Description

OPTICAL CONNECTOR

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an optical connector, especially to a field assembly type optical connector for use in field assembly of optical fiber cables for building an optical communication network, and more particularly, to an optical connector that facilitates assembly of optical connector parts and provides a strong assembled structure through facilitating field assembly of optical fiber cables through simple manipulations to yield strong connections, thereby ultimately enabling a reliable optical communication network to be realized. Background Art

[2] With recent proliferation of optical fiber cable (hereinafter referred to as 'optical cable') networks, field assembly of optical cables has been rapidly growing.

[3] For example, the modem line (internet communication line including telephone line or coaxial cables) used in households for internet communication are largely being replaced with optical communication line by directly connecting optical cables (for optical communication) to individual residences.

[4] Here, in performing field assembly of optical cables, optical connectors that connect optical fibers (main wire) of an optical cable are used for connection to adapters of optical modems to which household personal computers (PC) are connected.

[5] For example, a field assembly optical connector used for such field assembly of optical cables is well-known in the art, and this type of optical connector is used to connect optical cables between outdoor terminals and optical modems in respective households.

[6] That is, while an optical connector enables field assembly of optical cables between outdoor terminals and optical modems in respective households, the length of an optical cable may be varied according to the field environments (conditions).

[7] Accordingly, when performing field assembly of optical cables, the main wire (core portion) of an optical cable must be cut, and then connected to an optical connector.

[8] For example, FIGS. IA and IB illustrate a well-known conventional optical connector.

[9] As illustrated in FIG. IA, an optical connector includes a ferrule 120 coupled to an adaptor 160 to transmit an actual optical signal to an adpining optical cable (ferrule); a frame 110 constituting the main frame of the connector and coupled at the front to a

housing 130 and coupled at the rear to a boot 140 for protecting the optical cable; and a housing 130 to which the frame 110 is assembled.

[10] Also, a wedge unit 150 is used when a main wire 30 of an optical cable is assembled

(connected) to a ferrule 120 within an optical connector frame 110 in an optical cable 1 whose outer cover 10 is removed and which is covered by a coating 20, which is in turn covered by a protective fiber such as asbestos (reference numeral 12 in FIG. 2) between the outer cover 10 and the coating 20.

[11] Here, while not represented by separate reference numerals, the main wire of an optical cable is formed of an inner core of a glass material and a cladding covering the inner core, and silicon may be coated between the main wire 30 and the coating 20.

[12] Further, as illustrated in FIG. IA, in order to perform a clamping operation in assembling (connecting) the main wires of optical cable and the ferrule in the frame 110 of the conventional optical connector 100, holes (H) are required to insert projections 152 of the wedge unit 150.

[13] In addition, the housing 130 to which the frame 110 is assembled is contacted with the adaptor 160 of FIG. 1, and the adaptor 160 is contacted to an outdoor terminal or an optical modem in a household.

[14] Referring to FIG. IB, the matching contact of a main wire 122 (in FIG. 2) of a ferrule employing the conventional connector 100 and a main wire 30 of an optical cable is realized with clamps 112 and 114 provided inside the optical connector frame 110.

[15] For example, when the projection 152 of the wedge unit 150 is inserted into a hole

(H) formed between the clamps 112 and 114, an elastic circular plate spring 116 is in an open state. Then, when the projection 152 of the wedge unit 150 is removed from the hole (H), the circular plate spring 116 constricts the clamps against the coating 20 and main wire 30 of the optical cable and the main wire 122 of the ferrule 120, thus performing a matching assembly (connection) of main wires of the ferrule and of the optical cable.

[16] Accordingly, in the conventional optical connector 100, the optical matching is performed by constricting clamps through the action of an inner plate spring of the optical connector frame through manipulation of a wedge unit to match the main wire of a ferrule with the main wire of an optical cable.

[17] Here, a region to which the main wires are connected has a matching gel introduced to maintain contact reliability and compensate for loss (light loss).

[18] However, since separate devices such as a separate wedge unit 150 must be used in

the case of the known conventional optical connector 100, the field assembly of optical cables is very inconvenient. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[19] The present invention is designed to solve the problems of the prior art, and therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical connector that facilitates assembly of optical connector parts and provides a strong assembled structure through facilitating field assembly of optical fiber cables through simple manipulations to yield strong connections, thereby ultimately enabling a reliable optical communication network to be realized. Technical Solution

[20] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical connector including: a main wire matching member matching a main wire of an optical cable; and a matching member pressing unit having the main wire matching member inserted therein, to enable optical matching by sliding to press the main wire matching member.

[21] The main wire matching member may be provided to match main wires of a ferrule and an optical cable for field assembly, and the matching member pressing unit may include: a V-housing in which the main wire matching member is inserted to press the main wire matching member; and a push-holder having the V-housing assembled thereto, to slide along the V-housing to press the main wire matching member through the V-housing.

[22] The optical connector may further include a frame-plug to which the push-holder, to which the V-housing is assembled, is assembled.

[23] The optical connector may further include a frame, to which the frame-plug, to which the V-housing and the push-holder are assembled, is assembled.

[24] The optical connector may further include a housing, to which the frame, to which the V-housing, the push-holder, and the frame-plug are assembled, is fastened and assembled.

[25] The main wire matching member may include first and second matching members provided respectively with a main wire matching portion tightly inserted and assembled with the V-housing of the matching member pressing unit to align and match the main wire of the ferrule and the main wire of the optical cable.

[26] At least one of main wire matching portions of the first and second matching

members may include a main wire path.

[27] At least one of the first and the second matching members may further include an assembling projection inserted in a projection inserting slot provided in the V-housing or inserted and moved in a guide slot provided in the V-housing.

[28] The V-housing may further include a matching member pressing portion pressing at least one of the first and second matching members assembled therein to form the main wire matching member through the contact with the push-holder to be slid.

[29] The matching member pressing portion of the V-housing may include: a body portion performing a pressing operation through cutting a portion of the V-housing; and a holder contacting projecting portion projecting from the body portion, and contacted to press the body portion against at least one of the first and second matching members when the push-holder is slid.

[30] The V-housing may further include a cable coating pressing portion pressing and fixing a coating portion of an optical cable for field assembly.

[31] The cable coating pressing portion may include: a body portion performing a pressing operation through cutting a portion of the V-housing; and a holder contacting projecting portion projecting integrally from the body portion, and contacted to press the body portion against the coating portion of the optical cable when the push-holder is slid.

[32] The holder contacting projecting portion of the cable coating pressing portion may include: a holder contacting projecting portion for pressing a cable coating to which the push-holder is contacted to press against the body portion; and a locking portion that is formed integrally with the body portion at a side of the holder contacting projecting portion and on which a rear portion of the push-holder assembled to the V- housing is hang to be supported.

[33] The push-holder may include a V-housing pressing inner contacting surface that is contacted to press the holder contacting projecting portion of the matching member pressing portion of the V-housing when the push-holder is slid.

[34] The push-holder may include a V-housing pressing inner contacting surface that is contacted to press the holder contacting projecting portion for pressing a cable coating of the cable coating pressing portion of the V-housing is pressed against when the push-holder is slid.

[35] The optical connector may further include at least one of a manipulating portion pr ovided at an outside of the push-holder to facilitate sliding manipulation of the push- holder, and a guide slot in which a guide projection provided on the V-housing is

inserted.

[36] The optical connector may further include an elastic member interposed between the

V-housing and the frame-plug to push the V-housing against the ferrule.

[37] One end of the elastic member to push the V-housing against the ferrule is supported by an elastic member supporting projecting portion provided on the V-housing, and the other end of the elastic member is mounted and supported by an elastic member mounting portion integrally formed in the inner end portion of the frame-plug.

[38] The rear of the frame -plug may further include a slot portion to which a boot or an optical cable gripping device is fastened during the field assembly.

[39] A cable fixing ring installed on the optical cable and the slot portion of the frame- plug are fastened to one side and the other side of the optical cable gripping device.

[40] The optical cable gripping device may include a grip-body and a grip-cover that are fastened to each other through hooks, the grip-body and the grip-cover may include fastening slot portions integrally provided at either end thereof into which the frame- plug slot portion and the cable fixing ring are press-fit, and the grip-body has a main wire path formed therein.

[41] The frame may include a ferrule inserting opening provided integrally at a side thereof, and a cut-away portion provided at a top surface at the opposite side of the frame, a manipulating portion provided on the push-holder being passed through the cut-away portion.

[42] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Advantageous Effects

[43] In the above optical connector for field assembly according to the present invention, during field assembly of an optical cable, a manipulating portion can be manipulated simply in a sliding manner without using a separate device (wedge unit), so that matching of an optical cable with a ferrule is made easy and yields a strong connection, to facilitate field assembly of an optical cable.

[44] Accordingly, an optical connector according to the present invention can ultimately realize a reliable optical communication network through a strong field assembling structure for an optical cable. Brief Description of the Drawings

[45] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an optical connector for field assembly according to

the related art, where

[46] (A) is a schematic perspective view illustrating use thereof, and

[47] (B) is a configurative view illustrating matching of an optical cable and a ferrule, using the conventional optical connector. [48] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the overall structure of an optical connector according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [49] FIGS. 3 through 6 illustrate a main wire matching member of an optical connector according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where [50] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state,

[51] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view,

[52] FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating aligned matching of an optical cable main wire, and [53] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a modified exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [54] FIGS. 7 through 9 are views of a V-housing assembled to a main wire matching member of an optical connector according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where [55] FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view,

[56] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view, and

[57] FIG. 9 is a longisectional view.

[58] FIGS. 10 through 12 are views illustrating a V-housing assembled to an optical connector according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a push-holder that compresses a main wire matching member through the V-housing, where

[59] FIG. 10 is a perspective view,

[60] FIG. 11 is a longisectional view, and

[61] FIG. 12 is a rear view.

[62] FIGS. 13 and 14 are views illustrating a push-holder assembled to a main wire matching member and a V-housing in an optical connector according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a frame-plug mounted to a frame, where

[63] FIG. 13 is a perspective view, and

[64] FIG. 14 is a longisectional view.

[65] FIGS. 15 through 17 are views illustrating a frame-plug assembled to an optical connector according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a

frame coupled to a housing, where [66] FIG. 15 is a perspective view,

[67] FIG. 16 is a longisectional view, and

[68] FIG. 17 is a frontal view.

[69] FIGS. 18 through 20 are views illustrating completely assembled states of an optical connector for field assembly according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where

[70] FIG. 18 is a cutaway view illustrating the assembled state of the optical connector,

[71] FIG. 19 is a longisectional view illustrating the assembled state of a ferrule, an optical cable main wire, and a coating, and

[72] FIG. 20 is a longisectional view illustrating a completely assembled state.

[73] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the entire structure of an optical connector for field assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, based on FIG. 2. [74] FIGS. 22 through 24 illustrate a main wire matching member of an optical connector according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where [75] FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state,

[76] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view, and

[77] FIG. 24 is a sectional view illustrating aligned matching of an optical cable main wire. [78] FIGS. 25 through 27 are views of a V-housing of an optical connector according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where [79] FIG. 25 is an upper perspective view,

[80] FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view, and

[81] FIG. 27 is a longisectional view.

[82] FIGS. 28 through 30 are views of a push-holder of an optical connector according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where [83] FIG. 28 is a perspective view,

[84] FIG. 29 is a longisectional view, and

[85] FIG. 30 is a rear view.

[86] FIG. 31 is a longisectional view illustrating a completely assembled optical connector according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, based on FIG. 19. [87] FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view illustrating assembly through an optical cable gripping device in assembling an optical connector for field assembly according

to the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[88] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[89] In the below description, components of an optical connector for field assembly according to the present invention will be designated by reference numerals of 200s, components of an optical cable will be designated by reference numerals of 10s, and the ensuing detailed description will designate components of an optical cable gripping device with reference numerals of 400s.

[90] Also, the main wire 122 of the ferrule 120 and the main wire 30 of the optical cable 1 as described below refer to the core portions of the optical cable 1.

[91] Also, the optical cable 1 that is field- assembled with the optical connector according to the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is formed of an outer cover 10 with a diameter of approximately 3 mm, a coating 20 disposed inwardly of the outer cover 10 and at the center of an asbestos protective layer 12, and a main wire 30 imbedded at the center of the coating 20, and an optical connector 200 (in FIG. 2) and 200' (in FIG. 21) according to the present invention press-fits the main wire 30 and the coating 20 portions of the optical cable 1 to obtain optical matching with a main wire 122 of a ferrule.

[92] Also, FIGS. 2 through 20 illustrate an optical connector 200 according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 21 through 31 illustrate an optical connector 200' according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[93] First, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the overall structure of an optical connector 200 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[94] As shown in FIG. 2, an optical connector 200 according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a main wire matching member 210 enclosely matching a main wire 122 of a ferrule 120 and a main wire 30 of an optical cable 1 that are field-assembled, and a main member pressing unit 230 configured to enclose the main wire matching member 210 and provided to enable optical matching through pressing the main wire matching member 210 through a sliding manipulation.

[95] Also, the optical connector 200 according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a frame 310 and a frame-plug 290 in which the ferrule 120 and the matching member pressing unit 230 are assembled.

[96] Accordingly, the optical connector 200 of the present invention does not require the

use of separate devices such as the wedge unit 150 to match the main wires of the conventional ferrule and the optical cable as shown in FIG. 1.

[97] In particular, as described in detail below, only the sliding (moving) of a manipulating portion 276 of a push-holder 270 enclosely assembled to the V-housing 250 forming the matching member pressing unit 230 makes it possible to press the main wire matching member 210 to securely and expediently perform optical matching between the main wire 122 of the ferrule 120 and the main wire 30 of the optical cable 1 that are aligned in the main wire matching member 210.

[98] Of course, when referring to region 'A' in FIG. 19, the assembled main wires are cut and adjusted to a length corresponding to an assembly length through the above connector, and in particular, a well-known matching gel is introduced to perform the main wire matching in region 'A'.

[99] Here, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the matching member pressing unit 230 in the optical connector according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be configured with the V-housing 250 in which the main wire matching member 210 is inserted and assembled to press the main wire matching member 210, and the push- holder 270 that applies the pressure on the matching member through the V-housing by inserting the V-housing 250 and sliding along the V-housing.

[100] Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a frame-plug 290 to which the push-holder 270 having the V-housing of the pressing member 230 assembled therein is inserted and assembled and which is assembled to the frame 310 is further provided.

[101] Accordingly, a detailed description will be provided of the main components of the above optical connector 200 according to the present invention - that is - of the matching member 210, the V-housing 250 and the push-holder 270 of the matching member pressing unit 230, the frame-plug 290, the frame 310, and an elastic member 330 and a housing 350 that will be described in detail below.

[102] First, FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3 through 6 illustrate a main wire matching member 210 according to the present invention.

[103] Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5, the main wire matching member 210 is configured with first and second matching members 216 and 218 provided with main wire matching portions 212 and 214 that compress, align, and match main wires of a ferrule and an optical cable through the matching member pressing unit 230.

[104] Accordingly, the main wire matching member 210 according to the present invention is divided into the first and second matching members 216 and 218 that are inserted and assembled in the V-housing 250 of the matching member pressing unit 230. In the

assembled state, the main wires 30 and 122 (in FIG. 2) of the optical cable 1 and the ferrule 120, respectively, are matched in the matching portions 212 and 214 provided on the first and second matching members 216 and 218.

[105] Here, because the main wires are very thin with a diameter of approximately 125/M, the main wires are press-fit with the configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this case, the main wire matching portion 214 of the second matching member 218 is provided with a main wire path(or groove) 220.

[106] In particular, the main wire matching portions 212 and 214 of the first and second matching members 216 and 218 are formed to be correspondingly recessed and projected to maintain uniform pressure on the main wires.

[107] Accordingly, the main wire 122 of the ferrule 120 and the main wire 30 of the optical cable 1, as illustrated in FIG. 5, are intricately matched together to achieve the matching and contacting of main wires, while being positioned on a recessed first main wire matching portion 212 and the main wire path 220 of the second matching member 218, and by means of the first and second matching members 216 and 218 and a pressing portion 252 (as described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9) of the V-housing 250.

[108] Referring to FIGS. 5, 8, and 9, although the pressing portion 252 of the V-housing 250 presses the second matching member 218 so that a pressed surface 216a of the first matching member 216 and a pressed surface 218a of the second matching member 218 can be in contact with each other, a uniform pressure is applied to the main wires due to the recessed and projected structure of the main wire matching portions 212 and 214.

[109] Thus, an excessive pressure is applied to the main wires to prevent the loss of a

(optical) signal transmitted through the main wires, thereby attaining the reliable light matching.

[110] Here, referring to FIG. 4, guide portions 222 with conical sections whose inner diameters gradually expand may be further provided at both ends of the first and second matching members 216 and 218 in order to reliably guide the main wires of the ferrule and the optical cable in the matching portion of the matching member.

[I l l] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 6, miniature slots 220a may further be provided in the main wire path 220 along the second main wire matching portion 214 of the second matching member 218.

[112] These slots 220a allow the increasing amount of matching gel that is used for main wire matching to be introduced into the main wire path 220 since the matching gel

flows in the slots 220a during the optical matching. This makes it is possible to attain a more secure and firm main wire matching.

[113] When the first and second matching members 216 and 218 of the main wire matching member 210 according to the present invention are assembled to the housing 250, the first matching member 216 is used as an upper matching member, and the second matching member 218 is used as a lower matching member.

[114] Next, FIGS. 2 and 7 through 9 illustrate a V-housing 250 forming the matching member pressing unit 230 according to the present invention.

[115] Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 9, when this main wire matching member 210 is inserted and assembled, the V-housing 250 of the present invention that presses the main wire matching member 210 includes a matching member pressing portion 252 that presses against at least one of the first and second matching members 216 and 218 when the push-holder 270 (in FIG. 2) slides along the V-housing 250. In this case, the first and second matching members 216 and 218 form the matching member 210 inserted and assembled therein.

[116] Here, the matching member pressing portion 252 of the V-housing 250 preferably includes a body portion 252a for performing a pressing function through the cutting of a portion of the V-housing; and a holder contacting projection 252b projecting from the front end of the body portion 252a to contact a V-housing pressing inner contact surface 272 (in FIG. 11), so that the body portion can press at least one of the first and second matching members when the push-holder 270 is slid, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[117] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the pressing inner contact surface 272 of the push-holder 270 presses the holder contacting projecting portion 252b from the pressing portion 252 of the V-housing 250 when the manipulating portion 276 of the push-holder 270 is slid forward while the first and second matching members 216 and 218 of the main wire matching members formed inside the V-housing 250 being assembled in sequence as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[118] Accordingly, a bottom surface of the body portion 252a that is cut from the V- housing presses against one of the first and second matching members of the main wire matching member 210 - for example, the second matching member 218, so that the first matching member 216 and the second matching member 218 in the V-housing are pressed to be tightly sealed with each other. Here, the main wires 122 and 30 of the ferrule and the optical cable are matched in the main wire matching portions 212 and 214 of the first and second matching members 216 and 218.

[119] Here, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the holder contacting projecting portion 252b of the matching member pressing portion 252 of the V-housing may be adjusted in position so that it exerts pressure at the central portion 'P' (in FIG. 19) of the matching member.

[120] That is, when the position at which the body portion 252a of the matching member pressing portion 252 presses the matching member is positioned at the center of the elongated matching member, the biasing of pressure can be prevented.

[121] Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 19, and 20, a projection inserting slot 254 is formed in the opposite side of the matching member pressing portion 252 of the V-housing. Here, an assembling projection 224 (see FIG. 3) provided on at least one of the first and second matching members 216 and 218 forming the matching member 210 is inserted into the projection inserting slot 254.

[122] Specifically, the projection inserting slot 254 has an assembling projection 224 projecting integrally from the outer surface of the first matching member 216, and accordingly, the first matching member 216 is first inserted into the V-housing 250 to insert the assembling projection 224 in the projection inserting slot 254, and the second matching member 218 is then tightly assembled to the first matching member 216.

[123] Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 19, a stepped matching member catching portion 250a, in which ends of the first and second matching members 216 and 218 are caught and supported, is formed inside the V-housing 250, and a ferrule catching portion 250b, in which the ferrule 120 is caught and supported when inserted, is formed in a stepped state at the front of the V-housing 250.

[124] Accordingly, in the optical connector 200 of the present invention, the first and second matching members 216 and 218 can easily be assembled within the V-housing 250, and firm assembly can be achieved without gaps between components through the structures of the stepped portions and catching portions, etc.

[125] Here, referring to FIG. 19, the assembling projection 224 of the first matching member that is inserted in the projection inserting slot 254 of the V-housing may be preferably configured in aspect of the assembly such that it cannot project further outward from the outer surface of the V-housing.

[126] Accordingly, the optical connector 200 according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention can securely match main wires of an optical cable and a ferrule by sliding a push-holder 270 along a V-housing 250 without the use of a conventional wedge unit 150 (in FIG. 1).

[127] Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 9, and 19, the V-housing 250 in the optical connector according to the present invention further includes a cable coating pressing

portion 256 that press-fits a coating 20 of an optical cable 1 for field assembly, where at least one or more of the cable coating pressing portion 256 is provided below the matching member pressing portion 252.

[128] Accordingly, because not only the main wires of a ferrule and an optical cable but the coating 20 enclosing the main wire of the optical cable 1 are press-fit in the optical connector 200 according to the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 2, it provides a firm field assembly of the optical cable.

[129] Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 19, the cable coating pressing portion 256 according to the present invention includes a body portion 256a performing a pressing operation through cutting a portion of the V-housing 250; and a holder contacting projecting portion 256b projecting integrally from the body portion and contacting the push-holder when the push-holder slide along, thereby allowing the body portion to press-fit the cable coating 20.

[130] In particular, the holder contacting projecting portion 256b of the cable coating pressing portion 256 includes a holder contacting projecting portion 256b 1 for pressing the cable coating to which the push-holder 270 is in contact to press the body portion 256a; and a locking portion 256b2 that is formed integrally on the body portion 256a to a side of the holder contacting projecting portion 256b 1 and on which a rear portion 270a (in FIG. 11) of the push-holder 270 is hang and supported.

[131] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 11, 19, and 20, when the push-holder 270 slides along the V-housing 250, a pressing inner contacting surface 274 formed in the inner rear portion of the push-holder 270 presses the holder contacting projecting portion 256b 1 of the cable coating pressing portion 256, and thus, the bottom surface of the body portion 256a presses the optical cable coating 20.

[132] Here, because the rear portion 270a of the push-holder 270 are hang and locked on the locking portion 256b2 of the cable coating pressing portion 256, the push-holder 270 is prevented from sliding backward after the push-holder 270 slides along to press the matching member and cable coating portion, which makes the firmer assembly of components.

[133] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the V-housing 250 in which the cable coating pressing portion 256 of the V-housing 250 is formed may further include a cut opening 258 formed to prevent damage to the cable coating.

[134] Thus, when excessive pressure is applied to the coating 20 portion through the pressing portion, the cut opening 258 of the V-housing may prevent damage to the coating to a slight but sufficient extent to achieve compensation movement.

[135] Here, as described above, the push-holder 270 in the optical connector 200 according to the present invention includes pressing inner contacting surfaces 272 and 274 (see

FIGS. 11 and 12) that contact the holder contacting protruding portion 252b of the matching member pressing portion 252 provided on the V-housing 250, and the holder contacting pressing portion 256b 1 of the cable coating pressing portion 254, when the push-holder 270 slides along the V-housing 250. [136] Thus, inner diameters of the pressing inner contacting surfaces 272 and 274 are adjusted to a diameter level according to the matching member pressing portion and the cable coating pressing portion. [137] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the push-holder 270 includes a manipulating portion 276 projecting integrally toward the outside thereof to facilitate sliding of the push holder. [138] Thus, the upper surface of the manipulating portion 276 of the push-holder 270 is serrated to facilitate sliding of the push-holder. [139] Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the push-holder 270 further includes a guide groove 278 in which a guide projection 260 projecting on the V-housing 250 is inserted. [140] Accordingly, because the guide projection 260 of the V-housing 250 moves while being inserted in the guide groove 278, the push-holder move forward at a constant speed during the sliding of the push-holder. [141] Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 11, 19, and 20, a path 280, through which an elastic member supporting projecting portion 262 (in FIGS. 8 and 9) provided at the outer rear of the V-housing 250 passes, may be further provided at the rear of the push-holder

270. [142] This elastic member supporting projecting portion 262 supports an elastic member

330 (for example, a spring), and presses against the V-housing 250 by means of the elasticity of the spring. [143] Here, an elastic member supporting portion 292, to which the elastic member 330 (or the spring) is fastened, is provided at the inner rear of a frame-plug 290, as illustrated in FIG. 14. [144] Accordingly, referring to FIGS. 2 and 18, because the leading end of the elastic member 330 (or the spring) is supported by the elastic member supporting projecting portion 262 of the V-housing 250, and the trailing end of the elastic member 330 is fastened to the elastic member supporting portion 292 of the frame-plug 290, the elastic member 330 (that is a spring) presses against the V-housing and the ferrule in

concert with the V-housing supporting projecting portion. [145] As a result, the ferrule 120 inserted into the leading end of the V-housing 250 is pressed to be in a tight contact with an opposite optical connector or optical modem

(ferrule) when fastened to the adapter 160 (in FIG. 1), thereby securing reliable optical signal transmission. [146] Next, referring to FIGS. 2, 13, and 14, the optical connector 200 according to the present invention may further include a frame-plug 290 in which the push-holder 270 having the V-housing 250 of the pressing member 230 assembled thereto is inserted and assembled, and which is assembled to the frame 310. [147] Also, a cable guide portion 296 may further be provided at the rear of the frame-plug

290. [148] Accordingly, the cable guide portion 294 of the frame-plug guides the main wire 30 of the optical cable 1 is securely inserted in the first and second matching members of the main wire matching member 210. [149] Here, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, guide portions 266 may also be provided at the end portion of the V-housing 250 to stably pass the main wire 30 of the optical cable and the coating 20. [150] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 13, a slot portion 294, which is fastened to the optical connector 200 and an optical cable gripping device 400 (in FIG. 32) that are used for field assembly according to the present invention, is further provided at the rear outer surface of the frame-plug 290. [151] Also, a boot 140 may be fastened and assembled to the rear slot portion 294 of the frame-plug 290 as illustrated in FIG. IA, and the boot will be described on the basis that the boot is a material having resilience and the optical cable gripping portion 400 of the present invention is fastened to the boot. [152] That is, referring to FIG. 32, the slot portion 294 of the frame-plug 290 and a cable fixing ring 40 installed on the optical cable 1 are fastened to one end and the other end of the optical cable gripping device 400, respectively, to form a secure assembly of the coating 20 and main wire 30 of the optical cable 1 that is gripped. [153] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the conventional optical connector 100 has a problem that the connector does not have a secure field- assembled structure because the coating 10 portion of the optical cable 1 cannot be press-fit, but this problem is solved in the case of the optical cable gripping device 400 according to the present invention. [154] As illustrated in FIG. 32, the optical cable gripping device 400 used in connection

with the optical connector 200 of the present invention may include a grip-body 410 and a grip-cover 420 that may be mutually fastened through hooks, and the grip-body 410 and the grip-cover 420 are connected through a connecting portion 430 that is short-circuit when they are fastened to each other.

[155] Also, fastening slot portions 412 and 414 are provided integrally at both sides of the grip-body 410 and the grip-cover 420. Here, the fastening slot portions 412 and 414 are formed at mutually opposed positions in a semicircular form to press-fit fixing rings 40 that are mounted onto the frame -plug slot portion 294 of the optical connector according the present invention and the coating 10 of the optical cable.

[156] In particular, hooks 416 provided with fastening slots 416a, in which fastening projections 418 fastened integrally at both sides of the grip-body 410 are inserted, are provided in four directions on the grip-cover 420, and the grip-cover is divided into 2 parts.

[157] Accordingly, when the field assembly of an optical cable 1 is performed using the optical connector 200, the optical cable fixing ring 40 is inserted in a fastening slot portion 412 on one side of the optical cable gripping device 400, the slot portion 294 of the frame-plug 290, to which the push-holder 270 that slides and moves along the V-housing 250 in which the matching member 210 is inserted and assembled is assembled, is inserted in the other fastening slot portion 414, the grip-cover and the grip-body are mutually fastened and fixed. As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, when the manipulating portion 276 of the push-holder 270 is pressed to slide along the V- housing 250, the main wire 30 of the optical cable and the optical cable coating 20 that are inserted in the matching member 210 as described above are pressed respectively to perform the optical matching.

[158] As illustrated in FIG. 32, wings 299, which are hang on and supported by the semicircular supporting projecting portion 440 projecting from one side of the optical cable gripping device 400 to support the frame -plug, may be provided on the outer surface of the frame-plug 290.

[159] Next, FIGS. 2 and 15 through 17 show a frame 310 of the optical connector 200 according to the present invention.

[160] That is, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 17, the ferrule inserting opening 312 is provided integrally in one side of the frame 310, and the cut-away portion 314, through which the manipulating portion 276 of the push-holder 270 in which the V-housing forming the pressing member 230 is inserted and assembled is passed, is provided on an upper surface of the frame 310.

[161] Accordingly, referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the ferrule 120 is inserted through the inserting opening 312 formed in the frame 310, and hang on and supported by the ferrule catching portion 250b of the V-housing 250, as described above.

[162] Also, the manipulating portion 276 of the push-holder 270 projects through a cutaway portion 314 of the frame 310.

[163] Also, a connecting groove 316, into which a connecting projection 298 provided in the frame-plug 290 is inserted as shown in FIG. 2, is provided in a rear end portion of the frame 310.

[164] Thus, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, when the assemblage of the main wire matching member 210, the V-housing 250 and the push-holder 270 is completed, and the resulting assembly structure is inserted into the frame-plug 290 to connect the connecting projection 298 to the connecting groove 316 of the frame 310, the assemblage of the components is performed partially.

[165] At this point, the push-holder 270 is not completely slid. When the manipulating portion 276 of the projected push-holder 270 is pushed and slid through the cut-away portion 314 of the frame 310 without the use of a separate device such as the conventional optical connector as shown in FIG. 20, the matching between the main wire 30 of the optical cable 1 and the main wire 122 of the ferrule 120 and the pressure of the coating 20 are realized as described above.

[166] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 15 through 17, the frame 310 is assembled to the housing 350. In this case, the frame 310 and the housing 350 are connected and assembled to each other because connecting projections 318 connected to a connecting groove portion 352 provided in the housing 350 are provided at the outside of the front end portion of the frame 310.

[167] Thus, the optical connector of the present invention is finally assembled to the housing 350.

[168] And, the housing 350 may be assembled to the adapter 160 as shown in FIG. IA.

[169] At this point, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 16, a protruding portion 320 inserted into a groove portion 264a provided in a catching jaw portion 264 formed at the outside of the front end portion of the V-housing 250 is provided in the inside of the frame 310 in the case of the optical connector 200 of the present invention.

[170] Thus, when the V-housing 250 is assembled to the frame 310, the protruding portions 320 provided integrally at the center, top and bottom of the frame is inserted into the groove portions 264a of the catching jaw portion 264, thereby preventing the left and right movement of the V-housing 250.

[171] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 11, 19 and 20, a catching jaw portion 27Od, in which a step portion 250c formed on the outer surface of the V-housing 250 is inserted and supported to solidify an assemblage structure, may be provided on the front inside of the push-holder 270.

[172] And, as shown in FIGS. 11, 14 and 18, step portions 270b and 270c spaced apart on the outside of the push-holder 270 are hang on and supported by the catching jaw portions 290a and 290b formed on the inside of the frame-plug 290.

[173] As a result, because the optical connector 200 of the present invention has the catching jaw portions and the step portions adhering/supporting the respective components, no gap is generated in the assemblage of the connector and a solid assemblage structure is maintained after the assemblage.

[174] At this point, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 19, the ferrule 120 is covered with a ferrule cap 370 to prevent damage to the ferrule before the assemblage of the optical connector.

[175] Also, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 16, the front side of the V-housing catching jaw portion 264 is hang on and supported by a catching jaw portion 310b formed in the inside of the frame 310.

[176] In the optical connector 200 of the present invention, the majar components, for example the V-housing 250 into which the first and second matching members 216 and 218 of the matching member 210 are inserted, the push-holder 270 sliding along the V-housing, and the frame-plug 290 assembled to the push-holder 270 have a hollow cylindrical structure, and their inside/outside diameters are preferably formed to prevent an assemblage gap in advance.

[177] And, the outsides of the first and second matching members are rounded in accordance with the inside structure of the V-housing, and the outsides of the frame and the housing are made to have a tetragonal outer surface and a circular inner surface because their structures are common in an optical connector device.

[178] Next, as described above, FIG. 21 shows an exploded perspective view of the components of an optical connector 200' according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[179] In the following description of FIGS. 21 through 31, the components of the optical connector 200' different in structure from the components of the optical connector 200 according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be also differentiated and described by appending ['] to their reference symbols.

[180] For example, the optical connector 200' of the another exemplary embodiment of the

present invention is different from the above-mentioned optical connector 200 of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in terms of the modified partial structures of a main wire matching member 210', a V-housing 250' and a push-holder 270' constituting a matching member pressing means 230'.

[181] Thus, detailed descriptions of an optical cable 1, a frame-plug 290, a frame 310, a housing 350, and a ferrule cap 370, which are identical to those of the field assembly optical connector 200 of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, are omitted for clarity.

[182] Also, the first and second matching members 216 and 218 of the main wire matching member 210', and the pressing portions 252 and 256 of the V-housing 250' pressing the cable coating 20 in the field assembly optical connector 200' of the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention are identical in structure to those of the optical connector 200 of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and thus their detailed descriptions are omitted for clarity.

[183] First, FIGS. 21 and 22 through 24 show a main wire matching member 210' of the optical connector 200' aαjording to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[184] For example, as shown in FIGS. 22 through 24, the main wire matching member 210' of the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is different from the main wire matching member 210 of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 3 through 6 in that an assembling projection 224' is formed in the second matching member 218.

[185] Also, the assembling projection 224' of the second matching member 218 is more angled than the assembling projection (224 of FIG. 3) of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and moves linearly along a guide slot 254' formed in a V-housing 250' of a matching member pressing means 230' (corresponding to the projection inserting slot 254 of the V-housing of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 7), as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27.

[186] Meanwhile, the assembling method of the first and second matching members 216 and 218 of the main wire matching member 210' in this exemplary embodiment of the present invention is different from that of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[187] For example, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first matching member 216 having the assembling projection 224 is first inserted into the V-housing 250 by inserting the first matching member 216 into the projection inserting slot 254 of the V-housing 250, and

the second matching member 218 is then inserted into the V-housing 250 in the case of the above-mentioned one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[188] However, the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first and second matching members 216 and 218 linearly move along and are inserted into the V-housing while matching the assembling projection 224' to the guide slot 254' of the V-housing while pressing the first and second matching members 216 and 218.

[189] Thus, the guide slot 254' serves as a rail into which the assembling projection 224' is inserted for movement.

[190] Meanwhile, the main wire matching structure in the main wire matching portions 212 and 214 of the first and second matching members 216 and 218 of the main wire matching member 210' in the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is identical to that of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and thus its detailed description is omitted for clarity.

[191] In particular, the assemblage of the matching members is made more easily in the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention than the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention because the first and second matching members 216 and 218 of the main wire matching member 210' in the optical connector 200' according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention are simultaneously inserted and assembled into the V-housing 250'.

[192] Next, FIGS. 21 and 25 through 27 shows the V-housing 250' that constitutes the matching member pressing means 230' in the optical connector 200' of the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[193] In the V-housing 250' of the present invention, the matching member pressing portion 252 for pressing at least one of the first and second matching members 216 and 218 of the main wire matching member 210' through the push-holder 270' that slides along the V-housing 250', and the cable coating pressing portion 256 provided under the matching member pressing portion 252 to press/fix the optical cable coating 20, are identical in structure to that of the V-housing 250 of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and thus their detailed descriptions are omitted for clarity.

[194] In the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first and second matching members 216 and 218 of the main wire matching member 210' are inserted into the V-housing 250' in an overlapping manner, and the guide slot 254' of the V- housing 250' is opened while being extended along the inner periphery from the front end portion of the V-housing.

[195] Thus, the components of the V-housing 250' of the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be easily molded since the guide slot 254' of the V- housing 250' is more extended from the front end portion of the V-housing than that of the V-housing 250 of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[196] Next, as shown in FIGS. 25 through 27, the V-housing 250' of the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elastic member supporting jaw portion 262' like the elastic member supporting jaw part 262 of the V-housing 250 of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a portion of the cutaway portion 258 formed in the V-housing 250 of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8 is removed, an outer surface of the V-housing is united to the rear end portion, and the end portion is stepped.

[197] Thus, the V-housing 250' of the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is different from the V-housing 250 of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in that the cut-away portion 258 is removed to enhance the strength of the rear portion of the V-housing.

[198] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 25, a concave step 261' is formed in the inside of a rear elastic member supporting portion of the V-housing 250' so as to form a cable coating pressing portion 256, and such a step portion serves as a guide slot with which an inside pressing inner contact surface of a push-holder 270' shown in FIG. 28 is in close contact.

[199] As a result, the V-housing 250' of the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is easy to mold and has an enhanced strength of the rear portion, compared to the V-housing 250 of the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention (FIGS. 7 through 9).

[200] Next, FIGS. 28 through 30 show a push-holder 270' according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention that forms a matching member pressing unit 230' in the field assembly optical connector 200' according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention and is slid when the V-housing 250' is inserted and assembled.

[201] Also, referring to FIG. 29, the push-holder 270' according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes V-housing pressing inner contacting surfaces 272 and 274' pressing a holder contacting projecting portion 252b of the matching member pressing portion 252 of the V-housing 250' and a holder contacting projecting portion 256b 1 of the cable coating pressing portion 256 when an inner surface of the push-holder 270' is in contact with the holder contacting projecting

portion 252b and the holder contacting projecting portion 256b 1.

[202] In particular, unlike the push-holder 270 (in FIG. 5) according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the push-holder 270' according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a sloped guide portion 272a' formed in a leading end portion thereof. Here, the sloped guide portion 272a' functions to induce contact when the push-holder 270' presses the inner contacting surface 272 of the holder contacting projecting portion 252b of the matching member pressing portion during the pressing of the V-housing matching member pressing portion 252.

[203] Accordingly, as the push-holder 270' slides, the sloped guide portion 272a' smoothly presses the contacting projecting portion 252b of the matching member pressing portion 252 of the V-housing 250' to facilitate the matching of the main wires of the ferrule and the optical cable through the pressing of the matching member.

[204] Referring to FIG. 28, an elastic member supporting portion 262' at the rear of the V- housing is inserted into both spaces 275' of the upper/lower projections, as described above, in order to form a cable coating pressing inner contacting surface 274' in the inner rear surface of the push-holder 270', and the protruding portion of the inner contacting surface 274' functions as a rail to facilitate the assembly of the V-housing 250' and the push-holder 270'.

[205] Also, referring to FIG. 29, as a step 273' of the inner contacting surface projecting portion presses the holder contacting projecting portion 252b of the cable coating pressing portion 256 of the V-housing 250', the assembly of the push-holder is initiated.

[206] Next, FIG. 31 shows an assembled state of an optical connector 200' for field assembly according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention that is similar to the assembled state of the optical connector 200 for field assembly according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 19, wherein the optical connector 200' includes a V-housing 250' and a push- holder 270' that correspond respectively to a main wire matching member 210' and a pressing unit 230' according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[207] That is, as illustrated in FIG. 31, the optical connector 200' according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is identical to the optical connector 200 for field assembly according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in that the main wire matching member 210' is inserted and assembled to the V-housing 250', wherein the matching member pressing portion 252 of the V-housing

and the cable coating pressing portion 256 are pressed through sliding manipulation of the push-holder to match the main wires 30,122 of the optical cable 1 and the ferrule 120 (in FIGS. 2 and 21).

[208] However, the optical connector 200' according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is different from the optical connector 200 for field assembly according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in that the first and second matching members 216 and 218 of the main wire matching member 210' are inserted and assembled to the V-housing 250' in a previously overlapped state, the supporting strength of a spring as the elastic member 330 is increased, and the V- housing is easily molded.

[209] Also, the optical connector 200' according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is identical to the optical connector 200 for field assembly according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in that the optical connector 200' includes the frame-plug 290 in which the push-holder 270' assembled to the V-housing 250' while sliding along the V-housing 250' is inserted, the frame 310 to which the frame-plug 290 is assembled, and the housing 350 assembled to the frame 310. Therefore, the components of the optical connector 200' according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in brief.

[210] Next, an assembly process of the above-mentioned optical connectors 200 and 200' according to the one and another exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, as follows.

[211] Hereinafter, the different assembly steps in the assembly of the optical connectors 200 and 200' according to the one and another exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be dividedly described in detail referring to FIGS. 2 and 21 illustrating the entire structure of the optical connectors according to the one and another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[212] First, referring to FIGS. 2 and 21, a ferrule 120 is prepared as shown in ®.

[213] Next, the first matching member 216 and the second matching member 218 of the main wire matching member 210 are sequentially inserted and assembled to the V- housing 250 of the matching member pressing unit 230 as shown in © of FIG. 2 according to the one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, or the first matching member 216 and the second matching member 218 of the main wire matching member 210' are inserted and assembled to the V-housing 250' in an overlapped state as shown in ©' of FIG. 21 according to the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[214] Next, the ferrule 120 and the main wire 122 are inserted in the V-housing 250 and 250' through the frame 310 as shown in © of FIGS. 2 and 21. In this case, inner surfaces between the ferrule 120 and the V-housing frame are bonded. Then, the push- holders 270 and 270' are inserted and assembled in the V-housings 250 and 250', as shown in ® of FIGS. 2 and 21.

[215] Here, referring to FIGS. 19 and 31, the V-housing 250 and the push-holder 270 are first assembled to the frame 310 while the push-holder completely slide onto the V- housing, as shown in © of FIGS. 2 and 21.

[216] For example, the leading end portion 251 of the V-housing 250 (similar to the V- housing 250' of the another exemplary embodiment of the present invention) is inserted and assembled to the leading end portion inner surface 310a of the frame 310.

[217] Next, as shown in © of FIGS. 2 and 21, the fastening projection 298 of the frame- plug 290 is inserted, fastened, and assembled to the slot portion 316, wherein the elastic member 330 (or, the spring) is interposed between the push-holder 270 and the flame-plug 290.

[218] This elastic member 330 (or the spring) press the ferrule integrally with the V- housing to maintain close contact with an opposite optical connector or an optical modem (ferrule) when the elastic member 330 is fastened to the adaptor 160 (in FIG. IA), as described above.

[219] Next, referring to FIGS 19 and 31, the main wire 30 and the coating 20 of the optical cable 1 are inserted between the main wire matching portions 212 and 214 of the first and second matching members 216 and 218 of the main wire matching members 210 and 210', and the coating 20 is inserted and disposed at the rear of the V-housing, as shown in © of FIGS. 2 and 21.

[220] Next, as shown in ® of FIGS. 2 and 21, the manipulating portion 276 of the push- holder 270 is pressed to slide so that the pressing portion inner contacting surfaces 272, 274, and 274' of the inner surfaces of the push-holders 270 and 270' can press the matching member pressing portion 252 and the cable coating pressing portion 256 at the front and rear of the V-housing 250 and 250' to press and firmly fix the main wire 30 of the optical cable and the coating 20 between the first and second matching members of the main wire matching members 210 and 210' with the main wire 30 and the coating 20 standing in row.

[221] Here, referring to FIG. 19, a matching gel is in advance introduced into the region 'A' in which the main wires of the ferrule and the optical cable are matched as described above. Here, the matching gel functions to securely perform optical matching of the

main wires and correct the loss of optical signals.

[222] Finally, as shown in ® of FIGS. 2 and 21, the frame 310 is assembled to the housing 350.

[223] In this assembly stage, the matching member 210 and 210' is assembled to the V- housing 250 and 250', the ferrule 120 and its main wire 122 are press-fit into the V- housing, the push-holder 270 and 270' is pre-assembled to the V-housing 250 and 250' (the push-holder completely slides to the V-housing 250 and 250') as illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 31, and the frame-plug 290 is assembled together with the push-holder 270 and 270' to the frame 310 to prepare the field assembly optical connector 200 and 200'.

[224] Next, as shown in FIG. 32, the optical cable 1 is peeled off and cut, the optical cable fixing ring 40 is inserted over the fastening slot 412 of the optical cable gripping device 400, and the optical cable is then inserted so that the main wire 30 and the coating 20 can be disposed at the first and second matching members 216 and 218 assembled within the V-housing and the cable coating pressing portion 256 of the V- housing.

[225] Next, referring to FIG. 32, the frame -plug slot portion 294 is inserted in the slot portion 414 at a side of the optical cable gripping device 400, and the manipulating portion 276 of the push-holder 270 and 270' projecting from the frame cut-away portion 314 is slid with the manipulating portion 276 being engaged with the assembled gripping device, thus to attain the main wire connection for the ferrule and the optical cable using the optical connector in FIG. 20.

[226] Here, the technician grasps the assembled optical cable gripping device 400 to more easily perform field assembly of the optical cable in performing the sliding manipulation of the push-holder.

[227] In particular, since one side of the gripping device is fastened to the frame-plug, and the other side of the gripping device fastens and fixes the fixing ring 40 fixed to the optical cable outer cover 10 in the case of the field assembly of an optical cable using the optical cable gripping device 400 as shown in FIG. 32, the optical cable gripping device 400 is used to firmly fix the outer cover 10 of the optical cable 1, which leads to an overall firm field-assembled structure of the optical cable.

[228] Here, while not illustrated in the diagrams, a cable path - that is, a path 410a through which a portion of the optical cable coating 20 passes - is formed at the grip-body 410 of the optical cable gripping device 400, and this passage portion is preferably recessed downward.

[229] Accordingly, the coating 20 and the main wire 30 of the optical cable that are passed through the path may be maintained in a recessed state instead of a bulging state, so that length discrepancies can be corrected during the assembly.

[230] Finally, the field technician completes the assembly of the optical connector 200 and 200' for field assembly by fastening and fixing the grip-cover 420 to the grip-body 410 of the optical cable gripping device 400 and assembling the frame 310 of the housing 350.

[231] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 21, a long hole 354 is elongatedly formed in the upper portion of the housing 350.

[232] In the case of the optical connector 200 and 200' of the present invention, the V- housing 250 and 250' of the matching member pressing unit 230 and 230' (to which the main wire matching members 210 and 210' matching the main wires of the ferrule and the optical cable are assembled), the push-holder 270 and 270', and the frame-plug 290 may be formed of a semi-transparent material or a transparent material.

[233] Accordingly, when the field assembly of the main wires of the ferrule and the optical cable is completed with the completion of the component assembly in the optical connector 200 and 200' according to the present invention, actual optical communications may be realized. In this case, light is not emitted in the main wires when an optical signal normally passes through the main wires, and light is scattered when proper optical matching is not achieved. Thus, an field technician can easily determine whether the proper optical matching has been obtained through the housing long hole 354.

[234] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to a number of illustrative exemplary embodiments of the present invention thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure.

[235] More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. Industrial Applicability

[236] In the above-mentioned optical connector for field assembly according to the present invention, the matching assembly of an optical cable and a ferrule can be performed

simply and firmly by performing a sliding manipulation of the push-holder without the use of separate equipment in the field assembly of optical cables unlike the conventional optical connector, thus to facilitate the field assembly of optical cables. Accordingly, the optical connector according to the present invention may be useful to makes the firm field assembly of optical cables and to realize a reliable optical communication network.