Assembly equipment for fiber optic cables

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, wherein the optical fiber cable includes at least one optical fiber or a bundle composed of a plurality of optical fibers, or an optical waveguide composed of these, and a covering portion that completely surrounds the optical waveguide at least in a predetermined section on its outer peripheral surface.

[0002] Such an assembly device is known as an end sleeve, sleeve or ferrule in an optical fiber cable, and a cable provided with an optical fiber waveguide is usually adhered within these sleeves, thereby ensuring a strong connection on the one hand and preventing the intrusion of dirt and / or moisture on the other hand. The intrusion of such dirt and / or moisture may continuously impair the function of such components when the above-mentioned assembly device is not used, whether for optical transmission and / or for image transmission.

[0003] Usually, such sleeves are made of metal or plastic. In order to protect the optical waveguide fiber by the optical fiber from mechanical loads and dirt, a cover tube for accommodating the fiber, generally a polymer, must be fixedly connected to the sleeve. If such a protective part is omitted or the connection part between the sleeve and the tube is damaged, sooner or later, fiber damage or even fiber breakage will inevitably occur due to glass corrosion, or for example by alkaline attacks or moisture, or by the intrusion of dirt or particles, such as dust, or by mechanical loads, especially bending loads. In this case, the component will lack or no longer meet the performance required for optical transmission or image transmission.

[0004] Conventionally, when assembling such cables, the fiber or fiber bundle tube, cover tube, sheath, or cladding is inserted together with the sleeve, and the fiber bundle is bonded to the sleeve or inside the sleeve. In this case, to prevent the fiber bundle from being exposed if the tube shrinks afterward, a reserve area is provided in the sleeve, or the sleeve is made longer.

[0005] In particular, one or more shrinkages of polymer tubes always occur under a given thermal load or humidity, and generally, a shrinkage greater than the length of the sleeve or the length of the sleeve's reserve area is structurally permitted. Therefore, cables are often cut into multiple components before assembly and tempered multiple times. Even after that, throughout the aforementioned service life of the components, under permissible operating conditions such as -40°C to 80°C or higher, and in humid conditions up to 95% relative humidity, there is no guarantee that the cladding will not slip off the sleeve or that at least one gap will form within or relative to the sleeve, exposing the bundle to at least partially unprotected conditions. Shrinkage can occur after tempering or even without tempering, but it can also occur when only the cable or tube is stretched or pulled after tempering or before assembly, for example, during winding and unwinding onto a drum. The resulting plastic stretching may only decrease again after assembly or after use has begun, and therefore cannot be directly observed during assembly.

[0006] In another assembly method, the cladding is pressed into the sleeve and fixed by shape bonding and / or additionally bonded (material bonded) to the sleeve by the action of mechanical force, for example, by so-called crimping using a special crimping sleeve and corresponding tool.

[0007] In this case, a metal crimp sleeve, usually made of brass, nickel silver, or stainless steel, is deformed externally using a special tool during the assembly of such fiber optic cables, engaging with the cladding to secure it. However, when the metal sleeve is deformed, a large external force is applied to the cladding tube and fiber bundle located below it. As a result, this can induce fiber breakage, and if the number of broken fibers exceeds a set number, it can lead to the production of defective components.

[0008] Of particular concern are cable cladding materials that must be especially chemically and / or thermally stable for use. Such materials include, in particular, cladding plastics made of polyethylene, polypropylene or its compounds, or fluorinated or partially fluorinated plastics, such as polyolefins like perfluoroethylene propylene (FEP), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). While these cladding plastics certainly offer excellent usability for industrial and medical technology applications, they suffer from the drawback of extremely low surface energy, particularly the polar component of their surface energy, which cannot guarantee sufficiently good wettability or adhesion. In other words, adhesives used that are particularly suitable for adhesion to or on sleeve materials may, in some cases, not be retained, adhere, or adhere adequately to or on the cladding material of the fiber or fiber bundle. That is, cladding materials are chemically incompatible or have poor compatibility with adhesives and / or sleeve materials due to their vastly different surface energies, particularly their polar components. As a result, after a certain amount of time, the clad plastic shrinks again, causing the adhesive connection to break down and gaps to form, leaving the fibers unprotected, at least partially, resulting in what is known as a blank.

[0009] For example, using chemical and / or physical pretreatment methods for surface activation, such as pre-treatment with sulfuric acid or plasma pretreatment of the surface of the tube material and / or sleeve immediately before bonding, can ensure at least improved, and in some cases sufficiently strong, adhesive bonds, but this involves significant intervention in the manufacturing process. Such pretreatments also include fluorine gas treatment or fluorine gas coating. While these are certainly persistent, they react with the fiber bundle (glass and / or scrummer), causing the fiber bundle to discolor undesirably, for example, becoming yellowish or brownish.

[0010] Problems of the invention Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an assembly apparatus that can securely, and consequently tightly and permanently, fix optical waveguide cables even when using cladding materials with low wettability and poor chemical compatibility. In other words, it enables material combinations of sleeve materials and / or adhesives with cladding materials that are chemically incompatible, incompatible, or only slightly compatible. Furthermore, it is desirable that the assembly of the optical waveguide cables be possible substantially without mechanical load on the optical waveguide.

[0011] Summary of the Invention The problems of the present invention are already solved by the subject matter of each independent claim. Advantageous configurations and variations are the subject matter of each dependent claim.

[0012] According to the present invention, an assembly apparatus for an optical fiber cable is configured such that the optical fiber cable includes an optical waveguide comprising a bundle of at least one or more optical fibers, or comprising such bundles, and a covering portion that completely surrounds the optical waveguide on its outer surface in at least a predetermined section. Here, the assembly apparatus is formed from a single member, or from a first sub-member and a second sub-member, or comprises such sub-members, and has a first fixed section and a second fixed section spatially separated from the first fixed section. Here, the second fixed section is arranged substantially concentrically around the first fixed section. Furthermore, in this case, the optical waveguide is connected to or connectable to the first fixed section at least partially or in a predetermined section by material bonding, and the covering portion is connected to or connectable to the second fixed section at least partially or in a predetermined section by shape bonding, force bonding and / or material bonding, thereby the fixing of the optical waveguide and the covering portion in the assembly apparatus is separated from each other or can be separated.

[0013] Such structural measures allow for the application of different fastening or connection methods depending on the cladding material, and further enable the reliable and sustained assembly of optical waveguide fibers or fiber bundles independently of these fastening or connection methods, and in a spatially isolated manner, without damaging the fibers.

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

[0015] Generally, all connections in which connecting partners are held together by atomic or molecular forces are called material bonds. These material bonds are also inseparable; they cannot be separated unless the connecting means is destroyed.

[0016] Shape coupling and / or connections by shape coupling are generally understood as a type of mechanical coupling in which two or more members engage or fit together based on their respective geometric shapes. In connections by shape coupling, the shapes of the members prevent relative motion in at least one direction.

[0017] A connection by friction, according to common understanding, arises from the application of force. This force includes, for example, compressive or frictional forces. The retention of a connection by friction is guaranteed solely by the applied force. Often, shape-based and force-based connections work together.

[0018] According to the present invention, in an advantageous variant of the assembly apparatus, the assembly apparatus is formed as an integrated component, and a first fixed section is formed by a substantially central opening of the assembly apparatus. Here, the opening has an inner circumferential surface and a length L1, and is provided for housing an optical waveguide. A second fixed section is formed around the central opening by a substantially ring-shaped cavity, which has a depth of length L2, an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, and is provided for housing a covering.

[0019] This allows for spatial isolation to be achieved on the one hand for fixing the covering portion, and on the other hand for fixing the fiber or fiber bundle. The formation of such a cavity further enables a significantly large fixing surface formed by the inner surface of the cavity, and especially by the entire inner surface.

[0020] Within the framework of the present invention, the term "integrated" is understood to be synonymous with "from one component" or "integrally," and may further include a component comprising or consisting of one material or one class of materials. Furthermore, a ring-shaped cavity may be understood as a cavity formed to surround a central opening, and usually conforming to the geometry of the assembly device or the opening when viewed in cross-section. However, it is also possible for the opening or assembly device to be formed, for example, rectangular, at least partially or in a given section, and yet the cavity has an extended state of a circular or other different geometric shape, or conversely, if other components have a circular geometric shape, the cavity may have an extended state that is precisely different from those.

[0021] In a more preferred embodiment of the assembly apparatus, for this purpose, the optical waveguide of the optical fiber cable is connected or connectable to the inner surface of the first fixing section at least partially or in a predetermined section using a first adhesive, and / or the cavity of the second fixing section has at least one deformation portion on the inner and / or outer surface of a region of depth L2, wherein the sheathing of the optical fiber cable is fixed or can be fixed at least partially or in a predetermined section by shape coupling.

[0022] This mechanically secures the sheathing so that, without any further adhesion, the cable bending load and / or cladding material shrinkage described at the beginning no longer causes it to slip. Additional adhesion may be useful for supplemental fastening and / or sealing. This is also advantageous when using cladding materials with low adhesion properties.

[0023] In a further preferred configuration of the assembly apparatus, advantageously, additionally or alternatively, the deformation portion can be formed and arranged on the inner and / or outer surfaces of the second fixing section so as to surround it radially, or can be configured to be arranged thereon. Furthermore, preferably additionally, the deformation portions on the inner and outer surfaces of the second fixing section can be arranged correspondingly to each other. Thus, the clamping or pressing of the covering portion by the deformation portion can ensure secure mechanical fastening. Furthermore, the connection of the covering portion to the second fixing section or to and / or the cavity can include, or be formed from, or be formed as such, by thermal bonding and / or embossing or crimp bonding or a combination thereof. This provides loadable and permanent mechanical fastening of the covering portion to or to the second fixing section or to and / or 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 the material by thermal energy or heat introduction so that at least one of the materials to be joined deforms and / or melts, i.e., becomes viscous or completely liquid. This can be done by applying, for example, hot air or a corresponding furnace or muffle, across the entire or all surfaces of the sections to be joined, but can be locally limited or restricted, as can be present or achieved as at least as part of a method step or method parameter in the aforementioned methods of ultrasonic welding or friction welding. Here, it is also possible to use the corresponding laser-based method.

[0025] In another advantageous variant, the integrated assembly device can be configured, either alternatively or additionally, such that the first fixed 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 housing the optical waveguide. Furthermore, a second fixed section is formed along a length L2 of the outer circumferential surface in at least a predetermined section to house the covering. This allows the assembly device to be designed to be thinner, i.e., for example, with a smaller diameter, than the aforementioned variant having a cavity, particularly in the area of ​​the second fixed section, while maintaining the same or at least equivalent mechanical stability. This is advantageous in addition to reducing material usage, especially in applications where the structural space of the optical waveguide thus implemented is critical.

[0026] In this modified form of the assembly device, the optical waveguide of the optical fiber cable is connected to or can be connected to its inner surface at least partially or in a predetermined section using a first fixing section, preferably with a first adhesive. More preferably, in this case, the sheath of the optical fiber cable is fixed to or can be fixed to its outer surface at least partially or in a predetermined section using a second fixing section, preferably with a second adhesive. This is advantageous as it simplifies and enables the assembly of the optical fiber cable simultaneously with the separate connection of the optical waveguide and the sheath. In this embodiment, the assembly device may be made of plastic, for example, an injection-molded component, or of metal, for example, special steel, aluminum, brass, nickel silver, or another alloy or composite, or may include these. Importantly, both the first and second adhesives are selected to be compatible with the materials of the optical waveguide or sheath and the assembly device, thereby ensuring a secure and tight connection. Typically, polymer materials such as polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), or polymers or compounds based thereon, can be used for the assembly apparatus, and these polymers or compounds can be combined with specific materials for the coating. In this case, preferably, such materials for the coating are chemically similar to the polymer of the assembly apparatus, and vice versa. Typical representative examples of such materials for the coating are, for example, polyurethane, polyamide, or polyvinyl chloride, or polymers or compounds based thereon. Depending on the selected or set materials, the first and second adhesives may be different, but may include or consist of the same or similar material classes as the modified forms of epoxides. The differences here may be not only in the material class of the adhesive itself, but also in its properties, such as the coefficient of thermal expansion suitable for the bonding partner, or optical properties, such as transmittance or color.Similarly, this must also be considered in the combination of metals for the assembly device, materials for the optical waveguide, materials for the coating, and 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 coating to the second fixing section can include thermal bonding and / or embossing or crimping or a combination thereof. Thus, advantageously, a further improved connection of the coating to the second fixing section can be achieved.

[0028] Furthermore, additionally and advantageously, in order to form the connection of the coating to the second fixing section by form-fitting, the second fixing section can have at least one deformation section where the coating of the optical fiber cable is fixed or can be fixed, at least partially or in a predetermined section. Preferably, the deformation section is arranged so as to radially surround the outer peripheral surface of the second fixing section. This further contributes to a secure and tight connection of the coating to the second fixing section, where the form-fitting fixation in the recess can be assisted by the action of corresponding forces during the curing of each adhesive.

[0029] In an equally preferred variant of the assembly apparatus, an alternative or additional configuration is provided, comprising a two-part structure having a first sub-member and a second sub-member, or having both of these sub-members. Here, the first fixed section is formed by a substantially central opening in the first sub-member, the opening having an inner circumferential surface and a length L3, and provided for accommodating an optical waveguide. In this case, the second sub-member further comprises a substantially central opening for guiding the optical waveguide through, and a second fixed section, the second fixed section having an outer circumferential surface of length L4 for attaching a covering at least partially or in a predetermined section. In this case, alternative or additional configuration is provided, both the first and second sub-members each have one connection region for substantially force coupling and / or shape coupling, for mechanically coupling the two sub-members at least partially or in a predetermined section, thereby forming or making possible a connection zone or connection region, in particular a screw coupling region, a locking coupling region, or a bayonet coupling region, when connected.

[0030] In this case, it is advantageous that different materials can be used for fixing the fiber of the optical waveguide and for fixing the coating portion. In other words, the materials included in the first sub-member and the second sub-member or the materials forming the first sub-member and the second sub-member are different. Therefore, the first sub-member can be provided particularly for connection with the fiber at least partially or in a predetermined section. The second sub-member can be provided for connection with the cladding or the tube at least partially or in a predetermined section. Therefore, the material of the sub-member can be adapted to or matched with each fixing partner or joining partner. Particularly in this case, chemical properties, particularly the properties of the material surface, such as adaptability, homogeneity or similarity and / or compatibility are important. That is, for example, the material of the second sub-member is preferably selected to be at least similar to the material of the coating portion of the fiber. If the coating portion includes or consists of a plastic from the class of polypropylene, it is desirable that the second sub-member is also selected from the class of polypropylene and its compounds, or that they are at least similar or chemically compatible. In other words, the material of the coating portion and the material of the second fixing section correspond or substantially correspond to each other. Chemical compatibility can be determined or set particularly or precisely by the surface energy thereof, in addition to the class of materials and other material properties (thermal properties, such as thermomechanical properties such as temperature stability, coefficient of thermal expansion, etc.), here particularly by the property described by the wettability of the polar component. Particularly when the values of the polar components of the surface energy are in the vicinity of each other, good or high chemical compatibility can be obtained or expected. Therefore, if the adhesive is properly selected, adhesive bonding is also possible. Good chemical compatibility of the first sub-member with respect to the fiber fixed using the first adhesive is also important.

[0031] Therefore, combinations of plastics are possible for fixing the cladding to the second sub-member, particularly with respect to surface energies that are different, preferably similar, or even identical. Metals, such as special steels, brass, nickel silver, or aluminum and their alloys, may also be used for fixing the fibers within or to the first sub-member, provided that a suitable, i.e., chemically compatible, first adhesive is available. Typical examples 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 sub-members may include, or consist of, opaque, translucent, and / or optically clear plastics or composites thereof. In the framework of the present invention, "optically clear" and "transparent" as used herein mean that the material, in this case, for example, the first adhesive, has substantially no inherent color, does not cause scattering in the wavelength range of light passing through the material in an operating state, and does not cause at least significant attenuation of this transmitted light; that is, for example, it has a transmittance of at least 80% at a thickness of 1 mm for that wavelength or wavelength range. The wavelength range that is set in connection with the use of the assembly apparatus for optical fiber cables of the present invention is determined by the application according to the purpose of the optical fiber cable or optical waveguide, and may be in the visible (VIS), infrared (IR), and / or ultraviolet (UV) wavelength ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum or at least a sub-range thereof.

[0032] That is, the material of the covering portion substantially corresponds to the material of the second sub-member, or is very close to or compatible with the thermal, mechanical, and especially chemical properties of the second sub-member, so that the connection of the covering portion to the second fixing section of the second sub-member can be formed or made possible as thermal welding and / or ultrasonic welding or friction welding or a combination thereof. Furthermore, in this case, the first sub-member used to fix the optical waveguide fiber may be made of metal, so that a secure connection by adhesive bonding can be made using a conventional epoxy adhesive.

[0033] Accordingly, in another preferred embodiment, the assembly apparatus is formed, either alternatively or additionally, advantageously such that the material of the covering corresponds to the material of the second sub-member, and the connection of the covering to the second fixed section of the second sub-member is connected, or connectable, at least partially or in a given section by force and / or shape connection, particularly including thermal welding and / or ultrasonic welding or friction welding or a combination thereof, or is formed or can be formed as such a connection.

[0034] In the two-part assembly apparatus described above, in a preferred and advantageous configuration, the first part and the second part may be, or can be, or can be formed to be, detachably connected to each other via their connection area by locking or clamping, bayonet, or screw connections.

[0035] In this case, more preferably and advantageously, the first and second sub-members may have clamp regions formed in or around their connection zone for receiving and mechanically securing the covering portion of the optical waveguide. These clamp regions may also serve to further form the covering portion and simultaneously provide a seal. Furthermore, the structures of the two sub-members may, as an optional means, be formed to prevent twisting. That is, the fiber bundle fixed within the first sub-member is not twistable, or at least not significantly twisted, within or between the second sub-member and the cable cladding fixed to the second sub-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 apparatus, the optical waveguide preferably includes, or comprises, polymer optical waveguide fibers (POFs), glass-based optical waveguide fibers (GOFs), and / or quartz-based optical waveguide fibers. In this case, combinations of these optical waveguide fibers are also possible, and thus a wide range of applications with various requirements for optical and / or image transmission can be addressed.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the first adhesive provided within or in the first fixing section, preferably for the assembly and fixing of the fiber, includes or consists of a 2K epoxy adhesive or a 1K silicone adhesive or a 2K silicone adhesive. These are widely available in each variant, which allows for reliable connection of the fiber to the corresponding fixing section with various materials. Such adhesives are well-established in industrial applications and are often approved in medical settings.

[0038] In another embodiment of the assembly apparatus, the covering can be configured, either alternatively or additionally, to be in contact with, or connected to, a second fixing section, or around and / or to a cavity using a second adhesive. In this case, the second adhesive may differ from the first adhesive in terms of chemical composition and curing mechanism. That is, the second adhesive may have a rather fluid or flexible viscosity, for the second adhesive is provided rather for supplemental fixing or for further sealing purposes. In contrast, the first adhesive should be harder or more non-spreadable. The first adhesive may further be particularly transparent and colorless, while the second adhesive may be particularly opaque and colored (saturated or unsaturated). When transparent material is used for an integrated apparatus or a first component, it may be advantageous for the first adhesive to be configured to be opaque or colored in at least certain sections, for example, to avoid or at least suppress scattered light incidence onto the transparent material. Furthermore, the first adhesive can be configured to match the refractive index of the optical waveguide with respect to its refractive index, or to deviate only slightly from the refractive index here, i.e., Δn ≤ 0.1. This reduces reflection loss at the corresponding interface. With respect to processing, it may also be advantageous that the first adhesive has low viscosity or self-leveling flow properties when applied, and is processable or curable by crosslinking with UV light and / or heat. Thus, a second adhesive for additional fixing of the coating, depending on the situation, may differ from the first adhesive for bonding the optical waveguide to the sleeve of the assembly device.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, in an advantageous development of the assembly apparatus, preferably, the inner circumferential surfaces of at least the first fixing section and / or the inner circumferential surfaces and / or outer circumferential surfaces of the second fixing section can be configured to have a chemical or physical surface activation and / or at least one adhesion mediating layer. In this way, the adhesion or bonding strength of the adhesive can be adapted and optimized to match the other materials.

[0040] More preferably, in a modified form of the assembly apparatus, it may be advantageous, either alternatively or additionally, that at least the inner surface of the first fixing section and / or the outer surface of the second fixing section have a chemical or physical surface activation and / or at least one adhesion mediating layer.

[0041] In a more preferred embodiment of the structural assembly apparatus, it may be advantageous, additionally or alternatively, for the first fixed section to have a conical section on the inner surface of the optical waveguide in the direction of conduction of the optical waveguide. Similarly, the assembly apparatus may, alternatively or additionally, have 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 fixed section during the assembly process.

[0042] In a further variation of the assembly apparatus, preferably additionally or alternatively, the opening of the first fixed section in the direction of conduction of the optical waveguide is closed at one end in the end face region, and the assembly apparatus may include, or consist of, a transparent material in at least this region, and be configured to have a cone portion for inserting a fiber into the inner circumferential surface within or in contact with the first fixed section. This enables low-cost termination of the optical waveguide using a fluid transparent adhesive without additional grinding and polishing processes. This variation is applicable to both a one-piece and a two-part configuration of the assembly apparatus.

[0043] The advantageous use of the assembly apparatus according to the above-described features or modified embodiments is particularly for industrial or medical technology cables equipped with optical fiber optical waveguides for optical transmission or image transmission, in the operating conditions of the application, wherein the material of the sheathing is 1 mJ / m 2 The surface has the following polar components and is configured for use, having a surface with low surface energy or wettability, and is particularly composed of or comprising polyolefin plastics (e.g., PE, PP, PE-PP compounds) and / or fluorinated or partially fluorinated plastics (e.g., FEP, ETFE).

[0044] The materials used here, as mentioned at the beginning, have high chemical and / or heat resistance, are mechanically particularly robust and flexible, and have a smooth and non-sticky feel, especially due to their low polarity surface energy. The configuration of the assembly apparatus according to the present invention ensures secure fixing of the coating portion of the optical waveguide and prevents the connection between the coating portion and the sleeve from coming undone, thus increasing the service life and robustness of the components.

[0045] Description of the drawing The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows an integrated embodiment of the assembly apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 1a] This is a schematic partial diagram showing one variation of the configuration. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment consisting of two parts of an assembly device. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows another modified form of an embodiment consisting of two parts of an assembly device. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a corresponding modified form of the assembly apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of a corresponding modified form of the assembly apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 6]This is a cross-sectional view of a corresponding modified form of the assembly apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a corresponding modified form of the assembly apparatus according to the present invention.

[0047] Figure 1 schematically shows an integrated embodiment of the assembly apparatus 1 according to the present invention, formed as a sleeve for an optical fiber cable 2, where the optical fiber cable 2 has an optical waveguide 3 consisting of at least one optical fiber or a bundle of multiple optical fibers, and a covering portion 4 that completely surrounds the optical waveguide 3 on its outer surface 3.1 in at least predetermined sections. In this embodiment, the sleeve has a first fixed section 1.1 in the form of a continuous central perforated opening 1.3 and a second fixed section 1.2 spatially separated from the first fixed section 1.1. In this case, the second fixed section 1.2 is arranged substantially concentrically around the first fixed section 1.1. This shows that the fibers or fiber bundles of the optical waveguide 3 are connected to the first fixing section 1.1 by material bonding using a suitable first adhesive 5 at least partially or in a predetermined section, and the covering portion 4 is connected to the second fixing section 1.2 by shape bonding, force bonding and / or material bonding at least partially or in a predetermined section, thereby separating or being separable from each other in the fixing of the optical waveguide 3 and the covering portion 4 in the assembly apparatus 1.

[0048] The first fixing section 1.1 inside the central opening 1.3 of the sleeve is substantially defined by its inner circumferential surface 1.3.1 and the length L1, 1.3.2 to 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 portion 4 can be inserted during assembly.

[0049] The optical waveguide 3 is primarily fixed by the adhesion of the fiber or fiber bundle to the first adhesive 5 in the first fixing section 1.1, and by the purposeful mechanical deformation of the cavity 1.4 by the covering portion 4 in the region of the second fixing section 1.2, thereby applying an external force to the sleeve in the region of the second fixing section 1.2, which results in at least one deformed portion 1.4.5 on the inner circumferential surface 1.4.1 and / or outer circumferential surface 1.4.2 in the region of depth L2, 1.4.3. Typically, the deformed portion 1.4.5 is positioned to correspond to the inner circumferential surface 1.4.1 and outer circumferential surface 1.4.2 of the second fixing section 1.2. Thus, the covering portion 4 of the optical fiber cable 2 can be fixed at least partially or in a given section by force coupling and / or shape coupling based on the deformed portion or undercut region 1.4.5.

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

[0051] These deformed sections can be achieved by thermal bonding and / or embossing, crimp bonding, or a combination thereof. They can also be achieved using ultrasonic methods, particularly ultrasonic welding. Furthermore, the covering 4 can be configured to be fixed within or around the cavity 1.4 by a second adhesive 6, particularly used for sealing. The second adhesive 6 may have entirely different properties from the first adhesive 5, such as fluidity, continuous elasticity, and stretchability, which is somewhat disadvantageous for fixing the fibers in the fixed section 1.1. The first adhesive 5, after curing, has some degree of non-expandability, which is advantageous for facilitating the processing that may occur at the end or terminal surface 3.2 of the sleeve, and this can be achieved particularly 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 grinding and polishing processes to form a smooth surface, as shown in Figure 1. Where required or set or provided by later applications, the end face 3.2 may have a shape other than a plane, such as a concave or convex curved portion or a free-form surface. In this way, the input or output coupling of light can be modified or adapted.

[0053] In one modified form, as partially shown in Figure 1a, the opening 1.3 can also be configured to 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 configured to be transparent in at least that section and to have a smooth surface on the outside for optimal light incidence or emission. This is particularly feasible if the sleeve is manufactured from, for example, an injection-molded, highly transparent and optically clear plastic, such as polycarbonate, or if, in a two-stage injection molding process, at least the region of the end face 3.2 of the optical waveguide 3 is made of a transparent material and the rest of the sleeve is made of, for example, an opaque material. As the first adhesive 5, in particular, a fluid, highly transparent, thermosetting and / or UV-curable adhesive is used here. Here, 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, it is particularly advantageous with respect to avoiding Fresnel loss and scattering effects. This eliminates the need for time-consuming grinding and polishing processes, which is particularly advantageous in optical waveguide cables for price-sensitive applications. This approach is based on the applicant's German Patent No. 102008044938. The same approach can be applied when a transparent panel is bonded to or within the end face of a panel made of glass or plastic, or to or within an end face of a shape other than a plane. Furthermore (although not explicitly shown in Figure 1), the sheathing can be attached or deposited to or made attachable to the outer circumferential surface (1.5) at least partially or in predetermined sections along a length L2 (1.4.3). In this variant, the cavity may be omitted in some cases. The assembly of the sheathing may extend beyond the length L2 (1.4.3).The covering can also be attached here via a deformable portion (1.4.5) located beyond length L2(1.4.3), as shown on the outer cladding surface (1.5) in the region of length L2(1.4.3) in Figure 1. Additionally, in addition to bonding the covering (4) to the second fixing section (1.2) by material bonding, shape bonding to at least assist the connection can also be performed.

[0054] Figures 2 and 3 show different variations of the assembly device 1, where the assembly device 1, formed as a sleeve, is made up of two parts: a first part member 1.6 having a first fixing section 1.1 for a fiber or fiber bundle, and a second part member 1.7 having a second fixing section 1.2 for fixing the covering 4. The first fixing section 1.1 is formed by a substantially central opening 1.6.1 of the first part member 1.6. Typically, the opening 1.6.1 is a through-hole with a circular cross-section, in which case the opening 1.6.1 has an inner circumferential surface 1.6.2 and lengths L3,1.6.3, and is provided for accommodating the fiber or fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3. The second part member 1.7 has a substantially central opening 1.7.1 for guiding the optical waveguide 3 through, and a second fixing section 1.2. In this case, the second fixing section 1.2 is an outer peripheral surface 1.7.2 with length L4, 1.7.3, which is used to attach or fix the covering 4 at least partially or in a predetermined section.

[0055] The two sub-members 1.6 and 1.7 of the assembly apparatus 1 have connecting regions 1.6.4 and 1.7.4, which ensure a stable mechanical connection of the two sub-members 1.6 and 1.7 in at least a portion or a predetermined section. This means that the connecting regions 1.6.4 and 1.7.4 can be configured as threaded joints, on the one hand formed as corresponding threads, or as locking joints, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The connecting regions 1.8, particularly the threaded joints or locking joints, can be configured to be either irremovable or removable only with special tools. Furthermore, additional sealing means may be provided to prevent the ingress of moisture. In the case of threaded joints, this may be, for example, a simple sealing ring. In the case of locking joints, this may be, for example, an additional adhesive or sealing material.

[0056] The modified configuration shown in Figure 2 illustrates a two-part sleeve in which a first part 1.6 and a second part 1.7 are detachably connected to each other via their connection regions 1.6.4, 1.7.4 using a locking or clamping connection, and the first part 1.6 and the second part 1.7 together form a clamping region 1.9 in or around the connection region for housing and mechanically securing the covering portion 4 of the optical waveguide 3. The clamping region 1.9 may have, for example, a groove or teeth extending around its entire circumference. The groove or teeth ensure secure retention of the covering portion 4 and also seal this region. In addition to locking or clamping connections, bayonet and / or screw connections are also possible. Depending on the application, as described above, it is also possible to provide connections that are difficult to separate, can only be separated with special tools, are impossible to separate, or become impossible to separate after the first connection.

[0057] In the modified form shown in Figure 3, a locking or clamping joint between sub-members 1.6 and 1.7 is similarly shown. Here, the material of the covering 4 is the same as, corresponding to, or at least similar to, the material of the second sub-member 1.7 in terms of material class, and a secure fixation between the covering 4 and the second sub-member 1.7 is formed or can be formed in the area of ​​the second fixing section 1.2 by thermal welding and / or ultrasonic welding or friction welding or a combination thereof, thereby ensuring secure and lasting fixation.

[0058] Regarding the illustrated variations of the assembly apparatus, it should be noted that the openings 1.3, 1.6.1, and 1.7.1 are usually located in the center of the sleeve or sleeve sub-member and are also usually holes. In addition, other arrangements other than the center and other non-circular openings 1.3, 1.6.1, and 1.7.1 are possible, especially when, for example, multiple fibers or a single fiber bundle are formed or to be expanded at the end face 3.2 as, for example, a rectangle, an n-sided polygon, a ring, or as one or more ring-shaped, ring-segmented, crescent-shaped, kidney-shaped, or arbitrarily shaped regions. Furthermore, the variations shown in Figures 2 and 3 are also feasible, as shown in and described in accordance with Figure 1a.

[0059] Figures 4 to 7 show cross-sectional views of other modified forms of such an assembly sleeve formed as assembly device 1.

[0060] Figure 4 shows an assembly device 1 formed as an integrated assembly sleeve for an optical fiber cable 2 comprising an optical waveguide 3 formed by a fiber bundle and a sheathing portion 4. The assembly device 1 can be formed from, for example, stainless steel or from a plastic with good adhesive polarity (e.g., PPS or PPSU). Here, the optical fiber cable 2 has its sheathing portion 4 pre-separated over at least one length L1.1.3 at its end for assembling the optical waveguide 3 in the area of ​​the first fixed section 1.1 of the assembly device 1, and the free end is therefore bonded 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 optical waveguide 3 can be ground and polished or sawn only with a precision saw blade, depending on optical requirements, and may have a certain degree of residual roughness.

[0061] In this embodiment, to fix the sheathing 4 of the optical fiber cable 2, the assembly device 1, formed as an assembly sleeve, is widened in at least the area of ​​the fixing section 1.2, and a ring-shaped cavity 1.4 is formed around the optical fiber cable 2, allowing the optical fiber cable 2, with an additionally attached sleeve 8 in this cavity 1.4, to be pushed into the tapered portion of the assembly device 1. Since the additionally attached sleeve 8 and the sheathing 4 are preferably manufactured from the same material class, the sleeve 8 and the sheathing 4 can be welded to each other at least through the fixing area 1.2. Fixing the sheathing 4 with the additional sleeve 8 is performed, for example, by ultrasonic welding and / or by one or more ring-shaped extending deformation portions 1.4.5 of the assembly device 1 or by the embossed or crimped portion of the assembly device 1, so that a corresponding undercut region 1.4.5 and thus an additional locking portion are formed in that region, thereby ensuring sufficiently strong mechanical fixation.

[0062] In the transition region between the two fixed sections 1.1 and 1.2, an additional sealing region 7 can be provided to enhance sealing performance. This sealing region 7 is formed, for example, by injecting epoxy adhesive material, as shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, or in a combined configuration, an O-ring may be provided as an additional seal. Figure 5 shows a modified configuration in which an O-ring is used as the sealing region 7.

[0063] As already mentioned above, the additional sleeve 8 is ideally made of the same material class as the covering 4, but it can be made harder than the covering 4 in terms of Shore hardness, so that the sleeve 8 can absorb additional force during the welding or embossing process, and in turn protect the fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3, thereby preventing fiber breakage.

[0064] The following table shows the selection of exemplary covering portion 4: [Table 1]

[0065] The modified form shown in Figure 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 approximately 12mm to 20mm, typically about 15mm to 17mm; In the illustrated example, the diameter of the fiber bundle of optical waveguide 3 is 3.0 mm; In the illustrated example, the total diameter of the assembly device 1 in the area of ​​the second fixed section 1.2 is 3.6 mm.

[0066] Figure 5 shows another example of a two-part assembly apparatus 1, comprising a first component 1.6 configured as a metal sleeve and a second component 1.7 formed as a plastic sleeve, wherein the material classes of the first component 1.6 and the second component 1.7 are similar to, or ideally the same as, the material classes 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 bonded to the metal sleeve (first component 1.6) by adhesive 5 over a length L1, 1.3.2 within an opening 1.3 for housing the fiber bundle in the first fixed section 1.1, and its end face 3.2 is ground and polished or simply sawn as required by optical requirements.

[0067] In this embodiment as well, to fix the sheathing portion 4 to the optical fiber cable 2, the metal sleeve formed as a sub-member 1.6 is widened so that the sub-member 1.6 can insert the sheathing portion 4, which has been previously removed from the optical fiber cable 2, all the way to the tip. The plastic sleeve formed as a second sub-member 1.7 of the assembly device 1 is welded to the sheathing portion 4 of the optical fiber cable 2 in the fixing section 1.2, and is widened in the direction of the end face 3.2 of the optical waveguide 3 so that the widened portion of the metal sleeve (first sub-member 1.6) fits between the sheathing portion 4 and the plastic sleeve (second sub-member 1.7). The metal sleeve has ring-shaped notches or embossing in the connection region 1.7.4, so that after the assembly of the two sub-members 1.6 and 1.7, a strong mechanical connection is formed between the sub-members 1.6 and 1.7 of the assembly device 1 in the connection region 1.7.4 by an embossing process or a thermal deformation process.

[0068] This type of locking mechanism, in relation to the weld in the fixed section 1.2, enables a robust mechanical connection between the assembly device 1 and the optical fiber cable 2. In this case as well, an optional sealing area 7 is provided, which in the illustrated example is formed by an O-ring.

[0069] Figure 6 shows another modified form of the assembly device 1, which consists of two parts: a first sub-member 1.6 formed as a metal sleeve and a second sub-member 1.7 formed as a plastic sleeve. In this configuration, the metal sleeve houses the fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3 in its opening 1.3, and the optical waveguide 3 is bonded to the metal sleeve with adhesive 5 over a length L1, 1.1.3 of the first fixed section 1.1. The sheathing portion 4 of the optical fiber cable 2 is welded to the sub-member 1.7 formed as a plastic sleeve in the second fixed section 1.2. During assembly, it slides over the metal sleeve (first sub-member 1.6) in at least a predetermined section. Since the metal sleeve has ring-shaped notches or embossing in the connection region 1.7.4, after the assembly of the two sub-members 1.6 and 1.7, a strong mechanical connection is formed between the sub-members 1.6 and 1.7 of the assembly device 1 in the connection region 1.7.4 by an embossing process or a thermal deformation process. In this case as well, an additional adhesive portion and / or a sealing area 7 in the form of an inserted O-ring can be provided.

[0070] Figure 7 shows a final example of an integrated assembly device 1 made of metal or a well-bondable plastic, where the assembly device 1 houses a fiber bundle of optical waveguide 3 within its opening 1.3, which is bonded to a metal or plastic sleeve with adhesive 5 over a length L1,1.3.2 of the first fixed section 1.1 region. The sleeve has a collar on one side and notches or embossing surrounding the region of the fixed section 1.2 on the other side, relative to the end face 3.2 of the optical waveguide 3. During assembly, the sheathing 4 of the optical fiber cable 2 is widened so that the optical fiber cable 2 can be pushed in through the collar and the surrounding notches or embossing. Subsequently, a thermal process makes it possible to weld the sheathing 4 in the fixed region 1.2 to the plastic sleeve. The ring-shaped notches or embossing create an additional mechanical tooth pattern to increase mechanical strength, with the collar acting as a kind of stress relief area. If the assembly device 1 is formed as a metal sleeve, mechanical locking can be achieved by a ring-shaped notch or embossing on the covering portion 4 and a thermal deformation process. In this case as well, the sealing area 7 can be provided in the form of an additional adhesive and / or inserted O-ring in the collar area.

[0071] Basically, the metal sleeves described in Figures 5 to 7 can also be formed as plastic sleeves, particularly from rigid plastics that can be bonded well. In a two-part assembly device, for example, the assembly device corresponding to Figure 6, a combination of two material classes can be provided, that is, for example, the first part 1.6 can be made as a plastic sleeve and the second part 1.7 as a metal sleeve.

[0072] With regard to the sleeve material, the following selection criteria are advantageous for the material of a one-piece sleeve or the material of the first part 1.6 of a two-part sleeve. On the one hand, the material must be mechanically stable enough to be handled in a chuck device with respect to the final polishing process. On the other hand, the material must not have a "lubricating" tendency, that is, it must preferably be non-expandable and / or filled with glass fiber (or optionally filled plastic) or other, for example, ceramic or glass fillers. Therefore, preferred plastic materials are, for example, PC, PEEK, PEI, ABS, PMMA, COC, TPE-U, PA, PPS, or PPSU. These can be well bonded to the fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3. Similarly, FEP, PVDF, ETFE, and PFA are also suitable, but require chemical and / or physical surface pretreatment with respect to adhesion.

[0073] The preferred tubing material for the coating portion 4 may be PC, PVC, PMMA, PMMI, COC, FEP, PFA, ETFE, THV, PVDF, PA, PE, PP, LDPE, LLDPE, LLDPE / PP, TPE-S, TPE-E, or TPE-U. All of these have good adhesion based on their extremely high polar surface energy.

[0074] However, on the other hand, as mentioned at the beginning, plastics made of fluorinated or partially fluorinated plastics (e.g., FEP, ETFE) or polyolefins (e.g., PP, PE, PP-PE compounds) are important, for example, based on their high heat resistance and chemical resistance, as well as their smooth surface and good tactile feel (low tackiness). These are considered nonpolar due to their low polar surface energy and are therefore considered unbondable or only bondable with great effort.

[0075] Table 1 summarizes some surface energies for the selected polymer materials: [Table 2]

[0076] In the table and in the above explanation, the material abbreviations mean the following: PA6 - Polyamide 6 type, PAEK - Polyaryl ether ketone, PBT - Polybutylene terephthalate, PC - Polycarbonate, PE-(HD), LDPE - High-density polyethylene, PE-LD, LDPE - Low-density polyethylene, PES - Polyethersulfone, PET - Polyethylene terephthalate, PFA - Perfluoroalkoxypolymer (PTFE copolymer), PMMA - Polymethyl methacrylate, POM - Polyoxymethylene, PP - Polypropylene, PPE - Polyphenylene ether, PS - Polystyrene, PSU - Polysulfone, PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene, PVB - Polybutylvinyl butyrate, PVC - Polyvinyl chloride, SAN - Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, TPU, TPE-U -These are thermoplastic polyurethane, PEEK-polyetheretherketone, PEI-polyethyleneimine, 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-polymethylmethacrylimide, THV-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-vinylidene fluoride, LLDPEI / ...PP-linear polyethylene / ...polypropylene, TPE-S-styrene block copolymer, and TPE-E-thermoplastic copolyester elastomer.

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

[0078] For the integrated means and the two-part means of the assembly device 1, the following dimensional ranges have been found to be appropriate (Table 2): [Table 3]

[0079] Here, the deformation region or its wall thickness, in the integrated embodiment of the assembly device 1, refers to the wall thickness remaining or formed on the upper and / or lower sides of the cavity 1.4. In this case, there may be or be provided one different wall thickness upward with respect to the outer circumferential surface 1.4.2 and / or downward with respect to the inner circumferential surface 1.3.1. In the two-part embodiment of the assembly device 1, the wall thickness of the deformation region corresponds to the distance between the outer circumferential surface 1.7.2 and the diameter of the opening 1.7.1. If the region is formed in a conical shape, the wall thickness of the deformation region refers to its minimum value.

[0080] In summary, the approach shown in Figure 1, which features an integrated sleeve as the assembly device 1, is characterized by the "mechanical fixation" of the cladding 4, that is, fixation using mechanical, force, and / or shape coupling by embossing or ultrasonic welding of the cable cladding to the sleeve within the cavity 1.4. At this time, the cable cladding is pressed into the cavity 1.4 within the sleeve assembly. Subsequently, deformation of the sleeve assembly, which can be formed in a point, planar, or radial manner, or ultrasonic welding of the sleeve and cladding 4 is performed, with or without surface activation of cladding 4, as is optionally done. During the deformation process, the sleeve is designed to be more stable or thicker in terms of material thickness in the region between cladding 4 within the cavity 1.4 and the optical waveguide 3 or fiber bundle, in order to prevent excessive force on the fiber bundle located below and consequently fiber breakage. In this way, the force on the fiber bundle required to fix the tube to the sleeve is minimized. The fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3 is bonded to the sleeve, as is commonly practiced, and then optionally grindable and polishable. This modified form is also suitable for closed sleeves (see Figure 1a), such as those used in automotive optical waveguide cables. This is also true for the integrated sleeve examples shown in Figures 4 and 7.

[0081] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the two-part approach offers the advantage that the sleeve can be made of different materials or a combination of two material compositions. This may be a combination of plastics on the one hand, or a combination of metal and plastic. In this case, the second sub-member 1.7 of the sleeve can be optimally adapted to the method of fixing the covering 4, where the first sub-member 1.6 of the sleeve is optimally designed for adhesive connection to the fiber bundle of the optical waveguide 3. In this case, the first sub-member 1.6 and the second sub-member 1.7 can be directly and irremovably connected, for example, in a two-stage injection molding process. Another option is a later connection by clamping the two sub-members 1.6, 1.7. Furthermore, there are means of subjecting the covering 4 and / or the fixing section 1.2 for the covering 4 to chemical and / or physical surface treatment before assembly. This is particularly suitable when the covering 4 is connected to the second sub-member 1.7 by ultrasonic welding in the area of ​​the second fixing section 1.2, as shown in Figure 3. For this reason, it is advantageous that the second sub-member 1.7 is similar to, or ideally identical to, the cladding material in terms of material. Furthermore, the attachment of the covering portion 4 to the second sub-member 1.7 of the sleeve can be done by forming a cavity to accommodate the covering portion 4, as shown in Figure 1, and then inserting the deformed portion or undercut region 1.4.5 by embossing. This is also true for the example of a two-part sleeve shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0082] Two solutions, comprising an assembly device 1 formed as a single unit or in two parts, enable the fixation of a protective tube or covering 4 within or on a plastic sleeve. This prevents the tube from slipping out of the sleeve and, consequently, prevents 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, further supports the bundle. Depending on the appropriate structure of the sleeve, the sleeve can also be manufactured from two parts as needed (e.g., a combination of metal and plastic, or a combination of type 1 plastic and type 2 plastic). In this case, a highly stable adhesive connection between the fiber bundle and the metal sleeve or polar plastic within the first sub-member 1.6 is possible, combined with the permanent fixation of the cable cladding to the second sub-member 1.7. Depending on the application and cladding plastic, the choice of sleeve configuration can be determined, in which case the cladding is fixed. - Point-like, planar, or radial deformation (at high or low temperatures) of the inner circumferential surface 1.4.1 and / or outer circumferential surface 1.4.2 of cavity 1.4; • Adhesion to the sleeve assembly or its inlay (second sub-member 1.7); • Heat welding of the inlay (second sub-member 1.7) to the cladding; Ultrasonic welding of the sleeve joint (inner circumferential surface 1.4.1 and / or outer circumferential surface 1.4.2 of cavity 1.4) or the inlay (second sub-member 1.7) to the cladding; • As an optional means, surface activation by plasma, fluorination, corona, or chemical treatment, as needed; This can be done by [method].

[0083] The above-described embodiment of the assembly apparatus 1 ensures the specified fixation of the glass fiber cable cover tube inside or on the plastic sleeve, in particular, to protect the fiber bundle located inside from dirt and / or moisture. Furthermore, it eliminates or significantly reduces the laborious post-heat treatment required for highly shrinkable cladding materials. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Assembly device 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 area, undercut area 1.5 Outer surface 1.6 First Partial 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 Screw connection area or locking connection area 1.9 Clamping Area 2 Fiber optic cable 3 Optical waveguide 3.1 Outer surface 3.2 End face 4. Covering part 5. First adhesive 6. Second adhesive 7 Seal area 8 sleeves

Claims

1. An assembly apparatus (1) for optical fiber cables (2), The optical fiber cable (2) includes an optical waveguide (3) comprising at least one optical fiber or a bundle of multiple optical fibers, and a covering portion (4) that completely surrounds the optical waveguide (3) on its outer surface (3.1) in at least a predetermined section. The assembly device (1) is formed from a single member, or from a first sub-member (1.6) and a second sub-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), wherein the second fixing section (1.2) is arranged concentrically around the first fixing section (1.1). The optical waveguide (3) is connected to or can be connected to the first fixed section (1.1) by material bonding, at least partially or in a predetermined section. The covering portion (4) is connected to or can be connected to the second fixing section (1.2) by shape coupling, force coupling and / or material coupling, at least partially or in a predetermined section, thereby separating or being separable from the fixing of the optical waveguide (3) and the covering portion (4) in the assembly apparatus (1), and the covering portion (4) in the region of the second fixing section (1.2) does not come into contact with the optical waveguide (3). The cavity (1.4) of the second fixed section (1.2) has at least one deformable portion (1.4.5) on its inner circumferential surface (1.4.1) and / or outer circumferential surface (1.4.2) in a region of depth L2 (1.4.3), and the sheathing portion (4) of the optical fiber cable (2) is fixed or can be fixed by shape coupling at least partially or in a predetermined section by the deformable portion (1.4.5). Assembly apparatus (1).

2. The assembly device (1) is formed as an integrated component, The first fixed section (1.1) is formed by the 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 for housing the optical waveguide (3). The second fixed section (1.2) is formed around the central opening (1.3) by a 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 provided to accommodate the covering portion (4). The assembly apparatus (1) according to claim 1.

3. The optical waveguide (3) of the optical fiber cable (2) is connected, or can be connected, to the inner surface (1.3.1) of the first fixed section (1.1) at least partially or in a predetermined section by the first adhesive (5). The assembly apparatus (1) according to claim 1.

4. The assembly apparatus is The deformable portion (1.4.5) is arranged to radially surround the inner circumferential surface (1.4.1) and / or outer circumferential surface (1.4.2) of the second fixed section (1.2). The deformable portion (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 fixed section (1.2). The connection of the covering portion (4) to the second fixed section (1.2) and the cavity (1.4) includes thermal bonding and / or embossing or crimp bonding or a combination thereof. The assembly apparatus (1) according to claim 1, having at least one of the features of the above.

5. The assembly device (1) is formed as an integrated component, The first fixed section (1.1) is formed by the 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 for housing the optical waveguide (3). The second fixing section (1.2) is formed along the length L2 (1.4.3) of the outer peripheral surface (1.5) in at least a predetermined section to accommodate the covering portion (4). The assembly apparatus (1) according to claim 1.

6. The optical waveguide (3) of the optical fiber cable (2) is The first fixing section (1.1) is connected, or can be connected, to the inner circumferential surface (1.3.1) of the first fixing section (1.1) at least partially or in a predetermined section using the first adhesive (5), The sheathing portion (4) of the optical fiber cable (2) is fixed or can be fixed to the outer surface (1.4.3) of the second fixing section (1.2) at least partially or in a predetermined section using the second adhesive (6). The assembly apparatus (1) according to claim 2 or 5.

7. The assembly apparatus (1) is The connection of the covering portion (4) to the second fixed section (1.2) includes thermal bonding and / or embossing or crimp bonding or a combination thereof. The connection of the sheathing portion (4) to the second fixing section (1.2) has at least one deformable portion (1.4.5), and the sheathing portion (4) of the optical fiber cable (2) is fixed or can be fixed by shape coupling, at least partially or in a predetermined section, by the deformable portion (1.4.5). The deformed portion (1.4.5) is positioned on the outer circumferential surface (1.4.2) of the second fixed section (1.2) so as to surround it radially. The assembly apparatus (1) according to claim 6, having at least one of the features of the above.

8. An assembly apparatus (1) for an optical fiber cable (2), The optical fiber cable (2) includes an optical waveguide (3) comprising at least one optical fiber or a bundle of multiple optical fibers, and a covering portion (4) that completely surrounds the optical waveguide (3) on its outer surface (3.1) in at least a predetermined section. The assembly device (1) is formed from a single member, or from a first sub-member (1.6) and a second sub-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), wherein the second fixing section (1.2) is arranged concentrically around the first fixing section (1.1). The optical waveguide (3) is connected to or can be connected to the first fixed section (1.1) by material bonding, at least partially or in a predetermined section. The covering portion (4) is connected to or can be connected to the second fixing section (1.2) by shape coupling, force coupling and / or material coupling, at least partially or in a predetermined section, thereby separating or being separable from the fixing of the optical waveguide (3) and the covering portion (4) in the assembly apparatus (1), and the covering portion (4) in the region of the second fixing section (1.2) does not come into contact with the optical waveguide (3). The assembly apparatus (1) has a first part (1.6) and a second part (1.7), The first fixed section (1.1) is formed by a central opening (1.6.1) of the first sub-member (1.6), the opening (1.6.1) having an inner circumferential surface (1.6.2) and a length L3 (1.6.3), and is provided for housing the optical waveguide (3). The second sub-member (1.7) has a central opening (1.7.1), which is provided to guide the optical waveguide (3) through, and has the second fixed section (1.2), The second fixing section (1.2) has an outer peripheral surface (1.7.2) of length L4 (1.7.3) for attaching the covering portion (4) at least partially or in a predetermined section, and / or The first sub-member (1.6) has a connection area (1.6.4), and the second sub-member (1.7) has a connection area (1.7.4) for mechanical connection of at least a portion or a predetermined section of the two sub-members, thereby forming or being able to form a connection zone (1.8) in the connected state. The first sub-member (1.6) and the second sub-member (1.7) each form a clamping region (1.9) in their respective connection zones (1.8) for accommodating and mechanically fixing the covering portion (4) of the optical waveguide (3). Assembly apparatus (1).

9. The material of the covering portion (4) has chemical compatibility for bonding with the material of the second partial member (1.7), The connection of the covering portion (4) to the second fixed section (1.2) of the second partial member (1.7) is connected or connectable by force and / or shape coupling, at least partially or in a predetermined section. The assembly apparatus (1) according to claim 8.

10. The assembly apparatus (1) is The first sub-member (1.6) and the second sub-member (1.7) are detachably connected to each other via their connecting regions (1.6.4, 1.7.4) by locking, clamping, bayonet, and / or screw connections, or can be connected to each other. The assembly apparatus (1) according to claim 8.

11. The assembly apparatus (1) is The optical waveguide (3) includes, or is composed 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) includes or consists of a 2K epoxy adhesive, a 1K silicone adhesive, or a 2K silicone adhesive. The covering portion (4) is connected to or can be connected to the second fixing section (1.2) or around the second fixing section (1.2) using 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 outer circumferential surface (1.4.3) of the second fixing section (1.2) have a chemical or physical surface activation portion and / or at least one adhesion mediating layer. At least the inner surface (1.6.1) of the first fixing section (1.1) and / or the outer surface (1.7.2) of the second fixing section (1.2) have a chemical or physical surface activating portion and / or at least one adhesion mediating layer. The first fixed section (1.1) has a conical section on the inner circumferential surface (1.3.1) of the optical waveguide (3) in the direction of conduction of the optical waveguide (3). The assembly device (1) has an edge that is 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 conductive direction of the optical waveguide (3), and the assembly device (1) includes or is made of a material that is transparent in at least that region. The assembly apparatus (1) according to claim 6, having at least one of the features of the above.

12. Use of the assembly apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2 for an industrial or medical technology cable (2) equipped with an optical fiber optical waveguide (3) for optical transmission or image transmission, The material of the covering portion (4) has a surface having a polar component surface energy of 1 mJ / m² or less. Use of assembly device (1).

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