Optical wiring and optical connection methods

Abstract

An optical wiring comprising: a plurality of first set groups each having a plurality of first connecting components which are each mounted with an optical fiber and which are arrayed in a line; a plurality of second set groups each having a plurality of second connecting components which are each mounted with an optical fiber and which are arrayed in a line; a receptacle which has a first end face and a second end face on the opposite side of the first end face and in which the plurality of first set groups are connected to the first end face side and the plurality of second set groups are connected to the second end face side. Each of the plurality of first set groups and each of the plurality of second set groups are opposed to each other through intermediation of the receptacle such that a direction in which the first connecting components are arrayed and a direction in which the second connecting components are arrayed are perpendicular to each other, and each of the first connecting components and each of the second connecting components are optically connected to each other in the receptacle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical wiring and an optical connection method. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-155585 filed on September 16, 2020, and incorporates all the descriptions described in the Japanese patent application.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a receptacle structure for connecting to a single-core optical connector. Patent Document 2 discloses an optical connector in which a plurality of single-core ferrules are integrated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An optical wiring according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of first set groups each having a plurality of first connection components in which optical fibers are mounted and arranged in a row, a plurality of second set groups each having a plurality of second connection components in which optical fibers are mounted and arranged in a row, a first end face, and a second end face opposite to the first end face, wherein the plurality of first set groups are connected to the first end face side, and the plurality of second set groups are connected to the second end face side, and a receptacle, and each of the plurality of first set groups and each of the plurality of second set groups face each other through the receptacle such that the direction in which the first connection components are arranged and the direction in which the second connection components are arranged are orthogonal to each other, and each of the plurality of first connection components and each of the plurality of second connection components are optically connected within the receptacle.

[0005] An optical connection method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an optical connection method using a plurality of first sets, each having a plurality of first connecting components on which optical fibers are mounted and arranged in a row; a plurality of second sets, each having a plurality of second connecting components on which optical fibers are mounted and arranged in a row; and a receptacle having a first end face and a second end face opposite to the first end face, with the plurality of first sets connected to the first end face side and the plurality of second sets connected to the second end face side, wherein each of the plurality of first sets and each of the plurality of second sets are faced to each other via the receptacle such that the direction in which the first connecting components are arranged and the direction in which the second connecting components are arranged are orthogonal, and optical connection is made between each of the plurality of first connecting components and each of the plurality of second connecting components within the receptacle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an optical wiring configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first set of optical wiring included in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second set of optical wiring included in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the plate included in the second set group shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which two adjacent plates grip the second connecting component. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of optical connection between the first and second connecting components. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view showing another example of the plate. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side view of the plate shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receptacle corresponding to the plate shown in Figure 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] [Issues this disclosure aims to address] From the standpoint of ease of wiring, there is growing interest in optical transceivers having receptacles that can be mated with optical connectors that integrate multiple single-core ferrules, as disclosed in Patent Document 2. The basic concept of the receptacle structure is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1. However, when multiple single-core receptacle structures like those in Patent Document 1 are provided to enable connection to the optical connector, the wiring from the connection point with the optical connector to the photoelectric conversion module tends to become complicated, leading to a problem of reduced workability during implementation.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to improve the workability of optical wiring, including ferrules and receptacles, during assembly.

[0009] [Effects of this disclosure] According to the configuration disclosed above, the workability during the implementation of optical wiring can be improved.

[0010] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described first. An optical wiring according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of first sets, each having a plurality of first connecting components on which optical fibers are mounted and arranged in a row; a plurality of second sets, each having a plurality of second connecting components on which optical fibers are mounted and arranged in a row; and a receptacle having a first end face and a second end face opposite to the first end face, with the plurality of first sets connected to the first end face side and the plurality of second sets connected to the second end face side, wherein each of the plurality of first sets and each of the plurality of second sets face opposite each other via the receptacle such that the direction in which the first connecting components are arranged and the direction in which the second connecting components are arranged are orthogonal, and each of the plurality of first connecting components and each of the plurality of second connecting components are optically connected within the receptacle. If all first connecting components are integrated, then after fixing the integrated first connecting component to the receptacle, tasks such as rearranging the order of each wire become complicated. On the other hand, with the above configuration, since multiple first connecting components are divided into multiple first sets, it is possible to rearrange each first set. Furthermore, by changing the fixing direction of the first sets or changing the fixing position of the first sets, it is also possible to rearrange the order of each wire. (The same applies to second connecting components.) As a result, the workability during optical wiring implementation can be improved. Another effect that can be expected from the above configuration is that it becomes easier to split large-capacity optical signals into small-capacity optical signals for transmission and reception.

[0011] In the optical wiring described above, it is preferable that the plurality of second connecting components include optical transmitting second connecting components on which optical fibers are mounted for transmitting optical signals that proceed from each of the plurality of second connecting components to each of the plurality of first connecting components, and optical receiving second connecting components on which optical fibers are mounted for transmitting optical signals that proceed from each of the plurality of first connecting components to each of the plurality of second connecting components, and that each of the plurality of second sets includes only one of the optical transmitting second connecting components and the optical receiving second connecting components. With this configuration, workability can be further improved when implementing on an optical transceiver including an array of a plurality of transmitting units and an array of a plurality of receiving units.

[0012] In the optical wiring described above, it is preferable that each of the plurality of second sets has a plate for gripping the plurality of second connecting components. With this configuration, the second sets can be formed with a simple structure.

[0013] In the optical wiring described above, it is preferable that the plurality of second connecting components are held on the plate with a clearance between the plurality of second connecting components and the plate, and that, while the plurality of second connecting components are held on the plate, the plurality of second connecting components are movable relative to the plate in a direction within the main plane of the plate and in a direction perpendicular to the main plane of the plate, and are rotatable about an axis along these directions. With this configuration, while the second connecting components are held on the plate, the second connecting components have a so-called floating structure. As a result, it is possible to prevent the orientation of the second connecting components from being fixed in a certain direction due to stress from, for example, an optical fiber extending to the optical transceiver side, and to suppress the increase in connection loss that may be caused by such a situation.

[0014] In the optical wiring described above, the plate and at least one portion of the plurality of second connecting components are conductive, and when the plurality of second connecting components are held on the plate, it is preferable that the one portion hides the clearance when the plate and the plurality of second connecting components are viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate. With this configuration, it is easy to achieve a state in which there are no non-conductive members when the plate and the one portion are viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate, and the plate and the second connecting components can also function as EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) shielding.

[0015] In the optical wiring, the plurality of second set groups include a specific second set group and an adjacent second set group adjacent to the specific second set group. The specific plate of the specific second set group and the adjacent plate of the adjacent second set group are conductive. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the specific plate and the adjacent plate, it is preferable that the specific plate and the adjacent plate have an overlapping portion that overlaps with each other. According to this configuration, electromagnetic waves can be prevented from leaking from the gaps between adjacent plates. As a result, a high effect can be expected as an EMI shield.

[0016] In the optical wiring, the plate preferably has a plurality of insertion holes through which the plurality of second connection components are respectively inserted and the One side of the plate and each connect multiple slits. According to this configuration, the press-fitting stress when press-fitting the second connection component into each insertion hole can be alleviated. Further, by passing the optical fiber mounted on each second connection component through the slit, the second connection component can be inserted into the insertion hole from either surface of the plate, improving workability.

[0017] In the optical wiring, the receptacle preferably has a first fitting portion, the plate preferably has a second fitting portion, and the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are preferably fitted to each other. According to this configuration, positioning of the plate with respect to the receptacle becomes easy. As a result, the workability during mounting can be further improved.

[0018] In the optical wiring, the plate preferably has a structure bent with respect to the main surface of the plate on at least one side. According to this configuration, the mechanical strength of the plate can be improved. As a result, even when the plate receives the spring pressure derived from the first connection component in a state where the first connection component and the second connection component are connected to the receptacle, the plate will have high durability against the spring pressure.

[0019] In the optical wiring described above, it is preferable that the plate is provided with a constricted bead. This configuration improves the mechanical strength of the plate. As a result, even if the plate is subjected to spring pressure originating from the first connecting component when the first and second connecting components are connected to the receptacle, it will have high durability against said spring pressure.

[0020] In the optical wiring described above, it is preferable that the receptacle has an engagement groove, and the plate has an engagement claw that elastically deforms to engage with the engagement groove. With this configuration, it becomes easier to attach and detach the plate from the receptacle, thereby further improving workability during mounting.

[0021] An optical connection method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an optical connection method using a plurality of first assembly groups, each having a plurality of first connecting components on which optical fibers are mounted and arranged in a row; a plurality of second assembly groups, each having a plurality of second connecting components on which optical fibers are mounted and arranged in a row; and a receptacle having a first end face and a second end face opposite to the first end face, with the plurality of first assembly groups connected to the first end face side and the plurality of second assembly groups connected to the second end face side, wherein each of the plurality of first assembly groups and each of the plurality of second assembly groups are faced to each other via the receptacle such that the direction in which the first connecting components are arranged and the direction in which the second connecting components are arranged are orthogonal, and optical connections are made between each of the plurality of first connecting components and each of the plurality of second connecting components within the receptacle. If all the first connecting components are integrated, after fixing the integrated first connecting components to the receptacle, tasks such as rearranging the order of each wire become complicated. On the other hand, with the above configuration, since multiple first connecting components are divided into multiple first sets, it is possible to swap each first set. Furthermore, by changing the fixing direction or fixing position of the first sets, it is possible to change the order of each wire. (The same applies to the second connecting components.) As a result, the workability when implementing optical wiring can be improved. Another effect that can be expected from the above configuration is that it becomes easier to split high-capacity optical signals into low-capacity optical signals for transmission and reception.

[0022] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the optical wiring relating to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals or names even if they are in different drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0023] In the following explanation, the terms "front-to-back direction," "left-to-right direction," and "up-down direction" may be used. The "front-to-back direction" is the direction perpendicular to the surface to which the first set group is connected (the surface to which the second set group is connected) on the receptacle. The direction from the receptacle toward the first set group is the "front direction," and the direction from the receptacle toward the second set group is the "back direction." The "left-to-right direction" is the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, and is the direction in which multiple second connecting components are lined up when the second set group is connected to the receptacle. The "up-down direction" is the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, and is the direction in which multiple first connecting components are lined up when the first set group is connected to the receptacle. These directions are relative and are set up to facilitate understanding of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an optical wiring 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first set group 20 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the optical wiring 1 comprises a receptacle 10, a first set group 20, and a second set group 30. The lower part of Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the optical wiring 1, and the upper part of Figure 1 (within range X) shows a schematic cross-sectional view when the receptacle 10, the first set group 20, and the second set group 30 are cut by a plane including the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0025] Multiple first sets 20 are connected to the front surface of the receptacle 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the first end surface) in a horizontal direction. Multiple second sets 30 are connected to the rear surface of the receptacle 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the second end surface) in a vertical direction. That is, each of the multiple first sets 20 and each of the multiple second sets 30 are connected via the receptacle 10 such that the direction in which the first connecting components 22 are arranged and the direction in which the second connecting components 32 are arranged are orthogonal.

[0026] The receptacle 10 has N × M through holes 11 arranged in N rows vertically (where N is an integer of 2 or more) and M rows horizontally (where M is an integer of 2 or more). The through holes 11 are holes that penetrate the receptacle 10 in the front-to-back direction. The split sleeve 12 is held inside the through holes 11. There are no particular restrictions on N and M as long as they are integers of 2 or more. N and M may be the same number or different numbers, but it is preferable that the number on the photoelectric conversion module side (not shown) (M in the example of Figure 1) is greater than the number on the other side (N in the example of Figure 1). In the example shown in Figure 1, N=4 and M=13.

[0027] The first assembly group 20 has N through holes 21 arranged in the vertical direction. The first assembly group 20 holds a first connecting component 22, on which an optical fiber 23 is mounted, within each through hole 21. As shown in Figure 2, the first connecting component 22 also has a ferrule 24 and a spring 25. The first assembly group 20 may be a so-called optical connector.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the second assembly group 30 has M through-holes 31 arranged in the left-right direction. The second assembly group 30 holds a second connecting component 32 in which an optical fiber 33 is mounted within each through-hole 31. The internal structure of the second assembly group 30 is not particularly limited and may be an optical connector with a structure similar to that of the first assembly group 20, or it may have a structure with a plate (see Figure 3, etc.).

[0029] The rear end of the optical fiber 33 is connected, for example, to a photoelectric conversion module (not shown) connected to an electronic device. The optical fiber 33 includes parts that support optical transmission and parts that support optical reception. The optical fiber 33 that supports optical transmission transmits optical signals from the photoelectric conversion module to the optical fiber 23 side. The optical fiber 33 that supports optical reception transmits optical signals from the optical fiber 23 side to the photoelectric conversion module side.

[0030] Preferably, each of the multiple second assembly groups 30 includes only one of either a second connecting component 32 for optical transmission on which an optical fiber 33 for optical transmission is mounted, or a second connecting component for optical reception on which an optical fiber 33 for optical reception is mounted. For example, a second assembly group 30 connected to the first row of through holes 11 from the top in the receptacle 10 includes only a second connecting component 32 for optical transmission, and a second assembly group 30 connected to the second row of through holes 11 from the top includes only a second connecting component 32 for optical reception. In this configuration, one first assembly group 20 will include both a first connecting component 22 for optical transmission and a first connecting component 22 for optical reception.

[0031] Next, we will explain the case where the second set group 30 has a plate 40 using Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second set group 30. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the plate 40 shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of two adjacent plates 40 (40A, 40B) gripping the second connecting component 32.

[0032] In the examples shown in Figures 3 to 5, the second assembly 30 comprises M second connecting parts 32 and a plate 40. Each second connecting part 32 comprises a ferrule 34, a large diameter portion 35, a small diameter portion 36, and a tail portion 37. The plate 40 comprises M through holes 41, M slits 42, a protruding portion 43, and an adjacent portion 44. In the examples shown in Figures 3 to 5, M is 6.

[0033] The second connecting component 32 is, for example, a fiber stub. The tail portion 37 is formed of a flexible material such as resin. By press-fitting the tail portion 37 into the insertion hole 41, the smaller diameter portion 36 located between the larger diameter portion 35 and the tail portion 37 is fitted into the insertion hole 41. That is, the second connecting component 32 is held by the plate 40. When press-fitting the tail portion 37 into the insertion hole 41 as described above, the optical fiber 33 is passed through the slit 42 connecting the insertion hole 41 and one side of the plate 40. The larger diameter portion 35 may also be formed of a flexible material. If the larger diameter portion 35 is flexible, it may be made possible to press-fit the larger diameter portion 35 into the insertion hole 41.

[0034] The diameter d2 of the large diameter section 35 and the diameter d4 of the tail section 37 are larger than the diameter d1 of the insertion hole 41. The diameter d3 of the small diameter section 36 is smaller than the diameter d1. Also, in the front-rear direction, the length of the small diameter section 36 is longer than the length of the insertion hole 41. long Therefore, multiple Second connecting part 32 each teeth , the The second connecting component 32 is held in place by the plate 40 with a clearance between it and the plate 40. In other words, the second connecting component 32 can move freely within the clearance range but will not come off the plate 40. To put it another way, when the second connecting component 32 is held in place by the plate 40, it has a floating structure and is movable in three axial directions relative to the plate 40 (directions within the main plane of the plate 40 and directions perpendicular to the main plane of the plate 40) and can rotate around three axes.

[0035] Note that the lengths of diameter d1, etc., are not limited to the above example. That is, diameter d3 may be the same as diameter d1. Also, the length of the narrow diameter portion 36 in the front-to-back direction may be the same as the length of the insertion hole 41 in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the shapes of the wide diameter portion 35, the narrow diameter portion 36, and the tail portion 37 when viewed from the rear side may be circular or polygonal. If the shape of the wide diameter portion 35 is polygonal, diameter d2 refers to the diameter of the circumscribed circle of that polygon. The same applies to the narrow diameter portion 36 and the tail portion 37. In addition, the second connecting component 32 may be fixed to the plate 40 by conventionally known fixing means such as adhesive or welding.

[0036] The plate 40 is made of a conductive material such as metal or conductive resin. Similarly, the diameter portion 35 is also made of a conductive material. When the second connecting component 32 is held in place by the plate 40, and the plate 40 and the diameter portion 35 are viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate 40, the plate 40 and the diameter portion 35 have an overlapping portion around the insertion hole 41. The insertion hole 41 is located inside the diameter portion 35. Therefore, the diameter portion 35 and the plate 40 also function as an EMI shield. In addition, the tail portion 37 may be made of a conductive material instead of or in addition to the diameter portion 35. In this case, the tail portion 37 will contribute to the EMI shield. The electromagnetic waves are generated, for example, by the electronic equipment described above.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, when two second sets of components 30 are connected to the receptacle 10, plate 40A overlaps with the adjacent portion 44 of plate 40B at the adjacent portion 44 of plate 40B. In the state shown in Figure 5, plate 40 is fixed to the receptacle 10 by predetermined fixing means (for example, snap-fit ​​or screws).

[0038] The protruding portion (reduced bead) 43 is a part of the plate 40 that protrudes toward the rear. The protruding portion 43 is formed, for example, by a half-punch process.

[0039] Next, the optical connection between the first connecting component 22 and the second connecting component 32 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the optical connection between the first connecting component 22 and the second connecting component 32. Figure 6 shows the state in which the first assembly group 20 shown in Figure 2 is connected to the first end face of the receptacle 10, and the second assembly group 30 shown in Figure 3 is connected to the second end face of the receptacle 10.

[0040] The tip of ferrule 24 is inserted into the split sleeve 12 of the receptacle 10. Similarly, the tip of ferrule 34 is inserted into the split sleeve 12. Within the split sleeve 12, the tips of ferrule 24 and ferrule 34 are optically connected. As mentioned above, since the second connecting component 32 has a floating structure relative to the plate 40, even if there is a slight misalignment between the position of the insertion hole 41 and the position of the split sleeve 12 when the second assembly 30 is held in the receptacle 10, there is little risk of interference with the optical connection within the split sleeve 12. Ferrules 24 and 34 are single-core ferrules.

[0041] The spring 25 applies a rearward biasing force to the ferrule 24 during the optical connection described above, preventing a gap from forming between the ferrule 24 and the ferrule 34. Furthermore, because this biasing force applies spring pressure to the plate 40, a protrusion 43 is provided to improve the mechanical strength of the plate 40.

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 6, the first group 20 may have a structure with plates. Similarly, the second group 30 may have a structure with springs but without plates.

[0043] Next, a modified example of plate 40 will be described using Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 is a front view showing another example of plate 40. Figure 8 is a side view of plate 40' shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receptacle 10' corresponding to plate 40' shown in Figure 7.

[0044] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the plate 40' has M through holes 41, M slits 42, engaging claws 45, a second fitting portion 46, and a structure bent relative to the main surface of the plate 40' (bent structure 47). In the examples in Figures 7 to 8, M is 6. The receptacle 10' shown in Figure 9 has N × M through holes 11, engaging grooves 13, and a first fitting portion 14, each holding a split sleeve 12 inside.

[0045] The engaging claws 45 are provided at both ends of the plate 40'. The engaging claw 45 on the left end has a claw that protrudes from the left end of the plate 40' toward the center. Similarly, the engaging claw 45 on the right end has a claw that protrudes from the right end of the plate 40' toward the center. At least a portion of the engaging claws 45 is flexible and engages with the engaging groove 13 by snap-fit. That is, the engaging claws 45 and the engaging groove 13 detachably fix the plate 40' and the receptacle 10'. Alternatively, the plate 40' side may have the groove and the receptacle 10' side may have the claw.

[0046] The second fitting portion 46 is a hole into which the first fitting portion 14 fits. The first fitting portion 14 is a projection that fits into the second fitting portion 46. When engaging the engaging claw 45 with the engaging groove 13, it is done with the second fitting portion 46 and the first fitting portion 14 in a position that has been positioned to some extent. Alternatively, the plate 40' side may have a projection and the receptacle 10' side may have a hole.

[0047] The bending structure 47 is a structure in which the upper portion of the plate 40' is bent so that it protrudes to the rear. The bending structure 47, like the protruding portion 43 described above, contributes to improving the mechanical strength of the plate 40.

[0048] In addition, the plate 40' is provided with several small slits, in addition to the slit 42 that connects the insertion hole 41 to one side of the plate 40' (the side facing downwards). The small slits extend from the insertion hole 41 to the left, right, or upwards, but do not connect to any side of the plate 40'. The small slits are provided to further alleviate the press-fitting stress when the second connecting component 32 is press-fitted into the insertion hole 41.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components described above are not limited to the above embodiments and can be changed to a number, position, shape, etc. that is suitable for carrying out the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1: Optical wiring, 10, 10': Receptacle, 11: Through hole, 12: Split sleeve, 13: Engaging groove, 14: First mating part, 20: First assembly group, 21: Through hole, 22: First connecting part, 23: Optical fiber, 24: Ferrule, 25: Spring, 30: Second assembly group, 31: Through hole, 32: Second connecting part, 33: Optical fiber, 34: Ferrule, 35: Large diameter part, 36: Small diameter part, 37: Tail part, 40, 40', 40A, 40B: Plate, 41: Through hole, 42: Slit, 43: Protrusion, 44: Adjacent part, 45: Engaging claw, 46: Second mating part, 47: Bending structure

Claims

1. A group of first sets, each having multiple first connecting components arranged in a line with optical fibers mounted on them, Multiple second sets, each having multiple second connecting components arranged in a line with optical fibers mounted on them, A receptacle having a first end face and a second end face opposite to the first end face, wherein the plurality of first sets are connected to the first end face side and the plurality of second sets are connected to the second end face side, Each of the plurality of first sets and each of the plurality of second sets are opposite each other via the receptacle such that the direction in which the first connecting components are arranged and the direction in which the second connecting components are arranged are orthogonal, and each of the plurality of first connecting components and each of the plurality of second connecting components are optically connected within the receptacle. Each of the plurality of second sets has a plate for gripping the plurality of second connecting parts, The plurality of second connecting components are held on the plate with a clearance between the plurality of second connecting components and the plate. In a state in which the plurality of second connecting components are held on the plate, the plurality of second connecting components are movable relative to the plate in a direction within the main surface of the plate and in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the plate, and are rotatable about an axis along these directions. Optical wiring.

2. The plurality of second connecting components include an optical transmitting second connecting component on which an optical fiber is mounted for transmitting optical signals traveling from each of the plurality of second connecting components to each of the plurality of first connecting components, and an optical receiving second connecting component on which an optical fiber is mounted for transmitting optical signals traveling from each of the plurality of first connecting components to each of the plurality of second connecting components. Each of the aforementioned group of second sets includes only one of the second optical transmission connector and the second optical reception connector. The optical wiring according to claim 1.

3. The plate and at least one portion of the plurality of second connecting components are electrically conductive. When the plurality of second connecting components are held on the plate, and the plate and the plurality of second connecting components are viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plate, the one portion hides the clearance. The optical wiring according to claim 1.

4. The plurality of second sets include a specific second set and an adjacent second set adjacent to the specific second set, The specific plate belonging to the aforementioned specific second set group and the adjacent plate belonging to the aforementioned adjacent second set group are electrically conductive. The specified plate and the adjacent plate have overlapping portions that overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the specified plate and the adjacent plate. The optical wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The plate has a plurality of insertion holes through which each of the plurality of second connecting parts is inserted, and a plurality of slits connecting each of the two sides of the plate. The optical wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The receptacle has a first fitting portion, The aforementioned plate has a second fitting portion, The first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted together. The optical wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The plate has a structure in which at least one side is bent relative to the main surface of the plate. The optical wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aforementioned plate is provided with a shaping bead. The optical wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The receptacle has an engagement groove, The plate has an engaging claw that elastically deforms and engages with the engaging groove. The optical wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A group of first sets, each having multiple first connecting components arranged in a line with optical fibers mounted on them, Multiple second sets, each having multiple second connecting components arranged in a line with optical fibers mounted on them, An optical connection method using a receptacle having a first end face and a second end face opposite to the first end face, wherein the plurality of first sets are connected to the first end face side and the plurality of second sets are connected to the second end face side, Each of the plurality of first sets and each of the plurality of second sets are positioned opposite each other via the receptacle such that the direction in which the first connecting components are arranged and the direction in which the second connecting components are arranged are orthogonal, and each of the plurality of first connecting components and each of the plurality of second connecting components are optically connected within the receptacle. Each of the plurality of second sets has a plate for gripping the plurality of second connecting parts, The plurality of second connecting components are held on the plate with a clearance between the plurality of second connecting components and the plate. With the plurality of second connecting components held on the plate, the plurality of second connecting components are made movable relative to the plate in a direction within the main surface of the plate and in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the plate, and rotatable about an axis along these directions. Optical connection method.

Images