JP2013218107A - Adapter for optical connector interconnection - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an adapter for optical connector interconnection, which can have a simplified entire configuration and can contribute to the cost reduction.SOLUTION: The adapter for optical connector interconnection comprises: an outer housing 1 including an integrated structure opened at both ends so that optical connector plugs P1 and P2 can be received from both directions; and an inner housing 2 including a sleeve holder 5 which is inserted into the outer housing 1 via a split sleeve 3. The inner housing 2 has therein a pair of upper and lower locking pieces 11 with the sleeve holder 4 as the center to form a mounting part 13 of a simple plug in which a ferrule 31b is fitted to a flange 31a and a boot 32 is integrally formed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an adapter for interconnecting optical connectors for interconnecting a pair of opposed optical fiber connectors of an LC connector plug and a simple connector plug.

  Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1 which is a prior application by the present applicant, it is intended to interconnect a pair of opposed optical fiber connectors of an LC type connector plug, and can accept an optical connector plug from both directions. An optical connector interconnection adapter capable of improving workability in manufacturing and lowering costs and preventing a decrease in holding performance of the optical connector plug by providing an external housing with an integral structure of both end openings. Is provided.

  That is, according to Patent Document 1, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a pair of opposed LC type optical connector plugs P 1 and P 2 is formed by a rectangular cylindrical body that allows mutual insertion from both end openings. A central partition (not shown) is integrally formed in the center of the outer housing 101, and the central partition projects from the inside toward one opening side for mounting and holding the tip of the optical connector plug P1. A pair of left and right sleeve holders 105 (not shown) are provided. Further, a protrusion 107 having a guide groove 107a is formed at the center of the lower surface along the central longitudinal direction of the upper inner wall surface inside the outer housing 101, and further along the central longitudinal direction of the lower inner wall surface. A guide groove 107b is formed.

  Then, a split sleeve 103 is fitted into the sleeve holder inward from the central partition portion side, and a pair of right and left right-angle plates arranged at right angles to one end side in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular plate body so as to face the central partition portion. An inner housing 102 formed by projecting a cylindrical sleeve holder 104 is inserted along the upper and lower guide grooves 107a and 107b from the other opening side of the outer housing 101, so that the central partition portion is interposed therebetween. The sleeve holders 104 and 105 are arranged so as to protrude in opposite directions in a state where the rear end surfaces are in contact with each other, whereby the split sleeve 103 is inserted into the adjacent sleeve holders 104 and 105. .

JP 2008-26778 A

  However, the conventional optical connector interconnection adapter according to Patent Document 1 described above is for interconnecting a pair of LC connector plugs having a size larger than that of the conventional simple connector, which complicates the overall configuration. It can also lead to increased costs.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been devised in view of the conventional circumstances as described above, and provides an optical connector interconnection adapter that can simplify the overall configuration and contribute to low cost. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in claim 1 of the present invention, an external housing having an integral structure of both end openings in which an optical connector plug can be received from both directions, and a split sleeve in the external housing are provided. An inner housing having a sleeve holder inserted through the inner housing, and the inner housing includes a pair of upper and lower locking pieces centered on the sleeve holder in front of the inner housing so that the ferrule fits into the flange and the boot The mounting part of the simple plug formed integrally is formed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the mounting portion having a plurality of openings is formed in the inner housing corresponding to the number of openings for inserting the optical connector plug of the outer housing.

  Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, a central partition portion having a sleeve holder for mounting and holding the optical connector plug tip is integrally formed in the outer housing, and the inner housing is inserted in front of the outer housing. The sleeve holder of the central partition is disposed opposite to the sleeve holder in a state adjacent to the sleeve holder.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to construct an LC simple connector plug system that can simplify the overall configuration and contribute to low cost.

  That is, the internal housing includes a pair of upper and lower locking pieces centered on the sleeve holder, thereby forming a mounting portion for a simple plug in which a ferrule is fitted to a flange and a boot is integrally formed. So, compared to connecting a pair of opposed optical fiber connector plugs of the LC type connector as in the past, because one side is a simplified connector plug mounting portion, it has a simplified configuration, The overall configuration can be simplified and can contribute to lower costs.

  Further, since the mounting portion is formed by a plurality of openings corresponding to the numerical aperture for inserting the optical connector plug of the outer housing, the inner housing is inserted into the outer housing with two cores and four cores. Can be used in common with your heart.

  In addition, a central partition having a sleeve holder for mounting and holding the optical connector plug tip is integrally formed in the outer housing, and the central partition is adjacent to the sleeve holder of the inner housing inserted into the outer housing. Since the sleeve holders of the partitioning portions are arranged to face each other, a pair of sleeve holders are arranged in opposite directions in an integrally structured external housing. For example, a simple optical connector interconnect for two or four cores, etc. The adapter can be formed easily and at low cost. Moreover, the positional relationship between the ferrule of the LC connector plug and the ferrule of the simple connector plug can be accurately maintained.

It is a perspective view which shows the outer housing for 2 cores which inserted the inner housing in the adapter for optical connector interconnection in the best form for implementing this invention. Similarly, (a) and (b) are side views of the adapter for interconnecting optical connectors as seen from the LC connector plug insertion side, (c) is a sectional view taken along line XX in (a), and (d) is (b). It is YY sectional drawing in the inside. It is the top view shown with the half cross section of the adapter for optical connector interconnection. It is the perspective view which looked at the state which inserts a split sleeve and an internal housing in the external housing for 2 cores from the inner housing side diagonally upward direction. It is the perspective view which looked at the state which inserts a split sleeve and an inner housing in the outer housing for 2 cores from the outer housing side diagonally upward direction. Similarly, the state where the optical connector plug is inserted from both directions of the adapter for interconnecting optical connectors is shown, (a) is a plan sectional view seen from above, and (b) is a sectional side view seen from the side. It is a perspective view which shows the state which inserts a split sleeve and an internal housing in the external housing for 2 cores in a prior art example. It is a perspective view which shows the external housing for 2 cores which inserted the internal housing in a prior art example.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  Reference numeral 1 shown in the drawing is an external housing constituting a two-fiber optical connector interconnection adapter for interconnecting an optical connector plug P1 and an optical connector plug P2 such as an LC connector.

  For example, “F16 type optical fiber connector” defined in “JIS C 5985”, which is adopted as the optical connector plug P2, is generally called “SC type simple connector”. An LC type simple connector (so-called simple plug) having a similar structure, which is often used, includes a simple ferrule 31 integrally formed by fitting a ferrule 31b to a flange 31a and a boot 32.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the external housing 1 is formed by a rectangular tube body that allows a pair of opposing optical connector plugs P 1 and P 2 to be inserted into each other from both end openings. As shown in FIG. 2, a central partition 6 is integrally formed in the center, and the central partition 6 is attached from the inside to one opening side for mounting and holding the tip of the optical connector plug P1. A pair of left and right sleeve holders 5 having a protruding cylindrical shape is provided.

  Also, each of the pair of left and right sleeve holders 5 protruding from the central partition 6 is partitioned by the intermediate partition 7 protruding from the inner center toward one opening side to form the fitting portions A and B. Yes.

  A rectangular insertion space portion S is formed from the other opening side of the outer housing 1 to a position reaching the inner central partition 6, and the insertion space portion S is formed by a rectangular substantially cylindrical body. The inner housing 2 is mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the base end portion 2A of the inner housing 2 protrudes from the inside toward one opening side for mounting and holding the ferrule 31b of the simple ferrule 31 of the optical connector plug P2 to be inserted. A pair of left and right sleeve holders 4 having a cylindrical shape is provided. Further, the base end portion 2A is formed by a flat surface (the surface without the sleeve holder 5) on one side of the central partition 6 when the inner housing 2 is mounted in the insertion space S of the outer housing 1. Abutted and held. Further, each of the pair of left and right sleeve holders 4 protruding from the base end portion 2A is partitioned by a vertical frame-shaped intermediate partition portion 8 in a state protruding from the inner center toward one opening side, and each fitting portion A , B.

  Further, a claw-like locking portion 10a is projected from the side surface of the inner housing 2 on the base end portion 2A side. Correspondingly, the right and left side inner walls of the insertion space portion S inside the outer housing 1 are claw-shaped. When the inner housing 2 is mounted in the insertion space portion S of the outer housing 1, the locking portion 10a and the locked portion 10b are engaged and held. Is done.

  A locking claw 11a is provided at the tip for holding the flange 31a of the simple ferrule 31 of the optical connector plug P2 at the mounting position at the vertically symmetrical position of the sleeve holder 4 provided at the base end 2A of the inner housing 2. A pair of locking pieces 11 are formed. The mounting portion 13 of the above-described simple plug is configured including the locking piece 11 and the above-described sleeve holder 4 (see FIGS. 2D and 6B).

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the split sleeve 3 is fitted and inserted into the sleeve holder 5 from the central partition 6 side of the outer housing 1 so as to face the central partition 6. The inner housing 2 formed by projecting a cylindrical sleeve holder 4 at the base end 2A is inserted into the insertion space S from the other opening side of the outer housing 1, whereby the central partition 6 and the base The sleeve holders 4 and 5 are disposed so as to protrude in opposite directions through the end portion 2A in a state where the rear end surfaces are in contact with each other. As a result, the split sleeve 3 is inserted into the adjacent sleeve holders 4 and 5. Note that flanges for preventing the sleeve 3 from coming off are respectively provided on the end surfaces of the sleeve holders 4 and 5 so as to protrude inward.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, an optical connector plug P1 such as an LC connector includes a coupling sleeve 21 made of a relatively high strength plastic, and a ferrule tube 22 and a ferrule frame 23 in the coupling sleeve 21. A ferrule 24 attached to the ferrule frame 23, a spring 25 attached to the outer periphery of the rear end portion of the ferrule frame 23, a plastic main body frame 26 fitted to the rear end portion of the ferrule frame 23 via the spring 25, And a boot 27 attached to the rear portion of the main body frame 26.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, a guide groove 7a (FIGS. 2D and 5) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the coupling sleeve 21 is provided above the fitting portions A and B of the outer housing 1. The coupling sleeve 21 is integrally provided with a release lever 28 for engaging with and releasing the same. The release lever 28 is inclined and extended so as to gradually move away from the outer surface of the coupling sleeve 21 from the front end portion to the rear end portion of the coupling sleeve 21, and the rear end portion thereof extends from the main body frame 26. The latch lever 29 formed on the outer peripheral surface protrudes in an inclined manner on the opposite side to the coupling sleeve 21 so as to contact the lower end of the latch lever 29.

  Thus, the ferrule 24 of the optical connector plug P1 mounted from one opening side (for example, the fitting portion A) of the external housing 1 is fitted into the sleeve holder 5 of the external housing 1, and the optical connector plug P2 to be connected is connected. When the ferrule of the simple ferrule 31 is fitted into the sleeve holder 4, both the ferrules are axially contacted with each other through the split sleeve 3 that is installed across the sleeve holders 4 and 5. Keep aligned.

  Instead of configuring the adapter for interconnecting optical connectors by the two-core external housing 1 described above, an adapter for interconnecting optical connectors by the four-core external housing 1 may be configured.

  Next, an example of use and assembly of the best mode configured as described above will be described.

  When assembling the adapter, first, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, approximately half of the split sleeve 3 is inserted from the central partition 6 side of the outer housing 1 toward the inside of the sleeve holder 5. .

  Then, the inner housing 2 is inserted into the insertion space S of the outer housing 1. At this time, the other substantially half of the split sleeve 3 is inserted into the sleeve holder 4 of the inner housing 2. At the same time, the locking portion 10a of the inner housing 2 and the locked portion 10b of the insertion space S of the outer housing 1 are engaged. This prevents the inner housing 2 from coming off the outer housing 1.

  Reference numerals 9 and 12 in FIGS. 1, 2 (d), 3, 4, 5, and 6 (b) are locking protrusions provided on the upper and lower outer wall surfaces of the outer housing 1. Is attached to a mounting member (not shown), the locking projections 9 and 12 prevent the outer housing 1 from coming off.

  Thus, the sleeve holders 4 and 5 are disposed so as to protrude in opposite directions with the rear end surfaces in contact with each other via the central partition 6 and the base end portion 2A, and split sleeves in the adjacent sleeve holders 4 and 5. 3 is inserted.

  For example, when the optical connector plug P1 such as an LC connector and the optical connector plug P2 such as an LC simple connector are connected to each other, as shown in FIG. 6, both ends of the outer housing 1 are opened (fitting portions A and B). The tip portions of the optical connector plugs P1 and P2 are inserted, and the ferrules are introduced into the split sleeves 3 in the sleeve holders 4 and 5, respectively. As a result, the optical fibers inserted into the ferrule center portions of the optical connector plugs P1 and P2 are connected. At this time, the mounting position of the flange 31a of the simple ferrule 31 of the optical connector plug P2 is held by the locking claw 11a at the tip of the locking piece 11 of the mounting portion 13 (FIG. 2D and FIG. 6). b)).

A, B Fitting portion P1, P2 Optical connector plug S Insert space portion 1 External housing 2 Internal housing 2A Base end portion 3 Split sleeve 4, 5 Sleeve holder 6 Central partition portion 7, 8 Intermediate partition portion 7a Guide groove 9, 12 locking protrusion 10a locking portion 10b locked portion 11 locking piece 11a locking claw 13 mounting portion (sleeve holder 4 + locking piece 11 (locking claw 11a))
21 Coupling sleeve 22 Ferrule tube 23 Ferrule frame 24 Ferrule 25 Spring 26 Body frame 27, 32 Boot 28 Release lever 29 Latch lever 31 Simple ferrule 31a Flange 31b Ferrule 32 Boot

Claims (3)

  An external housing having an integral structure of opening at both ends that can receive an optical connector plug from both directions, and an internal housing having a sleeve holder inserted into the external housing via a split sleeve, In addition, a mounting portion for a simple plug in which a ferrule is fitted to a flange and a boot is integrally formed is formed by providing a pair of upper and lower locking pieces centering on a sleeve holder at the inside front. Adapter for interconnecting optical connectors.   2. The optical connector interconnection adapter according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion is formed by a plurality of openings corresponding to the number of openings for inserting the optical connector plug of the outer housing.   A central partition having a sleeve holder for mounting and holding the tip of the optical connector plug is integrally formed in the outer housing, and the central partition is adjacent to the sleeve holder of the inner housing inserted in front of the outer housing. The adapter for interconnecting optical connectors according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve holders of the parts are arranged to face each other.

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