JP3205833B2 - Optical connector plug - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical connector plug used for connecting an optical fiber to an optical fiber.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Two conventional optical connectors will be described.

First, a first conventional optical connector will be described with reference to FIG. This optical connector is of a plug-adapter-plug type in which two plugs 30, 30 'are connected via one adapter 40.

[0004] The plug 30 is composed of an outer shell member 31 and a number of V-shaped members.
An optical fiber alignment substrate 32 having grooves, a pair of optical fiber guides 33 each having a number of V-grooves, an optical fiber alignment guide 34, a rear shell 35, and an optical fiber alignment Guide 34
, And a pair of leaf springs 36 and an optical fiber 37. The optical fiber alignment substrate 32 and the pair of optical fiber guides 33 are disposed in an optical fiber alignment guide 34. The optical fiber 37 is composed of a large number of optical fibers 3.
7A are arranged in parallel, each optical fiber strand 37A is inserted from the rear shell 35 side, and runs on each V groove of the optical fiber alignment substrate 32 and between each V groove of the pair of optical fiber guides 33. It passes through and projects from one end face 31A of the outer shell member 31. The plug 30 'is similar to the plug 30.

[0005] The adapter 40 comprises a trapezoidal holder 41 and a pair of blocks 42 provided on both sides at the center of the holder 41.
A micro-sleeve holding substrate 43 provided between the pair of blocks 42 and having a large number of V-grooves; a large number of micro-sleeves 44 provided in parallel on the micro-sleeve holding substrate 43; It comprises a centering leaf spring 45 provided symmetrically on the upper surface of the block 42 and a guide holding leaf spring 46 provided symmetrically on the side face of each block 42.

The two plugs 30, 30 'are connected to the adapter 40.
Is fitted from both sides, the respective optical fiber wires 37A, 3
7'A is inserted into each micro sleeve 44 from both sides, and one end faces of the optical fiber wires 37A and 37'A are opposed to each other, so that the optical connector is connected.

Next, a second conventional optical connector will be described with reference to FIGS. This optical connector is of a plug-receptacle type in which one plug 50 is connected to one receptacle 70.

The plug 50 has a plug frame 60, an optical fiber 52 formed by aligning a large number of optical fiber wires 52A in parallel, and a first having a plurality of V-grooves.
A substrate 53, a second substrate 54 having a number of V-grooves, a V-groove guide 55, a clamp holding plate 56,
2, a shrink tube 57 covering the second, a rear shell 59,
A pair of leaf springs 58 provided on both sides of the rear shell 59 to press the V-groove guide 55;
It is composed of The first substrate 53 and the second substrate 54
Since these three members are arranged in the groove guide 55 and align the respective optical fiber wires 52A, they are collectively referred to as an optical fiber alignment member 65.

The receptacle 70 includes a shell 75, a V-shaped groove guide 73 having a U-shaped cross section, a V-groove substrate 72 provided in the V-groove guide 73 and having a large number of V-grooves, and a V-groove substrate 72.
A number of micro sleeves 71 arranged in a row on top,
Each micro sleeve 71 includes an optical fiber strand 77 and a holding plate 76.

The plug 50 is fitted into the receptacle 70,
It is fixed by a fixing spring 78. Plug frame 60
Are attached to the V-groove guide 73, and each optical fiber
A is inserted into each micro sleeve 71. In each micro sleeve 71, one end face of each optical fiber strand 52A faces one end face of each optical fiber strand 77, so that the optical connector is connected.

[0011]

In the first conventional optical connector, one end of each optical fiber strand 37A has to protrude from one end face 31A of the outer member 31, as shown in FIG. I can't get it. On the other hand, in the second conventional optical connector, as shown in FIG.
The optical connector can be connected even if one end of 2A is retracted from one end face 60A of the plug frame 60. However, any of the optical connectors is easily damaged because the optical fiber strands 37A and 52A are exposed.

The optical fibers 37A, 52A in the plugs 30, 50 are aligned and connected in the alignment member (micro sleeve 44, 71) in the adapter 40 or the receptacle 70. It must project at least about 2-3 mm from the fiber alignment guide end face 34A or the V-groove guide end face 55A.

For example, in the case of realizing a 0.25 mm pitch multi-core connector, the precision required for positioning each optical fiber in the plaque with the alignment member in the adapter or the receptacle is 0.1 mm (0 on one side). .05 mm).

Due to the variation in the dimensions of each part, when positioning between the plug and the adapter or the receptacle (positioning of each optical fiber and the alignment member), the position is determined in the pitch direction or in a direction perpendicular to the pitch direction. Deviation occurs. Since each optical fiber protrudes from one end surface of the plug, this positional deviation becomes large. Conventionally, as a countermeasure, the cost of the optical connector has been high because the precision has been improved by improving the precision of the components.

Accordingly, the present invention is to improve the drawbacks of the conventional optical connector plug and to provide an optical fiber protection structure,
Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector plug in which the position of the plug and the adapter or the receptacle (the optical fiber and the alignment member) can be easily adjusted and the cost is low.

[0016]

The present invention employs the following means to solve the above-mentioned problems.

1. In an optical connector in which a plurality of optical fibers are bent when the optical connector plug is connected to an adapter or a receptacle, the optical connector plug holds the plurality of optical fibers and the plurality of optical fibers. An outer member, an alignment member that sandwiches the plurality of optical fiber wires on a fitting side in the outer member, and an elastic member that urges the alignment member to slide in the fitting direction, When the optical connector plug is connected to the adapter or the receptacle, the alignment member slides in a direction opposite to the fitting direction, and before the fitting,
The end face of each fitting side of the optical fiber is the fitting side of the alignment member.
The alignment member is immersed from the end face,
Sequentially insert the plurality of optical fiber strands, respectively.
Holds a plurality of small holes and the plurality of optical fibers
Optical connector plug having a plurality of slots .

2. Before the fitting, the fitting-side end surface of the alignment member is located on the same plane as the fitting-side end surface of the outer member, or protrudes in the fitting direction from the fitting-side end surface of the outer member. 2. The optical connector plug according to 1.

3. The adapter or the receptacle
Has a holding member formed with a convex portion, and the alignment member
3. The optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the optical connector plug has a cutout portion pressed by the convex portion .

4. 2. The optical connector plug according to the item 1, wherein the material of the elastic member is metal or resin.

5. 2. The optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the elastic member is a torsion coil shape, an expansion coil shape, or a plate shape.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that duplicate descriptions may be omitted so as not to make the specification redundant.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view (a part of which is a cross-sectional view) of the plug 1 and shows a state (an initial state) in which one end surface 3B of the alignment member 3 protrudes from one end surface 2A of the outer member 2.

An alignment member 3 is slidably disposed within the outer member 2, and a number of optical fiber wires 4A (only a part thereof is shown for convenience of illustration) near one end of the alignment member 3. A large number of slots 3A to be sandwiched are formed in parallel, and further, an inner diameter (0.14 mm) slightly larger than the outer diameter (0.125 mm) of the optical fiber 4A from the one end face 3B of the alignment member 3 toward the inside. ) Are formed in parallel. The alignment member 3 is urged by the torsion coil spring 5 in a direction to protrude from the one end surface 2A of the outer member 2. The two sets of the first clamp member 6 and the second clamp member 7 are mounted in the recess 2 </ b> B of the outer shell member 2. A large number of optical fiber wires 4A constituting each of the two optical fibers (tape fibers) 4 are bonded and fixed to each first clamp member 6, and a large number of parallel slots formed in each second clamp member 7. 7A, the internal space of the outer shell member 2 and the respective slots 3A of the alignment member 3 can protrude from the respective small holes 3C. Each of the second clamp members 7 is bonded and fixed to each of the first clamp members 6 to protect the bonded and fixed portion of each optical fiber 4A. Each second clamp member 7 may be formed integrally with the outer member 2.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view (a part of which is a cross-sectional view) of the plug 1 and shows a state (an initial state) in which one end surface 3B of the alignment member 3 is immersed from one end surface 2A of the outer member 2.

Since each optical fiber 4A is located inside one end face 3B of the alignment member 3 (see FIG. 10), the fitting end of the optical connector plug is protected. However,
Since one end of the optical fiber strand 4A on the fitting side is located inside the outer shell member 2, two plugs 1 are used.
Adapter-plug (see FIG. 4) connections cannot be made. A plug-receptacle system (see FIG. 5) using this one plug 1 and one receptacle.
Connection can be made.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view (a part of which is a cross-sectional view) of the plug 1, and contrasts a state in which one end surface 3B of the alignment member 3 projects from one end surface 2A of the outer member 2 and a state in which it is immersed. Shown.

FIG. 3A shows a state before one end face 3B of the alignment member 3 is pushed into the outer casing member 2 by a member (not shown) on the adapter side, that is, a state before fitting (initial state). Is shown. FIG. 3B shows one end face 3 </ b> B of the alignment member 3.
Shows a state in which is inserted into the outer casing member 2 by the adapter-side member, that is, a state after fitting, and each optical fiber 4A protrudes from one end face 3B.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view (partially a cross-sectional view) of the case where the plugs 1 and 1 'are connected by a plug-adapter-plug method.

FIG. 4A shows a state before fitting. The adapter 11 includes a pair of flanged rectangular outer shell members 12.
And a V-groove substrate holding member 13 disposed at the butting portion in both outer members 12, a V-groove substrate 14 disposed on the V-groove substrate holding member 13, and a V-groove substrate 14 disposed in parallel on the V-groove substrate 14. And a plurality of micro sleeves 15 provided. In addition, both outer shell members 12 are provided with respective holes 1 formed on both sides of each flange.
It is fixed integrally by inserting a bolt through 2C. The V-groove substrate holding member 13, the V-groove substrate 14, and each micro sleeve 15 can be integrally formed from a resin material.

FIG. 4B shows a state after the fitting. In order to fit, first, the plugs 1 and 1 'are inserted into the square tube portions 12A of the outer shell members 12 of the adapter 11. Next, the bent engagement portions 16A on both sides of one end of the pair of lock springs 16 are engaged with the engagement recesses 12B on both sides of one end of each outer member 12,
Also, the curved leaf spring portions 16B on both sides of the other end of the pair of lock springs 16 are connected to the end face engagement portions 2C on both sides of the other end of the plugs 1 and 1 '.
Engage with 2'C.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a case where the plug 1 is connected by a plug-receptacle method (a part is a sectional view).
And shows a state before fitting.

The receptacle 21 includes a flanged rectangular tube-shaped outer member 22, a V-groove substrate holding member 23 provided in the outer member 22, and a V-groove substrate provided on the V-groove substrate holding member 23. 24, and a number of micro sleeves 25 arranged in parallel on the V-groove substrate 24.

Each optical fiber 26A is bonded and fixed to each micro sleeve 25.

Each micro sleeve 25 has an outer diameter of 0.2
5 mm, inner diameter 0.126 mm, outer diameter 0.12
Each optical fiber of 5 mm is aligned and connected.
Each of the micro sleeves 25, the V-groove substrate 24, and the V-groove substrate holding member 23 can be integrally formed of resin.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view when the plugs 1 and 1 'are connected by a plug-adapter-plug method (FIG. 4B).

One end face of each optical fiber wire 4A of the plug 1 and one end face of each optical fiber wire 4'A of the plug 1 'are positioned and opposed in each micro sleeve 15 of the adapter 11. . One side and the other side of the flanges of the pair of outer members 12 have positioning protrusions 12 respectively.
D and a hole 12E are provided. The positioning protrusion 12D of one outer member 12 is replaced with the hole 12E of the other outer member 12.
After each insertion, each hole 1 opened on both sides of each flange
The bolt 12F and the nut 12G are fitted to 2C and tightened.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view when the plug 1 and a plug 1 'having a partially modified design are connected by a plug-adapter-plug method.

The structure of the plug 1 'is different from the structure of the plug 1 in the following points, and is the same in other points. That is, the third clamp member 8 'is employed in the plug 1' at a position adjacent to the first clamp member 6 ', and each optical fiber 4'A is bonded and fixed to the third clamp member 8'. The length of each optical fiber 4A of the plug 1 'is slightly shorter than the length of each optical fiber 4A of the plug 1.

Therefore, as shown in the figure, only the individual optical fiber wires 4A of the plug 1 are bent, and one end face of each optical fiber wire 4A and one end face of each optical fiber wire 4'A are in a desired state. , The optical performance is stabilized. The length of the bent portion of each optical fiber 4A is about 10 mm, and the strength of the pressure contact force is suppressed to such an extent that a buckling load is not applied to each optical fiber 4'A.

FIG. 8 shows that one plug 1 '
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the other plug 1 has not yet been fitted to the adapter 11.

Both sides of the V-groove substrate holding member 13 of the adapter 11
On each side, two convex portions 13A are formed, and a plug is formed.
1, 1 'and one end surfaces 3B, 3'B of the alignment members 3, 3'
On the side, the notch 3 pressed by each projection 13A
D and 3'D are formed respectively. The alignment member 3 'of the plug 1' is pressed by the V-groove substrate holding member 13 of the adapter 11, and is pushed into the outer member 2 'while resisting the torsion force of the torsion coil spring 5'. Therefore, one end of each optical fiber 4′A protrudes from one end face 3′B of the alignment member 3 ′, and can be inserted into each micro sleeve 15 of the adapter 11. Alignment member 3 for plug 1
Is not pressed by the V-groove substrate holding member 13 of the adapter 11 yet, so one end of each optical fiber wire 4A does not protrude from the one end surface 3B of the alignment member 3.

FIG. 9 shows that one plug 1 '
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the other plug 1 is not yet fitted to the adapter 11.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a positional relationship between the alignment member 3 and each of the optical fibers 4A (a part is a sectional view).
It is.

Since the width of each slot 3A is slightly larger than the outer diameter of each optical fiber 4A, each optical fiber 4A is sandwiched within each slot 3A. Also,
Since the depth of each slot 3A is several times larger than the outer diameter of each optical fiber 4A, the bending direction of each optical fiber 4A is restricted to the depth direction of each slot 3A.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view (a part of which is a cross-sectional view) showing the bent state of each optical fiber 4A in the plug 11.

Since a number of parallel slots 3A are provided in the alignment member 3 of the plug 1, each optical fiber 4A inserted in each slot 3A can bend in one direction (upward).

In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, one end face 3B of the alignment member 3 is attached to the outer member 2 before the fitting.
Although it protrudes from the one end surface 2A of the outer member 2 in the fitting direction, the design can be changed so as to be located on the same plane as the one end surface 2A of the outer casing member 2. Further, the material of the torsion coil springs 5, 5 'is not limited to a normal metal, but may be a synthetic resin or the like. Furthermore, torsion coil springs 5, 5 '
Can be changed to a telescopic coil spring, a leaf spring, or the like.

[0049]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following advantages.

1. When the optical connector is not fitted, one end (fitting side) of each optical fiber is immersed in the alignment member and protected, so that it is convenient to handle the optical connector plug.

2. Since the alignment member slides at the time of fitting, it is easy to align the plug with the adapter or the receptacle, so that it can be applied to an optical connector having a narrow pitch or a large number of cores.

3. Since the alignment accuracy required for an optical connector having a narrow pitch or a large number of cores is reduced, the cost is reduced.

4. Not only plug-receptacle type connection but also plug-adapter-plug type connection is possible, which can contribute to the realization of a general-purpose optical connector.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view (a part of which is a cross-sectional view) of an optical connector plug according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where one end surface of an alignment member protrudes from one end surface of an outer member.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view (a part of which is a cross-sectional view) of the optical connector plug according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where one end surface of the alignment member is immersed from one end surface of the outer member;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views (partially a cross-sectional view) showing two states of the optical connector plug according to the embodiment of the present invention in contrast, and FIG. b) shows the state after fitting.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view (partially a cross-sectional view) in a case where the optical connector plug according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected by a plug-adapter-plug method; (B) shows the state after fitting.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view (a part of which is a cross-sectional view) in a case where the optical connector plug according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected by a plug-receptacle system, showing a state before fitting.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view when the optical connector plug of the embodiment of the present invention is connected by a plug-adapter-plug method.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view when the optical connector plug of one embodiment of the present invention and an optical connector plug partially changed in design are connected by a plug-adapter-plug method.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the optical connector plug according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected by a plug-adapter-plug method, in which only one optical connector plug is fitted.

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view when the optical connector plug according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected by a plug-adapter-plug method, showing a state where only one optical connector plug is fitted.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view (a part of which is a cross-sectional view) showing a positional relationship between an alignment member and each optical fiber in an optical connector plug according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view (a part of which is a cross-sectional view) showing a bent state of each optical fiber in an optical connector plug according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first conventional optical connector,
(A) shows one optical connector plug, (b) shows the other optical connector plug, and (c) shows an adapter.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second conventional optical connector.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view (a part of which is a cross-sectional view) of a plug in a second conventional optical connector.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view (a part of which is a cross-sectional view) of a receptacle in a second conventional optical connector.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1 'plug 2, 2' shell member 2A one end face 2B recess 2C, 2'C end face engaging part 3, 3 'alignment member 3A slot 3B, 3'B one end face 3C small hole 3D, 3'D cut Notch 4,4 Optical fiber 4A, 4'A Optical fiber 5,5 'Torsion coil spring 6,6' First clamp member 7,7 'Second clamp member 7A Slot 8' Third clamp member 11 Adapter 12 Outer shell Member 12A Square tube part 12B Engagement concave part 12C hole 12D Positioning convex part 12E hole 12F Bolt 12G Nut 13 V groove substrate holding member 13A convex part 14 V groove substrate 15 Micro sleeve 16 Lock spring 16A Bend engaging part 16B Curved plate Spring part 21 Receptacle 22 Outer member 23 V-groove substrate holding member 24 V-groove substrate 25 Micro sleeve 26A Optical fiber strand

Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Mitsuo Usui Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation 3-1-2, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Ando 3-192, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Sun Inside the Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Inventor Kosuke Katsura 3-19-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Japan Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (56) References JP-A-9-145959 (JP, A) JP JP-A-9-159860 (JP, A) JP-A-9-33755 (JP, A) JP-A-55-32096 (JP, A) JP-A-54-23655 (JP, U) JP-A-63-141906 (JP, A) , U) Special Table Hei 8-500194 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B 6/24 G02B 6/38

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] When an optical connector plug is connected to an adapter or a receptacle, a plurality of optical fibers are bent.
The plurality of optical fiber strands, an outer member that holds the plurality of optical fiber strands, an alignment member that sandwiches the plurality of optical fiber strands on a fitting side in the outer shell member, and the alignment member. An elastic member that urges to slide in the fitting direction, and when the optical connector plug is connected to the adapter or the receptacle, the alignment member slides in a direction opposite to the fitting direction , Before mating, the multiple light
Each fitting side end face of the fiber is a fitting side end face of the alignment member.
The alignment member is more immersed, and
A plurality of optical fiber strands respectively inserted therethrough
Between each of the plurality of optical fiber strands
An optical connector plug having a plurality of slots . 2. A fitting side end surface of the alignment member is located on the same plane as the fitting side end surface of the outer member before the fitting, or the fitting direction is closer to the fitting side end surface of the outer member. 2. The optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the optical connector plug projects from the optical connector plug. 3. The adapter or the receptacle,
A holding member having a projection formed thereon, wherein the alignment member has a front end;
2. The optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the optical connector plug has a notch portion pressed by the convex portion . 4. The optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the material of the elastic member is metal or resin. 5. The optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the elastic member is a torsion coil shape, a telescopic coil shape, or a plate shape.