JP2000338362A - Optical connector and key - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical connector that has no need of substantial change in design and that can reliably maintain a connected state. SOLUTION: An optical connector 20 is equipped with a housing 23 for accommodating an optical connector ferrule 22 that holds an optical fiber 21 in a connectable manner, an elastically deformable latch 24 and a key 30 for regulating the deformation of the latch 24. The latch 24 is provided with a projection 24a for engaging with the engaging part 50a of the female part of the housing 50; the key 30 is provided with a body 30a freely movable forwards and backwards in the direction towards the tip end 23a of the housing, and with a stopper 33 connected to this body on the side of the latch 24. The stopper 33 is designed to regulate the deformation of the latch 24 not in the retreated state but in the advanced state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical connector in which a built-in optical connector ferrule is butt-connected to an optical connector ferrule on a female housing side by being inserted into the female housing. The present invention relates to an optical connector having a latch that is removably engaged.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an optical connector which can be easily connected simply by pushing it into an optical connector adapter, for example, FIG.
An optical connector 1 as shown in FIG. This optical connector 1 is a so-called MTRJ type optical connector, and is an MP connector defined in JIS C5982.
A mechanism similar to the O-type optical connector (Multifiber Push On), that is, a caulking member that holds the strength member (Kevlar) exposed to the optical cord 2 terminal and an optical fiber drawn from the optical cord 2 terminal can be butt-connected. The housing 5 includes an optical connector ferrule 3 to be terminated and urging means for urging the optical connector ferrule 3 forward in the connection direction. When the optical connectors 1 are inserted from both sides of the optical connector adapter 6, the optical connector ferrules 3 of the optical connectors 1 abut each other, and the optical fibers internally fixed to the optical connector ferrules 3 are optically connected to each other. In this connection state, guide pins (not shown) projecting from the other optical connector ferrule 3 into guide pin holes 3b formed on both sides of the joint end face 3a of the optical connector ferrule 3 on one optical connector 1 side. ) Is precisely positioned between the optical connector ferrules 3, and the optical connector ferrules 3 of each optical connector 1 are positioned.
The optical fibers 2a exposed on the joint end face 3a are precisely positioned and butt-connected.

The optical connector 1 inserted into the optical connector adapter 6 has an engaging projection 7b at the tip of a latch 7 projecting forward from the housing 5 in the direction of insertion into the optical connector adapter 6, and having an engagement projection 7b of the optical connector adapter 6. By being detachably engaged with the engaging portion 8, pulling out is restricted. In order to pull out the optical connector 1 from the optical connector adapter 6, the operation unit 7 of the latch 7 exposed outside the optical connector adapter 6 is required.
a is pushed toward the housing 5 to disengage the engagement projection 7b from the engagement portion 8 of the optical connector adapter 6 to release the engagement, and then pull out.

[0004]

However, in the optical connector 1 as described above, the engaging projection 7b at the tip of the latch 7 is provided.
And the maintenance of the engaged state with the engaging portion 8 depends on the elastic force of the latch 7, so that even if the operating portion 7a is inadvertently contacted, the operating portion 7a is pushed into the housing 5 side. In some cases, the engagement projection 7b comes off the engagement portion 8, and the optical connector 1 comes off the optical connector adapter 6.
In view of the above problem, for example, inserting a slidable key between the latch 7 and the housing 5 to prevent the latch 7 from being pushed into the housing 5 and thereby prevent the optical connector 1 from coming off. Is being considered,
In this case, the key must be inserted beyond the latch from the rear to the front in the housing insertion direction, so that there is a disadvantage that a significant design change needs to be made to the housing or the latch. The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and has as its object to provide an optical connector that does not require a significant design change and that can reliably maintain a connection state. .

[0005]

An optical connector according to the present invention comprises:
A cylindrical housing for housing and holding an optical connector ferrule for positioning and holding an optical fiber so that the optical fibers can be butt-connected is provided at the housing, and is elastically deformable provided along the housing and extending toward the front end along the housing. A latch, and a key for restricting deformation of the latch, wherein the housing is inserted into the female housing from the distal end so that the optical connector ferrule is another optical connector ferrule housed in the female housing. And the latch has an engagement projection that engages with an engagement portion of the female housing when the optical connector ferrule is in a butt connection state. The latch is displaced in the direction of the housing by the elastic deformation of the latch so as to be separated from the engaging portion. The key is attached to a guide portion provided on the rear end side of the housing and is capable of moving back and forth toward the front end portion of the housing, and a stopper connected to the main body at a side of the latch. The stopper does not restrict the deformation of the latch in the retracted state, and restricts the deformation of the latch in the housing direction in the forward state. In this optical connector, the deformation of the latch in the housing direction is restricted by the stopper, and the engagement between the engagement portion of the female housing and the engagement protrusion provided on the latch can be stably maintained. Further, since the stopper of the key is connected to the main body on the side of the latch, the key can be manufactured by assembling the key to an existing optical connector.
The stopper may be formed so as to be located in a gap between the contact portion provided near the extending base end of the latch and the housing in the forward state. By configuring the stopper in this manner, even when the deformation of the latch is restricted by the key, the insertion of the optical connector can be performed without damaging the latch due to the displacement of the latch on the distal end side from the base end of the extension. It is possible to do.
Further, the key of the present invention is provided with a cylindrical housing for accommodating and holding an optical connector ferrule for positioning and holding an optical fiber so that the optical fiber can be butt-connected, provided on the housing, and directed to the distal end along the housing. An elastically deformable latch extending from the housing,
The optical connector ferrule is configured to be butt-connected to another optical connector ferrule housed in the female housing by being inserted into the female housing from the distal end portion, and the latch is provided with the optical connector ferrule. In the butt connection state, the engaging portion is engaged with the engaging portion of the female housing, and the engaging protrusion is displaced in the housing direction by the elastic deformation of the latch, so that the engaging portion is displaced from the engaging portion. A key that is applied to an optical connector that is detached, and that restricts movement of the latch in a housing direction, and is attached to a guide portion provided on a rear end side of the housing,
A main body provided to be able to advance and retreat toward the front end of the housing, and a stopper which can be inserted between the latch and the housing and are connected to the main body at the side of the latch, so that the whole is integrated. The stopper is configured so as not to restrict the deformation of the latch in the retracted state, and to restrict the deformation of the latch in the housing direction in the advanced state. It is characterized by having. With this configuration, this key can be used by assembling it with an existing optical connector.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the optical connector according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The optical connector 20 shown here comprises an optical connector main body 20a and a key 30 attached to the optical connector main body 20a. The optical connector body 20a has a cylindrical housing 23 for housing and holding an optical connector ferrule 22 for positioning and holding an optical fiber 21 in a manner that the optical fiber 21 can be butt-connected. And a resiliently deformable latch 24 extending toward the distal end portion 23a. This optical connector main body 20a is an optical connector having the same configuration as the optical connector 1 shown in FIG.

In the housing 23, a caulking member for retaining the strength member (Kevlar) exposed to the end of the optical fiber 21 which is an optical fiber cord, and an optical fiber (mainly an optical fiber core) drawn out from the end of the optical fiber 21 are provided. The optical connector ferrule 22, which terminates in a butt-connectable manner, and a biasing means (a coil spring or the like) for biasing the optical connector ferrule 22 forward in the butt-connecting direction are housed and held. When the optical connector 20 is inserted into one of the cylindrical portions 50b and the other cylindrical portion 50b, the one optical connector ferrule 22 is inserted.
Guide pin holes 22 formed on both sides of the joint end face 22a
A guide pin (not shown) protruding from the other optical connector ferrule 22 is inserted into the optical connector ferrule 22 to precisely position the optical connector ferrules, and one or the other exposed at the joining end face 22a of the optical connector ferrule. A plurality of optical fibers 21a (bare fiber; two in the illustrated example)
They are also precisely positioned and butt-connected. As the optical connector ferrule 22, JI
A so-called MT optical connector (Mecanically Transferable) defined in SC5981 can be employed.

The rear end 23b of the housing 23 protects and stores the optical fiber 21 drawn out from the rear end 23b through the inside of the housing 23, and sharply bends such that the optical characteristics of the optical fiber 21 are affected. A flexible boot (indicated by the reference numeral 21b) is attached to prevent the action of. As will be described later, the boot serves as a guide portion for guiding the key 30 when the key 30 moves along the housing 23 (hereinafter, referred to as a guide portion 21b).

The latch 24 is provided at the rear end 2 of the housing 23.
3b, extending toward the housing tip 23a from the vicinity of 3b,
It is formed so as to bend once in the direction of the housing 23, hang down in this direction, and then extend toward the distal end portion 23a again. The latch 24 is formed at a predetermined distance from the housing 23 over the entire length. Hereinafter, the portion from the base end of the latch 24 to the bent portion is referred to as the operating portion 2.
5. A portion that hangs down from the bent portion in the direction of the housing 23 is referred to as an intermediate portion 26, and a portion extending from the intermediate portion 26 toward the distal end portion 23a is referred to as an extending portion 27. The base end of the extension 27 is referred to as an extension base 27a.

An abutting portion 29 is formed at the center in the width direction on the inner surface side of the intermediate portion 26 of the latch 24 so as to project rearward. The contact part 29 is arranged along the vertical
To the extended base end 27a. The gap between the contact portion 29 and the housing 23 is called a gap 28. FIG.
As shown in (1), the latch 24 is elastically deformable toward the housing 23 by pressing the operation portion 25 toward the housing 23 side.

At the tip of the latch 24, an engagement projection 24a that engages with an engagement portion 50a of the female housing (optical connector adapter in the present embodiment) 50 when the optical connector ferrule 22 is butt-connected is directed upward. The projection is formed. The engagement projection 24a is formed such that the upper surface side is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, and the thickness gradually decreases toward the distal end. This engagement projection 24a is
Can be engaged with the engaging portion 50a of the female housing 50 in a state where the optical connector 20 is not deformed, and in the state where the optical connector 20 is engaged with the engaging portion 50a, pulling out of the optical connector 20 from the female housing 50 is restricted. It has been like that.

The key 30 is for regulating the deformation of the latch 24, and is attached to a guide portion (boots in this embodiment) 21b attached to the rear end 23b of the housing 23, along the guide portion 21b. Tip 23a
The main body 30a includes a main body 30a that can move forward and backward in the direction, and a stopper 33 connected to the main body 30a.

The main body 30a includes a tubular body 31 and a tubular body 31.
And arms 32, 32 extending in the direction of the tip 23a of the housing 23 from both sides of the arm. Tubular body 31
The holding portion 34 is a hole for holding the guide portion 21b.
Are formed. The holding portion 34 is designed so as to be able to hold the guide portion 21b over the entire circumference and to allow the key 30 to move forward and backward.

The stopper 33 is a long plate having both ends connected to the arm 32 on the side of the latch 24. The stopper 33 is located in the gap 28 between the contact portion 29 and the housing 23 in the forward state, and is located closer to the rear end of the housing than the contact portion 29 provided on the latch 24 in the retracted state. I have.

The key 30 includes a main body 30a and a guide portion 21b.
3 from the retracted state shown in FIG. 2 by moving along
It can be moved to the forward state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the key 30 is in a retracted state,
When the stopper 33 is located closer to the rear end of the housing than the abutting portion 29, the latch 24 can be freely elastically deformed, and when the operating portion 25 is pressed toward the housing 23, the latch 24 is elastically moved toward the housing 23. It is designed to be deformed. (Hereinafter, this state is called unlocked state)

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
Is in the forward state, and when the stopper 33 is positioned between the contact portion 29 and the housing 23, the stopper 33 prevents the contact portion 29 from moving downward, so that the elastic deformation of the latch 24 in the direction of the housing 23. Is regulated.
In the locked state (hereinafter, this state is referred to as a locked state), although the entire latch 24 cannot be deformed in the direction of the housing 23, the stopper 33 is in contact with the abutting portion 29 near the extended base end 27 a and the housing 23. Gap 2
8, as shown in FIG.
Deformation toward the housing 23 is possible within the elastic deformation range.

In the optical connector 20 of the present embodiment, the key 30 is a member assembled as described below.
FIG. 8 shows a state before the key 30 is assembled.
FIG. 8B is a plan view showing a key 30b which is the key 30 before assembly, and FIGS. 8A and 8C are views of the key 30b as viewed from above and below.

One end of arms 32, 32 is hingedly connected to hinge portions 35 at both ends of a stopper 33, and the key 30b is connected to the other end of each of the arms 32, 32 so as to form a first and a second cylindrical body 31 during assembly. 2 cylindrical member 31a, 31b
Is attached. The first and second cylindrical members 31a and 31b are formed with a holding groove 34a that becomes the holding portion 34 during assembly. First cylindrical member 31a
A plate-like connecting member 36 extending in the direction of the tubular member 31b in the assembled state is attached to the connecting member 36. The connecting member 36 has a locking projection 37 provided on the second tubular member 31b. Is formed with a locking hole 38 for locking.

To assemble the key 30b, the stopper 3
After the arm 3 is inserted between the latch 24 and the housing 23 from the distal end side of the latch 24, the arms 32, 32 are bent at the hinge 35 against the stopper 33. At this time, the first
And the second cylindrical member 31a, 31b sandwiches the guide portion 21b, and the guide portion 21b is held in the holding groove 34a,
The locking projection 37 is locked in the locking hole 38 in a state where the locking projection 37 is located in the locking hole 34a. Thus, it is possible to obtain the key 30 in the state shown in FIG. 1, that is, in a state assembled to the optical connector body 20a.

Next, the operation of the optical connector 20 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9A, the optical connector 20 in which the key 30 is retracted in advance and the latch 24 can be freely elastically deformed is inserted into the one cylindrical portion 50b of the female housing 50. On this occasion,
The latch 24 is deformed in the direction of the housing 23 by the cylindrical portion 50b, and the engagement protrusion 24a is pressed against the inner surface of the female side housing cylindrical portion 50b by the elasticity of the latch 24.
When the engagement projection 24a reaches the engagement portion 50a as shown in FIG. 9B, the engagement projection 24a enters and engages with the engagement portion 50a by the elasticity of the latch 24. It is locked. In this state, the latch 24
Is a state in which only the extending portion 27 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 50b. Thereby, pulling out of the optical connector 20 from the female side housing 50 is regulated, and the optical connector ferrule 2 is removed.
2 and another optical connector ferrule (not shown) supported by the other cylindrical portion 50b of the female housing 50, the butt-connected state is maintained.

Even when the insertion of the latch 24 into the female housing 50 is completed, the operation portion 25 is
The operation unit 25 is pushed toward the housing 23 and the entire latch 24 is pushed out of the housing 2.
When the optical connector 20 is deformed in three directions, the engaging protrusion 24a is disengaged from the engaging portion 50a and the optical connector 20 can be pulled out. However, in this case, the optical connector 20 is accidentally removed from the female housing 50. 9C, the key 30 is moved forward to restrict the elastic deformation of the latch 24 (locked state).

In the locked state in which the key 30 is advanced, even if the operating portion 25 is pushed in, the contact portion 29 is not
3, the entire latch 24 cannot be deformed toward the housing 23. For this reason, the engagement protrusion 24
a cannot be detached from the engagement portion 50a, and the optical connector 20 cannot be pulled out from the female housing 50. Therefore, in this state, the operation unit 2
5 is prevented from being disengaged from the engaging portion 50a and the engaging protrusion 24a due to inadvertent contact with the engaging portion 5.
The engagement state between Oa and the engagement protrusion 24a is stably maintained.

In order to pull out the optical connector 20 from the female housing 50, as shown in FIG.
Then, as shown in FIG. 9 (e), the operating portion 25 is pushed toward the housing 23 to disengage the engaging projection 24a from the engaging portion 50a, and then the optical connector 20 is pulled out. Do.

In the optical connector 20 of the present embodiment, as described above, the entire latch 24 cannot be deformed in the direction of the housing 23 in the locked state, but the extension 27 is attached to the housing 23 within its elastic deformation range. Deformation is possible. Therefore, in the optical connector 20 of the present embodiment, as shown below, the key 30 is locked in the gap 28 between the latch 24 and the housing 23.
Can be inserted into the female housing 50 as it is).

That is, FIG. 10A and FIG.
As shown in (b), even when the optical connector 20 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 50b of the female housing 50 with the key 30 in the locked state in which the key 30 is in the advanced state, only the extension portion 27 remains in the housing 23. And can be inserted into the cylindrical portion 50b. At this time, no excessive force is applied to the latch 24, and there is no fear of damage or the like. The engagement protrusion 24a at the tip of the extension portion 27 inserted into the cylindrical portion 50b is
a, and the optical connector 20 is in the state shown in FIG. 9C. Thus, the optical connector 20 of the present embodiment
Before the insertion into the female housing 50, the key 30
Is not always required to be retracted from the latch 24. In addition, when the optical connector 20 that has been inserted is pulled out of the female housing 50, the key 30
Can be carried out in the same manner as when inserted without locking.

In the optical connector 20 of the present embodiment,
A housing 23 and a tip 23 along the housing 23
a, and a key 30 for regulating the deformation of the latch 24. The key 30 is
Since the stopper 24 does not restrict the deformation of the latch 24 in the retracted state and restricts the deformation of the latch 24 toward the housing 23 in the advanced state, the key 30 is set in the advanced state, The deformation in the direction of the housing 23 is restricted,
The engagement state between the engagement portion 50a on the side and the engagement protrusion 24a provided on the latch 24 can be stably maintained. Therefore, the connection state of the optical connector ferrule 22 can be reliably maintained.

The key 30 has a main body 30a which can move forward and backward in the direction of the tip 23a of the housing 23, and a stopper 33 connected to the main body 30a. Since it is connected to the arm 32, the optical connector body 20a (for example, MTR) having the same configuration as the optical connector 1 of the conventional example shown in FIG.
It can be manufactured by assembling the key 30 with a J-type optical connector). As described above, since the optical connector can be manufactured by retrofitting the existing optical connector, the existing optical connector can be manufactured without any design change, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. .

Further, the stopper 33 is configured so as to be located in the gap 28 on the lower surface side of the contact portion 29 provided in the vicinity of the extending base end portion 27a of the latch 24 when the key 30 is in the advanced state. Thus, even in the locked state, that is, in a state where the deformation of the entire latch 24 is restricted by the key 30, the extension portion 27 on the distal end side with respect to the extension
It is possible to insert the optical connector 20 without damaging the latch 24 due to the displacement within the elastic deformation range of the optical connector 20. For this reason, the female housing 5 of the optical connector 20
It is possible to improve the workability of insertion into zero.

The key 30 is attached to the guide portion 21b, so that the key 30 can be inserted between the latch 24 and the housing 23, and the main body 30a is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat toward the tip 23a of the housing 23. , Body 3
A stopper 33 is connected to the side of the latch 24 with respect to the arm 32 of the optical connector 0a, and can be assembled to the optical connector body 20a having the same configuration as the conventional optical connector 1 shown in FIG. (For example, an MTRJ-type optical connector).

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a modification of the key. The key 40 shown here is attached to the guide portion 21b similarly to the key 30 described above, and the tip portion 23a
The main body 40a includes a cylindrical body 41 that can move forward and backward in the direction, and arms 42 extending from both sides of the cylindrical body 41 in the direction of the tip 23a, and can be inserted between the latch 24 and the housing 23. And a stopper 43 connected to the arm 42 of the main body 40a on the side of the latch 24. The guide part 21 is provided on the cylindrical body 41.
A holding portion 44, which is a hole holding b, is formed.
The stopper 43 restricts the elastic deformation of the latch 24 toward the housing 23 when the key 40 is in the forward state, and does not restrict the deformation of the latch 24 in the retracted state. This key 40 can be used by being assembled to an existing optical connector, for example, an MTRJ type optical connector, similarly to the key 30 described above.

The optical connector of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes such as changing the cross-sectional profile of the housing are possible. Also, the groove formed in the female side housing cylindrical portion 50b, the latch 24 on the optical connector 20 side, and the like function as a key and a key groove, so that the female side housing 50 cannot be inserted except in a predetermined direction. It is common to do. The engaging portion of the female housing is not limited to a hole, and various configurations such as a groove, a projecting wall, and an elastic claw can be adopted. The shape and size of the engagement protrusion provided on the latch, the formation position on the latch, and the like can be appropriately changed. Further, as the optical connector ferrule according to the present invention, a single-core or multi-core optical fiber cord which terminates a single-core or multi-core optical fiber cord, and is directly drawn into the housing without being coded, is used. Various configurations, such as those terminating wires, can be employed. Also,
Various configurations such as an optical connector adapter and an optical connector receptacle can be adopted as the female housing into which the optical connector is inserted. In addition, the key, a member such as a main body, an arm, and a stopper is separate before assembly, and may be integrated by assembly, or may be integrated before assembly. Is also good. Further, the guide portion is not limited to the boot and may be provided on the housing.

[0032]

According to the optical connector of the present invention, the optical connector includes a housing, an elastically deformable latch extending toward the distal end along the housing, and a key for restricting deformation of the latch. A key configured to move back and forth toward the distal end, and a stopper configured to restrict deformation of the latch in a retracted state and restrict deformation of the latch in a housing direction in a forward state. Because of this, the stopper restricts the deformation of the latch in the housing direction, so that the engagement between the engaging portion of the female housing and the engaging projection provided on the latch can be stably maintained. Therefore, the connection state of the optical connector ferrule can be reliably maintained. Further, since the stopper is connected to the main body at the side of the latch, the existing optical connector can be manufactured without any design change, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, by forming the stopper so as to be located in a gap between the housing and the abutting portion provided near the extending base end of the latch in the advanced state, the deformation of the latch is restricted by the key. Even in the state where it is, the displacement of the latch on the distal side from the base end of the extension
The optical connector can be inserted without damaging the latch. Therefore, the workability of inserting the optical connector into the female housing can be improved.

Further, in the key of the present invention, by being attached to the guide portion, the key can be inserted between the latch and the housing, the main body being provided to be able to advance and retreat toward the front end portion of the housing, and It is equipped with a stopper that is connected to the side of the latch with respect to the main body, and is configured so that it can be assembled to an optical connector similar to the conventional type. Therefore, by attaching it to an existing optical connector, for example, an MTRJ type optical connector, Can be used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing an embodiment of an optical connector of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the optical connector shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the optical connector shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the optical connector shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a key used in the optical connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the key shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side view showing the key shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are views showing the keys shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, wherein FIG. 8B is a plan view showing a state before and after assembly, FIG. 8A is a view of the state before assembly as viewed from above, and FIG. It is the figure which looked at the state before assembling from the lower part.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a step of inserting the optical connector of FIG. 1 into the female housing.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a step of inserting the optical connector of FIG. 1 into the female housing.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a modification of the key used in the optical connector of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the key shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional optical connector.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Optical connector, 21 ... Optical fiber (optical fiber cord), 21b ... Guide part, 22 ... Optical connector ferrule, 23 ... Housing, 23a ... Front end part, 23b ... Rear end part, 24 ... Latch, 27 ... Extension part , 27a ... extended base end part, 28 ... gap, 29 ... contact part, 30 ... key, 30a ...
Main body, 33 ... stopper, 50 ... female side housing, 50a
… Engaging part

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Tamaki 1440 Mutsuzaki, Sakura-shi, Chiba Prefecture Fujikura Sakura Works F-term (reference) 2H036 QA03 QA42 QA56

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A cylindrical housing (23) for housing and holding an optical connector ferrule (22) for positioning and holding an optical fiber (21) in a butt-connectable manner at a distal end (23a); An elastically deformable latch (24) extending along the housing toward the distal end, and a key (3) for restricting deformation of the latch.
0), and the housing is provided with a female housing (5
0), the optical connector ferrule is
The latch is configured to be butt-connected to another optical connector ferrule housed in the female housing, and the latch is configured to engage with the female housing in the butt-connected state of the optical connector ferrule.
a) engaging projections (24a) for engaging with the key, the engaging projections being displaced toward the housing due to elastic deformation of the latch, so as to be separated from the engaging portion; Is connected to a main body (30a) attached to a guide portion (21b) provided on the rear end side of the housing so as to be able to advance and retreat toward the front end of the housing, and is connected to the main body at a side of the latch. Stopper (3
3) wherein the stopper does not restrict the deformation of the latch in the retracted state and restricts the deformation of the latch in the housing direction in the forward state. Connector (20). 2. The stopper is located in a gap (28) between the abutment portion (29) provided in the vicinity of an extension base end portion (27a) of the latch and the housing in the advanced state. The optical connector (20) according to claim 1, wherein the optical connector (20) is formed. 3. A cylindrical housing (23) for accommodating and holding an optical connector ferrule (22) for positioning and holding an optical fiber (21) in a butt-connectable manner at a distal end portion (23a); An elastically deformable latch (24) extending along the housing toward the distal end, wherein the housing extends from the distal end to the female housing (5).
0), the optical connector ferrule is
The optical connector ferrule is configured to be butt-connected to another optical connector ferrule housed in the female housing, and the latch is configured to engage with the female housing in the butt-connected state of the optical connector ferrule.
a) an engagement connector (24a) for engaging with the optical connector (24), which is displaced in the direction of the housing by the elastic deformation of the latch so as to be separated from the engagement portion. Applying to 20a),
A key (30) for restricting movement of the latch in the housing direction, the guide (21b) being provided on the rear end side of the housing.
Attached to the housing, the stopper can be inserted between the latch and the housing, and can be inserted between the latch and the housing, the stopper being connected to the main body at the side of the latch. (33), and can be assembled to the optical connector.
A key, wherein a stopper does not restrict deformation of the latch in a retracted state and restricts deformation of the latch in a housing direction in a forward state.