WO2019159431A1 - Connecteur optique et procédé de raccordement du connecteur optique - Google Patents

Connecteur optique et procédé de raccordement du connecteur optique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019159431A1
WO2019159431A1 PCT/JP2018/038270 JP2018038270W WO2019159431A1 WO 2019159431 A1 WO2019159431 A1 WO 2019159431A1 JP 2018038270 W JP2018038270 W JP 2018038270W WO 2019159431 A1 WO2019159431 A1 WO 2019159431A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plug
housing
receptacle
optical
outer housing
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Application number
PCT/JP2018/038270
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
貴仁 音光
Original Assignee
株式会社フジクラ
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.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社フジクラ filed Critical 株式会社フジクラ
Publication of WO2019159431A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019159431A1/fr

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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
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • 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 invention relates to an optical connector and an optical connector connection method.
  • an MT type optical connector optical connector defined by JIS C 5981, MT: Mechanically Transferable
  • JIS C 5981, MT: Mechanically Transferable optical connector defined by JIS C 5981, MT: Mechanically Transferable
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a housing unit (a receiving-side outer housing unit 128 and a movable-side outer housing unit 138) in which a ferrule biased forward by a spring is accommodated in a housing.
  • a plurality of optical connectors arranged in the width direction are disclosed (see FIGS. 11 to 13).
  • the plug-side housing (movable-side housing 131) is fitted into the receptacle-side housing (receiving-side housing 121), so that the ferrules in a plurality of arranged housing units are butt-connected at a time. be able to.
  • An object of the present invention is to enable easy attachment / detachment of a multi-fiber optical connector. Another object of the present invention is to enable easy cleaning of a multi-fiber optical connector.
  • Some embodiments of the invention include: An optical connector that butt-connects a plurality of first ferrules accommodated in the first housing and a plurality of second ferrules accommodated in the second housing by fitting the first housing and the second housing. Because The first housing has a plurality of first inner housings that respectively accommodate the plurality of first ferrules, and a first outer housing that can be unlocked with respect to the plurality of first inner housings, The plurality of first inner housings are locked at a common initial position with respect to the first outer housing, When fitting the plurality of first inner housings with the second housing, The locking between the first inner housing and the first outer housing at the initial position is released, The first inner housing is locked to the first outer housing at a fitting position different from the initial position; The plurality of first inner housings and the second housings are fitted in stages at different fitting positions, respectively.
  • the optical connector is characterized in that the locking between the first inner housing fitted at the fitting position and the first outer housing is released.
  • FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the optical connector 1 of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2A is a front view of the optical connector 1 of the first embodiment.
  • 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2A.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the optical plug 10 as viewed obliquely from above.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the optical plug 10 as viewed obliquely from below.
  • 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views showing a state until the housing is engaged.
  • 6A to 6C are cross-sectional views showing a state from the housing engagement state to the floating state.
  • FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view (AA cross-sectional view of FIG.
  • FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view (CC cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A) of the left plug-side internal connector 12C.
  • 8A to 8C are explanatory views of the movement of the left plug-side internal connector 12C.
  • 9A to 9C show the relationship between the position of the optical plug 10 relative to the optical receptacle 60 and the force received by the optical plug 10 when the plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12 are fitted to the receptacle-side housing 61 in stages.
  • FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the optical plug 10 of the comparative example as seen obliquely from below.
  • FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of the optical connector 1 of the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the optical plug 10 according to the second embodiment viewed obliquely from below.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the optical plug 10 of the third embodiment as viewed obliquely from above.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the optical plug 10 according to the third embodiment as viewed obliquely from above in another direction.
  • An optical connector that butt-connects a plurality of first ferrules accommodated in the first housing and a plurality of second ferrules accommodated in the second housing by fitting the first housing and the second housing. Because The first housing has a plurality of first inner housings that respectively accommodate the plurality of first ferrules, and a first outer housing that can be unlocked with respect to the plurality of first inner housings, The plurality of first inner housings are locked at a common initial position with respect to the first outer housing, When fitting the plurality of first inner housings with the second housing, The locking between the first inner housing and the first outer housing at the initial position is released, The first inner housing is locked to the first outer housing at a fitting position different from the initial position; The plurality of first inner housings and the second housings are fitted in stages at different fitting positions, respectively.
  • the optical connector is characterized in that the engagement between the first inner housing fitted at the fitting position and the first outer housing is released. According to such an optical connector, attachment / detachment and cleaning of the
  • the first outer housing has a first locked portion and a second locked portion
  • the first inner housing has an elastic locking portion having a locking piece locked to the first locked portion or the second locked portion, When fitting the plurality of first inner housings with the second housing, When the elastic locking portion pushed by the second housing is deformed and the locking between the first locked portion and the locking piece is released, the first internal portion at the initial position is released. The locking between the housing and the first outer housing is released; When the second locked portion and the locking piece are locked at the fitting position, the first inner housing is locked with respect to the first outer housing, The elastic locking portion pushed by the second housing is deformed, and the locking between the second locked portion and the locking piece is released, so that the fitting at the fitting position is performed. It is desirable that the locking between the first inner housing and the first outer housing is released. This facilitates the attachment and detachment and cleaning of the multi-fiber optical connector.
  • the first locked portion is disposed on one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the first outer housing when the direction in which the plurality of first ferrules accommodated in the first inner housing are arranged in the vertical direction. It is desirable that the second locked portion is disposed on the other of the upper surface and the lower surface. As a result, the width of the first inner housing can be reduced.
  • first locked portion and the second locked portion are arranged side by side in the left-right direction when a direction in which the plurality of first inner housings are arranged in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the first locked portion and the second locked portion can be arranged on one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the first outer housing.
  • An optical connector that butt-connects a plurality of first ferrules accommodated in the first housing and a plurality of second ferrules accommodated in the second housing by fitting the first housing and the second housing.
  • Connection method Preparing the first housing having a plurality of first inner housings that respectively accommodate the plurality of first ferrules and a first outer housing that can be unlocked with respect to the plurality of first inner housings; Locking the plurality of first inner housings at a common initial position with respect to the first outer housing; When fitting the plurality of first inner housings with the second housing, Releasing the locking between the first inner housing and the first outer housing at the initial position; Locking the first inner housing with respect to the first outer housing at a fitting position different from the initial position; The plurality of first inner housings and the second housing are mated in stages at the different fitting positions, and the first inner housing and the first outer parts fitted at the fitting positions.
  • the connection method of the optical connector characterized by releasing the locking with the housing is clarified. This
  • FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the optical connector 1 of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2A is a front view of the optical connector 1 of the first embodiment.
  • 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2A. 1, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show a state before the optical connector 1 is connected (a state where the optical connector 1 is removed).
  • each direction is defined as shown in the figure. That is, the direction in which the optical connector 1 is attached / detached is the front / rear direction, the connection partner side of each of the optical plug 10 and the optical receptacle 60 is “front”, and the opposite side is “rear”. Further, the width direction of the ferrule (the plug-side ferrule 31 or the receptacle-side ferrule 64) is referred to as “left-right direction”. Further, the thickness direction of the ferrule (the plug-side ferrule 31 or the receptacle-side ferrule 64) is defined as “vertical direction”. The vertical direction is also a direction orthogonal to the “front-rear direction” and the “left-right direction”.
  • the optical connector 1 is a connector for connecting a multi-core optical fiber.
  • three 24-fiber ferrules plug-side ferrule 31 or receptacle-side ferrule 64
  • the number of optical fibers held by the ferrule and the number of ferrules included in the optical connector 1 are not limited to this.
  • the optical connector 1 includes an optical plug 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “first connector”) and an optical receptacle 60 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “second connector”).
  • the optical plug 10 is a connector that becomes a movable side when the optical connector 1 is connected.
  • the operator holds the optical plug 10 in his / her hand, and connects the optical connector 1 by inserting the optical plug 10 into the optical receptacle 60 on the receiving side. Further, the operator pulls out the optical connector 1 by pulling out the optical plug 10 from the optical receptacle 60.
  • the optical plug 10 includes a plug-side external housing 11 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “first external housing”) and a plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “first internal connectors”). And the connection holding part 13, the cover part 14, and the cable cylinder part 15 (refer FIG. 1, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B).
  • the plug-side external housing 11 is a member that houses a plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12.
  • the plug-side outer housing 11 is a cylindrical member extending in the front-rear direction, and accommodates a plurality of (here, three) plug-side internal connectors 12 therein.
  • the plug-side external housing 11 accommodates the plug-side internal connector 12 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.
  • the plug-side outer housing 11 can also fix (lock) the plug-side internal connector 12 that can move in the front-rear direction.
  • a pair of connection holding portions 13 are provided on the left and right sides of the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • a cover portion 14 is provided on the rear side of the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the plug-side external housing 11 is provided with a plurality of window portions 22 corresponding to the number of plug-side internal connectors 12, and a part of the plug-side internal connector 12 (plug-side internal housing 30) is formed from these window portions 22. Exposed. The detailed configuration of the other plug-side outer housing 11 will be described later.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12 is a unit including at least one ferrule among a plurality of ferrules (a plug-side ferrule 31 described later) included in the optical plug 10.
  • a plug-side ferrule 31 described later included in the optical plug 10.
  • three plug-side internal connectors 12 are arranged in the left-right direction in the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the number and arrangement direction of the plug-side internal connectors 12 are not limited to this.
  • plug-side internal connectors 12A to 12C may be simply referred to as “plug-side internal connector 12”.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12 is fitted into the receptacle-side housing 61 in stages in the order of the plug-side internal connectors 12A to 12C.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12 includes a plug-side internal housing 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “first internal housing”), a plug-side ferrule 31 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “first ferrule”), a plug Side spring 32 (hereinafter also referred to as “first spring”) (see FIG. 2B).
  • first internal housing a plug-side internal housing 30
  • second ferrule a plug-side ferrule 31
  • first spring 32 hereinafter also referred to as “first spring”
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 is a member that houses the plug-side ferrule 31 and the plug-side spring 32.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 is a cylindrical member extending in the front-rear direction, and houses a plurality (here, three) of plug-side ferrules 31 therein.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 is accommodated in the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 is accommodated in the plug-side outer housing 11 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 is fixed to the plug-side outer housing 11 by being locked to the plug-side outer housing 11. A detailed configuration of the plug-side inner housing 30 will be described later.
  • the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30 and the plug-side outer housing 11 may be collectively referred to as a plug-side housing (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “first housing”).
  • the plug-side ferrule 31 is a member that holds the end of the optical fiber on the optical plug 10 side.
  • the plug-side ferrule 31 is, for example, a ferrule of an MT type optical connector (optical connector defined by JIS C 5981, MT: Mechanically Transferable).
  • MT type optical connector optical connector defined by JIS C 5981, MT: Mechanically Transferable
  • three plug-side ferrules 31 are arranged in the vertical direction in the plug-side inner housing 30.
  • the number and arrangement direction of the plug-side ferrules 31 are not limited to this.
  • the front end face of the plug-side ferrule 31 is a ferrule connection end face when the optical connector 1 is connected.
  • a ferrule collar is formed on the rear side of the plug-side ferrule 31, and is pressed forward by the plug-side spring 32 when the ferrule collar comes into contact with a front-extraction preventing projection formed inside the plug-side inner housing 30. This prevents the plug-side ferrule 31 from slipping forward.
  • the plug-side spring 32 is an elastic member for restoring the positional relationship between the plug-side ferrule 31 and the plug-side inner housing 30.
  • the plug-side spring 32 is disposed in a compressible state between a pin clamp 33 provided behind the plug-side ferrule 31 and a spring receiving portion (not shown) fixed to the plug-side inner housing 30. (See FIG. 2B). Specifically, the front end portion of the plug-side spring 32 is held by a pin clamp 33, and the rear end portion of the plug-side spring 32 is held by a spring receiving portion (not shown).
  • the front end surface of the receptacle ferrule 64 abuts on the front end surface of the plug side ferrule 31, and the plug side ferrule 31 moves rearward with respect to the plug side inner housing 30.
  • the side spring 32 is compressed and deformed.
  • the plug-side ferrule 31 is biased forward via the pin clamp 33 by the elastic force of the plug-side spring 32 that has been compressed and deformed. Further, the plug-side ferrule 31 can be retracted (movable backward) against the elastic force of the plug-side spring 32.
  • the connection holding unit 13 is a member that holds the connection state of the optical connector 1.
  • the connection holding portion 13 holds the fitting state between the housing of the optical plug 10 (the plug-side outer housing 11 and the plug-side inner housing 30) and the housing of the optical receptacle 60 (receptacle-side housing 61).
  • the connection status of is maintained.
  • the connection holding portion 13 is attached to the left and right of the plug-side external housing 11.
  • a pair of latch portions 18 are provided in a portion of the connection holding portion 13 on the front side of the place where the connection holding portion 13 is attached to the plug-side external housing 11.
  • a portion of the connection holding portion 13 on the rear side of the place where the connection holding portion 13 is attached to the plug-side external housing 11 is an operation lever 16 for operating the pair of latch portions 18.
  • the pair of latch portions 18 are hooked on latch projections 67 (described later) of the optical receptacle 60 (latched state) so that the housing of the optical plug 10 and the housing of the optical receptacle 60 are fitted.
  • latch projections 67 described later
  • the connection state of the optical connector 1 can be maintained.
  • the state in which the latch portion 18 is hooked on the latching projection 67 (latched state) is released.
  • the cover portion 14 and the cable tube portion 15 are members that accommodate the optical fiber of the optical plug 10.
  • the cover part 14 is also a part held by an operator when attaching or detaching the optical connector 1.
  • the cover part 14 is attached to the rear side of the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the cable tube portion 15 is attached to the rear side of the cover portion 14.
  • the cable cylinder part 15 is formed in the bellows shape, the shape of the cable cylinder part 15 is not restricted to this.
  • the optical receptacle 60 is a connector that becomes a receiving side when the optical connector 1 is connected.
  • an operator connects the optical connector 1 by inserting the optical plug 10 into the optical receptacle 60. Further, when the operator pulls out the optical plug 10 from the optical receptacle 60, the optical connector 1 is removed.
  • the optical receptacle 60 includes a receptacle-side outer housing 62, a plurality of receptacle-side inner housings 63, a plurality of receptacle-side ferrules 64 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “second ferrules”), and a plurality of receptacle-side springs 65 ( Hereinafter, it may be referred to as a “second spring”) and a latching projection 67.
  • the receptacle-side outer housing 62 is a member that accommodates the receptacle-side inner housing 63.
  • the receptacle-side outer housing 62 is a cylindrical member extending in the front-rear direction, and houses a plurality (three in this case) of receptacle-side inner housings 63 in the left-right direction.
  • the receptacle-side inner housing 63 is a member that houses a plurality of receptacle-side ferrules 64 and a plurality of receptacle-side springs 65.
  • the receptacle-side inner housing 63 is a cylindrical member extending in the front-rear direction, and has a plurality (three in this case) of receptacle-side ferrules 64 and a plurality (three in this case) of receptacle-side springs in the vertical direction. 65 is accommodated.
  • the receptacle-side inner housing 63 may be formed integrally with the receptacle-side outer housing 62.
  • the plurality of receptacle-side inner housings 63 and receptacle-side outer housings 62 may be collectively referred to as a receptacle-side housing 61 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “second housing”). Detailed configurations of the receptacle-side outer housing 62 and the receptacle-side inner housing 63 will be described later.
  • the receptacle-side ferrule 64 is a member that holds the end of the optical fiber on the optical receptacle 60 side.
  • the receptacle-side spring 65 is an elastic member for restoring the positional relationship between the receptacle-side ferrule 64 and the receptacle-side inner housing 63. Note that the receptacle-side ferrule 64 and the receptacle-side spring 65 have the same configuration as the plug-side ferrule 31 and the plug-side spring 32, and thus description thereof is omitted.
  • the receptacle-side inner housing 63 and the receptacle-side ferrule 64 may be collectively referred to as a receptacle-side subconnector (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “second subconnector”).
  • the receptacle-side sub-connector may further include a receptacle-side spring 65.
  • the optical receptacle 60 of the first embodiment has a plurality (three) receptacle-side sub-connectors each including a plurality (three) receptacle-side ferrules 64.
  • the latch protrusion 67 is a portion (receptacle side latch portion) where the pair of latch portions 18 provided on the connection holding portion 13 of the optical plug 10 are hooked.
  • the latch projections 67 are provided on the left and right sides of the receptacle-side outer housing 62.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the optical plug 10 as viewed obliquely from above.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the optical plug 10 as viewed obliquely from below.
  • the plug-side outer housing 11 has a convex portion 21, a window portion 22, a first locked portion 231, and a second locked portion 232.
  • the convex portion 21 is a convex portion formed so as to protrude outward from the upper surface and the lower surface of the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the convex portion 21 has a function of elastically deforming the engaged portion 71 of the receptacle-side inner housing 63 in the vertical direction.
  • the window 22 is an opening provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the window portion 22 has a function of exposing the fitting mechanism (for example, the elastic locking portion 41) of the plug-side inner housing 30.
  • the first locked portion 231 is a portion where the locking piece 44 of the plug-side inner housing 30 is caught.
  • the first locked portion 231 has a function of fixing the plug-side inner housing 30 to the initial position with respect to the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the first locked portion 231 is provided for each of the three plug-side inner housings 30, and the positions of the three first locked portions 231 in the front-rear direction are common. As a result, the three plug-side inner housings 30 can be fixed to the plug-side outer housing 11 in a state where they are aligned at a common initial position.
  • the second locked portion 232 is a portion where the locking piece 44 of the plug-side inner housing 30 is caught.
  • the second locked portion 232 has a function of fixing the plug-side inner housing 30 to the fitting position with respect to the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the second locked portion 232 is provided for each of the three plug-side inner housings 30, and the positions of the three second locked portions 232 in the front-rear direction differ in stages.
  • the second locked portion 232 with respect to the central plug-side internal connector 12A is disposed at the position of the locking piece 44 of the plug-side internal housing 30 at the initial position, whereas the right plug-side internal connector 12B.
  • the second locked portion 232 is disposed at a position rearward from the locking piece 44 of the plug-side internal housing 30 at the initial position by a distance L2, and the second locked portion 232 with respect to the left-side plug-side internal connector 12C.
  • the portion 232 is disposed at a position rearward from the locking piece 44 of the plug-side inner housing 30 at the initial position by a distance L3.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 has an elastic locking part 41 and an engagement piece 43.
  • the elastic locking portion 41 is a cantilever-shaped portion provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the plug-side inner housing 30.
  • the elastic locking portion 41 is a portion that is deformed by being pressed against the pressing portion 70 of the receptacle-side outer housing 62.
  • the elastic locking portion 41 has a locking piece 44 and a pressed protrusion 45.
  • the locking piece 44 is a part that is hooked on the first locked portion 231 or the second locked portion 232 of the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the locking pieces 44 are formed on the left and right edges of the end portion of the elastic locking portion 41. As shown in the area surrounded by the dotted line in FIG.
  • the locking pieces 44 of the three plug-side inner housings 30 are hooked on the first locked portions 231 of the plug-side outer housing 11 at the initial position.
  • the three plug-side inner housings 30 are fixed to the plug-side outer housing 11 at a common initial position.
  • the locking piece 44 of the central plug-side inner housing 30 is hooked on the second locked portion 232 of the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the stop piece 44 is hooked on the second locked portion 232 of the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the pressed protrusion 45 is a portion that is pressed against the pressing portion 70 of the receptacle-side outer housing 62.
  • the pressed protrusion 45 is a portion protruding outward at the end of the elastic locking portion 41.
  • the engagement piece 43 is a portion that engages with the engaged portion 71 (engagement hole 73) of the receptacle-side inner housing 63.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 and the receptacle-side inner housing 63 are predetermined. It becomes positional relationship.
  • the end face of the plug-side ferrule 31 and the end face of the receptacle-side ferrule 64 are in contact with each other with a predetermined pressing force.
  • the engagement force 43 of the plug-side inner housing 30 is engaged with the engaged portion 71 (engagement hole 73) of the receptacle-side inner housing 63, whereby the pressing force between the plug-side ferrule 31 and the receptacle-side ferrule 64 is increased. Even if a repulsive force acts between the plug-side internal housing 30 and the receptacle-side internal housing 63 due to the reaction force, the positional relationship between the plug-side internal housing 30 and the receptacle-side internal housing 63 is maintained.
  • Receptacle-side fitting mechanism The receptacle-side fitting mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B.
  • the receptacle-side outer housing 62 has a pressing portion 70.
  • the pressing portion 70 is a portion protruding forward from the front ends of the upper surface and the lower surface of the receptacle-side outer housing 62.
  • the pressing portion 70 is a portion that contacts the pressed protrusion 45 of the elastic locking portion 41 of the plug-side inner housing 30 and deforms the elastic locking portion 41.
  • the pressing portion 70 presses the pressed protrusion 45 of the plug-side inner housing 30 to deform the elastic locking portion 41, whereby the locking piece 44 is brought into contact with the first locked portion 231 or the second locked portion 232.
  • the hooked engagement state is released, and the plug-side inner housing 30 can move with respect to the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the receptacle-side inner housing 63 has an engaged portion 71.
  • the engaged portion 71 is a cantilever portion provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the receptacle-side inner housing 63.
  • the engaged portion 71 has an engaging convex portion 72 and an engaging hole 73.
  • the engaging convex part 72 is a convex part formed so as to protrude inward from the inner surface of the engaged part 71.
  • the engaging convex part 72 has a function of deforming the engaged part 71 to the outside by riding on the convex part 21 of the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the engagement hole 73 is a hole formed in the engaged portion 71.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12 is fitted into the receptacle-side housing 61 so that the plug-side ferrule 31 of the optical plug 10 and the receptacle-side ferrule 64 of the optical receptacle 60 are connected to each other.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12A located at the center in the plug-side external housing 11 is fitted into the receptacle-side housing 61, and thereafter, the other plug-side internal connectors 12B, 12C arranged in the left and right directions are the receptacles.
  • the side housing 61 is fitted in stages. Then, all the plug-side internal connectors 12 of the optical plug 10 are fitted into the receptacle-side housing 61, whereby the optical connector 1 is connected.
  • the fitting between the central plug-side internal connector 12A and the receptacle-side housing 61 will be described.
  • the locking piece 44 of the plug-side inner housing 30 is locked to the first locked portion 231 of the plug-side outer housing 11 (first locking state).
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 is fixed to the plug-side outer housing 11 at the initial position.
  • FIGS. 5A to 5C and FIGS. 6A to 6C are explanatory diagrams of a fitting procedure between the central plug-side internal connector 12A and the receptacle-side housing 61.
  • FIG. 1 the engagement piece 43 of the plug-side inner housing 30 enters a “housing engagement state” in which the engagement piece 43 is engaged with the engaged portion 71 of the receptacle-side inner housing 63 (receptacle-side housing 61) (see FIG. 5C). ).
  • the state in which the elastic locking portion 41 of the plug-side internal housing 30 is locked to the first locked portion 231 of the plug-side external housing 11 is released, and the plug-side internal connector 12 is connected to the plug-side external housing 11.
  • the floating state is a state in which the engagement piece 43 of the plug-side inner housing 30 is again engaged with the engagement hole 73 of the engaged portion 71 of the receptacle-side inner housing 63, The internal housing 30 and the plug-side external housing 11 are in a predetermined positional relationship (see FIG. 6C).
  • the plug-side internal connector 12 in the floating state can be retracted with respect to the plug-side external housing 11.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12 When the plug-side internal connector 12 is in a floating state in which the plug-side internal connector 12 can be retracted with respect to the plug-side external housing 11, the plug-side internal housing 30 and the plug-side external housing 11 are held in a predetermined positional relationship.
  • the optical plug 10 can be further moved closer to the optical receptacle 60 until 18 can be latched by the latching projection 67.
  • FIGS. 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views showing how the housing is engaged. Note that a graph of the position of the optical plug 10 with respect to the optical receptacle 60 and the force received by the optical plug 10 is shown on the left side in the drawing (the horizontal axis of the graph indicates the position of the optical plug 10 with respect to the optical receptacle 60). The vertical axis of the graph indicates the force that the optical plug 10 receives (force that the operator receives).
  • FIG. 5A shows a state before the end face of the plug-side ferrule 31 and the end face of the receptacle-side ferrule 64 abut against each other.
  • the guide pin of one ferrule is inserted into the guide hole (not shown) of the other ferrule.
  • the engaged portion 71 is elastically deformed upward so that the engaging convex portion 72 of the receptacle-side inner housing 63 rides on the convex portion 21 of the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the engaged portion 71 of the optical receptacle 60 can get over the engaging piece 43 of the optical plug 10.
  • FIG. 5B shows a state in which the end face of the plug-side ferrule 31 and the end face of the receptacle-side ferrule 64 are abutted.
  • the plug-side ferrule 31 is pressed forward by the plug-side spring 32.
  • the receptacle-side ferrule 64 is also pressed forward by the receptacle-side spring 65. For this reason, when the operator moves the optical plug 10 with respect to the optical receptacle 60, the worker receives the elastic force of the plug-side spring 32 and the receptacle-side spring 65 that have been compressed and deformed.
  • the operator needs to move the optical plug 10 with respect to the optical receptacle 60 against the elastic force of the plug-side spring 32 and the receptacle-side spring 65. Therefore, as shown in the left side view of FIG. 5B, the force received by the optical plug 10 increases with the movement of the optical plug 10 thereafter.
  • FIG. 5C shows a state in which the engagement piece 43 of the plug-side inner housing 30 is engaged with the engagement hole 73 of the engaged portion 71 of the receptacle-side inner housing 63. That is, the housing engagement state between the plug-side internal connector 12 and the receptacle-side housing 61 is shown. By this engagement, the abutting surfaces (mechanical reference surfaces) of the end surfaces of the plug-side ferrule 31 and the receptacle-side ferrule 64 are fixed.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 and the receptacle-side inner portion are in a state where the end surfaces of the plug-side ferrule 31 and the receptacle-side ferrule 64 are abutted with each other.
  • the housing 63 has a predetermined positional relationship, and the plug-side spring 32 and the receptacle-side spring 65 are compressed and deformed by a predetermined amount.
  • the plug-side ferrule 31 and the receptacle-side ferrule 64 are pushed by the plug-side spring 32 and the receptacle-side spring 65 by a predetermined push. It is fixed in a state where it is abutted by pressure. That is, in the stage of FIG. 5C, the reaction force of the elastic force of the plug-side spring 32 and the receptacle-side spring 65 is received at the engagement portion between the plug-side inner housing 30 and the engaged portion 71 of the receptacle-side inner housing 63. become. For this reason, as shown in the left side view of FIG. 5C, the force received by the optical plug 10 is greatly reduced.
  • the locking piece 44 of the elastic locking portion 41 of the plug-side inner housing 30 is locked by the first locked portion 231 of the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the plug-side external housing 11 is in a locked state (a state in which the plug-side external housing 11 cannot move relative to each other).
  • FIGS. 6A to 6C are cross-sectional views showing the state from the housing engagement state to the floating state.
  • FIGS. 6A to 6B graphs of the position of the optical plug 10 with respect to the optical receptacle 60 and the force received by the optical plug 10 are shown on the left side of each of the optical receptacles 60 (the horizontal axis of the graph indicates the light with respect to the optical receptacle 60). It shows the position of the plug 10.
  • the vertical axis of the graph shows the force that the optical plug 10 receives (force that the operator receives).
  • FIG. 6A shows a state in which the pressing portion 70 of the receptacle-side outer housing 62 is in contact with the pressed protrusion 45 of the elastic locking portion 41 of the plug-side inner housing 30.
  • the plug-side spring 32 and the receptacle-side spring 65 are further compressed and deformed compared to immediately before the housing is engaged. Therefore, as shown in the left side view of FIG. 6A, the force received by the optical plug 10 is increased more than immediately before the housing is engaged.
  • the pressing portion 70 of the receptacle-side outer housing 62 is in contact with the pressed protrusion 45 of the elastic locking portion 41 of the plug-side inner housing 30, but the pressing portion 70 does not support the elastic locking portion 41. It is not elastically deformed toward the plug-side ferrule 31 and is not in the unlocked state. For this reason, at this stage, the positional relationship between the plug-side inner housing 30 and the plug-side outer housing 11 remains fixed.
  • FIG. 6B shows a state immediately before the locking piece 44 of the elastic locking portion 41 of the plug-side inner housing 30 is released from the locked portion of the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the plug-side spring 32 and the receptacle-side spring 65 are most compressed and deformed. Therefore, as shown in the left side view of FIG. 6B, the force received by the optical plug 10 is the largest.
  • the pressing portion 70 of the receptacle-side outer housing 62 is in a state where the elastic locking portion 41 of the plug-side inner housing 30 is elastically deformed to the plug-side ferrule 31 side (lower side in FIG. 6B).
  • the pressing portion 70 of the receptacle-side outer housing 62 causes the elastic locking portion 41 of the plug-side inner housing 30 to be connected to the plug-side.
  • the first locking portion 231 of the plug-side outer housing 11 unlocks the elastic locking portion 41 of the plug-side inner housing 30, The lock is released.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 is located on the rear side (opposite to the optical receptacle 60) with respect to the plug-side outer housing 11. It becomes movable.
  • FIG. 6C shows a state where the engagement piece 43 of the plug-side inner housing 30 is again engaged with the engagement hole 73 of the engaged portion 71 of the receptacle-side inner housing 63.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 can move to the rear side (the side opposite to the optical receptacle 60) with respect to the plug-side outer housing 11, and as shown in FIG. 6C.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 moves to the rear side (the side opposite to the optical receptacle 60) with respect to the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the engagement piece 43 is again engaged with the engagement hole 73 of the engaged portion 71 of the receptacle-side inner housing 63.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 and the plug-side outer housing 11 are again in a predetermined positional relationship, and the plug-side spring 32 and the receptacle-side spring 65 are again compressed and deformed by a predetermined amount.
  • the receptacle-side ferrule 64 is again brought into contact with the plug-side spring 32 and the receptacle-side spring 65 with a predetermined pressing force.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 and the receptacle-side inner housing 63 are brought into contact with each other with a predetermined pressing force (the plug-side ferrule 31 and the receptacle-side ferrule 64 are abutted by the plug-side spring 32 and the receptacle-side spring 65 with a predetermined pressing force.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12 (plug-side internal housing 30) can be moved to the rear side (opposite to the optical receptacle 60) with respect to the plug-side external housing 11, while maintaining the plug-side internal connector 12.
  • the elastic force of the spring 32 and the receptacle-side spring 65 is not applied to the optical plug 10. For this reason, as shown in the left side view of FIG. 6C, the force received by the optical plug 10 is significantly reduced again.
  • FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view (AA cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A) of the central plug-side internal connector 12A.
  • FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view (CC cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A) of the left plug-side internal connector 12C.
  • both plug-side inner housings 30 are arranged at a common initial position.
  • cantilever-like elastic locking portions 41 are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the plug-side internal housing 30 of the central plug-side internal connector 12A.
  • a locking piece 44 is formed. As already described, when the plug-side inner housing 30 is in the initial position, the locking piece 44 is locked to the first locked portion 231 of the plug-side outer housing 11 (first locking state). It has become.
  • the 1st to-be-latched part 231 and the 2nd to-be-latched part 232 of the plug side outer housing 11 are formed in the same position of the front-back direction.
  • the locking piece 44 is locked to the second locked portion 232 of the plug-side external housing 11. ing. That is, when the central plug-side inner housing 30 is in the initial position, the upper and lower locking pieces 44 of the plug-side inner housing 30 are locked by the first locked portion 231 and the second locked portion 232, respectively. It becomes a state.
  • the second locked portion 232 functions substantially the same as the first locked portion 231 with respect to the central plug-side inner housing 30.
  • the locking piece 44 of the plug-side internal housing 30 is connected to the first locked portion 231 of the plug-side external housing 11.
  • the plug side inner housing 30 is fixed to the plug side outer housing 11 at the initial position.
  • the engagement piece 43 is in a “housing engagement state” in which the engagement piece 43 is engaged with the engaged portion 71 of the receptacle-side inner housing 63 (receptacle-side housing 61) (see FIG. 5C).
  • the first locked portion 231 has a function of fixing the plug-side inner housing 30 to the initial position with respect to the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the second locked portion 232 has a function of fixing the plug-side inner housing 30 to the fitting position with respect to the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • FIG. 8A to 8C are explanatory views of the movement of the left plug-side internal connector 12C.
  • FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view when the plug-side inner housing 30 is in the initial position.
  • FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view when the plug-side inner housing 30 is in the fitting position.
  • FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view when the plug-side inner housing 30 is in a floating state.
  • the locking piece 44 of the plug-side internal housing 30 is the first locked portion of the plug-side external housing 11.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 is fixed to the plug-side outer housing 11 at the initial position.
  • the pressing portion 70 of the receptacle-side outer housing 62 elastically moves the elastic locking portion 41 of the plug-side inner housing 30.
  • the elastic locking portion 41 of the plug-side inner housing 30 is released by the first locked portion 231 of the plug-side outer housing 11, and the lock is released.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 can move rearward with respect to the plug-side outer housing 11.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 is pushed and moved by the optical receptacle 60.
  • the locking piece 44 on the lower surface of the plug-side internal housing 30 Is engaged with the second locked portion 232 of the plug-side outer housing 11 (second locking state), and the plug-side inner housing 30 is connected to the plug-side outer housing 11 at that position (fitting position). It is fixed against. Accordingly, when the optical plug 10 is further moved with respect to the optical receptacle 60, the housing is engaged as in the order shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C. That is, the left plug-side internal connector 12C is in the housing engagement state when the plug-side internal housing 30 is in the fitting position shown in FIG. 8B.
  • the central plug-side internal connector 12A is in the housing engagement state (and in the floating state) with the initial position being the mating position, whereas the left plug-side internal connector 12C is from the initial position. Also, the housing is engaged (and is in a floating state) at the rear fitting position by the distance L3.
  • the central plug-side internal connector 12A in the plug-side external housing 11 is fitted into the receptacle-side housing 61, and then the other plug-side internal connectors 12 (plug-side internal connector 12B, 12C) fits into the receptacle housing 61 stepwise. Then, all the plug-side internal connectors 12 of the optical plug 10 are fitted into the receptacle-side housing 61, whereby the optical connector 1 is connected.
  • FIG. 9A shows the position of the optical plug 10 relative to the optical receptacle 60 and the optical plug when the plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12 are fitted to the receptacle-side housing 61 in stages in the optical connector 1 of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship with the force which 10 receives.
  • the force received by the optical plug 10 is the plug-side spring 32 until just before the housing is engaged. And increases due to the elastic force of the receptacle-side spring 65, and decreases when the housing is engaged. Further, when the operator further moves the optical plug 10 with respect to the optical receptacle 60 from the housing engaged state, the force received by the optical plug 10 immediately before the housing engaged state further increases, and immediately before the floating state. Maximum.
  • the plurality of (three) plug-side internal connectors 12 of the present embodiment are all arranged at the same position in the front-rear direction within the plug-side outer housing 11, a plurality (three) of plug-side internal connectors 12 are provided. Are simultaneously fitted to the receptacle-side housing 61. If it does so, the force which the optical plug 10 which becomes the maximum just before a floating state will also increase only by the part of several (3 pieces) plug side internal connectors 12. FIG. In order to attach and detach such a multi-fiber optical connector 1, a great amount of force is required, and the workability of the attaching and detaching work is deteriorated.
  • the three plug-side internal connectors of the optical plug 10 are formed by gradually changing the positions of the three second locked portions 232 in the front-rear direction. 12 is provided so as to be fitted to the receptacle-side housing 61 in a stepwise manner. Then, the force received by the optical plug 10 shown in FIGS. 5A to 6C is gradually applied to each of the plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12, as shown in FIG. 9A. Thereby, the force received by the optical plug 10 is suppressed, and the multi-fiber optical connector 1 can be easily connected.
  • the plug-side internal located at the center among the plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12 (plug-side internal connectors 12A to 12C) arranged in the left-right direction in the plug-side external housing 11
  • the connector 12A is initially in a floating state.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12 ⁇ / b> A located at the center among the plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12 is first fitted into the receptacle-side housing 61.
  • some plug-side internal connectors 12 (for example, the plug-side internal connector 12A) among the plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12 are connected to the corresponding receptacle-side housing 61 in advance, and some plugs are connected.
  • the side internal connector 12 (plug side internal connector 12 ⁇ / b> A) is in a floating state with respect to the plug side external housing 11. Thereby, the inclination of the optical plug 10 at the time of connecting the optical plug 10 to the optical receptacle 60 can be suppressed.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12B adjacent to the plug-side internal connector 12A enters the floating state.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12C located on the opposite side of the plug-side internal connector 12A from the plug-side internal connector 12B in the left-right direction enters the floating state.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12B on the right side of the plug-side internal connector 12A located at the center is fitted into the receptacle-side housing 61.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12C on the left side (the side opposite to the right-side plug-side internal connector 12B when viewed from the central plug-side internal connector 12A) is fitted into the receptacle-side housing 61. Thereby, the inclination of the optical plug 10 at the time of connecting the optical plug 10 to the optical receptacle 60 can be suppressed.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12B is connected to the other plug-side internal connector 12B after the stage (A1) where the one plug-side internal connector 12A enters the housing engagement state.
  • the plug-side ferrule 31 and the receptacle-side ferrule 64 begin to face each other.
  • the plug-side ferrule of the other plug-side internal connector 12B is placed before the stage (A2) in which one plug-side internal connector 12A enters the floating state. 31 and the receptacle-side ferrule 64 begin to face each other.
  • the springs (the plug-side spring 32 and the receptacle-side spring 65) have a relatively small elastic force, so that the optical plug 10 receives them. The force is suppressed, and the multi-fiber optical connector 1 can be easily connected.
  • the other plug-side internal connector is connected to the plug-side internal connector 12A before the stage (A1) in which the housing is engaged.
  • the 12B plug-side ferrule 31 and the receptacle-side ferrule 64 start to face each other. Also in this case, since the floating state (A2 to C2) in which the force received by the optical plug 10 is maximized is stepped, the force received by the optical plug 10 is suppressed and the multi-fiber optical connector 1 can be easily formed. Can be connected.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the optical plug 10 of the comparative example as seen obliquely from below.
  • the three plug-side internal connectors 12 of the optical plug 10 It is provided so as to be fitted to the receptacle-side housing 61 in a stepwise manner.
  • the force received by the optical plug 10 is gradually applied to each of the plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12.
  • the force received by the optical plug 10 is suppressed, and the multi-fiber optical connector 1 can be easily connected.
  • the initial positions of the three plug-side inner housings 30 differ stepwise.
  • the plug-side ferrule 31 of the central plug-side internal connector 12A and the plug-side ferrules 31 of the left and right plug-side internal connectors 12B, 12C have different positions in the front-rear direction. If the position of the end face of the ferrule is shifted in the front-rear direction as in the comparative example, it becomes difficult to clean the ferrule using the cleaning tool. Moreover, when it is necessary to prepare the cleaning tool according to the position of the end surface of the ferrule, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of types of cleaning tools in the comparative example.
  • FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of the optical connector 1 of the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the optical plug 10 according to the second embodiment viewed obliquely from below.
  • the optical connector 1 includes the optical plug 10 and the optical receptacle 60.
  • the optical plug 10 includes a plug-side external housing 11 and a plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12.
  • the optical receptacle 60 includes a receptacle-side outer housing 62, a plurality of receptacle-side inner housings 63, and a plurality of receptacle-side ferrules 64 (not shown in FIG. 11).
  • the plug-side outer housing 11 has a first locked portion 231 and a second locked portion 232, and the plug-side inner housing 30 is And an elastic locking part 41 and an engaging piece 43.
  • the receptacle-side outer housing 62 has a pressing portion 70
  • the receptacle-side inner housing 63 has an engaged portion 71.
  • the optical plug 10 of the first embodiment has three plug-side internal connectors 12, whereas the optical plug 10 of the second embodiment has five plug-side internal connectors 12.
  • the optical receptacle 60 of the first embodiment has three receptacle-side inner housings 63, whereas the optical receptacle 60 of the second embodiment has five receptacle-side inner housings 63.
  • the number of plug-side internal connectors 12 (plug-side internal housing 30 and plug-side ferrule 31) of the optical plug 10 and the number of receptacle-side internal housings 63 of the optical receptacle 60 can be changed as appropriate.
  • the first locked portion 231 is provided for each of the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30, and the positions of the plurality of first locked portions 231 in the front-rear direction are common. It is.
  • the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30 can be fixed to the plug-side outer housing 11 in a state where they are aligned at a common initial position.
  • all the ferrules are arranged so that the positions in the front-rear direction are aligned, so that a ferrule using a cleaning tool is used. Cleaning work becomes easier.
  • the second locked portion 232 is provided for each of the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30, and the positions of the plurality of second locked portions 232 in the front-rear direction are as follows. It is different in stages. Thereby, when the optical plug 10 and the optical receptacle 60 are connected, the plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12 of the optical plug 10 are fitted into the receptacle-side housing 61 in a stepwise manner. Is provided stepwise for each of the plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12. As a result, the force received by the optical plug 10 is suppressed, and the multi-fiber optical connector 1 can be easily connected.
  • the plug-side internal connector 12B on the right side of the plug-side internal connector 12A located at the center is After fitting into the receptacle-side housing 61, the plug-side internal connector 12C on the left side (the side opposite to the right-side plug-side internal connector 12B when viewed from the central plug-side internal connector 12A) is fitted into the receptacle-side housing 61. To do. Thereby, the inclination of the optical plug 10 at the time of connecting the optical plug 10 to the optical receptacle 60 can be suppressed.
  • the plug-side internal connectors 12 are alternately arranged on the left and right as viewed from the center plug-side internal connector 12A.
  • the plug-side internal connectors 12B to 12E are fitted to the receptacle-side housing 61 in stages (fitting in the order of the plug-side internal connectors 12B to 12E).
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the optical plug 10 of the third embodiment as viewed obliquely from above.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the optical plug 10 according to the third embodiment as viewed obliquely from above in another direction.
  • the optical connector 1 includes the optical plug 10 and the optical receptacle 60 (not shown).
  • the optical plug 10 includes a plug-side external housing 11 and a plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12.
  • the optical receptacle 60 (not shown) includes a receptacle-side outer housing 62, a plurality of receptacle-side inner housings 63, and a plurality of receptacle-side ferrules 64.
  • the plug-side outer housing 11 includes the first locked portion 231 and the second locked portion 232.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 includes an elastic locking part 41 and an engagement piece 43.
  • the first locked portion 231 is formed at the upper portion of the plug-side outer housing 11, and the second locked portion 232 is formed at the lower portion.
  • the 1st to-be-latched part 231 and the 2nd to-be-latched part 232 are formed in the upper part of the plug side outer housing 11 (each of the five plug side inner housings 30).
  • the first locked portion 231 is formed on the right side, and the second locked portion 232 is formed on the left side).
  • the elastic locking portions 41 are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the plug-side inner housing 30, and the locking pieces 44 of the elastic locking portions 41 on the upper surface are It was configured to be hooked on the first locked portion 231 of the plug-side outer housing, and the locking piece 44 of the elastic locking portion 41 on the lower surface was hooked to the second locked portion 232 of the plug-side outer housing.
  • two elastic locking portions 41 are formed side by side on the upper surface of the plug-side inner housing 30, and the locking piece 44 of one elastic locking portion 41 is a plug It is configured to be caught by the first locked portion 231 of the side outer housing, and the locking piece 44 of the other elastic locking portion 41 is hooked to the second locked portion 232 of the plug side outer housing.
  • the arrangement of the first locked portion 231 and the second locked portion 232 (and the arrangement of the locking pieces 44 hooked on the first locked portion 231 and the second locked portion 232) are appropriately determined. It may be changed.
  • the first locked portion 231 is provided for each of the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30, and the positions of the plurality of first locked portions 231 in the front-rear direction are common. It is.
  • the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30 can be fixed to the plug-side outer housing 11 in a state where they are aligned at a common initial position.
  • all the ferrules are arranged so that the positions in the front-rear direction are aligned, so that a ferrule using a cleaning tool is used. Cleaning work becomes easier.
  • the second locked portion 232 is provided for each of the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30, and the positions of the plurality of second locked portions 232 in the front-rear direction are as follows. It is different in stages. Thereby, when the optical plug 10 and the optical receptacle 60 are connected, the plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12 of the optical plug 10 are fitted into the receptacle-side housing 61 in a stepwise manner. Is provided stepwise for each of the plurality of plug-side internal connectors 12. As a result, the force received by the optical plug 10 is suppressed, and the multi-fiber optical connector 1 can be easily connected.
  • the optical connector 1 is configured such that the plug side housing (first housing) and the receptacle side housing 61 (second housing) are fitted to each other, It is an optical connector that butt-connects a plurality of plug-side ferrules 31 (first ferrules) housed in a housing and a plurality of receptacle-side ferrules 64 (second ferrules) housed in a receptacle-side housing 61.
  • the plug-side housing can be unlocked from the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30 (first inner housings) that respectively accommodate the plurality of plug-side ferrules 31 and the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30.
  • the plug-side outer housing 11 (first outer housing) and the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30 and the receptacle-side housing 61 are fitted step by step, and the fitting is performed at the time of each fitting.
  • the engagement between the plug-side inner housing 30 and the plug-side outer housing 11 is released.
  • a multi-fiber optical connector can be attached or detached easily.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 and the receptacle-side housing 61 are fitted stepwise in this way, as shown in the comparative example of FIG. If the position of the end face of the plug-side ferrule 31 is shifted in the front-rear direction, cleaning of the plug-side ferrule 31 becomes difficult. Therefore, in the first to third embodiments, the plurality of plug-side inner housings are locked at the common initial position with respect to the plug-side outer housing (see FIGS. 3, 11, and 13). This makes it easy to clean the plug-side ferrules because all plug-side ferrules are aligned in the front-rear direction even though multiple plug-side internal connectors are mated in stages with the receptacle-side housing. Become.
  • the plug-side housing serving as the first housing has a plurality of plug-side inner housings 30 (first inner housings) each housing a plurality of plug-side ferrules 31. And a plug-side outer housing 11 (first outer housing) that can be unlocked with respect to the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30, and the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30 and the receptacle-side housing 61 are fitted in stages. Was done.
  • the receptacle-side housing may be the first housing
  • the plurality of receptacle-side inner housings 63 of the receptacle-side housing may be the first inner housing
  • the receptacle-side outer housing 62 of the receptacle-side housing may be the first outer housing.
  • the plurality of receptacle-side inner housings 63 and the plug-side housing may be fitted in stages by changing the fitting positions of the plurality of receptacle-side inner housings 63. Even in such a configuration, the multi-fiber optical connector can be easily attached and detached. And when comprised in this way, it is desirable to make the initial position of the some receptacle side internal housing 63 used as a 1st internal housing common. Thereby, since the position of the receptacle-side ferrule 64 in the front-rear direction can be aligned, the cleaning operation of the receptacle-side ferrule 64 is facilitated.
  • the plug-side outer housing 11 has the first locked portion 231 and the second locked portion 232, and the plug-side inner housing 30 has the locking piece 44. It has the elastic latching
  • the plurality of plug-side inner housings 30 are in a common initial position, and the first locked portion 231 and the locking piece 44 are in the first locking position.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 is fixed to the plug-side outer housing 11 at a common initial position.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 is moved to the receptacle-side housing.
  • the plug-side inner housing 30 and the plug fitted in the fitting position are released by the deformation of the pushed elastic locking portion 41 and the locking between the second locked portion 232 and the locking piece 44 being released.
  • the engagement with the side outer housing 11 is released, and thereby the plug side inner housing 30 enters a floating state in which the plug side inner housing 30 can be retracted with respect to the plug side outer housing 11.
  • the components for locking the plug-side inner housing 30 and the plug-side outer housing 11 at the initial position are limited to the first locked portion 231 and the elastic locking portion 41 (locking piece 44). Instead, other configurations and shapes may be used. Further, the components for locking the plug-side inner housing 30 and the plug-side outer housing 11 at the fitting position are limited to the second locked portion 232 and the elastic locking portion 41 (locking piece 44). It may be other configurations / shapes.
  • the 1st to-be-latched part 231 was arrange
  • variety (dimension in the left-right direction) of the plug side internal housing 30 is made. It becomes the structure which can be narrowed.
  • the first locked portion 231 may be disposed below the plug-side outer housing 11, and the second locked portion 232 may be disposed above the plug-side outer housing 11 (first locked portion). 231 and the second arrangement of the second locked portion 232 may be reversed.
  • the first locked portion 231 and the second locked portion 232 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (see FIGS. 13 and 14). Thereby, it becomes a structure which can arrange
  • the first locked portion 231 and the second locked portion 232 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction on both the upper and lower surfaces of the plug-side outer housing 11.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention aborde le problème de la réalisation d'un connecteur optique multi-cœur qui facilite le retrait et le nettoyage. La solution selon l'invention porte sur un premier boîtier qui comprend une pluralité de premiers boîtiers internes, chacun stockant chacune d'une pluralité de premières ferrules, et un premier boîtier externe apte à libérer un verrou sur la pluralité de premiers boîtiers internes. La pluralité de premiers boîtiers internes sont verrouillés sur le premier boîtier externe à une position initiale commune. Lorsque la pluralité de premiers boîtiers internes sont montés sur un deuxième boîtier, le verrou entre les premiers boîtiers internes et le premier boîtier externe à la position initiale est libéré ; les premiers boîtiers internes sont verrouillés au premier boîtier externe à une position de montage différente de la position initiale ; la pluralité de premiers boîtiers internes s'ajustent progressivement au deuxième boîtier à des positions de montage mutuellement différentes ; et le verrou entre les premiers boîtiers internes et le premier boîtier externe ajustés les uns aux autres à la position de montage est libéré.
PCT/JP2018/038270 2018-02-16 2018-10-15 Connecteur optique et procédé de raccordement du connecteur optique WO2019159431A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2018-026179 2018-02-16
JP2018026179A JP6535396B1 (ja) 2018-02-16 2018-02-16 光コネクタ及び光コネクタの接続方法

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11112566B2 (en) 2018-03-19 2021-09-07 Senko Advanced Components, Inc. Removal tool for removing a plural of micro optical connectors from an adapter interface

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH03172806A (ja) * 1989-12-01 1991-07-26 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> 光コネクタ
JPH06111882A (ja) * 1992-09-29 1994-04-22 Sumitomo Wiring Syst Ltd コネクタ装置
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