Assembly device for optical fiber cable

Abstract

To provide an assembly device for an optical fiber cable, the optical fiber cable comprising an optical waveguide including or consisting of at least one optical fiber or a bundle of a plurality of optical fibers, and a cladding for fully enclosing the optical waveguide at least in a prescribed section of an outer peripheral surface thereof.SOLUTION: An assembly device is formed of one member or of a first partial member and a second partial member, and includes a first fixing section and a second fixing section spatially separated from the first fixing section. The second fixing section is arranged substantially concentrically around the first fixing section. The optical waveguide is connected to the first fixing section at least partially or in a prescribed section in a materially connecting manner. The cladding is at least partially connected to the second fixing section. The fixation of the optical waveguide and the cladding is separable from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly device for an optical fiber cable, the optical fiber cable having an optical waveguide containing or consisting of at least one optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers, and a coating that completely surrounds the optical waveguide on its outer circumferential surface at least in a predetermined section.

[0002] Such assembly devices are known in the context of optical fiber cables as end sleeves, sleeves or ferrules, into which cables with optical fiber light guides are usually glued, which on the one hand ensure a tight connection and on the other hand prevent the ingress of dirt and / or moisture, which, if such assembly devices are not used, could permanently impair the function of such components, whether for light transmission and / or image transmission.

[0003] Typically, such sleeves are made of metal or plastic. To protect the optical fiber light guide fiber from mechanical stress and dirt, a cover tube, typically a polymer, containing the fiber must be fixedly connected to the sleeve. If this protection is omitted or the connection between the sleeve and the tube is destroyed, sooner or later, damage or even fiber breakage will inevitably occur due to glass corrosion, for example, due to alkaline attack or moisture, or due to the intrusion of dirt or particles, such as dust, or due to mechanical stress, especially bending load. In this case, the component will lack or no longer meet the required performance for light or image transmission.

[0004] Conventionally, when assembling such cables, the tube or cover tube or covering or cladding of the fiber or fiber bundle is inserted together into a sleeve, and the fiber bundle is glued with or within the sleeve, with the sleeve being provided with a spare area or made longer to prevent exposure of the fiber bundle if the tube subsequently shrinks.

[0005] Since one or more shrinkages, especially of polymeric tubes, always occur under certain thermal loads or humidity conditions, a shrinkage greater than the length of the sleeve or the length of the sleeve's reserve area is generally permitted by the design. Therefore, the cable is often cut into multiple pieces before assembly, and may also be tempered multiple times. Even then, over the aforementioned service life of the component, under the permissible operating conditions, for example, between -40°C and 80°C or higher, and even in humid conditions up to 95% relative humidity, there is no guarantee that the cladding will slip out of the sleeve or that at least one gap will form in or against the sleeve, leaving the bundle at least partially unprotected. Shrinkage can occur after tempering or even without tempering. However, it can also occur, for example, if the cable or tube is stretched or pulled only after tempering or before assembly, such as during winding and unwinding onto a drum. The resulting plastic stretching may not be directly visible during assembly, as it may only decrease again in the assembled state or after use.

[0006] In another assembly method, the cladding is pressed into the sleeve and fixed by a form-locking mechanism by the action of mechanical forces, for example by so-called crimping using special crimping sleeves and corresponding tools, and / or additionally glued (material-bonded) to the sleeve.

[0007] In this case, a metal crimping sleeve, usually made of brass, nickel silver, or stainless steel, is externally deformed by a special tool in a predetermined manner during assembly of such optical fiber cables, engaging and securing the cladding. However, when the metal sleeve deforms, it exerts a large external force on the underlying cladding tube and fiber bundle. This can lead to fiber breakage, and if the number of broken fibers exceeds a predetermined number, the component can be rejected.

[0008] Particularly problematic are cable cladding materials, which must be particularly chemically and / or thermally stable for their intended use. Such materials include, in particular, cladding plastics made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or their compounds, or polyolefins, such as fluorinated or partially fluorinated plastics, such as perfluoroethylene propylene (FEP), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). While these cladding plastics certainly have very good usability for industrial and medical applications, they have the disadvantage that their surface energy, particularly the polar component of the surface energy, is very low and therefore cannot ensure sufficiently good wetting or adhesion. In other words, the adhesives used, which are particularly suitable for adhesion on or with the sleeve material, sometimes do not hold or adhere, or do not adhere well, to the material of the sheath of the fiber or fiber bundle. That is, the cladding material is chemically incompatible or has low compatibility with the adhesive and / or sleeve material due to the significantly different surface energies, particularly the polar component. As a result, after a certain time the cladding plastic shrinks again, causing the adhesive connection to fail and gaps to form, leaving the fiber at least partially unprotected and resulting in so-called blanks.

[0009] For example, chemical and / or physical pretreatment methods for surface activation, such as sulfuric acid preconditioning or plasma pretreatment of the tubing and / or sleeve surfaces, can be used immediately before bonding to ensure at least improved, and in some cases sufficiently strong, adhesive connections, but this involves significant intervention in the manufacturing process. Such pretreatments also include fluorine gas treatments or coatings, which, while certainly permanent, can react with the fiber bundle (glass and / or sizing agent) and cause undesirable discoloration of the fiber bundle, e.g., yellowish or brownish.

[0010] Problem to be solved by the invention The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an assembly device that allows for a secure, and therefore tight and durable, fixation of optical waveguide cables even when using cladding materials with low wettability and poor chemical compatibility. This means that it is possible to use material combinations of sleeve materials and / or adhesives with cladding materials that have little or no chemical compatibility, or that have only insufficient or poor chemical compatibility. Furthermore, it is desirable that the assembly of optical waveguide cables be possible substantially without mechanical stress on the optical waveguides.

[0011] Summary of the Invention The object of the present invention is already achieved by the subject matter of the respective independent claims. Advantageous configurations and developments are the subject matter of the respective dependent claims.

[0012] According to the present invention, there is provided an assembly device for an optical fiber cable, the optical fiber cable having an optical waveguide including or consisting of at least one optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers, and a coating completely surrounding the optical waveguide on its outer circumferential surface at least in a predetermined section. The assembly device is formed from a single member or is formed from or consists of a first and a second partial member, and has a first fixing section and a second fixing section spatially separated from the first fixing section, the second fixing section being arranged substantially concentrically around the first fixing section. Furthermore, in this case, the optical waveguide is or can be connected to the first fixing section at least partially or in a predetermined section by a material bond, and the coating is or can be connected to the second fixing section at least partially or in a predetermined section by a positive, force, and / or material bond, so that the optical waveguide and the coating are or can be connected to each other in the assembly device.

[0013] Such structural measures allow different fastening or connection methods to be applied depending on the cladding material, and furthermore allow the optical waveguide fibers or fiber bundles to be assembled reliably, consistently, and with high reliability without damage to the fibers, independently of and spatially separated from these fastening or connection methods.

[0014] In the framework of the present invention, optical waveguides or optical fiber optical waveguides also include, as special embodiments, image guides and optical fiber image guides or combinations thereof. Optical fibers, optical fibers, individual optical fibers, fibers or individual fibers can be used synonymously.

[0015] Generally, all connections in which the connection partners are held together by atomic or molecular forces are referred to as material-bonded connections, which are at the same time non-dissociable connections that cannot be separated without destroying the connecting means.

[0016] Form-fitting and / or form-fitting connection are generally understood to be a type of mechanical connection in which two or more components engage or fit together based on their respective geometric shapes. In a form-fitting connection, the shape of the components prevents relative movement in at least one direction.

[0017] A friction-locking connection is generally understood to be created by the application of force. This force can be, for example, a pressure or a frictional force. The retention of a friction-locking connection is ensured solely by the applied force. In many cases, a positive connection and a force connection work together.

[0018] According to the invention, in an advantageous variant of the assembly device, alternatively or additionally, the assembly device is formed as a one-piece component, and the first fixing section is formed by a substantially central opening in the assembly device, the opening having an inner circumferential surface and a length L1 and adapted to accommodate the optical waveguide, and the second fixing section is formed by a substantially ring-shaped cavity around the central opening, the cavity having a depth of length L2, inner and outer circumferential surfaces and adapted to accommodate the coating.

[0019] This allows for a spatial separation for fastening the coating on the one hand, and for fastening the fiber or fiber bundle on the other hand. Such a cavity formation also allows for a significantly larger fastening surface formed by the inner circumferential surface of the cavity, in particular by the entire inner circumferential surface.

[0020] Within the framework of the present invention, the term "integral" is understood as synonymous with "from one element" or "integrally" and may also include that a component contains or consists of one material or one material class. Furthermore, a ring-shaped cavity may be understood as a cavity formed around a central opening and that typically follows the geometric shape of the assembly device or the geometric shape of the opening when viewed in cross section. However, it is also possible for the opening or assembly device to be formed, at least partially or in certain sections, for example, rectangular, and yet the cavity nevertheless have a circular or other different geometric extension, or conversely, for the cavity to have an extension that is exactly different from the circular geometric shape of the remaining element.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the assembly device, for this purpose, alternatively or additionally, the optical waveguide of the optical fiber cable is or can be connected at least partially or in a predetermined section to the inner circumferential surface of the first fastening section using a first adhesive, and / or the cavity of the second fastening section has at least one deformation on its inner and / or outer circumferential surface in the region of depth L2, by which the sheath of the optical fiber cable is or can be fixed by form-fitting at least partially or in a predetermined section.

[0022] This ensures that the jacket is mechanically fixed in such a way that slippage due to bending loads on the cable and / or shrinkage of the cladding material as mentioned above can no longer occur without any further adhesion. Additional adhesion can serve for additional fixing and / or sealing, which is also advantageous when using cladding materials with low adhesive properties.

[0023] In a further preferred configuration of the assembly device, advantageously, additionally or alternatively, deformations can be formed or arranged radially around the inner and / or outer circumferential surfaces of the second fixing section. Furthermore, preferably, the deformations on the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the second fixing section can be arranged to correspond to one another. Thus, a reliable mechanical fixation can be ensured by clamping or pressing the covering with the deformations. Furthermore, the connection of the covering to the second fixing section or in and / or with the cavity can include, be formed from, or be formed or can be formed as a thermal bond and / or an embossed or crimped bond, or a combination thereof. This allows for a loadable and durable mechanical fixation of the covering to the second fixing section or in and / or with the cavity.

[0024] For this purpose, methods such as ultrasonic welding and / or friction welding can also be used. Thermal bonding in this case involves heating at least one of the materials to be connected by introducing thermal energy or heat so that it deforms and / or melts, i.e., becomes viscous or completely liquid. This can be achieved by applying hot air or a suitable furnace or muffle across the entire surface of the sections to be connected, but can also be locally limited or restricted, as can be present or achieved as at least part of the method steps or method parameters in the above-mentioned methods of ultrasonic welding or friction welding. Corresponding laser-based methods can also be used here.

[0025] In another advantageous variant, the integrated assembly device can alternatively or additionally be configured such that the first fastening section is formed by a substantially central opening in the assembly device. In this case, the opening has an inner circumferential surface and a length L1 and is provided for accommodating the optical waveguide. Furthermore, a second fastening section is formed along the outer circumferential surface and length L2 in at least a predetermined section for accommodating the coating. This allows the assembly device, particularly in the region of the second fastening section, to be designed thinner, i.e., with a smaller diameter, than the previously described variant with a cavity, while maintaining the same or at least comparable mechanical stability. This, in addition to reducing material usage, is advantageous, particularly in applications where the structural space of the optical waveguide to be mounted in this way is critical.

[0026] In this variant of the assembly device, the optical waveguides of the optical fiber cable are or can be connected to their inner circumferential surface at least partially or in predetermined sections at the first fastening section, preferably with a first adhesive. More preferably, in this case, the jacket of the optical fiber cable is or can be fixed to its outer circumferential surface at least partially or in predetermined sections at the second fastening section with a second adhesive. This advantageously simplifies the assembly of the optical fiber cable while simultaneously connecting the optical waveguides and the jacket separately. In this embodiment, the assembly device may be a plastic, e.g., injection-molded, part, or may be made of or contain metal, e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, brass, nickel silver, or another alloy or composite. It is important in this case that both the first and second adhesives are selected to be compatible with the materials of the optical waveguides or jackets and the assembly device, thereby ensuring a secure and tight connection, respectively. Typically, the polymeric materials used for the assembly device include polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), or polymers or compounds based on these. These polymers or compounds can then be combined with specific materials for the sheath. In this case, the sheath material is preferably chemically similar to the polymer of the assembly device, and vice versa. Typical representatives of such materials for the sheath are, for example, polyurethane, polyamide, or polyvinyl chloride, or polymers or compounds based on these. Depending on the selected or selected materials, the first and second adhesives may be different, but may also include or consist of the same or similar material classes, such as epoxide variants. The difference here can be not only in the material class of the adhesive itself, but also in its properties, such as its thermal expansion coefficient, which is compatible with the joining partner, or its optical properties, such as its transmittance or color.Similarly, this must also be taken into consideration when combining the metal for the assembly device, the material of the optical waveguide, the material of the covering part, and the materials for the first adhesive and / or the second adhesive, or they must be designed to be compatible with each other.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, in this variant of the assembly device, the connection of the covering to the second fixed section can comprise a thermal bond and / or an embossed or crimped bond or a combination thereof, thus advantageously achieving a further improved connection of the covering to the second fixed section.

[0028] Additionally and advantageously, in order to form a form-locking connection of the sheath to the second fastening section, the second fastening section can have at least one deformation in which the sheath of the optical fiber cable is or can be fixed at least partially or in a specific section. Preferably, the deformation is arranged radially around the outer periphery of the second fastening section. This further contributes to a secure and tight connection of the sheath to the second fastening section, whereby the form-locking fixation in the recess can be assisted by the application of a corresponding force during hardening of the respective adhesive.

[0029] In an equally preferred variant of the assembly device, alternatively or additionally, a two-part structure is constructed having a first and a second partial part, or two partial parts. The first fastening section is formed by a substantially central opening in the first partial part, which has an inner circumferential surface and a length L3 and is provided for receiving an optical waveguide. Furthermore, the second partial part has a substantially central opening for guiding the optical waveguide therethrough and a second fastening section, which has an outer circumferential surface of length L4 for attaching a sheath at least partially or in a specific section. Alternatively or additionally, both the first partial part and the second partial part each have a connection region for mechanically connecting the two partial parts at least partially or in a specific section, essentially for force and / or positive coupling, so that in the connected state a connection zone or connection region, in particular a screw connection region, a locking connection region, or a bayonet connection region, is formed or can be formed.

[0030] In this case, it is advantageous to use different materials for fastening the fiber and the coating of the optical waveguide. In other words, the first and second partial members contain or are made of different materials. The first partial member can therefore be provided, in particular, for connection to the fiber at least partially or in a predetermined section. The second partial member can be provided, in particular, for connection to the cladding or tube at least partially or in a predetermined section. The materials of the partial members can therefore be adapted or matched to the respective fastening or joining partners. In particular, chemical properties, especially surface properties of the material, such as adaptability, homogeneity, similarity, and / or compatibility, are important in this case. For example, the material of the second partial member is preferably selected to be at least similar to the material of the coating of the fiber. If the coating contains or consists of a plastic, for example, from the polypropylene class, the second partial member should also be selected from the polypropylene and its compounds class, or they should be at least similar or chemically compatible. In other words, the materials of the coating and the second fastening section correspond or substantially correspond to each other. Chemical compatibility can be determined or set by the class of material and other material properties (thermal properties, e.g., temperature stability, thermomechanical properties such as thermal expansion coefficient), as well as by their surface energy, specifically by the properties described here in particular by the wettability of the polar components. In particular, good or high chemical compatibility is obtained or expected when the values ​​of the polar components of the surface energy are close to each other. Therefore, adhesive bonding is also possible if the adhesive is appropriately selected. Good chemical compatibility of the first partial member with the fiber fastened with the first adhesive is also important.

[0031] This allows for the combination of plastics, particularly for fixing the cladding on or to the second partial member, with different, preferably similar, or even identical, surface energies. Metals, such as stainless steel, brass, nickel silver, or aluminum and their alloys, can also be used for the first partial member, as long as a suitable, i.e., chemically compatible, first adhesive is available for fixing the fiber in or to the first partial member. Typical representatives of such adhesives are one-component (1K) or two-component (2K) epoxides or one-component (1K) or two-component (2K) silicones. The plastics selected or used for the first and / or second partial members may include or consist of opaque, translucent, and / or optically clear plastics or composites thereof. In the context of the present invention, "optically clear" and "transparent" mean that a material, for example the first adhesive, has substantially no inherent color and does not scatter or at least significantly attenuate the transmitted light in the wavelength range of light passing through the material in its operating state, i.e., has a transmittance of at least 80% at a thickness of 1 mm for that wavelength or wavelength range. The relevant wavelength range in which the assembly device for optical fiber cables of the present invention can be used is determined by the intended application of the optical fiber cable or optical waveguide and may be in the visible (VIS), infrared (IR) and / or ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum or at least a subrange thereof.

[0032] That is, the material of the coating substantially corresponds to the material of the second partial member or is very close or compatible with the second partial member in terms of thermal, mechanical and especially chemical properties, so that the connection of the coating to the second fixing section of the second partial member can be formed or can be formed as a thermal and / or ultrasonic or friction weld or a combination thereof. Furthermore, in this case, the first partial member used to fix the fiber of the optical waveguide can be made of metal, which allows a secure adhesive connection using a conventional epoxy adhesive.

[0033] Therefore, in another preferred embodiment, the assembly device is alternatively or additionally advantageously formed such that the material of the covering corresponds to the material of the second partial member and the connection of the covering to the second fixing section of the second partial member is or can be connected at least partially or in certain sections by force-fitting and / or form-fitting, in particular by heat welding and / or ultrasonic welding or friction welding or a combination thereof, or is or can be formed as such a connection.

[0034] In a preferred and advantageous configuration of the two-part assembly device as described above, alternatively or additionally, the first and second partial parts may be, or may be connectable to, or may be formed or may be releasably connected to one another via their connection regions by means of a locking or clamping connection, a bayonet connection or a screw connection.

[0035] In this case, it is further preferred and advantageous that the first and second partial members are or can be provided with a clamping area in or around their connection zone for receiving and mechanically fixing the sheath of the optical waveguide. The clamping area here can also serve to further form the sheath and at the same time provide an additional seal. Furthermore, the structure of the two partial members can optionally be designed to be twist-proof. That is, the fiber bundle fixed in the first partial member cannot twist, or at least cannot be twisted significantly, relative to or between the cable cladding fixed in or to the second partial member during assembly or use. This can at least reduce or prevent fiber breakage or fiber breakage due to twisting.

[0036] In an advantageous configuration of the assembly device, the optical waveguide preferably comprises or consists of a polymer optical waveguide fiber (POF), a glass-based optical waveguide fiber (GOF) and / or a quartz-based optical waveguide fiber, whereby combinations of these optical waveguide fibers are also possible, thus making it possible to address a wide variety of applications with different requirements for light and / or image transmission.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the first adhesive provided in or on the first fixation section, preferably for assembling and fixing the fiber, comprises or consists of a 2K epoxy adhesive or a 1K or 2K silicone adhesive, which are sufficiently widely available in their respective variants to allow a reliable connection between various materials of the fiber and the associated fixation section, such adhesives being established in the industrial field and often approved in medical environments.

[0038] In another embodiment of the assembled device, alternatively or additionally, the covering portion can be connected or connectable to the second fastening section, around the second fastening section, and / or to the cavity using a second adhesive. In this case, the second adhesive can differ from the first adhesive in terms of chemical composition and curing mechanism. That is, the second adhesive can have a rather fluid or soft consistency, since the second adhesive is provided for supplementary fastening or additional sealing purposes. In contrast, the first adhesive should be harder or more indestructible. The first adhesive can furthermore be particularly transparent and colorless, while the second adhesive can be particularly opaque and colored (with or without saturation). If a transparent material is used for the integrated device or the first component, it can be advantageous if the first adhesive is configured to be opaque or colored at least in certain sections, for example to avoid or at least suppress the incidence of scattered light on the transparent material here. The first adhesive can also be configured to have its refractive index matched to that of the optical waveguide or to deviate only slightly from the refractive index here, i.e., Δn≦0.1. This reduces reflection losses at the corresponding interface. With regard to processing, it can be advantageous, in particular, for the first adhesive to have low viscosity or self-leveling flow properties during application and to be processable or curable by crosslinking with UV light and / or heat. Therefore, the second adhesive for additionally fixing the optional covering may differ from the first adhesive for bonding the optical waveguide into the sleeve of the assembly device.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, advantageous developments of the assembly device can be configured such that at least the inner circumferential surface of the first fastening section and / or the inner and / or outer circumferential surface of the second fastening section have a chemical or physical surface activation and / or at least one adhesion-mediating layer, so that the adhesive properties or cohesive strength of the adhesive can be adapted and optimized to other materials.

[0040] More preferably, in variants of the assembly device, it may alternatively or additionally be advantageous if at least the inner circumferential surface of the first fastening section and / or the outer circumferential surface of the second fastening section have a chemical or physical surface activation and / or at least one adhesion-mediating layer.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment of the structural assembly device, it may be advantageous if the first fixing section has a conical section on the inner circumferential surface of the optical waveguide in the direction of conduction of the optical waveguide. Also preferably, the assembly device may have, alternatively or additionally, a rounded edge in the direction of conduction of the optical waveguide. These two embodiments facilitate the insertion or introduction of the fiber into the first fixing section during the assembly process.

[0042] In a further variant of the assembly device, preferably additionally or alternatively, the opening of the first fastening section in the conduction direction of the optical waveguide is closed at one end in the region of the end face, the assembly device comprises or consists of a transparent material at least in this region, and a cone for inserting the fiber is provided on the inner surface within or adjacent to the first fastening section. This allows for cost-effective termination of the optical waveguide using a flowable transparent adhesive without additional grinding and polishing processes. This variant can be applied to both one-piece and two-part configurations of the assembly device.

[0043] An advantageous use of the assembly device according to the above-mentioned features or variants is for industrial or medical technology cables with optical fiber light guides for light transmission or image transmission, in particular in the operating state of the application, in which the material of the sheath has a fluence of 1 mJ / m 2 The present invention is intended for use with surfaces having a surface energy or low wettability of the following polar components, in particular consisting of or comprising polyolefin plastics (e.g. PE, PP, PE-PP compounds) and / or fluorinated or partially fluorinated plastics (e.g. FEP, ETFE).

[0044] As mentioned above, the material has high chemical and / or heat resistance, is particularly robust and flexible mechanically, and has a smooth, non-sticky feel due to its particularly low polar surface energy. The configuration of the assembly device according to the invention ensures a secure fixation of the sheath of the optical waveguide and prevents the sheath from breaking apart, thereby increasing the service life and robustness of the component.

[0045] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an integrated embodiment of an assembly device according to the invention; [Figure 1a] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view showing one variation of the configuration. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a two-part embodiment of the assembly device. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B show schematic diagrams of another variant of a two-part embodiment of the assembly device; [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of corresponding variants of the assembly device according to the invention; [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of corresponding variants of the assembly device according to the invention; [Figure 6]5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of corresponding variants of the assembly device according to the invention; [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of corresponding variants of the assembly device according to the invention;

[0047] 1 shows a schematic representation of an integrated embodiment of an assembly device 1 according to the invention in the form of a sleeve for an optical fiber cable 2, which comprises an optical waveguide 3 consisting of at least one optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers, and a sheath 4 which completely surrounds the optical waveguide 3 at least in a predetermined section on its outer circumferential surface 3.1. The sleeve has a first fastening section 1.1, in this example in the form of a central continuous hole-like opening 1.3, and a second fastening section 1.2 spatially separated from the first fastening section 1.1, which is arranged substantially concentrically around the first fastening section 1.1. It is shown here that the fiber or fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3 is connected, at least partially or in a predetermined section, to the first fixing section 1.1 by a material bond using a suitable first adhesive 5, and the covering part 4 is connected, at least partially or in a predetermined section, to the second fixing section 1.2 by a form bond, a force bond and / or a material bond, so that the fixation of the optical waveguide 3 and the covering part 4 in the assembly device 1 is separated or separable from each other.

[0048] The first fixing section 1.1 within the central opening 1.3 of the sleeve is substantially defined by its inner circumferential surface 1.3.1 and a length L1, 1.3.2 along which the adhesive extends. The second fixing section 1.2 is formed by a substantially ring-shaped cavity 1.4 around the central opening 1.3, the cavity having a depth of length L2, 1.4.3 and an inner circumferential surface 1.4.1 and an outer circumferential surface 1.4.2 into which the covering 4 can be inserted during assembly.

[0049] The actual fixing of the optical waveguide 3 is achieved by bonding the fiber or fiber bundle with the first adhesive 5 in the first fixing section 1.1 and by the targeted mechanical deformation of the cavity 1.4 by the coating 4 in the region of the second fixing section 1.2, through the application of external force to the sleeve in the region of the second fixing section 1.2, resulting in at least one deformation 1.4.5 on the inner circumferential surface 1.4.1 and / or the outer circumferential surface 1.4.2 in the region of the depth L2, 1.4.3. Typically, the deformation 1.4.5 is arranged so as to correspond to the inner circumferential surface 1.4.1 and the outer circumferential surface 1.4.2 of the second fixing section 1.2. Thus, the coating 4 of the optical fiber cable 2 can be fixed at least partially or in a predetermined section by force and / or form-locking due to the deformation or undercut region 1.4.5.

[0050] In another variant, at least one deformation 1.4.5 can be arranged on the inner circumferential surface 1.4.1 and / or the outer circumferential surface 1.4.2 of the second fixed section 1.2 so as to extend radially circumferentially.

[0051] Such deformations can be achieved by thermal bonding and / or embossing or crimping, or a combination thereof. They can also be achieved by ultrasonic methods, particularly ultrasonic welding. The covering 4 can be fixed in or around the cavity 1.4 by a second adhesive 6, which is used specifically for sealing purposes. The second adhesive 6 may have completely different properties from the first adhesive 5, such as flowability, continuous elasticity, or stretchability, which may be disadvantageous for the fixation of the fiber in the fixation section 1.1. After curing, the first adhesive 5 advantageously has a certain degree of inductivity to facilitate any processing of the sleeve end face or terminal face 3.2, which can be achieved, in particular, by using an epoxy adhesive. The second adhesive 6 may consist of a relatively soft silicone adhesive.

[0052] Finally, the end face 3.2 of the optical waveguide 3, including the sleeve, is subjected to a grinding and polishing process, which results in a smooth surface, as shown in Figure 1. If this is required or if the subsequent application dictates or provides for it, the end face 3.2 can have a shape different from a plane, for example a concave or convex curvature or a free-form surface. In this way, the in-coupling or out-coupling of light can be modified or adapted.

[0053] In one variant, as partially shown in FIG. 1a, the opening 1.3 can be closed in the region of the end face 3.2 of the optical waveguide 3. In this regard, the sleeve (assembly device 1) is transparent at least in this section and has a smooth surface on the outside for optimal light entry or exit. This is particularly feasible if the sleeve is manufactured from, for example, an injection-moldable, highly transparent, optically clear plastic, such as polycarbonate, or if, in a two-stage injection molding process, at least the region at the end face 3.2 of the optical waveguide 3 is made of a transparent material and the remaining part of the sleeve is made of, for example, an opaque material. As the first adhesive 5, in particular, a flowable, highly transparent, thermosetting and / or UV-curable adhesive is used. Here, it is particularly advantageous in terms of avoiding Fresnel losses and scattering effects if the refractive index of the cured first adhesive 5 corresponds to the refractive index of the transparent sleeve material and the refractive index of the fiber. This eliminates the need for laborious grinding and polishing processes, which is particularly advantageous for optical waveguide cables in price-sensitive applications. This approach is based on the applicant's German Patent Application No. 102008044938. The same considerations apply when gluing transparent panels to or into end faces in the form of glass or plastic panels, as well as to end faces with shapes other than flat. Furthermore (although not explicitly shown in FIG. 1), it is also possible for the coating to be attached or deposited or attachable to the outer surface (1.5), at least partially or in sections along the length L2 (1.4.3). In this variant, a cavity can optionally be omitted. The coating assembly can also extend beyond the length L2 (1.4.3).The attachment of the covering part can also take place here via a deformation (1.4.5) located beyond the length L2 (1.4.3), as shown in FIG. 1 on the outer cladding surface (1.5) in the region of length L2 (1.4.3), and additionally, in addition to the material-bonded adhesion of the covering part (4) in the second fixing section (1.2), a form-bonding can also take place, at least to assist the connection.

[0054] 2 and 3 show another variant of the assembly device 1, in which the assembly device 1, configured as a sleeve, is constructed in two parts: a first partial member 1.6 with a first fastening section 1.1 for a fiber or fiber bundle and a second partial member 1.7 with a second fastening section 1.2 for fastening the jacket 4. The first fastening section 1.1 is formed by a substantially central opening 1.6.1 in the first partial member 1.6. Typically, the opening 1.6.1 is a through-hole with a circular cross section, in this case having an inner circumferential surface 1.6.2 and lengths L3 and 1.6.3, and is provided for receiving the fiber or fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3. The second partial member 1.7 has a substantially central opening 1.7.1 for guiding the optical waveguide 3 therethrough and the second fastening section 1.2. In this case, the second fastening section 1.2 is an outer peripheral surface 1.7.2 of length L4, 1.7.3, which is used to attach or fasten the covering 4 at least partially or in a given section.

[0055] The two components 1.6, 1.7 of the assembly device 1 have connection regions 1.6.4, 1.7.4, which ensure a stable mechanical connection of at least a portion or a specific section of the two components 1.6, 1.7. This can be achieved by the connection regions 1.6.4, 1.7.4 being threaded connections formed as corresponding threads, or by the locking connection shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The connection regions 1.8, particularly the threaded or locking connection regions, can be configured so that they are permanently removable or can only be removed with a special tool. Furthermore, additional sealing means can be provided to prevent the ingress of moisture. In the case of a threaded connection, this can be, for example, a simple sealing ring. In the case of a locking connection, this can be, for example, an additional adhesive or sealing material.

[0056] The variant shown in FIG. 2 depicts a two-part sleeve in which a first partial part 1.6 and a second partial part 1.7 are releasably connected to one another via their connection regions 1.6.4, 1.7.4 using a locking or clamping connection. The first partial part 1.6 and the second partial part 1.7 form a clamping region 1.9 at or around the connection region for receiving and mechanically fixing the sheath 4 of the optical waveguide 3. The clamping region 1.9 can have, for example, a groove or toothing extending over the entire circumference, which ensures a secure hold of the sheath 4 and also seals this region. In addition to locking or clamping connections, bayonet and / or screw connections are also possible. Depending on the application, as mentioned above, connections can be provided that are difficult to separate, can be separated only with a special tool, or are unseparable or no longer detachable after the initial connection.

[0057] 3 likewise shows a locking or clamping connection between the sub-parts 1.6, 1.7, where the material of the covering 4 is identical or corresponds or at least similar in terms of material class to the material of the second sub-part 1.7, and whereby a secure fastening between the covering 4 and the second sub-part 1.7 is formed or can be formed in the region of the second fastening section 1.2 by thermal and / or ultrasonic or friction welding or a combination thereof, thereby ensuring a secure and lasting fastening.

[0058] It should be noted in addition to the illustrated variants of the assembly device that the openings 1.3, 1.6.1, 1.7.1 are usually arranged in the center of the sleeve or sleeve sub-element and are usually also holes. Other non-central arrangements and other non-circular openings 1.3, 1.6.1, 1.7.1 are also possible, especially if, for example, several fibers or a fiber bundle are formed at the end face 3.2 as, for example, a rectangle, an n-gon, a ring, or one or more ring-shaped, ring-segment-shaped, crescent-shaped, kidney-shaped, or arbitrarily shaped regions, or if they are to be expanded. Additionally, the variants shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are also possible, as shown in FIG. 1a and explained therewith.

[0059] 4 to 7 show cross-sectional views of further variants of such an assembly sleeve formed as an assembly device 1. In FIG.

[0060] 4 shows an assembly device 1 configured as a one-piece assembly sleeve for an optical fiber cable 2 with a light guide 3 formed by a fiber bundle and a coating 4. The assembly device 1 can be made, for example, from stainless steel or from a highly adhesively polarized plastic (e.g., PPS or PPSU). Here, the optical fiber cable 2 is pre-separated from its coating 4 over at least one length L1.1.3 at its end in order to assemble the light guide 3 in the area of ​​the first fixing section 1.1 of the assembly device 1, and the free end is then glued with adhesive 5 in the area of ​​the opening 1.3 of the assembly device 1. In this case, the end face 3.2 of the light guide 3 can be ground and polished or cut off only with a precision saw blade depending on the optical requirements, and thus can have a certain residual roughness.

[0061] In this embodiment, in order to fasten the sheath 4 of the optical fiber cable 2, the assembly device 1 formed as an assembly sleeve is widened at least in the region of the fastening section 1.2, forming a ring-shaped cavity 1.4 around the optical fiber cable 2, into which the optical fiber cable 2 with the additionally attached sleeve 8 can be pushed up to the tapered section of the assembly device 1. The additionally attached sleeve 8 and the sheath 4 are preferably made of the same material class, so that the sleeve 8 and the sheath 4 can be welded to each other at least via the fastening region 1.2. The sheath 4 is fastened by the additional sleeve 8, for example, by ultrasonic welding and / or by one or more ring-shaped deformations 1.4.5 of the assembly device 1 or by embossings or crimpings of the assembly device 1, so that corresponding undercut regions 1.4.5 and thus additional locking regions are formed in said regions, which ensures a sufficiently strong mechanical fastening.

[0062] In the transition region between the two fixing sections 1.1, 1.2, an additional sealing region 7 can be provided to improve the seal, which is formed, for example, by injection of an epoxy adhesive material, as shown in Figure 4. Alternatively or in combination, an O-ring can be provided as an additional seal. Figure 5 shows, for example, a variant with an O-ring as sealing region 7.

[0063] As already mentioned above, the additional sleeve 8 is ideally made of the same material class as the coating 4, but can be made harder in terms of its Shore hardness than the coating 4, so that the sleeve 8 can additionally absorb forces during the welding or embossing process and thus provide additional protection for the fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3, thereby preventing fiber breakage.

[0064] The following table shows some exemplary options for the coating 4: [Table 1]

[0065] The variant shown in FIG. 4 has, for example, the following typical dimensions: The length L1, 1.3.2 of the first fixed section 1.1 is typically 7.5 mm; The length of the second fixing section 1.2 is about 12 mm to 20 mm, typically about 15 mm to 17 mm; In the illustrated example, the diameter of the fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3 is 3.0 mm; In the example shown, the total diameter of the assembled device 1 in the area of ​​the second fastening section 1.2 is 3.6 mm.

[0066] 5 shows another example of a two-part assembly device 1, with a first partial part 1.6 configured as a metal sleeve and a second partial part 1.7 formed as a plastic sleeve of the assembly device 1, the material class of which is similar to, or ideally the same as, the material class of the cable cladding 4 of the optical fiber cable 2. In this case, the optical waveguide 3 of the optical fiber cable 2 is glued by adhesive 5 to the metal sleeve (first partial part 1.6) in the opening 1.3 for receiving the fiber bundle in the first fixing section 1.1 over a length L1, 1.3.2, and at its end face 3.2 is ground and polished or simply sawn off according to the optical requirements.

[0067] To fasten the coating 4 to the optical fiber cable 2, the metal sleeve formed as the sub-part 1.6 is likewise widened in this embodiment so that the coating 4, previously removed from the optical fiber cable 2, can be inserted into the tapered portion of the sub-part 1.6. The plastic sleeve formed as the second sub-part 1.7 of the assembly device 1 is welded to the coating 4 of the optical fiber cable 2 in the fastening section 1.2 and widened toward the end face 3.2 of the optical waveguide 3 so that the widened portion of the metal sleeve (first sub-part 1.6) fits between the coating 4 and the plastic sleeve (second sub-part 1.7). In the connection region 1.7.4, the metal sleeve has a ring-shaped notch or embossment, so that after assembly of the two sub-parts 1.6, 1.7, a strong mechanical connection is formed between the sub-parts 1.6, 1.7 of the assembly device 1 in the connection region 1.7.4 by an embossing or heat deformation process.

[0068] This type of locking, in conjunction with the weld in the fixing section 1.2, allows a robust mechanical connection between the assembly device 1 and the optical fiber cable 2. Again, an optional sealing area 7 is provided, which in the illustrated example is formed by an O-ring.

[0069] 6 shows another variant of the assembly device 1, which consists of a first partial part 1.6 formed as a metal sleeve and a second partial part 1.7 formed as a plastic sleeve, the latter accommodating a fiber bundle of optical waveguides 3 in its opening 1.3, which optical waveguides 3 are glued to the metal sleeve by adhesive 5 over a length L1, 1.1.3, in the region of the first fixing section 1.1. The jacket 4 of the optical fiber cable 2 is welded to the partial part 1.7 formed as a plastic sleeve in the second fixing section 1.2 and is slid over the metal sleeve (first partial part 1.6) at least in a certain section during assembly, the metal sleeve having a ring-shaped notch or embossment in the connection region 1.7.4, so that after assembly of the two partial parts 1.6, 1.7, a strong mechanical connection is formed between the partial parts 1.6, 1.7 of the assembly device 1 in the connection region 1.7.4 by an embossing or thermoforming process. Again, additional adhesive and / or sealing areas 7 in the form of inserted O-rings may be provided.

[0070] FIG. 7 finally shows one example of an integrated assembly device 1 made of metal or a highly adhesive plastic. The assembly device 1 accommodates the fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3 in its opening 1.3. The fiber bundle is glued to a metal or plastic sleeve with adhesive 5 over a length L1, 1.3.2, in the region of the first fixing section 1.1. The sleeve has a collar on the end face 3.2 of the optical waveguide 3 and a circumferential notch or embossment on the other hand, in the region of the fixing section 1.2. During assembly, the sheath 4 of the optical fiber cable 2 is expanded so that the optical fiber cable 2 can be pressed through the collar and through the circumferential notch or embossment. Subsequently, a thermal process can be used to weld the sheath 4 in the fixing region 1.2 to the plastic sleeve. The ring-shaped notch or embossment creates additional mechanical teeth for increased mechanical strength, and the collar serves as a kind of stress relief. If the assembly device 1 is configured as a metal sleeve, mechanical locking can be achieved by a ring-shaped indentation or embossment in the covering part 4 and a thermoforming process. In this case too, the sealing area 7 can be provided in the form of an additional adhesive in the area of ​​the collar and / or an inserted O-ring.

[0071] In principle, the metal sleeves described with reference to Figures 5 to 7 can also be made as plastic sleeves from particularly well-adhered hard plastics. In a two-part assembly device, for example the assembly device corresponding to Figure 6, a combination of two material classes can be provided, i.e., the first partial part 1.6 can be provided as a plastic sleeve and the second partial part 1.7 as a metal sleeve.

[0072] The following criteria are advantageous for the selection of the sleeve material for the one-piece sleeve or the first sub-part 1.6 of the two-part sleeve: On the one hand, the material must be sufficiently mechanically stable to be handled by the chucking device for the final grinding and polishing processes. On the other hand, the material must not tend to be "lubricating"; that is, it must preferably be inductile and / or filled with glass fibers (possibly filled plastics) or other materials, such as ceramic or glass fillers. Therefore, preferred plastic materials are, for example, PC, PEEK, PEI, ABS, PMMA, COC, TPE-U, PA, PPS, or PPSU, which also adhere well to the fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3. FEP, PVDF, ETFE, and PFA are also suitable, but require chemical and / or physical surface pretreatment for adhesion.

[0073] Preferred tube materials for the covering 4 may on the one hand be PC, PVC, PMMA, PMMI, COC, FEP, PFA, ETFE, THV, PVDF, PA, PE, PP, LDPE, LLDPE, LLDPE / PP, TPE-S, TPE-E, TPE-U, all of which have good adhesive properties due to their very high polar surface energy.

[0074] However, as mentioned at the outset, plastics made of fluorinated or partially fluorinated plastics (e.g. FEP, ETFE) or polyolefins (e.g. PP, PE, PP-PE compounds) are also important, for example, due to their high heat and chemical resistance, smooth surfaces, and good tactile feel (low adhesion). These are considered non-polar due to their low polar surface energy and therefore either non-adhesive or can only be bonded with great effort.

[0075] Some surface energies for selected polymeric materials are summarized in Table 1 below: [Table 2]

[0076] The material abbreviations in the tables and in the preceding description mean the following: PA6 - Polyamide 6, PAEK - Polyaryletherketone, PBT - Polybutylene terephthalate, PC - Polycarbonate, PE - (HD), LDPE - Polyethylene (High Density), PE - LD, LDPE - Polyethylene (Low Density), PES - Polyethersulfone, PET - Polyethylene terephthalate, PFA - Perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PTFE copolymer), PMMA - Polymethyl methacrylate, POM - Polyoxymethylene, PP - Polypropylene, PPE - Polyphenylene ether, PS - Polystyrene, PSU - Polysulfone, PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene, PVB - Polybutylvinylbutyrate, PVC - Polyvinylchloride, SAN - Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, TPU, TPE-U -thermoplastic polyurethane, PEEK - polyether ether ketone, PEI - polyethylene imine, ABS - acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, COC - cycloolefin copolymer, PA - polyamide, PPS - polyphenylene sulfide, PPSU - polyphenylsulfone, FEP - fluoroethylene propylene, PVDF - polyvinylidene fluoride, ETFE - ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, PVC - polyvinyl chloride, PMMI - polymethyl methacrylimide, THV - tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-vinylidene fluoride, LLDPEI / ...PP - linear polyethylene / ...polypropylene, TPE-S - styrene block copolymer, TPE-E - thermoplastic copolyester elastomer.

[0077] The polar component of the surface energy is 1 mJ / m 2If they are larger, they are also called polar plastics, which are distinguished from non-polar plastics, which are relatively small and are described, for example, in Erhard, G.: Konstruieren mit Kunststoffen. 4. Auflage, Carl Hanser Verlag, Muenchen (2008), 152-153.

[0078] For the one-piece and two-part means of the assembly device 1, the following dimensional ranges have so far proven suitable (Table 2): [Table 3]

[0079] In this case, the deformation zone or its wall thickness refers to the wall thickness remaining or formed on the upper and / or lower side of the cavity 1.4 in the one-piece embodiment of the assembly device 1. In this case, a different wall thickness may be present or provided upwardly relative to the outer circumferential surface 1.4.2 and / or downwardly relative to the inner circumferential surface 1.3.1. In the two-part embodiment of the assembly device 1, the wall thickness of the deformation zone corresponds to the distance between the outer circumferential surface 1.7.2 and the diameter of the opening 1.7.1. In the case of a conical design in this zone, the wall thickness of the deformation zone refers to its minimum value.

[0080] In summary, the approach shown in FIG. 1 with the integrated sleeve as the assembly device 1 is characterized by the fact that the jacket 4 is "mechanically fixed," i.e., fixed using a mechanical, force, and / or form-fitting mechanism by embossing or ultrasonically welding the cable cladding to the sleeve in the cavity 1.4. The cable cladding is then pressed into the cavity 1.4 within the sleeve assembly. This is followed by deformation of the sleeve assembly, which can be point-, planar-, or radial-shaped, or ultrasonic welding of the sleeve and jacket 4, possibly with or without surface activation of the jacket 4. To prevent excessive force exerted on the underlying fiber bundle and thus fiber breakage during the deformation process, the sleeve is designed to be more stable or thicker in terms of material thickness in the region between the jacket 4 and the optical waveguide 3 or fiber bundle in the cavity 1.4. This minimizes the force exerted on the fiber bundle required to fasten the tube to the sleeve. The fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3 is, as is customary, glued into the sleeve and then optionally ground and polished. This variant is also suitable for closed sleeves (see FIG. 1a), such as those used in automotive optical waveguide cables, as well as the examples of one-piece sleeves shown in FIGS. 4 and 7.

[0081] As shown exemplarily in Figures 2 and 3, the two-part approach offers the advantage of being able to combine different materials or two material compositions for the sleeve. This can be, on the one hand, a plastic-plastic combination or a metal-plastic combination. In this case, the second sleeve part 1.7 can be optimally adapted to the method of fastening the sheath 4, with the first sleeve part 1.6 optimally designed for adhesive connection to the fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3. In this case, the first and second partial parts 1.6 and 1.7 can be directly and permanently connected, for example, in a two-stage injection molding process. Another option is a subsequent connection by clamping the two partial parts 1.6 and 1.7. Furthermore, there are also options for subjecting the sheath 4 and / or the fixing section 1.2 for the sheath 4 to chemical and / or physical surface treatment before assembly. This is particularly suitable when the sheath 4 is connected to the second partial part 1.7 by ultrasonic welding in the region of the second fixing section 1.2, as shown in Figure 3. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the second partial element 1.7 is similar in material to, or ideally identical to, the cladding material. Furthermore, the fixing of the covering 4 to the second partial element 1.7 of the sleeve can be achieved by forming a cavity for receiving the covering 4, as shown in Figure 1, followed by inserting a deformation or undercut area 1.4.5 by embossing. This is also the case in the two-part sleeve example shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0082] The two-part solution approach, consisting of a one-piece or two-part assembly device 1, allows the protective tube or jacket 4 to be fixed in or on the plastic sleeve. This prevents the tube from slipping out of the sleeve and thus the bundle from being exposed. The bundle is protected from dirt, moisture, and mechanical influences. An additional sealing area 7, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, additionally supports the bundle. Depending on the appropriate design of the sleeve, it can also be manufactured from two parts (e.g., a combination of metal and plastic, or a combination of type 1 plastic and type 2 plastic) if necessary. In this case, a highly stable adhesive connection between the fiber bundle and the metal sleeve or polar plastic in the first sub-piece 1.6 is possible in combination with a permanent fixation of the cable cladding to the second sub-piece 1.7. The application and the cladding plastic determine which sleeve configuration is selected, whereby the cladding fixation is performed by: Point, areal or radial deformations (hot or cold) of the inner circumferential surface 1.4.1 and / or the outer circumferential surface 1.4.2 of the cavity 1.4; · Adhesion to the sleeve assembly or its inlay (second sub-element 1.7); - Thermal welding of the inlay (second sub-part 1.7) to the cladding; Ultrasonic welding of the sleeve assembly (the inner circumferential surface 1.4.1 and / or the outer circumferential surface 1.4.2 of the cavity 1.4) or the inlay (the second sub-part 1.7) to the cladding; Optionally, surface activation by plasma, fluorination, corona, etc. or by chemical treatment, if necessary; This can be done by

[0083] The above-described embodiment of the assembly device 1 makes it possible to ensure a defined fixation of the cover tube of the glass fiber cable in or on the plastic sleeve, in particular to protect the fiber bundle located therein from dirt and / or moisture, and furthermore to dispense with or significantly reduce the need for a complex post-heat treatment of the strongly shrinking cladding material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1. Assembly equipment 1.1 First fixed section 1.2 Second fixed section 1.3 Aperture 1.3.1 Inner surface 1.3.2 Length L1 1.4 Cavity 1.4.1 Inner surface 1.4.2 Outer surface 1.4.3 Depth L2 1.4.5 Deformed and undercut areas 1.5 Outer surface 1.6 First Sub-member 1.6.1 Aperture 1.6.2 Inner surface 1.6.3 Length L3 1.6.4 Connection Area 1.7 Second sub-member 1.7.1 Aperture 1.7.2 Outer surface 1.7.3 Length L4 1.7.4 Connection Area 1.8 Threaded or locking joint areas 1.9 Clamping Area 2. Fiber optic cable 3 Optical waveguide 3.1 Outer surface 3.2 End face 4 Covering 5. First Adhesive 6 Second Adhesive 7 Sealing Area 8 Sleeve

Claims

1. An assembly device (1) for an optical fiber cable (2), comprising: The optical fiber cable (2) comprises an optical waveguide (3) which comprises or consists of at least one optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers, and a sheath (4) which completely surrounds the optical waveguide (3) at least in a predetermined section on its outer circumferential surface (3.1), The assembly device (1) is formed from one member or from a first partial member (1.6) and a second partial member (1.7), and has a first fixing section (1.1) and a second fixing section (1.2) spatially separated from the first fixing section (1.1), the second fixing section (1.2) being arranged substantially concentrically around the first fixing section (1.1); the optical waveguide (3) is or can be connected to the first fixed section (1.1) by a material bond at least partially or in certain sections, the covering (4) is or can be connected to the second fixing section (1.2) by a positive, force and / or material connection, at least partially or in certain sections, so that the fixing of the optical waveguide (3) and the covering (4) in the assembly device (1) is or can be separated from each other; Assembly device (1).

2. The assembly device (1) is formed as an integral component, the first fixed section (1.1) is formed by a substantially central opening (1.3) of the assembly device (1); The opening (1.3) has an inner circumferential surface (1.3.1) and a length L1 (1.3.2) and is provided to accommodate the optical waveguide (3), The second fixed section (1.2) is formed around the central opening (1.3) by a substantially ring-shaped cavity (1.4), the cavity has a depth of length L2 (1.4.3), an inner circumferential surface (1.4.1) and an outer circumferential surface (1.4.2), and is adapted to accommodate the covering (4); Assembly device (1) according to claim 1.

3. the optical waveguide (3) of the optical fiber cable (2) is or can be connected at least partially or in a predetermined section to the inner circumferential surface (1.3.1) of the first fixing section (1.1) by means of a first adhesive (5); and / or the cavity (1.4) of the second fastening section (1.2) has, in the region of a depth L2 (1.4.3), at least one deformation (1.4.5) on the inner circumferential surface (1.4.1) of the optical fiber cable (2) and / or on the outer circumferential surface (1.4.2) of the optical fiber cable (2), by means of which the sheath (4) of the optical fiber cable (2) is or can be fixed by form-locking at least partially or in a predetermined section; Assembly device (1) according to claim 2.

4. The assembly device includes: the deformation (1.4.5) is arranged radially around the inner circumferential surface (1.4.1) and / or the outer circumferential surface (1.4.2) of the second fixing section (1.2); the deformations (1.4.5) are arranged to correspond to the inner and outer peripheral surfaces (1.4.1) and (1.4.2) of the second fixed section (1.2); the connection of the covering (4) to the second fixing section (1.2) and to the cavity (1.4) comprises thermal bonding and / or embossing or crimping bonding or a combination thereof; 4. An assembly device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that it has at least one of the following features:

5. The assembly device (1) is formed as an integral component, the first fixed section (1.1) is formed by a substantially central opening (1.3) of the assembly device (1); The opening (1.3) has an inner circumferential surface (1.3.1) and a length L1 (1.3.2) and is provided to accommodate the optical waveguide (3), the second fixing section (1.2) is formed along the length L2 (1.4.3) of the outer circumferential surface (1.5) in at least a predetermined section to accommodate the covering part (4); Assembly device (1) according to claim 1.

6. The optical waveguide (3) of the optical fiber cable (2) is the first fastening section (1.1) is connected or connectable to an inner circumferential surface (1.3.1) of the first fastening section (1.1) at least partially or in a predetermined section by means of a first adhesive (5), the sheath (4) of the optical fiber cable (2) is or can be fixed to the outer circumferential surface (1.4.3) of the second fastening section (1.2) at least partially or in predetermined sections by means of a second adhesive (6); 6. An assembly device (1) according to claim 5.

7. The assembly device (1) the connection of the covering part (4) to the second fixing section (1.2) comprises a thermal bond and / or an embossed or crimped bond or a combination thereof; the connection of the sheath (4) to the second fixing section (1.2) has at least one deformation (1.4.5) by which the sheath (4) of the optical fiber cable (2) is or can be fixed by a form-lock at least partially or in a predetermined section; the deformation (1.4.5) is arranged on the outer peripheral surface (1.4.2) of the second fixed section (1.2) in a radially surrounding manner; 7. An assembly device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it has at least one of the following features:

8. The assembly device (1) has a first partial member (1.6) and a second partial member (1.7), the first fixing section (1.1) is formed by a substantially central opening (1.6.1) in the first partial member (1.6), the opening (1.6.1) having an inner circumferential surface (1.6.2) and a length L3 (1.6.3) and adapted to receive the optical waveguide (3); the second partial element (1.7) has a substantially central opening (1.7.1) for guiding the optical waveguide (3) therethrough and has the second fixing section (1.2); the second fixing section (1.2) having an outer circumferential surface (1.7.2) of length L4 (1.7.3) for attaching the covering (4) at least partially or in a predetermined section; and / or the first partial element (1.6) has a connection area (1.6.4) and the second partial element (1.7) has a connection area (1.7.4) for at least a partial or section-wise mechanical connection of the two partial elements, whereby in the connected state a connection zone (1.8), in particular a screw-connection area, a locking-connection area or a bayonet-connection area, is formed or can be formed; Assembly device (1) according to claim 1.

9. the material of the covering (4) corresponds to the material of the second partial element (1.7), the connection of the covering (4) to the second fixed section (1.2) of the second partial element (1.7) is or can be made at least partially or in certain sections by force and / or form, in particular by heat welding, ultrasonic welding, friction welding or a combination thereof; 9. An assembly device (1) according to claim 8.

10. The assembly device (1) the first partial element (1.6) and the second partial element (1.7) are or can be removably connected to one another via their connection areas (1.6.4, 1.7.4) by means of a locking connection, a clamping connection, a bayonet connection and / or a screw connection, the first and second partial elements (1.6, 1.7) form a clamping area (1.9) in or around the respective connection zone (1.8) for receiving and mechanically fixing the sheath (4) of the optical waveguide (3), 10. An assembly device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it has at least one of the following features:

11. The assembly device (1) The optical waveguide (3) comprises or consists of an optical polymer optical waveguide fiber (POF), a glass-based optical waveguide fiber (GOF) and / or a quartz-based optical waveguide fiber; The first adhesive (5) comprises or consists of a 2K epoxy adhesive or a 1K silicone adhesive or a 2K silicone adhesive, the covering part (4) is connected or connectable to the second fixing section (1.2) or around the second fixing section (1.2) and / or to the cavity (1.4) by means of the second adhesive (6), At least the inner circumferential surface (1.3.1) of the first fixing section (1.1), the inner circumferential surface (1.4.1) and / or the outer circumferential surface (1.4.3) of the second fixing section (1.2) have a chemical or physical surface activation and / or at least one adhesion-promoting layer. At least the inner circumferential surface (1.6.1) of the first fixing section (1.1) and / or the outer circumferential surface (1.7.2) of the second fixing section (1.2) have a chemical or physical surface activation and / or at least one adhesion-promoting layer. the first fixing section (1.1) has a conical section on the inner circumferential surface (1.3.1) of the light guide (3) in the conduction direction of the light guide (3), The assembly device (1) has edges that are rounded in the direction of conduction of the optical waveguide (3). the opening (1.3) is closed on one side in the region of its end face (3.2) in the conduction direction of the optical waveguide (3), and the assembly device (1) comprises or consists of a transparent material at least in this region; 11. An assembly device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it has at least one of the following features:

12. 12. Use of an assembly device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for industrial or medical technology cables (2) with optical fiber light guides (3) for light or image transmission, comprising: The material of the covering part (4) is 1 mJ / m ２ having a surface with a surface energy of the following polar components, in particular comprising or consisting of polyolefin plastics or fluorinated or partially fluorinated plastics, Use of the assembly device (1).

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