JP3318264B2 - Optical connector - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical connector used for an optical interface of a mounting device which requires simplification and low cost.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, optical communication equipment has been increasing due to the introduction of optical technology. Particularly, in communication equipment where subscriber optical lines are concentrated, a huge number of optical fibers are terminated, and high density and low cost are required. It is necessary to connect.

[0003] Conventionally, as an optical interface for a high-density mounting apparatus which requires miniaturization, high density, and high multitude,
An MU-type optical connector using a small-diameter zirconia ferrule having a diameter of 1.25 mm, and a MU-type optical simple receptacle having a simple structure by omitting a pressing spring on the inside of a device such as an exchange have been developed. The MU-type optical simple receptacle uses an MU-type connector plug on the outside of the device. In the MU-type connector plug, a ferrule is floated by a pressing spring provided in the plug and pressed against the other optical fiber.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, a conventional optical connector includes an adapter 1 formed so that a pair of connector plugs can be inserted into both ends thereof, and an MU type inserted into one end of the adapter 1. First connector plug 2
And a simple second connector plug 3 inserted into the other end of the adapter 1. One end of the adapter 1 is arranged outside the apparatus such as a switchboard (not shown). The end side is arranged inside the apparatus.

The adapter 1 has a through hole 1a for receiving each of the connector plugs 2 and 3, and an engagement portion (not shown) for engaging with the first connector plug 2 is provided at one end of the through hole 1a. An engaging portion (not shown) is provided at the center of the through hole 1a and can fix the sleeve holder 4 made of another component.

As shown in FIG. 23, the first connector plug 2 includes a ferrule 2a holding an optical fiber, a plug frame 2b supporting the ferrule 2a movably in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber, and a plug frame 2b. It comprises a gripping portion 2c slidably mounted and a spring 2d for pressing the ferrule 2a toward the distal end of the connector plug 2. The spring 2d is interposed between the flange 2e of the ferrule 2a and the stop ring 2f in a compressed state. Is equipped.

The second connector plug 3 has a ferrule 3a fixed at the tip and a flange 3b on the side surface. A plurality of engagement grooves 3c are provided on the flange portion 3b at intervals of 90 ° in the circumferential direction.

In the conventional optical connector configured as described above, the split sleeve 5 is mounted on the ferrule 3a of the second connector plug 3, and the arbitrary engaging groove 3c of the second connector plug 3 is inserted into the sleeve holder 4. The second connector plug 3 is inserted into the sleeve hole 4b of the sleeve holder 4 in a state where the second connector plug 3 is aligned with the projection 4a. At this time, the flange 3c of the second connector plug 3 engages with the pair of elastic engagement pieces 4c of the sleeve holder 4 to fix the sleeve holder 4 to the engagement portion in the adapter 1 so that the second connector The plug 3 is connected to the other end of the adapter 1. Also, the first
The connector plug 2 is fixed to one end of the adapter 1 by engaging with an engagement portion of the adapter 1.
The ferrules 2a and 3a of the connector plugs 2 and 3 are brought into contact with each other to achieve optical fiber connection.
At that time, the ferrule 2a of the first connector plug 2
The pressing force of the spring 2d reliably contacts the ferrule 3a of the second connector plug 3. The first connector plug 2 is arbitrarily pulled out of the adapter 1 by operating the grip portion 2c to release the engagement with the adapter 1. Furthermore, each ferrule 2a,
When the position of the optical axis 3a in the eccentric direction does not match,
The operation of pulling out the second connector plug 3 from the adapter 1 using a dedicated jig or tool, rotating the connector 90 ° and inserting it again is repeated, and the second connector plug 3 is inserted in an optimal direction.

[0009]

However, in the conventional optical connector, since the first connector plug 2 is arranged on the outside of the device, it is in a state where the first connector plug 2 is likely to come into contact with an external object. When a tensile force exceeding the 2d pressing force is applied, each connector plug 2,
There was a risk that the connection of No. 3 would be inadvertently released. Further, since the first connector plug 2 has a built-in spring 2d for pressing the ferrule 2a, there are problems that many components are required and the structure is complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to prevent inadvertent disconnection between connector plugs and to simplify the structure of the connector plug. The present invention provides an optical connector that can be used.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an optical connector comprising an optical connector such as an exchange.
An optical connector arranged in a credit device, wherein a pair of connector plugs holding an optical fiber are formed so as to be insertable into both ends , one end being outside the device and the other end being a front end.
A connection member disposed inside the device, and a connection member outside the device.
Wherein is inserted into the one end of the connecting member, it has a freely releasable structure coupling with the connecting member from the optical file
The ferrule holding the fiber and the ferrule
A plug frame that holds the device immovable in the optical axis direction
A first connector plug comprising:
Elasticity and a second connector plug inserted movably in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber to the other end of said connecting member, said <br/> second connector plug in the first connector plug Elasticity to connect to the connecting member while being pressed
A connection part in a state inserted into the connection member
A locking portion for locking to the material, and
And a coupling member formed to be disengageable from the portion .

[0012] Thereby, the first external device such as an exchange is placed on the outside.
And a second connector on the inside of the device.
When a plug is placed, the second connector plug is connected
Movably in the direction of the optical axis of the optical fiber
Therefore, the first connector plug is connected to the optical fiber.
It can be configured not to move in the optical axis direction.
Tensile force due to contact with external objects
Even if they do, make sure that the connector plugs
The pressing force is not impaired. In this case, the first
The connector plug is a conventional sprue for pressing the ferrule.
The structure is simpler than that with a built-in ring.

An external object is connected to the first connector plug.
Even if a tensile force due to contact with
The ferrule of the connector plug moves in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber
Never do. Further, the engaging portion of the joining member is connected to the connecting member.
By using a fingertip from outside
The engagement between the member and the connection member is released, and the second connector plug is released.
Lugs can be separated from connecting members without using special jigs and tools.
Can be pulled out.

[0014] According to claim 2, in the optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the first connector plug, fiber-
The ferrule part holding the rivet and the ferrule part are integrated
And a plug frame having the same. As a result,
In addition to the functions of claim 1, an external object is connected to the first connector plug.
Even if a tensile force is applied due to contact with the body, the first core
The ferrule part of the connector plug is oriented in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber.
No movement, plug frame and ferrule
The number of parts is reduced by the integrated unit.

According to a third aspect , in the optical connector according to the first or second aspect , the connection member side and the second connector are provided.
Connect the second connector plug to the optical fiber
At a plurality of positions rotated by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction of the
And an engagement portion that engages with the contact hole. As a result, the claims
Optical axis of each connector plug in addition to the function of 1, 2 or 3
If the positions of the eccentric directions do not match, the second connector
Remove the connector plug from the connection member, and only a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction.
By repeating the work of rotating and inserting again,
2 connector plug can be inserted in the optimal direction
You.

[0016]

1 to 12 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an optical connector, and FIGS. 2 to 5 are a plan sectional view and a side sectional view of an adapter. Figures, a front view in one end direction and a front view in the other end direction, FIGS. 6 and 7 are a plan sectional view and a front view of the first connector plug,
8 and 9 are a plan sectional view and a front view of the second connector plug, and FIGS. 10 to 12 are a plan view, a side view and a front view of the connecting member.

The optical connector according to the present embodiment includes an adapter 10 as a connection member formed so that a pair of connector plugs can be inserted into both ends thereof, a first connector plug 20 inserted into one end of the adapter 10, and A second connector plug 30 inserted into the other end of the adapter 10;
And a coupling member 40 for coupling the connector plug 30 to the adapter 10. Although not shown, one end of the adapter 10 is disposed outside the apparatus such as an exchange, and the other end is disposed inside the apparatus. Is done.

The adapter 10 has at one end a hole 10a for receiving the first connector plug 20, and a pair of elastic engagement pieces 1 for engaging with the first connector plug 20 in the hole 10a.
1 are provided opposite to each other on the inner surface, and each elastic engagement piece 1
Projections 11a are provided at the front end of each of them. A pair of guide grooves 12 extending in the axial direction are provided in the hole 10a on one end side so as to face each other on the inner side surface. The other end of the adapter 10 is provided with a hole 10b for receiving the second connector plug 30, and the coupling member 4 is provided in the hole 10b.
A pair of engagement grooves 13 that engage with zero are provided to face each other on the inner side surface. In the center of the adapter 10, the ferrules 20a, 30a of the connector plugs 20, 30 are provided.
Is provided, the ferrule holding portion 14 has a sleeve portion 14a extending in the axial direction, and the sleeve portion 14a located on the other end side of the adapter 10 is provided.
A pair of protrusions 14b for positioning the second connector plug 30 in the circumferential direction are provided at both ends in the width direction.

The first connector plug 20 comprises a ferrule 21 holding an optical fiber 20a, a plug frame 22 holding the ferrule 21, and a grip portion 23 slidably mounted on the plug frame 22. Reference numeral 21 is fixed to one end of the plug frame 22 in a state where the distal end side projects outside. The plug frame 22 has a through hole 22 a extending in the axial direction, and the optical fiber 20 a inserted in the through hole 22 a is held by the ferrule 21. In addition, a pair of recesses 22 b that engage with the respective elastic engagement pieces 11 of the adapter 10 are provided on both side surfaces on one end side of the plug frame 22. A boot 22c for protecting the optical fiber 20a is attached to the other end of the plug frame 22, and the boot 22c is formed of an elastic material such as silicon rubber. The holding portion 23 is provided on each side surface on one end side of each
Each of the holes 23a has an inclined surface 23b inclined downward toward the recess 22b. A pair of ridges 24 that engage with the respective guide grooves 12 of the adapter 10 are provided on the outer surface of the first connector plug 20, and a mark 2 displayed on one predetermined side surface
5 are provided.

The second connector plug 30 comprises a ferrule 31 holding the optical fiber 30a and a plug frame 32 holding the ferrule 31.
Reference numeral 1 is fixed to one end of the plug frame 32 in a state where the distal end side projects outside. The plug frame 32 has a through hole 32 a extending in the axial direction, and the optical fiber 30 a inserted into the through hole 32 a is held by the ferrule 31. A boot 32b for protecting the optical fiber 30a is attached to the other end of the plug frame 32, and the boot 32b is formed of an elastic material such as silicon rubber. Further, a flange portion 33 protruding in the radial direction is provided on a side surface of the plug frame 32,
The flange portion 33 is provided with a plurality of engagement grooves 33a for engaging with the respective protrusions 14b of the adapter 10 at intervals of 90 ° in the circumferential direction.

The coupling member 40 is formed of an elastic metal plate, and has a coil-shaped spring portion 41 as an elastic portion protruding at one end thereof. In this case, the connecting member 4
A hole 42 communicating with the inside of the spring portion 41 is provided on one end surface of the zero. Adapter 1 on both sides of coupling member 40
A pair of elastic engagement pieces 43 that engage with the respective engagement grooves 13 are bent, and a projection 43a is provided at the tip of each elastic engagement piece 43. The coupling member 40 is provided with a notch 44 extending over one end surface and one side surface, and one end of the notch 44 communicates with the hole 42 of the spring portion 41.

In the optical connector configured as described above, when connecting the connector plugs 20 and 30,
The split sleeve 50 is attached to the ferrule 31 of the second connector plug 30 and the second connector plug 3
0 optical fiber 30a is cut out 44 of coupling member 40.
Then, the plug frame 32 of the second connector plug 30 is inserted into the spring portion 41 of the coupling member 40 through the hole 42 of the spring portion 41. In this state, the second connector plug 3
0 of each engaging groove 33a in each of the protrusions 14 in the adapter 10.
b, and the second connector plug 30 and the coupling member 40 are inserted into the adapter 10. This allows
The protrusion 43 a of each elastic engagement piece 43 of the coupling member 40 engages with the engagement groove 13 of the adapter 10, and the second connector plug 3 is coupled to the other end of the adapter 1. At this time, one end of the spring portion 41 of the coupling member 40 is connected to the second connector plug 3.
The second connector plug 30 is engaged with the end surface of the flange portion 33 of the first connector 30 and pressed by the spring portion 41 in the distal direction.
When the projections 24 of the first connector plug 20 are aligned with the respective guide grooves 12 of the adapter 10 and the first connector plug 20 is inserted into one end of the adapter 10, the respective recesses of the first connector plug 20 are depressed. The hole 23 of the gripping portion 23 is formed
a projection 11 of each elastic engagement piece 11 of the adapter 10
a is engaged, and the first connector plug 20 is
To one end. Thereby, the ferrules 20a, 30 of the respective connector plugs 20, 30 in the adapter 10
a are butted against each other to achieve an optical fiber connection. At this time, the ferrule 3 of the second connector plug 30
Oa reliably contacts the ferrule 20a of the first connector plug 20 by the pressing of the spring portion 41. When the grip portion 23 of the first connector plug 20 is slid,
Each inclined surface 23b of the grip portion 23 pushes each elastic engagement piece 11 of the adapter 10 outward, and the projection 1 of each elastic engagement piece 11
1a is disengaged from each recess 22b of the first connector plug 20, and the engagement is released. Thereby, the first connector plug 20 can be arbitrarily pulled out of the adapter 1.

When the optical axes of the ferrules 20a and 30a do not coincide with the eccentric direction of the optical fiber, each elastic engagement piece 43 of the coupling member 40 is pressed inward in the width direction with a fingertip or the like. , Each elastic engagement piece 43 is the adapter 10
The second connector plug 30 is pulled out of the adapter 10 and rotated 90 ° to insert the second connector plug 30 in an optimal direction by repeating the operation of inserting the second connector plug 30 again. Can be.

As described above, according to the optical connector of the present embodiment, the first connector plug 2
0 is configured so that the ferrule 20a does not move in the optical axis direction, and the second connector plug 30 disposed inside the device is coupled to the adapter 10 by the coupling member 40, and the second connector plug 30 is coupled. The first connector plug 20 is pressed movably in the optical axis direction by the spring portion 41 of the second connector plug 30 even when a tensile force is applied to the first connector plug 20 by contact with an external object. Of the connector plugs 20 and 30 can be reliably prevented from being inadvertently disconnected. In this case, the first connector plug 20 has a simpler structure than a conventional connector plug 20 having a built-in ferrule pressing spring.
The number of parts and the number of assembly steps can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. Further, by pressing each elastic engagement piece 43 of the coupling member 40 inward in the width direction, each elastic engagement piece 43 of the coupling member 40 is detached from the adapter 10, so that the second connector plug 30 Can be pulled out of the adapter 10 without using a dedicated jig or tool, and the alignment work of the optical axes of the connector plugs 20 and 30 can be performed extremely easily.

In the above embodiment, since the outer shape of the first connector plug 20 can be formed to be the same as that of a conventional connector plug, a MU type connector plug with a built-in spring is connected to the adapter 10 of the above embodiment. This is advantageous in that it is also excellent in versatility.

FIG. 13 is a plan sectional view of a first connector plug according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. That is, the plug frame 26 of the first connector plug 20 shown in FIG.
Has an integrated ferrule portion 26a for holding the optical fiber 20a, and is formed of a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic. The plug frame 26 has a through hole 26b extending in the axial direction, and the optical fiber 20a inserted into the through hole 26b is held by the ferrule portion 26a. Note that other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

According to the present embodiment, since the ferrule portion 26a for holding the optical fiber 20a is provided integrally with the plug frame 26 of the first connector plug 20, the first connector plug 20 is constituted by fewer components. be able to.

14 to 21 show a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an optical connector, and FIGS. 15 to 18 are a plan sectional view and a side sectional view of an adapter.
FIGS. 19 to 2 are a front view in one end direction and a front view in the other end direction.
1 is a partial sectional plan view, side sectional view, and front view of a ferrule holder. The same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The adapter 60 shown in FIG. 1 has a through hole 60a for receiving the connector plugs 20 and 30, and
A pair of elastic engaging pieces 61 for engaging with the first connector plug 20 are provided on one end side in the inner side surface of the elastic engaging piece 61, and a protrusion 61a is provided at the tip of each elastic engaging piece 61. Is provided. A pair of guide grooves 62 extending in the axial direction are provided on one end side in the hole 60a so as to face each other on the inner side surface, and a pair of engaging members engaged with the coupling member 40 are provided on the other end side in the hole 60a. The mating grooves 63 are provided to face each other on the inner side surface. A ferrule holder 70 formed of a separate component is fixed to the center of the adapter 60, and the ferrule holder 7 is provided at the other end of the hole 60a.
The engagement groove 64 that engages with the inner surface 0 is provided at two locations in the width direction so as to face the inner surface. A pair of recesses 65 that engage with the ferrule holder 70 are provided at the center of the hole 60a so as to face the inner side surface.

The ferrule holder 70 has a sleeve portion 71 for receiving the ferrules 20a, 30a of the connector plugs 20, 30, and one end of the sleeve portion 71 for positioning the second connector plug 30 in the circumferential direction. A pair of protrusions 71a are provided at both ends in the width direction. Further, on both side surfaces of the ferrule holder 70, two protrusions 72 are provided at two locations in the width direction for engaging with the respective engagement grooves 64 of the adapter 60, and a pair of protrusions engaging with the respective recesses 65 of the adapter 60 are provided. 73 are provided at the center in the width direction, respectively.

In the above configuration, when the ferrule holder 70 is inserted into the other end of the adapter 60, the projections 72 on both sides in the width direction of the ferrule holder 70 are attached to the adapter 60.
Of the ferrule holder 70 in the width direction, the projections 73 at the center in the width direction engage with the recesses 65 of the adapter 60, and the ferrule holder 70 is fixed in the adapter 60. . The connector plugs 20 and 30 are connected to the adapter 60 to which the ferrule holder 70 is fixed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Note that other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

[0032]

As described in the foregoing, according to the optical connector according to claim 1, the first connector plug arranged on the outside of the device side, such as exchange換機, disposing a second connector plug device inner side In this case, the first connector plug can be configured not to move in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber.
Even when a tensile force is applied to the first connector plug due to contact with an external object, the pressing force for bringing the respective connector plugs into contact with each other is not impaired, and the inadvertent disconnection between the respective connector plugs can be reliably performed. Can be prevented. In this case, the structure of the first connector plug can be simplified as compared with a conventional structure in which a pressing spring is incorporated, so that the number of parts and the number of assembly steps can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. Can be planned.

Even when a tensile force is applied to the first connector plug due to contact with an external object, the ferrule of the first connector plug does not move in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. Inadvertent disconnection between plugs can be reliably prevented.

Further, the second connector plug is connected to a dedicated jig.
Can be pulled out of the connecting member without using tools or tools.
For alignment work of the optical axis of each connector plug
It is very advantageous.

According to the optical connector of the second aspect , in addition to the effect of the first aspect, even when a tensile force due to contact with an external object is applied to the first connector plug, the first connector plug can be used. Since the ferrule does not move in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber, inadvertent disconnection between the connector plugs can be reliably prevented, and the number of parts of the first connector plug can be further reduced. it can.

According to the optical connector of the third aspect , in addition to the effects of the first or second aspect , when the positions of the optical axes of the respective connector plugs in the eccentric direction do not match, the second connector plug is provided. Can be reinserted in the optimal direction, so that connection can be made in a state where the optical axis shift is small.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an optical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan sectional view of an adapter.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of an adapter.

FIG. 4 is a front view of one end of the adapter.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the other end of the adapter.

FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view of a first connector plug.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the first connector plug.

FIG. 8 is a plan sectional view of a second connector plug.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a second connector plug.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a coupling member.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a coupling member.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a coupling member.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional plan view of a first connector plug according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an optical connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan sectional view of an adapter.

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of the adapter.

FIG. 17 is a front view of one end of the adapter.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the other end of the adapter.

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of a ferrule holder.

FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of a ferrule holder.

FIG. 21 is a front view of a ferrule holder.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of an optical connector showing a conventional example.

FIG. 23 is a sectional plan view of a first connector plug showing a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Adapter, 14b ... Protrusion, 20 ... First connector plug, 20a ... Optical fiber, 21 ... Ferrule, 22
... Plug frame, 26 ... Plug frame, 26a ... Ferrule part, 30 ... Second connector plug, 30a ... Optical fiber, 31 ... Ferrule, 33a ... Engagement groove, 40 ...
Coupling member, 41: spring portion, 43: elastic engagement piece, 60:
adapter. 71a ... Projection.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masaru Kobayashi 3-19-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Inventor Makoto Sumita 3--19 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo No. 2 Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Inventor Masao Tachikura 3-19-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (56) References JP-A-7-5342 (JP, A) JP-A-2-81007 (JP, A) JP-A-63-199207 (JP, U) JP-A-62-146108 (JP, U) JP-A-2-87205 (JP, U) (58) Investigation Field (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B 6/38

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An optical device installed in an optical communication device such as an exchange.
A connector, wherein a pair of connector plugs each holding an optical fiber are formed so as to be insertable into both ends, and one end is provided outside the device.
Yes side, a connecting member to which the other end is arranged in the apparatus interior side, is inserted from the outside of the device side to said one end of said connecting member, any releasable structure the binding of said connecting member
A ferrule holding the optical fiber;
For holding the tool immovably in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber.
A first connector plug and a lug frame, and a second connector plug inserted movably from the apparatus interior side in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber to the other end of said connecting member, said first for coupling to the connecting member while the second connector plug elastically pressed against the first connector plug
An elastic portion and the connection member inserted into the connection member.
A locking portion for locking to the connecting member;
A coupling member formed to be disengageable from outside of the
Optical connector, characterized in that the. 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the first connector plug includes a ferrule portion holding an optical fiber, and a plug frame integrally having the ferrule portion. 3. An engaging portion is provided on the side of the connecting member and the side of the second connector plug which engages with each other only at a plurality of positions where the second connector plug is rotated by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction of the optical fiber. 3. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein: