Optical connector device comprising pair of connectors of first connector and second connector

Abstract

The invention provides an optical connector device including a pair of connectors including a first connector and a second connector. The optical connector device is capable of allowing a position offset of an optical fiber in at least a plane direction orthogonal to an axial direction. Wherein the first connector comprises an inner shell and an outer shell; the inner housing holds the first optical fiber unit. The inner housing is held by the outer housing so as to be floatable in the axial direction and in a plane direction orthogonal to the axial direction. The inner shell is provided with a first abutting part. The connector housing has a second contact portion on a connection side of the first connector and the second connector. When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the first abutting part and the second abutting part are in surface contact, and the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are arranged along the connection direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical connector device comprising a pair of connectors, namely a first connector and a second connector. Background Art

[0002] Optical connector devices are widely used not only in information communication fields such as network equipment but also in various fields such as the medical field such as endoscopes.

[0003] An optical connector device typically includes a pair of connectors: a first connector (e.g., a plug connector) and a second connector (e.g., a receptacle connector). When these connectors are connected, a first optical fiber provided in the first connector and a second optical fiber provided in the second connector can be optically connected to each other. However, insertion loss is known to occur during this optical connection. Major factors contributing to insertion loss include eccentricity of the optical fiber cores, positional offset between the optical fiber cores in the axial direction or in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and variations in the gap between the optical fibers. It is desirable to address or minimize these issues as much as possible, minimizing their magnitude.

[0004] Hereinafter, the structure of a conventional optical connector device will be described by way of example.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-184337 (Patent Document 1) is a document that discloses an optical connector plug that is one of the connectors constituting an optical connector device. In order to cope with the eccentricity of the fiber core, a ferrule having a flange formed with a plurality of key slots and a ferrule holder equipped with an optical adapter having a position-fixing protrusion that can engage with the key slots provided in the ferrule are provided. The key slots are fixed in a predetermined direction using the position-fixing protrusions, thereby reducing the eccentricity angle of the fiber core.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-174245 (Patent Document 2) is a document disclosing a connector constituting an optical connector device, disclosing that the connector includes: an optical fiber insertion unit, which is composed of a lens sleeve having a lens at the front end and a ferrule installed on the rear end side; a housing, which has a split sleeve for fixing the lens sleeve of the optical fiber insertion unit; and a connector sleeve, which is used to be mated with another connector constituting the optical connector device.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-198468 (Patent Document 3) discloses an optical connector device for use in endoscopes, comprising a plug and a control device. The plug includes a light guide portion having a ferrule disposed therein, serving as one connector of the optical connector device. The control device housing 35 includes a socket 15, which houses a light-emitting element 33, serving as the other connector of the optical connector device. The light guide portion protrudes from the plug, while the socket 15 is recessed therein. When the plug and socket are coupled, the light guide portion, and more specifically, the optical fiber disposed therein, is optically connected to the light-emitting element in a manner movable along the optical fiber's axial direction.

[0008] As exemplified above, conventional optical connector devices do not allow for positional displacement of the optical fiber, at least in a plane direction perpendicular to the axial direction. For example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, one connector constituting the optical connector device is fixed, while in Patent Document 3, while the optical connector device is movable in the axial direction, it is fixed in a plane direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-184337

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-174245

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-198468 Summary of the Invention

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector device that eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0013] To solve the above-mentioned problems, an optical connector device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of connectors, namely a first connector and a second connector, wherein when the first connector and the second connector are connected, a first optical fiber provided in the first connector and a second optical fiber provided in the second connector are optically connected to each other by abutting each other in a connection direction between the first and second connectors. The first connector includes an inner housing and an outer housing, the inner housing being configured to hold a first optical fiber unit having the first optical fiber mounted thereon along an axial direction of the first optical fiber, the inner housing being held by the outer housing in a floating manner in the axial direction and in a planar direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and the second connector including a connector housing having a first abutting portion on a connection side between the first and second connectors in the axial direction of the first optical fiber, and a second abutting portion on a connection side between the first and second connectors in the axial direction of the second optical fiber. When the first and second connectors are connected, the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion come into surface contact with each other, and the first and second optical fibers are aligned along the connection direction.

[0014] According to the optical connector device of this aspect, positional deviation of the optical fibers can be allowed at least in the plane direction perpendicular to the axial direction when the connectors are connected, and the optical fibers can be easily aligned due to the abutment between the connectors.

[0015] According to the present invention, an optical connector device can be provided that allows for positional displacement of optical fibers at least in a plane direction perpendicular to the axial direction when the connectors are connected, and that facilitates alignment of the optical fibers by abutting the connectors. Consequently, insertion loss can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an optical connector device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

[0017] Figure 2 Observed from the rear Figure 1 A perspective view of the device shown.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the receptacle connector as viewed from the front.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the receptacle connector as viewed from the rear.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 IV-IV line cross-sectional view.

[0022] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the receptacle connector together with the optical fiber.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the plug connector as viewed from the front.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the plug connector as viewed from the rear.

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 X-ray cross-sectional view.

[0026] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the plug connector together with the optical fiber.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of how the optical connector device is used.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of how the optical connector device is used.

[0029] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0030] 1…optical connector device; 3…first device; 4…second device; 6…restricting mechanism; 10…receptacle connector (first connector); 12…inner housing; 13…outer housing; 14…second urging mechanism; 16…first urging mechanism; 20…plug connector (second connector); 22…connector housing; 33…locking portion; 43…corresponding locking portion; 100…optical fiber (first optical fiber); 200…optical fiber (second optical fiber); 121, 122…first receiving hole; 123a…corresponding abutting surface; 125a…first abutting portion; 125b…concave surface; 125c…first curved surface; 126…mounting portion; 1 27…second annular flange; 128…recessed portion; 129…third annular flange; 131…through hole (first through hole); 131a…first annular flange; 135…through hole (second through hole); 225a…second abutment portion; 225b…convex surface; 225c…second curved surface; 300…optical fiber unit (first optical fiber unit); 301…first ferrule; 302…first flange component; 302a…abutment surface; 305…first lens; 307…first lens tube; 400…optical fiber unit (first optical fiber unit); 401…second ferrule; 405…second lens; 407…second lens tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of convenience, only preferred embodiments are shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view of an optical connector device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front is shown. Figure 2 A perspective view of the device as viewed from the rear is shown. Figure 3 express Figure 1 The optical connector device 1 includes a pair of connectors, namely, a receptacle connector (first connector) 10 and a plug connector (second connector) 20. Although only one pair is provided in this embodiment, multiple pairs may be provided. Figures 1 to 3 The figures illustrate a state where a pair of receptacle connectors 10 and plug connectors 20 are connected. In other words, the optical fiber (first optical fiber) provided in the receptacle connector 10 and the optical fiber (second optical fiber) provided in the plug connector 20 are butted against each other in the "connection direction" (α) of the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20, thereby optically connected. For ease of explanation, the optical fibers are not shown in these figures. The optical fibers and the optical fiber unit that holds them are not essential components of this device.

[0033] Figures 4 to 7 In the monomer Figures 1 to 3 The socket connector 10 shown, in addition, Figures 8 to 11 Through Figures 4 to 7 The same method is expressed as a monomer Figures 1 to 3 Plug connector 20 is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the receptacle connector 10 as viewed from the front. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the connector 10 as viewed from the rear side. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 IV-IV line cross-sectional view, Figure 7 It is an exploded perspective view of the receptacle connector 10 . Figures 4 to 6 This shows the state where the receptacle connector 10 is fixed to a predetermined component 35. Figure 7 An optical fiber (first optical fiber) 100 is also shown.

[0035] Likewise, Figure 8 is a perspective view of the plug connector 20 as viewed from the front. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the connector 20 as viewed from the rear side. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 X-ray cross-sectional view of Figure 11 It is an exploded perspective view of the plug connector 20 . Figures 8 to 10 This shows a state where the plug connector 20 is fixed to a predetermined component 45. Figure 10 An optical fiber (second optical fiber) 200 is also shown.

[0036] Reference Figures 4 to 7 The receptacle connector 10 will be described.

[0037] The receptacle connector 10 includes an inner shell 12 and an outer shell 13. The inner shell 12 holds various components, the outer shell 13 holds various components, and the inner shell 12 is inserted into the inner side in a state where a portion of one end side is led out to the outside. The portion of the inner shell 12 led out to the outside of the outer shell 13 is maintained so as to be elastically floating in the "axial direction" (α) of the optical fiber 100 and in the "surface direction" (β-γ plane) perpendicular to the "axial direction" (α). Therefore, according to this structure, the problem of insertion loss caused by positional offset between the cores of the optical fiber in the axial direction and the surface direction perpendicular to the axial direction can be solved or reduced. In addition, the "axial direction" of the optical fiber 100 does not necessarily need to be always the same as the "connection direction" (α) of the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20, but in this embodiment, the "axial direction" of the optical fiber 100 is along the "α" direction in the same manner as the "connection direction".

[0038] The receptacle connector 10 can also be used while being fixed to a predetermined component 35. In the embodiment, the receptacle connector 10 is fixed to the component 35 using a hole 137a provided in the plate portion 137 of the outer housing 13 and a screw 30. By being fixed to the component 35, the inner housing 12 is held so as to be able to elastically float not only relative to the outer housing 13 but also relative to the component 35 in the "axial direction" (α) of the optical fiber 100 and in the "plane direction" (β-γ plane) perpendicular to the "axial direction" (α).

[0039] The inner housing 12 is a cylindrical hollow body extending along the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100. The inner housing 12 includes a front portion 12A, a middle portion 12B, and a rear portion 12C along the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100. The front portion 12A forms one end of the inner housing 12, the rear portion 12C forms the other end of the inner housing 12, and the middle portion 12B is located between the front portion 12A and the rear portion 12C and has a larger diameter than the front portion 12A and the rear portion 12C. The front portion 12A is exposed to the outside of the outer housing 13 through the through hole 131 of the outer housing 13 and is provided in a state of elastic floating. In contrast, the middle portion 12B and the rear portion 12C are provided in a state of elastically receiving the interior of the outer housing 13.

[0040] In this embodiment, an annular abutment portion 125a is provided on the distal end portion 12A, on the connecting side of the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100. The abutment portion 125a is configured to form an annular abutment (surface contact) with a predetermined portion of the plug connector 20 when the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 are connected. To ensure proper abutment between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20, the abutment surface (β-γ plane) formed by the abutment portion 125a is formed at an appropriate angle relative to the connection direction (α), and in this embodiment, is formed perpendicular to the connection direction (α).

[0041] A conical concave surface 125b that tapers toward the opposite end is further provided in the front end portion 12A at a position opposite to the contact portion 125a in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100 and on the side where the receptacle connector 10 and plug connector 20 are connected. The concave surface 125b forms a space within which a predetermined portion of the plug connector 20 is housed when the receptacle connector 10 and plug connector 20 are connected, and serves to guide this predetermined portion.

[0042] A curved surface 125c is provided between the abutment portion 125a and the concave surface 125b. Curved surface 125c extends horizontally along the connection direction (α) from the abutment portion 125a toward the side opposite the connection between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20, and curves along a cross-sectional direction (β-γ) perpendicular to the connection direction (α). When the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 are connected, the curved surface 125c engages with a predetermined portion of the plug connector 20 to correct the position of the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20.

[0043] When the inner housing 12 is inserted into the outer housing 13, the front end portion 12A loosely penetrates the through-hole 131 of the outer housing 13. Therefore, the front end portion 12A has a smaller diameter than the middle portion 12B. The difference in diameter between the front end portion 12A and the middle portion 12B forms an annular flange 127 (second annular flange) between the front end portion 12A and the middle portion 12B.

[0044] An annular recessed portion 128, which is radially recessed, is provided between annular flange 127 and a predetermined position (m) located on the connection side between receptacle connector 10 and plug connector 20 relative to annular flange 127 in the axial direction (α) of optical fiber 100. The provision of recessed portion 128 increases the range within which distal end portion 12A can elastically float within through-hole 131, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of movement of distal end portion 12A, particularly in the "plane direction" (β-γ plane) perpendicular to the axial direction (α) of optical fiber 100.

[0045] The middle portion 12B has screw holes (mounting portions) 126 (126a to d) on its circumference. Screws (restriction mechanisms) 6 can be radially mounted in the screw holes 126. These screws 6 and the screw holes 126 restrict the movement of the inner housing 12 relative to the outer housing 13. This will be discussed later.

[0046] The components held by the internal housing 12 include, for example, an optical fiber unit 300 capable of mounting the optical fiber 100. In addition, in order to protect the front end of the optical fiber unit 300 in association with the optical fiber 100, it includes a transparent cover 120a provided on the connection side of the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 on the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100, and an annular buffer component 120b attached to the transparent cover 120a. In addition, in order to elastically support the optical fiber unit 300 on the internal housing 12, it includes a force applying mechanism such as a coil spring 14 provided on the opposite side of the connection side of the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 on the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100, and an elastic limiter 15 for fixing the force applying mechanism relative to the internal housing 12.

[0047] The optical fiber unit 300 is positioned within the inner housing 12 along the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100, with the front end portion 12A, middle portion 12B, and rear end portion 12C of the inner housing 12 fully penetrating. Meanwhile, the transparent cover 120a and buffer member 120b are positioned only within the front end portion 12A. A small-diameter circular recess 120, recessed in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100, is provided within the front end portion 12A to accommodate and secure these components. Furthermore, the coil spring 14 and elastic stopper 15 are primarily positioned within the rear end portion 12C.

[0048] The optical fiber unit 300 includes a ferrule 301 to which the optical fiber 100 can be mounted, a cylindrical lens 305, and a lens sleeve 307 that accommodates the distal end 301a of the ferrule 301 and the lens 305. The lens sleeve 307 has a ferrule insertion opening 307a on the side opposite to the connection side between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100. The distal end 301a of the ferrule 301 and the lens 305 are inserted into the ferrule 301 through the ferrule insertion opening 307a. First, the lens 305 is inserted and then positioned on the connection side between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100. Subsequently, the distal end portion 301a of the ferrule 301 is inserted and secured, pressing the previously inserted lens 305 toward the connection side. It is worth noting that even when the ferrule 301 is fixed to the lens sleeve 307, simply pressing the lens 305 toward the connection side does not necessarily fix the lens 305 relative to the lens sleeve 307. Therefore, there is a possibility that misalignment occurs between the lens 305 and the ferrule 301, causing insertion loss during optical fiber connection.

[0049] The optical fiber 100 includes a cable 102 covered with a sheath, a fiber core 104 exposed from the sheath of the cable 102, and fibers 106 further exposed from the sheath of the fiber core 104. When the optical fiber 100 is mounted in the optical fiber unit 300, the cable 102 of the optical fiber 100 is inserted into the receiving hole 309 of the ferrule 301, and the fiber core 104 of the optical fiber 100 is inserted into the core insertion hole 310 of the ferrule 301.

[0050] To accommodate and secure the front end of the optical fiber unit 300, relatively small-diameter cylindrical receiving holes 121 and 122 are provided in the front end portion 12A and the middle portion 12B along the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100. Furthermore, relatively large-diameter cylindrical receiving holes 123 and 124 are provided in the rear end portion 12C along the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100 to accommodate the rear end of the optical fiber unit 300 together with the coil spring 14 and the elastic stopper 15.

[0051] The receiving holes 121 and 122 provided in the front end portion 12A and the middle portion 12B form stepped portions with a smaller diameter toward the connection side between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100. Therefore, the optical fiber unit 300 can be smoothly inserted and installed in the inner housing 12.

[0052] Similarly, the receiving holes 123 and 124 provided in the rear end portion 12C have a stepped portion with a smaller diameter toward the connection side of the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100, thereby facilitating smooth insertion and installation. The rear end side of the optical fiber unit 300, the coil spring 14, and the elastic stopper 15 are sequentially inserted and installed in the receiving holes 123 and 124. The receiving hole 124 further includes a small-diameter annular portion 124b with a relatively small diameter in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100, and two relatively large-diameter annular portions 124a and 124c arranged to sandwich the small-diameter annular portion 124b. The elastic stopper 15 is finally installed to support and secure the optical fiber unit 300 and the coil spring 14 previously received in the receiving hole 124. The elastic stopper 15 is elastically stopped by a plurality of radially extending arm portions 15 a on the annular portion 124 c located at a position behind the step portion formed by the small-diameter annular portion 124 b.

[0053] A radially protruding flange member 302 is provided on the circumference of the ferrule 301 of the optical fiber unit 300. The flange member 302 cooperates with the coil spring 14 to bias the ferrule 301, which is received and secured in the receiving holes 121 and 122, toward the connection side between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100. More specifically, when the optical fiber unit 300 is received and secured in the receiving holes 121 and 122, the abutment surface 302a of the flange member 302 abuts against a corresponding abutment surface 123a formed within the receiving hole 121 on the connection side between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100, while being biased by the coil spring 14. This biases the ferrule 301 toward the connection side between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20. In order to correctly align the optical fibers 100 along the connection direction (α), the contact surface 302a of the flange member 302 and the corresponding contact surface 123a formed within the receiving hole 121 are set at an appropriate angle relative to the connection direction (α). For example, in this embodiment, similar to the contact portion 125a provided on the front end portion 12A of the inner housing 12, both are formed perpendicular to the connection direction (α), and are therefore set at 90 degrees.

[0054] Like the inner housing 12, the outer housing 13 is a cylindrical hollow body that extends through the optical fiber 100 in the axial direction (α). To facilitate insertion of the inner housing 12, the outer housing 13 has a larger diameter and length than the inner housing 12. A through-hole 131 is provided on the connecting side of the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α), through which the front end portion 12A of the inner housing 12 can be loosely inserted. The size of the through-hole 131 is set to a size that does not substantially hinder the movement of the inner housing 12 in at least the axial direction (α) that is loosely inserted through the through-hole 131.

[0055] An annular flange 131a (first annular flange) having a larger diameter than the through-hole 131 is provided on the outer housing 13, surrounding the through-hole 131 in the circumferential cross-section of the outer housing 13. When the inner housing 12 is inserted into the outer housing 13 and loosely inserted through the through-hole 131 of the outer housing 13, the annular flange 127 of the inner housing 12 and the annular flange 131a are arranged opposite each other. Although the annular flange 127 has a larger diameter than the through-hole 131 in the circumferential cross-section of the inner housing 12, it has a smaller diameter than the annular flange 131a and abuts against the annular flange 131a of the outer housing 13, preventing the inner housing 12 from falling out of the outer housing 13 through the through-hole 131.

[0056] Through-holes 135 are provided on the circumference of the outer housing 13, corresponding to the screw holes 126 of the inner housing 12. The provision of through-holes 135 allows access to the inner housing 12, which is inserted into the outer housing 13, from outside the outer housing 13. This allows screws (restriction mechanisms) 6 to be installed in the screw holes (installation portions) 126 provided on the circumference of the inner housing from outside the outer housing 13. Screws 6 can be commercially available screws. When screws 6 are installed in screw holes 126, the heads 6a of screws 6 protrude radially beyond the inner housing 12. As a result, when the inner housing 12 floats within the outer housing 13, the heads 6a collide with the inner walls of the through-holes 135 of the outer housing 13, thereby restricting the movement of the inner housing 12 relative to the outer housing 13. More specifically, this collision restricts, for example, the movement of the inner housing 12 relative to the outer housing 13 in the circumferential direction (K) and the movement of the optical fiber 100 in the axial direction (α). As described above, since lens 305 is not necessarily fixed relative to lens sleeve 307, there is a possibility of misalignment between lens 305 and ferrule 301. Furthermore, there is a concern that misalignment may occur between optical fiber unit 300 housed in housing holes 121 and 122 and inner housing 12. However, by fixing the position of the optical fiber core in a manner that restricts movement of inner housing 12 relative to outer housing 13, particularly in the circumferential direction (K), the problem of insertion loss caused by core eccentricity can be resolved or reduced. When screw 6 is installed in screw hole 126, the angle of inner housing 12 relative to outer housing 13 is adjusted as follows: inner housing 12, with optical fiber 100 (optical fiber unit 300) installed, is rotated relative to outer housing 13 to position the core in a position that minimizes insertion loss. In other words, inner housing 12 is positioned relative to outer housing 13 in a position that minimizes insertion loss, and screw 6 is then installed in screw hole 126 to maintain the adjusted angle.

[0057] It is preferred that a plurality of screw holes 126 are provided. This allows the angle adjustment of the inner housing 12 relative to the outer housing 13 to be performed more finely. On the other hand, only one through hole 135 may be provided as shown in the present embodiment, but a plurality of through holes 135 may also be provided in the same manner as the screw holes 126. By providing a plurality of through holes 135, it is possible to make these through holes 135 collide with the plurality of screws mounted on the screw holes 126 at a plurality of positions, thereby dispersing the force during the collision. These screw holes 126 and through holes 135 are preferably arranged in a state of being separated from each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (K). In addition, they are preferably arranged in pairs at opposing positions in the circumferential section. By having such a configuration, the angle adjustment based on the screw holes 126 becomes easy. In addition, the force during the collision between the through holes 135 and the screws can also be dispersed more evenly. In the present embodiment, a total of four screw holes 126a to d are provided in a state of being separated from each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (K) and at opposing positions.

[0058] In order to insert the inner housing 12 into the outer housing 13 and to hold other components, the outer housing 13 is provided with a cylindrical receiving hole 130 and a receiving hole 133 having a larger diameter than the receiving hole 130 along the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100. Other components include, for example, a biasing mechanism such as a coil spring 16 for biasing the inserted inner housing 12, an elastic stopper 17 for fixing the biasing mechanism to the outer housing 13, and a washer 17a provided with the elastic stopper 17.

[0059] The inner housing 12, coil spring 16, washer 17a, and elastic stopper 17 are sequentially received in the receiving holes 130 and 133. The elastic stopper 17, which is received last, is elastically engaged with the stepped portion 133c of the receiving hole 133 by means of the radially extending arms 15a, thereby supporting and securing the inner housing 12, which is previously received in the receiving hole 130.

[0060] Coil spring 16 housed within inner housing 12 abuts middle portion 12B of inner housing 12 in the axial direction (α) of optical fiber 100, biasing inner housing 12 toward the connection direction. Middle portion 12B includes an annular flange 129 (third annular flange) on the opposite side of annular flange 127 from the connection direction between receptacle connector 10 and plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of optical fiber 100. This flange 129 abuts against coil spring 16, biasing inner housing 12 toward the connection direction. As a result, annular flange 127, located opposite annular flange 129, is in constant elastic contact with annular flange 131a of outer housing 13. This abutment maintains proper alignment between inner housing 12 and outer housing 13, ensuring proper alignment of optical fiber 100 along the connection direction (α). In order to properly adjust the inner housing 12 and the outer housing 13, the contact surfaces (β-γ planes) formed by the contact surface 127a of the annular flange 127 and the annular flange 131a are set at an appropriate angle relative to the connection direction (α). For example, in this embodiment, similar to the contact portion 125a provided on the front end portion 12A of the inner housing 12, both are formed perpendicular to the connection direction (α) and are therefore set at 90 degrees.

[0061] By setting the angles of the abutment portion 125a provided on the front end portion 12A of the inner housing 12, the abutment surface 127a of the annular flange 127, and the annular flange 131a (abutment surface) to be the same, the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 can be properly abutted solely by the abutment portion 125a. This allows the inner housing 12 and the outer housing 13 to be properly aligned, resulting in the optical fibers 100 being properly aligned along the connection direction (α). Consequently, this configuration can particularly address or reduce the problem of insertion loss caused by axial misalignment between the optical fiber cores. Furthermore, this configuration employs a structure in which the inner housing 12 is constantly pressed against the outer housing 13 by the elastic action of the coil spring 16. This maintains a constant distance and orientation between the inner housing 12 and the outer housing 13, effectively addressing or reducing the problem of insertion loss caused by variations in the gap between the optical fibers.

[0062] Reference Figures 8 to 11 The plug connector 20 will be described.

[0063] The plug connector 20 includes a connector housing 22. Unlike the receptacle connector 10, the connector housing 22 is composed of only one housing. Like the receptacle connector 10, the connector housing 22 may include an inner housing and an outer housing, and may have the same structure as the receptacle connector 10.

[0064] Plug connector 20 can also be used while being fixed to a predetermined component 45. In the embodiment, plug connector 20 is fixed to component 45 by tightening nut 29 while component 45 is sandwiched between an annular locking portion 225e provided on the front side of connector housing 22 and nut 29 provided around the main body of connector housing 22. A gasket 227 may be provided in the gap between connector housing 22 and component 45 for waterproofing, dustproofing, and the like.

[0065] The connector housing 22 is a cylindrical hollow body extending along the "axial direction" of the optical fiber 200. The "axial direction" of the optical fiber 200 does not necessarily always coincide with the "connection direction" (α) between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20, or the "axial direction" (α) of the optical fiber 100. However, in this embodiment, the "axial direction" of the optical fiber 200 coincides with the "connection direction" and the "axial direction" of the optical fiber 200, and is aligned along the "α" direction.

[0066] An annular abutment portion 225a is provided on the front end side of the connector housing 22, in other words, on the connection side of the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 200. The abutment portion 225a is capable of annularly abutting (surface-contacting) with the abutment portion 125a of the receptacle connector 10 when the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 are connected. The abutment portion 225a is formed at a position slightly retracted from the front end portion (front end surface 225d) of the connector housing 22 toward the side opposite to the connection side of the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20. In order for the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 to abut in an appropriate posture, the abutment surface (β-γ surface) formed by the abutment portion 225a is formed at an appropriate angle relative to the connection direction (α). In the present embodiment, it is formed perpendicular to the connection direction (α).

[0067] A conical convex surface 225b is provided on the distal end, further from the abutment portion 225a, on the connection side between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 200. When the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 are connected, the convex surface 225b is guided along the concave surface 125b in the space formed by the concave surface 125b of the receptacle connector 10. This further stabilizes the connection between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20.

[0068] A curved surface 225c is provided between the abutment portion 225a and the convex surface 225b. Curved surface 225c extends horizontally from the abutment portion 125a toward the connection side of the receptacle connector 10 and plug connector 20 along the connection direction (α), and curves in a cross-sectional direction (β-γ) perpendicular to the connection direction (α). When the receptacle connector 10 and plug connector 20 are connected, the curved surface 225c cooperates with the curved surface 125c of the receptacle connector 10 to correct the position of the receptacle connector 10 and plug connector 20.

[0069] The middle portion has screw holes (mounting portions) 226 (226a-d) on its circumference. Screws (restriction mechanisms) 7 can be radially mounted in screw holes 226. Commercially available screws can be used for screws 7. When screws 7 are mounted in screw holes 226, the heads 7a of the screws 7 protrude radially beyond the connector housing 22, thereby restricting the movement of the connector housing 22 relative to the component 45.

[0070] Components held by the connector housing 22 include, for example, an optical fiber unit 400 to which the optical fiber 100 is mounted. Furthermore, to protect the distal end of the optical fiber unit 400, there is a transparent cover 220b provided on the connecting side of the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 200, an accompanying annular buffer member 220a, and a gasket 220c for purposes such as waterproofing and dustproofing. Furthermore, to elastically support the optical fiber unit 400 within the connector housing 22, there is a biasing mechanism, such as a coil spring 24, provided on the side of the optical fiber 100 in the axial direction (α) opposite to the connecting side of the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20, and an elastic stopper 25 for securing the biasing mechanism relative to the connector housing 22.

[0071] The optical fiber unit 400 has the same structure as the optical fiber unit 300, and includes a ferrule 401, a cylindrical lens 405, and a lens sleeve 407 having a ferrule insertion port 407a that can accommodate the distal end 401a of the ferrule 401 and the lens 405. Furthermore, the optical fiber 200 has the same structure as the optical fiber 100, and includes an optical cable 202, a fiber core 204, and an optical fiber 206.

[0072] The transparent cover 220b, buffer component 220a, and gasket 220c are arranged on the front end side of the connector housing 22. A small-diameter circular recess 220 is provided on the front end side to accommodate and secure these components, recessed along the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 200. Meanwhile, the optical fiber unit 400 is arranged in the connector housing 22 along the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 200, having fully penetrated the front end, middle portion, and rear end of the connector housing 22. To accommodate and secure the front end side of the optical fiber unit 400, relatively small-diameter cylindrical receiving holes 221 and 222 are provided in the connector housing 22 along the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 200. Furthermore, relatively large-diameter cylindrical receiving holes 223 and 224 are provided along the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 200, respectively, to accommodate the rear end side of the optical fiber unit 400, along with the coil spring 24 and elastic stopper 25.

[0073] The receiving holes 221 and 222 form stepped portions with a smaller diameter toward the connection side between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 200 . As a result, the optical fiber unit 400 can be smoothly inserted and installed in the connector housing 22 .

[0074] Receiving holes 223 and 224 also form a stepped portion with a smaller diameter toward the connecting side of receptacle connector 10 and plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of optical fiber 200, ensuring smooth insertion and installation. The rear end of optical fiber unit 400, along with coil spring 24 and elastic stopper 25, are sequentially inserted and installed in connector housing 22. Receiving hole 224 further includes a small-diameter annular portion 224b with a relatively small diameter in the axial direction (α) of optical fiber 200, and two relatively large-diameter annular portions 224a and 224c arranged to sandwich small-diameter annular portion 224b. Elastic stopper 25 is then installed to support and secure the optical fiber unit 400 and coil spring 24, which are first received in receiving hole 224. Elastic stopper 25 is elastically secured to annular portion 224c, located at the bottom of the stepped portion formed by small-diameter annular portion 224b, by a plurality of radially extending arms 25a.

[0075] A radially protruding flange member 402 is provided on the circumference of the ferrule 401 of the optical fiber unit 400. The flange member 402 cooperates with the coil spring 24 to bias the ferrule 401, which is received and secured in the receiving holes 221 and 222, toward the connection side between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 200. More specifically, when the optical fiber unit 400 is received and secured in the receiving holes 221 and 222, the abutting surface 402a of the flange member 402 abuts against the corresponding abutting surface 223a formed within the receiving hole 221 on the connection side between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 200, while being biased by the coil spring 24. This biases the ferrule 401 toward the connection side between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20. In order to correctly align the optical fibers 200 along the connection direction (α), the contact surface 402a of the flange member 402 and the corresponding contact surface 223a formed within the receiving hole 221 are set at an appropriate angle relative to the connection direction (α). For example, in this embodiment, the contact portion 225a provided at the front end of the connector housing 22 is formed perpendicular to the connection direction (α) and is therefore set at 90 degrees.

[0076] A recess 41 for accommodating the head 7a of the screw 7 is provided on one wall surface of the component 45, specifically, on the wall surface on the side opposite to the connection side between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 in the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100. When the screw (restriction mechanism) 7 is installed in the screw hole 2 (mounting portion) 26, the head 7a protrudes radially beyond the connector housing 22. As a result, even if the connector housing 22 moves within the recess 41, the head 7a collides with the inner wall of the recess 41 of the component 45, thereby restricting the movement of the connector housing 22 relative to the component 45. More specifically, this collision can restrict, for example, the movement of the connector housing 22 in the circumferential direction (K) relative to the component 45, and can also restrict the movement of the optical fiber 200 in the axial direction (α). Like lens 305, lens 405 is not necessarily fixed relative to lens sleeve 407. Therefore, there is a possibility of misalignment between lens 405 and ferrule 401. Furthermore, there is a concern that misalignment may occur between optical fiber unit 400 housed in housing holes 221 and 222 and connector housing 22. However, by fixing the position of the optical fiber core in a manner that restricts movement of connector housing 22 relative to component 45, particularly in the circumferential direction (K), the insertion loss caused by core eccentricity can be resolved or reduced. When screw 7 is installed in screw hole 226, the angle of connector housing 22 relative to component 45 is adjusted by rotating connector housing 22, with optical fiber 200 (optical fiber unit 400) mounted thereon, relative to component 45 to position the core in a position that minimizes insertion loss. In other words, connector housing 22 is positioned relative to component 45 in a position that minimizes insertion loss, and screw 7 is then installed in screw hole 226 to maintain the adjusted angle.

[0077] It is preferred that a plurality of screw holes 226 are provided. This allows the angle adjustment of the connector housing 22 relative to the component 45 to be performed more finely. On the other hand, as shown in the present embodiment, only one recess 41 may be provided, but a plurality of recesses 41 may also be provided in the same manner as the screw holes 226. By providing a plurality of recesses 41, it is possible to cause these recesses 41 to collide with the plurality of screws mounted on the screw holes 226 at multiple locations, thereby dispersing the force during the collision. These screw holes 226 and recesses 41 are preferably arranged in a state of being separated from each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (K). In addition, they are preferably arranged in pairs at opposing positions in the circumferential section. By forming such a configuration, the angle adjustment based on the screw holes 226 becomes easy. In addition, the force during the collision between the recesses 41 and the screws can also be dispersed more evenly. In the present embodiment, a total of four screw holes 226a to d are provided in a state of being separated from each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (K) and at opposing positions.

[0078] Refer again Figure 3 , the connection process between the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 will be described.

[0079] During connection, the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 are brought together along the connection direction (α) with their respective connection sides (front ends) facing each other. At this point, the front end surface 225d and the convex surface 225b of the connector housing 22 of the plug connector 20 are inserted into the space formed by the concave surface 125b of the inner housing 12 of the receptacle connector 10, guided by the concave surface 125b. As a result, the relative positions of the receptacle connector 10 and the plug connector 20 are corrected.

[0080] Before the abutment portion 125a of the internal shell 12 is about to abut against the abutment portion 225a of the connector shell 22, the postures of the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 are corrected to be along the connection direction (α) by the action of the curved surface 125c of the internal shell 12 extending horizontally along the connection direction (α) and the curved surface 225c of the connector shell 22.

[0081] When the contact portion 125a of the inner housing 12 is in surface contact with the contact portion 225a of the connector housing 22, that is, when Figure 3 In the illustrated position, the convex surface 225b and curved surface 225c of the plug connector 20 are completely recessed within the space formed by the concave surface 125b of the receptacle connector 10. Furthermore, at this time, the front end 225d of the plug connector 20 faces the deepest portion of the concave surface 125b of the receptacle connector 10, i.e., the optical connection portion. Furthermore, the inclination angle (θ2) of the inclined surface of the convex surface 225b relative to the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 200 is set to be greater than the inclination angle (θ1) of the inclined surface of the concave surface 125b relative to the axial direction (α) of the optical fiber 100. This prevents the concave surface 125b of the receptacle connector 10 from colliding with the convex surface 225b of the plug connector 20.

[0082] Furthermore, at this time, the optical fiber 100 provided in the optical fiber unit 300 of the receptacle connector 10 and the optical fiber 200 provided in the optical fiber unit 400 of the plug connector 20 are correctly aligned with each other in the connection direction (α). As described above, the abutting surface formed by the abutting portion 125a of the inner housing 12 and the abutting surface formed by the abutting portion 225a of the connector housing 22 (β-γ surface), as well as the abutting surface 127a of the annular flange 127 in the receptacle connector 10 and the abutting surface (β-γ surface) formed by the annular flange 131a (β-γ surface) are each formed at an appropriate angle with respect to the connection direction (α). Furthermore, the annular flange 127 and the annular flange 131a in the receptacle connector 10 are always in elastic contact, so the inner housing 12 and the outer housing 13 are adjusted to an appropriate posture, resulting in the optical fibers 100 and 200 being correctly aligned along the connection direction (α).

[0083] Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 An example of how the optical connector device 1 is used is shown. Here, the receptacle connector 10 of the optical connector device 1 is provided in the first device 3, and the plug connector 20 is provided in the second device 4. These first device 3 and second device 4 are used in pair.

[0084] The first device 3 is a set-type component whose outer shell is formed by a relatively large rectangular frame 35. One surface of the frame 35 has a recess 31 (first recess) for receiving the second device 4. An abutment portion 125a of the inner housing 12 of the receptacle connector 10 is provided on the bottom surface 31a of the recess 31 in the connection direction (α) between the first device 3 and the second device 4. This abutment portion 125a is arranged to be connectable with the second device 4 inserted into the recess 31.

[0085] On the other hand, the second device 4 is formed as a relatively small component that is installed at the front end of the optical cable 202 and can be freely carried. As a whole, it has a flat and cylindrical frame 45. The second device 4 itself forms a convex portion (second convex portion) that fits into the recess 31 provided in the first device 3. A contact portion 225a of the connector housing 22 of the plug connector 20 is provided on one surface (top surface) 41a of the second device 4. When the second device 4 is embedded in the recess 31, it can be placed inside the recess 31, so that it is not visible to the user, according to the reference Figures 1 to 11 The described method accurately connects the abutment portion 125a provided on the first device 3 and the abutment portion 225a provided on the second device 4. This allows the optical fiber 100 provided in the optical fiber unit 300 of the first device 3 and the optical fiber 200 provided in the optical fiber unit 400 of the second device 4 to be accurately connected in the connection direction (α). Alternatively, a configuration can be employed in which a locking portion 33 is provided on the first device 3 and a corresponding locking portion 43 is provided on the second device 4 to maintain the connection between the first device 3 and the second device 4.

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various other modifications are possible. Figure 12 、 Figure 13 In the embodiment shown, the receptacle connector 10 of the optical connector device 1 may be provided in the second device 4, and the plug connector 20 may be provided in the first device 3. In addition, the size and shape of the first device 3 and the second device 4 may be reversed.

[0087] It should be understood that the above description relates to preferred embodiments and merely represents the article and method of making the article. It is apparent that those skilled in the art will be able to make variations and modifications to various embodiments based on the above teachings. Therefore, the illustrated embodiments and alternative embodiments may be implemented without departing from the spirit of the article as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical connector device, comprising a pair of connectors, a first connector and a second connector, wherein the optical connector device is characterized in that: When the first connector is connected to the second connector, a first optical fiber provided in the first connector and a second optical fiber provided in the second connector are optically connected to each other in a butt-jointed manner in a connection direction between the first connector and the second connector. The first connector comprises an inner shell and an outer shell, The inner housing is configured to hold the first optical fiber unit having the first optical fiber installed therein along the axial direction of the first optical fiber. The inner housing is held on the outer housing in a floating manner in the axial direction and in a plane direction perpendicular to the axial direction, The second connector comprises a connector housing, The inner housing has a first abutment portion on the connection side of the first connector and the second connector in the axial direction of the first optical fiber. The connector housing has a second abutment portion on the connection side between the first connector and the second connector in the axial direction of the second optical fiber. When the first connector is connected to the second connector, the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion are in surface contact, and the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are arranged along the connection direction.

2. The optical connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer housing has a first through hole through which one end of the inner housing inserted into the outer housing loosely passes, and at least a portion of the one end of the inner housing is led out to the outside of the outer housing through the first through hole.

3. The optical connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first contact portion and the second contact portion each form an annular contact surface.

4. The optical connector device according to claim 1, wherein: The abutting surface formed by the first abutting portion and the abutting surface formed by the second abutting portion are respectively orthogonal to the connecting direction.

5. The optical connector device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inner housing has a conical concave surface that tapers toward the opposite end at a position on the opposite side of the first connector and the second connector in the axial direction of the first optical fiber relative to the first abutment portion. The connector housing has a conical convex surface that tapers toward the connection side end at a position on the connection side of the first connector and the second connector in the axial direction of the second optical fiber relative to the second abutment portion. When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the first connector and the second connector are connected while the convex surface is guided by the concave surface.

6. The optical connector device according to claim 5, characterized in that: An inclination angle of the slope of the convex surface relative to the axial direction of the second optical fiber is greater than an inclination angle of the slope of the concave surface relative to the axial direction of the first optical fiber.

7. The optical connector device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner housing has a first curved surface, the first curved surface horizontally extending along the connection direction toward the opposite side of the connection side of the first connector and the second connector from the first abutting portion as a starting point, and curved in a cross-sectional direction orthogonal to the connection direction. The connector housing has a second curved surface, the second curved surface horizontally extending along the connection direction toward the connection side of the first connector and the second connector from the second abutting portion as a starting point, and curved in a cross-sectional direction orthogonal to the connection direction. When the first connector is connected to the second connector, the first curved surface cooperates with the second curved surface to correct the postures of the first connector and the second connector.

8. The optical connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first optical fiber unit includes: a first ferrule capable of mounting the first optical fiber; and a first lens sleeve having a first lens on a connection side of the first connector and the second connector in the axial direction of the first optical fiber, and a first ferrule insertion port for inserting the first ferrule on a side opposite to the connection side. The second optical fiber unit includes: a second ferrule capable of installing the second optical fiber; and a second lens sleeve, the second lens sleeve having a second lens on the connecting side of the first connector and the second connector in the axial direction of the second optical fiber, and a second ferrule insertion port for inserting the second ferrule on the opposite side of the connecting side.

9. The optical connector device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first flange member protruding in the radial direction is provided on the circumferential surface of the first ferrule. When the first optical fiber unit is accommodated in the first receiving hole of the internal shell, the abutment surface of the first flange component abuts against the corresponding abutment surface formed inside the first receiving hole at the connection side of the first connector and the second connector in the axial direction of the first optical fiber, in a state where it is forced by a second force-applying mechanism, so that the first optical fiber is arranged in the connection direction.

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