Optical connection component and optical connection method

Abstract

An optical connection component (1) according to one embodiment comprises: an optical connector (2) that has a ferrule (3) which holds an optical fiber (F); a rotation member (20) that has an insertion hole (24) into which the optical connector (2) is inserted along the optical axis direction (D3) of the optical fiber (F); and an adapter (10) that the optical connector (2) inserted into the insertion hole (24) connects to. The adapter (10) has a latch (11) with which the optical connector (2) that moves along the optical axis direction (D3) engages. The rotation member (20) has a movement mechanism (27) that moves the optical connector (2) along the optical axis direction (D3) by rotating with respect to the adapter (10) about a center axis (L) which extends along the optical axis direction (D3).

Description

Optical connection component and optical connection method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical connecting component and an optical connecting method.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an optical connecting component that optically connects a pair of optical connectors via an adapter. The optical connector includes an inner connector body that houses a first ferrule and a second ferrule, and a rear connector body connected to the inner connector body. The first ferrule and the second ferrule each hold an optical fiber. The rear connector body has a handle extending in the opposite direction from the inner connector body. The inner connector body has a latch arm that extends in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. The adapter has a groove that engages with the latch arm.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an optical connector. The optical connector includes an optical receptacle and an optical plug inserted into the optical receptacle. The optical plug has an engaging portion that engages with the optical receptacle. The engaging portion includes an engaging piece that hooks onto the optical receptacle and a protrusion that fits into a hole formed in the optical receptacle.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes an adapter assembly. The adapter assembly includes an adapter, a plug to be inserted into the adapter, and a ferrule holder that functions as an optical connector to be inserted into the plug. The ferrule holder accommodates a plurality of ferrules that hold optical fibers. The ferrule holder has a latch that extends obliquely upward from the top surface. The ferrule holder is attached to the plug by engaging the latch with the plug.

[0005] Patent Document 4 describes an optical connector and a method for connecting an optical connector. The optical connector includes an optical receptacle and an optical plug coupled to the optical receptacle. The optical receptacle has an outer housing, an inner housing, and a receptacle-side ferrule housed in the inner housing. The optical plug has a plug-side housing and a plug-side ferrule housed in the plug-side housing. The inner housing has an engaging portion, and the plug-side housing has an engaged portion and a release portion.

[0006] Patent Document 5 describes a connection structure for an optical connector. This connection structure includes a plug receptacle having a port and a plug connector to be inserted into the port. The connection structure further includes a release member that allows the plug connector to be removed from the port.

[0007] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0227720 US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0257064 US Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0255403 JP 2018-36589 A International Publication No. 2022 / 036119

[0008] The optical connecting component according to the present disclosure includes an optical connector having a ferrule for holding an optical fiber, a rotating member having an insertion hole into which the optical connector is inserted along the optical axis direction of the optical fiber, and an adapter to which the optical connector inserted into the insertion hole is connected. The adapter has a latch with which the optical connector, which moves along the optical axis direction, engages. The rotating member has a movement mechanism that moves the optical connector along the optical axis direction by rotating relative to the adapter about a central axis extending along the optical axis direction.

[0009] An optical connection method according to the present disclosure optically connects an optical connector having an optical fiber to a mating connector via an adapter, the optical connection method comprising: a rotating member having an insertion hole into which the optical connector is inserted along the optical axis direction of the optical fiber; a step of inserting the optical connector into the insertion hole; and a step of rotating the rotating member relative to the adapter about a central axis extending along the optical axis direction to move the optical connector in the optical axis direction and engage the optical connector with a latch of the adapter.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an optical connecting part according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical connecting part of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an optical connector of the optical connecting part of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a front view of the optical connector of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a front housing of the optical connector of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a middle housing of the optical connector of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a rear housing of the optical connector of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a side view showing an adapter of the optical connecting part of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a rotating member of the optical connecting part of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the rotating member of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the rotating member of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the rear housing of FIG. 7. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a step of an optical connecting method according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a step of an optical connecting method according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a step of an optical connecting method according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a step of an optical connecting method according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a step of an optical connecting method according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing one step of the optical connection method according to the embodiment.

[0011] In optical connection components and optical connection methods, it is sometimes necessary to perform physical contact (PC) connection of multiple optical fibers held by multiple ferrules. However, when an optical connector has a large number of optical fibers or a large number of ferrules, the increased mating load of the optical connector can make it difficult to perform physical contact (PC) connection of all optical fibers. When performing PC connection of an ultra-high-density optical fiber, it can be difficult to manually insert and connect the optical connector.

[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical connecting component and an optical connecting method that allow easy connection of optical connectors.

[0013] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. An optical connecting component according to one embodiment includes: (1) an optical connector having a ferrule for holding an optical fiber; a rotating member having an insertion hole into which the optical connector is inserted along the optical axis direction of the optical fiber; and an adapter to which the optical connector inserted into the insertion hole is connected. The adapter has a latch with which the optical connector, which moves along the optical axis direction, engages. The rotating member has a movement mechanism that moves the optical connector along the optical axis direction by rotating relative to the adapter about a central axis extending along the optical axis direction.

[0014] In this optical connecting part, the optical connector has a ferrule that holds an optical fiber, and the optical connector is connected to an adapter. The adapter has a moving mechanism that moves the optical connector along the optical axis direction. By having the moving mechanism in the adapter rather than the optical connector, the optical connector can be made smaller and the optical connector can be easily inserted into the adapter. The optical connecting part has a rotating member that rotates around a central axis extending along the optical axis direction, and the rotating member has an insertion hole into which the optical connector is inserted. The rotating member moves the optical connector in the optical axis direction by rotating. Therefore, the optical connector can be moved in the optical axis direction by rotating the rotating member, and the optical connector can be engaged with the latch. Therefore, the optical connector can be easily connected.

[0015] (2) In the above (1), the rotating member may have a latch presser that presses the latch engaged with the optical connector. In this case, the latch presser presses the latch engaged with the optical connector, thereby more reliably preventing the latch from opening. Therefore, the optical connector can be firmly engaged with the adapter.

[0016] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the moving mechanism may have an inclined surface that abuts against the optical connector inserted into the insertion hole. The rotating member may rotate to push the optical connector abutting against the inclined surface toward the adapter. In this case, the moving mechanism having an inclined surface can simplify the configuration of the moving mechanism that moves the optical connector. The optical connector can be pushed toward the adapter by rotating the rotating member with the optical connector abutting against the inclined surface. Therefore, since the optical connector can be pushed toward the adapter by rotating the rotating member, the optical connector can be easily connected to the adapter.

[0017] (4) In any of the above (1) to (3), the optical connector may have a plurality of ferrules and a housing unit that accommodates the plurality of ferrules. In this case, the housing unit accommodates the plurality of ferrules, thereby enabling the plurality of ferrules of the optical connector to be optically connected together.

[0018] (5) In the above (4), the plurality of ferrules in the housing unit may be arranged along a first direction intersecting the optical axis direction and along a second direction intersecting both the optical axis direction and the first direction. In this case, the plurality of ferrules arranged along the first direction and the second direction can be optically connected together.

[0019] (6) In the above (4) or (5), the housing unit may include a front housing having a recess formed therein for the latch to engage with. In this case, the latch of the adapter can be engaged with the recess formed in the front housing of the optical connector.

[0020] (7) In the above (6), the front housing may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this case, the front housing can be made into a simple shape, which contributes to further miniaturization of the optical connector.

[0021] (8) In the above (6) or (7), the ferrule may be housed in the front housing.

[0022] (9) In any of the above (4) to (8), the housing unit may include a middle housing having a space forming portion that forms a space through which the optical fiber held by the ferrule is passed. In this case, the optical fiber extending from the ferrule can be passed through the space in the middle housing.

[0023] (10) In the above (9), the optical connector may have a spring member interposed between the ferrule and the middle housing. In this case, the ferrule can be biased by the spring member.

[0024] (11) In the above (9) or (10), the housing unit may include a rear housing against which the movement mechanism abuts, and the middle housing may be accommodated in the rear housing. In this case, the movement mechanism can abut against the rear housing that accommodates the middle housing.

[0025] (12) In the above (11), the rear housing may have a cylindrical portion into which the optical fiber is inserted and a protrusion protruding from the cylindrical portion in a first direction intersecting the optical axis direction. The protrusion may fit into the insertion hole, and the movement mechanism may move the optical connector by abutting on the protrusion that has fit into the insertion hole. In this case, the movement mechanism can move the optical connector toward the adapter by abutting on the protrusion that protrudes from the cylindrical portion in the first direction.

[0026] (13) In the above (11) or (12), the rear housing may have a non-circular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis direction. In this case, the rear housing can be more easily inserted into the insertion hole.

[0027] (14) In any of (11) to (13) above, in a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the rear housing and the insertion hole may have a flat shape extending in a first direction intersecting the optical axis direction. In this case, the rear housing can be more easily inserted into the insertion hole.

[0028] (15) In any of the above (1) to (14), the rotating member may have a plurality of moving mechanisms arranged at positions on either side of the insertion hole. In this case, the plurality of moving mechanisms move the optical connector, thereby making it easier to connect the optical connector to the adapter.

[0029] (16) In the above (2), the moving mechanism and the latch presser may be arranged side by side along the optical axis direction.

[0030] (17) In the above (2) or (16), the rotating member may have a plurality of latch retainers arranged at positions sandwiching the insertion hole. In this case, the plurality of latch retainers can prevent the latch from opening, thereby enabling the optical connector to be more firmly engaged with the adapter.

[0031] (18) In any of the above (1) to (17), the rotating member may have a cylindrical adapter accommodating portion that accommodates the adapter. In this case, the rotating member can be rotated relative to the adapter while the adapter is accommodated in the rotating member.

[0032] (19) In the above (18), the adapter accommodation portion may have a slit extending along the rotation direction of the rotating member. The adapter may have a protrusion that is inserted into the slit. In this case, by rotating the rotating member relative to the adapter with the protrusion inserted into the slit, the rotating member can be rotated smoothly in the rotation direction.

[0033] (20) In the above (19), the slit may have an extending portion extending in the rotational direction and a recess recessed in the optical axis direction at the end of the extending portion in the rotational direction. When the optical connector engages with the latch, the protrusion may fit into the recess. When the protrusion fits into the recess, the rotating member may move in the optical axis direction so that the moving mechanism moves away from the optical connector. In this case, when the optical connector engages with the latch, the moving mechanism of the rotating member can be moved away from the optical connector.

[0034] (21) In the above (1) to (20), the rotation angle of the rotating member relative to the adapter may be 30° or more and 170° or less. In this case, the amount of movement of the optical connector that moves in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating member can be sufficiently ensured.

[0035] An optical connection method according to the present disclosure (22) is an optical connection method for optically connecting an optical connector having an optical fiber to a mating connector via an adapter, the optical connection method comprising: a rotating member having an insertion hole into which the optical connector is inserted along the optical axis direction of the optical fiber; a step of inserting the optical connector into the insertion hole; and a step of rotating the rotating member relative to the adapter about a central axis extending along the optical axis direction to move the optical connector in the optical axis direction and engage the optical connector with a latch of the adapter.

[0036] In this optical connection method, an optical connector is connected to an adapter, and the adapter has a movement mechanism that moves the optical connector along the optical axis direction. By having the movement mechanism in the adapter rather than the optical connector, the optical connector can be made smaller and the optical connector can be easily inserted into the adapter. In the optical connection method, a rotating member is used that has an insertion hole into which the optical connector is inserted and rotates around a central axis extending along the optical axis direction. The rotating member moves the optical connector in the optical axis direction by rotating. Therefore, the rotation of the rotating member moves the optical connector in the optical axis direction, allowing the optical connector to engage with the latch. This makes it easy to connect the optical connector.

[0037] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of optical connecting components and optical connecting methods according to the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following examples, but is intended to include all modifications set forth in the claims and within the scope equivalent to the claims. In the description of the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate. For ease of understanding, some parts of the drawings may be simplified or exaggerated, and dimensional proportions and the like are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connecting part 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical connecting part 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the optical connecting part 1 includes an adapter 10 to which an optical connector 2 is connected, and a rotating member 20 rotatably attached to the adapter 10. The optical connector 2 and a mating connector 2A are connected to the adapter 10. The materials constituting each of the optical connecting part 1 and the optical connector 2 may be, for example, a resin material such as polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI), polyamide (PA), polyacetal (POM), polyphenylene ether (PPE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or polyethersulfone (PES), or a composite material in which a resin material is filled with glass fibers or glass spheres.

[0039] The optical connector 2 is connected to a mating connector 2A by being connected to the adapter 10. The configuration of the mating connector 2A may be different from the configuration of the optical connector 2. However, the following describes an example in which the configuration of the mating connector 2A is the same as the configuration of the optical connector 2, and the description of the configuration of the mating connector 2A will be omitted as appropriate.

[0040] The optical connecting part 1 includes, for example, one adapter 10 and two rotating members 20. The rotating member 20 is attached to the adapter 10 so as to be rotatable about a central axis L extending along a direction D3 intersecting both a first direction D1, which is the width direction of the adapter 10, and a second direction D2. The adapter 10 has a latch 11 with which an optical connector 2 moving along the direction D3 engages. The rotating member 20 connects the optical connector 2 to the adapter 10 by rotating about the central axis L. The second direction D2 is, for example, a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0041] In the optical connecting part 1, two rotating members 20 are aligned along the direction D3. The direction D3 is, for example, a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The optical connector 2 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The optical connectors 2 are connected to the adapter 10 so as to be aligned along the direction D3. The direction D3 corresponds to the connection direction of the optical connector 2 to the adapter 10. The rotating member 20 is provided to abut against the optical connector 2 therein and push the optical connector 2 toward the center of the adapter 10 in the direction D3. Hereinafter, the direction in which the optical connector 2 is pushed may be referred to as the front, front side, or forward, and the direction opposite to the direction in which the optical connector 2 is pushed may be referred to as the rear, rear side, or rearward.

[0042] 3 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector 2. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the optical connector 2 has, for example, a ferrule 3 and a housing unit 4 that houses the ferrule 3. The housing unit 4 includes, for example, a front housing 5, a middle housing 6, and a rear housing 7. The optical connector 2 further includes a spring member 8 that biases the ferrule 3 and a pin keeper 9 that holds a guide pin that is inserted into the ferrule 3.

[0043] The optical connector 2 has, for example, a plurality of ferrules 3 housed in a housing unit 4. In the housing unit 4, the plurality of ferrules 3 are lined up along a first direction D1 and also lined up along a second direction D2. As an example, two ferrules 3 are lined up along the first direction D1, and three ferrules 3 are lined up along the second direction D2.

[0044] 4 is a front view of the optical connector 2 as viewed from direction D3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, each ferrule 3 has an end face 3b facing the mating connector 2A and a guide hole 3c into which the aforementioned guide pin is inserted. The guide hole 3c penetrates the ferrule 3 in direction D3. Two guide holes 3c are lined up along the first direction D1. The optical connector 2 has an optical fiber F held in the ferrule 3. The optical fiber F extends from the end face 3b of the ferrule 3 in direction D3. Direction D3 is the optical axis direction of the optical fiber F. For simplicity of illustration, the optical fiber F is not shown in figures other than FIG. 4.

[0045] The ferrule 3 has a plurality of optical fiber holding holes 3d for holding optical fibers F, and each optical fiber holding hole 3d penetrates the ferrule 3 in the direction D3. The plurality of optical fiber holding holes 3d are formed between a pair of guide holes 3c on the end face 3b. On the end face 3b, the plurality of optical fiber holding holes 3d are aligned along the first direction D1 and also along the second direction D2. As an example, the ferrule 3 has 32 optical fiber holding holes 3d. In this case, the number of cores (the number of optical fibers F) in the optical connector 2 is 192. For example, on the end face 3b, two optical fiber holding holes 3d are aligned along the second direction D2, and 16 optical fiber holding holes 3d are aligned along the first direction D1.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the front housing 5. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the front housing 5 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the length of the front housing 5 in direction D3 is longer than the length of the front housing 5 in the first direction D1, and the length of the front housing 5 in the first direction D1 is longer than the length of the front housing 5 in the second direction D2. The front housing 5 has, for example, a top surface 5b, a bottom surface 5c, and a pair of side surfaces 5d. The top surface 5b extends in both the first direction D1 and the direction D3, and the bottom surface 5c faces the opposite side from the top surface 5b. The pair of side surfaces 5d face the first direction D1 and are aligned along the first direction D1.

[0047] The front housing 5 accommodates the ferrules 3. The front housing 5 has a first opening 5f through which the ferrules 3 are exposed and a second opening 5g through which the middle housing 6 and the rear housing 7 are inserted. The first opening 5f faces forward, and the second opening 5g faces rearward. The ferrules 3 protrude from the first openings 5f. For example, the front housing 5 has the same number of first openings 5f as the ferrules 3, and each ferrule 3 protrudes from each first opening 5f.

[0048] The front housing 5 has recesses 5k that engage with latches 11 of the adapter 10, which will be described later. The recesses 5k are formed on each of a pair of side surfaces 5d that are aligned along the first direction D1. For example, when viewed from the first direction D1, the recesses 5k have a rectangular shape. For example, when cut along a plane extending in both the first direction D1 and the direction D3, the cross-sectional shape of the recesses 5k is trapezoidal. The latches 11 of the adapter 10 engage with the recesses 5k to connect the optical connector 2 to the adapter 10.

[0049] The front housing 5 has an engagement hole 5p with which the rear housing 7 engages. The front housing 5 has an engagement hole 5p on each of a pair of side surfaces 5d. The engagement hole 5p has, for example, an oval shape extending in the second direction D2. The rear housing 7 engages with the engagement hole 5p from the inside of the front housing 5. In this way, the rear housing 7 is attached to the front housing 5.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the middle housing 6. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 , the middle housing 6 includes a space-forming portion 6b that forms a space through which the optical fiber F held by the ferrule 3 is passed. For example, the middle housing 6 includes a space-forming portion 6b and a spring arrangement portion 6c located in front of the space-forming portion 6b. The space-forming portion 6b has a plurality of plate-shaped portions 6d that extend in both the first direction D1 and the direction D3 and are aligned along the second direction D2. The optical fiber F is passed through a space formed between a pair of the plate-shaped portions 6d aligned along the second direction D2 so as to extend along the direction D3. For example, when the middle housing 6 is inserted into the rear housing 7, the end faces of the plate-shaped portions 6d facing the first direction D1 come into contact with the inner surface 7b of the rear housing 7.

[0051] The spring arrangement portion 6c is a portion where the spring member 8 is arranged. For example, the spring arrangement portion 6c protrudes forward from the center of the space forming portion 6b in the first direction D1. The spring arrangement portion 6c has a plate shape extending in both the second direction D2 and the direction D3. The spring arrangement portion 6c has multiple protrusions 6f protruding in the first direction D1 and aligned along the second direction D2. The spring members 8 are arranged on the end side of the spring arrangement portion 6c in the second direction D2 as viewed from the protrusions 6f and between the pair of protrusions 6f. The spring members 8 are interposed between the ferrule 3 and the middle housing 6. More specifically, one end of the spring member 8 abuts against the pin keeper 9, and the other end of the spring member 8 abuts against the front end surface of the plate-shaped portion 6d. The spring members 8 bias the pin keeper 9 and the ferrule 3 forward relative to the middle housing 6.

[0052] 7 is a perspective view showing the rear housing 7. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, a portion of the rear housing 7 is housed in the front housing 5. For example, the length of the rear housing 7 in direction D3 is longer than the length of the rear housing 7 in the first direction D1, and the length of the rear housing 7 in the first direction D1 is longer than the length of the rear housing 7 in the second direction D2.

[0053] The rear housing 7 has, for example, an insertion portion 7A that is inserted into the front housing 5 and an exposed portion 7B located behind the insertion portion 7A. The insertion portion 7A has, for example, a top surface 7c, a bottom surface 7d, and a pair of side surfaces 7f. The top surface 7c extends in both the first direction D1 and the direction D3, and the bottom surface 7d faces the opposite side from the top surface 7c. The pair of side surfaces 7f face in the first direction D1 and are aligned along the first direction D1.

[0054] The side surface portion 7f has protrusions 7g that protrude forward relative to each of the top surface portion 7c and the bottom surface portion 7d. The side surface portion 7f has a pair of protrusions 7g aligned along the first direction D1. The middle housing 6 is housed between the pair of protrusions 7g. A spring housing portion 7h is provided on the inner surface 7b of the rear housing 7. The spring housing portion 7h is concave. A spring member 8 is housed in the space formed between the spring housing portion 7h and the spring arrangement portion 6c of the middle housing 6.

[0055] The rear housing 7 has a protrusion 7j that engages with the front housing 5. The protrusion 7j is formed on each of a pair of side surfaces 7f aligned along the first direction D1. The protrusion 7j is a portion that fits into an engagement hole 5p of the front housing 5 from inside the front housing 5. For example, the shape of the protrusion 7j when cut along a plane extending along both the first direction D1 and the direction D3 is trapezoidal. The rear housing 7 is attached to the front housing 5 by the protrusion 7j engaging with the engagement hole 5p.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 , the rear housing 7 has a non-circular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the direction D3. As an example, in a cross section perpendicular to the direction D3, the rear housing 7 has a flat shape extending in the first direction D1. The exposed portion 7B of the rear housing 7 has a cylindrical portion 7k through which the optical fiber F is passed and a protruding portion 7p protruding in the first direction D1 from an end of the cylindrical portion 7k. For example, when the cylindrical portion 7k is cut along a plane perpendicular to the direction D3, the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical portion 7k is a rectangular shape with the short sides curved outward. The protruding portion 7p is located, for example, at the front end of the cylindrical portion 7k. The rear housing 7 has a pair of protruding portions 7p protruding from both ends of the cylindrical portion 7k in the first direction D1.

[0057] The protrusion 7p is a portion that abuts against the rotating member 20 (described later). The protrusion 7p has an abutment surface 7q that abuts against the rotating member 20. The abutment surface 7q is a surface facing rearward of the protrusion 7p. The abutment surface 7q includes inclined surfaces 7r located at both ends in the second direction D2 and a top surface 7s located in an area including the center of the second direction D2. The protrusion 7p has a pair of inclined surfaces 7r that are formed to sandwich the top surface 7s. The inclined surfaces 7r are inclined with respect to the second direction D2. The inclined surfaces 7r are inclined so as to protrude rearward as they approach the top surface 7s. The top surface 7s extends, for example, in both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0058] Next, the adapter 10 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the adapter 10 includes, as an example, a plate-shaped portion 12 extending in both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. For example, the adapter 10 includes a latch 11 with which the optical connector 2 engages inside the rotating member 20. The adapter 10 has, as an example, a cylindrical shape. The plate-shaped portion 12 protrudes radially outward from the adapter 10 at the center of the adapter 10 in the direction D3. Note that the plate-shaped portion 12 does not necessarily have to protrude radially outward from the adapter 10 over the entire circumferential direction (rotational direction D4) of the rotating member 20. The plate-shaped portion 12 may protrude radially outward from only a portion of the circumferential direction (rotational direction D4) of the rotating member 20. Furthermore, the plate-shaped portion 12 may be omitted.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a side view showing the adapter 10. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 10 taken along a plane extending in both the first direction D1 and the direction D3. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the adapter 10 has, for example, a rotating member inserting portion 13 that is inserted into the interior of the rotating member 20. The rotating member inserting portion 13 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The adapter 10 has a pair of rotating member inserting portions 13, each provided on either side of the plate-shaped portion 12 in the direction D3. Alternatively, the rotating member inserting portions 13 are provided on either side of a middle portion of the adapter 10 in the direction D3.

[0060] The rotating member inserting portion 13 has a protrusion 14 that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 13b of the rotating member inserting portion 13. The protrusion 14 is inserted into a slit 21 of the rotating member 20, which will be described later. As an example, the protrusion 14 has a cylindrical shape. The rotating member inserting portion 13 has, for example, a recess 15 that recesses radially inward from the outer peripheral surface 13b of the rotating member inserting portion 13. The rotating member inserting portion 13 has multiple recesses 15, which are aligned along direction D3. Furthermore, the multiple recesses 15 are aligned along the circumferential direction of the rotating member inserting portion 13 (the direction in which the rotating member 20 rotates relative to the adapter 10). Alternatively, the multiple recesses 15 are aligned along the first direction D1.

[0061] The rotating member insertion portion 13 has, for example, a protrusion 16 that protrudes radially outward from the rotating member insertion portion 13. The protrusion 16 extends from the end of the rotating member insertion portion 13 in direction D3 toward the plate-shaped portion 12. The rotating member insertion portion 13 has a pair of protrusions 16 aligned along the radial direction of the rotating member insertion portion 13. For example, the adapter 10 has a pair of latches 11 aligned along the radial direction of the rotating member insertion portion 13, and each latch 11 is formed inside one of the protrusions 16. The outer surface 11b of the latch 11 facing radially outward from the rotating member insertion portion 13 is spaced from the inner surface 16b of the protrusion 16. This ensures the length of the latch 11 in direction D3, thereby increasing the elastic force of the latch 11.

[0062] The latch 11 has an elongated shape extending in the direction D3. The latch 11 extends along the direction D3 inside the protrusion 16. For example, the latch 11 has an arm portion 11c extending along the direction D3 and a protrusion 11d that engages with the optical connector 2. The protrusion 11d protrudes radially inward from the rotation member insertion portion 13 at the end of the arm portion 11c in the direction D3.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1 , for example, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 11d taken along a plane extending in both the first direction D1 and the direction D3 is trapezoidal. The protrusion 11d engages with the recess 5k of the front housing 5. As described above, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 5k taken along a plane extending in both the first direction D1 and the direction D3 is trapezoidal. For example, the length of the recess 5k in the direction D3 is longer than the length of the protrusion 11d in the direction D3. This allows the front housing 5 to be slightly pushed in the direction D3 relative to the latch 11 even when the protrusion 11d is engaged with the recess 5k.

[0064] Next, the rotating member 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 10, and 11. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the rotating member 20. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the rotating member 20. The rotating member 20 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The rotating member 20 has a cylindrical adapter accommodating portion 22 located on the central side of the optical connecting part 1 in the direction D3, and a cylindrical rotation operating portion 23 located on the end side of the optical connecting part 1 in the direction D3. The adapter accommodating portion 22 is a portion that accommodates the adapter 10. For example, the outer diameter of the adapter accommodating portion 22 is larger than the outer diameter of the rotation operating portion 23.

[0065] The rotating member 20 has an insertion hole 24 into which the optical connector 2 is inserted along direction D3, and the optical connector 2 inserted into the insertion hole 24 is connected to the adapter 10. The insertion hole 24 has, for example, a flat shape extending in the first direction D1. The adapter accommodating portion 22 has a slit 21 extending along a rotation direction D4 (the circumferential direction of the rotating member 20), which is the direction in which the rotating member 20 rotates relative to the adapter 10. For example, the rotating member 20 has two slits 21, and the two slits 21 are aligned along the radial direction of the rotating member 20.

[0066] The slits 21 penetrate the rotating member 20 in the radial direction of the rotating member 20. The length of the slits 21 in the rotational direction D4 is, for example, 1 / 12 or more and 17 / 36 or less of the length of the rotating member 20 (adapter accommodating portion 22) in the rotational direction D4. In this case, the rotation angle of the rotating member 20 relative to the adapter 10 is 30° or more and 170° or less. The convex portions 14 of the adapter 10 described above are inserted into the slits 21 from the inside of the rotating member 20. This allows the rotating member 20 to rotate relative to the adapter 10 by the length of the slits 21 in the rotational direction D4.

[0067] The slit 21 has an extending portion 21b extending along the rotation direction D4 and a recess 21c recessed in the direction D3 at an end of the extending portion 21b in the rotation direction D4. The recess 21c is recessed toward the front (toward the center of the optical connecting part 1 in the direction D3) at one end of the extending portion 21b in the rotation direction D4. The recess 21c is a portion into which the protrusion 14 of the adapter 10 fits when the optical connector 2 engages with the latch 11. The rotating member 20 has a protruding portion 25 protruding radially outward from the rotating member 20 at an end of the slit 21 opposite the recess 21c. The protruding portion 25 extends from the slit 21 to an end face 20b of the rotating member 20 facing the direction D3.

[0068] The rotation operation unit 23 is a portion where the rotation operation of the rotation member 20 is performed by, for example, a person's finger. The rotation operation unit 23 has a convex portion 23b that protrudes radially outward from the rotation member 20, and the convex portion 23b extends along direction D3. The formation of the convex portion 23b makes it easy to pinch and rotate the rotation operation unit 23 with the fingers. For example, the rotation operation unit 23 has multiple (two, for example) convex portions 23b, and the multiple convex portions 23b are lined up along the radial direction of the rotation member 20.

[0069] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the rotating member 20. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the rotating member 20 has a latch presser 26 that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 20c of the rotating member 20. The latch presser 26 is a portion that presses the latch 11 of the adapter 10, with which the optical connector 2 is engaged, from the outside of the latch 11. For example, the rotating member 20 has two latch pressers 26 aligned along the radial direction of the rotating member 20. When viewed along direction D3, the shape of the latch presser 26 is, for example, trapezoidal. As an example, the latch presser 26 has a pair of inclined surfaces 26b extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 20c of the rotating member 20 so as to approach each other, a pair of curved surfaces 26c that curve in the rotational direction D4 at the radially inner ends of each inclined surface 26b, and a top surface 26d extending along the rotational direction D4 between the pair of curved surfaces 26c.

[0070] The rotating member 20 has a moving mechanism 27 that moves the optical connector 2 in direction D3 by rotating about a central axis L (see FIG. 1 ) along a rotational direction D4 relative to the adapter 10. The rotating member 20 has, for example, a plurality of latch pressers 26 arranged at positions sandwiching the insertion hole 24, and a plurality of moving mechanisms 27 arranged at positions sandwiching the insertion hole 24. FIG. 12 illustrates only one of the latch pressers 26 and one of the moving mechanisms 27. For example, the moving mechanisms 27 and the latch pressers 26 are arranged side by side along direction D3. The moving mechanism 27 is formed between the latch pressers 26 and the insertion hole 24. The moving mechanism 27 has, for example, an inclined surface 27b that abuts against the optical connector 2 inserted into the insertion hole 24, and a top surface 27c that faces the optical connector 2 abutting against the inclined surface 27b.

[0071] One end of the inclined surface 27b in the rotation direction D4 (the left end in FIG. 12 ) is close to the insertion hole 24. The inclined surface 27b is inclined so as to protrude toward the center of the rotation member 20 in the direction D3 as it moves away from the one end in the rotation direction D4. The top surface 27c extends along the rotation direction D4 from the other end of the inclined surface 27b in the rotation direction D4. For example, a boundary line 27d between the inclined surface 27b and the top surface 27c is aligned with the latch presser 26 in the direction D3.

[0072] 12 and 13 , the protrusion 7p of the rear housing 7 of the optical connector 2 that has entered the inside of the rotating member 20 from the insertion hole 24 abuts against the inclined surface 27b. The rotating member 20 rotates to push the optical connector 2 that has abutted against the inclined surface 27b toward the adapter 10 (upward in FIG. 12 ). For example, the moving mechanism 27 moves the optical connector 2 toward the adapter 10 by bringing the inclined surface 27b into surface contact with the protrusion 7p that has entered the inside of the rotating member 20 from the insertion hole 24. More specifically, when the rotating member 20 rotates with the protrusion 7p inserted inside the rotating member 20, the inclined surface 27b of the moving mechanism 27 comes into surface contact with the inclined surface 7r of the protrusion 7p. When the rotating member 20 further rotates, the inclined surface 7r is pushed toward the center of the rotating member 20 in the direction D3 by the inclined surface 27b, causing the protrusion 7p to move toward the center in the direction D3 relative to the rotating member 20, and the optical connector 2 moves toward the adapter 10. As described above, the inclined surface 7r and the inclined surface 27b correspond to screw-in surfaces that abut against each other when the rotating member 20 rotates and the optical connector 2 is screwed into the center of the rotating member 20 in the direction D3.

[0073] Next, an example of the steps of the optical connection method according to the embodiment will be described. First, as shown in Fig. 2, the optical connector 2 is placed so that the ferrule 3 faces the rotating member 20 attached to the adapter 10 (a step of placing the optical connector). Next, as shown in Fig. 14, the protrusion 7p of the optical connector 2 is inserted into the insertion hole 24 of the rotating member 20 (a step of inserting the protrusion).

[0074] 15 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector 2, the adapter 10, and the rotating member 20 with the protrusion 7p inserted into the insertion hole 24. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, immediately after the protrusion 7p is inserted into the insertion hole 24, the latches 11 of the adapter 10 are located on both sides of the side surface 5d of the front housing 5 in the first direction D1. In addition, the convex portion 14 of the adapter 10 is located at the end of the slit 21 on the protrusion 25 side.

[0075] When the rotating member 20 is rotated relative to the adapter 10 in the above state, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the protrusion 14 moves along the slit 21 and the latch presser 26 approaches the latch 11. Figures 16 and 17 show the state in which the rotating member 20 is rotated 77° from the state shown in Figures 14 and 15. At this time, the inclined surface 27b of the moving mechanism 27 abuts against the inclined surface 7r of the protrusion 7p, moving the optical connector 2 toward the center in direction D3 (toward the upper left in Figures 16 and 17), and the recess 5k of the front housing 5 approaches the latch 11 (the step of moving the optical connector along the optical axis direction). In this state, the optical connector 2 can move a predetermined distance (for example, 0.2 mm) along direction D3.

[0076] When the rotating member 20 is further rotated, the protrusion 14 moves to the depression 21c of the slit 21, as shown in Figures 18 and 19. Figures 18 and 19 show the state in which the rotating member 20 is rotated 106° from the state shown in Figures 14 and 15. When the protrusion 14 enters the depression 21c, the rotating member 20 moves rearward (toward the lower right in Figures 18 and 19) so that the moving mechanism 27 moves away from the optical connector 2 (step of moving the rotating member rearward). At this time, the latch presser 26 enters the radially outer side of the latch 11 and clamps the outer surface 11b of the latch 11 radially inward (step of pressing the latch).

[0077] 1 and 18, in the above state, the latch 11 of the adapter 10 engages with the recess 5k of the optical connector 2 (step of engaging the optical connector). Through the above steps, the connection of the optical connector 2 to the adapter 10 is completed. Note that the mating connector 2A may be connected to the adapter 10 through the same steps as above. At this time, the guide pins are inserted into the guide holes 3c, and the optical connector 2 is optically connected to the mating connector 2A. For example, the optical fiber F held in the ferrule 3 of the optical connector 2 is PC-connected to the optical fiber held in the ferrule 3 of the mating connector 2A. Then, the spring back action of the spring member 8 of the optical connector 2 determines the positional relationship between the recess 5k of the optical connector 2 and the latch 11 of the adapter 10.

[0078] Next, the effects obtained from the optical connecting component 1 and optical connecting method according to this embodiment will be described. In the optical connecting component 1 and optical connecting method according to this embodiment, the optical connector 2 has a ferrule 3 that holds an optical fiber F, and the optical connector 2 is connected to an adapter 10. The adapter 10 has a rotating member 20 equipped with a moving mechanism 27 that moves the optical connector 2 along the optical axis direction D3. By having the rotating member 20 in the adapter 10 rather than the optical connector 2, the optical connector 2 can be made smaller and the insertion resistance of the optical connector 2 into the adapter 10 can be reduced, making it easier to insert the optical connector 2 into the adapter 10. The optical connecting component 1 includes a rotating member 20 that rotates about a central axis L extending along the direction D3, and the rotating member 20 has an insertion hole 24 into which the optical connector 2 is inserted. The rotating member 20 moves the optical connector 2 in the direction D3 by rotating. Therefore, the rotation of the rotating member 20 moves the optical connector 2 in the direction D3, allowing the optical connector 2 to engage with the latch 11. This makes it easier to connect the optical connector 2. As a result, the operating force required to connect the optical connector 2 to the adapter 10 can be reduced.

[0079] The rotating member 20 may have a latch presser 26 that presses down the latch 11 engaged with the optical connector 2. In this case, the latch presser 26 presses down the latch 11 engaged with the optical connector 2, thereby more reliably preventing the latch 11 from opening. This allows the optical connector 2 to be firmly engaged with the adapter 10.

[0080] The moving mechanism 27 may have an inclined surface 27b that comes into contact with the optical connector 2 inserted into the insertion hole 24. The rotating member 20 may rotate to push the optical connector 2 that comes into contact with the inclined surface 27b toward the adapter 10. In this case, since the moving mechanism 27 has the inclined surface 27b, the configuration of the moving mechanism 27 that moves the optical connector 2 can be simplified. The optical connector 2 can be pushed toward the adapter 10 by rotating the rotating member 20 with the optical connector 2 abutting against the inclined surface 27b. Therefore, since the optical connector 2 can be pushed toward the adapter 10 by rotating the rotating member 20, the optical connector 2 can be easily connected to the adapter 10.

[0081] The optical connector 2 may have a plurality of ferrules 3 and a housing unit 4 that houses the plurality of ferrules 3. In this case, the housing unit 4 houses the plurality of ferrules 3, so that the plurality of ferrules 3 of the optical connector 2 can be optically connected together.

[0082] In the housing unit 4, the plurality of ferrules 3 may be arranged along the first direction D1 and also along the second direction D2. In this case, the plurality of ferrules 3 arranged in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 can be optically connected together.

[0083] The housing unit 4 may include a front housing 5 having a recess 5k formed therein for engaging the latch 11. In this case, the latch 11 of the adapter 10 can be engaged with the recess 5k formed in the front housing 5 of the optical connector 2. The front housing 5 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this case, the front housing 5 can be made into a simple shape, which contributes to further miniaturization of the optical connector 2. The ferrule 3 may be housed in the front housing 5.

[0084] The housing unit 4 may include a middle housing 6 having a space forming portion 6b that forms a space through which the optical fiber F held by the ferrule 3 is passed. In this case, the optical fiber F extending from the ferrule 3 can be passed through the space in the middle housing 6. The optical connector 2 may have a spring member 8 interposed between the ferrule 3 and the middle housing 6. In this case, the ferrule 3 can be biased by the spring member 8.

[0085] The housing unit 4 may include a rear housing 7 against which the moving mechanism 27 abuts, and the middle housing 6 may be housed in the rear housing 7. In this case, the moving mechanism 27 can be abutted against the rear housing 7 that houses the middle housing 6.

[0086] The rear housing 7 may have a cylindrical portion 7k into which the optical fiber F is inserted and a protrusion 7p protruding from the cylindrical portion 7k in the first direction D1. The protrusion 7p may fit into the insertion hole 24, and the movement mechanism 27 may move the optical connector 2 by abutting against the protrusion 7p that has fit into the insertion hole 24. In this case, the movement mechanism 27 can move the optical connector 2 toward the adapter 10 by abutting against the protrusion 7p that protrudes from the cylindrical portion 7k in the first direction D1.

[0087] In a cross section perpendicular to direction D3, the rear housing 7 may have a non-circular shape. In this case, it is possible to more easily insert the rear housing 7 into the insertion hole 24. In a cross section perpendicular to direction D3, the rear housing 7 and the insertion hole 24 may have a flat shape extending in the first direction D1. In this case, it is possible to more easily insert the rear housing 7 into the insertion hole 24.

[0088] The rotating member 20 may have a plurality of moving mechanisms 27 arranged at positions on either side of the insertion hole 24. In this case, the plurality of moving mechanisms 27 move the optical connector 2, thereby making it easier to connect the optical connector 2 to the adapter 10. The moving mechanisms 27 and the latch presser 26 may be arranged side by side along the direction D3.

[0089] The rotating member 20 may have a plurality of latch retainers 26 arranged at positions sandwiching the insertion hole 24. In this case, the plurality of latch retainers 26 can prevent the latch 11 from opening, thereby enabling the optical connector 2 to be engaged with the adapter 10 more firmly.

[0090] The rotating member 20 may have a cylindrical adapter accommodating portion 22 that accommodates the adapter 10. In this case, the rotating member 20 can be rotated relative to the adapter 10 with the adapter 10 accommodated therein. The adapter accommodating portion 22 may have a slit 21 that extends along the rotation direction D4 of the rotating member 20. The adapter 10 may have a protrusion 14 that is inserted into the slit 21. In this case, by rotating the rotating member 20 relative to the adapter 10 with the protrusion 14 inserted into the slit 21, the rotating member 20 can be smoothly rotated in the rotation direction D4.

[0091] The slit 21 may have an extending portion 21b extending along the rotation direction D4 and a recess 21c recessed in the direction D3 at an end of the extending portion 21b in the rotation direction D4. When the optical connector 2 engages with the latch 11, the protrusion 14 may fit into the recess 21c. When the protrusion 14 fits into the recess 21c, the rotating member 20 may move in the direction D3 so that the moving mechanism 27 moves away from the optical connector 2. In this case, when the optical connector 2 engages with the latch 11, the moving mechanism 27 of the rotating member 20 can be moved away from the optical connector 2.

[0092] The rotation angle of the rotating member 20 relative to the adapter 10 may be 30° or more and 170° or less. For example, the rotation angle is 106°. In this case, the movement amount of the optical connector 2 that moves in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating member 20 can be sufficiently ensured.

[0093] The above describes embodiments of the optical connecting component and optical connecting method according to the present disclosure. However, the optical connecting component and optical connecting method according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the gist described in the claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a rotating member 20 was described that includes a moving mechanism 27 having an inclined surface 27b that makes surface contact with the protrusion 7p of the optical connector 2. However, the configuration of the moving mechanism is not limited to the above example and can be modified as appropriate. For example, it may be a rotating member that includes a moving mechanism having a portion that makes point contact with the optical connector.

[0094] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Optical connecting part 2...Optical connector 2A...Mating connector 3...Ferrule 3b...End face 3c...Guide hole 3d...Optical fiber holding hole 4...Housing unit 5...Front housing 5b...Top surface 5c...Bottom surface 5d...Side surface 5f...First opening 5g...Second opening 5k...Recess 5p...Engagement hole 6...Middle housing 6b...Space forming portion 6c...Spring arrangement portion 6d...Plate-shaped portion 6f...Protrusion 7...Rear housing 7A...Insertion portion 7b...Inner surface 7B...Exposed portion 7c...Top surface 7d...Bottom surface 7f...Side surface 7g...Protrusion 7h...Spring accommodating portion 7j...Convex portion 7k...Cylindrical portion 7p...Protrusion 7q...Surface 7r...Inclined surface 7s...Top surface 8...Spring member 9...Pin keeper 10...Adapter 11...Latch DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11b...outer surface 11c...arm portion 11d...convex portion 12...plate-shaped portion 13...rotating member insertion portion 13b...outer peripheral surface 14...convex portion 15...concave portion 16...protruding portion 16b...inner surface 20...rotating member 20b...end face 20c...inner peripheral surface 21...slit 21b...extending portion 21c...dent 22...adapter accommodating portion 23...rotation operation portion 23b...convex portion 24...insertion hole 25...protruding portion 26...latch retainer 26b...inclined surface 26c...curved surface 26d...top surface 27...moving mechanism 27b...inclined surface 27c...top surface 27d...boundary line D1...first direction D2...second direction D3...direction D4...rotation direction F...optical fiber L...central axis

Claims

1. an optical connector having a ferrule for holding an optical fiber; a rotating member having an insertion hole into which the optical connector is inserted along the optical axis of the optical fiber; an adapter to which the optical connector inserted into the insertion hole is connected; Equipped with the adapter has a latch with which the optical connector that moves along the optical axis direction engages, The rotating member has a moving mechanism that moves the optical connector along the optical axis direction by rotating with respect to the adapter about a central axis line extending along the optical axis direction. Optical connection parts.

2. the rotating member has a latch presser that presses the latch engaged with the optical connector; The optical connecting part according to claim 1 .

3. the moving mechanism has an inclined surface that comes into contact with the optical connector inserted into the insertion hole, The rotating member rotates to push out the optical connector that is in contact with the inclined surface toward the adapter. The optical connecting part according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The optical connector includes a plurality of the ferrules and a housing unit that accommodates the plurality of the ferrules. The optical connecting part according to claim 1 or 2.

5. In the housing unit, the plurality of ferrules are arranged along a first direction intersecting the optical axis direction, and are arranged along a second direction intersecting both the optical axis direction and the first direction. The optical connecting part according to claim 4 .

6. The housing unit includes a front housing having a recess formed therein with which the latch engages. The optical connecting part according to claim 4 .

7. The front housing has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The optical connecting part according to claim 6 .

8. The ferrule is housed in the front housing. The optical connecting part according to claim 6 .

9. The housing unit includes a middle housing having a space forming portion that forms a space through which the optical fiber held by the ferrule is passed. The optical connecting part according to claim 4 .

10. The optical connector has a spring member interposed between the ferrule and the middle housing. The optical connecting part according to claim 9 .

11. the housing unit includes a rear housing against which the moving mechanism abuts; The middle housing is accommodated in the rear housing. The optical connecting part according to claim 9 .

12. the rear housing has a cylindrical portion into which the optical fiber is inserted, and a protruding portion protruding from the cylindrical portion in a first direction intersecting the optical axis direction, The protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole, the moving mechanism moves the optical connector by contacting the protrusion that has entered the insertion hole; The optical connecting part according to claim 11.

13. In a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the rear housing has a non-circular shape. The optical connecting part according to claim 11.

14. In a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the rear housing and the insertion hole have a flat shape extending in a first direction intersecting the optical axis direction. The optical connecting part according to claim 11.

15. The rotating member has a plurality of the moving mechanisms arranged at positions sandwiching the insertion hole. The optical connecting part according to claim 1 or 2.

16. The moving mechanism and the latch presser are arranged to be aligned along the optical axis direction. The optical connecting part according to claim 2 .

17. The rotating member has a plurality of the latch pressers arranged at positions sandwiching the insertion hole. The optical connecting part according to claim 2 or 16.

18. The rotating member has a cylindrical adapter accommodating portion that accommodates the adapter. The optical connecting part according to claim 1 or 2.

19. The adaptor accommodating portion has a slit extending along a rotation direction of the rotating member, The adapter has a protrusion to be inserted into the slit. The optical connecting part according to claim 18.

20. the slit has an extension portion extending in the rotation direction and a recess recessed in the optical axis direction at an end portion of the extension portion in the rotation direction, When the optical connector is engaged with the latch, the protrusion fits into the recess, the rotating member moves in the optical axis direction such that the moving mechanism moves away from the optical connector when the protrusion enters the recess. The optical connecting part according to claim 19.

21. A rotation angle of the rotating member relative to the adapter is greater than or equal to 30° and less than or equal to 170°. The optical connecting part according to claim 1 or 2.

22. An optical connection method for optically connecting an optical connector having an optical fiber to a mating connector via an adapter, comprising: a rotating member having an insertion hole into which the optical connector is inserted along the optical axis of the optical fiber, inserting the optical connector into the insertion hole; a step of rotating the rotating member relative to the adapter about a central axis extending along the optical axis direction, thereby moving the optical connector in the optical axis direction and engaging the optical connector with a latch of the adapter; Equipped with Optical connection method.