JP2011221397A - Adapter for optical connector and connection structure of optical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an adapter for optical connector which can connect a multicore optical cable without using an expensive MPO type optical connector on one side of the adapter and can reduce cost for components with a simple structure, and to provide a connection structure of an optical connector.SOLUTION: A adapter 100 for optical connector includes a first housing portion 10 for detachably holding an MPO type optical connector with a single operation, and a second housing portion 20 for holding an MT type optical connector. The first housing portion 10 includes an outer housing 10a and an inner housing 10b to be inserted into the outer housing. The second housing 20 includes a square cylindrical main body 21, a flange part 22, a positioning part 23 for regulating an insertion position of the MT type optical connector, a pair of engaging parts 24 as holding means for holding the MT type optical connector, and slits 25.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical connector adapter for connecting an optical fiber used in an optical communication system, and in particular, an optical connector adapter and an optical connector for connecting a multi-fiber optical connector such as JIS standard JIS C 5982 F13 type. This relates to the connection structure.

  In recent years, with the increase in communication speed, communication remoteness, and increase in the amount of communication data, the use of optical fibers (optical cables) as a medium for transmitting signals in a communication system has increased rapidly.

  When wiring various optical fibers (optical cables), single-core optical connectors and multi-core optical connectors are often used. As a multi-fiber optical connector, for example, when connecting tape-shaped optical fibers (so-called optical fiber tape core wires) in a switchable manner, the so-called MT (Mechanically Transferable) as established in JIS C 5982 and the like A so-called MPO (Multifibrous Push-On) type optical connector having a structure in which a ferrule for an optical connector established in JIS C 5982 or the like is housed in a housing is used in many cases.

  The MPO type optical connector is a one-touch detachable optical connector that can be attached and detached without using a tool, and is an optical connector suitable for optical wiring that is frequently attached and detached. When connecting an optical wiring using an MPO optical connector, an MPO optical connector adapter is generally used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a connection example using a conventional adapter for an MPO optical connector. As shown in FIG. 5, MPO optical connectors 2a and 2b are inserted from both sides of the MPO optical connector adapter 1, and the connection end faces of the two optical connectors are connected in a butted state.

  In this case, the MPO optical connector adapter 1 includes a pair of outer housings 1a and a pair of inner housings 1b inserted into the outer housing.

  Each of the MPO optical connectors 2a and 2b includes a ferrule 3 in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged, a housing 4, a detachable operation cylinder 5, a boot 6, and an optical cable 7. The MPO type optical connector 2a is a pinless type, and the ferrule 3 has a pin hole 8. On the other hand, the MPO optical connector 2b is a pin type, and the ferrule 3 has pins 9.

JP-A-8-184728

  However, in the connection example as shown in FIG. 5, the MPO type optical connector adapter 1 is for connecting the MPO type optical connectors 2a and 2b, and one of the optical cables is inside the optical communication device and can be attached and detached. Even if it is not frequent, it is necessary to use an MPO type optical connector, and the structure of the MPO type optical connectors 2a and 2b is complicated and expensive. Therefore, there is a drawback that the cost of parts for connecting an optical cable is expensive.

  Further, when the assembly of the MPO type optical connectors 2a and 2b itself is forgotten, it is necessary to reattach all of them. Therefore, there has been a problem that productivity in the assembly work of the optical connector is deteriorated.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and holds the MPO optical connector in the first housing part so as to be detachable and the MT housing optical connector in the second housing part. Therefore, it is not necessary to use an expensive MPO optical connector on one side, and a multi-core optical cable can be connected, and the optical connector adapter and the optical connector connection structure can reduce the part cost with a simple structure. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an optical connector adapter according to the present invention is a first optical connector adapter that connects connection end surfaces of two optical connectors in a butted state, and holds the MPO optical connector in a one-touch detachable manner. A housing part, and a second housing part that holds an MT type optical connector having a stepped part on a side surface that is formed to have a cross section on the rear end side larger than a cross section on the front end side. A positioning part that restricts the insertion position of the MT-type optical connector is formed by being hooked on the step part of the MT-type optical connector, and the MT-type optical connector that is inserted is held on the insertion port side of the second housing part. A holding means is formed.

  For example, the holding means is provided along a longitudinal direction of the second housing portion on both sides of the locking portion, and a pair of locking portions protruding inwardly on opposite side surfaces of the second housing portion. The slit is made up of.

  The optical connector connection structure according to the present invention is an optical connector connection structure that uses an optical connector adapter that connects the connection end faces of two optical connectors in a butted state, and holds the MPO optical connector in a one-touch detachable manner. A first housing part, a second housing part for holding an MT optical connector, and a second housing part inserted into the second housing part, the rear end side section being formed larger than the front end side section, and a stepped part on the side surface An MT type optical connector having a positioning portion that is engaged with a stepped portion of the MT type optical connector to restrict the insertion position of the MT type optical connector is formed inside the second housing portion. A holding means for holding the MT optical connector is formed on the insertion port side of the housing portion.

  For example, the holding means is provided along a longitudinal direction of the second housing portion on both sides of the locking portion, and a pair of locking portions protruding inwardly on opposite side surfaces of the second housing portion. The slit is made up of.

  According to the present invention, the optical connector adapter and the optical connector connection structure are such that the MPO optical connector is detachably held in the first housing part and the MT optical connector is held in the second housing part. Therefore, it is not necessary to use an expensive MPO type optical connector on one side, and a multi-core optical cable can be connected, and the cost of parts can be reduced with a simple structure. Therefore, in the case where attachment and detachment such as those arranged in an optical communication device is not frequent, it is possible to use an MT-type optical connector having a relatively simple structure without using an MPO-type optical connector, thereby reducing costs. be able to. Further, by reducing the usage amount of the MPO optical connector, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of the problem that the productivity in the assembly work of the MPO optical connector itself is deteriorated.

  The holding means for holding the MT type optical connector includes a pair of locking portions projecting inwardly on opposite side surfaces of the second housing portion, and a longitudinal direction of the second housing portion on both sides of the locking portion. By being composed of slits provided along, the cost can be reduced with a simple structure, and the insertion and fixing of the MT type optical connector can be facilitated.

  In addition, the pressing force of the MPO optical connector and the MT optical connector can be obtained by using a spring force incorporated in the MPO optical connector.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the adapter 100 for optical connectors of embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the adapter 100 for optical connectors. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first housing part 10. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the connection structure 200 of the optical connector of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a connection using the adapter for conventional MPO type | mold optical connectors.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out an optical connector adapter and an optical connector connection structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an optical connector adapter 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical connector adapter 100. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector adapter 100 taken along line AA, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector adapter 100 taken along line BB. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the first housing portion 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the optical connector adapter 100 connects the connection end faces of the two optical connectors in a butted state, and holds the MPO optical connector in a one-touch detachable manner. 10 and a second housing portion 20 that holds an MT type optical connector having a stepped portion on the side surface, the cross section on the rear end side being larger than the cross section on the front end side. The first housing part 10 and the second housing part 20 are connected via a connection pin (not shown).

  The first housing part 10 includes an outer housing 10a and an inner housing 10b inserted into the outer housing 10a.

  The outer housing 10a is molded from resin. The external housing 10 a includes a rectangular tube-shaped main body 11 and a flange portion 12. An attachment hole 13 for fixing to the panel or the like is formed in the flange portion 12.

  The inner housing 10b is molded from resin. The inner housing 10b includes a rectangular tube-shaped main body 14, a convex edge 15 provided at one end of the main body 14, a pair of engaging claws 16 provided at the other end, and both sides of the engaging claws 16. And a slit 17 provided in the.

  The second housing part 20 is molded from resin. The second housing portion 20 is formed inside the rectangular tube-shaped main body 21, the flange portion 22, and the main body 21, and is caught by the step portion of the MT-type optical connector 30 (see FIG. 4). And a pair of locking portions 24 and a slit 25 as holding means for holding the MT-type optical connector 30. The positioning portion 23 regulates the insertion position. An attachment hole 26 for fixing to the panel or the like is formed in the flange portion 22.

  The locking portion 24 is formed so as to protrude inward on both opposing side surfaces of the second housing portion 20, that is, formed on both opposing side surfaces in the short direction of the insertion port of the second housing portion 20. ing. The slits 25 were provided along the longitudinal direction of the second housing part 20 on both sides of the locking part 24. By providing the slit 25, the side wall portion having the locking portion 24 is made flexible and can be elastically deformed. When the MT type optical connector 30 is inserted, the MT type optical connector 30 is inserted while expanding the upper and lower engaging portions 24 and can be fixed at a fixed position. Note that the length of the slit 25 can be appropriately designed by elastic deformation required when the MT-type optical connector 30 is inserted.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the optical connector connection structure 200 according to the embodiment. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector adapter 100 to which the MT optical connector 30 is attached. FIG. 2B is an optical connector adapter to which the MT optical connector 30 is attached. It is a figure which shows the BB cross section of 100. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the optical connector connection structure 200 is an optical connector connection structure using an optical connector adapter that connects the connection end faces of two optical connectors in a butted state. For example, when the first housing portion 10 is disposed outside the optical communication device and the second housing portion 20 is disposed inside the optical communication device, the MPO optical connector 2a is connected to the outside. Moreover, since it is not necessary to attach and detach frequently inside, MT type optical connector 30 is connected.

  The optical connector connection structure 200 includes a first housing part 10 that holds the MPO type optical connector 2a so as to be detachable with one touch, a second housing part 20 that holds the MT type optical connector, and a second housing part 20. A metal pin clamp having an MT-type optical connector 30 that is inserted and formed with a cross section on the rear end side larger than a cross section on the front end side and having a stepped portion on the side surface, and a positioning pin 32 that is inserted into the ferrule 31 of the MT-type optical connector 30 40. A positioning portion 23 for restricting the insertion position of the MT-type optical connector 30 is formed inside the second housing portion 20, and the MT-type light is inserted into the insertion opening side of the second housing portion 20 via a metal pin clamp 40. A holding means for holding the connector 30 is formed.

  As holding means, a pair of locking portions 24 projecting inwardly on opposite side surfaces of the second housing portion 20, and provided on both sides of the locking portion 24 along the longitudinal direction of the second housing portion 20. The slit 25 is formed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the optical connector adapter 100 includes the first housing portion 10 that holds the MPO optical connector 2a so as to be detachable with one touch, and the second housing portion that holds the MT optical connector 30. 20. The first housing portion 10 includes an outer housing 10a and an inner housing 10b inserted into the outer housing. The second housing portion 20 is a pair of a rectangular tube-shaped main body 21, a flange portion 22, a positioning portion 23 that regulates the insertion position of the MT-type optical connector 30, and a holding unit that holds the MT-type optical connector 30. The locking portion 24 and the slit 25 are provided.

  Further, the optical connector connection structure 200 uses the optical connector adapter 100, and holds the first housing portion 10 that holds the MPO optical connector 2a in a one-touch detachable manner, and the MT optical connector 20. A second housing part 20, an MT optical connector inserted into the second housing part 20, and a metal pin clamp 40 having positioning pins 32 inserted into the ferrule 31 of the MT optical connector 30 are provided.

  As a result, it is not necessary to use an expensive MPO optical connector on one side, a multi-core optical cable can be connected, and the parts cost can be reduced with a simple structure. Therefore, in the case where the attachment and detachment is not frequent such as being arranged in the optical communication device, the MPO optical connector can be used without using the MPO optical connector, and the cost can be reduced. Can do.

  Further, by reducing the usage amount of the MPO optical connector, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of the problem that the productivity in the assembly work of the MPO optical connector itself is deteriorated.

  The holding means for holding the MT-type optical connector 30 includes a pair of locking portions 24 projecting inwardly on opposite side surfaces of the second housing portion 20, and a second housing portion on both sides of the locking portion 24. By being composed of slits 25 provided along the longitudinal direction of 20, the cost can be suppressed with a simple structure, and the insertion and fixing of the MT type optical connector 30 can be facilitated.

  In addition, the pressing force of the MPO optical connector 2a and the MT optical connector 30 can obtain an appropriate pressing force by using a spring incorporated in the MPO optical connector 2a.

  In the above-described embodiment, the locking portion 24 of the second housing portion 20 has been described as being formed on both opposing side surfaces in the short direction of the insertion port of the second housing portion 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it form in the both side surfaces which the longitudinal direction of an insertion port opposes.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MT type optical connector 30 of the optical connector connection structure 200 is a type with pins and the MPO type optical connector 2a is a type without pins. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . The MT type optical connector 30 may be a pinless type, and the MPO type optical connector 2a may be a pin type.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first housing portion 10 and the second housing portion 20 have been described as being molded from resin, but are not limited thereto.

  The present invention can be used when only one of the MPO optical connectors is used in order to reduce the cost when connecting a multi-fiber optical cable such as a tape.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Adapter for MPO type optical connector 1a External housing 1b Inner housing 2a, 2b MPO type optical connector 3 Ferrule 4 Housing 5 Removable operation cylinder 6 Boot 7 Optical cable 8 Pin hole 9 Pin 10 First housing part 10a External housing 10b Inner housing 11 Main body 12 Hook 13 Mounting hole 14 Main body 15 Convex edge 16 Engaging claw 17 Slit 20 Second housing 21 Main body 22 Hook 23 Positioning portion 24 Locking portion 25 Slit 26 Mounting hole 30 MT optical connector 31 Ferrule 32 Positioning pin 40 Metal pin clamp 100 Adapter for optical connector 200 Optical connector connection structure

Claims (4)

In an optical connector adapter for connecting the connection end faces of two optical connectors in a butted state,
A first housing portion that holds the MPO optical connector so as to be detachable with one touch, and a second housing portion that holds the MT optical connector having a stepped portion on the side surface and having a larger cross section on the rear end side than the front end side And
A positioning part is formed on the inner side of the second housing part so as to be hooked on the step part of the MT optical connector and restrict the insertion position of the MT optical connector, and is inserted on the insertion port side of the second housing part. A holding means for holding the MT type optical connector formed is formed.   The holding means is provided along a longitudinal direction of the second housing portion on both sides of the locking portion, and a pair of locking portions protruding inwardly on opposite side surfaces of the second housing portion. The adapter for an optical connector according to claim 1, comprising a slit. In the optical connector connection structure using the optical connector adapter that connects the connection end faces of the two optical connectors in a butted state,
A first housing part that holds the MPO optical connector in a one-touch detachable manner; a second housing part that holds the MT optical connector; An MT-type optical connector having a large cross section and having a stepped portion on the side surface,
A positioning part is formed on the inner side of the second housing part so as to be hooked on the step part of the MT optical connector and restrict the insertion position of the MT optical connector. A connection structure for an optical connector, characterized in that a holding means for holding the MT type optical connector is formed. The holding means is provided along a longitudinal direction of the second housing portion on both sides of the locking portion, and a pair of locking portions protruding inwardly on opposite side surfaces of the second housing portion. The optical connector connection structure according to claim 3, comprising a slit.

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