JP2000199833A - Optical connector housing, optical connector using the optical connector housing and connecting structure between optical connector using optical connector housing and optical parts - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To densely mount an optical connector by easily, freely attachably and detachably connecting the optical connector and an optical part on the side of connecting opposite party without using a connecting jig, etc. SOLUTION: An optical connector housing 3 is U-shaped by provided arm parts 1 extended from both end sides of a face 2 on the side of a base end to house a ferule 6 in a space between the parts 1 and as shown in (b), pawl parts 4 on the tip side of each arm part 1 are engaged with the recessed parts 14 of an optical module 11 to connect the optical connector 10 and the module 11. Open angle driving cam surfaces 9 opening the tip sides of the parts 1 are provided on the inner wall of the parts 1 extending from the position of the rear end surface 18 of the ferule 6 to the base end side of the housing 3. As shown in (c), at the time of pulling the ferule 6 to the side of the surfaces 2 on the base end side of the ferule 6, the rear end face 18 of the ferule 6 is moved along the surface 9 to angle-open the parts 1 to disengage the parts 4 from the parts 14 to release connection between the connector 10 and the module 11.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical connector housing used for detachably connecting an optical connector mainly used for optical communication with an optical component, an optical connector using the optical connector housing, and an optical connector housing. The present invention relates to a connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Optical communication using an optical fiber has been actively performed. For high-density mounting of the optical fiber, a miniaturization of an optical connector used for connecting the optical fiber,
High-density mounting of optical modules is being studied.

The MU type is different from the conventional SC type connector.
The cross-sectional area is about one-fourth, and recently, MT optical connectors in which multi-core optical fibers are arranged and fixed have been widely used.

An MT optical connector of this type is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the optical fiber ribbon 12 in which a plurality of optical fibers are juxtaposed is inserted into and fixed to the ferrule 6. In the figure, reference numeral 13 denotes a boot for protecting the optical fiber ribbon 12, and reference numeral 19 denotes a flange of the ferrule 6. A plurality of optical fiber insertion holes (not shown) are formed in the ferrule 6, the optical fiber of the optical fiber ribbon 12 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole, and the tip of the optical fiber is connected to the connection end face of the ferrule 6. 21.

As means for connecting such optical connectors, as shown in FIG. 14, an adapter 35 having a plurality of optical connector insertion holes 36 is used.
6, there is proposed a method of inserting and connecting the optical connector 10 from both directions. In the proposed method, an optical connector housing 3 is provided on one of the optical connectors 10 to be connected (left side in the figure), and an optical connector 10 (10a) with an optical connector housing 3 is provided. The connector 10a and the optical connector 10b on the right side of the figure without the optical connector housing 3 are connected via the optical connector housing 3 in the optical connector insertion hole 36.

[0006] This proposed method is disclosed in the abstract of the Communication Society Conference of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, 1997, B-10-34, in which the optical connector housing 3 has a base end surface (base end surface). 2 has an arm 1 extending from both ends, and the space between the arms 1 is an optical connector 1.
The arm portion 1 has a space for accommodating the same ferrule 6, a claw portion 4 is formed at the tip end side of each arm portion 1, and the tip end of the arm portion 1 has a wedge-shaped latch structure.

In the optical connector 10a having the optical connector housing 3, the ferrule 6 is attached to the optical connector 10b, which is a connection partner, from the rear end face 18 of the ferrule 6 to the base end surface 2 of the optical connector housing 3. A biasing spring 5 is provided, and the distal end of the arm portion 1 of the optical connector housing 3 extends forward of the connection end surface 21 of the ferrule 6. Then, the claw 4 at the tip of the arm 1 is connected to the optical connector 10b shown on the right side of the figure.
The optical connectors 10 are connected to each other by being hooked on the flange 19 of the optical connector.

The attachment / detachment of the optical connector 10, that is,
When connecting and disconnecting the optical connectors 10 to each other, a dedicated attachment / detachment jig is used. For example, when the optical connectors 10 are connected to each other, the optical connector 10 held by the jig is pushed into the optical connector housing 3 to be connected, and when the connection is released, the optical connector 10 is hooked on the flange 19 of the right optical connector 10. The claw 4 is removed with a wedge, and the optical connector 10 is pulled out. Insert the optical connector 10 into each optical connector insertion hole 36 of the adapter 35.
When the optical connector 10 is inserted and connected to the
The connected optical connectors 10 are arranged and accommodated in a state of being overlapped in the vertical direction in the drawing.

[0009]

However, in the connection between the optical connectors 10 as described above, the connection and disconnection between the optical connectors 10 require a dedicated attachment / detachment jig as described above. Such an attachment / detachment jig becomes more difficult to use as the integration of optical connectors becomes more highly integrated, and if the optical connector is attached / detached using the attachment / detachment jig, optical connector attachment / detachment management (maintenance) becomes complicated. There was such a problem. Therefore, when optical connectors arranged at a high density are detachably connected to each other, or when optical connectors are detachably connected to an optical module mounted at a high density on a substrate, the optical connectors are connected to each other. It has been difficult to attach and detach optical connectors using a connection method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and a first object of the present invention is to easily attach / detach an optical connector without requiring a dedicated attachment / detachment jig or the like. And an optical connector using the optical connector housing. Further, a second object of the present invention is to enable the optical connector to be detachably connected to an optical component such as an optical module at a high density. An object of the present invention is to provide a connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component using an optical connector housing.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention has the following structure to solve the problem. That is, the optical connector housing of the present invention has an arm portion extending from both ends of the base end surface, and a space sandwiched between the arm portions constitutes an accommodation space for a ferrule of the optical connector. A housing formed with an engagement portion for engaging with a connection partner on a distal end side of each of the arm portions, and a base end of the optical connector housing from a position of a rear end surface of the ferrule accommodated in the accommodation space. As a means for solving the problem, the inner wall of the arm portion extending to the side has a configuration in which an open angle driving cam surface for opening the arm portion when the ferrule is drawn toward the base end side is formed so as to protrude. I have.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical connector housing having the above configuration, wherein a ferrule is accommodated in a ferrule accommodating space of the optical connector housing, and a base end side of the optical connector housing is located from a rear end surface of the ferrule. The elastic member for urging the ferrule toward the connection partner side is provided on the surface of the above-mentioned surface to provide a means for solving the problem.

Further, a second invention of the optical connector has a problem in that, in addition to the structure of the first invention, the tip of the arm portion of the optical connector housing extends forward from the connection end face of the ferrule. Is a means to solve.

In a third aspect of the optical connector, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the optical connector is drawn out from a rear end side of a ferrule housed in a ferrule housing space of the optical connector housing. Optical fiber
An optical fiber protection housing is provided so as to be sandwiched from both sides thereof or to cover the outer peripheral surface thereof. The optical fiber protection housing is in a state in which the optical connector housing is prevented from falling off, and an arm portion of the optical connector housing The optical fiber protective housing is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward in the extending direction, and the optical fiber protective housing contacts the open angle drive cam surface of the arm portion of the optical connector housing when the optical fiber protective housing is pulled backward. A cam surface contact portion that contacts and drives the optical connector housing to open the angle is formed so as to protrude toward the arm portion side to solve the problem.

In a fourth aspect of the optical connector, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect, the optical fiber protective housing is provided with a ferrule engaging portion for engaging with a flange portion or a concave portion formed on the ferrule. It is a means to solve the problem with the configuration described.

Further, in a first aspect of the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical component, the engaging portion of the optical connector according to the first or second aspect of the optical connector is provided with an engagement portion of the optical component to be connected. The optical connector and the connection partner optical component are connected by engaging with the mating portion, and when the ferrule is pulled toward the rear end of the arm portion against the urging force of the elastic body. The rear end of the ferrule moves along the open angle drive cam surface to open the arm, and the engaging portion is disengaged from the engaged portion, whereby the connection between the optical connector and the optical component on the other end of connection is established. The means for solving the problem is configured to be canceled.

Further, in a second aspect of the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical component, the engaging portion of the optical connector according to the third or fourth aspect of the optical connector is provided with an engagement portion of the optical component to be connected. The optical connector and the mating optical component are connected by engaging with the mating portion, and the cam surface of the optical fiber protective housing is brought into contact with the optical fiber protective housing when the optical fiber protective housing is pulled backward. The part moves along the opening drive cam surface, the arm part is opened, and the connection between the optical connector and the connection partner optical component is released by the engagement part being disengaged from the engaged part. Is a means to solve the problem.

Furthermore, a third aspect of the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical component is the same as the first or second aspect of the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical component. A plurality of optical fibers are juxtaposed, optical components on the other side of the connection are arranged on the substrate surface in an upright state in an arrangement along the substrate surface, and the engaging portions of the optical connector housing are connected. The respective mating optical components and the optical connector are arranged such that the plurality of optical fibers of the respective optical connectors are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface by engaging with the engaged portion of the mating optical component. Is a means for solving the problem with a configuration in which the and are connected detachably.

Further, a fourth invention of the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical component is the same as the first or second invention of the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical component. A plurality of optical fibers are arranged side by side, and division guide walls are formed on the substrate surface so as to be arranged in an upright state in an arrangement form along the substrate surface. The components are disposed in an upright state, and the distal end side of each partition guide wall projects forward from the connection end surface of each connection partner optical component to form an optical connector insertion guide, and the optical connector insertion guide is provided. The optical connector is guided and inserted into the guide, and the engagement part of the optical connector housing engages with the engaged part of the optical part on the other end of the connection, so that each of the optical parts on the other side of the connection and the optical connector are detached. With a configuration that is freely connected And a means for solving the problems.

In the present invention having the above structure, the arm portion is extended from both ends of the surface on the base end side of the optical connector housing,
The ferrule of the optical connector is accommodated in the accommodation space for the optical connector sandwiched between the arms. In the optical connector housing, on the distal end side of each arm portion, an engagement portion that engages with the connection partner side is formed.For example, the optical connector housing is pressed against the connection partner side, and the engagement portion is For example, when the optical connector or the like is engaged with the engaged part of the connection partner, the optical connector is connected to the optical component of the connection partner.

In the optical connector housing, the ferrule is provided on an inner wall of the arm portion extending from a rear end surface of the ferrule housed in the housing space to a base end of the optical connector housing. When the ferrule is pulled toward the base end surface side of the optical connector housing, the opening angle drive cam surface that opens the arm when it is drawn to the side protrudes. (By pulling the rear end surface of the ferrule toward the base end side of the optical connector housing along the opening angle drive cam surface), the distal end of the arm portion of the optical connector housing is opened, and the engaging portion of the optical connector housing is connected to the connection partner side. As a result, the connection between the optical connector and the connection partner is released.

In the present invention having a configuration in which the optical fiber protective housing is provided in the ferrule accommodating space of the optical connector housing, when the optical fiber protective housing is pulled rearward, the cam surface contact portion of the optical fiber protective housing is provided. Moves along the opening angle driving cam surface, the arm portion opens, the tip of the arm portion opens, the engaging portion of the optical connector housing is disengaged from the engaged portion of the connection partner side, and the optical connector and the connection partner side The connection with is released.

As described above, according to the present invention, the connection between the optical connector and the connection partner is made only by engaging the engagement portion at the tip of the arm of the optical connector housing with the engaged portion of the connection partner. At the time of disconnection, only pulling the ferrule of the optical connector toward the proximal end of the optical connector housing or pulling the optical fiber protective housing to the rear side will release the connection between the optical connector and the mating side. The optical connector and the connection partner can be very easily detachably connected without using the connection jig or the like.

Then, in the present invention,
The detachable connection between the optical connector and the mating side can be made very easily without using a connection jig or the like.
As described above, since the configuration is very simple, it is possible to arrange the optical connector and the connection partner such as the optical module at a high density, and the above-mentioned problem is solved.

In particular, for example, as in the third and fourth inventions of the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical module, the optical modules are arranged on the board surface in an upright state along the board surface. Then, when the engaging portion of the optical connector housing is engaged with the engaged portion of the optical module to removably connect each optical module and the optical connector, the optical connector and the optical module can be further densified. It becomes possible to arrange.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the conventional example, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a connection structure between an optical connector and an optical module as a first embodiment of a connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component using the optical connector housing according to the present invention. I have.

As shown in FIG. 1A, an optical connector housing 3 applied to this embodiment has arms 1 extending from both ends of a base surface 2. The space between the arms 1 forms a space for accommodating the ferrule 6 of the optical connector 10. A claw portion 4 is formed on the distal end side of each arm portion 1 as an engagement portion that engages with a connection partner (the optical module 11 in the present embodiment). The ferrule 6, the optical fiber 12 and the boot 13 are formed in the same manner as in the conventional example.

A feature of the optical connector housing 3 applied to this embodiment is that the arm portion extends from the position of the rear end face 18 of the ferrule 6 housed in the housing space to the base end side of the optical connector housing 3. An open-angle driving cam surface 9 for opening the arm 1 when the ferrule 6 is drawn toward the base surface 2 is protrudingly formed on the inner wall 1. In this embodiment, the protrusion 8 is provided on the inner wall of the arm 1.
The opening angle driving cam surface 9 is provided with
, Is formed by a tapered surface provided on the side facing the rear end face 18 of the ferrule.

The optical connector 10 is provided with a spring 5 as an elastic body for urging the ferrule 6 toward a connection partner from the rear end face 18 of the ferrule 6 to the base end surface 2 of the optical connector housing 3. The distal end of the arm 1 of the optical connector housing 3 extends forward from the connection end face 21 of the ferrule 6. Arm part 1
The ferrule 6 is attached to the optical connector housing 3 by locking the flange 19 of the ferrule 6 on the inner wall at the center of the optical connector housing 3.
Is provided with a retaining portion 15 for retaining and locking.

The optical module 11 connected to the optical connector 10 has an MT ferrule type package 20. Both sides of the package 20 are for mounting the optical module 11 on a mounting board, for example. A plurality of lead terminals 7 are provided. The optical module 11 has:
A concave portion 14 is provided as a portion to be engaged with the claw portion 4 on the distal end side of the optical connector housing 3. Further, a guide for connection with the optical connector 10 is provided on the connection end surface 22 of the optical module 11. A pair of pin fitting holes 17 for fitting the pins 16 are formed, and the guide pins 16 are inserted and fixed in the pin fitting holes 17 in FIG.

In the connection structure of this embodiment, for example, by holding the optical connector housing 3 and pushing the optical connector 10 into the optical module 11 side, (b) of FIG.
As shown in FIG.
4, the optical connector 10 and the optical module 11 are connected to each other. When the ferrule 6 is pulled toward the rear end of the arm 1 against the urging force of the spring 5 from this state, the rear end of the ferrule 6 opens as shown in FIG. The optical connector 10 and the optical module 1 are moved by moving along the drive cam surface 9 to open the arm 1 and to release the claw 4 from the recess 14.
1 is released.

The operation of pulling the ferrule 6 of the optical connector 10 toward the rear end of the arm portion 1 may be performed by directly holding the ferrule 6 or the optical fiber ribbon 1.
2 may be pulled, or the boot 13 may be pulled.
In the present embodiment, the optical connector housing 3 is formed in a U-shape, and the upper and lower surfaces of the ferrule 6 can be directly touched.
It is very easy to carry out the work of drawing.

According to this embodiment, as described above, the claw 4 provided at the tip of the arm 1 of the optical connector housing 3 is engaged with the concave portion 14 of the optical module 11 and the optical connector 10 The connection between the optical connector 11 and the optical module 11 can be performed by simply pulling the ferrule 6 of the optical connector 10 toward the base end of the optical connector housing 3 when disconnecting the connection. Therefore, the optical connector 10 and the optical module 11 can be easily and detachably connected to each other without requiring a troublesome operation using a dedicated connection jig or the like as in the related art. it can.

Therefore, the optical connector 10 and the optical module 11 can be arranged at a high density, and the optical fiber can be mounted at a high density. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the optical connector housing 3 and the optical connector 1
As described above, since the configuration of the optical connector 10 and the optical connector housing 3 is very simple, the components of the optical connector 10 and the optical connector housing 3 can be very reliably arranged at a high density. Fabrication can be performed very easily and cost can be reduced.

FIG. 2 shows an application example of this embodiment.
The connection structure between the optical module 11 mounted on the electronic circuit board 24 and the optical connector 10 is shown in a perspective view. By applying this embodiment, the optical connector 10 can be very easily and reliably detachably connected to the optical module 11 mounted on the electronic board 24 without using a connection jig or the like. can do.

FIG. 3 shows, as a second embodiment of the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical component using the optical connector housing according to the present invention, an example of a structure in which the optical connector and the optical module are connected. It is shown. The optical connector housing 3 of the second embodiment and the optical connector 10 using the optical connector housing 3 are configured in the same manner as the first embodiment, and the optical connector 10 and the optical module 11 of the second embodiment are different from each other. Is different from the connection structure between the optical connector 10 and the optical module 11 in the first embodiment described above in that the optical connector 10 is provided with the lead terminals 7 only on one side surface of the package 20. That is, it is connected to the optical module 11.

In the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical module according to the second embodiment, for example, the optical module 1 is connected to a lead terminal 7 provided on one side surface of the optical module.
1 is mounted on a substrate in an upright state, whereby the optical module 11 and the optical connector 10 are mounted at a higher density.
The method of connecting to and disconnecting from the device 1 is the same as in the first embodiment, and the same effects can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 4, the optical module 11 shown in FIG. 4A is disposed on a substrate 24 by being guided by a partition guide wall 30 shown in FIG. After that, as shown in FIG.
When the optical connector 10 is inserted between the partition guide walls 30 and comes into contact with the optical module 11, the distal end 32 of the optical module 10 projects forward from the connection end face 22 of the optical module 11. The optical connector 10 and the optical module 11 can be more easily and reliably connected.

In the second embodiment, since the optical connector 10 and the optical module 11 are mounted at a high density as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. A plurality of partition guide walls 30 are arrayed and formed in an upright state in an array along the substrate surface on the surface of the surface, and these partition guide walls 30 are supported by guide support portions 31, and between the partition guide walls 30. The optical module 11 and the optical connector 10
Can be arranged at high density.

Further, as shown in FIG.
In the case where 0 is provided, the distal end 32 of each partition guide wall 30 is projected forward from the connection end face 22 of each optical module 11 to form an optical connector insertion guide, and the optical connector 10 is guided by the optical connector insertion guide. And the claw 4 of the optical connector housing 3 is inserted into the optical module 1.
Each optical module 1 is engaged with the concave portion 14 of the optical module 1.
When the optical connector 10 and the optical connector 10 are connected, the optical connector 10 and the optical module 11 can be arranged very easily and at a very high density.

The plurality of optical fibers provided in each optical connector 10 can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface of the substrate 24, so that the optical fibers can be mounted at a very high density. it can.

As described above, the plurality of optical modules 1
Also when the optical connector 1 and the optical connector 10 are respectively connected, the optical module 11 and the optical connector 10 can be easily and detachably connected without using a connection jig or the like, which is very convenient.

FIG. 6 shows an electronic circuit board 24 according to the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical module according to the second embodiment.
A state where the optical module 11 and the optical connector 10 mounted thereon are connected is shown by a perspective view. 5 shows the partition guide wall 30 shown in FIG. 5 housed in a guide package 33 shown in FIG. 6, and the connection between the optical module 11 and the optical connector 10 is detached similarly to FIG. It is done freely.

In FIG. 6, a cover 25 is provided to fix the optical connector 10 in order to prevent the optical connector 10 from coming off the optical module 11 due to the optical fiber core wire 12 being pulled carelessly. When disconnecting the optical connector 10 from the optical module 11, the cover 25 is removed, and the desired optical connector 10 is pulled toward the base end side of the optical connector housing 3 to release the connection.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an example of a connection structure between the optical connector and the mating connector as a third embodiment of the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical component using the optical connector housing according to the present invention. Are indicated by. FIG.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an optical connector applied to the third embodiment, together with a mating optical connector in a perspective view.

As shown in these figures, a characteristic of the optical connector applied to the third embodiment is that the rear end side of the ferrule 6 housed in the ferrule housing space of the optical connector housing 3. (In this embodiment, the optical fiber ribbon 1
A cylindrical optical fiber protective housing 40 is provided so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of 2), whereby the optical connector 10 can be pulled without pulling the ferrule 6 or the optical fiber ribbon 12.
Is configured to be detachable from the connection partner side. Note that the ferrule 6 is also of the MT type in this embodiment, and the flange portion 19 as shown in FIG. 1 is omitted in FIG.

The optical fiber protective housing 40 is provided with two holes 42, and the base end of the optical connector housing 3 is fitted in the holes 42 at an appropriate interval. In the third embodiment, by doing so, the optical fiber protective housing 40 is prevented from falling out of the optical connector housing 3 and moves forward and backward in the extending direction of the arm 1 of the optical connector housing 3. It is provided freely.

Further, when the optical fiber protective housing 40 is pulled backward, the optical fiber protective housing 40 comes into contact with the open angle driving cam surface 9 of the arm portion 1 of the optical connector housing 3 so that the optical connector housing can be moved. A cam surface contact portion 41 for driving the opening angle of the cam 3 is formed to protrude toward the arm 1. In the present embodiment, the cam surface contact portion 41 is
It is configured to have a tapered surface whose diameter increases toward the distal end side.

The optical fiber protective housing 40
The distance between the hole 42 and the base end of the optical connector housing 3 is such that when the optical fiber protective housing 40 is pulled rearward, the cam surface abutting portion 41 is positioned on the arm 1 of the optical connector housing 3. The optical connector housing 3 is formed at an interval capable of driving the opening angle of the optical connector housing 3 by contacting the opening angle driving cam surface 9.

In the third embodiment, the mating connector is housed in a connector case 50 fixed to the board 24, and is engaged with the distal end of the connector case 50 as an engaged portion. A claw 51 is provided.

In the connection structure of the third embodiment, when the optical connector 10 is connected to the connection partner connector,
Similar to the connection structure of the first embodiment, FIG.
When the optical connector 10 is pushed into the ferrule 26 by holding the optical connector housing 3 in the state shown in FIG. 2, the claw portion 4 is engaged with the engaged claw 51 of the connector case 50 as shown in FIG. Engages. Then, the ferrule 6 of the optical connector 10 and the ferrule 26 of the mating connector are connected.

When the optical fiber protective housing 40 is pulled rearward from this state, as shown in FIG. 7C, the cam surface contact portion 41 of the optical fiber protective housing 40 is opened. Move along arm 9 and arm 1
Is opened and the claw portion 4 comes off the engaged claw 51, whereby the connection between the optical connector 10 and the mating connector is released.

Note that, depending on the material of the optical connector housing 3, the arm portion 1 of the optical connector housing 3 may be deformed as shown in FIG. Such an opening angle due to the deformation of the arm portion 1 can be similarly applied to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

The third embodiment is configured as described above, and the third embodiment can also provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

According to the third embodiment, the optical fiber protective housing 40 is provided, and the optical connector 10 is detached from the connection partner by pulling the optical fiber protective housing 40 backward. Therefore, when the optical connector 10 is detached, for example,
There is no possibility that the optical fiber ribbon 2 may be damaged by directly pulling the cable 2.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can take various embodiments. For example, when the optical connector 10 is provided with the optical fiber protection housing 40 as in the third embodiment, FIG.
As shown in (1), a retaining projection 48 is provided on the inner wall of the arm 1 of the optical connector housing 3, and the retaining projection 48 is fitted into the hole 42 of the optical fiber protection housing 40 at an appropriate interval. May be.

Also in this case, the optical fiber protection housing 4
When the optical fiber protective housing 40 is pulled rearward, the cam surface abutting portion 41 opens the arm 1 of the optical connector housing 3 when the optical fiber protective housing 40 is pulled backward. The optical connector housing 3 is formed at such a distance that the optical connector housing 3 can be opened and driven by contact with the angular drive cam surface 9.

As described above, the retaining projections 48 are provided.
Is provided, it is preferable to interpose the spring 5 between the rear end face of the ferrule 6 and the retaining projection 48.

When the optical fiber protection housing 40 is provided on the optical connector 10 as in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, the open angle driving cam surface of the optical connector housing 3 is used. The optical fiber protective housing 40 may be formed by providing a constricted portion 49 at a portion facing the optical fiber protective housing 40 facing the optical fiber 9.

Further, when the optical connector 10 is provided with the optical fiber protective housing 40 as in the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the optical fiber protective housing 40 is provided. Has a ferrule 6
May be provided with a ferrule locking portion 43 that locks to the flange portion 19 or the concave portion 28 formed on the base member. In this way, when the optical fiber protective housing 40 is pulled rearward, the ferrule 6 can be pulled together with the optical fiber protective housing 40. Further, instead of the hole 42 of the optical fiber protection housing 40 applied to the third embodiment, a concave portion 44 may be provided as shown in FIG.

Furthermore, the optical fiber protective housing 40 applied to the third embodiment is provided so as to cover the outer peripheral side of the optical fiber ribbon 12 pulled out from the rear end of the ferrule 6. The tape core 12 may be provided so as to be sandwiched from both sides thereof.

Further, as in the second embodiment, when the optical module 11 is arranged upright on the substrate,
The partition guide walls 30 are not always provided, and the optical modules 11 are formed on the surface of the substrate 24 in an arrayed state along the substrate surface without providing the partition guide walls 30. 3 is the optical module 1
By engaging with the concave portion 14 of each optical connector 10, each optical connector 10
May be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface.

However, when the section guide wall 30 is provided and the distal end 32 of the section guide wall 30 is used as a connector insertion guide, the connection of the optical connector 10 to the optical module 11 is further facilitated.

Further, when the connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component using the optical connector housing of the present invention is applied to the connection between a plurality of optical components and an optical connector, the optical connector is arranged upright on a substrate. The optical component and the optical connector 10 are not always connected. For example, as shown in FIG.
Ferrule 6 and ferrule 26 of the mating connector
May be connected in such a manner that the optical fibers arranged in a line are arranged side by side along the substrate 24.

The connection structure shown in the figure is an exploded view of an image diagram in the case where the connection structure shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is applied to the connection with a plurality of mating connectors arranged side by side on the substrate 24. It is shown by.

Referring to FIG.
And the connector case lower part 50b by fitting
A connector case 50 as shown in FIG. 8 is formed, and a ferrule (not shown) provided in the connector case 50 and the ferrule 6 of the optical connector 10 are connected. Further, if the cover 25 is provided so that the positions A and B shown in FIG. 3 are in contact with each other, the connection between the optical connector 10 and the optical connector on the other side can be more securely fixed.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the claw portion 4 as the engaging portion is provided on the distal end side of the arm portion 1 of the optical connector housing 3, but the engaging portion is not necessarily limited to the claw portion 4. Absent. In the first and second embodiments, the concave portion 14 is provided in the optical module 11 as an engaged portion to be engaged with the engaging portion. In the third embodiment, the engaged claw is formed in the connector case 50. Although the engaging portion 51 is provided, the engaged portion is not necessarily the concave portion 14 or the engaged claw 51.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the tip of the arm portion 1 of the optical connector housing 3 extends forward from the connection end surface 21 of the ferrule 6. When the ferrule 6 is extended in the middle or at the rear end, the tip of the arm portion 1 of the optical connector housing 3 may be provided behind the connection end face 21 of the ferrule 6. However, the connection between the optical connector 10 and the connection partner can be made better by extending the tip of the arm 1 to the front side than the connection end face 21 of the ferrule 6.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the example in which the optical connector 10 is connected to the optical module 11 or the connection partner connector 26 has been described, but the optical connector of the present invention is not necessarily connected to the optical module or the connection partner connector. The connection is not always limited, and the optical component of the connection partner connected to the optical connector is appropriately set.

Further, the optical connector applied to the present invention does not always have the MT type ferrule.
As shown in (1), a shape having an optical fiber protection portion 47 may be adopted. When the ferrule 6 has such a shape,
For example, as shown in the figure, the spring 5 can be provided on the outer peripheral side of the optical fiber protection section 47. Then, when the ferrule 6 is pulled backward, the tapered portion 46 of the ferrule 6 is brought into contact with the open angle drive cam surface 9 formed on the arm portion 1 of the optical connector housing 3 so that the open angle drive cam surface 9 is brought into contact therewith. When the optical connector 10 is moved along, the arm 1 is opened, and the connection between the optical connector 10 and the optical component on the other end of the connection is released.

Further, the ferrule 6 of the optical connector applied to the present invention may be a single-core cylindrical ferrule. At this time, a sleeve is used for fitting the ferrules as before.

[0072]

According to the optical connector housing of the present invention, the engaging portion formed on the distal end side of each arm portion is engaged with the engaged portion on the mating side of the optical module or the like to connect the optical connector. The connector can be connected to the mating side, and the ferrule is drawn, for example, toward the base end surface of the optical connector housing by the function of the open angle drive cam surface provided on the inner wall of the arm portion of the optical connector housing. Sometimes, the tip of the arm portion of the optical connector housing can be opened, and the engaging portion of the optical connector housing can be disengaged from the engaged portion of the connection partner, so that the optical connector and the connection partner can be very easily connected. Can be disconnected.

Therefore, according to the optical connector housing of the present invention, the optical connector and the connection partner can be very easily detachably attached with a very simple structure and without using a dedicated connection jig or the like. Can be connected.

Further, according to the optical connector using the optical connector housing of the present invention, in order to have the above-mentioned excellent optical connector housing, the detachable connection of the connection partner side is performed by using a connection jig or the like. At the very least, an excellent optical connector that can be very easily implemented can be obtained.

Further, in the optical connector having a configuration in which the optical fiber protective housing is provided in the ferrule accommodating space of the optical connector housing, when the optical connector is detached from the connection partner side, the optical fiber protective housing is pulled backward, The optical fiber drawn out from the rear end side of the ferrule of the optical connector to open the optical connector housing by bringing the cam surface abutting portion of the fiber protective housing into contact with the opening angle driving cam surface to drive the optical connector housing to open. The possibility of damaging the optical fiber by pulling the core wire can be completely prevented.

Further, in the case where the optical fiber protective housing is provided with a ferrule engaging portion which engages with a flange or a concave portion formed on the ferrule, when the optical fiber protective housing is pulled backward, Can also be pulled rearward, and the connection between the ferrule and the connection partner can be released at the same time when the connection of the optical connector is released.

Further, according to the first or second aspect of the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical component using the optical connector housing, in order to connect the optical connector having the above-mentioned structure and the optical component, the optical connector is connected to the optical connector. Connection with an optical component such as an optical module can be performed very easily without using a connection jig or the like, and the optical connector and the connection partner can be arranged and connected at a high density.

Further, according to the third aspect of the connection structure of the optical connector and the optical module using the optical connector housing, the optical components on the other side of the connection are erected on the substrate surface in an array along the substrate surface. By arranging them in a state, the engaging portion of the optical connector housing is engaged with the engaged portion of the optical component on the other side of the connection, so that the optical connector and the optical component on the opposite side of the connection can be arranged at a very high density. It is possible to arrange a plurality of optical fibers arranged in the optical connector at a very high density.

Further, according to the fourth aspect of the connection structure of the optical connector and the optical component on the other end of the connection, the division guides are formed on the board surface in an upright state in an array along the board surface. An optical component on the other side of connection is disposed between the partition guide walls in an upright state, and the distal end side of each partition guide wall is used as an optical connector insertion guide. The connection can be made even easier.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a first embodiment of a connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component using an optical connector housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example in which the connection structure of the embodiment is applied to a connection between an optical module mounted on an electronic circuit board and an optical connector.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a second embodiment of a connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component using the optical connector housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an example in which the connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component using the optical connector housing of the second embodiment is applied to the connection between an optical module provided between partition guide walls and the optical connector. FIG.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which the connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component using the optical connector housing of the second embodiment is applied to the connection between a plurality of optical modules mounted on a substrate and the optical connector. FIG.

FIG. 6 is another example in which the connection structure between the optical connector and the optical component using the optical connector housing of the second embodiment is applied to the connection between a plurality of optical modules mounted on a substrate and the optical connector. FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a third embodiment of a connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component using the optical connector housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the optical connector applied to the third embodiment in a disassembled state in a perspective view together with a connection partner optical connector.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing another example of the deformed state of the optical connector housing when the optical connector is detached in the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing another example of the optical connector using the optical connector housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an optical fiber protection housing configuration applied to an optical connector using the optical connector housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a ferrule configuration applied to an optical connector using the optical connector housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing another example of a connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component using the optical connector housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection method between optical connectors using a conventionally proposed optical connector housing.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an MT optical connector.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Arm part 2 Base end side surface 3 Optical connector housing 4 Claw part 5 Spring 6 Ferrule 7 Lead terminal 8 Projection part 9 Open angle drive cam surface 10 Optical connector 11 Optical module 12 Optical fiber ribbon 14 Depression 15 Detachment stopper Reference Signs List 20 Package 24 Substrate 40 Optical fiber protective housing 41 Cam surface contact part 50 Connector case

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An optical connector housing having an arm portion extending from both ends of a base end surface and a space sandwiched between the arm portions serving as a housing space for a ferrule of the optical connector, An engagement portion is formed at a distal end of each of the arms to engage with a connection partner, and the arm extends from a rear end surface of the ferrule accommodated in the accommodation space to a base end of the optical connector housing. An optical connector housing, wherein an opening drive cam surface for opening an arm portion when the ferrule is pulled toward the base end surface side is protruded from an inner wall of the portion. 2. The optical connector housing according to claim 1, wherein a ferrule is accommodated in a ferrule accommodation space of the optical connector housing, and the ferrule is connected from a rear end surface of the ferrule to a base end surface of the optical connector housing. An optical connector provided with an optical connector housing, characterized in that an elastic body biasing the other side is provided. 3. An optical connector provided with an optical connector housing according to claim 2, wherein an end of an arm portion of the optical connector housing is extended forward of a connection end surface of the ferrule. 4. An optical fiber in a mode in which an optical fiber core drawn out from a rear end side of a ferrule housed in a ferrule housing space of an optical connector housing is sandwiched from both sides thereof or in a manner to cover an outer peripheral surface thereof. A protection housing is provided, and the optical fiber protection housing is provided in the optical connector housing so as not to come off, and is provided to be movable forward and backward in a direction in which an arm portion of the optical connector housing extends. The fiber protection housing has a cam surface contact portion that contacts the opening drive cam surface of the arm portion of the optical connector housing when the optical fiber protection housing is pulled rearward and drives the optical connector housing to open. 4. The optical connector housing according to claim 2, wherein the optical connector housing is formed so as to protrude toward the arm portion. Optical connector. 5. An optical fiber having an optical connector housing according to claim 4, wherein the optical fiber protective housing is provided with a ferrule engaging portion for engaging with a flange or a concave portion formed on the ferrule. connector. 6. The optical connector and the connection partner optical component are connected by engaging the engagement portion of the optical connector according to claim 2 with the engagement portion of the connection partner optical component. When the ferrule is pulled toward the rear end of the arm against the urging force of the elastic body, the rear end of the ferrule moves along the open angle drive cam surface and the arm opens. A connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component, wherein the connection between the optical connector and the optical component on the other side of connection is released when the engaging portion is disengaged from the engaged portion. 7. The optical connector and the mating optical component are connected by engaging the engaging portion of the optical connector according to claim 4 with the mating portion of the mating optical component. When the optical fiber protection housing is pulled rearward, the cam surface abutting portion of the optical fiber protection housing moves along the open angle drive cam surface, and the arm is opened, A connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component, wherein the connection between the optical connector and the optical component on the other end of the connection is released when the engagement portion is disengaged from the engaged portion. 8. A plurality of optical fibers are juxtaposed in a ferrule of an optical connector, and optical components on the other side of connection are arranged on a substrate surface in an upright state in an arrangement form along the substrate surface. The plurality of optical fibers of each of the optical connectors are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface by engaging an engaging portion of the optical connector housing with an engaged portion of the optical component on the other side of connection. The connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each optical component on the other side of the connection and the optical connector are detachably connected. 9. A plurality of optical fibers are juxtaposed in a ferrule of an optical connector, and division guide walls are formed on a substrate surface in an upright state in an arrangement form along the substrate surface. The optical component on the other side of the connection is disposed between the section guide walls in an upright state, and the distal end side of each section guide wall protrudes forward from the connection end face of the optical component on the other side of the connection to insert the optical connector. The optical connector is guided and inserted into the optical connector insertion guide, and the engaging portion of the optical connector housing engages with the engaged portion of the optical component on the other end of the connection, so that each of the connection partners is The connection structure between an optical connector and an optical component according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the side optical component and the optical connector are detachably connected.