Optical cable connection structure and optical cable connection method

An optical cable connection method for connecting an optical cable in which a fiber optic core and tensile strength filaments are covered with a covering to a connecting element incorporated into a connector, wherein the optical cable connection method comprises:

• a preparatory step, which involves both removing the covering from the end portion of the optical cable such that the fiber optic core and the tensile strength filaments are not covered by the end portion of the covering and externally fitting over the optical fiber cable a protective member used to cover the exposed fiber optic core and the exposed tensile strength filaments not covered by the end portion of the covering and a gripping member used to grip said exposed tensile strength filaments;
• a gripping member advancement step, which involves bringing the gripping member to a location adjacent the end portion of the exposed tensile strength filaments by moving it forwardly with respect to the exposed fiber optic core and the exposed tensile strength filaments;
• a clamping step, which involves clamping the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the covering with the clamping member;
• a gripping step, which involves gripping the end portion of the exposed tensile strength filaments with the gripping member;
• a fiber optic core connection step, which involves pulling out the exposed fiber optic core by pulling the gripping member back rearwardly while slackening the exposed tensile strength filaments, and connecting it to the connecting element;
• a gripping member attachment step, which involves moving the gripping member forwardly again and attaching it to the connector;
• and
• a protective member attachment step, which involves moving the protective member forwardly and covering a range extending from the clamping member to the gripping member in the longitudinal direction of the fiber optic core.