JP2012247640A - Optical fiber terminal, optical connector and optical connector for substrate - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent occurrence of problems such as dew condensation caused by entry of foreign substances such as water.SOLUTION: An optical fiber terminal 1 and an optical connector are provided in which a water-absorbing resin is applied to an outer surface of a fiber clamp 4 that is brought into contact with an inner surface of a fitting hole 11, thereby forming a water-absorbing surface 15 closing a space between the fiber clamp 4 and the fitting hole 11 in the state where the fiber clamp 4 is fit into the fitting hole 11. Furthermore, the water-absorbing resin is applied to the surface of a female housing 21 that is brought into contact with the surface of a counterpart male housing 41 when the female housing 21 and the male housing 41 are coupled to each other, thereby forming a water-absorbing surface closing a space between the housings 21 and 41 that are being coupled to each other.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical fiber terminal used as a signal transmission path in a vehicle or the like, an optical connector provided with the optical fiber terminal, and a substrate optical connector to which the optical connector is coupled.

In recent years, optical fibers, which are less affected by noise and capable of high-speed and large-capacity information communication, are often used as signal transmission paths in vehicles. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, this optical fiber is used as an optical connector by connecting a cylindrical ferrule to a terminal to form an optical fiber terminal and assembling the optical fiber terminal to a connector housing. A signal transmission path is formed by connecting this optical connector to a connector housing of another optical connector or a connector housing of an optical connector for a board provided with FOT (Fiber Optic Transceiver).
In particular, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, as an optical fiber terminal, an optical fiber insertion hole and an opening communicating with the optical fiber insertion hole from the side surface of the ferrule are formed in the ferrule, and light is transmitted through the optical fiber insertion hole. With the fiber inserted, an optical fiber fixing part having a U-shaped cross section having a groove in the optical fiber insertion direction is inserted into the opening, and the optical fiber is pressed and fixed in the groove of the optical fiber fixing part. Thus, a structure is known in which the optical fiber is secured to the ferrule so as not to come off.

Japanese Patent No. 381396 JP 2002-107573 A

  However, in the optical connector described above, when a crack or the like occurs in the connector housing and water enters the connector housing, water also enters the gap between the opening and the optical fiber fixing component in the ferrule, which is transmitted through the optical fiber. There is a risk of entering between the end faces of the opposing optical fibers or between the lens and the end face of the optical fiber. This causes condensation on the end face of the optical fiber and the lens provided for the FOT, thereby causing loss of the optical signal or causing a shift in the optical axis, causing communication failure. Further, the condensation may evaporate and foreign matters remain on the end face of the optical fiber and the lens, which may cause the same problem. Such inconvenience can also occur due to the intrusion of sand, dust, pollen and the like.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable optical fiber terminal, an optical connector, and an optical connector for a substrate by preventing occurrence of problems such as condensation due to intrusion of foreign matters such as water. .

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 has an optical fiber and an insertion hole through which the end of the optical fiber is inserted, and a fitting hole that communicates with the insertion hole on the side surface. An optical fiber terminal including a ferrule, and a fiber clamp that holds the optical fiber that is fitted in the fitting hole of the ferrule and that is inserted through the insertion hole in the fitted state. At least one of the inner surface of the fiber clamp and the outer surface in contact with the inner surface of the fitting hole in the fiber clamp is made of a water-absorbing material, and is interposed between the fiber clamp and the fitting hole in the fitted state to the fitting hole of the fiber clamp. A water-absorbing surface that is closed is formed.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the water absorbing surface is formed by applying a water absorbing resin.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the water absorbing surface is formed by sticking a tape made of a water absorbent resin.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 4 has an optical fiber and an insertion hole through which the end of the optical fiber is inserted, and a fitting hole communicating with the insertion hole is formed on the side surface. An optical fiber terminal including a ferrule, and a fiber clamp that holds the optical fiber that is fitted in the fitting hole of the ferrule and that is inserted through the insertion hole in the fitted state. Water, dust, or the like that has entered between the fiber clamp and the fitting hole when fitted to the fitting hole of the fiber clamp on at least one of the inner surface of the fiber clamp and the outer surface that contacts the inner surface of the fitting hole of the fiber clamp. A holding portion for holding the foreign matter is formed.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the fourth aspect, the holding portion is formed by a plurality of grooves parallel to each other.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the fourth aspect, the holding portion is a recess formed on the inner surface of the fitting hole or the outer surface of the fiber clamp.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a dew condensation prevention film is formed on the end face of the optical fiber exposed at the end face of the ferrule.

To achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 8 is an optical connector comprising the optical fiber terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a connector housing into which a ferrule of the optical fiber terminal is inserted and connected. In the connector housing, the water-absorbing surface made of a water-absorbing material and closing between the connector housings in the coupled state is formed on the abutting surface of the connector housing when mated with the mating connector housing. It is characterized by.
A ninth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the configuration of the eighth aspect, the water absorption surface is formed by applying a water absorbent resin.
A tenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the configuration of the eighth aspect, the water absorbing surface is formed by sticking a tape made of a water absorbent resin.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, a dew condensation prevention film is formed on the end face of the optical fiber exposed at the end face of the ferrule of the optical fiber terminal. .

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 12 includes a board connector housing that holds the FOT and the lens assembled on the board to which the FOT is attached. An optical connector for a board that is connectable to the connector housing of the optical connector according to any one of claims 11 to 11, wherein a water absorption is applied to a contact surface of the board connector housing with the mating connector housing when the mating connector housing is coupled. A water-absorbing surface is formed which is made of a substance and closes between the connector housings in a coupled state.
A thirteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the constitution of the twelfth aspect, the water absorbing surface is formed by applying a water absorbing resin.
The invention described in claim 14 is characterized in that, in the configuration of claim 12, the water absorbing surface is formed by sticking a tape made of a water absorbing resin.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects, a dew condensation prevention film is formed on the surface of the lens.

According to the first, fourth, eighth, and twelfth aspects of the present invention, the formation of the water absorption surface and the holding portion reduces the possibility that foreign matters such as water and dust enter the connection portion of the optical fiber terminal and the optical connector. High waterproofness and dustproofness can be secured. Therefore, the occurrence of defects such as dew condensation due to the intrusion of foreign matters such as water can be prevented, and highly reliable optical fiber terminals and optical connectors can be obtained.
According to invention of Claim 2,9,13, in addition to the said effect, a water absorption surface can be easily formed by application | coating of a water absorbing resin.
According to invention of Claim 3,10,14, in addition to the said effect, a water absorption surface can be easily formed by sticking of a tape.
According to the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention, in addition to the above effects, the holding portion can be easily formed by the grooves and the recesses.
According to the inventions of the seventh, eleventh and fifteenth aspects, in addition to the above effects, the formation of the dew condensation preventing film can suitably prevent the occurrence of dew condensation even if water enters.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the optical fiber terminal of form 1, and an optical connector. It is a perspective view of the optical fiber terminal of form 1. It is a perspective view of the optical connector of the form 1, (A) is before a coupling | bonding, (B) shows a coupling | bonding state, respectively. It is explanatory drawing of the coupling state of the optical connector of the form 1, (A) shows a plane and (B) shows a side surface, respectively. (A) is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. 4, (B) is the sectional view on the BB line of FIG. (A) is the CC sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 4, (B) is the DD sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 5, (C) is the EE sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the optical fiber terminal of form 2, and the optical connector for substrates. It is a perspective view of the combined state of the optical connector for substrates of form 2, and the optical connector. It is explanatory drawing of the coupling state of the optical connector for substrates of form 2, and an optical connector, (A) shows a plane and (B) shows a side surface, respectively. (A) is the FF sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 9, (B) is the GG sectional view of FIG. 9, (C) is the HH sectional view of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a change of a fiber clamp. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a change of a fiber clamp.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Form 1]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of an optical fiber terminal and an optical connector, in which optical fibers are connected to each other.
First, the optical fiber terminal 1 includes an optical fiber 2, a ferrule 3 made of synthetic resin (PPS or the like) through which the end of the optical fiber 2 is inserted, a fiber clamp 4 made of synthetic resin fitted to the ferrule 3, and a ferrule. 3 and a metal caulking ring 5 that is caulked across the optical fiber 2 and a rubber boot 6 that is sheathed on the optical fiber 2. In addition, although the optical fiber terminal 1 is arranged in parallel by one pair with the optical connector, since all are the same structures, only one optical fiber terminal 1 is demonstrated.

  The optical fiber 2 has a core sheath 2b made of nylon or the like on the outer periphery of a fiber core 2a positioned at the shaft center, and a cable sheath through an unillustrated tensile body such as an aramid resin fiber on the outer periphery of the core sheath 2b. The part 2c is packaged. At the end of the optical fiber 2, the core wire covering portion 2b and the cable sheath 2c are removed by a predetermined length, and the fiber core wire 2a and the core wire covering portion 2b are exposed stepwise. Further, a dew condensation preventing film is formed on the end face of the fiber core wire 2a by applying a composition made of an organic polymer containing a surfactant, for example.

The ferrule 3 has a cylindrical shape with an insertion hole 7 formed through the shaft center. A flange portion 8 and a constricted portion 9 are formed in the front portion, and a groove portion 10 is formed in the rear portion. Further, a fitting hole 11 is formed on the side surface of the ferrule 3 between the constricted portion 9 and the groove portion 10 so as to open in a long rectangular shape in the axial direction and communicate with the insertion hole 7. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6C, locking recesses 12, 12,... Are respectively provided at the front and rear ends of the inner surface.
The fiber clamp 4 is a block body that has the same quadrangular shape as the fitting hole 11 in plan view, and the upper surface is formed in a curved surface that is continuous with the peripheral surface of the ferrule 3 while being fitted into the fitting hole 11. On the lower surface, a holding groove 13 is formed which is parallel to the axis of the ferrule 3 and into which the core wire covering portion 2b of the optical fiber 2 can be fitted. Further, the front and rear ends of the left and right side surfaces of the fiber clamp 4 are locked to the locking recesses 12 in the fitted state of the fitting holes 11 as shown in FIGS. 5 (A) and 6 (C). The locking claws 14 and 14 project from each other.

  Further, in the fiber clamp 4, the water absorbing surface 15 is applied to the left and right side surfaces and the front and rear end surfaces that are in contact with the inner surface of the fitting hole 11 in a fitted state with the fitting hole 11 by applying a water absorbing resin as a water absorbing material. Are formed respectively. A polymer, CMC (carboxyl methyl cellulose), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), etc. are used for this water absorbing resin.

Therefore, in the optical fiber terminal 1, the optical fiber 2 is inserted into the boot 6, the end where the fiber core wire 2a and the core wire covering portion 2b are exposed is inserted into the insertion hole 7 of the ferrule 3, and the end surface of the fiber core wire 2a is ferruled. 3 is positioned substantially on the same plane as the front end surface of the third plate. At this time, the core wire covering portion 2b crosses the fitting hole 11 in the axial direction, while the cable outer cover portion 2c contacts the rear end face of the ferrule 3. As shown in FIG. 6C, a receiving portion 16 for positioning the core wire covering portion 2b protrudes in the axial direction on the bottom surface of the insertion hole 7 so that the core wire covering portion 2b can be positioned on the axis. It has become.
Next, the fiber clamp 4 is fitted into the fitting hole 11 with the holding groove 13 facing down, and is pushed in until the locking claw 14 is locked in the locking recess 12. Then, the holding groove 13 of the fiber clamp 4 is fitted and held on the core wire covering portion 2b on the receiving portion 16 from above.

  Then, a tensile body is sheathed on the rear part of the ferrule 3, and the caulking ring 5 is caulked across the rear part of the ferrule 3 on which the tensile body is sheathed and the cable skin 2c. Finally, when the front end of the boot 6 is externally mounted on the rear portion of the caulking ring 5, the assembly of the optical fiber terminal 1 is completed as shown in FIG. In this state, a water absorbing surface 15 is interposed between the fiber clamp 4 and the fitting hole 11 on the upper surface of the ferrule 3.

The optical fiber terminal 1 can be used as the optical connectors 20 and 40 by being coupled to the female housing 21 and the male housing 41 as connector housings also shown in FIGS. When the optical connectors 20 and 40 are coupled to each other, as shown in FIG. 5, the end faces of the fiber core wires 2a of the optical fibers 2 face each other and a signal transmission path is formed.
First, the female housing 21 has a pair of holding cylinders 22 and 22 into which a pair of optical fiber terminals 1 and 1 can be inserted in a rear part, and a receiving cylinder 23 into which a male housing 41 can be inserted in a front part. It becomes. A front portion of the holding cylinder 22 protrudes into the receiving cylinder 23 and communicates with the receiving cylinder 23. The inner diameter of the holding cylinder 22 is a two-stage shape of a small diameter portion 24 through which only the tip of the ferrule 3 of the inserted optical fiber terminal 1 is inserted and a large diameter portion 25 through which the rear portion including the flange portion 8 is inserted. Thus, the flange portion 8 comes into contact with the step portion between the small diameter portion 24 and the large diameter portion 25 so that the ferrule 3 is positioned.

  Further, a slit 26 is formed in the left-right direction at a rear portion of the step portion on the lower surface of the holding cylinder 22, and a lock key 27 can be inserted from the slit 26. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6B, the lock key 27 is a plate-like body having U-shaped cuts 28 and 28 that engage with the constricted portion 9 of each ferrule 3, and has upper ends on both the left and right sides. A pair of left and right outer locking claws 30, 30 that pass through a through hole 29 formed in the holding cylinder 22 and are locked to the upper surface of the female housing 21 are formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, the lock key 27 has an internal member that passes through a through hole 31 formed between the holding cylinders 22 and 22 and is locked to the upper surface of the female housing 21. A pawl 32 is formed.

That is, when the lock key 27 is inserted into the slit 26 from below the female housing 21 with the optical fiber terminals 1 inserted into the holding cylinders 22, the cuts 28 and 28 are respectively engaged with the constricted portions 9 of the left and right ferrules 3. Accordingly, the optical fiber terminal 1 is prevented from coming off, and the outer locking claw 30 and the inner locking claw 32 are respectively locked on the upper surface of the female housing 21 so that the lock key 27 is prevented from coming off.
On the other hand, on the left and right inner surfaces of the receiving tube 23, longitudinal ridges 33, 33,... Are projected at equal intervals in the vertical direction. As shown in A), a locking projection 34 is provided.

  Next, the male housing 41 has a rectangular tube shape in which a pair of holding holes 42 and 42 into which the pair of optical fiber terminals 1 and 1 can be inserted, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, a protrusion 43 is positioned around the flange portion 8 of the inserted ferrule 3 to position the ferrule 3. A slit 44 is formed in the left and right direction on the lower surface of the male housing 41 in accordance with the positions of the constricted portions 9 and 9 of the inserted ferrules 3 and 3. By inserting it, the ferrule 3 can be secured and secured. 45 and 45 are through holes provided on the left and right sides of the male housing 41 corresponding to the outer locking claws 30 of the lock key 27, and 46 is provided in the center of the male housing 41 corresponding to the inner locking claws 32. It is a through hole.

That is, when the lock key 27 is inserted into the slit 44 from the lower side of the male housing 41 with the optical fiber terminals 1 inserted into the holding holes 42, the cuts 28 and 28 are respectively engaged with the constricted portions 9 of the left and right ferrules 3. In addition, the optical fiber terminal 1 is prevented from coming off, and the outer locking claw 30 and the inner locking claw 32 are respectively locked to the upper surface of the male housing 41 to prevent the lock key 27 from coming off.
On the other hand, the left and right side surfaces of the male housing 41 are respectively provided with guide grooves 47 into which the protrusions 33 on the left and right inner surfaces of the receiving tube 23 are fitted in the inserted state into the receiving tube 23 of the female housing 21. In the center of the upper surface of 41, a locking hole 48 is recessed in which the locking projection 34 of the receiving tube 23 is locked in the state of being inserted into the receiving tube 23.

  Therefore, in the optical connectors 20 and 40, the male housing 41 of the other optical connector 40 is inserted into the receiving tube 23 of the female housing 21 of one optical connector 20, and the female housing 21 is inserted into the locking hole 48 of the male housing 41. The locking projection 34 is pushed into the receiving tube 23 until it is locked. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the front end surface of the male housing 41 comes into contact with the rear end surface of the receiving cylinder 23. In this coupled state, the front end of the holding cylinder 22 on the female housing 21 side is inserted into the front part of the holding hole 42 on the male housing 41 side, and the front end part of the ferrule 3 is inserted into the holding cylinder 22 to face the optical fiber. The end faces of the 2 and 2 fiber core wires 2a and 2a are close to each other.

  In this case, in the female housing 21 and the male housing 41, the water absorption surface by application of the same water absorbent resin as that of the fiber clamp 4 is also interposed on the contact surfaces that are in contact with each other in the combined state. Specifically, the entire inner surface of the receiving tube 23 of the female housing 21, the outer peripheral surface and front end surface of the front end portion of each holding tube 22 protruding into the receiving tube 23, and the front end of each holding tube 22 to the slit 26. Water-absorbing surfaces 49, 49,... Are respectively formed on the inner peripheral surface.

  Thus, according to the optical fiber terminal 1 and the optical connectors 20 and 40 of the above-described form 1, the outer surface of the fiber clamp 4 that contacts the inner surface of the fitting hole 11 is made of water-absorbing resin, and the fiber clamp 4 is fitted. A water absorption surface 15 that closes the gap between the fiber clamp 4 and the fitting hole 11 in the fitted state in the hole 11 is formed, and the mating side with the mating male housing 41 in the female housing 21 is contacted. By forming a water absorbing surface 49 made of a water absorbing resin on the contact surface and closing the space between the housings 21 and 41 in the combined state, water to the connecting portion of the optical fiber terminal 1 and the optical connectors 20 and 40 The possibility that foreign matter such as dust enters will be reduced, and high waterproofness and dustproofness can be secured. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as dew condensation due to intrusion of foreign matters such as water, and to obtain the optical fiber terminal 1 and the optical connectors 20 and 40 with high reliability.

In particular, here, since the water absorbing surfaces 15 and 49 are formed by applying a water absorbing resin, the water absorbing surfaces 15 and 49 can be easily formed.
In addition, since a dew condensation prevention film is formed on the end surface of the fiber core wire 2a of the optical fiber 2 exposed on the end surface of the ferrule 3, even if water enters the end surface of the fiber core wire 2a, it is preferable to prevent the occurrence of dew condensation. can do.

[Form 2]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent portions as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description is omitted.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the optical connector 60 for substrates and the optical connector 40. First, the optical connector 40 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and is formed by inserting and connecting a pair of optical fiber terminals 1 and 1 to a male housing 41. However, the ferrule 3 used here is not provided with a constricted portion, and the large-diameter barrel portion in which the fitting hole 11 is formed is positioned in contact with the protrusion 43 in the holding hole 42 of the male housing 41. ing. A protrusion 50 is formed along the longitudinal direction at the center of the upper surface of the male housing 41 along the longitudinal direction, and a protrusion 51 is provided on the upper surface of the protrusion 50. Locking protrusions 52, 52 that are long in the direction are provided to protrude.

Reference numeral 53 denotes a substrate, which includes a well-known FOT (Fiber Optic Transceiver) 54 to form a communication circuit. The front surface of the FOT 54 (on the optical connector 60 for the substrate, the right side of FIG. The pair of lenses 55 and 55 are integrally provided. Also here, by applying a composition made of an organic polymer containing a surfactant, for example, to the front end face serving as the light transmitting / receiving surface of the lens 55 and the end face of the fiber core wire 2a of the optical fiber terminal 1 of the optical connector 40, An anti-condensation film is formed.
The board optical connector 60 to be assembled to the board 53 includes a female housing 61 as a connector housing to which the optical connector 40 can be coupled, and the board housing 53 from above the female housing 61 to integrate the female housing 61 with the board 53. And a metal case 62.

  The female housing 61 is in the shape of a rectangular tube including a front receiving portion 63 coupled to the male housing 41 of the optical connector 40 and a rear receiving portion 64 coupled to the FOT 61. A pair of connecting cylinders 65 and 65 into which the ferrules 3 and 3 are inserted from the optical connector 40 side and the lenses 55 and 55 are respectively inserted from the FOT 54 side are integrally formed therebetween. In addition, a slit 66 is formed along the longitudinal direction at the center in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the female housing 61, and oval through holes 67, 67 elongated in the left-right direction are formed on the left and right sides of the slit 66, respectively. Has been. In the state where the male housing 41 is inserted, the protrusion 50 of the male housing 41 is fitted into the slit 66, and the locking projection 52 of the male housing 41 is fitted into the through hole 67. On the other hand, on the left and right side surfaces of the female housing 61, a pair of fitting protrusions 68, 68 are formed, one of which is vertically oriented and the other is horizontally oriented.

On the other hand, the metal case 62 is in the shape of a metal box that covers the upper and rear surfaces of the female housing 61 and the left and right side surfaces, and the lower end edge corresponds to the insertion holes 56, 56,. Leg portions 69 projecting downward are formed. In addition, a square hole 70 is formed in the front portion of the upper surface of the metal case 62 so that the projection 51 of the male housing 41 coupled to the female housing 61 is fitted in the assembled state. A pair of through holes 71 and 71 formed by the formed fitting protrusions 68 and 68 are formed.
Plate spring portions 72 and 72 are formed on the rear surface of the metal case 62 to contact the rear surface of the FOT 54 and press the FOT 54 forward while the FOT 54 is accommodated in the rear receiving portion 64.

  Therefore, in this optical connector 60 for a board, the female housing 61 is first inserted into the board 53 provided with the FOT 54, the FOT 54 is inserted into the rear receiving part 54, and the lenses 55 and 55 are inserted into the connecting cylinder 65 from the rear. Assemble to be housed. Next, the male housing 41 of the optical connector 40 is inserted from the front of the female housing 61 with the protrusions 50 aligned with the slits 66. Then, the locking projections 52, 52 on the male housing 41 side are fitted into the through holes 67, 67 on the female housing 61 side, and the both housings 41, 61 are coupled. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the ferrule 3 of each optical fiber terminal 1 is inserted into the connecting cylinder 65 of the female housing 61 so as to face the lenses 55 and 55, and the fiber core wire 2 a is brought close to the lens 55.

  Next, when the metal case 62 is covered from above the female housing 61 and each leg portion 69 is inserted into the insertion hole 56 of the substrate 53 and assembled, the projection 51 of the male housing 41 is formed as shown in FIGS. The male housing 41 is prevented from coming off by fitting into the square hole 70 of the metal case 62, and the fitting protrusions 68 of the female housing 61 are respectively fitted into the through holes 71 and integrated with the female housing 61. At this time, the leaf spring portion 72 of the metal case 62 presses the FOT 54 forward, so that the proximity state between the lens 55 and the fiber core wire 2a is maintained. Reference numeral 73 denotes an insertion piece that is bent inside the metal case 62 and is inserted into a gap formed between the front receiving portion 63 and the rear receiving portion 64 of the female housing 61 except for the connecting cylinder 65.

  Here, in the male housing 41 and the female housing 61, the water absorption surface by application of the same water absorbent resin as that of the fiber clamp 4 is also formed on the contact surfaces that are in contact with each other in the combined state. Specifically, the entire inner surface of the front receiving portion 63 of the female housing 61, the outer peripheral surface and the front end surface of the front end portion of each connecting tube 65 protruding into the front receiving portion 63, and the inner peripheral surface of each connecting tube 65 The water absorption surfaces 74, 74,... Are formed on the entire inner surface of the rear receiving portion 54, respectively.

  Thus, according to the optical fiber terminal 1 of the above-described form 2, the optical connector 40, and the optical connector 60 for a substrate, the outer surface that contacts the inner surface of the fitting hole 11 in the fiber clamp 4 is made of a water absorbent resin. When the water absorption surface 15 that closes the gap between the fiber clamp 4 and the fitting hole 11 is formed in the fitting state of the fiber clamp 4 to the fitting hole 11 and is coupled to the mating male housing 41 in the female housing 61 By forming a water absorbing surface 74 made of a water absorbent resin and closing between the housings 41 and 61 in the coupled state on the contact surface with the other side of the optical fiber terminal 1 and the optical connectors 40 and 60 The possibility that foreign matter such as water and dust will enter the connection portion is reduced, and high waterproofness and dustproofness can be secured. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as dew condensation due to intrusion of foreign matters such as water, and to obtain the optical fiber terminal 1 and the optical connectors 40 and 60 with high reliability.

  In the first and second embodiments, the water absorbing surface is formed by applying the water absorbing resin. However, the water absorbing surface is not limited to this, and a tape made of the water absorbing resin may be attached. . The water absorption surface can be easily formed by sticking the tape. Moreover, it is not limited to the water-absorbing resin, and other water-absorbing substances such as starch (T-α-modified starch, dextrin, wheat starch, potato starch) may be applied.

  Further, instead of forming such a water absorbing surface, it is possible to form a predetermined holding portion on the surface to be sealed. For example, in the fiber clamp, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of V-shaped or U-shaped grooves 75, 75,... As shown in FIG. 4, by forming a concave portion 76 as a holding portion on the side surface of the fiber clamp 4, the intruded water or the like is held in the groove 75 or the concave portion 76 so as not to flow into the inner side of the ferrule 3. It is possible to do. Also in this case, the possibility that foreign matters such as water and dust enter the optical fiber terminal 1 is reduced, high waterproofness and dustproofness can be secured, and the highly reliable optical fiber terminal 1 can be obtained.

  Note that these holding portions may be formed on the front and rear surfaces of the fiber clamp if possible, and may also be formed on the contact surfaces of the connector housings of the optical connector. Furthermore, the formation of a holding portion such as a groove and the formation of a water absorbing surface by applying a water absorbent resin or attaching a tape may be employed at the same time. If it does in this way, expansion | swelling volumes, such as a water absorbing resin expanded including the water | moisture content, can be absorbed with a holding | maintenance part.

  On the other hand, the water absorption surface and the holding portion are formed on the fiber clamp in the optical fiber terminal of the above form, but may be performed on the inner surface of the fitting hole of the ferrule or both. . Similarly, in the optical connectors, in the first and second embodiments, the water absorption surface is formed only on the contact surface of the female housing with the male housing. On the contrary, only the contact surface of the male housing with the female housing is provided. It is also possible to form a water-absorbing surface, or to form water-absorbing surfaces on the contact surfaces of both housings.

And in the said form, although formation of the water absorption surface between a ferrule and a fiber clamp and formation of the water absorption surface between a connector housing are employ | adopted simultaneously, it can also be made into any one.
In addition, the water absorption surface is not limited to being formed directly on a ferrule, a connector housing, or the like. For example, a separate seal made of a water absorbing material such as a water absorbent resin between the ferrule and the fiber clamp or between the connector housings. It is possible to impart waterproofness and dustproofness by sandwiching the material.
Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of condensation by forming a water absorbing surface on at least one of the inner surface of the fiber clamp and the outer surface of the optical fiber in contact with the inner surface by applying a water absorbing resin or the like. In this case, it is desirable to form a holding part on the inner surface side of the fiber clamp.

  In addition, the form of each optical connector is also changed in the shape of the male housing and female housing, for example, the relationship between the locking (projections, etc.) of both housings and the locked (through holes, etc.) is reversed, or the locking of both housings The design can be changed as appropriate, for example, by changing the number of protrusions and through holes. The same applies to the optical connector for substrates, and the present invention can be applied not only to change the shape of the female housing and the metal case but also to the case where the FOT and the lens are held separately.

  1 .. Optical fiber terminal, 2 .. Optical fiber, 2 a .. Fiber core wire, 3 .. Ferrule, 4 .. Fiber clamp, 7 .. Insertion hole, 8 .. Flange part, 9. ··· Fitting hole, 13 ·· Holding hole, 15, 49, 74 ·· Water absorbing surface, 20, 40 ·· Optical connector, 21, 61 ·· Female housing, 22 ·· Holding tube, 23 ·· Receiver tube, 27 .. Lock key, 41 .. Male housing, 42 .. Holding hole, 53 .. Board, 54 .. FOT, 55 .. Lens, 60 .. Optical connector for board, 62 .. Metal case, 63. Front receiving portion, 64 ··· Rear receiving portion, 65 ·· Connecting cylinder, 72 ··· Leaf spring portion, 75 ··· groove, 76 ··· concave portion.

Claims (15)

The optical fiber has an insertion hole through which the end of the optical fiber is inserted, and a ferrule in which a fitting hole communicating with the insertion hole is formed on the side surface, and is fitted into the fitting hole of the ferrule, A fiber clamp that holds the optical fiber that is inserted through the insertion hole in the fitting state, and an optical fiber terminal comprising:
At least one of the inner surface of the fitting hole of the ferrule and the outer surface in contact with the inner surface of the fitting hole in the fiber clamp is made of a water-absorbing material and is fitted into the fitting hole of the fiber clamp. An optical fiber terminal characterized in that a water absorbing surface is formed to block between the fiber clamp and the fitting hole in a state.   The optical fiber terminal according to claim 1, wherein the water absorbing surface is formed by applying a water absorbing resin.   The optical fiber terminal according to claim 1, wherein the water absorbing surface is formed by sticking a tape made of a water absorbing resin. The optical fiber has an insertion hole through which the end of the optical fiber is inserted, and a ferrule in which a fitting hole communicating with the insertion hole is formed on the side surface, and is fitted into the fitting hole of the ferrule, A fiber clamp that holds the optical fiber that is inserted through the insertion hole in the fitting state, and an optical fiber terminal comprising:
At least one of the inner surface of the fitting hole of the ferrule and the outer surface that contacts the inner surface of the fitting hole in the fiber clamp, and the fiber clamp in a state of being fitted to the fitting hole of the fiber clamp. An optical fiber terminal characterized in that a holding portion for holding foreign matter such as water and dust that has entered between the fitting holes is formed.   The optical fiber terminal according to claim 4, wherein the holding portion is formed by a plurality of grooves parallel to each other.   The optical fiber terminal according to claim 4, wherein the holding portion is a recess formed in an inner surface of the fitting hole or the outer surface of the fiber clamp.   The optical fiber terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a dew condensation preventing film is formed on an end face of the optical fiber exposed at an end face of the ferrule. An optical connector comprising the optical fiber terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a connector housing for inserting and connecting a ferrule of the optical fiber terminal,
Formed on the contact surface of the connector housing with the mating connector housing on the mating connector side is a water-absorbing surface made of a water-absorbing material and blocking between the connector housings in the coupled state. A featured optical connector.   The optical connector according to claim 8, wherein the water absorbing surface is formed by applying a water absorbing resin.   The optical connector according to claim 8, wherein the water absorbing surface is formed by attaching a tape made of a water absorbing resin.   11. The optical connector according to claim 8, wherein a dew condensation preventing film is formed on an end face of the optical fiber exposed at an end face of the ferrule of the optical fiber terminal. An optical connector connector housing according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the optical fiber connector housing includes a board connector housing that holds the FOT and the lens and is assembled on the board to which the FOT is attached. A possible optical connector for a board,
A water absorbing surface made of a water absorbing material is formed on a contact surface of the board connector housing with the mating connector housing when mated with the mating connector housing and closes between the connector housings in the coupled state. An optical connector for substrates.   The optical connector for a board according to claim 12, wherein the water absorbing surface is formed by applying a water absorbing resin.   The optical connector for a board according to claim 12, wherein the water absorbing surface is formed by sticking a tape made of a water absorbing resin.   15. The optical connector for a substrate according to claim 12, wherein a dew condensation preventing film is formed on the surface of the lens.

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