Optical connector and method of manufacturing an optical connector

Abstract

The optical connector (1A) includes a ferrule (20), a spring (70) disposed behind the ferrule (20), a spring pressing member (80) that holds the spring (70) between the ferrule (20) and the spring pressing member (80) and through which an optical fiber (11) is inserted, and a housing (30) that houses the ferrule (20) and the spring (70) therein and that is locked to the spring pressing member (80) to become a state in which the ferrule (20) is pressed by the spring (70) in a forward direction. The spring pressing member (80) is configured to be capable of plugging and unplugging the optical fiber (11).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an optical connector and a manufacturing method of an optical connector.

[0002] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-173708 filed on October 15, 2020, and the contents thereof are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND

[0003] In Patent Literature 1, a method is disclosed in which, in order to lay an optical fiber cable having a plurality of optical fibers in a pipe (a pipe line), the optical fiber cable is passed through the pipe in a state in which a connector (an optical connector) is terminated (becomes an end portion) at an end portion (a front end portion) of each optical fiber of the optical fiber cable.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 6083087

[0005] However, in recent years, it is required to lay more optical fibers in a pipe without changing the size (thickness) of the pipe. Here, the size of the optical connector as viewed in the length direction of the pipe, the optical fiber is larger than the optical fiber. Therefore, the volume increase due to the optical connector becomes an obstacle to increasing the number of optical fibers that can pass through the pipe. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application was made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an optical connector and a manufacturing method of an optical connector that can pass more optical fibers through a pipe.

[0007] The optical connector of the first aspect of the present application includes a ferrule having a connection end surface and an optical fiber hole through which an optical fiber can be inserted to the connection end surface, a spring disposed at the rear of the ferrule when the connection end surface on the length direction of the optical fiber hole is set as the front and the opposite side thereof is set as the rear, a spring push member that sandwiches the spring between the ferrule in the length direction, through which the optical fiber is inserted, and a housing that houses the ferrule and the spring inside, and becomes a state in which the ferrule is forced by the spring to the front by engaging the spring push member, and the spring push member is configured to be able to plug and unplug the optical fiber.

[0008] In the above optical connector, the housing is configured to house the ferrule inside. Therefore, the housing is larger than the ferrule as viewed in the length direction of the optical fiber hole. In addition, the spring push member engaged with the housing is naturally larger than the ferrule as viewed in the length direction. On the other hand, the housing is configured to house the spring inside, and therefore the spring can be smaller than the size of the ferrule as viewed in the length direction of the optical fiber hole.

[0009] Moreover, in the above-described optical connector, the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber, and the spring pusher is able to push the optical fiber. In addition, the ferrule is able to be housed inside the housing. That is, the housing and the spring pusher, which are larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber. Therefore, the housing, which is larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, is able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the optical fiber is passed through the conduit in a state in which the ferrule and the spring, which are smaller in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are provided at the end of the optical fiber. Thus, the size of the optical connector at the end of the optical fiber is able to be made smaller at the stage of passing the optical fiber through the conduit, and more optical fibers are able to be passed through the conduit.

[0010] In the above-described optical connector, the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber, and the spring pusher is able to push the optical fiber. In addition, the ferrule is able to be housed inside the housing. That is, the housing and the spring pusher, which are larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber. Therefore, the housing, which is larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, is able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the optical fiber is passed through the conduit in a state in which the ferrule and the spring, which are smaller in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are provided at the end of the optical fiber. Thus, the size of the optical connector at the end of the optical fiber is able to be made smaller at the stage of passing the optical fiber through the conduit, and more optical fibers are able to be passed through the conduit.

[0011] In the above-described optical connector, the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber, and the spring pusher is able to push the optical fiber. In addition, the ferrule is able to be housed inside the housing. That is, the housing and the spring pusher, which are larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber. Therefore, the housing, which is larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, is able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the optical fiber is passed through the conduit in a state in which the ferrule and the spring, which are smaller in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are provided at the end of the optical fiber. Thus, the size of the optical connector at the end of the optical fiber is able to be made smaller at the stage of passing the optical fiber through the conduit, and more optical fibers are able to be passed through the conduit.

[0012] In the above-described optical connector, the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber, and the spring pusher is able to push the optical fiber. In addition, the ferrule is able to be housed inside the housing. That is, the housing and the spring pusher, which are larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber. Therefore, the housing, which is larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, is able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the optical fiber is passed through the conduit in a state in which the ferrule and the spring, which are smaller in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are provided at the end of the optical fiber. Thus, the size of the optical connector at the end of the optical fiber is able to be made smaller at the stage of passing the optical fiber through the conduit, and more optical fibers are able to be passed through the conduit.

[0013] In the above-described optical connector, the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber, and the spring pusher is able to push the optical fiber. In addition, the ferrule is able to be housed inside the housing. That is, the housing and the spring pusher, which are larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber. Therefore, the housing, which is larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, is able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the optical fiber is passed through the conduit in a state in which the ferrule and the spring, which are smaller in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are provided at the end of the optical fiber. Thus, the size of the optical connector at the end of the optical fiber is able to be made smaller at the stage of passing the optical fiber through the conduit, and more optical fibers are able to be passed through the conduit.

[0014] In the above-described optical connector, the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber, and the spring pusher is able to push the optical fiber. In addition, the ferrule is able to be housed inside the housing. That is, the housing and the spring pusher, which are larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber. Therefore, the housing, which is larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, is able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the optical fiber is passed through the conduit in a state in which the ferrule and the spring, which are smaller in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are provided at the end of the optical fiber. Thus, the size of the optical connector at the end of the optical fiber is able to be made smaller at the stage of passing the optical fiber through the conduit, and more optical fibers are able to be passed through the conduit.

[0015] In the above-described optical connector, the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber, and the spring pusher is able to push the optical fiber. In addition, the ferrule is able to be housed inside the housing. That is, the housing and the spring pusher, which are larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber. Therefore, the housing, which is larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, is able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the optical fiber is passed through the conduit in a state in which the ferrule and the spring, which are smaller in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are provided at the end of the optical fiber. Thus, the size of the optical connector at the end of the optical fiber is able to be made smaller at the stage of passing the optical fiber through the conduit, and more optical fibers are able to be passed through the conduit.

[0016] In the above-described optical connector, the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber, and the spring pusher is able to push the optical fiber. In addition, the ferrule is able to be housed inside the housing. That is, the housing and the spring pusher, which are larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the ferrule is provided at the end of the optical fiber. Therefore, the housing, which is larger in size among the components constituting the optical connector, is able to be attached with respect to the optical fiber and the ferrule after the optical fiber is passed through the conduit in a state in which the ferrule and the spring, which are smaller in size among the components constituting the optical connector, are provided at the end of the optical fiber. Thus, the size of the optical connector at the end of the optical fiber is able to be made smaller at the stage of passing the optical fiber through the conduit, and more optical fibers are able to be passed through the conduit.

[0017] The manufacturing method of the optical connector of the second aspect of the present application is a method of manufacturing the above-described optical connector, and includes: a first step of sequentially arranging the ferrule and the spring from the end portion of the optical fiber; a second step of, after the first step, inserting the optical fiber through the spring push member; and a third step of, after the second step, housing the ferrule and the spring in the inside of the housing, and making the ferrule be forced in the front direction by the spring push member and the spring push member being engaged with the housing.

[0018] In the manufacturing method of the optical connector described above, the optical fiber can be passed through the pipe after the first step in which the ferrule and the spring having small sizes are arranged on the optical fiber, and before the second step in which the spring push member having a large size is attached to the optical fiber, and the third step in which the housing having a large size is attached to the ferrule. Thus, the size of the optical connector in the end portion of the optical fiber can be made small at the stage of passing the optical fiber through the pipe, and therefore more optical fibers can be passed through the pipe.

[0019] According to the present application, more optical fibers can be passed through the pipe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the optical connector of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 is a II-II sectional view of Figure 1

[0022] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector of Figure 1

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first member and the second member of Figure 3

[0024] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first member of Figure 3 and Figure 4

[0025] Figure 6 is a view of the ferrule, the first member, and the second member of Figure 3

[0026] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the manufacturing method of the optical connector of Figure 1 and Figure 2

[0027] Figure 8 is a view of the ferrule of Figure 7 ​​​​​​FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a procedure of the first embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 9 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a procedure of the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 8

[0029] Figure 10 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a procedure of the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 9

[0030] Figure 11 FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing a first member and a second member constituting an optical connector of the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 12 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second member of FIG. 4 being divided into two divided structures. Figure 11

[0032] Figure 13 FIG. 6 is a perspective view obtained by observing the second member of FIG. 5 from a front side. Figure 11

[0033] Figure 14 FIG. 7 is a perspective view obtained by observing the first member of FIG. 5 from a rear side. Figure 11

[0034] Figure 15 FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an optical connector of the third embodiment.

[0035] Figure 16 FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector of FIG. 8. Figure 15 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] <First Embodiment>

[0037] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. Figures 1-10 As shown in FIG. 1, the optical connector 1A of the first embodiment is provided with an optical cable 10, a ferrule 20, a housing 30, a coupler 40, a cap C, two guide pins 50, a pin holding member 60, a spring 70, a spring push member 80, and a crimp ring 90. The optical connector 1A of the present embodiment is a so-called MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) type.

[0038] Figures 1-3 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical cable 10 has a plurality of optical fibers 11 and an outer skin 12 covering the plurality of optical fibers 11. The end portions of the plurality of optical fibers 11 in the lengthwise direction are extended outward from the end portions of the outer skin 12 so as to be inserted into the ferrule 20. That is, the outer periphery of the optical fibers 11 in the housing 30 is not provided with the outer skin 12.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical cable 10 has a plurality of optical fibers 11 and an outer skin 12 covering the plurality of optical fibers 11. The end portions of the plurality of optical fibers 11 in the lengthwise direction are extended outward from the end portions of the outer skin 12 so as to be inserted into the ferrule 20. That is, the outer periphery of the optical fibers 11 in the housing 30 is not provided with the outer skin 12. Figure 2 Figure 3 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical cable 10 has a plurality of optical fibers 11 and an outer skin 12 covering the plurality of optical fibers 11. The end portions of the plurality of optical fibers 11 in the lengthwise direction are extended outward from the end portions of the outer skin 12 so as to be inserted into the ferrule 20. That is, the outer periphery of the optical fibers 11 in the housing 30 is not provided with the outer skin 12.

[0040] ​​​​​​​​The ferrule 20 is formed with two guide holes 21, a plurality of optical fiber holes 22, and two restriction protrusions 23. The guide holes 21 and the optical fiber holes 22 are open at a connection end face 24 of the ferrule 20. A guide pin 50 is inserted through each of the guide holes 21, and an end portion of the optical fiber 11 of the optical cable 10 is inserted through each of the optical fiber holes 22. The number of the optical fiber holes 22 of the ferrule 20 can be appropriately changed, and for example, can be only one. That is, the number of the optical fibers 11 provided in the optical connector 1A can be one or a plurality of optical fibers.

[0041] In addition, the optical connector 1A has a shroud 25. The shroud 25 is inserted into the ferrule 20.

[0042] (Direction definitions)

[0043] In the present embodiment, the length direction of the optical fiber 11 or the guide hole 21 or the optical fiber hole 22 is referred to as the axial direction X. The direction in which the two guide holes 21 or the two guide pins 50 are arranged is referred to as the left-right direction Y (lateral width direction). The left-right direction Y is orthogonal to the axial direction X. The direction orthogonal to both the axial direction X and the left-right direction Y is referred to as the up-down direction Z (longitudinal width direction). In addition, the side of the connection end face 24 in the axial direction X is referred to as the front (+X side) or the front end side, and the opposite side thereof is referred to as the rear (-X side) or the base end side.

[0044] The guide holes 21 and the optical fiber holes 22 of the ferrule 20 each pass through the ferrule 20 in the axial direction X. In addition, the restriction protrusions 23 of the ferrule 20 protrude outward from both ends of the ferrule 20 in the left-right direction Y.

[0045] The end face of the optical fiber 11 inserted into the optical fiber hole 22 is exposed at the connection end face 24 of the ferrule 20. The connection end face 24 can be inclined with respect to the up-down direction Z in such a manner that it faces the rear as it faces downward from the top, for example. The connection end face 24 having the above-described inclination can be formed by polishing the ferrule 20, for example.

[0046] The ferrule 20 of the present embodiment is formed in a rectangular shape in the up-down direction Z (longitudinal width direction) as viewed from the front, as shown in Figure 6 which is smaller than the size in the left-right direction Y (lateral width direction).

[0047] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the housing 30 is formed as a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction X. The housing 30 is open at the front and rear. A insert 20 is inserted into the housing 30 from the rear. With the insert 20 housed inside the housing 30, a limiting protrusion 23 of the insert 20 abuts against an anti-dislodgement portion 31 formed on the inner side of the housing 30 from the rear. That is, the limiting protrusion 23 of the insert 20 prevents the insert 20 from falling forward from the housing 30. The front end portion of the insert 20 housed inside the housing 30, including the connecting end face 24, protrudes forward from the opening at the front end of the housing 30.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, two locking holes 32 are formed in the housing 30. The locking holes 32 are formed at both ends of the housing 30 in the left-right direction Y. Figure 2 In the case of the housing 30, each locking hole 32 extends from the inside to the outside in the left-right direction Y. Alternatively, each locking hole 32 may be a bottomed hole that is not through and is recessed from the inside to the outside of the housing 30.

[0049] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the connector 40 is formed as a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction X, surrounding the housing 30 from the outside. Although detailed description is omitted, the connector 40 is a component that is held by the user and pulled backward when the optical connector 1A is pulled from the connected object (adapter, etc.).

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, two second springs 35 are provided between the housing 30 and the connector 40 in the axial direction X. The two second springs 35 are arranged on both sides of the housing 30 in the left-right direction Y. The second springs 35 apply a force to the connector 40 in the forward direction and a force to the housing 30 in the rearward direction. The second springs 35 have the function of restoring the connector 40, which has moved rearward relative to the housing 30, to its forward displacement.

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the pin holder 60 is positioned behind the insert 20 to hold the rear end of the guide pin 50 that protrudes rearward from the insert 20. The pin holder 60 has a holding body 61 and a spring retaining part 62.

[0052] The clamping body 61 includes two pin retaining portions 63 that respectively retain the rear ends of two guide pins 50. Each guide pin 50 held by the pin retaining portions 63 extends forward in the axial direction X towards the clamping body 61. Each guide pin 50 is inserted into the guide hole 21 from the rear of the insert 20, for example, and protrudes forward from the connecting end face 24 of the insert 20. The clamping body 61, which holds the two guide pins 50, contacts the insert 20 from the rear, thereby preventing the two guide pins 50 from falling out towards the front of the insert 20. Furthermore, if the positional relationship between the base end (the end on the base end side) of the insert 20 and the clamping body 61 is fixed, and the pin retaining portion 63 is an elastic body, it is also possible to insert the guide pin 50 from the front end side (the side of the connecting end face 24) of the insert 20 and embed the guide pin 50 into the clamping body 61 (pin retaining portion 63) for fixation.

[0053] The spring retaining portion 62 protrudes rearward from the clamping body 61. The spring retaining portion 62 holds the front end of the cylindrical spring 70, which is positioned behind the pin clamp 60. Specifically, the spring retaining portion 62 is embedded inside the front end of the spring 70. Thus, the front end of the spring 70 is held by the pin clamp 60.

[0054] Additionally, a through hole 64 extending in the axial direction X is formed in the pin clamping member 60. The through hole 64 is formed on both the clamping body 61 and the spring retaining part 62 arranged in the axial direction X. An extension protrusion 13 of an optical fiber 11 extending rearward from the ferrule 20 is inserted into the through hole 64.

[0055] The cap C covers the fiber optic hole 22 of the connection end face 24 of the ferrule 20 from the front, thereby preventing dirt and other contaminants from adhering to or damaging the end face of the exposed fiber 11 on the connection end face 24. The cap C has two fitting holes CH. The front end of a guide pin 50 protruding forward from the connection end face 24 of the ferrule 20 is inserted into the two fitting holes CH. Thus, the cap C can be held on the connection end face 24 of the ferrule 20.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the cap C is installed in the ferrule 20, it is sized to not extend outward from the ferrule 20 when viewed from the front. In other words, it is sized to be housed closer to the outer periphery of the connection end face 24 when viewed from the axial direction X (from the front of the optical connector 1A). In this embodiment, the shape and size of the cap C viewed from the front are the same as the shape and size of the ferrule 20 viewed from the front. In addition, the cap C in this embodiment is shaped such that its cross-section, orthogonal to the axial direction X, tapers at the front end as it separates forward from the ferrule 20.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the spring 70 is positioned behind the ferrule 20 and the pin holder 60, and is capable of elastic deformation in the axial direction X. Specifically, the spring 70 is a cylindrical helical spring that elastically expands and contracts in the axial direction X. An extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11, located behind the pin holder 60, is inserted through the inner side of the spring 70. The spring 70, along with the ferrule 20 and the pin holder 60, is housed inside the housing 30.

[0058] The spring pusher 80 clamps the spring 70 between the spring pusher 80 and the pin clamping member 60 in the axial direction X. For example... Figures 2-4 As shown, the spring pusher 80 has a first part 81 and a second part 82, which can allow the optical fiber 11 to be inserted.

[0059] The first component 81 is disposed behind the spring 70 and is configured to contact the rear end of the spring 70. Although not shown, the first component 81 can be housed inside the housing 30 together with the insert 20, the pin holder 60, and the spring 70 when disposed at the rear end of the spring 70. The first component 81 has a main body portion 811, a spring retaining portion 812, and a positioning protrusion 813.

[0060] The main body 811 is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponding to the spring 70. An extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11, located behind the spring 70, is inserted through the inner side of the main body 811. The size of the main body 811, viewed from the axial direction X, corresponds to the outer diameter of the cylindrical spring 70. Thus, by positioning the first component 81 behind the spring 70, the main body 811 can cover the rear end of the spring 70.

[0061] The spring retaining portion 812 protrudes forward (to the front end) from the main body portion 811. The spring retaining portion 812 holds the rear end of the spring 70. Specifically, the rear end of the spring 70 is held by the spring retaining portion 812 by embedding the spring retaining portion 812 inside the rear end portion of the cylindrical spring 70. Thus, the first component 81 is fixed to the rear end of the spring 70. The spring retaining portion 812 is formed so as not to cover the space inside the cylindrical main body portion 811 from the front. The spring retaining portion 812 is as follows... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The shape shown is divided into Z sections in the vertical direction, but it can also be formed into a cylindrical shape similar to the main body 811.

[0062] like Figures 3-5 As shown, a positioning protrusion 813 protrudes rearward from the main body 811. The positioning protrusion 813 is formed in a circumferential portion of the main body 811 in a manner that does not cover the space inside the main body 811 from the rear. Figure 5In this structure, a positioning protrusion 813 is formed at the upper end of the main body 811 in the vertical direction Z, but the position of the positioning protrusion 813 is not limited to this. The positioning protrusion 813 is inserted into the slit 823 of the second component 82 (described later) in the axial direction X. Figure 9 ).

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X (length direction), the maximum dimension L1 of the first component 81 is less than or equal to the maximum dimension L2 of the insert 20. In this embodiment, the first component 81 is formed as a circle when viewed from the axial direction X. Therefore, the maximum dimension of the first component 81 is the diameter of the circle when viewed from the axial direction X. On the other hand, the insert 20 is formed as a rectangle with its long side in the left-right direction Y when viewed from the axial direction X. Therefore, the maximum dimension of the insert 20 is the dimension in the left-right direction Y (lateral width direction) when viewed from the axial direction X.

[0064] Furthermore, the diameter dimension (the dimension in the left-right direction Y) of the first component 81 is as follows: Figure 6 The dimension shown, viewed from the front, is less than the dimension of the long side in the left-right direction Y of the plug 20. Therefore, the first component 81 does not extend outward from both ends of the plug 20 in the left-right direction Y. On the other hand, the diameter of the first component 81 (the dimension in the vertical direction Z) is larger than the dimension of the short side in the vertical direction Z of the plug 20, so the first component 81 extends outward from both ends of the plug 20 in the vertical direction Z. However, the extension length of the first component 81 extending outward from both ends of the plug 20 in the vertical direction Z is less than the dimension of the plug 20 in the vertical direction Z.

[0065] Figures 2-4 The second component 82 shown supports the first component 81 from the rear (base end side). Furthermore, the second component 82 engages with the housing 30. The second component 82 has a cylindrical portion 821 and two locking tabs 822.

[0066] The cylindrical portion 821 is formed as a cylinder extending along the axial direction X, through which the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 located behind the first component 81 is inserted. The cylindrical portion 821 is configured such that the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 can be inserted and removed when the ferrule 20 is provided at the end of the optical fiber 11. Specifically, a slit 823 is formed in the cylindrical portion 821. A portion of the slit 823 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 821 extends along the entire length of the cylindrical portion 821 in the axial direction X.

[0067] That is, the slit 823 opens at both ends of the cylindrical portion 821 in the axial direction X. This allows the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 to pass through the slit 823 of the cylindrical portion 821, thereby enabling insertion and removal of the extension protrusion 13 relative to the cylindrical portion 821 from a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X. In this embodiment, the slit 823 is formed at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 821 in the vertical direction Z.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the inner space of the cylindrical portion 821 through which the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 is inserted is smaller than the ferrule 20, the pin holding member 60, the spring 70, and the first member 81 when viewed in the axial direction X. Therefore, the ferrule 20, the pin holding member 60, the spring 70, and the first member 81 cannot pass through the inner space of the cylindrical portion 821.

[0069] The front end of the cylindrical portion 821 described above is in contact with the rear end of the main body portion 811 of the first member 81, whereby the cylindrical portion 821 supports the first member 81 from the rear. In addition, in a state in which the cylindrical portion 821 supports the first member 81 from the rear, the positioning protrusion 813 of the first member 81 is inserted into the slit 823 (see FIG. 8) of the cylindrical portion 821 in the axial direction X. Thereby, the first member 81 and the second member 82 can be inhibited or prevented from being relatively displaced in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X. In addition, the cylindrical first member 81 and the second member 82 can be inhibited or prevented from being displaced in the circumferential direction. In this way, the positioning protrusion 813 is inserted into a portion of the slit 823, and thereby the portion of the slit 823 functions as an inhibition portion for inhibiting rotation of the first member 81. Figure 9

[0070] The cylindrical portion 821 of the present embodiment includes a cylindrical main body 824 extending in the axial direction X, and a protruding portion 825 protruding to both sides in the lateral direction Y at a front end portion of the cylindrical main body 824. The cylindrical main body 824 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X. The cylindrical main body 824 is inserted inside the outer skin 12 of the optical cable 10. A plurality of protrusions 826 are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical main body 824. The plurality of protrusions 826 are caught on an inner periphery of the outer skin 12 in a state in which the cylindrical main body 824 is inserted inside the outer skin 12. Thereby, in a state in which the cylindrical main body 824 is inserted inside the outer skin 12, the cylindrical main body 824 can be inhibited from falling outside the outer skin 12.

[0071] The two locking pieces 822 respectively extend forward from the cylindrical portion 821. Specifically, the two locking pieces 822 extend forward from both end portions in the lateral direction Y of the protruding portion 825 in the cylindrical portion 821. A locking protrusion 827 is formed at a front end of each of the locking pieces 822. Each of the locking protrusions 827 protrudes from the locking piece 822 to the outside in the lateral direction Y of the second member 82. As shown in FIG. 8, the two locking pieces 822 are located at positions protruding to the outside from both ends in the lateral direction Y of the ferrule 20 when viewed in the axial direction X. Figure 6

[0072] Figure 2 ​​​As shown, each of the locking protrusions 827 is locked with the locking hole 32 of the housing 30. Specifically, in the axial direction X, the cylindrical portion 821 of the second member 82 sandwiches the pin holder 60, the spring 70, and the first member 81 between the cylindrical portion 821 and the ferrule 20. Further, in a state where the locking piece 822 of the second member 82 is inserted into the inside of the housing 30 from the rear, the locking protrusion 827 of the second member 82 is locked with the locking hole 32 of the housing 30. In this state, the spring 70 is elastically compressed and deformed (elastically deformed), and thus the ferrule 20 is urged in the forward direction by the elastic force of the spring 70.

[0073] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the crimp ring 90 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The crimp ring 90 crimps the outer skin 12 of the optical cable 10 and the cylindrical portion 821 (cylindrical body 824) of the second member 82 inserted into the inside of the outer skin 12 from the outside, thereby fixing the outer skin 12 and the cylindrical body 824. As with the second member 82, in the crimp ring 90, a slit 91 is formed in a portion in the circumferential direction of the crimp ring 90, and the slit 91 extends over the entire length in the axial direction X of the crimp ring 90.

[0074] Next, one example of a manufacturing method of the optical connector 1A of the present embodiment will be described mainly with reference to Figures 7-10 .

[0075] In manufacturing the optical connector 1A, first, a first process is performed. In the first process, as shown in Figure 3 , the ferrule 20, the pin holder 60 in which the two guide pins 50 are held (see Figure 3 ), the spring 70, and the first member 81 are arranged in this order from the end portion of the optical fiber 11.

[0076] Specifically, in the first process, first, the end portion of the optical fiber 11 pulled out from the outer skin 12 of the optical cable 10 is inserted through the first member 81, the spring 70, and the pin holder 60, and then the ferrule hole 22 of the ferrule 20 (see Figure 3 ). Next, the pin holder 60 is brought into contact with the rear of the ferrule 20, and the two guide pins 50 held by the pin holder 60 are respectively inserted into the guide holes 21 (see Figure 3 ) from the rear of the ferrule 20, so that the front end portions of the guide pins 50 protrude from the connection end face 24 (see Figure 3 ) of the ferrule 20. Further, the spring 70 is held by the spring holding portions 812 of the pin holder 60 and the first member 81. Further, the front end portions of the guide pins 50 are fitted into the fitting holes CH (see Figure 2 ) of the cap C, and thus the cap C covers the ferrule hole 22 of the ferrule 20 whose connection end face 24 is open. Thus, the first process is completed. Figure 7 A state after the above-described first process is shown.

[0077] In the above first process, positioning of the optical fiber 11 with respect to the ferrule 20 (particularly the connection end face 24) and the like require high-precision work, and thus it is preferable to perform the work in a factory.

[0078] After the first process, a second process is performed. In the second process, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 extending toward the rear of the ferrule 20 is inserted through the cylindrical portion 821 of a second member 82 positioned at the rear of the first member 81. In the present embodiment, the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 is passed through the slits 823 of the cylindrical portion 821, and thus the extension protrusion 13 is inserted through the inside of the cylindrical portion 821. Figure 7 Figure 8 After that, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the second member 82 is moved forward, and the first member 81 is supported from the rear by the second member 82. In addition, the positioning protrusion 813 of the first member 81 is inserted into the slits 823 of the second member 82, and thus the first member 81 is positioned with respect to the second member 82.

[0079] After that, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the second member 82 is moved forward, and the first member 81 is supported from the rear by the second member 82. In addition, the positioning protrusion 813 of the first member 81 is inserted into the slits 823 of the second member 82, and thus the first member 81 is positioned with respect to the second member 82. Figure 8 Figure 9 After that, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the second member 82 is moved forward, and the first member 81 is supported from the rear by the second member 82. In addition, the positioning protrusion 813 of the first member 81 is inserted into the slits 823 of the second member 82, and thus the first member 81 is positioned with respect to the second member 82.

[0080] In addition, in the second process, as shown in Fig. 7, the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 is inserted through the crimp ring 90 positioned at the rear of the second member 82. Specifically, like the second member 82, the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 is passed through the slits 91 of the crimp ring 90, and thus the extension protrusion 13 is inserted through the inside of the crimp ring 90. Figures 7-9 In the second process, as shown in Fig. 7, the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 is inserted through the crimp ring 90 positioned at the rear of the second member 82. Specifically, like the second member 82, the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 is passed through the slits 91 of the crimp ring 90, and thus the extension protrusion 13 is inserted through the inside of the crimp ring 90.

[0081] After the second process, a third process is performed. In the third process, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the ferrule 20, the pin holding member 60, the spring 70, and the first member 81 are accommodated inside from the rear of the housing 30, and the second member 82 is engaged with the housing 30. Thus, the spring 70 is elastically deformed, and thus the ferrule 20 is in a state of being forced forward by the elastic force of the spring 70. Figure 9 Figure 10 In the above second process and third process, work requiring high precision is not included, and thus the work can be performed, for example, in a field where the optical cable 10 (optical fiber 11) is laid in a pipe.

[0082] Finally, by performing a fixing process of inserting the cylindrical portions 821 of the second member 82 into the outer skin 12 of the optical cable 10 and crimping the cylindrical portions 821 and the outer skin 12 from the outside to fix them, the manufacture of the optical connector 1A is completed.

[0083] In addition, in the above manufacturing method of the optical connector 1A, the fixing process can be performed, for example, between the second process and the third process.

[0084] In addition, in the above manufacturing method of the optical connector 1A, the fixing process can be performed, for example, between the second process and the third process. ​​​

[0085] As explained above, in the optical connector 1A of the first embodiment, the housing 30 is configured to house the ferrule 20. Therefore, the housing 30 is larger than the ferrule 20 when viewed from the length direction of the fiber optic hole 22. Furthermore, the spring pusher 80, which engages with the housing 30, is also naturally larger than the ferrule 20 when viewed from the length direction. On the other hand, the housing 30 is configured to house the spring 70, so the spring 70 can be smaller than the ferrule 20 when viewed from the length direction of the fiber optic hole 22. In this optical connector 1A, after the ferrule 20 is provided at the end of the optical fiber 11, the optical fiber 11 can be inserted through the larger spring pusher 80. As a result, more optical fibers 11 can pass through the conduit.

[0086] Additionally, the spring-pressing member 80 has a first component 81 that contacts the spring 70, and a second component 82 that internally houses and supports the first component 81 and engages with the housing 30. The second component 82 is configured to allow insertion and removal of the optical fiber 11. With this structure, the housing 30 and the second component 82 engaging with it are larger than the ferrule 20 when viewed from the axial X-axis. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, viewed from the axial direction X, the dimension of the second component 82 in the left-right direction Y is larger than that of the ferrule 20 in the left-right direction Y. On the other hand, the spring 70 and the pin clamp 60 are housed in the housing 30. In addition, the first component 81 is designed to not have the function of locking with the housing 30, thereby reducing the size of the spring 70, the pin clamp 60, and the first component 81 extending outward from the ferrule 20 when viewed from the axial direction X, thus allowing more optical fibers 11 to pass through the conduit.

[0087] Furthermore, in the optical connector 1A and its manufacturing method according to the first embodiment, a second step can be performed after the first step. In the first step, a smaller ferrule 20 is provided at the end of the optical fiber 11, and a smaller pin clamp 60 and spring 70 are provided behind the ferrule 20. In the second step, the extended protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 is inserted through a larger spring pusher 80. Additionally, a third step can be performed after the first step, in which the ferrule 20, pin clamp 60, and spring 70 are housed within a larger housing 30. That is, after the smaller ferrule 20 is provided at the end of the optical fiber 11, and the smaller pin clamp 60 and spring 70 are provided behind the ferrule 20, the larger spring pusher 80 and housing 30 are mounted relative to the optical fiber 11 and the ferrule 20.

[0088] Thus, the optical fiber 11 (optical cable 10) can pass through the duct after the first process in which the ferrule 20, the pin holder 60, and the spring 70 are provided at the end of the optical fiber 11, and before the second and third processes in which the spring push member 80 and the housing 30 are provided. That is, the size of the optical connector 1A at the end of the optical fiber 11 can be suppressed to be small at the stage of passing the optical fiber 11 (optical cable 10) through the duct. Thus, more optical fibers 11 (optical cables 10) can pass through the duct.

[0089] Further, according to the first embodiment, the cylindrical portion 821 of the spring push member 80 is configured to be able to be inserted into and pulled out of the extension projection 13 of the optical fiber 11 from a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X. Thus, the extension projection 13 of the optical fiber 11 can be inserted through the cylindrical portion 821 of the spring push member 80 without the ferrule 20, the pin holder 60, and the spring 70 provided at the end of the optical fiber 11 passing inside the cylindrical portion 821 of the spring push member 80. Thus, even if the size of the inner space of the cylindrical portion 821 of the spring push member 80 through which the extension projection 13 of the optical fiber 11 is inserted is smaller than the ferrule 20, the pin holder 60, and the spring 70 when viewed from the axial direction X, the extension projection 13 of the optical fiber 11 can be simply inserted through the cylindrical portion 821 of the spring push member 80.

[0090] Further, according to the first embodiment, a slit 823 is formed in a part of the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 821 of the spring push member 80, and the slit 823 extends over the entire length in the axial direction X of the cylindrical portion 821 of the spring push member 80. Thus, the extension projection 13 of the optical fiber 11 passes through the slit 823 of the cylindrical portion 821 of the spring push member 80, and thus the extension projection 13 of the optical fiber 11 can be inserted through the cylindrical portion 821 of the spring push member 80. Thus, the extension projection 13 of the optical fiber 11 can be reliably inserted with respect to the cylindrical portion 821 of the spring push member 80 without the ferrule 20, the pin holder 60, and the spring 70 passing inside the cylindrical portion 821 of the spring push member 80.

[0091] Further, according to the first embodiment, the first member 81 of the spring push member 80 has the positioning protrusion 813 inserted into the slit 823 of the cylindrical portion 821. Thus, by inserting the positioning protrusion 813 of the first member 81 into the slit 823 of the cylindrical portion 821 of the second member 82, the first member 81 can be positioned with respect to the second member 82.

[0092] Further, according to the first embodiment, the largest dimension Ll of the first member 81 of the spring pusher 80 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X (lengthwise direction) is equal to or smaller than the largest dimension L2 of the ferrule 20. Therefore, the size of the first member 81 that protrudes outward of the ferrule 20 as viewed from the axial direction X can be particularly reduced. Thus, the size of the optical connector 1A in the end portion of the optical fiber 11 can be suppressed to be smaller at the stage of passing the optical fiber 11 through the duct, and thus more optical fibers 11 can be passed through the duct.

[0093] Further, according to the first embodiment, the first member 81 of the spring pusher 80 covers the rear end portion of the spring 70. Thus, when the optical fiber 11 is passed through the duct in a state where the spring 70 and the first member 81 are installed behind the ferrule 20, the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 that extends rearward from the ferrule 20 can be prevented from being damaged by the rear end portion of the spring 70. That is, the protection of the optical fiber 11 can be achieved when the optical fiber 11 is passed through the duct.

[0094] Further, according to the first embodiment, the first member 81 of the spring pusher 80 is fixed to the spring 70 by the spring holding portion 812 of the first member 81 being fitted to the rear end portion of the spring 70. Thus, in a state before the housing 30 and the second member 82 are installed, particularly when the optical fiber 11 is passed through the duct, the first member 81 can be suppressed or prevented from suddenly falling off from the rear end portion of the spring 70.

[0095] Further, according to the first embodiment, the spring holding portion 812 of the first member 81 is configured to be fitted inside the rear end portion of the spring 70. Therefore, the first member 81 can be prevented from protruding outward of the spring 70 as viewed from the axial direction X, and the first member 81 can be fixed to the rear end portion of the spring 70.

[0096] Further, according to the first embodiment, the cap C can be held in a state where the cap C covers the optical fiber hole 22 of the ferrule 20 from the front by the front end portion of the guide pin 50 being fitted to the fitting hole CH of the cap C. Thus, even when the cap C is not formed to protrude outward of the ferrule 20 as viewed from the axial direction X, the cap C can be held at a position where the cap C covers the optical fiber hole 22 of the ferrule 20 from the front. Therefore, even when the cap C is used to protect the end face of the optical fiber 11 that passes through the optical fiber hole 22 and is exposed to the connection end face 24, the size of the optical connector 1A in the end portion of the optical fiber 11 can be suppressed to be smaller at the stage of passing the optical fiber 11 through the duct, and thus more optical fibers 11 can be passed through the duct.

[0097] Further, according to the first embodiment, the front end portion of the guide pin 50 is inserted into the fitting hole CH of the cap C, whereby the ferrule 20 can be clamped between the cap C provided at the front end portion of the guide pin 50 and the pin holder 60 provided at the rear end portion of the guide pin 50. Thus, even if the housing 30 and the second member 82 are not mounted to the ferrule 20, the ferrule 20 can be prevented from falling forward with respect to the guide pin 50 and the pin holder 60. Therefore, the ferrule 20 can be prevented from falling when the optical fiber 11 is passed through the duct in a state where the housing 30 and the second member 82 are not mounted to the ferrule 20.

[0098] <Second Embodiment>

[0099] Next, the optical connector 1B according to the second embodiment of the present application will be described mainly with reference to Figures 11-14 . In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to structures common to the already described structures, and repeated description is omitted.

[0100] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The optical connector 1B according to the second embodiment shown in Figs. 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B, and 10B has the same structures as those of the first embodiment (the optical cable 10, the ferrule 20, the housing 30, the coupler 40, the cap C, the guide pin 50, the pin holder 60, the spring 70, and the crimp ring 90 (see Figs. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, and 10A)) except for the spring pusher 80B. Figures 1-3 In the optical connector 1B, structures common to the first embodiment are omitted except for the optical fiber 11. Figure 11 and Figure 12

[0101] The spring pusher 80B has a first member 81B and a second member 82B, like the spring pusher 80 of the first embodiment.

[0102] The first member 81B has a main body portion 811, a spring holding portion 812, and two positioning protrusions 813B. The structures of the main body portion 811 and the spring holding portion 812 are the same as those of the first embodiment. The two positioning protrusions 813B of the first member 81B protrude rearward from the main body portion 811 as shown in Figs. 3B and 4B. The two positioning protrusions 813B are located at both ends in the left-right direction Y of the main body portion 811. Further, the two positioning protrusions 813B can be located at both ends in the up-down direction Z of the main body portion 811, for example. Figure 14 The second member 82B has a cylindrical portion 821B and two locking pieces 822 as shown in Figs. 5B and 6B. The structures of the cylindrical portion 821B and the locking pieces 822 are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. However, no slits 823 are formed in the cylindrical portion 821B (see Figs. 5A and 6A).

[0103] Figure 11 and Figure 13 Figure 4 ​​​Further, a positioning recess 828 is formed in the cylindrical portion 821B, which is recessed from a surface opposite to the first member 81B (particularly, the positioning protrusion 813B) in the axial direction X. The number of the positioning recess 828 corresponds to the number (2) of the positioning protrusion 813B described above. The two positioning recesses 828 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction Y in the cylindrical portion 821B. The positioning protrusion 813B of the first member 81B is inserted into each of the positioning recesses 828 in the axial direction X. Thus, the first member 81B and the second member 82B can be inhibited or prevented from being relatively displaced in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X. Further, the first member 81B and the second member 82B can be inhibited or prevented from being displaced in the circumferential direction.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 8, the second member 82B of the present embodiment is composed of two split structures 85. Each of the split structures 85 has a semi-cylindrical portion 851. The semi-cylindrical portion 851 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X. The cylindrical portion 821B is composed by combining the semi-cylindrical portions 851 of the two split structures 85. Figures 12-14

[0105] Two protrusions 853 and two recesses 854 are formed in the semi-cylindrical portion 851 of each of the split structures 85. The two split structures 85 are fixed to each other by fitting one of the protrusions 853 of one split structure 85 into the recess 854 of the other split structure 85.

[0106] The two split structures 85 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X. In the present embodiment, the two split structures 85 are arranged in the direction in which the two locking pieces 822 of the second member 82B are arranged (i.e., the left-right direction Y). Thus, each of the split structures 85 has one locking piece 822 formed integrally with the semi-cylindrical portion 851.

[0107] The optical connector 1B of the second embodiment can be manufactured by performing the same first process, second process, third process, and the like as the manufacturing method of the optical connector 1A of the first embodiment. However, in the second process of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the extending protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 is disposed between the two split structures 85 of the second member 82B in a state in which the extending protrusion 13 is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X (i.e., the left-right direction Y in the present embodiment), and the two split structures 85 are combined. Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 11 Figure 12 According to the optical connector 1B of the second embodiment and the manufacturing method of the optical connector 1B, the same effects as the first embodiment are exerted.

[0108] According to the optical connector 1B of the second embodiment and the manufacturing method of the optical connector 1B, the same effects as the first embodiment are exerted.

[0109] ​​​​Further, according to the optical connector 1B of the second embodiment, the second member 82B (particularly, the barrel portion 821B) is composed of two divided structures 85. Therefore, by combining the two divided structures 85 in a state where the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 is disposed between the two divided structures 85 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction X, the extension protrusion 13 can be inserted through the barrel portion 821B of the second member 82B. That is, by attaching and detaching the two divided structures 85 from each other, the extension protrusion 13 can be inserted and pulled out with respect to the barrel portion 821B in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction X. Therefore, the ferrule 20, the pin holding member 60, the spring 70, and the first member 81B can not pass through the inside of the barrel portion 821B, and the extension protrusion 13 of the optical fiber 11 can reliably pass through the barrel portion 821B.

[0110] In the optical connector 1B of the second embodiment, for example, only the barrel portion 821B of the second member 82B can be composed of two divided structures 85, and the two locking pieces 822 of the second member 82B can be included in only one of the divided structures 85. In order to configure the second member 82B in this way, for example, the barrel portion 821B (particularly, the barrel main body 824) can be composed of two half-barrel portions 851 arranged in the vertical direction Z.

[0111] <Third Embodiment>

[0112] Next, the optical connector 1C of the third embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Figure 15 and Figure 16 . In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to structures common to the already described structures, and repetitive description will be omitted.

[0113] In the optical connector 1C of the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 15 , the shape of the pin holding member 600, the formation region of the outer skin (protective member) 120, and the structure of the spring pushing member 80 are mainly different from those of the first embodiment.

[0114] The pin holding member 600 further has a protrusion portion 621. The protrusion portion 621 protrudes rearward from the spring holding portion 620. As shown in Figure 15 , the protrusion portion 621 has a straight portion 622 and a protruding portion 623.

[0115] The straight portion 622 extends rearward from the spring holding portion 620 in a straight shape. The protruding portion 623 is provided rearward of the straight portion 622 and protrudes outward farther than the straight portion 622.

[0116] Additionally, a through hole 640 extending in the axial direction X is formed in the pin clamping member 600. The through hole 640 is formed in the clamping body 61, the spring retaining part 620, and the protrusion 621 arranged in the axial direction X. An extension protrusion 13 of an optical fiber 11 extending rearward from the ferrule 20 is inserted into the through hole 640.

[0117] like Figure 15 As shown, one end 120a of the outer sheath 120 engages with the straight portion 622 of the protrusion 621. Thus, the protrusion 621 is covered by the outer sheath 120. The outer sheath 120 can, for example, be a braided tube. A braided tube is a tube made by weaving fibers (usually resin fibers) into a mesh. By using a braided tube as the outer sheath 120, as... Figure 15 As shown, the outer skin 120 can deform according to the shape of the protrusion 621. That is, with the protrusion 621 inserted into the inside of the outer skin 120, the protrusion 623 stretches the outer skin 120 from the inside to the outside. Thus, the protrusion 623 can easily be caught on the outer skin 120.

[0118] The crimping ring 625 is cylindrical. An opening 626 is formed in a portion of the circumference of the crimping ring 625, extending along its entire length in the axial direction X. The crimping ring 625 crimps the outer sheath 12 of the optical cable 10 from the outside and the protrusion 621 disposed on the inner side of the outer sheath 12. This secures the outer sheath 120 to the protrusion 621.

[0119] In this embodiment, the spring-pressing member 80 does not have a first component. Additionally, as... Figure 15 As shown, a step portion 830 is formed inside the second component 82. The spring 70 is positioned such that the rear end of the spring 70 contacts the front surface 831 of the step portion 830. The size of the front surface 831 corresponds to the outer diameter of the spring 70. By positioning the second component 82 behind the spring 70, the spring 70 is subjected to a force forward.

[0120] Furthermore, the sheath 250 is formed as a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction X and is disposed within the ferrule 20. One end of the sheath 250 is inserted into the ferrule 20, and the other end of the sheath 250 protrudes outward from the ferrule 20. An optical fiber 11 is inserted into the sheath 250. The sheath 250 is formed of an elastic member. The sheath 25 is a component used to protect the optical fiber 11 in a manner that does not apply stress to the optical fiber 11.

[0121] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the optical connector 1C according to this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the method for manufacturing the optical connector 1C is essentially the same as that in the first embodiment, so only the differences will be described.

[0122] In the first process, such as Figure 16As shown, the ferrule 20, the pin holder 600 that holds the two guide pins 50, and the spring 70 are arranged in this order from the end of the optical fiber 11.

[0123] In the second process, the spring 70 is brought into abutment with the front surface 831 of the spring pusher 80. In addition, one end 120a of the outer skin 120 is covered on the protruding portion 621. The protruding portion 621 covered with the outer skin 120 is passed through the opening 626 of the crimp ring 625. The crimp ring 625 is crimped, whereby the outer skin 120 is fixed to the protruding portion 621.

[0124] In the third process, the ferrule 20, the pin holder 600, and the spring 70 are housed inside from the rear direction of the housing 30, and the spring pusher 80 is engaged with the housing 30. Thus, the spring 70 is elastically deformed, so as to become a state in which the ferrule 20 is forced in the forward direction by the elastic force of the spring 70.

[0125] As described above, the optical connector 1C of the present embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0126] In addition, the optical fiber 11 is protected by the outer skin 120 (protective member), and one end 120a of the outer skin 120 is engaged with the pin holder 600. Thus, even if the spring 70 is moved in the length direction, the spring 70 does not come into contact with the optical fiber 11, so that damage to the optical fiber 11 by the spring 70 can be prevented. That is, protection of the optical fiber 11 when the optical fiber is passed through the duct can be achieved.

[0127] In addition, one end 120a of the outer skin 120 extends to the straight portion 622 of the protruding portion 621 of the pin holder 600, so that the protruding portion 621 can be more reliably prevented from falling outside of the outer skin 120. In addition, the protruding portion 621 has the extending portion 623, so that the protruding portion 621 can be more reliably prevented from falling outside of the outer skin 120.

[0128] The manufacturing method of the optical connector 1C of the present embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0129] In addition, compared with the first embodiment, the first member 81 is not provided, so that the process of arranging the first member 81 can be omitted. Thus, shortening of the manufacturing time can be achieved.

[0130] Further, as the outer skin 120, a braided tube is used, but it is not limited thereto, and other materials can be used. The outer skin 12 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment can also use a braided tube.

[0131] Further, the shape of the pin holder 600 is different from that of the first embodiment, but can be the same as that of the first embodiment. In the case of this structure, it is sufficient that the one end 120a of the outer skin 120 extends to the rear end of the pin holder 600, that is, the spring holding portion 620.

[0132] Further, the one end 120a of the outer skin 120 is caught by the straight portion 622 of the protruding portion 621 of the pin holder 600, but can extend to the extending portion 623. In the case of this structure, the length dimension of the length direction of the outer skin 120 can be shortened, and the crimp ring 625 can be omitted.

[0133] Further, the outer skin 120 and the protruding portion 621 are fixed by the crimp ring 625, but the crimp ring 625 can not be necessarily provided. The protruding portion 621 can be covered by the outer skin 120 having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the straight portion 622 and having elasticity, whereby the outer skin 120 and the protruding portion 621 are fixed.

[0134] The detailed contents of the present application have been described above, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be applied within the scope of the gist of the present application.

[0135] In the optical connectors of the first to third embodiments of the present application, the spring holding portion 812 of the first member 81, 81B can be configured, for example, so that the rear end portion of the spring 70 is inserted into the inside of the spring holding portion 812.

[0136] The optical connectors of the first and second embodiments of the present application can not be provided with the pin holder 60, for example. In this case, the guide pin 50 can be fixed to the ferrule 20, for example. Further, the ferrule 20 can support and hold the front end portion of the spring 70.

[0137] Explanation of Reference Numerals:

[0138] L1... maximum dimension of first member; L2... maximum dimension of ferrule; 1A, 1B, 1C... optical connector; 11... optical fiber; 13... extending protruding portion; 20... ferrule; 22... optical fiber hole; 24... connection end surface; 30... housing; 50... guide pin; 60, 600... pin holder; 70... spring; 80, 80B... spring pusher; 81, 81B... first member; 813... positioning protrusion; 82, 82B... second member; 821, 821B... cylindrical portion; 823... slit; 85... divided structure; C... cap; CH... fitting hole; X... axial direction (length direction of optical fiber hole).

Claims

1. An optical connector, characterized in that, have: A ferrule, the ferrule having a connection end face and an optical fiber hole for inserting an optical fiber into the connection end face; The spring is positioned behind the ferrule when the connecting end face side along the length direction of the optical fiber hole is positioned in front and the opposite side is positioned in the rear. A spring-loaded member clamps the spring between itself and the ferrule in the longitudinal direction and allows the optical fiber to pass through; as well as The housing internally houses the insert and the spring, and by locking the spring pusher, the insert is positioned so that the spring applies a forward force to it. The spring pusher has: The first component has a spring retaining portion that retains the rear end of the spring; and The second component internally houses and supports the first component and is engaged with the housing. The second component is configured to allow insertion and removal of the optical fiber from a direction orthogonal to the length direction. The first component is configured to be movable relative to the second component.

2. The optical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes a pin clamping member disposed between the insert and the spring to hold the front end of the spring. The optical fiber is protected by a protective component, one end of which is engaged with the pin clamp.

3. The optical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second component has a cylindrical portion for inserting the optical fiber. A slit is formed in a portion of the circumference of the cylindrical portion, the slit extending along the entire length of the cylindrical portion in the longitudinal direction. The first component has a positioning protrusion that inserts into the slit.

4. The optical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second component consists of two segmented structures arranged in a direction orthogonal to the length direction.

5. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, In a direction orthogonal to the length direction, the maximum dimension of the first component is less than or equal to the maximum dimension of the ferrule.

6. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Further features include: A cap that covers the fiber optic aperture from the front; and A guide pin, configured to pass through the ferrule in the length direction. The cap has a fitting hole for inserting the front end of the guide pin, which protrudes forward from the connecting end.

7. A method for manufacturing an optical connector, comprising the method for manufacturing the optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The method for manufacturing the optical connector is characterized by having: The first step involves sequentially configuring the ferrule and the spring from the end of the optical fiber. The second step, following the first step, involves inserting the optical fiber into the spring-loaded pusher; and In the third step, after the second step, the insert and the spring are housed inside the housing, and the spring pusher is locked to the housing, so that the insert is in a state where force is applied forward.

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