Optical Connector

Abstract

To provide an optical connector capable of suppressing connection loss.SOLUTION: The optical connector includes: an optical fiber; a ferrule formed with a fiber hole that has a connection end formed with a connection end face and a proximal end opposite the connection end, in which the optical fiber is inserted into the connection end face and a pair of guide holes; and a pair of guide pins inserted into the pair of guide holes. The connection end face is tilted in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber hole. In a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and different from the first direction, each dimension of the pair of guide pins is smaller than each dimension of the pair of guide holes, and each of the pair of guide pins is biased against each of the pair of guide holes in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, optical connectors with guide pins have been known. The guide pins are used to align the optical fibers of two optical connectors when connecting them. Generally, the guide pins are inserted into guide holes formed in the ferrules and are held in the ferrules.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an optical connector equipped with a ferrule having a connection end face that is inclined in the vertical direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4110969 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If the outer diameter of the guide pin is smaller than the inner diameter of the guide hole, a clearance will be created between the guide pin and the guide hole. When such a clearance exists, for example, as connectors are repeatedly connected and disconnected, the guide pin may move inside the guide hole, causing the relative position and inclination of the guide pin to change with respect to the ferrule. Such changes in the relative position and inclination of the guide pin can destabilize the connection between optical fibers and result in increased connection loss.

[0006] Here, if the connection end faces are inclined in the vertical direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1), when two optical connectors are connected, the connection end faces of the two optical connectors slide against each other. This causes the guide pin to abut against the inner surface of the guide hole, and the guide pin is positioned in the guide hole in the vertical direction. However, since the guide pin is not positioned in the guide hole in the horizontal direction, the position and inclination of the guide pin can still change in the horizontal direction. This can result in an increase in connection loss.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an optical connector that can suppress connection loss. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, an optical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an optical fiber, a ferrule having a connection end provided with a connection end face and a base end located opposite the connection end, the connection end face having a fiber hole through which the optical fiber is inserted and a pair of guide holes formed therein, and a pair of guide pins inserted into the pair of guide holes, wherein the connection end face is inclined toward a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber hole, and in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and different from the first direction, the dimensions of each of the pair of guide pins are smaller than the dimensions of each of the pair of guide holes, and in the second direction, each of the pair of guide pins is urged against each of the pair of guide holes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the above aspect of the present invention, an optical connector capable of suppressing connection loss can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an optical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a view of the optical connector shown in FIG. 1 as seen from arrow II. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III shown in FIG. [Figure 4A] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an optical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating dimensions of a ferrule according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating dimensions of a guide pin and a pin clamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an optical connector according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention is connected to another optical connector. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIB-VIIB shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an optical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating dimensions of a ferrule according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating dimensions of a guide pin and a pin clamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an optical connector according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an optical connector according to another modified example of the present invention. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 11A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (First embodiment) An optical connector 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical connector 1 includes a plurality of optical fibers 10, a pair of guide pins 20, a ferrule 30, and a pin clamp 40. The ferrule 30 has a connecting end 30a provided with a connecting end face 31, and a base end 30b located opposite the connecting end 30a. A plurality of fiber holes 32 are opened in the connecting end face 31. The plurality of fiber holes 32 according to this embodiment includes a first row R1 and a second row R2. Each of the rows R1 and R2 is aligned in one direction on the connecting end face 31. However, the plurality of fiber holes 32 may include one or three or more rows.

[0012] (direction definition) In this embodiment, the direction in which each fiber hole 32 extends (the longitudinal direction of each fiber hole 32) is referred to as the longitudinal direction Z. The longitudinal direction Z is also the direction in which the connecting end 30a and the base end 30b of the ferrule 30 are aligned. A direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z and in which each row R1, R2 of the multiple fiber holes 32 is aligned is referred to as the left-right direction X. A direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction Z and the left-right direction X is referred to as the up-down direction Y. The direction from the base end 30b of the ferrule 30 to the connecting end 30a along the longitudinal direction Z is referred to as the +Z direction, the front, the tip side, or the connecting end side. The direction opposite to the +Z direction is referred to as the -Z direction, the rear, or the base end side. One direction along the left-right direction X is referred to as the +X direction or the right side. The direction opposite to the +X direction is referred to as the -X direction or the left side. One direction along the up-down direction Y is referred to as the +Y direction or upward. The direction opposite to the +Y direction is referred to as the -Y direction or downward. Note that the up-down direction Y does not have to be parallel to the direction of gravity (vertical direction). Similarly, the left-right direction X does not have to be parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0013] 1 and 2, the connecting end 30a of the ferrule 30 according to this embodiment is provided with a connecting end face 31 and a non-connecting face 37. The connecting end face 31 according to this embodiment is located below the non-connecting face 37. When the optical connector 1 is connected to another connector, the connecting end face 31 comes into contact with the connecting end face of the other connector.

[0014] The non-connection surface 37 according to this embodiment is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z. On the other hand, the connection end surface 31 is not perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z but is inclined toward the first direction. More specifically, a normal line 31n of the connection end surface 31 is inclined at an angle α in the first direction with respect to the longitudinal direction Z. In this embodiment, the "first direction" corresponds to the vertical direction Y. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the normal line 31n of the connection end surface 31 is inclined at an angle α in the vertical direction Y (-Y direction) with respect to the longitudinal direction Z (+Z direction). In other words, the connection end surface 31 is inclined so as to gradually move backward in a downward direction. In this embodiment, the angle α is 8°. As a result, the connection end surface 31 is inclined by 8° with respect to the vertically perpendicular direction (vertical direction Y). However, the value of α is not limited to 8° and can be changed as appropriate within the range of 0°<α<90°.

[0015] The connecting end face 31 may be located above the non-connecting face 37. In this case, the connecting end face 31 may be inclined gradually toward the rear in the upward direction. Also, the connecting end 30a of the ferrule 30 may not include the non-connecting face 37 and may include only the connecting end face 31.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the ferrule 30 according to this embodiment has a plurality of fiber holes 32, a pair of guide holes 33, a pair of small pin holes 34, a fiber hole recess 35, and a pair of guide hole recesses 36 formed therein.

[0017] In this embodiment, the positions of the guide holes 33 are different from each other in the left-right direction X. Hereinafter, in this specification, the guide hole 33 located on the right (+X side) of the pair of guide holes 33 will be referred to as the first guide hole 33A, and the guide hole 33 located on the left (-X side) will be referred to as the second guide hole 33B. When there is no particular distinction between the first guide hole 33A and the second guide hole 33B, they may be simply referred to as guide holes 33. Similarly, in this embodiment, the positions of the small pin holes 34 are different from each other in the left-right direction X. When there is no particular distinction between the first small pin hole 34A and the second small pin hole 34B, they may be simply referred to as small pin holes 34. Of the pair of guide hole recesses 36, the guide hole recess 36 located on the right may be referred to as the first guide hole recess 36A, and the guide hole recess 36 located on the left may be referred to as the second guide hole recess 36B. When there is no particular distinction between the first guide hole recess 36A and the second guide hole recess 36B, they may be simply referred to as guide hole recesses 36.

[0018] Each fiber hole 32 opens at the connecting end face 31 of the ferrule 30 and extends rearward. The multiple fiber holes 32 according to this embodiment are aligned in the left-right direction X. The multiple fiber holes 32 may be aligned in two or more rows in the left-right direction X. Alternatively, the multiple fiber holes 32 may be randomly arranged. The fiber hole recess 35 opens at the base end 30b of the ferrule 30 and extends forward. The inner diameter of the fiber hole recess 35 is larger than the inner diameter of each fiber hole 32. The rear end of each fiber hole 32 communicates with the front end of the fiber hole recess 35. The optical fiber 10 is inserted through the fiber holes 32 and the fiber hole recess 35. The ferrule 30 does not necessarily have to have a fiber hole recess 35. In this case, each fiber hole 32 may penetrate the ferrule 30 in the longitudinal direction Z and open at both the connecting end face 31 and the base end 30b.

[0019] Each guide hole 33A, 33B opens at the connecting end face 31 of the ferrule 30 and extends rearward. The guide holes 33A, 33B have a substantially circular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z, and their inner diameters are substantially constant in the longitudinal direction Z. Note that the terms "substantially circular" and "substantially constant" also include cases where they can be considered "circular" and "constant" after removing manufacturing errors. The guide holes 33A, 33B according to this embodiment are aligned in the left-right direction X so that the multiple fiber holes 32 are positioned therebetween. However, the multiple fiber holes 32 do not necessarily have to be positioned between the first guide hole 33A and the second guide hole 33B in the left-right direction X. Each guide hole recess 36A, 36B opens at the base end 30b of the ferrule 30 and extends forward. The inner diameter of the first guide hole recess 36A is larger than the inner diameter of the first guide hole 33A. Similarly, the inner diameter of the second guide hole recess 36B is larger than the inner diameter of the second guide hole 33B. The rear end of the first guide hole 33A is connected to the front end of the first guide hole recess 36A. Similarly, the rear end of the second guide hole 33B is connected to the front end of the second guide hole recess 36B. According to this embodiment, a tapered surface 36a is provided on the front surface of each guide hole recess 36A, 36B. The tapered surface 36a is inclined so that the inner diameter gradually decreases toward the front. Note that the tapered surface 36a does not necessarily have to be provided on the front surface of the guide hole recess 36A, 36B. Furthermore, the ferrule 30 does not necessarily have to have the guide hole recess 36A, 36B. In this case, each guide hole 33A, 33B may penetrate the ferrule 30 in the longitudinal direction Z and open to both the connecting end face 31 and the base end 30b.

[0020] Each small pin hole 34A, 34B opens at the base end 30b of the ferrule 30 and extends forward. The shape of each small pin hole 34A, 34B is generally circular in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z, and its inner diameter is generally constant in the longitudinal direction Z. Note that the terms "generally circular" and "generally constant" also include cases where they can be considered "circular" and "constant" after removing manufacturing errors. The small pin holes 34A, 34B according to this embodiment are aligned in the left-right direction X so that the guide hole recesses 36A, 36B are positioned therebetween. Furthermore, when viewed from the up-down direction Y, the guide holes 33A, 33B are positioned between the first small pin hole 34A and the second small pin hole 34B in the left-right direction X. However, the guide hole recesses 36A, 36B do not necessarily have to be positioned between the first small pin hole 34A and the second small pin hole 34B in the left-right direction X.

[0021] Each optical fiber 10 has a core and a cladding. As shown in the example of Fig. 3, at least a portion of the optical fiber 10 may be covered by a sheath 11. The sheath 11 may be made of, for example, a resin. Note that, as shown in the example of Fig. 3, multiple optical fibers 10 may be covered collectively by the sheath 11, or each optical fiber 10 may be covered independently by multiple sheaths 11. Furthermore, a boot (not shown) may be attached to the optical fiber 10. Each optical fiber 10 may be fixed inside each fiber hole 32 by an adhesive or the like.

[0022] As described above, the optical connector 1 according to this embodiment includes a pair of guide pins 20. Hereinafter, in this specification, the guide pin 20 located on the right side of the pair of guide pins 20 may be referred to as the first guide pin 20A, and the guide pin 20 located on the left side may be referred to as the second guide pin 20B. When there is no particular need to distinguish between the first guide pin 20A and the second guide pin 20B, they may be simply referred to as guide pins 20.

[0023] The first guide pin 20A is inserted through the first guide hole 33A and the first guide hole recess 36A. Similarly, the second guide pin 20B is inserted through the second guide hole 33B and the second guide hole recess 36B. The tapered surface 36a described above guides the guide pins 20A and 20B into the guide holes 33A and 33B when the guide pins 20A and 20B are inserted into the guide hole recesses 36A and 36B. Furthermore, the shape of each guide pin 20A and 20B is substantially circular in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z, and the outer diameter thereof is substantially constant in the longitudinal direction Z. Note that the terms "substantially circular" and "substantially constant" also include cases where they can be considered "circular" and "constant" after removing manufacturing errors. The outer diameters of the pair of guide pins 20A and 20B are smaller than the inner diameters of the pair of guide holes 33A and 33B, respectively. In other words, a clearance exists between the pair of guide pins 20A, 20B and the pair of guide holes 33A, 33B.

[0024] The guide pin 20 according to this embodiment has a protrusion 20a at the rear end thereof, which protrudes from the guide pin 20 toward the outside in the radial direction of the guide pin 20.

[0025] The pin clamp 40 is attached to the base end 30b of the ferrule 30. The pin clamp 40 according to this embodiment includes a main body 41, a pair of retaining holes 42, and a pair of small pins 43. Hereinafter, the right-side retaining hole 42 of the pair of retaining holes 42 may be referred to as the first retaining hole 42A, and the left-side retaining hole 42 may be referred to as the second retaining hole 42B. When the first retaining hole 42A and the second retaining hole 42B are not particularly distinguished, they may simply be referred to as the retaining holes 42. Similarly, the right-side small pin 43 of the pair of small pins 43 may be referred to as the first small pin 43A, and the left-side small pin 43 may be referred to as the second small pin 43B. When the first small pin 43A and the second small pin 43B are not particularly distinguished, they may simply be referred to as the small pins 43. The optical connector 1 may include an attachment mechanism (not shown) for attaching the pin clamp 40 to the base end 30b of the ferrule 30.

[0026] Each of the retaining holes 42A, 42B opens to the front surface of the main body 41 and extends rearward. An end of the first guide pin 20A is inserted into the first retaining hole 42A. An end of the second guide pin 20B is inserted into the second retaining hole 42B. With the guide pins 20A, 20B inserted into the retaining holes 42A, 42B, respectively, the ends (rear ends) of the guide pins 20A, 20B are held by the pin clamp 40.

[0027] Furthermore, a recess 42a recessed radially outward from the retaining holes 42A, 42B is formed on the inner peripheral surface of each of the retaining holes 42A, 42B. The protrusion 20a of the guide pin 20 is fitted into the recess 42a. Fitting the protrusion 20a into the recess 42a prevents the guide pin 20 from falling forward from the pin clamp 40. However, the guide pin 20 does not necessarily have to be provided with the protrusion 20a, and the retaining hole 42 does not necessarily have to have the recess 42a.

[0028] There is a slight clearance between the outer peripheral surface of guide pin 20 and the inner peripheral surface of pin clamp 40. This configuration allows guide pin 20 to be slightly tilted relative to pin clamp 40 even when pin clamp 40 is holding guide pin 20.

[0029] Each small pin 43A, 43B protrudes forward from the front surface of the main body 41. The shape of each small pin 43A, 43B is generally circular in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z, and its outer diameter is generally constant in the longitudinal direction Z. Note that "generally circular" and "generally constant" also include cases where they can be considered "circular" and "constant" after removing manufacturing errors. When the pin clamp 40 is attached to the base end 30b of the ferrule 30, the first small pin 43A is inserted into the first small pin hole 34A. Similarly, the second small pin 43B is inserted into the second small pin hole 34B.

[0030] In this embodiment, the pair of guide holes 33, the pair of small pin holes 34, the pair of guide pins 20, and the pair of small pins 43 are each arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the neutral plane M of the ferrule 30 in the left-right direction X (see FIG. 3). Note that "approximately symmetrical" also includes the case where the respective components can be considered to be arranged symmetrically with respect to the neutral plane M if manufacturing errors are removed.

[0031] The pair of guide pins 20A, 20B according to this embodiment are positioned (biased) relative to the pair of guide holes 33A, 33B in the second direction. In this embodiment, the "second direction" corresponds to the left-right direction X. That is, the pair of guide pins 20A, 20B according to this embodiment are positioned (biased) relative to the pair of guide holes 33A, 33B in the left-right direction X. A mechanism for positioning (biasing) the guide pins 20A, 20B relative to the guide holes 33A, 33B in the left-right direction X will be described below.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the first guide pin 20A according to this embodiment is inclined in the left-right direction X (the −X direction) with respect to the longitudinal direction Z (the +Z direction), and contacts the first guide hole 33A at at least two points that are different in the left-right direction X. As a result, the first guide pin 20A receives resistance forces from the two contact points with left-right direction X components directed in opposite directions. In other words, the first guide pin 20A is biased in the left-right direction X with respect to the first guide hole 33A at the two contact points. This biasing force prevents the first guide pin 20A from moving relative to the first guide hole 33A in the left-right direction X. In other words, the first guide pin 20A is positioned with respect to the first guide hole 33A in the left-right direction X. Similarly, the second guide pin 20B according to this embodiment is inclined in the left-right direction X (+X direction) with respect to the longitudinal direction Z (+Z direction), and contacts the second guide hole 33B at at least two points at different positions in the left-right direction X. As a result, the second guide pin 20B is positioned (biased) relative to the second guide hole 33B in the left-right direction X. Note that the guide hole 33, the guide hole recess 36, and the optical fiber 10 are omitted from Figure 4A and subsequent figures.

[0033] 4A and 4B, the pin clamp 40 according to this embodiment holds the end (rear end) of each guide pin 20A, 20B in a state in which each guide pin 20A, 20B contacts each guide hole 33A, 33B at at least two different points in the left-right direction X. In other words, when the pin clamp 40 is attached to the ferrule 30 while holding the guide pins 20A, 20B, each guide pin 20A, 20B is maintained in an orientation inclined in the left-right direction X with respect to the longitudinal direction Z. That is, each guide pin 20A, 20B is maintained in a state in which it contacts each guide hole 33A, 33B at at least two different points in the left-right direction X. By the pin clamp 40 maintaining the orientation (state) of each guide pin 20A, 20B as described above, the guide pins 20A, 20B can be more firmly positioned (biased) relative to each guide hole 33A, 33B.

[0034] When pin clamp 40 is attached to ferrule 30, the dimensions of optical connector 1 may be determined so that the conditions detailed below are satisfied, for example, so that guide pins 20A, 20B are kept positioned (biased) in guide holes 33A, 33B as described above. In this specification, to facilitate the following explanation, the dimensions of optical connector 1 are defined as follows (see FIGS. 5A and 5B): dGH: inner diameter of guide holes 33A and 33B zGH: dimension of guide holes 33A and 33B in the longitudinal direction Z pGH: Pitch of the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X dGP: Outer diameter of guide pins 20A and 20B pGP: Pitch of the guide pins 20A and 20B in the left-right direction X zFR: Dimension of the ferrule 30 in the longitudinal direction Z (distance between the connection end 30a and the base end 30b in the longitudinal direction Z)

[0035] The "pitch of the guide holes 33A, 33B in the left-right direction X" refers to the distance in the left-right direction X between the central axis of the first guide hole 33A and the central axis of the second guide hole 33B. The "pitch of the guide pins 20A, 20B in the left-right direction X" refers to the distance in the left-right direction X between the central axis of the first guide pin 20A and the central axis of the second guide pin 20B before the pin clamp 40 is attached to the ferrule 30. In other words, the "pitch of the guide pins 20A, 20B in the left-right direction X" can also be interpreted as the distance in the left-right direction X between the central axis of the first retaining hole 42A and the central axis of the second retaining hole 42B. More specifically, the dimension zGH is defined as the dimension (length) of the guide holes 33A, 33B in the longitudinal direction Z at the center positions of the guide holes 33A, 33B in the up-down direction Y. Similarly, the dimension zFR is more specifically defined as the dimension (length) in the longitudinal direction Z of the ferrule 30 at the center position in the up-down direction Y of the guide holes 33A and 33B.

[0036] Δ1 and Δ2 may be designed so that the conditions a and b shown in the following formulas (1) and (2) are satisfied, so that each guide pin 20A, 20B is inclined relative to each guide hole 33A, 33B and is held in contact with the guide pins at two different points in the left-right direction X.

[0037]

number

[0038] Here, Δ1 is the magnitude of deviation in the left-right direction X between the position of the center axis of the first guide pin 20A (hereinafter referred to as the first center axis CL1) at the connecting end surface 31 and the position of the first center axis CL1 at the base end 30b (see FIG. 4A). Δ2 is the magnitude of deviation in the left-right direction X between the position of the center axis of the second guide pin 20B (hereinafter referred to as the second center axis CL2) at the connecting end surface 31 and the position of the second center axis CL2 at the base end 30b (see FIG. 4A). Here, the condition a expressed by the above formula (1) can also be replaced by the following formulas (3) to (6).

[0039]

number

[0040] In the above formula, angle θ is the angle formed between the first guide pin 20A (first center axis CL1) and the longitudinal direction Z. When formula (3) is satisfied, as shown in FIG. 4A, the -X side of the first guide pin 20A contacts the tip of the first guide hole 33A, and the +X side of the first guide pin 20A contacts the rear end of the first guide hole 33A. That is, the first guide pin 20A contacts the first guide hole 33A at two different points in the left-right direction X, and is positioned (biased) relative to the first guide hole 33A in the left-right direction X. Here, angle θ is expressed by the difference between angle θ2 and angle θ1 shown in FIG. 4B, as shown in formula (4). As can be seen from FIG. 4B, angles θ1 and θ2 are expressed by formulas (5) and (6), respectively. By substituting formulas (4) to (6) described above into formula (3), condition a expressed by formula (1) is derived. Moreover, the condition b expressed by the above formula (2) is also derived by applying the same considerations as above to the second guide pin 20B and the second guide hole 33B.

[0041] As an example, the value of the dimension dGP is approximately 0.6984 to 0.6986 mm, including dimensional errors. Similarly, the value of the dimension dGH is approximately 0.6990 to 0.7000 mm, for example. The value of the dimension zGH is approximately 1.9 to 2.1 mm, for example. The value of the dimension zFR is approximately 8.2 mm, for example. In these examples, including dimensional errors, the value of the angle θ is approximately 0.01° to 0.05°, and the value of zFR × tan θ is approximately 0.001 to 0.007 mm. Therefore, in these examples, it is desirable to design the guide pin 20, the ferrule 30, and the pin clamp 40 so that Δ1 and Δ2 are 0.007 mm or greater.

[0042] In addition, the dimensions may be designed so that the following condition h is satisfied, so that each guide pin 20A, 20B is inclined with respect to each guide hole 33A, 33B and is held in contact at two different points in the left-right direction X. h: pGH + dGH ≤ pGP + dGP

[0043] Here, the left side of the condition h is the distance L1 between the outer sides of the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X (see FIG. 5A). In other words, the distance L1 is the distance between the +X side of the first guide hole 33A and the −X side of the second guide hole 33B in the left-right direction X. On the other hand, the right side of the condition h is the distance L2 between the outer sides of the guide pins 20A and 20B in the left-right direction X (see FIG. 5B). In other words, the distance L2 is the distance between the +X side of the first guide pin 20A and the −X side of the second guide pin 20B in the left-right direction X. In other words, the condition h indicates that "the distance L1 between the outer sides of the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X" is equal to or less than "the distance L2 between the outer sides of the guide pins 20A and 20B in the left-right direction X." 4A and 4B, when condition h is satisfied, the insides of guide pins 20A and 20B contact the leading ends of guide holes 33A and 33B, and the outsides of guide pins 20A and 20B contact the rear ends of guide holes 33A and 33B. In other words, guide pins 20A and 20B contact guide holes 33A and 33B at two different points in the left-right direction X, and are positioned (biased) relative to guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X.

[0044] Alternatively, each dimension may be designed so that the following condition g is satisfied instead of the above condition h. g: pGH-dGH ≥ pGP-dGP

[0045] Here, the left side of the condition g is the distance L3 between the inner sides of the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X (see FIG. 5A). In other words, the distance L3 is the distance between the −X side of the first guide hole 33A and the +X side of the second guide hole 33B in the left-right direction X. On the other hand, the right side of the condition g is the distance L4 between the inner sides of the guide pins 20A and 20B in the left-right direction X (see FIG. 5B). In other words, the distance L4 is the distance between the −X side of the first guide pin 20A and the +X side of the second guide pin 20B in the left-right direction X. In other words, the condition g indicates that "the distance L3 between the inner sides of the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X" is equal to or greater than "the distance L2 between the inner sides of the guide pins 20A and 20B in the left-right direction X." 6A and 6B, when condition g is satisfied, the outer sides of guide pins 20A and 20B contact the leading ends of guide holes 33A and 33B, and the inner sides of guide pins 20A and 20B contact the rear ends of guide holes 33A and 33B. In other words, guide pins 20A and 20B contact guide holes 33A and 33B at two different points in the left-right direction X, and are positioned (biased) relative to guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X.

[0046] Furthermore, the dimensions of the optical connector 1 may be determined so that the conditions detailed below are satisfied, for example, so that the guide pins 20A, 20B are kept positioned (biased) in the guide holes 33A, 33B by inserting the small pins 43A, 43B into the small pin holes 34A, 34B. In this specification, to facilitate the following explanation, the dimensions of the small pin 43 and the small pin hole 34 are defined as follows (see Figures 4A and 4B): dSH: Inner diameter of small pin holes 34A and 34B pSH: Pitch of the small pin holes 34A, 34B in the left-right direction X dSP: Outer diameter of small pin 43A, 43B pSP: Pitch of the small pins 43A and 43B in the left-right direction X

[0047] The "pitch in the left-right direction X of the small pin holes 34A, 34B" refers to the distance in the left-right direction X between the central axis of the first small pin hole 34A and the central axis of the second small pin hole 34B. The "pitch in the left-right direction X of the small pins 43A, 43B" refers to the distance in the left-right direction X between the central axis of the first small pin 43A and the central axis of the second small pin 43B.

[0048] The dimensions may be designed so that the guide pins 20A, 20B are inclined relative to the guide holes 33A, 33B and are held in contact with each other at two different points in the left-right direction X, and so that the following condition c is satisfied. c:(pSH-pGH-dSH-dGH) / 2≧(pSP-pGP-dSP-dGP) / 2

[0049] Here, the left side of the above condition c is the distance L5 (see FIG. 5A) between the outside of each guide hole 33A, 33B and the inside of each small pin hole 34A, 34B in the left-right direction X. In other words, the distance L5 is the distance between the +X side of the first guide hole 33A and the -X side of the first small pin hole 34A in the left-right direction X, and the distance between the -X side of the second guide hole 33B and the +X side of the second small pin hole 34B in the left-right direction X. On the other hand, the right side of the condition c is the distance L6 (see FIG. 5B) between the outside of each guide pin 20A, 20B and the inside of each small pin 43A, 43B in the left-right direction X. In other words, distance L6 is the distance between the +X side of the first guide pin 20A and the −X side of the first small pin 43A in the left-right direction X, and the distance between the −X side of the second guide pin 20B and the +X side of the second small pin 43B in the left-right direction X. In other words, condition c indicates that "distance L5 between the outside of each guide hole 33A, 33B and the inside of each small pin hole 34A, 34B in the left-right direction X" is equal to or greater than "distance L6 between the outside of each guide pin 20A, 20B and the inside of each small pin 43A, 43B in the left-right direction X." If condition c is satisfied, the insides of the guide pins 20A, 20B contact the leading ends of the guide holes 33A, 33B, and the outsides of the guide pins 20A, 20B contact the rear ends of the guide holes 33A, 33B, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. That is, the guide pins 20A and 20B contact the guide holes 33A and 33B at two different points in the left-right direction X, and are positioned (biased) relative to the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X.

[0050] Alternatively, each dimension may be designed so that the following condition d is satisfied instead of the above condition c. d:(pSH-pGH+dSH+dGH) / 2≦(pSP-pGP+dSP+dGP) / 2

[0051] Here, the left side of the above condition d is the distance L7 (see FIG. 5A) between the inside of each guide hole 33A, 33B and the outside of each small pin hole 34A, 34B in the left-right direction X. In other words, the distance L7 is the distance between the -X side of the first guide hole 33A and the +X side of the first small pin hole 34A in the left-right direction X, and the distance between the +X side of the second guide hole 33B and the -X side of the second small pin hole 34B in the left-right direction X. On the other hand, the right side of the condition d is the distance L8 (see FIG. 5B) between the inside of each guide pin 20A, 20B and the outside of each small pin 43A, 43B in the left-right direction X. In other words, distance L8 is the distance between the -X side of the first guide pin 20A and the +X side of the first small pin 43A in the left-right direction X, and the distance between the +X side of the second guide pin 20B and the -X side of the second small pin 43B in the left-right direction X. In other words, condition d indicates that "distance L7 between the inside of each guide hole 33A, 33B and the outside of each small pin hole 34A, 34B in the left-right direction X" is equal to or less than "distance L8 between the inside of each guide pin 20A, 20B and the outside of each small pin 43A, 43B in the left-right direction X." If condition d is satisfied, the outsides of the guide pins 20A, 20B contact the leading ends of the guide holes 33A, 33B, and the insides of the guide pins 20A, 20B contact the rear ends of the guide holes 33A, 33B, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B . That is, the guide pins 20A and 20B contact the guide holes 33A and 33B at two different points in the left-right direction X, and are positioned (biased) relative to the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X.

[0052] To summarize the above, by designing the dimensions of the optical connector 1 so as to satisfy at least one of conditions a and b, condition c, condition d, condition g, and condition h, the guide pins 20A and 20B can be positioned (biased) relative to the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X. Note that as long as the guide pins 20A and 20B can be positioned (biased) relative to the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X, the above conditions do not need to be satisfied.

[0053] Next, the operation of the optical connector 1 configured as above will be described.

[0054] Conventionally, optical connectors with guide pins are known. When the outer diameter of a guide pin is smaller than the inner diameter of a guide hole, a clearance occurs between the guide pin and the guide hole. When such a clearance exists, for example, as connectors are repeatedly connected and disconnected, the guide pin may move inside the guide hole, causing changes in the relative position and inclination of the guide pin with respect to the ferrule. Such changes in the relative position and inclination of the guide pin may destabilize the connection between optical fibers and result in increased connection loss.

[0055] In contrast, in the optical connector 1 according to this embodiment, the connection end face 31 of the ferrule 30 is inclined in the vertical direction Y so as to be non-perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z. With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the optical connector 1 is connected to another optical connector 1A, the connection end face 31 of the optical connector 1 and the connection end face S of the other optical connector 1A slide in opposite directions in the vertical direction Y. As a result, the guide pin 20 of the optical connector 1 abuts against the inner circumferential surfaces of the guide holes 33 of the optical connector 1 and the guide holes G of the other optical connector 1A. This positions the guide pin 20 in the vertical direction Y relative to the guide holes 33 (and guide holes G).

[0056] Furthermore, in the optical connector 1 according to this embodiment, in addition to the above, the guide pins 20A, 20B are positioned (biased) in the left-right direction X relative to the guide holes 33A, 33B. This positions the guide pins 20A, 20B in both the up-down direction Y and the left-right direction X relative to the guide holes 33A, 33B. This prevents the guide pins 20A, 20B from moving inside the guide holes 33A, 33B, improving the stability of the connection between the optical fibers. In other words, connection loss can be reduced.

[0057] Furthermore, in the optical connector 1 according to this embodiment, the guide pins 20A, 20B are inclined in the left-right direction X with respect to the longitudinal direction Z. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B , when the optical connector 1 is connected to another optical connector 1A, the guide pins 20A, 20B come into contact with the guide hole G of the other optical connector 1A. More specifically, the guide pins 20A, 20B come into contact with the guide hole G of the other optical connector 1A at two different points in the left-right direction X. This positions (biases) the guide pins 20A, 20B relative to the guide hole G of the other optical connector 1A, more reliably improving the stability of the connection between optical fibers and suppressing connection loss.

[0058] As described above, the optical connector 1 of this embodiment has an optical fiber 10, a connection end 30a provided with a connection end face 31, and a base end 30b located opposite the connection end 30a, and is equipped with a ferrule 30 in which a fiber hole 32 through which the optical fiber 10 is inserted and a pair of guide holes 33 are formed on the connection end face 31, and a pair of guide pins 20 inserted into the pair of guide holes 33, the connection end face 31 is inclined toward the vertical direction Y (first direction), the outer diameter of each guide pin 20A, 20B is smaller than the inner diameter of each guide hole 33A, 33B, and each guide pin 20A, 20B is biased against each guide hole 33A, 33B in the horizontal direction X (second direction).

[0059] With this configuration, each guide pin 20A, 20B is positioned relative to each guide hole 33A, 33B in both the up-down direction Y (first direction) and the left-right direction X (second direction). Therefore, movement of guide pins 20A, 20B inside guide holes 33A, 33B is suppressed, and connection loss can be suppressed.

[0060] Furthermore, because the first guide pin 20A is inclined in the left-right direction X with respect to the longitudinal direction Z, the first guide pin 20A contacts the first guide hole 33A at at least two different points in the left-right direction X, and the first guide pin 20A is biased against the first guide hole 33A in the left-right direction X, and because the second guide pin 20B is inclined in the left-right direction X with respect to the longitudinal direction Z, the second guide pin 20B contacts the second guide hole 33B at at least two different points in the left-right direction X, and the second guide pin 20B is biased against the second guide hole 33B in the left-right direction X. This configuration more reliably prevents the guide pins 20A and 20B from moving inside the guide holes 33A and 33B.

[0061] Furthermore, the above conditions a and b may be satisfied in the optical connector 1 according to this embodiment. According to this configuration, the guide pins 20A and 20B can be more reliably positioned (biased) relative to the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X.

[0062] Moreover, the optical connector 1 according to this embodiment further includes a pin clamp 40 attached to the base end 30b of the ferrule 30, and the pin clamp 40 holds the ends of the guide holes 33A, 33B in a state in which each of the guide pins 20A, 20B contacts each of the guide holes 33A, 33B at at least two points that are different in position in the left-right direction X. With this configuration, by attaching the pin clamp 40 to the ferrule 30, the guide pins 20A, 20B can be more reliably positioned (biased) relative to the guide holes 33A, 33B.

[0063] Furthermore, the ferrule 30 is formed with a pair of small pin holes 34 recessed from the base end 30b toward the connecting end 30a, and the pin clamp 40 has a pair of small pins 43 that protrude toward the base end 30b of the ferrule 30 and are inserted into the pair of small pin holes 34. By inserting the pair of small pins 43 into the pair of small pin holes 34, the pin clamp 40 maintains a state in which each guide pin 20A, 20B is in contact with each guide hole 33A, 33B at least two points that are different in position in the left-right direction X. With this configuration, by inserting the small pins 43A, 43B into the small pin holes 34A, 34B, the guide pins 20A, 20B can be more reliably positioned (biased) relative to the guide holes 33A, 33B.

[0064] Furthermore, the optical connector 1 according to this embodiment may satisfy the above condition c or d. This configuration makes it possible to more reliably position (bias) the guide pins 20A and 20B using the small pins 43A and 43B.

[0065] Furthermore, in the optical connector 1 according to this embodiment, the above condition g or h may be satisfied. With this configuration, the positioning (biasing) of the guide pins 20A and 20B using the pin clamp 40 can be performed more reliably.

[0066] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described, but the basic configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the small pin holes 34A and 34B according to this embodiment are located between the first guide hole 33A and the second guide hole 33B in the left-right direction X when viewed in the up-down direction Y.

[0067] Here, in the optical connector 2 according to this embodiment, as in the above embodiment, the pair of guide pins 20A, 20B are positioned (biased) relative to the pair of guide holes 33A, 33B in the left-right direction X. For example, the same conditions as in the above embodiment may be satisfied so that each guide pin 20A, 20B is inclined relative to each guide hole 33A, 33B and is held in contact at two different points in the left-right direction X. That is, Δ1 and Δ2 may be designed so that the above conditions a and b are satisfied. Furthermore, each dimension of the optical connector 2 may be designed so that the above condition g or h is satisfied.

[0068] On the other hand, in the optical connector 2 according to this embodiment, the dimensions may be designed so that the following condition f is satisfied, so that the guide pins 20A, 20B are inclined relative to the guide holes 33A, 33B and are held in contact at two different points in the left-right direction X. f:(pGH-pSH+dSH+dGH) / 2≦(pGP-pSP+dSP+dGP) / 2

[0069] Here, the left side of the above condition f is the distance L9 (see FIG. 9A) between the outside of each guide hole 33A, 33B and the inside of each small pin hole 34A, 34B in the left-right direction X. In other words, distance L9 is the distance between the +X side of the first guide hole 33A and the -X side of the first small pin hole 34A in the left-right direction X, and the distance between the -X side of the second guide hole 33B and the +X side of the second small pin hole 34B in the left-right direction X. On the other hand, the right side of the condition f is the distance L10 (see FIG. 9B) between the outside of each guide pin 20A, 20B and the inside of each small pin 43A, 43B in the left-right direction X. In other words, distance L10 is the distance between the +X side of the first guide pin 20A and the −X side of the first small pin 43A in the left-right direction X, and the distance between the −X side of the second guide pin 20B and the +X side of the second small pin 43B in the left-right direction X. In other words, condition f indicates that "distance L9 between the outside of each guide hole 33A, 33B and the inside of each small pin hole 34A, 34B in the left-right direction X" is equal to or less than "distance L10 between the outside of each guide pin 20A, 20B and the inside of each small pin 43A, 43B in the left-right direction X." If condition f is satisfied, the insides of the guide pins 20A, 20B contact the leading ends of the guide holes 33A, 33B, and the outsides of the guide pins 20A, 20B contact the rear ends of the guide holes 33A, 33B, as shown in FIG. 8 . That is, the guide pins 20A and 20B contact the guide holes 33A and 33B at two different points in the left-right direction X, and are positioned (biased) relative to the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X.

[0070] Alternatively, each dimension may be designed so that the following condition e is satisfied instead of the above condition f. e:(pGH-pSH-dSH-dGH) / 2≧(pGP-pSP-dSP-dGP) / 2

[0071] Here, the left side of the above condition e is the distance L11 (see FIG. 9A) between the inside of each guide hole 33A, 33B and the outside of each small pin hole 34A, 34B in the left-right direction X. In other words, the distance L11 is the distance between the -X side of the first guide hole 33A and the +X side of the first small pin hole 34A in the left-right direction X, and the distance between the +X side of the second guide hole 33B and the -X side of the second small pin hole 34B in the left-right direction X. On the other hand, the right side of the condition e is the distance L12 (see FIG. 9B) between the inside of each guide pin 20A, 20B and the outside of each small pin 43A, 43B in the left-right direction X. In other words, distance L12 is the distance between the -X side of the first guide pin 20A and the +X side of the first small pin 43A in the left-right direction X, and the distance between the +X side of the second guide pin 20B and the -X side of the second small pin 43B in the left-right direction X. In other words, condition e indicates that "the distance L11 between the inside of each guide hole 33A, 33B and the outside of each small pin hole 34A, 34B in the left-right direction X" is equal to or greater than "the distance L12 between the inside of each guide pin 20A, 20B and the outside of each small pin 43A, 43B in the left-right direction X." If condition d is satisfied, the outsides of the guide pins 20A, 20B contact the leading ends of the guide holes 33A, 33B, and the insides of the guide pins 20A, 20B contact the rear ends of the guide holes 33A, 33B, as shown in FIG. 10 . That is, the guide pins 20A and 20B contact the guide holes 33A and 33B at two different points in the left-right direction X, and are positioned (biased) relative to the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X.

[0072] To summarize the above, by designing the dimensions of the optical connector 2 so as to satisfy at least one of conditions a and b, conditions e, f, g, and h, the guide pins 20A and 20B can be positioned (biased) relative to the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X. Note that as long as the guide pins 20A and 20B can be positioned (biased) relative to the guide holes 33A and 33B in the left-right direction X, the above conditions do not need to be satisfied.

[0073] As described above, in the optical connector 2 according to this embodiment, similar to the optical connector 1 according to the first embodiment, the guide pins 20A, 20B are positioned relative to the guide holes 33A, 33B in both the up-down direction Y (first direction) and the left-right direction X (second direction). Therefore, the guide pins 20A, 20B are prevented from moving inside the guide holes 33A, 33B, and connection loss can be reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, the optical connector 1 according to this embodiment may satisfy the above condition e or f. This configuration makes it possible to more reliably position (bias) the guide pins 20A and 20B using the small pins 43A and 43B.

[0075] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0076] For example, the pair of guide holes 33, the pair of small pin holes 34, the pair of guide pins 20, and the pair of small pins 43 do not have to be arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the neutral plane M of the ferrule 30 in the left-right direction X. As an example, as in the optical connector 3 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B , the distance L13 from the neutral plane M to the first small pin 43A in the left-right direction X may be greater than the distance L14 from the neutral plane M to the second small pin 43B in the left-right direction X. In this case, the dimensions of the optical connector 3 may be designed so that the −X sides of the guide pins 20A and 20B contact the leading ends of the guide holes 33A and 33B and the +X sides of the guide pins 20A and 20B contact the rear ends of the guide holes 33A and 33B. Furthermore, the design may be such that the above-described conditions a and b are satisfied. Note that the distance L13 may be shorter than the distance L14.

[0077] Furthermore, the positions of the guide holes 33A and 33B and the position of the fiber hole 32 may be the same or different in the vertical direction Y. The positions of the first guide hole 33A and the second guide hole 33B may be the same or different in the vertical direction Y.

[0078] Similarly, the positions of the small pin holes 34A, 34B and the position of the fiber hole 32 may be the same or different in the vertical direction Y. The positions of the first small pin hole 34A and the second small pin hole 34B may be the same or different in the vertical direction Y.

[0079] The number of optical fibers 10 and fiber holes 32 may be any number as long as they are one or more.

[0080] Furthermore, as long as guide pins 20A, 20B can be positioned (biased) in guide holes 33A, 33B, pin clamp 40 does not need to have small pin 43. For example, if a design that satisfies condition g or h is adopted, pin clamp 40 does not need to have small pin 43.

[0081] Furthermore, as long as the guide pins 20A, 20B can be positioned (biased) in the guide holes 33A, 33B, the optical connectors 1 to 3 do not need to have the pin clamp 40. In this case, for example, the guide pins 20A, 20B may be adhered to the guide holes 33A, 33B with an adhesive or the like, thereby maintaining the state in which the guide pins 20A, 20B are positioned (biased) in the left-right direction X with respect to the guide holes 33A, 33B.

[0082] In the optical connector 1 according to the first embodiment, the positions of the first guide hole 33A and the second guide hole 33B do not have to be different in the left-right direction X as long as they are different in the up-down direction Y. In the optical connector 1 according to the second embodiment, the positions of the first small pin hole 34A and the second small pin hole 34B do not have to be different in the left-right direction X as long as they are different in the up-down direction Y.

[0083] Furthermore, the "first direction" in which the connecting end surface 31 is inclined does not have to coincide with the up-down direction Y. Similarly, the "second direction" in which the guide pins 20A, 20B are positioned (biased) does not have to coincide with the left-right direction X. More specifically, the "first direction" can be changed as appropriate as long as it is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z. Similarly, the "second direction" can be changed as appropriate as long as it is not parallel to the "first direction" and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z. For example, the "first direction" and the "second direction" do not have to be perpendicular to each other.

[0084] Furthermore, the shapes of the guide pin 20, guide hole 33, small pin hole 34, and small pin 43 do not have to be circular in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z. In this case, the above-mentioned dimensions dGH, dGP, dSH, dSP, etc. are defined as dimensions in the left-right direction X (second direction). Furthermore, it is sufficient that there is clearance between the guide pin 20 and the guide hole 33 at least in the left-right direction X (second direction). In other words, it is sufficient that the dimension of the guide pin 20 is smaller than the dimension of the guide hole 33 at least in the left-right direction X (second direction). For example, the dimension of the guide pin 20 does not have to be smaller than the dimension of the guide hole 33 in the up-down direction Y (first direction).

[0085] In addition, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1-3...Optical connector 10...Optical fiber 20...Guide pin 30...Ferrule 30a...Connection end 30b...Base end 31...Connection end face 32...Fiber hole 33...Guide hole 33A...First guide hole 33B...Second guide hole 34...Small pin hole 34A...First small pin hole 34B...Second small pin hole 40...Pin clamp 41...Main body 43...Small pin 43A...First small pin 43B...Second small pin X...Left-right direction (second direction) Y...Up-down direction (first direction) Z...Longitudinal direction

Claims

1. An optical fiber; a ferrule having a connecting end provided with a connecting end surface and a base end located opposite the connecting end, the connecting end surface being formed with a fiber hole extending in a longitudinal direction and through which the optical fiber is inserted, a pair of guide holes, and a pair of guide hole recesses opening at the base end, communicating with the pair of guide holes and having an inner diameter larger than that of the pair of guide holes; a pair of guide pins inserted into the pair of guide holes; a pin clamp attached to the proximal end of the ferrule, the connecting end surface is inclined toward a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, In a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and different from the first direction, the dimensions of each of the pair of guide pins are smaller than the dimensions of each of the pair of guide holes; In the second direction, each of the pair of guide pins is biased against each of the pair of guide holes, the pair of guide pins includes a first guide pin and a second guide pin, the pair of guide holes includes a first guide hole through which the first guide pin is inserted and a second guide hole through which the second guide pin is inserted, the first guide pin is inclined in the second direction with respect to the longitudinal direction, so that the first guide pin contacts the first guide hole at at least two points that are different in position in the second direction, and the first guide pin is biased against the first guide hole in the second direction; the second guide pin is inclined in the second direction with respect to the longitudinal direction, so that the second guide pin contacts the second guide hole at at least two points that are different in position in the second direction, and the second guide pin is biased against the second guide hole in the second direction, The pin clamp holds the ends of each of the pair of guide pins in a state in which each of the pair of guide pins contacts each of the pair of guide holes at at least two points that are different in position in the second direction, but does not contact each of the pair of guide hole recesses in the second direction.

2. a dimension of the first guide hole and a dimension of the second guide hole in the second direction are set to a common value dGH; The dimension of the first guide pin and the dimension of the second guide pin in the second direction are common to dGP, The dimension of the first guide hole and the dimension of the second guide hole in the longitudinal direction are set to zGH, zFR is a dimension of the ferrule in the longitudinal direction, The central axis of the first guide pin is referred to as a first central axis, The central axis of the second guide pin is referred to as a second central axis, a magnitude of deviation in the second direction between a position of the first center axis at the connecting end surface and a position of the first center axis at the base end is defined as Δ1; When the magnitude of the deviation in the second direction between the position of the second center axis at the connection end surface and the position of the second center axis at the base end is Δ2, 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the following conditions a and b are met: [Equation 1]

3. The ferrule has a pair of small pin holes recessed from the base end toward the connection end, the pin clamp has a pair of small pins that protrude toward the base end of the ferrule and are inserted into the pair of small pin holes, An optical connector as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the pair of small pins are inserted into the pair of small pin holes, the pin clamp maintains a state in which each of the pair of guide pins is in contact with each of the pair of guide holes at at least two points at different positions in the second direction.

4. the pair of small pin holes includes a first small pin hole and a second small pin hole that are positioned at different positions in the second direction, the pair of guide holes are located between the first small pin hole and the second small pin hole in the second direction, the pair of small pins includes a first small pin inserted into the first small pin hole and a second small pin inserted into the second small pin hole; The dimension of the first small pin hole and the dimension of the second small pin hole in the second direction are set to a common value dSH, pSH is the pitch between the pair of small pin holes in the second direction, The size of the first small pin and the size of the second small pin in the second direction are common to dSP, The pitch of the pair of small pins in the second direction is defined as pSP, a dimension of the first guide hole and a dimension of the second guide hole in the second direction are set to a common value dGH; a pitch between the pair of guide holes in the second direction is pGH, The dimension of the first guide pin and the dimension of the second guide pin in the second direction are common to dGP, When the pitch of the pair of guide pins in the second direction is pGP, 4. The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein the following condition c or d is satisfied: c: (pSH-pGH-dSH-dGH) / 2≧(pSP-pGP-dSP-dGP) / 2 d: (pSH-pGH+dSH+dGH) / 2≦(pSP-pGP+dSP+dGP) / 2

5. the first guide hole and the second guide hole are positioned differently in the second direction, the pair of small pin holes are located between the first guide hole and the second guide hole in the second direction, the pair of small pin holes includes a first small pin hole and a second small pin hole that are positioned at different positions in the second direction, the pair of small pins includes a first small pin inserted into the first small pin hole and a second small pin inserted into the second small pin hole; The dimension of the first small pin hole and the dimension of the second small pin hole in the second direction are set to a common value dSH, pSH is the pitch between the pair of small pin holes in the second direction, The size of the first small pin and the size of the second small pin in the second direction are common to dSP, The pitch of the pair of small pins in the second direction is defined as pSP, a dimension of the first guide hole and a dimension of the second guide hole in the second direction are set to a common value dGH; a pitch between the pair of guide holes in the second direction is pGH, The dimension of the first guide pin and the dimension of the second guide pin in the second direction are common to dGP, When the pitch of the pair of guide pins in the second direction is pGP, 4. The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein the following condition e or f is satisfied: e: (pGH-pSH-dSH-dGH) / 2≧(pGP-pSP-dSP-dGP) / 2 f: (pGH-pSH+dSH+dGH) / 2≦(pGP-pSP+dSP+dGP) / 2

6. a dimension of the first guide hole and a dimension of the second guide hole in the second direction are set to a common value dGH; a pitch between the pair of guide holes in the second direction is pGH, The dimension of the first guide pin and the dimension of the second guide pin in the second direction are common to dGP, When the pitch of the pair of guide pins in the second direction is pGP, 6. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the following condition g or h is satisfied: g: pGH-dGH≧pGP-dGP h: pGH+dGH≦pGP+dGP

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