WO2019146223A1 - Optical connection structure, optical connector component, and housing - Google Patents

Optical connection structure, optical connector component, and housing Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019146223A1
WO2019146223A1 PCT/JP2018/042170 JP2018042170W WO2019146223A1 WO 2019146223 A1 WO2019146223 A1 WO 2019146223A1 JP 2018042170 W JP2018042170 W JP 2018042170W WO 2019146223 A1 WO2019146223 A1 WO 2019146223A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
pair
side walls
connection structure
slopes
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2018/042170
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
卓朗 渡邊
大 佐々木
島津　貴之
肇 荒生
Original Assignee
住友電気工業株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by 住友電気工業株式会社 filed Critical 住友電気工業株式会社
Priority to JP2019567872A priority Critical patent/JP7136129B2/en
Publication of WO2019146223A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019146223A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/40—Mechanical coupling means having fibre bundle mating means

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an optical connection structure, an optical connector part, and a housing.
  • This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-008842 filed on Jan. 23, 2018, and incorporates the entire contents described in the aforementioned Japanese application.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses an optical connection structure including a configuration in which an MT-type ferrule is inserted into each insertion hole of a housing provided with a plurality of insertion holes.
  • the first housing is connected to each ferrule via a compression spring, and each ferrule is inserted into each insertion hole of the second housing together with the first housing.
  • the first housing has a latch lever projecting in a direction inclined with respect to the insertion direction, and when the first housing is inserted into the insertion hole of the second housing, the latch lever engages with the second housing Thereby, the falling off of the ferrule from the second housing is prevented.
  • the present disclosure provides an optical connection structure.
  • the optical connection structure includes an optical connector part having a ferrule and a first housing, and a second housing.
  • the ferrule holds an end of the optical fiber extending along the first direction.
  • the first housing has a hole through which the optical fiber is inserted, and is connected to the ferrule.
  • the second housing has an insertion hole into which the optical connector part is inserted along the first direction.
  • the first housing has a portion extending from the opening of the insertion hole to the outside of the insertion hole.
  • the extending portion has a pair of elastically deformable side walls and a first engagement structure. The pair of side walls extend in a first direction and align in a second direction intersecting the first direction.
  • the first engagement structure is provided between the pair of side walls and faces away from the insertion hole.
  • the second housing has an elastically deformable portion projecting in a first direction from the edge of the opening of the insertion hole.
  • the elastically deformable portion includes a protrusion projecting toward the gap between the pair of side walls.
  • the protrusion has a second engagement structure that engages with the first engagement structure. The first housing and the second housing push the projection out of the gap between the pair of side walls when the pair of side walls sandwich the projection, thereby releasing the engagement between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to an embodiment as viewed obliquely from the front.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical connection structure as viewed obliquely from the rear.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical connector part as viewed obliquely from the front.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the optical connector part as viewed obliquely from the rear.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front housing as viewed obliquely from the rear.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the front housing as viewed obliquely from the rear.
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged rear view showing the configuration of the latch release structure as viewed from the rear in the first direction D1.
  • the second housing in a cross section intersecting with the insertion direction from the viewpoint of heat dissipation of other electronic components mounted on the same substrate. It is desirable that the dimensions be small.
  • an optical connection structure is provided in which the dimensions of the housing in the cross section intersecting the insertion direction are reduced.
  • An optical connection structure includes an optical connector part having a ferrule and a first housing, and a second housing.
  • the ferrule holds an end of the optical fiber extending along the first direction.
  • the first housing has a hole through which the optical fiber is inserted, and is connected to the ferrule.
  • the second housing has an insertion hole into which the optical connector part is inserted along the first direction.
  • the first housing has a portion extending from the opening of the insertion hole to the outside of the insertion hole.
  • the extending portion has a pair of elastically deformable side walls and a first engagement structure.
  • the pair of side walls extend in a first direction and align in a second direction intersecting the first direction.
  • the first engagement structure is provided between the pair of side walls and faces away from the insertion hole.
  • the second housing has an elastically deformable portion projecting in a first direction from the edge of the opening of the insertion hole.
  • the elastically deformable portion includes a protrusion projecting toward the gap between the pair of side walls.
  • the protrusion has a second engagement structure that engages with the first engagement structure.
  • the first housing and the second housing push the projection out of the gap between the pair of side walls when the pair of side walls sandwich the projection to release the engagement between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure. Configured as.
  • the optical connector part is inserted and held in the insertion hole of the second housing.
  • the first engagement structure of the first housing and the second engagement structure of the second housing are engaged with each other (latched) to prevent the optical connector component from falling off the second housing.
  • the distance between the pair of side walls is compressed.
  • the pair of side walls sandwiches the projection, and the projection is pushed out of the gap between the pair of side walls, whereby the engaged state between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure is released.
  • the mechanism for latching the second housing and the first housing can be miniaturized, and the presence range of the structure necessary for the latch can be inserted into the insertion hole of the second housing as viewed from the insertion direction. It can be limited to the periphery of Therefore, as compared with a structure in which the latch lever projects from the first housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1), the size of the second housing in the cross section intersecting the insertion direction can be reduced.
  • the first housing may include a pair of first slopes provided on the inner side of the pair of side walls and inclined with respect to the second direction and extending along the first direction.
  • the pair of first slopes may be configured such that the distance between the slopes is narrowed as the distance from the elastically deformable portion of the second housing is increased.
  • the pair of first slopes may contact the projection when the pair of side walls sandwich the projection. With such a configuration, the engagement between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure can be suitably released.
  • the second housing may include a pair of second slopes provided on the protrusion and inclined with respect to the second direction and extending along the first direction.
  • the pair of second slopes may be configured to be narrower as the distance between the slopes approaches the tip of the protrusion.
  • Each of the pair of second slopes may be in contact with the pair of side walls when the pair of side walls sandwich the protrusion.
  • the first housing includes a pair of first slopes provided on the inner side of the pair of side walls and inclined with respect to the second direction and extending along the first direction
  • the second housing has a protrusion It may include a pair of second slopes provided and inclined with respect to the second direction and extending along the first direction.
  • Each width of the pair of first slopes may be wider than each width of the second slopes in a direction inclined with respect to the second direction. This configuration can more reliably release the engagement between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure.
  • the pair of first slopes may be configured such that the length along the first direction decreases from the outside to the inside of the pair of side walls.
  • the optical connector component may further include a compression coil spring connecting the first housing and the ferrule.
  • the first housing is biased rearward (in the extraction direction from the insertion hole), and the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure It is possible to stably hold the engagement with the
  • the shape of the compression coil spring as viewed from the first direction may be an oval or an ellipse with the second direction as the minor axis direction.
  • the ferrule may be an MT-type ferrule. Thereby, many optical fibers can be connected collectively.
  • the pair of side walls may be integral with one another at one end adjacent to the ferrule in the first direction and spaced apart from one another at the other end opposite the ferrule in the first direction. Such a configuration makes it possible to compress the space between the elastically deformable pair of side walls from the rear of the optical connector part.
  • the second housing may have a step surface facing the opening on the inner surface of the insertion hole, and the ferrule may have another step surface on the outer peripheral surface that abuts on the step surface. Thereby, the ferrule can be stably positioned inside the insertion hole.
  • the pair of side walls have a projection or a recess engaged with a jig for extracting the optical connector component from the insertion hole on the outer surface opposite to the inner surface opposed to each other. Good. According to such a configuration, even when the plurality of optical connector components are arranged at a narrow interval in the second direction, the individual optical connector components can be easily extracted.
  • the pair of side walls is such that the distance between the outer surfaces in the region where the protrusion or recess that engages with the extraction jig is provided is smaller than the distance between the outer surfaces in the region close to the second housing May be configured. This makes it possible to more reliably secure a space for extracting the optical connector component.
  • the first engagement structure may include a planar surface intersecting with the first direction. Thereby, the first engagement structure can be realized with a simple configuration.
  • the elastically deformable portion of the second housing has a through hole penetrating in the protrusion direction of the protrusion, and the second engagement structure is flat and flush with the inner surface of the through hole, It is also good.
  • the second engagement structure can be suitably formed using a mold.
  • the second housing may further include another elastically deformable portion formed side by side in the second direction with the elastically deformable portion and having the same structure as the portion.
  • the second housing can receive a plurality of optical connector parts. If the second housing receives a plurality of optical connector components, the dimensions of the second housing will be further increased, which will impede the heat dissipation of the electronic components. Therefore, the above-described optical connection structure which can reduce the size of the second housing is particularly effective.
  • the elastically deformable portion of the second housing may include a fold covering at least a portion of the extending portion of the first housing.
  • the crucible may be provided with a through hole between the edge of the opening of the insertion hole and the protrusion. The amount of protrusion of the protrusion from the main surface of the ridge may be smaller than the amount of elastically deformable displacement of the ridge.
  • an optical connector part includes a ferrule holding an end of an optical fiber extending along a first direction, and a first hole coupled to the ferrule having a hole through which the optical fiber is inserted. And a housing.
  • the first housing has a pair of elastically deformable side walls and an engagement structure.
  • the pair of side walls extend in a first direction and align in a second direction intersecting the first direction.
  • the engagement structure is provided between the pair of side walls and faces away from the ferrule.
  • a pair of slopes which are inclined with respect to the second direction and extend along the first direction may be provided on the inner sides of the pair of side walls.
  • a housing includes a housing body and an elastically deformable portion.
  • the housing body is provided with an insertion hole extending along the first direction.
  • the elastically deformable portion has a width along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and protrudes in the first direction from the edge of the opening of the insertion hole of the housing body.
  • the elastically deformable portion has a projection projecting inward along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.
  • the projection may be provided with a pair of slopes which are inclined in the second direction and extend along the first direction.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical connection structure 1A according to an embodiment as viewed obliquely from the front.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical connection structure 1A as viewed obliquely from the rear.
  • the optical connection structure 1 ⁇ / b> A includes a plurality (three in the drawing) of optical connector components 10 and one front housing 20.
  • the front housing 20 has a plurality (three in the drawing) of insertion holes 21 into which the optical connector component 10 is inserted along the first direction D1.
  • the insertion holes 21 at both ends are formed side by side with the central insertion hole 21 in the second direction D2, and have the same structure as the central insertion hole 21.
  • the front housing 20 accommodates and holds a plurality of optical connector parts 10, and exposes the ferrules 11 of the respective optical connector parts 10 from its front end face 20a.
  • Each of the plurality of ferrules 11 makes an optical connection with each of the plurality of ferrules held by the corresponding (opposite) front housing connected to the front housing 20.
  • the optical connection may be a PC (Physical Contact) connection in which the tip surfaces of the optical fibers are in contact with each other, or a non-PC connection in which the tip surfaces of the optical fibers are not in contact with each other.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical connector part 10 as viewed obliquely from the front.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the optical connector part 10 as viewed obliquely from the rear.
  • the optical connector part 10 includes a ferrule 11, a pin keeper 18, a compression coil spring 19, and a rear housing 12, and these configurations are aligned along the first direction D1.
  • the ferrule 11 is made of, for example, a resin, and holds an end of the optical fiber 13 extending along the first direction D1.
  • the optical fiber 13 is, for example, a tape fiber in which a plurality of optical fiber cores are arranged along the third direction D3.
  • the ferrule 11 is, for example, an MT type ferrule and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape.
  • the ferrule 11 has a front end face 11a facing the front in the first direction D1.
  • the end face 13a of each optical fiber core wire which comprises the optical fiber 13 is exposed from the front end face 11a.
  • the front end face 11a makes an optical connection with the ferrule of the corresponding optical connector part.
  • the ferrule 11 further has a pair of through holes 11 b and 11 c for respectively inserting a pair of metal pins 31 and 32 for positioning the ferrule 11 and the ferrule of the corresponding optical connector part.
  • the through holes 11b and 11c are arranged along the third direction D3 with a plurality of optical fiber cores interposed therebetween.
  • the pin keeper 18 holds the rear ends of the pair of pins 31 and 32, and is provided in contact with the rear end surface of the ferrule 11, that is, the end surface on the rear housing 12 side in the first direction D1.
  • the pin keeper 18 is made of resin, for example, and has a through hole through which the optical fiber 13 is inserted.
  • the compression coil spring 19 is disposed such that the central axis is along the first direction D1, and connects the rear housing 12 and the ferrule 11 while accommodating the optical fiber 13 therein.
  • the front end of the compression coil spring 19 is held and held by the pin keeper 18, and the rear end of the compression coil spring 19 is held and held by the rear housing 12.
  • the compression coil spring 19 biases the rear housing 12 rearward (in the direction of withdrawal from the front housing 20) in a state where the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the front housing 20.
  • the shape of the compression coil spring 19 viewed from the first direction D1 is such that the direction in which the plurality of optical fiber cores constituting the optical fiber 13 are aligned (that is, the third direction D3) is the long axis direction and the second direction D2 is the short axis It is an oval or elliptical shape to be a direction.
  • the rear housing 12 has a through hole 12 a through which the optical fiber 13 is inserted, and is connected to the ferrule 11 via the pin keeper 18 and the compression coil spring 19.
  • the central axis of the through hole 12a is along the first direction D1.
  • the rear housing 12 has an exposed portion 17 extending from the opening of the insertion hole 21 (see FIG. 2) of the front housing 20 to the outside of the insertion hole 21 along the first direction D1.
  • the exposed portion 17 has a pair of side walls 14 and 15 and an engagement structure 16.
  • the side walls 14 and 15 extend along the first direction D1 and the third direction D3, and are provided side by side in the second direction D2.
  • the side walls 14 and 15 are integrated with each other at one end close to the ferrule 11 in the first direction D1, and are separated from each other at the other end opposite to the ferrule 11 in the first direction D1.
  • the side walls 14 and 15 are made of an elastically deformable material.
  • the side walls 14 and 15 respectively have inner side surfaces 14 b and 15 b facing each other.
  • the optical fiber 13 is disposed between the inner side surfaces 14b and 15b.
  • the side walls 14 and 15 respectively have outer side surfaces 14c and 15c facing the opposite side to the inner side surfaces 14b and 15b.
  • the rear housing 12 further includes a pair of slopes 14 a and 15 a that constitute the latch release structure 3.
  • the slopes 14a and 15a are provided on the inner side of the side walls 14 and 15, respectively, and are inclined with respect to the second direction D2 and extend along the first direction D1.
  • the slopes 14a and 15a are formed near the upper ends of the side walls 14 and 15 in the third direction D3 (ends close to the ridge 22 of the front housing 20 described later), and the spacing between the slopes 14a and 15a is the front housing 20.
  • the smaller the distance from the ridge 22 in other words, the distance from the upper ends of the side walls 14 and 15
  • Each of the slopes 14a and 15a may be configured such that the length along the first direction D1 decreases from the outside to the inside of the side walls 14 and 15. The specific operation of the latch release structure 3 will be described later.
  • the side wall 15 has a protrusion 15 d (or a recess) on the outer side surface 15 c.
  • the side wall 14 also has similar protrusions or recesses on the outer surface 14c. These projections or recesses engage with a jig for extracting the optical connector part 10 from the insertion hole 21.
  • the projections 15d or the recesses are provided rearward of the slopes 14a, 15a in the first direction D1 (in other words, on the opposite side of the slopes 14a, 15a from the ferrule 11).
  • the distance between the outer side surfaces 14c and 15c in the portion where the protrusion 15d or the recess is provided in the side walls 14 and 15 is narrower than the distance between the outer side surfaces 14c and 15c in the portion further forward. This is to facilitate the insertion of the jig into these gaps when the rear housing 12 is inserted into the insertion holes 21 adjacent to each other. Therefore, if it is a protrusion, its height is lower than the outer surface 15c in the front part. If it is a recess, it may be a hole passing through the side wall 15.
  • the engagement structure 16 is provided in the gap between the side wall 14 and the side wall 15 in the exposed portion 17 and opposite to the direction to the insertion hole 21 (in other words, the opposite side to the direction to the ferrule 11, Face the
  • the engagement structure 16 has, for example, a planar shape perpendicular to the first direction D1.
  • the engagement structure 16 may consist of a single region.
  • the engagement structure 16 is provided only on one side of the rear housing 12 in the third direction D3 in the drawing, the engagement structure 16 may be provided on both sides of the rear housing 12 in the third direction D3. .
  • the engagement structure 16 is provided forward of the slopes 14a and 15a in the exposed portion 17 (that is, between the front end of the rear housing 12 and the slopes 14a and 15a in the first direction D1).
  • An inclined surface 16 a (see FIG. 3) is formed in front of the engagement structure 16.
  • the slope 16a is inclined with respect to the first direction D1 and extends along the second direction D2.
  • Each slope 16a pushes up a protrusion 23 (see FIG. 5) described later when the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21 of the front housing 20.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the front housing 20 as viewed obliquely from the rear.
  • the front housing 20 has a housing body 26 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance, and has a front end face 20a and a rear end face 20b opposed in the first direction D1.
  • Engaging protrusions 24 for engaging with the corresponding front housing are provided on both side surfaces of the front housing 20 in the second direction D2.
  • the front housing 20 is provided with a plurality of insertion holes 21 into which the optical connector parts 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) are respectively inserted.
  • the plurality of insertion holes 21 are formed side by side along the second direction D2, and each insertion hole 21 extends along the first direction D1.
  • the central axis of each insertion hole 21 is along the first direction D1.
  • the shape of each insertion hole 21 in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction D1 is a rectangular shape in which the second direction D2 is a short direction and the third direction D3 is a longitudinal direction.
  • Each insertion hole 21 is provided in the housing body 26 a of the front housing 20 so as to penetrate from the front end face 20 a to the rear end face 20 b of the front housing 20.
  • the ferrule 11 of the optical connector part 10 is exposed to the outside of the front housing 20 from the opening 21a of the insertion hole 21 in the front end face 20a (see FIG. 1).
  • the exposed portion 17 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the rear housing 12 of the optical connector part 10 extends from the opening 21b of the insertion hole 21 in the rear end face 20b to the outside of the front housing 20 (see FIG. 2).
  • the front housing 20 has a plurality of elastically deformable weirs 22 projecting from the edge of the opening 21 b of each insertion hole 21 along the first direction D1. That is, the front housing 20 has a certain ridge 22 and another ridge 22 formed in parallel with the ridge 22 in the second direction D2 and having the same structure as the ridge 22.
  • the ridge 22 protrudes from the edge on the upper end side in the third direction D3 of the edge surrounding the opening 21b and is located above the exposed portion 17 of the rear housing 12 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
  • These ridges 22 include protrusions 23.
  • the protrusion 23 is provided near the rear end of the wedge 22 in the first direction D1 and extends toward the gap between the side walls 14 and 15 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (along the third direction D3). Protruding inward).
  • the projection 23 includes an engagement structure 23 a that engages with the engagement structure 16 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the rear housing 12.
  • the engagement structure 23a faces the insertion hole 21 (in other words, the ferrule 11, that is, the front).
  • the engagement structure 23a has, for example, a planar shape perpendicular to the first direction D1.
  • the engagement structure 23 a abuts on the engagement structure 16 when the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21. At this time, since the rear housing 12 is biased rearward by the compression coil spring 19, the engagement between the engagement structure 23a and the engagement structure 16 is stably maintained.
  • the elastic force of the compression coil spring 19 may be 3N to 22N, for example.
  • the elastic force in the case of PC connection, the elastic force may be 10N to 22N, and in the case of non-PC connection, the elastic force may be 3N to 10N.
  • the weir 22 has a width along the second direction, has a substantially U-shape or an O-shape in plan view, and has a through hole 22a.
  • the through hole 22 a is an opening penetrating in the projecting direction of the projection 23 (that is, the third direction D3).
  • Each through hole 22a is formed by a mold inserted from above to form the engagement structure 23a. Therefore, the engagement structure 23a is flush with the inner side surface of the rear end of the through hole 22a.
  • the plurality of weirs 22 of the front housing 20 may be comprised of an integrated one weir.
  • An inclined surface 23 d is formed on the rear portion of the engagement structure 23 a in the projection 23.
  • the sloped surface 23d is inclined with respect to the first direction D1 and extends along the second direction D2.
  • the sloped surface 23d contacts the sloped surface 16a (see FIG. 3) of the rear housing 12 when the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21 of the front housing 20, and is pushed up by the sloped surface 16a. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the projection 23 is smaller than the amount of displacement by which the wedge 22 can be elastically deformed.
  • the projection 23 further includes a pair of slopes 23 b and 23 c that constitute the latch release structure 3.
  • the slopes 23b and 23c are provided on the protrusion 23, are inclined with respect to the second direction D2, and extend along the first direction D1.
  • the slopes 23b and 23c face the slopes 14a and 15a, respectively.
  • the distance between the inclined surfaces 23 b and 23 c is narrower as it approaches the tip of the projection 23 and is wider as it gets farther from the exposed portion 17 of the rear housing 12.
  • the weir 22 and the latch release structure 3 are provided only at the edge of one end in the third direction D3 among the edges surrounding the opening 21b, the weir 22 and the latch release structure 3 have the opening 21b. It may be provided at edges located at both ends in the third direction D3 among the surrounding edges.
  • the front housing 20 has a protrusion 25 (see FIG. 5) on the inner surface of the insertion hole 21.
  • the convex portion 25 extends from the opening 21 b along the first direction D 1 and is provided on the inner surface of the upper surface (that is, the same side as the ridge 22) in the third direction D 3 of the inner surface of the insertion hole 21.
  • the rear housing 12 is formed with a groove 12 b extending along the first direction D ⁇ b> 1 and fitted with the convex portion 25.
  • the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21
  • the rear housing 12 is guided in the first direction D1 by the convex part 25 and the groove 12b.
  • the position of the upper surface of the protrusion 25 in the third direction D3 is substantially equal to the position of the upper surface of the protrusion 23 in the same direction.
  • the front housing 20 has a step surface 21 c (see FIG. 6) facing the opening 21 b on the inner surface of the insertion hole 21.
  • the step surface 21 c is formed over the entire circumference around the central axis of the insertion hole 21.
  • the ferrule 11 has a step surface 11 d provided on the outer peripheral surface.
  • the step surface 11 d is also formed over the entire circumference around the central axis of the ferrule 11.
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged rear view showing the configuration of the latch release structure 3 as viewed from the rear in the first direction D1.
  • the latch release structure 3 pushes the projection 23 out of the gap between the side walls 14 and 15 to engage the engagement structure 16 with the engagement structure 23a.
  • the mating state (latch).
  • a gap between the side wall 14 and the side wall 15 in the second direction D2 is narrowed by applying an external force (arrow A1 in the figure) to the side walls 14 and 15 using a jig or the like, the slope 14a and the slope The inclined surface 15 a and the inclined surface 23 c contact each other.
  • each width of slope 14a, 15a may be the same as each width of slope 23b, 23c, or may be short.
  • the optical connection structure 1A the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21 of the front housing 20 and held. At this time, the engagement structure 16 of the rear housing 12 and the engagement structure 23a of the front housing 20 are engaged (latched) with each other to prevent the optical connector component 10 from coming off the front housing 20.
  • the space between the side walls 14 and 15 is compressed as described with reference to FIG. At this time, the side walls 14 and 15 sandwich the projection 23 and push the projection 23 out of the gap between the side walls 14 and 15 to release the engagement between the engagement structure 16 and the engagement structure 23 a.
  • the mechanism for latching the front housing 20 and the rear housing 12 can be miniaturized, and the range of the structure necessary for the latch can be obtained as viewed from the insertion direction (first direction D1). It can be limited to the periphery of the insertion hole 21 of the front housing 20.
  • the structure required for the latch can be contained within the range of the area where the rear end face 20b of the front housing 20 is projected in the first direction D1. Therefore, as compared with the structure in which the latch lever protrudes from the rear housing 12 (see, for example, Patent Document 1), the size of the front housing 20 in the cross section intersecting with the insertion direction can be reduced. Therefore, also in the optical connector of the type mounted on a board
  • the latch release structure 3 in the optical connection structure 1A includes sloped surfaces 23b and 23c provided on the protrusion 23. Each of the sloped surfaces 23b and 23c contacts the side walls 14 and 15 when the side walls 14 and 15 sandwich the protrusion 23. May be For example, with such a configuration, the latch release structure 3 can be suitably realized. In addition, the latch release structure 3 includes slopes 14a and 15a provided on the inner side of the side walls 14 and 15, respectively, and the slopes 14a and 15a contact the projection 23 when the side walls 14 and 15 sandwich the projection 23. Good. For example, with such a configuration, the latch release structure 3 can be suitably realized. Although the latch release structure 3 has both the slopes 23b and 23c and the slopes 14a and 15a, the same effect can be obtained even if only one of the slopes 23b and 23c and the slopes 14a and 15a. Can.
  • the optical connector part 10 in the optical connection structure 1A may further include a compression coil spring 19 connecting the rear housing 12 and the ferrule 11.
  • the ferrule 11 may be an MT type ferrule. Thereby, many optical fibers 13 can be connected collectively.
  • the ferrule 11 may be a ferrule other than the MT type ferrule.
  • the side walls 14 and 15 may be integrated with each other at one end adjacent to the ferrule 11 in the first direction D1 and may be separated from each other at the other end opposite to the ferrule 11 in the first direction D1.
  • such a configuration makes it possible to compress the space between the elastically deformable side walls 14 and 15 from the rear of the optical connector part 10.
  • the front housing 20 may have a step surface 21c facing the opening 21b on the inner surface of the insertion hole 21, and the ferrule 11 may have another step surface 11d on the outer peripheral surface that abuts on the step surface 21c. Thereby, the ferrule 11 can be stably positioned inside the insertion hole 21.
  • the side walls 14 and 15 have projections or recesses that engage with a jig for extracting the optical connector part 10 from the insertion hole 21 on the outer side surfaces 14 c and 15 c opposite to the inner side surfaces 14 b and 15 b facing each other. You may have. According to such a configuration, even when the plurality of optical connector components 10 are arranged at narrow intervals in the second direction D2, the individual optical connector components 10 can be easily extracted.
  • the wedge 22 of the front housing 20 may have a through hole 22a penetrating in the direction in which the protrusion 23 protrudes, and the engagement structure 23a may have a planar shape and be flush with the inner side surface of the through hole 22a.
  • a mold can be used to suitably form the engagement structure 23a.
  • the front housing 20 may have a weir 22 and another weir 22 formed side by side with the weir 22 in the second direction D2 and having the same structure as the weir 22. Thereby, the front housing 20 can receive the plurality of optical connector parts 10.
  • the front housing 20 receives a plurality of optical connector parts 10
  • the dimensions of the front housing 20 are further increased, and the heat dissipation of the electronic components is hindered. Therefore, the configuration of the optical connection structure 1A of the present embodiment is particularly effective.
  • optical connection structure, the optical connector part, and the housing according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other modifications are possible. That is, the embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive.
  • the scope of the present invention is indicated not by the meaning described above but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.
  • SYMBOLS 1A Optical connection structure, 3 ... Latch release structure, 10 ... Optical connector part, 11 ... Ferrule, 11a ... Front end surface, 11b, 11c ... Through hole, 11d ... Step surface, 12 ... Rear housing, 12a ... Through hole, 12b ...

Abstract

The present invention discloses an optical connection structure including: an optical connector component having a ferrule holding the end of an optical fiber and a first housing connected to the ferrule; and a second housing having an insertion hole into which the optical connector component is inserted. The first housing has a portion extending from the opening of the insertion hole toward the outside. The portion includes a pair of elastically deformable side walls and a first engaging structure provided between the pair of side walls and facing a direction opposite the insertion hole. The second housing has an elastically deformable portion projecting from the edge of the opening of the insertion hole. The portion includes a projection projecting toward a space between the pair of side walls. The projection has a second engaging structure that engages the first engaging structure. The first housing and the second housing are configured to unlock an engagement between the first engaging structure and the second engaging structure by pushing the projection outside the space between the pair of side walls when the pair of side walls grips the projection.

Description

光接続構造、光コネクタ部品、及びハウジングOptical connection structure, optical connector part, and housing
　本開示は、光接続構造、光コネクタ部品、及びハウジングに関する。
　本出願は、２０１８年１月２３日出願の日本出願第２０１８－００８８４２号に基づく優先権を主張し、前記日本出願に記載された全ての記載内容を援用する。 The present disclosure relates to an optical connection structure, an optical connector part, and a housing.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-008842 filed on Jan. 23, 2018, and incorporates the entire contents described in the aforementioned Japanese application.
　特許文献１は、複数の挿入孔を備えるハウジングの各挿入孔にＭＴ型のフェルールを挿入する構成を備える光接続構造を開示する。各フェルールには圧縮ばねを介して第１ハウジングが連結され、各フェルールは第１ハウジングとともに第２ハウジングの各挿入孔に挿入される。第１ハウジングは、挿入方向に対して傾斜した方向に突出するラッチレバーを有しており、第１ハウジングが第２ハウジングの挿入孔に挿入された際、ラッチレバーが第２ハウジングに係合することにより、第２ハウジングからのフェルールの脱落が防止される。 Patent Document 1 discloses an optical connection structure including a configuration in which an MT-type ferrule is inserted into each insertion hole of a housing provided with a plurality of insertion holes. The first housing is connected to each ferrule via a compression spring, and each ferrule is inserted into each insertion hole of the second housing together with the first housing. The first housing has a latch lever projecting in a direction inclined with respect to the insertion direction, and when the first housing is inserted into the insertion hole of the second housing, the latch lever engages with the second housing Thereby, the falling off of the ferrule from the second housing is prevented.
米国特許出願公開第２００４／０１３１３１７号明細書U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0131317
　本開示は、光接続構造を提供する。この光接続構造は、フェルール及び第１ハウジングを有する光コネクタ部品と、第２ハウジングと、を備える。フェルールは、第１方向に沿って延びる光ファイバの端部を保持する。第１ハウジングは、光ファイバが挿通される孔を有し、フェルールに連結される。第２ハウジングは、第１方向に沿って光コネクタ部品が挿入される挿入孔を有する。第１ハウジングは、挿入孔の開口から挿入孔の外部に延出する部分を有する。この延出する部分は、弾性変形可能な一対の側壁と、第１係合構造とを有する。一対の側壁は、第１方向に沿って延在し、第１方向と交差する第２方向に並ぶ。第１係合構造は、一対の側壁の間に設けられ、挿入孔とは反対側を向く。第２ハウジングは、挿入孔の開口の縁から第１方向に突出する弾性変形可能な部分を有する。この弾性変形可能な部分は、一対の側壁の隙間に向けて突出する突起を含む。突起は、第１係合構造と係合する第２係合構造を有する。第１ハウジング及び第２ハウジングは、一対の側壁が突起を挟み込んだ際に突起を一対の側壁の隙間の外へ押し出して、第１係合構造と第２係合構造との係合状態を解除するように構成される。 The present disclosure provides an optical connection structure. The optical connection structure includes an optical connector part having a ferrule and a first housing, and a second housing. The ferrule holds an end of the optical fiber extending along the first direction. The first housing has a hole through which the optical fiber is inserted, and is connected to the ferrule. The second housing has an insertion hole into which the optical connector part is inserted along the first direction. The first housing has a portion extending from the opening of the insertion hole to the outside of the insertion hole. The extending portion has a pair of elastically deformable side walls and a first engagement structure. The pair of side walls extend in a first direction and align in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first engagement structure is provided between the pair of side walls and faces away from the insertion hole. The second housing has an elastically deformable portion projecting in a first direction from the edge of the opening of the insertion hole. The elastically deformable portion includes a protrusion projecting toward the gap between the pair of side walls. The protrusion has a second engagement structure that engages with the first engagement structure. The first housing and the second housing push the projection out of the gap between the pair of side walls when the pair of side walls sandwich the projection, thereby releasing the engagement between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure. Configured to
図１は、一実施形態に係る光接続構造を斜め前方から見た斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to an embodiment as viewed obliquely from the front. 図２は、光接続構造を斜め後方から見た斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical connection structure as viewed obliquely from the rear. 図３は、光コネクタ部品を斜め前方から見た斜視図である。FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical connector part as viewed obliquely from the front. 図４は、光コネクタ部品を斜め後方から見た斜視図である。FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the optical connector part as viewed obliquely from the rear. 図５は、フロントハウジングを斜め後方から見た斜視図である。FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front housing as viewed obliquely from the rear. 図６は、フロントハウジングを斜め後方から見た斜視図である。FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the front housing as viewed obliquely from the rear. 図７は、第１方向Ｄ１における後方から見たラッチ解除構造の構成を示す拡大背面図である。FIG. 7 is an enlarged rear view showing the configuration of the latch release structure as viewed from the rear in the first direction D1.
［本開示が解決しようとする課題］
　近年の情報通信量の増大に伴い、複数の光ファイバを一括して接続する光接続構造が開発されている。例えば特許文献１に開示された光接続構造においては、多数の光ファイバを保持する複数のＭＴ型のフェルールを一括して第２ハウジングに保持し、第２ハウジングの先端に設けられた開口からフェルールを露出させて、対応するフェルールとの接続を行う。このような構成を備える光接続構造では、フェルールを着脱可能に受け入れるための複数の挿入孔を第２ハウジングに設ける必要があるため、挿入方向と交差する断面における第２ハウジングの寸法が大きくなる。例えばギャングコネクタやバックプレーンコネクタといった、基板上に実装されるタイプの光コネクタにおいては、同じ基板上に実装される他の電子部品の放熱の観点から、挿入方向と交差する断面における第２ハウジングの寸法は小さいことが望ましい。 [Problems to be solved by the present disclosure]
With the recent increase in the amount of information communication, an optical connection structure has been developed which collectively connects a plurality of optical fibers. For example, in the optical connection structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of MT type ferrules holding a large number of optical fibers are collectively held in the second housing, and the ferrules are provided through the opening provided at the tip of the second housing. To expose the connection to the corresponding ferrule. In the optical connection structure having such a configuration, it is necessary to provide the second housing with a plurality of insertion holes for detachably receiving the ferrule, so the size of the second housing in the cross section intersecting the insertion direction becomes large. For example, in an optical connector of a type mounted on a substrate, such as a gang connector or a backplane connector, the second housing in a cross section intersecting with the insertion direction from the viewpoint of heat dissipation of other electronic components mounted on the same substrate. It is desirable that the dimensions be small.
［本開示の効果］
　本開示によれば、挿入方向と交差する断面におけるハウジングの寸法を小型化した光接続構造が提供される。 [Effect of the present disclosure]
According to the present disclosure, an optical connection structure is provided in which the dimensions of the housing in the cross section intersecting the insertion direction are reduced.
［本開示の実施形態の説明］
　最初に、本開示の実施形態の内容を列記して説明する。本開示の一実施形態に係る光接続構造は、フェルール及び第１ハウジングを有する光コネクタ部品と、第２ハウジングと、を備える。フェルールは、第１方向に沿って延びる光ファイバの端部を保持する。第１ハウジングは、光ファイバが挿通される孔を有し、フェルールに連結される。第２ハウジングは、第１方向に沿って光コネクタ部品が挿入される挿入孔を有する。第１ハウジングは、挿入孔の開口から挿入孔の外部に延出する部分を有する。この延出する部分は、弾性変形可能な一対の側壁と、第１係合構造とを有する。一対の側壁は、第１方向に沿って延在し、第１方向と交差する第２方向に並ぶ。第１係合構造は、一対の側壁の間に設けられ、挿入孔とは反対側を向く。第２ハウジングは、挿入孔の開口の縁から第１方向に突出する弾性変形可能な部分を有する。この弾性変形可能な部分は、一対の側壁の隙間に向けて突出する突起を含む。突起は、第１係合構造と係合する第２係合構造を有する。第１ハウジング及び第２ハウジングは、一対の側壁が突起を挟み込んだ際に突起を一対の側壁の隙間の外へ押し出して第１係合構造と第２係合構造との係合状態を解除するように構成される。 [Description of the embodiment of the present disclosure]
First, the contents of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be listed and described. An optical connection structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an optical connector part having a ferrule and a first housing, and a second housing. The ferrule holds an end of the optical fiber extending along the first direction. The first housing has a hole through which the optical fiber is inserted, and is connected to the ferrule. The second housing has an insertion hole into which the optical connector part is inserted along the first direction. The first housing has a portion extending from the opening of the insertion hole to the outside of the insertion hole. The extending portion has a pair of elastically deformable side walls and a first engagement structure. The pair of side walls extend in a first direction and align in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first engagement structure is provided between the pair of side walls and faces away from the insertion hole. The second housing has an elastically deformable portion projecting in a first direction from the edge of the opening of the insertion hole. The elastically deformable portion includes a protrusion projecting toward the gap between the pair of side walls. The protrusion has a second engagement structure that engages with the first engagement structure. The first housing and the second housing push the projection out of the gap between the pair of side walls when the pair of side walls sandwich the projection to release the engagement between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure. Configured as.
　この光接続構造では、第２ハウジングの挿入孔に光コネクタ部品が挿入され、保持される。このとき、第１ハウジングの第１係合構造と、第２ハウジングの第２係合構造とが互いに係合（ラッチ）することにより、第２ハウジングからの光コネクタ部品の脱落が防止される。一方、第２ハウジングから光コネクタ部品を抜出する際には、一対の側壁同士の間隔が押し縮められる。このとき、一対の側壁が突起を挟み込み、突起を一対の側壁の隙間の外へ押し出すことにより、第１係合構造と第２係合構造との係合状態が解除される。このような構成によれば、第２ハウジングと第１ハウジングとのラッチを行う機構を小型化することができ、挿入方向から見て、ラッチに必要な構造の存在範囲を第２ハウジングの挿入孔の周縁に限定することができる。従って、第１ハウジングからラッチレバーが突出する構造（例えば特許文献１を参照）と比較して、挿入方向と交差する断面における第２ハウジングの寸法を小型化できる。 In this optical connection structure, the optical connector part is inserted and held in the insertion hole of the second housing. At this time, the first engagement structure of the first housing and the second engagement structure of the second housing are engaged with each other (latched) to prevent the optical connector component from falling off the second housing. On the other hand, when the optical connector part is extracted from the second housing, the distance between the pair of side walls is compressed. At this time, the pair of side walls sandwiches the projection, and the projection is pushed out of the gap between the pair of side walls, whereby the engaged state between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure is released. According to such a configuration, the mechanism for latching the second housing and the first housing can be miniaturized, and the presence range of the structure necessary for the latch can be inserted into the insertion hole of the second housing as viewed from the insertion direction. It can be limited to the periphery of Therefore, as compared with a structure in which the latch lever projects from the first housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1), the size of the second housing in the cross section intersecting the insertion direction can be reduced.
　一実施形態として、第１ハウジングは、一対の側壁の内側にそれぞれ設けられ第２方向に対して傾斜するとともに第１方向に沿って延びる一対の第１斜面を含んでもよい。一対の第１斜面は、当該斜面同士の間隔が第２ハウジングの弾性変形可能な部分から遠ざかるほど狭くなるように構成されてもよい。一対の第１斜面は、一対の側壁が突起を挟み込んだ際に突起と接してもよい。このような構成により、第１係合構造と第２係合構造との係合を好適に解除できる。 In one embodiment, the first housing may include a pair of first slopes provided on the inner side of the pair of side walls and inclined with respect to the second direction and extending along the first direction. The pair of first slopes may be configured such that the distance between the slopes is narrowed as the distance from the elastically deformable portion of the second housing is increased. The pair of first slopes may contact the projection when the pair of side walls sandwich the projection. With such a configuration, the engagement between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure can be suitably released.
　一実施形態として、第２ハウジングは、突起に設けられ第２方向に対して傾斜するとともに第１方向に沿って延びる一対の第２斜面を含んでもよい。一対の第２斜面は、当該斜面同士の間隔が突起の先端に近づくほど狭くなるように構成されてもよい。一対の第２斜面それぞれは、一対の側壁が突起を挟み込んだ際に一対の側壁それぞれと接してもよい。このような構成により、第１係合構造と第２係合構造との係合を好適に解除できる。 In one embodiment, the second housing may include a pair of second slopes provided on the protrusion and inclined with respect to the second direction and extending along the first direction. The pair of second slopes may be configured to be narrower as the distance between the slopes approaches the tip of the protrusion. Each of the pair of second slopes may be in contact with the pair of side walls when the pair of side walls sandwich the protrusion. With such a configuration, the engagement between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure can be suitably released.
　一実施形態として、第１ハウジングは、一対の側壁の内側にそれぞれ設けられ第２方向に対して傾斜するとともに第１方向に沿って延びる一対の第１斜面を含み、第２ハウジングは、突起に設けられ第２方向に対して傾斜するとともに第１方向に沿って延びる一対の第２斜面を含んでもよい。一対の第１斜面の各幅は、第２方向に対して傾斜した方向において、第２斜面の各幅よりも広くてもよい。この構成により、第１係合構造と第２係合構造との係合をより確実に解除できる。この実施形態の構成において、一対の第１斜面は、一対の側壁の外側から内側に向かって第１方向に沿った長さが短くなるように構成されていてもよい。 In one embodiment, the first housing includes a pair of first slopes provided on the inner side of the pair of side walls and inclined with respect to the second direction and extending along the first direction, and the second housing has a protrusion It may include a pair of second slopes provided and inclined with respect to the second direction and extending along the first direction. Each width of the pair of first slopes may be wider than each width of the second slopes in a direction inclined with respect to the second direction. This configuration can more reliably release the engagement between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure. In the configuration of this embodiment, the pair of first slopes may be configured such that the length along the first direction decreases from the outside to the inside of the pair of side walls.
　一実施形態として、光コネクタ部品は、第１ハウジングとフェルールとを連結する圧縮コイルばねを更に有してもよい。これにより、光コネクタ部品が第２ハウジングの挿入孔に挿入された状態で、第１ハウジングを後方（挿入孔からの抜出方向）へ付勢し、第１係合構造と第２係合構造との係合状態を安定して保持することができる。第１方向から見た圧縮コイルばねの形状は、第２方向を短軸方向とする長円状若しくは楕円状であってもよい。 In one embodiment, the optical connector component may further include a compression coil spring connecting the first housing and the ferrule. As a result, in a state where the optical connector part is inserted into the insertion hole of the second housing, the first housing is biased rearward (in the extraction direction from the insertion hole), and the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure It is possible to stably hold the engagement with the The shape of the compression coil spring as viewed from the first direction may be an oval or an ellipse with the second direction as the minor axis direction.
　一実施形態として、フェルールはＭＴ型のフェルールであってもよい。これにより、多数の光ファイバを一括して接続することができる。 In one embodiment, the ferrule may be an MT-type ferrule. Thereby, many optical fibers can be connected collectively.
　一実施形態として、一対の側壁は、第１方向におけるフェルールに近接する一端において互いに一体化され、第１方向におけるフェルールとは反対側の他端において互いに離間していてもよい。このような構成によって、弾性変形可能な一対の側壁同士の間隔を光コネクタ部品の後方から押し縮めることが可能になる。 In one embodiment, the pair of side walls may be integral with one another at one end adjacent to the ferrule in the first direction and spaced apart from one another at the other end opposite the ferrule in the first direction. Such a configuration makes it possible to compress the space between the elastically deformable pair of side walls from the rear of the optical connector part.
　一実施形態として、第２ハウジングは、開口を向く段差面を挿入孔の内面に有し、フェルールは、段差面に当接する別の段差面を外周面に有してもよい。これにより、挿入孔の内部においてフェルールを安定して位置決めすることができる。 In one embodiment, the second housing may have a step surface facing the opening on the inner surface of the insertion hole, and the ferrule may have another step surface on the outer peripheral surface that abuts on the step surface. Thereby, the ferrule can be stably positioned inside the insertion hole.
　一実施形態として、一対の側壁は、光コネクタ部品を挿入孔から抜出するための治具と係合する突起又は凹部を、互いに対向する内側面とは反対側の外側面に有してもよい。このような構成によれば、複数の光コネクタ部品が第２方向に狭い間隔で配置された場合であっても、個々の光コネクタ部品を容易に抜出することができる。この実施形態において、一対の側壁は、抜出治具と係合する突起又は凹部が設けられる領域における外側面間の距離が第２ハウジングに近接する領域における外側面間の距離よりも狭くなるように、構成されてもよい。これにより、光コネクタ部品の抜出のためのスペースをより確実に確保することができる。 In one embodiment, the pair of side walls have a projection or a recess engaged with a jig for extracting the optical connector component from the insertion hole on the outer surface opposite to the inner surface opposed to each other. Good. According to such a configuration, even when the plurality of optical connector components are arranged at a narrow interval in the second direction, the individual optical connector components can be easily extracted. In this embodiment, the pair of side walls is such that the distance between the outer surfaces in the region where the protrusion or recess that engages with the extraction jig is provided is smaller than the distance between the outer surfaces in the region close to the second housing May be configured. This makes it possible to more reliably secure a space for extracting the optical connector component.
　一実施形態として、第１係合構造は、第１方向に対して交差する平面状の面を含んでもよい。これにより、第１係合構造を簡易な構成により実現できる。 In one embodiment, the first engagement structure may include a planar surface intersecting with the first direction. Thereby, the first engagement structure can be realized with a simple configuration.
　一実施形態として、第２ハウジングの弾性変形可能な部分は、突起の突出方向に貫通する貫通孔を有し、第２係合構造は平面状を呈し貫通孔の内側面と面一であってもよい。例えばこのような構成により、金型を用いて第２係合構造を好適に形成することができる。 In one embodiment, the elastically deformable portion of the second housing has a through hole penetrating in the protrusion direction of the protrusion, and the second engagement structure is flat and flush with the inner surface of the through hole, It is also good. For example, with such a configuration, the second engagement structure can be suitably formed using a mold.
　一実施形態として、第２ハウジングは、第２方向において弾性変形可能な部分と並んで形成され当該部分と同一の構造を有する別の弾性変形可能な部分を更に有してもよい。これにより、第２ハウジングが複数の光コネクタ部品を受け入れることができる。第２ハウジングが複数の光コネクタ部品を受け入れる場合、第２ハウジングの寸法がさらに大きくなり、電子部品の放熱を阻害することとなる。従って、第２ハウジングの寸法を小型化できる上述した光接続構造が特に有効となる。 In one embodiment, the second housing may further include another elastically deformable portion formed side by side in the second direction with the elastically deformable portion and having the same structure as the portion. Thereby, the second housing can receive a plurality of optical connector parts. If the second housing receives a plurality of optical connector components, the dimensions of the second housing will be further increased, which will impede the heat dissipation of the electronic components. Therefore, the above-described optical connection structure which can reduce the size of the second housing is particularly effective.
　一実施形態として、第２ハウジングの弾性変形可能な部分は、第１ハウジングの延出する部分の少なくとも一部を覆う庇を含んでもよい。庇には、挿入孔の開口の縁と突起との間に貫通孔が設けられていてもよい。突起の庇の主面からの突出量は、庇の弾性変形可能な変位量より小さくてもよい。 In one embodiment, the elastically deformable portion of the second housing may include a fold covering at least a portion of the extending portion of the first housing. The crucible may be provided with a through hole between the edge of the opening of the insertion hole and the protrusion. The amount of protrusion of the protrusion from the main surface of the ridge may be smaller than the amount of elastically deformable displacement of the ridge.
　また、本開示の一実施形態に係る光コネクタ部品は、第１方向に沿って延びる光ファイバの端部を保持するフェルールと、光ファイバが挿通される孔を有しフェルールに連結された第１ハウジングと、を備える。第１ハウジングは、弾性変形可能な一対の側壁と、係合構造と、を有する。一対の側壁は、第１方向に沿って延在し、第１方向と交差する第２方向に並ぶ。係合構造は、一対の側壁の間に設けられ、フェルールとは反対側を向く。このようなコネクタ部品において、一対の側壁のそれぞれ内側には、第２方向に対して傾斜するとともに第１方向に沿って延びる一対の斜面が設けられていてもよい。この光コネクタ部品を用いた光接続構造によれば、挿入方向と交差する断面におけるハウジングの寸法を小型化した光接続構造を提供できる。 Further, an optical connector part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a ferrule holding an end of an optical fiber extending along a first direction, and a first hole coupled to the ferrule having a hole through which the optical fiber is inserted. And a housing. The first housing has a pair of elastically deformable side walls and an engagement structure. The pair of side walls extend in a first direction and align in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The engagement structure is provided between the pair of side walls and faces away from the ferrule. In such a connector part, a pair of slopes which are inclined with respect to the second direction and extend along the first direction may be provided on the inner sides of the pair of side walls. According to the optical connection structure using the optical connector component, it is possible to provide an optical connection structure in which the size of the housing in the cross section intersecting the insertion direction is reduced.
　また、本開示の一実施形態に係るハウジングは、ハウジング本体と、弾性変形可能な部分と、を備える。ハウジング本体には、第１方向に沿って延びる挿入孔がその内側に設けられる。弾性変形可能な部分は、第１方向と交差する第２方向に沿った幅を有し、ハウジング本体の挿入孔の開口の縁から第１方向に突出する。弾性変形可能な部分は、第１方向及び第２方向に交差する第３方向に沿い、内側に向けて突出する突起を有する。このようなハウジングにおいて、突起には、第２方向に対して傾斜するとともに第１方向に沿って延びる一対の斜面が設けられていてもよい。このハウジングを用いた光接続構造によれば、挿入方向と交差する断面におけるハウジングの寸法を小型化した光接続構造を提供できる。 Further, a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing body and an elastically deformable portion. The housing body is provided with an insertion hole extending along the first direction. The elastically deformable portion has a width along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and protrudes in the first direction from the edge of the opening of the insertion hole of the housing body. The elastically deformable portion has a projection projecting inward along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. In such a housing, the projection may be provided with a pair of slopes which are inclined in the second direction and extend along the first direction. According to the optical connection structure using the housing, it is possible to provide an optical connection structure in which the dimensions of the housing in the cross section intersecting the insertion direction are reduced.
［本開示の実施形態の詳細］
　本開示の実施形態に係る光接続構造、光コネクタ部品、及びハウジングの具体例を、以下に図面を参照しつつ説明する。本発明はこれらの例示に限定されるものではなく、請求の範囲によって示され、請求の範囲と均等の意味及び範囲内でのすべての変更が含まれることが意図される。以下の説明では、図面の説明において同一の要素には同一の符号を付し、重複する説明を省略する。説明のため、各図には互いに交差（一例では直交）する第１方向Ｄ１、第２方向Ｄ２、及び第３方向Ｄ３が示されている。 Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure
Specific examples of the optical connection structure, the optical connector component, and the housing according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these exemplifications, but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements in the description of the drawings, and the redundant description will be omitted. For the purpose of illustration, in each of the drawings, a first direction D1, a second direction D2, and a third direction D3 which intersect (in one example, are orthogonal to) each other are shown.
　図１は、一実施形態に係る光接続構造１Ａを斜め前方から見た斜視図である。図２は、光接続構造１Ａを斜め後方から見た斜視図である。図１及び図２に示されるように、光接続構造１Ａは、複数（図では３個を例示）の光コネクタ部品１０と、１個のフロントハウジング２０とを備える。フロントハウジング２０は、第１方向Ｄ１に沿って光コネクタ部品１０が挿入される複数（図では３つを例示）の挿入孔２１を有する。両端の挿入孔２１は、第２方向Ｄ２において中央の挿入孔２１と並んで形成され、中央の挿入孔２１と同一の構造を有する。フロントハウジング２０は、複数の光コネクタ部品１０を収容して保持すると共に、その前端面２０ａから各光コネクタ部品１０のフェルール１１を露出させる。複数のフェルール１１それぞれは、フロントハウジング２０に接続される、対応する（相手側の）フロントハウジングに保持された複数のフェルールそれぞれと光接続を行う。光接続は、光ファイバの先端面同士が接触するＰＣ（Physical　Contact）接続であってもよいし、光ファイバの先端面同士が接触しない非ＰＣ接続であってもよい。 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical connection structure 1A according to an embodiment as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical connection structure 1A as viewed obliquely from the rear. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical connection structure 1 </ b> A includes a plurality (three in the drawing) of optical connector components 10 and one front housing 20. The front housing 20 has a plurality (three in the drawing) of insertion holes 21 into which the optical connector component 10 is inserted along the first direction D1. The insertion holes 21 at both ends are formed side by side with the central insertion hole 21 in the second direction D2, and have the same structure as the central insertion hole 21. The front housing 20 accommodates and holds a plurality of optical connector parts 10, and exposes the ferrules 11 of the respective optical connector parts 10 from its front end face 20a. Each of the plurality of ferrules 11 makes an optical connection with each of the plurality of ferrules held by the corresponding (opposite) front housing connected to the front housing 20. The optical connection may be a PC (Physical Contact) connection in which the tip surfaces of the optical fibers are in contact with each other, or a non-PC connection in which the tip surfaces of the optical fibers are not in contact with each other.
　図３は、光コネクタ部品１０を斜め前方から見た斜視図である。図４は、光コネクタ部品１０を斜め後方から見た斜視図である。図３及び図４に示されるように、光コネクタ部品１０は、フェルール１１、ピンキーパ１８、圧縮コイルばね１９、及びリアハウジング１２を有し、これらの構成は、第１方向Ｄ１に沿って並ぶ。フェルール１１は、例えば樹脂製であり、第１方向Ｄ１に沿って延びる光ファイバ１３の端部を保持する。光ファイバ１３は、例えば複数の光ファイバ心線が第３方向Ｄ３に沿って並べられたテープファイバである。フェルール１１は、例えばＭＴ型のフェルールであり、略直方体状の外形を有する。フェルール１１は、第１方向Ｄ１の前方を向く前端面１１ａを有する。光ファイバ１３を構成する各光ファイバ心線の端面１３ａは、前端面１１ａから露出する。前端面１１ａは、対応する光コネクタ部品のフェルールと光接続を行う。 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical connector part 10 as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the optical connector part 10 as viewed obliquely from the rear. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the optical connector part 10 includes a ferrule 11, a pin keeper 18, a compression coil spring 19, and a rear housing 12, and these configurations are aligned along the first direction D1. The ferrule 11 is made of, for example, a resin, and holds an end of the optical fiber 13 extending along the first direction D1. The optical fiber 13 is, for example, a tape fiber in which a plurality of optical fiber cores are arranged along the third direction D3. The ferrule 11 is, for example, an MT type ferrule and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The ferrule 11 has a front end face 11a facing the front in the first direction D1. The end face 13a of each optical fiber core wire which comprises the optical fiber 13 is exposed from the front end face 11a. The front end face 11a makes an optical connection with the ferrule of the corresponding optical connector part.
　フェルール１１は、当該フェルール１１と、対応する光コネクタ部品のフェルールとの位置決めを行うための金属製の一対のピン３１，３２をそれぞれ挿通させるための一対の貫通孔１１ｂ，１１ｃを更に有する。これらの貫通孔１１ｂ，１１ｃは、複数の光ファイバ心線を間に挟んで第３方向Ｄ３に沿って並んでいる。ピンキーパ１８は、一対のピン３１，３２の後端を保持しており、フェルール１１の後端面すなわち第１方向Ｄ１におけるリアハウジング１２側の端面に接して設けられる。ピンキーパ１８は例えば樹脂製であり、光ファイバ１３を挿通させる貫通孔を有する。 The ferrule 11 further has a pair of through holes 11 b and 11 c for respectively inserting a pair of metal pins 31 and 32 for positioning the ferrule 11 and the ferrule of the corresponding optical connector part. The through holes 11b and 11c are arranged along the third direction D3 with a plurality of optical fiber cores interposed therebetween. The pin keeper 18 holds the rear ends of the pair of pins 31 and 32, and is provided in contact with the rear end surface of the ferrule 11, that is, the end surface on the rear housing 12 side in the first direction D1. The pin keeper 18 is made of resin, for example, and has a through hole through which the optical fiber 13 is inserted.
　圧縮コイルばね１９は、中心軸線が第１方向Ｄ１に沿うように配置され、内部に光ファイバ１３を収容しながらリアハウジング１２とフェルール１１とを連結する。本実施形態では、圧縮コイルばね１９の前端はピンキーパ１８に抱え込まれて保持されており、圧縮コイルばね１９の後端はリアハウジング１２に抱え込まれて保持されている。圧縮コイルばね１９は、光コネクタ部品１０がフロントハウジング２０に挿入された状態において、リアハウジング１２を後方（フロントハウジング２０からの抜出方向）へ付勢する。第１方向Ｄ１から見た圧縮コイルばね１９の形状は、光ファイバ１３を構成する複数の光ファイバ心線の並ぶ方向（すなわち第３方向Ｄ３）を長軸方向とし、第２方向Ｄ２を短軸方向とする長円状若しくは楕円状である。 The compression coil spring 19 is disposed such that the central axis is along the first direction D1, and connects the rear housing 12 and the ferrule 11 while accommodating the optical fiber 13 therein. In the present embodiment, the front end of the compression coil spring 19 is held and held by the pin keeper 18, and the rear end of the compression coil spring 19 is held and held by the rear housing 12. The compression coil spring 19 biases the rear housing 12 rearward (in the direction of withdrawal from the front housing 20) in a state where the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the front housing 20. The shape of the compression coil spring 19 viewed from the first direction D1 is such that the direction in which the plurality of optical fiber cores constituting the optical fiber 13 are aligned (that is, the third direction D3) is the long axis direction and the second direction D2 is the short axis It is an oval or elliptical shape to be a direction.
　リアハウジング１２は、光ファイバ１３が挿通される貫通孔１２ａを有しており、ピンキーパ１８及び圧縮コイルばね１９を介してフェルール１１に連結されている。貫通孔１２ａの中心軸線は第１方向Ｄ１に沿っている。リアハウジング１２は、フロントハウジング２０の挿入孔２１（図２を参照）の開口から、第１方向Ｄ１に沿って挿入孔２１の外部に延出する露出部分１７を有する。露出部分１７は、一対の側壁１４，１５と、係合構造１６とを有する。側壁１４，１５は、第１方向Ｄ１及び第３方向Ｄ３に沿って延在しており、第２方向Ｄ２において互いに並んで設けられている。側壁１４，１５は、第１方向Ｄ１におけるフェルール１１に近接する一端において互いに一体化され、第１方向Ｄ１におけるフェルール１１とは反対側の他端において互いに離間している。側壁１４，１５は、弾性変形可能な材料からなる。側壁１４，１５は、互いに対向する内側面１４ｂ，１５ｂをそれぞれ有する。内側面１４ｂ，１５ｂの間には、光ファイバ１３が配置される。また、側壁１４，１５は、内側面１４ｂ，１５ｂとは反対側を向く外側面１４ｃ，１５ｃをそれぞれ有する。 The rear housing 12 has a through hole 12 a through which the optical fiber 13 is inserted, and is connected to the ferrule 11 via the pin keeper 18 and the compression coil spring 19. The central axis of the through hole 12a is along the first direction D1. The rear housing 12 has an exposed portion 17 extending from the opening of the insertion hole 21 (see FIG. 2) of the front housing 20 to the outside of the insertion hole 21 along the first direction D1. The exposed portion 17 has a pair of side walls 14 and 15 and an engagement structure 16. The side walls 14 and 15 extend along the first direction D1 and the third direction D3, and are provided side by side in the second direction D2. The side walls 14 and 15 are integrated with each other at one end close to the ferrule 11 in the first direction D1, and are separated from each other at the other end opposite to the ferrule 11 in the first direction D1. The side walls 14 and 15 are made of an elastically deformable material. The side walls 14 and 15 respectively have inner side surfaces 14 b and 15 b facing each other. The optical fiber 13 is disposed between the inner side surfaces 14b and 15b. Further, the side walls 14 and 15 respectively have outer side surfaces 14c and 15c facing the opposite side to the inner side surfaces 14b and 15b.
　リアハウジング１２は、ラッチ解除構造３を構成する一対の斜面１４ａ，１５ａを更に有する。斜面１４ａ，１５ａは、側壁１４，１５の内側にそれぞれ設けられ、第２方向Ｄ２に対して傾斜するとともに、第１方向Ｄ１に沿って延びている。斜面１４ａ，１５ａは、第３方向Ｄ３における側壁１４，１５の上端（後述するフロントハウジング２０の庇２２に近接する端）付近に形成されており、斜面１４ａ，１５ａ同士の間隔は、フロントハウジング２０の庇２２から遠ざかるほど（言い換えると、側壁１４，１５の上端から遠ざかるほど）狭くなっている。また、各斜面１４ａ，１５ａは、側壁１４，１５の外側から内側に向かって、第１方向Ｄ１に沿った長さが短くなるように構成されていてもよい。ラッチ解除構造３の具体的な動作については後述する。 The rear housing 12 further includes a pair of slopes 14 a and 15 a that constitute the latch release structure 3. The slopes 14a and 15a are provided on the inner side of the side walls 14 and 15, respectively, and are inclined with respect to the second direction D2 and extend along the first direction D1. The slopes 14a and 15a are formed near the upper ends of the side walls 14 and 15 in the third direction D3 (ends close to the ridge 22 of the front housing 20 described later), and the spacing between the slopes 14a and 15a is the front housing 20. The smaller the distance from the ridge 22 (in other words, the distance from the upper ends of the side walls 14 and 15), the narrower it becomes. Each of the slopes 14a and 15a may be configured such that the length along the first direction D1 decreases from the outside to the inside of the side walls 14 and 15. The specific operation of the latch release structure 3 will be described later.
　側壁１５は、突起１５ｄ（又は凹部）を外側面１５ｃに有する。側壁１４もまた、同様の突起又は凹部を外側面１４ｃに有する。これらの突起又は凹部は、光コネクタ部品１０を挿入孔２１から抜出するための治具と係合する。これらの突起１５ｄ又は凹部は、第１方向Ｄ１において斜面１４ａ，１５ａよりも後方（換言すれば、斜面１４ａ，１５ａに対してフェルール１１とは反対側）に設けられている。側壁１４，１５のうち突起１５ｄ又は凹部が設けられる部分における外側面１４ｃ，１５ｃ同士の間隔は、それより前方の部分における外側面１４ｃ，１５ｃ同士の間隔よりも狭くなっている。これは、互いに隣り合う挿入孔２１のそれぞれにリアハウジング１２が挿入されている場合に、これらの隙間に治具を挿入し易くするためである。したがって、突起である場合は、その高さは前方の部分における外側面１５ｃより低い。凹部である場合は、側壁１５を貫通する孔であってもよい。 The side wall 15 has a protrusion 15 d (or a recess) on the outer side surface 15 c. The side wall 14 also has similar protrusions or recesses on the outer surface 14c. These projections or recesses engage with a jig for extracting the optical connector part 10 from the insertion hole 21. The projections 15d or the recesses are provided rearward of the slopes 14a, 15a in the first direction D1 (in other words, on the opposite side of the slopes 14a, 15a from the ferrule 11). The distance between the outer side surfaces 14c and 15c in the portion where the protrusion 15d or the recess is provided in the side walls 14 and 15 is narrower than the distance between the outer side surfaces 14c and 15c in the portion further forward. This is to facilitate the insertion of the jig into these gaps when the rear housing 12 is inserted into the insertion holes 21 adjacent to each other. Therefore, if it is a protrusion, its height is lower than the outer surface 15c in the front part. If it is a recess, it may be a hole passing through the side wall 15.
　係合構造１６は、露出部分１７において側壁１４と側壁１５との隙間に設けられており、挿入孔２１への向きとは反対側（換言すれば、フェルール１１への向きとは反対側すなわち後方）を向いている。係合構造１６は、一例として、第１方向Ｄ１に対して垂直な平面状を呈している。図３及び図４では係合構造１６が２つの領域に分割されているが、係合構造１６は単一の領域から成ってもよい。また、図では係合構造１６が第３方向Ｄ３におけるリアハウジング１２の一方の側にのみ設けられているが、係合構造１６は第３方向Ｄ３におけるリアハウジング１２の両側に設けられてもよい。また、係合構造１６は、露出部分１７において斜面１４ａ，１５ａよりも前方（すなわち、第１方向Ｄ１におけるリアハウジング１２の前端と斜面１４ａ，１５ａとの間）に設けられている。 The engagement structure 16 is provided in the gap between the side wall 14 and the side wall 15 in the exposed portion 17 and opposite to the direction to the insertion hole 21 (in other words, the opposite side to the direction to the ferrule 11, Face the The engagement structure 16 has, for example, a planar shape perpendicular to the first direction D1. Although the engagement structure 16 is divided into two regions in FIGS. 3 and 4, the engagement structure 16 may consist of a single region. Further, although the engagement structure 16 is provided only on one side of the rear housing 12 in the third direction D3 in the drawing, the engagement structure 16 may be provided on both sides of the rear housing 12 in the third direction D3. . Further, the engagement structure 16 is provided forward of the slopes 14a and 15a in the exposed portion 17 (that is, between the front end of the rear housing 12 and the slopes 14a and 15a in the first direction D1).
　係合構造１６の前方には斜面１６ａ（図３を参照）が形成されている。斜面１６ａは、第１方向Ｄ１に対して傾斜するとともに、第２方向Ｄ２に沿って延びている。各斜面１６ａは、光コネクタ部品１０がフロントハウジング２０の挿入孔２１に挿入される際に、後述する突起２３（図５を参照）を押し上げる。 An inclined surface 16 a (see FIG. 3) is formed in front of the engagement structure 16. The slope 16a is inclined with respect to the first direction D1 and extends along the second direction D2. Each slope 16a pushes up a protrusion 23 (see FIG. 5) described later when the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21 of the front housing 20.
　図５及び図６は、フロントハウジング２０を斜め後方から見た斜視図である。図５及び図６に示されるように、フロントハウジング２０は、略直方体状の外観のハウジング本体２６を有しており、第１方向Ｄ１において対向する前端面２０ａ及び後端面２０ｂを有する。第２方向Ｄ２におけるフロントハウジング２０の両側面には、対応するフロントハウジングと係合するための係合突起２４が設けられている。 5 and 6 are perspective views of the front housing 20 as viewed obliquely from the rear. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the front housing 20 has a housing body 26 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance, and has a front end face 20a and a rear end face 20b opposed in the first direction D1. Engaging protrusions 24 for engaging with the corresponding front housing are provided on both side surfaces of the front housing 20 in the second direction D2.
　前述したように、フロントハウジング２０には、光コネクタ部品１０（図３、図４を参照）がそれぞれ挿入される複数の挿入孔２１が設けられている。複数の挿入孔２１は第２方向Ｄ２に沿って並んで形成されており、各挿入孔２１は第１方向Ｄ１に沿って延びている。言い換えると、各挿入孔２１の中心軸線は第１方向Ｄ１に沿っている。第１方向Ｄ１に垂直な断面における各挿入孔２１の形状は、第２方向Ｄ２を短手方向とし、第３方向Ｄ３を長手方向とする長方形状である。 As described above, the front housing 20 is provided with a plurality of insertion holes 21 into which the optical connector parts 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) are respectively inserted. The plurality of insertion holes 21 are formed side by side along the second direction D2, and each insertion hole 21 extends along the first direction D1. In other words, the central axis of each insertion hole 21 is along the first direction D1. The shape of each insertion hole 21 in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction D1 is a rectangular shape in which the second direction D2 is a short direction and the third direction D3 is a longitudinal direction.
　各挿入孔２１は、フロントハウジング２０の前端面２０ａから後端面２０ｂにわたって貫通するように、フロントハウジング２０のハウジング本体２６ａ内に設けられている。光コネクタ部品１０のフェルール１１は、前端面２０ａにおける挿入孔２１の開口２１ａからフロントハウジング２０の外部へ露出する（図１を参照）。光コネクタ部品１０のリアハウジング１２の露出部分１７（図３、図４を参照）は、後端面２０ｂにおける挿入孔２１の開口２１ｂからフロントハウジング２０の外部へ延出する（図２を参照）。 Each insertion hole 21 is provided in the housing body 26 a of the front housing 20 so as to penetrate from the front end face 20 a to the rear end face 20 b of the front housing 20. The ferrule 11 of the optical connector part 10 is exposed to the outside of the front housing 20 from the opening 21a of the insertion hole 21 in the front end face 20a (see FIG. 1). The exposed portion 17 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the rear housing 12 of the optical connector part 10 extends from the opening 21b of the insertion hole 21 in the rear end face 20b to the outside of the front housing 20 (see FIG. 2).
　フロントハウジング２０は、各挿入孔２１の開口２１ｂの縁から第１方向Ｄ１に沿って突出する弾性変形可能な複数の庇２２を有する。すなわち、フロントハウジング２０は、或る庇２２と、第２方向Ｄ２において該庇２２と並んで形成され該庇２２と同一の構造を有する別の庇２２とを有する。庇２２は、開口２１ｂを囲む縁のうち第３方向Ｄ３における上端側の縁から突出しており、図３及び図４に示されたリアハウジング１２の露出部分１７の上方に位置する。これらの庇２２は、突起２３を含む。突起２３は、第１方向Ｄ１における庇２２の後端付近に設けられており、図３及び図４に示された側壁１４，１５の隙間に向けて（第３方向Ｄ３に沿いフロントハウジング２０の内側に向けて）突出する。 The front housing 20 has a plurality of elastically deformable weirs 22 projecting from the edge of the opening 21 b of each insertion hole 21 along the first direction D1. That is, the front housing 20 has a certain ridge 22 and another ridge 22 formed in parallel with the ridge 22 in the second direction D2 and having the same structure as the ridge 22. The ridge 22 protrudes from the edge on the upper end side in the third direction D3 of the edge surrounding the opening 21b and is located above the exposed portion 17 of the rear housing 12 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. These ridges 22 include protrusions 23. The protrusion 23 is provided near the rear end of the wedge 22 in the first direction D1 and extends toward the gap between the side walls 14 and 15 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (along the third direction D3). Protruding inward).
　突起２３は、リアハウジング１２の係合構造１６（図３、図４を参照）と係合する係合構造２３ａを含む。係合構造２３ａは、挿入孔２１（換言すれば、フェルール１１、すなわち前方）を向いている。係合構造２３ａは、一例として、第１方向Ｄ１に対して垂直な平面状を呈している。係合構造２３ａは、光コネクタ部品１０が挿入孔２１に挿入された状態において、係合構造１６と当接する。その際、リアハウジング１２は圧縮コイルばね１９によって後方に付勢されるので、係合構造２３ａと係合構造１６との係合状態が安定して保持される。係合構造２３ａと係合構造１６との係合状態が安定して保持されるためには、一例として、圧縮コイルばね１９の弾性力は３Ｎ～２２Ｎであってもよい。例えば、ＰＣ接続の場合、弾性力は１０Ｎ～２２Ｎであってもよく、非ＰＣ接続の場合、弾性力は３Ｎ～１０Ｎであってもよい。 The projection 23 includes an engagement structure 23 a that engages with the engagement structure 16 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the rear housing 12. The engagement structure 23a faces the insertion hole 21 (in other words, the ferrule 11, that is, the front). The engagement structure 23a has, for example, a planar shape perpendicular to the first direction D1. The engagement structure 23 a abuts on the engagement structure 16 when the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21. At this time, since the rear housing 12 is biased rearward by the compression coil spring 19, the engagement between the engagement structure 23a and the engagement structure 16 is stably maintained. In order for the engagement between the engagement structure 23a and the engagement structure 16 to be stably held, the elastic force of the compression coil spring 19 may be 3N to 22N, for example. For example, in the case of PC connection, the elastic force may be 10N to 22N, and in the case of non-PC connection, the elastic force may be 3N to 10N.
　庇２２は、第２方向に沿った幅を有し、平面視した際に略Ｕ字状若しくはＯ字状を呈しており、貫通孔２２ａを有する。貫通孔２２ａは、突起２３の突出方向（すなわち第３方向Ｄ３）に貫通する開口である。各貫通孔２２ａは、係合構造２３ａを形成するために上方から挿入される金型によって形成される。従って、係合構造２３ａは、貫通孔２２ａの後端の内側面と面一となっている。フロントハウジング２０の複数の庇２２は、一体化された１つの庇から構成されてもよい。 The weir 22 has a width along the second direction, has a substantially U-shape or an O-shape in plan view, and has a through hole 22a. The through hole 22 a is an opening penetrating in the projecting direction of the projection 23 (that is, the third direction D3). Each through hole 22a is formed by a mold inserted from above to form the engagement structure 23a. Therefore, the engagement structure 23a is flush with the inner side surface of the rear end of the through hole 22a. The plurality of weirs 22 of the front housing 20 may be comprised of an integrated one weir.
　突起２３における係合構造２３ａの後方の部分には、斜面２３ｄが形成されている。斜面２３ｄは、第１方向Ｄ１に対して傾斜するとともに、第２方向Ｄ２に沿って延びている。斜面２３ｄは、光コネクタ部品１０がフロントハウジング２０の挿入孔２１に挿入される際に、リアハウジング１２の斜面１６ａ（図３を参照）と当接し、斜面１６ａによって押し上げられる。したがって、突起２３の突出量は、庇２２が弾性変形可能な変位量より小さい。 An inclined surface 23 d is formed on the rear portion of the engagement structure 23 a in the projection 23. The sloped surface 23d is inclined with respect to the first direction D1 and extends along the second direction D2. The sloped surface 23d contacts the sloped surface 16a (see FIG. 3) of the rear housing 12 when the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21 of the front housing 20, and is pushed up by the sloped surface 16a. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the projection 23 is smaller than the amount of displacement by which the wedge 22 can be elastically deformed.
　突起２３は、ラッチ解除構造３を構成する一対の斜面２３ｂ，２３ｃを更に含む。斜面２３ｂ，２３ｃは、突起２３に設けられ、第２方向Ｄ２に対して傾斜するとともに第１方向Ｄ１に沿って延びている。そして、斜面２３ｂ，２３ｃは、斜面１４ａ，１５ａとそれぞれ対向する。斜面２３ｂ，２３ｃ同士の間隔は、突起２３の先端に近づくほど狭くなっており、リアハウジング１２の露出部分１７から遠ざかるほど広くなっている。図５及び図６では、開口２１ｂを囲む縁のうち第３方向Ｄ３における一端の縁にのみ庇２２及びラッチ解除構造３が設けられているが、庇２２及びラッチ解除構造３は、開口２１ｂを囲む縁のうち第３方向Ｄ３における両端に位置する縁に設けられてもよい。 The projection 23 further includes a pair of slopes 23 b and 23 c that constitute the latch release structure 3. The slopes 23b and 23c are provided on the protrusion 23, are inclined with respect to the second direction D2, and extend along the first direction D1. The slopes 23b and 23c face the slopes 14a and 15a, respectively. The distance between the inclined surfaces 23 b and 23 c is narrower as it approaches the tip of the projection 23 and is wider as it gets farther from the exposed portion 17 of the rear housing 12. In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, although the weir 22 and the latch release structure 3 are provided only at the edge of one end in the third direction D3 among the edges surrounding the opening 21b, the weir 22 and the latch release structure 3 have the opening 21b. It may be provided at edges located at both ends in the third direction D3 among the surrounding edges.
　フロントハウジング２０は、凸部２５（図５を参照）を挿入孔２１の内面に有する。凸部２５は、開口２１ｂから第１方向Ｄ１に沿って延びており、挿入孔２１の内面のうち第３方向Ｄ３における上端（すなわち庇２２と同じ側）の内面に設けられている。そして、図３及び図４に示されるように、リアハウジング１２には、第１方向Ｄ１に沿って延びており凸部２５と嵌合する溝１２ｂが形成されている。光コネクタ部品１０が挿入孔２１に挿入される際、凸部２５及び溝１２ｂによってリアハウジング１２が第１方向Ｄ１にガイドされる。第３方向Ｄ３における凸部２５の上面の位置は、同方向における突起２３の上面の位置と略等しい。 The front housing 20 has a protrusion 25 (see FIG. 5) on the inner surface of the insertion hole 21. The convex portion 25 extends from the opening 21 b along the first direction D 1 and is provided on the inner surface of the upper surface (that is, the same side as the ridge 22) in the third direction D 3 of the inner surface of the insertion hole 21. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear housing 12 is formed with a groove 12 b extending along the first direction D <b> 1 and fitted with the convex portion 25. When the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21, the rear housing 12 is guided in the first direction D1 by the convex part 25 and the groove 12b. The position of the upper surface of the protrusion 25 in the third direction D3 is substantially equal to the position of the upper surface of the protrusion 23 in the same direction.
　フロントハウジング２０は、開口２１ｂを向く段差面２１ｃ（図６を参照）を挿入孔２１の内面に有する。段差面２１ｃは、挿入孔２１の中心軸周りの全周にわたって形成されている。また、図３及び図４に示されるように、フェルール１１は、外周面に設けられた段差面１１ｄを有する。段差面１１ｄもまた、フェルール１１の中心軸周りの全周にわたって形成されている。光コネクタ部品１０が挿入孔２１に挿入された状態において、段差面２１ｃと段差面１１ｄとは互いに当接する。その際、フェルール１１は圧縮コイルばね１９によって前方に付勢されるので、段差面２１ｃと段差面１１ｄとの当接状態が安定して保持される。これにより、フロントハウジング２０に対するフェルール１１の前端面１１ａの相対位置が安定して保持される。 The front housing 20 has a step surface 21 c (see FIG. 6) facing the opening 21 b on the inner surface of the insertion hole 21. The step surface 21 c is formed over the entire circumference around the central axis of the insertion hole 21. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the ferrule 11 has a step surface 11 d provided on the outer peripheral surface. The step surface 11 d is also formed over the entire circumference around the central axis of the ferrule 11. When the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21, the step surface 21c and the step surface 11d abut each other. At this time, since the ferrule 11 is urged forward by the compression coil spring 19, the contact state between the step surface 21c and the step surface 11d is stably held. Thereby, the relative position of the front end face 11a of the ferrule 11 with respect to the front housing 20 is stably held.
　ここで、ラッチ解除構造３の動作について説明する。図７は、第１方向Ｄ１における後方から見たラッチ解除構造３の構成を示す拡大背面図である。ラッチ解除構造３は、側壁１４，１５が弾性変形して突起２３を挟み込んだ際に、突起２３を側壁１４，１５の隙間の外へ押し出して、係合構造１６と係合構造２３ａとの係合状態（ラッチ）を解除する。具体的には、治具等を用いて側壁１４，１５に外力（図中の矢印Ａ１）を印加することにより側壁１４と側壁１５との第２方向Ｄ２の間隔を狭めると、斜面１４ａと斜面２３ｂとが当接し、斜面１５ａと斜面２３ｃとが当接する。そして、側壁１４と側壁１５との間隔を更に狭めると、斜面１４ａ，１５ａからの第３方向Ｄ３の力が斜面２３ｂ，２３ｃに作用し、庇２２がリアハウジング１２から離れる方向に曲がる（図中の矢印Ａ２）。これにより、係合構造１６と係合構造２３ａとの係合状態が解除され、光コネクタ部品１０を挿入孔２１から抜き出すことが可能となる。図７の例では、斜面１４ａ，１５ａの各幅は、第２方向Ｄ２に対して下方に傾斜した方向において、斜面２３ｂ，２３ｃの各幅よりも広くなっており、より確実に係合構造１６，２３ａの係合状態を解除できるようになっている。但し、斜面１４ａ，１５ａの各幅は、斜面２３ｂ，２３ｃの各幅と同じであってもよく、又は、短くてもよい。 Here, the operation of the latch release structure 3 will be described. FIG. 7 is an enlarged rear view showing the configuration of the latch release structure 3 as viewed from the rear in the first direction D1. When the side walls 14 and 15 elastically deform and sandwich the projection 23, the latch release structure 3 pushes the projection 23 out of the gap between the side walls 14 and 15 to engage the engagement structure 16 with the engagement structure 23a. Release the mating state (latch). Specifically, when a gap between the side wall 14 and the side wall 15 in the second direction D2 is narrowed by applying an external force (arrow A1 in the figure) to the side walls 14 and 15 using a jig or the like, the slope 14a and the slope The inclined surface 15 a and the inclined surface 23 c contact each other. Then, when the distance between the side wall 14 and the side wall 15 is further narrowed, the force in the third direction D3 from the slopes 14a, 15a acts on the slopes 23b, 23c and the weir 22 bends in a direction away from the rear housing 12 (in FIG. Arrow A2). As a result, the engagement between the engagement structure 16 and the engagement structure 23 a is released, and the optical connector component 10 can be extracted from the insertion hole 21. In the example of FIG. 7, the widths of the slopes 14a and 15a are wider than the widths of the slopes 23b and 23c in the direction inclined downward with respect to the second direction D2, and the engagement structure 16 is more reliably , 23a can be released. However, each width of slope 14a, 15a may be the same as each width of slope 23b, 23c, or may be short.
　光接続構造１Ａによって得られる効果について説明する。光接続構造１Ａにおいては、フロントハウジング２０の挿入孔２１に光コネクタ部品１０が挿入され、保持される。このとき、リアハウジング１２の係合構造１６と、フロントハウジング２０の係合構造２３ａとが互いに係合（ラッチ）することにより、フロントハウジング２０からの光コネクタ部品１０の脱落が防止される。一方、フロントハウジング２０から光コネクタ部品１０を抜出する際には、図７を参照して説明したように、側壁１４，１５同士の間隔が押し縮められる。このとき、側壁１４，１５が突起２３を挟み込み、突起２３を側壁１４，１５の隙間の外へ押し出すことにより、係合構造１６と係合構造２３ａとの係合状態が解除される。このような構成によれば、フロントハウジング２０とリアハウジング１２とのラッチを行う機構を小型化することができ、挿入方向（第１方向Ｄ１）から見て、ラッチに必要な構造の存在範囲を、フロントハウジング２０の挿入孔２１の周縁に限定することができる。言い換えると、フロントハウジング２０の後端面２０ｂを第１方向Ｄ１に投影した領域の範囲内に、ラッチに必要な構造を収めることができる。従って、リアハウジング１２からラッチレバーが突出する構造（例えば特許文献１を参照）と比較して、挿入方向と交差する断面におけるフロントハウジング２０の寸法を小型化できる。故に、例えばギャングコネクタやバックプレーンコネクタといった、基板上に実装されるタイプの光コネクタにおいても、同じ基板上に実装される他の電子部品の放熱効率を高めることができる。 The effects obtained by the optical connection structure 1A will be described. In the optical connection structure 1A, the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21 of the front housing 20 and held. At this time, the engagement structure 16 of the rear housing 12 and the engagement structure 23a of the front housing 20 are engaged (latched) with each other to prevent the optical connector component 10 from coming off the front housing 20. On the other hand, when extracting the optical connector part 10 from the front housing 20, the space between the side walls 14 and 15 is compressed as described with reference to FIG. At this time, the side walls 14 and 15 sandwich the projection 23 and push the projection 23 out of the gap between the side walls 14 and 15 to release the engagement between the engagement structure 16 and the engagement structure 23 a. According to such a configuration, the mechanism for latching the front housing 20 and the rear housing 12 can be miniaturized, and the range of the structure necessary for the latch can be obtained as viewed from the insertion direction (first direction D1). It can be limited to the periphery of the insertion hole 21 of the front housing 20. In other words, the structure required for the latch can be contained within the range of the area where the rear end face 20b of the front housing 20 is projected in the first direction D1. Therefore, as compared with the structure in which the latch lever protrudes from the rear housing 12 (see, for example, Patent Document 1), the size of the front housing 20 in the cross section intersecting with the insertion direction can be reduced. Therefore, also in the optical connector of the type mounted on a board | substrate, such as a gang connector and a backplane connector, for example, the heat radiation efficiency of other electronic components mounted on the same board | substrate can be improved.
　光接続構造１Ａにおけるラッチ解除構造３は、突起２３に設けられた斜面２３ｂ，２３ｃを含み、斜面２３ｂ，２３ｃそれぞれは、側壁１４，１５が突起２３を挟み込んだ際に側壁１４，１５それぞれと接してもよい。例えばこのような構成により、ラッチ解除構造３を好適に実現することができる。また、ラッチ解除構造３は、側壁１４，１５の内側にそれぞれ設けられた斜面１４ａ，１５ａを含み、斜面１４ａ，１５ａは、側壁１４，１５が突起２３を挟み込んだ際に突起２３と接してもよい。例えばこのような構成により、ラッチ解除構造３を好適に実現することができる。ラッチ解除構造３は斜面２３ｂ，２３ｃと斜面１４ａ，１５ａとの双方を有しているが、斜面２３ｂ，２３ｃと斜面１４ａ，１５ａとのうちいずれか一方のみであっても同様の効果を奏することができる。 The latch release structure 3 in the optical connection structure 1A includes sloped surfaces 23b and 23c provided on the protrusion 23. Each of the sloped surfaces 23b and 23c contacts the side walls 14 and 15 when the side walls 14 and 15 sandwich the protrusion 23. May be For example, with such a configuration, the latch release structure 3 can be suitably realized. In addition, the latch release structure 3 includes slopes 14a and 15a provided on the inner side of the side walls 14 and 15, respectively, and the slopes 14a and 15a contact the projection 23 when the side walls 14 and 15 sandwich the projection 23. Good. For example, with such a configuration, the latch release structure 3 can be suitably realized. Although the latch release structure 3 has both the slopes 23b and 23c and the slopes 14a and 15a, the same effect can be obtained even if only one of the slopes 23b and 23c and the slopes 14a and 15a. Can.
　光接続構造１Ａにおける光コネクタ部品１０は、リアハウジング１２とフェルール１１とを連結する圧縮コイルばね１９を更に有してもよい。これにより、光コネクタ部品１０がフロントハウジング２０の挿入孔２１に挿入された状態で、リアハウジング１２を後方（挿入孔２１からの抜出方向）へ付勢し、係合構造１６と係合構造２３ａとの係合状態を安定して保持することができる。 The optical connector part 10 in the optical connection structure 1A may further include a compression coil spring 19 connecting the rear housing 12 and the ferrule 11. Thereby, in a state where the optical connector part 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21 of the front housing 20, the rear housing 12 is biased rearward (in the extraction direction from the insertion hole 21), and the engagement structure 16 and the engagement structure The engagement state with 23a can be stably held.
　フェルール１１は、ＭＴ型のフェルールであってもよい。これにより、多数の光ファイバ１３を一括して接続することができる。フェルール１１は、ＭＴ型フェルール以外のフェルールであってもよい。 The ferrule 11 may be an MT type ferrule. Thereby, many optical fibers 13 can be connected collectively. The ferrule 11 may be a ferrule other than the MT type ferrule.
　側壁１４，１５は、第１方向Ｄ１におけるフェルール１１に近接する一端において互いに一体化され、第１方向Ｄ１におけるフェルール１１とは反対側の他端において互いに離間していてもよい。例えばこのような構成によって、弾性変形可能な側壁１４，１５同士の間隔を光コネクタ部品１０の後方から押し縮めることが可能になる。 The side walls 14 and 15 may be integrated with each other at one end adjacent to the ferrule 11 in the first direction D1 and may be separated from each other at the other end opposite to the ferrule 11 in the first direction D1. For example, such a configuration makes it possible to compress the space between the elastically deformable side walls 14 and 15 from the rear of the optical connector part 10.
　フロントハウジング２０は、開口２１ｂを向く段差面２１ｃを挿入孔２１の内面に有し、フェルール１１は、段差面２１ｃに当接する別の段差面１１ｄを外周面に有してもよい。これにより、挿入孔２１の内部においてフェルール１１を安定して位置決めすることができる。 The front housing 20 may have a step surface 21c facing the opening 21b on the inner surface of the insertion hole 21, and the ferrule 11 may have another step surface 11d on the outer peripheral surface that abuts on the step surface 21c. Thereby, the ferrule 11 can be stably positioned inside the insertion hole 21.
　側壁１４，１５は、光コネクタ部品１０を挿入孔２１から抜出するための治具と係合する突起又は凹部を、互いに対向する内側面１４ｂ，１５ｂとは反対側の外側面１４ｃ，１５ｃに有してもよい。このような構成によれば、複数の光コネクタ部品１０が第２方向Ｄ２に狭い間隔で配置された場合であっても、個々の光コネクタ部品１０を容易に抜出することができる。 The side walls 14 and 15 have projections or recesses that engage with a jig for extracting the optical connector part 10 from the insertion hole 21 on the outer side surfaces 14 c and 15 c opposite to the inner side surfaces 14 b and 15 b facing each other. You may have. According to such a configuration, even when the plurality of optical connector components 10 are arranged at narrow intervals in the second direction D2, the individual optical connector components 10 can be easily extracted.
　フロントハウジング２０の庇２２は、突起２３の突出方向に貫通する貫通孔２２ａを有し、係合構造２３ａは平面状を呈し貫通孔２２ａの内側面と面一であってもよい。例えばこのような構成により、金型を用いて係合構造２３ａを好適に形成することができる。 The wedge 22 of the front housing 20 may have a through hole 22a penetrating in the direction in which the protrusion 23 protrudes, and the engagement structure 23a may have a planar shape and be flush with the inner side surface of the through hole 22a. For example, with such a configuration, a mold can be used to suitably form the engagement structure 23a.
　フロントハウジング２０は、庇２２と、第２方向Ｄ２において該庇２２と並んで形成され該庇２２と同一の構造を有する別の庇２２とを有してもよい。これにより、フロントハウジング２０が複数の光コネクタ部品１０を受け入れることができる。フロントハウジング２０が複数の光コネクタ部品１０を受け入れる場合、フロントハウジング２０の寸法がさらに大きくなり、電子部品の放熱を阻害することとなる。従って、本実施形態の光接続構造１Ａの構成が特に有効となる。 The front housing 20 may have a weir 22 and another weir 22 formed side by side with the weir 22 in the second direction D2 and having the same structure as the weir 22. Thereby, the front housing 20 can receive the plurality of optical connector parts 10. When the front housing 20 receives a plurality of optical connector parts 10, the dimensions of the front housing 20 are further increased, and the heat dissipation of the electronic components is hindered. Therefore, the configuration of the optical connection structure 1A of the present embodiment is particularly effective.
　本開示による光接続構造、光コネクタ部品、及びハウジングは、上述した実施形態に限られるものではなく、他に様々な変形が可能である。すなわち、今回開示された実施の形態はすべての点で例示であって限定的なものではないと考えられるべきである。本発明の範囲は、上述した意味ではなく、請求の範囲によって示され、請求の範囲と均等の意味及び範囲内での全ての変更が含まれることが意図される。 The optical connection structure, the optical connector part, and the housing according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other modifications are possible. That is, the embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated not by the meaning described above but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.
　１Ａ…光接続構造、３…ラッチ解除構造、１０…光コネクタ部品、１１…フェルール、１１ａ…前端面、１１ｂ，１１ｃ…貫通孔、１１ｄ…段差面、１２…リアハウジング、１２ａ…貫通孔、１２ｂ…溝、１３…光ファイバ、１３ａ…端面、１４，１５…側壁、１４ａ，１５ａ…斜面、１４ｂ，１５ｂ…内側面、１４ｃ，１５ｃ…外側面、１５ｄ…突起、１６…係合構造、１６ａ…斜面、１７…露出部分、１８…ピンキーパ、２０…フロントハウジング、２０ａ…前端面、２０ｂ…後端面、２１…挿入孔、２１ａ，２１ｂ…開口、２１ｃ…段差面、２２…庇、２２ａ…貫通孔、２３…突起、２３ａ…係合構造、２３ｂ～２３ｄ…斜面、２４…係合突起、２５…凸部、２６…ハウジング本体、３１，３２…ピン、Ｄ１…第１方向、Ｄ２…第２方向、Ｄ３…第３方向。 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A ... Optical connection structure, 3 ... Latch release structure, 10 ... Optical connector part, 11 ... Ferrule, 11a ... Front end surface, 11b, 11c ... Through hole, 11d ... Step surface, 12 ... Rear housing, 12a ... Through hole, 12b ... groove 13 optical fiber 13a end face 14 15 side wall 14a 15a slope 14b 15b inner side 14c 15c outer side 15d projection 16 engagement structure 16a 16a Slope, 17 exposed portion, 18 pin keeper, 20 front housing, 20a front end face, 20b rear end face, 21 insertion hole, 21a, 21b opening, 21c step surface, 22 庇, 22a through hole , 23: projection 23a: engagement structure 23b to 23d: slope 24: engagement projection 25: convex portion 26: housing main body 31, 32: pin D1: first direction D2: second Direction, D3 ... the third direction.

Claims (20)

  1. 　第１方向に沿って延びる光ファイバの端部を保持するフェルール、及び、前記光ファイバが挿通される孔を有し前記フェルールに連結された第１ハウジングを有する光コネクタ部品と、
    　前記第１方向に沿って前記光コネクタ部品が挿入される挿入孔を有する第２ハウジングと、を備え、
    　前記第１ハウジングは、前記挿入孔の開口から前記挿入孔の外部に延出する部分を有し、前記延出する部分は、前記第１方向に沿って延在し前記第１方向と交差する第２方向に並ぶ弾性変形可能な一対の側壁と、前記一対の側壁の間に設けられ前記挿入孔とは反対側を向く第１係合構造と、を有し、
    　前記第２ハウジングは、前記挿入孔の開口の縁から前記第１方向に突出する弾性変形可能な部分を有し、前記弾性変形可能な部分は、前記一対の側壁の隙間に向けて突出する突起を含み、前記突起は、前記第１係合構造と係合する第２係合構造を有し、
    　前記第１ハウジング及び前記第２ハウジングは、前記一対の側壁が前記突起を挟み込んだ際に前記突起を前記一対の側壁の隙間の外へ押し出して前記第１係合構造と前記第２係合構造との係合状態を解除するように構成される、光接続構造。     A ferrule for holding an end of an optical fiber extending in a first direction; and an optical connector part having a first housing having a hole through which the optical fiber is inserted and connected to the ferrule.
    A second housing having an insertion hole into which the optical connector part is inserted along the first direction;
    The first housing has a portion extending from the opening of the insertion hole to the outside of the insertion hole, and the extending portion extends along the first direction and intersects the first direction. A pair of elastically deformable side walls aligned in a second direction; and a first engagement structure provided between the pair of side walls and facing away from the insertion hole;
    The second housing has an elastically deformable portion that protrudes in the first direction from an edge of the opening of the insertion hole, and the elastically deformable portion is a protrusion that protrudes toward a gap between the pair of side walls. The projection has a second engagement structure for engaging with the first engagement structure,
    The first housing and the second housing push the protrusion out of the gap between the pair of side walls when the pair of side walls sandwich the protrusion, and thereby the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure. An optical connection structure configured to release the engagement state with the
  2. 　前記第１ハウジングは、前記一対の側壁の内側にそれぞれ設けられ前記第２方向に対して傾斜するとともに前記第１方向に沿って延びる一対の第１斜面を含み、前記一対の第１斜面は、当該斜面同士の間隔が前記第２ハウジングの前記弾性変形可能な部分から遠ざかるほど狭くなるように構成され、
    　前記一対の第１斜面は、前記一対の側壁が前記突起を挟み込んだ際に前記突起と接する、
    請求項１に記載の光接続構造。     The first housing includes a pair of first slopes provided on the inner side of the pair of side walls and inclined with respect to the second direction and extending along the first direction, the pair of first slopes being The interval between the slopes is configured to be narrower as it goes away from the elastically deformable portion of the second housing,
    The pair of first slopes contact the projection when the pair of side walls sandwich the projection.
    The optical connection structure according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記第２ハウジングは、前記突起に設けられ前記第２方向に対して傾斜するとともに前記第１方向に沿って延びる一対の第２斜面を含み、前記一対の第２斜面は、当該斜面同士の間隔が前記突起の先端に近づくほど狭くなるように構成され、
    　前記一対の第２斜面それぞれは、前記一対の側壁が前記突起を挟み込んだ際に前記一対の側壁それぞれと接する、
    請求項１または請求項２に記載の光接続構造。     The second housing includes a pair of second slopes provided on the protrusion and inclined with respect to the second direction and extending along the first direction, and the pair of second slopes is a distance between the slopes. Is configured to be narrower as it approaches the tip of the protrusion,
    Each of the pair of second slopes contacts each of the pair of side walls when the pair of side walls sandwich the protrusion.
    The optical connection structure according to claim 1 or 2.
  4. 　前記第１ハウジングは、前記一対の側壁の内側にそれぞれ設けられ前記第２方向に対して傾斜するとともに前記第１方向に沿って延びる一対の第１斜面を含み、
    　前記第２ハウジングは、前記突起に設けられ前記第２方向に対して傾斜するとともに前記第１方向に沿って延びる一対の第２斜面を含み、
    　前記一対の第１斜面の各幅は、前記第２方向に対して傾斜した方向において、前記第２斜面の各幅よりも広い、
    請求項１に記載の光接続構造。     The first housing includes a pair of first slopes provided inside of the pair of side walls and inclined with respect to the second direction and extending along the first direction,
    The second housing includes a pair of second slopes provided on the protrusion and inclined with respect to the second direction and extending along the first direction,
    Each width of the pair of first slopes is wider than each width of the second slopes in a direction inclined with respect to the second direction.
    The optical connection structure according to claim 1.
  5. 　前記一対の第１斜面は、前記一対の側壁の外側から内側に向かって前記第１方向に沿った長さが短くなるように構成されている、
    請求項４に記載の光接続構造。     The pair of first slopes is configured such that the length along the first direction becomes shorter from the outside to the inside of the pair of side walls,
    The optical connection structure according to claim 4.
  6. 　前記光コネクタ部品は、前記第１ハウジングと前記フェルールとを連結する圧縮コイルばねを更に有する、
    請求項１～請求項５のいずれか１項に記載の光接続構造。     The optical connector part further comprises a compression coil spring connecting the first housing and the ferrule.
    The optical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
  7. 　前記第１方向から見た前記圧縮コイルばねの形状が、前記第２方向を短軸方向とする長円状又は楕円状である、
    請求項６に記載の光接続構造。     The shape of the compression coil spring as viewed from the first direction is an oval or elliptical shape with the second direction as the minor axis direction.
    The optical connection structure according to claim 6.
  8. 　前記フェルールはＭＴ型のフェルールである、
    請求項１～請求項７のいずれか１項に記載の光接続構造。     The ferrule is an MT type ferrule,
    The optical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
  9. 　前記一対の側壁は、前記第１方向における前記フェルールに近接する一端において互いに一体化され、前記第１方向における前記フェルールとは反対側の他端において互いに離間している、
    請求項１～請求項８のいずれか１項に記載の光接続構造。     The pair of side walls are integrated with each other at one end adjacent to the ferrule in the first direction and are separated from each other at the other end opposite to the ferrule in the first direction.
    The optical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
  10. 　前記第２ハウジングは、前記開口を向く段差面を前記挿入孔の内面に有し、
    　前記フェルールは、前記段差面に当接する別の段差面を外周面に有する、
    請求項１～請求項９のいずれか１項に記載の光接続構造。     The second housing has a step surface facing the opening on the inner surface of the insertion hole,
    The ferrule has, on its outer peripheral surface, another stepped surface that contacts the stepped surface.
    The optical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
  11. 　前記一対の側壁は、前記光コネクタ部品を前記挿入孔から抜出するための治具と係合する突起又は凹部を、互いに対向する内側面とは反対側の外側面に有する、
    請求項１～請求項１０のいずれか１項に記載の光接続構造。     The pair of side walls have a projection or a recess, which engages with a jig for extracting the optical connector part from the insertion hole, on the outer surface opposite to the inner surface facing each other.
    The optical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
  12. 　前記一対の側壁は、前記突起又は凹部が設けられる領域における外側面間の距離が前記第２ハウジングに近接する領域における外側面間の距離よりも狭くなるように構成される、
    請求項１０に記載の光接続構造。     The pair of side walls are configured such that the distance between the outer side surfaces in the area where the protrusion or the recess is provided is smaller than the distance between the outer side surfaces in the area close to the second housing.
    The optical connection structure according to claim 10.
  13. 　前記第１係合構造は、前記第１方向に対して交差する平面状の面を含む、
    請求項１～請求項１２の何れか１項に記載の光接続構造。     The first engagement structure includes a planar surface intersecting with the first direction.
    The optical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
  14. 　前記第２ハウジングの前記弾性変形可能な部分は、前記突起の突出方向に貫通する貫通孔を有し、前記第２係合構造は平面状を呈し前記貫通孔の内側面と面一である、
    請求項１～請求項１３のいずれか１項に記載の光接続構造。     The elastically deformable portion of the second housing has a through hole penetrating in the protrusion direction of the protrusion, and the second engagement structure has a planar shape and is flush with the inner side surface of the through hole.
    The optical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
  15. 　前記第２ハウジングは、前記第２方向において前記弾性変形可能な部分と並んで形成され前記弾性変形可能な部分と同一の構造を有する別の弾性変形可能な部分を更に有する、
    請求項１～請求項１４のいずれか１項に記載の光接続構造。     The second housing further includes another elastically deformable portion formed side by side with the elastically deformable portion in the second direction and having the same structure as the elastically deformable portion.
    The optical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
  16. 　前記第２ハウジングの前記弾性変形可能な部分は、前記第１ハウジングの前記延出する部分の少なくとも一部を覆う庇を含む、
    請求項１～請求項１５のいずれか１項に記載の光接続構造。     The elastically deformable portion of the second housing includes a fold covering at least a portion of the extending portion of the first housing.
    The optical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
  17. 　前記庇には、前記挿入孔の前記開口の前記縁と前記突起との間に貫通孔が設けられている、
    請求項１６に記載の光接続構造。     The weir is provided with a through hole between the rim of the opening of the insertion hole and the protrusion.
    The optical connection structure according to claim 16.
  18. 　前記突起の前記庇の主面からの突出量は、前記庇の弾性変形可能な変位量より小さい、
    請求項１６又は請求項１７に記載の光接続構造。     The amount of protrusion of the protrusion from the main surface of the ridge is smaller than the amount of elastically deformable displacement of the ridge,
    The optical connection structure according to claim 16 or 17.
  19. 　第１方向に沿って延びる光ファイバの端部を保持するフェルールと、
    　前記光ファイバが挿通される孔を有し前記フェルールに連結された第１ハウジングと、を備え、
    　前記第１ハウジングは、前記第１方向に沿って延在し前記第１方向と交差する第２方向に並ぶ弾性変形可能な一対の側壁と、前記一対の側壁の間に設けられ前記フェルールとは反対側を向く係合構造と、を有し、
    　前記一対の側壁のそれぞれ内側には、前記第２方向に対して傾斜するとともに前記第１方向に沿って延びる一対の斜面が設けられている、光コネクタ部品。     A ferrule holding an end of the optical fiber extending along the first direction;
    A first housing having a hole through which the optical fiber is inserted and connected to the ferrule;
    The first housing is provided between a pair of elastically deformable side walls extending in the first direction and aligned in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the ferrule is provided between the pair of side walls and An engagement structure facing the opposite side;
    An optical connector component, wherein a pair of slopes inclined to the second direction and extending along the first direction is provided on the inner side of the pair of side walls.
  20. 　第１方向に沿って延びる挿入孔がその内側に設けられるハウジング本体と、
    　前記第１方向と交差する第２方向に沿った幅を有し、前記ハウジング本体の前記挿入孔の開口の縁から前記第１方向に突出する弾性変形可能な部分と、を備え、
    　前記弾性変形可能な部分は、前記第１方向及び前記第２方向に交差する第３方向に沿い、内側に向けて突出する突起を有し、
    　前記突起には、前記第２方向に対して傾斜するとともに前記第１方向に沿って延びる一対の斜面が設けられている、ハウジング。     A housing body on the inside of which an insertion hole extending along the first direction is provided;
    An elastically deformable portion having a width along a second direction intersecting the first direction and protruding from the edge of the opening of the insertion hole of the housing body in the first direction;
    The elastically deformable portion has a protrusion that protrudes inward along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction,
    The housing is provided with a pair of slopes which are inclined with respect to the second direction and extend along the first direction.
PCT/JP2018/042170 2018-01-23 2018-11-14 Optical connection structure, optical connector component, and housing WO2019146223A1 (en)

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WO2023067831A1 (en) * 2021-10-20 2023-04-27 株式会社フジクラ Ferrule holding structure

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JP2001201662A (en) * 2000-01-20 2001-07-27 Fujikura Ltd Optical connector
JP2010271368A (en) * 2009-05-19 2010-12-02 Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Ltd Optical connector
JP2013156580A (en) * 2012-01-31 2013-08-15 Tyco Electronics Japan Kk Optical fiber connector
US20170205588A1 (en) * 2016-01-20 2017-07-20 Alliance Fiber Optic Products, Inc. Fiber optic connector with small profile, and cable assemblies, systems, and methods including the same

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JP2001201662A (en) * 2000-01-20 2001-07-27 Fujikura Ltd Optical connector
JP2010271368A (en) * 2009-05-19 2010-12-02 Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Ltd Optical connector
JP2013156580A (en) * 2012-01-31 2013-08-15 Tyco Electronics Japan Kk Optical fiber connector
US20170205588A1 (en) * 2016-01-20 2017-07-20 Alliance Fiber Optic Products, Inc. Fiber optic connector with small profile, and cable assemblies, systems, and methods including the same

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023067831A1 (en) * 2021-10-20 2023-04-27 株式会社フジクラ Ferrule holding structure

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