cap

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cap. In order to adjust the ferrule of an optical connector to an appropriate position. The cap of the present invention is a cap that can be installed on an optical connector, and the optical connector has a ferrule and a shell that can slidably accommodate the ferrule. The cap of the present invention has: a main body that can be installed on the optical connector and covers the connection end face of the ferrule protruding from the shell and the side face of the ferrule protruding from the shell; a shell contact part that contacts the shell inside the main body; and a ferrule contact part that contacts the side face of the ferrule when the shell contact part contacts the shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap for an optical connector. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an optical connector in which a ferrule floats in a housing. As an example of an optical connector in which a ferrule floats in a housing, for example, an MPO connector (F13 type multi-fiber connector prescribed by JIS C5982) is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-235508

[0004] In order to make the ferrule float in the housing, a gap needs to be set between the ferrule and the housing. However, due to the gap between the ferrule and the housing, the position of the ferrule relative to the housing may be deviated. In addition, if the ferrule is connected to the other optical connector in a state where the ferrule is in an inappropriate position relative to the housing, the optical axes of the optical fibers will be offset, and there is a concern that the transmission loss of the optical signal will increase. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to adjust the ferrule of an optical connector to a proper position.

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose is a cap, which is a cap that can be installed on an optical connector having a ferrule and a shell that can slidably accommodate the ferrule, and the cap comprises: a main body that can be installed on the optical connector and covers the connecting end surface of the ferrule protruding from the shell and the side surface of the ferrule protruding from the shell; a shell contact portion that contacts the shell inside the main body; and a ferrule contact portion that contacts the side surface of the ferrule when the shell contact portion is in contact with the shell.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.

[0008] According to the present invention, the ferrule of the optical connector can be adjusted to an appropriate position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A 1 is a perspective view of the optical connector 100 with a cap. Figure 1B This is a perspective view of a state where the cap 50 is removed from the optical connector 1 .

[0010] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the capped optical connector 100 .

[0011] Figure 3 It is an orthographic projection diagram of the cap 50 in various directions.

[0012] Figure 4It is a perspective view of the cap 50 .

[0013] Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B It is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the cap 50.

[0014] Fig. 6A as well as Figure 6B It is an explanatory diagram of a state where the cap 50 is attached to the optical connector 1 .

[0015] Figure 7A to Figure 7D It is an explanatory diagram of the state of the inside of the cap 50 when the cap is mounted.

[0016] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram of a state where the cap 50 according to the second embodiment is attached to the optical connector 1 .

[0017] Fig. 9 It is an explanatory diagram of a state where the cap 50 according to the third embodiment is attached to the optical connector 1 .

[0018] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a cap 50 according to a fourth embodiment.

[0019] Fig.11A as well as Fig. 11B It is an explanatory diagram of the positional deviation of the ferrule 10 .

[0020] Fig. 12A It is an explanatory diagram of a structure in which positional deviation of the ferrule 10 occurs. Fig. 12B It is an explanatory diagram of an appropriate position of the ferrule 10 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] An embodiment that is an example of the invention of the present application will be described based on the description of the specification and drawings given below.

[0022] ===First Embodiment===

[0023] Figure 1A 1 is a perspective view of the optical connector 100 with a cap. Figure 1B This is a perspective view of a state where the cap 50 is removed from the optical connector 1 . Figure 2 is an exploded view of the capped optical connector 100 .

[0024] In the following description, Figure 1BAs shown, each direction is defined. That is, the loading and unloading direction of the cap 50 relative to the optical connector 1 is set as the "front-to-back direction", the side of the cap 50 relative to the optical connector 1 is set as the "front", and the opposite side is set as the "rear". In addition, the front-to-back direction is also referred to as the "loading and unloading direction". In addition, since the ferrule 10 can slide in the front-to-back direction relative to the housing 20, the front-to-back direction is sometimes also referred to as the "sliding direction". In addition, the front side is sometimes also referred to as the "front end side", and the rear side is sometimes also referred to as the "base end side". In addition, the direction in which a pair of guide pins 111 (or guide holes 11) are arranged is set as the "left-to-right direction", the right side when observing the front side from the rear side is set as the "right", and the opposite side is set as the "left". In addition, the left-to-right direction is sometimes also referred to as the "width direction". In addition, the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction is set as the "upper and lower directions", the side of the optical connector 1 where the key is provided is set as the "upper", and the opposite side is set as the "lower". In addition, the end face 13 of the ferrule 10 of the present embodiment is inclined so as to protrude more toward the front side (front end side; the counterpart connector side not shown) as it approaches the upper side (key 21 side) (described later), so the upper side is sometimes referred to as the "protruding side" and the lower side is sometimes referred to as the "non-protruding side".

[0025] The capped optical connector 100 according to the present embodiment includes the optical connector 1 and the cap 50 .

[0026] <Structure of optical connector 1>

[0027] The optical connector 1 of this embodiment is an MPO (Multifiber Push-On) optical connector established by JIS C 5982 and IEC 61754-7. In addition, the optical connector is not limited to the MPO optical connector, and may be other optical connectors. The optical connector 1 is an optical connector capable of connecting a plurality of optical fibers in a unified manner. The optical connector 1 has a ferrule 10, a housing 20, and a floating mechanism 40.

[0028] The ferrule 10 is a member for holding the end of an optical fiber. The ferrule 10 of this embodiment is an MT connector (MT ferrule) specified by JIS C5981 and IEC61754-5. The ferrule 10 has a pair of guide holes 11, a plurality of optical fiber holes 12, and an end face 13.

[0029] The guide hole 11 is a hole for inserting the guide pin 111. When the optical connector 1 is a male type, the guide pin 111 is pre-installed in the guide hole 11 in such a manner that the end of the guide pin 111 protrudes from the guide hole 11. When the optical connector 1 is a female type, the guide pin 111 of the counterpart connector is inserted into the guide hole 11. The guide hole 11 is a portion that constitutes a positioning portion together with the guide pin 111. The guide hole 11 (and the guide pin 111) is arranged along the front-to-back direction. A pair of guide holes 11 (and the guide pin 111) are arranged side by side in the width direction. A pair of guide holes 11 (and the guide pin 111) are arranged to sandwich a plurality of optical fiber holes 12 from the width direction.

[0030] The optical fiber hole 12 is a hole for inserting the end of an optical fiber. An end of an optical fiber is fixed to each optical fiber hole 12. Each optical fiber hole 12 is formed along the front-to-back direction. A plurality of optical fiber holes 12 are arranged side by side in the width direction. Here, the columns of the plurality of optical fiber holes 12 arranged along the width direction are arranged in two columns, one above the other, and 12 optical fiber holes 12 are arranged side by side in the width direction in each column. Among them, the columns of the plurality of optical fiber holes 12 arranged along the width direction may be one column or two or more columns. As described later, the optical fiber holes 12 of the present embodiment pre-estimate the positional offset caused by the gap between the guide pin 111 and the guide hole 11, and are arranged by offsetting the predetermined offset amount in the up-down direction.

[0031] The end face 13 is the end face of the front end side (front side; the counterpart connector side not shown) of the ferrule 10. The end face 13 becomes the connection end face with the ferrule of the counterpart connector. In the present embodiment, the end face 13 is inclined (the end face 13 is an inclined end face). Specifically, the end face 13 is inclined by about 8 degrees relative to the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical fiber. The end face 13 is formed by inclined grinding together with the end face of the optical fiber inserted into the optical fiber hole 12. In the present embodiment, the end face 13 is inclined in a manner that protrudes toward the front end side (front side; the counterpart connector side) as it approaches the upper side (key 21 side).

[0032] The ferrule 10 has a body 14 and a flange 15. The flange 15 is a portion (flange) protruding outward from the side of the body 14. The flange 15 contacts the protrusion 22 of the housing 20, thereby preventing the ferrule 10 from falling off.

[0033] The end portion (the end portion on the front end side; the front portion) of the ferrule 10 protrudes from the opening of the housing 20. Therefore, the end face 13 protrudes from the housing 20. In addition, the side surface on the front end side of the ferrule 10 also protrudes from the housing 20. In addition, the side surface of the ferrule 10 is a surface constituting the outer peripheral surface of the main body 14, and includes the upper surface, the lower surface, the right surface, and the left surface of the ferrule 10 in the figure. The ferrule 10 can slide in the front-to-back direction (sliding direction) relative to the housing 20, and the side surface of the ferrule 10 is composed of a surface parallel to the front-to-back direction (sliding direction). In the present embodiment, the end face 13 is inclined, and the upper surface of the side surface of the ferrule 10 protrudes toward the housing 20 compared with the lower surface (the surface on the opposite side of the upper surface). In the following description, the side surface on the protruding side of the ferrule 10 (here, the upper surface) is sometimes referred to as the "first side surface 10A", and the side surface on the non-protruding side of the ferrule 10 (here, the lower surface) is sometimes referred to as the "second side surface 10B".

[0034] A pin clamp 17 is disposed on the base end side (rear side) of the ferrule 10. As in the present embodiment, when the optical connector 1 is a male type, the pin clamp 17 holds the base end (rear end) of the guide pin 111. In addition, when the optical connector 1 is a male type, the guide pin 111 is disposed through the guide hole 11 of the ferrule 10, and the front end of the guide pin 111 protrudes from the end surface 13.

[0035] The housing 20 is a cylindrical storage component. The housing 20 is a component for storing the ferrule 10 and the floating mechanism 40. The end of the ferrule 10 protrudes from the opening of the housing 20, and the end surface 13 of the ferrule 10 protrudes from the housing 20. The housing 20 can slidably store the ferrule 10, and can store the ferrule 10 backward while pressing the ferrule 10 toward the front end side (front side). The inner wall surface of the housing 20 is provided with a protrusion 22 protruding toward the inside (see Figure 6B ). The protrusion 22 contacts the flange 15 of the ferrule 10, thereby preventing the ferrule 10 from falling off. A locking portion 23 is provided on the side of the housing 20. The locking portion 23 is a portion where the claw of the connection target of the optical connector 1 (for example, the claw of the optical adapter) is locked, and is a portion that serves as a mechanical reference position of the optical connector 1.

[0036] A coupling 30 is disposed on the outer periphery of the housing 20. The coupling 30 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the housing 20. A spring 31 is disposed between the coupling 30 and the housing 20. The coupling 30 is pressed forward relative to the housing 20 by the spring 31. The coupling 30 is a portion that is operated by an operator (operation to move backward relative to the housing 20) when the optical connector 1 is removed.

[0037] The floating mechanism 40 is a mechanism for pressing the ferrule 10 toward the front end side (front side). The floating mechanism 40 includes a spring 41 and a spring push rod 42. The spring 41 is an elastic member (force member) for applying force to the ferrule 10. The spring 41 is accommodated in the housing 20 in a state of being compressed and deformed between the ferrule 10 (specifically, the pin clamp 17) and the spring push rod 42. The spring push rod 42 is a member accommodated in the housing 20 in a state of compressing the spring 41. The spring push rod 42 includes a pair of arm portions 421. The spring 41 is accommodated in the space between the pair of arm portions 421. A claw portion 421A is formed at the front end of the arm portion 421 toward the outside. The spring push rod 42 can be mounted on the housing 20 in a state of compressing the spring 41 by pulling the window portion 24 on the side of the housing 20 with the claw portion 421A. The protective cover 43 can be mounted on the base end side (rear side) of the spring push rod 42.

[0038] However, when the optical connector 1 is connected to the counterpart connector, the ferrule 10 receives a force from the ferrule of the counterpart connector, and the ferrule 10 retreats relative to the housing 20, and the flange 15 of the ferrule 10 is separated from the protrusion 22 of the housing 20. When the optical connector 1 is connected to the counterpart connector, the floating mechanism 40 presses the ferrule 10 toward the ferrule of the counterpart connector with a predetermined force in a state where the flange 15 of the ferrule 10 is separated from the protrusion 22 of the housing 20. In the following description, the state where the flange 15 of the ferrule 10 is separated from the protrusion 22 of the housing 20 is sometimes referred to as a "floating state".

[0039] <Positional deviation of the ferrule 10>

[0040] Fig.11A as well as Fig. 11B It is an explanatory diagram of the positional deviation of the ferrule 10 . Fig.11A It is an explanatory diagram of a state where the ferrule 10 is arranged at the center of the housing 20 . Fig. 11B This is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the ferrule 10 is offset from the center of the housing 20 .

[0041] As already described, the ferrule 10 is configured to be slidable relative to the housing 20. Therefore, a gap C is required between the ferrule 10 and the housing 20. Fig. 11B As shown in FIG. 1 , sometimes the position of the ferrule 10 is biased toward one side in the width direction relative to the center of the housing 20, and the position of the ferrule 10 in the width direction is deviated. Fig. 11BAs shown, the ferrules are butted against each other in a state where they are offset in the width direction relative to the ferrule of the counterpart connector, resulting in the optical axes of the connected optical fibers being offset, which may increase the transmission loss of the optical signal. In addition, the ferrules are positioned against each other by inserting the guide pin 111 of one ferrule 10 into the guide hole 11 of the other ferrule, but there is also a gap between the guide hole 11 and the guide pin 111 (described later). Therefore, if the ferrules are butted against each other in a state where they are offset in the width direction relative to the ferrule of the counterpart connector, there may be a concern that the optical axes of the connected optical fibers may be offset.

[0042] Therefore, as described later, in this embodiment, the cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1 so that the ferrule 10 is located at the center in the width direction of the housing 20, thereby adjusting the ferrule 10 to an appropriate position. In addition, the appropriate position of the ferrule 10 is not limited to the center of the housing 20. This point will be described below.

[0043] Fig. 12A It is an explanatory diagram of a structure in which positional deviation of the ferrule 10 occurs. Fig. 12B It is an explanatory diagram of an appropriate position of the ferrule 10 .

[0044] like Fig. 12A As shown in FIG. 1 , the diameter D2 of the guide hole 11 is formed to be larger than the diameter D1 of the guide pin 111 (D2>D1), and a gap is formed between the guide hole 11 and the guide pin 111. In addition, each ferrule 10 is pressed toward the other ferrule while the inclined end faces 13 are butted. As a result, the ferrules 10 are displaced in a sliding manner along the inclined end faces 13 as shown by the black arrows in the figure, and the ferrules 10 are offset from each other in the vertical direction (as shown in FIG. 1 ). Fig. 12B As shown in FIG. 1 , the central axes of the guide holes 11 are offset from each other in the vertical direction. Fig. 12B As shown, the optical fiber hole 12 of the ferrule 10 (at Fig. 12B (not shown) are arranged at positions where the ferrules 10 are pre-estimated to be offset from each other in the vertical direction. In other words, the ferrules 10 are Fig. 12B In the state shown, the ferrule 10 is constructed in such a way that the optical axes of the optical fibers are aligned with each other. Fig. 12B (not shown in the figure) is configured to be offset from the central axis of the guide hole 11 in the vertical direction by an offset amount equivalent to (D2-D1) / 2 (the deformation amount of the guide pin 111 due to shear stress may also be added to the offset amount).

[0045] On the other hand, if the ferrules are butted against each other in a state where the central axes of the guide pins 111 and the guide holes 11 are aligned, there is a concern that the ferrule 10 may not be displaced up and down by a predetermined amount due to the friction force acting between the end faces 13. In this case, there is a concern that the optical axes of the optical fibers may be displaced, and the transmission loss of the optical signal may increase.

[0046] Therefore, as described later, in this embodiment, the cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1 so that the ferrule 10 is closer to the protruding side of the inclined end surface 13 relative to the housing 20 (see Fig. 12B ), the ferrule 10 is adjusted to an appropriate position. Thus, the appropriate position of the ferrule 10 is not limited to the center of the housing 20, and sometimes it may be a position offset to the protruding side of the inclined end surface 13.

[0047] <Structure of the cap 50>

[0048] Figure 3 It is an orthographic projection diagram of the cap 50 in various directions. Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the cap 50 . Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B It is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the cap 50. Fig. 6A as well as Figure 6B It is an explanatory diagram of a state where the cap 50 is attached to the optical connector 1 .

[0049] The cap 50 is a component (cap for optical connector) for protecting the optical connector 1. The cap 50 is a component that covers the end face 13 of the ferrule 10 protruding from the housing 20 and the side face of the ferrule 10 protruding from the housing 20. The cap 50 is removable relative to the front end portion (front portion) of the optical connector 1. When the cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1, the front end portion of the ferrule 10 protruding from the opening of the housing 20 is covered by the cap 50, thereby protecting the ferrule 10. The cap 50 of this embodiment includes a main body 50A, a housing contact portion 54, and a ferrule contact portion 55.

[0050] The main body 50A constitutes the main body of the cap 50. The main body 50A can be mounted on the optical connector 1, and covers the end surface 13 of the ferrule 10 protruding from the housing 20 and the side surface of the ferrule 10 protruding from the housing 20. In the present embodiment, the cap 50 (main body 50A) has a front end wall 51 and a side wall 52.

[0051] The front end wall 51 is a portion (front wall portion) on the front end side (front side) of the cap 50 (main body 50A). A recess 51A for accommodating the guide pin 111 is provided on the front end wall 51. By providing the recess 51A in the cap 50, when the cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1, interference between the cap 50 and the guide pin 111 can be suppressed.

[0052] The side wall 52 is a portion constituting the side surface of the cap 50 (main body 50A). The side wall 52 is a portion constituting the outer periphery of the cap 50, and is a portion (surrounding portion) surrounding the front end portion of the optical connector 1. The side wall 52 is composed of an upper wall portion 52A, a lower wall portion 52B opposite to the upper wall portion 52A, and left and right side wall portions 52C connecting the upper wall portion 52A and the lower wall portion 52B. In addition, the cap 50 has a storage portion 53. The storage portion 53 is a portion that stores the front end portion of the optical connector 1, and is composed of a space surrounded by the front end wall 51 and the side wall 52.

[0053] The cap 50 of the present embodiment includes a housing contact portion 54 , a ferrule contact portion 55 , an inclined portion 57 , and a pressing portion 58 .

[0054] The housing contact portion 54 is a portion inside the main body 50A that contacts the housing 20. Here, the housing contact portion 54 is mainly composed of the inner surface of the side wall 52 (the surface on the storage portion 53 side). However, the structure of the housing contact portion 54 is not limited to this. The cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1 by the housing contact portion 54 composed of the inner surface of the side wall 52 contacting (in other words, fitting) with the outer periphery of the housing 20.

[0055] It is preferred that the housing contact portion 54 contacts the housing 20 with a fitting force such that the cap 50 slides relative to the housing 20 when a predetermined pressing force (equivalent to the pressing force of the floating mechanism 40 pressing the ferrule 10) is applied from the ferrule 10 in the floating state. As described below, the ferrule 10 can be returned to the non-floating state (the state in which the flange 15 of the ferrule 10 contacts the protrusion 22 of the housing 20) after the ferrule 10 is placed in the floating state and the position of the ferrule 10 is adjusted. Therefore, even after the cap 50 is removed from the optical connector 1, it is easy to keep the ferrule 10 in an appropriate position.

[0056] The ferrule contact portion 55 is a portion that contacts the side surface of the ferrule 10. When the housing contact portion 54 contacts the housing 20 (i.e., when the cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1), the ferrule contact portion 55 contacts the side surface of the ferrule 10. By the ferrule contact portion 55 contacting the side surface of the ferrule 10, the ferrule contact portion 55 presses the ferrule 10 in a predetermined direction, thereby appropriately adjusting the position of the ferrule 10 relative to the housing 20. That is, the ferrule contact portion 55 serves as a position adjustment portion that adjusts the position of the ferrule 10 relative to the housing 20. In the present embodiment, the ferrule contact portion 55 has a displacement contact portion 55A and a centering contact portion 55B. However, the ferrule contact portion 55 may also have only one of the displacement contact portion 55A and the centering contact portion 55B.

[0057] The displacement contact portion 55A is a portion that contacts the second side surface 10B (here, the lower surface) of the ferrule 10. The displacement contact portion 55A is a portion that presses the second side surface 10B in the direction from the second side surface 10B toward the first side surface 10A (here, the upper surface) (here, the direction from bottom to top). That is, the displacement contact portion 55A is a portion that displaces the ferrule 10 relative to the housing 20 toward the protruding side of the end surface 13. The displacement contact portion 55A is composed of a surface parallel to the front-to-back direction and the width direction (a surface perpendicular to the up-down direction). Among them, as long as the displacement contact portion 55A can press the second side surface 10B (here, the lower surface) of the ferrule 10, it is not limited to a surface parallel to the front-to-back direction and the width direction. For example, it can also be composed of a surface inclined relative to the front-to-back direction, and it can also be composed of a convex strip instead of a flat surface. When the cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1 (when the housing contact portion 54 contacts the housing 20), the displacement contact portion 55A contacts the second side surface 10B (here, the lower surface) of the ferrule 10, and presses the second side surface 10B of the ferrule 10 in a direction from the second side surface 10B toward the first side surface 10A (here, the upper surface) (here, the direction from bottom to top). As a result, the ferrule 10 can be displaced toward the protruding side (here, the upper side) of the end surface 13 relative to the housing 20. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig. 12B As shown, when the optical connector 1 with the cap 50 removed is connected to the counterpart connector, the ferrules 10 can be butted against each other in a state where the ferrules 10 are offset to a value close to the offset value estimated in advance, so that the optical axes of the optical fibers can be aligned (easy to align the optical axes), and the transmission loss of the optical signal can be suppressed. That is, in this embodiment, the ferrule 10 can be adjusted to an appropriate position relative to the housing 20 by the displacement contact portion 55A.

[0058] However, if the key grooves 521 are provided on the upper and lower inner wall surfaces respectively as in the conventional MPO connector cap (assuming that the cap is configured to be vertically symmetrical), the cap 50 cannot be aligned with the upper and lower directions of the optical connector 1. As a result, when the cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1, the displacement contact portion 55A does not contact the second side surface 10B (lower surface) of the ferrule 10, but may contact the first side surface 10A (upper surface) on the opposite side. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the key groove 521 is provided only on one inner wall surface of the side wall 52 of the cap 50 (main body 50A). That is, in the present embodiment, the cap 50 (main body 50A) has only one key groove 521, and is a vertically asymmetrical shape. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the cap 50 is installed on the optical connector 1, by aligning the pin 21 of the optical connector 1 with the key groove 521 of the cap 50, the upper and lower directions of the cap 50 and the optical connector 1 can be aligned, and the displacement contact portion 55A of the cap 50 can be brought into contact with the second side surface 10B (lower surface) of the ferrule 10.

[0059] The centering contact portion 55B is a portion that contacts the left and right side surfaces of the ferrule 10. The centering contact portion 55B has a pair of opposing surfaces. When the cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1 (when the housing contact portion 54 contacts the housing 20), the ferrule 10 is arranged between the pair of opposing surfaces. Thus, the centering contact portion 55B can arrange (center) the ferrule 10 at the center in the width direction of the housing 20. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1, since the ferrule 10 is arranged at the center in the width direction of the cap 50, the cap 50 has a symmetrical shape in the width direction (a left-right symmetrical shape). In the present embodiment, as Fig. 11B As shown, when the optical connector 1 with the cap 50 removed is connected to the counterpart connector, the ferrules can be prevented from being misaligned in the width direction during connection, so that the optical axes of the optical fibers can be aligned, and the transmission loss of the optical signal can be suppressed. That is, in this embodiment, the ferrule 10 can be adjusted to an appropriate position relative to the housing 20 by the centering contact portion 55B.

[0060] like Figure 5B as well as Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1 , the cap 50 of this embodiment includes a pair of insertion pieces 56 on the left and right. The insertion piece 56 is a plate-shaped portion inserted between the ferrule 10 and the housing 20 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 6B The insertion piece 56 is a cantilever beam-shaped portion protruding from the front end wall 51 toward the base end side (rear side). The insertion piece 56 is a plate-shaped portion perpendicular to the width direction (left-right direction) and is arranged with a gap between the side wall portion 52C. Figure 6B As shown, the side wall of the housing 20 is inserted between the insertion piece 56 and the side wall portion 52C. In the present embodiment, the inner facing surfaces of the pair of insertion pieces 56 become the centering contact portion 55B (in addition, the outer surfaces of the pair of insertion pieces 56 become the housing contact portion 54 that contacts the housing 20). In addition, the cap 50 may not include the insertion piece 56, and the centering contact portion 55B (ferrule contact portion 55) may not be arranged on the insertion piece 56. In this case, the centering contact portion 55B contacts only the side of the side of the ferrule 10 that protrudes from the opening of the housing 20, so the contact area between the centering contact portion 55B and the ferrule 10 becomes small. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the centering contact portion 55B contacts not only the side of the side of the ferrule 10 that protrudes from the opening of the housing 20, but also the side of the housing 20 that is closer to the base end than the opening, so the contact area between the centering contact portion 55B and the ferrule 10 can be increased. Thus, it is easy to adjust the ferrule 10 to an appropriate position relative to the housing 20 .

[0061] The inclined portion 57 is a portion having an inclined surface that can contact the housing 20. The inclined portion 57 is a portion that presses the housing 20 toward the ferrule 10 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the ferrule contact portion 55 (specifically, the displacement contact portion 55A) presses the second side surface 10B (here, the lower surface) of the ferrule 10. In this embodiment, the inclined portion 57 presses the housing 20 from top to bottom. Fig. 6A As shown, the inclined portion 57 is provided at the inner angle between the front end wall 51 of the cap 50 and the upper wall portion 52A (the side wall 52 provided with the key groove 521). The inclined portion 57 has an inclined surface whose vertical distance from the displacement contact portion 55A becomes narrower as it approaches the front end side. Thus, when the cap 50 is further moved toward the base end side relative to the optical connector 1 from a state where the displacement contact portion 55A is in contact with the ferrule 10 and the inclined portion 57 is in contact with the housing 20 after the cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1, the ferrule 10 and the upper portion of the housing 20 are clamped between the displacement contact portion 55A and the inclined portion 57 (described later; refer to Figure 7C ). Thus, it is easy to displace the ferrule 10 relative to the housing 20 so as to approach the protruding side of the inclined end surface 13 (see Fig. 12B ).

[0062] In this embodiment, the inclined portion 57 is arranged at the front end side of the key slot 521, and can contact the end of the key 21 of the housing 20. Thus, the inclined portion 57 can contact the housing 20 at the center of the width direction of the housing 20, and press the center of the width direction of the housing 20 toward the ferrule 10, so that the housing 20 can be prevented from tilting in the left and right directions, and it is easy to make it move straight in the front and back directions. Among them, the inclined portion 57 can also be set at a position other than the front end of the key slot 521, and the inclined portion 57 can also contact a position other than the key 21 of the housing 20.

[0063] The pressing portion 58 is a portion that presses the front end of the ferrule 10. The pressing portion 58 is composed of a surface perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. Among them, the pressing portion 58 may also be in other shapes as long as it can press the front end of the ferrule 10. The ferrule 10 can be moved back relative to the housing 20 by pressing the ferrule 10 by the pressing portion 58. That is, the ferrule 10 is pressed by the pressing portion 58, and the ferrule 10 is in a floating state (a state in which the flange portion 15 of the ferrule 10 is separated from the protrusion 22 of the housing 20). If the ferrule 10 is in a floating state, the friction between the flange portion 15 and the protrusion 22 does not work, so when the ferrule contact portion 55 presses the ferrule 10, the ferrule 10 is easy to move relative to the housing 20, and the ferrule 10 is easy to adjust to an appropriate position.

[0064] Figure 7A to Figure 7D It is an explanatory diagram of the state of the inside of the cap 50 when the cap is attached. The right side of each figure shows a partial enlarged view.

[0065] In order to mount the cap 50 on the optical connector 1, the operator inserts the front end of the optical connector 1 into the receiving portion 53 of the cap 50. Fig. 7A As shown, the displacement contact portion 55A faces the second side surface 10B (lower surface) of the ferrule 10. At this time, the displacement contact portion 55A may also contact the second side surface 10B of the ferrule 10. However, at this stage, the displacement contact portion 55A may not contact the second side surface 10B of the ferrule 10.

[0066] from Fig. 7A In the state shown in FIG. 1 , when the operator further inserts the front end portion of the optical connector 1 into the receiving portion 53 of the cap 50, as shown in FIG. Figure 7B As shown, the pressing portion 58 is in contact with the front end of the ferrule 10. Furthermore, when the operator further inserts the front end of the optical connector 1 into the receiving portion 53 of the cap 50 from the state where the pressing portion 58 is in contact with the front end of the ferrule 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 7C As shown, the ferrule 10 is pressed by the pressing portion 58 and retreats relative to the housing 20, and the ferrule 10 is in a floating state (the flange 15 of the ferrule 10 is separated from the protrusion 22 of the housing 20, resulting in a state in which the ferrule 10 is easily movable relative to the housing 20).

[0067] In addition, from Figure 7B In the state shown in FIG. 1 , when the operator further inserts the front end portion of the optical connector 1 into the receiving portion 53 of the cap 50, as shown in FIG. Figure 7C As shown, the inclined portion 57 contacts the housing 20 (more specifically, the end of the key 21). The inclined portion 57 is formed of an inclined surface such that the distance between the displacement contact portion 55A and the housing 20 in the vertical direction becomes narrower as it approaches the front end side. Therefore, as the housing 20 moves toward the front end side relative to the cap 50 (the operator inserts the front end of the optical connector 1 into the storage portion 53 of the cap 50), the ferrule 10 and the upper part of the housing 20 are sandwiched between the displacement contact portion 55A and the inclined portion 57. Therefore, assuming that Fig. 7A Even if the displacement contact portion 55A does not contact the second side surface 10B of the ferrule 10 at the stage shown, the displacement contact portion 55A can contact the second side surface 10B of the ferrule 10. Figure 7C As shown in FIG. 1 , when the housing 20 moves toward the front end side relative to the cap 50, the displacement contact portion 55A presses the second side surface 10B of the ferrule 10, and the inclined portion 57 presses the housing 20 toward the ferrule 10 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the displacement contact portion 55A presses the ferrule 10. As a result, the ferrule 10 is displaced relative to the housing 20 so as to approach the protruding side of the inclined end surface 13.

[0068] However, in this embodiment, if Fig. 7AAs shown, when the dimension in the front-to-back direction between the pressing portion 58 and the base end of the inclined portion 57 (the portion where the housing 20 initially contacts the inclined portion 57) is set to L1, and the dimension in the front-to-back direction between the front end of the ferrule 10 (the portion in contact with the pressing portion 58) and the front end of the upper surface of the housing 20 (the portion in contact with the inclined portion 57; the end of the key 21) is set to L2, the dimension L1 is set to be shorter than the dimension L2 (L1<L2). In addition, the dimension L2 is roughly equivalent to the protrusion amount of the ferrule 10 from the opening of the housing 20. The dimension L1 is set to be shorter than the dimension L2, so that in the stage where the pressing portion 58 contacts the front end of the ferrule 10 (refer to Figure 7B ), the inclined portion 57 is in a state where it is not in contact with the housing 20 (the inclined portion 57 is in a state where it is not pressing the housing 20). In addition, the dimension L1 is set shorter than the dimension L2, so that in the stage where the inclined portion 57 is in contact with the housing 20, the pressing portion 58 is in a state where the ferrule 10 is pressed, and the ferrule 10 is in a floating state. That is, in the present embodiment, by setting the dimension L1 shorter than the dimension L2, after the pressing portion 58 presses the ferrule 10 and the ferrule 10 is in a floating state, the inclined portion 57 is in contact with the housing 20 (more specifically, the end of the key 21). Thus, in a state where the ferrule 10 is moved relative to the housing 20, the position of the ferrule 10 can be adjusted.

[0069] In addition, when the ferrule 10 is in a non-floating state (i.e., in a state where the flange 15 of the ferrule 10 is in contact with the protrusion 22 of the housing 20), the displacement contact portion 55A may be in contact with the second side surface 10B of the ferrule 10, and the inclined portion 57 may be in contact with the housing 20 (to be specific, the end of the key 21). In this case, since the flange 15 of the ferrule 10 is in contact with the protrusion 22 of the housing 20, the ferrule 10 is in a state where it is difficult to move relative to the housing 20 due to the friction force acting between the flange 15 and the protrusion 22 compared to the present embodiment. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, it is preferred that the inclined portion 57 is in contact with the housing 20 (to be specific, the end of the key 21), and the displacement contact portion 55A is in contact with the second side surface 10B of the ferrule 10 after the ferrule 10 is in a floating state. That is, as in the present embodiment, it is preferred that the dimension L1 is shorter than the dimension L2.

[0070] After the operator attaches the cap 50 to the optical connector 1, the operator releases his finger from the cap 50. When the operator releases his finger from the cap 50, the floating mechanism 40 presses the ferrule 10 toward the front end, and the cap 50 receives a pressing force from the floating ferrule 10. As a result, the cap 50 moves (slides) toward the front end relative to the housing 20, Figure 7C The status shown moves to Fig.7DAs the cap 50 moves, the ferrule 10 changes from a floating state to a non-floating state (a state in which the flange portion 15 of the ferrule 10 is in contact with the protrusion 22 of the housing 20 ).

[0071] exist Fig.7D In the state shown, the flange 15 of the ferrule 10 is in contact with the protrusion 22 of the housing 20, so it is easy to maintain the position of the ferrule 10 relative to the housing 20. In addition, if the ferrule 10 is kept in a floating state during the installation of the cap 50, there is a concern that the position of the ferrule 10 relative to the housing 20 may be displaced due to contact or impact when the ferrule 10 is left in a state where the cap 50 is mounted. In contrast, in the present embodiment, after the ferrule 10 is set in a floating state and the position of the ferrule 10 is adjusted, the ferrule 10 can be returned to a non-floating state (a state where the flange 15 of the ferrule 10 is in contact with the protrusion 22 of the housing 20), so when the ferrule 10 is left in a state where the cap 50 is mounted, it is difficult for the position of the ferrule 10 relative to the housing 20 to be displaced due to contact or impact. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even after the cap 50 is removed from the optical connector 1, it is easy to keep the ferrule 10 in an appropriate position.

[0072] After the cap 50 is removed from the optical connector 1, the optical connector 1 is connected to the counterpart connector. In the present embodiment, the ferrule 10 is adjusted to an appropriate position when the cap 50 is installed, so when the optical connector 1 is connected to the counterpart connector, the displacement of the optical axes of the connected optical fibers can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the transmission loss of the optical signal.

[0073] ===Second Embodiment===

[0074] Figure 8 1 is an explanatory diagram of a state where the cap 50 of the second embodiment is attached to the optical connector 1. In the second embodiment as well, the cap 50 includes a main body portion 50A, a housing contact portion 54, and a ferrule contact portion 55.

[0075] In the second embodiment, the end face 13 of the ferrule 10 is inclined, and the upper surface (first side face 10A) of the side face of the ferrule 10 protrudes from the housing 20 more than the lower surface (the surface on the opposite side of the upper surface; second side face 10B). In the second embodiment, the ferrule contact portion 55 also has a displacement contact portion 55A, which contacts the second side face 10B of the ferrule 10 and presses the second side face 10B in a direction from the second side face 10B toward the first side face 10A (here, the upper surface) (here, the direction from bottom to top). As a result, in the second embodiment, the ferrule 10 can be displaced relative to the housing 20 toward the protruding side (here, the upper side) of the end face 13, and the ferrule 10 can be adjusted to an appropriate position relative to the housing 20. In addition, as a result, when the optical connector 1 with the cap 50 removed is connected to the counterpart connector, the optical axes of the optical fibers can be aligned, and the transmission loss of the optical signal can be suppressed.

[0076] The cap 50 of the second embodiment is not provided with the inclined portion 57. Figure 8 As shown, even if the cap 50 does not have the inclined portion 57, the ferrule contact portion 55 contacts the side surface of the ferrule 10 (here, the second side surface 10B), so that the ferrule 10 can be displaced toward the protruding side of the end surface 13 (here, the upper side) relative to the housing 20, and the ferrule 10 can be adjusted to an appropriate position relative to the housing 20.

[0077] The ferrule contact portion 55 may not include the centering contact portion 55B. In the case where the cap 50 does not include the centering contact portion 55B, even if the cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1, the position of the ferrule 10 in the width direction cannot be adjusted. However, since the ferrule contact portion 55 has the displacement contact portion 55A, the position of the ferrule 10 in the vertical direction can be adjusted. In addition, in the second embodiment, the ferrule contact portion 55 may not include the centering contact portion 55B.

[0078] ===Third Embodiment===

[0079] Fig. 9 It is an explanatory diagram of a state where the cap 50 of the third embodiment is attached to the optical connector 1. In the third embodiment as well, the cap 50 includes a main body portion 50A, a housing contact portion 54, and a ferrule contact portion 55.

[0080] In the third embodiment, the ferrule contact portion 55 has a centering contact portion 55B. The centering contact portion 55B of the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, and has a pair of opposing surfaces, such as Fig. 9As shown, when the cap 50 is mounted on the optical connector 1 (when the housing contact portion 54 contacts the housing 20), the ferrule 10 is arranged between the pair of opposing surfaces. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the ferrule 10 can be arranged (centered) at the center in the width direction of the housing 20, and the ferrule 10 can be adjusted to an appropriate position relative to the housing 20. In addition, as a result, when the optical connector 1 with the cap 50 removed is connected to the counterpart connector, the optical axes of the optical fibers can be aligned, and the transmission loss of the optical signal can be suppressed.

[0081] In the third embodiment, the cap 5 does not include the insertion piece 56 inserted between the ferrule 10 and the housing 20. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a pair of opposing surfaces of the left and right side wall portions 52C in the side wall 52 of the cap 50 serve as the ferrule contact portions 55 (more specifically, the centering contact portions 55B). In this way, the cap 50 may not include the insertion piece 56, and the centering contact portions 55B (ferrule contact portions 55) may not be arranged on the insertion piece 56.

[0082] In the third embodiment, the end face 13 of the ferrule 10 is not inclined and is formed of a surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical fiber. In this way, when the end face 13 is not inclined, the ferrule contact portion 55 does not need to include the displacement contact portion 55A. In addition, even when the end face 13 of the ferrule 10 is inclined, the ferrule contact portion 55 does not need to include the displacement contact portion 55A and only includes the centering contact portion 55B.

[0083] ===Fourth Embodiment===

[0084] 10 is an explanatory diagram of a cap 50 according to a fourth embodiment. The cap 50 according to the fourth embodiment includes a main body portion 50A, a housing contact portion 54 and a ferrule contact portion 55 (not shown).

[0085] The housing contact portion 54 of the fourth embodiment has a locking portion 59. The locking portion 59 is a claw-shaped portion for hooking the locking portion 23 of the housing 20. In the fourth embodiment, the locking portion 59 is hooked on the locking portion 23 of the housing 20, so that the cap 50 can be prevented from falling off.

[0086] ===Other Implementation Methods===

[0087] The above-mentioned embodiments are for facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be changed / improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0088] Description of the accompanying text

[0089] 1...optical connector, 10...ferrule, 10A...first side, 10B...second side, 11...guide hole, 111...guide pin, 12...optical fiber hole, 13...end face, 14...main body, 15...flange, 17...pin clamp, 20...housing, 21...key, 22...protrusion, 23...stopper, 24...window, 30...coupling, 31...spring, 40...floating mechanism, 41...spring, 42...spring push rod, 421...arm, 421A...claw, 43…protective cover, 50…cap, 50A…main body, 51…front end wall, 51A…recess, 52…side wall, 52A…upper wall, 52B…lower wall, 52C…side wall, 521…keyway, 53…storage portion, 54…housing contact portion, 55…insert core contact portion, 55A…displacement contact portion, 55B…centering contact portion, 56…insertion piece, 57…inclined portion, 58…pressing portion, 59…locking portion, 100…capped optical connector.

Claims

1. A cap that can be mounted on an optical connector including a ferrule and a housing that slidably accommodates the ferrule, the cap comprising: a main body portion that can be mounted on the optical connector and covers a connection end surface of the ferrule protruding from the housing and a side surface of the ferrule protruding from the housing; a housing contact portion that contacts the housing inside the main body; and a ferrule contact portion, which contacts the side surface of the ferrule when the housing contact portion contacts the housing, The connecting end surface is constituted by an inclined end surface, and a first side surface of the side surfaces of the ferrule protrudes further from the housing than a second side surface on the side opposite to the first side surface. The ferrule contact portion contacts the second side surface and presses the second side surface in a direction from the second side surface toward the first side surface.

2. The cap according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Also available: an inclined portion having an inclined surface capable of contacting the housing, The inclined portion presses the housing toward the ferrule in a direction opposite to a direction in which the ferrule contact portion presses the second side surface.

3. The cap according to claim 2, It is characterized in that Also available: A pressing portion capable of pressing the front end of the ferrule, In a state where the pressing portion presses the front end portion of the ferrule, The ferrule contact portion presses the second side surface, and The inclined portion presses the housing toward the ferrule in a direction opposite to a direction in which the ferrule contact portion presses the second side surface.

4. The cap according to claim 3, It is characterized in that When a dimension between the pressing portion and the base end of the inclined portion in the cap attachment and detachment direction is L1 and a dimension between the front end of the ferrule and the front end of the housing in the cap attachment and detachment direction is L2, L1 is shorter than L2.

5. The cap according to any one of claims 2 to 4, It is characterized in that A key groove for mating with a key of the optical connector is provided on one inner wall surface of the cap.

6. The cap according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The ferrule contact portion has a pair of opposing surfaces that are opposed in the width direction. The ferrule is disposed between the pair of opposing surfaces in a state where the housing contact portion is in contact with the housing.

7. The cap according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The ferrule contact portion has a pair of opposing surfaces that are opposed in the width direction. The ferrule is disposed between the pair of opposing surfaces in a state where the housing contact portion is in contact with the housing.

8. The cap according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The facing surface is provided on an insertion piece inserted between the ferrule and the housing.

9. The cap according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The facing surface is provided on an insertion piece inserted between the ferrule and the housing.

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