JP2007102114A - Cap, optical connector and adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cap, an optical connector and an adaptor, with which dust adhered to the obliquely formed and exposed end face of an optical fiber is removed, when an optical connector is to be inserted. <P>SOLUTION: In a process in which the optical connector 1 is inserted and pushed into an inserting/extracting part 30, the optical connector is equipped with a cleaner part 31, whose tip end A abuts against an oblique end face of a ferrule 11 to slide the slope of the ferrule 11 along the shape of the end face. In the optical connector, there is also formed an opening 32, through which the dust adhered to the exposed end face and collected by the cleaner part 31 is discharged to the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cap, an optical connector, and an adapter that remove dust adhering to an end face of an optical path.

  For adapters that optically connect optical connectors and receptacles used for connection to light receiving and emitting devices, the optical connectors are connected to each other within the connector housing by connecting the end faces of the optical fibers facing the joining end faces of the optical connectors. Realized by butt connection.

  When inserting an optical connector into the connector housing and making a butt connection, if dirt, dust, oil, etc. are attached to the connection end surface of the optical connector, it may cause damage during installation or increase in transmission loss. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the connection end face prior to the butt connection.

  Conventionally, this connection end face can be cleaned by using a cotton swab or tape type cleaner impregnated with alcohol, gripping this cleaner directly by hand, and bringing the cleaner into contact with the connection end face of the optical connector. It is common.

  Further, there is an MPO type optical connector as a multi-fiber connector. When connecting the MPO optical connectors to each other, an adapter is used. However, a technique has been proposed in which the ferrule end face can be cleaned without removing it from the adapter during cleaning.

  For example, a protrusion having an opening at which the cleaning tape is exposed at the tip is provided, and the protrusion is inserted into a space (connector receiving hole) in the optical connector adapter (optical adapter), whereby the cleaning tape is It has been proposed to be disposed so as to face and abut the joining end face of the ferrule of the optical connector housed in the connector adapter, and to wipe and clean the joining end face of the optical plug by advancing feed of the tape (for example, (See Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  As an optical connector adapter that can easily remove foreign matter adhering to the tip of the optical fiber during normal insertion operation when the optical connector is inserted, the optical fiber can be used with the end of the optical fiber protruding. When the optical connector to be held is inserted into the insertion / removal opening and the optical fiber is connected to the optical connection target, the front end surface of the optical fiber is brought into contact with the optical connector while the optical connector is being inserted. There has been proposed one provided with a cleaner portion that can be tilted in a contact state and retracted into a predetermined retraction space by an optical connector when fitted (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent No. 3350850 JP-A-2005-99451 JP 2003-315624 A

  However, this technique has the following problems.

  In the type in which cleaner tape is brought into contact with the joining end face of the ferrule end face of the MPO type optical connector in the adapter as in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the tape is fed to the head member formed with the cleaner protrusion for joining the optical connector ferrule. The structure of the head member becomes complicated, the number of parts increases, and the cost becomes high. There is.

  In addition, since it is a small and complicated structure, it must be handled with care. In addition, a cleaning tape supply and winding mechanism and a mechanism for manually operating the cleaning tape are provided at the rear of the head, and the size of the mechanism is very large, making it difficult to integrate with the connector. And there is a problem with poor portability. Also, as a cleaning procedure, after inserting the cleaner head into the connector, the tape feed operation dial is turned by a predetermined amount and then pulled out. This procedure is troublesome for general users other than those involved in optical communication. There is a problem that.

  On the other hand, in the type in which the optical fiber is held in a state in which the fiber end is protruded as in Patent Document 3, the end surface can be easily touched in the extracted state, so that the fiber end is in physical contact with a foreign object. There is a problem that the possibility of damage is high. Further, as the optical connector is inserted, the cleaner surface is inclined with respect to the ferrule end surface. For example, when the end surface is flat and has a large area such as an MT connector, the cleaner partly removes a part of the ferrule. There is a problem that the frictional contact cannot be made sufficiently and dust and dirt cannot be removed sufficiently.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and removes dust adhering to the exposed end face of the optical fiber formed obliquely when the optical connector is inserted. Caps and optical connectors and adapters are provided.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the cap according to the present invention is fixed so that the end portion of the optical path is exposed, and the fixing portion in which the end surface where the end portion of the optical path is exposed is formed in an oblique shape is incorporated. The optical connector has an insertion / removal portion that can be inserted and removed, and the optical connector is inserted into the insertion / removal portion, and the optical connector is inserted into the insertion / removal portion and pushed into the cap that protects the exposed end surface of the optical path. In the process, the tip is in contact with the exposed end surface of the optical path, and includes a sliding portion that slides along the exposed end surface, and dust that adheres to the exposed end surface collected by the sliding portion is externally A discharge opening for discharging is formed.

  Moreover, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the optical connector according to the present invention is fixed so that the end of the optical path is exposed, and the end surface where the end of the optical path is exposed is formed in an oblique shape. In an optical connector composed of an optical connector having a built-in portion, an insertion / extraction portion into which the optical connector can be inserted and removed, and a connector that is inserted into the insertion / extraction portion to protect the exposed end surface of the optical path. In the optical connector, an opening for discharging dust to the outside is formed in the housing, and in the process in which the optical connector is inserted into the insertion / extraction portion and pushed in, the cap comes into contact with the exposed end surface of the optical path, and the exposed end surface The sliding part which slides an exposed end surface along the shape of is provided.

  Moreover, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the optical connector according to the present invention is fixed so that the end of one optical path is exposed, and the end surface where the end of one optical path is exposed is formed in an oblique shape. When an optical connector having a fixed portion is formed in the housing and the housing is configured in an insertion port shape, the optical connector is optically connected to the exposed end surface of one optical path, and the housing has an insertion port shape. In the optical connector that is configured, the housing is configured so that the optical connector having the insertion port shape is inserted and removed, and the end of the other optical path is fixed so that the end of the other optical path is exposed. An optical path fixing portion having an exposed end surface formed in an oblique shape, and an optical connector having a housing configured in an insertion port shape at a protruding end portion of the exposed end surface formed in an oblique shape of the optical path fixing portion. Insertion and removal In the process of inserting and pushing the optical connector whose housing is configured in the insertion port shape into the insertion / extraction part, the tip part abuts the exposed end face of one optical path and follows the shape of the exposed end face And a sliding portion that slides on the exposed end surface.

  Moreover, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the optical connector according to the present invention is fixed so that the end of one optical path is exposed, and the end surface where the end of one optical path is exposed is formed in an oblique shape. When an optical connector having a fixed portion is formed in the housing, and the housing is configured in an insertion port shape, the optical connector is optically connected to the exposed end surface of one optical path, and the housing has an insertion port shape. In the configured optical connector, the housing is fixed so as to expose the end of the other optical path and the insertion / extraction section to be inserted into and removed from the optical connector configured in the shape of the insertion slot, and the other optical path is exposed. An optical path fixing portion having an inclined end surface and a protruding end portion of the exposed end surface formed in an oblique shape of the optical path fixing portion are inserted into and removed from an optical connector having a housing-shaped insertion housing. direction In the process of inserting and inserting the insertion / extraction part into the optical connector whose housing is configured in the shape of the insertion port, the tip part abuts the exposed end face of one optical path, and the exposed end face is aligned along the shape of the exposed end face. A sliding portion is provided.

  Further, in order to solve the above-described problem, the adapter according to the present invention is fixed so that the end portion of one optical path is exposed, and the end surface where the end portion of one optical path is exposed is formed in an oblique shape. A first insertion / extraction portion for fitting one optical connector having a built-in fixing portion so that the optical connector can be inserted and removed, and an end face where the other optical path is exposed and fixed. Has a second insertion / extraction portion for fitting another optical connector having a fixed portion formed in an oblique shape so that the optical connector can be inserted and removed, and optically connects the one optical connector and the other optical connector. In the adapter to be connected, in the process in which one optical connector is inserted into the first insertion / extraction portion and pushed, the tip end abuts the exposed end surface of the one optical path, and slides on the exposed end surface along the shape of the exposed end surface. The first sliding part and another optical connector are inserted into the second insertion / extraction part and pushed In the process, the tip end part comes into contact with the exposed end face of the other optical path, and includes a second sliding part that slides on the exposed end face along the shape of the exposed end face, and is collected by the first sliding part. Dust adhering to the exposed end surface of the other optical path collected by the first discharge opening for discharging the dust adhering to the exposed end surface of one optical path to the outside and the second sliding portion And a second discharge opening for discharging the gas to the outside.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to clean an optical path end face that is optically and physically contacted by a general act of insertion / extraction. Therefore, even general users other than those related to optical communication can easily perform cleaning without being aware of the act of cleaning.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>
FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of an optical connector 1 having a plug (insertion) shape and an optical connector 2 having a jack (insertion) shape, and FIGS. FIGS. 1E and 1F are front views of the plug-shaped optical connector 1 and the jack-shaped optical connector 2, respectively. (G) shows a sectional view of a state in which the plug-shaped optical connector 1 and the jack-shaped optical connector 2 are fitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the optical connector 1 has a built-in ferrule 11 that is fixed so that the end of the optical fiber 10 is exposed. Further, the ferrule 11 has an oblique end surface where the end of the optical fiber 10 is exposed. The optical connector 1 has an opening 12 in the housing. The opening 12 is located at the upper part of the oblique end surface of the ferrule 11. Further, the optical connector 1 has a notch 13 formed at the entrance of the housing.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the optical connector 2 has a built-in ferrule 21 that is fixed so that the end of the optical fiber 20 is exposed. Further, the ferrule 21 has an oblique end surface where the end of the optical fiber 20 is exposed. The optical connector 2 has an opening 22 in the housing. The opening 22 is located in the upper part of the oblique end surface of the ferrule 21. The optical connector 2 has a notch 23 formed at the entrance of the housing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1C, the end surface of the ferrule 11 is formed so as to have an angle at which the optical signal is totally reflected at the end surface with respect to the traveling direction of the optical signal together with the end surface of the optical fiber 10. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1D, the end surface of the ferrule 21 is formed so as to have an angle at which the optical signal is totally reflected at the end surface with respect to the traveling direction of the optical signal together with the end surface of the optical fiber 20. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1 (e), the optical connector 1 is optically coupled to the optical connector 2, and the optical fiber 10 exposed on the oblique end face of the ferrule 11 and the ferrule 21. A fitting hole 14 for alignment with the exposed optical fiber 20 is provided on the oblique end face.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1 (f), the optical connector 2 is provided with a fitting pin (hereinafter referred to as a fitting pin) 24 corresponding to the fitting hole 14.

  Further, when the optical connector 1 and the optical connector 2 are connected, the angle of the end face of the ferrule 11 and the angle of the end face of the ferrule 21 must be matched so that the optical fiber 10 and the optical fiber 20 are connected without a gap. There is. Further, the end face of the ferrule 11 (20) may be aligned with the exposed end face of the optical fiber 10 (20), or the exposed end face of the optical fiber 10 (20) may be slightly higher. Further, the end face of the ferrule 11 (20) including the exposed end face of the optical fiber 10 (20) may have a curved surface so that the exposed end face of the optical fiber 10 (20) slightly protrudes. In addition, when the exposed end surface of the optical fiber 10 (20) is higher than the end surface of the ferrule 11 (21), the fitting property between the optical fiber 10 and the optical fiber 20 can be increased.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (g), when the optical connector 1 is inserted into the optical connector 2, first, the fitting surface 14 of the optical connector 1 and the fitting pin 24 of the optical connector 2 Accurate positioning is performed, and then, the end surface of the ferrule 11 and the end surface of the ferrule 21 are pushed into contact with each other, the exposed end surfaces of the optical fiber 10 and the optical fiber 20 are optically contacted with each other, and the optical signal is propagated. It is a possible structure.

  Here, regarding the configuration of the connector cap for protecting the exposed end face of the optical fiber provided with a mechanism for removing dust adhering to the exposed end face of the optical fiber 10 (20) built in the optical connector 1 (2). It shows using FIG. 2 (a), (b). In the following, the configuration of the connector cap for the optical connector 1 will be described, but the connector cap for the optical connector 2 has the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the connector cap 3 is in the process of inserting and pushing the optical connector 1 into the insertion / extraction portion 30, and the tip A contacts the oblique end surface of the ferrule 11 and follows the shape of the end surface. And an opening 32 through which dust adhering to the exposed end surface collected by the cleaner 31 is discharged to the outside. Has been.

  The cleaner unit 31 wipes the end surface of the optical fiber 10 exposed at the end surface by sliding on the inclined end surface of the ferrule 11. Further, the tip end portion A of the cleaner portion 31 is configured to include a flexible cloth or paper so as not to damage the end face of the ferrule 11. The cloth or paper may also be moistened with a cleaning solution such as ethanol.

  Further, the tip end portion A of the cleaner portion 31 is arranged so as to come into contact with a portion on the entrance side in the insertion / extraction direction of the end surface of the ferrule 11 formed in an oblique shape when the optical connector 1 is inserted.

  Here, a method for cleaning the end face of the ferrule 11 by the cleaner unit 31 will be described.

  The connector cap 3 includes, for example, an elastic portion 33 that holds the cleaner portion 31 against the inner wall of the housing by applying a certain pressure. The elastic part 33 is elastically changed according to the pressure received by the cleaner part 31 in the process of inserting the optical connector 1 into the insertion / extraction part 30 (FIG. 2A) and being pushed in (FIG. 2B). At this time, the cleaner portion 31 slides on the inclined end surface of the ferrule 11 while moving in the direction in which the elastic portion 33 elastically changes, and wipes the end surface of the optical fiber 10 exposed at the end surface.

  Further, when the optical connector 1 is pushed into the connector cap 3, the opening 12 formed in the optical connector 1 and the opening 32 formed in the connector cap 3 overlap each other, and the ferrule collected by the cleaner unit 31. 11 Dust adhering to the end face is discharged from the opening 12 to the outside. Further, the connector cap 3 has a structure in which, when the optical connector 1 is pushed in, as shown in FIG. Dust that has entered through the ferrule 11 does not adhere to the end face of the ferrule 11.

  Therefore, when the optical connector 1 is not used, the end face of the optical fiber 10 is not exposed to the outside by attaching the connector cap 3, so that the end face of the optical fiber 10 can be protected from scratches, and a new Dust adhesion can be prevented.

  In FIG. 2, the elastic portion 33 is represented as a spring-like shape, but rubber or other materials may be used as long as they play a similar role.

  Further, the connector cap 3 may have a configuration in which the elastic portion 33 is not provided. In the case of such a structure, the cleaner part 34 built in the connector cap 4 is comprised with the elastic member which has a fixed elastic coefficient, and the optical connector 1 is inserted in the insertion / extraction part 30 (Fig.3 (a)). ), In the process of being pushed in (FIG. 3B), the tip B contacts the end face of the ferrule 11 and elastically changes in accordance with the pressure into which the optical connector 1 is pushed, and the end face along the end face shape of the ferrule 11 And the end face of the optical fiber 10 exposed at the end face is wiped.

  In the case of such a structure, the notch portion that is necessary for avoiding interference with the cleaner component is not necessary. Further, when the optical connector 1 is not inserted into the cleaner 34, the tip B of the cleaner 34 is inserted into and removed from the end face of the ferrule 11 that is formed in an oblique shape when the optical connector 1 is inserted. It arrange | positions so that the part by the side of an entrance may be touched.

  Therefore, the tip B of the cleaner 34 operates to wipe while applying pressure to the end face of the ferrule 11 by the force with which the optical connector 1 is inserted into the connector cap 4 and its own elastic force. It is possible to remove dust adhering to the surface.

  Further, when the optical connector 1 is pushed into the connector cap 4, the opening portion 12 formed in the optical connector 1 and the opening portion 35 formed in the connector cap 4 overlap each other, and the ferrule collected by the cleaner portion 34. 11 Dust adhering to the end face is discharged from the opening 35 to the outside. Further, the connector cap 4 has a structure in which, when the optical connector 1 is pushed in, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), it is covered with the tip B of the cleaner 34, so that the opening 12 and the opening 35 are formed from the outside. Dust that has entered through the ferrule 11 does not adhere to the end face of the ferrule 11.

  Therefore, when the optical connector 1 is not used, the end face of the optical fiber 10 is not exposed to the outside by attaching the connector cap 4, so that the end face of the optical fiber 10 can be protected from scratches, and a new one is provided. Dust adhesion can be prevented.

  Further, the connector cap 3 and the connector cap 4 can be reduced in size because of their simple structure. Therefore, when the connector cap is used, the connector cap 3 and the connector cap 4 can be prevented from being lost by being hung on the optical connector cable. it can.

  Further, by integrating the elastic part and the cleaner part like the connector cap 4, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

  Also, when a large amount of dust or a large amount of dust accumulates, it can be discharged to the outside by providing a hole (opening 32, 35) for discharging the dust. it can.

<Second embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (f).

  4 (a) and 4 (b) show front views of the optical connector 5 having a jack (insertion port) shape and the optical connector 6 having a plug (insertion port) shape, and FIGS. 4 (c) and 4 (d) FIG. 4E shows a cross-sectional view before the optical connector 6 is inserted into the optical connector 5, and FIG. 4E shows a cross-sectional view when the optical connector 6 is inserted into the optical connector 5 and pushed in, and FIG. These show sectional views when the optical connector 6 is pushed into the optical connector 5.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the optical connector 5 has a housing formed in an insertion port shape so that the insertion / extraction part 40 from which the optical connector 6 is inserted and removed and the end of the optical fiber 41 are exposed. An optical fiber fixing part (hereinafter referred to as a ferrule) 42 in which the end face from which the optical fiber 41 is exposed is formed in an oblique shape, and a protruding end portion of the exposed end face formed in an oblique shape in the ferrule 42 The optical connector 6 protrudes in the direction in which it is inserted and removed, and in the process in which the optical connector 6 is inserted into and inserted into the insertion / extraction section 40, the exposed end face of the optical fiber 51 incorporated in the optical connector 6 And a sliding portion (hereinafter referred to as a cleaner portion) 43 that slides on the exposed end surface along the shape of the exposed end surface.

  Further, the tip of the cleaner portion 43 is disposed so as to come into contact with the portion on the entrance side in the insertion / extraction direction of the end surface of the ferrule 42 formed in an oblique shape when the optical connector 6 is inserted into the insertion / extraction portion 40.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the optical connector 6 has a housing that is formed in an insertion port shape, and exposes an insertion / extraction portion 50 that is inserted into and removed from the optical connector 5 and an end portion of the optical fiber 51. An optical fiber fixing part (hereinafter referred to as a ferrule) 52 in which the end face from which the optical fiber 51 is exposed is formed in an oblique shape, and an exposure formed in the oblique shape of the optical fiber fixing part 52. At the protruding end portion of the end face, the optical connector 41 protrudes in the direction of insertion and removal from the optical connector 5, and in the process of inserting and inserting the insertion / extraction portion 50 into the optical connector 5, the tip portion of the optical fiber 41 built in the optical connector 5 A sliding portion (hereinafter referred to as a cleaner portion) 53 that abuts the exposed end surface and slides along the exposed end surface along the shape of the exposed end surface is provided.

  Further, when the insertion / extraction part 50 is inserted into the optical connector 5, the tip of the cleaner part 53 is disposed so as to contact a part on the entrance side in the insertion / extraction direction of the end face of the ferrule 52 formed in an oblique shape.

  In the optical connector 5, when the optical connector 6 is inserted, the exposed end face of the optical fiber 41 and the exposed end face of the optical fiber 51 built in the optical connector 6 are optically connected.

  The optical connector 5 includes an elastic portion 44 that holds the cleaner portion 43 against the inner wall by applying a certain pressure. The elastic portion 44 is elastically changed according to the pressure received by the cleaner portion 43 in the process in which the optical connector 6 is inserted into and inserted into the insertion / extraction portion 40. Here, a state when the cleaner 43 wipes the exposed end face of the optical fiber 51 built in the optical connector 6 will be described.

  In the process of the optical connector 6 being inserted into the insertion / extraction portion 40 and being pushed in, the cleaner portion 43 abuts on the exposed end surface of the optical fiber 51 built in the optical connector 6 and the elastic portion 44 is elastically changed. The exposed end face is slid along the shape of the exposed end face of the optical fiber 51. Therefore, in the process of inserting the optical connector 6 into the optical connector 5, the exposed end face of the optical fiber 51 built in the optical connector 6 is wiped by the wiping operation of the cleaner unit 43, and the attached dust is removed. The

  Further, an opening 45 for discharging dust to the outside is formed in the housing of the optical connector 5, and a notch 55 is formed in the housing of the optical connector 6. When the optical connector 6 is connected to the optical connector 5, the opening 45 and the cutout 55 overlap each other, and dust collected by the cleaner 43 is discharged from the opening 45 to the outside.

  Next, a state when the cleaner 53 cleans the exposed end surface of the optical fiber 41 built in the optical connector 5 will be described.

  The cleaner 53 of the optical connector 6 is an elastic member having a certain elastic coefficient, and in the process of inserting and inserting the insertion / removal part 50 into the optical connector 5, the optical fiber 41 whose tip is incorporated in the optical connector 5 is inserted. The exposed end face slides along the shape of the exposed end face of the optical fiber 41 while elastically changing according to the pressure to which the optical connector 5 is pushed. Therefore, in the process of inserting the optical connector 6 into the optical connector 5, the exposed end surface of the optical fiber 41 built in the optical connector 5 is wiped by the wiping operation of the cleaner unit 53 and the attached dust is removed. The

  Further, an opening 54 for discharging dust to the outside is formed in the housing of the optical connector 6, and a notch 46 is formed in the housing of the optical connector 5. When the optical connector 6 is connected to the optical connector 5, the opening 54 and the notch 46 overlap with each other, and dust collected by the cleaner 53 is discharged from the opening 54 to the outside.

  Next, a state when the optical connector 5 and the optical connector 6 are connected will be described. When the optical connector 6 is inserted and connected to the optical connector 5, the optical connector 6 is fitted by the fitting hole 56 of the optical connector 6 and the fitting pin 47 of the optical connector 5 as shown in FIGS. Accurate positioning of the mating surface is performed. The positioning by the fitting hole 56 and the fitting pin 47 is the same as that of the connector caps 3 and 4 shown in the first embodiment, but the optical connector 6 is deeper than the optical connector 5 (in the x-axis direction). As it is inserted, the position of the fitting pin 47 is shifted relative to the fitting hole 56 in the y-axis direction, so that the fitting hole 56 extends in the vertical direction so that it can be received accordingly. It has a different shape. The final position is determined by the fitting pin 47 abutting on the upper part of the fitting hole 56.

  Thus, the optical connector 5 and the optical connector 6 according to the present invention are such that the exposed end surface of the optical fiber 51 is wiped by the cleaner portion 43 when the optical connector 6 is inserted into the optical connector 5 and pushed, and the cleaner The exposed end surface of the optical fiber 41 is wiped by the portion 53.

  Therefore, when the optical connector 6 is inserted into the optical connector 5 and pushed in, dust attached to the end face of the ferrule 42 and the end face of the ferrule 52 is removed. Further, when the connection between the optical connector 5 and the optical connector 6 is completed, the opening 45 formed in the housing of the optical connector 5 and the notch 55 formed in the housing of the optical connector 6 overlap each other, and the optical connector 6 Since the opening 54 formed in the housing of the optical connector 5 and the notch 46 formed in the housing of the optical connector 5 overlap, the dust collected by the cleaner 43 and the dust collected by the cleaner 53 are removed from the housing. It is discharged outside.

  In addition, since the optical connector 5 and the optical connector 6 always wipe the end surfaces of the ferrules 42 and 52 automatically at the time of insertion / extraction, the connection reliability against dust and dirt can be improved.

  Also, when a large amount of dust or a large amount of dust accumulates, it can be discharged to the outside by providing a hole (opening 45, 54) for discharging the dust, so that it is possible to eliminate the limit on the allowable amount of dust. it can.

<Third embodiment>
A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view before connecting the plug (insertion) type optical connector 7 and the plug type optical connector 8 to the adapter 9, and FIG. 5B shows the plug type optical connector 7 and the plug type. A cross-sectional view after connecting the optical connector 8 to the adapter 9 is shown.

  The plug-type optical connector 7 includes a fixing portion (hereinafter referred to as a ferrule) 61 that is fixed so that the end portion of the optical fiber 60 is exposed, and the end surface where the optical fiber 60 is exposed is formed in an oblique shape. A notch 62 is formed in the housing.

  The plug-type connector 8 is fixed so that the end of the optical fiber 63 is exposed, and a fixing part (hereinafter referred to as a ferrule) 64 in which the end surface from which the optical fiber 63 is exposed is formed in an oblique shape. And a notch 65 is formed in the housing.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the adapter 9 is exposed along the shape of the exposed end surface in the process in which the plug-type optical connector 7 is inserted into the insertion / extraction portion 66 and pushed in, and the tip portion abuts on the exposed end surface of the optical fiber 60. In the process in which the sliding portion (hereinafter referred to as a cleaner portion) 67 sliding on the end surface and the plug-type optical connector 8 are inserted into the insertion / extraction portion 68 and pushed in, the tip portion comes into contact with the exposed end surface of the optical fiber 63, And a sliding portion (hereinafter referred to as a “cleaner portion”) 69 that slides along the shape of the exposed end surface. The dust attached to the exposed end surface of the optical fiber 60 collected by the cleaner portion 67 is externally removed. Are formed in the housing, and an opening 71 for discharging dust adhering to the exposed end face of the other optical fiber 63 collected by the cleaner 69 to the outside is formed in the housing. There.

  Further, the adapter 9 pushes up the cleaner 67 by applying a certain pressure, and an elastic part 72 that holds the cleaner 67 in a predetermined position before the plug-type optical connector 7 is inserted, and a cleaner by applying a certain pressure. An elastic portion 73 is provided that pushes up the portion 69 and holds the cleaner portion 69 in a predetermined position before the plug-type optical connector 8 is inserted.

  The elastic portion 72 is elastically changed according to the pressure received by the cleaner portion 67 in the process in which the plug-type optical connector 7 is inserted into and inserted into the insertion / extraction portion 66. The cleaner portion 67 slides on the exposed end surface along the shape of the exposed end surface of the optical fiber 60 while moving in the direction in which the elastic portion 72 elastically changes.

  Further, the elastic portion 73 elastically changes according to the pressure received by the cleaner portion 69 in the process in which the plug-type optical connector 8 is inserted into the insertion / extraction portion 68 and pushed. The cleaner portion 69 slides on the exposed end surface along the shape of the exposed end surface of the optical fiber 63 while moving in the direction in which the elastic portion 73 elastically changes.

  When the plug-type optical connector 7 is not inserted, the cleaner portion 67 is pushed and fixed in one direction by the elastic portion 72. Further, the tip of the cleaner 67 is disposed so as to come into contact with the portion on the entrance side in the insertion / extraction direction of the end surface of the ferrule 61 formed in an oblique shape when the plug-type optical connector 7 is inserted.

  When the plug-type optical connector 7 is inserted into the insertion / extraction portion 66 of the adapter 9, first, the exact position of the fitting surface is determined by the fitting hole 74 of the plug-type optical connector 7 and the fitting pin 75 of the adapter 9. After that, as shown in FIG. 5B, the pin holding surface of the fitting pin 75 and the end surface of the fitting surface of the fitting hole 74 are pushed to a position where they abut against each other.

  Further, when the plug-type optical connector 8 is not inserted, the cleaner portion 69 is pushed and fixed in one direction by the elastic portion 73. Further, the distal end portion of the cleaner portion 69 is disposed so as to come into contact with the portion on the entrance side in the insertion / removal direction of the end surface of the ferrule 64 formed in an oblique shape when the plug-type optical connector 8 is inserted.

  When the plug-type optical connector 8 is inserted into the insertion / extraction portion 68 of the adapter 9, first, the exact position of the fitting surface is determined by the fitting hole 76 of the plug-type optical connector 8 and the fitting pin 75 of the adapter 9. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5B, the pin holding surface of the fitting pin 75 and the end surface of the fitting surface of the fitting hole 76 are pushed to a position where they abut against each other.

  When the plug-type optical connector 7 and the plug-type optical connector 8 are inserted into the adapter 9, the end face of the optical fiber 60 and the end face of the optical fiber 63 are optically connected by physical contact, and the optical signal is transmitted. Propagation is possible.

  Further, when the plug-type optical connector 7 and the plug-type optical connector 8 are connected by the adapter 9, the angle of the end face of the ferrule 61 and the end face of the ferrule 64 are connected so that the optical fiber 60 and the optical fiber 63 are connected without a gap. It is necessary to adjust the angle. The end face of the ferrule 61 (64) may be aligned with the exposed end face of the optical fiber 60 (63), or the exposed end face of the optical fiber 60 (63) may be slightly higher. Further, the end face of the ferrule 61 (64) including the exposed end face of the optical fiber 60 (63) may have a curved surface so that the exposed end face of the optical fiber 60 (63) slightly protrudes. When the exposed end face of the optical fiber 60 (63) is higher than the end face of the ferrule 61 (64), the fitting property between the optical fiber 60 and the optical fiber 63 can be increased.

  In this way, in the adapter 9 according to the present invention, when the plug-type optical connector 7 is inserted into the insertion / extraction portion 66 and pushed in, the end surface of the ferrule 61 is wiped by the cleaner portion 67, and the dust adhered to the end surface In addition, the plug-type optical connector 8 is inserted into the insertion / extraction portion 68 and pushed in, whereby the end surface of the ferrule 64 is wiped by the cleaner portion 69, and dust adhering to the end surface is removed.

  When the connection between the plug-type optical connector 7 and the adapter 9 is completed, the dust collected by the cleaner 67 passes through the notch 62 and the opening 70 and is discharged to the outside, and the plug-type optical connector 8 When the connection between the adapter 9 and the adapter 9 is completed, the dust collected by the cleaner 69 passes through the notch 65 and the opening 71 and is discharged to the outside.

  Therefore, in the process of inserting the plug-type optical connector 7 and the plug-type optical connector 8 into the adapter 9 according to the present invention and optically connecting them, the end face of the optical fiber 60 and the end face of the optical fiber 52 are simultaneously wiped. Can do.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, the ferrules 11, 21, 42, 52, 61, 64 may be read as “optical elements” or the optical fiber 10. , 20, 41, 51, 60, 63 may be read as “optical path”. Specifically, the optical element is a prism, and the optical path is a collimated beam.

  Also, when a large amount of dust or a large amount of dust accumulates, it can be discharged to the outside by providing a hole (opening 70, 71) for discharging the dust, so that the allowable amount of dust can be eliminated. it can.

1A and 1B are views showing a plug-shaped optical connector and a jack-shaped optical connector according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the plug-shaped optical connector, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the jack-shaped optical connector. (C) is a sectional view of a plug-shaped optical connector, (d) is a sectional view of a jack-shaped optical connector, and (e) is a front view of the plug-shaped optical connector. (F) is a front view of the jack-shaped optical connector, and (g) is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the plug-shaped optical connector and the jack-shaped optical connector are fitted. It is sectional drawing which shows the 1st structure of the connector cap which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd structure of the connector cap which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the jack-shaped optical connector and plug-shaped optical connector which concern on this invention, (a) is a front view of a jack-shaped optical connector, (b) is the front of a plug-shaped optical connector. (C) is a cross-sectional view of a jack-shaped optical connector, (d) is a cross-sectional view of a plug-shaped optical connector, and (e) is a plug-shaped optical connector. It is sectional drawing when the optical connector is inserted, (f) It is sectional drawing when a plug-shaped optical connector is fitted to a jack-shaped optical connector. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the adapter which connects the plug type optical connector and plug type optical connector which concern on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1, 2, 5, 6 Optical connector, 3, 4 Connector cap, 7, 8 Plug type optical connector, 9 Adapter, 10, 20, 41, 51, 60, 63 Optical fiber, 11, 21, 42, 52, 61 , 64 Ferrule, 12, 22, 32, 35, 45, 54, 70, 71 Opening, 13, 23, 46, 55, 62, 65 Notch, 14, 56, 74, 76 Fitting hole, 24, 47 , 75 Mating pin, 30, 40, 50, 66, 68 Insertion / extraction part, 31, 34, 43, 53, 67, 69 Sliding part (cleaner part), 44, 72, 73 Elastic part

Claims (13)

An optical connector that is fixed so that the end of the optical path is exposed and an optical connector having a fixed portion in which the end surface where the end of the optical path is exposed is formed in an oblique shape is fitted so that it can be inserted and removed. In the cap that protects the exposed end face of the optical path, the optical connector is inserted into the insertion / extraction part,
In the process in which the optical connector is inserted into and inserted into the insertion / extraction part, the tip part comes into contact with the exposed end face of the optical path, and includes a sliding part that slides on the exposed end face along the shape of the exposed end face,
A cap having a discharge opening for discharging the dust attached to the exposed end surface collected by the sliding portion to the outside. An elastic part that holds the sliding part against the inner wall by applying a certain pressure;
The elastic part is elastically changed according to the pressure received by the sliding part in the process of inserting and pushing the optical connector into the insertion / extraction part,
The cap according to claim 1, wherein the sliding portion slides on the exposed end surface along the shape of the exposed end surface while moving in a direction in which the elastic portion elastically changes.   The sliding portion is an elastic member having a certain elastic coefficient, and in the process in which the optical connector is inserted into and inserted into the insertion / extraction portion, a tip portion abuts on the exposed end surface, and the optical connector is pushed in The cap according to claim 1, wherein the exposed end face slides along the shape of the exposed end face while elastically changing in accordance with pressure. The optical connector is fixed so that the end of the optical path is exposed, and the optical connector having a fixed portion in which the end surface where the end of the optical path is exposed is formed in an oblique shape, and the optical connector can be inserted and removed. In an optical connector having a mating insertion / extraction portion, the optical connector being inserted into the insertion / extraction portion, and configured by a cap that protects the exposed end surface of the optical path
The optical connector has an opening formed in the housing for discharging dust to the outside.
The cap is a sliding portion in which the tip portion abuts on the exposed end surface of the optical path and slides on the exposed end surface along the shape of the exposed end surface in the process in which the optical connector is inserted into and inserted into the insertion / extraction portion. An optical connector comprising:   The housing of the cap has a discharge opening for discharging dust collected by the sliding portion to the outside. When the optical connector is inserted into the cap and pushed in, the light The optical connector according to claim 4, wherein the opening formed in the housing of the connector and the discharge opening formed in the housing of the cap overlap. An end of one optical path is fixed so as to be exposed, and the housing has a fixed portion in which an end surface where the end of the one optical path is exposed is formed in an oblique shape. When the optical connector configured as described above is inserted, the optical connector is optically connected to the exposed end surface of the one optical path, and the housing is configured in an insertion port shape.
An insertion / extraction part into which the optical connector having the housing configured in the shape of an insertion port is inserted and removed;
An optical path fixing part that is fixed so as to expose an end part of the other optical path, and an end face where the end part of the other optical path is exposed is formed in an oblique shape,
The housing protrudes in the direction in which the optical connector having the insertion port shape is inserted and removed from the protruding end portion of the exposed end surface formed in the oblique shape of the optical path fixing portion, and the housing has the insertion port shape. In the process in which the optical connector configured as described above is inserted into and inserted into the insertion / extraction part, the tip part abuts on the exposed end face of the one optical path, and slides along the shape of the exposed end face. An optical connector comprising a moving part.   7. The optical connector according to claim 6, wherein a discharge opening for discharging dust to the outside is formed in the housing. An elastic portion that holds the sliding portion against the inner wall of the housing by applying a certain pressure;
The elastic part is elastically changed according to the pressure received by the sliding part in the process of inserting and pushing the optical connector in which the housing is configured in the insertion port shape into the insertion / extraction part,
7. The optical connector according to claim 6, wherein the sliding portion slides on the exposed end surface along the shape of the exposed end surface of the one optical path while moving in a direction in which the elastic portion elastically changes. . An end of one optical path is fixed so as to be exposed, and an end surface where the end of the one optical path is exposed is formed in an oblique shape in the housing. When the optical connector configured as described above is inserted, the optical connector is optically connected to the exposed end surface of the one optical path, and the housing is configured in an insertion port shape.
An insertion / extraction part for inserting and removing the optical connector in which the housing is configured in an insertion port shape;
An optical path fixing portion that is fixed so that the end of the other optical path is exposed, and the end surface where the other optical path is exposed is formed in an oblique shape;
The protruding portion of the exposed end surface formed in the oblique shape of the optical path fixing portion protrudes in a direction in which the housing is inserted into and removed from the optical connector configured in the insertion port shape, and the housing has the insertion port shape. In the process of inserting and inserting the insertion / extraction part into the configured optical connector, a sliding part that abuts on the exposed end face of the one optical path and slides on the exposed end face along the shape of the exposed end face An optical connector comprising:   The optical connector according to claim 9, wherein the housing is formed with a discharge opening for discharging dust to the outside.   The sliding portion is an elastic member having a certain elastic coefficient, and the distal end portion is the one optical path in the process of inserting and inserting the insertion / extraction portion into the optical connector in which the housing is configured in an insertion port shape. The exposed end face slides along the shape of the exposed end face of the one optical path while elastically changing according to the pressure of the housing being pushed into the optical connector having the shape of the insertion opening. The optical connector according to claim 9. One optical connector is fixed so that the end of one optical path is exposed, and one optical connector containing a fixed part in which the end surface where the end of the one optical path is exposed is formed in an oblique shape can be inserted and removed. The other light which fixes the 1st insertion / extraction part to fit and the edge part of another optical path is exposed, and the fixing part by which the end surface where the said other optical path is exposed is formed in diagonal is built-in A second insertion / extraction section for fitting the connector so that the connector can be inserted and removed, and an adapter for optically connecting the one optical connector and the other optical connector;
In the process in which the one optical connector is inserted into and pushed into the first insertion / extraction part, the tip part abuts on the exposed end face of the one optical path, and slides on the exposed end face along the shape of the exposed end face. A first sliding part;
In the process in which the other optical connector is inserted into and pushed into the second insertion / extraction part, the tip part contacts the exposed end face of the other optical path and slides along the exposed end face along the shape of the exposed end face. A second sliding portion,
A first discharge opening for discharging dust adhering to the exposed end surface of the one optical path collected by the first sliding portion to the outside;
A second discharge opening for discharging dust that has adhered to the exposed end surface of the other optical path collected by the second sliding portion to the outside is formed. adapter. A first elastic portion that holds the first sliding portion against the inner wall by applying a constant pressure;
A second elastic portion that presses and holds the second sliding portion against the inner wall under a certain pressure,
The first elastic portion is elastically changed according to the pressure received by the first sliding portion in the process in which the one optical connector is inserted into and pushed into the first insertion / extraction portion,
The first sliding portion slides on the exposed end surface along the shape of the exposed end surface of the one optical path while moving in a direction in which the first elastic portion elastically changes,
The second elastic portion is elastically changed according to the pressure received by the second sliding portion in the process in which the other optical connector is inserted into and pushed into the second insertion / extraction portion,
The second sliding portion slides on the exposed end surface along the shape of the exposed end surface of the other optical path while moving in a direction in which the second elastic portion elastically changes. Item 12. The adapter according to Item 12.

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