JP2001249253A - Optical ring network, optical connector and hybrid connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical connector and the like capable of changing the deriving direction of an optical fiber without affecting the light transmitted by the optical fiber. SOLUTION: An optical plug 24 as an optical connector is equipped with ferrules 31, 31 attached to the end of optical fibers 25, 25, and with an optical adaptor 32 as a housing formed with chambers 101, 101 for storing the terminal parts of the optical fibers 25, 25 including the ferrules 31, 31. In addition, the connector is such that direction controlling members 26, 27, which control the bending direction of the optical fibers 25, 25 derived from the optical adaptor 32, are fixed on the ferrules 31, 31, and that the ferrules 31, 31 with the direction controlling members 26, 27 fixedly attached thereto are stored in a freely turnable manner in the chambers 101, 101.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical ring network suitable for use in an optical fiber communication system in a vehicle such as an automobile, and an optical connector and a hybrid connector suitable for use in the optical ring network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an optical ring network for connecting each unit, each unit is connected in series by an optical fiber and an optical connector, and light (optical signal) output from each unit is sequentially transferred to each unit to be transmitted to a destination. Unit.

An optical connector used in such an optical ring network has been proposed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-78534 (Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 8-233036, filed Sep. 3, 1996). What has been disclosed is known.

The optical connector will be described with reference to FIG. 25 or FIG. 26. The optical plug 1 as the optical connector includes a ferrule assembly 2, a plug housing 3 for accommodating the ferrule assembly 2, and a plug housing. 3 includes a spring cap 4 for restricting the ferrule assembly 2 from coming off, and a direction restricting member 5 rotatably engaged with the spring cap 4. It is connected to a receptacle 7 serving as a connector.

[0005] The ferrule assembly 2 comprises a (plastic) optical fiber 8, a ferrule 9 attached to the end of the optical fiber 8, and a spring 10 previously inserted through the optical fiber 8, and has a plug housing. 3
When the spring cap 4 is fitted to the plug housing 3, the ferrule 9 is always urged toward the receptacle 7 by the spring 10, one end of which contacts the spring cap 4. A hole 11 into which the optical fiber 8 is inserted is formed in the spring cap 4. The hole 11 is formed so as to penetrate the support wall 12 of the spring cap 4.

The direction regulating member 5 has a base 13 formed in an arc shape having an angle of about 90 °, and a sliding ring 15 is attached to one end of the base 13 via a support groove 14. Have been. On the other end of the base 13, opposed gripping portions 16, 16 are protruded.

The radius of the arc of the base 13 is
Is set to the minimum radius of bend allowed. A gap 17 is formed in the sliding ring 15 to facilitate mounting. The optical fiber 8 includes a sliding ring 15 and a grip 16,
16 along the outer edge of the base 13 in an arc shape.

In the above structure, the spring cap 4
When the sliding ring 15 of the direction restricting member 5 is fitted to the support wall 12 of the above and the flange 18 of the spring cap 4 is inserted into the support groove 14 of the direction restricting member 5, the direction restricting member 5 supports the spring cap 4. It becomes rotatable about the wall 12. The direction regulating member 5 is rotated to a desired position, and the optical fiber 8 is moved to the base 13 between the sliding ring 15 and the grips 16.
If the optical fiber 8 is attached in an arc shape along the outer edge of the optical fiber 8, the optical fiber 8 can be led out and routed in a desired direction.

[0009]

In the above prior art, the optical fiber 8 led out of the hole 11 of the spring cap 4 is attached to the base 13 of the direction regulating member 5,
The optical fiber 8 is routed. However, when the leading direction of the optical fiber 8 is corrected and changed, the following problem may occur.

That is, when the direction regulating member 5 is rotated to modify the leading direction while the optical fiber 8 is attached to the base 13, the optical fiber 8 is
In the vicinity of the hole 11, there is a possibility that the light may be twisted in the rotation direction and become one of the factors related to attenuation of light transmitted by the optical fiber 8.

To explain in more detail, the diameter of the hole 11 is formed to be slightly larger than the diameter of the optical fiber 8, and the reaction force due to the bending of the optical fiber 8 is applied to the hole 11, The optical fiber 8 is hard to rotate. For this reason, when the direction regulating member 5 is quickly rotated to correct or change the leading-out direction of the optical fiber 8, the optical fiber 8 in the hole 11 cannot keep up with the speed, and the optical fiber 8 is stressed in the twisting direction. It will be hung.

By increasing the diameter of the hole 11, it is possible to take measures against the above problem.
Since the diameter of the spring 10 which comes into contact with the vicinity of the opening edge of the hole 11 increases, and the ferrule 9 itself increases accordingly, the optical plug 1 becomes large, which may cause another problem. .

Further, the optical fiber 8 is detached from the base 13,
It is also conceivable to return the optical fiber 8 to its original state after rotating the direction regulating member 5 and correct and change the leading direction.
There is no doubt that the work will be very troublesome and will affect the workability. Therefore, sufficient countermeasures have not yet been taken.

The applicant of the present application believes that the above problem will affect not only the optical ring network and the optical connector but also the hybrid connector in which the optical connector and the electric connector are integrated. I have.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an optical connector capable of changing the lead-out direction of an optical fiber without affecting light transmitted by the optical fiber, and an optical connector for the same. It is an object to provide an optical ring network including the same, and a hybrid connector.

[0016]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical ring network in which a plurality of units are connected in series by a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of optical connectors. An optical ring network, wherein at least one of the plurality of optical connectors includes a ferrule attached to a terminal of a corresponding optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers, and the corresponding optical fiber including the ferrule. A housing having a housing for accommodating a terminal portion of the fiber is provided, and the ferrule is fixed to a direction regulating member that regulates a bending direction related to the ring formation of the corresponding optical fiber derived from the housing, The ferrule is rotatably housed in the housing chamber.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the optical ring network according to the first aspect, at least one of the plurality of optical connectors having the ferrule to which the direction regulating member is fixed is provided. To
The hybrid connector is characterized by being mounted on the electric housing of an electric connector having an electric housing and a plurality of terminals mounted on the electric housing.

Claim 3 has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem.
The optical connector according to the present invention is an optical connector comprising: a ferrule attached to a terminal of an optical fiber; and a housing forming a housing chamber for housing a terminal portion of the optical fiber including the ferrule, A direction regulating member that regulates a bending direction of the optical fiber led out of the housing is fixed to the ferrule, and the ferrule is rotatably housed in the housing chamber.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the optical connector according to the third aspect, wherein the direction regulating member is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape while being fixed to the ferrule. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the optical connector according to the fourth aspect, the direction regulating member comprises two members, a first case and a second case, which are fitted to each other. The first case and the second case are provided with a displacement preventing means for preventing these displacements.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the optical connector according to the third aspect, the direction regulating member is connected to an arcuate arc portion and both ends of the arc portion and arranged in parallel with each other. A pair of straight portions formed to have a U-shaped cross section, and a locking portion that locks to the optical fiber to restrict the optical fiber from separating from the arc portion. It is characterized by:

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the optical connector according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the ferrule and the direction regulating member regulate relative displacement. It is characterized by having means.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the optical connector according to any one of the third to seventh aspects, a plurality of the accommodating chambers are formed in the housing corresponding to the number of the optical fibers. The ferrule to which the direction regulating member is fixed is rotatably housed in each of the housing chambers.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the optical connector of the eighth aspect, each of the direction regulating members is formed by changing a bending ratio or a bending radius.

Claim 1 has been made to solve the above problem.
A hybrid connector according to the present invention includes an optical connector according to any one of claims 3 to 9, an electrical housing having a mounting portion for the optical connector, and a plurality of terminals mounted on the electrical housing. And an electrical connector.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical ring network having at least one optical connector in which a ferrule to which a direction regulating member is fixed is rotatably housed in a housing chamber of a housing. The optical ring network will have an optical connector useful for connecting units when it is necessary to regulate the direction in which the optical fiber led out of the optical connector is led out. The direction restricting member is directly fixed to the ferrule, and since the ferrule is rotatable with respect to the accommodation chamber, even if an attempt is made to change the lead-out direction, the optical fiber is not twisted in the rotational direction. . Further, the optical fiber does not affect the light (optical signal) transmitted by the optical ring network. Further, the workability is not affected.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hybrid connector comprising an optical connector in which a ferrule to which a direction regulating member is fixed is rotatably housed in a housing chamber of a housing, and an electric connector. It becomes an optical ring network having at least one. The optical ring network will have a hybrid connector that is useful for connecting the units when it is necessary to regulate the direction in which the optical fiber led out of the optical connector is led out.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, an optical connector in which the ferrule to which the direction regulating member is fixed is rotatably housed in the housing chamber of the housing. The direction restricting member is directly fixed to the ferrule, and since the ferrule is rotatable with respect to the accommodation chamber, even if an attempt is made to change the lead-out direction, the optical fiber is not twisted in the rotational direction. . Further, the light (optical signal) transmitted by the optical fiber is not affected. Further, the workability is not affected.

According to the present invention, the bent portion of the optical fiber is protected from the outside in an optimum bent state. Thus, the light (optical signal) transmitted by the optical fiber is not affected.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, similarly to the fourth aspect, the bent portion of the optical fiber is protected from the outside in an optimum bent state. When the direction regulating member is composed of two parts, the deviation preventing means contributes to strengthening the protection of the bent portion of the optical fiber. Further, since the first case and the second case only need to be fitted in regulating the leading direction of the optical fiber, the workability in assembling the optical connector is also good.

According to the present invention, the bent portion of the optical fiber is protected from the outside in an optimum bent state. Thus, the light (optical signal) transmitted by the optical fiber is not affected. Furthermore, since the direction regulating member and the optical fiber can be attached to each other by being locked to the locking portion, workability in assembling the optical connector is also good.

According to the present invention, since the displacement regulating means regulates the relative displacement between the ferrule and the direction regulating member, the ferrule and the direction regulating member can be securely fixed.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, for example, the optical fiber for transmission and reception is divided into two poles, four poles, etc.
Even when the optical connector has a plurality of optical connectors, the same operation and effect as described above can be obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, even if the direction in which the optical fiber is led out is changed, the direction regulating members do not collide with each other. In particular, when the optical fibers are led out in the same direction, the degree of freedom is increased. When the optical fibers are led out in the same direction during storage or transportation before being mounted on the vehicle, it becomes easier to put together.

According to the present invention described in claim 10,
A hybrid connector having an optical connector in which a ferrule to which the direction regulating member is fixed is rotatably housed in a housing chamber of the housing. As a result, a hybrid connector having the above-described effects can be obtained.

[0036]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the optical ring network of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the optical ring network 21
Are arranged in each section of a vehicle such as an automobile, and perform information processing, control processing, and the like using a predetermined algorithm. The first unit 22a to the n-th unit 22n (four units are illustrated as an example in FIG. 1. Are collectively denoted by reference numeral 22), and the first unit 22a
To optical plugs 24a to 24n as optical connectors connected to receptacles 23a to 23n as optical connectors provided in the n-th unit 22n (the reference numeral 23 is used in the generic case). ), The optical fibers 25a to 25n derived from the optical plugs 24a to 24n and forming a network in a ring shape.
(When referred to collectively, the reference numeral 25 is attached).

The optical ring network 21 sequentially transfers optical signals (light and light beams) emitted from the upstream unit 22 to the downstream unit 22 and transmits the optical signal to the destination unit 22. It is configured to supply a signal.

In this embodiment, the optical plugs 24a to 24c
The transmission and reception optical fibers 25 derived from
It is assumed that the direction in which the optical fiber 25 is led out is restricted from the relationship of the wiring position in the vehicle. Therefore, the optical plugs 24 a to 24 used in the optical ring network 21 of the present embodiment
c (which may include all of 24d to 24n) includes
The direction restricting members 26 and 27 or the direction restricting members 26 and 27, which are rotatable with respect to the optical plugs 24a to 24c, respectively.
26 are provided.

Hereinafter, the optical plug 24 having the direction regulating members 26 and 27 will be described in detail in the order of configuration and operation. 2 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the optical connector according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the optical plug 24 is
Ferrule 3 attached to terminal of optical fiber 25, 25
1, 31; a direction regulating member 26 fixed to one ferrule 31 for regulating the bending direction of the optical fiber 25 in the ring formation; a direction regulating member 27 similarly fixed to the other ferrule 31; An optical adapter 32 (corresponding to a housing described in the claims) accommodating the optical adapter 32 rotatably, an optical adapter cover 33 for the optical adapter 32, and a holder 34. The unit 22 to which the optical plug 24 is connected
The description of the receptacle 23 (see FIG. 1) will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the optical fiber (also referred to as an optical fiber cord or optical fiber cable) 25 is composed of a plastic optical fiber 37, a primary sheath 38 covering the plastic optical fiber 37, and a secondary sheath outside the plastic sheath. And a sheath 39.

A plastic optical fiber (hereinafter, abbreviated as POF; POF: Plastic Optical Fiber) 37 is a transmission line for transmitting an optical signal (light, light beam).
It has a circular cross-sectional shape. In addition, a transparent core for transmitting an optical signal is provided at the center, and a transparent clad having a smaller refractive index than the core constitutes the outside.

The primary sheath 38 and the secondary sheath 39 are formed of an insulating synthetic resin material. The ends of the primary sheath 38 and the secondary sheath 39 are stripped to predetermined lengths. The optical fiber 25 is a POF 37
And the primary sheath 38 is formed so as to be sequentially exposed from the terminal.

The ferrule 31 is made of a synthetic resin, and has a small-diameter portion 42 for accommodating the POF 37 and a small-diameter portion 4.
2 and a large-diameter portion 43 for accommodating the primary sheath 38. The large-diameter portion 43 has a stepped cylindrical shape both inside and outside.

The POF 37 is exposed from the end of the small diameter portion 42. A flange 44 and engagement protrusions 45 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 43. The flange portion 44 is formed annularly in the middle of the large diameter portion 43 (in the present embodiment, near the center). In addition, the engagement protrusion 4
5 and 45 are formed in a rectangular shape at the edge of the large diameter portion 43. The projecting tips of the engaging projections 45, 45 are formed in an arc shape having the same radius as the flange 44. still,
The end of the secondary sheath 39 contacts the end face of the large diameter portion 43.

The optical fibers 25, 25 and the ferrule 31,
Reference numeral 31 is firmly fixed with an adhesive or the like. For example, only the optical fibers 25, 25 do not fall out of the optical adapter 32.

The direction restricting member 26 is made of a synthetic resin and, as shown in FIG. 5, is constituted by a first case 48 and a second case 49 so as to be cylindrical when fitted. I have. The direction regulating member 27 is also made of a synthetic resin, and is configured to have a cylindrical shape when fitted with the two members of the first case 50 and the second case 51 as shown in FIG. In addition, since it is cylindrical, the optical fiber 2
The curved (bent) part of 5 is protected from the outside in the optimal bending state (the effect described on the left cannot be obtained,
Of course, it is also possible to adopt a configuration that is exposed to the outside as in the conventional example).

As shown in FIG. 5 or any one of FIGS. 7 to 9, the first case 48 is formed in a shape in which a cylinder is vertically divided in the axial direction. Further, in the present embodiment, the first case 48 itself is curved so that the line segment along one end surface of the first case 48 and the line segment along the other end surface are orthogonal to each other. The state of bending (bending) can be set arbitrarily (the same applies to the second case 49, the first case 50, and the second case 51). For example, the radius of the arc can be set to the minimum radius of the allowable bending of the optical fiber 25 (POF 37). The first case 48 and the like may be formed by setting a desired lead-out direction.

The first case 48 has a fixing hole 54 and a pair of locking claws 55, 5 from the one end face to the other end face.
5, a pair of ridges 56, 56 as deviation prevention means,
A pair of locking portions 57 are formed in order. The locking portions 57, 57 have a pair of locking claws 58, 58, and protection portions 59, 5 arranged on both sides of the locking claws 58, 58, respectively.
9 are formed.

The hole 54 is formed at a portion near the one end surface. The ferrule 31 (see FIG. 4) is formed in a rectangular shape so that the engaging protrusion 45 (see FIG. 4) of the ferrule 31 can be inserted and engaged. The inside diameter of the portion where the hole 54 is formed is the large diameter portion 4 of the ferrule 31 (see FIG. 4).
3 (see FIG. 4) (the inner diameter of the other first case 48 is basically the same as that of the secondary sheath 3).
9 (see FIG. 4).

The portion where the hole 54 is formed is formed straight and the second case 49 and the first case 50 are formed.
And the second case 51).

The locking claws 55, 55 are formed at an intermediate portion near the hole 54. In addition, flexible bases 62, 6
2 and claw portions 63, 63 protrudingly formed at the tip portions of the base portions 62, 62. Base 62, 62
Are formed along the direction in which the hole 54 penetrates. Claw part 6
Each of 3, 3 has a taper and is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a side view.

The ridges 56 are formed in a belt shape so that the inner surface of the first case 48 is continuous. In addition, ridge 5
The protrusions 6 and 56 are formed such that the protrusion amounts are sufficiently smaller than the base portions 62 and 62 of the locking claws 55 and 55. By engaging the ridges 56, 56 with the grooves 70, 70 described later, deviation is prevented.

The locking portions 57 are formed near the other end surface. Further, one of the protection portions 59 is formed so as to be continuous with the other end surface. Locking claws 58, 5
8 is a flexible base 64, 64, and the base 64,
Claw portions 65, 65 protrudingly formed at the distal end portion of the reference numeral 64. The bases 64, 64 are formed in the same direction as the bases 62, 62 of the locking claws 55, 55. Claw part 6
5 and 65 are tapered and formed in a substantially triangular shape in side view. The protection portions 59, 59 are formed such that their ends are located outside the protruding tips of the claws 65, 65. It goes without saying that the provision of the protection parts 59, 59 improves the reliability of the engagement of the locking claws 58, 58.

As shown in FIG. 5 or any one of FIGS. 10 to 12, the second case 49 is formed in a shape in which a cylinder is vertically divided in the axial direction. It fits. In the present embodiment, the second case 49 itself is curved so that a line segment along one end surface of the second case 49 and a line segment along the other end surface are orthogonal to each other.

The second case 49 has a fixing hole 68 and a pair of first locking portions 6 extending from the one end surface to the other end surface.
9, 69 and a pair of grooves 70, 70 as a deviation preventing means.
And a pair of second locking portions 71, 71 are sequentially formed.

The hole 68 is formed in a portion near the one end face. The ferrule 31 (see FIG. 4) is formed in a rectangular shape so that the engaging protrusion 45 (see FIG. 4) of the ferrule 31 can be inserted and engaged. The inside diameter of the portion where the hole 68 is formed is the large diameter portion 4 of the ferrule 31 (see FIG. 4).
3 (see FIG. 4) (the inner diameter of the other second case 49 is basically equal to the outer diameter of the secondary sheath 3).
9 (see FIG. 4).

The first locking portions 69, 69 have the first case 4
A pair of engaging holes 72, 7 with which the locking claws 55, 55 of FIG.
2 and a pair of protection parts 73 and 7 bulging around the circumference.
3 are formed. The engagement holes 72, 72 are formed to penetrate in a rectangular shape in plan view. The protection portions 73 are formed in the same manner as the protection portions 59 of the first case 48.

The grooves 70, 70 are provided with the ridges 5 of the first case 48.
6, 56 are formed to engage. The second locking portions 71, 71 have a pair of engagement holes 74, 74 with which the locking claws 58, 58 of the first case 48 are engaged, and a pair of protection portions 75 bulging around the pair. 75 are formed.
The engagement holes 74 are formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The protection portions 75, 75 are the protection portions 5 of the first case 48.
9 and 59 are formed in the same manner.

As shown in FIG. 6 or any one of FIGS. 13 to 15, the first case 50 is formed in a shape such that a cylinder is vertically divided in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the first case 50 itself is curved so that a line segment along one end surface of the first case 50 and a line segment along the other end surface are orthogonal to each other. The first case 50
Is formed such that the bending radius (the bending ratio can be changed by the line segment) with respect to the first case 48 of the direction regulating member 26 is increased.

The first case 50 has a fixing hole 78 and a pair of locking claws 79, 7 from the one end face to the other end face.
9, a pair of ridges 80, 80 as deviation preventing means,
A pair of locking portions 81 are formed in order. The locking portions 81, 81 have a pair of locking claws 82, 82, and protection portions 83, 8 arranged on both sides of the locking claws 82, 82, respectively.
3 are formed.

The description of these is omitted (although the reference numbers are different, the first case 48 of the direction regulating member 26 is omitted).
Will be the same as described for Reference numerals 84, 84 and 86, 86 denote base portions, and 85, 85, 87, and 87 denote claws protruding from the distal end portions of the base portions 84, 84, 86, and 86.

As shown in FIG. 6 or any one of FIGS. 16 to 18, the second case 51 is formed in a shape in which a cylinder is vertically divided in the axial direction. It fits. In the present embodiment, the second case 51 itself is curved so that a line segment along one end surface of the second case 51 and a line segment along the other end surface are orthogonal to each other. The second case 51 is formed such that the bending radius (the bending ratio can be changed by the line segment) is larger than the second case 49 of the direction regulating member 26.

The second case 51 has a fixing hole 90 and a pair of first locking portions 9 from the one end surface to the other end surface.
1, 91 and a pair of grooves 92, 92 as a deviation preventing means.
And a pair of second locking portions 93, 93 are sequentially formed.

The description of these is omitted (although the reference numerals are different, the second case 49 of the direction regulating member 26 is not shown).
Will be the same as described for Reference numerals 94, 94 and 96, 96 indicate engagement holes, and 95, 95, 97, 97 indicate protection parts.

The optical adapter 32 is made of a synthetic resin, and is formed in a shape such that two substantially rectangular tubes are arranged and integrated as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. Further, the optical adapter 32 is formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to a longitudinal central axis.

The optical adapter 32 has an optical fiber 25,
Along the extending direction of the terminal portion (corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the ferrules 31, 31), the insertion openings 100, 100
, Accommodation chambers 101, 101, and connection ports 102, 102 are formed.

The outer peripheral surface of the optical adapter 32 has a locking portion 1
03, 103, an engagement hole (not shown) for the holder 34, and a locking recess (not shown) are formed.
Further, tapered surfaces 105 and 105 and a groove 106 are formed along the extending direction.

The insertion ports 100, 100 are
5 and 25 are circular through holes formed for inserting terminal portions (including the ferrules 31, 31), and are formed continuously with the accommodation chambers 101, 101. Insertion port 1
The diameters of 00 and 100 are slightly larger than the diameters of the flange portions 44 and 44. Insertion opening 100, 100
Are formed side by side in the width direction of the optical adapter 32 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

The accommodation rooms 101, 101
1, 31 is formed longer than the length of the longitudinal direction,
Inserted and accommodated ferrules 31, small diameter portions 42 of 31;
The above-mentioned end of 42 does not protrude from the connection ports 102, 102 (prevents damage or breakage of the tips of the ferrules 31, 31. It also protects the exposed end face of the POF 37). The storage chambers 101, 101 are formed with the same diameter as the insertion ports 100, 100 and the connection ports 102, 102, and annular stoppers 107, 107 protruding inward are provided in the middle. Stopper 1
The flange portions 44, 44 of the ferrules 31, 31 abut against 07 and 107.

The connection ports 102 are connected to the optical adapter 3
2 is formed on the other end face with respect to the one end face on the longitudinal direction side. The connection ports 102, 102 are portions related to connection with the receptacle 23, and are formed as circular through holes. Further, the connection ports 102, 102 are formed so as to be continuous with the accommodation chambers 101, 101 and to be arranged in the width direction.

The locking portions 103, 103
2 is closer to the insertion ports 100 and 100 than the center of
It is formed on the outer surface on the 6 side. In addition, the locking portions 103, 1
03 is a flange portion 44 of the ferrule 31, 31
To prevent the ferrules 31, 31 from coming off. Protrusions (not shown) projecting into the storage chambers 101, 101 are formed at the tips of the locking portions 103, 103. The locking portions 103, 103 have flexibility.

The engagement holes (not shown) are provided with
3 is formed in a rectangular shape on the opposite surface, and communicates with the storage chambers 101 and 101. When the holder 34 is inserted through an engagement hole (not shown), the holder 34 engages with the flange portions 44, 44 of the accommodated ferrules 31, 31, respectively. The accommodated ferrules 31, 31 are double-locked.
Note that the ferrules 31, 31 are provided with stoppers 107, 107.
Although the movement is restricted by the locking portions 103, 103 and the holder 34, the rotation itself is free.

The tapered surfaces 105 are formed such that two corners on the side of an engagement hole (not shown) are cut off. In addition, by forming the tapered surfaces 105, 105, the direction of assembly is determined, and erroneous assembly is prevented.

The groove 106 is formed so as to pass through between the locking portions 103. In addition, the locking portion 10
It is formed in the center of the outer surface on the side of 3, 103 and along the extending direction. The groove 106 functions as a guide.

The optical adapter cover 33 is made of a synthetic resin, and is formed in a substantially frame shape (or a box shape with a bottom) for inserting and housing the optical adapter 32.

The optical adapter cover 33 is
It has four walls that are continuous in the circumferential direction with respect to the two insertion directions (corresponding to the extending direction). That is, the upper wall 110
And a left wall 111 connected to the upper wall 110, a lower wall 112 connected to the left wall 111, and a right wall 113 connected to the lower wall 112 and the upper wall 110. Further, a front wall 114 is formed integrally with these ends.

A part of the rear end of the upper wall 110 and the lower end of the lower wall 112 of the optical adapter cover 33 is cut out on the side of the front wall 114. When the optical adapter 32 is stored, a part of the optical adapter 32 is exposed, which also contributes to improvement of workability. Guide ribs 115 are formed on the left wall 111 of the optical adapter cover 33. The right wall 113 has guide ribs 116, 116 and a lock 117 formed therebetween. The lower wall 112 has an engagement hole (not shown) for the holder 34.
Are formed.

On the front wall 114 of the optical adapter cover 33,
Connection ports 118, 118 are formed. Its front wall 11
4 serves as a stopper for the optical adapter 32. The optical adapter cover 33 has a guide rib (not shown) for guiding the optical adapter 32 therein, a convex portion (not shown) for engaging with a concave portion (not shown) of the optical adapter 32, and a tapered surface of the optical adapter 32. 105, and a tapered surface (not shown) corresponding to 105 are formed.

The guide ribs 115, 115
Are formed to protrude from an end of the left wall 111 on the upper wall 110 side and an intermediate portion of the left wall 111 so as to be orthogonal to the surface of the left wall 111. The guide rib 115 extends in the insertion direction, and is formed so that one guide rib 115 is continuous with the upper wall 110. The height of the guide ribs 115 is lower than the height of the guide ribs 116.

The guide ribs 116, 116
Are formed so as to protrude from the end of the right wall 113 so as to be perpendicular to the surface of the right wall 113. Further, it extends in the insertion direction and is formed so as to be continuous with the upper wall 110 and the lower wall 112. The height of the guide ribs 116 has a sufficient height to protect the lock portion 117.

The lock portion 117 includes a front base portion 119 connected to the front wall 114, rear base portions 120, 120 connected to the rear end side, a front base portion 119, and a rear base portion. The right wall 113 is bent by approximately 90 ° from the ends 120, 120.
And a flexible portion 121 along the surface of the first portion.

The flexible portion 121 has flexibility, and is thin at substantially the center. Further, the flexible portion 121 has a claw-shaped locking projection 122 formed substantially at the center opposite to the surface facing the surface of the right wall 113. A pushing portion 123 is formed on the rear base end portions 120 and 120 side of the flexible portion 121. The pushing portion 123 is formed with a plurality of steps.

When the pressing portion 123 is pressed, the flexible portion 12
1 is bent toward the surface of the right wall 113, and the engagement of the locking projection 122 is released.

The engaging hole (not shown) is formed in the same size as the engaging hole (not shown) of the optical adapter 32. When the holder 34 is inserted through an engagement hole (not shown), the holder 34 passes through an engagement hole (not shown) and
1 and 31 are engaged with the flange portions 44 and 44.

The connection ports 118, 118 are circular through holes, and are formed with the same diameter and pitch as the diameters of the connection ports 102, 102 of the optical adapter 32. A guide rib (not shown) is formed at the center of the upper wall 110 and along the above-described insertion direction. The guide rib (not shown) is formed in a size that can be engaged with the groove 106 of the optical adapter 32.

In the above configuration, the optical plug 24 is assembled as follows.

In FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, first, ferrules 31, 31 are attached to the terminals of the optical fibers 25, 25, and the direction regulating member 2 is attached to the ferrules 31, 31.
6 and 27 are fixed. At this time, the first case 48 and the second case 49 of the direction regulating member 26
The engagement protrusions 45, 45 of the ferrule 31 are engaged with 4, 68. Further, the first case 50 and the second case 51 of the direction regulating member 27 are fitted to each other, and the engaging projections 45, 45 of the ferrule 31 are engaged with the holes 78, 90.

Next, with the direction regulating members 26 and 27 fixed, the ferrules 31 and 31 are inserted into and accommodated in the optical adapter 32, and the optical connector 131 is assembled.

At this time, the ferrules 31, 31 are accommodated in the accommodation chambers 101, 101 via the insertion ports 100, 100. The ferrules 31, 31 have their flanges 4
The pushers 4 and 44 are pushed into the storage chambers 101 and 101 until they come into contact with the stoppers 107 and 107, respectively.

The ferrules 31, 31 are accommodated in the accommodation rooms 101, 1
When housed in the lock 01, the locking portions 103, 103 are once flexed outward and returned, and the locking portions 103, 103 can be engaged with the flange portions 44, 44 of the ferrules 31, 31, respectively. The ferrules 31, 31 are accommodated in the accommodation rooms 101, 101.
Although the forward and backward movement in the inside is restricted, the rotation is free.

In other words, when the direction regulating members 26 and 27 are rotated, the leading directions of the optical fibers 25 and 25 are easily changed. Note that the direction regulating members 26 and 27 are rotated (3
Even if the optical fibers 25 are rotated by 60 °, no stress is applied to the optical fibers 25 in the twisting direction.

In other words, since the direction regulating members 26 and 27 are directly fixed to the ferrules 31 and 31 and the ferrules 31 and 31 are rotatable with respect to the storage chambers 101 and 101, The optical fibers 25 are not twisted in the rotation direction.

Subsequently, the operation shifts to the operation of inserting and housing the optical connector 131 into the optical adapter cover 33 and assembling the optical plug 24 as the optical connector.

That is, when the optical connector 131 is inserted into and accommodated in the optical adapter cover 33, the concave portion (not shown) of the optical adapter 32 engages with the convex portion (not shown) of the optical adapter cover 33, and the optical connector 131 is moved. Locked to the optical adapter cover 33. In this state, when the holder 34 is inserted into and engaged with an engagement hole (not shown) or the like, the position regulation and double locking of the ferrules 31 and 31 and the double locking of the optical adapter 32 are performed. Thus, a series of assembling steps related to the optical plug 24 is completed.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18, the optical ring network 21
In particular, the optical fibers 25, 2
This means that the optical plug 24 is useful when it is necessary to regulate the direction in which the lead 5 is led out. Further, since the leading-out direction of the optical fibers 25, 25 can be easily changed, the workability related to the wiring and the like is improved as compared with the related art.

It is needless to say that an optical plug as an optical connector can be formed by combining the direction restricting members as shown in FIG. That is, the optical plug 24 'may be configured by fixing the direction regulating members 26, 26 to the ferrules 31, 31 (see FIG. 19A). Further, the optical plug 24 "may be formed by fixing the direction regulating members 27, 27 to the ferrules 31, 31 (see FIG. 19B). The above optical plugs 24, 24 ', 24" are all optical. Fiber 2
Although the configuration is such that the number of the optical fibers 5 and 25 is two, it may be configured to have one pole or a plurality of poles (for example, four poles of the optical fiber 25 for transmission and reception) as in the conventional example. In this case, it is needless to say that a plurality of accommodation chambers 101 for the optical adapter 32 can be easily coped with.

Subsequently, the optical plug 24 and the like (optical plug 2
4 ′, 24 ″), the following structure can be adopted: That is, as shown in FIG. The above-mentioned optical connector 1 is inserted and housed.
The optical adapter cover 33 is
Instead of forming the optical plug 24 by mounting the optical connector 24, the mounting portion 13 of the electrical connector 138 having the mounting portion 135 for the optical connector 131 and the plurality of terminals 137 mounted on the electrical housing 136.
5 to form the hybrid connector 139.

Further, the ferrules 31, 31 to which the direction regulating members 26, 27 are fixed, respectively, are connected to an optical housing 141 having a configuration in which the optical adapter 32 and the optical adapter cover 33 are integrated. Alternatively, the optical plug 142 may be directly attached to the optical plug 142 (reference numeral 143 indicates a concave portion which is dented by stealing, and reference numeral 144 indicates an engagement hole for the holder 34).

By the way, the receptacle 23 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, an optical housing 151 made of a synthetic resin material having conductivity, sleeves 152 and 152, and a FO
T (FOT: Fiber Optic Transceiver, also referred to as an optical element module, a light-receiving / light-emitting module or a light-receiving / transmitting module, etc.) 153 and 154, and a cap 155 made of a synthetic resin material having conductivity. ing.

The optical housing 151 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape whose front and rear are open. The optical housing 151 is
It has a partition 156 inside, and has a configuration in which an open space is formed before and after. The front open space is a fitting portion 157 for the optical plug 24. In addition, the rear open space is provided with the housing 15 for the FOTs 153 and 154.
8

The partition wall 156 is formed with substantially cylindrical receiving cylinders 159 and 159 projecting into the fitting portion 157 and communicating between the fitting portion 157 and the housing portion 158. Receiving cylinder 1
The sleeves 152 and 152 are inserted into the portions 59 and 159, respectively. In the fitting portion 157, a substantially claw-shaped engaging portion 160 that engages with the locking projection 122 of the lock portion 117 is formed.

The FOT 15 to be stored is stored in the storage section 158.
A partition 161 that partitions the third and 154 is formed. A plurality of engaging portions (not shown) for the cap 155 are formed on the left and right.

Each of the sleeves 152 has an optical fiber composed of a core and a clad. still,
The sleeves 152, 152 are connected to the optical fibers 25, 25, respectively.
Can be formed by cutting into a predetermined length and polishing both end surfaces thereof.

The cap 155 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and has a plurality of substantially claw-shaped locking projections (not shown) on both left and right sides which are engaged with engaging portions (not shown) of the optical housing 151. ) Is formed. Further, a plurality of pressing protrusions 162 for pressing the FOTs 153 and 154 are formed on a surface of the optical housing 151 facing the housing portion 158.

The direction regulating members 26 and 27 described above are used.
May be formed as shown in FIGS. 21 to 24. The direction regulating member 2 shown in FIGS.
6 and 27, the engagement protrusion 45 of the ferrule 31 is connected to the POF3 from the end face 31a located on the base end side.
7 project in the direction along.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the direction regulating members 26 and 27 are curved so that the line segment along one end surface and the line segment along the other end surface are orthogonal to each other. The state of bending (bending) can be set arbitrarily. For example, the radius of curvature can be set to the minimum radius of allowable bending of the optical fiber 25. The direction restricting members 26 and 27 may be formed by setting a desired lead-out direction.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the direction regulating members 26 and 27 have an arcuate portion 17 having a circular cross section.
1 and a pair of straight portions 172 are formed in a U-shape. The pair of linear portions 172 are arranged side by side in parallel with each other, and are connected to both ends of the arc portion 171. The pair of straight portions 172 extend in a direction away from the arc portion 171.

Each of the direction regulating members 26 and 27 has a fixing hole 173 and a plurality of locking portions 174.
The hole 173 is provided at an end of the direction regulating members 26 and 27 near the one end surface. The hole 173 penetrates the arc portion 171. The hole 173 is formed in a rectangular shape along the outer shape of the engagement protrusion 45. As shown in FIG. 23, the hole 173 can be engaged with the engagement protrusion 45 of the ferrule 31 inserted therethrough.

The inner diameter of the portion of the circular arc portion 171 where the hole 173 is formed is formed in accordance with the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 43 of the ferrule 31. The inner diameter of the other arc portion 171 is
Basically, it is formed according to the outer diameter of the secondary sheath 39. The portion where the hole 173 is formed is formed straight along the POF 37 and the straight portion 1 is formed.
72 protrudes along the POF 37.

Each of the locking portions 174 has a linear portion 172.
Is formed at an edge portion away from the circular arc portion 171. The locking portion 174 includes a flexible base portion 175,
Claw portion 176 protrudingly formed at the tip of base 175
And The base 175 is formed in a strip shape. The base 175 is connected to the edge along the straight portion 172.

The claw portion 176 has a taper and is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a side view. The claw portion 176 protrudes from the base portion 175 toward the inside of the direction regulating members 26 and 27.

The locking portions 174 having the above-described configuration are arranged on the straight portions 172 at substantially equal intervals from the one end surface to the other end surface. The locking portions 174 formed on each of the straight portions 172 are arranged at positions not opposed to each other.

The direction restricting members 26, 27 having the above-described structure are used.
The optical fiber 25 having the ferrule 31 attached to the terminal located between the pair of linear portions 172 is pressed into the arc portion 171 and fixed to the ferrule 31 and the optical fiber 25. And the direction regulating members 26 and 27
Is housed inside in a state where the optical fiber 25 is oriented and protected from the outside.

When the optical fiber 25 is press-fitted toward the arc 171, the claw 176 is inserted into the optical fiber 25.
And as the optical fiber 25 approaches the arc 171, the claw 176 is opposed to the linear portion 1.
It elastically deforms in a direction away from 72. When the optical fiber 25 comes into contact with the arc 171, as shown in FIG. 24, the claw 176 is locked on the outer surface of the optical fiber 25, and restricts the optical fiber 25 from separating from the arc 171.

In the above embodiment, the engagement projection 4
5 and the holes 54, 68, 78, 90, 173 are engaged with each other, and regulate the relative displacement of the ferrule 31 and the direction regulating members 26, 27 relative to each other. Engaging projection 4
5 and the holes 54, 68, 78, 90, 173 constitute the displacement restricting means described in this specification.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the holes 54,
68, 78, 90, and 173 respectively correspond to the first case 4
8, 50, the second case 49, 51 and the arc portion 171. In the present invention, the holes 54, 68, 78, 9
Needless to say, 0, 173 may be formed in a concave recess from the inner surfaces of the first case 48, 50, the second case 49, 51, and the arc portion 171 without penetrating.

In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention. The contents of claims 4 to 9 which are dependent claims of claim 3 (the invention of an optical connector) in the claims are described in claim 1
Alternatively, it can be made dependent on claim 2 (the invention of the optical ring network) with the same contents.

[0120]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an optical ring network is provided for a unit in a case where it is necessary to regulate the leading direction of an optical fiber led out of an optical connector. It will have an optical connector useful for connection. Therefore, by the optical fiber,
Thus, there is an effect that it is possible to provide an optical ring network that can change the leading direction of the optical fiber without affecting the light (optical signal) transmitted by the optical ring network.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the optical ring network has a hybrid connector useful for connecting units when it is necessary to regulate the direction in which the optical fiber led out of the optical connector is led out. Will be. Therefore, the same effect as that of the first aspect is obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, an optical connector in which the ferrule to which the direction regulating member is fixed is rotatably housed in the housing chamber of the housing. The direction regulating member is directly fixed to the ferrule, and since the ferrule is rotatable with respect to the accommodation chamber, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber from being twisted in the rotation direction. Further, since the leading direction of the optical fiber can be easily changed, the workability can be improved as compared with the related art. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide an optical connector that can change the leading direction of the optical fiber without affecting the light (optical signal) transmitted by the optical fiber.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the direction regulating member is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape while being fixed to the ferrule, the bent portion of the optical fiber can be optimally bent. It can be protected from the outside in the state. Therefore, in addition to the above-described effects, there is an effect that the bent portion of the optical fiber can be protected.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the direction regulating member is composed of two members, that is, a first case and a second case that are fitted to each other, and the first case and the second case have the same. Since the deviation preventing means for preventing these deviations is provided, the bent portion of the optical fiber can be protected from the outside in an optimum bending state as in the fourth aspect. Therefore, an effect similar to that of the fourth aspect is obtained.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the direction restricting member locks the optical fiber in the locking portion and restricts the optical fiber from being separated from the arc portion, the bent portion of the optical fiber can be prevented. Can be protected from the outside in an optimum bending state. Therefore, in addition to the fact that the leading direction of the optical fiber can be changed without affecting the light (optical signal) transmitted by the optical fiber, it is possible to protect the bent portion of the optical fiber. Play.

According to the present invention, the ferrule and the direction restricting member are securely fixed by the displacement restricting means. For this reason, it is possible to more reliably prevent the optical fiber from being twisted in the rotation direction.
Therefore, the leading direction of the optical fiber can be changed more reliably without being affected by the light (optical signal) transmitted by the optical fiber.

According to the present invention, a plurality of accommodation chambers are formed in the housing in correspondence with the number of optical fibers, and the ferrule to which the direction regulating member is fixed is rotatable for each accommodation chamber. Since the optical connector is accommodated, it is possible to cope with the case where the optical connector has a plurality of optical fibers such as two poles, four poles, etc. for transmission and reception, for example, as described above. Therefore, even with an optical connector having a plurality of optical fibers, the same operational effects as described above can be obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since each direction regulating member is formed by changing the bending ratio or the bending radius, it is possible to freely change the leading direction of the optical fiber. The degree can be increased.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention,
A hybrid connector having an optical connector in which a ferrule to which the direction regulating member is fixed is rotatably housed in a housing chamber of the housing. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a hybrid connector that can change the lead-out direction of the optical fiber without affecting the light (optical signal) transmitted by the optical fiber.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an optical ring network according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the optical connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a ferrule and an optical fiber.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a first direction regulating member.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second direction regulating member.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a first case of a first direction regulating member.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a first case of a first direction regulating member.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the first case of the first direction regulating member.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a second case of the first direction regulating member.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a second case of the first direction regulating member.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the second case of the first direction regulating member.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a first case of a second direction regulating member.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a first case of a second direction regulating member.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the first case of the second direction regulating member.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a second case of the second direction regulating member.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a second case of the second direction regulating member.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the second case of the second direction regulating member.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are cross-sectional views of an optical connector showing examples of leading-out directions of an optical fiber. FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view when two first direction restricting members are used, and FIG. It is sectional drawing at the time of using two members.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing an optical connector and a hybrid connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the direction restricting member of the optical connector according to the present invention.

22 is a perspective view showing a state where the direction regulating member and the optical fiber shown in FIG. 21 are attached to each other.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along the line XXIII-XXIII in FIG.

24 is a sectional view taken along the line XXIV-XXIV in FIG.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a conventional optical connector.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the conventional optical connector of FIG. 25;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 21 optical ring network 24 optical plug (optical connector) 25 optical fiber 26, 27 direction regulating member 31 ferrule 32 optical adapter (housing) 33 optical adapter cover 34 holder 45 engagement protrusion (displacement regulating means) 48, 50 first case 49 , 51 Second case 54, 68, 78, 90, 173 Hole (displacement restricting means) 56, 80 Ridge (displacement preventing means) 70, 92 Groove (displacement preventing means) 131 Optical connector 171 Arc section 172 Linear section 174 Stop

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor ▲ Taka ▼ ▲ Bridge ▼ Toshiharu 206-1 Nunobikihara, Haibara-cho, Haibara-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture F-term (reference) 2H036 QA03 QA47 2H037 AA01 BA31 DA06 DA35

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A ring-shaped optical ring network in which a plurality of units are connected in series by a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of optical connectors, wherein at least one of the plurality of optical connectors includes the plurality of optical fibers. A ferrule attached to a terminal of a corresponding optical fiber among the fibers, and a housing having a housing chamber for accommodating a terminal portion of the corresponding optical fiber including the ferrule, and the ferrule, from the housing to the ferrule An optical ring network, wherein a direction regulating member that regulates a bending direction of the corresponding optical fiber to be formed in a ring formation is fixed, and the ferrule is rotatably housed in the housing chamber. 2. The optical ring network according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of optical connectors having the ferrule to which the direction regulating member is fixed is mounted on an electric housing and the electric housing. An optical ring network comprising: an electrical connector having a plurality of terminals mounted on the electrical housing to form a hybrid connector. 3. An optical connector comprising: a ferrule attached to a terminal of an optical fiber; and a housing having an accommodation chamber for accommodating a terminal portion of the optical fiber including the ferrule. Fixing a direction regulating member that regulates a bending direction of the optical fiber led out of the housing,
An optical connector wherein the ferrule is rotatably housed in the housing chamber. 4. The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein said direction regulating member is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape when fixed to said ferrule. 5. The optical connector according to claim 4, wherein the direction regulating member comprises two members, a first case and a second case, which are fitted to each other. Is an optical connector provided with a displacement preventing means for preventing such displacement. 6. The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein the direction regulating member has an arc-shaped arc portion and a pair of linear portions connected to both ends of the arc portion and arranged in parallel with each other. And is formed in a U-shaped cross section,
An optical connector, comprising: a locking portion that locks to the optical fiber and restricts the optical fiber from separating from the arc portion. 7. The optical connector according to claim 3, further comprising a displacement restricting means for restricting relative displacement between said ferrule and said direction restricting member. connector. 8. The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the accommodation chambers are formed in the housing corresponding to the number of the optical fibers, and the ferrule to which the direction regulating member is fixed is provided. An optical connector, wherein the optical connector is rotatably accommodated in each of the accommodation chambers. 9. The optical connector according to claim 8, wherein each of said direction regulating members is formed by changing a bending ratio or a bending radius. 10. An optical connector according to claim 3, further comprising: an electrical housing having a mounting portion for the optical connector; and an electrical connector having a plurality of terminals mounted on the electrical housing. A hybrid connector comprising: