CONNECTOR FOR PLASTIC OPTICAL FIBER

An optical connector is disclosed for terminating an optical cable comprising a plastic optical fiber surrounded by a protective jacket. The connector includes a housing having an exterior latch that secures it to an adapter. The latch is constructed as a cantilever with its fixed end positioned towar d 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 connects to an associated optical device without the use of a ferrule. One cable-holding structure includes a guide tube that is made from metal an d is pressed, or insert molded, into the back end of one plastic housing. A porti on of the guide tube protrudes from the back end of the housing and is crimped ont o the optical cable. Here, the optical cable is immovably attached to the housing. Another cable-holding structure includes an extender cap, a spring, and a guide tube having an enlarged diameter at one end. The spring surrounds the tube a nd presses against its enlarged end. The spring also presses against an interio r surface of the extender cap, which inserts into the back end of another plastic housing. Here, the optical cable is movably attached to the housing.