Optical connector

Abstract

Invention details;

Description

Optical Connector

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-146074, filed on September 8, 2023, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an optical connector. The optical connector is an optical fiber cord that includes an optical fiber ribbon having multiple optical fibers and an outer jacket that houses the optical fiber ribbon, and includes a ferrule member, a fusion protection sleeve, a housing, and a fixing member. The ferrule member holds multiple internal fibers that are fusion-spliced ​​to each of the multiple optical fibers. The fusion protection sleeve protects the fusion spliced ​​portions between the multiple optical fibers and the multiple internal fibers. The housing accommodates the ferrule member and the fusion protection sleeve. The housing has a recess at its rear end for placing the torn outer jacket therein. The fixing member is attached to the rear end of the housing and fixes the outer jacket to the housing by sandwiching the outer jacket between the housing and the fixing member.

[0003] International Publication No. 2012-096246

[0004] An optical fiber cable includes an optical fiber, a resin sheath surrounding the optical fiber, and a fibrous strength member disposed between the sheath and the optical fiber. When attaching an optical connector to the end of such an optical fiber cable, the sheath and the strength member are removed from the end of the optical fiber cable to expose the optical fiber. An optical connector including a ferrule and a housing is then attached to the end of the optical fiber. The sheath and the strength member are then placed on the outer surface of the housing, and the sheath and the strength member are sandwiched between a fixing member and the housing, thereby fixing each end of the sheath and the strength member to the housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] However, when attaching an optical connector with such a structure to the tip of an optical fiber cable, the assembly work is performed while the long sheath and strength members peeled off from the optical fiber are left in place until the assembly of the housing is completed, which may reduce the efficiency of the assembly work.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical connector that can avoid a decrease in assembly work efficiency.

[0007] An optical connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an optical fiber cable, a first member, a second member, and a housing. The optical fiber cable has an optical fiber, a resin sheath surrounding the optical fiber, and a fibrous strength member disposed between the sheath and the optical fiber, with a portion including the tip of the optical fiber exposed from the sheath and the strength member. The first member has a front end located near the front end of the optical fiber, a rear end located near the optical fiber cable, and a through hole that passes from the rear end to the front end and allows a portion including the tip of the optical fiber to pass through. The second member is disposed around the first member and sandwiches and fixes the tip end of the sheath and the strength member between the first member and the second member. The housing accommodates the first member, the second member, the tip end of the sheath, and the tip end of the strength member.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, an optical connector can be provided that can avoid a decrease in assembly work efficiency.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an optical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a view showing a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of an optical fiber cable. FIG. 3 is a cross section of the front portion of the optical connector, showing a side cross section along the central axis of an optical fiber ribbon. FIG. 4 is a view showing the structure of the rear portion of the optical connector, with the housing and boot cut away to show the interior of the housing. FIG. 5 is a view showing the structure of the rear portion of the optical connector, with a ring provided in the optical connector further cut away to show the inside of the ring. FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross section taken along line VII-VII shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a crimping seat. FIG. 9 is a front view of the crimping seat as seen from the rear.

[0010] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, the details of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] An optical connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an optical fiber cable, a first member, a second member, and a housing. The optical fiber cable has an optical fiber, a resin sheath surrounding the optical fiber, and a fibrous strength member disposed between the sheath and the optical fiber. A portion including the tip of the optical fiber is exposed from the sheath and the strength member. The first member has a front end located near the front end of the optical fiber, a rear end located near the optical fiber cable, and a through hole that penetrates from the rear end to the front end and allows the portion including the tip of the optical fiber to pass through. The second member is disposed around the first member and sandwiches and fixes the tip end of the sheath and the strength member between the first member and the second member. The housing accommodates the first member, the second member, the tip end of the sheath, and the tip end of the strength member.

[0011] In this optical connector, the distal end of the sheath and the distal end of the strength member are fixed by being sandwiched between a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member are then housed in a housing. Therefore, when attaching this optical connector to the distal end of an optical fiber cable, the sheath and the strength members can be fixed before assembling the housing. This reduces the time required for assembly work that leaves the long sheath and strength members peeled off from the optical fiber, thereby avoiding a decrease in assembly work efficiency.

[0012] [2] In the optical connector of [1] above, the first member may have, on its outer surface, a first portion that sandwiches the sheath between itself and the second member, and a second portion separate from the first portion that sandwiches the strength member between itself and the second member. In this way, by fixing the sheath and the strength member at different portions, the sheath and the strength member can be reliably fixed.

[0013] [3] In the optical connector of [2] above, the first and second portions may be aligned in the circumferential direction of the first member. In this case, the lengths of the first and second members in the direction of extension of the optical fiber can be made shorter, thereby shortening the overall length of the optical connector. Alternatively, even in an optical connector of a type in which a fusion-spliced ​​portion of the optical fiber and a sleeve protecting the fusion-spliced ​​portion are present within the housing, it is possible to avoid increasing the overall length of the optical connector.

[0014] [4] In the optical connector of [2] or [3] above, the cross section of the through hole perpendicular to the penetration direction may have an elongated shape having a major axis and a minor axis. The first portion may be a recess extending from the rear end on the outer peripheral surface of the first member. The first portion may be spaced apart from the extension of the major axis of the through hole. Having the cross section of the through hole having an elongated shape makes it easier to pass multiple optical fibers through the through hole when multiple optical fibers are integrated into a tape-like shape. In addition, since the first portion is spaced apart from the extension of the major axis of the through hole, it is possible to prevent the thickness of the first member between the through hole and the outer peripheral surface from being thinned by the recess. In other words, the outer diameter of the first member can be reduced while ensuring the necessary thickness of the first member.

[0015] [5] In the optical connector of any one of [2] to [4] above, the first member may have a flange portion provided near the front end. The flange portion may have a notch portion for passing the strength member. The notch portion may be provided alongside the second portion in the extension direction of the optical fiber. In this case, the strength member can be easily allowed to escape to the front of the first member while providing the flange portion on the first member.

[0016] [6] In any of the optical connectors [2] to [4] above, the first member may have a flange portion provided near the front end. The outer peripheral surface of the flange portion may include a first region and a second region that face opposite each other and are flat. The inner surface of the housing may include a flat third region that contacts the first region and a flat fourth region that contacts the second region. In the optical connector of [5] above, the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion may include a first region and a second region that face opposite each other and are flat. The inner surface of the housing may include a flat third region that contacts the first region and a flat fourth region that contacts the second region. In this case, the third region and the fourth region contact the first region and the second region, respectively, thereby preventing the first member from moving in the rotational direction inside the housing. This prevents the first member from moving in the rotational direction inside the housing.

[0017] [7] In the optical connector of any of [2] to [6] above, the second portion may have a groove extending in the circumferential direction of the first member. In this case, the strength members extend in a direction intersecting with the groove, thereby more firmly preventing movement of the strength members along the extension direction.

[0018] [8] In the optical connector of any of [1] to [4] and [7] above, the first member may have a flange portion provided near the front end. The housing may have a protrusion that contacts the flange portion to lock the first member. In the optical connector of [5] or [6] above, the housing may have a protrusion that contacts the flange portion to lock the first member. In this case, the first member can be easily positioned within the housing.

[0019] [9] In the optical connector of any one of [1] to [4] and [7] above, the first member may have a flange portion provided near the front end. The housing may have an opening for introducing the optical fiber cable. The inner diameter of the opening may be smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion. In the optical connector of any one of [5], [6] and [8] above, the housing may have an opening for introducing the optical fiber cable. The inner diameter of the opening may be smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion. In this case, even if a force is generated that pulls the optical fiber cable backward, the first member can be prevented from falling out of the opening of the housing.

[0020]

[10] Any of the optical connectors described above in [1] to [9] may further include a ferrule member that holds an internal fiber to be fusion-spliced ​​to the optical fiber, and a fusion protection sleeve that protects the fusion spliced ​​portion between the optical fiber and the internal fiber. The housing may hold the ferrule member and house the fusion protection sleeve. When assembling such an optical connector having a fusion spliced ​​portion and a fusion protection sleeve inside the housing, a fusion splicing process between the optical fiber and the internal fiber is required. The optical connector described above in

[10] eliminates the need to perform the fusion splicing process while leaving the long sheath and strength member peeled off from the optical fiber, thereby avoiding a decrease in the work efficiency of the fusion splicing process. [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure]

[0021] Specific examples of the optical connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the following description, the same elements in the description of the drawings will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In the following description, "forward" means the direction toward another optical connector to be connected, and "rearward" means the opposite direction.

[0022] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an optical connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The optical connector 10 is connected to another optical connector by being inserted into an adapter (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, the optical connector 10 of this embodiment includes an optical fiber cable 20, a housing 30, and a boot 50.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the optical fiber cable 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical fiber cable 20 includes an optical fiber ribbon 21, a sheath (outer jacket) 22, and a strength member 23. The optical fiber ribbon 21 includes a plurality of optical fibers 211 (12 in the figure) and a resin coating 212 that collectively covers the optical fibers 211. The optical fibers 211 are aligned in a row along a direction D1 perpendicular to the central axis of the optical fiber cable 20. The sheath 22 is a resin layer that surrounds the optical fiber ribbon 21. The sheath 22 is cylindrical and houses the optical fiber ribbon 21 therein. The strength member 23 is a fibrous member disposed between the optical fiber ribbon 21 and the sheath 22. When a tensile force is applied to the optical fiber cable 20, the strength member 23 resists the force, thereby preventing the optical fibers 211 from breaking.

[0024] 1 again, the housing 30 is a housing that houses the front end of the optical fiber cable 20. The housing 30 is made of, for example, resin. The housing 30 has a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0025] The boot 50 has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter that gradually decreases toward the rear end. The boot 50 is attached to the rear end of the housing 30 and surrounds and protects the portion of the optical fiber cable 20 that extends from the housing 30. The boot 50 is made of a flexible resin.

[0026] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the front portion of the optical connector 10, showing a side cross section along the central axis of the optical fiber ribbon 21. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 30 has a front housing 31 and a rear housing 32. The front housing 31 is disposed forward of the rear housing 32. The front housing 31 and the rear housing 32 are hollow and tubular. The optical fiber ribbon 21 extends forward from the tip of the optical fiber cable 20 in the space formed by the front housing 31 and the rear housing 32. The resin coating 212 is removed from the tip of the optical fiber ribbon 21, exposing the multiple optical fibers 211 from the resin coating 212.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the optical connector 10 further includes a fusion protection sleeve 12, a compression coil spring 13, a ferrule member 40, and a pin keeper 44.

[0028] The ferrule member 40 is provided at the front end of the optical connector 10. The front end face 41 of the ferrule member 40 abuts against the ferrule of another optical connector to which the optical connector 10 is to be connected. Guide pins 42 protrude from the front end face 41 of the ferrule member 40 for positioning with the ferrule of the other optical connector. The ferrule member 40 is made of, for example, resin.

[0029] The ferrule member 40 protrudes forward from an opening 311 formed in the front end surface of the front housing 31. The ferrule member 40 has a plurality of through holes for inserting a plurality of embedded fibers 43. The ferrule member 40 holds the embedded fibers 43 by accommodating the tip end of each embedded fiber 43 in each through hole. The number of embedded fibers 43 is the same as the number of optical fibers 211. The embedded fibers 43 are aligned in a row along direction D1 shown in FIG. 2. First end faces of the embedded fibers 43 are exposed at the front end surface 41 of the ferrule member 40 and come into contact with end faces of a plurality of optical fibers held in ferrules of another optical connector. As a result, each of the embedded fibers 43 is optically coupled to a plurality of optical fibers of the other optical connector.

[0030] The pin keeper 44 is made of metal and is formed, for example, by subjecting a metal plate to sheet metal processing and bending. The pin keeper 44 is provided adjacent to the rear end surface 46 of the ferrule member 40. The pin keeper 44 holds the base end of the guide pin 42 inserted into the hole in the ferrule member 40.

[0031] The multiple embedded fibers 43 extend rearward from the rear end face 46 of the ferrule member 40 through openings formed in the pin keeper 44. The second end face of each of the multiple embedded fibers 43 is fusion-spliced ​​to the end face of each of the multiple optical fibers 211. Therefore, a fusion splice 11 is formed between each embedded fiber 43 and each optical fiber 211. The fusion protection sleeve 12 protects the fusion splice 11, the portion of the optical fiber 211 exposed from the resin coating 212, and the portion of the embedded fiber 43 exposed from the ferrule member 40. The fusion protection sleeve 12 is tubular and made of, for example, heat-shrinkable resin.

[0032] The compression coil spring 13 covers the fusion protection sleeve 12 so as to surround the fusion protection sleeve 12. A first end of the compression coil spring 13 abuts against the pin keeper 44. A second end of the compression coil spring 13 abuts against a portion of the housing 30. The compression coil spring 13 urges the ferrule member 40 forward by pressing against the pin keeper 44. When the ferrule member 40 abuts against a ferrule of another optical connector, the compression coil spring 13 contracts, causing the ferrule member 40 to contact the ferrule of the other optical connector with an appropriate pressing force. When the ferrule member 40 is not abutting against a ferrule of the other optical connector, a flange portion 45 provided at the rear of the ferrule member 40 abuts against the portion surrounding the opening 311 of the front housing 31, thereby receiving the urging force of the compression coil spring 13.

[0033] The front housing 31 accommodates a portion of the ferrule member 40 , a plurality of embedded fibers 43 , a pinkeeper 44 , a portion of the optical fiber 211 exposed from the resin coating 212 , the fusion protection sleeve 12 , and the compression coil spring 13 .

[0034] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of the rear portion of the optical connector 10, with the housing 30 and boot 50 cut away to show the interior of the housing 30. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of the rear portion of the optical connector 10, with the ring 70 provided in the optical connector 10 further cut away to show the inside of the ring 70. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII shown in Fig. 5.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7, the optical connector 10 further includes a substantially cylindrical crimping seat 60 and a cylindrical ring 70. The crimping seat 60 is an example of a first member in this embodiment. The ring 70 is an example of a second member in this embodiment. The crimping seat 60 and the ring 70 are located near the rear end of the rear housing 32. The crimping seat 60 and the ring 70 are provided to sandwich and secure the distal end of the sheath 22 and the distal end of the strength member 23 peeled from the optical fiber ribbon 21. For this purpose, the ring 70 is disposed around the crimping seat 60 and is fitted to the crimping seat 60 with the distal end of the sheath 22 and the distal end of the strength member 23 sandwiched between the ring 70 and the crimping seat 60. The strength member 23 is not shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. The crimping seat 60 and the ring 70 are made of, for example, metal or resin.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the crimping seat 60. FIG. 9 is a front view of the crimping seat 60 as seen from the rear. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 , the crimping seat 60 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The crimping seat 60 has a front end face 61 (front end), a rear end face 62 (rear end), a through hole 63, an outer circumferential surface 64, and a flange portion 65. The front end face 61 is located closer to the tips of the multiple optical fibers 211 in the crimping seat 60 and faces forward. The rear end face 62 is located closer to the optical fiber cable 20 in the crimping seat 60 and faces rearward. In one example, the front end face 61 and the rear end face 62 extend perpendicular to the extension direction of the optical fiber ribbon 21. In one example, the front end face 61 and the rear end face 62 are flat.

[0037] The through hole 63 penetrates from the rear end face 62 to the front end face 61 along the extension direction of the optical fiber ribbon 21. The optical fiber ribbon 21 extends forward from the optical fiber cable 20 by passing through the through hole 63. In the illustrated example, the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the penetration direction of the through hole 63, i.e., the extension direction of the optical fiber ribbon 21, is an elongated shape having a major axis 631 and a minor axis 632. The cross section of the through hole 63 is, for example, an oval shape. However, the cross section of the through hole 63 is not limited to this and may be various shapes such as an ellipse, a diamond, a circle, or a rectangle.

[0038] The crimping seat 60 has first crimping portions (first parts) 641 and 642 and second crimping portions (second parts) 643 and 644 on its outer circumferential surface 64. The first crimping portions 641 and 642 are portions for sandwiching and fixing the sheath 22 between the ring 70 and the first crimping portions 641 and 642. The first crimping portions 641 and 642 are provided at positions sandwiching the central axis A of the crimping seat 60 therebetween. In other words, the first crimping portion 642 is provided on the opposite side of the central axis A of the crimping seat 60 from the first crimping portion 641. In one example, the first crimping portions 641 and 642 are located away from an extension line of the major axis 631 of the through hole 63 and on an extension line of the minor axis 632 of the through hole 63.

[0039] The first crimping portions 641, 642 are recesses extending from the rear end face 62 on the outer peripheral surface 64 of the crimping seat 60. That is, the bottom surfaces of the first crimping portions 641, 642 are located closer to the central axis A than the rest of the outer peripheral surface 64 excluding the first crimping portions 641, 642. The first crimping portions 641, 642 extend from the rear end face 62 to just before the flange portion 65, but do not reach the flange portion 65. In the illustrated example, the bottom surfaces of the first crimping portions 641, 642 are configured with a plurality of flat surfaces at different angles. The bottom surfaces of the first crimping portions 641, 642 are not limited to this shape and may be, for example, cylindrical surfaces.

[0040] The second crimping portions 643, 644 are portions for sandwiching and fixing the tensile member 23 between the ring 70. The second crimping portions 643, 644 are provided at positions where the central axis A of the crimping seat 60 is sandwiched between them. In other words, the second crimping portion 644 is provided on the opposite side of the central axis A of the crimping seat 60 from the second crimping portion 643. The second crimping portions 643, 644 are provided at positions different from the first crimping portions 641, 642. In one example, the second crimping portions 643, 644 are located on an extension of the major axis 631 of the through hole 63. The first crimping portion 641, the second crimping portion 643, the first crimping portion 642, and the second crimping portion 644 are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction of the crimping seat 60, that is, the first crimping portions 641, 642 and the second crimping portions 643, 644 are arranged alternately. The first crimping portions 641, 642 and the second crimping portions 643, 644 may be adjacent to each other, or may simply be adjacent to each other.

[0041] The second crimping portions 643, 644 are regions on the outer peripheral surface 64 of the crimping seat 60 that extend from the rear end surface 62. The surfaces constituting the second crimping portions 643, 644 are farther from the central axis A than the bottom surfaces of the first crimping portions 641, 642. In other words, the outer diameter of the crimping seat 60 at the second crimping portions 643, 644 is larger than the outer diameter of the crimping seat 60 at the first crimping portions 641, 642. The second crimping portions 643, 644 have one or more grooves 645 extending in the circumferential direction of the crimping seat 60. The multiple grooves 645 are formed in a line in the direction along the central axis A. In the illustrated example, the second crimping portions 643, 644 are formed by cylindrical surfaces. The second crimping portions 643, 644 are not limited to this shape and may be formed by, for example, multiple flat surfaces with different angles.

[0042] The flange portion 65 is provided near the front end surface 61 of the crimping seat 60. In the illustrated example, a first end surface of the flange portion 65 forms the front end surface 61. The flange portion 65 protrudes radially from the outer peripheral surface 64 of the crimping seat 60. In other words, the outer diameter of the flange portion 65 is larger than the outer diameter of the other portions of the crimping seat 60.

[0043] The flange portion 65 has cutout portions 651 and 652 for passing the tensile members 23 therethrough. The cutout portions 651 and 652 are recesses in the circumferential direction of the flange portion 65. The cutout portion 651 is provided alongside the second crimping portion 643 in the direction along the central axis A, i.e., in the extending direction of the optical fiber ribbon 21. The cutout portion 652 is provided alongside the second crimping portion 644 in the same direction. In the illustrated example, the bottom surfaces of the cutout portions 651 and 652 are continuous with the outer peripheral surface 64. The outer diameter of the crimping seat 60 at the cutout portions 651 and 652 is smaller than the outer diameter of the crimping seat 60 at the portions of the flange portion 65 excluding the cutout portions 651 and 652.

[0044] The outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 65 includes first regions 653, 654, and 655, which are flat surfaces, and second regions 656, 657, and 658, which are flat surfaces. The first region 653 and the second region 656 face opposite each other. The first region 654 and the second region 657 face opposite each other. The first region 655 and the second region 658 face opposite each other. The first regions 653, 654, and 655 and the second regions 656, 657, and 658 each constitute six faces of an imaginary regular hexagonal prism B (see FIG. 9 ).

[0045] 4 to 7 again, the rear housing 32 accommodates the exposed portion of the optical fiber ribbon 21 from which the sheath 22 and the strength members 23 have been stripped, the crimping seat 60, the ring 70, the tip end of the sheath 22, and the tip end of the strength members 23.

[0046] The inner surface of the rear housing 32 includes flat third regions 321, 322, and 323 that respectively contact the first regions 653, 654, and 655 of the caulking seat 60. In addition, the inner surface of the rear housing 32 includes flat fourth regions 324, 325, and 326 that respectively contact the second regions 656, 657, and 658 of the caulking seat 60. The third regions 321, 322, and 323 and the fourth regions 324, 325, and 326 prevent the caulking seat 60 from moving in the rotational direction inside the rear housing 32.

[0047] The rear housing 32 further has protrusions 327 and 328 (see FIGS. 4 and 7). The protrusions 327 and 328 are located in front of the crimping seat 60 and protrude from the inner surface of the rear housing 32. The protrusions 327 and 328 are provided at positions facing each other on the inner surface of the rear housing 32. The protrusions 327 and 328 come into contact with a first end surface (front end surface 61) of the flange portion 65 of the crimping seat 60 to lock the crimping seat 60 and position the crimping seat 60.

[0048] The front side surfaces of the protrusions 327 and 328 are inclined so that they become lower toward the front. In addition, a slit 329 extending forward is formed in the portion of the rear housing 32 between the protrusions 327 and 328. This makes it easier for the caulking seat 60 to climb over the protrusions 327 and 328 when assembling the optical connector 10, thereby widening the gap between the protrusions 327 and 328.

[0049] The rear housing 32 further has an opening 330 through which the optical fiber cable 20 is introduced. The inner diameter of the opening 330 is smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion 65 and the outer diameter of the ring 70. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the opening 330 is smaller than the diameter of the raised portion of the sheath 22 near the rear end of the ring 70. This prevents the sheath 22 from falling out of the opening 330 of the rear housing 32 even when a force is generated that pulls the optical fiber cable 20 rearward. In the illustrated example, the edge of the opening 330 is in contact with the sheath 22.

[0050] The effects obtained by the optical connector 10 of this embodiment having the above configuration will be described. In the optical connector 10, the distal end of the sheath 22 and the distal end of the strength member 23 are fixed by being sandwiched between the crimping seat 60 and the ring 70. The crimping seat 60 and the ring 70 are then housed in the rear housing 32. Therefore, when attaching the optical connector 10 to the distal end of the optical fiber cable 20, the sheath 22 and the strength member 23 can be fixed before the rear housing 32 is assembled. This reduces the time required for assembly work while leaving the long sheath 22 and the strength member 23 peeled from the optical fiber ribbon 21, thereby avoiding a decrease in assembly work efficiency.

[0051] As in this embodiment, the crimping seat 60 may have, on its outer circumferential surface 64, first crimping portions 641, 642 that sandwich the sheath 22 between itself and the ring 70, and second crimping portions 643, 644 that are separate from the first crimping portions 641, 642 and that sandwich the strength member 23 between itself and the ring 70. In this way, by fixing the sheath 22 and the strength member 23 at different portions, the sheath 22 and the strength member 23 can be reliably fixed.

[0052] As in the present embodiment, the first crimping portions 641, 642 and the second crimping portions 643, 644 may be aligned in the circumferential direction of the crimping seat 60. In this case, the lengths of the crimping seat 60 and the ring 70 in the extension direction of the optical fiber ribbon 21 can be made shorter, thereby shortening the overall length of the optical connector 10. Alternatively, even in an optical connector of the type in which the fusion spliced ​​portion 11 of the optical fiber ribbon 21 and the fusion protection sleeve 12 protecting the fusion spliced ​​portion 11 are located inside the rear housing 32, as in the optical connector 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid increasing the overall length of the optical connector. In addition, because the sheath 22 and the strength member 23 can be fixed using a single ring 70, the number of work steps can be reduced compared to when the sheath 22 and the strength member 23 are fixed using separate members.

[0053] As in the present embodiment, the cross section of the through hole 63 perpendicular to the penetration direction may have an elongated shape having a major axis 631 and a minor axis 632. The first crimping portions 641, 642 may be recesses extending from the rear end face 62 on the outer peripheral surface 64 of the crimping seat 60. The first crimping portions 641, 642 may be spaced apart from an extension line of the major axis 631 of the through hole 63. When the optical fiber ribbon 21 is formed by integrating a plurality of optical fibers 211 into a tape shape as in the present embodiment, the optical fiber ribbon 21 can be easily passed through the through hole 63 because the cross section of the through hole 63 has an elongated shape. In addition, because the first crimping portions 641, 642 are spaced apart from an extension line of the major axis 631 of the through hole 63, it is possible to prevent the thickness of the crimping seat 60 between the through hole 63 and the outer peripheral surface 64 from being thinned by the recesses. In other words, the outer diameter of the crimping seat 60 can be reduced while ensuring the necessary thickness of the crimping seat 60 .

[0054] As in the present embodiment, the crimping seat 60 may have a flange portion 65 provided closer to the front end face 61. The flange portion 65 may have cutout portions 651, 652 for passing the strength member 23 therethrough. The cutout portions 651, 652 may be provided adjacent to the second crimping portions 643, 644, respectively, in the extending direction of the optical fiber ribbon 21. In this case, the crimping seat 60 may be provided with the flange portion 65, and the strength member 23 can be easily moved forward of the crimping seat 60.

[0055] As in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 65 may include first regions 653, 654, 655 and second regions 656, 657, 658 that are flat and face opposite to each other. The inner surface of the rear housing 32 may include flat third regions 321, 322, 323 that contact the first regions 653, 654, 655, respectively, and flat fourth regions 324, 325, 326 that contact the second regions 656, 657, 658, respectively. In this case, the third regions 321, 322, 323 and the fourth regions 324, 325, 326 contact the first regions 653, 654, 655 and the second regions 656, 657, 658, respectively, thereby preventing the caulking seat 60 from moving in the rotational direction inside the rear housing 32. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the crimping seat 60 from moving in the rotational direction inside the rear housing 32. The configuration is not limited to the present embodiment, and there may be at least one first region and one second region. Similarly, there may be at least one third region and one fourth region. In the present embodiment, the first regions 653, 654, 655 and the second regions 656, 657, 658 each constitute six faces of the regular hexagonal prism B (see FIG. 9 ), but the first regions and the second regions may constitute faces of other polygons, such as triangles or rectangles.

[0056] As in this embodiment, the second crimping portions 643, 644 may have a groove 645 extending in the circumferential direction of the crimping seat 60. In this case, the strength member 23 extends in a direction intersecting with the groove 645, and therefore the groove 645 acts as a resistance to movement of the strength member 23, making it possible to more firmly prevent movement of the strength member 23 along the extension direction.

[0057] As in this embodiment, the rear housing 32 may have protrusions 327, 328 that come into contact with the flange portion 65 to lock the crimping seat 60. In this case, it is possible to easily position the crimping seat 60 within the rear housing 32. The number of protrusions is not limited to this embodiment, and may be three or more.

[0058] As in this embodiment, the rear housing 32 may have an opening 330 at its rear end for introducing the optical fiber cable 20. The inner diameter of the opening 330 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion 65. In this case, even if a force is generated that pulls the optical fiber cable 20 rearward, the crimping seat 60 can be prevented from falling out of the opening 330 of the rear housing 32.

[0059] As in the present embodiment, the optical connector 10 may further include a ferrule member 40 that holds an embedded fiber 43 to be fusion-spliced ​​to the optical fiber ribbon 21, and a fusion protection sleeve 12 that protects the fusion splice 11 between the optical fiber ribbon 21 and the embedded fiber 43. The front housing 31 holds the ferrule member 40 and houses the fusion protection sleeve 12. When assembling such an optical connector 10 having the fusion splice and the fusion protection sleeve 12 inside the housing 30, a fusion splicing process between the optical fiber ribbon 21 and the embedded fiber 43 is required. The optical connector 10 eliminates the need to perform the fusion splicing process while leaving the elongated sheath 22 and strength member 23 peeled off from the optical fiber ribbon 21, thereby avoiding a decrease in the work efficiency of the fusion splicing process.

[0060] The optical connector according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other modifications are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the configuration of the present disclosure was applied to an optical connector of a type that incorporates a fusion protection sleeve 12. The configuration of the present disclosure can also be applied to an optical connector of a type that does not incorporate a fusion protection sleeve, in other words, an optical connector of a type that does not have a fusion splice portion inside the housing.

[0061] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Optical connector 11...Fusion splice portion 12...Fusion protection sleeve 20...Optical fiber cable 21...Optical fiber ribbon 22...Sheath 23...Tensile member 30...Housing 31...Front housing 32...Rear housing 40...Ferrule member 41...Front end face 42...Guide pin 43...Built-in fiber 44...Pin keeper 45...Flange portion 46...Rear end face 50...Boot 60...Crimping seat 61...Front end face 62...Rear end face 63...Through hole 64...Outer surface 65...Flange portion 70...Ring 211...Optical fiber 212...Resin coating 311...Opening 321, 322, 323...Third region 324, 325, 326...Fourth region 327, 328...Protrusion 329...Slit 330...Opening 631...Long axis 632...Short axis 641, 642...First crimped portion 643, 644...Second crimped portion 645...Groove 651, 652...Notched portion 653, 654, 655...First region 656, 657, 658...Second region A...Central axis B...Regular hexagonal prism D1...Direction

Claims

DEPCT691. The optical connector comprises: a fiber optic cable including the optical fiber, a resin-made sheath enclosing the optical fiber, and a fibrous tensile reinforcement assembly positioned between the sheath and the optical fiber, where the distal end of the optical fiber is exposed from the sheath and tensile reinforcement assembly; a first assembly with an anterior end positioned near the distal end of the optical fiber, a posterior end positioned near the fiber optic cable, and a passageway through the first assembly from the posterior end to the anterior end, through which the distal end of the optical fiber is inserted; a second assembly positioned around the first assembly, snapping and securing the distal end of the sheath and the distal end of the tensile reinforcement assembly between the second and first assemblies; and a housing that supports the first, second, distal end of the sheath, and the distal end of the tensile reinforcement assembly.

1. An optical connector under Reputation 1 in which, on the outer peripheral surface of the first component, the first component includes a section one that sandwiches the sheath between section one and section two, and section two that is separated from section one and sandwiches the tensile reinforcement component between section two and section two.

3. An optical connector under Reputation 2 in which section one is aligned with section two in the circumferential direction of the first component.

4. An optical connector under Reputation 2 or 3 in which the cross-section of the through hole perpendicular to the penetration direction has a longitudinal shape with major and minor axes, section one is a recessed opening extending from the rear end on the outer peripheral surface of the first component, and section one is spaced away from the extension line of the major axis of the through hole.

5. An optical connector under any of Reputations 2 through 4 in which the first component includes a flange provided near the front end, the flange has a cut-off section through which the tensile reinforcement component passes, and the cut-off section is provided aligned with section two in the direction of the optical fiber's routing. 6.

7. An optical connector under any of Cases 2 through 4 where the first assembly includes a flange provided close to the front end; the outer perimeter surfaces of the flange include areas one and two which are flat and facing away from each other; and the inner surfaces of the housing include area three which is flat and in contact with area one; and area four which is flat and in contact with area two.

8. An optical connector under any of Cases 1 through 4 and 7 where the first assembly includes a flange provided close to the front end; and the housing has an overhang that contacts the flange to lock the first assembly. 9.

10. An optical connector under any of the claims 1 through 4 and 7 where the first assembly, including the flange, is provided near the front end of the housing, has an opening for the entry of the optical fiber cable on the rear end, and the inner diameter of the opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the flange.

11. An optical connector under any of the claims 1 through 9 which includes: a ferrule assembly holding the fused fiber to the optical fiber, and a fused splice sheath protecting the fused splice between the optical fiber and the fused fiber, where the housing holds the ferrule assembly and supports the fused splice sheath.

12. An optical connector under claim 5 where the outer surfaces of the flange, including the first and second regions, are flat and facing away from each other, and the inner surfaces of the housing, including the third region, which is flat and in contact with the first region, and the fourth region, which is flat and in contact with the second region.

13. An optical connector under Relativity 5, 6, or 8 in which the housing has an opening for the entry of the optical fiber cable on the rear end and the inner diameter of the opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the flange.

14. Any optical connector under Relativity 11 through 13 which is further incorporated with: a ferrule assembly that holds the fused fiber in place and the fused splice sheath that protects the fused splice between the optical fiber and the fused fiber, in which the housing holds the ferrule assembly and supports the fused splice sheath.

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