First optical connector module, second optical connector module, and optical connector system

Abstract

A first optical connector module 2 according to the present disclosure is connected to a second optical connector module 3, and comprises: a first optical connector 21 connected to the second optical connector module 3; and a housing 22 having a first base part 222a that covers the first optical connector 21, and having a protruding part 222b that protrudes, along the connection direction, from the first base part 222a toward the second optical connector module 3. The housing 22 includes a first elastic part 222j that is disposed at a lateral section of the protruding part 222b along the connection direction and that is elastically deformable in the width direction intersecting the connection direction. The width W from an edge E of a width-direction end section of the first elastic part 222j to a center section C0 of the protruding part 222b is greater on a side opposite the second optical connector module 3 with respect to the width at the side closest to the second optical connector module 3 in the connection direction.

Description

First optical connector module, second optical connector module, and optical connector system CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-146953, filed on August 28, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a first optical connector module, a second optical connector module, and an optical connector system.

[0003] Conventionally, optical connector systems for optically coupling optical transmission lines have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical connection component that is inexpensive and easy to assemble, and that includes an optical waveguide housing that can avoid high costs even when the number of parts is increased and that can easily accommodate optical waveguides. Generally, in optical connector systems, in order to reduce coupling loss between the optical transmission lines, it is necessary to position and connect a first optical connector attached to a first optical transmission line and a second optical connector attached to a second optical transmission line with high precision.

[0004] JP 2024-058449 A

[0005] A first optical connector module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to a second optical connector module. The first optical connector module includes: a first optical connector connected to the second optical connector module; and a housing having a first base covering the first optical connector and a protrusion protruding from the first base toward the second optical connector module along a connection direction in which the first optical connector module and the second optical connector module are connected to each other. The housing has a first elastic portion disposed on a side of the protrusion along the connection direction and elastically deformable in a width direction intersecting the connection direction. The width from an edge of an end of the first elastic portion in the width direction to a center of the protrusion is larger on the side opposite the second optical connector module from the side closest to the second optical connector module in the connection direction.

[0006] A second optical connector module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to a first optical connector module. The second optical connector module includes: a second optical connector connected to the first optical connector module; and a housing having a second base portion covering the second optical connector. The housing has a second elastic portion connected to the second base portion and elastically deformable in a height direction intersecting a connection direction in which the first optical connector module and the second optical connector module are connected to each other.

[0007] An optical connector system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the first optical connector module described above and the second optical connector module described above.

[0008] 9A is an external perspective view showing a connected state of an optical connector system according to an embodiment, as seen from above. FIG. 9B is an external perspective view showing a disconnected state of an optical connector system according to an embodiment, as seen from above. FIG. 9C is an external perspective view showing an enlarged top view of the second optical transmission line alone of FIG. 1. FIG. 9D is an external perspective view showing a top view of the first optical connector module alone of FIG. 1 holding a first optical transmission line. FIG. 9E is an external perspective view showing a top view of a portion of the first optical connector module alone of FIG. 4A. FIG. 9F is an external perspective view showing a further portion of the first optical connector module alone of FIG. 4A holding a first optical transmission line. FIG. 9G is an external perspective view showing a bottom view of the first optical connector module alone of FIG. 1 holding a first optical transmission line. FIG. 9H is an external perspective view showing an exploded top view of the first optical connector module alone of FIG. 4A. FIG. 9H is a rear view of the first optical connector module alone of FIG. 4A. FIG. 9H is a front view of the first optical connector module alone of FIG. 4A. FIG. 9H is an external perspective view showing a top view of the second housing alone. FIG. 9A is an enlarged top view of the portion IX enclosed by the dashed dotted line of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9H is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX of FIG. 4A. 1. An external perspective view showing, as seen from above, the second optical connector module alone of FIG. 1 attached to the second optical transmission line. 1. An external perspective view showing, as seen from above, the second optical connector with the housing omitted in FIG. 11. 1. A cross-sectional view taken along the XIII-XIII arrow line of FIG. 1. 1. A cross-sectional view taken along the XIV-XIV arrow line of FIG. 1. 1. A cross-sectional view taken along the XV-XV arrow line of FIG. 1. 1. An enlarged top view of the area XVI enclosed by the dashed dotted line of FIG. 1.

[0009] In addition to highly accurate positioning in the optical connector system, it is also important to maintain the posture of the first optical connector when the first optical connector is connected to the second optical connector. By maintaining the posture of the first optical connector, it is necessary to reduce the influence of external loads and the like on the optical characteristics of the optical connector system.

[0010] However, while the prior art considered high-precision positioning, it did not sufficiently consider maintaining the posture of the first optical connector in the connected state. In this prior art, clearance is generated in the engagement structure in the connected state. This leaves room for the optical connector to move by the clearance when a load is applied to the optical transmission line held by one of the optical connectors. As a result, this has a significant impact on the optical characteristics of the optical connector system.

[0011] The first optical connector module, the second optical connector module, and the optical connector system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure make it easy to maintain the posture of the first optical connector in the connected state.

[0012] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the directions of front, back, left, right, and up and down refer to the directions of arrows in the drawings. The directions of the arrows are consistent between different drawings in Figures 1 to 16.

[0013] In the present disclosure, the "connection direction" in which the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 are connected to each other includes, for example, the front-to-rear direction. The "width direction intersecting the connection direction" includes, for example, the left-to-right direction. The "height direction intersecting the connection direction" includes, for example, the up-to-down direction. The "first optical connector module 2 side" includes, for example, the front side. The "opposite side to the first optical connector module 2" includes, for example, the rear side. The "second optical connector module 3 side" includes, for example, the rear side. The "opposite side to the second optical connector module 3" includes, for example, the front side. The "base 51 side" includes, for example, the lower side. The "opposite side to the base 51" includes, for example, the upper side.

[0014] "Inside" corresponds to, for example, the direction toward the center of the first optical connector module 2 or the second optical connector module 3. For example, the inside in the front-to-back direction corresponds to the direction toward the center in the front-to-back direction of the first optical connector module 2 or the second optical connector module 3. This is not limited to this, and the inside does not have to be a direction completely toward the center in the front-to-back direction, but may correspond to a direction toward the center at a slight angle. The same applies to other directions. "Outside" is the opposite of inside.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the external appearance of an optical connector system 1 according to an embodiment, showing a connected state from above. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the external appearance of an optical connector system 1 according to an embodiment, showing a non-connected state from above. The configuration and functions of the optical connector system 1 will be outlined with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 .

[0016] The optical connector system 1 includes a first optical connector module 2 and a second optical connector module 3 connected to the first optical connector module 2. In a connected state in which the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 are connected to each other, the optical connector system 1 connects the first optical connector 21 of the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector 31 of the second optical connector module 3 to each other.

[0017] The first optical connector module 2 holds a first optical transmission line 40 having a plurality of first optical waveguide sections 41. The first optical waveguide section 41 is composed of a single optical fiber. The first optical transmission line 40 is composed of a plurality of optical fibers as the plurality of first optical waveguide sections 41 arranged in a row in the left-right direction. The first optical waveguide section 41 has a core, a cladding, and, if necessary, a coating.

[0018] The waveguide mode of the first optical waveguide portion 41 may be either single mode or multimode. The first optical waveguide portion 41 may be configured with any type of optical fiber, such as a general-purpose single mode fiber, a dispersion-shifted single mode fiber, or a step-index multimode optical fiber. The multiple first optical waveguide portions 41 may be bundled so as to be covered with a sheath, or may not be bundled. The horizontal spacing between the cores of the multiple first optical waveguide portions 41 held by the first optical connector module 2 substantially matches the horizontal spacing between the cores 521 of the second optical transmission line 50, which will be described later.

[0019] The second optical connector module 3 is attached to a second optical transmission line 50 having a base 51 and a second optical waveguide portion 52 laminated on the base 51 .

[0020] Fig. 3 is an external perspective view showing an enlarged top view of the second optical transmission line 50 alone in Fig. 1. The configuration of the second optical transmission line 50 will be mainly described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0021] The second optical transmission line 50 has a base 51 formed of a rigid printed wiring board, a second optical waveguide section 52 laminated on the upper surface of the base 51, and a positioning core 53 laminated on the upper surface of a cladding 522 (described later) of the second optical waveguide section 52. The second optical waveguide section 52 is arranged so that its front-rear end face coincides with the front-rear end face of the base 51 in order to be optically coupled to a second optical connector 31 (described later). The front-rear end face of the second optical waveguide section 52 is arranged in a plane along the front-rear end face of the base 51. The waveguide mode of the second optical waveguide section 52 may be either single mode or multimode.

[0022] The second optical waveguide section 52 has a core 521 and a clad 522 that are stacked on the base 51 in a stacking direction perpendicular to the base 51. More specifically, the second optical waveguide section 52 has a clad 522 that is stacked directly on the upper surface of the base 51, and a core 521 that is stacked on the clad 522.

[0023] The cores 521 are arranged in a plurality at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction. Each core 521 extends in the front-rear direction. The cores 521 and the clad 522 are made of an appropriate material such as silica-based glass. The refractive index of the cores 521 is higher than the refractive index of the clad 522. In the following description, the second optical waveguide section 52 is described as an optical waveguide in which the cores 521 are exposed, as an example, but is not limited to this. The second optical waveguide section 52 may be an appropriate type of optical waveguide, such as a slab type, an embedded type, or a semi-embedded type.

[0024] When the waveguide mode of the second optical waveguide portion 52 is a single mode, the core size of the core 521 is, for example, within the range of 5 μm to 15 μm. When the waveguide mode of the second optical waveguide portion 52 is a multimode, the core size of the core 521 is, for example, within the range of 35 μm to 62.5 μm. In the present disclosure, the "core size" includes, for example, the actual size of the core 521, rather than the mode field diameter. The refractive index of the core 521 is, for example, 1.6.

[0025] The positioning core 53 is laminated on the upper surface of the cladding 522 using, for example, the same material as the core 521. A pair of positioning cores 53 are arranged, for example, to sandwich the second optical waveguide section 52 from both left and right sides. The positioning cores 53 are arranged, for example, parallel to the second optical waveguide section 52 along the front-rear direction. The positioning cores 53 are arranged, for example, to extend a predetermined length in the front-rear direction. The positioning cores 53 are arranged, for example, so that the overall width in the left-right direction changes in a tapered manner depending on the position in the front-rear direction.

[0026] The second optical transmission line 50 is manufactured using photolithography or the like. For example, the manufacturing method is performed in the following order: the clad 522, the core 521, and the positioning core 53. The manufacturing method of the second optical transmission line 50 includes a step of stacking the clad 522 that constitutes the second optical waveguide unit 52 on the upper surface of the base 51 in a stacking direction perpendicular to the base 51. Subsequently, the manufacturing method of the second optical transmission line 50 includes a step of stacking the core 521 that constitutes the second optical waveguide unit 52 on the upper surface of the clad 522. Similarly, the manufacturing method of the second optical transmission line 50 includes a step of stacking the positioning core 53 on the upper surface of the clad 522 that constitutes the second optical waveguide unit 52.

[0027] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, when the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 are connected to each other, the first optical transmission path 40 and the second optical transmission path 50 are optically coupled to each other.

[0028] FIG. 4A is an external perspective view of the first optical connector module 2 of FIG. 1 alone, as viewed from above, holding the first optical transmission line 40. FIG. 4B is an external perspective view of a portion of the first optical connector module 2 of FIG. 4A alone, as viewed from above. FIG. 4C is an external perspective view of a further portion of the first optical connector module 2 of FIG. 4A alone, as viewed from above. FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the first optical connector module 2 of FIG. 1 alone, as viewed from below, holding the first optical transmission line 40. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the first optical connector module 2 of FIG. 4A alone, exploded, as viewed from above. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the first optical connector module 2 of FIG. 4A alone. FIG. 8 is a front view of the first optical connector module 2 of FIG. 4A alone. FIG. 9A is an external perspective view of the second housing 222 alone, as viewed from above. FIG. 9B is an enlarged top view of the area IX enclosed by the dashed dotted line in FIG. 9A. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX in FIG. 4A. An example of the configuration of the first optical connector module 2 will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 10. FIG.

[0029] The first optical connector module 2 has a first optical connector 21 attached to the tip of a first optical transmission path 40 on the second optical connector module 3 side, the first optical transmission path 40 having a plurality of first optical waveguide portions 41, and a housing 22 arranged to surround the first optical connector 21. The first optical connector module 2 has a first metal fitting 23 arranged from below the first optical connector 21. The first optical connector module 2 has a second metal fitting 24 arranged from above the first optical connector 21.

[0030] The first optical connector module 2 has a first coil spring 25 positioned so as to be sandwiched between the front end of the first fitting 23 and the front end of the second fitting 24. The first optical connector module 2 has a second coil spring 26 positioned between the first housing 221 and the second housing 222. The first optical connector module 2 has an optical member 27 arranged on an end face S of the first optical connector 21 that is located on the second optical connector module 3 side.

[0031] 4C and 6 , the first optical connector 21 has a rectangular base 211 that constitutes more than half of the exterior of the first optical connector 21. The base 211 has wide portions 211a at its front end that are wider on both left and right sides compared to other portions of the base 211. The base 211 extends rearward from the wide portions 211a and has narrow portions 211b that are narrower on both left and right sides than the wide portions 211a. The first optical connector 21 has a holding portion 212 that protrudes forward in a rectangular shape from the center of the front end face of the base 211.

[0032] The first optical connector 21 has guide portions 213 as through holes that are located on both left and right sides of the first optical connector 21 and penetrate the base portion 211 in the front-rear direction. The first optical connector 21 has connecting members 214 as pins that are inserted into the guide portions 213 and protrude from the guide portions 213 on both the front and rear sides.

[0033] The guide portion 213 positions the connecting members 214 that connect to the second optical connector module 3. The pair of connecting members 214 are positioned to sandwich the optical member 27 from both left and right sides while being spaced apart from the optical member 27. The connecting members 214 are fabricated as cylindrical pins with a circular cross section. At the front end, the connecting member 214 has notches 214a, which are cut out symmetrically around the entire circumference in a predetermined area of ​​the surface from the outer side toward the center in the radial direction. The connecting member 214 has a retaining portion 214b that is arranged contiguous with the notches 214a at the front end of the connecting member 214.

[0034] 6 , the housing 22 is made of, for example, an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The housing 22 has a first housing 221 that covers the first optical connector 21, which holds the first optical transmission line 40, from above and both left and right sides. The housing 22 has a second housing 222 that is disposed outside the first housing 221 and that, together with the first housing 221, covers the first optical connector 21 from above and both left and right sides.

[0035] The first housing 221 has a base 221a that covers from above and both left and right sides the first optical connector 21 that holds the first optical transmission line 40. The base 221a has a ceiling 221a1 that covers the first optical connector 21 from above, and left and right side wall portions 221a2 that protrude toward the second optical connector module 3 beyond the ceiling 221a1.

[0036] The first housing 221 has a protrusion 221b that protrudes from the base 221a toward the second optical connector module 3 along the connection direction. The protrusion 221b protrudes linearly rearward from the center in the left-right direction on the rear surface of the ceiling 221a1 of the base 221a. The protrusion 221b protrudes further toward the second optical connector module 3 than the side wall 221a2 of the base 221a. The rear end of the protrusion 221b is located rearward of the rear end of the side wall 221a2. The entire center of the protrusion 221b is cut out, forming a U-shape.

[0037] The first housing 221 has a locked portion 221c formed by a cutout portion of the protruding portion 221b. The first housing 221 has a locked surface 221d that forms part of the locked portion 221c and includes the front surface of the cutout portion of the protruding portion 221b. The first housing 221 has a tip surface 221e that is rounded at the rear tip of the protruding portion 221b.

[0038] The first housing 221 has a pair of locking portions 221f that protrude outward in the left-right direction from the outer surface of the side wall portion 221a2. The first housing 221 has a first protruding wall 221g that is located at a front lower corner of the outer surface of the side wall portion 221a2. The first protruding wall 221g is located so as to protrude outward in the left-right direction while extending linearly in the front-to-rear direction. The first housing 221 has a recessed portion 221h that is recessed inward with a predetermined front-to-rear and left-to-right width in the front-to-rear center of the side wall portion 221a2 so as to protrude outward in the left-to-right direction.

[0039] The first housing 221 has a second protruding wall 221i that extends in the left-right direction and protrudes upward from the rear of the outer surface of the ceiling portion 221a1. The first housing 221 has accommodation portions 221j that are located in corner regions on both the left and right sides of the front of the outer surface of the ceiling portion 221a1. The accommodation portions 221j have a space 221k that accommodates the second coil spring 26 and walls 221m that surround the space 221k from four directions, i.e., front-rear, left-right, and right-hand.

[0040] The second housing 222 has a base 222a that covers the first optical connector 21, which holds the first optical transmission path 40, from above and both left and right sides together with the base 221a of the first housing 221. The base 222a corresponds to the "first base" described in the claims. The base 222a of the housing 22 covers the first optical connector 21. The base 222a is located outside the base 221a and covers the base 221a and the first optical connector 21 from the outside. The base 222a has a ceiling 222a1 that covers the ceiling 221a1 and the first optical connector 21 from above, and left and right side wall portions 222a2 that extend downward from the ceiling 222a1 while bending.

[0041] The second housing 222 has a protrusion 222b that protrudes from the base 222a toward the second optical connector module 3 along the connection direction. The protrusion 222b protrudes linearly rearward from the center in the left-right direction on the rear surface of the ceiling 222a1 of the base 222a. The entire center of the protrusion 222b is cut out, making it bifurcated.

[0042] 9A , the second housing 222 has a guide surface 222c that slopes diagonally downward toward the rear at the rear tip of the protruding portion 222b. The second housing 222 has a curved surface 222d that smoothly bends in an S-shape at the inner edge of the protruding portion 222b in the width direction intersecting the connection direction. The second housing 222 has a supported portion 222e that extends along the connection direction at the outer edge of the protruding portion 222b in the width direction intersecting the connection direction. The end face of the supported portion 222e facing the base 51 is located on the opposite side from the base 51 than the end face of the protruding portion 222b facing the base 51.

[0043] The second housing 222 has a recess 222f recessed over a predetermined area in the center of the inner surface of the side wall portion 222a2. The second housing 222 has a first protruding wall 222g extending in the left-right direction and protruding downward at the rear of the inner surface of the ceiling portion 222a1. The second housing 222 has a second protruding wall 222h extending in the left-right direction and protruding downward at the center of the inner surface of the ceiling portion 222a1. The second housing 222 has a third protruding wall 222i extending in the left-right direction and protruding downward at the front of the inner surface of the ceiling portion 222a1.

[0044] 9B , the second housing 222 has a first elastic portion 222j that is arranged on a side of the protruding portion 222b along the connection direction and is elastically deformable in a width direction that intersects with the connection direction. For example, the end of the first elastic portion 222j in the width direction is arranged outside the center C0 of the protruding portion 222b in the width direction and is elastically deformable inward in the width direction. The first elastic portion 222j is arranged on a side portion of the protruding portion 222b that is located outside in the left-right direction.

[0045] The width W from the edge E of the widthwise end of the first elastic portion 222j to the center C0 of the protrusion 222b is larger on the side opposite the second optical connector module 3 than on the side closest to the second optical connector module 3 in the connection direction. For example, the width W is smallest at width W1 at the end of the first elastic portion 222j in the widthwise direction, at a portion closest to the second optical connector module 3 in the connection direction. On the other hand, the width W is largest at width W2 at the end of the first elastic portion 222j in the widthwise direction, at a portion closest to the second optical connector module 3.

[0046] The width W increases stepwise along the connection direction toward the opposite side from the second optical connector module 3. For example, the width W increases stepwise from width W1 to width W2 along the connection direction toward the opposite side from the second optical connector module 3. The first elastic portion 222j has an inclined portion 222j1 whose edge E is inclined with respect to the connection direction toward the opposite side from the center C0, and a parallel portion 222j2 whose edge E is parallel to the connection direction.

[0047] The first elastic portion 222j has inclined portions 222j1 and parallel portions 222j2 arranged alternately. The first elastic portion 222j has at least one combination of inclined portions 222j1 and parallel portions 222j2. For example, the first elastic portion 222j has, from the second optical connector module 3 side, the parallel portion 222j2, the inclined portion 222j1, the parallel portion 222j2, the inclined portion 222j1, and the parallel portion 222j2 in that order.

[0048] The edge E extends linearly along the connection direction from the portion of the widthwise end of the first elastic portion 222j that is located closest to the second optical connector module 3 in the connection direction, and then is inclined outward in the left-right direction by the inclined portion 222j1. ​​Next, the edge E extends linearly along the connection direction, and then is inclined outward in the left-right direction by the inclined portion 222j1. ​​Finally, the edge E extends linearly along the connection direction.

[0049] The width W monotonically increases in the inclined portion 222j1 along the connection direction toward the opposite side from the second optical connector module 3. On the other hand, the width W remains constant in the parallel portion 222j2 along the connection direction toward the opposite side from the second optical connector module 3. The width W increases from width W1 to width W2 without ever decreasing as it moves toward the opposite side from the second optical connector module 3 along the connection direction.

[0050] The first elastic portion 222j has a notch 222j3 formed by cutting out a portion adjacent to the center C0 along the connection direction. The notch 222j3 cuts out substantially the entire first elastic portion 222j from the center to the front, leaving only the rear portion of the first elastic portion 222j. The first elastic portion 222j has a support portion 222j4 disposed in the notch 222j3 and connecting the center C0 to an end portion of the first elastic portion 222j in the width direction. The support portion 222j4 is disposed at the boundary between the center and front portions of the first elastic portion 222j so as to separate the center and front portions of the first elastic portion 222j. The support portion 222j4 is disposed in the center of the notch 222j3 along the connection direction.

[0051] The first metal fitting 23 is formed by stamping a thin plate of any metal material into the shape shown in Fig. 6. The method for processing the first metal fitting 23 includes a step of punching and then bending the plate in the thickness direction. However, the method is not limited to this, and the method for processing the first metal fitting 23 may include only a step based on punching.

[0052] The first fitting 23 has a bottom plate portion 231 that forms its lower end portion. The first fitting 23 has side wall portions 232 that protrude upward from both left and right edges of the bottom plate portion 231. The side wall portions 232 extend rearward beyond the rear edge of the bottom plate portion 231. The first fitting 23 has a pair of locking portions 233 that are arranged on a portion of the side wall portion 232 that extends rearward beyond the rear edge of the bottom plate portion 231 and a portion that overlaps with the bottom plate portion 231. The locking portions 233 protrude upward from the side wall portions 232 of the first fitting 23 and are arranged by cutting out a rectangular portion of the plate thickness of the first fitting 23.

[0053] The first fitting 23 has a notch 234 that is disposed between the pair of locking portions 233 in the side wall portion 232 and that narrows the side wall portion 232 to its narrowest point in the vertical direction. The notch 234 cuts out a portion of the plate thickness of the side wall portion 232 from top to bottom to a depth that is approximately half the depth of the side wall portion 232. The first fitting 23 has an extension portion 235 that extends inward in the left-right direction from the front edge of the side wall portion 232 while bending in an L-shape.

[0054] The second metal fitting 24 is formed by stamping a thin plate of any metal material into the shape shown in Fig. 6. The method for processing the second metal fitting 24 includes a step of punching and then bending the plate in the thickness direction. However, the method is not limited to this, and the method for processing the second metal fitting 24 may include only a step based on punching.

[0055] The second fitting 24 has a ceiling portion 241 that forms its upper surface. The second fitting 24 has locking portions 242 that extend while bending downward from both left and right edges of the rear half of the ceiling portion 241. The second fitting 24 has extending portions 243 that extend in a U-shape while bending downward from both left and right ends of the front edge of the ceiling portion 241. The second fitting 24 has a receiving portion 243a that protrudes in a plate-like shape in the up-down direction in front of the extending portion 243. The second fitting 24 has a connecting portion 243b that extends in a plate-like shape in the up-down direction in the rear of the extending portion 243. The second fitting 24 has a notch 243c that is a circular notch cut out from part of the plate thickness of the connecting portion 243b.

[0056] The first coil spring 25 is a spring that expands and contracts in accordance with changes in the relative position between the first fitting 23 and the second fitting 24 that accompany, for example, the attachment and detachment of the first optical connector module 2 to the second optical connector module 3 .

[0057] The second coil spring 26 is a spring that expands and contracts in accordance with a change in the relative position between the first housing 221 and the second housing 222, which occurs when the first optical connector module 2 is attached to or detached from the second optical connector module 3. The second coil spring 26 is attached to the first housing 221 by being housed in the space 221k of the housing portion 221j.

[0058] The optical member 27 is made of, for example, a light-transmitting resin material, similar to the first optical connector 21. The optical member 27 is made of a material having a refractive index that is close to the refractive index of the core of the first optical waveguide portion 41. The optical member 27 is made in a rectangular shape.

[0059] 7 , the optical member 27 has a first lens portion 271 that optically acts on the signal light propagating between the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3. The first lens portion 271 is arranged across substantially the entire optical member 27 in the left-right direction. The first lens portion 271 is arranged continuously from the front surface to the rear surface near the center of the optical member 27 in the up-down direction. The first lens portion 271 has a plurality of first lenses 271a arranged in a row in the left-right direction on the rear surface of the optical member 27. The spacing between the plurality of first lenses 271a in the left-right direction substantially matches the spacing between the cores of the plurality of first optical waveguide portions 41 held by the first optical connector module 2 in the left-right direction.

[0060] 5 and 10 , the optical member 27 has an opening 272 that is arranged on a surface of the first optical connector 21 that faces the end face S located on the second optical connector module 3 side. The opening 272 is arranged, for example, adjacent to the first lens portion 271 at a position that faces the end face S. The opening 272 is arranged on the front surface of the optical member 27, adjacent to the lower front end of the first lens portion 271. The opening 272 is arranged in the center in the left-right direction on the front surface of the optical member 27. The opening 272 is arranged by cutting out the front surface of the optical member 27 toward the rear.

[0061] 5 , the optical member 27 has a notch 273 disposed in at least one location on the side wall of the optical member 27. The notch 273 is disposed, for example, in a pair of lower corners at both ends in the left-right direction on the front surface of the optical member 27. The notch 273 is formed by cutting out each of the pair of corners of the optical member 27 in a tetrahedral shape, and is configured as a triangular surface that slopes obliquely inward in the front-rear and left-right directions of the optical member 27. The notch 273 is formed by cutting out the optical member 27 inward at each of the pair of corners to increase the space between the end face S of the first optical connector 21 and the pair of corners of the optical member 27.

[0062] The first optical connector module 2 may have a refractive index matching agent filled at least in the optical path of the signal light between the first lens portion 271 of the optical member 27 and the end face S of the first optical connector 21. The refractive index matching agent adjusts the refractive index of the space between the first lens portion 271 of the optical member 27 and the end face S of the first optical connector 21. For example, the refractive index matching agent matches the refractive index of the space to both the refractive index of the first lens portion 271 of the optical member 27 and the refractive index of the first optical waveguide portion 41. The refractive index matching agent is made of a material having a refractive index that is approximately the same as the refractive index of the first lens portion 271 of the optical member 27 and the refractive index of the first optical waveguide portion 41.

[0063] The refractive index matching agent may also function as an adhesive. As described above, a space is provided between the first lens portion 271 of the optical member 27 and the end face S of the first optical connector 21. The refractive index matching agent is filled from below through the opening 272 of the optical member 27 so as to fill the space. At this time, the refractive index matching agent bonds the front surface of the optical member 27 and the end face S of the first optical connector 21 to each other. The optical member 27 is bonded to the end face S of the first optical connector 21 by the refractive index matching agent. The first optical connector 21 and the optical member 27 are fixed to each other by the refractive index matching agent.

[0064] 7 , the optical member 27 is arranged so that the end of the guide portion 213 located on the end surface S of the first optical connector 21 is exposed. For example, the optical member 27 is arranged in a position where the end of the guide portion 213 located on the end surface S of the first optical connector 21 can be seen when the first optical connector module 2 is viewed from the side of the second optical connector module 3. For example, the optical member 27 is narrower than the end surface S of the first optical connector 21 in the width direction intersecting the connection direction in which the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 are connected to each other.

[0065] The first optical connector 21 has a pair of guide parts 213 with a pair of ends located at both ends in the width direction on the end surface S. The optical member 27 is disposed between the pair of guide parts 213 in the width direction. The optical member 27 is disposed so that both sides in the width direction are sandwiched between a pair of connecting members 214 that are inserted into the guide parts 213 from the pair of ends.

[0066] The following mainly describes the function of the first optical connector module 2 in a non-connected state where the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 are not connected to each other.

[0067] 4C and 6 , the second fitting 24 is placed from above on the first optical connector 21 that holds the first optical transmission line 40. The second fitting 24 is attached to the first optical connector 21 by the locking portion 242 locking onto the wide portion 211a of the first optical connector 21 and sandwiching the wide portion 211a in the front-to-rear direction together with the connecting portion 243b of the extending portion 243. The ceiling portion 241 of the second fitting 24 covers part of the top surface of the first optical connector 21 from above.

[0068] The connecting portion 243b of the extending portion 243 of the second metal fitting 24 holds the connecting member 214 in the notch 214a of the connecting member 214. For example, the notch 243c of the extending portion 243 of the second metal fitting 24 is located around the portion of the connecting member 214 of the first optical connector 21 that is exposed forward from the guide portion 213. The notch 214a of the connecting member 214 is included in the exposed portion of the connecting member 214 that is located on the side of the first optical connector 21 opposite the second optical connector module 3. The notch 243c is located in the notch 214a of the connecting member 214 and is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the narrow portion of the connecting member 214 where the notch 214a is located. The diameter of the notch 243c is slightly larger than the diameter of the narrow portion of the connecting member 214 and smaller than the diameter of the retaining portion 214b. As a result, the notch 243c allows the portion of the connecting portion 243b located around the notch 243c to come into contact with the retaining portion 214b, thereby reducing the likelihood of the connecting member 214 coming off rearward.

[0069] 10 , the receiving portion 243a of the extending portion 243 of the second fitting 24 positions the first coil spring 25 between it and the extending portion 235 of the first fitting 23. The first coil spring 25, which is positioned between the receiving portion 243a and the extending portion 235, is elastically deformed in the contracting direction. The receiving portion 243a receives the rear end of the first coil spring 25, which is attached between the extending portion 235 and the receiving portion 243a, in a contracted state from a free state in which it is not elastically deformed. As a result, the receiving portion 243a receives a rearward biasing force from the elastically deformed first coil spring 25.

[0070] The rear surface of the connecting portion 243b of the extending portion 243 of the second fitting 24 contacts the front surface of the wide portion 211a of the first optical connector 21. Meanwhile, the receiving portion 243a of the second fitting 24 is disposed relative to both the first fitting 23 and the first housing 221, with its outer tip in the left-right direction positioned along the notch 234 of the first fitting 23 and its upper portion housed in the recess 221h of the first housing 221. This is also shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C . The rear surface of the receiving portion 243a abuts against a portion of the first fitting 23 that is located at the rear edge of the notch 234. Similarly, the rear surface of the receiving portion 243a abuts against the inner surface of the recess 221h facing forward. The first housing 221 and the first fitting 23 are attached in a fixed state to each other. Therefore, the rear surface of the connecting portion 243b contacts the front surface of the wide portion 211a, while the rear surface of the receiving portion 243a abuts against the first metal fitting 23 and the first housing 221, thereby maintaining the front-to-back position of the first optical connector 21 relative to the first housing 221 and the first metal fitting 23.

[0071] 4C and 6 , the first metal fitting 23 is placed from below relative to the first optical connector 21 that holds the first optical transmission line 40. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10 , the bottom plate portion 231 of the first metal fitting 23 does not overlap in the vertical direction with the base portion 211 of the first optical connector 21 to which the second metal fitting 24 is attached. The bottom plate portion 231 only slightly overlaps with the front end of the holding portion 212 of the first optical connector 21, but does not overlap in the vertical direction with substantially the entire first optical connector 21. The extension portion 235 of the first metal fitting 23 receives the front end of the first coil spring 25 that is attached between the extension portion 235 and the receiving portion 243 a of the second metal fitting 24 in a contracted state from a free state in which it is not elastically deformed. As a result, the extension portion 235 receives a forward biasing force from the elastically deformed first coil spring 25.

[0072] 4B and 6 , the first housing 221 is arranged from above relative to the first optical connector 21, the first metal fitting 23, the second metal fitting 24, and the first coil spring 25. The first housing 221 covers the first optical connector 21. At this time, the first metal fitting 23 is fixed to the first housing 221 by the locking portion 233 locking with the locking portion 221f of the first housing 221. This maintains the vertical position of the first housing 221 relative to the first optical connector 21, the first metal fitting 23, and the second metal fitting 24.

[0073] Consider the case where the first housing 221 is attached to the first metal fitting 23. In this case, as shown in Fig. 5, the rear end of the protrusion 221b of the first housing 221 is located closer to the second optical connector module 3 than the rear end of the first optical connector 21, i.e., the rear end of the connecting member 214 exposed rearward from the guide portion 213. As shown in Fig. 10, the thickness of the protrusion 221b in the vertical direction is smaller than the thickness of the protrusion 222b in the vertical direction. The protrusion 221b has spring elasticity and is elastically deformable in the vertical direction.

[0074] 4A and 4B , the second housing 222 is placed from above the first optical connector 21, first housing 221, first metal fitting 23, second metal fitting 24, first coil spring 25, and second coil spring 26, which are attached to one another. The second housing 222 covers the first housing 221 and the second coil spring 26. At this time, the portion of the first housing 221 where the recess 221h is located that protrudes outward in the left-right direction fits into the recess 222f of the second housing 222 shown in FIG. 9A . In this way, the second housing 222 is attached to the first housing 221. The second housing 222 is attached so as to be movable forward relatively to the first housing 221.

[0075] 5 , when the second housing 222 is attached to the first housing 221, the tip of the protrusion 222b of the second housing 222 is located closer to the second optical connector module 3 than the tip of the protrusion 221b of the first housing 221 in the connection direction. The front end of the side wall 222a2 of the second housing 222 is located directly above the first protruding wall 221g of the first housing 221. The rear tip of the protrusion 222b of the second housing 222 is located closer to the second optical connector module 3 than the rear tip of the first optical connector 21, i.e., the rear tip of the connecting member 214 exposed rearward from the guide portion 213. In the connection direction, the tip of the housing 22 is located closer to the second optical connector module 3 than the tip of the first optical connector 21.

[0076] 10 , when the second housing 222 is attached to the first housing 221, the curved surface 222d of the second housing 222 is located behind the tip surface 221e of the first housing 221, and the two surfaces overlap in the vertical direction. The first protruding wall 222g of the second housing 222 is located behind the second protruding wall 221i of the first housing 221, and the two surfaces overlap in the vertical direction. The second protruding wall 222h of the second housing 222 is adjacent to the rear of the second coil spring 26 arranged in the accommodation portion 221j of the first housing 221, and the two surfaces overlap in the vertical direction. The third protruding wall 222i of the second housing 222 is adjacent to the front of the second coil spring 26 arranged in the accommodation portion 221j of the first housing 221, and the two surfaces overlap in the vertical direction.

[0077] 7 and 8, when the first optical connector module 2 is assembled as described above, the first optical connector 21 is supported only by the first metal fitting 23 and the second metal fitting 24 without contacting the housing 22. The top surface of the first optical connector 21 and the inner surface of the first housing 221 that faces the top surface are spaced apart. Both left-right side surfaces of the first optical connector 21 and the inner surfaces of the first housing 221 that face the both side surfaces are spaced apart.

[0078] 5, substantially the entire lower surface of the first optical connector 21 is exposed downward without overlapping in the up-down direction with the bottom plate portion 231 of the first fitting 23. The bottom plate portion 231 of the first fitting 23 is spaced apart from the first optical connector 21 in a height direction intersecting the connection direction in which the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 are connected to each other, and exposes the first optical connector 21 in the height direction.

[0079] Fig. 11 is an external perspective view showing the second optical connector module 3 alone of Fig. 1 attached to the second optical transmission line 50, as viewed from above. Fig. 12 is an external perspective view showing the second optical connector 31, as viewed from above, with the housing 32 omitted from Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XIII-XIII in Fig. 1. For the purpose of simplifying the illustration, Fig. 13 shows only the components of the second optical connector module 3, and the components of the first optical connector module 2 are omitted. An example of the configuration of the second optical connector module 3 will be mainly described with reference to Figs. 11 to 13.

[0080] The second optical connector module 3 is attached to a second optical transmission path 50 having a base 51 and a second optical waveguide portion 52 laminated on the base 51, and has a second optical connector 31 connected to the first optical connector 21. The second optical connector module 3 is spaced apart from the second optical connector 31 and has a housing 32 attached to the base 51.

[0081] The second optical connector 31 is made of, for example, a translucent resin material and has an L-shape in a side view in the left-right direction. The second optical connector 31 is made of a material having a refractive index similar to that of the core 521 of the second optical waveguide portion 52.

[0082] The second optical connector 31 has a first base 311 extending in the front-to-rear direction. The second optical connector 31 has a second base 312 protruding forward from the first base 311. The second base 312 protrudes forward from the first base 311 and is disposed so as to be continuous with the first base 311. The second base 312 is disposed so as to protrude downward from the first base 311. When the second optical connector 31 is attached to the second optical transmission line 50, the second base 312 faces the base 51 of the second optical transmission line 50 in the connection direction.

[0083] 12, the second optical connector 31 has an inclined surface 311a located in the left-right center at the rear of the top surface of the first base 311. The inclined surface 311a of the second optical connector 31 is located at the end opposite the first optical connector module 2, and is inclined toward the base 51 from the inside to the outside in the connection direction. The inclined surface 311a is a surface that is inclined from the front to the rear, and is inclined from the inside to the outside in the front-to-back direction of the first base 311. As shown in FIG. 13, the second optical connector 31 has a positioned portion 311b that is a semicircular notch cut out from the bottom surface of the first base 311.

[0084] The second optical connector 31 has an opening 312a located in the center in the left-right direction at the bottom of the second base 312. The second optical connector 31 has a semicircular groove 312b recessed into the inner surface of the second base 312 facing the base 51. As shown in Fig. 12, the second optical connector 31 has a notch 313 cut out from the outer surface, i.e., the front surface, of the second base 312 down to the first side surface A1. The notch 313 is arranged in a concave shape.

[0085] The second optical connector 31 has a second lens portion 314 disposed on the first side surface A1 that constitutes part of the cutout portion 313. The second lens portion 314 has a plurality of second lenses 314a arranged in a row in the left-right direction. The spacing between the plurality of second lenses 314a in the left-right direction substantially matches the spacing between the cores 521 of the second optical waveguide portion 52 of the second optical transmission line 50 to which the second optical connector module 3 is attached in the left-right direction. The second lens portion 314 is made of a light-transmitting resin material.

[0086] The second optical connector 31 is located on both left-right sides of the second base 312 and has through-holes 315 that penetrate the second base 312 in the front-rear direction. The pair of through-holes 315 are located so as to sandwich from both left-right sides the multiple second lenses 314a that are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. The through-holes 315 are arranged in a cylindrical shape so that their cross sections are circular.

[0087] The housing 32 is fabricated as, for example, a metal fitting. The housing 32 is formed by using a progressive die (stamping) to form a thin plate of any metal material into the shape shown in Figures 11 and 13. The processing method for the housing 32 includes a step of punching and then bending the plate in the thickness direction. However, the processing method for the housing 32 is not limited to this, and may include only a step based on punching.

[0088] The housing 32 has a base 321 that covers the second optical connector 31. The base 321 corresponds to the "second base" described in the claims. The base 321 covers the second optical connector 31 attached to the second optical transmission line 50 from above and both left and right. The base 321 has a ceiling 321a that covers the second optical connector 31 from above, and left and right sidewalls 321b that extend downward from the ceiling 321a. The sidewalls 321b are arranged in a rectangular shape when viewed from the side in the left and right direction.

[0089] The side wall 321b has a first side wall 321b1 that covers the first base 311 of the second optical connector 31 from the outside in the left-right direction on the base 51. The side wall 321b has a second side wall 321b2 that protrudes forward from the first side wall 321b1 and is arranged to be continuous with the first side wall 321b1. The second side wall 321b2 protrudes slightly downward from the first side wall 321b1. The second side wall 321b2 covers the second base 312 of the second optical connector 31 from the outside in the left-right direction forward of the end face of the base 51.

[0090] The tip of the ceiling portion 321a in the connection direction is located closer to the first optical connector module 2 than the tip of the second optical connector 31 in the connection direction. Similarly, the tip of the side wall portion 321b in the connection direction is located closer to the first optical connector module 2 than the tip of the second optical connector 31 in the connection direction.

[0091] The housing 32 has a guide portion 322 located on the opposite side of the base 51 from the second optical connector 31. The guide portion 322 extends while bending toward the base 51 from a ceiling portion 321a of the base 321 that faces the second optical connector 31 on the opposite side of the base 51. The guide portion 322 extends downward from the ceiling portion 321a while bending in a crank shape. The guide portion 322 has a first portion 322a that extends downward while bending from the ceiling portion 321a, and a second portion 322b that extends inward in the left-right direction while bending from the first portion 322a. A plurality of guide portions 322 are arranged spaced apart from each other along the connection direction. A plurality of guide portions 322 are arranged spaced apart from each other along the width direction that intersects the connection direction. The housing 32 has four guide portions 322 that are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0092] The housing 32 is disposed on the ceiling portion 321a of the base portion 321, and has a reinforcing portion 323 located between one guide portion 322 and an adjacent guide portion 322 that are spaced apart along the connection direction. The reinforcing portion 323 extends across the entire ceiling portion 321a in the left-right direction. The housing 32 has a guide portion 324 that protrudes from the reinforcing portion 323 toward the first optical connector module 2, and whose tip on the first optical connector module 2 side extends obliquely toward the side opposite the base 51. The tip of the guide portion 324 extends obliquely upward and forward.

[0093] The housing 32 has a U-shaped locking portion 325 extending downward in the center of the ceiling portion 321a. The housing 32 has second elastic portions 326 extending rearward from each of the two rearward-located guide portions 322 out of the four guide portions 322. The second elastic portions 326 extend obliquely upward toward the rear.

[0094] The second elastic portion 326 of the housing 32 is connected to the base 321 via the guide portion 322, and is elastically deformable in a height direction that intersects with the connection direction in which the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 are connected to each other. The second elastic portion 326 is arranged more inward than the base 321 in the height direction, and is elastically deformable inward in the height direction. The second elastic portion 326 is arranged closer to the base 51 than the ceiling portion 321a of the base 321, and is elastically deformable toward the base 51.

[0095] The housing 32 has a mounting portion 327 that extends linearly downward from the lower end of the first side wall portion 321b1. A plurality of mounting portions 327 are arranged spaced apart from one another along the connection direction. A plurality of mounting portions 327 are arranged spaced apart from one another along the width direction that intersects with the connection direction. The housing 32 has four mounting portions 327 that are spaced apart from one another in the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0096] In the housing 32 having the above structure, the mounting portion 327 is soldered to the pads C arranged on the mounting surface of the base 51. As described above, the mounting portion 327 is mounted on the base 51, and thereby the housing 32 is mounted on the base 51. Components other than the second optical connector 31 and the housing 32, such as a semiconductor chip and a heat sink, are mounted on the mounting surface of the base 51.

[0097] The housing 32 is placed on the solder paste on the pad C with its position shifted forward, for example, by about half the front-to-back width of the mounting portion 327. At this time, the front-to-back position of the mounting portion 327 relative to the pad C is shifted forward from the center by about half the front-to-back width of the mounting portion 327. The front-to-back position of the second side wall portion 321b2 relative to the front end face of the base 51 is shifted forward by about half the front-to-back width of the mounting portion 327 from its position when the housing 32 is mounted on the base 51. When the solder is melted by reflow in this state, the mounting portion 327 placed on the solder paste is naturally moved to a position where the surface tension of the solder balances the forces, and the housing 32 accurately moves to a predetermined relative position with respect to the base 51. At this time, the mounting portion 327 moves to the center of the pad C in the front-to-back direction.

[0098] As described above, the housing 32 can reproduce the same desired arrangement on the base 51 as long as the conditions, such as the amount and arrangement of solder applied to the pads C on the base 51, are the same. The housing 32 can be positioned and fixed with high precision so that the second side wall portion 321b2 is close to the front end surface of the base 51.

[0099] The pad C includes, for example, a gold pad. As shown in Fig. 12, the pad C is exposed from an opening that is made by cutting out a part of the cladding 522 when the second optical transmission line 50 is manufactured using photolithography or the like. The opening is positioned with precision based on the manufacturing method, such as photolithography, used when manufacturing the second optical transmission line 50. Therefore, the pad C exposed from the opening is also positioned with similar precision. As a result, the housing 32 mounted on the pad C is also positioned with high precision.

[0100] When the second optical connector module 3 is assembled as described above, the second optical connector 31 is disposed on the second optical transmission path 50 without contacting the housing 32. More specifically, the top surface of the second optical connector 31 is spaced apart from the ceiling portion 321a, guide portion 322, lock portion 325, and second elastic portion 326 of the housing 32. Both left and right side surfaces of the second optical connector 31 are spaced apart from the side wall portions 321b of the housing 32.

[0101] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XIV-XIV arrow line in Fig. 1. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XV-XV arrow line in Fig. 1. Fig. 16 is an enlarged top view of the area XVI enclosed by the dashed dotted line in Fig. 1. The configuration and function of the optical connector system 1 in a connected state will be mainly described with reference to Figs. 14 to 16.

[0102] 2, when the first optical connector module 2 is connected to the second optical connector module 3, the protrusion 222b of the housing 22 located closest to the second optical connector module 3 in the first optical connector module 2 is inserted into the housing 32. This roughly determines the relative position of the first optical connector 21 with respect to the second optical connector 31.

[0103] At this time, the guide portion 324 of the housing 32 guides the protrusion 222b, which is inserted horizontally or from diagonally above, into the interior of the housing 32. For example, the tip of the guide portion 324 extending diagonally upward comes into contact with the guide surface 222c located at the rear tip of the protrusion 222b, thereby guiding the protrusion 222b into the interior of the housing 32. The guide portion 324 and the ceiling portion 321a of the housing 32 reduce the likelihood of the protrusion 222b slipping out upward from the housing 32 during insertion.

[0104] On the other hand, the second elastic portion 326 of the housing 32 supports the supported portion 222e of the protruding portion 222b of the housing 22 toward the side opposite the base 51. More specifically, the guide portion 322 of the housing 32 receives the supported portion 222e of the protruding portion 222b, which is inserted horizontally or from diagonally above, with the second portion 322b and guides it to the rearward second elastic portion 326. The second elastic portion 326 supports the supported portion 222e, which has been guided along the guide portion 322, toward the side opposite the base 51. The guide portion 322 reduces contact of the protruding portion 222b with the second optical connector 31 and the base 51, which are located below the guide portion 322, with the second portion 322b. In addition, the guide portion 322 guides further rearward movement of the protruding portion 222b with both the first portion 322a and the second portion 322b.

[0105] 14 , the upward movement of the protrusion 222b of the first optical connector module 2 is restricted by the guide portion 324 and the ceiling portion 321a, and the downward movement of the protrusion 222b is restricted by the guide portion 322 and the second elastic portion 326. This controls the attitude of the first optical connector module 2 so that it is approximately horizontal with respect to the second optical connector module 3. For example, in a connected state in which the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 are connected to each other, the second elastic portion 326 contacts the protrusion 222b while elastically deforming in the height direction. At this time, the second elastic portion 326 elastically deforms inward in the height direction. The protrusion 222b of the first optical connector module 2 contacts the ceiling portion 321a on the upper side and contacts the second elastic portion 326, which is elastically deformed downward, on the lower side. In the connected state, the protruding portion 222b is sandwiched from both sides in the height direction by the ceiling portion 321a and the second elastic portion 326.

[0106] 16 , the outward movement of the protrusion 222 b in the left-right direction is restricted by a pair of guide portions 322 located on both the left and right sides of the first portion 322 a of the first optical connector module 2. This restricts the first optical connector module 2 from moving outward in the left-right direction by the pair of guide portions 322 located on both the left and right sides of the first portion 322 a. As a result, the attitude of the first optical connector module 2 is controlled while reducing angular deviation in the left-right direction relative to the second optical connector module 3.

[0107] For example, in a connected state in which the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 are connected to each other, the first elastic portion 222j elastically deforms in the width direction and comes into contact with the housing 32. For example, the parallel portion 222j2 of the first elastic portion 222j comes into contact with the left and right side surfaces of the first portion 322a of the guide portion 322 from the inside in the width direction. At this time, the end portions of the first elastic portion 222j in the width direction elastically deform inward in the width direction. As a result, the notch portions 222j3 of the first elastic portion 222j narrow the spacing in the width direction.

[0108] As described above, the protrusion 222b of the first optical connector module 2 contacts the left and right side surfaces of the first part 322a on both outer sides in the left and right direction by the first elastic part 222j. In the connected state, the protrusion 222b is sandwiched from both outer sides in the width direction by the left and right side surfaces of the first part 322a.

[0109] 15 , when the protrusion 222b moves rearward, the tip surface 221e of the protrusion 221b of the first housing 221 comes into contact with the locking portion 325 of the casing 32. Because the tip surface 221e is rounded, the protrusion 221b elastically deforms downward as the protrusion 221b moves further rearward. This causes the protrusion 221b to climb over the locking portion 325, and the locked portion 221c arranged on the protrusion 221b engages with the locking portion 325. At this time, the locked surface 221d of the locked portion 221c faces the rear surface of the locking portion 325 from behind. This completes the connection of the first optical connector module 2 to the second optical connector module 3. The locking structure including the locked portion 221c and the locking portion 325 is arranged only at the end of the optical connector system 1 opposite the base 51.

[0110] In a connected state in which the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 are connected to each other, the first optical connector 21 and the second optical connector 31 are connected to each other, as shown in Fig. 14 . More specifically, the connection member 214 of the first optical connector 21 is inserted into the through hole 315 of the second optical connector 31. This allows the relative position of the first optical connector 21 with respect to the second optical connector 31 to be determined with high precision. As shown in Fig. 15 , the optical member 27 is abutted against the second base portion 312 of the second optical connector 31. This causes one first lens 271a of the first lens portion 271 of the optical member 27 and one second lens 314a of the second lens portion 314 to face each other along the connection direction.

[0111] 10 , in the first optical connector module 2 in the disconnected state, the rear surface of the receiving portion 243 a of the second fitting 24 contacts a portion of the first fitting 23 that is located on the rear edge of the notch 234. On the other hand, referring to Fig. 15 , in the first optical connector module 2 in the connected state, the front surface of the receiving portion 243 a of the second fitting 24 contacts a portion of the first fitting 23 that is located on the front edge of the notch 234. More specifically, in the connected state, the first optical connector 21 to which the second fitting 24 is attached moves forward relatively to the housing 22 and the first fitting 23, and the first coil spring 25 compresses. The resulting strong restoring force causes the first optical connector 21 to abut against the second optical connector 31, and the first optical connector 21 is fixed in a stable state.

[0112] The first optical connector module 2 and optical connector system 1 according to the embodiment described above make it easy to maintain the posture of the first optical connector 21 in the connected state. In the first optical connector module 2, the housing 22 has a first elastic portion 222j that is arranged on a side of the protrusion 222b along the connection direction and is elastically deformable in a width direction intersecting the connection direction. The width W from the edge E of the end of the first elastic portion 222j in the width direction to the center C0 of the protrusion 222b is larger on the side opposite the second optical connector module 3 than on the side closest to the second optical connector module 3 in the connection direction.

[0113] As a result, when the first optical connector module 2 is connected and the protrusion 222b is inserted inside the housing 32, the first elastic portion 222j can be elastically deformed in the width direction by contact with the housing 32. As a result, the first optical connector module 2 can apply a biasing force to the housing 32 in the width direction in the opposite direction to the elastic deformation direction by the first elastic portion 222j elastically deformed in the width direction. The first optical connector module 2 can reduce movement of the first optical connector 21 in the width direction relative to the housing 32 by receiving a reaction force of the biasing force from the housing 32 at the protrusion 222b.

[0114] For example, even if the first optical connector 21 attempts to move in the width direction relative to the housing 32, the elastic contact of the first elastic portion 222j with the housing 32 restricts the movement in the width direction. Therefore, unlike the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, the clearance generated in the engagement structure in the connected state reduces the relative movement of one of the first optical connector 21 and the second optical connector 31 relative to the other by the amount of the clearance in response to an external load. The first optical connector 21 can also easily maintain its orientation in the width direction in the connected state, even if an external load is applied to the first optical connector module 2 or the like. As a result, the impact of external loads and the like on the optical characteristics of the optical connector system 1 is reduced.

[0115] The width W increases stepwise along the connection direction toward the opposite side from the second optical connector module 3. This allows the first optical connector module 2 to maintain a large clearance in the width direction between the tip of the protrusion 222b and the housing 32 when inserting the protrusion 222b into the housing 32. This improves the ability to guide the protrusion 222b into the housing 32, making the insertion easier.

[0116] On the other hand, in the connected state, the first optical connector module 2 can reduce the clearance by bringing a part of the first elastic portion 222j into contact with the housing 32. The first optical connector module 2 can reduce the clearance between the protrusion 222b and the housing 32 along the connection direction toward the opposite side from the second optical connector module 3. As a result, it becomes easier to maintain the orientation of the first optical connector 21 in the width direction, and the influence of external loads and the like on the optical characteristics of the optical connector system 1 is reduced.

[0117] The first elastic portion 222j has an inclined portion 222j1 whose edge E is inclined toward the opposite side from the center C0 with respect to the connection direction, and a parallel portion 222j2 whose edge E is parallel to the connection direction. By connecting adjacent parallel portions 222j2 at the inclined portion 222j1, the first optical connector module 2 can form a smoother edge E compared to a case where the parallel portions 222j2 are connected at a 90° angle. The first optical connector module 2 can gradually change the width W of the first elastic portion 222j. This reduces the risk of the widthwise side surfaces of the protrusion 222b getting caught on the housing 32 when inserting the protrusion 222b into the housing 32, facilitating the insertion of the protrusion 222b into the housing 32.

[0118] The first elastic portion 222j has a notch 222j3 formed by cutting out a portion adjacent to the center C0 along the connection direction, which makes the first elastic portion 222j more susceptible to elastic deformation.

[0119] The first elastic portion 222j has a support portion 222j4 disposed in the cutout portion 222j3 and connecting an end portion in the width direction of the first elastic portion 222j to the center portion C0. This makes the first elastic portion 222j more susceptible to elastic deformation due to the cutout portion 222j3, and also makes it possible to adjust the contact pressure with the support portion 222j4 to reduce damage such as plastic deformation.

[0120] The widthwise end of the first elastic portion 222j is positioned outside the center portion C0 in the widthwise direction and elastically deforms inward in the widthwise direction in the connected state. This allows the first optical connector module 2 to elastically deform the first elastic portion 222j inward in the widthwise direction and press the housing 32 from the inside with a biasing force directed outward in the widthwise direction. Therefore, when the first elastic portion 222j attempts to move outward in the widthwise direction, the first optical connector module 2 presses the housing 32 from the inside with a stronger force, thereby more strongly restricting the widthwise movement of the first optical connector 21. For example, in the engagement structure of the prior art described in Patent Document 1, the engagement tends to be disengaged when the elastic portion of the optical connector module attempts to move outward. In contrast, the first optical connector module 2 according to one embodiment uses the first elastic portion 222j to make the engagement structure more robust against external loads.

[0121] The second optical connector module 3 and the optical connector system 1 according to the embodiment described above make it easy to maintain the posture of the connected first optical connector 21. In the second optical connector module 3, the housing 32 is connected to the base 321 and has the second elastic portion 326 that is elastically deformable in a height direction that intersects with the connection direction.

[0122] As a result, when the second optical connector module 3 is connected and the protrusion 222b is inserted into the housing 32, the second elastic portion 326 can elastically deform in the height direction by contact with the protrusion 222b. As a result, the second optical connector module 3 can apply a biasing force to the protrusion 222b in the height direction in the opposite direction to the elastic deformation direction by the second elastic portion 326 elastically deformed in the height direction. Therefore, the second optical connector module 3 can also clamp the protrusion 222b with the housing 32, thereby reducing movement of the first optical connector 21 in the height direction relative to the housing 32.

[0123] For example, even if the first optical connector 21 attempts to move in the height direction relative to the housing 32, the movement in the height direction is restricted by the elastic contact of the second elastic portion 326 with the protrusion 222b. Therefore, unlike the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, the clearance generated in the engagement structure in the connected state reduces the relative movement of one of the first optical connector 21 and the second optical connector 31 relative to the other by the amount of the clearance in response to an external load. The first optical connector 21 can also easily maintain its posture in the height direction in the connected state, even if an external load is applied to the first optical connector module 2 or the like. As a result, the impact of external loads and the like on the optical characteristics of the optical connector system 1 is reduced.

[0124] The second elastic portion 326 is disposed inside the base portion 321 in the height direction and elastically deforms inward in the height direction in the connected state. This allows the second optical connector module 3 to elastically deform the second elastic portion 326 inward in the height direction in the connected state, and to press the protrusion 222b from the inside with a biasing force directed outward in the height direction. The second elastic portion 326 enables the second optical connector module 3 to make the engagement structure more robust against external loads.

[0125] In a connected state in which the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 are connected to each other, the first elastic portion 222j contacts the housing 32 while being elastically deformed in the width direction, and the second elastic portion 326 contacts the protrusion 222b while being elastically deformed in the height direction. Therefore, as described above, the first optical connector 21 can easily maintain its orientation in the width direction and height direction even if an external load is applied to the first optical connector module 2 or the like in the connected state. As a result, the effect of external loads and the like on the optical characteristics of the optical connector system 1 is reduced.

[0126] 14 and 15 , for example, the second optical connector 31 and the housing 32 are positioned above the lower surface S1 of the base 51 without protruding below the lower surface S1. Therefore, even when the lower surface S1 of the base 51 to which the second optical connector module 3 is attached is grounded to a base member, the base 51 can be easily grounded to the base member while reducing interference of the second optical connector module 3 with the base member.

[0127] Similarly, the first optical connector module 2 is positioned above the lower surface S1 of the base 51 without protruding below the lower surface S1 when connected to the second optical connector module 3. Therefore, even when the first optical connector module 2 is inserted into or removed from the second optical connector module 3, interference of the first optical connector module 2 with the base member can be reduced.

[0128] As a result, contact between the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 and the base member is reduced, thereby reducing problems such as problems when installing or mounting the base 51 on the base member and problems when inserting or removing the first optical connector module 2.

[0129] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms other than the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the foregoing description is illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims. All modifications within the range of equivalents of any modifications are intended to be embraced therein.

[0130] For example, the shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each of the above-mentioned components are not limited to the above description and the illustrations in the drawings. The shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each component may be configured arbitrarily as long as the function can be realized. The illustrated components of the first optical connector module 2, the second optical connector module 3, and the optical connector system 1 are functional concepts. The specific form of each component is not limited to the illustrated ones.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the width W is described as increasing stepwise in the direction opposite to the second optical connector module 3 along the connection direction, but this is not limiting. The width W may also increase continuously in the direction opposite to the second optical connector module 3 along the connection direction. For example, the width W may increase monotonically in the direction opposite to the second optical connector module 3 along the connection direction.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the first elastic portion 222j has been described as having an inclined portion 222j1 whose edge E is inclined with respect to the connection direction toward the side opposite to the center C0, and a parallel portion 222j2 whose edge E is parallel to the connection direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first elastic portion 222j may have only the inclined portion 222j1 without the parallel portion 222j2.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the first elastic portion 222j has been described as having the notch 222j3 formed by cutting out a portion adjacent to the center C0 along the connection direction, but this is not limited to this. The first elastic portion 222j does not have to be arranged along the connection direction, and does not have to be arranged in a portion adjacent to the center C0. The first elastic portion 222j does not have to have the notch 222j3.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the first elastic portion 222j is described as having a support portion 222j4 disposed in the cutout portion 222j3 and connecting the widthwise end portion of the first elastic portion 222j to the center portion C0. However, this is not limited to this. The support portion 222j4 does not have to connect the widthwise end portion of the first elastic portion 222j to the center portion C0. As long as the support portion 222j4 is disposed in the cutout portion 222j3, it may connect one end and the other end of the cutout portion 222j3 at any location of the first elastic portion 222j. For example, the support portion 222j4 may connect the widthwise end portion of the first elastic portion 222j to a portion other than the center portion C0. For example, the support portion 222j4 may connect the widthwise end portion of the first elastic portion 222j to the center portion C0. Even in the above case, the first elastic portion 222j is easily elastically deformed by the cutout portion 222j3, and the contact pressure can be adjusted by the support portion 222j4 to reduce damage such as plastic deformation. Alternatively, the first elastic portion 222j does not need to have the support portion 222j4.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the widthwise ends of the first elastic portion 222j are described as being located outward from the center C0 in the width direction, but this is not limited to this. The widthwise ends of the first elastic portion 222j may also be located inward from the center C0 in the width direction. The widthwise ends of the first elastic portion 222j are described as elastically deforming inward in the width direction in the connected state, but this is not limited to this. The widthwise ends of the first elastic portion 222j may also elastically deform outward in the width direction in the connected state.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the second elastic portion 326 is described as being disposed more inward than the base portion 321 in the height direction, but this is not limiting. The second elastic portion 326 may also be disposed more outward than the base portion 321 in the height direction. The second elastic portion 326 is described as elastically deforming inward in the height direction in the connected state, but this is not limiting. The second elastic portion 326 may also elastically deform outward in the height direction in the connected state.

[0137] In the above embodiment, it has been described that, in the connected state, the first elastic portion 222j contacts the housing 32 while being elastically deformed in the width direction, and the second elastic portion 326 contacts the protrusion 222b while being elastically deformed in the height direction. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the first elastic portion 222j that elastically deforms in the width direction may be included in the second optical connector module 3 that is attached to the second optical transmission line 50 that includes the base 51, rather than the first optical connector module 2 that is attached to the first optical transmission line 40 that includes the optical fiber. For example, the second elastic portion 326 that elastically deforms in the height direction may be included in the first optical connector module 2 that is attached to the first optical transmission line 40 that includes the optical fiber, rather than the second optical connector module 3 that is attached to the second optical transmission line 50 that includes the base 51.

[0138] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the first optical connector module 2 is attached to the first optical transmission line 40 including an optical fiber, and the second optical connector module 3 is attached to the second optical transmission line 50 including the base 51, but this is not limiting. The types of optical transmission lines to which the first optical connector module 2 and the second optical connector module 3 are attached may be configured arbitrarily. For example, the first optical connector module 2 may be attached to the second optical transmission line 50 including the base 51, and the second optical connector module 3 may be attached to the first optical transmission line 40 including an optical fiber.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the first optical connector module 2 has been described as having the optical member 27, but this is not limiting. The first optical connector module 2 does not have to have the optical member 27. The first optical connector 21 and the second optical connector 31 may be optically coupled directly without the optical member 27.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the housing 22 has been described as including the first housing 221 and the second housing 222, but is not limited thereto. The housing 22 may be configured with only one housing, or may be configured with three or more housings.

[0141] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplified below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Supplementary Note 1] A first optical connector module to be connected to a second optical connector module, comprising: a first optical connector connected to the second optical connector module; and a housing having a first base covering the first optical connector and a protrusion protruding from the first base toward the second optical connector module along a connection direction in which the first optical connector module and the second optical connector module are connected to each other, wherein the housing has a first elastic portion disposed on a side of the protrusion along the connection direction and elastically deformable in a width direction intersecting the connection direction, wherein a width from an edge of an end of the first elastic portion in the width direction to a center of the protrusion is larger on the side opposite the second optical connector module relative to the side closest to the second optical connector module in the connection direction. [Supplementary Note 2] A first optical connector module according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the width increases stepwise toward the side opposite the second optical connector module along the connection direction. [Supplementary Note 3] The first optical connector module according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the first elastic portion has an inclined portion whose edge is inclined with respect to the connection direction toward the side opposite to the center, and a parallel portion whose edge is parallel to the connection direction. [Supplementary Note 4] The first optical connector module according to any one of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the first elastic portion has a notch formed by cutting out a portion adjacent to the center along the connection direction. [Supplementary Note 5] The first optical connector module according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the first elastic portion has a support portion disposed in the notch. [Supplementary Note 6] The first optical connector module according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the support portion connects the center and the end portion.[Supplementary Note 7] The first optical connector module according to any one of Supplements 1 to 6, wherein the end portion is arranged outward from the center portion in the width direction and elastically deforms inward in the width direction when the first optical connector module and the second optical connector module are connected to each other. [Supplementary Note 8] A second optical connector module to be connected to a first optical connector module, comprising: a second optical connector connected to the first optical connector module; and a housing having a second base covering the second optical connector, wherein the housing is connected to the second base and has a second elastic portion elastically deformable in a height direction intersecting a connection direction in which the first optical connector module and the second optical connector module are connected to each other. [Supplementary Note 9] The second optical connector module according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the second elastic portion is arranged inward from the second base in the height direction and elastically deforms inward in the height direction when the first optical connector module and the second optical connector module are connected to each other. [Supplementary Note 10] An optical connector system comprising a first optical connector module according to any one of Supplements 1 to 7, and a second optical connector module according to Supplementary Note 8 or 9. [Supplementary Note 11] The optical connector system according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein, in a connected state in which the first optical connector module and the second optical connector module are connected to each other, the first elastic portion contacts the housing while being elastically deformed in the width direction, and the second elastic portion contacts the protrusion while being elastically deformed in the height direction.

[0142] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Optical connector system 2 First optical connector module 3 Second optical connector module 21 First optical connector 211 Base 211a Wide portion 211b Narrow portion 212 Holding portion 213 Guide portion 214 Connecting member 214a Notch portion 214b Anti-detachment portion 22 Housing 221 First housing 221a Base 221a1 Ceiling portion 221a2 Side wall portion 221b Protrusion 221c Locked portion 221d Locked surface 221e Tip surface 221f Latching portion 221g First projecting wall 221h Recess 221i Second projecting wall 221j Storage portion 221k Space 221m Wall 222 Second housing 222a Base (first base) 222a1 Ceiling portion 222a2 Side wall portion 222b Protruding portion 222c Guide surface 222d Curved surface 222e Supported portion 222f Recessed portion 222g First projecting wall 222h Second projecting wall 222i Third projecting wall 222j First elastic portion 222j1 Inclined portion 222j2 Parallel portion 222j3 Notched portion 222j4 Support portion 23 First metal fitting 231 Bottom plate portion 232 Side wall portion 233 Locking portion 234 Notched portion 235 Extension portion 24 Second metal fitting 241 Ceiling portion 242 Locking portion 243 Extension portion 243a Receiving portion 243b Connection portion 243c Notched portion 25 First coil spring 26 Second coil spring 27 Optical member 271 First lens portion 271a First lens 272 Opening 273 Notch 31 Second optical connector 311 First base portion 311a Inclined surface 311b Positioned portion 312 Second base portion 312a Opening 312b Groove portion 313 Notch 314 Second lens portion 314a Second lens 315 Through hole 32 Housing 321 Base portion (second base portion) 321a Ceiling portion 321b Side wall portion 321b1 First side wall portion 321b2 Second side wall portion 322 Guide portion 322a First portion 322b Second portion 323 Reinforcement portion 324 Guide portion 325 Lock portion 326 Second elastic portion 327 Mounting portion40 First optical transmission line 41 First optical waveguide section 50 Second optical transmission line 51 Base 52 Second optical waveguide section 521 Core 522 Cladding 53 Positioning core A1 First side surface C Pad C0 Center E Edge S End surface S1 Lower surface W, W1, W2 Width

Claims

A first optical connector module to be connected to a second optical connector module, a first optical connector connected to the second optical connector module; a housing having a first base portion that covers the first optical connector, and a protrusion portion that protrudes from the first base portion toward the second optical connector module along a connection direction in which the first optical connector module and the second optical connector module are connected to each other; Equipped with the housing has a first elastic portion disposed on a side of the protrusion along the connection direction and elastically deformable in a width direction intersecting the connection direction, a width from an edge of an end of the first elastic portion in the width direction to a center of the protrusion is larger on the side opposite to the second optical connector module with respect to the side closest to the second optical connector module in the connection direction; A first optical connector module.

2. The first optical connector module according to claim 1, the width gradually increases in a direction away from the second optical connector module along the connection direction. A first optical connector module.

3. The first optical connector module according to claim 1, The first elastic portion has an inclined portion in which the edge is inclined with respect to the connection direction toward the side opposite to the center portion, and a parallel portion in which the edge is parallel to the connection direction. A first optical connector module.

4. The first optical connector module according to claim 1, the first elastic portion has a notch formed by cutting out a portion adjacent to the center portion along the connection direction; A first optical connector module.

5. The first optical connector module according to claim 4, The first elastic portion has a support portion disposed in the notch portion. A first optical connector module.

6. The first optical connector module according to claim 5, The support portion connects the center portion and the end portion. A first optical connector module.

7. The first optical connector module according to claim 1, the end portion is disposed outside the center portion in the width direction, and elastically deforms inward in the width direction when the first optical connector module and the second optical connector module are connected to each other. A first optical connector module. 　 A second optical connector module to be connected to the first optical connector module, a second optical connector connected to the first optical connector module; a housing having a second base portion that covers the second optical connector; Equipped with the housing has a second elastic portion connected to the second base portion and elastically deformable in a height direction intersecting a connection direction in which the first optical connector module and the second optical connector module are connected to each other; A second optical connector module.

9. The second optical connector module according to claim 8, the second elastic portion is disposed inward of the second base portion in the height direction, and elastically deforms inward in the height direction in a connected state in which the first optical connector module and the second optical connector module are connected to each other. A second optical connector module. 　 A first optical connector module according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a second optical connector module according to claim 8 or 9. Optical connector system.

11. The optical connector system of claim 10, In a connection state in which the first optical connector module and the second optical connector module are connected to each other, the first elastic portion contacts the housing while being elastically deformed in the width direction, the second elastic portion contacts the protrusion while being elastically deformed in the height direction; Optical connector system.

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