JP2011141435A - Optical fiber connector and method of connecting optical fibers - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical fiber connector in which the mechanical connection of optical fibers are performed in a simple manner, by using one and the same type of the optical connector regardless of the diameters of optical fibers. <P>SOLUTION: The optical connector 1 includes a mechanical splicing part 2 which mechanically connects the optical fibers. The mechanical splicing part 2 includes a base plate 5 having a groove to house the optical fibers, a pressing plate 6 which presses the optical fibers against the base plate 5, and a clamp spring 7 which pinches the plates 5, 6. A ferrule part 17 for holding the built-in optical fiber 16 is integrally fixed on the front end part of the base plate 5. A tube body 23, to which the optical fiber having a small diameter is inserted, is freely attachably mounted on the mechanical splicing part 2. The tube body 23 is inserted into the mechanical splicing part 2 from the back end of the mechanical splicing part 2, and is force-fitted into the inner wall face of the mechanical splicing part 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical fiber connector and an optical fiber connecting method for mechanically connecting two optical fibers.

  As a conventional optical fiber connector, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, one in which the ends of two optical fibers are butted together mechanically by a mechanical splice portion is known. .

JP 2000-121863 A

  In recent years, there are a plurality of types of optical fibers having different wire diameters. Therefore, when optical fibers are mechanically connected using the optical fiber connector as in the above prior art, it is necessary to prepare an optical fiber connector having a mechanical splice portion corresponding to the diameter of the optical fiber. was there.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber connector and an optical fiber connection method that can easily perform mechanical connection between optical fibers using the same model regardless of the diameter of the optical fiber. .

  The optical fiber connector of the present invention is a mechanical splice portion that butt-couples two optical fibers and mechanically connects them, and is inserted into the mechanical splice portion from the end of the mechanical splice portion and is detachably attached to the mechanical splice portion. And a tube body through which an optical fiber introduced into the mechanical splice portion is inserted.

  In such an optical fiber connector of the present invention, when a thin optical fiber having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tube body is introduced into the mechanical splice part and connected to the counterpart optical fiber, it is attached to the mechanical splice part. The small-diameter optical fiber is inserted into the tube body, and the small-diameter optical fiber and the counterpart optical fiber are butted together. On the other hand, when a large-diameter optical fiber having a diameter equivalent to the outer diameter of the tube body is introduced into the mechanical splice part and connected to the counterpart optical fiber, the tube body is first removed from the mechanical splice part. Then, a large-diameter optical fiber is inserted into the mechanical splice portion from the end of the mechanical splice portion, and the large-diameter optical fiber and the counterpart optical fiber are butted together. By attaching the tube body through which the optical fiber is inserted in this manner to the mechanical splice part in a detachable manner, even if an optical fiber connector equipped with a mechanical splice part for a large-diameter optical fiber is used, the small diameter light Mechanical connection between the fiber and the optical fiber on the other side can be easily performed.

  Preferably, the end of the tube body on the side where the optical fiber is inserted has a shape with an enlarged diameter. In this case, since the opening of the end face of the tube body on the side where the optical fiber is inserted becomes wide, the optical fiber can be easily inserted into the tube body from the opening of the end face.

  Moreover, the end surface of the tube body on the side where the optical fiber is inserted may be inclined with respect to a surface perpendicular to the axis of the tube body. Also in this case, since the opening of the end surface of the tube body on the side where the optical fiber is inserted becomes wide, the optical fiber can be easily inserted into the tube body from the opening of the end surface.

  Preferably, a ferrule portion that holds a built-in optical fiber constituting one of the two optical fibers is fixed to the mechanical splice portion. In this case, since one of the two optical fibers is held in the ferrule part as a built-in optical fiber, only the other optical fiber may be introduced into the mechanical splice part and matched with the built-in optical fiber.

  At this time, the housing further includes a housing that accommodates the mechanical splice portion, and a boot that reinforces the end portion of the housing on the side where the optical fiber is introduced, and the end portion of the tube body on the side where the optical fiber is inserted is It is preferable to be accommodated inside. In such a configuration, even if the tube body color is opaque, the tube body does not come out of the boot. For example, when a plurality of optical fibers having different colors are wired, a desired optical fiber is not connected. It becomes easy to identify.

  The housing further includes a housing that accommodates the mechanical splice portion, and a boot that reinforces the end portion of the housing on the side where the optical fiber is introduced, and the end portion of the tube body on the side where the optical fiber is inserted is outside the boot. It may be protruding. In such a configuration, since the optical fiber is protected by the tube body outside the boot, the optical fiber can be handled with a sense of security.

  Further, preferably, the tube body is press-fitted and fixed to the inner wall surface of the mechanical splice part. In this case, the tube body can be easily and reliably fixed to the mechanical splice portion.

  Further, the inner wall surface of the mechanical splice portion is provided with a taper portion that expands the space in the insertion direction of the tube body, and at the end of the tube body opposite to the side where the optical fiber is inserted. May be provided with an enlarged diameter portion that engages with the tapered portion. In such a configuration, the tube body is fixed to the mechanical splice portion so that stress is not always applied to the mechanical splice portion by engaging the enlarged diameter portion with the tapered portion provided on the inner wall surface of the mechanical splice portion. Can do. In this case, since it becomes difficult for creep to occur in the tube body, the fixing force between the tube body and the mechanical splice portion is prevented from being reduced by creep.

  The optical fiber connection method of the present invention includes a step of preparing the above-described optical fiber connector, a step of inserting the optical fiber through the tube body and introducing it into the mechanical splice part, and abutting the ends of the two optical fibers. And a step of fixing each optical fiber to the mechanical splice portion together with the tube body.

  In such an optical fiber connection method of the present invention, when a thin optical fiber having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tube body is introduced into the mechanical splice portion and connected to the counterpart optical fiber, the thin optical fiber is connected to the tube. It is inserted through the body, introduced into the mechanical splice, and abutted with the counterpart optical fiber. Therefore, even if an optical fiber connector having a mechanical splice for a large-diameter optical fiber having a diameter equivalent to the outer diameter of the tube body is used, the mechanical connection between the small-diameter optical fiber and the counterpart optical fiber is possible. Can be done easily.

  The optical fiber connection method of the present invention includes a step of preparing the above-described optical fiber connector, a step of removing the tube body from the mechanical splice portion, an optical fiber being introduced into the mechanical splice portion, and the two optical fibers. The method includes a step of abutting the tips and a step of fixing each optical fiber to the mechanical splice portion.

  In such an optical fiber connection method of the present invention, when a large-diameter optical fiber having a diameter equivalent to the outer diameter of the tube body is introduced into the mechanical splice part and connected to the counterpart optical fiber, first, the mechanical splice part In this state, the large-diameter optical fiber is introduced from the end of the mechanical splice portion into the mechanical splice portion and abutted with the counterpart optical fiber. Therefore, mechanical connection between the large-diameter optical fiber and the counterpart optical fiber can be easily performed by using the optical fiber connector having the mechanical splice for the large-diameter optical fiber as it is.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily perform mechanical connection between optical fibers using the same model regardless of the diameter of the optical fiber. Thereby, it is not necessary to prepare an optical fiber connector having a mechanical splice portion corresponding to the diameter of the optical fiber.

It is a perspective view showing one embodiment of an optical fiber connector concerning the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the mechanical splice part shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the open / close state of the mechanical splice part shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the tube body shown in FIG. It is the top view and side view which show the state in which the wedge member was attached to the optical fiber connector shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a thin optical fiber core is abutted against a built-in optical fiber provided in the mechanical splice part shown in FIG. 2. It is a perspective view which shows the state with which the boot was mounted | worn with the housing shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a large-diameter optical fiber core is abutted against a built-in optical fiber provided in the mechanical splice portion shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows other embodiment of the optical fiber connector concerning this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of other embodiment of the optical fiber connector concerning this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of other embodiment of the optical fiber connector concerning this invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which two small-diameter optical fiber cores are abutted with each other in the mechanical splice portion illustrated in FIG. 11. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the tube body shown in FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an optical fiber connector and an optical fiber connection method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an optical fiber connector according to the present invention. In the figure, the optical fiber connector 1 of the present embodiment is for a large-diameter optical fiber to which an optical fiber core wire (herein referred to as a large-diameter optical fiber core wire) having a wire diameter (outer diameter) of 0.9 mm is assembled. This is a mechanical splice connector.

  The optical fiber connector 1 includes a mechanical splice portion 2 that mechanically connects optical fiber cores, a housing 3 that accommodates the mechanical splice portion 2, and a knob 4 that covers a central portion from the front end of the housing 3. I have. A spring (not shown) that biases the mechanical splice portion 2 forward is disposed inside the housing 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mechanical splice unit 2 includes a base plate 5, a pressing plate 6, and a U-shaped clamp spring 7 that sandwiches the base plate 5 and the pressing plate 6.

  A fiber housing groove 8 having a V-shaped cross section for positioning and housing the optical fiber core wire is formed on the inner wall surface of the base plate 5. The fiber accommodation groove 8 has a small groove portion 9 in which a bare fiber of an optical fiber core is positioned and accommodated, and a large groove portion 10 disposed behind the small groove portion 9 (see FIG. 8). The width and depth of the large groove portion 10 are larger than the width and depth of the small groove portion 9. Further, between the small groove portion 9 and the large groove portion 10 in the fiber accommodation groove 8, a taper portion 11 that continuously increases the groove width and groove depth from the large groove portion 10 toward the small groove portion 9 side (front side); A taper portion 12 that continuously decreases the groove width and the groove depth from the taper portion 11 toward the front side is formed (see FIG. 8).

  The pressing plate 6 is a plate that presses the optical fiber core wire housed in the fiber housing groove 8 of the base plate 5 against the base plate 5. A groove portion 13 having a substantially rectangular cross section is formed in a portion corresponding to the large groove portion 10 on the inner wall surface of the pressing plate 6 (see FIG. 8). In addition, a taper portion 14 that continuously increases the groove depth from the groove portion 13 toward the front side is formed in a portion corresponding to the taper portion 11 on the inner wall surface of the pressing plate 6, and corresponds to the taper portion 12. A taper portion 15 that continuously decreases the groove depth from the taper portion 14 toward the front side is formed in the portion to be performed (see FIG. 8).

  That is, the space in the mechanical splice part 2 is expanded toward the front side of the mechanical splice part 2 by the taper parts 11 and 14, and the space in the mechanical splice part 2 is directed toward the front side of the mechanical splice part 2 by the taper parts 12 and 15. It is narrower.

  A ferrule portion 17 holding a short built-in optical fiber 16 is integrally fixed to the front end portion of the base plate 5. The front end face of the ferrule part 17 is polished. The built-in optical fiber 16 extends from the front end surface of the ferrule part 17 to the fiber accommodation groove 8 of the mechanical splice part 2.

  A plurality (two in this case) of wedge insertion recesses 20 into which the wedge portions 19a of the wedge members 19 (see FIG. 5) are inserted are formed at the boundary portion between the base plate 5 and the pressing plate 6 in the mechanical splice portion 2. Yes. The base plate 5 and the pressing plate 6 are sandwiched by the clamp spring 7 from the opposite side of the wedge insertion recess 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 3 has a plurality of (here, two) through long holes 21 through which the wedge portion 19 a of the wedge member 19 is inserted and inserted into the wedge insertion recess 20 of the mechanical splice portion 2. Is formed. Further, through long holes 22 a and notches 22 b are formed at positions corresponding to the through long holes 21 in the knob 4.

  A tube body 23 through which an optical fiber core wire having a wire diameter of 0.25 mm (here, referred to as a thin optical fiber core wire) is detachably attached to the mechanical splice portion 2. The tube body 23 is made of, for example, an opaque resin. The outer diameter of the tube body 23 is 0.9 mm, which is the same as the wire diameter of the large-diameter optical fiber. As shown in FIG. 4, the tube body 23 is provided with a trumpet-shaped diameter-expanded portion 24 that continuously increases in diameter toward the one end.

  The tube body 23 is inserted into the housing 3 from the rear end of the housing 3 and further inserted into the mechanical splice portion 2 from the rear end of the mechanical splice portion 2. At this time, the tip of the tube body 23 (the end opposite to the enlarged diameter portion 24) is press-fitted into the tapered portions 12 and 15 formed on the inner wall surface of the mechanical splice portion 2. Thereby, the tube body 23 is fixed to the mechanical splice part 2 so as to be easily detachable, and does not come out of the mechanical splice part 2. In addition, the enlarged diameter part 24 of the tube body 23 protrudes in the back of the housing 3 (refer FIG. 1).

  When connecting a small-diameter optical fiber to the built-in optical fiber 17 provided in the mechanical splice connector (optical fiber connector) 1 for the large-diameter optical fiber as described above, first, as shown in FIG. A wedge member 19 (described above) is prepared.

  As shown in FIGS. 3B and 5, each wedge portion 19 a of the wedge member 19 passes through the through long hole 22 a and the notch 22 b of the knob 4 and each through long hole 21 of the housing 3. The wedge member 19 is set on the optical fiber connector 1 so as to be inserted into each of the wedge insertion recesses 20. Then, the base plate 5 and the pressing plate 6 of the mechanical splice part 2 are opened against the urging force of the clamp spring 7.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6, in the state where the coating of the tip portion of the small-diameter optical fiber 25 is removed and the bare fiber 25a is exposed, the small-diameter optical fiber core is extended from the enlarged diameter portion 24 of the tube body 23. 25 is inserted through the tube body 23 and introduced into the mechanical splice unit 2. At this time, since the opening area of the fiber insertion port of the tube body 23 is widened by the diameter-expanded portion 24, the small-diameter optical fiber core wire 25 can be easily inserted into the tube body 23. Then, the thin optical fiber core wire 25 is moved along the fiber accommodation groove 8 of the base plate 5, and the distal end surface of the bare fiber 25 a is butted against the distal end surface of the built-in optical fiber 16.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 3C, the wedge portion 19 a of the wedge member 19 is removed from the wedge insertion recess 20 of the mechanical splice portion 2. Then, the base plate 5 and the pressing plate 6 of the mechanical splice unit 2 are closed by the urging force of the clamp spring 7, and an external force is applied to the tube body 23. As a result, in a state where the thin optical fiber core wire 25 and the built-in optical fiber 16 are connected, both are fixed to the mechanical splice portion 2 together with the tube body 23.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7, a reinforcing boot 26 is attached to the rear end portion of the housing 3. As a result, the enlarged diameter portion 24 of the tube body 23 is accommodated in the boot 26. Thus, since the opaque tube body 23 is covered with the boot 26, the small-diameter optical fiber core wire 25 is reliably exposed. For this reason, even when a plurality of small-diameter optical fiber cores having different colors are wired around them, a necessary small-diameter optical fiber core wire can be easily found.

  On the other hand, when connecting a large-diameter optical fiber to the built-in optical fiber 16 provided in the optical fiber connector 1, first, using a wedge member 19 as shown in FIG. The base plate 5 and the holding plate 6 are opened.

  In this state, the tube body 23 is removed from the mechanical splice unit 2 as shown in FIG. At this time, since the tube body 23 is simply press-fitted and fixed to the inner wall surface of the mechanical splice portion 2, it can be easily detached from the mechanical splice portion 2 simply by pulling out the tube body 23.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the large-diameter optical fiber core wire 27 is introduced into the mechanical splice portion 2 from the rear end of the mechanical splice portion 2, and the bare fiber 27a of the large-diameter optical fiber core wire 27 is formed. The tip surface is butted against the tip surface of the built-in optical fiber 16. Subsequently, by removing the wedge portion 19a of the wedge member 19 from the wedge insertion recess 20 of the mechanical splice portion 2 in the same manner as described above, both the large-diameter optical fiber core 27 and the built-in optical fiber 16 are connected. Is fixed to the mechanical splice part 2.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the thin optical fiber core 25 is connected to the built-in optical fiber 16 in the mechanical splice unit 2, the thin optical fiber core 25 is inserted into the tube body 23. Thus, the thin optical fiber core 25 is introduced into the mechanical splice portion 2 so that the thin optical fiber core 25 and the built-in optical fiber 16 are brought into contact with each other. And the built-in optical fiber 16 can be easily mechanically connected. On the other hand, when connecting the large-diameter optical fiber core 27 to the built-in optical fiber 16, the tube body 23 is removed from the mechanical splice portion 2, and the large-diameter optical fiber core wire 27 is introduced into the mechanical splice portion 2 in this state. Then, it is abutted against the built-in optical fiber 16.

  Thus, the optical fiber connector 1 having the mechanical splice portion 2 for the large-diameter optical fiber can be shared with the large-diameter optical fiber core 27 and the small-diameter optical fiber core 25. Thereby, it is not necessary to prepare an optical fiber connector having a mechanical splice for a thin optical fiber one by one when connecting the thin optical fiber core 25. Further, it is not necessary to design and manufacture the internal structure of the mechanical splice portion 2 in a complicated shape so that it can be used for both the large-diameter optical fiber core 27 and the small-diameter optical fiber core wire 25. Very advantageous.

  Furthermore, since the tube body 23 is detachably attached to the mechanical splice portion 2 in advance, the tube body 23 is inserted into the mechanical splice portion 2 at the work site when connecting the thin optical fiber core wire 25. This eliminates the need to improve workability.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the optical fiber connector according to the present invention. In the figure, in the optical fiber connector 1 of this embodiment, the tube body 23 is exposed to the outside of the boot 26. That is, the tube body 23 has a front end side portion inserted into the mechanical splice portion 2 via the housing 3, and a rear end side portion including the enlarged diameter portion 24 protrudes from the outside of the boot 26 and extends rearward. ing.

  In the present embodiment, since the thin optical fiber core 25 is protected by the tube body 23 outside the boot 26, the thin optical fiber core 25 can be handled with peace of mind without any extra worries. Can do.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of still another embodiment of the optical fiber connector according to the present invention. In the same figure, a trumpet-shaped enlarged portion 29 having a diameter continuously increased toward the end is provided at the end of the tube body 23 opposite to the enlarged portion 24. The enlarged diameter portion 29 engages with the tapered portions 11 and 14 (see FIG. 8) formed on the inner wall surface of the mechanical splice portion 2 and has a size smaller than that of the enlarged diameter portion 24.

  Such a tube body 23 is inserted into the mechanical splice part 2 in such a state that the enlarged diameter part 29 is caught by the tapered parts 11 and 14. Therefore, the tube body 23 does not come out of the mechanical splice part 2. In addition, the tube body 23 is attached to the mechanical splice portion 2 so that the diameter-expanded portion 29 is caught by the tapered portions 11 and 14, so that the stress caused by the tube body 23 is different from the case of the press-fitting and fixing. There is no constant participation. Therefore, since it becomes difficult for creep to occur in the tube body 23, it is possible to suppress a decrease in fixing force between the tube body 23 and the mechanical splice portion 2 due to creep of the tube body 23.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of still another embodiment of the optical fiber connector according to the present invention. In the figure, an optical fiber connector 30 of this embodiment includes a mechanical splice unit 31. The mechanical splice 31 is originally intended to connect the large-diameter optical fiber cores 27 (see FIG. 8) by abutting from both sides.

  The mechanical splice part 31 includes a base plate 5, a holding plate 6, and a clamp spring 7, similarly to the mechanical splice part 2 shown in FIG. 2. The structures of the inner wall surfaces of the base plate 5 and the pressing plate 6 are symmetrical on both sides of the mechanical splice part 31.

  In addition, two tube bodies 23 are detachably attached to the mechanical splice part 31. Specifically, each tube body 23 is inserted into the inside of the mechanical splice portion 31 from both ends of the mechanical splice portion 31 so that the enlarged diameter portion 24 protrudes rearward of the housing 3 (see FIG. 1). .

  When the two small-diameter optical fiber cores 25 are connected to each other using the optical fiber connector 30 having such a mechanical splice portion 31, the mechanical splice is caused by the wedge member 19 (see FIG. 5) as described above. The base plate 5 and the holding plate 6 of the part 31 are opened. In this state, as shown in FIG. 12, the two small-diameter optical fiber cores 25 are respectively inserted into the tube body 23 from both sides of the mechanical splice part 31 and introduced into the mechanical splice part 31. The bare fibers 25a of the optical fiber core wire 25 are butted together.

  Then, as described above, the wedge member 19 is removed from the mechanical splice part 31, and the base plate 5 and the pressing plate 6 of the mechanical splice part 31 are closed. Thereby, each thin optical fiber core wire 25 is fixed to the mechanical splice part 31 in a connected state.

  In the present embodiment as described above, since the optical fiber connector 30 having the mechanical splice portion 31 for the large-diameter optical fiber can be connected to each other, the optical fiber core wires 25 can be connected to each other. There is no need to prepare an optical fiber connector having a mechanical splice for fiber.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the trumpet-shaped enlarged diameter portion 24 is provided at one end portion of the tube body 23. As a structure for facilitating the insertion of the small-diameter optical fiber core wire 25 into the tube body 23, in particular, It is not limited to the above.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, an inclined surface 33 may be formed by cutting one end surface of the tube body 23 so as to be inclined with respect to a surface perpendicular to the axis of the tube body 23. Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, one end portion of the tube body 23 is processed into a trumpet shape to form the above-described enlarged diameter portion 24, and then the enlarged diameter portion 24 is moved in the axial direction of the tube body 23. The U-shaped cut surface 24a may be formed by cutting. In any case, since the opening area of the one end surface of the tube body 23 becomes large, the small-diameter optical fiber core wire 25 can be easily inserted into the tube body 23.

  In the above embodiment, the mechanical splice portion for a large-diameter optical fiber is used to mechanically connect a thin optical fiber core having a wire diameter of 0.25 mm and a thick optical fiber core having a wire diameter of 0.9 mm. Although the connection is made, the wire size of the optical fiber core to be used is not particularly limited thereto. Moreover, it is also possible to match and connect two optical fiber core wires having different wire diameters by using the optical fiber connector 30 shown in FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical fiber connector, 2 ... Mechanical splice part, 3 ... Housing, 11 ... Tapered part, 14 ... Tapered part, 16 ... Built-in optical fiber, 17 ... Ferrule part, 23 ... Tube body, 24 ... Expanded diameter part, 25 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Small diameter optical fiber core, 26 ... Boot, 27 ... Large diameter optical fiber core wire, 29 ... Diameter expansion part, 30 ... Optical fiber connector, 31 ... Mechanical splice part, 33 ... Inclined surface.

Claims (10)

A mechanical splice unit that mechanically connects two optical fibers by matching each other;
A tube body that is inserted into the mechanical splice portion from the end of the mechanical splice portion and is detachably attached to the mechanical splice portion, and through which the optical fiber introduced into the mechanical splice portion is inserted. An optical fiber connector.   The optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein an end of the tube body on a side where the optical fiber is inserted has a diameter expanded.   2. The optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein an end surface of the tube body on a side where the optical fiber is inserted is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the tube body.   The optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a ferrule part for holding a built-in optical fiber constituting one of the two optical fibers is fixed to the mechanical splice part. Connector. A housing for accommodating the mechanical splice part;
A boot that reinforces an end of the housing on the side where the optical fiber is introduced;
The optical fiber connector according to claim 4, wherein an end of the tube body on the side where the optical fiber is inserted is accommodated in the boot. A housing for accommodating the mechanical splice part;
A boot that reinforces an end of the housing on the side where the optical fiber is introduced;
The optical fiber connector according to claim 4, wherein an end of the tube body on the side where the optical fiber is inserted protrudes outside the boot.   The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tube body is press-fitted and fixed to an inner wall surface of the mechanical splice portion. The inner wall surface of the mechanical splice part is provided with a taper part that expands the space toward the insertion direction of the tube body,
The diameter expansion part engaged with the said taper part is provided in the edge part on the opposite side to the side in which the said optical fiber is inserted in the said tube body, The any one of Claims 1-6 characterized by the above-mentioned. The optical fiber connector according to one item. Preparing the optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Inserting an optical fiber into the tube body and introducing it into the mechanical splice, and abutting the ends of two optical fibers;
A step of fixing each optical fiber together with the tube body to the mechanical splice part. Preparing the optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Removing the tube body from the mechanical splice part;
Introducing an optical fiber into the mechanical splice part and abutting the ends of two optical fibers;
And a step of fixing each optical fiber to the mechanical splice portion.

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