JP6647733B2 - Optical connector and optical connector connection method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an optical connector having a structure for optically connecting end faces of optical fibers to each other , and a method for connecting the optical connector .

  In order to optically connect the optical fibers, it is necessary to process these terminals. Conventionally, terminal processing for fixing an optical fiber to a ferrule with an adhesive is common. In this case, there are the following problems. That is, there is a problem that the ferrule is expensive, a problem that the management of the bonding process becomes complicated, and a problem that it takes time to cure the adhesive, and the like. I understand.

  Patent Document 1 below is a proposal made to solve the various problems described above, and the optical connector disclosed here is optically connected by abutting end faces of optical fibers without using a ferrule. A structure for performing connection is adopted.

  Describing the structure more specifically, the optical connector includes a plug-side optical connector provided at a terminal of the plug-side optical fiber, and a receptacle-side optical connector provided at a terminal of the receptacle-side optical fiber. The plug-side optical connector and the receptacle-side connector have a plug-side housing and a receptacle-side housing made of resin. Precision holes that penetrate with high precision are formed in the plug-side housing and the receptacle-side housing, respectively. The precision hole is formed for fiber alignment. A plug-side optical fiber and a receptacle-side optical fiber are inserted into the precision holes. In such an optical connector, when the plug-side optical connector and the receptacle-side optical connector are mated with each other, the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber and the receptacle-side optical fiber are butted with high precision, and as a result, the optical connection is made. Will be completed.

  The end faces of the plug-side optical fiber and the receptacle-side optical fiber are abutted in such a manner that they are bent. Therefore, a fiber bending absorption space is formed in each of the plug-side housing and the receptacle-side housing.

JP 2006-317890 A

  By the way, the optical connector of Patent Document 1 can solve the above problem, but has the following new problem.

  That is, (1) the precision hole is formed integrally with the plug side housing and the receptacle side housing, and since it is formed integrally, the shape of the housing becomes complicated, so that an expensive resin molding die (housing molding die) is required. There is a problem that it becomes necessary. (2) In order to form a high-precision precision hole, a material having high rigidity is used for molding the plug-side housing and the receptacle-side housing, so that the life of the housing molding die is shortened and the cost is increased. Has problems. (3) Since it is necessary to form a bending absorption space for absorbing the bending of the plug-side optical fiber and the receptacle-side optical fiber, there is a problem that the size of the optical connector becomes large.

  In addition, the inventor of the present application intends to adopt (4) a composite line of light and electricity, but has a problem that the optical connector is not suitable for adoption of the composite line.

  The inventor of the present application believes that it is effective to separate the function (alignment function) of the precision hole from the housing and make it a separate component. Also, it is considered effective to employ an elastic member in order to maintain the butted state of the optical fiber end faces. Furthermore, it is considered that the use of terminal fittings generally used in electrical connectors is effective for adopting the composite wire.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances , and provides an optical connector that can achieve cost reduction and downsizing, and that can employ a composite wire , and a method of connecting the optical connector. The task is to provide.

The optical connector of the present invention according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, comprises a plug-side optical connector provided at a terminal of a plug-side optical fiber, and a receptacle-side optical connector provided at a terminal of a receptacle-side optical fiber. An optical connector having a structure in which end faces of the plug-side optical fiber and the receptacle-side optical fiber are abutted with each other by connector fitting of the plug-side optical connector and the receptacle-side optical connector to perform optical connection,
The plug-side optical connector includes a resin-side plug-side housing and a metal-side plug-side fitting that is entirely housed in the plug-side housing, and includes: While the plug-side optical fiber is housed,
The receptacle-side optical connector includes a resin receptacle-side housing that engages with the plug-side housing, and a metal receptacle-side fitting that is entirely housed in the receptacle-side housing and engages with the plug-side fitting. And, in the receptacle-side connection fitting, the receptacle-side optical fiber is housed,
Furthermore, a cylindrical alignment member in which one of the plug-side optical fiber and the receptacle-side optical fiber is inserted partway in advance is used for abutting the end surfaces,
The cylindrical alignment member can abut the end faces inside the plug-side connection fitting and the receptacle-side connection fitting that engage with the connector fitting of the plug-side optical connector and the receptacle-side optical connector. It is characterized by being arranged and formed in such a position and shape.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for connecting an optical connector, comprising: a plug-side optical connector provided at a terminal of a plug-side optical fiber; and a connector provided at a terminal of a receptacle-side optical fiber. And a receptacle-side optical connector, and optically connecting the plug-side optical connector and the receptacle-side optical fiber by abutting end faces of the plug-side optical fiber and the receptacle-side optical fiber by connector fitting of the plug-side optical connector and the receptacle-side optical connector. In the connection method of the optical connector,
The plug-side optical connector includes a resin-side plug-side housing and a metal-side plug-side fitting that is entirely housed in the plug-side housing, and includes: While the plug-side optical fiber is housed,
The receptacle-side optical connector includes a resin receptacle-side housing that engages with the plug-side housing, and a metal receptacle-side fitting that is entirely housed in the receptacle-side housing and engages with the plug-side fitting. And, in the receptacle-side connection fitting, the receptacle-side optical fiber is housed,
At the time of the connector fitting, the housing front of the plug side housing engages with the housing front of the receptacle side housing,
The plug-side connection fitting contacts the receptacle-side connection fitting,
A cylindrical alignment member, in which the receptacle-side optical fiber is inserted partway in advance , is inserted inside the plug-side fitting,
The cylindrical alignment member is radially adjusted while being guided by the plug-side fitting ,
When the plug-side optical fiber is inserted into the tubular alignment member, and wherein the Rukoto such a state of the end faces are butted.

According to the present invention having the features as described in claim 1 or 4 , there is provided an optical connector in which the alignment function is separated from the housing and is a separate component. According to the present invention, a ferrule-less optical connector is provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the optical connector according to the first aspect, one of the plug-side optical connector and the receptacle-side optical connector further includes an elastic member, and the elastic member has an elastic force. The end faces are arranged so that they can be abutted against each other.

  According to the present invention having such features, the optical connector employs an elastic member in order to maintain the butted state of the optical fiber end faces.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the optical connector according to the first or second aspect, the plug-side optical fiber and the receptacle-side optical fiber are provided outside the optical fiber coating layer with the plug-side fitting and the receptacle. It is characterized by comprising a conductive conductive layer in contact with the side connection fitting and an insulating layer for insulating the conductive layer from the outside.

  According to the present invention having such features, an optical connector that enables not only optical connection but also electrical connection is provided.

According to the present invention described in claim 1 or 4 , there is an effect that cost reduction and size reduction can be achieved. Further, according to the present invention described in claim 2, the following effects are further exhibited in addition to the effects of claim 1 or 4 . That is, there is an effect that cost reduction and size reduction can be achieved. Further, according to the present invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effects of claim 1 , 2, or 4 , the following effects are further exhibited. That is, there is an effect that a composite line can be adopted. In addition, it is possible to utilize a manufacturing process of a general-purpose electric terminal, which contributes to cost reduction.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an optical connector of the present invention (Example 1). FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plug-side optical connector of FIG. 1 (Example 1). FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the receptacle-side optical connector of FIG. 1 (Example 1). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state during the fitting of the connector (Example 1). It is sectional drawing which shows the state after a connector fitting typically (Example 1). It is sectional drawing which shows the optical connector of this invention typically (Example 2). FIG. 7A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receptacle-side optical connector of FIG. 6, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a fiber support state (three-point support) of the elastic cylindrical alignment member (Example 2). FIG. 7A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the elastic cylindrical alignment member of FIG. 6, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a fiber support state (four-point support) of the elastic cylindrical alignment member (Example 2). It is sectional drawing which shows the state in the middle of connector fitting typically (Example 2). It is sectional drawing which shows the state after a connector fitting typically (Example 2). FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an optical connector of the present invention (Example 3). 12A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plug-side optical connector of FIG. 11, and FIGS. 12B and 12C are cross-sectional views of a chuck-type cylindrical alignment member (Example 3). FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receptacle-side optical connector of FIG. 11 (Example 3). It is sectional drawing which shows the state in the middle of a connector fitting typically (Example 3). It is sectional drawing which shows the state after a connector fitting typically (Example 3). It is sectional drawing which shows the optical connector of this invention typically (Example 4). (A) is an enlarged sectional view of the plug-side optical connector of FIG. 16, and (b) is a sectional view of a plug-side composite line (Example 4). 17A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the receptacle-side optical connector of FIG. 16, and FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of a receptacle-side composite line (Example 4).

  The optical connector includes a plug-side optical connector provided at a terminal of the plug-side optical fiber, and a receptacle-side optical connector provided at a terminal of the receptacle-side optical fiber. By the connector fitting of the plug-side optical connector and the receptacle-side optical connector, the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber and the receptacle-side optical fiber are pressed against each other in a pressed state, and the optical connection is completed.

  The plug-side optical connector includes a resin-side plug-side housing and a metal plug-side connection fitting housed in the plug-side housing. A plug-side optical fiber is accommodated in the plug-side fitting. On the other hand, the receptacle-side optical connector includes a resin receptacle-side housing that engages with the plug-side housing, and a metal receptacle-side connection fitting that engages with the plug-side connection fitting. The receptacle-side optical fiber is accommodated in the receptacle-side connection fitting.

  For end-to-end abutting, a cylindrical alignment member is used in which one of the plug-side optical fiber and the receptacle-side optical fiber is partially inserted in advance. The cylindrical alignment member is arranged and formed in such a position and shape that end faces can be abutted on the inside of the plug-side connection fitting and the receptacle-side connection fitting that engage with the connector fitting.

  Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing an optical connector of the present invention. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the optical connector on the plug side in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the optical connector on the receptacle side in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing a state after the connector is fitted.

  In the following description, specific shapes, materials, numerical values, directions, and the like are examples for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and can be appropriately changed according to uses, purposes, specifications, and the like. I do.

<About the configuration of the optical connector 1>
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 indicates, for example, an optical connector for mounting on a vehicle. The optical connector 1 is a member for optically connecting the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 to each other, and includes a plug-side optical connector 4 provided at an end of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and a receptacle-side optical fiber. And a receptacle-side optical connector 5 provided at a terminal of the optical fiber 3. First, the configuration and structure of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 will be described.

<Configuration and Structure of Plug-side Optical Fiber 2 and Receptacle-side Optical Fiber 3>
The plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are not particularly limited, but are the same. The plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are made of a core / clad portion made of resin or glass having optical transparency. Reference numeral 6 denotes a primary coating (optical fiber coating layer) that covers the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3. The primary coating 6 is processed so that the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are exposed at predetermined lengths. The plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are formed in a circular cross section. Note that a coil spring 24 to be described later is assembled by caulking to the primary coating 6 that covers the plug-side optical fiber 2.

  Although the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are shown as a single core in the present embodiment, a plurality of plug-side optical fibers 2 and receptacle-side optical fibers 3 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. It may be a core. Although the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 in the figure are shown as short, they are actually slightly longer.

<About the configuration of the plug-side optical connector 4>
Next, a configuration, a structure, and an assembling method of the plug-side optical connector 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  1 and 2, the plug-side optical connector 4 includes a plug-side housing 7 made of resin and a metal plug-side fitting 8 housed in the plug-side housing 7. The plug-side optical connector 4 is configured such that the terminal portion of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the primary coating 6 are accommodated in the plug-side connection fitting 8.

<About the structure of the plug side housing 7>
In FIG. 2, the plug-side housing 7 is a resin molded product, and the resin material used for molding is a repetition of a receptacle-side housing 25 (see FIG. 3; the same applies hereinafter) of the receptacle-side optical connector 5 to be described later. A resin material (for example, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate)) that does not break even after fitting is selected. The plug side housing 7 is formed with a housing front part 9, a housing middle part 10, and a housing rear part 11.

  The housing front part 9 is formed in a hood-shaped part having an internal space 12. The housing front part 9 is formed as a fitting part (engaging part) with the receptacle side housing 25. Further, it is formed as a portion for guiding the receptacle side housing 25. A lock mechanism is formed on the upper surface of the housing front part 9. A housing end face 13 is formed at the tip of the housing front part 9. The housing end surface 13 is formed as a surface at a front end position in the plug-side housing 7. The internal space 12 is formed from the housing end face 13 to the housing middle part 10. In the internal space 12, a fitting front portion 17 of the plug-side connecting fitting 8, which will be described later, projects.

  A through hole 14 for the plug-side connection fitting 8 is formed in the housing intermediate portion 10. The plug-side connection fitting 8 projects into the internal space 12 via the through hole 14. The edge of the through hole 14 is also used as a portion for locking a metal fitting intermediate portion 18 of the plug-side connecting metal fitting 8 described later.

  In the rear part 11 of the housing, a fitting housing 15 for the plug-side fitting 8 is formed. The metal fitting chamber 15 is formed so as to extend straight from the surface of the plug side housing 7 at the rear end position, that is, the housing end surface 16. The plug-side connection fitting 8 is inserted into the fitting storage chamber 15.

<About the structure of the plug side connection fitting 8>
In FIG. 2, the plug-side connection fitting 8 is formed by pressing a thin metal plate having conductivity. The plug-side connection fitting 8 is formed through basically the same manufacturing process as a terminal fitting in a known electric connector. The plug-side connection fitting 8 is formed in a desired shape. Note that the plug-side connection fitting 8 can be used as a terminal fitting similarly to the fourth embodiment described later. In the plug-side connection fitting 8 as described above, a fitting front portion 17, a fitting middle portion 18, and a fitting rear portion 19 are formed. As described above, the plug-side connection fitting 8 accommodates the terminal portion of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the primary coating 6 therein.

  The front part 17 of the metal fitting is formed in a cylindrical part having an internal space 20. The front end side and the outside of the metal fitting front portion 17 are formed as engagement portions with a receptacle-side connecting metal fitting 26 described later. The front end opening of the metal fitting front portion 17 is formed as a portion to be inserted into a cylindrical alignment member 27 described later and a portion for guiding the cylindrical alignment member 27. In addition, the inside (the internal space 20) of the metal fitting front part 17 is formed as a housing part of the cylindrical alignment member 27.

  Locking portions 21 and 22 for the through hole 14 of the housing middle portion 10 are formed outside the metal fitting middle portion 18. The locking portions 21 and 22 are formed into an appropriate shape by a known metal plate processing technique such as cutting and raising, doweling, notch, and bending. The shape of the locking portions 21 and 22 is not particularly limited as long as the locking portions 21 and 22 can regulate the longitudinal movement. On the other hand, an optical fiber guide 23 for the plug-side optical fiber 2 is formed inside the metal fitting intermediate portion 18. The optical fiber guide 23 is formed in an appropriate shape by the metal plate processing technique. The shape of the optical fiber guide 23 is not particularly limited as long as the optical fiber guide 23 can guide the plug-side optical fiber 2 movably backward.

  The metal fitting rear portion 19 is formed so that the end of the coil spring 24 (elastic member) assembled to the primary coating 6 that covers the plug-side optical fiber 2 can be pressed. Further, it is formed so as to be able to accommodate the assembled portion of the coil spring 24. The metal fitting rear portion 19 is formed in an appropriate shape by the above-described metal plate processing technique. When the plug-side optical fiber 2 moves backward, the coil spring 24 is compressed (compressed by a dimension L2 (see FIG. 5) described later), and a forward urging force is generated.

<Assembling method of plug side optical connector 4>
In FIG. 2, regarding the plug-side optical connector 4, first, the end surface of the plug-side optical fiber 2 is cut so as to be smooth. The coil spring 24 is inserted in advance, and one end is crimped to the primary coating 6. Next, the plug-side optical fiber 2 is housed inside the plug-side connection fitting 8.

  In addition, it is necessary to adjust the drawing length from the cylindrical alignment member 27 described later so that the end face position of the plug-side optical fiber 2 is in the range of the dimension B in FIG. The range of the dimension B is the length that the plug-side optical fiber 2 is held and the length that the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is held when the connector between the plug-side optical connector 4 and the receptacle-side optical connector 5 is fitted. Is set to be approximately four times or more the fiber diameter. For example, when the fiber diameter is 0.5 mm, the drawing length from the cylindrical alignment member 27 is set to be 2 mm or more. (To adjust the drawing length, the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 needs to be cylindrical. When inserting after the centering member 27, for example, a convex jig (having a convex length of 2 mm or more) is inserted from the front of the cylindrical centering member 27, and the end face of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is jig. (It is ensured that the drawing-in length is 2 mm or more.)

  After the plug-side optical fiber 2 is housed inside the plug-side connection fitting 8, the plug-side connection fitting 8 is attached to a predetermined position of the plug-side housing 7, whereby the assembly of the plug-side optical connector 4 is completed.

  The plug-side optical connector 4 is assembled such that the end surface of the plug-side optical fiber 2 does not protrude from the housing end surface 13. This is for protecting the end face of the plug-side optical fiber 2 (it is of course effective as an on-vehicle optical connector).

<Configuration of Receptacle-side Optical Connector 5>
Next, a configuration, a structure, and an assembling method of the receptacle-side optical connector 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIGS. 1 and 3, the receptacle-side optical connector 5 includes a resin receptacle-side housing 25 that engages with the plug-side housing 7, a metal receptacle-side connection fitting 26 that engages with the plug-side connection fitting 8, A cylindrical alignment member 27 that is separate from the receptacle-side housing 25; In addition, the receptacle-side optical connector 5 is configured such that the terminal portion of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 and the primary coating 6 are accommodated in the receptacle-side fitting 26, and the cylindrical alignment member 27 is also accommodated. It is configured in such a state.

<About the structure of the receptacle side housing 25>
In FIG. 3, the receptacle-side housing 25 is a resin molded product like the plug-side housing 7, and as a resin material to be used, for example, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) is selected. A housing front part 28, a housing middle part 29, and a housing rear part 30 are formed in the receptacle side housing 25.

  The housing front part 28 is formed in a hood-shaped part having an internal space 31. The housing front part 28 is formed as a fitting part (engaging part) with the plug side housing 7. Further, it is formed as a portion for guiding the plug side housing 7. A lock mechanism is formed on the upper surface of the housing front part 28. A housing end face 32 is formed at the tip of the housing front part 28. The housing end surface 32 is formed as a surface at a front end position in the receptacle-side housing 25. The internal space 31 is formed from the housing end face 32 to the housing middle part 29. In the internal space 31, a fitting front portion 36 of the receptacle-side fitting 26, which will be described later, projects.

  A through-hole 33 for the receptacle-side connection fitting 26 is formed in the housing intermediate portion 29. The receptacle-side connection fitting 26 projects into the internal space 31 via the through hole 33. An edge portion of the through hole 33 is a portion for locking a metal fitting intermediate portion 37 of the receptacle-side connecting metal fitting 26 described later.

  In the rear part 30 of the housing, a fitting housing chamber 34 for the receptacle-side fitting 26 is formed. The fitting housing chamber 34 is formed so as to extend straight from the surface of the receptacle side housing 25 at the rear end position, that is, the housing end surface 35. The receptacle-side connection fitting 26 is inserted into the fitting storage chamber 34.

<About the structure of the receptacle-side connection fitting 26>
In FIG. 3, the receptacle-side connection fitting 26 is formed by pressing a thin metal plate having conductivity. The receptacle-side connection fitting 26 is formed through basically the same manufacturing process as a terminal fitting in a known electric connector. The receptacle-side connection fitting 26 is formed in a desired shape. Note that the receptacle-side connection fitting 26 can be used as a terminal fitting as in the fourth embodiment described later. In the above-described receptacle-side connection fitting 26, a fitting front portion 36, a fitting middle portion 37, and a fitting rear portion 38 are formed. As described above, the receptacle-side connection fitting 26 houses the terminal portion of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3, the primary coating 6, and the cylindrical alignment member 27 therein.

  The front part 36 is formed in a cylindrical part having an internal space 39. The front end side and the inner side of the metal fitting front portion 36 are formed as engagement portions with the plug-side connecting metal fitting 8. The front end opening of the metal fitting front portion 36 is formed as an insertion portion for the cylindrical alignment member 27. Further, the inside (the internal space 39) of the metal fitting front portion 36 is formed as a housing portion of the cylindrical alignment member 27. Inside the fitting front portion 36, an alignment member holder 40 and an optical fiber guide 41 are formed. The alignment member holder 40 is formed so that the cylindrical alignment member 27 can be fixed in a stable state. The optical fiber guide 41 is formed as a portion for guiding the receptacle-side optical fiber 3. The centering member presser 40 and the optical fiber guide 41 are appropriately formed by a known metal plate processing technique.

  Locking portions 42 and 43 for the through hole 33 of the housing middle portion 29 are formed outside the metal fitting middle portion 37. The locking portions 42 and 43 are formed in an appropriate shape by a known metal plate processing technique (cutting and raising). The shapes of the locking portions 42 and 43 are not particularly limited as long as the locking portions 42 and 43 can regulate the longitudinal movement. On the other hand, a primary coating fixing portion 44 for the primary coating 6 of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is formed inside the metal fitting intermediate portion 37. The primary coating fixing portion 44 is formed in an appropriate shape by a known metal plate processing technique such as caulking. The receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is such that the primary coating 6 is fixed to the primary coating fixing portion 44 and does not move back and forth.

  The metal fitting rear portion 38 is formed at a portion that accommodates the receptacle-side optical fiber 3. The metal fitting rear portion 38 is formed in an appropriate shape by the above-described metal plate processing technique. A coating guide 45 for guiding the primary coating 6 of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is formed at the rear end of the fitting rear portion 38.

<About the structure of the cylindrical alignment member 27>
In FIG. 3, the cylindrical alignment member 27 is provided as a member for abutting the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 with each other. The cylindrical alignment member 27 is formed in a pipe shape in this embodiment. Such a cylindrical alignment member 27 is formed to have a predetermined length (in the present embodiment, when assembled to the alignment member holder 40 of the front part 36 of the metal fitting, it projects forward from the housing end face 32. Formed in length). The material of the cylindrical alignment member 27 may be any of metal and resin.

  The cylindrical alignment member 27 has an optical fiber insertion hole 46 penetrating along the central axis. The optical fiber insertion hole 46 is formed so that the hole diameter is slightly larger than the fiber diameter of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3. From experiments, it has been found that it is preferable that the diameter of the optical fiber insertion hole 46 be 1 to 2% larger than the fiber diameters of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 (for example, when the fiber diameter is φ0. In the case of 5 mm, the hole diameter of the optical fiber insertion hole 46 is preferably φ0.505 to 0.510 mm).

<How to assemble the receptacle-side optical connector 5>
In FIG. 3, regarding the receptacle side optical connector 5, first, the end face of the receptacle side optical fiber 3 is cut so as to be smooth. Next, the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is inserted from behind the cylindrical alignment member 27. Note that the dimension such that the end face position of the optical fiber 3 on the receptacle side changes from the position in FIG. 4 to the position in FIG. 5, that is, the dimension L1 is longer than the sum of the dimension B in FIG. 4 and the dimension L2 in FIG. (L1> (B + L2). In this embodiment, it is confirmed that the dimension L2 is about 0.1 to 0.2 mm and the connection loss reaches a stable region).

  Finally, after the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 inserted into the cylindrical alignment member 27 is accommodated in the receptacle-side connection fitting 26, the cylindrical alignment member 27 is assembled to the alignment member retainer 40, and When the receptacle-side connection fitting 26 is attached to a predetermined position of the receptacle-side housing 25, the assembly of the receptacle-side optical connector 5 is completed.

  The receptacle-side optical connector 5 is assembled so that the end surface of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 does not protrude from the housing end surface 32. This is to protect the end face of the optical fiber 3 on the receptacle side (it is of course effective as an on-vehicle optical connector).

<About connector mating>
1, 4 and 5, when the connector fitting is performed in a state where the plug-side optical connector 4 is inserted into the receptacle-side optical connector 5, the locking mechanism of the receptacle-side housing 25 and the locking of the plug-side housing 7 are performed. The mechanism is fitted to complete the optical connection by the optical connector 1 (FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 show that the receptacle-side optical connector 5 is inserted, but as described above, the plug-side optical connector 5 is inserted). The optical connector 4 is to be inserted).

  When the connector is fitted, first, the housing front part 9 of the plug side housing 7 is engaged with the housing front part 28 of the receptacle side housing 25. Next, the plug-side connection fitting 8 comes into contact with the receptacle-side connection fitting 26. At this time, the cylindrical alignment member 27 is inserted into the plug-side connection fitting 8. The position of the cylindrical alignment member 27 in the radial direction is adjusted while being guided by the plug-side connection fitting 8.

  When the cylindrical alignment member 27 is inserted into the plug-side connection fitting 8, the plug-side optical fiber 2 is inserted into the cylindrical alignment member 27, and the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle are inserted. The end faces of the side optical fibers 3 are brought into abutment with each other. Since the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is fixed in the receptacle-side optical connector 5, the plug-side optical fiber 2 is pushed backward until the connector fitting is completed, and the coil spring 24, which is an elastic member, is compressed. (Excess length is absorbed). When the coil spring 24 is compressed, an urging force is generated, so that the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are pressed and maintained in an abutting state.

<Summary and effects of optical connector 1>
The optical connector 1 includes a plug-side optical connector 4 provided at a terminal of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and a receptacle-side optical connector 5 provided at a terminal of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3. By the connector fitting of the plug-side optical connector 4 and the receptacle-side optical connector 5, the optical connector 1 is brought into contact with the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 in a pressed state, and optical connection is established. Complete.

  The plug-side optical connector 4 includes a plug-side housing 7 made of resin and a metal plug-side connection fitting 8 housed in the plug-side housing 7. The plug-side optical fiber 2 is accommodated in the plug-side connection fitting 8. On the other hand, the receptacle side optical connector 5 includes a resin receptacle side housing 25 engaged with the plug side housing 7, a metal receptacle side connection fitting 26 engaged with the plug side connection fitting 8, and a cylindrical alignment member. 27. The cylindrical alignment member 27 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are accommodated in the receptacle-side connection fitting 26.

  A cylindrical alignment member 27 in which the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is partially inserted in advance is used for abutting the end surfaces. The cylindrical alignment member 27 is arranged and formed in a position and shape such that end faces can be abutted on the inside of the plug-side connection fitting 8 and the receptacle-side connection fitting 26 that engage with the connector fitting.

  According to the optical connector 1 having the above-described configuration and structure, the function (alignment function) of the precision hole described in the section of the subject of this specification can be separated from the housing to be a separate component member. it can. In addition, the urging force of the coil spring 24 can be used to maintain the butted state of the optical fiber end faces. According to the optical connector 1 of the present invention, there is an effect that the cost can be reduced and the size can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the coil spring 24 is assembled to the plug-side optical fiber 2 so as to generate a biasing force, and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is fixed, but these are reversed. It is assumed that a simple configuration and structure can be adopted.

  Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a sectional view schematically showing the optical connector of the present invention. FIG. 7A is an enlarged sectional view of the receptacle-side optical connector of FIG. 6, FIG. 7B is a view showing a fiber support state (three-point support) of the elastic cylindrical alignment member, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the elastic cylindrical alignment member of FIG. 6, FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a fiber support state (four-point support) of the elastic cylindrical alignment member, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state after the connector is fitted. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description is omitted.

<About the configuration of the optical connector 51>
In FIG. 6, reference numeral 51 denotes an optical connector for mounting on a vehicle, as in the first embodiment. The optical connector 51 is a member for optically connecting the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 to each other, and includes a plug-side optical connector 4 provided at a terminal of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and a receptacle-side optical fiber. And a receptacle-side optical connector 52 provided at a terminal of the optical fiber 3.

  The optical connector 51 of the second embodiment is obtained by replacing the cylindrical alignment member 27 of the receptacle-side optical connector 5 of the first embodiment with an elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 (cylindrical alignment member). Therefore, the configuration of the receptacle-side optical connector 52 and the configuration and structure of the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 will be described below.

<Regarding Configuration of Receptacle-side Optical Connector 52>
6 and 7, the receptacle-side optical connector 52 includes a resin receptacle-side housing 25 that engages with the plug-side housing 7, a metal receptacle-side connection fitting 26 that engages with the plug-side connection fitting 8, and An elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 is provided separately from the receptacle-side housing 25. In addition, the receptacle-side optical connector 52 is in a state where the terminal portion of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 and the primary coating 6 are housed in the receptacle-side fitting 26, and also houses the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53. It is configured in such a state as to be performed.

<About the structure of the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53>
7 and 8, the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 is provided as a member for abutting the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 with each other. The elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 is provided as a cylindrical alignment member having elasticity in this embodiment. Such an elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 is formed to have a predetermined length (in the present embodiment, it is formed to have the same length as the cylindrical alignment member 27 of the first embodiment). As the material of the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53, an elastic rubber (for example, a fluorine rubber excellent in heat resistance and chemical resistance is preferable) is used as the material.

  The elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 has an optical fiber insertion hole 54 penetrating along the center axis and a plurality of whisker-like projections 55 and is formed in the illustrated shape. The plurality of whisker-like projections 55 are formed to be longer toward the center in the longitudinal direction. The optical fiber insertion hole 54 is formed such that the hole diameter is slightly smaller than the fiber diameter of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3. According to experiments, when a rubber material having a hardness (JIS-A) of 55 to 95 is used, the hole diameter of the optical fiber insertion hole 54 is 1 to 2% smaller than the fiber diameter of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3. It is known that it is preferable to reduce the diameter (for example, when the fiber diameter is 0.5 mm, the hole diameter of the optical fiber insertion hole 54 is preferably 0.49 to 0.495 mm). The plurality of mustache-shaped projections 55 may have any of the three-point support arrangement and shape shown in FIG. 7B and the four-point support arrangement and shape shown in FIG. 8B. There is no particular limitation.

<Assembling method of receptacle-side optical connector 52>
In FIG. 7, regarding the receptacle side optical connector 52, first, the end face of the receptacle side optical fiber 3 is cut so as to be smooth. Next, the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is inserted after the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53. When the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is inserted, the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 is in a state of being slightly elastically deformed.

  Finally, after the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 inserted into the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 is housed inside the receptacle-side connection fitting 26, the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 is assembled to the alignment member retainer 40, When the receptacle-side connection fitting 26 is attached to a predetermined position of the receptacle-side housing 25, the assembly of the receptacle-side optical connector 52 is completed.

<About connector mating>
6, 9, and 10, when the connector fitting is performed in a state where the plug-side optical connector 4 is inserted into the receptacle-side optical connector 52, the locking mechanism of the receptacle-side housing 25 and the locking of the plug-side housing 7 are performed. The optical connection by the optical connector 51 is completed by the engagement of the mechanism (FIG. 6, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show that the optical connector 52 of the receptacle side is inserted. The optical connector 4 is to be inserted).

  When the connector is fitted, first, the housing front part 9 of the plug side housing 7 is engaged with the housing front part 28 of the receptacle side housing 25. Next, the plug-side connection fitting 8 comes into contact with the receptacle-side connection fitting 26. At this time, the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 is inserted into the plug-side connection fitting 8. The position of the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 in the radial direction is adjusted while being guided by the plug-side connection fitting 8.

  When the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 is inserted into the plug-side connection fitting 8, the plug-side optical fiber 2 is inserted into the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53, and the plug-side optical fiber 2 is inserted. The end faces of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are brought into abutment with each other. Since the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is fixed in the receptacle-side optical connector 5, the plug-side optical fiber 2 is pushed backward until the connector fitting is completed, and the coil spring 24, which is an elastic member, is compressed. (Excess length is absorbed). When the coil spring 24 is compressed, an urging force is generated, so that the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are pressed and maintained in an abutting state.

<Summary and Effect of Optical Connector 51>
The optical connector 51 includes a plug-side optical connector 4 provided at a terminal of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and a receptacle-side optical connector 52 provided at a terminal of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3. The optical connector 51 is brought into contact with the plug-side optical connector 4 and the receptacle-side optical connector 52 in a state where the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are pressed by the connector fitting of the plug-side optical connector 4 and the receptacle-side optical connector 52 so that optical connection is established. Complete.

  The plug-side optical connector 4 includes a plug-side housing 7 made of resin and a metal plug-side connection fitting 8 housed in the plug-side housing 7. The plug-side optical fiber 2 is accommodated in the plug-side connection fitting 8. On the other hand, the receptacle-side optical connector 52 includes a resin receptacle-side housing 25 that engages with the plug-side housing 7, a metal receptacle-side connection fitting 26 that engages with the plug-side connection fitting 8, and an elastic cylindrical alignment. The member 53 is included. The elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are accommodated in the receptacle-side connection fitting 26.

  An elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 in which the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 has been inserted halfway in advance is used for abutting the end surfaces. The elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 is arranged and formed in a position and a shape such that end faces can be abutted with each other inside the plug-side connection fitting 8 and the receptacle-side connection fitting 26 which engage with the connector fitting.

  According to the optical connector 51 having the above-described configuration and structure, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. That is, there is an effect that cost reduction and size reduction can be achieved.

  Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a sectional view schematically showing an optical connector of the present invention. 12A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plug-side optical connector of FIG. 11, FIGS. 12B and 12C are cross-sectional views of a chuck-type cylindrical alignment member, and FIG. 13 is a receptacle-side light of FIG. FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state during the fitting of the connector, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state after the fitting of the connector. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first and second embodiments, and the detailed description is omitted.

<About the configuration of the optical connector 61>
In FIG. 11, reference numeral 61 denotes an optical connector for mounting on a vehicle, as in the first embodiment. The optical connector 61 is a member for optically connecting the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 to each other, and includes a plug-side optical connector 62 provided at an end of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and a receptacle-side optical fiber. And a receptacle-side optical connector 63 provided at a terminal of the optical fiber 3.

<About the configuration of the plug-side optical connector 62>
First, the configuration and structure of the plug-side optical connector 62 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, and then the assembling method will be described.

  11 and 12, the plug-side optical connector 62 is housed in a plug-side housing 7 made of resin, a metal-side plug-side fitting 64 housed in the plug-side housing 7, and a plug-side fitting 64. And a plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 made of resin. Further, the plug-side optical connector 62 is in a state where the terminal portion of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the primary coating 6 are accommodated in the plug-side connection fitting 64 via the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65. Be composed. The plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 has the same function as the cylindrical alignment member 27 of the first embodiment and the elastic cylindrical alignment member 53 of the second embodiment. (Alignment member).

<About the structure of the plug-side connection fitting 64>
In FIG. 12, the plug-side connection fitting 64 is formed by pressing a thin metal plate having conductivity. The plug-side connection fitting 64 is formed through basically the same manufacturing process as a terminal fitting in a known electric connector. The plug-side connection fitting 64 is formed in a desired shape. Note that the plug-side connection fitting 64 can be used as a terminal fitting as in the fourth embodiment described later. In the plug-side connection fitting 64 as described above, a fitting front part 67, a fitting middle part 68, and a fitting rear part 69 are formed. As described above, the plug-side connection fitting 64 accommodates the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65, the terminal portion of the plug-side optical fiber 2, and the primary coating 6 therein. The plug-side connection fitting 64 is formed in a cylindrical portion having an internal space 70.

  A front end side and an outer side of the metal fitting front portion 67 are formed as engagement portions with a receptacle-side connecting metal fitting 76 described later. The front end opening portion of the metal fitting front portion 67 is formed as a portion to be inserted into the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 described later and a portion for guiding the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77. Locking portions 21 and 22 for the through hole 14 of the housing middle portion 10 are formed outside the metal fitting middle portion 68.

  The metal fitting rear part 69 presses together the end of the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 and the end of the coil spring 24 (elastic member) assembled to the primary coating 6 that covers the plug-side optical fiber 2. It is formed in such a part. It is assumed that when the plug-side optical fiber 2 moves backward, the coil spring 24 is compressed and a forward urging force is generated. The plug-side optical fiber 2 and the coil spring 24 are guided by the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65. The metal fitting rear portion 69 is formed so that the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 can be fixed by caulking.

<About the structure of the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65>
In FIG. 12, the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 is one of the components of the chuck-type cylindrical alignment member 66 as described above, and the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are butted together. Provided as a member for Such a plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 is a member separate from the plug-side housing 7. The plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 is resin-molded using, for example, polycarbonate (PC) having heat resistance and chemical resistance.

  The plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape that is inserted into the internal space 70 of the plug-side connection fitting 64. An optical fiber insertion hole 71 penetrating along the central axis is formed in such a plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65. The plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 in which the optical fiber insertion hole 71 is formed has a slit 72 and a spring guide 73. The slotting portion 72 is formed in a range from the tip of the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 to the middle of the member. The spring guide 73 is formed in a range from the middle of the member to the rear end of the member.

  The optical fiber insertion hole 71 is formed such that the hole diameter is slightly smaller than the fiber diameter of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3. According to experiments, when a resin material having a hardness (JIS-A) of 55 to 95 is used, the hole diameter of the optical fiber insertion hole 71 is 1 to 2% smaller than the fiber diameter of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3. It is known that it is preferable to reduce the diameter (for example, when the fiber diameter is 0.5 mm, the hole diameter of the optical fiber insertion hole 71 is preferably 0.49 to 0.495 mm).

  A plurality of slits 74 are formed in the slit portion 72 from the tip of the member. Specifically, three or four are formed at equal pitches around the center axis of the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 (see FIGS. 12B and 12C). The taper 75 is formed inside and outside of the slit portion 72 at the distal end position of the member. On the other hand, the spring guide portion 73 is formed as a portion that guides the coil spring 24 (elastic member) attached to the primary coating 6 that covers the plug-side optical fiber 2. It is assumed that when the plug-side optical fiber 2 moves backward, the coil spring 24 is compressed and a forward urging force is generated.

<Assembling method of plug side optical connector 62>
In FIG. 12, regarding the plug-side optical connector 62, first, the end face of the plug-side optical fiber 2 is cut so as to be smooth. The coil spring 24 is inserted in advance, and one end is crimped to the primary coating 6. Next, the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 is attached to the plug-side optical fiber 2. In assembling the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65, the adjustment of the retraction length is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Specifically, when the connector is fitted, the length of holding the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the length of holding the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are set to be approximately four times or more the fiber diameter. You.

  After assembling the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 to the plug-side optical fiber 2, the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 is housed inside the plug-side fitting 64 and fixed by caulking. Then, when the plug-side connection fitting 64 is attached to a predetermined position of the plug-side housing 7, the assembly of the plug-side optical connector 62 is completed.

<Regarding the Configuration of the Receptacle-side Optical Connector 63>
Next, a configuration, a structure, and an assembling method of the receptacle-side optical connector 63 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  11 and 13, the receptacle-side optical connector 63 includes a resin receptacle-side housing 25 that engages with the plug-side housing 7, a metal receptacle-side connection fitting 76 that engages with the plug-side connection fitting 64, It includes a receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 made of resin and housed in the receptacle-side connection fitting 76. Further, the receptacle-side optical connector 63 is in a state where the terminal portion of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 and the primary coating 6 are accommodated in the receptacle-side connection fitting 76 via the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77. Be composed. The cylindrical alignment member 77 on the receptacle side is paired with the cylindrical alignment member 65 on the plug side to constitute a chuck-type cylindrical alignment member 66.

<About the structure of the receptacle-side connection fitting 76>
In FIG. 13, the receptacle-side connection fitting 76 is formed by pressing a thin metal plate having conductivity. The receptacle-side connection fitting 76 is formed through basically the same manufacturing process as the terminal fitting in a known electric connector. The receptacle-side connection fitting 76 is formed in a desired shape. Note that the receptacle-side connection fitting 76 can be used as a terminal fitting as in the fourth embodiment described later. In the above-described receptacle-side connection fitting 76, a fitting front part 78, a fitting middle part 79, and a fitting rear part 80 are formed. As described above, the receptacle-side connection fitting 76 houses the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77, the terminal portion of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3, and the primary coating 6 therein. The receptacle-side connection fitting 76 is formed in a cylindrical portion having an internal space 81.

  The front end side and the inside of the front part 78 are formed as engagement portions with the plug-side connection fitting 64. The front end opening portion of the metal fitting front portion 78 is formed as a portion facing the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77. Locking portions 42 and 43 for the through hole 33 of the housing middle portion 29 are formed outside the metal fitting middle portion 80. The metal fitting rear part 80 is formed as a part for drawing out the receptacle-side optical fiber 3. The metal fitting rear portion 80 is formed so that the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 can be fixed by caulking.

<Regarding the structure of the cylindrical alignment member 77 on the receptacle side>
In FIG. 13, the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 is one of the components of the chuck-type cylindrical alignment member 66 as described above, and the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are butted together. Provided as a member for Such a receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 is a separate member from the receptacle-side housing 25. The receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 is resin-molded using, for example, polycarbonate (PC) having heat resistance and chemical resistance.

  The receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape that is inserted into the internal space 81 of the receptacle-side connection fitting 76. An optical fiber / coating insertion hole 82 penetrating along the central axis is formed in the cylindrical alignment member 77 on the receptacle side. The optical fiber / coating insertion hole 82 is formed as a portion into which the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 and the primary coating 6 are inserted. The optical fiber / coating insertion hole 82 is formed so that the hole diameter is slightly larger than the fiber diameter of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 (increase in size is the same as in the first embodiment).

  The receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 has a concave portion 83 at the distal end position of the member. The concave portion 83 is formed as a portion that engages with the slit portion 72 of the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65. The concave portion 83 is formed so that the distal end position of the slit portion 72 can be deformed in the diameter reducing direction. The end of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is exposed at a predetermined length in the concave portion 83 (this embodiment also requires the setting of the retracted length, which is the same as in the first embodiment, and will not be described here. Omitted).

<Assembling method of receptacle side optical connector 63>
In FIG. 13, regarding the receptacle-side optical connector 63, first, the end surface of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is cut so as to be smooth. Next, the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 is inserted into the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77, and these are assembled.

  After assembling the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 to the receptacle-side optical fiber 3, the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 is housed inside the receptacle-side connection fitting 76 and fixed by caulking. Then, when the receptacle-side connection fitting 76 is attached to a predetermined position of the receptacle-side housing 25, the assembly of the receptacle-side optical connector 63 is completed.

<About connector mating>
11, 14, and 15, when the connector fitting is performed in a state where the plug-side optical connector 62 is inserted into the receptacle-side optical connector 63, the locking mechanism of the receptacle-side housing 25 and the locking of the plug-side housing 7 are performed. The optical connection by the optical connector 61 is completed when the mechanism is fitted (in FIGS. 11, 14 and 15, the receptacle-side optical connector 63 is shown as being inserted, but as described above, the plug-side optical connector 63 is inserted). The optical connector 62 is to be inserted).

  When the connector is fitted, first, the housing front part 9 of the plug side housing 7 is engaged with the housing front part 28 of the receptacle side housing 25. Next, the plug-side connection fitting 64 comes into contact with the receptacle-side connection fitting 76. At this time, the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 and the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 face each other. When the connector fitting is continued, the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are abutted with each other, the plug-side optical fiber 2 is pushed backward, and the coil spring 24 as an elastic member is compressed. (Excess length is absorbed). When the coil spring 24 is compressed, an urging force is generated, so that the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 are pressed and maintained in an abutting state. In addition, the slit portion 72 of the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 is engaged with the concave portion 83 of the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77, so that the distal end position of the slit portion 72 is deformed in the diameter-reducing direction. The butted state is maintained in the same manner as described above. Thus, the connector fitting is completed.

<About summary and effect of optical connector 61>
The optical connector 61 includes a plug-side optical connector 62 provided at a terminal of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and a receptacle-side optical connector 63 provided at a terminal of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3. By the connector fitting of the plug-side optical connector 62 and the receptacle-side optical connector 63, the optical connector 61 is brought into contact with the end faces of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 in a pressed state, and optical connection is established. Complete.

  The plug-side optical connector 62 includes a resin-side plug-side housing 7, a metal-side plug-side connection fitting 64 housed in the plug-side housing 7, and a resin-side plug-side cylinder housed in the plug-side connection fitting 64. And a shape alignment member 65. The terminal portion of the plug-side optical fiber 2 and the primary coating 6 are accommodated in the plug-side connection fitting 64 via the plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65.

  On the other hand, the receptacle-side optical connector 63 includes a resin receptacle-side housing 25 that engages with the plug-side housing 7, a metal receptacle-side connection fitting 76 that engages with the plug-side connection fitting 64, and a receptacle-side connection fitting 76. And a resin-made receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 housed in the housing. The terminal portion of the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 and the primary coating 6 are accommodated in the receptacle-side connection fitting 76 via the receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77.

  A chuck-type cylindrical alignment member 66 including a plug-side cylindrical alignment member 65 and a receptacle-side cylindrical alignment member 77 is used for abutting the end surfaces. The chuck-type cylindrical alignment member 66 is arranged and formed in a position and shape such that end faces can be abutted on the inside of the plug-side connection fitting 64 and the receptacle-side connection fitting 76 which engage with the connector fitting. .

  According to the optical connector 61 having the above-described configuration and structure, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. That is, there is an effect that cost reduction and size reduction can be achieved.

  Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a sectional view schematically showing the optical connector of the present invention. FIG. 17A is an enlarged sectional view of the plug-side optical connector of FIG. 16, FIG. 17B is a sectional view of the plug-side composite line, and FIG. 18A is an enlarged sectional view of the receptacle-side optical connector of FIG. FIG. 18B is a sectional view of the receptacle-side composite line. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first to third embodiments, and the detailed description is omitted.

<About the optical connector 91>
In FIG. 16, reference numeral 91 indicates, for example, an on-vehicle optical connector. The optical connector 91 is a member for optically and electrically connecting a plug-side composite wire 92 including the plug-side optical fiber 2 and a receptacle-side composite wire 93 including the receptacle-side optical fiber 3 to each other. It comprises a plug-side optical connector 4 provided at the end of the composite line 92 and a receptacle-side optical connector 5 provided at the terminal of the receptacle-side composite line 93.

  The optical connector 91 according to the fourth embodiment uses the plug-side optical connector 4 and the receptacle-side optical connector 5 according to the first embodiment. The optical connector 91 is connected to a conductive layer 94 provided outside the primary coating 6 (optical fiber coating layer). The metal fitting rear part 19 of the side connection metal fitting 8 and the metal fitting rear part 38 of the receptacle side connection metal fitting 26 are brought into contact with each other (the structure of the contact is not particularly limited as long as conduction is established). The conductive layer 94 has conductivity, and reference numeral 95 indicates an insulating layer (or a secondary coating) for insulating the conductive layer 94 from the outside.

<Effects of optical connector 91>
According to the optical connector 91 having the above-described configuration and structure, the same effect as that of the first embodiment is obtained. That is, there is an effect that cost reduction and size reduction can be achieved. Further, the optical connector 91 has an effect that the plug-side composite wire 92 and the receptacle-side composite wire 93 can be electrically connected to each other. In other words, there is an effect that a composite line can be adopted. The optical connector 91 has an effect that not only optical connection but also electrical connection can be performed.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical connector, 2 ... Plug side optical fiber, 3 ... Receptacle side optical fiber, 4 ... Plug side optical connector, 5 ... Receptacle side optical connector, 6 ... Primary coating (optical fiber coating layer), 7 ... Plug side housing, Reference numeral 8: plug-side connection fitting, 9: front part of the housing, 10: middle part of the housing, 11: rear part of the housing, 12: internal space, 13: end face of the housing, 14: through hole, 15: metal housing chamber, 16: housing end face, Reference numeral 17: front part of the fitting, 18: middle part of the fitting, 19: rear part of the fitting, 20: internal space, 21, 22: locking part, 23: optical fiber guide, 24: coil spring (elastic member), 25: housing on the receptacle side Reference numeral 26: Receptacle side connection fitting 27: Tubular alignment member 28: Front of housing 29: Inside housing Reference numeral 30, a housing rear part, 31 an internal space, 32 a housing end face, 33 a through hole, 34 a metal fitting receiving chamber, 35 a housing end face, 36 a metal fitting front part, 37 a metal fitting middle part, 38 a metal fitting rear part, 39: Internal space, 40: Alignment member holding member, 41: Optical fiber guide, 42, 43: Locking portion, 44: Primary coating fixing portion, 45: Coating guide, 46: Optical fiber insertion hole, 51: Optical connector, Reference numeral 52: receptacle-side optical connector, 53: elastic cylindrical alignment member (cylindrical alignment member), 54: optical fiber insertion hole, 55: protrusion, 61: optical connector, 62: plug-side optical connector, 63: receptacle side Optical connector, 64: Plug side connection fitting, 65: Plug side cylindrical alignment member, 66: Chuck type cylindrical alignment member (cylindrical alignment member), 67: Front part of metal fitting Reference numeral 68: Middle part of the fitting 69: Rear part of the fitting 70: Internal space 71: Optical fiber insertion hole 72: Slotted part 73: Spring guide part 74: Slit 75: Tapered 76: Receptacle side connection fitting Reference numeral 77: Receptacle side cylindrical alignment member 78: Front part of the fitting 79: Middle part of the fitting 80: Rear part of the fitting 81: Internal space 82: Optical fiber / coating insertion hole 83: Recessed part 91: Optical connector Reference numeral 92: Plug-side composite wire 93: Receptacle-side composite wire 94: Conductive layer 95: Insulating layer

Claims (4)

A plug-side optical connector provided at a terminal of the plug-side optical fiber; and a receptacle-side optical connector provided at a terminal of the receptacle-side optical fiber, wherein the plug is fitted by mating the plug-side optical connector and the receptacle-side optical connector. An optical connector having a structure in which end faces of a side optical fiber and the receptacle side optical fiber are abutted with each other to perform optical connection,
The plug-side optical connector includes a resin-side plug-side housing and a metal-side plug-side fitting that is entirely housed in the plug-side housing. While the plug-side optical fiber is housed,
The receptacle-side optical connector includes a resin receptacle-side housing that engages with the plug-side housing, and a metal receptacle-side fitting that is entirely housed in the receptacle-side housing and engages with the plug-side fitting. And, in the receptacle-side connection fitting, the receptacle-side optical fiber is housed,
Furthermore, a cylindrical alignment member in which one of the plug-side optical fiber and the receptacle-side optical fiber is inserted partway in advance is used for abutting the end surfaces,
The cylindrical alignment member is capable of abutting the end faces inside the plug-side connection fitting and the receptacle-side connection fitting that engage with the connector fitting of the plug-side optical connector and the receptacle-side optical connector. An optical connector characterized by being arranged in such a position and shape. The optical connector according to claim 1,
Either the plug-side optical connector or the receptacle-side optical connector further includes an elastic member, and the elastic member is arranged so that the end surfaces can be abutted with each other while applying elastic force. Optical connector. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein
The plug-side optical fiber and the receptacle-side optical fiber are provided outside the optical fiber coating layer with a conductive conductive layer in contact with the plug-side connection fitting and the receptacle-side connection fitting, and an insulating layer for insulating the conductive layer from the outside. An optical connector characterized by comprising a layer. A plug-side optical connector provided at a terminal of the plug-side optical fiber; and a receptacle-side optical connector provided at a terminal of the receptacle-side optical fiber, wherein the plug is fitted by mating the plug-side optical connector and the receptacle-side optical connector. In a method for connecting an optical connector having a structure in which an end face of a side optical fiber and an end face of the receptacle side optical fiber are abutted with each other to perform optical connection,
The plug-side optical connector includes a resin-side plug-side housing and a metal-side plug-side fitting that is entirely housed in the plug-side housing. While the plug-side optical fiber is housed,
The receptacle-side optical connector includes a resin receptacle-side housing that engages with the plug-side housing, and a metal receptacle-side fitting that is entirely housed in the receptacle-side housing and engages with the plug-side fitting. And, in the receptacle-side connection fitting, the receptacle-side optical fiber is housed,
At the time of the connector fitting, the housing front part of the plug side housing engages with the housing front part of the receptacle side housing,
The plug-side connection fitting contacts the receptacle-side connection fitting,
A cylindrical alignment member, in which the receptacle-side optical fiber is inserted partway in advance, is inserted into the plug-side fitting,
The cylindrical alignment member is radially adjusted while being guided by the plug-side connection fitting ,
When the plug-side optical fiber is inserted into the tubular alignment member, the connection method for an optical connector, wherein ing to the state of the end faces are butted.

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