Fiber optic connector

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector (1) for terminating an optical fiber (2). The fiber optic connector (1) comprises a connector body (3) which extends along a longitudinal axis (x) from a dorsal end (4) to a distal end (5) and comprises a first half (6) and a second half (7), which are split from each other along the longitudinal axis (x). At least one or preferably both of the first half (6) and / or the second half (7) comprise a channel (9), which extends along the longitudinal axis (x). In an assembled state of the fiber optic connector (1), the first half (6) and the second half (7) of the connector body (3) mate with each other and the at least one, preferably two, channel(s) (9) form a duct (10) for taking up the optical fiber (2).

Description

[0001] Fiber Optic Connector

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector, a fiber optic connector assembly as well as a method for assembling the fiber optic connector assembly and an assembly device therefore.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] CN111239903A1 published on 05.06.2020 in the name of SICHUAN HUIYUAN PLASTIC OPTICAL FIBER CO LTD relates to a plastic optical fiber jumper plug, which comprises a body, a through hole for an optical fiber to pass through, which is formed in the body. A concave part for the optical fiber to pass through is formed in the end face of the body with the through hole communicating with the concave part, which is matched with the through hole to enable an optical fiber end to stay in the concave part.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] A common form of fiber jumper plugs are so called “Versatile Link” (V-pin) 200 / 230 pm fiber optic cable assemblies. Versatile Link and V-pin are all names given to the proprietary fiber optic connector originally developed by HP, which is now owned by Broadcom. These patch cords are suitable for any networking and factory automation application. The fiber optic cables typically used for these jumper plugs are typically constructed of a single optical fiber, which is sheathed in a polymer jacket with a cladding and a buffer layer between the fiber and the jacket. Originally, these V-pin connectors have been used for plastic optical fibers (POF). V-pin connectors have the advantage of being simple in design and therefore suitable for mass production and inexpensive to manufacture. Known V-pin connectors are made one-pieced with a central bore in which the optical fiber is arranged before the optical cable is crimped to the connector body. V-Pin connectors typically have ferrules with an outer diameter of 3.8 mm. Assemblies of V-Pin connectors are suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. These low-cost fiber optic connectors are especially used in “Versatile Links”, which comprise a fiber-optic transmitter and receiver, typically operating at a 650 nm wavelength. The transmitter can be in form of an LED in a low cost plastic housing designed to efficiently couple power into the hard-clad silica optical fiber with a diameter of 200 / 230 pm and / or a plastic optical fiber with a 1 mm diameter. V-Pin connectors typically comprise a one-pieced connector body, either designed as simplex or duplex connector.

[0008] As plastic optical fibers (POF) are only suitable for short distance signal transmission, typically only up to 50m - 100m, there is an interest in using hard-clad silica (HCS) optical fibers or glass fibers together with these low cost connectors. Hard-clad silica (HCS) or polymer-clad fibers (PCF) are optical fibers with a core of silica glass, with a diameter of typically 200 pm and an optical cladding, which is typically made of a special polymer with a diameter of e.g. 230 pm. Due to their medium bandwidths and transmission rates, hard-clad silica optical fibers are suitable for distances of up to 2 km, e.g. in local networks in buildings and in industry. The reason for this is the lower attenuation of hard-clad silica fibers compared to plastic optical fibers. The higher the attenuation, the shorter the distance and vice versa. For comparison, plastic optical fibers have low bandwidths and transmission rates, as well as a high attenuation. Therefore, the maximum transmission distance of plastic optical fibers is typically around 100 meters. Glass fibers on the other hand have very high bandwidths and transmission rates of up to GBit / s. The attenuation in glass fibers is much lower, they can therefore cover distances of up to 10 km. Regarding bandwidth and distances, hard-clad silica optical fibers are therefore situated between plastic optical fibers and multimode or single mode glass fibers.

[0009] For connecting hard-clad silica optical fibers with their superior transmission characteristics compared to plastic optical fibers to the known V-Pin connectors, typically crimp and cleave technologies are used. While capitalizing on the advanced optical and mechanical properties of HCS (Hard Clad Silica) and Graded Index HCS (GiHCS) optical fibers, a crimp and cleave connector attaches to the cable through mechanical means rather than traditional epoxy / polish methods. Field installers can attach the connectors by crimping and at the same time terminating the fiber. The cable is thereby simply crimped to the connector back end and the fiber is cleaved or cut at the front end, i.e. the optical interface end. The cleaved fiber end may be polished after cleaving.

[0010] Although crimp and cleave connections lead to fast, cheap and handy connections, it is not suitable for applications at extreme operating temperatures or when experiencing frequent and wide temperature cycling effects. During exposure to temperature cycles, the high differential coefficient of thermal expansion between the fiber glass core, the fiber cladding and buffer as well as the connector housing typically induce high strains in the components of the fiber optic cable as well as the connector body. This may cause a shrinkage of the cable jacket during exposure to temperature cycles (i.e. due to frozen-in strain after extrusion and rapid cooling). As a result, a large axial displacement of the optic fiber with respect to the connector body may take place, and the optic fiber may even protrude from the end face of the connector body after exposure to temperature cycles.

[0011] One objective of the present disclosure can therefore be seen in providing a fiber optic connector, which minimizes axial displacement of the optic fiber within the connector body and minimizes creeping of the optic fiber with respect to the connector.

[0012] A fiber optic connector according to the present disclosure, for terminating an optical fiber, typically comprises a connector body. The connector body extends along a longitudinal axis from a dorsal end to a distal end and can comprise a first half and a second half, which are typically split from each other along the longitudinal axis. The connector body typically comprises a connection section for mating the fiber optic connector with a mating fiber optic connector or a fiberoptic transmitter and / or receiver. The connection section may form the distal end of the connector body. The connection section may be a cylindrical protrusion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the distal end of the connector body is designed as a cylindrical and / or conical protrusion with a sleeve, which sleeve may be mounted on the cylindrical protrusion in the assembled state of the fiber optic connector. The sleeve may fulfill at least two functions: Firstly, it may attach the first half and the second half of the connector body to each other. Secondly, it may limit a receiving space for an adhesive, which can be introduced into the connector body and sleeve from the proximal end (see further explanations below). The connector thus consists of at least three parts. Placing such a sleeve on the connector body has the advantage that leakage of the adhesive during assembly of the connector can be avoided. Furthermore, the outer contour of the connection section can be easily and precisely defined. Although use of a sleeve represents one possible embodiment of the present disclosure, it should be pointed out that it is by no means limited to this.

[0014] The cylindrical protrusion may extend away from a base section of the connector body. The cylindrical protrusion can comprise a locking feature, e.g. in form of an at least partially circumferential collar for connecting and locking the connector body in the connected state. The connection section in form of the cylindrical protrusion can form the distal end of the connector body, while the dorsal end is formed by the base section. The base section is typically larger in size than the connection section and typically compromises an opening for receiving an end of an optical cable.

[0015] At least one or preferably both of the first half and / or the second half of the connector body comprise a channel extending along the longitudinal axis. The channel can thereby be arranged solely in first half or the second half or be present in the first half and the second half. The first half and the second half of the connector body can each comprise a contact surface, which are essentially flat and in an assembled state of the connector body come in contact with each other along a contact plane. In an assembled state of the fiber optic connector, the contact surfaces of the first half and the second half of the connector body typically mate with each other. The at least one, preferably two, channel(s) can form a duct for taking up the optical fiber. To be able to insert adhesive into the duct in an assembled state of the connector body, an access opening is typically provided, which is interconnected to the duct. For simplifying the assembly and improving the accuracy of the assembly, the connector body may comprise positioning means, preferably in form of protrusions in the first half and thereto corresponding recesses in the second half, or vice versa. The positioning means ensure that before the adhesive is applied, the assembled first and second half are positioned with respect to each other.

[0016] The duct for taking up the optical fiber can have a cross-section which is smaller than three times the cross section of the optical fiber to be taken up therein, preferably the cross-section of the duct is less than two times the cross-section of the optical fiber. This ensures that the amount of adhesive within the duct is minimized. After the optic fiber has been placed in the duct, the free space between optic fiber and the surrounding walls of the duct are typically filled with an adhesive. The duct can have several subsequent and connected sections or zones, each of which is optimized to accept different elements of the optical cable such as the optic fiber, fiber buffer, cable jacket and strain relief elements. One of the key advantages of the present fiber optic connector with respect to the known connector is the reduced volume of adhesive in the duct. The two halves of the connector body are preferably made from a material with low coefficient of thermal expansion. This can be a liquid crystal polymer which has both favorable material proprieties for injection molding as well as the desired low coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0017] Due to tooling restrictions, connector bodies known from the prior art comprise a channels in form of bores, with a diameter which is several times larger than the diameter of the optic fiber. As a consequence, the resulting ducts comprise a comparatively large diameter with respect to the optical fiber. As a result, a large volume of adhesive is needed to fill the duct. Under temperature cycles, the large volume of adhesive tends to crack and creep, which may lead to an axial displacement of the optic fiber with respect to the connector body and as a result, the optic fiber may even protrude from the end face of the connector body after exposure to temperature cycles. A cross-section, which is smaller than three times the cross section of the optical fiber to be taken up therein, may avoid the cracking and creeping due to the significantly reduced volume of adhesive. To be able to produce a duct with such a comparatively small diameter, compared to the ducts of connectors of the prior art, the connector body comprises a first half and a second half, which are split from each other along the longitudinal axis. This design enables easy demolding and therefore the use of cost-effective processes such as injection molding.

[0018] The duct may comprise a section for a cable jacket adjacent to the dorsal end, a section for the optical fiber adjacent to the distal end and a there between arranged section for a buffer. A good compromise between necessary space for the adhesive and volume reduction of the duct can be achieved, when the section for the optical fiber and / or the section for the buffer of the duct have a rhomb shaped cross-section with respect to the longitudinal direction. This geometry has proven favorable for making use of the capillary action, which causes the adhesive to flow along the duct without the assistance of, or even against any external forces, like gravity or excessive filling pressure.

[0019] In addition, the rhomb shaped cross-section may improve centering the optical fiber with respect to the longitudinal direction within the duct, which improves the transmission when mating the fiber optic connector. The optical fiber and / or a buffer, preferably at least partially encompassing the optical fiber, may be arranged within the duct and may be attached to the duct by an adhesive, preferably with a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The adhesive may comprise a filler material, e.g. reinforcing fibers like glass or carbon fibers.

[0020] Beside the above described duct, the first and the second half of the connector body can in addition comprise a narrow circumferential contact area which typically acts as a sealing face, typically in form of an at least partially circumferential wall. In the mounted state, the at least partially circumferential walls of the first and the second half of the connector body typically come into contact with each other acting as a seal.

[0021] As mentioned herein above, a sleeve may be mounted onto the connection section of the connector body. In such an embodiment, the circumferential walls do usually not extend to the sections of the first and the second halves of the connector body, which are encompassed by the sleeve. The reason for this is that the sleeve fulfills the sealing function in these areas. The first and the second halves may together form a shallow recess, which may establish a receiving space. When the first and the second halves are mounted, the receiving space may form a cavity for an adhesive. The adhesive can be applied through the access opening, usually with low pressure. Due to the capillary effects, the adhesive typically fills the receiving space and the adhesive is distributed without voids or weld lines. The at least partially circumferential wall and / or the sleeve, which both limit the receiving space, help to substantially mitigate bleeding of adhesive at the joint face of the first and second half of the connector body.

[0022] The adhesive is typically cured with the connector body halves being clamped together in a mounting aid, as will be described below noted in more detail. To minimize issues between the adhesive, the optic fiber and the connector body due to different coefficients of thermal expansion between connector body, adhesive and optical fiber, mineral filled adhesive may be used for attaching the first and the second half together, as well as attaching the optic fiber to the connector body. Compared to conventional adhesives like epoxy or adhesives reinforced with fibers, the differences of thermal expansion are reduced by using mineral filled adhesives , thereby minimizing creeping and cracking.

[0023] In an assembled state of the fiber optic connector, the receiving chamber for receiving an adhesive is typically formed between the first half and the second half adjacent to the duct. Known fiber optic connectors, comprise a duct which encompasses almost the entire cross-section of the connector body. These ducts are typically designed as cylindrical bores with a comparatively large diameter with respect to the optic fiber, leading to large volumes of adhesive between optic fiber and wall of the duct. In comparison the fiber optic connector of the present disclosure can comprise a duct with a comparatively small cross-section, as described above noted already. To nevertheless ensure a mechanically rigid connection between first half and second half, and in order to achieve an essentially full-surface contact between first half and second half, a receiving chamber can be arranged laterally to the duct.

[0024] The receiving chamber can with respect to the longitudinal direction have an essentially rectangular cross section, which preferably has a width and a height, which have a ratio of width to height of 3 to 9, preferably 5 to 7, most preferably 6. Like for the duct, the comparatively low height with respect to the width of the receiving chamber also makes use of the capillary action which causes the adhesive to flow into the receiving chamber without the assistance of, or even against, any external forces, like gravity or excessive filling pressure.

[0025] In a top view onto the first half and / or the second half, the receiving chamber covers essentially the entire face area of the first half and / or the second half. Besides sealing and attaching the optic fiber, the receiving chamber has the effect of attaching the first half and the second half to each other. The receiving chamber is typically delimited as above noted by an at least partially circumferential wall, which is preferably entirely circumferential, surrounding the surface area of the first half and / or the second half except for the channel.

[0026] The section of the connector body for the cable jacket may comprise a strain relief means in form of protrusions which are configured in the assembled state of the fiber optic connector to dent into a therein arranged cable jacket. The end of the fiber optic cable is typically stripped such that at the very end a section of optic fiber remains, which is stripped from cladding, buffer and cable jacket. The end of the cable jacket is secured in place in the section for the cable jacket, which may comprise protrusions in form of teeth. The teeth can protrude from the connector body into the receiving space and dent in the assembled state into the therein arranged cable jacket, to prevent the fiber optic cable to be pulled out from the connector body. The section for attaching the cable jacket may feature means to attach additional strain relief elements contained in the cable.

[0027] To seal the end of the fiber optic cable as well as the connector body from environmental influences, the connector body may comprise adjacent to the dorsal end a receptacle for a sealing tube, which receptacle may comprise circumferential grooves. The additional sealing tube may be arranged onto the cable jacket and when assembling the connector body, the sealing tube may be clamped between the first half and the second half of the connector body.

[0028] A fiber optic connector assembly according to the present disclosure may comprise a fiber optic connector and further comprise an optical fiber. The optical fiber is typically part of an optical cable, which may comprises an optical fiber, encompassed by a cladding, encompassed by a buffer and a cable jacket. In an alternative embodiment of the fiber optic connector assembly, the fiber optic connector can comprise a connector body, which extends along a longitudinal axis from a dorsal end to a distal end and comprises a duct extending along the longitudinal axis for taking up an optical fiber therein. The duct can have a crosssection which is smaller than three times the cross section of the optical fiber to be taken up therein and a free space between a wall of the duct and the therein arranged optical fiber is filled with an adhesive in the assembled state of the fiber optic connector. In an assembled state, all previously presented embodiments of the fiber optic connector may form a fiber optic connector assembly together with a thereto attached optical cable.

[0029] For assembling the previously presented embodiments of the fiber optic connector assembly, an assembly device may be provided. The assembly device may be a jig for assembling a number of fiber optic connector assemblies in parallel, which jig may be heated for curing the adhesive. The assembly device typically comprises a first receiving element in form of a first half-shell, which comprises a first recess, which corresponds to the outer geometry of the first half of the connector body. In addition, the assembly device typically comprises a second receiving element in form of a second half-shell, which comprises a second recess, which corresponds to the outer geometry of the second half of the connector body. The first and the second receiving elements may be essentially in form of two cuboidal elements, which can be attached to each other along a parting plane. To hold the first and the second receiving elements and the therein arranged fiber optic connector assembly in place during the assembly, a clamping element is provided, which is configured to reversibly attach the first receiving element to the second receiving element.

[0030] To ensure that the first half of the fiber optic connector being arranged in the first receiving element and the second half of the fiber optic connector being arranged in the second receiving element, the first receiving element can comprise first positioning means in form of a recess and the second receiving element can comprise thereto corresponding second positioning means in form of protrusions, or vice versa. The clamping element may be a spring clamp with a first clamping jaw and second clamping jaw with the first clamping jaw engaging with the first receiving element and the second clamping jaw engaging with the second receiving element. One advantage of a clamping element is that the assembly can be performed without the need for special machinery. The first receiving element or the second receiving element may comprise an inlet, which is aligned with an access opening of the connector body and allows the introduction of adhesive into the duct and / or the receiving chamber.

[0031] A method for assembling a fiber optic connector assembly according to the present disclosure typically comprises at least the following method steps: a) Providing a first half of the connector body; b) Arranging an optical fiber in a channel of the first half of the connector body; c) Providing a second half of the connector body and arranging the second half on the first half by bringing the first half and the second half in contact along the longitudinal axis; d) Introducing an adhesive in the duct and / or the receiving chamber of the connector body; e) Curing the adhesive in the duct and / or the receiving chamber and thereby bonding the optical fiber to the connector body. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The herein described disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the disclosure described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing:

[0034] Fig. 1 a first variation of a fiber optic connector assembly in an exploded perspective view from the front and above;

[0035] Fig. 2 the variation of the fiber optic connector assembly according to Figure 1 in a perspective view in Fig. 2a and as a sectional view in Fig. 2b;

[0036] Fig. 3 the variation of the fiber optic connector assembly according to Figure 1 in a perspective and partial sectional view without adhesive;

[0037] Fig. 4 the variation of the fiber optic connector assembly according to Figure 1 in a perspective and partial sectional view after applying the adhesive; Fig. 5 a first assembly step of the fiber optic connector assembly according to Figure 1 ;

[0038] Fig. 6 a second assembly step of the fiber optic connector assembly according to Figure 1 ; Fig. 7 a third assembly step of the fiber optic connector assembly according to Figure 1 ;

[0039] Fig. 8 a fourth assembly step of the fiber optic connector assembly according to Figure 1 ;

[0040] Fig. 9 a fifth assembly step of the fiber optic connector assembly according to Figure 1 ;

[0041] Fig. 10 a sixth assembly step of the fiber optic connector assembly according to Figure 1

[0042] Fig. 11 a second variation of a fiber optic connector assembly in a perspective view from the front and above; Fig. 12 the variation of the fiber optic connector assembly according to Figure

[0043] 11 in a sectional view;

[0044] Fig. 13 the variation of the fiber optic connector assembly according to Figures

[0045] 11 and 12 in an exploded sectional view; Fig. 14 partial enlargement of Figure 13.

[0046] DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

[0048] Figures 1 to 4 show a first variation of a fiber optic connector assembly 27, comprising a fiber optic connector 1 and an optical cable 28, which optical cable 28 comprises an optical fiber 2 encompassed by a cladding and a buffer 29 encompassed by a cable jacket 30. The fiber optical cable 28 is attached to the connector body 3 by an adhesive.

[0049] In Figure 1 the fiber optic connector assembly 27 is partially assembled, with the fiber optical cable 28 being already arranged within the first half 6 of the fiber optic connector 1 . The fiber optical cable 28, which is being arranged within the fiber optic connector 1 , is stripped at the end, adjacent to the distal end of the fiber optic connector 1. The fiber optic connector 1 comprises a connector body 3 which extends along the longitudinal axis x from a dorsal end 4 to a distal end 5. The shown connector body 3 comprises a first half 6 and a second half 7, which are split along the longitudinal axis x. The shown first half 6 and the second half 7, each comprise a contact surface 8 for mating with each other. In the shown variation, the first half 6 and the second half 7 each comprise a channel 9, which extends along the longitudinal axis x. In the assembled state of the fiber optic connector 1 , the first half 6 and the second half 7 of the connector body 3 mate with each other and the two channels 9 form a duct 10 for taking up the optical fiber 2. As can be obtained from Figure 1 , in a top view onto the first half 6 and the second half 7, the receiving chamber 11 covers essentially the entire face area 13 of the first half 6 and the second half 7. The receiving chamber 11 is thereby delimited by a partially circumferential wall 14. In the shown variation, the receiving chamber 11 is delimited in form of an entirely circumferential wall, surrounding the surface area 13 of the first half 6 and the second half 7, except for the channel 9.

[0050] The shown duct 10 comprises three subsequent sections, a section for the cable jacket 15 adjacent to the dorsal end 4, a section for the optical fiber 16 adjacent to the distal end 5 and a there between arranged section for the buffer 17. The section of the connector body 3 for the cable jacket 15 comprises a strain relief means in form of protrusions 19, which in the shown assembled state of the fiber optic connector 1 dent into the therein arranged cable jacket 15. In addition, the connector body 3 comprises adjacent to the dorsal end 4 a receptacle 20 for a sealing tube 21 , which comprises circumferential grooves 22.

[0051] Figure 2 shows the variation of the fiber optic connector assembly 27 in an assembled state. The duct 10 for taking up the optical fiber 2 has a cross-section D, which is in the shown variation two times the cross section O of the optical fiber 2 to be taken up therein. In the shown assembled state of the fiber optic connector 1 , the receiving chamber 11 for receiving an adhesive is formed between the first half 6 and the second half 7 adjacent to the duct 10. In the shown variation, the receiving chambers 11 are arranged laterally on both sides of the duct 10. The shown receiving chambers 11 have with respect to the longitudinal direction x an essentially rectangular cross section R, which preferably have a width W which with respect to their heights H each have a ratio of 3 to 9, preferably 5 to 7, in the shown variation 6. The shown section for the optical fiber 16 and the section for the buffer 17 of the duct 10 both have a rhomb shaped crosssection R.

[0052] Figure 3 shows the fiber optic connector assembly 27 fully assembled but still without adhesive. The cable jacket 15 is in the section of the connector body 3 for the cable jacket 15 secured in position by the strain relief means in form of protrusions 19, which in the shown assembled state of the fiber optic connector 1 are dented into the therein arranged cable jacket and therefore not visible. In addition, the connector body 3 comprises adjacent to the dorsal end 4 a receptacle 20 for a sealing tube 21 , which comprises a circumferential grooves 22. The shown circumferential grooves 22 are in the assembled state pressed into the sealing tube 21 and thereby seal the interior of the connector body 3 from environmental influences. The shown connector body 3 comprises positioning means in form of protrusions 25 in the first half 6 and thereto corresponding recesses 26 in the second half 7. Figure 4 shows the fiber optic connector assembly 27 after applying the adhesive. The optical fiber 2 is arranged within the duct 10 and attached to the duct 10 by an adhesive 12. Figures 5 to 10 show a variation of a method for assembling the fiber optic connector assembly 27 as shown by Figures 1 to 4.

[0053] Figure 5 shows the first assembly step. As can be seen, the first half of the connector body is being arranged in the first receiving element 32 in form of a first half-shell 33, which comprises a first recess 34, which corresponds to the outer geometry of the first half 6. In the second step, as shown by Figure 6 the optical fiber 2 is arranged in the duct 10 of the connector body 3. Before arranging the optical cable, the end of the optical cable is stripped. The optical cable is arranged in the connector body, such that the cable jacket is arranged in the section for the cable jacket 15 adjacent to the dorsal end 4, the optical fiber is arranged in the section for the optical fiber 16 adjacent to the distal end 5 and the buffer 29 is arranged in the there-between arranged section.

[0054] Figure 7 shows the third assembly step of the fiber optic connector assembly 27. The second half of the connector body is being attached to the first half of the connector body, after the optical cable has been arranged. The second half of the connector body is positioned by positioning means in form of protrusions 25 in the first half 6 and thereto corresponding recesses 26 in the second half 7, or vice versa. Figure 8 shows the fourth assembly step of the fiber optic connector assembly 27. A second receiving element 35 is in form of a second half-shell 36 and comprises a second recess 37 which corresponds to the outer geometry of the second half 7. The first receiving element 32 comprises first positioning means 39 in form of a recess and the second receiving element 35 comprises thereto corresponding second positioning means 40 in form of protrusions, or vice versa, for positioning the first receiving element 32 with respect to the second receiving element 35.

[0055] Figure 9 shows the fifth assembly step of the fiber optic connector assembly 27, wherein a clamping element 38 is attached. The clamping element 38 is configured to reversibly attach the first receiving element 32 to the second receiving element 35. In the shown variation the clamping element 38 is a spring clamp 41 with a first clamping jaw 42 and second clamping jaw 43. In the attached state of the clamping element 38, the first clamping jaw 42 engages with the first receiving element 32 and the second clamping jaw 43 engages with the second receiving element 35.

[0056] Figure 10 shows the sixth assembly step of the fiber optic connector assembly 27. The shown second receiving element 35 comprises an inlet 44 which is aligned with an access opening 45 of the connector body 3 and allows the introduction of adhesive 12 into the duct 10 and / or the receiving chamber 11 while the connector body 3 is arranged in the assembly device 31. The assembly device 31 can be arranged in a jig (which is not shown). In the clamped state, the adhesive 12 is introduced in the duct 10 and the receiving chamber 11 of the connector body 3. While curing the adhesive 12 in the duct 10 and the receiving chamber 11 and thereby bonding the optical fiber 2 to the connector body 3, the connector body 3 remains in the assembly device 31 .

[0057] Figures 11 to 14 show a second variation of a fiber optic connector assembly 27, which is closely related to the variation according to Figures 1 to 4. Corresponding elements have the same reference numerals. As apparent, the distal end 5 of the connector body 3 is designed as a conical protrusion with a sleeve 18 being mounted thereon in the assembled state. The connector 1 further comprises a kink protection 23 at a dorsal end 4 of the connector body 3. The connector body 3 and the kink protection 23 are connected to each other by a form closure 24. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0058] LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

[0059] 1 Fiber optic connector 25 Protrusions

[0060] 2 Optical fiber 26 Recess

[0061] 3 Connector body 27 Fiber optic connector as¬

[0062] 4 Dorsal end sembly

[0063] 5 Distal end 30 28 Optical cable

[0064] 6 First half 29 Buffer

[0065] 7 Second half 30 Cable jacket

[0066] 8 Contact surface 31 Assembly device

[0067] 9 Channel 32 First receiving element

[0068] 10 Duct 35 33 First half-shell

[0069] 11 Receiving chamber 34 First recess

[0070] 12 Adhesive 35 Second receiving element

[0071] 13 Surface area 36 Second half-shell

[0072] 14 Wall 37 Second recess

[0073] 15 Section for cable jacket 40 38

[0074] 16 Section for optical fiber 39 First positioning means

[0075] 17 Section for buffer 40 Second positioning

[0076] 18 Sleeve means

[0077] 19 Protrusion 41 Spring clamp

[0078] 20 Receptacle 45 42 First clamping jaw

[0079] 21 Sealing tube 43 Second clamping jaw

[0080] 22 Grooves 44 Inlet

[0081] 23 Kink Protection 45 Access opening

[0082] 24 Form Closure x Longitudinal axis D Cross section (Duct) H Height (Receiving cham¬

[0083] 0 Cross section (Optical fiber) ber) 10 RC Rhomb shaped cross

[0084] R Cross section (Receiving section chamber) F Free space

[0085] W Widths (Receiving cham- ber)

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS1 . A fiber optic connector (1 ) for terminating an optical fiber (2), the fiber optic connector (1 ) comprising a connector body (3), a. wherein the connector body (3) extends along a longitudinal axis (x) from a dorsal end (4) to a distal end (5) and comprises a first half (6) and a second half (7), which are split from each other along the longitudinal axis (x), b. wherein at least one or preferably both of the first half (6) and / or the second half (7) comprise a channel (9) extending along the longitudinal axis (x), c. wherein in an assembled state of the fiber optic connector (1 ) the first half (6) and the second half (7) of the connector body (3) mate with each other, and the at least one, preferably two, channel(s) (9) form a duct (10) for taking up the optical fiber (2).

2. The fiber optic connector (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the duct (10) for taking up the optical fiber (2) has a cross-section (D) which is smaller than three times the cross section (0) of the optical fiber (2) to be taken up therein.

3. The fiber optic connector (1 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein in an assembled state of the fiber optic connector (1 ) a receiving chamber (11 )for receiving an adhesive (12) is formed between the first half (6) and the second half (7) adjacent to the duct (10).

4. The fiber optic connector (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the receiving chamber (11 ) has with respect to the longitudinal direction (x) an essentially rectangular cross section (R), which preferably has a width (W) and a height (H), which have a ratio of width (W) to height (H) of 3 to 9, preferably 5 to 7, most preferably 6.

5. The fiber optic connector (1 ) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein in a top view onto the first half (6) and / or the second half (7), the receiving chamber (11 ) covers essentially the entire face area (13) of the first half (6) and / or the second half (7).

6. The fiber optic connector (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the receiving chamber (11 ) is delimited by an at least partially circumferential wall (14), preferably entirely circumferential, surrounding the surface area (13) of the first half (6) and / or the second half (7) except for the channel (9).

7. The fiber optic connector (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the duct (10) comprises a section for a cable jacket (15) adjacent to the dorsal end (4), a section for the optical fiber (16) adjacent to the distal end (5) and a there between arranged section for a buffer (17).

8. The fiber optic connector (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the section for the optical fiber (16) and / or the section for the buffer (17) of the duct (10)have a rhomb-shaped cross-section (R) with respect to the longitudinal direction (x).

9. The fiber optic connector (1 ) according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the section for the cable jacket (15) comprises a strain relief means in form of protrusions (19) which are configured in the assembled state of the fiber optic connector (1 ) to dent into a therein arranged cable jacket.

10. The fiber optic connector (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector body (3) comprises adjacent to the dorsal end (4) a receptacle (20) for a sealing tube (21 ), which receptacle (20) comprises circumferential grooves (22).

11. The fiber optic connector (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end (5) is designed as cylindrical and / or conical protrusion with a sleeve (18) being mounted on the cylindrical protrusion in the assembled state of the fiber optic connector (1 ).

12. The fiber optic connector (1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the connector body (3) comprises positioning means, preferably in form of protrusions (25) in the first half (6) and thereto corresponding recesses (26) in the second half (7), or vice versa.

13. A fiber optic connector assembly (27) comprising an fiber optic connector (1 ) according to claims 1 to 12 and an optical fiber (2).

14. The fiber optic connector assembly (27) according to claim 13, comprising an optical cable (28), which optical cable (28) comprises the optical fiber (2) encompassed by a buffer (29) encompassed by a cable jacket (30).

15. The fiber optic connector assembly (27) according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the optical fiber (2) and / or the buffer (29) are / is arranged within the duct (10) and attached to the duct (10) by an adhesive (12) which preferably comprises a filler material.

16. The fiber optic connector assembly (27) according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the fiber optic connector (1 ) comprises a. a connector body (3) which extends along a longitudinal axis (x) from a dorsal end (4) to a distal end (5) and comprises a duct (10) extending along the longitudinal axis (x) for taking up the optical fiber (2) therein, wherein b. the duct (10) has a cross-section (D) which is smaller than three times the cross section (O) of the optical fiber (2) to be taken up therein and a free space (F) between a wall of the duct (10) and the therein arranged optical fiber (2) is filled with an adhesive (12) in the assembled state of the fiber optic connector (1 ).

17. An assembly device (31 ) for assembling a fiber optic connector assembly (27) according to one of claims 13 to 15, the assembly device (31 ) comprising:a. a first receiving element (32) in form of a first half-shell (33) comprising a first recess (34) which corresponds to an outer geometry of the first half (6) of the connector body (3); b. a second receiving element (35) in form of a second half-shell (36) comprising a second recess (37) which corresponds to an outer geometry of the second half (7) of the connector body (3), and c. a clamping element (38) which is configured to reversibly attach the first receiving element (32) to the second receiving element (35).

18. An assembly device (31 ) according to claim 17, wherein the first receiving element (32) comprises first positioning means (39) in form of a recess and the second receiving element (35) comprises thereto corresponding second positioning means (40) in form of protrusions, or vice versa.

19. An assembly device (31 ) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the clamping element (38) is a spring clamp (41 ) with a first clamping jaw (42) and second clamping jaw (43), with the first clamping jaw (42) engaging with the first receiving element (32) and the second clamping jaw (43) engaging with the second receiving element (35).

20. An assembly device (31 ) according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the first receiving element (32) or the second receiving element (35) comprises an inlet (44) which is aligned with an access opening (45) of the connector body (3) and allows the introduction of adhesive (12) into the duct (10) and / or the receiving chamber (11 ).21 . A method for assembling an fiber optic connector assembly (27) according to one of claims 13 to 16, comprising at least the following method steps: a. Providing a first half (6) of a connector body (3); b. Arranging an optical fiber (2) in a channel (9) of the first half (6) of the connector body (3); c. Providing a second half (7) of the connector body (3) and arranging the second half (7) on the first half (6) by bringing the first half (6) and the second half (7) in contact along the longitudinal axis (x); d. Introducing an adhesive (12) in the duct (10) and / or a receiving chamber (11 ) of the connector body (3); e. Curing the adhesive (12) in the duct (10) and / or the receiving chamber (11 ) and thereby bonding the optical fiber (2) to the connector body (3).

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