Optical connector

Abstract

This disclosure provides an optical connector capable of reducing optical loss. One embodiment of the optical connector is connected to an adapter along a first direction. The optical connector includes: an optical waveguide portion for guiding light; a retaining member for retaining the optical waveguide portion; a guide portion disposed on the retaining member for positioning relative to the adapter; and a spring for applying force to the retaining member toward the adapter. At an end face of the retaining member in the first direction, the optical waveguide portion extends in a second direction, which intersects the first direction. At the end face, the optical waveguide portion and the guide portion are arranged along a third direction, which intersects the first and second directions. The spring and the guide portion are arranged along the first direction. The position of the guide portion in the third direction coincides with the position of the spring in the third direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to optical connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an optical module comprising a circuit board and a light transmitting unit mounted on the circuit board. The light transmitting unit includes an LD (Laser Diode) array element and an optical block optically coupled to the LD array element. The optical block has a locking portion for reinforcing the optical block. The locking portion has a receiving portion protruding from the locking portion and a convex protrusion including a guide pin. The locking portion has two convex protrusions, and a lens assembly is disposed between the two convex protrusions.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes an optical connector. The optical connector has a connection end face that serves as a connection surface with a counterpart connector. The connection end face has an opening with a plurality of fiber optic holes arranged in a horizontal row and two positioning fitting holes. The fitting holes are formed above and below the plurality of fiber optic holes on the connection end face.

[0004] Patent document 3 describes an optical connection unit that is optically coupled to a photonic assembly that transmits light onto and off the surface of a substrate. An optical fiber array unit assembly is connected to the optical connection unit. The optical fiber array unit assembly includes fiber columns and guide pins located above the fiber columns. The optical connection unit has an optical waveguide that is optically coupled to the optical fibers of the optical fiber array unit assembly and a guide hole for inserting the guide pins.

[0005] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-122354 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-134262 Patent Document 3: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2024 / 0427097 Furthermore, the following structure is known: in an optical connector comprising an optical waveguide portion such as an optical fiber, a retaining member for holding the optical waveguide portion, and a guide portion such as a guide pin, the optical waveguide portion is disposed between a pair of guide portions. However, in the above structure, the pair of guide portions and the optical waveguide portion are arranged along one direction, and the length of the retaining member in that one direction increases. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of space saving.

[0006] A structure is known in which an optical waveguide is located at a position different from that on an imaginary straight line connecting a pair of guides. However, in this structure, the optical waveguide is located at a position different from that on the imaginary straight line, and thus, when the guides are guiding the waveguides and the holding member is tilted, the optical waveguide may sometimes be affected by the tilt, resulting in optical loss. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce optical loss. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an optical connector that can reduce optical loss.

[0008] The optical connector disclosed herein is connected to an adapter along a first direction. The optical connector includes: an optical waveguide portion for guiding light; a retaining member for retaining the optical waveguide portion; a guide portion disposed on the retaining member for positioning relative to the adapter; and a spring for applying force to the retaining member toward the adapter. At an end face of the retaining member in the first direction, the optical waveguide portion extends in a second direction, which intersects the first direction. At the end face, the optical waveguide portion and the guide portion are arranged along a third direction, which intersects the first and second directions. The spring and the guide portion are arranged along the first direction. The position of the guide portion in the third direction coincides with the position of the spring in the third direction.

[0009] Invention Effects According to this disclosure, optical loss can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the optical connector representing an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a retaining component, a guiding portion, and an optical waveguide portion of an optical connector.

[0012] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A perspective view of the retaining component, guide portion, optical waveguide portion, spring, and latching structure of an optical connector.

[0013] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A diagram of optical connectors and adapters.

[0014] Figure 5 This indicates the latch structure and Figure 4 The diagram shows the situation where the adapter is engaged.

[0015] Figure 6 This indicates that the optical connector is connected to Figure 4 A side view of the adapter.

[0016] Figure 7 It means Figure 1 The front view of the optical connector.

[0017] Figure 8 It means from Figure 1 A 3D view of the optical connector after the pull tab has been removed.

[0018] Figure 9This is a three-dimensional view showing a modified example of an optical connector.

[0019] Figure 10 It means Figure 9 Side view of the optical connector and adapter.

[0020] Figure 11 This refers to the optical connector and its embodiment. Figure 4 3D diagrams of different adapters.

[0021] Figure 12 It means Figure 11 Side view of the optical connector and adapter.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. 1A: Optical connector; 2: Retaining member; 2b: End face; 2c: Side face; 2d: Recess; 2f: Hole; 2h: Extension; 2j: Protrusion; 2k: Bottom face; 3: Guide; 3b: Center; 4: Covering member; 4b: Top face; 4c: Side face; 5: Latch structure; 5b: Metal plate; 5c: Leaf spring; 5d: Mounting part; 5f: Center; 5h: Extension; 6: Release member; 6b: Side wall; 6c: Bottom wall; 6d: Release part; 7: Pull tab; 7b: Neck; 7c: Hole; 8: Optical waveguide part; 8b: Top surface; 9: Guide hole; 10: Spring; 20, 20A: Adapter; 21: Main body part; 21b: Guide hole; 21c: Latch hole; 21d: Protrusion; 22: Lens array; 23: Lens; 30: Lens array; 31: Lens; 40: Adapter; 42: Holding member; 44: Covering member; 48: Optical waveguide part; S1: Plane. Detailed Implementation

[0023] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. (1) An optical connector of one embodiment is connected to an adapter along a first direction. The optical connector includes: an optical waveguide portion for guiding light; a holding member for holding the optical waveguide portion; a guide portion disposed on the holding member for positioning relative to the adapter; and a spring for applying force to the holding member toward the adapter. On the end face of the holding member in the first direction, the optical waveguide portion extends in a second direction that intersects the first direction. On the end face, the optical waveguide portion and the guide portion are arranged along a third direction that intersects the first and second directions. The spring and the guide portion are arranged along the first direction. The position of the guide portion in the third direction coincides with the position of the spring in the third direction.

[0024] The optical connector is connected to the adapter along a first direction. The optical connector includes: an optical waveguide portion; a retaining member to retain the optical waveguide portion; and a guide portion for positioning the retaining member relative to the adapter. At the end face of the retaining member, the optical waveguide portion extends in a second direction, and the optical waveguide portion and the guide portion are arranged along a third direction intersecting the second direction. At the end face of the retaining member, the direction in which the optical waveguide portion extends is different from the direction in which the optical waveguide portion and the guide portion are arranged, thereby preventing the retaining member from becoming too large. Therefore, space can be saved. The optical connector has a spring that applies force to the retaining member toward the adapter, and the spring and the guide portion are arranged along the first direction. The position of the spring in the third direction coincides with the position of the guide portion in the third direction. Therefore, by applying force to the guide portion and the retaining member toward the adapter along the first direction by the spring, the slope of the retaining member can be reduced. Therefore, optical loss in the optical waveguide portion can be reduced.

[0025] (2) In (1) above, the optical connector may also include: a plurality of guide portions; and a latching structure that engages with the adapter. Alternatively, the latching structure may be located between the plurality of guide portions. In this case, the latching structure that engages with the adapter is located between the plurality of guide portions, thereby saving more space.

[0026] (3) In (2) above, it is also possible that the center of the guide portion in the third-direction upward position when viewed from the opposite direction of the first direction coincides with the center of the latch structure in the third-direction upward position when viewed from the opposite direction of the first direction. In this case, the slope of the retaining member can be reduced more reliably.

[0027] (4) In (2) or (3) above, the optical connector may also have a release member, wherein the release member releases the latch structure from engaging with the adapter when pulled in the opposite direction to the first direction. In this case, the engagement and disengagement of the optical connector from the adapter can be easily performed.

[0028] (5) In (4) above, the optical connector may also have a pull tab that extends from the release member in the opposite direction, and can be pinched with a finger when the release member is pulled. Alternatively, the maximum length of the pull tab in the second direction may be less than the maximum length of the retaining member in the second direction, or the maximum length of the pull tab in the third direction may be less than the maximum length of the retaining member in the third direction. In this case, the pull tab extends from the release member in the opposite direction to the first direction, thereby making it easier to release the engagement by pinching the pull tab with a finger and pulling it in that opposite direction. Since the maximum length of the pull tab in the second direction is less than the maximum length of the retaining member in the second direction, and the maximum length of the pull tab in the third direction is less than the maximum length of the retaining member in the third direction, the large size of the pull tab can be avoided. Therefore, it helps to save space.

[0029] (6) In (4) or (5) above, the optical connector may also have a pull tab that extends from the release member in the opposite direction described above, and can be pinched with a finger when the release member is pulled. Alternatively, the pull tab may be designed to be detachable from the release member. In this case, the pull tab can be removed from the release member when it is not needed. Therefore, the optical connector can be made smaller, thus contributing to further space saving.

[0030] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein] Specific examples of optical connectors according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the examples below, but is shown in the claims, which are intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. Regarding the drawings, sometimes portions of the drawings are simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and the scales, etc., are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the optical connector 1. The optical connector 1 is connected to the adapter 20 along the first direction D1 (see reference). Figure 4 The optical connector 1 includes: a retaining member 2; an optical waveguide 8 held in the retaining member 2; and a guiding member 3 disposed on the retaining member 2 for positioning relative to the adapter 20. For example, the optical waveguide 8 may be a plurality of optical fibers guiding light, and the retaining member 2 may be a ferrule. As an example, the material of the retaining member 2 may be polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

[0032] The retaining member 2 has an end face 2b opposite to the adapter 20. As an example, the end face 2b is rectangular. The end face 2b is located at the end of the retaining member 2 in a first direction D1. At the end face 2b, the optical waveguide portion 8 extends in a second direction D2, which intersects the first direction D1. If the optical waveguide portion 8 consists of multiple optical fibers, for example, the top ends 8b of the multiple optical fibers are arranged along the second direction D2. The end of the optical waveguide portion 8 in the first direction D1 is held by the retaining member 2. The optical waveguide portion 8 extends from the retaining member 2 in the opposite direction to the first direction D1.

[0033] For example, the length of optical connector 1 in the first direction D1 is greater than the length of optical connector 1 in the second direction D2. End face 2b extends in the second direction D2 and in a third direction D3, which is a direction intersecting both the first and second directions D1 and D2. As an example, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are orthogonal to each other. For example, the length of end face 2b in the second direction D2 is greater than the length of end face 2b in the third direction D3. The retaining member 2 has, for example, a pair of side faces 2c arranged along the second direction D2. For example, the side face 2c has a recess 2d that is recessed from the end of the side face 2c in the third direction D3 in the opposite direction to the third direction D3.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the components of optical connector 1. (Example) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in (1), for example, guide part 3 is a guide pin. The material of guide part 3 is, for example, stainless steel (SUS: Steel Use Stainless). However, the material of guide part 3 can also be an ultra-hard material or ceramic (zirconia as an example), without particular limitation.

[0035] At end face 2b, the optical waveguide portion 8 and the guide portion 3 are arranged along a third direction D3. The optical connector 1 has a plurality of (two as an example) guide portions 3. The plurality of guide portions 3 are arranged along a second direction D2. For example, the ends of the guide portions 3 located in the second direction D2 and the optical waveguide portion 8 in the second direction D2 are arranged along a third direction D3.

[0036] For example, the guide portion 3 located in the opposite direction of the second direction D2 and the end of the optical waveguide portion 8 in this opposite direction are arranged along the third direction D3. The guide portion 3, acting as a guide pin, is inserted into the guide hole 9 recessed from the end face 2b in the opposite direction of the first direction D1. However, as Figure 2 As shown in (2), the guide part can also be a guide hole 9.

[0037] The optical connector 1 has a latching structure 5 that engages with the adapter 20. The latching structure 5 is located in the third direction D3 of the optical waveguide 8. The material of the latching structure 5 is, for example, stainless steel (SUS), but is not particularly limited. The latching structure 5 is, for example, machined from a sheet metal. The latching structure 5 is located between a plurality of guides 3. For example, a portion of the latching structure 5 enters a hole 2f in the retaining member 2. The hole 2f is recessed from the end face 2b in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. The hole 2f is located between a pair of guides 3. As an example, the hole 2f is rectangular.

[0038] The latching structure 5, for example, has a pair of metal plate portions 5b and a pair of leaf spring portions 5c. The leaf spring portions 5c extend from the metal plate portions 5b in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. The pair of leaf spring portions 5c arranged along the second direction D2 are inclined relative to the metal plate portions 5b in such a way that they move away from each other as they move away from the metal plate portions 5b. The leaf spring portions 5c are elastically deformable along the second direction D2. The latching structure 5 will be described in detail later.

[0039] The optical connector 1 includes a cover member 4 that covers a portion of the end face 2b of the retaining member 2 located in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. The cover member 4 has a top portion 4b extending in the first direction D1 and a second direction D2, and a pair of side portions 4c arranged along the second direction D2. The side portions 4c extend in the first direction D1 and a third direction D3. The side portions 4c extend in the opposite direction to the third direction D3 from the end of the top portion 4b in the second direction D2 and the end of the top portion 4b in the opposite direction to the second direction D2, respectively. For example, the end of each side portion 4c in the opposite direction to the third direction D3 hooks onto the retaining member 2.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the optical connector 1 with the cover component 4 removed. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 As shown, the optical connector 1 has a spring 10 that applies force to the retaining member 2 toward the adapter 20. The spring 10 is, for example, a helical spring (a round spring is an example). The material of the spring 10 is, for example, stainless steel (SUS: Steel Use Stainless), but is not particularly limited. The spring 10 applies force to the retaining member 2 in a first direction D1.

[0041] The optical connector 1, for example, has multiple springs 10. The multiple springs 10 are arranged along a second direction D2. The springs 10 are located in the opposite direction to the first direction D1 of the guide 3. The position of the guide 3 in a third direction D3 coincides with the position of the springs 10 in the third direction D3. "Coincidence" includes not only complete coincidence but also inconsistency to the extent that the effect is not affected.

[0042] Spring 10 and guide portion 3 are arranged along the first direction D1. Spring 10, retaining member 2, and guide portion 3 are arranged in this order. Optical connector 1 includes a mounting portion 5d for mounting spring 10. For example, latching structure 5 includes mounting portion 5d. For example, latching structure 5 has: an extension 5h extending in the direction opposite to the third direction D3 of the covered member 4 and along the first direction D1; and mounting portion 5d located in the second direction D2 of extension 5h and in the opposite direction of the second direction D2 of extension 5h, respectively.

[0043] The retaining member 2 has: an extension 2h extending in the opposite direction to the end face 2b in the first direction D1; and a protrusion 2j protruding from the extension 2h in the opposite direction. The retaining member 2 has a plurality of (two as an example) extensions 2h and a plurality of protrusions 2j. The plurality of extensions 2h are arranged along the second direction D2, and the plurality of protrusions 2j are arranged along the second direction D2. The extension 2h is, for example, cuboid in shape. The side portion 4c of the aforementioned covering member 4 hooks onto the end of the extension 2h in the opposite direction to the third direction D3.

[0044] The protrusion 2j is, for example, cylindrical (cylindrical as an example). The protrusion 2j enters the spring 10 placed on the mounting portion 5d. The spring 10 is sandwiched between the mounting portion 5d and the extension 2h. One end of the spring 10 abuts against the end of the mounting portion 5d in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. While abutting against the mounting portion 5d, the spring 10 exerts a force on the extension 2h of the retaining member 2 in the first direction D1.

[0045] Figure 4 This diagram shows optical connector 1 and adapter 20. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 4 As shown, the adapter 20 has, for example, a main body 21 for engaging the latching structure 5 and for inserting the guide portion 3. The main body 21 is, for example, cuboid in shape. The main body 21 has a guide hole 21b for inserting the guide portion 3 and a latch hole 21c for inserting the latching structure 5. The guide portion 3 is inserted into the guide hole 21b in a first direction D1. The latching structure 5 is inserted into the latch hole 21c in the first direction D1. The main body 21 has a pair of protrusions 21d facing each other along a second direction D2 in the latch hole 21c.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the latch structure 5 is inserted into the latch hole 21c. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, when the latching structure 5 is inserted into the latching hole 21c, the leaf spring portion 5c abuts against the protrusion 21d, and the pair of leaf spring portions 5c elastically deform in the direction of approaching each other. When the latching structure 5 is further inserted, the leaf spring portion 5c passes over the protrusion 21d in the first direction D1, and the pair of leaf spring portions 5c expand in the direction of moving away from each other, thereby becoming a state in which each leaf spring portion 5c hooks onto each protrusion 21d. Thus, the latching structure 5 is engaged with the adapter 20.

[0047] Figure 6 (1) and Figure 6 (2) is a side view showing the situation where the optical connector 1 is connected to the adapter 20. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the latching structure 5 engages with the adapter 20, the guide portion 3 is inserted into the guide hole 21b of the adapter 20. The insertion of the guide portion 3 into the guide hole 21b achieves positioning of the optical connector 1 relative to the adapter 20. As described above, the spring 10 is disposed between the mounting portion 5d of the latching structure 5 and the extension portion 2h of the retaining member 2. The spring 10 applies a force to the retaining member 2 in the first direction D1 relative to the latching structure 5. Because the retaining member 2 is forced towards the adapter 20 by the spring 10, the end face 2b is brought into close contact with the adapter 20, thus reducing the slope of the retaining member 2.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a front view of the optical connector 1 obtained by observing the optical connector 1 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. For example... Figure 7 As shown, when viewed from the opposite direction of the first direction D1, the position of the center 3b of the guide portion 3 in the third direction D3 coincides with the position of the center 5f of the latch structure 5 in the third direction D3 when viewed from the opposite direction of the first direction D1. For example, the distance from the bottom surface 2k of the retaining member 2 to the center 3b of the guide portion 3 coincides with the distance from the bottom surface 2k to the center 5f of the latch structure 5. At the end of the retaining member 2 in the direction opposite to the third direction D3, the bottom surface 2k extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0049] The center 3b of the guide portion 3 coincides with the center of the spring 10. That is, the center of the spring 10 and the center 3b of the guide portion 3 are aligned along the first direction D1. This stabilizes the force applied by the spring 10 to the guide portion 3. Alternatively, the center of the spring 10 and the center 5f of the latch structure 5 may lie on the same plane as the plane S1, which includes the center 3b of the guide portion 3 and extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. However, it is also possible that, to the extent that the effect is not affected, at least one of the positions of the center of the spring 10 and the center 5f of the latch structure 5 may deviate from the plane S1.

[0050] like Figure 1As shown, the optical connector 1 has a release member 6 that engages with the latching structure 5 relative to the adapter 20 and a pull tab 7 that can be pinched with fingers when the release member 6 is pulled. Figure 8 It means from Figure 1 A 3D view of the optical connector 1 after the pull tab 7 has been removed. (See image below.) Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the release member 6 has, for example, a pair of sidewall portions 6b arranged along the second direction D2 and a bottom wall portion 6c located between the pair of sidewall portions 6b and extending in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The material of the release member 6 is, for example, stainless steel (SUS), but is not particularly limited.

[0051] The release member 6 is located in the third direction D3 of the optical waveguide section 8. The release member 6 has a release portion 6d that releases the latch structure 5 from engagement with the adapter 20. The release portion 6d is, for example, located at the end of the release member 6 in the first direction D1. The release portion 6d is plate-shaped, extending in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 and having thickness in the second direction D2. The release member 6 has a pair of release portions 6d, which are arranged along the second direction D2.

[0052] The release member 6 can move relative to the latching structure 5 at a predetermined distance in the opposite direction of the first direction D1. When the release member 6 is pulled in the opposite direction of the first direction D1, thereby moving relative to the latching structure 5 in that opposite direction, a pair of release portions 6d cause a pair of leaf spring portions 5c to elastically deform in a direction approaching each other, and the pair of leaf spring portions 5c pass over a pair of protrusions 21d in that opposite direction. Therefore, the engagement and disengagement of the latching structure 5 relative to the adapter 20 can be easily performed.

[0053] The material of the pull tab 7 is, for example, resin. The pull tab 7 extends from the release member 6 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. The pull tab 7 has, for example, a hole 7c for the release member 6 to enter. The pull tab 7 is fitted to the release member 6, for example, by a tongue-and-groove engagement. As an example, the pull tab 7 is fitted to the release member 6 by engaging the release member 6 with the hole 7c. The pull tab 7 is, for example, configured to be detachable from the release member 6. However, the pull tab 7 may also be configured not to be detachable from the release member 6.

[0054] For example, when the pull tab 7 is cut using a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1, its cross-section is a rounded rectangle. The pull tab 7 has, for example, a neck 7b at its center in the first direction D1. Regarding the neck 7b, the length of the pull tab 7 in the second direction D2 decreases as it approaches the center of the first direction D1. By having a neck 7b, the pull tab 7 can be shaped to be easily pinched with fingers. The pull tab 7 is located in the third direction D3 of the optical waveguide section 8. For example, the maximum length of the pull tab 7 in the second direction D2 is less than the maximum length of the retaining member 2 in the second direction D2, and the maximum length of the pull tab 7 in the third direction D3 is less than the maximum length of the retaining member 2 in the third direction D3.

[0055] The effects of the optical connector 1 according to this embodiment will be explained. The optical connector 1 is connected to the adapter 20 along a first direction D1. The optical connector 1 includes: an optical waveguide 8; a retaining member 2 to retain the optical waveguide 8; and a guide 3 for positioning the retaining member 2 relative to the adapter 20. At the end face 2b of the retaining member 2, the optical waveguide 8 extends in a second direction D2, and the optical waveguide 8 and the guide 3 are arranged along a third direction D3 intersecting the second direction D2. At the end face 2b of the retaining member 2, the direction in which the optical waveguide 8 extends (the second direction D2) is different from the direction in which the optical waveguide 8 and the guide 3 are arranged (the third direction D3), thereby preventing the retaining member 2 from becoming too large. Therefore, space can be saved.

[0056] The optical connector 1 has a spring 10 that applies force to the retaining member 2 toward the adapter 20. The spring 10 and the guide portion 3 are arranged along a first direction D1. The position of the spring 10 in a third direction D3 coincides with the position of the guide portion 3 in a third direction D3. That is, the spring 10 is located on the aforementioned plane S1. Therefore, the spring 10 can apply force to the guide portion 3 and the retaining member 2 toward the adapter 20 along the first direction D1, thereby reducing the slope of the end face 2b of the retaining member 2. Therefore, the end face 2b can be made to fit tightly against the adapter 20, thereby reducing optical loss in the optical waveguide portion 8.

[0057] As a method for determining the slope of the end face 2b of the holding member 2, an example method using an automatic collimator can be employed. In this case, the slope of the end face 2b can be determined, for example, by irradiating the holding member 2 with a laser along the third direction D3. Furthermore, the slope of the end face 2b can be estimated by measuring the degree of coupling loss when a Gaussian beam is irradiated onto the optical waveguide 8. Various methods can be used to determine the slope of the end face 2b in this way.

[0058] Alternatively, the center of spring 10 and the center 5f of latching structure 5 can be located on the same plane as plane S1. In this case, the slope of end face 2b of retaining member 2 relative to an imaginary plane orthogonal to the first direction D1 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the imaginary plane) can be close to 0. For example, when the position of the center of spring 10 is offset by 1 mm from plane S1 in the second direction D2, the slope of end face 2b relative to the imaginary plane is about 0.4°; when the position of the center of spring 10 is offset by 1 mm from plane S1 in the third direction D3, the slope of end face 2b relative to the imaginary plane is about 2.2°. In contrast, when the position of the center of spring 10 is offset by 0.2 mm from plane S1 in the second direction D2, the slope of end face 2b relative to the imaginary plane is about 0.05°; when the position of the center of spring 10 is offset by 0.2 mm from plane S1 in the third direction D3, the slope of end face 2b relative to the imaginary plane is about 0.2°.

[0059] For example, when the center 5f of the latching structure 5 is offset by 1 mm relative to the plane S1 in the third direction D3, the slope of the end face 2b relative to the imaginary plane is approximately 6.5°. Conversely, when the center 5f of the latching structure 5 is offset by 0.2 mm relative to the plane S1 in the third direction D3, the slope of the end face 2b relative to the imaginary plane is approximately 0.6°. As described above, when the offset of the center of the spring 10 relative to the plane S1 and the offset of the center 5f of the latching structure 5 relative to the plane S1 are small, the slope of the end face 2b relative to the imaginary plane can be reduced, thereby reducing optical losses in the optical waveguide section 8.

[0060] Alternatively, the optical connector 1 may include: a plurality of guide portions 3; and a latching structure 5 that engages with the adapter 20. Alternatively, the latching structure 5 may be located between the plurality of guide portions 3. In this case, the latching structure 5 engaging with the adapter 20 is located between the plurality of guide portions 3, thereby saving more space.

[0061] Alternatively, when viewed from the opposite direction of the first direction D1, the position of the center 3b of the guide portion 3 on the third direction D3 coincides with the position of the center 5f of the latch structure 5 on the third direction D3 when viewed from the opposite direction of the first direction D1. In this case, the slope of the retaining member 2 can be reduced more reliably.

[0062] Alternatively, the optical connector 1 may include a release member 6, which, when pulled in the opposite direction to the first direction D1, releases the latching structure 5 from engagement with the adapter 20. In this case, the engagement and disengagement of the optical connector 1 from the adapter 20 can be easily performed.

[0063] Alternatively, the optical connector 1 may include a pull tab 7, which extends from the release member 6 in the opposite direction, and can be pinched with a finger when the release member 6 is pulled. Alternatively, the maximum length of the pull tab 7 in the second direction D2 may be less than the maximum length of the retaining member 2 in the second direction D2, or the maximum length of the pull tab 7 in the third direction D3 may be less than the maximum length of the retaining member 2 in the third direction D3. In this case, the pull tab 7 extends from the release member 6 in the opposite direction to the first direction D1, thereby making engagement and disengagement easier by pinching the pull tab 7 and pulling it in the opposite direction. The maximum length of the pull tab 7 in the second direction D2 is less than the maximum length of the retaining member 2 in the second direction D2, and the maximum length of the pull tab 7 in the third direction D3 is also less than the maximum length of the retaining member 2 in the third direction D3, thereby avoiding the need for a large pull tab 7. Therefore, it helps to save space.

[0064] Alternatively, the pull tab 7 can be detachable from the release member 6. In this case, the pull tab 7 can be removed from the release member 6 when it is not needed. Therefore, the optical connector 1 can be made smaller, thus contributing to further space saving.

[0065] Modifications to the optical connector of this disclosure will be described. A portion of the optical connector in the following modifications is identical to a portion of the optical connector 1 described above. Therefore, hereafter, the same reference numerals will be used for components identical to those already described, and repeated descriptions will be omitted where appropriate. Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the optical connector 1A. (See diagram below.) Figure 9 As shown, the optical connector 1A has a lens array 30 fixed to the end face 2b of the retaining member 2.

[0066] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the connection of optical connector 1A to adapter 20A. Adapter 20A differs from the previously described adapter 20 in that it has a lens array 22. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, lens array 30 has a plurality of lenses 31 arranged along the second direction D2, and lens array 22 has a plurality of lenses 23 arranged along the second direction D2. The materials of lenses 31 and 23 can be transparent in the wavelength range of the light used, such as glass or silicon. The optical waveguide 8, lenses 31, and lenses 23 are optically coupled to each other. Lenses 31 and 23 are optically coupled to each other by amplifying the light.

[0067] The embodiments and variations of the optical connector of this disclosure have been described above. However, the optical connector of this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing embodiments or variations, and may also be configured in a manner further modified within the scope of the spirit described in the claims. That is, the shape, size, material, quantity, and configuration of each part of the optical connector of this disclosure can be appropriately changed within the scope of the aforementioned spirit.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the optical connector 1 can also be connected to an adapter 40, which is different from the aforementioned adapter 20. The adapter 40 has a shape similar to that of the optical connector 1. The adapter 40 has an optical waveguide portion 48, a retaining member 42 for holding the optical waveguide portion 48, and a covering member 44 that covers a portion of the retaining member 42. A guide hole for the guide portion 3 of the optical connector 1 to enter is formed in the retaining member 42. As with this adapter 40, the shape and other aspects of the adapter for connecting the optical connector can also be appropriately modified.

[0069] In the aforementioned embodiment, an example was described where the center of the spring 10 is located on the same plane as the plane S1, which includes the center 3b of the guide portion 3 and extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. However, it is also possible for the center of the spring 10 to be located off-plane S1 in the third direction D3. For example, it is also possible that when a load is continuously applied to the optical waveguide portion 8 in the third direction D3, the position of the center of the spring 10 is deviated off-plane S1 in the opposite direction to the third direction D3. In this case, the bending moment can be counteracted by the spring load generated by the spring 10.

[0070] In the foregoing embodiment, the optical connector 1 with the latching structure 5 located between a pair of guide portions 3 was described. However, the position of the latching structure engaging with the adapter is not limited to the latching structure 5, and can be appropriately modified. In the foregoing embodiment, an example was described where the optical waveguide portion 8 consists of multiple optical fibers and the retaining member 2 is a ferrule. However, the optical waveguide portion may also be an optical waveguide functioning as a fiber core, and the retaining member may be a cladding surrounding the optical waveguide. Thus, the configuration of the optical waveguide portion and the retaining member can also be appropriately modified.

Claims

1. An optical connector connected to an adapter along a first direction, the optical connector comprising: Optical waveguide section, which guides light; The retaining component holds the optical waveguide portion. A guide portion is provided on the retaining member for positioning relative to the adapter; as well as The spring exerts a force on the retaining member toward the adapter. At the end face of the retaining member in the first direction, the optical waveguide extends in a second direction that intersects the first direction. On the end face, the optical waveguide and the guiding portion are arranged along a third direction that intersects the first and second directions. The spring and the guide are arranged along the first direction. The position of the guide part in the third direction is the same as the position of the spring in the third direction.

2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The optical connector includes: a plurality of the guide portions; and A latching structure engages with the adapter. The latch structure is located between the plurality of guides.

3. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein, When viewed from the opposite direction of the first direction, the center of the guide portion in the third-direction upward position coincides with the center of the latch structure in the third-direction upward position when viewed from the opposite direction of the first direction.

4. The optical connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The optical connector includes a release member, wherein the release member releases the latch structure from engagement with the adapter when pulled in the opposite direction to the first direction.

5. The optical connector according to claim 4, wherein, The optical connector includes a pull tab that extends in the opposite direction from the release member and can be pinched with a finger when the release member is pulled. The maximum length of the pull tab in the second direction is less than the maximum length of the retaining member in the second direction, and the maximum length of the pull tab in the third direction is less than the maximum length of the retaining member in the third direction.

6. The optical connector according to claim 4, wherein, The optical connector includes a pull tab that extends in the opposite direction from the release member and can be pinched with a finger when the release member is pulled. The pull tab is configured to be detachable from the release member.

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