optical cable 23 Bead (base)

3 Optical fiber 25 24 Ferrule

4 Strength member 25 Optical lens

5 Cable jacket 26 Front end (base)

6 Base 27 Bend protection sleeve

7 Through hole (base) 28 Half-shell

8 First fastening means 30 29 Optical connector assem¬

9 Second fastening means bly

10 Access opening 30 Receiving opening

11 Nozzle neck 31 Cylindrical portion (receiv¬

12 Rear end (base) ing opening)

13 Sleeve 35 32 Conical portion (receiving

14 Fan out surface opening)

15 Window 33 Buffer

16 Bridge 34 Sealing element

17 Fastener 35 Protrusion (base)

18 Outer housing 40 36 Spring

19 Mating optical connector 37 Lead in surface (lens)

20 Adapter 38 Receiving opening

21 Snap connection (adapter)

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. An optical connector (1 ) to terminate an optical cable (2) which optical cable (2) comprises an optical fiber (3) encompassed by a strength member (4) encompassed by a cable jacket (5), said optical connector (1 ) comprising: a. a base (6) with a through hole (7) extending in a longitudinal direction (x), configured to receive the optical fiber (3); b. a first fastening means (8) which is configured to attach the strength member (4) to the base (6) and a thereto in the longitudinal direction (x) spaced apart second fastening means (9) which is configured to directly or indirectly attach the cable jacket (5) to the base (6), wherein c. the first fastening means (8) is incorporated with the base (6) and comprises a fan out surface (14) which encompasses the through hole (7) and to which in the mounted position the strength member (4) of the optical cable (2) is attached by gluing and/or welding.

2. The optical connector (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the fan out surface (14) is funnel shaped.

3. The optical connector (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fan out surface (15) at least partially has a star-shaped cross-section. The optical connector (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein an access opening (10) is arranged between the first fastening means (8) and the second fastening means (9). The optical connector (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the access opening (10) is foreseen to provide access to the strength member (4) and/or elements of the optical cable (2) arranged thereunder. The optical connector (1 ) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the access opening (10) is designed as a window (15) facing the fan out surface (14), which window is configured to receive glue or allow access for the fusion welding operation. The optical connector (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (8) and the second (9) fastening means are positioned with respect to each other by at least one bridge (16). The optical connector (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the first (8) and the second (9) fastening means are part of the base (6) and are connected to each other by several bridges (16) at least partially encompassing the first (8) fastening means. The optical connector (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical connector (1 ) further comprises an outer housing (18) foreseen to interconnect the optical connector (1 ) to a mating optical connector (19) directly and/or by an adapter (20). The optical connector (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein in a mounted position the at least one of the first (8) and/or the second (9) fastening means is at least partially arranged in the outer housing (18). The optical connector (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the base (6) is interconnected to the outer housing (18) by a snap connection (21 ) and/or a fastening clip (22). The optical connector (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (6) has an essentially rotational symmetric shape and comprises at least one bead (23) configured to engage with the snap connection (21 ) and/or a fastening clip (22). The optical connector (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a ferrule (24) or an optical lens (25) is arranged at a front end (26) of the base (6). The optical connector (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical cable (2) is encompassed at least partially by a bend protection sleeve (27). The optical connector (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the through hole (7) is at least partially shaped conical. An optical connector assembly (29) comprising an optical connector (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims and a mating optical connector (19).