Optical connector

Abstract

An optical connector (A) comprises: a plurality of optical fibers (4) that extend rearward along a first direction; a ferrule (1) that holds front ends of the plurality of optical fibers (4); a housing (2) that is provided on the outer periphery of the plurality of optical fibers (4) and houses portions of the plurality of optical fibers (4) that extend from the ferrule (1); and an elastic body (3) that biases the ferrule (1) forward along the first direction and is housed in the housing (2). The housing (2) has a restriction part (33) that restricts the movement of the ferrule (1) based on the biasing force of the elastic body (3). The ferrule (1) has a front end surface (17) that faces a counterpart ferrule in the first direction; two guide pin holes (11) that are arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction in the front end surface (17); and a first side surface (13) and a second side surface (15) that face away from each other with the plurality of optical fibers (4) interposed therebetween while crossing the second direction, and that connect the front end surface (17) and a rear end surface (10). All of the first side surface (13) and the second side surface (15) are exposed from the housing (2).

Description

Optical Connector

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-116766, filed on July 18, 2023, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to an interconnection system including a plurality of fiber cables for optical connection and a wiring method for the fiber cables. This system includes a connector housing that accommodates an optical connector in an optical adapter, and a ferrule provided in the optical connector. The ferrule is provided at the end of one or more optical fibers. The connector housing forms the optical connector, and the optical connector is attached to the inside of the optical adapter.

[0003] US Patent No. 1,147,4307 US Patent Application Publication No. 2019-0187383 US Patent Application Publication No. 2023-0003949

[0004] An optical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of optical fibers extending rearward in a first direction, a ferrule for holding front ends of the plurality of optical fibers, a housing disposed around the plurality of optical fibers and accommodating portions of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the ferrule, and an elastic body accommodated in the housing and biasing the ferrule forward in the first direction. The housing has a limiting portion for limiting movement of the ferrule based on the biasing force of the elastic body. The ferrule has a front end face facing the mating ferrule in the first direction, a rear end face facing away from the front end face, and first and second side faces connecting the front and rear end faces, intersecting a second direction that is the width direction of the ferrule and facing opposite each other with the plurality of optical fibers therebetween. The entire first and second side faces are exposed from the housing.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical connector according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a ferrule. FIG. 4 is a side view showing an optical connector and an optical adapter. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a locking portion. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a gripping portion. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a lever portion. FIG. 8 is a front view of the optical connector as viewed from the x direction. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an optical connector according to a first modified example. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the optical connector according to the first modified example. FIG. 11 is a front view of the optical connector as viewed from the x direction.

[0006] [Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure] An optical connector equipped with a ferrule that holds multiple optical fibers may be housed in a cylindrical protective tube that is attached to the tip of an optical cable, for example. In recent years, the inner diameter of protective tubes has become smaller in order to reduce size. If the width of the optical connector is too small for the inner diameter of the protective tube, it is difficult to house the optical connector in the protective tube. The challenge is to reduce the width of the optical connector and make the optical connector more compact.

[0007] Effect of the Present Disclosure According to the present disclosure, an optical connector that can be made smaller by reducing its width can be provided.

[0008] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0009] [1] An optical connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of optical fibers extending rearward along a first direction, a ferrule for holding front ends of the plurality of optical fibers, a housing disposed around the plurality of optical fibers and accommodating portions of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the ferrule, and an elastic body accommodated in the housing and biasing the ferrule forward along the first direction. The housing has a limiting portion for limiting movement of the ferrule based on the biasing force of the elastic body. The ferrule has a front end face facing a mating ferrule in the first direction, a rear end face facing away from the front end face, and first and second side faces connecting the front and rear end faces, intersecting a second direction that is the width direction of the ferrule and facing opposite each other with the plurality of optical fibers therebetween. The entire first and second side faces are exposed from the housing.

[0010] The distance between the first and second side surfaces determines the maximum width of the ferrule. In a typical optical connector, at least a portion of each of the first and second side surfaces of the ferrule is covered by a housing. Therefore, the portions of the housing provided on the first and second side surfaces determine the maximum width of the optical connector, and this maximum width is greater than the maximum width of the ferrule. In contrast, the entire first and second side surfaces of the ferrule in the optical connector of [1] above are exposed from the housing. As a result, the first and second side surfaces are not covered by the housing, and the distance between the first and second side surfaces, i.e., the maximum width of the ferrule, can be set to the maximum width of the optical connector. Therefore, the width of the optical connector can be reduced, enabling the optical connector to be miniaturized.

[0011] [2] In the optical connector of [1] above, the housing may have a locking portion including a first latch that locks with the optical adapter to secure the optical connector to the optical adapter, a lever portion that releases the locking of the first latch, and a gripping portion provided rearward of the ferrule and the lever portion and connected to the lever portion. The lever portion and the gripping portion may be movable rearward relative to the locking portion. The ferrule may further have first and second main surfaces that intersect with a third direction that is the thickness direction of the ferrule and face opposite each other with multiple optical fibers sandwiched therebetween, connecting the front end face and the rear end face. The first latch may be provided on the first main surface and move in the release direction due to a pressing force from the lever portion that moves rearward in conjunction with the rearward movement of the gripping portion. The optical connector and the optical adapter are fixed to each other by the first latch provided in the locking portion locking with the optical adapter. The lever portion and the gripping portion release the locking of the optical connector and the optical adapter by the first latch. This allows the optical connector and the optical adapter to be easily released from their fixed state using a small structure that does not affect the width of the optical connector.

[0012] [3] In the optical connector of [2] above, the locking portion may further include a second latch that locks to the optical adapter to secure the optical connector to the optical adapter. The second latch may be provided on the second main surface and move in a release direction due to a pressing force from a lever portion that moves rearward in conjunction with the rearward movement of the gripping portion. The first and second latches provided on the locking portion lock to the optical adapter, thereby securing the optical connector and the optical adapter to each other. The lever portion and the gripping portion can release the lock between the optical connector and the optical adapter by the first and second latches. This allows the optical connector and the optical adapter to be easily released using a small structure that does not affect the maximum width of the optical connector. In addition, the two latches, the first and second latches, arranged with multiple optical fibers sandwiched between them, allow the optical connector to be stably secured to the optical adapter.

[0013] [4] In the optical connector of [2] or [3] above, the material of the member constituting the locking portion may be resin. The material of the member constituting the lever portion may be metal. When the material of the member constituting the locking portion is resin, the optical connector can be made lighter. In addition, when the material of the member constituting the lever portion is metal, the strength of the lever portion can be improved.

[0014] [5] In any one of the optical connectors [1] to [4] above, the components constituting the housing may be fitted inside the circumscribing circle of the ferrule when viewed from the first direction. This makes it possible for the width of the optical connector in all directions within a plane perpendicular to the first direction to be equal to or less than the maximum width of the ferrule. This makes it easier for the optical connector to be housed in a cylindrical protective tube.

[0015] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] 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. An x-y-z Cartesian coordinate system is shown in each figure as necessary. The x-direction corresponds to the first direction. The positive x-direction is the forward direction, and the negative x-direction is the backward direction. The y-direction corresponds to the second direction. The z-direction corresponds to the third direction.

[0016] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an optical connector A according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the optical connector A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The optical connector A includes a ferrule 1, a housing 2, a coil spring 3 (elastic body), and an optical fiber group 5. The optical fiber group 5 is made of a plurality of optical fibers 4 extending rearward along the same direction (x direction). The ferrule 1 is a so-called MT ferrule. The ferrule 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance. The shape of the ferrule 1 as viewed from the x direction is substantially rectangular. The ferrule 1 is provided with a plurality of fiber holes 19 into which a plurality of optical fibers 4 are respectively inserted. The plurality of fiber holes 19 are aligned in the y direction and the z direction (or only in the y direction). Each fiber hole 19 holds the front end of a corresponding optical fiber 4. The ferrule 1 is made of a material such as resin.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the ferrule 1. The ferrule 1 has a side surface 13 (first side surface), a main surface 14 (first main surface), a side surface 15 (second side surface), a main surface 16 (second main surface), a front end surface 17, a rear end surface 10, two guide pin holes 11, two guide pins 12, and a guide pin keeper 18. The ferrule 1 has a width direction in the y direction and a thickness direction in the z direction. That is, the dimension of the ferrule 1 in the y direction is larger than the dimension of the ferrule 1 in the z direction. The side surfaces 13 and 15 intersect the y direction and extend along the z and x directions. The side surfaces 13 and 15 connect the front end surface 17 and the rear end surface 10. The side surfaces 13 and 15 face opposite each other, with multiple fiber holes 19 sandwiched between them. The surfaces of the side surfaces 13 and 15 are flat. The main surface 14 and the main surface 16 intersect with the z direction and extend along the x direction and the y direction. The main surface 14 and the main surface 16 face in opposite directions with a plurality of fiber holes 19 interposed therebetween. The main surface 14 has a step 141. The main surface 16 also has a similar step.

[0018] The front end face 17 is a flat surface facing the mating ferrule 1C (see FIG. 4 ) in the x direction and intersects with the x direction. In one example, the front end face 17 abuts against the mating ferrule 1C. The rear end face 10 faces away from the front end face 17 and intersects with the x direction. Two guide pin holes 11 are provided at both ends of the front end face 17 in the y direction and are aligned along the y direction. The two guide pin holes 11 penetrate the interior of the ferrule 1 along the x direction from the front end face 17 to the rear end face 10. The two guide pins 12 are aligned along the y direction. Each of the two guide pins 12 is held by a corresponding one of the two guide pin holes 11 and protrudes forward from the front end face 17. The two guide pins 12 are cylindrical and extend in the x direction. The two guide pins 12 are made of, for example, metal.

[0019] The guide pin keeper 18 is provided at the rear of the ferrule 1 and is in contact with the rear end face 10. The guide pin keeper 18 has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the y direction. The guide pin keeper 18 is made of a material such as metal. The guide pin keeper 18 holds the two guide pins 12.

[0020] 4 is a side view showing an optical connector A, an optical connector C, and an optical adapter D. The optical connector C is a mating optical connector and includes a mating ferrule 1C. The optical adapter D receives the optical connector A from one end in the x direction and the optical connector C from the other end in the x direction. The optical connectors A and C mate with the optical adapter D. Inside the optical adapter D, the ferrule 1 of the optical connector A faces the mating ferrule 1C of the optical connector C. In one example, the ferrule 1 abuts against the mating ferrule 1C. At this time, two guide pins 12 are inserted into two guide pin holes formed in the mating ferrule 1C, respectively, thereby positioning the ferrule 1 and the mating ferrule 1C relative to each other.

[0021] 1 and 2 again, the housing 2 has a locking portion 20, a lever portion 30, and a grip portion 40. The housing 2 is provided around the outer periphery of the optical fiber group 5 and accommodates the portion of each optical fiber 4 extending from the ferrule 1.

[0022] The locking portion 20 is disposed rearward of the front end face 17 of the ferrule 1 and is provided around the ferrule 1 and the optical fiber group 5. The locking portion 20 has a shape that is plane-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary plane that includes the center line of the optical connector A and is parallel to the xy plane. The rear portion of the locking portion 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the front portion of the locking portion 20 includes plate-like portions 27 and 28 that extend forward in the x direction from the rear portion of the locking portion 20. The locking portion 20 is formed from a single member. The material of the member that forms the locking portion 20 is, for example, resin.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the locking portion 20. The plate-shaped portion 27 includes a front portion 27a, a central portion 27b, and a rear portion 27c. The front portion 27a includes a latch 21 (first latch). The central portion 27b includes a pair of protrusions 23. The rear portion 27c is integrally connected to the cylindrical rear portion of the locking portion 20. The plate-shaped portion 28 includes a front portion 28a, a central portion 28b, and a rear portion 28c. The front portion 28a includes a latch 22 (second latch). The central portion 28b includes a pair of protrusions 24. The rear portion 28c is integrally connected to the cylindrical rear portion of the locking portion 20. Description will be made with reference to FIG. 2 in addition to FIG. 5. The front portion 27a is located on the main surface 14 and extends in the x-direction along the main surface 14. The front portion 28a is located on the main surface 16 and extends in the x-direction along the main surface 16. The central portions 27b and 28b are inclined with respect to the x direction and gradually move away from the optical fiber group 5 toward the rear. The rear portion 27c is aligned with the optical fiber group 5 and extends in the x direction. The distance between the rear portion 27c and the optical fiber group 5 is greater than the distance between the front portion 27a and the optical fiber group 5. The rear portion 28c is aligned with the optical fiber group 5 and extends in the x direction. The distance between the rear portion 28c and the optical fiber group 5 is greater than the distance between the front portion 28a and the optical fiber group 5.

[0024] The latch 21 is located on the main surface 14, and the latch 22 is located on the main surface 16. The latches 21 and 22 each have an inclined surface 211, 221 that is inclined relative to the xy plane. The inclined surfaces 211, 221 are spaced farther from the ferrule 1 as they extend rearward. The latches 21 and 22 each have abutment surfaces 212, 222 that are perpendicular to the x direction and located rearward of the inclined surfaces 211, 221. When the optical connector A is inserted into the optical adapter D, the inclined surfaces 211, 221 abut against the optical adapter D, pushing down the latches 21, 22. Thereafter, the latches 21, 22 return to their original positions due to the elasticity of the plate-like portions 27, 28, and the abutment surfaces 212, 222 engage with the optical adapter D. In this manner, the optical connector A is fixed to the optical adapter D.

[0025] The pair of protrusions 23 protrude from the central portion 27b in the positive and negative y directions, respectively. In other words, the pair of protrusions 23 are provided on one side and the other side of the central portion 27b in the y direction. The pair of protrusions 24 protrude from the central portion 28b in the positive and negative y directions, respectively. In other words, the pair of protrusions 24 are provided on one side and the other side of the central portion 28b in the y direction, respectively. The abutment surfaces 231, 241 of the protrusions 23 and 24, which intersect with the z direction and face outward, are inclined with respect to the xy plane and move away from the center line of the optical connector A as they extend rearward. The cross section of the abutment surfaces 231, 241 along the xz plane may be curved so as to protrude inward of the locking portion 20.

[0026] The locking portion 20 includes a surface 25a, a surface 25b, a curved surface 29a, and a curved surface 29b at its rear. The surfaces 25a and 25b are flat surfaces that intersect with the z direction. The curved surfaces 29a and 29b are also flat surfaces that intersect with the y direction. When viewed from the x direction, the curved surfaces 29a and 29b are curved so as to protrude outward from the locking portion 20. The surfaces 25a and 25b have rectangular openings 26 when viewed from the z direction.

[0027] 1 and 2 again, the coil spring 3 is housed in the housing 2 and is provided around the optical fiber group 5. One end of the coil spring 3 contacts the guide pin keeper 18 of the ferrule 1 and urges the ferrule 1 forward. The other end of the coil spring 3 is housed in the locking portion 20. The coil spring 3 is a compression coil spring that can expand and contract in the x direction.

[0028] The gripping portion 40 is provided behind the ferrule 1 and the lever portion 30 and is provided around the optical fiber group 5. In other words, the gripping portion 40 is provided on the opposite side of the lever portion 30 from the ferrule 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the gripping portion 40. The gripping portion 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape that is plane-symmetric with respect to an imaginary plane that includes the center line of the optical connector A and is parallel to the xy plane. The gripping portion 40 has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the x direction. The gripping portion 40 is gripped by a person's fingers. The gripping portion 40 includes a front portion 43, a central portion 44, and a rear portion 45. The central portion 44 is disk-shaped. The central portion 44 is flush with the surfaces 25a, 25b, curved surfaces 29a, and curved surfaces 29b of the locking portion 20 (see FIG. 5 for all of these). The rear portion 45 has a cylindrical shape with a substantially elliptical cross section and extends in the x direction. A cross section of the rear portion 45 perpendicular to the x direction has an elliptical shape with a length in the z direction shorter than its length in the y direction. The front portion 43 has two plate-shaped portions 46 extending from the central portion 44 in the x direction. Each plate-shaped portion 46 includes a connecting portion 41 and a protrusion 42. The connecting portion 41 is provided on the outer side of the front end of the plate-shaped portion 46 and protrudes outward from the plate-shaped portion 46. The connecting portion 41 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The connecting portion 41 fits into the opening 26 of the locking portion 20 (see FIG. 5 ) and is movable in the x direction. In other words, the connecting portion 41 is guided by the opening 26, allowing the grip portion 40 to move rearward relative to the locking portion 20. The protrusion 42 is provided on the inner side of the plate-shaped portion 46 and protrudes toward the inside of the plate-shaped portion 46. The protrusion 42 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0029] The lever portion 30 is provided around the ferrule 1 and the optical fiber group 5. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the lever portion 30. The lever portion 30 has a shape that is plane-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary plane that includes the center line of the optical connector A and is parallel to the xy plane. The rear portion of the lever portion 30 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the front portion of the lever portion 30 includes two plate-shaped portions 38 and two plate-shaped portions 39. The lever portion 30 is composed of a single member 35. The material of the member 35 that constitutes the lever portion 30 is, for example, metal. The lever portion 30 is not fixed to the locking portion 20 and can move rearward relative to the locking portion 20.

[0030] The two plate-shaped portions 38 and the two plate-shaped portions 39 extend in the x-direction from the rear of the lever portion 30. One plate-shaped portion 38 and one plate-shaped portion 39 are arranged side by side in the z-direction. Similarly, the other plate-shaped portion 38 and the other plate-shaped portion 39 are arranged side by side in the z-direction. The two plate-shaped portions 38 are arranged side by side in the y-direction. The two plate-shaped portions 39 are arranged side by side in the y-direction. Each of the two plate-shaped portions 38 includes a front portion 38a and a rear portion 38b. The front portion 38a includes a limiting portion 33 (first limiting portion). The rear portion 38b includes a releasing portion 31 (first releasing portion). Each of the two plate-shaped portions 39 includes a front portion 39a and a rear portion 39b. The front portion 39a includes a limiting portion 34 (second limiting portion). The rear portion 39b includes a releasing portion 32 (second releasing portion). The release portion 31 of one plate-shaped portion 38 and the release portion 31 of the other plate-shaped portion 38 are aligned in the y direction. The release portion 32 of one plate-shaped portion 39 and the release portion 32 of the other plate-shaped portion 39 are aligned in the y direction. The release portion 31 of one plate-shaped portion 38 and the release portion 32 of the other plate-shaped portion 39 are aligned opposite each other in the z direction. The release portion 31 of the other plate-shaped portion 38 and the release portion 32 of the other plate-shaped portion 39 are aligned opposite each other in the z direction. The surfaces of the release portions 31 and 32 intersecting the z direction are inclined with respect to the xy plane, and move away from an imaginary plane that includes the center line of the optical connector A and is parallel to the xy plane as they extend rearward. The cross sections of the release portions 31 and 32 perpendicular to the y direction may be curved so as to protrude inward of the lever portion 30. The lower surface of each release portion 31 contacts the abutment surface 231 of the corresponding protrusion 23 (see FIG. 5 ). The upper surface of each release portion 32 comes into contact with the abutment surface 241 (see FIG. 5) of the corresponding protrusion 24 .

[0031] The limiting portion 33 of one plate-shaped portion 38 and the limiting portion 33 of the other plate-shaped portion 38 are aligned in the y direction. The limiting portion 34 of one plate-shaped portion 39 and the limiting portion 34 of the other plate-shaped portion 39 are aligned in the y direction. The limiting portion 33 of one plate-shaped portion 38 and the limiting portion 34 of one plate-shaped portion 39 are aligned in the z direction. The limiting portion 33 of the other plate-shaped portion 38 and the limiting portion 34 of the other plate-shaped portion 39 are aligned in the z direction. The limiting portions 33, 34 are provided at the front end of each of the plate-shaped portions 38, 39, protrude toward the ferrule 1, and intersect with the x direction. The limiting portion 33 engages with a step 141 (see FIG. 3 ) on the main surface 14 to limit movement of the ferrule 1 based on the biasing force of the coil spring 3. The limiting portion 34 engages with a step on the main surface 16 to limit movement of the ferrule 1 based on the biasing force of the coil spring 3.

[0032] The release portion 31 and the restricting portion 33 are aligned in the x direction, and the release portion 31 is provided behind the restricting portion 33. The release portion 32 and the restricting portion 34 are aligned in the x direction, and the release portion 32 is provided behind the restricting portion 34. As described above, the lever portion 30 is formed of a single member 35. Therefore, the member that forms the release portion 31 and the member that forms the restricting portion 33 are the common member 35. Similarly, the member that forms the release portion 32 and the member that forms the restricting portion 34 are the common member 35.

[0033] The lever portion 30 includes a pair of upper and lower connected portions 36. The connected portions 36 are provided at the rear of the lever portion 30. The connected portions 36 are generally rectangular when viewed from the z direction, and have an opening 37 therein that is also rectangular when viewed from the z direction. A protrusion 42 (see FIG. 6 ) of the grip portion 40 engages with the opening 37, thereby connecting the lever portion 30 and the grip portion 40 to each other.

[0034] The operation of the optical connector A having the above configuration and the effects obtained from the optical connector A will be described. When the optical connector A is inserted into the optical adapter D, the latches 21 and 22 provided on the locking portion 20 lock onto the optical adapter D, thereby fixing the optical connector A to the optical adapter D. When the optical connector A is removed from the optical adapter D, the gripping portion 40 held by the operator's fingers is moved rearward relative to the locking portion 20 by the operator's hand. At this time, the connecting portion 41 of the gripping portion 40 is guided rearward by the opening 26 of the locking portion 20. Because the protrusion 42 of the gripping portion 40 is engaged with the opening 37 of the lever portion 30, the rearward movement of the gripping portion 40 is transmitted to the lever portion 30, which also moves rearward. At this time, the release portion 31 of the lever portion 30 moves rearward while contacting the abutment surface 231 of the protrusion 23, applying a pressing force to the protrusion 23 in the negative direction of the z-axis. As a result, the latch 21 moves in the release direction in conjunction with the rearward movement of the gripping portion 40, and the latch 21 and the optical adapter D are released from their locked state. Similarly, the release portion 32 of the lever portion 30 moves rearward while contacting the abutment surface 241 of the protrusion 24, applying a pressing force in the positive direction of the z-axis to the protrusion 24. As a result, the latch 22 moves in the release direction in conjunction with the rearward movement of the gripping portion 40, and the latch 22 and the optical adapter D are released from their locked state. Through the above operation, the locked state between the optical connector A and the optical adapter D by the latches 21 and 22 is released. According to this embodiment, the optical connector A and the optical adapter D can be easily released from their locked state using a small structure that does not affect the maximum width of the optical connector A. Furthermore, the optical connector A can be stably fixed to the optical adapter D by the two latches, i.e., the latch 21 and the latch 22, which are arranged with the multiple optical fibers 4 sandwiched therebetween.

[0035] The optical connector A further provides the following effect. In the ferrule 1 that holds multiple optical fibers 4, the direction in which the two guide pin holes 11 are aligned is the direction in which the ferrule 1 has its maximum width. Therefore, the distance between the side surface 13 and the side surface 15 determines the maximum width of the ferrule 1. In a typical optical connector, at least a portion of the side surface 13 and the side surface 15 of the ferrule are covered by a housing. Therefore, the portions of the housing provided on the side surface 13 and the side surface 15 determine the maximum width of the optical connector, and this maximum width is greater than the maximum width of the ferrule. In contrast, the entire side surface 13 and the side surface 15 of the ferrule 1 of the optical connector A are exposed from the housing 2. As a result, the side surface 13 and the side surface 15 are not covered by the housing 2, and the distance between the side surface 13 and the side surface 15, i.e., the maximum width of the ferrule 1, can be set to the maximum width of the optical connector A. Therefore, the width of the optical connector A can be reduced, enabling the optical connector A to be made more compact.

[0036] 8 is a front view of the optical connector A as viewed from the x direction. In the optical connector A of this embodiment, the components that make up the housing 2 are contained within the circumscribing circle R of the ferrule 1 as viewed from the x direction. The diameter L1 of the circumscribing circle R is, for example, 5.4 mm to 7.8 mm, inclusive, and is, for example, 6.5 mm. The distance L2 between the surface 25a and the surface 25b, i.e., the maximum width of the optical connector A in the z direction, is, for example, 4.6 mm to 7.8 mm, inclusive, and is, for example, 5.9 mm.

[0037] In this way, when viewed from the x direction, the components that make up the housing 2 may fit inside the circumscribing circle R of the ferrule 1. In this case, the width of the optical connector A in all directions within a plane perpendicular to the x direction is equal to or less than the maximum width of the ferrule 1. This makes it easier for the optical connector A to be housed in a cylindrical protective tube.

[0038] As in this embodiment, the material of the member that constitutes the locking portion 20 may be resin. The material of the member 35 that constitutes the lever portion 30 may be metal. Using resin as the material of the member that constitutes the locking portion 20 makes it possible to reduce the weight of the optical connector A. In addition, using metal as the material of the member 35 that constitutes the lever portion 30 makes it possible to improve the strength of the lever portion 30.

[0039] (First Modification) Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an optical connector B according to a first modification. Fig. 10 is a side view showing the optical connector B according to the first modification. The optical connector B differs from the optical connector A in the following respects, but is the same in other respects. The optical connector B includes a housing 2B instead of the housing 2. The housing 2B has a locking portion 20B instead of the locking portion 20, and a lever portion 30B instead of the lever portion 30. The other configurations of the housing 2B are the same as those of the housing 2.

[0040] The locking portion 20B is located behind the front end face 17 of the ferrule 1 and is provided around the ferrule 1 and the optical fiber group 5. The locking portion 20B has a generally cylindrical shape. The front portion of the locking portion 20B includes a plate-like portion 28 having a latch 22, which extends in the x-direction from the rear portion of the locking portion 20B. The locking portion 20B does not include the plate-like portion 27 having the latch 21 (see FIG. 5). The locking portion 20B is formed from a single member. The material of the member that forms the locking portion 20B is, for example, resin.

[0041] The lever portion 30B is provided around the ferrule 1 and the optical fiber group 5. The lever portion 30B includes one plate portion 38B instead of the two plate portions 38. The lever portion 30B is formed of a single member 35. The member 35 forming the lever portion 30B is made of, for example, metal. The lever portion 30B is movable rearward relative to the locking portion 20B.

[0042] The plate-shaped portion 38B is provided at the front of the lever portion 30B and extends in the x-direction from the rear of the lever portion 30B. The plate-shaped portion 38B is provided on the main surface 14 of the ferrule 1 and faces the two plate-shaped portions 39 with the ferrule 1 in between. The plate-shaped portion 38B includes a front portion 38Ba and a rear portion 38Bb. The front portion 38Ba includes a limiting portion 33B instead of the limiting portion 33. The rear portion 38Bb does not include the release portion 31. The limiting portion 33B protrudes toward the ferrule 1 and intersects with the x-direction. The limiting portion 33B engages with a step 141 (see FIG. 3 ) on the main surface 14 to limit the movement of the ferrule 1 based on the biasing force of the coil spring 3.

[0043] When the optical connector B having the above configuration is inserted into the optical adapter D, the latch 22 provided on the locking portion 20 locks into the optical adapter D, thereby fixing the optical connector B to the optical adapter D. When the optical connector B is removed from the optical adapter D, the gripping portion 40 held by the operator's fingers is moved rearward relative to the locking portion 20B by the operator's hand. At this time, the connecting portion 41 of the gripping portion 40 is guided rearward by the opening 26 of the locking portion 20B. Because the protrusion 42 of the gripping portion 40 is engaged with the opening 37 of the lever portion 30B, the rearward movement of the gripping portion 40 is transmitted to the lever portion 30B, which also moves rearward. At this time, the release portion 32 of the lever portion 30B moves rearward while contacting the abutment surface 241 of the protrusion 24, applying a pressing force to the protrusion 24 in the z direction. As a result, the latch 22 moves in the release direction in conjunction with the rearward movement of the gripping portion 40, and the locked state between the latch 22 and the optical adapter D is released. The above operation releases the locked state between the optical connector B and the optical adapter D by the latch 22. According to this embodiment, the fixation between the optical connector B and the optical adapter D can be released using a small structure that does not affect the maximum width of the optical connector B.

[0044] In this modified example, the width of the optical connector B can also be reduced, and the optical connector B can be made smaller.

[0045] 11 is a front view of the optical connector B as viewed from the x direction. In the optical connector B of this modified example, the components constituting the housing 2B are also contained within the circumscribing circle S of the ferrule 1 as viewed from the x direction. The diameter L3 of the circumscribing circle S is, for example, 5.4 mm to 7.8 mm, inclusive, and is, for example, 6.5 mm. The distance L4 between the surface 25a and the surface 25b is, for example, 2.7 mm to 5.7 mm, inclusive, and is, for example, 5.2 mm.

[0046] While the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments and modifications thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications thereof and can be modified within the scope of the present invention. For example, although the above embodiments and modifications thereof show examples in which the grip portion 40 has a cylindrical shape, the grip portion 40 may have another shape, such as a rectangular tube shape.

[0047] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Ferrule 1C...Mating ferrule 2, 2B...Housing 3...Coil spring 4...Optical fiber 5...Optical fiber group 10...Rear end face 11...Guide pin hole 12...Guide pin 13, 15...Side face 14, 16...Main face 25a, 25b...Face 17...Front end face 18...Guide pin keeper 19...Fiber hole 20, 20B...Engaging portion 21, 22...Latch 23, 24...Protrusion 26, 37...Opening 27, 28, 38, 38B, 39...Plate-shaped portion 27a, 28a, 38a, 38Ba, 39a, 43...Front portion 27b, 28b, 44...Central portion 27c, 28c, 38b, 38Bb, 39b, 45...Rear portion 29a, 29b...Curved surface 30, 30B... Lever part 31, 32... Release part 33, 33B, 34... Limiting part 35... Member 36... Connected part 40... Gripping part 41... Connecting part 42... Protrusion 46... Plate-shaped part 141... Step 211, 221... Inclined surface 212, 222... Contact surface A to C... Optical connector D... Optical adapter L1, L3...Diameter L2, L4...Distance R, S...Circumcircle

Claims

1. An optical connector comprising: a plurality of optical fibers extending rearward along a first direction; a ferrule for holding front ends of the plurality of optical fibers; a housing provided around the plurality of optical fibers and accommodating portions of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the ferrule; and an elastic body accommodated in the housing and biasing the ferrule forward along the first direction, wherein the housing has a limiting portion for limiting movement of the ferrule based on the biasing force of the elastic body, the ferrule having a front end face facing a mating ferrule in the first direction, a rear end face facing away from the front end face, and first and second side faces connecting the front end face and the rear end face, intersecting a second direction which is the width direction of the ferrule and facing opposite each other with the plurality of optical fibers therebetween, and wherein the first side face and the second side face are entirely exposed from the housing.

2. The optical connector as described in claim 1, wherein the housing has a locking portion including a first latch that locks onto the optical adapter to fix the optical connector to the optical adapter, a lever portion that releases the locking of the first latch, and a gripping portion provided behind the ferrule and the lever portion and connected to the lever portion, the lever portion and the gripping portion being movable rearward relative to the locking portion, the ferrule further has first and second main surfaces that face opposite to each other with the multiple optical fibers sandwiched therebetween and intersect with a third direction which is the thickness direction of the ferrule, and connect the front end face and the rear end face, and the first latch is provided on the first main surface, and moves in the release direction due to a pressing force from the lever portion which moves rearward in conjunction with the rearward movement of the gripping portion.

3. An optical connector as described in claim 2, wherein the engaging portion further includes a second latch that engages with the optical adapter to fix the optical connector to the optical adapter, the second latch being provided on the second main surface and moving in the release direction due to a pressing force from the lever portion that moves rearward in conjunction with the rearward movement of the gripping portion.

4. An optical connector as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the material of the member constituting said locking portion is resin, and the material of the member constituting said lever portion is metal.

5. An optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a member constituting the housing is fitted inside the circumscribing circle of the ferrule when viewed from the first direction.

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