Auxiliary tool and connector with auxiliary tool

Abstract

An auxiliary tool (1) is provided with: a first housing (10) having: a first opening (11) through which a plurality of connectors (100) protrude toward an adapter (3); and a second opening (12) facing the second housing, the second housing having a plurality of pressing parts (22a-25a) for pressing the plurality of connectors, and a plurality of release parts (14a-14d) provided inside the first housing, the plurality of release parts (14a-14d) being respectively in contact with the plurality of connectors when the first housing is separated from the adapter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an auxiliary tool and a connector with the auxiliary tool.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-210274 filed in Japan on December 27, 2022, and International Application No. PCT / JP2023 / 033330 filed on September 13, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, connectors in data centers have been miniaturized and denser. With this in mind, there's a desire to improve efficiency when connecting or disconnecting multiple connectors by operating them simultaneously. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure capable of disconnecting four connectors simultaneously.

[0004] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 285806

[0005] In the structure of Patent Document 1, multiple connectors can be disconnected at once, but cannot be connected at once. Therefore, in order to connect them at once, different tools need to be prepared, for example. Preparing different tools for connection and disconnection reduces work efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary tool and a connector with an auxiliary tool that can connect and disconnect a plurality of connectors at once.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, method 1 of the present invention is an auxiliary tool for connecting multiple connectors with optical fibers to an adapter, wherein the tool comprises: a first shell; and a second shell, the first shell having: a first opening for making the multiple connectors protrude toward the adapter; and a second opening facing the second shell, the second shell having multiple pressing parts, the multiple pressing parts pressing the multiple connectors, and multiple releasing parts are provided inside the first shell, the multiple releasing parts respectively abutting against the multiple connectors when the first shell is separated from the adapter.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is the auxiliary tool according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of pressing portions of the second housing are configured to enter the interior of the first housing from the second opening to press the plurality of connectors.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is the assisting tool according to the first or second aspect, wherein positions of the plurality of pressing portions are different from each other in an arrangement direction in which the first housing and the second housing are arranged.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the assisting tool according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein positions of the plurality of release portions are different from each other in an arrangement direction of the first housing and the second housing.

[0011] Mode 5 of the present invention is completed on the basis of the auxiliary tool involved in any one of modes 1 to 4, and the above-mentioned first shell has: a contact surface, which contacts the above-mentioned multiple pressing parts when the above-mentioned multiple pressing parts press the above-mentioned multiple connectors; and a plurality of avoidance holes, which are arranged on the above-mentioned contact surface, for the above-mentioned multiple pressing parts to enter after the above-mentioned multiple pressing parts connect the above-mentioned multiple connectors with the above-mentioned adapter.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the assisting tool according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, and includes a handle attached to the first housing.

[0013] The connector with auxiliary tool involved in mode 7 of the present invention comprises: the auxiliary tool involved in any one of modes 1 to 6; and the above-mentioned multiple connectors, which are inserted into the inner sides of the above-mentioned first shell and the above-mentioned second shell, and the above-mentioned multiple connectors respectively have: multiple optical fibers; a core having multiple optical fiber holes for inserting the above-mentioned multiple optical fibers; a shell that holds the above-mentioned core; a snap-fit protrusion that snaps into the snap-fit hole of the above-mentioned adapter; and a protective cover located at the end of the above-mentioned connector on the opposite side of the above-mentioned core.

[0014] Mode 8 of the present invention is completed on the basis of the connector with auxiliary tools involved in Mode 7, and in the arrangement direction of the above-mentioned first shell and the above-mentioned second shell, the distance from the above-mentioned first opening to the above-mentioned second opening is shorter than the distance from the connection end face of the above-mentioned core to the rear end of the above-mentioned protective cover.

[0015] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the connector with an auxiliary tool according to the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the second housing is movable away from the first housing until the protective cover is exposed.

[0016] Mode 10 of the present invention is completed on the basis of the connector with auxiliary tools involved in any one of modes 7 to 9, the above-mentioned protective cover has a contact piece, the above-mentioned contact piece protrudes downward from the lower end of the above-mentioned protective cover and extends toward the base end side, and the above-mentioned multiple pressing portions of the above-mentioned second shell are configured to press the above-mentioned protective cover toward the front end side by abutting against the above-mentioned contact piece.

[0017] Aspect 11 of the present invention is the connector with an auxiliary tool according to aspect 10, wherein each of the plurality of pressing portions is provided with two protrusions, and the protrusions protrude upward from the lower end portion of the second housing.

[0018] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an auxiliary tool and a connector with an auxiliary tool that can collectively connect and disconnect a plurality of connectors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a plan view of the connector with an auxiliary tool according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It is omitted Figure 1 A perspective view of the first housing in the connector with auxiliary tools.

[0021] Figure 3 It is omitted Figure 1 A side view of the first housing of the connector with auxiliary tools.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Section IV-IV of FIG.

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the second shell.

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the first shell.

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 VII-VII section view.

[0026] Figure 8 Observed from the bottom Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a connector with auxiliary tools.

[0027] Figure 9 Is to use Figure 1 A diagram showing a situation where a plurality of connectors are connected to an adapter as an auxiliary tool.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a state in which one of a plurality of connectors connected to an adapter is disconnected.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a state where a plurality of connectors are collectively connected to an adapter using the assisting tool according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a state where a plurality of connectors are collectively connected to an adapter using the assisting tool according to the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 13This is a diagram showing a state where a plurality of connectors are collectively connected to an adapter using the assisting tool according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a state where a plurality of connectors are collectively connected to an adapter using the assisting tool according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a state where a plurality of connectors are collectively connected to an adapter using the assisting tool according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing a state where a plurality of connectors are collectively connected to an adapter using the assisting tool according to the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 17 yes Figure 11 A perspective view of the first shell.

[0036] Figure 18 yes Figure 11 A perspective view of the second shell.

[0037] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 VV section view.

[0038] Figure 20 Yes Figure 11 A perspective view of a portion of an optical connector.

[0039] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the periphery of the pressing portion immediately before the pressing portion presses the connector according to the present embodiment.

[0040] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the periphery of the pressing portion when the pressing portion according to the present embodiment presses the connector.

[0041] Figure 23 It means continuing Figure 22 The state afterward.

[0042] Figure 24 yes Figure 19 Stereoscopic image.

[0043] Figure 25 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of removing the connector with an auxiliary tool according to this embodiment from the adapter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Hereinafter, an assist tool and a connector with an assist tool according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0045] like Figure 1As shown, the connector 2 with auxiliary tool includes an auxiliary tool 1 and a plurality of connectors 100. The auxiliary tool 1 includes a first housing 10, a second housing 20, and a handle 30. In addition, the auxiliary tool 1 may not include the handle 30. The auxiliary tool 1 is configured to be able to connect the plurality of connectors 100 to the adapter 3 (see FIG. Figure 9 ) are connected and disconnected at once. A patch panel (not shown) equipped in a data center or the like often has a large number of adapters 3 arranged densely.

[0046] Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is omitted Figure 1 FIG. 10 of the first housing 10 in the connector 2 with auxiliary tools. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each connector 100 has a plug 110, a shell 120, a snap-fit protrusion 131 and a protective cover 140. The connector 100 of this embodiment is a male connector and has two positioning pins 102. These positioning pins 102 are inserted into the positioning holes of the plug of the female connector (not shown) inside the adapter 3. As a result, the two connectors are aligned to positions opposite to each other. In addition, the multiple connectors 100 provided by the connector 2 with auxiliary tools can also be female connectors. That is, the connector 100 may not have the positioning pins 102.

[0047] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 IV-IV section view. Figure 4 As shown, the connector 100 has a plurality of optical fibers 101. The ferrule 110 has a plurality of optical fiber holes 111. The optical fibers 101 are inserted through these optical fiber holes 111. The optical fibers 101 have a glass portion and a cladding layer covering the glass portion. Figure 4 In the example shown, the glass portion is inserted through the optical fiber hole 111. A biasing member 113 is disposed within the housing 120 to apply force to the ferrule 110. The biasing member 113 is, for example, a coil spring. The ferrule 110 has a connecting end face 112 where the optical fiber 101 is exposed. The force of the biasing member 113 causes the connecting end face 112 to abut against the connecting end face of another connector within the adapter 3. This optically connects the two connectors.

[0048] (Direction definition)

[0049] In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 101 is simply referred to as the longitudinal direction Z. The longitudinal direction Z also coincides with the arrangement direction of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20. A direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z is referred to as the first direction X or the vertical direction X. The direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction Z and the first direction X is referred to as the second direction Y or the horizontal direction Y. The direction in which the force-applying member 113 applies force to the ferrule 110 along the longitudinal direction Z is referred to as the +Z direction, the front, or the front end side. The direction opposite to the +Z direction is referred to as the -Z direction, the rear, or the base end side. A direction along the first direction X is referred to as the +X direction or the upper side. The direction opposite to the +X direction is referred to as the -X direction or the lower side. A direction along the second direction Y is referred to as the +Y direction or the left side. The direction opposite to the +Y direction is referred to as the -Y direction or the right side. However, the vertical direction X does not necessarily coincide with the vertical direction. Observation from the vertical direction X is referred to as a top view, and observation from the horizontal direction Y is referred to as a side view.

[0050] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown, the second shell 20 has a second main body 21 and a plurality of pressing pieces 22 to 25. The second main body 21 is a cylindrical shape with a rectangular cross-section extending along the longitudinal direction Z. A plurality of connectors 100 are inserted into the inner side of the second main body 21. The pressing pieces 22 to 25 protrude from the upper end portion (the end portion on the +X side) of the second main body 21 to the front end side (the +Z side). The number of pressing pieces 22 to 25 is equal to the number of connectors 100 possessed by the connector 2 with auxiliary tools. In this embodiment, the number of pressing pieces 22 to 25 and the number of connectors 100 are four respectively. However, the number of pressing pieces 22 to 25 and the number of connectors 100 can be changed as long as it is two or more. Hereinafter, the four pressing pieces are sometimes referred to as the first pressing piece 22, the second pressing piece 23, the third pressing piece 24, and the fourth pressing piece 25, respectively.

[0051] The pressing pieces 22 to 25 are arranged in the left-right direction Y. A plurality of connectors 100 are also arranged in the left-right direction Y. The pressing pieces 22 to 25 correspond to one connector 100 respectively. A pressing portion 22a to 25a that contacts the corresponding connector 100 is provided at the front end portion (end on the +Z side) of each pressing piece 22 to 25. The pressing portions 22a to 25a are portions that abut against each connector 100 when the auxiliary tool 1 is used to connect a plurality of connectors 100 to the adapter at the same time. Here, the positions of the pressing portions 22a to 25a in the longitudinal direction Z are different from each other. Specifically, the pressing portion 24a of the third pressing piece 24 is located at the position closest to the +Z side, and the pressing portion 23a of the second pressing piece 23 is located at the second position closest to the +Z side. The pressing portion 25a of the fourth pressing piece 25 is located at the third position closest to the +Z side, and the pressing portion 22a of the first pressing piece 22 is located at the fourth position closest to the +Z side. However, the order of arrangement of the pressing portions 22a to 25a in the longitudinal direction Z can be changed.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown in the figures, the protective cover 140 of each connector 100 has a first abutting surface 141 and a second abutting surface 142. Each first abutting surface 141 is opposite to the pressing portion 22a to 25a in the longitudinal direction Z. Each second abutting surface 142 is opposite to the release portion 14a to 14d (described later) in the longitudinal direction Z. When performing the connection operation, the pressing portion 22a to 25a abuts against each first abutting surface 141, so that the connector 100 is pressed toward the adapter 3. In this embodiment, the first abutting surface 141 is inclined in a manner toward the upper side as it moves toward the front end side. In conjunction with the inclination of the first abutting surface 141, the end faces of the pressing portions 22a to 25a are also inclined.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the connector 100 includes an elastic sheet 130. The engaging protrusion 131 is a part of the elastic sheet 130. However, the engaging protrusion 131 may also be a part of other components (housing 120, protective cover 140, etc.) included in the connector 100. The elastic sheet 130 is formed of a leaf spring, for example, and has elasticity. The engaging protrusion 131 has an engaging hole 3c (see FIG. 1 ) included in the adapter 3. Figure 9 ) to engage the connector 100 with the adapter 3. The protective cover 140 includes two parts (protective cover body 140a and movable part 140b). A holding space for holding the elastic piece 130 is formed inside the movable part 140b.

[0054] Although Figure 4 Although not shown in the figure, each optical fiber 101 passes through the interior of the connector 100 and extends from the protective cover 140 toward the base end side (-Z side). Figure 1 、 Figure 4The inner side of the outer sheath 114 is shown. In addition to the plurality of optical fibers 101, a tension member etc. may be arranged inside the outer sheath 114. The outer sheath 114 and the plurality of optical fibers 101 are sometimes collectively referred to as an "optical fiber cord."

[0055] The movable part 140b can be Figure 4 The protective cover body 140a moves in the longitudinal direction Z within the range of the gap G shown. This structure can prevent the force from being directly transmitted to the elastic piece 130 when the optical fiber cord is pulled or bent. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the engaging protrusion 131 from being disengaged from the engaging hole 3c, that is, the engagement between the connector 100 and the adapter 3 from being released.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the second housing 20 has an entry portion 26. The entry portion 26 protrudes from the lower end portion (the end portion on the -X side) of the second main body 21 toward the front end side (+Z side). The entry portion 26 is plate-shaped and extends in the left-right direction Y and the longitudinal direction Z. Figure 4 As shown, the entry portion 26 enters the gap between the first housing 10 and the protective cover 140 within the first housing 10. This fills the gap between the first housing 10 and the protective cover 140 in the vertical direction X. With this structure, a gap is created between the protective cover 140 and the first housing 10 before the second housing 20 is assembled with the first housing 10. This facilitates insertion of the connector 100 into the interior of the first housing 10. Furthermore, after the second housing is assembled with the first housing 10, the gap is filled by the entry portion 26, thereby suppressing relative movement between the first housing 10 and the connector 100.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, two locking recesses 27 and one guide recess 28 are formed in the second body portion 21. The locking recess 27 and the guide recess 28 are formed on the surface of the second body portion 21 facing downward (-X side). The two locking recesses 27 are spaced apart in the left-right direction Y. The guide recess 28 is located between the two locking recesses 27 in the left-right direction Y. The guide recess 28 extends in the longitudinal direction Z. The width of the guide recess 28 in the left-right direction Y increases toward the upward side (+X side).

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, the first housing 10 has a first main body 10a, two locking protrusions 16, a guide protrusion 17 and a pressing piece guide rail 19. The first main body 10a is a cylindrical shape with a rectangular cross section extending along the longitudinal direction Z. The first main body 10a has a first opening 11 toward the front end side and a second opening 12 toward the base end side. Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of connectors 100 protrude from the first opening 11. The second opening 12 faces the second housing 20. Figure 6As shown, the locking protrusion 16 and the guide protrusion 17 protrude from the lower end portion (the end portion on the -X side) of the first main body portion 10a toward the base end side (-Z side). The two locking protrusions 16 are spaced apart in the left-right direction Y. The guide protrusion 17 is located between the two locking protrusions 16 in the left-right direction Y. The guide protrusion 17 extends in the longitudinal direction Z. The width of the guide protrusion 17 in the left-right direction Y increases as it moves toward the upper side (+X side). The pressing piece guide rail 19 limits the intrusion direction of the pressing pieces 22 to 25 of the second shell. Therefore, the pressing pieces 22 to 25 can appropriately apply a pressing force to the connector 100.

[0059] The first body 10a has two side surfaces (the surface facing the +Y side and the surface facing the -Y side) each having a mounting portion 18. Figure 1 、 Figure 9 ) is mounted on the first housing 10 using the mounting portion 18. The handle 30 is U-shaped when viewed from the vertical direction X. The handle 30 is rotatable about the two mounting portions 18. Therefore, the user can rotate the handle 30 relative to the first housing 10 so that the handle 30 is at an angle that is easy to operate.

[0060] Figure 1 The distance D1 shown is the distance in the longitudinal direction Z from the first opening 11 to the second opening 12. In other words, the distance D1 is the dimension of the first main body portion 10a in the longitudinal direction Z. Figure 1 The distance D2 shown is the distance in the longitudinal direction Z from the connection end surface 112 of the ferrule 110 to the rear end (the end on the -Z side) of the protective cover 140. Distance D1 is shorter than distance D2. Therefore, when the connector 100 is inserted into the first housing 10, at least a portion of the ferrule 110 and a portion of the protective cover 140 can be located outside the first housing 10.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, in a state where the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are combined, the guide protrusion 17 enters the inner side of the guide recess 28. In addition, the two locking protrusions 16 enter the two locking recesses 27 respectively. Here, the width of the guide protrusion 17 and the guide recess 28 in the left-right direction Y increases as it goes toward the upper side. Therefore, the guide protrusion 17 is prevented from falling off from the guide recess 28 to the lower side. In other words, the relative positions of the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 in the up-down direction X are determined. In this state, the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 can move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction Z. During relative movement, the guide protrusion 17 and the guide recess 28 slide, and the locking protrusion 16 and the locking recess 27 slide.

[0062] like Figure 5As shown, the two retaining recesses 27 of the second housing 20 have a shape with both ends closed in the longitudinal direction Z. Therefore, if the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are to be moved relative to each other beyond the length of the retaining recesses 27 in the longitudinal direction Z, the retaining protrusion 16 abuts against the ends of the retaining recesses 27. In other words, the retaining protrusion 16 and the retaining recess 27 limit the relative movement of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 in the longitudinal direction Z to a certain range. In this way, the retaining protrusion 16 and the retaining recess 27 have the function of maintaining the state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are combined. However, for example, the retaining protrusion 16 can be elastically deformed downward to release the retaining relative to the retaining recess 27, thereby separating the first housing 10 and the second housing 20.

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, the first housing 10 has the same number of avoidance holes 15 as the connector 100 (four in this embodiment). Each avoidance hole 15 penetrates the upper wall (the upward wall) of the first main body 10a in the vertical direction X. The avoidance holes 15 are spaced apart in the horizontal direction Y. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 VII-VII section view. Figure 7 As shown, the same number of release portions 14a to 14d as the number of connectors 100 (four in this embodiment) are formed (provided) inside the first main body 10a. The release portions 14a to 14d have the function of releasing the connection of the connector 100 relative to the adapter 3. Each release portion 14a to 14d is a surface facing the base end side (-Z side). Each release portion 14a to 14d is arranged at intervals in the left-right direction Y. Each release portion 14a to 14d corresponds to one connector 100. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned release portions may sometimes be referred to as the first release portion 14a, the second release portion 14b, the third release portion 14c, and the fourth release portion 14d.

[0064] The release portions 14a to 14d are located closer to the front end side (+Z side) than the avoidance hole 15. The positions of the release portions 14a to 14d in the length direction Z are different from each other. Specifically, the first release portion 14a is located at the position closest to the -Z side, and the fourth release portion 14d is located at the second position closest to the -Z side. The second release portion 14b is located at the third position closest to the -Z side, and the third release portion 14c is located at the fourth position closest to the -Z side. However, the order of the configuration of the release portions 14a to 14d in the length direction Z can be changed. Figure 4, a longitudinal section (a section along the vertical direction X and the longitudinal direction Z) including the second release portion 14b is shown. Although not shown in the figure, the longitudinal sections corresponding to the release portions 14a-14d are identical, except for the different positions of the release portions 14a-14d and the pressing portions 22a-25a in the longitudinal direction Z. The first main body 10a has a downward-facing contact surface 13. The contact surface 13 is located inside the first main body 10a and contacts the pressing portions 22a-25a during the connection operation.

[0065] Next, use Figure 9 、 Figure 10 The functions of the auxiliary tool 1 and the connector 2 with the auxiliary tool constructed as described above will be described. Figure 9 、 Figure 10 Only one adapter 3 is shown in FIG, but in an actual data center, a large number of adapters 3 are densely arranged on the patch panel. Figure 9 、 Figure 10 Although the connector on the counterpart side is not shown, the connector on the counterpart side can also be connected to the adapter 3 through the second insertion port 3b.

[0066] <Connection operation>

[0067] When performing a connection operation, Figure 9 As shown, the connector 2 with the auxiliary tool is brought closer to the adapter 3. More specifically, the second shell 20 is held to allow the plurality of connectors 100 to enter the first insertion port 3a of the adapter 3. If the connector 100 enters the first insertion port 3a to a certain extent, the first shell 10 abuts against the adapter 3. If the second shell 20 is further pressed toward the adapter 3, the second shell 20 moves toward the front end side (+Z side) relative to the first shell 10. At this time, the guide protrusion 17 and the guide recess 28 slide, and the relative movement of the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 is guided (refer to Figures 5 to 7 ).

[0068] As the second shell 20 and the first shell 10 move relative to each other, the pressing pieces 22 to 25 enter the first main body 10a toward the front end. At this time, the third pressing portion 24a, which is located closest to the front end among the multiple pressing portions 22a to 25a, is the first to abut against the first abutting surface 141 of the connector 100. At this moment, the first pressing portion 22a, the second pressing portion 23a, and the fourth pressing portion 25a are away from the first abutting surface 141 of each connector 100. That is, only one third pressing portion 24a presses the connector 100 toward the front end. At this time, the pressing piece guide 19 of the first shell 10 limits the sliding direction of the pressing pieces 22 to 25 to one direction (pressing direction), thereby suppressing the dispersion of the pressing force. The operating force applied by the user is roughly the same as the force when pressing one connector 100 into the adapter 3.

[0069] The first abutting surface 141 is inclined, so that during the connection operation, a component force is applied to the third pressing portion 24a toward the upper side. At this time, the contact surface 13 contacts the third pressing portion 24a, thereby suppressing the third pressing portion 24a from deforming upward (see Figure 4 ). Therefore, the connector 100 can be reliably pressed toward the front end side by the third pressing portion 24a.

[0070] When the third pressing portion 24a presses the connector 100 a predetermined amount, the engaging protrusion 131 of the connector 100 engages with the engaging hole 3c of the adapter 3. Thus, the connection between the connector 100 and the adapter 3 is completed. Thereafter, the user continues to press the second shell 20 toward the adapter 3. Thus, the second pressing portion 23a located at the second front end side among the plurality of pressing portions 22a to 25a abuts against the first abutting surface 141 of the connector 100. Then, the second pressing portion 23a is pressed into the connector 100, whereby the engaging protrusion 131 engages with the engaging hole 3c.

[0071] Simultaneously with the second pressing portion 23a being pressed into the connector 100, the third pressing portion 24a enters the avoidance hole 15 of the first housing 10. Therefore, even when the second housing 20 is pressed in, the force exerted by the third pressing portion 24a to press into the connector 100 is not generated, or the force exerted by the third pressing portion 24a to press into the connector 100 is reduced. Consequently, the force exerted by the user to press into the second housing 20 is also reduced.

[0072] Thereafter, the fourth pressing portion 25a and the first pressing portion 22a also sequentially press the corresponding connectors 100 toward the front end. That is, by pressing the second housing 20, four connectors 100 can be connected to the adapter 3 at once. Furthermore, assuming that four connectors 100 are connected simultaneously, the required operating force is more than four times that of connecting one connector 100. However, in this embodiment, the plurality of pressing portions 22a to 25a connect the connectors 100 at different times. Therefore, the operating force required for the simultaneous connection operation can be reduced.

[0073] Next, the disconnection operation will be described. The assisting tool 1 of this embodiment can perform both collective disconnection and individual disconnection operations. The collective disconnection operation allows for collective disconnection of multiple connectors 100 from the adapter 3. The individual disconnection operation allows for selective disconnection of one of the multiple connectors 100 from the adapter 3. Each operation will be described below.

[0074] <Unlinking the connection>

[0075] Pull the first shell 10 toward the base end side (-Z side) from the state where multiple connectors 100 are connected to the adapter 3. At this time, the user can hold the first shell 10 or the handle 30. If the first shell 10 moves toward the base end side relative to the adapter 3, the first release portion 14a located closest to the base end side among the multiple release portions 14a to 14d will first abut against the second abutting surface 142 of the corresponding connector 100. The first release portion 14a presses the second abutting surface 142 toward the base end side, thereby applying a force toward the base end side to the connector 100. As a result, the engagement between the engaging protrusion 131 and the engaging hole 3c is disengaged, and the connection of one connector 100 relative to the adapter 3 is released.

[0076] If the first shell 10 moves further toward the base end side, the fourth release portion 14d located at the second position closer to the base end side abuts against the second abutting surface 142 of the corresponding connector 100. Then, the fourth release portion 14d presses the connector 100 toward the base end side, whereby the connection of the connector 100 is released. Thereafter, the remaining connectors 100 are disconnected from the adapter 3 in turn. That is, the four connectors 100 can be disconnected from the adapter 3 at the same time by pulling the first shell 10. In addition, assuming that the four connectors 100 are disconnected at the same time, the required operating force becomes more than four times that of the case of disconnecting one connector 100. However, in this embodiment, the multiple release portions 14a to 14d disconnect each connector 100 at different times. Therefore, the operating force required for the collective disconnection operation is reduced.

[0077] <Individual disconnection operation>

[0078] For example, during maintenance work, it is sometimes necessary to disconnect only some of the multiple connectors 100 from the adapter 3. The method of operating the auxiliary tool 1 in this case will be described. First, the second housing 20 is pulled toward the base end relative to the first housing 10. At this time, the locking protrusion 16 of the first housing 10 abuts against the end of the locking recess 27 of the second housing 20, thereby restricting the movement of the second housing 20 toward the base end. Next, the locking protrusion 16 is elastically deformed downward, for example, to release the locking relative to the locking recess 27. This allows the second housing 20 to move further toward the base end.

[0079] like Figure 1 As shown in , distance D1 is shorter than distance D2. Figure 10As shown, if the second housing 20 is moved sufficiently toward the proximal end, the protective cover 140 of each connector 100 is exposed. Therefore, by grasping the protective cover 140 of any connector 100 and pulling it toward the proximal end, any connector 100 can be disconnected from the adapter 3. In this manner, the assist tool 1 is configured to enable both a collective disconnection operation and an individual disconnection operation.

[0080] As described above, the assisting tool 1 of this embodiment includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 20. The first housing 10 has a first opening 11 through which multiple connectors 100 protrude toward the adapter 3, and a second opening 12 facing the second housing 20. The second housing 20 has multiple pressing portions 22a to 25a. These pressing portions 22a to 25a enter the interior of the first housing 10 through the second opening 12 to press the multiple connectors 100. Multiple release portions 14a to 14d are formed (provided) within the first housing 10. When the first housing 10 is separated from the adapter 3, these release portions 14a to 14d respectively abut against the multiple connectors 100. With this assisting tool 1, by pressing the second housing 20 toward the adapter 3, the multiple pressing portions 22a to 25a press the multiple connectors 100 against the adapter 3. This allows each connector 100 to be connected to the adapter 3. Then, by separating the first housing 10 from the adapter 3, the multiple release portions 14a to 14d press the multiple connectors 100 toward the proximal end side, thereby allowing the connectors 100 to be removed from the adapter 3. In other words, the assisting tool 1 assists both the connection and disconnection operations.

[0081] Furthermore, the positions of the plurality of pressing portions 22a-25a are different from one another in the arrangement direction (longitudinal direction Z) of the first and second housings 10, 20. Therefore, during the connection operation, the timing at which the pressing portions 22a-25a press the connector 100 toward the front end is staggered. As a result, the force exerted by the user when pressing into the second housing 20 can be reduced.

[0082] Furthermore, the positions of the multiple release portions 14a-14d are different from one another in the alignment direction (longitudinal direction Z) of the first and second housings 10, 20. Therefore, during a simultaneous disconnection operation, the timing at which the release portions 14a-14d press the connector 100 toward the proximal end is staggered. As a result, the user's operating force when pulling on the first housing 10 can be reduced.

[0083] In addition, the first housing 10 has a contact surface 13 that contacts the pressing portions 22a to 25a when the pressing portions 22a to 25a press the connectors 100, and a plurality of avoidance holes 15 formed (provided) on the contact surface 13 into which the pressing portions 22a to 25a enter after the pressing portions 22a to 25a connect the connectors 100 to the adapter 3. According to this structure, when the pressing portions 22a to 25a press the connector 100, the contact with the contact surface 13 suppresses deformation of the pressing pieces 22 to 25. Therefore, the pressing portions 22a to 25a can more reliably press the connector 100. Furthermore, after the connector 100 is connected to the adapter 3, the pressing portions 22a to 25a enter the avoidance holes 15, releasing the pressure on the connector 100. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the operating force applied by the user when pressing the second housing 20.

[0084] The auxiliary tool 1 also includes a handle 30 attached to the first housing 10. Therefore, during disconnection, the first housing 10 can be pulled toward the base end by pulling the handle 30. In particular, in data centers and other locations where a large number of connectors 100 are densely packed, it can be difficult to grasp the first housing 10. Even in such situations, the handle 30 allows disconnection without grasping the first housing 10.

[0085] The connector 2 with an auxiliary tool of this embodiment includes an auxiliary tool 1 and multiple connectors 100 inserted into the inside of a first housing 10 and a second housing 20. Each connector 100 includes multiple optical fibers 101; a ferrule 110 having multiple fiber holes 111 through which the multiple optical fibers 101 are inserted; a housing 120 that holds the ferrule 110; an engaging protrusion 131 that engages with the engaging hole 3c of the adapter 3; and a protective cover 140 located at the end of the connector 100 opposite the ferrule 110. With this connector 2 with an auxiliary tool, by grasping the first housing 10 and inserting the multiple connectors 100 into the first insertion port 3a of the adapter 3, the engaging protrusion 131 of each connector 100 can be engaged with the engaging hole 3c. This positions the connector 100 relative to the adapter 3. When the connector to be connected is inserted into the second insertion port 3b of the adapter 3, the connectors are optically connected within the adapter 3.

[0086] Furthermore, in the arrangement direction (longitudinal direction Z) of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, the distance D1 from the first opening 11 to the second opening 12 is shorter than the distance D2 from the connection end surface 112 of the ferrule 110 to the rear end of the protective cover 140. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a state in which at least a portion of the ferrule 110 is located within the adapter 3 and the protective cover 140 is located outside the first housing 10. Furthermore, the second housing 20 can be moved away from the first housing 10 toward the base end until the protective cover 140 is exposed. According to the above structure, by moving the second housing 20 to expose the protective cover 140, the user can grasp the protective cover 140. For example, if only one of the four connectors 100 is to be disconnected, the user need not operate the first housing 10 but only grasp the protective cover 140 and pull it toward the base end. Alternatively, if all four connectors 100 are to be disconnected, the user can simply pull the first housing 10 toward the base end. In this way, the convenience in performing the disconnection operation can be improved.

[0087] In addition, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be added without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0088] For example, in the above embodiment, the number of connectors 100, pressing pieces 22 to 25, release portions 14a to 14d, and avoidance holes 15 is four. However, these numbers can be changed to two, three, or five or more.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the positions of the multiple release portions 14a to 14d in the longitudinal direction Z are different. However, even if the positions of these release portions 14a to 14d in the longitudinal direction Z are the same, the auxiliary tool 1 can still be used to perform a collective connection and collective disconnection operation. Therefore, it is not necessary for the multiple release portions 14a to 14d to be positioned differently in the longitudinal direction Z. Similarly, it is not necessary for the multiple pressing portions 22a to 25a to be positioned differently in the longitudinal direction Z.

[0090] Furthermore, components in the above-described embodiments may be appropriately replaced with known components without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined.

[0091] <Second embodiment>

[0092] Next, an auxiliary tool 1B and a connector with an auxiliary tool 2B according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Components identical to those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. Only the differences between the auxiliary tool 1 and the connector with an auxiliary tool 2 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0093] The assisting tool 1B of the second embodiment differs from the assisting tool 1 of the first embodiment in that the shapes of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are different. Therefore, the mechanism of the connection operation is different from that of the assisting tool 1 of the first embodiment.

[0094] To facilitate understanding, first, an overview of the operation of connecting the plurality of connectors 100 to the adapter 3 using the auxiliary tool 1B will be described.

[0095] Figure 11 The figure shows the state before the connector 2B with the auxiliary tool is brought closer to the adapter 3. At this point, the multiple connectors 100 are covered with caps 300. Caps 300 protect the exposed portions of the multiple connectors 100 and are formed from resin or the like. Furthermore, a protective spacer 301 is provided between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. Protective spacer 301 maintains a constant distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and is formed from resin or the like.

[0096] Figure 12 The figure shows a state where the cap 300 and protective spacer 301 are removed, exposing the multiple connectors 100 and eliminating the protective spacer 301 between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. In the following description, the multiple connectors 100 are referred to as connector 100A, connector 100B, connector 100C, and connector 100D, from the -Y side toward the +Y side. While the example shown shows four connectors 100, the number of connectors 100 is not limited to four.

[0097] Figure 13 Indicates that the second shell is Figure 12 At this time, any one of the pressing portions 222 to 225 provided on the second housing 220, described later, presses the connectors 100 one by one in the +Z direction. As a result, the connectors 100 are moved one by one in the +Z direction, and the engaging protrusions 131 of the connectors 100 enter the engaging holes 3c of the adapter 3, engaging the connectors 100 and the adapter 3. Figure 13 The diagram shows a state in which the connector 100C is engaged with the adapter 3 by the engagement protrusion 131 of the connector 100C entering the engagement hole 3 c of the adapter 3 .

[0098] Figure 14 Indicates that the Figure 13 The state in which the connector 100B further enters the inner side of the engagement hole 3c of the adapter 3 is such that the connector 100B is engaged with the adapter 3.

[0099] Figure 15 Indicates that the Figure 14 The state in which the connector 100A further enters the inner side of the engagement hole 3c of the adapter 3 is such that the connector 100A is engaged with the adapter 3.

[0100] Figure 16 Indicates that the Figure 15 The state further enters the inner side of the engagement hole 3c of the adapter 3, so that the connector 100D is engaged with the adapter 3, and all the connectors 100 are engaged with the adapter 3.

[0101] The following describes in detail the configuration for realizing the above-described operation.

[0102] like Figure 17 As shown, the first housing 210 has a first main body 210a, a first opening 211, a second opening 212, two latching portions 216, and a plurality of latching release portions 217. The first opening 11 faces the front end. A plurality of connectors 100 protrude from the first opening 11 in the +Z direction. The second opening 12 faces the second housing 20. A plurality of latching release portions 217 are provided at the lower end of the first housing 210. The number of latching release portions 217 is the same as the number of connectors 100 mounted on the auxiliary tool 1 (four in this embodiment). The latching release portions 217 extend from the second opening 212 toward the base end. The two latching portions 216 extend from both side surfaces of the first housing 210 (the surfaces facing the +Y side and the -Y side) toward the base end. At the ends of the two latching portions 216 on the -Z direction side, latching protrusions 216a are provided so as to protrude from both side surfaces of the first housing 210 toward the center of the first housing 210.

[0103] like Figure 18 As shown, the second housing 220 includes a second main body 221 and a plurality of pressing portions 222 to 225. The second main body 221 is cylindrical and has a rectangular cross-section, extending in the longitudinal direction Z. A plurality of connectors 100 are inserted through the inner side of the second main body 221. Two guide grooves 221a are formed in the second main body 221. The guide grooves 221a are recessed from both side surfaces of the second main body 221 (the surfaces facing the +Y side and the -Y side) toward the inner side of the second main body 221 in the left-right direction Y. The guide grooves 221a extend linearly from the ends of the second main body 221 in the +Z direction toward the -Z direction. A locking hole 221b is formed on the inner surface of each guide groove 221a. The locking hole 221b penetrates the second main body 221 in the left-right direction Y. The locking hole 221b extends in the longitudinal direction Z inside the guide groove 221a.

[0104] When the first and second housings 210 and 220 are assembled, the locking portion 216 of the first housing 210 enters the guide groove 221a of the second housing 220. Furthermore, the locking protrusion 216a enters the inner side of the locking hole 221b. When the first and second housings 210 and 220 move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction Z, the locking portion 216 and the guide groove 221a slide. The locking protrusion 216a is located within the locking hole 221b, thereby preventing the first housing 210 from moving beyond a specified range toward the front end relative to the second housing 220.

[0105] like Figure 19 As shown, the pressing portion 222 has two protrusions 222a. The pressing portions 223 to 225 also have two protrusions 223a to 225a, respectively. Figure 24 Yes Figure 19 It is a three-dimensional diagram. The protrusions 222a to 225a of the pressing parts 222 to 225 protrude from the lower end portion (the end portion on the -X side) of the second main body portion 221 toward the upper side (+X side). The two protrusions 222a provided on the pressing part 222 are provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction Z. Similarly, the two protrusions 223a provided on the pressing part 223 are also provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction Z, the two protrusions 224a provided on the pressing part 224 are also provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction Z, and the two protrusions 225a provided on the pressing part 225 are also provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction Z. The number of pressing parts 222 to 225 is equal to the number of connectors 100 possessed by the connector 2B with auxiliary tools. In this embodiment, the number of pressing parts 222 to 225 and the number of connectors 100 are four, respectively. Hereinafter, the four pressing portions may be referred to as the first pressing portion 222, the second pressing portion 223, the third pressing portion 224, and the fourth pressing portion 225. The pressing portions 222 to 225 are positioned differently in the longitudinal direction Z. The third pressing portion 224 is located furthest from the distal end. The second pressing portion 223 is located second closest to the distal end, and the first pressing portion 223 is located third closest to the distal end. The fourth pressing portion 225 is located furthest from the proximal end.

[0106] and Figure 3 Similar to the connector 100 of the first embodiment shown, each connector 100 of the second embodiment includes a ferrule 110 , a housing 120 , an engagement protrusion 131 , and a protective cover 2140 . However, the protective cover 2140 of the second embodiment has a different shape from the protective cover 140 of the first embodiment.

[0107] like Figure 20As shown, the protective cover 2140 has a contact piece 2141. The contact piece 2141 is provided at the lower end portion of the protective cover body 2140a. The contact piece 2141 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the protective cover body 2140a and extends toward the -Z side. The contact piece 2141 can be elastically deformed in the up and down direction X with the connection portion with the protective cover body 2140a (the end portion of the contact piece 2141 on the +Z side) as a base point. Two first contact portions 2141a and one contact release portion 2141b are provided on the contact piece 2141. The first contact portion 2141a protrudes from both sides of the contact piece 2141 toward the left and right direction Y. The contact release portion 2141b protrudes downward from the contact piece 2141. The two contact portions 2141a are provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction Z.

[0108] Similarly to the protective cover 140 of the first embodiment, the protective cover 2140 of each connector 100 has a second abutment surface 142. Similar to the second abutment surface 142 of the first embodiment, the second abutment surface 142 of the second embodiment is provided at the upper end of the protective cover 2140. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, each second abutment surface 142 faces release portions 214a to 214d provided within the first main body 210a of the first housing 210 in the longitudinal direction Z. The release portions 214a to 214d have the same structure as the release portions 14a to 14d of the first embodiment, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0109] Next, use Figure 12 The functions of the auxiliary tool 1B and the connector 2B with the auxiliary tool constructed as described above will be described. Figure 12 Only one adapter 3 is shown in FIG, but in an actual data center, a large number of adapters 3 are densely arranged on the patch panel. Figure 12 The connector on the other side is not shown in the figure, but the connector on the other side can also be connected to the adapter 3 from the second insertion port 3b. The shape of the adapter 3 of the second embodiment is similar to that of the adapter 3 of the first embodiment (see Figure 9 ) are of the same shape and therefore are omitted from the illustration.

[0110] <Connection operation>

[0111] When performing the connection work, move the connector 2B with the auxiliary tool from Figure 12 More specifically, the second housing 220 is held to allow the plurality of connectors 100 to enter the first insertion port 3a of the adapter 3 (see FIG. Figure 9). When the connector 100 is inserted into the first insertion port 3a to a certain extent, the first housing 210 abuts against the adapter 3. When the second housing 220 is further pressed toward the adapter 3, the second housing 220 moves toward the +Z side relative to the first housing 210. At this time, the locking portion 216 and the guide groove 221a of the first housing 210 slide, guiding the relative movement of the first and second housings 210, 220.

[0112] As the second housing 220 and the first housing 210 move relative to each other, the third pressing portion 224 (see FIG. Figure 19 、 Figure 24 ) of the protrusion 224a from Figure 21 The state shown in FIG. 1 is separated from the first abutting portion 2141a of the third connector 100C. The first abutting portion 2141a of the third connector 100C (see FIG. 1 ) is separated from the first abutting portion 2141a of the third connector 100C. Figure 20 、 Figure 24 ). Figure 22 The figure shows the state where the protrusion 224a is in contact with the first abutting portion 2141a. If the second shell 220 is pressed further in, a force toward the +Z side is transmitted to the connector 100C via the first abutting portion 2141a. At this moment, the first pressing portion 222, the second pressing portion 223, and the fourth pressing portion 225 are away from the first abutting portion 2141a of each connector 100A, 100B, and 100D. In other words, only the third pressing portion 224 presses the third connector 100C toward the front end. Therefore, the operating force applied by the user to the second shell 220 is roughly the same as the force applied when pressing one connector 100 into the adapter 3.

[0113] When the third pressing portion 224 pushes the third connector 100C in by a predetermined amount, the engaging protrusion 131 of the third connector 100C engages with the engaging hole 3c of the adapter 3. Thus, the connection between the third connector 100C and the adapter 3 is completed (see Figure 13 If the user further presses the second housing 220, the engagement release portion 217 abuts against the contact release portion 2141b, and the contact piece 2141 is elastically deformed toward the +X side (see Figure 23 ). As a result, the contact between the third pressing portion 224 and the first abutting portion 2141a is released.

[0114] After that, the user also continues to press the second housing 220 toward the adapter 3. As a result, the second pressing portion 223 located at the second front end side among the plurality of pressing portions 222 to 225 abuts against the first abutting portion 2141a of the second connector 100B. Then, the second pressing portion 223 is pressed into the second connector 100B, whereby the engaging protrusion 131 engages with the engaging hole 3c (see Figure 14Furthermore, the contact between the second pressing portion 223 and the first contact portion 2141a of the second connector 100B is released by the action of the corresponding engagement release portion 217.

[0115] Thereafter, the first pressing portion 222 and the fourth pressing portion 225 also sequentially press the corresponding first connector 100A and the fourth connector 100D toward the front end. As a result, the engaging protrusions 131 of the first connector 100A and the fourth connector 100D engage with the engaging holes 3c (see FIG. Figure 15 、 16 That is, by simply pressing in the second housing 220, four connectors 100 can be connected to the adapter 3 simultaneously. Furthermore, if four connectors 100 are connected simultaneously, the required operating force is at least four times that of connecting a single connector 100. However, in this embodiment, the multiple pressing portions 222-225 connect each connector 100 at different times. Therefore, the operating force required for the simultaneous connection operation can be reduced.

[0116] The disconnection operation is performed in the same manner as the disconnection operation of the first embodiment. That is, when performing the simultaneous disconnection operation, if the first housing 210 moves toward the base end side relative to the adapter 3, Figure 25 As shown, the second releasing portion 214b, located closest to the -Z side among the multiple releasing portions 214a to 214d, first contacts the second abutting surface 142 of the corresponding connector 100C. The second releasing portion 214b presses the second abutting surface 142 toward the proximal end, applying a force toward the proximal end of the connector 100C. This disengages the engaging protrusion 131 from the engaging hole 3c, and the connection between the connector 100C and the adapter 3 is released.

[0117] If the first housing 10 moves further toward the -Z side, the third release portion 214c located at the second position closer to the base end side abuts against the second abutment surface 142 of the corresponding connector 100B. Then, the third release portion 214d presses the connector 100B toward the base end side, thereby releasing the connection of the connector 100B. Thereafter, the remaining connectors 100A and 100D are disconnected from the adapter 3 in sequence. That is, the four connectors 100A to 100D can be disconnected from the adapter 3 at the same time by pulling the first housing 10. In addition, assuming that the four connectors 100 are disconnected at the same time, the required operating force becomes more than four times that of the case of disconnecting one connector 100. However, in this embodiment, the multiple release portions 214a to 214d disconnect each connector 100 at different times. Therefore, the operating force required for the collective disconnection operation is reduced.

[0118] Furthermore, when performing a separate disconnection operation, first, the second housing 220 is pulled toward the -Z side relative to the first housing 210. At this point, the locking protrusion 216a of the first housing 210 abuts against the end of the locking hole 221b of the second housing 220, restricting the second housing 220 from moving toward the -Z side. Next, for example, the locking protrusion 216a is elastically deformed from both side surfaces of the second main body 221 (the surfaces facing the +Y and -Y sides) toward the outside (the +Y and -Y sides) in the left-right direction Y, thereby releasing the locking protrusion 216a from the locking hole 221b. This allows the second housing 220 to move further toward the -Z side.

[0119] Compared with the first embodiment Figure 1 Similarly, in the second embodiment, the distance D21 (the dimension of the first main body 210a in the longitudinal direction Z) from the first opening 211 to the second opening 212 of the first housing 210 is shorter than the distance D22 (the distance D22 in the longitudinal direction Z) from the connection end surface 112 of the ferrule 110 to the rear end (the end on the -Z side) of the protective cover 2140 (see FIG. Figure 17 、 Figure 20 ). Therefore, as in the first embodiment Figure 10 As shown, if the second housing 220 is moved sufficiently toward the -Z side, the protective cover 2140 of each connector 100 is exposed. Therefore, by grasping the protective cover 2140 of any connector 100 and pulling it toward the -Z side, any connector 100 can be disconnected from the adapter 3. In this manner, the auxiliary tool 1B is configured to be capable of both a collective disconnection operation and an individual disconnection operation.

[0120] According to the auxiliary tool 1B and the connector 2B with the auxiliary tool of the second embodiment, Figures 12 to 16 As shown, by moving the second housing 220 in the +Z direction so as to approach the first housing 210, the engaging protrusions 131 of the connectors 100 can be engaged one by one with the engaging holes 3c of the adapter 3. Therefore, by repeatedly applying a force equal to the number of connectors required to engage one connector 100 with the adapter 3, four connectors 100 can be connected to the adapter 3 simultaneously. This reduces the operating force required for the simultaneous connection operation.

[0121] here, Figures 12 to 16 The figure shows the connector connection operation of the second embodiment. However, the first embodiment is also similar to the first embodiment in that the engaging protrusions 131 of the connector 100 are engaged with the engaging holes 3c of the adapter 3 one by one by moving the second housing 20 in the +Z direction so as to approach the first housing 10. Figures 12 to 16This is common to the second embodiment shown. Therefore, in the first embodiment, four connectors 100 can be connected to the adapter 3 by repeatedly applying a force that is substantially equal to the force used to engage one connector 100 with the adapter 3, equal to the number of connectors. Thus, the first embodiment also achieves the same effect as the second embodiment, which reduces the operating force required for the collective connection operation.

[0122] In addition, the auxiliary tool 1 of the first embodiment and the auxiliary tool 1B of the second embodiment are auxiliary tools 1 and 1B for connecting multiple connectors 100 having optical fibers to the adapter 3, and have the following common features, namely, they include a first shell 10, 210 and a second shell 20, 220, the first shell 10, 210 having: a first opening 11, 211, so that the multiple connectors 100 protrude toward the adapter 3; and a second opening 12, 212, facing the second shell 20, 220, and the second shell 20, 220 has a pressing Multiple pressing parts 22a, 23a, 24a, 25a, 222, 223, 224, 225 of multiple connectors 100 are provided with multiple releasing parts 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d inside the first shell 10, 210. The multiple releasing parts 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d respectively abut against the multiple connectors 100 when the first shell 10, 210 is separated from the adapter 3.

[0123] In the second embodiment, the number of connectors 100, pressing portions 222 to 225, releasing portions 214a to 214d, etc. is four. However, these numbers can be changed and may be two, three, or five or more.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the positions of the multiple release portions 214a to 214d in the longitudinal direction Z are different. However, even if the positions of the release portions 214a to 214d in the longitudinal direction Z are the same, the auxiliary tool 1 can still be used to perform a collective connection and collective disconnection operation. Therefore, it is not necessary for the multiple release portions 214a to 214d to be positioned differently in the longitudinal direction Z. Similarly, it is not necessary for the multiple pressing portions 222 to 225 to be positioned differently in the longitudinal direction Z.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the two protrusions 222a to 225a provided on the pressing portions 222 to 225 are provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction Z, and the two first contact portions 2141a of the contact piece 2141 are provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction Z. However, they do not necessarily need to be provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction Z.

[0126] Furthermore, the second housing 220 of the above embodiment may be provided with a handle similar to the handle 30 provided in the second housing 20 of the first embodiment.

[0127] Furthermore, components in the above-described embodiments may be appropriately replaced with known components without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined.

[0128] Description of Reference Numerals

[0129] 1. 1B…Auxiliary tool; 2. 2B…Connector with auxiliary tool; 3…Adapter; 3c…Engaging hole; 10. 210…First housing; 11. 211…First opening; 12. 212…Second opening; 13…Contact surface; 14a-14d, 214a-214d…Release portion; 15…Shunting hole; 20. 220…Second housing; 22-25…Pressure piece; 22a-25a, 222-225…Pressure portion; 222a-225a…Protrusion; 30…Handle; 100…Connector; 101…Optical fiber; 110…Ferrule; 111…Optical fiber hole; 112…Connection end face; 120…Housing; 131…Engaging protrusion; 140, 2140…Protective cover.

Claims

1. An auxiliary tool for connecting multiple connectors with optical fibers to adapters, characterized in that have: a first shell; and The second shell, The first housing has a first opening for allowing the plurality of connectors to protrude toward the adapter, and a second opening facing the second housing. The second housing has a plurality of pressing portions, and the plurality of pressing portions press the plurality of connectors. A plurality of release portions are provided inside the first housing, and the plurality of release portions are respectively in contact with the plurality of connectors when the first housing is separated from the adapter.

2. The auxiliary tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of pressing portions of the second housing are configured to enter the interior of the first housing through the second opening to press the plurality of connectors.

3. The auxiliary tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In an arrangement direction in which the first shell and the second shell are arranged, positions of the plurality of pressing portions are different from each other.

4. The auxiliary tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In an arrangement direction in which the first housing and the second housing are arranged, positions of the plurality of releasing portions are different from each other.

5. The auxiliary tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first housing has: a contact surface that contacts the plurality of pressing portions when the plurality of pressing portions press the plurality of connectors; and A plurality of avoidance holes are provided on the contact surface, and are provided for the plurality of pressing parts to enter after the plurality of pressing parts connect the plurality of connectors with the adapter.

6. The auxiliary tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: have: A handle is installed on the first shell.

7. A connector with auxiliary tools, characterized in that: have: The assisting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and The plurality of connectors are inserted into the inner sides of the first shell and the second shell. The plurality of connectors respectively include: Multiple optical fibers; a ferrule having a plurality of optical fiber holes for inserting the plurality of optical fibers; a housing for holding the ferrule; A snap-fit protrusion snaps into engagement with the snap-fit hole of the adapter; as well as A protective cover is located at an end portion of the connector opposite to the ferrule.

8. The connector with auxiliary tool according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the arrangement direction of the first housing and the second housing, a distance from the first opening to the second opening is shorter than a distance from a connection end surface of the ferrule to a rear end of the protective cover.

9. The connector with auxiliary tool according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The second housing is movable away from the first housing until the protective cover is exposed.

10. The connector with an auxiliary tool according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The protective cover includes a contact piece that protrudes downward from a lower end portion of the protective cover and extends toward the base end. The plurality of pressing portions of the second housing are configured to press the protective cover toward the distal end by contacting the contact piece.

11. The connector with auxiliary tool according to claim 10, characterized in that: Two protrusions are provided on each of the plurality of pressing portions, and the protrusions protrude upward from the lower end portion of the second housing.

Images