Multi-fiber optical connector and optical connection structure

Abstract

A multi-fiber optical connector (1) comprises: a ferrule (10) that has a connection end (10a) provided with a connection end surface (11), a base end (10b) located on the side opposite to the connection end (10a), and a plurality of fiber holes (12) through which a plurality of optical fibers (20) can be inserted toward the connection end surface (11); a first member (30) that is disposed so as to face the base end (10b) of the ferrule (10) in a longitudinal direction (Z) in which the fiber holes (12) extend; a biasing member (40) that is disposed between the first member (30) and the ferrule (10) in the longitudinal direction (Z), and biases the ferrule (10) toward the connection end (10a); and a spring push (50) that pushes the first member (30) toward the connection end (10a) by rotational movement.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-fiber optical connector and an optical connection structure. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-022852, filed on February 17, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, multi-fiber optical connectors that accommodate multiple optical fibers have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such optical connectors generally include a biasing member that biases a ferrule having a connection end face toward another optical connector. The biasing force presses the connection end faces of the optical connectors together, stabilizing the connection of the optical connectors. To make the connection, a user presses the connection end faces of the optical connectors together against the biasing force of the biasing member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-132929 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the recent increase in network speeds, there is a demand for a single optical connector to accommodate more optical fibers. As the number of optical fibers in an optical connector increases, the biasing force required to stabilize the connection of the optical connector increases. In this case, the force that a user must apply when connecting the optical connector increases, which can make the connection process more difficult.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-fiber optical connector and an optical connection structure that can reduce the force required when connecting multi-fiber optical connectors together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a multi-fiber optical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a ferrule having a connection end provided with a connection end face, a base end located opposite the connection end, and a plurality of fiber holes through which a plurality of optical fibers can be inserted toward the connection end face; a first member arranged to face the base end of the ferrule in the longitudinal direction in which the fiber holes extend; a biasing member arranged between the first member and the ferrule in the longitudinal direction and biasing the ferrule toward the connection end; and a spring push that presses the first member toward the connection end by rotational motion.

[0007] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a multi-fiber optical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention is a multi-fiber optical connector that is inserted into an adapter, and includes a ferrule having a connection end with a connection end face, a base end located opposite the connection end, and a plurality of fiber holes through which a plurality of optical fibers can be inserted toward the connection end face, a first member arranged to face the base end of the ferrule in the longitudinal direction in which the fiber holes extend, a biasing member arranged between the first member and the ferrule in the longitudinal direction and biasing the ferrule toward the connection end, and a spring push that presses the first member toward the connection end by rotational motion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the above aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a multi-fiber optical connector and an optical connection structure that can reduce the force required to connect multi-fiber optical connectors together. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an optical connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II shown in FIG. [Figure 3]1 is a perspective view showing a multi-fiber optical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded view showing a portion of a multi-fiber optical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a spring push according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] 1 is a perspective view showing an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] 7B is a view of the adapter shown in FIG. 7A as seen from the direction of arrow VIIB. [Figure 7C] 7B is a view of the adapter shown in FIG. 7A as seen from the direction of arrows VIIC. [Figure 7D] 7B is a view of the adapter shown in FIG. 7A as seen from the direction of the arrow VIID. [Figure 7E] 7B is a view of the adapter shown in FIG. 7A as seen from the direction of the arrow VIIE. [Figure 7F] 7B is a view of the adapter shown in FIG. 7A as seen from the arrow VIIF direction. [Figure 7G] 7B is a view of the adapter shown in FIG. 7A as seen from arrows VI-IG. [Figure 8] 8 is a view of the optical connection structure shown in FIG. 1 as seen from arrow VIII. [Figure 9A] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the biasing member according to the embodiment of the present invention is sandwiched between a first member and a second member. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a state following FIG. 9A. [Figure 10A] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a multi-fiber optical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is inserted into an adapter. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a state following FIG. 10A. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which optical connection structures according to an embodiment of the present invention are two-dimensionally arranged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A multi-fiber optical connector 1 and an optical connection structure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the optical connection structure 100 includes a plurality of multi-fiber optical connectors 1, an adapter 2, and a clip C. A clip recess 90 into which the clip C fits is formed in an adapter body 80 (described below) of the adapter 2 (see also FIG. 7A). The optical connection structure 100 is used by being incorporated into an optical connection device for connecting a large number of optical fibers together in, for example, a data center. The clip C can be used to fix the optical connection structure 100 to the device. Note that the optical connection structure 100 does not necessarily have to include the adapter 2 and the clip recess 90.

[0012] In this embodiment, the optical connection structure 100 includes four male connectors 1M and four female connectors 1F. The four male connectors 1M are connected to the four female connectors 1F by being inserted into insertion ports 81 (described below) of the adapter 2. In this embodiment, the only structural difference between the male connectors 1M and the female connectors 1F is the presence or absence of guide pins 70 (described below). Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, when describing the multi-fiber optical connector 1, the male connectors 1M will be described.

[0013] 2 and 3, each multi-fiber optical connector 1 (male connector 1M) includes a ferrule 10, a plurality of optical fibers 20, a first member 30, a biasing member 40, a spring push 50, a second member 60, and a pair of guide pins 70. As shown in Fig. 3, the ferrule 10 has a connecting end 10a provided with a connecting end face 11, and a base end 10b located on the opposite side to the connecting end 10a. The ferrule 10 has a plurality of fiber holes 12 toward the connecting end face 11, through which the plurality of optical fibers 20 can be inserted.

[0014] (direction definition) In this embodiment, the direction in which each fiber hole 12 extends is referred to as the longitudinal direction Z. The longitudinal direction Z is also the direction in which the connection end 10a and the base end 10b of the ferrule 10 are aligned. The longitudinal direction Z is also the direction in which each male connector 1M and each female connector 1F face each other in the optical connection structure 100. A direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z is referred to as the first direction X. A direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction Z and the first direction X is referred to as the second direction Y. The direction from the base end 10b of the ferrule 10 (possessed by the male connector 1M) toward the connection end 10a along the longitudinal direction Z is referred to as the +Z direction, the front, the tip side, or the connection end side. The direction opposite to the +Z direction is referred to as the -Z direction, the rear, or the base side. One direction along the first direction X is referred to as the +X direction or the right. The direction opposite the +X direction is referred to as the -X direction or left. One direction along a second direction Y is referred to as the +Y direction or up. The direction opposite the +Y direction is referred to as the -Y direction or down.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 3, in this embodiment, the connection end 10a of the ferrule 10 faces forward, and the base end 10b faces backward. When connecting the multi-fiber optical connector 1 to another optical connector, the connection end face 11 described above abuts against the connection end face 11 of the other optical connector. That is, in the optical connection structure 100 according to this embodiment, when the male connector 1M and the female connector 1F are connected, the connection end face 11 of the male connector 1M abuts against the connection end face 11 of the female connector 1F. Note that the connection end face 11 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z or may be non-perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z (see Fig. 2).

[0016] 3, a plurality of fiber holes 12 and a pair of guide pin holes 13 are formed in the connecting end face 11 of the ferrule 10 according to this embodiment. A guide pin 70 is inserted into each of the guide pin holes 13. Each of the fiber holes 12 and guide pin holes 13 opens into the connecting end face 11 of the ferrule 10 and penetrates the ferrule 10 in the longitudinal direction Z. The plurality of fiber holes 12 according to this embodiment are located between the pair of guide pin holes 13 in the first direction X.

[0017] Each optical fiber 20 has a core and a cladding. Although not shown, at least a portion of the optical fiber 20 may be covered with a sheath. The sheath may be made of, for example, a resin. As shown in the example of FIG. 2, a boot B may be attached to the optical fiber 20. Each optical fiber 20 may be fixed inside each fiber hole 12 with an adhesive or the like.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the first member 30 is disposed so as to face the base end 10b of the ferrule 10 in the longitudinal direction Z. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first member 30 according to this embodiment has a large-diameter portion 31 and a small-diameter portion 32 extending rearward from the large-diameter portion 31. In this embodiment, the large-diameter portion 31 and the small-diameter portion 32 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z. Note that the term "substantially rectangular shape" also includes cases where the shape can be considered rectangular after removing chamfering and manufacturing errors. The dimensions of the small-diameter portion 32 in the first direction X and the second direction Y are smaller than the dimensions of the large-diameter portion 31 in the first direction X and the second direction Y, respectively. Furthermore, the first member 30 is formed with a through-hole 33 penetrating the large-diameter portion 31 and the small-diameter portion 32 in the longitudinal direction Z (see also FIG. 2). In other words, the first member 30 has a cylindrical shape.

[0019] The large diameter portion 31 has a pressing surface 31a facing forward and a pressed surface 31b facing rearward. A fitting recess 36 that is recessed forward is formed on the pressed surface 31b. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the distance in the longitudinal direction Z between the front end of the fitting recess 36 and the pressed surface 31b may be referred to as the "recess amount L of the fitting recess 36" (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the fitting recess 36 is disposed at the center of the large diameter portion 31 in the second direction Y.

[0020] 4, the first member 30 according to this embodiment is formed with a pair of locking holes 34 that penetrate the upper and lower walls of the small diameter portion 32 in the second direction Y. The shape of the locking holes 34 according to this embodiment is rectangular when viewed from the second direction Y.

[0021] The first member 30 according to this embodiment has a pair of retaining pins 35 that protrude outward in the first direction X from the side surface of the small diameter portion 32. Each retaining pin 35 according to this embodiment is located at the rear end of the small diameter portion 32. As shown in FIG. 5, each retaining pin 35 has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the first direction X. Note that the term "substantially circular shape" also includes an elliptical shape and a shape that can be considered circular once manufacturing errors are removed. Hereinafter, the outer diameter of the retaining pin 35 may be represented by the symbol Φ1.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the second member 60 according to this embodiment is attached to the base end 10b of the ferrule 10. The second member 60 according to this embodiment functions as a pin clamp. As shown in FIG. 4, the second member 60 according to this embodiment has a gripping base 61 and an extending portion 62 extending rearward from the gripping base 61. In this embodiment, the gripping base 61 and the extending portion 62 are each formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z. Note that the term "substantially rectangular shape" also includes cases where the shape can be considered rectangular after removing chamfering and manufacturing errors. The dimensions of the extending portion 62 in the first direction X and the second direction Y are smaller than the dimensions of the gripping base 61 in the first direction X and the second direction Y, respectively. The extending portion 62 is inserted into the through-hole 33 of the first member 30 (see also FIG. 2). The second member 60 has a fiber insertion hole 63 formed therein, which penetrates the grip base 61 and the extending portion 62 in the longitudinal direction Z (see also FIG. 2). In other words, the second member 60 has a cylindrical shape. A plurality of optical fibers 20 are inserted into the fiber insertion hole 63.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 4, the grip base 61 has a pressing surface 61a facing forward, a biased surface 61b facing rearward, and a pair of first opposing surfaces 61c facing forward. The pressing surface 61a abuts against the base end 10b of the ferrule 10 via an auxiliary tool 67 (see Fig. 3). As shown in Fig. 4, the pressing surface 61a is located between the pair of first opposing surfaces 61c in the second direction Y. Furthermore, each of the first opposing surfaces 61c is located rearward of the pressing surface 61a.

[0024] An opening 64 and a locking claw 65 are formed on each of the upper and lower walls of the extension portion 62 according to this embodiment. The opening 64 according to this embodiment has a C-shape that opens rearward when viewed from the second direction Y. The locking claw 65 is surrounded by the opening 64 when viewed from the second direction Y. The locking claw 65 is elastically bendable in the second direction Y with the rear end of the locking claw 65 as the base end. A locking protrusion 65a that protrudes outward in the second direction Y is provided at the front end (tip) of each locking claw 65.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3 , the biasing member 40 is disposed between the first member 30 and the ferrule 10 in the longitudinal direction Z. In this embodiment, more specifically, the biasing member 40 is sandwiched between the pressing surface 31 a of the first member 30 and the biased surface 61 b ​​of the second member 60 in the longitudinal direction Z. The biasing member 40 is compressed between the pressing surface 31 a and the biased surface 61 b, thereby biasing the ferrule 10 toward the connection end 10 a (forward) via the pressing surface 61 a of the second member 60. The biasing member 40 may be, for example, a coil spring. As will be described in detail later, when the extension portion 62 of the second member 60 is inserted into the through-hole 33 of the first member 30, the locking protrusions 65 a are inserted into the locking holes 34 and locked at the front ends of the locking holes 34 (see also FIGS. 9A and 9B ). As a result, the second member 60 holds the first member 30 in a state in which the first member 30 presses the urging member 40 and the urging member 40 is compressed. In other words, the first member 30 functions as a holding member that causes the second member 60 to hold the urging member 40.

[0026] The second member 60 according to the present embodiment is a so-called pin clamp, and is formed with a pair of guide pin gripping holes 66 for gripping a pair of guide pins 70. Each guide pin gripping hole 66 opens to the pressing surface 61a of the gripping base 61. The guide pin gripping holes 66 according to the present embodiment open inward in the first direction X and communicate with the fiber insertion hole 63. An auxiliary tool 67 is attached to the pressing surface 61a of the gripping base 61 according to the present embodiment. The auxiliary tool 67 is formed with a pair of slits 67a extending in the second direction Y. Each guide pin 70 is inserted into the slits 67a and inserted into the guide pin gripping hole 66, thereby being gripped by the second member 60. Note that the guide pin gripping hole 66 may not communicate with the fiber insertion hole 63 and may only open to the pressing surface 61a. In this case, the auxiliary tool 67 does not have to be attached to the gripping base 61. Furthermore, as long as the first member 30 can be held in a state in which the first member 30 presses the biasing member 40, the second member 60 does not have to be a pin clamp.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 3, the spring pusher 50 according to this embodiment is disposed behind the first member 30. As shown in Fig. 6, the spring pusher 50 according to this embodiment has a rotating base 51, a pressing protrusion 52, a support shaft protrusion 53, a fixing protrusion 54, an auxiliary protrusion 55, and a handle 56. The handle 56 extends rearward from the rotating base 51.

[0028] The support shaft protrusion 53 according to this embodiment is a protrusion that protrudes downward from the rotation base 51. As shown in Fig. 2, the support shaft protrusion 53 is inserted into a support shaft hole 83 formed in the adapter 2. Although details will be described later, by inserting the support shaft protrusion 53 into the support shaft hole 83, the spring push 50 can perform rotational movement with the support shaft protrusion 53 as a support shaft (see also Fig. 10A).

[0029] As shown in Fig. 6, the pressing protrusion 52 is a protrusion that protrudes forward from the rotation base 51. As shown in Fig. 3, the pressing protrusion 52 is fitted into the fitting recess 36 of the first member 30. When the spring push 50 performs the above-mentioned rotational movement, the pressing protrusion 52 presses the first member 30 forward (see also Fig. 10A). In other words, the spring push 50 presses the first member 30 forward by its rotational movement.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 6, the fixing protrusion 54 according to this embodiment is a protrusion formed on the handle 56. As shown in Fig. 2, the fixing protrusion 54 is inserted into a fixing hole 84 formed in the adapter 2. As will be described in detail later, by inserting the fixing protrusion 54 into the fixing hole 84, the spring push 50 is fixed to the adapter 2 in a state in which it presses the first member 30 (see also Fig. 10B).

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6, the spring push 50 according to this embodiment has a pair of retaining holes 51a penetrating the rotary base 51 in the first direction X. As shown in FIG. 3, the retaining pins 35 of the first member 30 are inserted into each retaining hole 51a. Inserting the retaining pins 35 into the retaining holes 51a prevents the spring push 50 from falling off the first member 30. Furthermore, the shape of each retaining hole 51a according to this embodiment is substantially circular when viewed from the first direction X. Note that the term "substantially circular" also includes cases where the shape can be considered circular after removing manufacturing errors. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the inner diameter of the retaining hole 51a may be denoted by the symbol Φ2. The inner diameter Φ2 of the retaining hole 51a is equal to or greater than the outer diameter Φ1 of the retaining pin 35.

[0032] In this embodiment, the recess amount L (see FIG. 5) of the fitting recess 36 is larger than the difference between the inner diameter Φ2 of the retaining hole 51a and the outer diameter Φ1 of the retaining pin 35. This configuration prevents the pressing protrusion 52 from falling off from the fitting recess 36. In other words, the first member 30 also functions as a holding member that holds the spring push 50.

[0033] Figures 7A to 7 GAs shown in FIG. 1, the adapter 2 according to this embodiment has an adapter main body 80, multiple insertion openings 81, and a non-insertion section 82. The insertion openings 81 are holes formed in the adapter main body 80, into which the above-described multi-fiber optical connector 1 (male connector 1M or female connector 1F) is inserted. The non-insertion section 82 is a portion of the adapter main body 80 where the insertion openings 81 are not formed.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 7A, the adapter main body 80 according to this embodiment is formed with four male insertion openings 81M into which the male connectors 1M are respectively inserted, and four female insertion openings 81F into which the female connectors 1F are inserted. The four male insertion openings 81M and the four female insertion openings 81F correspond one-to-one and face each other in the longitudinal direction Z. In this embodiment, the male insertion openings 81M and the female insertion openings 81F are basically identical in structure. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, when describing the insertion openings 81, the male insertion openings 81M will be described. To facilitate the following description, the four male insertion openings 81M may be referred to as the first insertion opening 81A, the second insertion opening 81B, the third insertion opening 81C, and the fourth insertion opening 81D (see FIG. 7F). The four insertion openings 81A to 81D according to this embodiment are arranged symmetrically in the first direction X (see FIG. 7F).

[0035] 2, each insertion opening 81 has a small diameter portion 81a into which the ferrule 10 is inserted and a large diameter portion 81b that is a hole communicating with the rear end of the small diameter portion 81a. The dimensions of the large diameter portion 81b in the first direction X and the second direction Y are larger than the dimensions of the small diameter portion 81a in the first direction X and the second direction Y, respectively. A second opposing surface 81c facing rearward is provided at the front end of the large diameter portion 81b. When the multi-fiber optical connector 1 is inserted into the insertion opening 81, the first opposing surface 61c of the multi-fiber optical connector 1 and the second opposing surface 81c face each other in the longitudinal direction Z.

[0036] Each insertion opening 81 is formed with the aforementioned support shaft hole 83 and fixing hole 84. The support shaft hole 83 according to this embodiment is a hole that opens on the bottom surface of the insertion opening 81. The shape of the insertion opening 81 corresponds to the shape of the support shaft protrusion 53. The fixing hole 84 according to this embodiment is a hole that opens on the top surface of the insertion opening 81. The shape of the fixing hole 84 corresponds to the shape of the fixing protrusion 54.

[0037] 7F, in this embodiment, the first insertion opening 81A and the second insertion opening 81B are arranged side by side in the first direction X. The third insertion opening 81C and the fourth insertion opening 81D are arranged side by side in the first direction X. Furthermore, the positions of the third insertion opening 81C and the fourth insertion opening 81D are different from the positions of the first insertion opening 81A and the second insertion opening 81B in the second direction Y. In the illustrated example, the third insertion opening 81C and the fourth insertion opening 81D are located lower than the first insertion opening 81A and the second insertion opening 81B. In addition, the third insertion opening 81C and the fourth insertion opening 81D are positioned outward in the first direction X relative to the first insertion opening 81A and the second insertion opening 81B when viewed from the longitudinal direction Z. In other words, the distance d2 between the third insertion opening 81C and the fourth insertion opening 81D in the first direction X is greater than the distance d1 between the first insertion opening 81A and the second insertion opening 81B in the first direction X.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 8, four insertion slots 81A to 81 D In a state in which the multi-fiber optical connector 1 (male connector 1M) is inserted into the four multi-fiber optical connectors 1, the first members 30 of the four multi-fiber optical connectors 1 do not have to overlap with each other in the second direction Y. In other words, the positions of the four insertion openings 81A to 81D (the difference between the distance d1 and the distance d2 described above) may be set so that the four first members 30 do not overlap with each other in the second direction Y in this inserted state.

[0039] 7F, the non-insertion portion 82 of the adapter main body 80 may have a mesh structure. That is, the non-insertion portion 82 may include a plurality of through-holes 82a penetrating the adapter main body 80 in the longitudinal direction Z and a plurality of beams 82b arranged within the through-holes 82a. According to this embodiment, the beams 82b extend in the first direction X or the second direction Y and connect the inner surfaces of the through-holes 82a. The non-insertion portion 82 includes the through-holes 82a, which improves the air permeability of the optical connection structure 100. In other words, the optical connection structure 100 is less likely to impede the flow of heat within the optical connection device. Furthermore, the arrangement of the beams 82b within the through-holes 82a improves the mechanical strength of the adapter 2. The number, orientation, and shape of the beams 82b may be changed as needed.

[0040] Next, the operation of the multi-fiber optical connector 1 and the optical connection structure 100 configured as above will be described.

[0041] When manufacturing (assembling) the optical connection structure 100, for example, an assembly process for assembling the multi-fiber optical connector 1 and an insertion process for inserting the assembled multi-fiber optical connector 1 into the insertion port 81 of the adapter 2 are performed. Of these two processes, the assembly process may be performed, for example, in a factory that manufactures the multi-fiber optical connector 1. On the other hand, the insertion process may be performed, for example, by a user who uses the optical connection structure 100. Each of the assembly process and the insertion process will be described below.

[0042] The assembly process includes a clamping process in which the biasing member 40 is clamped between the first member 30 and the second member 60. More specifically, first, the extension portion 62 of the second member 60 is inserted into the biasing member 40, and the front end of the biasing member 40 abuts against the biased surface 61b of the second member 60 (see FIG. 9A ). Next, the first member 30 is attached to the second member 60 from the rear so that the extension portion 62 is inserted into the through-hole 33 of the first member 30. When the first member 30 advances, as shown in FIG. 9A , the locking claws 65 bend inward in the second direction Y, and the pressing surface 31a of the first member 30 abuts against the rear end of the biasing member 40, compressing the biasing member 40. When the first member 30 is further advanced, the locking protrusions 65a are inserted into the locking holes 34, and the first member 30 is locked to the second member 60, as shown in FIG. 9B . As a result, the second member 60 holds the first member 30 in a state in which the first member 30 presses the biasing member 40 and the biasing member 40 is compressed.

[0043] In addition to the clamping step, the assembly process is completed by performing, for example, a ferrule attachment step of attaching the ferrule 10 to the second member 60, a spring pusher attachment step of attaching the spring pusher 50 to the first member 30, and an insertion step of inserting the optical fiber 20 through the ferrule 10, the first member 30, the spring pusher 50, and the second member 60. The order in which the clamping step, ferrule attachment step, spring pusher attachment step, and insertion step are performed can be changed as appropriate.

[0044] Next, the insertion process will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 10A, the user inserts the support shaft protrusion 53 of the spring push 50 into the support shaft hole 83 of the adapter 2. Next, the user rotates the spring push 50 around the support shaft protrusion 53, for example, by gripping and lifting the handle 56 (see FIG. 10B). More specifically, when the user lifts the handle 56, the spring push 50 rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the first direction X. At this time, the pressing protrusion 52 of the spring push 50 and the fitting recess 36 of the first member 30 slide against each other, and the pressing protrusion 52 presses the first member 30 forward. In other words, the rotational motion of the spring push 50 is converted into a linear motion of the first member 30 in the longitudinal direction Z. As the spring push 50 presses the first member 30 forward, the biasing member 40 is further compressed compared to when the above assembly process is completed. When the user continues to rotate the spring push 50 (lifting the handle 56), the fixing protrusion 54 of the spring push 50 is inserted into the fixing hole 84 of the adapter 2. As a result, the spring push 50 and the multi-fiber optical connector 1 are fixed in the insertion port 81 of the adapter 2 with the spring push 50 pressing the first member 30.

[0045] When the user performs the above insertion process for all the multi-fiber optical connectors 1, the manufacturing (assembly) of the optical connection structure 100, that is, the connection between each male connector 1M and female connector 1F, is completed.

[0046] As described above, in the multi-fiber optical connector 1 and optical connection structure 100 according to this embodiment, the rotational movement of the spring push 50 is used to press the first member 30. Therefore, by using the principle of leverage, it is possible to reduce the force that a user must apply to the spring push 50 when connecting multi-fiber optical connectors 1 together. Furthermore, since the multi-fiber optical connector 1 includes the second member 60, the biasing member 40 can be compressed in two separate steps: the assembly step (sandwiching step) and the insertion step. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount that a user must rotate the spring push 50 during the insertion step.

[0047] Furthermore, the multi-fiber optical connector 1 according to this embodiment has a structure in which the spring push 50 presses the biasing member 40 via the first member 30. More specifically, a structure is adopted in which the rotational motion of the spring push 50 is converted into linear motion of the first member 30 to press the biasing member 40. With this configuration, it is possible to make the biasing member 40 less likely to buckle compared to, for example, a case in which the rotational spring push 50 directly contacts the biasing member 40.

[0048] Furthermore, in the multi-fiber optical connector 1 according to this embodiment, the biasing member 40 is disposed outside the extending portion 62 of the second member 60, thereby suppressing contact between the biasing member 40 and the optical fiber 20. This suppresses the biasing member 40 and the optical fiber 20 from accidentally coming into contact with each other during the insertion process, thereby preventing damage to the optical fiber 20.

[0049] As described above, the third insertion opening 81C and the fourth insertion opening 81D according to this embodiment are disposed outwardly in the first direction X relative to the first insertion opening 81A and the second insertion opening 81B. Therefore, a user can touch the spring push 50 and easily operate (rotate) the spring push 50 by inserting a finger into the space S1 (see FIG. 11 ) between the third insertion opening 81C and the fourth insertion opening 81D. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11 , even when the optical connection structure 100 according to this embodiment is two-dimensionally integrated in the first direction X and the second direction Y, the user can easily operate the spring push 50. More specifically, the user can operate the spring push 50 by inserting a finger into the space S1 described above or the space S2 shown in FIG. 11 . The space S2 is the space between the second insertion opening 81B of a certain optical connection structure 100 and the first insertion opening 81A of the optical connection structure 100 adjacent to the certain optical connection structure 100 (see FIG. 11).

[0050] As described above, the multi-fiber optical connector 1 of this embodiment is a multi-fiber optical connector 1 that is inserted into the adapter 2, and includes a ferrule 10 that has a connection end 10a with a connection end face 11, a base end 10b located opposite the connection end 10a, and a plurality of fiber holes 12 through which a plurality of optical fibers 20 can be inserted toward the connection end face 11, a first member 30 that is arranged opposite the base end 10b of the ferrule 10 in the longitudinal direction Z, a biasing member 40 that is arranged between the first member 30 and the ferrule 10 in the longitudinal direction Z and biases the ferrule 10 forward (connection end 10a), and a spring push 50 that presses the first member 30 forward (connection end 10a) by rotational motion.

[0051] According to this configuration, by using the principle of leverage, it is possible to reduce the force required when connecting the multi-fiber optical connectors 1 (male connector 1M and female connector 1F) to each other.

[0052] Moreover, the multi-fiber optical connector 1 according to this embodiment further includes a second member 60 that holds the first member 30 in a state in which the first member 30 presses the biasing member 40. With this configuration, the amount by which the spring push 50 must be rotated when inserting the multi-fiber optical connector 1 into the adapter 2 to connect the multi-fiber optical connectors 1 together can be reduced, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0053] In addition, a retaining pin 35 is formed in the first member 30, and a retaining hole 51a is formed in the spring push 50, and the retaining pin 35 is inserted into the retaining hole 51a, thereby holding the spring push 50 in the first member 30. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the spring push 50 from falling off the first member 30.

[0054] The spring push 50 has a pressing protrusion 52 that contacts and presses the first member 30, and the first member 30 is formed with a fitting recess 36 into which the pressing protrusion 52 is fitted, and the recess amount L of the fitting recess 36 is larger than the difference between the inner diameter Φ2 of the retaining hole 51a and the outer diameter Φ1 of the retaining pin 35. This configuration prevents the pressing protrusion 52 from falling out of the fitting recess 36.

[0055] The spring push 50 also has a support shaft protrusion 53, which is inserted into a support shaft hole 83, which is a hole formed in the adapter 2, and serves as a support shaft for the above-mentioned rotational movement. With this configuration, the spring push 50 can perform stable rotational movement.

[0056] The spring push 50 also has a fixing protrusion 54, which is inserted into a fixing hole 84, which is a hole formed in the adapter 2, and fixes the spring push 50 to the adapter 2 with the spring push 50 pressing the first member 30. With this configuration, the multi-fiber optical connector 1 and the spring push 50 can be fixed in the adapter 2 with the biasing member 40 compressed.

[0057] Moreover, the optical connection structure 100 according to this embodiment includes at least four multi-fiber optical connectors 1 and an adapter 2 having at least four insertion openings 81 formed therein, into which the multi-fiber optical connectors 1 are respectively inserted, the first insertion opening 81A and the second insertion opening 81B being arranged side by side in the first direction X, the positions of the third insertion opening 81C and the fourth insertion opening 81D being different from the positions of the first insertion opening 81A and the second insertion opening 81B in the second direction Y, and the third insertion opening 81C and the fourth insertion opening 81D being arranged shifted outward in the first direction X relative to the first insertion opening 81A and the second insertion opening 81B as viewed from the longitudinal direction Z. With this configuration, a user can easily operate the spring push 50 by inserting a finger into the space S1 between the third insertion opening 81C and the fourth insertion opening 81D.

[0058] Furthermore, when the four multi-fiber optical connectors 1 are inserted into the four insertion ports 81A to 81D, the first members 30 of the four multi-fiber optical connectors 1 do not overlap one another in the second direction Y. According to this configuration, the space S1 described above becomes larger, making it even easier to operate the spring push 50.

[0059] 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.

[0060] For example, in the above embodiment, the support shaft protrusion 53 of the spring push 50 protrudes downward from the rotary base 51, but it may protrude upward from the rotary base 51. Furthermore, the rotation axis of the rotational movement of the spring push 50 does not have to be parallel to the first direction X, but may be parallel to another direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z (for example, the second direction Y). In this case, the direction in which the support shaft protrusion 53 protrudes from the rotary base 51, the protruding direction of the retaining pin 35, and the penetrating direction of the retaining hole 51a may be changed depending on the direction of the rotational movement. Furthermore, as long as the spring push 50 can be fixed to the adapter 2, the position and orientation of the fixing protrusion 54 can be changed as appropriate.

[0061] In addition, in the above embodiment, the anti-slip pin 35 is formed in the first member 30 and the anti-slip hole 51a is formed in the spring push 50, but the anti-slip pin 35 may be formed in the spring push 50 and the anti-slip hole 51a may be formed in the first member 30.

[0062] Furthermore, the multi-fiber optical connector 1 may not include the second member 60. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which the front end of the biasing member 40 abuts against the base end 10b of the ferrule 10, and the biasing member 40 directly biases the ferrule 10.

[0063] Furthermore, the number of insertion openings 81 (male insertion openings 81M) provided in the adapter 2 can be changed as appropriate as long as it is four or more.

[0064] 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]

[0065] 100...optical connection structure 1...multi-fiber optical connector 2...adapter 10...ferrule 10a...connection end 10b...base end 11...connection end face 12...fiber hole 20...optical fiber 30...first member 34...locking hole 35...preventive pin 36...fitting recess 40...urging member 50...spring push 51a...preventive hole 52...pressure protrusion 53...support protrusion 54...fixing protrusion 81...insertion opening 81A...first insertion opening 81B...second insertion opening 81C...third insertion opening 81D...fourth insertion opening 83...support hole 84...fixing hole Z...longitudinal direction X...first direction Y...Second direction

Claims

1. a ferrule including a connecting end having a connecting end surface, a base end located on the opposite side of the connecting end, and a plurality of fiber holes through which a plurality of optical fibers can be inserted toward the connecting end surface; a first member disposed opposite the base end of the ferrule in the longitudinal direction in which the fiber hole extends; a biasing member disposed between the first member and the ferrule in the longitudinal direction and biasing the ferrule toward the connection end; a spring push that presses the first member toward the connecting end by a rotational movement, When the direction from the connection end toward the base end of the ferrule is defined as the rear, a support shaft for the rotational movement of the spring push is provided rearward of the first member.

2. 2. The multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 1, further comprising a second member that holds said first member in a state in which said first member presses said biasing member.

3. a retaining pin is formed on one of the first member and the spring push; a retaining hole is formed in the other of the first member and the spring push; 3. The multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 1, wherein said spring push is held by said first member by said retaining pin being inserted into said retaining hole.

4. the spring push has a pressing protrusion that abuts against the first member and presses the first member, The first member has a fitting recess formed therein into which the pressing protrusion is fitted, 4. The multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 3, wherein the recessed amount of said fitting recess is larger than the difference between the inner diameter of said retaining hole and the outer diameter of said retaining pin.

5. A multi-fiber optical connector to be inserted into an adapter, a ferrule including a connecting end having a connecting end surface, a base end located on the opposite side of the connecting end, and a plurality of fiber holes through which a plurality of optical fibers can be inserted toward the connecting end surface; a first member disposed opposite the base end of the ferrule in the longitudinal direction in which the fiber hole extends; a biasing member disposed between the first member and the ferrule in the longitudinal direction and biasing the ferrule toward the connection end; a spring push that presses the first member toward the connecting end by a rotational movement, When the direction from the connection end toward the base end of the ferrule is defined as the rear, a support shaft for the rotational movement of the spring push is provided rearward of the first member.

6. The spring push has a support shaft protrusion, 6. The multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 5, wherein said support shaft protrusion is a protrusion that is inserted into a support shaft hole that is a hole formed in said adapter and serves as said support shaft for said rotational movement.

7. The spring push has a fixing protrusion, 7. A multi-fiber optical connector as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein the fixing protrusion is a protrusion that is inserted into a fixing hole that is a hole formed in the adapter, and fixes the spring push to the adapter while the spring push presses the first member.

8. At least four multi-fiber optical connectors according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 6; an adapter having at least four insertion ports into which the multi-fiber optical connectors are respectively inserted; the four insertion slots include a first insertion slot, a second insertion slot, a third insertion slot, and a fourth insertion slot; the first insertion opening and the second insertion opening are arranged side by side in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, positions of the third insertion opening and the fourth insertion opening are different from positions of the first insertion opening and the second insertion opening in a second direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the first direction, An optical connection structure, wherein the third insertion opening and the fourth insertion opening are positioned outward in the first direction relative to the first insertion opening and the second insertion opening when viewed in the longitudinal direction.

9. 9. The optical connection structure according to claim 8, wherein when the four multi-fiber optical connectors are inserted into the four insertion ports, the first members of the four multi-fiber optical connectors do not overlap with each other in the second direction.

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