Adapter

Abstract

An adapter (2) is provided with: an inner receptacle (30) that engages with a first optical connector (100); a housing (C) that accommodates the inner receptacle (30) and engages with a second optical connector (200); and an urging part (40) that urges the housing (C) with a third urging force by causing the inner receptacle (30) to face the second optical connector (200), the difference between the third urging force and the second urging force being smaller than the difference between the first urging force of the first optical connector (100) and the second urging force of the second optical connector (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to adapters.

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-214402, filed on December 20, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an adapter for connecting two optical connectors. Such an adapter ensures a good connection by pressing the connection faces of the ferrules of each optical connector against each other with appropriate force. The force is generated by a force-applying component applying force to the ferrules within the housing of each optical connector.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-304655

[0005] The force applied to the ferrules sometimes varies depending on the type of optical connector. That is, when connecting different types of optical connectors, the force applied to each ferrule may differ. If the force applied to each ferrule is different, it is possible that the ferrules will be positioned improperly (not at the intended mating surface). Specifically, the ferrule subjected to a higher force may be pressed towards the ferrule subjected to a lower force. This results in problems where a good connection cannot be guaranteed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention was made with the consideration of such circumstances in mind, and its purpose is to provide an adapter that enables two optical connectors with different forces applied to the ferrule to be properly connected to each other.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides an adapter that connects a first optical connector and a second optical connector. The first optical connector applies a first force to a first ferrule having a first connection end face towards the first connection end face, and the second optical connector applies a second force to a second ferrule having a second connection end face towards the second connection end face with a second force less than the first force. The adapter includes: an inner socket that engages with the first optical connector; a frame that houses the inner socket and engages with the second optical connector; and a force-applying portion that applies a third force to the frame towards the second optical connector, wherein the difference between the third force and the second force is less than the difference between the first force and the second force.

[0008] The second aspect of the present invention is based on the adapter involved in the first aspect. It may include multiple elastic components in the force-applying part, and the multiple elastic components are arranged in a point-symmetric manner with the central axis of the inner socket as the center.

[0009] The third embodiment of the present invention is based on the adapter involved in the first or second embodiment, and may have the frame having: a first component supporting the force-applying part; and a second component engaging with the second optical connector, wherein the inner socket is movable relative to the first component and the second component.

[0010] The fourth aspect of the present invention is based on the adapter involved in any of the aspects 1 to 3, and may be that the frame does not engage with the housing of the first optical connector.

[0011] According to the adapter described above, two optical connectors with different forces applied to the ferrule can be properly connected to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the optical connection structure involved in this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the first optical connector.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the second optical connector.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the adapter.

[0016] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The VV line is shown in a cross-section, displaying a three-dimensional view of a portion of the internal socket.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 VI-VI sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, the adapter and optical connection structure of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the optical connection structure 1 includes a first optical connector 100, a second optical connector 200, and an adapter 2. Figure 2 As shown, the first optical connector 100 includes: a first ferrule 110 having a first connection end face 111; and a first housing 120 that holds the first ferrule 110 inside. A plurality of optical fibers F1 (first optical fibers) are exposed on the first connection end face 111.

[0020] like Figure 3As shown, the second optical connector 200 includes: a second ferrule 210 having a second connection end face 211; and a second housing 220 that holds the second ferrule 210 inside. A plurality of optical fibers F2 (second optical fibers) are exposed at the second connection end face 211. The adapter 2 has the function of maintaining the first connection end face 111 and the second connection end face 211 in contact with each other at appropriate positions. Thus, the optical connection structure 1 can optically connect the plurality of optical fibers F1 to the plurality of optical fibers F2.

[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, the second optical connector 200 has two locating pins 260. (As indicated...) Figure 2 As shown, the first optical connector 100 has two first positioning holes 113. Positioning pins 260 are inserted into the first positioning holes 113, thereby determining the relative positions of the first optical connector 100 and the second optical connector 200. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the first optical connector 100 is the female side and the second optical connector 200 is the male side. However, it is also possible that the first optical connector 100 is the male side and the second optical connector 200 is the female side. That is, it is also possible that the first optical connector 100 has positioning pins, while the second optical connector 200 does not.

[0022] (Direction definition)

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the direction in which the first connection end face 111 of the first optical connector 100 and the second connection end face 211 of the second optical connector 200 are opposed is called the axial direction Z. Along the axial direction Z, the side facing the first optical connector 100 from the second optical connector 200 (+Z side) is called the "first optical connector side" or "base end side of the first optical connector". The opposite side (-Z side) is called the "second optical connector side" or "base end side of the second optical connector". A direction orthogonal to the axial direction Z is called the first orthogonal direction X. The first orthogonal direction X is also the direction in which optical fibers F1 and F2 are arranged on the connection end faces 111 and 211 (refer to...). Figure 2 , Figure 3 The direction orthogonal to both the axis Z and the first orthogonal direction X is called the second orthogonal direction Y. One side of the first orthogonal direction X is called the +X side, and the other side is called the -X side. One side of the second orthogonal direction Y is called the +Y side, and the other side is called the -Y side.

[0024] like Figure 4As shown, the adapter 2 of this embodiment includes a frame C, an inner socket 30, and a force-applying part 40. Each component of the adapter 2 has a shape based on a common central axis O. The central axis O is parallel to the axial direction Z. The frame C has a first component 10 and a second component 20. The first component 10 is located on the +Z side, and the second component 20 is located on the -Z side. The frame C is formed by combining the two components 10 and 20. However, the frame C may also be a single component.

[0025] The force-applying part 40 applies force to the inner socket 30 on the -Z side from inside the frame C. The force-applying part 40 has multiple elastic members 41. In this embodiment, the elastic members 41 are cylindrical compression springs. In addition, the number of elastic members 41 is four. The four elastic members 41 are arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the central axis O of the adapter 2 (i.e., the central axis O of the inner socket 30). However, the shape, number, and arrangement of the elastic members 41 can be changed as long as force can be applied to the inner socket 30 on the -Z side.

[0026] like Figure 4 As shown, the first component 10 has a first main body portion 11 and two first flange portions 12. The first main body portion 11 is cylindrical, extending from the central axis O. In this embodiment, the first housing 120 is approximately cuboid in shape, and therefore, correspondingly, the first main body portion 11 is also a quadrilateral cylindrical shape (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 2 However, the shapes of the first main body 11 and the first housing 120 can be changed.

[0027] A first insertion port 14 is provided on the inner side of the first main body 11. The first insertion port 14 opens towards the +Z side. When using the adapter 2 to connect the optical connectors 100 and 200, the first optical connector 100 is inserted into the interior of the adapter 2 through the first insertion port 14.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, two first flange portions 12 protrude from the first main body portion 11 toward the +X side and the -X side. The first flange portions 12 are used to fix the first component 10 and the second component 20. First fixing holes 13 are formed in the two first flange portions 12 respectively.

[0029] The second component 20 has a second main body portion 21 and two second flange portions 22. The second main body portion 21 is cylindrical, extending from the central axis O. In this embodiment, the second housing 220 is approximately cuboid in shape, and correspondingly, the second main body portion 21 is also a quadrilateral cylindrical shape. However, the shapes of the second main body portion 21 and the second housing 220 can be changed. A second insertion port 23 is provided at the -Z side end of the second main body portion 21 (see reference). Figure 6The second insertion port 23 opens towards the -Z side. When using adapter 2 to connect optical connectors 100 and 200, the second optical connector 200 is inserted into the interior of adapter 2 through the second insertion port 23.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, second fixing holes 22a are formed in each of the two second flange portions 22. An annular positioning protrusion protruding towards the +Z side is formed along the opening edge of the second fixing hole 22a. This positioning protrusion fits into the inner side of the first fixing hole 13 in the first component 10. Thus, the relative positions of the first component 10 and the second component 20 are determined.

[0031] The first component 10 and the second component 20 are fixed to each other by a fixing component. Figure 6 In the example, the fixing components are screws B and nuts N. More specifically, two screws B are inserted into the first fixing hole 13 and the second fixing hole 22a, and nuts N are screwed onto the ends of each screw B. However, the fixing components are not limited to screws and nuts; for example, they could also be adhesives.

[0032] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the inner socket 30 has a socket body 31, two socket flanges 32, two engaging tabs 33, and a limiting portion 34. The socket body 31 is a rectangular cylindrical shape extending from the central axis O. The socket body 31 has an opening 31a that opens towards the +Z side. The first housing 120 of the first optical connector 100 enters the inner side of the inner socket 30 through the opening 31a (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, two socket flanges 32 protrude from the -Z side end of the socket body 31 toward both sides in the first orthogonal direction X. Two retaining protrusions 32a are formed on each socket flange 32. That is, the inner socket 30 has a total of four retaining protrusions 32a. The retaining protrusions 32a protrude from the socket flanges 32 toward the +Z side. The four retaining protrusions 32a retain the four elastic members 41 of the force-applying portion 40 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0034] Two engaging tabs 33 extend along the axial direction Z. The two engaging tabs 33 are separated and configured such that the central axis O is sandwiched in the middle in the first orthogonal direction X. Each engaging tab 33 has an engaging portion 33a protruding toward the internal space of the first main body 11. Each engaging tab 33 is capable of elastic deformation in the first orthogonal direction X, starting from its base end (the end on the -Z side of the engaging tab 33). The engaging tabs 33 and the engaging portions 33a function to engage the first optical connector 100 with the inner socket 30.

[0035] like Figure 5As shown, the limiting part 34 is located at the end of the socket body 31 on the -Z side. The limiting part 34 is a rectangular frame shape. Figure 6 As shown, the first ferrule 110 is inserted into the inner side of the limiting portion 34. The first housing 120 abuts against the limiting portion 34. This limits the first optical connector 100 from moving excessively towards the -Z side relative to the inner socket 30.

[0036] like Figure 6 As shown, in addition to the first ferrule 110 and the first housing 120, the first optical connector 100 also has a first intermediate component 130, a movable component 140, and a first protective cover 150 (see reference). Figure 1 ), support component 160, first force-applying component 170, and two auxiliary force-applying components 180. For example Figure 2 As shown, the first ferrule 110 has a plurality of first fiber optic holes 112 and the two first positioning holes 113 described above. The plurality of first fiber optic holes 112 and the two first positioning holes 113 are open on the first connecting end face 111. The two first positioning holes 113 are separately arranged in the first orthogonal direction X and are configured to sandwich the plurality of first fiber optic holes 112 in the middle. A first fiber optic cable F1 is inserted into each of the first fiber optic holes 112.

[0037] like Figure 6 As shown, the first housing 120 has a receiving portion 121. The receiving portion 121 is a square cylindrical shape extending along the Z-axis. A portion of the first insert 110, a first intermediate member 130, a first force-applying member 170, and a portion of the support member 160 are housed inside the receiving portion 121. The first housing 120 has two protrusions 123 protruding from the receiving portion 121 toward the +X and -X sides. The engaging portion 33a of the engaging tab 33 engages with the two protrusions 123. This restricts the movement of the first housing 120 relative to the adapter 2 toward the +Z side.

[0038] The first intermediate component 130 contacts the +Z side end of the first insert 110. The first intermediate component 130 transmits the force of the first force-applying component 170 to the first insert 110. However, in this embodiment, the force of the first force-applying component 170 is not actually utilized. Details will be described later. The movable component 140 is a so-called push-pull, a component that the user holds during loading and unloading. The movable component 140 is a square cylindrical shape extending along the Z-axis, surrounding the first housing 120 from the outside. A spring seat 141 protruding inward is formed in the movable component 140. The movable component 140 is movable relative to the first housing 120 in the Z-axis direction. Two auxiliary force-applying components 180 are arranged in the gap between the movable component 140 and the first housing 120.

[0039] The +Z side end of the auxiliary force-applying component 180 contacts the wide portion 122 of the first housing 120, and the -Z side end of the auxiliary force-applying component 180 contacts the spring seat 141 of the movable component 140. The auxiliary force-applying component 180 is, for example, a coil spring, compressed in the axial Z direction. Therefore, the movable component 140 is subjected to a force toward the -Z side from the auxiliary force-applying component 180. In the absence of an external force acting on the movable component 140, the -Z side end of the movable component 140 is inserted between the first main body portion 11 and the engaging piece 33 in the adapter 2 by the force of the auxiliary force-applying component 180. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the engaging piece 33 toward the outside is restricted. If the user overcomes the force and moves the movable component 140 toward the +Z side, the movable component 140 disengages from the adapter 2, and thus the engaging piece 33 can elastically change toward the outside in the first orthogonal direction X.

[0040] When the first optical connector 100 is removed from the adapter 2, it is sufficient to pull the first optical connector 100 towards the +Z side while the movable part 140 has been moved towards the +Z side. The engaging portion 33a abuts against the inclined surface of the protrusion 123, thereby causing the engaging piece 33 to elastically deform outward in the first orthogonal direction X. As a result, the engagement of the engaging portion 33a relative to the protrusion 123 is released, and the first optical connector 100 disengages from the adapter 2.

[0041] like Figure 6 As shown, the second optical connector 200, in addition to having a second ferrule 210 and a second housing 220, also has a second intermediate component 230, a resilient locking tab 240, and a second protective cover 250. Figure 3 As shown, the second ferrule 210 has a plurality of second fiber optic holes 212 and two second positioning holes 213. The plurality of second fiber optic holes 212 and the two second positioning holes 213 open on the second connection end face 211. The two second positioning holes 213 are separately arranged in a first orthogonal direction X and configured to sandwich the plurality of second fiber optic holes 212 in the middle. Positioning pins 260 are inserted through the second positioning holes 213. Second optical fibers F2 are inserted through each second fiber optic hole 212.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, the second housing 220 has a front end component 220a and a base end component 220b. The second housing 220 is formed by combining the two components 220a and 220b. However, the second housing 220 can also be a single component. A portion of the second insert 210, the second intermediate component 230, and the second force-applying component 270 are housed inside the second housing 220.

[0043] The second intermediate component 230 contacts the -Z side end of the second ferrule 210. The second intermediate component 230 has the function of transmitting the force of the second force-applying component 270 to the second ferrule 210. In addition, the second intermediate component 230 holds two locating pins 260. Therefore, the second intermediate component 230 is also referred to as a pin clamping member. The elastic engagement piece 240 is disposed on the -X side of the second housing 220. The elastic engagement piece 240 has an engagement protrusion 241 protruding toward the -X side. In addition, the second body portion 21 has an engagement hole 21a. The engagement protrusion 241 engages with the engagement hole 21a, thereby restricting the movement of the second optical connector 200 relative to the adapter 2 toward the -Z side. Although details are omitted, when the second optical connector 200 is pulled out of the adapter 2, the elastic deformation of the elastic engagement piece 240 causes the engagement protrusion 241 to move toward the +X side, thereby releasing the engagement with the engagement hole 21a.

[0044] The base-side component 220b of the second housing 220 has a second support surface 221 facing the +Z side. The -Z side end of the second force-applying component 270 contacts the second support surface 221. The +Z side end of the second force-applying component 270 contacts the second intermediate component 230. The second force-applying component 270 is, for example, a coil spring, compressed between the second support surface 221 and the second intermediate component 230.

[0045] With the above structure, the force generated by the first force-applying component 170 towards the -Z side acts on the first ferrule 110. Additionally, the force generated by the second force-applying component 270 towards the +Z side acts on the second ferrule 210. Here, in this embodiment, the first optical connector 100 and the second optical connector 200 are different types. The area of ​​the first connection end face 111 is larger than the area of ​​the second connection end face 211. Furthermore, the force acting on the first ferrule 110 is greater than the force acting on the second ferrule 210. As a specific example, the force acting on the first ferrule 110 (the first force) is in the range of 18 to 22 N, and the force acting on the second ferrule 210 (the second force) is in the range of 7 to 13 N.

[0046] Next, the function of the optical connection structure 1 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, the inner socket 30 and the first housing 120 are engaged by the engaging portion 33a and the protrusion 123. Furthermore, the inner socket 30 is subjected to a force relative to the first component 10 towards the -Z side by the force-applying portion 40. Therefore, the first housing 120 is also in a state where the force-applying portion 40 is applied towards the -Z side. If the first insert 110 abuts against the second insert 210, the second insert 210 presses against the first insert 110 by the force of the second force-applying member 270.

[0048] Here, the first insert 110 is stressed by the first force-applying member 170. However, the reaction force of the first force-applying member 170 is supported by the first housing 120 via the support member 160. The first housing 120 is stressed by the force-applying part 40 relative to the first member 10. As a result, the first force-applying member 170 and the force-applying part 40 are mechanically connected in series like springs. The force of the force-applying part 40 is less than the force of the first force-applying member 170, so when the first insert 110 is pressed by the second insert 210, the force-applying part 40 compresses and deforms preferentially than the first force-applying member 170.

[0049] That is, the positions of the first insert 110 and the second insert 210 in the axial Z direction when they abut are mainly determined by the balance of the forces exerted by the force-applying part 40 and the second force-applying component 270. Here, in this embodiment, the third force generated by the force-applying part 40 is approximately the same as the second force generated by the second force-applying component 270. As a specific example, the second force generated by the second force-applying component 270 is 10N. The force-applying part 40 has four elastic components 41, and the force of each elastic component 41 is 2.5N. That is, the third force generated by the force-applying part 40 becomes 4 × 2.5 = 10N, which is consistent with the second force of the second force-applying component 270.

[0050] Based on the above, even if the force of the first force-applying component 170 is greater than the force of the second force-applying component 270, the first insert 110 can be prevented from excessively entering the second insert 210 side. Therefore, the first connecting end face 111 and the second connecting end face 211 can be positioned at a predetermined position in the axial direction Z.

[0051] In the above description, the second force generated by the second force-applying component 270 and the third force generated by the force-applying part 40 are approximately the same. However, as long as the difference between the third force and the second force is less than the difference between the first force and the second force, the desired effect can be achieved.

[0052] As explained above, the adapter 2 of this embodiment connects the first optical connector 100 and the second optical connector 200. The first optical connector 100 applies a first force to the first ferrule 110 having a first connection end face 111 towards the first connection end face 111, and the second optical connector 200 applies a second force to the second ferrule 210 having a second connection end face 211 towards the second connection end face 211, which is less than the first force. The adapter 2 includes: an inner socket 30 that engages with the first optical connector 100; a frame C that houses the inner socket 30 and engages with the second optical connector 200; and a force-applying part 40 that applies a third force to the frame C toward the second optical connector 200, the difference between the third force and the second force being less than the difference between the first force and the second force. According to this adapter 2, two optical connectors 100 and 200 with different forces applied to the ferrules 110 and 210 can be appropriately connected to each other.

[0053] Furthermore, the force-applying part 40 includes a plurality of elastic members 41, which are arranged symmetrically about the central axis O of the inner socket 30. According to this structure, the inner socket 30 can be evenly force-applied through the plurality of elastic members 41. Therefore, tilting of the first optical connector 100, which engages with the inner socket 30, can be suppressed.

[0054] Additionally, the frame C includes: a first component 10 supporting a force-applying portion 40; and a second component 20 engaging with the second optical connector 200. The inner socket 30 is capable of relative movement in the axial Z direction relative to the first component 10 and the second component 20. This structure enables the inner socket 30 to float within the frame C.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame C does not engage with the first housing 120 of the first optical connector 100. With this structure, the force of the force-applying part 40 can be substantially applied to the first ferrule 110, replacing the first force-applying member 170.

[0056] Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0057] For example, the structure of the optical connectors 100 and 200 described above is one example. As long as there are two optical connectors with different ferrule forces, the disclosure of the above-described embodiments can be used appropriately.

[0058] In addition, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the constituent elements in the above embodiments can be appropriately replaced with known constituent elements. Furthermore, the above embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined.

[0059] Industrial availability

[0060] According to the adapter described above, two optical connectors with different forces applied to the ferrule can be properly connected to each other.

[0061] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0062] 2…Adapter; 10…First component; 20…Second component; 30…Inner socket; 40…Force application part; 41…Elastic component; 100…First optical connector; 110…First ferrule; 111…First connecting end face; 200…Second optical connector; 210…Second ferrule; 211…Second connecting end face; C…Frame; O…Central axis.

Claims

1. An adapter for connecting a first optical connector and a second optical connector, wherein the first optical connector applies a first force to a first ferrule having a first connection end face toward the first connection end face side, and the second optical connector applies a second force, less than the first force, to a second ferrule having a second connection end face toward the second connection end face side. The adapter is characterized by having: The inner socket engages with the first optical connector; The frame houses the inner socket and engages with the second optical connector; and The force-applying part applies a third force to the frame by orienting the inner socket toward the second optical connector. The difference between the third force and the second force is less than the difference between the first force and the second force.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force-applying part includes multiple elastic components. The plurality of elastic components are arranged in a point-symmetric configuration with respect to the central axis of the inner socket.

3. The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The frame has: The first component supports the force-applying part; and The second component engages with the second optical connector. The inner socket is movable relative to the first component and the second component.

4. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The frame does not engage with the housing of the first optical connector.

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