Optical component

Abstract

An optical component (1) according to one embodiment stores a folded-back part (R) that is a portion in which an optical fiber (F) is folded back. The optical component (1) comprises a housing (10) having an adapter part (11b) into which an optical connector (2) enters, and a ferrule (13) that holds the optical fiber (F) inside the housing (10). The housing (10) has a restriction part (18) that restricts movement of the ferrule (13) in the direction (D1) in which the optical connector (2) enters the adapter part (11b).

Description

Optical Components

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-121235, filed on July 26, 2024, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an optical loopback connector having an inline connector and a loopback housing assembled to the inline connector. The inline connector houses a pair of ferrules and is matable with a plug connector. The inline connector includes an inline housing that houses the pair of ferrules and a spacer that is assembled to the inline housing and locks the pair of ferrules. The loopback housing has a fiber holding portion that houses an optical fiber. The optical fiber holding portion has a fiber pushing recess that houses the optical fiber. The fiber pushing recess is U-shaped to fit the shape of the optical fiber to be folded back.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-10157

[0004] The optical component according to the present disclosure houses a folding portion where an optical fiber is folded back. The optical component includes a housing having an adapter portion into which an optical connector is inserted, and a ferrule that holds the optical fiber inside the housing. The housing has a restricting portion that restricts movement of the ferrule in the direction in which the optical connector is inserted into the adapter portion.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an optical connector is connected to an optical component according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an optical component according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical component according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a rear housing and an optical fiber of an optical component according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the rear housing of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the rear housing of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a front housing of an optical component according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a latch lock component according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing the latch lock component and an optical connector of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a view showing the latch lock component and an optical connector of FIG. 8.

[0006] In optical components such as the loopback connector described above, it is desirable to reduce the number of parts from the viewpoint of cost, ease of assembly, etc. Optical components have a ferrule that holds an optical fiber and a housing that houses the ferrule. In optical components, it is desirable to improve the positional accuracy of the ferrule inside the housing in order to maintain optical characteristics.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical component that can improve the positional accuracy of a ferrule inside a housing and reduce the number of parts.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of the ferrule inside the housing and reduce the number of parts.

[0009] First, embodiments of an optical component according to the present disclosure will be listed and described. (1) An optical component according to the present embodiments houses a folding portion where an optical fiber is folded. The optical component includes a housing having an adapter portion into which an optical connector is inserted, and a ferrule that holds the optical fiber inside the housing. The housing has a restricting portion that restricts movement of the ferrule in the direction in which the optical connector is inserted into the adapter portion.

[0010] This optical component houses a folding portion where the optical fiber is folded back. The optical component comprises a housing and a ferrule. The housing has an adapter portion into which the optical connector is inserted. By integrating the adapter portion and the housing, the number of parts can be reduced. The optical fiber is held by the ferrule inside the housing. The optical component has a restricting portion, which restricts movement of the ferrule in the direction in which the optical connector is inserted. Therefore, the positional accuracy of the ferrule inside the housing can be improved.

[0011] (2) In the above (1), the optical component may include a flange that holds a ferrule, the ferrule held by the flange, and a split sleeve into which the optical connector ferrule of the optical connector is inserted. The restricting portion may include a first restricting portion that restricts movement of the flange in the above direction and a second restricting portion that restricts movement of the split sleeve in the above direction. In this case, the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion restrict movement of the flange that holds the ferrule and movement of the split sleeve into which the ferrule is inserted. This further improves the positional accuracy of the ferrule. The first restricting portion and the second restricting portion can determine the insertion length of the ferrule into the split sleeve. As a result, the ratio between the insertion length of the connector ferrule into the split sleeve and the insertion length of the ferrule into the split sleeve can be determined.

[0012] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the optical connector may have a latch that engages with the adapter portion. The optical component may include a latch lock component that prevents the latch from coming off the adapter portion. In this case, the latch lock component can prevent the optical connector from being unintentionally disconnected from the adapter portion.

[0013] Specific examples of optical components according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the examples below, 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 designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate. The drawings may be partially simplified or exaggerated to facilitate understanding, and dimensional proportions and the like are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical connection structure having an optical component according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, an optical connection structure 100 as an example includes an optical component 1 according to this embodiment and an optical connector 2 connected to the optical component 1. The optical connection structure 100 is held, for example, on a panel of an optical distribution frame provided in a rack of a data center. The optical connection structure 100 inspects optical communications in the optical distribution frame.

[0015] The optical connector 2 is connected to the optical component 1 along a first direction D1. The optical component 1 extends in the first direction D1, a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, and a third direction D3 intersecting both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The first direction D1 is the direction in which the optical component 1 is disposed as viewed from the optical connector 2. The second direction D2 is the leftward direction as viewed along the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is the downward direction as viewed from a plane extending in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. For example, the length of the optical component 1 in the first direction D1 is longer than the length of the optical component 1 in the second direction D2, and the length of the optical component 1 in the second direction D2 is longer than the length of the optical component 1 in the third direction D3.

[0016] The optical connector 2 is, for example, an LC connector. The optical connector 2 has a connector ferrule (not shown) that protrudes from the optical connector 2 in a first direction D1. The optical connector 2 is attached to, for example, the end of an optical fiber cable 3. For example, the optical connector 2 includes a first housing 4 having a latch 4b that engages with the optical component 1, and a second housing 5. Hereinafter, the direction in which the second housing 5 is provided as viewed from the first housing 4 may be referred to as "upper," "upper side," or "upward," and the direction in which the first housing 4 is provided as viewed from the second housing 5 (third direction D3) may be referred to as "lower," "lower side," or "downward." However, these directions are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the arrangement position or direction of objects.

[0017] For example, the first housing 4 has two latches 4b lined up along the second direction D2. The latches 4b engage with the optical component 1, thereby attaching the optical connector 2 to the optical component 1. The latches 4b will be described in detail later. The second housing 5 is provided above the first housing 4. The second housing 5 has a plate-shaped portion 5b that faces the direction opposite to the third direction D3 and extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The plate-shaped portion 5b is pressed downward, causing the latches 4b to lower, thereby withdrawing the optical connector 2 from the optical component 1.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical component 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the optical component 1 taken along a plane that passes through the center of one ferrule 13 disposed inside the optical component 1 and extends in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the optical component 1 includes a housing 10 having an adapter portion 11b into which an optical connector 2 is inserted. For example, the optical component 1 is a loopback connector that is integrated with the adapter portion 11b and that accommodates a folded-back portion of the optical fiber F. For example, the housing 10 includes a front housing 11 having the adapter portion 11b and a rear housing 12 that is positioned opposite the optical connector 2 from the front housing 11.

[0019] The optical component 1 includes a ferrule 13 that holds an optical fiber F inside the housing 10, a flange 14 that holds the ferrule 13, and a split sleeve 15 into which the ferrule 13 held by the flange 14 and the connector ferrule of the optical connector 2 are inserted. The split sleeve 15, ferrule 13, and flange 14 are aligned in this order along the first direction D1. The ferrule 13, flange 14, and split sleeve 15 are, for example, standard products. This contributes to reducing the cost of the components that make up the optical component 1.

[0020] 4 is a perspective view showing the ferrule 13, the flange 14, the split sleeve 15, and the optical fiber F arranged inside the housing 10 (rear housing 12). As shown in Fig. 4, the optical component 1 has, for example, two ferrules 13, two flanges 14, and two split sleeves 15. The two ferrules 13, the two flanges 14, and the two split sleeves 15 are aligned along the second direction D2.

[0021] The optical component 1 accommodates a folded portion R where the optical fiber F is folded back. The housing 10 has an internal space 10b that accommodates the folded portion R where the optical fiber F, which extends along a first direction D1, is folded back in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. In the internal space 10b, the optical fiber F has a first portion F1 that is held by a ferrule 13 and extends along the first direction D1 while passing through the inside of a flange 14, and the folded portion R that extends in an arc from an end of the first portion F1 in the first direction D1 so as to widen in the second direction D2. The optical fiber F has a second portion F2 that is held by a ferrule 13 different from the ferrule 13 that holds the first portion F1 and passes through the inside of the flange 14 and extends to the folded portion R. The allowable bending radius of the optical fiber F is, for example, 5 mm, but is not particularly limited.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear housing 12. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the rear housing 12. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the rear housing 12 has the aforementioned internal space 10b. The rear housing 12 has a bottom surface 12b and an inner surface 12c that define the internal space 10b. For example, the bottom surface 12b is flat and extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The inner surface 12c includes a pair of flat surfaces 12c1 aligned along the second direction D2 and a curved surface 12c2 extending in an arc shape from the pair of flat surfaces 12c1 along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The folded portion R of the optical fiber F is disposed along the curved surface 12c2. A large bending radius of the optical fiber F can be ensured at the folded portion R, thereby preventing damage to the optical fiber F due to bending.

[0023] 3, 5, and 6, the housing 10 has a restricting portion 16 that restricts movement of the ferrule 13 in the direction in which the optical connector 2 is inserted into the adapter portion 11b (first direction D1). The restricting portion 16 includes a first restricting portion 17 that restricts movement of the flange 14 in the first direction D1, and a second restricting portion 18 that restricts movement of the split sleeve 15 in the first direction D1.

[0024] For example, the housing 10 (rear housing 12) has a recess 12d that includes a first restricting portion 17. The recess 12d is recessed in the third direction D3 in the rear housing 12. The housing 10 has a pair of recesses 12d that are aligned along the second direction D2. When the housing 10 is viewed in the third direction D3 (plan view), the recess 12d includes a first recess 12f that extends in the first direction D1 and a second recess 12h that extends along the second direction D2 from an end of the first recess 12f in the first direction D1. In the pair of recesses 12d, the pair of second recesses 12h extend in directions approaching each other from each first recess 12f.

[0025] The first recess 12f is defined by a first inner surface 12f1 extending in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3, a second inner surface 12f2 facing the first inner surface 12f1 along the second direction D2, and a bottom surface 12f3 extending from a lower end of the first inner surface 12f1 to a lower end of the second inner surface 12f2. In a plan view, the pair of first inner surfaces 12f1 are located closer to both ends of the housing 10 than the pair of second inner surfaces 12f2. The length of the first inner surface 12f1 in the first direction D1 is longer than the length of the second inner surface 12f2 in the first direction D1.

[0026] The second recess 12h is defined by a third inner surface 12h1 extending along the second direction D2 from an end of the first inner surface 12f1 in the first direction D1, a fourth inner surface 12h2 extending along the second direction D2 from an end of the second inner surface 12f2 in the first direction D1, and a bottom surface 12f3. The third inner surface 12h1 and the fourth inner surface 12h2 face each other along the first direction D1. The third inner surface 12h1 is, for example, flat and extends in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the third inner surface 12h1 is the first restricting portion 17.

[0027] The housing 10 has, for example, a recess 12j extending from the recess 12d in the first direction D1 and recessed from the bottom surface 12b in the third direction D3. The depth of the recess 12j is shallower than the depth of the recess 12d. The housing 10 has a pair of recesses 12j aligned along the second direction D2. A flange 14 is provided in the opposite direction (upward) from the recess 12j in the third direction D3.

[0028] The housing 10 has a protrusion 12k located between the pair of recesses 12d. The protrusion 12k protrudes from the recess 12d in the direction opposite to the third direction D3. The protrusion 12k has a top surface 12p located at the center of the rear housing 12 in the second direction D2 in a plan view, and a pair of recesses 12q located on either side of the top surface 12p in a plan view. For example, the top surface 12p is flat and extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The recessed surface 12q is curved when viewed along the first direction D1. For example, the shape of the recessed surface 12q when viewed along the first direction D1 is arc-shaped.

[0029] The housing 10 has, for example, a first surface 12r facing the split sleeve 15 along the third direction D3 and a second surface 12s facing the ferrule 13 along the third direction D3. The recessed surface 12q includes the first surface 12r and the second surface 12s. The second surface 12s is located further in the first direction D1 than the first surface 12r. The height of the first surface 12r from the recessed portion 12d is lower than the height of the second surface 12s from the recessed portion 12d. The amount of protrusion of the second surface 12s from the recessed portion 12d is higher than the amount of protrusion of the first surface 12r from the recessed portion 12d. The housing 10 has a step portion 12t between the first surface 12r and the second surface 12s, extending from the first surface 12r to the second surface 12s in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the step portion 12t is the second restricting portion 18.

[0030] 2, 5, and 6, the rear housing 12 has a pair of side walls 12v extending in the first direction D1 from the front housing 11, and curved wall portions 12w extending from the pair of side walls 12v in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The pair of side walls 12v are aligned along the second direction D2. In a plan view, the curved wall portions 12w are curved in an arc shape from the ends of the pair of side walls 12v in the first direction D1.

[0031] The rear housing 12 has an opening 12x and a protrusion 12y with which the front housing 11 engages. The rear housing 12 has a pair of openings 12x aligned along the second direction D2. The openings 12x penetrate the side wall portion 12v in the second direction D2. The protrusion 12y is located at the end of the rear housing 12 in the first direction D1. The protrusion 12y protrudes in the direction opposite to the third direction D3. The front housing 11 is attached to the rear housing 12 with the openings 12x engaged and the protrusion 12y engaged with the front housing 11.

[0032] 7 is a perspective view showing the front housing 11. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the front housing 11 has an adapter portion 11b and a lid portion 11c extending from the adapter portion 11b in the first direction D1. The lid portion 11c closes a portion of the internal space 10b of the housing 10. The lid portion 11c has a first plate-shaped portion 11d extending in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and having a thickness in the third direction D3, and a pair of second plate-shaped portions 11f located on either side of the first plate-shaped portion 11d in the second direction D2. The second plate-shaped portions 11f extend in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 and have a thickness in the second direction D2.

[0033] The lid portion 11c has a pair of arm portions 11h extending in the first direction D1 from the second plate-shaped portion 11f, and a sealing portion 11j extending from the ends of the pair of arm portions 11h in the first direction D1 and in the second direction D2. The sealing portion 11j is a portion that closes the internal space 10b of the housing 10.

[0034] The arm portions 11h are rod-shaped and extend in the first direction D1. The arm portions 11h connect the second plate-shaped portion 11f and the sealing portion 11j to each other. The sealing portion 11j has edge portions 11k that extend in a U-shape and spread in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 from the ends of the pair of arm portions 11h in the first direction D1, and a plate-shaped portion 11p that is located in a region surrounded by the edge portions 11k. The plate-shaped portion 11p extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and has a thickness in the third direction D3.

[0035] The front housing 11 has a pair of protrusions 11q aligned along the second direction D2 and protruding outward from the front housing 11, and a through-hole 11s penetrating the cover portion 11c in the third direction D3. The protrusions 11q protrude outward from the second plate-shaped portion 11f of the front housing 11. The through-hole 11s penetrates the sealing portion 11j (edge ​​portion 11k) in the third direction D3. The front housing 11 is attached to the rear housing 12 by fitting the protrusions 11q into the openings 12x and the protrusions 12y into the through-holes 11s.

[0036] The adapter section 11b has a space 11t into which the optical connector 2 is inserted. For example, the adapter section 11b has a pair of spaces 11t aligned along the second direction D2 and a wall section 11w separating the pair of spaces 11t. The space 11t is open in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 and the third direction D3.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7, the adapter portion 11b has a sleeve 11v that protrudes into the space 11t in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. The sleeve 11v protrudes from an inner wall portion 11x extending in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 at the end of the adapter portion 11b in the first direction D1. The sleeve 11v is tubular (for example, cylindrical). A connector ferrule of the optical connector 2 is inserted into the sleeve 11v along the first direction D1. A split sleeve 15 is disposed inside the sleeve 11v. The connector ferrule inserted into the sleeve 11v enters the split sleeve 15 and faces the ferrule 13 along the first direction D1. This allows the optical connector 2 to optically couple with the optical fiber F housed in the optical component 1. The sleeve 11v has an internal space 11v1 in which the split sleeve 15 is disposed.

[0038] The first plate-shaped portion 11d has a recess 11d1 recessed in the direction opposite to the third direction D3. The first plate-shaped portion 11d has a pair of recesses 11d1 aligned along the second direction D2. The recesses 11d1 extend from the internal space 11v1 of the sleeve 11v along the first direction D1. The shape of the recesses 11d1 when viewed along the first direction D1 is, for example, semicircular. The split sleeve 15 and the ferrule 13 are inserted into the recesses 11d1.

[0039] For example, the ferrule 13 has a portion 13b that is exposed from the flange 14 and the split sleeve 15. For example, if the length of the split sleeve 15 in the first direction D1 is L1, the length in the first direction D1 of the portion of the ferrule 13 that protrudes from the flange 14 is L2, and the length in the first direction D1 of the exposed portion 13b of the ferrule 13 is L3, then the following relationship is satisfied: L2 - L3 = L1 / 2 (1). In this case, the insertion length of the ferrule 13 into the split sleeve 15 can be half the length of the split sleeve 15. Therefore, the ratio (also referred to as the mating ratio) of the insertion length of the ferrule 13 into the split sleeve 15 to the insertion length of the connector ferrule into the split sleeve 15 can be 1:1.

[0040] As described above, the restricting portion 16 restricts movement of the ferrule 13 in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the first restricting portion 17 restricts movement of the flange 14 in the first direction D1, and the second restricting portion 18 restricts movement of the split sleeve 15 in the first direction D1. Therefore, even when the optical connector 2 is inserted into the adapter portion 11b, the positional relationship between the split sleeve 15, the ferrule 13, and the flange 14 in the first direction D1 can be maintained, so the aforementioned mating ratio can be maintained at 1:1.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 , the optical connector 2 has a latch 4b that engages with the adapter portion 11b, and the adapter portion 11b has a latch engagement portion 11z that engages with the latch 4b. The latch engagement portion 11z is located above the two spaces 11t and the wall portion 11w. For example, the latch engagement portion 11z protrudes upward relative to other portions of the front housing 11. The latch engagement portion 11z is plate-shaped and protrudes into the space 11t in the second direction D2 and has a thickness in the third direction D3. The latch engagement portion 11z has a surface 11y against which the latch 4b of the optical connector 2 abuts. The surface 11y extends in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 at the end of the latch engagement portion 11z in the first direction D1.

[0042] The latch 4b has an abutment surface that abuts against the surface 11y of the latch engagement portion 11z, and this abutment surface extends on both sides of the latch 4b in the second direction D2. When the optical connector 2 is attached to the optical component 1, the abutment surface of the latch 4b faces the surface 11y of the latch engagement portion 11z along the first direction D1. When an attempt is made to remove the optical connector 2 from the optical component 1, the abutment surface abuts against the surface 11y. For example, if the optical connector 2 is pinched with fingers and the second housing 5 is pressed down toward the first housing 4, the latch 4b moves below the latch engagement portion 11z. At this time, if the optical connector 2 is moved in the opposite direction to the first direction D1, the abutment surface of the latch 4b will be positioned below the surface 11y, allowing the optical connector 2 to be removed from the optical component 1.

[0043] For example, if an impact is applied to the optical connection structure 100 while it is being transported, the impact may push down the second housing 5, disengaging the latch 4b and causing the optical connector 2 to unintentionally come off the optical component 1. To prevent this, the optical component 1 has a latch lock component 20 that prevents the latch 4b from coming off the adapter portion 11b.

[0044] 8 is a perspective view showing the latch lock component 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the latch lock component 20 has, for example, an arm portion 21 that fits under the housing 10 (front housing 11) and an exposed portion 22 that is exposed to the outside of the housing 10. The latch lock component 20 has a pair of arm portions 21 that are aligned along the second direction D2. The positions of the pair of arm portions 21 in the second direction D2 are the same as the positions of the pair of latches 4b in the second direction D2.

[0045] 9 and 10 are diagrams showing the positional relationship between the latch lock component 20 and the latch 4b. As shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, the latch lock component 20 is slidable along the first direction D1 relative to the housing 10. The arm portion 21 has a protrusion 23 that is located below the latch 4b when the latch lock component 20 slides in the opposite direction to the first direction D1 relative to the housing 10, and a thin portion 24 that extends from the protrusion 23 toward the exposed portion 22.

[0046] The protrusion 23 is positioned below the latch 4b, preventing the latch 4b from moving downward, thereby preventing the latch 4b from coming off the adapter portion 11b. The protrusion 23 has, for example, a first inclined surface 23b that slopes so that the protrusion 23 becomes thicker from the tip of the arm portion 21 toward the first direction D1, a top surface 23c that extends from the end of the first inclined surface 23b in the first direction D1 in both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and a second inclined surface 23d that extends from the end of the top surface 23c in the first direction D1 to the thin portion 24. The first inclined surface 23b is inclined in both the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. The first inclined surface 23b allows the protrusion 23 to be inserted more smoothly below the latch 4b.

[0047] The thin portion 24 extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and has a thickness in the third direction D3. The thickness of the thin portion 24 (the length in the third direction D3) is thinner than the thickness of the protrusion 23 (the thickness of the protrusion 23 at the top surface 23c). By having the thin portion 24 in the arm portion 21, it is not necessary to thin the portion of the housing 10 (front housing 11) located above the thin portion 24, and the strength of that portion can be maintained.

[0048] The exposed portion 22 has, for example, a connection portion 25 extending from the arm portion 21 (thin portion 24) in the first direction D1, and an operation portion 26 on which a user's finger is placed to slide the latch lock component 20. The connection portion 25 is a portion that connects the operation portion 26 to the pair of arm portions 21. The connection portion 25 is plate-shaped and extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and has a thickness in the third direction D3.

[0049] For example, the thickness of the connecting portion 25 is thicker than the thickness of the thin portion 24 and thinner than the thickness of the operating portion 26. The connecting portion 25 has a first portion 25b extending in the first direction D1 from the pair of arm portions 21 and a second portion 25c extending from the first portion 25b to the operating portion 26. The pair of arm portions 21 extend from the first portion 25b in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. The second portion 25c extends from the operating portion 26 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. For example, the length of the second portion 25c in the second direction D2 is the same as the length of the operating portion 26 in the second direction D2. The length of the first portion 25b in the second direction D2 is, for example, longer than the length of the second portion 25c in the second direction D2.

[0050] The operating portion 26 has, for example, thick portions 26b located at both ends of the operating portion 26 in the first direction D1, and a thin portion 26c located between the pair of thick portions 26b. The thickness of the thin portion 26c is thinner than the thickness of the thick portions 26b. Since the operating portion 26 has the thin portion 26c located between the pair of thick portions 26b, the latch lock component 20 can be easily slid in the first direction D1 by placing a finger on the thin portion 26c.

[0051] The operating unit 26 has a plurality of recesses 26d recessed in the third direction D3 and extending in the second direction D2. The recesses 26d are, for example, semicircular when viewed in the second direction D2. The plurality of recesses 26d are aligned along the first direction D1 in each of the thick portion 26b and the thin portion 26c. The formation of the plurality of recesses 26d in the operating unit 26 increases the frictional force on the finger when the finger touches the operating unit 26. This makes it easier to operate the operating unit 26 with the finger.

[0052] The latch lock component 20 has a claw portion 27 that engages with the front housing 11. For example, the latch lock component 20 has a pair of claw portions 27 aligned along the first direction D1. The claw portions 27 are formed on both ends of the latch lock component 20 in the second direction D2. For example, the claw portion 27 has a plate-shaped portion 27b that extends in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 and has a thickness in the second direction D2, and a protrusion 27c that protrudes outward from the latch lock component 20 from the end of the plate-shaped portion 27b in the third direction D3. The protrusion 27c protrudes from the latch lock component 20 along the second direction D2. The plate-shaped portion 27b allows the claw portion 27 to bend in the second direction D2.

[0053] 2, 7, and 8, the claw 27 engages with the underside of the arm 11h while being bent in the second direction D2. At this time, the protrusion 27c of the claw 27 hooks under the arm 11h, thereby attaching the latch lock component 20 to the housing 10 (front housing 11). The latch lock component 20 has side surfaces 28 extending in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 at both ends of the operating portion 26 in the second direction D2, and protrusions 29 protruding from the side surfaces 28.

[0054] The latch lock component 20 has a pair of side surfaces 28 aligned along the second direction D2 and a pair of protrusions 29 aligned along the second direction D2. For example, the arm portion 11h has an inner surface 11h3 facing the other arm portions 11h along the second direction D2, a first recess 11h1 recessed from the inner surface 11h3, and a second recess 11h2 recessed from the inner surface 11h3 and positioned in the opposite direction from the first recess 11h1 in the first direction D1. The first recess 11h1 and the second recess 11h2 are portions into which the protrusions 29 fit. For example, in a plan view, the first recess 11h1, the second recess 11h2, and the protrusions 29 are each semicircular. In this case, the protrusions 29 can be smoothly inserted into the first recess 11h1 and the second recess 11h2.

[0055] 7, 8, and 9, when the protrusion 29 is inserted into the first recess 11h1, the protrusion 23 is not positioned below the latch 4b, making it possible to remove the optical connector 2 from the optical component 1. In contrast, as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10, when the latch lock component 20 is slid in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 and the protrusion 29 enters the second recess 11h2, the protrusion 23 is positioned below the latch 4b. This prevents the latch 4b from moving downward, preventing the optical connector 2 from being removed from the optical component 1.

[0056] The effects obtained from the optical component 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The optical component 1 houses a folding portion R, which is a portion where the optical fiber F is folded back. The optical component 1 includes a housing 10 and a ferrule 13. The housing 10 has an adapter portion 11b into which the optical connector 2 is inserted. By integrating the adapter portion 11b and the housing 10, the number of parts can be reduced. The optical fiber F is held by the ferrule 13 inside the housing 10. The optical component 1 has a restricting portion 16, which restricts movement of the ferrule 13 in the first direction D1, which is the direction in which the optical connector 2 is inserted. Therefore, the positional accuracy of the ferrule 13 inside the housing 10 can be improved.

[0057] The optical component 1 may include a flange 14 that holds the ferrule 13, the ferrule 13 held by the flange 14, and a split sleeve 15 into which the optical connector ferrule of the optical connector 2 is inserted. The restricting portion 16 may include a first restricting portion 17 that restricts movement of the flange 14 in the first direction D1 and a second restricting portion 18 that restricts movement of the split sleeve 15 in the first direction D1. In this case, the first restricting portion 17 and the second restricting portion 18 restrict movement of the flange 14 that holds the ferrule 13 and movement of the split sleeve 15 into which the ferrule 13 is inserted. This further improves the positional accuracy of the ferrule 13. The first restricting portion 17 and the second restricting portion 18 can determine the insertion length of the ferrule 13 into the split sleeve 15. As a result, the mating ratio, which is the ratio between the insertion length of the connector ferrule into the split sleeve 15 and the insertion length of the ferrule 13 into the split sleeve 15, can be appropriately determined and maintained.

[0058] The optical connector 2 may have a latch 4b that engages with the adapter portion 11b. The optical component 1 may also include a latch lock component 20 that prevents the latch 4b from coming off the adapter portion 11b. In this case, the latch lock component 20 can prevent the optical connector 2 from being unintentionally detached from the adapter portion 11b.

[0059] The above describes embodiments of optical components according to the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible within the scope of the gist of the claims. The shape, size, number, material, and arrangement of each part of the optical component can be appropriately changed within the scope of the above-described gist.

[0060] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the ferrule 13, the flange 14, and the split sleeve 15 are standard components. However, at least one of the ferrule 13, the flange 14, and the split sleeve 15 may have a length different from that of the standard components. For example, the optical component may have a ferrule having a length shorter than that of the standard components instead of the ferrule 13. In this case, it is possible to prevent the portions 13b exposed from the flange 14 and the split sleeve 15 from being generated.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the restricting portion 16 includes the first restricting portion 17 and the second restricting portion 18. However, the restricting portion may not include either the first restricting portion 17 or the second restricting portion 18. For example, if a ferrule having a length shorter than the standard ferrule described above is provided instead of the ferrule 13, the second restricting portion 18 that restricts the movement of the split sleeve 15 may be unnecessary.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the optical connection structure 100 includes the optical component 1 and the optical connector 2, and the optical connector 2 is an LC connector. However, the optical connector connected to the optical component may be an optical connector other than an LC connector. In this way, the type of optical connector connected to the optical component and the optical connection structure can be changed as appropriate.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the optical component 1 is a loopback connector that accommodates a folded portion of the optical fiber F. However, the optical component may be one other than a loopback connector. For example, the latch-lock component 20 may be provided in a connector other than a loopback connector.

[0064] For example, the optical component may comprise a housing having an adapter portion into which an optical connector is inserted, and a ferrule that holds the optical fiber inside the housing, wherein the housing has a regulating portion that regulates movement of the ferrule in the direction in which the optical connector is inserted into the adapter portion, the optical connector has a latch that engages with the adapter portion, and a latch locking component that prevents the latch from coming off the adapter portion.

[0065] That is, the latch lock component may be a latch lock component that is attached to a housing having an adapter portion, and that includes an arm portion that prevents the latch of the optical connector from coming off the adapter portion when the latch is engaged with the adapter portion. In this way, the latch lock component can be applied to various optical components.

[0066] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Optical component 2...Optical connector 3...Optical fiber cable 4...First housing 4b...Latch 5...Second housing 5b...Plate-shaped portion 10...Housing 10b...Internal space 11...Front housing 11b...Adapter portion 11c...Cover portion 11d...First plate-shaped portion 11d1...Recessed portion 11f...Second plate-shaped portion 11h...Arm portion 11h1...First recessed portion 11h2...Second recessed portion 11h3...Inner surface 11j...Sealing portion 11k...Edge portion 11p...Plate-shaped portion 11q...Convex portion 11s...Through hole 11t...Space 11v...Sleeve 11v1...Internal space 11w...Wall portion 11x...Inner wall portion 11y...Surface 11z...Latch engagement portion 12...Rear housing 12b...Bottom surface 12c...Inner surface 12c1...Flat surface 12c2...curved surface 12d...recess 12f...first recess 12f1...first inner surface 12f2...second inner surface 12f3...bottom surface 12h...second recess 12h1...third inner surface 12h2...fourth inner surface 12j...dent 12k...protruding portion 12p...top surface 12q...recess 12r...first surface 12s...second surface 12t...step portion 12v...side wall portion 12w...curved wall portion 12x...opening 12y...protruding portion 13...ferrule 13b...portion 14...flange 15...split sleeve 16...regulating portion 17...first restricting portion 18...second restricting portion 20...latch lock component 21...arm portion 22...exposed portion 23...protruding portion 23b...first inclined surface 23c...top surface 23d... Second inclined surface 24... Thin portion 25... Connection portion 25b... First portion 25c... Second portion 26... Operation portion 26b... Thick portion 26c... Thin portion 26d... Recess 27... Claw portion 27b... Plate-shaped portion 27c... Protrusion 28... Side surface 29... Convex portion 100... Optical connection structure F... Optical fiber F1... First portion F2... Second portion R... Folded portion

Claims

1. An optical component that houses a folding portion where an optical fiber is folded back, comprising: a housing having an adapter portion into which an optical connector is inserted; and a ferrule that holds the optical fiber inside the housing, wherein the housing has a restricting portion that restricts movement of the ferrule in the direction in which the optical connector is inserted into the adapter portion.

2. An optical component as described in claim 1, comprising: a flange that holds the ferrule; and a split sleeve into which the ferrule held by the flange and the connector ferrule of the optical connector are inserted, wherein the restricting portion includes a first restricting portion that restricts movement of the flange in the direction; and a second restricting portion that restricts movement of the split sleeve in the direction.

3. An optical component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical connector has a latch that engages with the adapter portion, and the optical component is provided with a latch lock component that prevents the latch from coming off the adapter portion.

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