Optical connector, ferrule housing member, ferrule housing structure, optical coupling structure, and method for replacing optical fiber

Abstract

This optical connector is provided with: a plurality of optical fibers; a plurality of ferrules; and a ferrule accommodating member including a plurality of accommodating portions, each of the plurality of accommodating portions being separated by a plurality of side walls and accommodating each of the plurality of ferrules one by one. Each ferrule includes a ferrule body and a flange protruding outward from an outer surface of the ferrule body. Each of the accommodating portions includes an accommodating wall surface that forms an accommodating space for accommodating the ferrule and detachably fixes the ferrule. The accommodating wall surface comprises an abutting part for abutting against the flange. The accommodation wall surface and the flange are provided with an angle determination mechanism for determining the rotation angle of the ferrule about the central axis with respect to the ferrule accommodation member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical connector, a ferrule accommodating component, a ferrule accommodating structure, an optical coupling structure and a method for replacing an optical fiber.

[0002] This application claims the priority based on Japanese application No. 2022-101189 filed on June 23, 2022, and all the contents described in the above Japanese application are cited by reference. Background Art

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a multi-core optical connector with multiple optical fibers. In the optical connector, multiple optical fiber holding members are arranged inside the ferrule, and multiple optical fibers that need to be rotationally aligned are respectively held by the multiple optical fiber holding members inside the ferrule. When manufacturing the optical connector, after the multiple optical fibers are rotationally aligned in the multiple optical fiber holding members, the multiple optical fiber holding members are arranged inside the ferrule and fixed to the ferrule together with an adhesive.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 031678

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-156648 Summary of the invention

[0008] An optical connector of one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of optical fibers, each of which includes a central axis extending in a first direction and is arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of ferrules, each of which holds each of the plurality of optical fibers; and a ferrule accommodating component, including a plurality of accommodating portions arranged side by side in a second direction, each of the plurality of accommodating portions being separated by a plurality of side walls arranged side by side in the second direction and accommodating each of the plurality of ferrules one by one. The optical fiber includes at least one of a core and a stress imparting portion at a position deviating from the central axis. The ferrule includes a ferrule body for holding the optical fiber and a flange protruding outward from an outer surface of the ferrule body. Each of the plurality of accommodating portions includes an accommodating wall surface, which forms an accommodating space for accommodating at least a portion of the ferrule including the flange and is provided for fixing the ferrule in a removable manner. The accommodating wall surface includes an abutting portion for the flange to abut in the first direction. An angle determining mechanism for determining the rotation angle of the ferrule relative to the ferrule accommodating component around the central axis is provided on the accommodating wall surface and the flange.

[0009] The ferrule accommodating component of one embodiment of the present disclosure is a ferrule accommodating component for accommodating a plurality of ferrules, wherein the plurality of ferrules are respectively held at positions deviating from the central axis and include optical fibers of at least one of a core and a stress imparting portion. The ferrule accommodating component includes a plurality of accommodating portions, the plurality of accommodating portions are separated by a plurality of side walls arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting a first direction extending from the central axis, and the plurality of accommodating portions are configured to accommodate each of the plurality of ferrules one by one. Each of the plurality of accommodating portions includes an accommodating wall surface, the accommodating wall surface forms an accommodating space for accommodating the ferrule and for fixing the ferrule in a removable manner. The accommodating wall surface includes an abutting portion configured to abut against a flange provided on the ferrule in a first direction. An angle determining mechanism configured to specify the rotation angle of the ferrule relative to the ferrule accommodating component around the central axis is provided on the accommodating wall surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an optical connector according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of an optical connector.

[0012] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a ferrule accommodation structure of an optical connector.

[0013] Figure 4 It means to accommodate Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of a ferrule of a ferrule receiving structure.

[0014] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the ferrule of the V-V line.

[0015] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of a core accommodating component of a core accommodating structure.

[0016] Figure 7 Yes means Figure 6 A top view of the ferrule receiving component.

[0017] Figure 8 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the optical connector of the VIII-VIII line.

[0018] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the optical connector of the IX-IX line.

[0019] Fig.10 Yes means have Figure 1 A top view of the optical coupling structure of an optical connector.

[0020] Fig.11 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical connector according to Modification 1.

[0021] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing an optical connector according to Modification 2.

[0022] Fig.13 It is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the optical connector of the XIII-XIII line.

[0023] Fig.14 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical connector according to Modification 3.

[0024] Fig.15 Yes means Fig.14 A perspective view of a ferrule included in an optical connector.

[0025] Fig.16 Yes means Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of another cross section of the optical connector.

[0026] Fig.17 It is a perspective view showing an optical connector according to modification example 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0028] In the above-mentioned optical connector, when a problem such as a disconnection of an optical fiber occurs, it is required to replace the optical fiber. However, in the above-mentioned optical connector, a plurality of optical fibers are bonded to the ferrule together with an adhesive. Therefore, when a problem occurs to a certain optical fiber, it is required to replace it together with the optical connector, and all optical fibers including other optical fibers that do not have the problem are replaced. In this case, a replacement optical fiber is used for reconnection, and a series of operations are required to be performed after all the replacement optical fibers are rotated and aligned and then installed in the ferrule. Therefore, in the above-mentioned optical connector, there is a problem that the time required to replace the optical fiber is long.

[0029] The present invention provides an optical connector, a ferrule receiving component, an optical fiber coupling component, an optical coupling structure, and an optical fiber replacement method that can easily replace an optical fiber.

[0030] [Effects of the present disclosure]

[0031] According to the optical connector, the ferrule accommodating component, the ferrule accommodating structure, the optical coupling structure, and the optical fiber replacement method disclosed in the present invention, the optical fiber can be easily replaced.

[0032] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0033] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0034] (1) An optical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of optical fibers, each of which includes a central axis extending in a first direction and is arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of ferrules, each of which holds each of the plurality of optical fibers; and a ferrule accommodating component, including a plurality of accommodating portions arranged side by side in a second direction, each of the plurality of accommodating portions being separated by a plurality of side walls arranged side by side in the second direction and accommodating each of the plurality of ferrules. The optical fiber includes at least one of a core and a stress imparting portion at a position offset from the central axis. The ferrule includes: a ferrule body, which holds the optical fiber; and a flange, which protrudes outward from an outer surface of the ferrule body. Each of the plurality of accommodating portions includes an accommodating wall surface, which forms an accommodating space for accommodating at least a portion of the ferrule including the flange and is used to fix the ferrule in a removable manner. The accommodating wall surface includes an abutting portion against which the flange abuts in the first direction. An angle determining mechanism for determining the rotation angle of the ferrule relative to the ferrule accommodating component about the central axis is provided on the accommodating wall surface and the flange.

[0035] In the above optical connector, a plurality of ferrules holding a plurality of optical fibers are respectively accommodated in a plurality of accommodating parts of the ferrule accommodating part, so that each ferrule can be fixed to the accommodating part independently. Moreover, the ferrule is fixed to the accommodating wall surface of the accommodating part in a removable manner. Therefore, when it is necessary to replace any optical fiber, a ferrule corresponding to the optical fiber can be removed from the accommodating wall surface, and the ferrule holding the new optical fiber can be fixed to the accommodating wall surface. Therefore, according to the above optical connector, when an optical fiber is needed, it is not necessary to replace it together with the optical connector, and the optical fiber to be replaced can be replaced separately. Moreover, in the above optical connector, an angle determination mechanism for determining the rotation angle of the ferrule relative to the ferrule accommodating part around the central axis is provided on the accommodating wall surface of the accommodating part and the flange of the ferrule. Therefore, when the ferrule corresponding to the optical fiber to be replaced is removed from the accommodating part and the ferrule holding the new optical fiber that has been rotated and aligned is arranged on the accommodating wall surface, the ferrule can be easily fixed to the accommodating wall surface while maintaining the rotation angle of the optical fiber that has been rotated and aligned. Furthermore, when the ferrule is arranged on the receiving wall surface, the ferrule can be easily positioned relative to the ferrule receiving part in the first direction by making the flange of the ferrule abut against the abutment portion in the first direction. Thus, in the above optical connector, when it is necessary to replace the optical fiber, the optical fiber to be replaced can be replaced separately, and the ferrule can be easily assembled in the receiving part when replacing the optical fiber. Thus, the man-hours required for replacing the optical fiber can be reduced and the optical fiber can be easily replaced.

[0036] (2) In the optical connector described in (1) above, the angle determination mechanism may include: a first flat surface formed on the accommodating wall surface; and a second flat surface formed on the flange and abutting against the first flat surface. In this case, the rotation angle of the ferrule around the central axis relative to the ferrule accommodating component can be easily and accurately determined by a simple operation of matching the surfaces of the first flat surface and the second flat surface.

[0037] (3) In the optical connector described in (1) above, the angle determination mechanism may include: a convex portion formed on one of the receiving wall surface and the flange; and a concave portion formed on the other of the receiving wall surface and the flange and engaged with the convex portion. In this case, the rotation angle of the ferrule around the central axis relative to the ferrule receiving member can be easily and accurately determined by a simple operation of engaging the convex portion and the concave portion with each other.

[0038] (4) In the optical connector described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the accommodating portion may be a groove formed between a pair of side walls adjacent to each other across the ferrule among the plurality of side walls. Alternatively, the bottom surface of the groove and the inner wall surfaces of each of the pair of side walls may constitute the accommodating wall surface. Alternatively, a cover covering the opening may be provided at the opening of the groove opposite to the bottom surface, and the flange may abut against the bottom surface and the cover. In this case, the ferrule can be easily positioned relative to the ferrule accommodating component by a simple operation of pressing the flange against the bottom surface of the groove using the cover.

[0039] (5) In the optical connector described in (4) above, the ferrule accommodating member and the cover may be formed of magnetic materials, respectively. Alternatively, the cover may be fixed to the ferrule accommodating member by a magnetic force generated between the cover and the ferrule accommodating member. In this case, the ferrule can be easily fixed to the ferrule accommodating member by the magnetic force between the cover and the ferrule accommodating member.

[0040] (6) In the optical connector described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the accommodating portion may be a through hole that penetrates the ferrule accommodating component in the first direction. Alternatively, the inner surface of the through hole constitutes a accommodating wall surface, and the flange abuts against the inner surface. In this case, the ferrule can be easily positioned relative to the ferrule accommodating component by a simple operation of inserting the ferrule into the through hole.

[0041] (7) Alternatively, the optical connector described in any one of (1) to (6) above may further include: a supporting member, which is opposed to the abutment portion across the flange in the first direction; and an elastic member, which is provided between the flange and the supporting member, is supported by the supporting member in the first direction and applies force to the flange toward the abutment portion. In this case, the flange can be more reliably abutted against the abutment portion by the force applied by the elastic member. Thus, the position of the ferrule relative to the ferrule accommodating component in the first direction can be more reliably positioned.

[0042] (8) In the optical connector described in any one of (1) to (7) above, the optical fiber may be a multi-core optical fiber, a polarization-maintaining optical fiber, or a bundled optical fiber. When using such optical fibers, rotational core alignment is required, and the number of rotational core alignment operations increases in accordance with the number of optical fibers to be replaced. In contrast, according to the above-mentioned optical connector that can replace optical fibers individually, there is no need to perform rotational core alignment operations on optical fibers that do not need to be replaced, thereby effectively reducing the man-hours required for replacement.

[0043] (9) A ferrule accommodating component of one embodiment of the present disclosure is a ferrule accommodating component for accommodating a plurality of ferrules, wherein the plurality of ferrules are respectively held at positions offset from the central axis and include an optical fiber including at least one of a core and a stress imparting portion. The ferrule accommodating component includes a plurality of accommodating portions, the plurality of accommodating portions being separated by a plurality of side walls arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting a first direction extending from the central axis, and the plurality of accommodating portions being configured to accommodate each of the plurality of ferrules one by one. Each of the plurality of accommodating portions includes an accommodating wall surface, the accommodating wall surface forming an accommodating space for accommodating the ferrule and for fixing the ferrule in a removable manner. The accommodating wall surface includes an abutting portion configured to abut against a flange provided on the ferrule in a first direction. An angle determining mechanism configured to specify the rotation angle of the ferrule relative to the ferrule accommodating component around the central axis is provided on the ferrule accommodating component. In the ferrule accommodating component, when it is necessary to replace an optical fiber, the optical fiber to be replaced can be replaced individually as described above. Thus, the optical fiber can be easily replaced.

[0044] (10) A ferrule accommodating structure of one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a ferrule accommodating component as described in (9); and a plurality of ferrules, each accommodated in a plurality of accommodating portions and each fixed to the plurality of accommodating portions in a removable manner. In the ferrule accommodating structure, when it is necessary to replace an optical fiber, the optical fiber to be replaced can be replaced individually as described above. Thus, the optical fiber can be easily replaced.

[0045] (11) An optical coupling structure of an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first optical connector and a second optical connector, and the first optical connector and the second optical connector are optical connectors as described in any one of (1) to (8). In the optical coupling structure, a plurality of optical fibers of the first optical connector are arranged to be opposite to a plurality of optical fibers of the second optical connector in a first direction, and the plurality of optical fibers of the first optical connector are optically coupled to a plurality of optical fibers of the second optical connector, respectively. Since the optical coupling structure includes the first optical connector and the second optical connector as the above-mentioned optical connectors, the optical fibers can be easily replaced as described above.

[0046] (12) In the optical coupling structure described in (11) above, the optical coupling structure may further include: a sleeve having a plurality of through holes into which a plurality of ferrules can be inserted. Alternatively, a plurality of ferrules of the first optical connector may be inserted into one side of the plurality of through holes. Alternatively, a plurality of ferrules of the second optical connector may be inserted into another side of the plurality of through holes. In this case, the positions of the first optical connector and the second optical connector can be restricted by the sleeve, so that the first optical connector and the second optical connector can be optically coupled with high precision.

[0047] (13) An optical fiber replacement method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an optical fiber replacement method using an optical connector as described in any one of (1) to (8). The optical fiber replacement method includes the following steps: removing a ferrule holding an optical fiber to be replaced among a plurality of optical fibers from a housing; and housing a replacement ferrule holding a new optical fiber in the housing from which the ferrule to be replaced has been removed. The step of housing the replacement ferrule in the housing includes the following steps: rotating the new optical fiber relative to the replacement ferrule around a central axis; determining the rotation angle of the replacement ferrule relative to the ferrule housing component around the central axis based on an angle determination mechanism provided on the flange and the housing wall; and determining the position of the replacement ferrule relative to the ferrule housing component in a first direction by causing the flange to abut against the abutment portion of the housing wall in the first direction. In the optical fiber replacement method, when it is necessary to replace an optical fiber, the optical fiber to be replaced can be replaced individually as described above. Thus, the optical fiber can be easily replaced.

[0048] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure]

[0049] Hereinafter, specific examples of the optical connector 1, the ferrule receiving component 30, the ferrule receiving structure 70, the optical coupling structure 100, and the replacement method of the optical fiber 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the following description, the same elements are marked with the same reference numerals in the description of the drawings, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0050] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the optical connector 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical connector 1. In each figure, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is shown for easy understanding. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the optical connector 1 includes, for example, a plurality of optical fibers 10, a plurality of ferrules 20, a ferrule receiving member 30, a cover 40, a supporting member 50, and a plurality of elastic members 60. The plurality of optical fibers 10, the plurality of ferrules 20, and the ferrule receiving member 30 constitute a ferrule receiving structure 70 (see Figure 2 ). Hereinafter, the direction in which the central axis L of each optical fiber 10 included in the plurality of optical fibers 10 extends is set as the X direction (an example of the “first direction”), the direction in which the plurality of optical fibers 10 are arranged side by side and intersecting the X direction (orthogonal in the present embodiment) is set as the Y direction (an example of the “second direction”), and the direction intersecting the X direction and the Y direction (orthogonal in the present embodiment) is set as the Z direction. Hereinafter, one side of the Z direction is sometimes referred to as “upper”, the other side of the Z direction is referred to as “lower”, one side of the X direction is referred to as “front”, and the other side of the X direction is referred to as “rear”. The central axis L is an axis passing through the center of the optical fiber 10. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, each of the plurality of central axes L is included in each of the plurality of optical fibers 10 one by one.

[0051] The optical connector 1 has a structure in which a plurality of ferrules 20 that respectively hold a plurality of optical fibers 10 are individually accommodated in a ferrule accommodating part 30. The plurality of ferrules 20 that respectively hold a plurality of optical fibers 10 means that the plurality of ferrules 20 hold each of the plurality of optical fibers 10 one by one, that is, one ferrule 20 holds one optical fiber 10. A cover 40 is provided above the ferrule accommodating part 30 that accommodates the plurality of ferrules 20. The plurality of ferrules 20 are pressed against the ferrule accommodating part 30 by the cover 40. A supporting member 50 is provided at the rear of the ferrule accommodating part 30. A plurality of elastic members 60 are provided between the plurality of ferrules 20 and the supporting member 50. The plurality of elastic members 60 are supported by the supporting member 50 and apply force to the plurality of ferrules 20 forward.

[0052] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the ferrule accommodating structure 70 . Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one of the plurality of ferrules 20 accommodated in the ferrule accommodating structure 70. Figure 4 As shown, the ferrule 20 includes, for example, a ferrule body 21 and a flange 23. The ferrule body 21 is, for example, a cylindrical member that holds the optical fiber 10, and extends in the X direction along which the central axis L extends. The ferrule body 21 may be, for example, a capillary. The top end of the optical fiber 10 is exposed from the top end surface 21a of the ferrule body 21. The outer surface 21b of the ferrule body 21 may be, for example, a circumferential surface centered on the central axis L.

[0053] The flange 23 is a member protruding outward (i.e., in a direction away from the center axis L) from the outer surface 21b. The flange 23 is formed on the outer surface 21b further rearward than the top end surface 21a. The flange 23 is, for example, a rectangle centered on the center axis L when viewed from the X direction. The shape of the flange 23 viewed from the X direction is not limited to a rectangle, but may also be other shapes such as a circle. The flange 23 includes a front end surface 23a and a rear end surface 23b arranged in the X direction. The front end surface 23a and the rear end surface 23b are, for example, flat surfaces along the Y direction and the Z direction, and are formed perpendicularly to the outer surface 21b of the ferrule body 21. The front end surface 23a and the rear end surface 23b are, for example, arranged in parallel with the top end surface 21a.

[0054] The flange 23 further includes, for example, a side surface 23c, a side surface 23d, a side surface 23e, and a side surface 23f. The side surface 23c, the side surface 23d, the side surface 23e, and the side surface 23f connect the front end surface 23a and the rear end surface 23b in the X direction, and together with the front end surface 23a and the rear end surface 23b, form the outer surface of the flange 23. The side surface 23c and the side surface 23d are arranged on both sides of the ferrule body 21 in the Z direction. The side surface 23c and the side surface 23d are, for example, flat surfaces along the X direction and the Y direction, and are formed perpendicularly to the front end surface 23a and the rear end surface 23b. The side surface 23e and the side surface 23f are arranged on both sides of the ferrule body 21 in the Y direction. The side surface 23e and the side surface 23f are, for example, flat surfaces along the X direction and the Z direction, and are formed perpendicularly to the front end surface 23a and the rear end surface 23b. The side surface 23e and the side surface 23f are formed perpendicularly to the side surface 23c and the side surface 23d.

[0055] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the ferrule 20 of the V-V line. The optical fiber 10 held by the ferrule body 21 is an optical fiber that needs to be rotated relative to the central axis L. The optical fiber 10 that needs to be rotated is, for example, a multi-core optical fiber (MCF) having at least one core at a position offset from the central axis L. Figure 5 In the example shown, the optical fiber 10 has no core on the central axis L, and has two cores 11 at positions offset from the central axis L. The cores 11 are arranged on a straight line passing through the central axis L. The state where the cores 11 are offset from the central axis L can be set to a state where the center of each core 11 does not coincide with the central axis L.

[0056] Each core 11 is arranged on both sides of the central axis L in the Y direction, for example. In this case, when viewed from the X direction in which the central axis L extends, an imaginary straight line VL passing through the center of each core 11 and the central axis L extends in the Y direction and is parallel to the reference straight line RL along the side surface 23d of the flange 23. The cladding 12 holding each core 11 is fixed to the ferrule body 21 via an adhesive. The material of the adhesive that fixes the cladding 12 to the ferrule body 21 is, for example, a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, or an ultraviolet curable resin.

[0057] The cores may be arranged on both sides of the central axis L in the Z direction. The imaginary straight line connecting the cores may be parallel to the reference line along the side surface 23e or the side surface 23f of the flange 23. The number and arrangement of the cores are not limited to Figure 5 The examples shown can be modified as appropriate. For example, the number of cores is not limited to two, and may be four, six, eight or more. The cores may also be arranged on the central axis L.

[0058] As the optical fiber 10 that needs rotational core alignment, in addition to multi-core optical fiber, for example, a bundle optical fiber or a polarization maintaining fiber (PMF) can also be listed. In the case where the optical fiber 10 is a polarization maintaining fiber, the optical fiber 10 has a stress imparting portion at a position offset from the central axis L. In this case, for example, the core 11 of the optical fiber 10 is arranged on the central axis L, and the stress imparting portions are respectively arranged on both sides of the core 11.

[0059] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the ferrule accommodation member 30 . Figure 7 : is a top view showing the ferrule accommodating component 30. The ferrule accommodating component 30 is a component for individually accommodating a plurality of ferrules 20. The ferrule accommodating component 30 has a plurality of accommodating portions 35 for accommodating a plurality of ferrules 20 respectively. The plurality of accommodating portions 35 accommodating a plurality of ferrules 20 respectively means that the plurality of accommodating portions 35 accommodate each of the plurality of ferrules 20 one by one, that is, one accommodating portion 35 accommodates one ferrule 20. The plurality of accommodating portions 35 are arranged side by side in the Y direction corresponding to the plurality of ferrules 20. Each accommodating portion 35 included in the plurality of accommodating portions 35 has an accommodating space R for accommodating the ferrule 20. As a structure for forming the accommodating space R of the plurality of accommodating portions 35, the ferrule accommodating component 30 has, for example, a bottom wall 31, an end wall 32, and a plurality of side walls 33.

[0060] The bottom wall 31 includes a bottom surface 31a on which the ferrule 20 is placed in the storage space R. The bottom surface 31a is, for example, a flat surface along the X direction and the Y direction. The opposite surface of the bottom wall 31 opposite to the bottom surface 31a constitutes the lower end surface 30b of the ferrule storage component 30. The lower end surface 30b is an end surface of the lower end (one end) of the ferrule storage component 30 located in the Z direction. The end wall 32 is, for example, provided at the front end of the bottom wall 31 in the X direction, and is formed perpendicular to the bottom wall 31. The end wall 32 is opposite to the ferrule 20 stored in the storage space R in the X direction. The end wall 32 includes an inner side surface 32a facing the ferrule 20 side and an outer side surface 32b facing the side opposite to the inner side surface 32a. The inner side surface 32a and the outer side surface 32b are, for example, flat surfaces along the Y direction and the Z direction, and are arranged parallel to each other. The inner side surface 32a and the outer side surface 32b are, for example, formed perpendicular to the bottom surface 31a.

[0061] The plurality of side walls 33 extend backward from the end wall 32 on the bottom surface 31a, and are arranged side by side in the Y direction so as to partition the plurality of accommodation parts 35. Each of the plurality of side walls 33 includes a side surface 33a (an example of an "inner wall surface") facing the side of the ferrule 20 accommodated in the accommodation space R. The side surfaces 33a of each side wall 33 are, for example, flat surfaces along the X direction and the Z direction, and are arranged parallel to each other. The side surfaces 33a are formed perpendicular to the bottom surface 31a and the inner side surface 32a. If the side wall 33 extends in a direction including at least a Z direction component between the Y direction of each accommodation part 35, it can be said that the side wall 33 partitions the accommodation parts 35 in the Y direction. The upper end surfaces of the side wall 33 and the end wall 32 constitute the upper end surface 30a of the ferrule accommodation component 30. The upper end surface 30a of the ferrule accommodation component 30 is the end surface of the upper end (the other end) of the ferrule accommodation component 30 located in the Z direction.

[0062] The bottom surface 31a, the inner side surface 32a, and the two side surfaces 33a, 33a adjacent to each other in the Y direction constitute the accommodation wall surface 35a of the accommodation portion 35 forming the accommodation space R. The accommodation space R is defined as a space surrounded by the bottom surface 31a, the inner side surface 32a, and the two side surfaces 33a, 33a. The accommodation space R accommodates at least a portion of the ferrule 20. Therefore, the accommodation space R does not need to accommodate the entire ferrule 20. Therefore, the side wall 33 and the end wall 32 do not need to be formed higher than the ferrule 20, and may be formed lower than the ferrule 20.

[0063] The accommodating portion 35 can also be regarded as a groove that is recessed from the upper end surface 30a of the ferrule accommodating component 30 and extends linearly backward from the end wall 32. The accommodating portion 35 can also be regarded as a groove that opens upward. In this case, the bottom surface of the groove as the accommodating portion 35 can be understood as the bottom surface 31a constituting the accommodating wall surface 35a, and the pair of side surfaces of the groove can be understood as the two side surfaces 33a, 33a constituting the accommodating wall surface 35a.

[0064] A plurality of openings 32c corresponding to the plurality of accommodating portions 35 are formed on the end wall 32. The plurality of openings 32c penetrate the inner side surface 32a and the outer side surface 32b in the X direction, and are arranged side by side in the Y direction in a manner corresponding to the plurality of accommodating portions 35, respectively. Each opening 32c included in the plurality of openings 32c penetrates the end wall 32 in the X direction and is connected to the accommodating space R. The opening 32c is formed, for example, at a position higher than the bottom surface 31a. That is, the opening 32c is formed at a position separated upward from the bottom surface 31a in the Z direction. The opening 32c and the bottom surface 31a are connected by the inner side surface 32a in the Z direction. The opening 32c is, for example, a rectangle with the Y direction as the long dimension and the Z direction as the short dimension when viewed from the X direction. The opening 32c has a size that allows the insertion of the ferrule body 21 that is closer to the front of the flange 23.

[0065] Figure 8 It is along Figure 3 sectional view of the optical connector 1 of the VIII-VIII line. Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an optical connector 1 for an IX-IX line. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, in a state where the ferrule 20 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 35, the side surface 23c of the flange 23 abuts against the bottom surface 31a of the ferrule accommodation component 30. In the present embodiment, both the side surface 23c and the bottom surface 31a are flat surfaces. Therefore, when the ferrule 20 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 35, by arranging the ferrule 20 in a manner that the side surface 23c and the bottom surface 31a are surface-matched, the rotation angle of the ferrule 20 around the central axis L relative to the ferrule accommodation component 30 can be determined. Therefore, the bottom surface 31a (an example of a "first flat surface") and the side surface 23c (an example of a "second flat surface") constitute an angle determination mechanism M for determining the rotation angle of the ferrule 20 around the central axis L relative to the ferrule accommodation component 30.

[0066] The flange 23 is pressed toward the bottom surface 31a side in the Z direction by a cover 40 provided above the ferrule receiving member 30. The cover 40 is, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped member having a long dimension in the Y direction and a short dimension in the X direction (see Figure 1). The cover 40 extends, for example, in the Y direction at the front of the ferrule accommodating part 30, and is configured to cover the opening 35p above each accommodating part 35. The opening 35p above the accommodating part 35 is formed at the upper end surface 30a of the ferrule accommodating part 30 at a position opposite to the bottom surface 31a in the Z direction. The cover 40 has a back surface 40a that abuts against the upper end surface 30a of the ferrule accommodating part 30 and a surface 40b opposite to the back surface 40a. The back surface 40a and the surface 40b are, for example, flat surfaces along the X direction and the Y direction. The cover 40 is made of, for example, a magnetic material. The magnetic material constituting the cover 40 may be, for example, a magnet such as a neodymium magnet, a ferrite magnet, or an alnico magnet, or may be a metal such as iron or ferrosilicon that generates magnetic force between these magnets. In this case, the ferrule accommodating part 30 may also be made of the same magnetic material as the cover 40. For example, when one of the cover 40 and the ferrule receiving member 30 is a magnet, the other of the cover 40 and the ferrule receiving member 30 may be a metal that generates magnetic force with the magnet. The cover 40 is fixed to the ferrule receiving member 30 by the magnetic force generated between the cover 40 and the ferrule receiving member 30.

[0067] The material of the cover 40 and the ferrule accommodating component 30 does not necessarily need to be a magnetic material, and for example, it may be other metal materials that do not generate magnetic force between the cover 40 and the ferrule accommodating component 30, or other materials such as resin materials. In this case, a fixing structure for fixing the cover 40 and the ferrule accommodating component 30 may also be provided in the cover 40 and the ferrule accommodating component 30. For example, a convex portion may be provided on one of the cover 40 and the ferrule accommodating component 30, and a concave portion may be provided on the other of the cover 40 and the ferrule accommodating component 30. In this case, the cover 40 can be fixed to the ferrule accommodating component 30 by fitting the convex portion into the concave portion. Alternatively, the cover 40 may be screwed to the ferrule accommodating component 30.

[0068] When the cover 40 is fixed to the ferrule receiving member 30, the side surface 23d of the flange 23 abuts against the back surface of the cover 40. The side surface 23d receives a pressing force formed by the magnetic force generated between the cover 40 and the ferrule receiving member 30, and is pressed toward the bottom surface 31a side in the Z direction. Thus, the position of the ferrule 20 relative to the ferrule receiving member 30 in the Z direction is defined. In order to press the flange 23 downward by the cover 40, the distance in the Z direction from the upper end surface 30a to the bottom surface 31a is set to be the same as or smaller than the width of the side surface 23c and the side surface 23d of the flange 23 in the Z direction.

[0069] like Figure 8As shown, the side surface 23e and the side surface 23f of the flange 23 are respectively in contact with the two side surfaces 33a, 33a on both sides of the ferrule 20. Thus, the position of the ferrule 20 in the Y direction relative to the ferrule receiving part 30 is specified. The width of the flange 23 in the Y direction (i.e., the distance between the side surface 23e and the side surface 23f in the Y direction) is set to be the same as or smaller than the width of the receiving part 35 in the Y direction (i.e., the distance between the two side surfaces 33a, 33a adjacent to each other in the Y direction).

[0070] like Fig. 9 As shown, the front end face 23a of the flange 23 abuts against the inner side face 32a of the end wall 32 in the X direction. By the front end face 23a abutting against the inner side face 32a in the X direction, the position of the ferrule 20 relative to the ferrule accommodating part 30 in the X direction is specified. The inner side face 32a constitutes an abutting portion 32A for abutting against the flange 23 in the X direction. The abutting portion 32A can be set, for example, as a wall portion in the end wall 32 corresponding to one accommodating portion 35, that is, a wall portion located between the opening 32c and the bottom surface 31a in the Z direction. In this case, the inner side face 32a can be set as an inner wall surface of the abutting portion 32A facing the accommodating portion 35. The width of the opening 32c formed in the end wall 32 in the Y direction is set, for example, to be the same as the width of the flange 23 in the Y direction. The width of the opening 32 c in the Z direction is set to be smaller than the width of the flange 23 in the Z direction (ie, the distance between the side surface 23 c and the side surface 23 d in the Z direction) and larger than the outer diameter of the ferrule body 21 in front of the flange 23 .

[0071] Therefore, in a state where the flange 23 abuts against the inner side surface 32a, the ferrule body 21 in front of the flange 23 protrudes toward the outside of the end wall 32 through the opening 32c in the X direction. By making the flange 23 abut against the inner side surface 32a in this way, the protrusion amount of the ferrule body 21 from the outer side surface 32b of the end wall 32 in the X direction is regulated. Therefore, the inner side surface 32a has a function as a protrusion amount regulating portion for regulating the protrusion amount of the ferrule body 21 from the outer side surface 32b in the X direction.

[0072] The ferrule 20 is removably mounted on the receiving wall 35a while being received in the receiving portion 35. For example, the ferrule 20 is fixed to the receiving wall 35a by a hot melt adhesive. The hot melt adhesive has a thermal melting property that melts by heating. Therefore, after the ferrule 20 is fixed to the receiving wall 35a by the hot melt adhesive, the hot melt adhesive is melted by heating, thereby enabling the ferrule 20 to be removed from the receiving wall 35a. The bonding portion of the hot melt adhesive is not particularly limited as long as the ferrule 20 can be fixed to the receiving wall 35a. For example, the hot melt adhesive can be provided between the side 23e and the side 23f of the flange 23 and the two side surfaces 33a, 33a of the receiving wall 35a, can be provided between the side 23d of the flange 23 and the back surface 40a of the cover 40, and can also be provided at other locations.

[0073] The method of fixing the ferrule 20 to the receiving wall surface 35a is not limited to the method of fixing with a hot melt adhesive, and other methods are also possible as long as the ferrule 20 can be removed from the receiving wall surface 35a. For example, the ferrule 20 can be fixed to the receiving wall surface 35a by welding, or it can be fixed to the receiving wall by pressing. In the case where the ferrule 20 is fixed to the receiving wall surface 35a by welding, the ferrule 20 can be removed from the receiving wall surface 35a by heating the welded part. In the case where the ferrule 20 is fixed to the receiving wall surface 35a by pressing, the ferrule 20 can be removed from the receiving wall surface 35a by pulling the ferrule 20 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction.

[0074] A support member 50 is provided at the rear of the ferrule receiving part 30. The support member 50 is, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped member having a long dimension in the Y direction and a short dimension in the Z direction (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).like Fig. 9 As shown, the support member 50 extends in the Y direction in a manner of blocking each accommodation portion 35 and is fixed to the rear end of the ferrule accommodation component 30. The support member 50 faces the inner side surface 32a of the end wall 32 across the flange 23 in the X direction. The fixing method of the support member 50 and the ferrule accommodation component 30 may be, for example, screw fastening or other fixing methods. The material of the support member 50 may be, for example, a resin material or other materials such as a metal material.

[0075] The support member 50 has a plurality of insertion holes 50a through which the plurality of ferrules 20 are inserted. The plurality of insertion holes 50a are arranged in the Y direction corresponding to the plurality of ferrules 20 (see FIG. Figure 2 The inner diameter of each of the plurality of insertion holes 50a is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the ferrule body 21 located rearward of the flange 23. The support member 50 functions as a pressing plate that supports the plurality of elastic members 60 in the X direction.

[0076] The plurality of elastic members 60 are arranged side by side in the Y direction corresponding to the plurality of ferrules 20. Each of the plurality of elastic members 60 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 35 and is provided between the flange 23 and the support member 50 in the X direction. The elastic member 60 is, for example, a coil spring. The outer diameter of the elastic member 60 is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 50a. Therefore, the ferrule 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 50a, and the elastic member 60 is supported by the support member 50 in the X direction.

[0077] The elastic member 60 supported by the supporting member 50 applies force to the flange 23 of the ferrule 20 toward the inner side surface 32a of the end wall 32 in the X direction. As a result, the flange 23 is pressed to the inner side surface 32a in the X direction, and the position of the ferrule 20 relative to the ferrule accommodating part 30 in the X direction is more reliably determined. The elastic member 60 may also be a spring other than a coil spring, and the type of the elastic member 60 is not particularly limited. A plurality of elastic members 60 may also be omitted. It is not necessary to provide a plurality of elastic members 60 corresponding to a plurality of accommodating parts 35, and a single elastic member may be provided. In this case, all the ferrules 20 are applied force to the inner side surface 32a by one elastic member.

[0078] Fig.10 : is a perspective view showing an optical coupling structure 100 of the present embodiment. The optical coupling structure 100 includes, for example, an optical connector 1a (an example of a "first optical connector"), an optical connector 1b (an example of a "second optical connector"), and a sleeve 80. The optical connector 1a and the optical connector 1b have the same structure as the optical connector 1 described above. A plurality of ferrule bodies 21 protrude from an outer side surface 32b of the ferrule receiving part 30 of the optical connector 1a. Similarly, a plurality of ferrule bodies 21 protrude from an outer side surface 32b of the ferrule receiving part 30 of the optical connector 1b. The optical connector 1a and the optical connector 1b are arranged side by side in the X direction so that their respective top end surfaces 21a, 21a face each other.

[0079] The sleeve 80 is arranged between the outer side surface 32b of the ferrule accommodating part 30 of the optical connector 1a and the outer side surface 32b of the ferrule accommodating part 30 of the optical connector 1b. The sleeve 80 has a plurality of through holes 80a that penetrate in the X direction. The plurality of through holes 80a are arranged to correspond to the plurality of ferrules 20 that the optical connector 1a and the optical connector 1b each have. A plurality of ferrule bodies 21 that protrude from the outer side surface 32b of the optical connector 1a are respectively inserted into the portions on one side of the plurality of through holes 80a. A plurality of ferrule bodies 21 that protrude from the outer side surface 32b of the optical connector 1b are respectively inserted into the portions on the other side of the plurality of through holes 80a. Thus, the positions of the optical connector 1a and the optical connector 1b in the Y direction and the Z direction are specified, so that the optical connector 1a is optically coupled to the optical connector 1b.

[0080] When manufacturing the optical connector 1 described above, first, each ferrule 20 holding the rotationally aligned optical fiber 10 is accommodated in each accommodation portion 35 of the ferrule accommodation member 30. When the ferrule 20 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 35, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the rotation angle of the ferrule 20 about the central axis L relative to the ferrule receiving member 30 is determined by matching the side surface 23c of the flange 23 with the bottom surface 31a of the receiving portion 35. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the ferrule 20 is brought into contact with the inner side surface 32a of the receiving portion 35 in the X direction. Thus, the position of the ferrule 20 in the X direction relative to the ferrule receiving member 30 is determined. Thereafter, the ferrule 20 is bonded to the receiving portion 35 using, for example, a hot melt adhesive, so that the ferrule 20 is removably fixed to the receiving portion 35. Thus, the optical connector 1 in which each ferrule 20 is fixed to each receiving portion 35 of the ferrule receiving member 30 can be obtained.

[0081] Next, a method for replacing the optical fiber 10 will be described. When a problem such as a disconnection occurs in a certain optical fiber 10, it is necessary to replace the optical fiber 10. In this case, the ferrule 20 holding the optical fiber 10 having the problem is taken as a replacement object, and the ferrule 20 to be replaced is removed from the ferrule accommodating component 30. When the ferrule 20 to be replaced is fixed to the accommodating wall surface 35a by a hot melt adhesive, the ferrule 20 to be replaced can be removed from the ferrule accommodating component 30 by heating the hot melt adhesive to melt it.

[0082] Next, a replacement ferrule 20 is prepared to replace the ferrule 20 to be replaced. Then, the new optical fiber 10 is rotated and aligned relative to the replacement ferrule 20. At this time, for example, Figure 5 As shown, the rotation angle of the optical fiber 10 about the central axis L relative to the ferrule 20 is determined so that the virtual straight line VL passing through the two cores 11 and the central axis L is parallel to the reference straight line RL along the side surface 23c. In this state, the optical fiber 10 is held in the replacement ferrule 20.

[0083] Next, the replacement ferrule 20 holding the new optical fiber 10 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 35 that previously accommodated the ferrule 20 to be replaced. Figure 8 As shown, by matching the side surface 23c of the flange 23 of the replacement ferrule 20 with the bottom surface 31a of the receiving portion 35, the rotation angle of the replacement ferrule 20 about the central axis L relative to the ferrule receiving member 30 is determined. Fig. 9 As shown, the replacement ferrule 20 is brought into contact with the inner side surface 32a of the receiving portion 35 in the X direction. Thus, the position of the replacement ferrule 20 relative to the ferrule receiving member 30 in the X direction is determined.

[0084] Next, the replacement ferrule 20 is bonded to the housing portion 35 using, for example, a hot melt adhesive, thereby removably fixing the replacement ferrule 20 to the housing portion 35. Thus, the replacement operation from the replacement ferrule 20 to the replacement ferrule 20 is completed. In the event that a problem occurs in another optical fiber 10, the ferrule 20 holding the other optical fiber 10 is replaced as a replacement object, and the above-mentioned replacement operation is performed again. In this way, in the present embodiment, each optical fiber 10 can be replaced individually.

[0085] Effects obtained by the ferrule accommodation member 30 , the ferrule accommodation structure 70 , the optical coupling structure 100 , and the replacement method of the optical fiber 10 according to the present embodiment described above will be described.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the plurality of ferrules 20 that respectively hold the plurality of optical fibers 10 are respectively accommodated in the plurality of accommodating portions 35 of the ferrule accommodating member 30, so that each ferrule 20 can be independently fixed to the accommodating portion 35. Moreover, the ferrule 20 is detachably fixed to the accommodating wall surface 35a of the accommodating portion 35. Therefore, when it is necessary to replace any one of the optical fibers 10, one ferrule 20 corresponding to the optical fiber 10 can be removed from the accommodating wall surface 35a, and the ferrule 20 holding the new optical fiber 10 can be fixed to the accommodating wall surface 35a. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when an optical fiber 10 is needed, it is not necessary to replace it together with the optical connector 1, and the optical fiber 10 that needs to be replaced can be replaced separately. In this case, the cost required for replacing the optical fiber 10 can be suppressed compared to the case where all the optical fibers 10 are replaced.

[0087] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the accommodating wall surface 35a of the accommodating portion 35 and the flange 23 of the ferrule 20 are provided with an angle determining mechanism M for determining the rotation angle of the ferrule 20 relative to the ferrule accommodating member 30 about the central axis L. Therefore, when the ferrule 20 corresponding to the optical fiber 10 to be replaced is removed from the accommodating wall surface 35a and the ferrule 20 holding the new optical fiber 10 that has been rotationally aligned is arranged on the accommodating wall surface 35a, the ferrule 20 can be easily fixed to the accommodating wall surface 35a while maintaining the rotation angle of the rotationally aligned optical fiber 10. Furthermore, when the ferrule 20 is arranged on the accommodating wall surface 35a, the position of the ferrule 20 relative to the ferrule accommodating member 30 in the X direction can be easily determined by making the flange 23 of the ferrule 20 abut against the inner side surface 32a in the X direction.

[0088] Thus, in the present embodiment, when it is necessary to replace the optical fiber 10, the optical fiber 10 to be replaced can be replaced individually, and the ferrule 20 can be easily fixed to the housing portion 35 when the optical fiber 10 is replaced. Thus, the man-hours required for replacing the optical fiber 10 can be reduced, and the optical fiber 10 can be easily replaced. Furthermore, as in the present embodiment, if a configuration is adopted in which the ferrule 20 is positioned relative to the ferrule housing member 30 using the flange 23, the shape of the ferrule body 21 holding the optical fiber 10 can be set to any shape. For example, if the shape of the ferrule body 21 is set to a cylindrical shape, the advantage of being easy to align the center axis L of the optical connector 1a using the sleeve 80 and the center axis L of the optical connector 1b can be obtained.

[0089] As in the present embodiment, the angle determination mechanism M may include: a bottom surface 31a formed on the accommodating wall surface 35a; and a side surface 23c formed on the flange 23 and abutting against the bottom surface 31a. In this case, the rotation angle of the ferrule 20 relative to the ferrule accommodating member 30 around the central axis L can be easily and accurately determined by a simple operation of matching the bottom surface 31a with the side surface 23c.

[0090] As in the present embodiment, the accommodation portion 35 may be a groove formed between the adjacent side walls 33, 33. The flange 23 may abut against the bottom surface 31a and the cover 40. In this case, the ferrule 20 can be easily positioned relative to the ferrule accommodation member 30 by a simple operation of pressing the flange 23 against the bottom surface 31a using the cover 40.

[0091] As in the present embodiment, the ferrule accommodating member 30 and the cover 40 may be formed of magnetic materials, respectively. Alternatively, the cover 40 may be fixed to the ferrule accommodating member 30 by a magnetic force generated between the cover 40 and the ferrule accommodating member 30. In this case, the ferrule 20 can be easily fixed to the ferrule accommodating member 30 by the magnetic force between the cover 40 and the ferrule accommodating member 30. Furthermore, if the structure in which the cover 40 is fixed to the ferrule accommodating member 30 by the magnetic force is adopted, the cover 40 can be easily removed from the ferrule accommodating member 30. Thus, the ferrule 20 can be easily removed from the ferrule accommodating member 30 when replacing the optical fiber 10.

[0092] As in the present embodiment, the optical connector 1 may include: a supporting member 50 that faces the inner side surface 32a via the flange 23; and an elastic member 60 that applies force to the flange 23 toward the inner side surface 32a in the X direction. In this case, the flange 23 can be more reliably abutted against the inner side surface 32a by the force applied by the elastic member 60. Thus, the position of the ferrule 20 relative to the ferrule accommodating component 30 in the X direction can be more reliably positioned.

[0093] As in the present embodiment, the optical fiber 10 may be a multi-core optical fiber, a polarization-maintaining optical fiber, or a bundled optical fiber. When such an optical fiber 10 is used, rotational core adjustment is required, and the number of rotational core adjustment operations increases accordingly with the number of optical fibers 10 to be replaced. In contrast, according to the optical connector 1 that can replace the optical fibers 10 individually, the rotational core adjustment operation does not need to be performed for the optical fibers 10 that do not need to be replaced, thereby effectively reducing the man-hours required for replacement.

[0094] As in the present embodiment, the optical coupling structure 100 may include a sleeve 80 having a plurality of through holes 80a into which a plurality of ferrules 20 can be inserted. A plurality of ferrules 20 of the optical connector 1a may be respectively inserted into a portion on one side of the plurality of through holes 80a, and a plurality of ferrules 20 of the optical connector 1b may be respectively inserted into a portion on the other side of the plurality of through holes 80a. In this case, the positions of the optical connector 1a and the optical connector 1b can be restricted by the sleeve 80. Furthermore, the rotation of the optical connector 1a itself and the rotation of the optical connector 1b itself can be suppressed by the insertion of the plurality of ferrule bodies 21 into the sleeve 80. Thus, the optical connector 1a and the optical connector 1b can be optically coupled with high precision, and the connection loss between the optical connector 1a and the optical connector 1b can be reduced.

[0095] <Variation 1>

[0096] Fig.11 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical connector 1A of Modification 1. In the optical connector 1A of Modification 1, the angle determining mechanism M1 that determines the rotation angle of the ferrule 20A relative to the ferrule receiving member 30A is different from that of the optical connector 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment. In each receiving portion 35A of the ferrule receiving member 30A provided in the optical connector 1A, a convex portion 31b is provided on the bottom surface 31a. The bottom surface 31a and the inner side surface 32a (see Figure 6 ) and two adjacent side surfaces 33a, 33a (refer to Figure 6 ) constitutes the accommodation wall surface 35b of the accommodation portion 35A. The convex portion 31b protrudes upward from the bottom surface 31a, for example, at the center of the accommodation portion 35A in the Y direction, and extends linearly in the X direction. When viewed from the X direction, the convex portion 31b is, for example, rectangular. However, the shape of the convex portion 31b may be semicircular or other shapes.

[0097] The flange 23A of the ferrule 20A is, for example, circular when viewed from the X direction. The outer peripheral surface 23g of the flange 23A is a cylindrical surface centered on the central axis L, and constitutes the outer surface of the flange 23A. On the outer peripheral surface 23g, a recess 23h is formed at a position corresponding to the protrusion 31b. The recess 23h is recessed from the outer peripheral surface 23g toward the central axis L, and extends linearly in the X direction. When viewed from the X direction, the recess 23h is, for example, rectangular. However, the shape of the recess 23h can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the protrusion 31b. When the ferrule 20A is accommodated in the accommodating portion 35A, the protrusion 31b of the flange 23A is engaged with the recess 23h of the accommodating portion 35A. When the ferrule 20A is accommodated in the accommodating portion 35A, the rotation angle of the ferrule 20A around the central axis L relative to the ferrule accommodating component 30A is specified by configuring the ferrule 20A in a manner that the protrusion 31b is engaged with the recess 23h. Therefore, the convex portion 31 b and the concave portion 23 h constitute an angle determination mechanism M1 for determining the rotation angle of the ferrule 20A about the central axis L with respect to the ferrule accommodation member 30A.

[0098] Even in the optical connector 1A, the optical fiber 10 can be easily replaced as in the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition, in the optical connector 1A, the rotation angle of the ferrule 20A about the central axis L relative to the ferrule accommodating member 30A is determined by the engagement of the convex portion 31b and the concave portion 23h. In this case, the rotation angle of the ferrule 20A about the central axis L relative to the ferrule accommodating member 30A can be easily and accurately determined by a simple operation of engaging the convex portion 31b and the concave portion 23h with each other.

[0099] <Variation 2>

[0100] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing an optical connector 1B according to a second modification. Fig.13 It is along Fig.12 1B is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector 1B taken along the line XIII-XIII of FIG. In the optical connector 1B of the second modification, the accommodating portion 35B of the ferrule accommodating member 30B is different from the optical connector 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment in that the accommodating portion 35B is formed as a through hole instead of a groove. In this case, the accommodating portion 35B penetrates the ferrule accommodating member 30B in the X direction and has a size capable of accommodating the ferrule 20. The shape of the accommodating portion 35B viewed from the X direction is rectangular corresponding to the shape of the flange 23 of the ferrule 20.

[0101] The ferrule accommodating component 30B has a top wall 37 in addition to the bottom wall 31 and the plurality of side walls 33. The top wall 37 is provided on the side opposite to the bottom wall 31 across the plurality of side walls 33 in the Z direction, and is formed integrally with the plurality of side walls 33 and the bottom wall 31. The top wall 37 has a top surface 37a facing the bottom surface 31a in the Z direction. The top surface 37a is, for example, a flat surface along the X direction and the Y direction. In the case where the top wall 37 is provided in this way, unlike the above-mentioned embodiment, the cover 40 is not provided, and a structure for fixing the cover 40 to the ferrule accommodating component 30B is not required. Therefore, as the material of the ferrule accommodating component 30B, it is not necessary to select a magnetic material in order to fix the cover 40 by magnetic force, and other materials such as resin materials or metal materials can also be selected. The bottom surface 31a, the inner side surface 32a, the top surface 37a, and the two side surfaces 33a, 33a adjacent to each other constitute the accommodating wall surface 35c of the accommodating portion 35B.

[0102] like Fig.12 As shown, when the ferrule 20 is inserted (accommodated) in the accommodation portion 35B, the side surface 23c, side surface 23d, side surface 23e, and side surface 23f of the flange 23 abut against the bottom surface 31a, top surface 37a, and two side surfaces 33a, 33a of the accommodation wall surface 35c, respectively. When the ferrule 20 is inserted into the accommodation portion 35B, the ferrule 20 is arranged so that the side surface 23c and the bottom surface 31a are surface-matched, and the rotation angle of the ferrule 20 around the central axis L relative to the ferrule accommodation part 30B is determined. Therefore, the side surface 23c and the bottom surface 31a constitute an angle determination mechanism M for determining the rotation angle of the ferrule 20 around the central axis L relative to the ferrule accommodation part 30B.

[0103] like Fig.13 As shown, the top surface 37a includes a flat surface 37aa, an inclined surface 37ab and a flat surface 37ac. The flat surface 37aa and the flat surface 37ac are flat surfaces along the X direction and the Y direction. The flat surface 37aa extends rearward from the inner side surface 32a of the end wall 32 and abuts against the side surface 23c of the flange 23. The flat surface 37ac is arranged at a position rearward of the flat surface 37aa and above the flat surface 37aa. The inclined surface 37ab is arranged between the flat surface 37aa and the flat surface 37ac, connecting the flat surface 37aa and the flat surface 37ac. The inclined surface 37ab is inclined in a manner that gradually moves upward as it approaches the flat surface 37ac from the flat surface 37aa. In other words, the inclined surface 37ab is inclined in a manner that the distance between the center axis L in the Z direction and the inclined surface 37ab gradually increases as it moves away from the inner side surface 32a in the X direction.

[0104] The bottom surface 31a includes a flat surface 31aa, an inclined surface 31ab, and a flat surface 31ac. The flat surface 31aa and the flat surface 37ac are flat surfaces along the X direction and the Y direction. The flat surface 31aa extends rearward from the inner side surface 32a of the end wall 32 and abuts against the side surface 23d of the flange 23. The flat surface 37ac is arranged at a position behind the flat surface 31aa and below the flat surface 31aa. The inclined surface 31ab is arranged between the flat surface 31aa and the flat surface 31ac, connecting the flat surface 31aa and the flat surface 31ac. The inclined surface 31ab is inclined in a manner that gradually moves downward as it approaches the flat surface 31ac from the flat surface 31aa. In other words, the inclined surface 31ab is inclined in a manner that the distance between the center axis L in the Z direction and the inclined surface 31ab gradually increases as it moves away from the inner side surface 32a in the X direction. The inclined surface 31ab is formed at a position offset rearward from a position facing the inclined surface 37ab in the Z direction.

[0105] When the ferrule 20 is inserted into the receiving portion 35B along the X direction, the side surface 23c of the flange 23 is guided by the inclined surface 31ab to the flat surface 31aa in front, and the side surface 23d of the flange 23 is guided by the inclined surface 37ab to the flat surface 37aa in front. In this way, the inclined surface 37ab and the inclined surface 31ab have the function of guiding the insertion of the ferrule 20 into the receiving portion 35B. In addition, the side surface 23c and the side surface 23d of the flange 23 are respectively in contact with the flat surface 37aa and the flat surface 31aa. As a result, the side surface 23c and the flat surface 31aa are matched with each other, and the rotation angle of the ferrule 20 relative to the ferrule receiving part 30B is specified.

[0106] Even in the case of the optical connector 1B, the optical fiber 10 can be easily replaced as in the above-mentioned embodiment. Furthermore, when the accommodation portion 35B is a through hole that penetrates the ferrule accommodation member 30B, the ferrule 20 can be easily positioned relative to the ferrule accommodation member 30B by a simple operation of inserting the ferrule 20 into the accommodation portion 35B. Furthermore, if a configuration is adopted in which the insertion of the ferrule 20 into the accommodation portion 35B is guided by the inclined surface 37ab and the inclined surface 31ab, high processing accuracy of the accommodation portion 35B and the ferrule 20 is not required, so the manufacturing of the accommodation portion 35B and the ferrule 20 becomes easy. It is not necessary to form the inclined surface 37ab and the inclined surface 31ab. For example, the top surface 37a may have only the flat surface 37aa, and the bottom surface 31a may have only the flat surface 31aa. It is also possible to form only one of the inclined surface 37ab and the inclined surface 31ab, and not form the other of the inclined surface 37ab and the inclined surface 31ab.

[0107] <Variation 3>

[0108] Fig.14 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical connector 1C according to a third modification. Fig.15 2 is a perspective view showing a ferrule 20B included in an optical connector 1C. The optical connector 1C of the third modification is different from the optical connector 1 of the above-described embodiment in that the ferrule 20B has a biasing member 25. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the force applying member 25 is assembled to the flange 23. The force applying member 25 has, for example, an assembly portion 25a, a leaf spring 25b, and a leaf spring 25c. The assembly portion 25a is assembled to the front end surface 23a of the flange 23. The leaf spring 25b extends rearward from one end of the assembly portion 25a in the Y direction and is arranged on the side surface 23e of the flange 23. One end of the leaf spring 25b is a fixed end assembled to the assembly portion 25a. The other end of the leaf spring 25b is a free end arranged on the side surface 23e. The leaf spring 25c extends rearward from the other end of the assembly portion 25a in the Y direction and is arranged on the side surface 23f of the flange 23. One end of the leaf spring 25c is a fixed end assembled to the assembly portion 25a. The other end of the leaf spring 25c is a free end arranged on the side surface 23e.

[0109] When an external force is applied to the free ends of the leaf springs 25b and 25c, a restoring force is generated in the leaf springs 25b and 25c to return the free ends to their original positions. Therefore, when the leaf springs 25b and 25c are pressed toward the center axis L in the Y direction (i.e., in the direction toward the center axis L in the Y direction), the leaf springs 25b and 25c apply a force toward the outside of the Y direction (i.e., in the direction away from the center axis L in the Y direction). Fig.14 As shown in the figure, when the ferrule 20B is accommodated in the accommodation portion 35, the leaf spring 25b and the leaf spring 25c are respectively in contact with the two side surfaces 33a, 33a adjacent to each other, and are pressed from the two side surfaces 33a, 33a toward the center axis L in the Y direction. As a result, the leaf spring 25b and the leaf spring 25c apply force to the two side surfaces 33a, 33a.

[0110] As the leaf springs 25b and 25c apply forces to the two side surfaces 33a and 33a, the position of the ferrule 20B in the Y direction relative to the ferrule accommodation member 30 is determined. Furthermore, the leaf springs 25b and 25c perform surface matching with the two side surfaces 33a and 33a, and the rotation angle of the ferrule 20B relative to the ferrule accommodation member 30 around the central axis L is determined. Therefore, the leaf springs 25b, 25c, and the two side surfaces 33a and 33a constitute an angle determination mechanism M2 for determining the rotation angle of the ferrule 20B relative to the ferrule accommodation member 30 around the central axis L.

[0111] Fig.16 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a cross section of the optical connector 1C. Fig.16As shown, the side surface 23d of the flange 23 can be separated from the back surface 40a of the cover 40 in the Z direction. That is, the side surface 23d of the flange 23 can face the back surface 40a of the cover 40 with a gap. Similarly, the side surface 23c of the flange 23 can be separated from the bottom surface 31a of the receiving portion 35 in the Z direction. That is, the side surface 23c of the flange 23 can face the bottom surface 31a of the receiving portion 35 with a gap. Fig.16 In the example shown, the side surface 23d and the side surface 23c may be in contact with the back surface 40a and the bottom surface 31a, respectively.

[0112] Even in the optical connector 1C, the optical fiber 10 can be easily replaced as in the above-mentioned embodiment. Furthermore, if the position of the ferrule 20B in the Y direction relative to the ferrule accommodating member 30 is defined by the plate spring 25b and the plate spring 25c, high processing accuracy of the accommodating portion 35 and the ferrule 20B is not required, so the accommodating portion 35 and the ferrule 20B can be easily manufactured. The plate spring 25b and the plate spring 25c may be provided in the accommodating portion 35 instead of the ferrule 20B.

[0113] <Variation 4>

[0114] Fig.17 1 is a perspective view showing an optical connector 1D according to a fourth modification. The optical connector 1D according to the fourth modification is different from the optical connector 1 according to the above-described embodiment in that a plurality of optical fibers 10 are arranged in two rows. The optical connector 1D includes a ferrule accommodating part 30AA and a ferrule accommodating part 30BB having the same configuration as the ferrule accommodating part 30. The ferrule accommodating part 30AA accommodates a plurality of ferrules 20 that respectively hold a plurality of optical fibers 10 arranged in a row. The ferrule accommodating part 30BB is also the same as the ferrule accommodating part 30AA, and accommodates a plurality of ferrules 20 that respectively hold a plurality of optical fibers 10 arranged in a row. In the optical connector 1D, the ferrule accommodating part 30AA and the ferrule accommodating part 30BB are stacked in two layers in the Z direction.

[0115] For example, the ferrule accommodating component 30BB is stacked on the ferrule accommodating component 30AA in such a manner that the lower end surface 30b of the ferrule accommodating component 30BB abuts against the upper end surface 30a of the ferrule accommodating component 30AA. As a result, the opening 35p of each accommodating portion 35 of the ferrule accommodating component 30AA is blocked by the lower end surface 30b of the ferrule accommodating component 30BB. Therefore, the bottom wall 31 of the ferrule accommodating component 30BB functions as a cover that blocks the opening 35p of each accommodating portion 35 of the ferrule accommodating component 30AA. The cover 40 of the above-mentioned embodiment is provided at the opening 35p of each accommodating portion 35 of the ferrule accommodating component 30AA. The cover 40 is arranged on the ferrule accommodating component 30AA in such a manner that the back surface 40a abuts against the upper end surface 30a of the ferrule accommodating component 30AA.

[0116] Even in the optical connector 1D, the optical fiber 10 can be easily replaced as in the above-mentioned embodiment. Moreover, according to the optical connector 1D, a plurality of optical fibers 10 can be arranged in a plurality of rows and more optical fibers 10 can be installed. Furthermore, by using the bottom wall 31 of the ferrule accommodating member 30BB as a cover for closing the openings of the respective accommodating portions 35 of the ferrule accommodating member 30AA, the cover 40 for closing the openings 32c of the respective accommodating portions 35 of the ferrule accommodating member 30AA can be omitted. Thus, it is not necessary to provide the cover 40 between the ferrule accommodating member 30AA and the ferrule accommodating member 30BB, and the number of components can be reduced.

[0117] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and variations, and various variations are possible. For example, the above-mentioned embodiments and variations can be combined with each other within the scope of no contradiction according to the required purpose and effect. In the above-mentioned embodiments and variations, the case where the ferrule body is cylindrical is described. However, the shape of the ferrule body can also be other shapes such as a rectangle. The shape of the accommodating portion observed from the X direction does not need to be a rectangle, but can also be other shapes such as a circle.

[0118] Description of Reference Numerals

[0119] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D...optical connector

[0120] 1a...Optical connector (an example of a "first optical connector")

[0121] 1b...Optical connector (an example of a "second optical connector")

[0122] 10… Fiber Optic

[0123] 11...Fiber core

[0124] 12... Cladding

[0125] 20, 20A, 20B... Ferrule

[0126] 21a……Top surface

[0127] 21b...External surface

[0128] 23, 23A……Flange

[0129] 23a……Front end

[0130] 23b... rear end

[0131] 23c ... side surface (an example of a "second flat surface")

[0132] 23d, 23e, 23f...side

[0133] 23g...outer surface

[0134] 23h……concave part

[0135] 25……Force-applying member

[0136] 25a……Assembly Department

[0137] 25b, 25c...leaf spring

[0138] 30, 30A, 30AA, 30B, 30BB... Ferrule receiving parts

[0139] 30a……Upper end surface

[0140] 30b...lower end surface

[0141] 31…Bottom wall

[0142] 31a: bottom surface (an example of a "first flat surface")

[0143] 31b……convex part

[0144] 31aa, 31ac, 37aa, 37ac... flat surface

[0145] 31ab, 37ab... inclined surface

[0146] 32…end wall

[0147] 32A...collision section

[0148] 32a...Inner side

[0149] 32b...outer side

[0150] 32c, 35p... opening

[0151] 33...Sidewall

[0152] 33a ... side (an example of "inner wall")

[0153] 35, 35A, 35B ... Accommodation

[0154] 35a, 35b, 35c ... accommodating wall

[0155] 37...Top wall

[0156] 37a...top surface

[0157] 40... Cover

[0158] 40a…back

[0159] 40b...Surface

[0160] 50...Supporting member

[0161] 50a...through hole

[0162] 60...Elastic member

[0163] 70......Insert accommodating structure

[0164] 80...Sleeve

[0165] 80a……Through hole

[0166] 100...Optical coupling structure

[0167] L……Central axis

[0168] M, M1, M2...angle determination mechanism

[0169] R... Accommodation space

[0170] RL……Reference Line

[0171] VL...imaginary line.

Claims

1. An optical connector comprising: a plurality of optical fibers, each of which includes a plurality of central axes extending in a first direction, and arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction; A plurality of ferrules, holding each of the plurality of optical fibers one by one; as well as a ferrule accommodating component, comprising a plurality of accommodating portions arranged side by side in the second direction, each of the plurality of accommodating portions being separated by a plurality of side walls arranged side by side in the second direction and accommodating each of the plurality of ferrules one by one, The optical fiber includes at least one of a core and a stress-applying portion at a position offset from the central axis, The ferrule comprises: A ferrule body, holding the optical fiber; as well as A flange protrudes outward from the outer surface of the ferrule body. Each of the plurality of accommodating portions includes an accommodating wall surface, wherein the accommodating wall surface forms an accommodating space for accommodating the ferrule and for detachably fixing the ferrule. The accommodating wall surface includes an abutting portion for the flange to abut in the first direction, An angle determining mechanism for determining a rotation angle of the ferrule relative to the ferrule accommodating member around the central axis is provided on the accommodating wall surface and the flange.

2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The angle determination mechanism comprises: A first flat surface formed on the receiving wall surface; and The second flat surface is formed on the flange and abuts against the first flat surface.

3. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The angle determination mechanism comprises: a convex portion formed on one of the accommodating wall surface and the flange; and The recessed portion is formed in the other of the accommodation wall surface and the flange, and is fitted with the raised portion.

4. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The receiving portion is a groove formed between a pair of the side walls adjacent to each other across the ferrule among the plurality of side walls. The bottom surface of the groove and the inner wall surfaces of the pair of side walls together constitute the accommodation wall surface. A cover covering the opening is provided at the opening of the groove facing the bottom surface. The flange abuts against the bottom surface and the cover.

5. The optical connector according to claim 4, wherein: The ferrule receiving component and the cover are respectively formed of magnetic materials, The cover is fixed to the ferrule receiving member by a magnetic force generated between the cover and the ferrule receiving member.

6. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The receiving portion is a through hole that penetrates the ferrule receiving component in the first direction. The inner surface of the through hole constitutes the accommodating wall surface, The flange abuts against the inner surface.

7. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a supporting member facing the abutment portion across the flange in the first direction; and The elastic member is provided between the flange and the supporting member, is supported by the supporting member in the first direction, and urges the flange toward the abutting portion.

8. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The optical fiber is a multi-core optical fiber, a polarization-maintaining optical fiber or a bundled optical fiber.

9. A ferrule accommodating component, which is a ferrule accommodating component for accommodating a plurality of ferrules, wherein the plurality of ferrules are respectively held at positions deviated from the central axis and include an optical fiber including at least one of a core and a stress imparting portion, wherein: The ferrule accommodating component includes a plurality of accommodating portions, the plurality of accommodating portions are separated by a plurality of side walls arranged in a second direction intersecting a first direction extending the central axis, and the plurality of accommodating portions are configured to accommodate each of the plurality of ferrules one by one. Each of the plurality of accommodating portions comprises an accommodating wall, wherein the accommodating wall forms an accommodating space for accommodating the ferrule and for fixing the ferrule in a detachable manner. The accommodating wall surface includes an abutment portion configured to be abutted by a flange provided on the ferrule in the first direction. The accommodation wall surface is provided with an angle determining mechanism configured to determine a rotation angle of the ferrule relative to the ferrule accommodation member around the central axis.

10. A core accommodating structure, comprising: The ferrule receiving component according to claim 9; and The plurality of ferrules are respectively accommodated in the plurality of accommodation portions and are respectively detachably fixed to the plurality of accommodation portions.

11. An optical coupling structure, comprising: The first optical connector and the second optical connector are the optical connectors according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The plurality of optical fibers of the first optical connector are arranged to be opposed to the plurality of optical fibers of the second optical connector in the first direction, and the plurality of optical fibers of the first optical connector are optically coupled to the plurality of optical fibers of the second optical connector, respectively.

12. The optical coupling structure according to claim 11, further comprising: The sleeve comprises a plurality of through holes into which the plurality of ferrules can be inserted. The plurality of ferrules of the first optical connector are respectively inserted into one side portion of the plurality of through holes. The plurality of ferrules of the second optical connector are respectively inserted into the other side portions of the plurality of through holes.

13. A method for replacing an optical fiber, the method being a method for replacing the optical fiber using the optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The optical fiber replacement method comprises the following steps: removing the ferrule holding the optical fiber to be replaced among the plurality of optical fibers from the housing portion; as well as The replacement ferrule holding the new optical fiber is accommodated in the accommodating portion from which the ferrule to be replaced has been removed, The process of accommodating the replacement ferrule in the accommodating portion includes the following steps: Rotate and align the new optical fiber relative to the replaced ferrule around the central axis; Determining the rotation angle of the ferrule to be replaced relative to the ferrule accommodating component about the central axis based on the angle determining mechanism provided on the flange and the accommodating wall surface; as well as By causing the flange to abut against the abutment portion of the accommodation wall surface in the first direction, the position of the replaced ferrule relative to the ferrule accommodation member in the first direction is determined.

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