Alignment member, assembly member, and method of manufacturing an optical connector

Abstract

The alignment component (50) of the present invention includes a rear housing engaging portion (51), a sleeve retaining portion (52), and a guide portion (53). The rear housing engaging portion (51) engages with the rear housing (8) into which the optical fiber (2) is inserted. The sleeve retaining portion (52) retains the sleeve (15). The portion of the optical fiber (2) extending from the rear housing (8) is inserted into the sleeve (15). The guide portion (53) is provided between the rear housing engaging portion (51) and the sleeve retaining portion (52) and guides the optical fiber (2) extending from the rear housing (8) into the sleeve (15). The guide portion (53) has a conical surface (53a) into which the optical fiber (2) abuts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to methods for manufacturing alignment components, assembly components, and optical connectors. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-009858, filed on January 26, 2024, and incorporates all descriptions contained in that Japanese patent application. Background Technology

[0002] An optical connector is composed of multiple components (e.g., Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3). During the assembly of the optical connector, an optical cable is inserted into the multiple components constituting the optical connector. Components constituting the optical connector include, for example, a rear housing and a sleeve.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-118348 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-205100 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-082257 Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the alignment component of this disclosure includes a rear housing engaging portion, a sleeve retaining portion, and a guide portion. The rear housing engaging portion engages with a rear housing into which an optical cable is inserted. The sleeve retaining portion holds the sleeve. A portion of the optical cable extending from the rear housing is inserted into the sleeve. The guide portion is provided between the rear housing engaging portion and the sleeve retaining portion, guiding the optical cable extending from the rear housing into the sleeve. The guide portion has a tapered surface for the optical cable to abut against. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the optical connector representing an embodiment.

[0006] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the optical connector representing an embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A The image shows an exploded perspective view of the optical connector.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the assembly components used for assembling optical connectors.

[0009] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the assembled components.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a top view of the assembled components.

[0011] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of the aligned parts. Detailed Implementation

[0012] [The problem this disclosure aims to solve] When assembling optical connectors and inserting optical cords into various components, the tip of the cord may get caught on the components, reducing workability. Even when stored, the optical cord may tend to bend. In this case, inserting the cord into the components becomes more difficult.

[0013] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide alignment components, assembly components, and a method for manufacturing optical connectors that improve the ease of assembly of optical connectors.

[0014] [Effects of this disclosure] According to this disclosure, alignment components, assembly components, and a method for manufacturing an optical connector can be provided to improve the ease of assembly of the optical connector.

[0015] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0016] [1] The alignment member of the embodiment of this disclosure includes a rear housing engaging portion, a sleeve retaining portion, and a guide portion. The rear housing engaging portion engages with a rear housing into which an optical cable is inserted. The sleeve retaining portion retains a sleeve. A portion of the optical cable extending from the rear housing is inserted into the sleeve. The guide portion is provided between the rear housing engaging portion and the sleeve retaining portion, and guides the optical cable extending from the rear housing into the sleeve. The guide portion has a conical surface into which the optical cable abuts.

[0017] The alignment component is configured to include a rear housing engagement portion, a sleeve holding portion, and a guide portion. In this configuration, with both the rear housing and the sleeve positioned, the optical cable can be easily inserted into both the rear housing and the sleeve. Furthermore, the guide portion, located between the rear housing engagement portion and the sleeve holding portion, has a tapered surface. Therefore, when the optical cable, already inserted into the rear housing, is inserted into the sleeve, the tip of the optical cable abuts against the tapered surface and is guided into the sleeve. This improves the ease of assembly of the optical connector.

[0018] [2] In the alignment component described in [1] above, the guide portion may connect the rear housing engaging portion to the sleeve retaining portion. Alternatively, the conical surface may be inclined such that its normal extends toward the rear housing engaging portion. Therefore, even when the maximum width inside the sleeve is less than the maximum width inside the rear housing, the ease of inserting the optical fiber can be further improved.

[0019] [3] In the alignment component described in [1] or [2] above, the guide portion may include a hollow portion. Alternatively, the hollow portion may extend through a first direction in which the rear housing engaging portion, the guide portion, and the sleeve retaining portion are arranged in a row. Alternatively, a conical surface may be formed to define the hollow portion. In this case, the ease of insertion of the optical fiber can be further improved.

[0020] [4] In the alignment component described in [3] above, the hollow portion may have an opening that opens in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and communicates with the rear housing engagement portion and the sleeve retaining portion. In this case, the alignment component can be easily removed after the optical cable is inserted into the rear housing and the sleeve. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the optical connector can be further improved.

[0021] [5] In any of the alignment components described in [1] to [4] above, the sleeve holding part may hold the sleeve via a spring disposed along the outer periphery of the sleeve. In this case, the ease of removing the alignment component can be further improved.

[0022] [6] In any of the alignment components described in [1] to [5] above, the rear housing engaging portion may include an insertion portion that is inserted into the rear housing. Alternatively, the insertion portion may be inserted into a space in the rear housing that allows the front housing to be inserted when the rear housing is engaged with the front housing. In this case, the ease of assembly and removal of the alignment component can be further improved. As a result, the ease of assembly of the optical connector can be further improved.

[0023] [7] The assembly component of the embodiment of this disclosure includes: a sleeve; and an alignment component as described in any one of [1] to [6] above. The sleeve holding portion holds the sleeve with the top end of the sleeve protruding from the sleeve holding portion. In this case, the ease of removing the alignment component can be further improved. As a result, the ease of assembling the optical connector can be further improved.

[0024] [8] The method for manufacturing an optical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the following steps: arranging the rear housing and the sleeve in an alignment member such that a guide portion is disposed between the rear housing and the sleeve; and inserting an optical cable extending from the rear housing into the sleeve by abutting the tapered surface of the guide portion. The alignment member holds the rear housing into which the optical cable is inserted and the sleeve into which a portion of the optical cable extending from the rear housing is inserted, and the alignment member includes a guide portion for guiding the optical cable.

[0025] [9] In the manufacturing method of the optical connector described in [8] above, the following step may also be included: after the optical cable is inserted into the sleeve, the alignment component is removed from the sleeve and the rear housing.

[0026] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein] Hereinafter, specific examples of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to these examples, but is illustrated by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0027] First, refer to Figures 1A to 6 The alignment component and assembly component of this embodiment will be described in further detail. Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the optical connector representing an embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1A The image shows an exploded perspective view of the optical connector. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the assembly components used for assembling optical connectors.

[0028] The optical connector 1 in this embodiment is a fusion splice type LC connector assembled with an optical cable 2. The optical cable 2, for example, has an optical fiber core, an outer sheath covering the optical fiber core, and tensile fibers. The tensile fibers are located between the optical fiber core and the outer sheath. The tensile fibers have an extremely fine diameter. The tensile fibers are bundled together and built into the optical cable.

[0029] The optical connector 1 includes a ferrule member 6, a front housing 7, a rear housing 8, an outer sheath pressing member 9, a fixing member 10, a sheath 11, and a fusion protective sleeve 15. The front housing 7 houses the ferrule member 6. The rear housing 8 is disposed behind the front housing 7 and connected to the front housing 7. The outer sheath pressing member 9 and the fixing member 10 are mounted on the rear housing 8. The sheath 11 is assembled to the fixing member 10.

[0030] The ferrule member 6 has a ferrule body 13 and a flange 14. The ferrule body 13 holds the short strip of embedded optical fiber 12. The flange 14 is fixed to the ferrule body 13. The top surface (front surface) of the ferrule body 13 is ground so that the top surface is tilted at a specified angle (e.g., 8 degrees) relative to the plane of the embedded optical fiber 12 orthogonal to the central axis of its length direction.

[0031] The built-in optical fiber 12 extends a predetermined length rearward from the ferrule 6. The exposed fiber core, obtained by removing the outer sheath of the top portion of the optical cable 2, is fused to one end of the built-in optical fiber 12. The fusion sleeve 15 accommodates and protects the fusion joint between the built-in optical fiber 12 and the fiber core.

[0032] When the optical connector 1 is not connected to the optical connector on the other side, a dust cover 16 is placed on the ferrule body 13 to protect it from dust, dirt, etc. The dust cover 16 is generally cylindrical.

[0033] A through hole 17 extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the front housing 7. The insert member 6 is received inside the front housing 7 from the rear side. A wall portion for receiving the flange portion 14 of the insert member 6 is provided on the inner wall surface of the front portion of the front housing 7. The diameter of the through hole 17 in the front portion of the front housing 7 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the dust cover 16.

[0034] The rear housing 8 is connected to the rear end of the front housing 7 via a locking unit. An insertion hole extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the rear housing 8. The aforementioned fusion protective sleeve 15 is housed inside the front housing 7 and the rear housing 8. The optical cable 2 and the built-in optical fiber 12 are housed inside the fusion protective sleeve 15.

[0035] A spring 18, which applies force to the ferrule member 6 to the front side, abuts against the front end of the rear housing 8. The spring 18 is disposed in the ferrule receiving space of the front housing 7. The spring 18 is formed in a spiral shape and is arranged along the outer periphery of the fusion protective sleeve 15. By providing such a spring 18, a PC (Physical Contact) connection can be made with the optical connector on the other side.

[0036] The rear housing 8 has a large cylindrical portion 20 and a small cylindrical portion 21 located on the rear side of the large cylindrical portion 20. The diameter of the small cylindrical portion 21 is smaller than the diameter of the large cylindrical portion 20. An external thread 22 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large cylindrical portion 20.

[0037] The aforementioned outer skin pressing member 9 and fixing member 10 are mounted on such a rear housing 8. The outer skin pressing member 9 has: an annular portion 25, which is embedded in a small cylindrical portion 21; and a pair of pressing arms 26, which are integrated with the annular portion 25 and extend axially in the annular portion 25.

[0038] The fixing member 10 is generally cylindrical. The fixing member 10 has a tensile fiber fixing portion 28 and an outer sheath fixing portion 29. The tensile fiber fixing portion 28 fixes the tensile fibers of the optical fiber 2 to the large cylindrical portion 20 of the rear housing 8. The outer sheath fixing portion 29 is located behind the tensile fiber fixing portion 28, and the outer sheath 4 of the optical fiber 2 is fixed to the small cylindrical portion 21 of the rear housing 8 via each pressing arm 26. The aforementioned sheath 11 is attached to the outer sheath fixing portion 29. The sheath 11 protects the optical fiber 2 from sudden bending at the rear of the rear housing 8. A reinforcing tube 31 is pre-assembled on the sheath 11.

[0039] Next, the assembly of the optical connector 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 This is a sectional view of the assembled components. Figure 5 This is a top view of the assembled components. Figure 6This is a perspective view of the alignment components. In the assembly of the optical connector 1, the optical cable 2 is inserted into the rear housing 8, the sheath 11, and the fusion protection sleeve 15. At this time, the assembly component 40 is used. In addition to the rear housing 8, the sheath 11, and the fusion protection sleeve 15, the assembly component 40 also includes the alignment component 50. Hereinafter, the "fusion protection sleeve" will simply be referred to as the "sleeve".

[0040] Alignment member 50 extends in the Z-axis direction. Alignment member 50 aligns the rear housing 8 and sleeve 15 in a row in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the first direction. Alignment member 50 is open in the Y-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction. Alignment member 50 has a U-shape in cross-section along the XY plane, and the U-shaped portion is continuous in the Z-axis direction.

[0041] The alignment member 50 includes a rear housing engaging portion 51, a sleeve retaining portion 52, and a guide portion 53. For example, the rear housing engaging portion 51, the sleeve retaining portion 52, and the guide portion 53 are formed as a single unit. The material of the alignment member 50 is, for example, plastic, such as polycarbonate.

[0042] The rear housing engaging portion 51 engages with the rear housing 8. The optical cable 2 is inserted into the rear housing 8. The rear housing engaging portion 51 includes an insertion portion 61 that is inserted into the rear housing 8. The insertion portion 61 is inserted into the space SP in the rear housing 8. When the rear housing 8 is combined with the front housing 7, the front housing 7 is inserted into the space SP.

[0043] The sleeve retaining portion 52 holds the sleeve 15. A portion of the optical fiber 2 extending from the rear housing 8 is inserted into the sleeve 15. The sleeve retaining portion 52 holds the sleeve 15 via a spring 18. The spring 18 is helical and is positioned along the outer periphery of the sleeve 15 when it is held in the sleeve retaining portion 52. The sleeve 15 is inserted into the spring 18.

[0044] In the example shown in this embodiment, when the sleeve 15 is held in the sleeve holding portion 52, a portion of the sleeve 15 is accommodated within the alignment member 50 in the Z-axis direction. The sleeve 15 is held in the sleeve holding portion 52 with its top end protruding from the sleeve holding portion 52. For example, the sleeve 15 is held in the sleeve holding portion 52 with its top end protruding from the alignment member 50. As a variation of this embodiment, the entire sleeve 15 may be accommodated within the alignment member 50. For example, the entire sleeve 15 may be held in the sleeve holding portion 52. In the direction along the XY plane, the maximum width of the interior of the sleeve 15 is less than the maximum width of the space SP.

[0045] A guide portion 53 is provided between the rear housing engaging portion 51 and the sleeve retaining portion 52. The rear housing engaging portion 51, the guide portion 53, and the sleeve retaining portion 52 are arranged in a row in the Z-axis direction in this order. The guide portion 53 guides the optical cable 2 extending from the rear housing 8 into the sleeve 15.

[0046] The guide portion 53 has a conical surface 53a. The guide portion 53 connects the rear housing engaging portion 51 and the sleeve retaining portion 52. The optical fiber 2 abuts against the conical surface 53a. The conical surface 53a is inclined such that its normal extends toward the rear housing engaging portion 51. In the example shown in this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, when viewed along the Z-axis, the conical surface 53a is formed to surround the optical soft line 2 inserted into the hollow portion R. For example, when viewed along the Z-axis, that is, when projected onto a plane along the XY plane, the conical surface 53a is formed as a fan-shaped portion with the optical soft line 2 inserted into the hollow portion R as the center, occupying a central angle of more than 180°.

[0047] In the example shown in this embodiment, the conical surface 53a is composed of a plurality of planes arranged around the Z-axis. As a variation of this embodiment, the conical surface 53a may also be composed of at least one curved surface that is bent around the Z-axis.

[0048] For example, the optical fiber 2 passes through the interior of the sheath 11 and is inserted into the rear housing 8, protruding from the end side of the rear housing 8 with the space SP. The optical fiber 2 protruding from the rear housing 8 abuts against the conical surface 53a, is inserted along the conical surface 53a into the hollow portion R, and is inserted into the interior of the sleeve 15. In other words, the optical fiber 2 slides on the conical surface 53a and is guided into the interior of the sleeve 15.

[0049] For example, the guide portion 53 has a hollow portion R that extends through the guide portion 53 in the Z-axis direction. A conical surface 53a forms part of the surface that defines the hollow portion R. The hollow portion R has an opening α. The opening α is open in the Y-axis direction and communicates with the rear housing engaging portion 51 and the sleeve retaining portion 52.

[0050] After a portion of the optical fiber 2 is housed in the sleeve 15, the alignment member 50 is removed from the sleeve 15 and the rear housing 8. At this time, for example, the alignment member 50 is removed by applying force in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the optical fiber 2, sleeve 15, spring 18, and rear housing 8 disengage from the alignment member 50. At this point, the portion of the optical fiber 2 located between the sleeve 15 and the rear housing 8 disengages from the alignment member 50 through the opening α.

[0051] Next, the effects obtained from the manufacturing methods of the alignment component 50, the assembly component 40, and the optical connector 1 in the embodiments will be explained.

[0052] The alignment component 50 includes a rear housing engagement portion 51, a sleeve holding portion 52, and a guide portion 53. In this case, with both the rear housing 8 and the sleeve 15 positioned, the optical cable 2 can be easily inserted into the rear housing 8 and the sleeve 15. Furthermore, the guide portion provided between the rear housing engagement portion 51 and the sleeve holding portion 52 has a conical surface 53a. Therefore, when the optical cable 2, which has already been inserted into the rear housing 8, is inserted into the sleeve 15, the tip of the optical cable 2 abuts against the conical surface 53a, thereby being guided into the sleeve 15. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the optical connector 1 can be improved.

[0053] In the example shown in this embodiment, the guide portion 53 connects the rear housing engaging portion 51 to the sleeve retaining portion 52. The conical surface 53a is inclined such that the normal of the conical surface 53a extends toward the rear housing engaging portion 51. As a result, even when the maximum width inside the sleeve 15 is less than the maximum width inside the rear housing 8, the ease of insertion of the optical fiber 2 can be further improved.

[0054] In the example shown in this embodiment, the guide portion 53 includes a hollow portion R. The hollow portion R extends through the rear housing engaging portion 51, the guide portion 53, and the sleeve retaining portion 52 in a row along the Z-axis direction. The conical surface 53a forms part of the surface defining the hollow portion R. In this case, the ease of insertion of the optical fiber 2 can be further improved.

[0055] In the example shown in this embodiment, the hollow portion R has an opening α that opens in the Y-axis direction and communicates between the rear housing engaging portion 51 and the sleeve retaining portion 52. In this case, after the optical cable 2 is inserted into the rear housing 8 and the sleeve 15, the alignment member 50 can be easily removed. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the optical connector 1 can be further improved.

[0056] In the example shown in this embodiment, the sleeve retaining portion 52 holds the sleeve 15 via a helical spring 18 arranged along the outer periphery of the sleeve 15. In this case, the ease of removing the alignment member 50 can be further improved.

[0057] In the example shown in this embodiment, the rear housing engagement portion 51 includes an insertion portion 61 that is inserted into the rear housing 8. The insertion portion 61 is inserted into the space SP in the rear housing 8, which is used for the insertion of the front housing 7 when the rear housing 8 is engaged with the front housing 7. In this case, the ease of assembly and removal of the alignment component 50 can be further improved. As a result, the ease of assembly of the optical connector 1 can be further improved.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in this disclosure, the assembly component 40 includes a sleeve 15 and the alignment component 50 described above. A sleeve retaining portion 52 holds the sleeve 15 with its top end protruding from it. In this case, the ease of removing the alignment component 50 can be further improved. As a result, the ease of assembling the optical connector 1 can be further improved.

[0059] A method for manufacturing an optical connector includes the following steps: disposing the rear housing 8 and the sleeve 15 on an alignment member 50 such that a guide portion 53 is disposed between the rear housing 8 and the sleeve 15; and inserting an optical cable extending from the rear housing 8 into the sleeve 15 by abutting against the tapered surface 53a of the guide portion 53. The alignment member 50 holds the rear housing 8 into which the optical cable 2 is inserted and the sleeve 15 into which a portion of the optical cable 2 extending from the rear housing 8 is inserted, and the alignment member 50 includes the guide portion 53 for guiding the optical cable 2. The method for manufacturing an optical connector may further include the step of removing the alignment member 50 from the sleeve 15 and the rear housing 8 after the optical cable 2 has been inserted into the sleeve 15. In this case, the sleeve 15 and the rear housing 8 can be easily inserted into the optical cable 2, and the optical connector as a whole achieves a compact configuration.

[0060] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be applied to various embodiments. In the above embodiments and variations, the alignment member 50 is fixed relative to the rear housing 8 by inserting the insertion part 61 into the space SP. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and the alignment member 50 may also be joined to the rear housing 8.

[0061] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1: Optical connector; 2: Optical flexible wire; 4: Outer skin; 6: Insert component; 7: Front housing; 8: Rear housing; 9: Outer skin pressing component; 10: Fixed components; 11: Sheath; 12: Built-in optical fiber; 13: The main body of the ferrule; 14: Flange portion; 15: Fusion protection sleeve; 16: Dust cover; 17: Through hole; 18: Spring; 20: Large cylindrical part; 21: Small tubular part; 22: External thread; 25: Annular portion; 26: Pressing arm; 28: Tension-resistant fiber fixing part; 29: Outer skin fixing part; 31: Reinforced pipe; 40: Assembled components; 50: Alignment component; 51: Rear housing engagement part; 52: Sleeve retainer; 53: Guiding Department; 53a: Conical surface; 61: Insertion section; R: Hollow section; SP: Space; α: Opening.

Claims

1. An alignment component comprising: The rear housing engaging portion engages with the rear housing into which the optical fiber cable is inserted; A sleeve retainer for holding the sleeve into which the portion of the optical cable extending from the rear housing is inserted; and A guide portion, located between the rear housing engaging portion and the sleeve retaining portion, guides the optical cable extending from the rear housing into the sleeve. The guide portion has a conical surface for the optical flexible wire to abut.

2. The alignment component according to claim 1, wherein, The guide portion connects the rear housing engaging portion to the sleeve retaining portion. The conical surface is inclined such that its normal extends toward the engagement portion of the rear housing.

3. The alignment component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The guide portion includes a hollow portion that extends through the rear housing engaging portion, the guide portion, and the sleeve retaining portion in a first direction in which they are arranged in a row. The conical surface forms the surface that defines the hollow portion.

4. The alignment component according to claim 3, wherein, The hollow portion has an opening that opens in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and connects the rear housing engaging portion to the sleeve retaining portion.

5. The alignment component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The sleeve retainer holds the sleeve via a spring arranged along the outer periphery of the sleeve.

6. The alignment component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The rear housing engagement portion includes an insertion portion that inserts into the rear housing. The insertion part is inserted into the space in the rear housing that allows the front housing to be inserted when the rear housing is combined with the front housing.

7. An assembly component comprising: The sleeve; and The alignment component as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, The sleeve retaining part holds the sleeve with the top end of the sleeve protruding from the sleeve retaining part.

8. A method for manufacturing an optical connector, comprising the following steps: The rear housing and the sleeve are positioned on the alignment member such that the guide portion is disposed between the rear housing and the sleeve, wherein... The alignment member holds the rear housing into which the optical fiber is inserted and the sleeve that accommodates a portion of the optical fiber extending from the rear housing, and the alignment member includes a guide portion for guiding the optical fiber. as well as The optical fiber extending from the rear housing is brought into contact with the conical surface of the guide portion, and the optical fiber is inserted into the sleeve.

9. The method for manufacturing an optical connector according to claim 8 further comprises the following steps: After a portion of the optical fiber is housed in the sleeve, the alignment component is removed from the sleeve and the rear housing.

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