Optical connector plug

Abstract

An optical connector plug (2) is inserted into and removed from a receptacle (4) having a ferrule insertion hole (411). The optical connector plug (2) has: a ferrule (21) in which an optical fiber (3) is exposed on a tip-end surface (21a) and which is inserted into the ferrule insertion hole (411); and a seal member (22) provided to the ferrule (21). The seal member (22) seals a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the ferrule (21) and the inner peripheral surface of a cap (29) that is put on the ferrule (21) and covers the tip-end surface (21a) of the ferrule (21).

Description

Optical Connector Plug Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024 - 166692 (the title of the invention is "Optical Connector Plug") filed on September 25, 2024, and further, the content of this Japanese patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to an optical connector plug.

[0003] In recent years, "Co - Packaged Optics", a technology that mounts optical components and semiconductor chips (CPU, ASIC, etc.) on the same substrate to shorten the distance of electrical signals and extend the distance of optical signals, contributing to an improvement in data transfer speed and a reduction in power consumption, has been attracting attention. Also, as a multi - core optical connector for the I / F of a device using this technology, for example, an MPO connector is known.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 shows an example of an MPO connector. The MPO connector 9 is defined in JIS C5982 and, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a ferrule 91, a guide pin 92 inserted into the ferrule 91, a pin clamp 93 that clamps the guide pin 92 near the rear end of the ferrule 91, a cylindrical housing 94 that internally supports these components, a cylindrical coupling 95 that internally supports the rear end of the housing 94, a boot 96 provided on the rear end side of the coupling 95, a coupling coil spring 97 that biases the coupling 95 forward, and a ferrule coil spring 98 that biases the ferrule 91 forward.

[0005] In this type of MPO connector 9, the boot 96 is gripped when inserting it into the adapter, and the coupling 95 is gripped when withdrawing it from the adapter. Thus, the MPO connector 9 has poor workability because the gripping points differ when inserting it into the adapter and when withdrawing it from the adapter. Furthermore, with the MPO connector 9, it is recommended to clean the tip surface of the ferrule 91 to remove dust and other foreign matter when inserting it into the adapter, and this cleaning process is time-consuming and laborious. In addition, the MPO connector 9 has separate coupling coil springs 97 that bias the coupling 95 forward and ferrule coil springs 98 that bias the ferrule 91 forward. As a result, the MPO connector 9 has a large number of parts, which leads to a higher price and larger size.

[0006] Thus, due to its poor workability, high cost, and large size, the MPO connector 9 is not the best choice for use as an optical connector in Co-Packaged Optics.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-109181

[0008] This invention addresses the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide an optical connector plug that offers excellent workability and can be suitably used in Co-Packaged Optics.

[0009] These objectives are achieved by the present invention as defined in (1) below.

[0010] (1) An optical connector plug that is inserted into and removed from a connecting member having a ferrule insertion hole, comprising: a ferrule having an optical fiber exposed on its tip surface and being inserted into the ferrule insertion hole; and a sealing member provided on the ferrule, wherein the sealing member seals the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the ferrule and the inner circumferential surface of a cap that is placed over the ferrule and covers the tip surface of the ferrule.

[0011] According to the optical connector plug of the present invention, the gap between the ferrule and the cap is hermetically sealed by the sealing member, preventing foreign matter such as dust, dirt, and moisture from adhering to the tip surface of the ferrule. Therefore, the tip surface of the ferrule can be kept clean. Consequently, cleaning work to remove foreign matter from the tip surface becomes unnecessary, improving work efficiency. As a result, the optical connector plug is suitable for use in Co-Packaged Optics.

[0012] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an MPO connector. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the entire optical connector set. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical fiber. Figure 4 is a plan view showing an optical fiber. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector plug seen from the Y-axis direction. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector plug seen from the Z-axis direction. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a ferrule. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a ferrule. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a pin stopper. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a plug frame. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a plug frame. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a boot inserted into the plug frame. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a coupling. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle seen from the Y-axis direction. Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the receptacle. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a receptacle. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for inserting and removing an optical connector plug from a receptacle. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for inserting and removing an optical connector plug from a receptacle. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for inserting and removing an optical connector plug from a receptacle. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for inserting and removing an optical connector plug from a receptacle. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for inserting and removing an optical connector plug from a receptacle. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for inserting and removing an optical connector plug from a receptacle. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for inserting and removing an optical connector plug from a receptacle. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of an optical connector set according to the second embodiment, viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of a female optical connector plug, viewed from the Z-axis direction. Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a receptacle according to the third embodiment.

[0013] The optical connector plug of the present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0014] For the sake of clarity, each diagram will show the three mutually orthogonal axes: the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. In the following, the direction along the X-axis will also be referred to as the "X-axis direction," the direction along the Y-axis as the "Y-axis direction," and the direction along the Z-axis as the "Z-axis direction." Additionally, the positive side of the Z-axis direction will be referred to as "up," and the negative side of the Z-axis direction as "down."

[0015] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an MPO connector. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the entire optical connector set. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical fiber. Figure 4 is a plan view showing an optical fiber. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector plug seen from the Y-axis direction. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector plug seen from the Z-axis direction. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a ferrule. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a ferrule. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a pin stopper. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a plug frame. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a plug frame. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a boot inserted into the plug frame. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a coupling. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle seen from the Y-axis direction. Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the receptacle. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the receptacle. Figures 18 to 24 are cross-sectional views showing methods for inserting and removing the optical connector plug from the receptacle, respectively.

[0016] The optical connector set 1 shown in Figure 2 comprises an optical connector plug 2 and a receptacle 4 to which the optical connector plug 2 is connected. Note that the optical connector plug 2 and receptacle 4 represent a completely novel configuration not defined in JIS or other standards.

[0017] ≪Optical Connector Plug 2≫ The optical connector plug 2 holds the optical fiber 3. As shown in Figure 3, the optical fiber 3 is a flat optical fiber tape 30 (tape core wire) in which multiple optical fiber strands 33 are arranged along the Y-axis direction, each strand 33 consisting of a bare fiber 31 made up of a core 31a and a cladding 31b surrounding the core 31a, covered with a coating layer 32, and further covered collectively with an outer coating layer 34. As shown in Figure 4, in order to attach it to the optical connector plug 2, the outer coating layer 34 and coating layer 32 are peeled off from the tip of each optical fiber strand 33, exposing the bare fiber 31. For convenience of explanation below, the portion of each optical fiber strand 33 in which the bare fiber 31 is exposed will also be referred to as the exposed portion 35.

[0018] However, the configuration of the optical fiber 3 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be an optical fiber cord in which an aramid fiber tensile strength member is further attached longitudinally to the optical fiber tape 30. Also, for example, the optical fiber 3 shown in the figure has 12 optical fiber strands 33, a so-called "12-core" fiber, but it is not limited to this, and may be a "16-core" fiber having 16 optical fiber strands 33, or a "32-core" fiber having 32 optical fiber strands 33. Also, for example, in the optical fiber 3 shown in the figure, each optical fiber strand 33 has one core, a so-called "single-core fiber," but it is not limited to this, and may be a so-called "multi-core fiber" in which multiple cores are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference centered on the central axis of the cladding. Also, for example, the optical fiber 3 may have a configuration in which multiple optical fiber tapes 30 are arranged in the Z-axis direction. Also, for example, the optical fiber 3 may be composed of a single optical fiber strand 33.

[0019] As shown in Figure 5, the optical connector plug 2 has an overall shape extending in the X-axis direction and includes a ferrule 21 for holding the optical fiber 3, a sealing member 22 provided on the ferrule 21, a guide pin 23 slidably inserted through the ferrule 21, a pin stopper 24 located on the rear end side of the ferrule 21 and holding the rear end of the guide pin 23, a coil spring 25 acting as a spring to bias the ferrule 21 toward the tip, a plug frame 26 located on the rear end side of the ferrule 21 and to which the pin stopper 24 is fixed, a boot 27 located on the rear end side of the plug frame 26, a coupling 28 located on the outside of the plug frame 26 and to which the boot 27 is fixed, and a cap 29 that is placed over the ferrule 21 until use (when connected to the receptacle 4).

[0020] -Ferrule 21- As shown in Figure 7, the ferrule 21 has a tip portion 211 located at the front end and a rear end portion 212 connected to the rear end of the tip portion 211, with both the width in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction being wider than that of the tip portion 211. The tip portion 211 has an oval shape with the Y-axis direction as its longitudinal side, like a running track (a rectangle with the Y-axis direction as its longitudinal side, and both ends in the Y-axis direction being semi-circular), and the rear end portion 212 has a rectangular shape with the Y-axis direction as its longitudinal side. However, the shapes of the tip portion 211 and the rear end portion 212 are not particularly limited.

[0021] As shown in Figure 7, the ferrule 21 has an L-shaped hole 214 that opens on the rear end surface 21b and the upper surface of the tip portion 211. The ferrule 21 also has a plurality of optical fiber insertion holes 215 that penetrate the tip surface 21a and the inner surface of the hole 214. The plurality of optical fiber insertion holes 215 are arranged in a row along the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figure 7. The number of optical fiber insertion holes 215 corresponds to the number of optical fiber strands 33 in the optical fiber 3, and in this embodiment there are 12. The plurality of optical fiber insertion holes 215 are also provided at the same pitch as the optical fiber strands 33. The exposed portion 35 of each optical fiber strand 33 is inserted into the corresponding optical fiber insertion hole 215, and the tip surface of each optical fiber strand 33 is exposed on the tip surface 21a of the ferrule 21. In particular, in this embodiment, the tip surface of each optical fiber strand 33 is flush with the tip surface 21a of the ferrule 21.

[0022] As shown in Figure 8, the ferrule 21 has a support base 216 provided within the hole 214, which supports the optical fiber 3 inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole 215 from below at the rear end of the optical fiber insertion hole 215. The support base 216 is provided at the corner of the hole 214, and its upper surface is a support surface for supporting the optical fiber 3. As shown in Figure 9, the support surface is provided with a plurality of grooves 216a formed so as to extend each optical fiber insertion hole 215 toward the positive X-axis direction. One optical fiber strand 33 is placed in each groove 216a. With this configuration, multiple optical fiber strands 33 can be aligned along the grooves 216a in front of the optical fiber insertion hole 215. Therefore, it becomes easier to insert each optical fiber strand 33 into the corresponding optical fiber insertion hole 215. The optical fiber 3 is fixed to the ferrule 21 by an adhesive (not shown) filled in the hole 214. This ensures that the state in which the optical fiber 3 is attached to the ferrule 21 is properly maintained.

[0023] As shown in Figure 7, the ferrule 21 has a pair of guide pin insertion holes 217 that penetrate the front end surface 21a and the rear end surface 21b. The pair of guide pin insertion holes 217 are provided at both ends of the ferrule 21 in the Y-axis direction, sandwiching a plurality of optical fiber insertion holes 215 between them. Guide pins 23 are inserted into each of these guide pin insertion holes 217 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. The ferrule 21 also has an annular recess 218 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the front end portion 211. A sealing member 22 is fitted into this recess 218.

[0024] The ferrule 21 has been described above. The constituent material of the ferrule 21 is not particularly limited, but various resin materials that possess the heat resistance, strength, molding shrinkage rate, thermal expansion coefficient, flame retardancy, water absorption, etc. required for the ferrule 21 can be used, such as polyetherimide (PEI), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Furthermore, the ferrule 21 can be formed, for example, by injection molding.

[0025] -Sealing Member 22- As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the sealing member 22 is annular and fitted into the recess 218 of the ferrule 21. The sealing member 22 is also joined to the ferrule 21 by adhesive. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the inner diameter of the sealing member 22 may be made slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the recess 218, and it may be fixed by the elastic force of the sealing member 22 itself. As shown in Figure 5, the sealing member 22 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the cap 29 that is placed over the ferrule 21, and hermetically seals the gap between the ferrule 21 and the cap 29. This prevents foreign matter such as dust, dirt, and moisture from adhering to the tip surface 21a of the ferrule 21 (especially the tip surface of each optical fiber strand 33). Therefore, the tip surface 21a of the ferrule 21 can be kept clean and uncontaminated. In MPO connectors and the like, it is recommended to clean the tip surface of the ferrule to remove foreign matter before connecting it to a receptacle, adapter, etc., in order to ensure a proper optical connection. However, this cleaning is time-consuming and reduces the workability of the MPO connector. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the above cleaning is unnecessary, and therefore the workability of the optical connector plug 2 is improved.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the sealing member 22 has two protrusions 221 spaced apart in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). Each protrusion 221 is annular and surrounds the tip 211 of the ferrule 21 around the X-axis. The tip of each protrusion 221 is rounded in an arc shape. With a sealing member 22 of this configuration, the contact area with the cap 29 can be kept small and it becomes more easily deformed by contact with the cap 29. As a result, the sliding resistance between the sealing member 22 and the cap 29 is reduced, and the cap 29 can be smoothly attached to and detached from the ferrule 21. However, the shape of the sealing member 22 is not particularly limited. For example, the number of protrusions 221 is not particularly limited and may be one or three or more.

[0027] The sealing member 22 has been described above. The material used to make up the sealing member 22 is not particularly limited, but various rubber materials such as silicone rubber, fluororubber, chloroprene rubber, nitrile rubber, and ethylene propylene rubber can be used.

[0028] - Guide pins 23 - As shown in Figures 6 and 7, two guide pins 23 are provided, each slidably inserted into a guide pin insertion hole 217 provided in the ferrule 21. The tip of each guide pin 23 protrudes toward the tip side from the tip surface 21a of the ferrule 21, and the rear end protrudes toward the rear end side from the rear end surface 21b of the ferrule 21. Each guide pin 23 is cylindrical in shape. The tip of each guide pin 23 tapers to a frustoconical shape. The rear end of each guide pin 23 is provided with an annular recessed portion 231 that is concentrically reduced in diameter on both the front and rear sides.

[0029] The guide pin 23 has been described above. The material used to construct the guide pin 23 is not particularly limited, but various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel can be used.

[0030] -Pin Stopper 24- As shown in Figure 10, the pin stopper 24 is located on the rear end side of the ferrule 21 and holds the rear end of each guide pin 23. The pin stopper 24 is a plate with an overall shape of "U" shape and has a base portion 241 positioned opposite the rear end surface 21b of the ferrule 21, and a pair of extensions 242 extending from both ends of the base portion 241 in the Y-axis direction toward the negative side in the X-axis direction.

[0031] The base portion 241 is provided with an optical fiber insertion hole 241a in its central part, through which the optical fiber 3 is inserted. The base portion 241 also has a pair of engagement holes 241b located on both sides of the optical fiber insertion hole 241a in the Y-axis direction, for engaging the recessed portions 231 of each guide pin 23. The width (length in the Z-axis direction) of each engagement hole 241b is smaller than the diameter of the guide pin 23 before and after the recessed portion 231. Each engagement hole 241b extends in the Y-axis direction, and its inner end (facing the optical fiber insertion hole 241a) is connected to the optical fiber insertion hole 241a. In other words, the optical fiber insertion hole 241a and each engagement hole 241b are integrally formed as a single hole in the base portion 241. With this configuration, the recessed portions 231 of each guide pin 23 can be engaged with the engagement holes 241b via the optical fiber insertion hole 241a. Therefore, it is easy to attach each guide pin 23 to the pin stopper 24. In particular, in this embodiment, the inner end of each engagement hole 241b (the connection part with the optical fiber insertion hole 241a) is tapered, making it easier to guide each guide pin 23 from the optical fiber insertion hole 241a to the engagement hole 241b.

[0032] Here, the length of the recessed portion 231 of each guide pin 23 (length in the X-axis direction) is slightly greater than the length of the engagement hole 241b (thickness of the base portion 241). Therefore, "play" is provided between the guide pin 23 and the pin stopper 24, and each guide pin 23 can slide slightly in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) relative to the pin stopper 24. With this configuration, stress is less likely to be applied to the guide pins 23, and the reliability of the optical connector plug 2 is improved. However, this is not the only option, and the "play" may be omitted.

[0033] Furthermore, each of the pair of extensions 242 is bent at a right angle to the base 241 and faces each other. Each extension 242 has a similar configuration and has an engagement hole 242a that snap-fits to an engagement projection 261b provided on the plug frame 26, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the rear end of each engagement hole 242a extends to the base 241. As a result, the boundary between the base 241 and each extension 242 (the bent portion) becomes moderately flexible, and each extension 242 is more easily elastically deformed relative to the base 241. This facilitates the snap-fit ​​connection. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, at least one of the engagement holes 242a does not have to extend to the base 241.

[0034] Furthermore, each extension 242 has a guide piece 242b that guides the engaging projection 261b into the engaging hole 242a. Each guide piece 242b extends diagonally outward from the tip of the extension 242. In other words, this pair of guide pieces 242b is tapered. With this configuration, the plug frame 26 can be easily snap-fit ​​connected to the pin stopper 24 by inserting it into the pin stopper 24 from the tip side.

[0035] The pin stopper 24 has been described above. The constituent material of the pin stopper 24 is not particularly limited, but various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel can be used.

[0036] - Plug frame 26 - As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the plug frame 26 is provided on the rear end side of the ferrule 21. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the plug frame 26 has a base portion 261 and a pair of elastic locking pieces 269 that protrude forward from the base portion 261.

[0037] The base portion 261 is cylindrical in shape and extends in the X-axis direction, enclosing each guide pin 23 at the rear end of the ferrule 21. As shown in Figure 12, the base portion 261 is provided with a wall portion 262 that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface. An optical fiber insertion hole 263 through which the optical fiber 3 is inserted is provided in the center of the wall portion 262. A pair of guide pin insertion holes 264 through which each guide pin 23 is inserted are provided on both sides of the optical fiber insertion hole 263 in the Y-axis direction.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, rectangular notches 261a opening to the rear end face are provided on both side walls of the base 261. Also, outwardly protruding engaging projections 261b are provided on the tip side of the notches 261a on both side walls of the base 261. As described above, the pin stopper 24 is snap-fit ​​connected to each of these engaging projections 261b. This fixes the plug frame 26 and the pin stopper 24.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the upper and lower walls of the base portion 261 are each provided with outwardly projecting protrusions 261d. These protrusions 261d are inserted into openings 283 of the coupling 28, as will be described later. In addition, the upper and lower walls of the base portion 261 are each provided with rectangular notches 261c that open to the tip surface. Elastic locking pieces 269 protrude from the bottom of each notch 261c toward the tip. By providing the notches 261c and allowing the elastic locking pieces 269 to protrude from their bottoms, the overall length of the plug frame 26 (length in the X-axis direction) can be reduced while making the elastic locking pieces 269 longer (making them easier to elastically deform). However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the notches 261c may be omitted.

[0040] A pair of elastic locking pieces 269 are arranged facing each other, one above the other. Each elastic locking piece 269 has a projection-like claw portion 269a that protrudes inward at its tip. Furthermore, at the tip of each elastic locking piece 269, biased portions 269b are provided on both sides of the claw portion 269a in the Y-axis direction, which are biased outward (up and down) by sliding with the coupling 28.

[0041] The plug frame 26 has now been described. The materials used to construct the plug frame 26 are not particularly limited, but for example, the same materials as those used for the ferrule 21 described above can be used.

[0042] - Coil Springs 25 - As shown in Figure 6, two coil springs 25 are provided, each wound around a guide pin 23. With this configuration, the guide pins 23 act as supports, allowing the coil springs 25 to expand and contract stably. Each coil spring 25 is provided in a contracted state between the ferrule 21 and the plug frame 26, with its tip in contact with the ferrule 21 and its rear end in contact with the plug frame 26. As a result, these two coil springs 25 bias the ferrule 21 toward the tip side relative to the plug frame 26.

[0043] -Boot 27- The boot 27 is flexible and covers the optical fiber 3 at the base of the optical connector plug 2. This prevents excessive bending of the optical fiber 3 at the base of the optical connector plug 2. As shown in Figure 13, the boot 27 is provided on the rear end side of the plug frame 26. The tip of the boot 27 is inserted into the rear end of the plug frame 26. Furthermore, the tips of both side walls of the boot 27 (the parts inserted into the plug frame 26) that are exposed from the notch 261a of the plug frame 26 are each provided with outwardly protruding engaging projections 271. These engaging projections 271 engage with the coupling 28, as will be described later. Also, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the boot 27 is provided with an optical fiber insertion hole 272 through which the optical fiber 3 is inserted.

[0044] The above describes the boot 27. The constituent material of the boot 27 is not particularly limited. For example, various elastomers such as styrene-based, polyolefin-based, polyvinyl chloride-based, polyurethane-based, polyester-based, polyamide-based, polybutadiene-based, trans-polyisoprene-based, fluororubber-based, chlorinated polyethylene-based, etc., and various rubber materials such as silicone rubber, fluororubber, chloroprene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, etc. can be used.

[0045] - Coupling 28 - The coupling 28 is a part that is gripped when inserting and removing the optical connector plug 2 with respect to the receptacle 4 and functions as a "grip". As shown in FIG. 14, the coupling 28 is provided on the outermost circumference of the optical connector plug 2, has a cylindrical shape extending in the X-axis direction, and encloses the ferrule 21 and the plug frame 26. Such a coupling 28 is slidable with respect to the plug frame 26. In addition, on both side wall portions of the coupling 28, engaging holes 281 with which the engaging protrusions 271 of the boot 27 engage are provided respectively. Thereby, the boot 27 and the coupling 28 are fixed.

[0046] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the coupling 28 has a wall-like stopper 282 as a first regulating portion protruding inward. The stopper 282 is located on the tip side of the rear end portion 212 of the ferrule 21, and when the rear end portion 212 abuts, the further movement of the ferrule 21 toward the tip side is blocked. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 14, rectangular openings 283, which are second regulating portions, are provided on the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion of the coupling 28 respectively. And the protrusion 261d of the plug frame 26 is inserted into each opening 283. In a non-connected state (natural state) not connected to the receptacle 4, due to the biasing force of the coil spring 25, the rear end portion 212 of the ferrule 21 is pressed against the stopper 282, and the protrusion 261d of the plug frame 26 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface 283a located on the rear end side of the opening 283. Therefore, the ferrule 21 and the plug frame 26 are regulated so as not to be separated further, and the ferrule 21 and the plug frame 26 are stably held by the coupling 28.

[0047] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 14, rectangular openings 284 are provided in the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion of the coupling 28, respectively, on the tip end side of the opening 283. And elastic locking pieces 269 of the plug frame 26 are arranged in these respective openings 284. Further, the coupling 28 has a biasing portion 285 that is located at the Y-axis direction end portion of the opening 284 and abuts against the biased portion 269b of the elastic locking piece 269. The biasing portion 285 has an inclined surface that abuts against the biased portion 269b.

[0048] As described above, the coupling 28 has been explained. The constituent material of the coupling 28 is not particularly limited, but for example, the same material as the ferrule 21 described above can be used.

[0049] - Cap 29 - As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cap 29 is put on the ferrule 21. In the put-on state, the inner peripheral surface contacts the seal member 22 provided on the ferrule 21, and the gap between the ferrule 21 and the cap 29 is hermetically sealed. Therefore, as described above, the tip end surface 21a of the ferrule 21 can be kept clean until the time of use (when connecting to the receptacle 4). Also, an annular flange 291 that protrudes outward is provided at the tip end portion of the cap 29. Therefore, by gripping the flange 291, the attachment and detachment of the cap 29 to and from the ferrule 21 can be easily performed. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the flange 291 may be omitted.

[0050] As described above, the cap 29 has been explained. The constituent material of the cap 29 is not particularly limited, but for example, the same material as the ferrule 21 described above can be used.

[0051] <<Receptacle 4>> As shown in Figure 15, the receptacle 4 is used in a state where it is fixed to the housing 81 of the electronic device 8. The receptacle 4 also holds an optical fiber 5 as a connecting member side optical fiber connected to an optical component (not shown) provided in the electronic device 8. The optical fiber 5 has the same configuration as the optical fiber 3 described above. Therefore, the description of the optical fiber 5 is omitted. The receptacle 4 has a cylindrical housing 41 fixed to the housing 81, a ferrule 42 as a connecting member side ferrule inserted into the housing 41, a plate 43 for fixing the housing 41 to the housing 81, a stopper 44 for keeping the ferrule 42 inside the housing 41, a sealing member 45 as a connecting member side sealing member provided on the ferrule 42, and a cap 46 that is inserted into the housing 41 until use (when the optical connector plug 2 is connected).

[0052] -Housing 41- As shown in Figure 15, the housing 41 is cylindrical and has a ferrule insertion hole 411 that penetrates the front end surface 41a and the rear end surface 41b. The ferrule insertion hole 411 is enlarged in diameter at the rear end, and a stepped surface 411a facing the rear end is formed in this portion. The housing 41 also has flanges 412 that protrude outward (up and down). Hereafter, the portion of the housing 41 closer to the front end (positive side in the X-axis direction) than the flanges 412 will be referred to as the front end portion 413, and the portion closer to the rear end (negative side in the X-axis direction) than the flanges 412 will be referred to as the rear end portion 414. Furthermore, the upper and lower walls of the front end portion 413 are provided with engaging recesses 413a that are recessed relative to the outer circumferential surface. As will be described later, the claw portion 269a of the elastic locking piece 269 engages with these engaging recesses 413a.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the rear end portion 414 has outwardly protruding engaging projections 414a on both side walls. The stopper 44 is snap-fit ​​connected to these engaging projections 414a. The upper and lower walls of the rear end portion 414 are also provided with recesses 414b for fitting and positioning the plate 43.

[0054] The housing 41 has now been described. The materials used to construct the housing 41 are not particularly limited, but for example, the same materials as those used for the ferrule 21 described above can be used.

[0055] -Ferrule 42- As shown in Figure 15, the ferrule 42 is inserted into the ferrule insertion hole 411 from the rear end side of the housing 41. The ferrule 42 is paired with the ferrule 21 described above and has the same configuration as the ferrule 21. Therefore, the explanation of the ferrule 42 is omitted. Such a ferrule 42 is inserted into the housing 41 from the rear end side, and its rear end portion 422 abuts against the stepped surface 411a of the ferrule insertion hole 411, thereby preventing it from moving any further toward the front end.

[0056] -Sealing Member 45- As shown in Figure 15, the sealing member 45 is fitted into a recess 428 formed in the ferrule 42. The sealing member 45 is also joined to the ferrule 42 by an adhesive. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the inner diameter of the sealing member 45 may be made slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the recess 428, and it may be fixed by the elastic force of the sealing member 45 itself. Such a sealing member 45 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the housing 41 and hermetically seals the gap between the ferrule 42 and the housing 41. This effectively suppresses the adhesion of foreign matter such as dust, dirt, and moisture that enters from the rear end opening of the housing 41 to the front end surface 42a of the ferrule 42. The sealing member 45 has the same configuration as the sealing member 22 described above. Therefore, the description of the sealing member 45 is omitted.

[0057] -Plate 43- As shown in Figure 15, the plate 43 fixes the receptacle 4 to the housing 81 by sandwiching the housing 81 between itself and the flange 412. As shown in Figure 16, the plate 43 has an overall "U" shape and has an upper end portion 431 that fits into a recess 414b provided on the upper wall of the housing 41, a lower end portion 432 that fits into a recess 414b provided on the lower wall of the housing 41, and a connecting portion 433 that connects the upper end portion 431 and the lower end portion 432. The upper end portion 431 also has an elastic piece 431a that protrudes outward (upward), and the lower end portion 432 has an elastic piece 432a that protrudes outward (downward). Such a plate 43 is fixed to the housing 41 by its own elastic force.

[0058] The plate 43 has been described above. The constituent material of the plate 43 is not particularly limited, but various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel can be used.

[0059] -Stopper 44- The stopper 44 secures the ferrule 42 inside the housing 41. As shown in Figure 16, the stopper 44 is a U-shaped plate with a pair of ends 441 that run along the side walls of the housing 41, and a connecting portion 442 that closes the opening at the rear end of the housing 41 and connects the pair of ends 441. The connecting portion 442 is also provided with an optical fiber insertion hole 442a through which the optical fiber 5 is inserted. Each end 441 is also provided with an engagement hole 441a. As shown in Figure 17, the stopper 44 is fixed to the housing 41 by snap-fit ​​connection of these engagement holes 441a to the engagement projection 414a of the housing 41.

[0060] As shown in Figure 17, the stopper 44 is attached to the housing 41 from above the plate 43. Therefore, when the stopper 44 is fixed to the housing 41, the connecting portion 433 is sandwiched between the stopper 44 and the housing 41, which makes it even more difficult for the plate 43 to come off the housing 41. In addition, the rear end portion 422 of the ferrule 42 is sandwiched between the connecting portion 442 and the stepped surface 411a, preventing the ferrule 42 from coming off the housing 41. In this embodiment, the thickness (length in the X-axis direction) of the rear end portion 422 is made smaller than the distance between the stepped surface 411a and the connecting portion 442 to create "play," allowing the ferrule 42 to move slightly in the X-axis direction within the housing 41. However, this is not limited to this, and the "play" may be omitted.

[0061] The stopper 44 has been described above. The material used to construct the stopper 44 is not particularly limited, but various metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel can be used.

[0062] -Cap 46- As shown in Figure 15, the cap 46 has a main body 461 that is inserted into the ferrule insertion hole 411 of the housing 41 from the tip side, a sealing member 462 provided on the main body 461, and a gripping portion 463 that protrudes from the main body 461 toward the tip side. The sealing member 462 is annular and is fitted into an annular recess 461a formed in the main body 461. The sealing member 462 is also joined to the main body 461 by adhesive. Such a sealing member 462 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the housing 41 and hermetically seals the gap between the cap 46 and the housing 41. This prevents foreign matter such as dust, dirt, and moisture from entering from the tip side opening of the housing 41, and keeps the tip surface 42a of the ferrule 42 clean. The sealing member 462 has the same configuration as the sealing member 22 described above. Therefore, the description of the sealing member 462 is omitted. Furthermore, the method for fixing the sealing member 462 to the cap 46 is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be fixed in the same way as the sealing member 22 described above. Also, as described above, in this embodiment the cap 46 and the sealing member 462 are formed separately, but this is not limited, and for example, the cap 46 and the sealing member 462 may be integrally formed using the constituent material of the sealing member 462.

[0063] Receptacle 4 with this configuration does not have a hook (elastically deformable part) for snap-fit ​​connection with optical connector plug 2. Therefore, the configuration of receptacle 4 is simplified.

[0064] The optical connector set 1 has been described above. Next, the method of using the optical connector set 1 will be described. For the sake of clarity, in the following explanation, the upper elastic locking piece 269 shown in Figures 18 to 24 will be shown in a cross-section that overlaps with the biased portion 269b, and the lower elastic locking piece 269 will be shown in a cross-section that overlaps with the claw portion 269a.

[0065] First, as shown in Figure 15, the receptacle 4 is fixed to the housing 81 of the electronic device 8. Next, as shown in Figure 18, the optical connector plug 2 is prepared for insertion into the receptacle 4. Then, the cap 46 is removed from the receptacle 4, and the cap 29 is removed from the optical connector plug 2. By removing the caps 46 and 29 just before inserting the optical connector plug 2 into the receptacle 4 in this way, the tip surfaces 21a and 42a of the ferrules 21 and 42 can be kept clean. Therefore, cleaning of the tip surfaces 21a and 42a becomes unnecessary, reducing the effort required for these connection operations.

[0066] When inserting the optical connector plug 2 into the receptacle 4, first grasp the coupling 28 of the optical connector plug 2, and as shown in Figure 19, insert the ferrule 21 into the ferrule insertion hole 411 from the tip side of the receptacle 4. As the optical connector plug 2 is advanced further, each guide pin 23 is inserted into the guide pin insertion hole 427 of the ferrule 42, positioning the ferrules 21 and 42. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, each elastic locking piece 269 collides with the housing 41 and elastically deforms outward along the outer circumferential surface of the housing 41. This causes the pair of elastic locking pieces 269 to open, allowing for further advancement.

[0067] When the optical connector plug 2 is advanced further, the tip surfaces 21a and 42a of the ferrules 21 and 42 come into contact with each other, as shown in Figure 21. As a result, the tip surfaces of the optical fibers 3 and 5 come into direct contact with each other, connecting them and preventing the ferrule 21 from advancing any further.

[0068] As the optical connector plug 2 is advanced further, as shown in Figure 22, the projection 261d is pressed against the coupling 28, causing the plug frame 26 to advance while the coil spring 25 contracts. At the same time, the claw portion 269a of each elastic locking piece 269 overlaps with the engagement recess 413a, and the restoring force of the elastic locking piece 269 snaps the claw portion 269a into the engagement recess 413a. As a result, the receptacle 4 and the optical connector plug 2 are connected.

[0069] In the connected state, the ferrule 21 is retracted (moved towards the rear end) relative to the stopper 282 and is pressed against the ferrule 42 by the biasing force of the coil spring 25. Therefore, optical connection between the optical fibers 3 and 5 can be made more reliable. In addition, each protrusion 221 of the sealing member 22 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the housing 41 (the inner circumferential surface of the ferrule insertion hole 411), and the connection points (tip faces 21a and 42a) of the ferrules 21 and 42 are hermetically sealed by the sealing members 22 and 45. Therefore, even after being connected to the receptacle 4, the adhesion of foreign matter to the tip faces 21a and 42a of the ferrules 21 and 42 can be suppressed, and the optical connection between the optical fibers 3 and 5 can be suitably maintained for a long period of time.

[0070] Conversely, when the optical connector plug 2 is withdrawn from the receptacle 4 while connected, the coupling 28 of the optical connector plug 2 is first grasped and moved toward the rear end. At this time, the plug frame 26 cannot move toward the rear end because it is engaged with the receptacle 4 by the claw portion 269a. Therefore, the coupling 28 moves toward the rear end relative to the plug frame 26. As a result, as shown in Figure 23, the biasing portion 285 slides against the biased portion 269b, and the biasing portion 285 pushes the pair of elastic locking pieces 269 outward (up and down). As a result, the pair of elastic locking pieces 269 open, and the engagement between the claw portion 269a and the engagement recess 413a is released.

[0071] Then, by further moving the coupling 28 toward the rear end, the plug frame 26 and ferrule 21 move toward the base end together with the coupling 28, and as shown in Figure 24, the optical connector plug 2 is withdrawn from the receptacle 4. When the optical connector plug 2 is withdrawn from the receptacle 4, the biasing force of the coil spring 25 causes the plug frame 26 to move toward the rear end relative to the coupling 28, automatically returning it to the disconnected state.

[0072] As described above, with the optical connector plug 2, the coupling 28 can be gripped and operated both when inserting it into the receptacle 4 and when withdrawing it from the receptacle 4. Therefore, compared to conventional configurations where the gripping point (part) differs when inserting it into the receptacle 4 and when withdrawing it from the receptacle 4, the operation is simpler. In addition, with the optical connector plug 2, the coil spring 25 serves both the function of pressing the ferrule 21 against the ferrule 42 when connected and the function of returning to the disconnected state when the optical connector plug 2 is withdrawn from the receptacle 4. Therefore, compared to conventional cases where springs with these functions (coupling coil spring 97, ferrule coil spring 98) are provided separately, the optical connector plug 2 can be made smaller and the manufacturing cost of the optical connector plug 2 can be reduced. Thus, the optical connector plug 2 can be suitably used in Co-Packaged Optics.

[0073] In the method described above, the coupling 28 is gripped both when inserting the optical connector plug 2 into the receptacle 4 and when withdrawing it from the receptacle 4, but this is not the only method. As mentioned above, in the optical connector plug 2, the boot 27 is fixed to the coupling 28, so they slide together against the plug frame 26. Therefore, even if the boot 27 is gripped, the optical connector plug 2 can be inserted into the receptacle 4 and withdrawn from the receptacle 4 in the same way as described above. Thus, with the optical connector plug 2, insertion and removal from the receptacle 4 is possible whether the coupling 28 or the boot 27 is gripped. Therefore, the optical connector plug 2 can exhibit excellent operability. Furthermore, even for workers who are accustomed to operating conventional MPO connectors and naturally grip the boot 27 when inserting and the coupling 28 when withdrawing, it is possible to provide a comfortable working experience. Furthermore, by extending the shape of the boot 27 in the X-axis direction, for example, work can be performed in places where it is difficult to directly operate the coupling 28, such as recessed or confined spaces.

[0074] The optical connector plug 2 has been described above. As mentioned above, this optical connector plug 2 is an optical connector plug that is inserted into and removed from a receptacle 4, which is a connecting member having a ferrule insertion hole 411. The optical connector plug 2 has an optical fiber 3 exposed on its tip surface 21a and a ferrule 21 that is inserted into the ferrule insertion hole 411, and a sealing member 22 provided on the ferrule 21. The sealing member 22 seals the gap between the outer surface of the ferrule 21 and the inner surface of the cap 29 that is placed over the ferrule 21 and covers the tip surface 21a of the ferrule 21. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust, dirt, and moisture from adhering to the tip surface 21a of the ferrule 21. As a result, the tip surface 21a of the ferrule 21 can be kept clean. Consequently, cleaning work to remove foreign matter from the tip surface 21a becomes unnecessary, improving work efficiency. Therefore, this results in an optical connector plug 2 that can be suitably used in Co-Packaged Optics.

[0075] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the sealing member 22 has an annular shape surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the ferrule 21 and has a plurality of protrusions 221 spaced apart in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) of the ferrule 21. The tip of each protrusion 221 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the cap 29. With this configuration, the contact area between the sealing member 22 and the cap 29 can be kept small, and the sealing member 22 becomes more easily deformed by contact with the cap 29. As a result, the sliding resistance between the sealing member 22 and the cap 29 is reduced, and the cap 29 can be smoothly attached to and detached from the ferrule 21.

[0076] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the tips of each protrusion 221 are rounded. With this configuration, the contact area between the sealing member 22 and the cap 29 can be kept small, and the sealing member 22 is more easily deformed by contact with the cap 29. As a result, the sliding resistance between the sealing member 22 and the cap 29 is reduced, and the cap 29 can be smoothly attached to and detached from the ferrule 21.

[0077] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when the ferrule 21 is inserted into the ferrule insertion hole 411, the sealing member 22 seals the gap between the ferrule 21 and the inner circumferential surface of the ferrule insertion hole 411. With this configuration, even after being connected to the receptacle 4, the adhesion of foreign matter to the tip surface 21a of the ferrule 21 can be suppressed.

[0078] Furthermore, as described above, the optical connector plug 2 has a plug frame 26 located on the rear end side of the ferrule 21, with a pair of elastic locking pieces 269 facing each other that snap-fit ​​connect to an engagement recess 413a, which is an engagement portion provided on the outer circumferential surface of the receptacle 4; a stopper 282, which is a first restricting portion that restricts the movement of the ferrule 21 toward the front end by contacting the ferrule 21, which is a second restricting portion that restricts the movement of the plug frame 26 toward the rear end by contacting the plug frame 26, which is an inner circumferential surface 283a of an opening 283, which is a second restricting portion that biases the pair of elastic locking pieces 269 by sliding toward the rear end side of the plug frame 26, causing them to elastically deform outward; and a coil spring 25, which is a spring provided in a contracted state between the plug frame 26 and the ferrule 21. When the ferrule 21 is not inserted into the ferrule insertion hole 411 and is in a disconnected state, the biasing force of the coil spring 25 causes the ferrule 21 to contact the stopper 282 and the plug frame 26 to contact the opening 283. With this configuration, the coupling 28 can be gripped and operated both when inserting it into the receptacle 4 and when removing it from the receptacle 4. Therefore, the operation is simpler compared to conventional configurations where the gripping point (part) differs when inserting it into the receptacle 4 and when removing it from the receptacle 4. In addition, with the optical connector plug 2, the coil spring 25 serves both the function of pressing the ferrule 21 against the receptacle 4 when connected and the function of returning to the disconnected state when the optical connector plug 2 is removed from the receptacle 4. Therefore, compared to the conventional method of providing separate springs with these functions (coupling coil spring 97, ferrule coil spring 98), it becomes easier to miniaturize the optical connector plug 2 and reduce the manufacturing cost of the optical connector plug 2. Consequently, the optical connector plug 2 is suitable for use in Co-Packaged Optics.

[0079] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when inserting the ferrule 21 into the ferrule insertion hole 411, the coupling 28 is gripped and the ferrule 21 is inserted into the ferrule insertion hole 411. The pair of elastic locking pieces 269 elastically deform and open due to collision with the receptacle 4, and by moving them further toward the tip, the pair of elastic locking pieces 269 snap-fit ​​into the engagement recess 413a, resulting in a connected state to the receptacle 4. Conversely, when pulling out the ferrule 21 from the connected state, gripping the coupling 28 and moving it toward the rear end causes the coupling 28 to move toward the rear end relative to the plug frame 26 which remains snap-fit ​​connected. This movement causes the biasing part 285 to bias the pair of elastic locking pieces 269 outward, and this biasing causes the pair of elastic locking pieces 269 to elastically deform and open, releasing the snap-fit ​​connection. Further movement toward the rear end pulls the ferrule 21 out of the ferrule insertion hole 411, and the biasing force of the coil spring 25 returns it to the disconnected state. With this configuration, the coupling 28 can be gripped and operated both when inserting it into the receptacle 4 and when pulling it out of the receptacle 4. Therefore, the operation is simpler compared to conventional configurations where the gripping point (member) differs when inserting it into the receptacle 4 and when pulling it out of the receptacle 4.

[0080] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in the connected state, the ferrule 21 retracts relative to the stopper 282 and is pressed against the receptacle 4 by the biasing force of the coil spring 25. With this configuration, the connection state with the receptacle 4 can be maintained more reliably.

[0081] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the optical connector plug 2 is slidably inserted into the ferrule 21 and has a pair of guide pins 23 that protrude from the tip surface 21a of the ferrule 21. When connected, the pair of guide pins 23 are inserted into the guide pin insertion holes 427 of the receptacle 4, thereby positioning the ferrule 21 and the receptacle 4. With this configuration, the optical connector plug 2 can be connected to the receptacle 4 more reliably.

[0082] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the receptacle 4 has an engaging recess 413a as an engaging portion. Each elastic locking piece 269 also has a protruding claw portion 269a that engages with the engaging recess 413a. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide the receptacle 4 with a hook (elastically deformable portion) for snap-fit ​​connection with the optical connector plug 2. Therefore, the structure of the receptacle 4 is simplified. Moreover, as in the third embodiment described later, it has excellent heat resistance and is suitable for reflow mounting.

[0083] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the connecting member is a receptacle 4 having a ferrule 42 which is a connecting member side ferrule, positioned in the ferrule insertion hole 411, with the optical fiber 5, which is the connecting member side optical fiber, exposed on its tip surface 42a. The tip surface 21a of the ferrule 21 inserted into the ferrule insertion hole 411 comes into contact with the tip surface 42a of the ferrule 42, thereby connecting the optical fiber 3 and the optical fiber 5. With this configuration, the connection of the optical fibers 3 and 5 becomes easy.

[0084] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the receptacle 4 has a sealing member 45 provided on the ferrule 42, which is a connecting member-side sealing member that seals the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the ferrule 42 and the inner circumferential surface of the ferrule insertion hole 411. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of foreign matter to the tip surface 42a of the ferrule 42.

[0085] <Second Embodiment> Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector set according to the second embodiment, viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of the female optical connector plug, viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0086] The optical connector set 1 of this embodiment is the same as the optical connector set 1 of the first embodiment described above, except that it has a female optical connector plug 2B and an adapter 6 instead of a receptacle 4. Therefore, in the following description, this embodiment will be described mainly for the differences from the first embodiment described above, and similar matters will be omitted from the description. Also, in each figure of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the previously described embodiment.

[0087] As shown in Figure 25, the optical connector set 1 of this embodiment includes a male optical connector plug 2A, a female optical connector plug 2B, and an adapter 6 as a connecting member for connecting them. Of these, the male optical connector plug 2A is the same as the optical connector plug 2 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the description of the male optical connector plug 2A will be omitted. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 26, the female optical connector plug 2B has shorter guide pins 23 than the optical connector plug 2 of the first embodiment, and the guide pins 23 do not protrude from the tip surface 21a of the ferrule 21, but are retracted into the ferrule 21. When connected, the guide pins 23 of the male optical connector plug 2A are inserted into the guide pin insertion holes 217 of the female optical connector plug 2B.

[0088] As shown in Figure 25, the adapter 6 has a housing 61. The housing 61 is cylindrical and has a ferrule insertion hole 611 that penetrates from the front end to the rear end. The upper and lower walls of the front end 613 of the housing 61 are provided with engaging recesses 613a, which are recessed into the outer circumferential surface. Similarly, the upper and lower walls of the rear end 614 are provided with engaging recesses 614a, which are recessed into the outer circumferential surface. These front end 613 and rear end 614 are symmetrical with respect to the housing 61.

[0089] In such an optical connector set 1, as shown in Figure 25, the optical connector plugs 2A and 2B are inserted into the ferrule insertion holes 611 from both ends of the adapter 6, and the claws 269a of the optical connector plug 2A are snap-fit ​​connected to the respective engagement recesses 613a, while the claws 269a of the optical connector plug 2B are snap-fit ​​connected to the respective engagement recesses 614a. This causes the tip surfaces 21a of the ferrules 21 of the optical connector plugs 2A and 2B to come into contact with each other, and the optical connector plugs 2A and 2B are optically connected.

[0090] This second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0091] <Third Embodiment> Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a receptacle according to the third embodiment.

[0092] The optical connector set 1 of this embodiment is the same as the optical connector set 1 of the first embodiment described above, except that the method of mounting the receptacle 4 is different. Therefore, in the following description, this embodiment will be described mainly for the differences from the first embodiment described above, and similar matters will be omitted from the description. Also, in each figure of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the previously described embodiment.

[0093] As shown in Figure 27, the receptacle 4 of this embodiment is reflow mounted on the substrate 7. Accordingly, the receptacle 4 has been modified from the configuration of the first embodiment described above by appropriately removing unnecessary parts (typically the plate 43) and appropriately adding necessary parts. As explained in the first embodiment described above, the receptacle 4 does not have a hook for snap-fit ​​connection with the optical connector plug 2 (a part that can be damaged by deformation or other damage due to the heat during reflow mounting). Therefore, the receptacle 4 has excellent heat resistance and is a configuration suitable for reflow mounting as in this embodiment.

[0094] This third embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0095] Although the optical connector plug of the present invention has been described above based on the illustrated embodiment, the optical connector plug of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration having a similar function. Furthermore, any other components may be added to the present invention. Also, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate.

[0096] According to the optical connector plug of the present invention, the gap between the ferrule and the cap is hermetically sealed by the sealing member, preventing foreign matter such as dust, dirt, and moisture from adhering to the tip surface of the ferrule. Therefore, the tip surface of the ferrule can be kept clean. Consequently, cleaning work to remove foreign matter from the tip surface becomes unnecessary, improving work efficiency. As a result, the optical connector plug can be suitably used in Co-Packaged Optics. Therefore, the present invention has industrial applicability.

Claims

An optical connector plug that is inserted into and removed from a connecting member having a ferrule insertion hole, A ferrule with an exposed optical fiber at its tip and inserted into the ferrule insertion hole, The ferrule has a sealing member provided on it, The optical connector plug is characterized in that the sealing member seals the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the ferrule and the inner circumferential surface of a cap that is placed over the ferrule and covers the tip surface of the ferrule. 　 The sealing member has an annular shape surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the ferrule and has a plurality of protrusions spaced apart in the front-rear direction of the ferrule. The optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the tip of each of the aforementioned protrusions is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cap. 　 The optical connector plug according to claim 2, wherein the tip portion is rounded. 　 The optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein, when the ferrule is inserted into the ferrule insertion hole, the sealing member seals the gap between the ferrule and the inner circumferential surface of the ferrule insertion hole. 　 A pair of elastic locking pieces are arranged opposite each other, which snap-fit ​​connect to an engaging portion provided on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member, and a plug frame is located on the rear end side of the ferrule. A coupling comprising: a first restricting portion slidably mounted on the plug frame and restricting the movement of the ferrule toward the tip by contacting the ferrule; a second restricting portion stipulating the movement of the plug frame toward the rear end by contacting the plug frame; and a biasing portion that biases the pair of elastic locking pieces toward the rear end by sliding toward the rear end of the plug frame, causing them to elastically deform outward; The plug frame and the ferrule are provided with a spring in a contracted state, The optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein in a disconnected state in which the ferrule is not inserted into the ferrule insertion hole, the biasing force of the spring causes the ferrule to abut against the first restricting portion and the plug frame to abut against the second restricting portion. 　 When the coupling is grasped and the ferrule is inserted into the ferrule insertion hole, the pair of elastic locking pieces elastically deform and open due to collision with the connecting member, and by moving further toward the tip, the pair of elastic locking pieces snap-fit ​​connect to the engaging portion, resulting in a connected state connected to the connecting member. The optical connector plug according to claim 5, wherein when the coupling is grasped and moved toward the rear end in the connected state, the coupling moves toward the rear end relative to the plug frame which remains snap-fit ​​connected, and this movement biases the pair of elastic locking pieces outward due to the biasing portion, and this bias causes the pair of elastic locking pieces to elastically deform and open, thereby releasing the snap-fit ​​connection, and when moved toward the rear end further, the ferrule is pulled out from the ferrule insertion hole, and the biasing force of the spring returns it to the disconnected state. 　 The optical plug connector according to claim 6, wherein in the connected state, the ferrule is retracted relative to the first restricting portion and is pressed against the connecting member by the biasing force of the spring. 　 The ferrule has a pair of guide pins that are slidably inserted into the ferrule and protrude from the tip surface of the ferrule, In the connected state, the ferrule and the connecting member are positioned by inserting the pair of guide pins into the guide pin insertion holes of the connecting member, as described in claim 6. 　 The connecting member has an engaging recess as the engaging portion, The optical connector plug according to claim 5, wherein each of the elastic locking pieces has a protruding claw portion that engages with the engaging recess. 　 The connecting member is a receptacle having a connecting member-side ferrule that is placed in the ferrule insertion hole and has a connecting member-side optical fiber exposed on its tip surface. The optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the tip surface of the ferrule inserted into the ferrule insertion hole comes into contact with the tip surface of the connecting member side ferrule, thereby connecting the optical fiber and the connecting member side optical fiber. 　 The optical connector plug according to claim 10, wherein the connecting member is provided on the connecting member side ferrule and has a connecting member side sealing member that seals the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member side ferrule and the inner circumferential surface of the ferrule insertion hole.

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