Importance

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Abstract

An optical connector is disclosed for terminating an optical cable 10 comprising a plastic optical fiber 11 surrounded by a protective jacket 12. The connector includes a housing having an exterior latch 201 that secures it to an adapter 31. The latch is constructed as a cantilever with its fixed end positioned toward a front end of the housing. The connector further includes a cable-holding structure that attaches to the jacket of the optical cable in such a manner that the plastic optical fiber 11 connects to an associated optical device without the use of a ferrule. One cable-holding structure includes a guide tube 45 that is made from metal and is pressed, or insert molded, into the back end of one plastic housing 40. A portion of the guide tube protrudes from the back end of the housing and is crimped onto the optical cable. Here, the optical cable is immovably attached to the housing. Another cable-holding structure includes an extender cap 21, a spring 60, and a guide tube 15 having an enlarged diameter at one end 16. The spring surrounds the tube and presses against its enlarged end. The spring also presses against an interior surface of the extender cap, which inserts into the back end of another plastic housing 22. Here, the optical cable is movably attached to the housing.

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First Claim