Optical connector

Abstract

An optical connector (A) is provided with: a plurality of optical fibers (4) extending rearward in a first direction; a ferrule (1) that holds the tip portions of the plurality of optical fibers (4); a housing (2) which is provided on the outer periphery of the plurality of optical fibers (4) and accommodates portions of the plurality of optical fibers (4) extending from the ferrule (1); and an elastic body (3) that biases the ferrule (1) forward in the first direction, the elastic body (3) being housed in the housing (2). The housing (2) has a restriction section (33) for restricting the movement of the ferrule (1) on the basis of the applied force generated by the elastic body (3). The ferrule (1) has: a tip surface (17) facing a mating ferrule in a first direction; two guide pin holes (11) arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction on the tip surface (17); and a first side surface (13) and a second side surface (15) that intersect the second direction and face opposite each other so that the plurality of optical fibers (4) are disposed between the first side surface (13) and the second side surface (15), the first side surface (13) and the second side surface (15) connecting the front end surface (17) and the rear end surface (10). The first side surface (13) and the second side surface (15) are entirely exposed from the housing (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to optical connectors. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-116766, filed on July 18, 2023, and invokes all the contents described in that Japanese patent application. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to an interconnection system for multiple fiber optic cables and a wiring method for the fiber optic cables, including optical connections. The system includes: a connector housing that accommodates an optical connector within an optical adapter; and a ferrule disposed within the optical connector. The ferrule is disposed at the end portion of one or more optical fibers. The optical connector is formed by the connector housing and is assembled inside the optical adapter.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: US Patent No. 11,474,307

[0006] Patent Document 2: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019-0187383

[0007] Patent Document 3: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023-0003949 Summary of the Invention

[0008] One embodiment of the optical connector disclosed herein includes: a plurality of optical fibers extending rearward along a first direction; a ferrule holding the front ends of the plurality of optical fibers; a housing disposed on the outer periphery of the plurality of optical fibers and accommodating portions of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the ferrule; and an elastomer applying force to the ferrule forward along the first direction, the elastomer being housed within the housing. The housing has a limiting portion that limits movement of the ferrule based on the applied force generated by the elastomer. The ferrule has: a front end face facing the opposite ferrule in the first direction; a rear end face facing opposite to the front end face; and a first side face and a second side face intersecting a second direction which is the width direction of the ferrule and facing opposite to each other in such a way that the plurality of optical fibers are disposed between the first side face and the second side face, the first side face and the second side face connecting the front end face and the rear end face. The first side face and the second side face are entirely exposed from the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an optical connector according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the optical connector according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing the ferrule.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a side view showing the optical connector and optical adapter.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional diagram representing the locking part.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the gripping part.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing the rod.

[0016] Figure 8 This is the front view of the optical connector as seen from the x-direction.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the optical connector in the first modified example.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a side view showing the optical connector of the first modified example.

[0019] Figure 11 This is the front view of the optical connector as seen from the x-direction. Detailed Implementation

[0020] [The problem this disclosure aims to solve]

[0021] Optical connectors with ferrules that hold multiple optical fibers are sometimes housed in cylindrical protective tubes mounted at the top of optical cables. In recent years, the inner diameter of these protective tubes has been continuously decreasing in order to achieve miniaturization. When the width of the optical connector is not sufficient relative to the inner diameter of the protective tube, it becomes difficult to fit the connector into the tube. Therefore, miniaturizing the optical connector by reducing its width has become a challenge.

[0022] [Effects of this disclosure]

[0023] According to this disclosure, a miniaturized optical connector with reduced width can be provided.

[0024] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0025] First, the contents of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0026] [1] One embodiment of the optical connector of this disclosure includes: a plurality of optical fibers extending rearward along a first direction; a ferrule holding the front ends of the plurality of optical fibers; a housing disposed on the outer periphery of the plurality of optical fibers and accommodating portions of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the ferrule; and an elastomer applying force to the ferrule forward along the first direction, the elastomer being housed in the housing. The housing has: a limiting portion limiting movement of the ferrule based on the applied force generated by the elastomer. The ferrule has: a front end face facing the opposite ferrule in the first direction; a rear end face facing opposite to the front end face; and a first side face and a second side face intersecting a second direction which is the width direction of the ferrule and facing opposite to each other in such a way that the plurality of optical fibers are disposed between the first side face and the second side face, the first side face and the second side face connecting the front end face and the rear end face. The first side face and the second side face are entirely exposed from the housing.

[0027] The spacing between the first and second sides defines the maximum width of the ferrule. In typical optical connectors, at least a portion of each of the first and second sides of the ferrule is covered by the housing. Therefore, the portion of the housing located on the first and second sides defines the maximum width of the optical connector, which is greater than the maximum width of the ferrule. In contrast, in the optical connector described above [1], the first and second sides of the ferrule are entirely exposed from the housing. Thus, the first and second sides are not covered by the housing, and the spacing between the first and second sides, i.e., the maximum width of the ferrule, can be set as the maximum width of the optical connector. Therefore, the width of the optical connector can be reduced, and the optical connector can be miniaturized.

[0028] [2] In the optical connector described in [1] above, the housing may also have: a locking portion including a first latch that locks onto the optical adapter and fixes the optical connector to the optical adapter; a lever portion that releases the locking of the first latch; and a gripping portion provided behind the ferrule and the lever portion and connected to the lever portion. Alternatively, the lever portion and the gripping portion may be movable rearward relative to the locking portion. Alternatively, the ferrule may also have a first main surface and a second main surface, wherein the first main surface and the second main surface intersect a third direction that is the thickness direction of the ferrule and are oriented opposite to each other in such a way that a plurality of optical fibers are disposed between the first main surface and the second main surface, and the first main surface and the second main surface connect the front end surface and the rear end surface. Alternatively, the first latch may be provided on the first main surface and move in the release direction by pressure from the lever portion, which moves rearward in conjunction with the rearward movement of the gripping portion. The optical connector and the optical adapter are fixed together by the first latch provided on the locking portion locking onto the optical adapter. The locking between the optical connector and the optical adapter, formed by the first latch, is released via the lever and the gripping part. Thus, the fixing of the optical connector and the optical adapter can be easily released using a small structure that does not affect the width of the optical connector.

[0029] [3] In the optical connector described in [2] above, the locking part may also include a second latch that locks the optical connector to the optical adapter. Alternatively, the second latch may be provided on the second main surface and move in the release direction by pressure from a rod that moves rearward in conjunction with the rearward movement of the gripping part. The optical connector and the optical adapter are fixed to each other by the first latch and the second latch provided on the locking part. The locking between the optical connector and the optical adapter formed by the first latch and the gripping part can be released by the rod and the gripping part. Thus, the fixation between the optical connector and the optical adapter can be easily released by a small structure that does not affect the maximum width of the optical connector. In addition, the optical connector can be stably fixed to the optical adapter by the first latch and the second latch arranged in such a way that multiple optical fibers are arranged between the first latch and the second latch.

[0030] [4] In the optical connectors described in [2] or [3] above, the component constituting the locking part may be made of resin. Alternatively, the component constituting the rod may be made of metal. By using resin as the material for the component constituting the locking part, the optical connector can be made lighter. In addition, by using metal as the material for the component constituting the rod, the strength of the rod can be increased.

[0031] [5] Alternatively, in any of the optical connectors described in [1] to [4] above, when viewed from the first direction, the components constituting the housing fall inside the outer circle of the ferrule. Therefore, the width of the optical connector in all directions within the plane perpendicular to the first direction is less than or equal to the maximum width of the ferrule. Consequently, the optical connector can be easily accommodated within a cylindrical protective tube.

[0032] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein]

[0033] Hereinafter, specific examples of the optical connectors of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown in the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements in the description of the drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted. An orthogonal xyz coordinate system is shown in the figures as needed. The x-direction corresponds to the first direction. The positive x-direction is defined as forward, and the negative x-direction as backward. The y-direction corresponds to the second direction. The z-direction corresponds to the third direction.

[0034] (First Implementation)

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the optical connector A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2This is a side view showing an optical connector A according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The optical connector A includes: a ferrule 1, a housing 2, a helical spring 3 (elastic body), and an optical fiber assembly 5. The optical fiber assembly 5 consists of a plurality of optical fibers 4 extending rearward in the same direction (x-direction). The ferrule 1 is a so-called MT ferrule. The ferrule 1 has a generally cuboid appearance. The shape of the ferrule 1 viewed from the x-direction is generally rectangular. A plurality of optical fiber holes 19 are provided inside the ferrule 1 for inserting the plurality of optical fibers 4 into which they are respectively inserted. The plurality of optical fiber holes 19 are arranged in a manner that is in the y-direction and z-direction (or only the y-direction). Each optical fiber hole 19 holds the front end of each optical fiber 4. The material of the ferrule 1 is, for example, resin.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of ferrule 1. Ferrule 1 has: side 13 (first side), main surface 14 (first main surface), side 15 (second side), main surface 16 (second main surface), front end surface 17, rear end surface 10, two guide pin holes 11, two guide pins 12, and guide pin retainer 18. Ferrule 1 has the y-direction as its width direction and the z-direction as its thickness direction. That is, the dimension of ferrule 1 in the y-direction is greater than the dimension of ferrule 1 in the z-direction. Side 13 and side 15 intersect the y-direction and extend along the z and x directions. Side 13 and side 15 connect the front end surface 17 and the rear end surface 10. Side 13 and side 15 face opposite to each other in such a way that a plurality of fiber optic holes 19 are arranged between side 13 and side 15. The surfaces of side 13 and side 15 are flat. Main surface 14 and main surface 16 intersect the z-direction and extend along the x and y directions. Main surfaces 14 and 16 are oriented opposite to each other such that a plurality of fiber optic holes 19 are disposed between them. A step 141 is provided on main surface 14. A similar step is provided on main surface 16.

[0037] The front end face 17 is in the x direction with the opposite side insert 1C (refer to...). Figure 4 The front face 17 and the rear face 10 are opposite flat surfaces, intersecting the x-direction. In one example, the front face 17 abuts against the opposite ferrule 1C. The rear face 10 faces away from the front face 17 and intersects the x-direction. Two guide pin holes 11 are provided at both ends of the front face 17 in the y-direction and are arranged along the y-direction. The two guide pin holes 11 extend from the front face 17 to the rear face 10 along the x-direction inside the ferrule 1. Two guide pins 12 are arranged along the y-direction. Each guide pin 12 is held by one of the two guide pin holes 11 and protrudes forward from the front face 17. The two guide pins 12 are cylindrical and extend along the x-direction. The material of the two guide pins 12 is, for example, metal.

[0038] The guide pin retainer 18 is located behind the insert 1 and is in contact with the rear end face 10. The guide pin retainer 18 is a square cylindrical shape extending in the y-direction. The material of the guide pin retainer 18 is, for example, metal. The guide pin retainer 18 holds two guide pins 12.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a side view showing optical connector A, optical connector C, and optical adapter D. Optical connector C is the optical connector that connects to the other side and has a counterpart ferrule 1C. Optical adapter D houses optical connector A from one end in the x-direction and optical connector C from the other end in the x-direction. Optical connectors A and C are mated with optical adapter D. Inside optical adapter D, the ferrule 1 of optical connector A is opposite to the counterpart ferrule 1C of optical connector C. In one example, ferrule 1 abuts against the counterpart ferrule 1C. At this time, ferrule 1 and counterpart ferrule 1C are positioned relative to each other by inserting two guide pins 12 into the two guide pin holes formed in the counterpart ferrule 1C.

[0040] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2 The housing 2 has a locking part 20, a rod part 30, and a gripping part 40. The housing 2 is located on the outer periphery of the optical fiber assembly 5 and accommodates the portion of each optical fiber 4 extending from the ferrule 1.

[0041] The locking part 20 is positioned rearward of the front end face 17 of the ferrule 1, surrounding the ferrule 1 and the fiber optic assembly 5. The locking part 20 has a shape that is symmetrical about an imaginary plane containing the centerline of the optical connector A and parallel to the xy plane. The rear portion of the locking part 20 is generally cylindrical, and the front portion includes plate-shaped portions 27 and 28 extending forward in the x-direction from the rear portion of the locking part 20. The locking part 20 is composed of a single component. The material of the component constituting the locking part 20 is, for example, resin.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the locking part 20. The plate-shaped part 27 includes a front part 27a, a central part 27b, and a rear part 27c. The front part 27a includes a latch 21 (first latch). The central part 27b includes a pair of protrusions 23. The rear part 27c is integrally connected to the cylindrical rear part of the locking part 20. The plate-shaped part 28 includes a front part 28a, a central part 28b, and a rear part 28c. The front part 28a includes a latch 22 (second latch). The central part 28b includes a pair of protrusions 24. The rear part 28c is integrally connected to the cylindrical rear part of the locking part 20. (Except for reference...) Figure 5 In addition, refer to Figure 2The following description is provided. Front portion 27a is located on main surface 14 and extends along main surface 14 in the x-direction. Front portion 28a is located on main surface 16 and extends along main surface 16 in the x-direction. Central portions 27b and 28b are inclined relative to the x-direction and gradually move away from fiber group 5 as they move rearward. Rear portion 27c extends along fiber group 5 in the x-direction. The distance between rear portion 27c and fiber group 5 is greater than the distance between front portion 27a and fiber group 5. Rear portion 28c extends along fiber group 5 in the x-direction. The distance between rear portion 28c and fiber group 5 is greater than the distance between front portion 28a and fiber group 5.

[0043] Latch 21 is located on main surface 14, and latch 22 is located on main surface 16. Latch 21 and latch 22 each have inclined surfaces 211 and 221, respectively, that are inclined relative to the xy plane. Inclined surfaces 211 and 221 move backward away from the ferrule 1. Latch 21 and latch 22 each have abutting surfaces 212 and 222, respectively, perpendicular to the x-direction, located further backward than inclined surfaces 211 and 221. When optical connector A is inserted into optical adapter D, inclined surfaces 211 and 221 abut against optical adapter D, and latches 21 and 22 are pressed down. Then, due to the elasticity of plate-shaped portions 27 and 28, latches 21 and latch 22 return to their original position, and abutting surfaces 212 and 222 lock into optical adapter D. Thus, optical connector A is fixed to optical adapter D.

[0044] A pair of protrusions 23 protrude from the central portion 27b in the positive and negative directions of the y-direction, respectively. In other words, the pair of protrusions 23 are respectively located on one side and the other side of the central portion 27b in the y-direction. A protrusion 24 protrudes from the central portion 28b in the positive and negative directions of the y-direction, respectively. In other words, the pair of protrusions 24 are respectively located on one side and the other side of the central portion 28b in the y-direction. The abutment surfaces 231 and 241 of the protrusions 23 and 24, which intersect the z-direction and face outwards, are inclined relative to the xy-plane, moving away from the centerline of the optical connector A as they move rearwards. The cross-sections of the abutment surfaces 231 and 241 along the xz-plane can also be bent in a manner that protrudes inwards toward the locking portion 20.

[0045] The locking part 20 includes surfaces 25a, 25b, a curved surface 29a, and a curved surface 29b at its rear. Surfaces 25a and 25b are surfaces intersecting the z-direction and are flat. Curved surfaces 29a and 29b are surfaces intersecting the y-direction. When viewed from the x-direction, curved surfaces 29a and 29b are curved in a manner that they protrude outwards from the locking part 20. Rectangular openings 26 are provided on surfaces 25a and 25b when viewed from the z-direction.

[0046] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2A helical spring 3 is housed in the housing 2 and positioned around the optical fiber assembly 5. One end of the helical spring 3 contacts the guide pin retainer 18 of the ferrule 1, applying force forward to the ferrule 1. The other end of the helical spring 3 is housed in the locking part 20. The helical spring 3 is a compression helical spring capable of stretching and contracting in the x-direction.

[0047] The gripping part 40 is located behind the ferrule 1 and the rod 30, and around the fiber optic assembly 5. In other words, the gripping part 40 is located on the opposite side of the ferrule 1 relative to the rod 30. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the gripping part 40. The gripping part 40 has a generally cylindrical shape that is symmetrical about an imaginary plane containing the centerline of the optical connector A and parallel to the xy plane. The shape of the gripping part 40 viewed from the x-direction is generally circular. The gripping part 40 is gripped by a human finger. The gripping part 40 includes a front part 43, a central part 44, and a rear part 45. The central part 44 is in the shape of a circular plate. The central part 44 is related to the surfaces 25a, 25b, curved surface 29a, and curved surface 29b of the locking part 20 (all refer to...). Figure 5 The rear portion 45 has a generally elongated cylindrical cross-section that extends along the x-direction. The cross-section of the rear portion 45 perpendicular to the x-direction is an elongated circle with a length in the z-direction shorter than its length in the y-direction. The front portion 43 has two plate-shaped portions 46 extending from the central portion 44 along the x-direction. Each plate-shaped portion 46 includes a connecting portion 41 and a protrusion 42. The connecting portion 41 is located on the outer side of the front end of the plate-shaped portion 46 and protrudes outward from the plate-shaped portion 46. The connecting portion 41 is generally cuboid in shape. The connecting portion 41 falls into the opening 26 of the locking portion 20 (see reference). Figure 5 It can move in the x-direction. In other words, by guiding the connecting part 41 to the opening 26, the gripping part 40 can move rearward relative to the locking part 20. The protrusion 42 is provided on the inside of the plate-shaped part 46 and protrudes towards the inside of the plate-shaped part 46. The protrusion 42 is generally cuboid in shape.

[0048] The pole 30 is located around the ferrule 1 and the fiber optic assembly 5. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the lever 30. The lever 30 has a shape that is symmetrical about an imaginary plane containing the centerline of the optical connector A and parallel to the xy plane. The rear part of the lever 30 is generally cylindrical, and the front part of the lever 30 includes two plate-shaped portions 38 and two plate-shaped portions 39. The lever 30 is composed of a single component 35. The material of the component 35 constituting the lever 30 is, for example, metal. The lever 30 is not fixed to the locking portion 20 and can move rearward relative to the locking portion 20.

[0049] Two plate-shaped portions 38 and two plate-shaped portions 39 extend from the rear of the rod portion 30 along the x-direction. One plate-shaped portion 38 and one plate-shaped portion 39 are arranged in the z-direction. Similarly, another plate-shaped portion 38 and another plate-shaped portion 39 are arranged in the z-direction. Two plate-shaped portions 38 are arranged in the y-direction. Two plate-shaped portions 39 are arranged in the y-direction. Each of the two plate-shaped portions 38 includes a front portion 38a and a rear portion 38b. The front portion 38a includes a limiting portion 33 (first limiting portion). The rear portion 38b includes a releasing portion 31 (first releasing portion). Each of the two plate-shaped portions 39 includes a front portion 39a and a rear portion 39b. The front portion 39a includes a limiting portion 34 (second limiting portion). The rear portion 39b includes a releasing portion 32 (second releasing portion). The releasing portions 31 of one plate-shaped portion 38 and the releasing portions 31 of the other plate-shaped portion 38 are arranged in the y-direction. Release portions 32 of one plate-shaped portion 39 and another plate-shaped portion 39 are arranged in the y-direction. Release portions 31 of one plate-shaped portion 38 and another plate-shaped portion 39 are arranged opposite each other in the z-direction. Release portions 31 of another plate-shaped portion 38 and another plate-shaped portion 39 are arranged opposite each other in the z-direction. The surfaces of release portions 31 and 32 intersecting the z-direction are inclined relative to the xy-plane, moving away from the imaginary plane containing the centerline of the optical connector A and parallel to the xy-plane as they move rearward. The cross-sections of release portions 31 and 32 perpendicular to the y-direction can also be bent in a manner that protrudes inward toward the rod portion 30. The lower surface of each release portion 31 abuts against the corresponding protrusion 231 (see reference). Figure 5 Contact. The upper surface of each release part 32 and the contact surface 241 of the corresponding protrusion 24 (refer to) Figure 5 )touch.

[0050] The limiting portions 33 of one plate-shaped portion 38 and the limiting portions 33 of another plate-shaped portion 38 are arranged in the y-direction. The limiting portions 34 of one plate-shaped portion 39 and the limiting portions 34 of another plate-shaped portion 39 are arranged in the y-direction. The limiting portions 33 of one plate-shaped portion 38 and the limiting portions 34 of one plate-shaped portion 39 are arranged in the z-direction. The limiting portions 33 and 34 are each located at the front end of the plate-shaped portion 38 and the plate-shaped portion 39, protruding toward the insert 1 and intersecting the x-direction. The limiting portion 33 is located at the front end of the main surface 14 (see reference). Figure 3 The limiting part 34 engages with the step of the main surface 16, restricting the movement of the insert 1 based on the applied force generated by the helical spring 3.

[0051] The release part 31 and the restriction part 33 are arranged in the x-direction, with the release part 31 located behind the restriction part 33. The release part 32 and the restriction part 34 are arranged in the x-direction, with the release part 32 located behind the restriction part 34. As described above, the rod part 30 is composed of a single member 35. Therefore, the member constituting the release part 31 and the member constituting the restriction part 33 are common members 35. Similarly, the member constituting the release part 32 and the member constituting the restriction part 34 are common members 35.

[0052] The lever 30 includes a pair of upper and lower connected portions 36. The connected portions 36 are located at the rear of the lever 30. The connected portions 36 are generally rectangular when viewed from the z-direction, and have a rectangular opening 37 inside when viewed from the z-direction. The gripping portion 40 has a protrusion 42 (see reference 46). Figure 6 It engages with opening 37, and the rod 30 and gripping part 40 are connected to each other.

[0053] The operation of the optical connector A with the above configuration and the effects obtained from the optical connector A will be explained. When the optical connector A is inserted into the optical adapter D, the latches 21 and 22 provided in the locking part 20 lock into the optical adapter D, thereby fixing the optical connector A to the optical adapter D. When the optical connector A is pulled out from the optical adapter D, the gripping part 40, held by the operator's fingers, moves rearward relative to the locking part 20 by the operator's hand. At this time, the connecting part 41 of the gripping part 40 is guided rearward by the opening 26 of the locking part 20. The protrusion 42 of the gripping part 40 engages with the opening 37 of the lever part 30, so the rearward movement of the gripping part 40 is transmitted to the lever part 30, and the lever part 30 also moves rearward. At this time, the release part 31 of the lever part 30 moves rearward while contacting the abutment surface 231 of the protrusion 23, applying a pressing force in the negative z-axis direction to the protrusion 23. As a result, latch 21 moves in the release direction in conjunction with the rearward movement of gripping part 40, releasing the locking state between latch 21 and optical adapter D. Similarly, release part 32 of lever 30 moves rearward while contacting the abutment surface 241 of protrusion 24, applying pressure to protrusion 24 in the positive z-axis direction. As a result, latch 22 moves in the release direction in conjunction with the rearward movement of gripping part 40, releasing the locking state between latch 22 and optical adapter D. Through the above actions, the locking state between optical connector A and optical adapter D, achieved by latch 21 and latch 22, is released. According to this embodiment, the fixation between optical connector A and optical adapter D can be easily released by a small structure that does not affect the maximum width of optical connector A. Furthermore, by using the first latch 21 and the second latch 22 arranged such that multiple optical fibers 4 are arranged between the first latch 21 and the second latch 22, optical connector A can be stably fixed to optical adapter D.

[0054] The following effects are also obtained from optical connector A. In the ferrule 1 that holds multiple optical fibers 4, the orientation of the two guide pin holes 11 is the orientation in which the ferrule 1 has the maximum width. Therefore, the spacing between side 13 and side 15 defines the maximum width of the ferrule 1. In a typical optical connector, at least a portion of each of the sides 13 and 15 of the ferrule is covered by the housing. Therefore, the portion of the housing provided on the sides 13 and 15 defines the maximum width of the optical connector, which is greater than the maximum width of the ferrule. In contrast, the sides 13 and 15 of the ferrule 1 of optical connector A are entirely exposed from the housing 2. Thus, since the sides 13 and 15 are not covered by the housing 2, the spacing between the sides 13 and 15, i.e., the maximum width of the ferrule 1, can be set as the maximum width of the optical connector A. Therefore, the width of the optical connector A can be reduced, and the optical connector A can be miniaturized.

[0055] Figure 8 This is a front view of the optical connector A as seen from the x-direction. In the optical connector A of this embodiment, when viewed from the x-direction, the components constituting the housing 2 fall inside the outer circle R of the ferrule 1. The diameter L1 of the outer circle R is, for example, greater than or equal to 5.4 mm and less than or equal to 7.8 mm, and in one example, 6.5 mm. The distance L2 between surfaces 25a and 25b, i.e., the maximum width of the optical connector A in the z-direction, is, for example, greater than or equal to 4.6 mm and less than or equal to 7.8 mm, and in one example, 5.9 mm.

[0056] Alternatively, when viewed from the x-direction, the components constituting the housing 2 fall inside the circumcircle R of the ferrule 1. In this case, the width of the optical connector A in all directions within the plane perpendicular to the x-direction is less than or equal to the maximum width of the ferrule 1. Therefore, the optical connector A can be easily accommodated within a cylindrical protective tube.

[0057] Alternatively, as in this embodiment, the component constituting the locking part 20 can be made of resin. Alternatively, the component 35 constituting the rod part 30 can be made of metal. By making the component constituting the locking part 20 of resin, the optical connector A can be made lighter. Furthermore, by making the component 35 constituting the rod part 30 of metal, the strength of the rod part 30 can be increased.

[0058] (First variation)

[0059] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the optical connector B in the first modified example. Figure 10 This is a side view showing the optical connector B of the first modified example. Optical connector B differs from optical connector A in the following points, but is the same as optical connector A in other points. Optical connector B has a housing 2B instead of housing 2. Housing 2B has a locking part 20B instead of locking part 20, and a rod part 30B instead of rod part 30. The other components of housing 2B are the same as those of housing 2.

[0060] The locking part 20B is positioned rearward of the front end face 17 of the ferrule 1, surrounding the ferrule 1 and the fiber optic assembly 5. The locking part 20B has a generally cylindrical shape. The front portion of the locking part 20B includes a plate-like portion 28, which extends from the rear portion of the locking part 20B in the x-direction and has a latch 22. The locking part 20B does not include the plate-like portion 27 with the latch 21 (see reference). Figure 5 The locking part 20B is composed of a single component. The material of the component constituting the locking part 20B is, for example, resin.

[0061] The pole portion 30B is disposed around the ferrule 1 and the fiber optic assembly 5. The pole portion 30B includes a plate-like portion 38B instead of two plate-like portions 38. The pole portion 30B is composed of a single component 35. The material of the component 35 constituting the pole portion 30B is, for example, metal. The pole portion 30B is movable rearward relative to the locking portion 20B.

[0062] A plate-shaped portion 38B is provided at the front of the rod portion 30B and extends from the rear of the rod portion 30B along the x-direction. The plate-shaped portion 38B is provided on the main surface 14 of the insert 1, facing the two plate-shaped portions 39 with the insert 1 in between. The plate-shaped portion 38B includes a front portion 38Ba and a rear portion 38Bb. The front portion 38Ba includes a limiting portion 33B instead of a limiting portion 33. The rear portion 38Bb does not include a releasing portion 31. The limiting portion 33B protrudes toward the insert 1 and intersects the x-direction. The limiting portion 33B and the step 141 of the main surface 14 (see reference) Figure 3 The locking mechanism restricts the movement of the insert 1, which is based on the applied force generated by the helical spring 3.

[0063] When the optical connector B with the above configuration is inserted into the optical adapter D, the latch 22 provided in the locking part 20 locks into the optical adapter D, thereby fixing the optical connector B to the optical adapter D. When the optical connector B is pulled out from the optical adapter D, the gripping part 40, held by the operator's fingers, moves rearward relative to the locking part 20B by the operator's hand. At this time, the connecting part 41 of the gripping part 40 is guided rearward by the opening 26 of the locking part 20B. The protrusion 42 of the gripping part 40 engages with the opening 37 of the lever part 30B, so the rearward movement of the gripping part 40 is transmitted to the lever part 30B, and the lever part 30B also moves rearward. At this time, the release part 32 of the lever part 30B moves rearward while contacting the abutment surface 241 of the protrusion 24, applying pressure along the z-direction to the protrusion 24. As a result, the latch 22 moves in the release direction in conjunction with the rearward movement of the gripping part 40, and the locking state between the latch 22 and the optical adapter D is released. Through the above actions, the locking state between the optical connector B and the optical adapter D, achieved by the latch 22, is released. According to this embodiment, the fixation between the optical connector B and the optical adapter D can be released by a small structure that does not affect the maximum width of the optical connector B.

[0064] In this variation, the width of the optical connector B can also be reduced, and the optical connector B can be miniaturized.

[0065] Figure 11 This is a front view of the optical connector B as viewed from the x-direction. In this modified example of the optical connector B, when viewed from the x-direction, the components constituting the housing 2B also fall inside the outer circle S of the ferrule 1. The diameter L3 of the outer circle S is, for example, greater than or equal to 5.4 mm and less than or equal to 7.8 mm, and in one example, 6.5 mm. The distance L4 between surfaces 25a and 25b is, for example, greater than or equal to 2.7 mm and less than or equal to 5.7 mm, and in one example, 5.2 mm.

[0066] The present invention has been specifically described above based on embodiments and modifications, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and changes can be made within the scope of its spirit. For example, in the embodiments and modifications described above, an example is shown where the gripping part 40 has a cylindrical shape, but the gripping part 40 may also have other shapes such as a square tube.

[0067] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0068] 1: Ferrule; 1C: Counterside ferrule; 2, 2B: Housing; 3: Helical spring; 4: Optical fiber; 5: Fiber optic assembly; 10: Rear end face; 11: Guide pin hole; 12: Guide pin; 13, 15: Side; 14, 16: Main face; 25a, 25b: Face; 17: Front end face; 18: Guide pin retainer; 19: Fiber optic hole; 20, 20B: Locking part; 21, 22: Latch; 23, 24: Protrusion; 26, 37: Opening; 27, 28, 38, 38B, 39: Plate-like part; 27a, 28a, 38a, 38Ba, 39a, 43: Front part; 2 7b, 28b, 44: Central part; 27c, 28c, 38b, 38Bb, 39b, 45: Rear part; 29a, 29b: Curved surface; 30, 30B: Rod part; 31, 32: Release part; 33, 33B, 34: Restriction part; 35: Component; 36: Connected part; 40: Grip part; 41: Connecting part; 42: Protrusion; 46: Plate-like part; 141: Step; 211, 221: Inclined surface; 212, 222: Abutment surface; A~C: Optical connector; D: Optical adapter; L1, L3: Diameter; L2, L4: Distance; R, S: Circumscribed circle.

Claims

1. An optical connector, comprising: Multiple optical fibers extend backward along the first direction; A ferrule is used to hold the front ends of the plurality of optical fibers; A housing is disposed on the outer periphery of the plurality of optical fibers, accommodating the portion of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the ferrule; as well as An elastomer, which applies force to the insert in the first direction, is housed within the housing. The outer casing has: The limiting part restricts the movement of the insert based on the applied force generated by the elastomer. The ferrule has: The front end face is opposite to the opposite side ferrule in the first direction; The rear end face faces opposite to the front end face; and The first and second sides intersect a second direction, which is the width direction of the ferrule, and face opposite to each other in such a way that the plurality of optical fibers are arranged between the first and second sides. The first and second sides connect the front end face to the rear end face. The first side and the second side are both exposed from the housing.

2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The outer casing has: The locking part includes a first latch that locks onto the optical adapter and secures the optical connector to the optical adapter; The lever section releases the locking of the first latch; as well as A gripping part is located behind the insert and the rod, and is connected to the rod. The rod and the gripping part can move rearward relative to the locking part. The ferrule further has a first main surface and a second main surface, wherein the first main surface and the second main surface intersect a third direction that is the thickness direction of the ferrule and are oriented opposite to each other in such a way that the plurality of optical fibers are disposed between the first main surface and the second main surface, and the first main surface and the second main surface connect the front end face and the rear end face. The first latch is disposed on the first main surface and moves in the release direction by pressure from the lever portion which moves rearward in conjunction with the rearward movement of the gripping portion.

3. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein, The locking part further includes a second latch that locks onto the optical adapter and secures the optical connector to the optical adapter. The second latch is located on the second main surface and moves in the release direction by pressure from the lever portion that moves rearward in conjunction with the rearward movement of the gripping portion.

4. The optical connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The components constituting the locking part are made of resin. The components constituting the rod are made of metal.

5. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, When viewed from the first direction, the components constituting the outer shell fall into the interior of the outer circle of the ferrule.

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