JPH09304655A - Optical connector and optical connector adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide such a multi-fiber optical connector that its connector ferrule is hardly affected by an external force and its connection loss hardly increases. SOLUTION: The optical connector is provided with a projection part 1a on the internal surface of a collector adapter 1, and a connector housing 2 is positioned at right angles to an insertion direction by elastically deforming at least one of the connector adapter 1 and connector housing 2. This connector adapter 1 has projection parts 1a vertically and horizontally symmetrically on the internal surface of a square hole. The projection parts 1a are interference parts as to design size and elastically deform when the connector housing 2 is inserted to press the connector housings 2 from its flanks, thereby positioning the connector housing 2 in the center of the connector adapter 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a multi-fiber optical connector, etc.
The present invention relates to an optical connector that connects optical fibers to each other.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A multi-fiber optical connector is used for optical connection in the field of optical communication. The multi-fiber optical connector currently in practical use generally uses a pin-fitting type multi-fiber connector ferrule, and is used in the manhole etc. where it is hardly detached after being connected once. , Using a simple grip such as a clip. For indoor applications in which the number of times of attachment / detachment is relatively large, there is a case in which a housing having a push-pull mechanism is provided and coupling is performed via a connector adapter, as described in JP-A-4-49606. Many.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a conventional pin fitting type multi-core connector ferrule. In the figure, 4 is a connector ferrule, 4a is a guide pin hole, 6 is an optical fiber, 21 is a multi-core optical fiber, and 22 is a guide pin. The pair of connector ferrules 4 are for fixing the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers 6 of the multi-core optical fiber 21 such as a tape-shaped optical fiber core and connecting the optical fibers 6 to each other. Two guide pin holes 4a that fit with the guide pins 22 are formed in the rectangular end surface, and the end surfaces of the plurality of optical fibers 6 are exposed in the portion between them. The left and right connector ferrules 4 are positioned and abutted by the guide member including the two guide pins 22, and the guide pin holes 4
The left and right optical fibers 6 precisely arrayed and fixed to a are coupled to each other.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional push-pull type multi-fiber optical connector. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 is a connector housing, 31 is a connector plug, and 32 is a connector adapter. Optical connector ferrule 4 described with reference to FIG.
Are housed in the connector housing 2 to form the connector plug 31. The connector plug 31 is inserted from the left and right of a rectangular tube-shaped connector adapter 32 to join the left and right connector ferrules 4 to each other. Connector adapter 3
Although there is a step in the hole of 2, the left and right connector ferrules 4 are inserted all the way into the step and joined.

Although illustration of the connector locking mechanism is omitted, for example, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-49606 mentioned above, a groove portion is formed on the side surface of the insertion guide portion which is the distal end portion of the connector housing 2. The connector housing 2 is locked to the connector adapter 32 by providing a locking portion composed of a claw portion and a locking claw provided on the side surface inside the insertion hole of the connector adapter 32.

When such a connector plug 31 is used for indoor applications in which the connector plug 31 is frequently attached and detached, the multi-core optical fiber 21 to be connected has a cord structure containing a tensile strength fiber in order to secure strength against handling. The external force applied to is directly applied to the connector plug 31. For this reason, it is important that the connector plug 31 has sufficient durability and tension characteristics so as not to cause connection loss fluctuations due to external force.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a conventional push-pull type multi-fiber optical connector, FIG. 5 (A) showing a sectional view of the connector adapter itself, and FIG. 5 (B) showing an inserted state of a connector plug. FIG. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 and FIG. 3 is a clearance and 5 is a floating space. The tip portion of the connector plug 31 shown in FIG. 4 is inserted into the connector adapter 32 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 (B)
As shown in FIG. 5, the gap between the connector housing 2 and the connector ferrule 4 is the floating space 5. Also, there is a clearance 3 between the connector adapter 32 and the connector housing 2. Although the floating space 5 and the clearance 3 are illustrated to be even around the periphery, they are often omnipresent in either one.

By design, the connector ferrule 4 is held in the connector housing 2 in a floating state so that it is not affected by the external environment. However, if the floating amount of the floating space 5 is set too large, when the connector housing 2 is inserted, as shown in FIG.
Since the guide pin 22 shown in 1 cannot fit into the guide pin hole 4a, the floating amount is limited in terms of dimensions.

Further, conventionally, in order to ensure the insertability of the connector plug 31 shown in FIG. 4, a connector adapter 32 is provided.
The connector housing 2 and the connector housing 2 were designed so as not to interfere with each other due to the drawing tolerance. Therefore, the connector adapter 3
A clearance 3 is provided between the inner shape of 2 and the outer shape of the connector housing 2 depending on the manufacturing accuracy. Therefore, when an external force in the lateral bending direction is applied in the coupled state, the connector housing 2 easily tilts in the connector adapter 32 according to the clearance 3, and as a result, the connector ferrule 4 inside the connector housing 2 is affected. In many cases, it caused an increase in connection loss.

Further, if the above-mentioned clearance 3 is large, the axial displacement between the opposing connector plugs 31 also becomes large. Therefore, when the connector plug 31 is inserted, the guide pin 22 should be fitted into the guide pin hole 4a. However, it is necessary to reduce the floating amount of the floating space 5 described above, and as a result, there is a problem that the floating space 5 is more likely to be affected by an external force.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an optical connector and an optical connector adapter in which a connector ferrule is less likely to be affected by an external force and which is less likely to cause an increase in connection loss. That is the purpose. In particular, it is suitable for a multi-fiber optical connector.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an optical connector plug in which a ferrule positioned by a guide member is held in a housing in a floating state, and the housing is inserted and coupled. In an optical connector having an adapter, at least one of an outer surface of the housing or an inner surface of the adapter is partially provided with an interference portion in design dimensions, and the interference portion elastically deforms at least one of the adapter and the housing, It is characterized in that the housing is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the optical connector according to the first aspect, the interference portion has at least one protrusion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the optical connector according to the second aspect, the protrusion is a bank shape that is long in the insertion direction of the housing.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the optical connector according to any one of the first to third aspects, the interference portion is 1 for each surface of the outer shape of the housing.
It is characterized in that the housing and the adapter interfere at more than one place.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the optical connector according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the insertion resistance generated by the interference portion is 100 gf.
It is characterized in that it is 1000 gf or less.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in an optical connector adapter in which a housing for holding a ferrule positioned by a guide member in a floating state is inserted and coupled, the inner surface of the adapter interferes in design dimensions. A portion is provided, and the interference portion elastically deforms the adapter to position the housing in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the optical connector adapter according to the sixth aspect, the interference portion has at least one protrusion.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the optical connector adapter according to the sixth aspect, the interfering portion has a portion in which an inner surface of the adapter is curved inward.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a multi-fiber optical connector of the present invention, and FIG.
Is a cross-sectional view of the connector adapter itself, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing an inserted state of the connector plug. In the figure,
The same parts as those in FIGS. 4 and 5 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Reference numeral 1 is a connector adapter, and 1a is a protrusion.
This embodiment is an optical connector in which a protrusion 1a is provided on the inner surface of a connector adapter 1 and at least one of the connector adapter 1 and the connector housing 2 is elastically deformed to position the connector housing 2 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. is there.

This connector adapter 1 has projections 1 on the inner surface of the square hole of the connector adapter 32 shown in FIGS.
Two a's are arranged vertically, one each on the right and left symmetrically, and are formed of a flexible material. The plurality of protrusions 1a serve as interference portions in terms of design dimensions, and the inner surface of the connector adapter 1 and the outer surface of the connector housing 2 interfere in terms of design dimensions. That is, the dimensions of the inner surface of the connector adapter 1 including the protruding portion 1a and the connector housing 2
The outer surface of the connector housing 2 is designed so that the connector housing 2 cannot be inserted into the connector adapter 1 as it is in contact with the protruding portion 1a. In other words, FIG.
The width of the single inner surface of the connector adapter 1 shown in FIG.
The width of the protruding portion 1a is smaller than the width of the outer shape of the connector housing 2, which is a kind of shrink fit.

Due to the taper attached to the end of the projection 1a in the insertion direction, the chamfer of the tip of the connector housing 2, the roundness, etc., the projection 1a is elastically deformed when the connector housing 2 is inserted and abutted thereto. Expands. As a result, the connector housing 2 is pressed from the side surface to position the connector housing 2 at the center of the connector adapter 1.

The number of the protrusions 1a and the arrangement thereof can be appropriately determined according to the shape and size of the connector housing 2. The elastic deformation mainly occurs locally at the protrusion 1a, but may occur at any part of the connector adapter 1 other than the protrusion 1a, or on the connector housing 2 side, or at multiple positions.

Since the connector housing 2 is inserted into the connector adapter 1 while its position is regulated by the protrusion 1a with elastic deformation, the opposing connector plugs 31 may be misaligned even if the clearance 3 exists. Absent. As a result, the floating amount of the floating space 5 can be set larger because there is no axis deviation.

Further, in the coupled state, the connector adapter 1 has already been elastically gripped by the connector housing 2 from its side surface and is positioned in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connector housing 2. When the external force is applied, the connector housing 2 does not easily incline in the connector adapter 1 according to the clearance, but it gradually inclines gradually due to the elastic deformation according to the external force.

Therefore, the connector ferrule 4 inside the connector housing 2 is less susceptible to external force,
Less increase in connection loss. The connector housing 2 is
It is desirable for the positioning to uniformly receive the pressure from the connector adapter 1. For that purpose, the connector housing 2 and the connector adapter 1 interfere at one place or more on each side of the outer shape of the connector housing 2, that is, a total of four places or more. Good structure. In addition, the protrusion 1a is easily deformed elastically and the frictional resistance at the time of insertion is reduced.
It is preferable that the connector plug 31 has an elongated bank shape in the insertion direction.

In the above description, the protruding portion 1a is provided on the inner surface of the connector adapter 1 as the interference portion, but conversely,
A protrusion may be provided on the outer surface of the connector housing 2.
However, when the protrusion 1a is provided on the inner surface of the connector adapter 1, it is possible to use the existing standard size connector plug 31 as it is. In that case, the already connected optical connector is uncoupled. It is also possible to replace only the connector adapter.

Conventionally, insertion resistance in the connector coupling operation is mainly generated when the locking claw on the connector adapter 32 side crosses over the locking portion on the connector housing 2 side and is fitted in FIG. Insertion force is usually 1-2
It was about kgf. In addition, the insertion resistance generated between the connector housing 2 and the connector adapter 32 before locking is only contact friction resistance, which is approximately 0 to 50 gf or less, due to the existence of the clearance.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the insertion resistance is generated by the protruding portion 1a which is the interference portion, and the magnitude thereof is in the range of 100 gf or more and 1000 gf or less, more preferably in the range of 100 gf or more and 500 gf or less. Is desirable. When it is less than 100 gf, the effect on external force is weakened, and when it exceeds 1000 gf, workability is adversely affected. Within the above range, the total insertion resistance including the engagement of the locking claws can be suppressed within the range of 1 kgf or more and 3 kgf or less, and there is no problem in handling.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of the multi-fiber optical connector of the present invention. FIG. 2 (A) is a sectional view of the connector adapter itself, and FIG. 2 (B) is a connector plug. It is sectional drawing which shows the insertion state of. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG.
Reference numeral 11 is a connector adapter, and 11a is a curved portion.

This connector adapter 11 has a structure in which the inner surface of the square hole of the connector adapter 11 is distorted from four corners to the inside instead of the protruding portion 1a of the connector adapter 1 shown in FIG. A curved portion 11a that is curved inward in a shape that can be called a portion is provided symmetrically in the vertical and horizontal directions. When the connector housing 2 is inserted, the curved portion 11a also elastically deforms due to the taper attached to the end portion in the insertion direction of the curved portion 11a, the chamfering of the front end portion of the connector housing 2, and the roundness. Position in the center of 1. Therefore, by providing the curved portion 11a, the same operation as the protruding portion 1a of the connector adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained, but the elastic force is not locally concentrated compared to the protruding portion 1a, and the interference portion is not formed. There is no risk of excessive force being concentrated on the.

If the curved portion 11a is uniformly distorted in the insertion direction of the connector plug 31, molding is easy.
In the illustrated example, the thickness of the rectangular shape of the connector adapter 11 is made substantially constant to facilitate elastic deformation to the outside.
The outer shape of the connector adapter 11 may be the same planar shape as the conventional connector adapter 32 as shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, one of the central portions of each of the four inner surfaces of the square hole is curved inward, but a plurality of portions of one surface may be curved inward. Although illustration is omitted,
The protrusion 1a shown in FIG. 1 and the curved portion 11a shown in FIG. 2 may be combined to form an interference portion.

In the above description, a multi-fiber optical connector is assumed, but a single-fiber optical connector can be constructed by using a structure in which the number of optical fibers is one.

[0034]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the invention as set forth in claim 1, at least one of the outer surface of the housing and the inner surface of the adapter is provided with an interference portion in terms of design dimensions, and this interference is caused. Since the part elastically deforms at least one of the adapter and the housing and positions the housing in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, it is possible to set a large floating amount in the housing of the multi-core ferrule and to prevent external force. On the other hand, since the housing is less likely to tilt, there is an effect that connection loss is less likely to occur when an external force is applied.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the interference portion has at least one protrusion, the interference portion can be easily formed, and the interference can be performed depending on the shape and size of the housing. There is an effect that the positions can be appropriately arranged.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the protrusion has a bank shape that is long in the insertion direction of the housing, it is easy to elastically deform and the frictional resistance at the time of insertion can be reduced. is there.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the interference portion causes the housing and the adapter to interfere with each other at one or more places on each side of the outer shape of the housing, the connector housing is separated from the connector adapter. There is an effect that the pressure is received substantially evenly on each surface and the positioning is performed.

According to the invention of claim 5, the insertion resistance generated by the interference portion is 100 gf or more and 1000 gf or more.
Because of the following, there is an effect that the housing is less likely to tilt with respect to an external force, and there is an effect that workability is not adversely affected.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, an interference portion having a design dimension is provided on the inner surface of the adapter, and the interference portion elastically deforms the adapter to position the housing in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. Therefore, there is an effect that the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 is achieved, and it is also possible to use an existing standard-sized connector plug as it is.

According to the invention described in claim 7, since the interference portion has at least one protrusion, the interference portion can be easily formed, and the interference position can be changed according to the shape and size of the housing. There is an effect that can be freely arranged.

According to the invention described in claim 8, since the interference portion has a portion where the inner surface of the adapter is curved inward, the interference portion can be easily formed, and
The elastic force is not locally concentrated, and there is an effect that there is no possibility that unreasonable force is concentrated and applied to the interference portion.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cross section of a first embodiment of a multi-fiber optical connector of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the multi-fiber optical connector of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a conventional pin fitting type multi-fiber connector ferrule.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional push-pull type multi-fiber optical connector.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a cross section of a conventional push-pull type multi-fiber optical connector.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 11, 32 ... Connector adapter, 1a ... Projection part, 2
... connector housing, 3 ... clearance, 4 ... connector ferrule, 5 ... floating space, 11a ... curved portion, 21 ... multi-core optical fiber, 31 ... connector plug.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Toshiaki Kakii 1 Taya-cho, Sakae-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Yokohama Works (72) Inventor Shinji Nagasawa 3-19, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo No. 2 within Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An optical connector having an optical connector plug in which a ferrule positioned by a guide member is held in a housing in a floating state, and an adapter into which the housing is inserted and coupled, the outer surface of the housing or the adapter. At least one of inner surfaces of the housing is partially provided with an interference portion in design dimensions, and the interference portion elastically deforms at least one of the adapter and the housing, and positions the housing in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. Optical connector characterized by. 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the interference portion has at least one protrusion. 3. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion has a bank shape that is long in the insertion direction of the housing. 4. The interference portion is such that the housing and the adapter interfere with each other at one or more locations on each surface of the outer shape of the housing. The optical connector described. 5. The insertion resistance generated by the interference portion is
The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical connector has a thickness of 100 gf or more and 1000 gf or less. 6. An optical connector adapter in which a housing for holding a ferrule positioned by a guide member in a floating state is inserted and coupled, wherein an interference portion in design dimensions is provided on the inner surface of the adapter, and the interference portion is An optical connector adapter, characterized in that the adapter is elastically deformed and the housing is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. 7. The optical connector adapter according to claim 6, wherein the interference portion has at least one protrusion. 8. The optical connector adapter according to claim 6, wherein the interference portion has a portion in which an inner surface of the adapter is curved inward.