JP4886744B2 - Socket for adapter and module - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an adapter for connecting a plug and a module socket, and more particularly to a technique for confirming a fitting state.

In an optical communication system, communication is performed by transmitting an optical signal through an optical fiber cable laid between nodes. Optical connectors such as plugs and adapters are used to connect optical fiber cables or between optical fiber cables and equipment. Patent Document 1 discloses an adapter provided with a connector engaging portion on an inner wall of a fitting hole of the adapter, and a connector provided with a locking claw and a claw pressing means.
JP-A-8-43687

  When connecting not only optical fiber cables but generally cables, it is necessary to physically contact the end of the cable with the end of another cable or the terminal of the device, and keep that contact stable. There is. When connecting, if the user cannot directly check the connection location such as the end of the cable or the terminal of the device, the physical contact is actually sufficient even if the user intends to connect properly There may also be situations where the connection is not stably maintained. In this case, the connection may be disconnected or cause a connection failure due to slight vibration.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a subject, The objective is to provide the socket for adapters and modules which can confirm a fitting state effectively.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an adapter according to an aspect of the present invention is an adapter for connecting a pair of plugs to each other, and includes a housing having openings at both ends and a plug inserted into the housing through the openings. And a latch for fixing the. A protrusion is formed on the latch so that the fitting state of the plug and the latch can be confirmed from the outside of the housing.

  Another aspect of the present invention is also an adapter. This adapter is an adapter for connecting a pair of plugs to each other, and includes a housing having openings at both ends, and a latch for fixing a plug inserted into the housing from the opening. The latch is formed with a protrusion so that the fitting state of the plug and the latch can be confirmed from the outside of the housing, and at least a part of the housing is formed of a transparent member.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is also an adapter. This adapter is an adapter for connecting a pair of plugs to each other, and includes a housing having openings at both ends, and a latch for fixing a plug inserted into the housing from the opening. The latch is formed with a protrusion so that the fitting state of the plug and the latch can be confirmed from the outside of the housing, and at least a part of the housing is formed of a translucent member.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is an optical module socket. This optical module socket is an optical module socket for connecting an optical plug to an optical module, and includes a housing having an opening at one end and a latch for fixing a plug inserted into the housing through the opening. A protrusion is formed on the latch so that the fitting state of the plug and the latch can be confirmed from the outside of the housing.

  According to the present invention, an adapter for connecting plugs attached to end portions of a cable to each other, or a module socket for connecting a plug attached to an end portion of a cable and a device has an effect of fitting. Can be confirmed.

  In the following embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an SC type optical connector used for connecting an optical fiber cable will be described. The SC type optical connector is defined by JIS (C5973) as an F04 type connector. The SC type optical connector includes three types: an optical connector plug (hereinafter also referred to as “plug”), an optical connector adapter (hereinafter also referred to as “adapter”), and an optical connector receptacle (hereinafter also referred to as “socket”). The connector plug may be generally called a “connector”.

  In particular, in the following embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to an SC type optical connector adapter will be described. This adapter optically connects the optical fiber cables by aligning the optical fiber end faces held by the plugs inserted from the openings at both ends and holding them in contact with each other.

(First embodiment)
First, the configuration of the adapter 10A according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a top view showing an internal state of the adapter 10A according to the present embodiment. For the sake of explanation, FIG. 1 shows a state in which a part of the upper surface of the housing 12 is removed. FIG. 2A is a top view of the adapter 10A according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2B shows a side view of the adapter 10A. FIG. 2C shows a bottom view of the adapter 10A. FIG. 3 is a view of the adapter 10A according to the present embodiment as viewed from the opening 14 side. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 10A taken along the alternate long and short dash line AA ′ shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2C. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure.

  The adapter 10A includes a flange 16 and a locking portion 18 on the outside of a rectangular tube-shaped housing 12A having openings 14 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The opening 14 is a plug insertion opening. The flange 16 and the locking portion 18 are used when the adapter 10A is fixed at a desired position. The housing 12A further includes a slit 20 for adjusting the orientation of the plug inserted from the opening 14. A recess 28 is provided on the inner surface side of the side wall of the housing 12A. By providing the recess 28, a space required by the latch 22 when the latch 22 is temporarily expanded in the process of inserting the plug into the adapter 10A is secured, and the side wall is provided at a place where no space is required. Thickness can be secured and necessary strength can be maintained. Note that the housing 12A may be configured not to have the recess 28 depending on the material, size, and the like. The adapter 10 </ b> A includes a split sleeve 26 for aligning alignment when a pair of optical fiber end surfaces are brought into contact with each other, and a sleeve 24 for holding the split sleeve 26 inside the housing 12 </ b> A.

  The housing 12A further includes a latch 22 for fixing the plug to hold the end faces of the pair of optical fibers in contact with each other. The latch 22 has a protrusion 30. The protrusion 30 is provided for confirming the fitted state. Therefore, it is provided in a place where the fitting state can be reflected and can be confirmed from the outside. In this example, attention is paid to the fact that in the half-fitted state, the latch 22 is pushed and expanded in the plug insertion process and does not return, and the movement of the latch 22 is reflected as a means for knowing the fitted state. Protrusions 30 are formed where possible. 1-4, although the cylindrical rod-shaped protrusion 30 is shown, the shape of the protrusion 30 is not restricted to this. For example, it may be a prismatic bar shape or a plate shape. Here, the sleeve 24, the latch 22, and the protrusion 30 may be formed integrally with the housing 12A, or may be formed as separate members.

  The housing 12A is further provided with a through hole 32 for confirming the fitting state of the latch 22 and the plug from the outside. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the through holes 32 may be provided on both sides of the housing 12A, or may be provided only on one side surface depending on how the adapter 10A is used. The through hole 32 is formed in such a position and size that the protrusion 30 can slide along the through hole 32 when the latch 22 is pushed and spread on the plug to change the posture of the latch 22. The through hole 32 is formed in a similar shape to the cross section of the protrusion 30, for example. FIG. 2B shows an example of the through-hole 32 formed in a circular shape that is similar to the cross section of the cylindrical rod-shaped protrusion 30. Further, the protrusion 30 is formed in such a length that the tip of the protrusion 30 stays inside the through-hole 32 and does not protrude outside the housing 12A when the plug is not inserted into the adapter 10A.

  Hereafter, the operation | movement at the time of inserting SC type | mold connector plug in the adapter 10A concerning this embodiment is demonstrated using FIGS. Here, FIGS. 5 to 7 show a state before fitting, FIGS. 8 and 9 show a state of normal fitting, and FIGS. 10 to 12 show a half-fitted state, respectively. In addition, in the adapter 10A, when the user attaches the two plugs to each other and attaches to the adapter 10A, one optical fiber cable and the other optical fiber cable are connected. An operation of the adapter 10A when one plug is attached to the adapter 10A will be described.

  FIGS. 5-7 is a figure which shows the state before fitting of adapter 10A concerning this embodiment, and the plug 50 fitted to this. FIG. 5 is a top view of the adapter 10A and the plug 50, and the internal structure of the adapter 10A is indicated by a broken line. The state of the protrusion 30 and the through hole 32 shown in the bold circle is shown enlarged at the tip of the white arrow. FIG. 6 shows the adapter 10A and the plug 50 as viewed from the side. FIG. 7 is a top view showing a cross section of the adapter 10A taken along one-dot chain line BB ′ in FIG. 2B and the internal structure of the plug 50 in FIG.

  The plug 50 includes a ferrule 54 that accommodates the optical fiber in the center of the axis. A hole is formed in the side surface of the housing of the plug 50, and this hole functions as the latch receiving portion 56. Inside the housing of the plug 50, a ferrule holding unit 60 is disposed so as to be slidable with respect to the housing. In the ferrule holding part 60, a step part 58 is provided at a location that can be reached from the outside of the housing through the hole of the latch receiving part 56.

  When the plug 50 is inserted into the housing 12A, the latch 22 is pushed open once. When the plug 50 is inserted to an appropriate position, the latch 22 is received in the latch receiving portion 56 of the plug 50, and the hook of the latch 22 is connected to the plug 50. The stepped portion 58 is engaged. The ferrule holding part 60 is accommodated between the sleeve 24 and the latch 22, and the ferrule 54 is accommodated inside the sleeve 24 and the split sleeve 26. By fitting in this way, another ferrule 54 inserted facing the ferrule 54 is aligned and abutted and fixed in an urged state, and the optical fiber cables are optically connected to each other. The

  Since a click sound is generated when the plug 50 and the latch 22 are fitted, the user can confirm whether or not the adapter 10A and the plug 50 are fitted by the click sound. However, there is a problem in that a click sound may be generated even when only one latch is actually engaged, and it is mistaken for being engaged although it is not completely engaged.

  Further, a white line 52 for confirming whether or not the plug 50 and the adapter 10A are properly connected is attached to the upper surface of the plug 50 as a mark. When properly connected, the white line is hidden in the housing 12A of the adapter 10A. However, even in a half-fitted state where only one side latch is actually fitted and the opposite side latch is not fitted, the white line 52 may be substantially hidden and not visible, and the connection is made appropriately. There was a problem that it was mistaken for what was done.

  8 and 9 show a state where the adapter 10A and the plug 50 are properly fitted. FIG. 8 is a top view, and the internal structure of the adapter 10A is also indicated by a broken line. The state of the protrusion 30 and the through hole 32 shown in the bold circle is shown enlarged at the tip of the white arrow. FIG. 9 shows a state of proper fitting using a cross section of the adapter 10 </ b> A in BB ′ of FIG. 2B and an internal structure of the plug 50.

  The latch 22 is once expanded in the process of insertion of the adapter 10A. However, when the plug 50 is inserted to an appropriate fitting position, it is accommodated in the latch receiving portion 56 of the plug 50, and the plug 50 is not inserted. Has returned to the same steady posture as The hook of the latch 22 is properly engaged with the stepped portion 58 of the plug 50. In this state, the latch 22 is in a steady position and posture, so that the tip of the protrusion 30 remains in the through hole 32. Therefore, even if the user slides his / her finger on the side surface of the housing 12 </ b> A, there is no tactile sense of what is protruding. Further, even if the user visually recognizes the side surface of the housing 12A, no protruding portion is recognized.

  FIGS. 10 to 12 are views showing a half-fitted state in which the plug 50 is inserted into the adapter 10A, but only the latch 22 on one side is fitted, and the latch 22 on the opposite side is not fitted. FIG. 10 is a top view. FIG. 11 shows a half-fitted state using the cross section of the adapter 10 </ b> A in BB ′ of FIG. 2B and the structure of the plug 50. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 10A taken along the line AA 'of FIG. One of the latches 22 is once expanded in the process of inserting the adapter 10 </ b> A, and then is fitted to the latch receiving part 56 when the latch 22 and the latch receiving part 56 are inserted to a position where it is fitted. And back to posture. On the other hand, the latch 22 on the opposite side is in an unstable state as it is in the position and posture in the state where it is expanded in the process of inserting the adapter 10A.

  In FIG. 10, the white line 52 of the plug 50 is substantially hidden by the housing 12 </ b> A of the adapter 10 </ b> A despite being in a half-fitted state. For this reason, there exists a possibility that a user may mistake that it is connecting appropriately. As described above, in the half-fitted state, there are problems such as connection failure or disconnection easily due to vibration or the like. Furthermore, if left unattached for a long time, the latch on the non-fitting side is held unnaturally open, so that the latch 22 is deformed and cannot be used. There is also a problem.

  In FIG. 10, the state of the protrusion 30 and the through hole 32 shown in the bold circle is shown enlarged at the tip of the white arrow. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, in the half-fitted state, as the latch 22 is pushed open, the protrusion 30 slides along the through hole 32 toward the outside of the housing 12 </ b> A, and the tip of the protrusion 30. Is in a state protruding from the through hole 32 to the outside. When the user slides his / her finger on the side surface of the housing 12A in this state, it can be confirmed by tactile sensation that the tip of the protrusion 30 protrudes. Further, when the user visually recognizes the side surface of the housing 12A, it can be visually recognized that the tip of the protrusion 30 protrudes. The side surface portion of the protrusion 30 may be colored in a color different from the color in the vicinity of the through hole 32 on the outer side surface of the housing 12A. In this case, the color to be colored may be a color that is intuitively associated with “abnormality”, such as red or yellow. Thereby, the user can visually recognize more easily that the tip of the projection 30 protrudes.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the state of the latch that has been confirmed only by an indirect means such as a white line or a click sound until now is directly determined by whether or not the protrusion 30 protrudes from the through hole 32. Can be confirmed. Therefore, the user can easily confirm the fitting state. For example, when working in the dark, it can be confirmed by sliding a finger on the side surface of the housing 12A without visual recognition. Thereby, when necessary, it is possible to take measures such as immediately removing the plug 50 and inserting it again. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the problem of poor connection caused by misidentifying that the fitting is performed despite the half-fitting, and the problem that the latch is deformed.

(Second Embodiment)
In this embodiment, an example of an adapter that can confirm the fitting state by marking the protrusion formed on the latch and confirming the mark attached to the protrusion from the window provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the housing. explain. First, the configuration of the adapter 10B according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the configuration other than the protrusions, marks, windows, and housing is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 13 is a top view showing an internal state of the adapter 10B according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 shows a state where a part of the upper surface of the housing 12B is removed for the sake of explanation. In the second embodiment, the latch 22 has a protrusion 34 with a mark for confirming the fitting state. The protrusion 34 is provided with an abnormality mark 33 indicating a half-fitted state and a normal mark 35 indicating that there is no problem in the fitted state. Regarding the color of the mark, for example, the abnormal mark 33 is a color that can be easily associated with the user's problem, such as red or yellow, and the normal mark 35 is associated with the user's intuitive problem such as blue or green. It is good also as a color which can be performed. Only one of these may be attached to the abnormality mark 33 and the normal mark 35. In FIG. 13 and FIG. 16, the side surfaces of the projections 34 are annularly colored, and these annular portions are used as abnormal marks 33 and normal marks 35.

  The length of the protrusion 34 is set so that, for example, when the latch 22 is pushed open during the plug insertion process and the posture of the latch 22 changes, the protrusion 34 does not interfere with the side wall of the housing, thereby preventing the movement of the latch 22. Determine. Alternatively, in order to secure a space required by the protrusion 34 when the latch 22 is pushed open, a recess may be provided in the recess 28 of the housing 12B. Moreover, you may provide a through-hole in the housing 12B like 1st Embodiment.

  FIG. 14A shows a top view of the adapter 10B according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14B shows a side view of the adapter 10B. FIG. 14C shows a bottom view of the adapter 10B. A window 36 is provided in the housing 12B. 14A to 14C show an example in which eight window portions are provided, the number of window portions may be arbitrarily determined, and is appropriately increased or decreased according to the usage mode or installation location of the adapter. You may let me. For example, when the adapter 10B is used while being fixed in a state where the bottom surface of the adapter 10B is in contact with an optical wiring board or the like, the window portion on the bottom surface of the adapter 10B may not be provided. In forming the window portion 36, a hole may be formed in the housing 12B, and the hole may be used as the window portion 36. Alternatively, a part of the housing 12B may be formed of a transparent member, and the portion formed of the transparent member may be used as the window portion 36.

  In this case, the transparent member may include a lens. The lens may be formed as a part of the transparent member, or the entire transparent member may be a lens. The lens is formed of plastic or the like, and enlarges the protrusion 34 by, for example, 2 to 3 times. Thereby, the abnormal mark 33 and the normal mark 35 to be noticed through the window 36 can be highlighted to the user.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the position of the window 36 in relation to the internal structure of the adapter 10B. The structure inside the adapter is indicated by broken lines so as to overlap the top view of the adapter 10B. An enlarged view of the inside of the housing 12B seen through the window 36 is shown at the tip of the white arrow. The window portion 36 can visually recognize the protrusion 34 through the window portion 36 from the outside, and the position and the position so that the mark that can be visually recognized from the outside is switched depending on the fitting state of the latch 22 and the plug, that is, the attitude of the latch 22. Determine the size. For example, FIG. 15 shows an example in which a rectangular window 36 of about 1 mm × 2 mm is provided on the upper surface of the housing 12B.

  FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 10B taken along the alternate long and short dash line AA ′ shown in FIGS. 14 (A), 14 (C), and 15. When the user views the inside of the housing 12 through the window 36 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the adapter 10B with no plug inserted into the adapter 10B, as shown in the window 36 of FIGS. The normal mark 35 can be visually recognized.

  Next, the operation of the adapter 10B when inserting the SC-type connector plug into the adapter 10B according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 17 shows a normally fitted state, and FIGS. 18 and 19 show a half-fitted state.

  FIG. 17 is a top view showing a state in which the plug 50 is inserted into the adapter 10B according to the second embodiment and properly fitted. An enlarged view of the inside of the housing 12B seen through the window 36 is shown at the tip of the white arrow. The latch 22 is once expanded in the process in which the plug 50 is inserted. However, when the plug 50 is inserted to an appropriate position and mated with the latch 22, the latch 22 returns to a steady posture. In the state of FIG. 17, when the user views the inside of the adapter 10 </ b> B through the window 36 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the adapter 10 </ b> B, the normal mark 35 on the protrusion 34 can be visually recognized. Therefore, when the user can visually recognize the normal mark 35 when the plug 50 is inserted into the adapter 10B, the user can determine that the plug is normally fitted.

  FIG. 18 shows a state where the plug 50 is inserted into the adapter 10B, but only the latch 22 on one side is fitted and the latch 22 on the opposite side is not fitted. An enlarged view of the inside of the adapter 10B viewed through the window 36 is shown at the tip of the white arrow. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 10B taken along the line AA ′ in the half-fitted state shown in FIG. The latch 22 on the non-fitted side is expanded and the posture is changed. Along with this, the positions of the abnormality mark 33 and the normal mark 35 with respect to the window portion 36 also change. Accordingly, in this state, when the user views the inside of the adapter 10B through the window 36 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the adapter 10B, the abnormality mark 33 on the protrusion 34 can be visually recognized. When the user completes the operation of inserting and inserting the plug 50 into the adapter 10B, if the user visually recognizes the abnormality mark 33 instead of the normal mark 35 through the window 36, it is determined that there is a problem in the fitting state. can do.

  When attaching the normal mark 35 and the abnormal mark 33 to the protrusion 34, the mark may be attached using a luminescent paint or a fluorescent paint. Thereby, the mark can be visually recognized even in a dark place. The shape, size, position, etc. of the mark are appropriately determined in consideration of the distance from the window portion 36, the size and shape of the window portion 36, ease of viewing, and the like. When the transparent member of the window portion 36 is formed of a lens, the size of the mark and the magnification of the lens are determined in consideration of the distance from the window portion 36 to the mark. Further, the position, shape, and size of the window 36 may be arbitrarily determined within a range in which only the normal mark 35 can be visually recognized during normal fitting and only the abnormal mark 33 can be visually recognized during half-fitting. For example, the window 36 may be shaped to match the shape of the mark. As a result, the user can more easily determine the presence or absence of a mark.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the state of the latch 22 that is conventionally confirmed indirectly such as a white line or a click sound can be directly recognized by the mark reflecting the state. Therefore, the user can confirm the fitting state at a glance, and can immediately take measures such as once removing the plug 50 and inserting it again if necessary. Therefore, it is possible to avoid problems such as a connection failure and a latch caused by misidentifying that the fitting is performed even though the fitting is half-fitting.

(Third embodiment)
In the present embodiment, an example of an adapter in which a protrusion formed of a deformable soft material is provided on the latch and the fitting state can be confirmed by the contact state between the window portion provided on the side surface of the housing and the protrusion will be described. In the following description, the configuration other than the protrusions, the window portion, and the housing is the same as the configurations of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the first embodiment or the second embodiment will be particularly described.

  First, the configuration of the adapter 10C according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20A is a top view showing an internal state of the adapter 10C according to the present embodiment. FIG. 20A shows a state where a part of the upper surface of the housing 12C is removed for the sake of explanation. In the third embodiment, the latch 22 has a protrusion 38 formed of a deformable rubber, plastic or the like such as a solid, sponge or gel. Specifically, for example, the protrusion 38 may be formed using a material having a rubber hardness of about 5 to 15 (JIS K 6253A), such as silicone, urethane, nitrile, butadiene, or ethylene. The shape of the protrusion 38 may be hemispherical as shown in the figure, or may be other shapes such as a columnar shape or a prism shape, or a column shape whose cross section is a star shape, for example. The protrusion 38 may be colored with a color indicating “abnormal” such as red or yellow.

  FIG. 20B shows a side view of the adapter 10C according to the present embodiment. A window 40 is provided on the side surface of the adapter 10C for confirming the fitting state of the adapter 10A and the plug inside the housing 12C from the outside. The window part 40 may be provided on both sides of the housing 12C, or may be provided only on one side surface depending on how the adapter 10C is used. The window portion is blocked by a translucent portion made of a translucent member. The translucent portion is formed of, for example, a plastic that has been subjected to a grinding process. The window portion 40 and the projection 38 are provided at such positions and sizes that the projection 38 and the window portion 40 can come into contact with each other when the latch 22 is pushed over the plug and the posture of the latch 22 changes.

  FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 10C taken along one-dot chain line AA ′ shown in FIG. Actually, the latch 22 and the protrusion 38 are preferably formed of different materials. However, in the following cross-sectional views, the latch 22 and the protrusion 38 are shown as a unit for convenience of explanation. When the plug is not inserted into the adapter 10C, the protrusion 38 is not in contact with the window 40, and the window 40 is translucent even if the user tries to look inside the adapter 10C through the window 40. Because it is, it cannot be clearly seen.

  Next, the operation | movement at the time of inserting SC type | mold connector plug in the adapter 10C concerning this embodiment is demonstrated using FIGS.

  22 to 24 are top views showing a cross section of the adapter 10C taken along a dashed-dotted line BB 'in FIG. 22 shows a state before fitting, FIG. 23 shows a normally fitted state, and FIG. 24 shows a half-fitted state. In FIGS. 22 to 24, the state of the protrusion 38 and the window 40 shown in the bold circle is shown enlarged at the tip of the white arrow. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of the adapter 10C in the half-fitted state shown in FIG. In the state before the fitting shown in FIG. 22 and the normal fitting state shown in FIG. 23, the protrusion 38 is not in contact with the window 40. On the other hand, in the half-fitted state of FIGS. 24 and 25, the latch is pushed open to the side wall side of the housing 12C by the plug 50, and the projection 38 comes into contact with the window 40 as the posture of the latch 22 changes. It is being pressed. Since the protrusion 38 is formed of a gel-like soft substance, the protrusion 38 is pressed against the window portion 40 to be deformed, and a part thereof is in close contact with the window portion 40.

  FIG. 26 (A) and FIG. 26 (B) show side views of the adapter 10C in the normal fitting state and the half-fitting state, respectively. In the normal fitting state of FIG. 26A, the protrusion 38 does not contact the window portion 40 and the window portion 40 is translucent, so that the user can look inside the adapter 10C through the window portion 40. Even if you try, it is not clearly visible. On the other hand, in the half-fitted state of FIG. 26 (B), when the user views the window 40 from the outside, the protrusion 38 that is in close contact with the window 40 can be visually recognized. Therefore, when the user inserts the plug 50 into the adapter 10 and completes the pushing operation, if the user visually recognizes the projection 38 that cannot be visually recognized through the window 40, the fitting state is abnormal. I can judge.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the state of the latch that has been confirmed only by indirect means such as a white line and a click sound until now is determined by the contact state between the projection 38 provided on the latch and the window 40. Direct visual recognition is possible. Therefore, the user can confirm the fitting state at a glance. Thereby, when it is a semi-fitting, a required measure can be taken immediately. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the problem of poor connection and the problem of deformation of the latch, which are caused by misidentifying that the fitting is performed despite the half-fitting.

  The protrusions 38 may be colored using a luminescent pigment or a fluorescent pigment. Thereby, the presence or absence of contact between the projection 38 and the window 40 can be determined even in a dark place. The shape of the window part 36 is good also as a shape matched with the shape of protrusion. For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion is rectangular, the window 36 may be rectangular. Thereby, it becomes easier for the user to confirm the presence or absence of contact between the protrusion 38 and the window 40.

  In the above, several embodiments have been described. Any combination of these embodiments is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. For example, Embodiments 1 and 2 may be combined. In this case, as described in the first embodiment, the length of the protrusion of the latch changes depending on the posture of the latch, such that the tip of the protrusion stays in the through hole on the side surface of the housing or protrudes from the through hole. As described in the second embodiment, the length is set, and the mark is attached to the side surface of the protrusion, and the window portion is provided on the upper surface and the bottom surface of the housing. Further, Embodiments 2 and 3 may be combined. In this case, as in the second embodiment, a mark is attached to the side surface of the protrusion, a window portion is provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the housing, the protrusion is formed of a gel substance, and a window portion is also provided on the side surface of the housing. New embodiments resulting from these combinations have the effects of each of the combined embodiments.

  In the above description, an example in which the present invention is applied to a so-called SC-SC adapter has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to an adapter that connects different types of plugs. For example, the present invention is also applicable to so-called SC-FC adapters and SC-LC adapters.

  The present invention can be applied not only to an adapter but also to a module socket used to connect a cable and a device. FIG. 27 shows an example in which the first embodiment is applied to an optical module socket for connecting an SC plug. The optical module socket positions and optically connects an optical module such as a light emitting and light receiving element and an end face of the optical fiber cable disposed facing the optical module. FIG. 27A shows a top view of an optical module 70 including a socket to which the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 27B shows a side view of the optical module 70. FIG. 27C shows a bottom view of the optical module 70. 27A to 27C, the internal structure of the optical module 70 is indicated by a broken line. The optical module 70 includes an optical module main body 74 including a light transmitting element, a light receiving element, and a circuit, and a socket part 72. The optical module main body 74 includes a pin 76. In this example, the optical module 70 is assumed to be a module whose bottom is attached to an optical wiring board or the like.

  The structure of the socket portion 72 is substantially the same as the structure in which the housing 12A is a housing 12D having only a half in the longitudinal direction and the other components are only on one side in the above-described adapter 10A. is doing. The socket part 72 operates in the same manner as described for the adapter 10. Also in this case, the user can confirm whether the plug 50 is properly fitted in the socket portion 72 by direct contact or viewing. As a result, it is possible to avoid the problem of poor connection caused by misidentifying that the fitting is performed despite the half-fitting, and the problem that the latch is deformed.

  Of course, the second and third embodiments can be applied to the optical module socket. Also in this case, the same action as described in the second embodiment and the third embodiment is performed, and the same effect is obtained.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and an appropriate combination of the elements of the embodiment is also effective as an embodiment of the present invention. Various modifications such as design changes can be added to the embodiments based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and embodiments to which such modifications are added can be included in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, instead of providing a window in the adapter or module socket, all or part of these housings may be made of a transparent member or a translucent member. In this case, the housing may be marked so that it is easy to grasp a point that is a point for determining whether or not the plug is properly fitted to the adapter. For example, it is good also as a structure which makes the location which hits the above-mentioned window part be conscious of the location which hits the above-mentioned window part using the transparent member which enclosed the color line, was colored partially, or was color-coded. Further, for example, a part of the housing such as a portion that hits the above-described window portion may be constituted by a lens.

  In the present embodiment, the adapter and socket of the SC connector have been mainly described. However, the present invention can be applied to adapters and sockets for modules whose fitting state cannot be visually recognized from the outside. it can.

  As described above, the present invention can be used for an adapter and a socket for connecting a cable.

It is a top view which shows the mode inside the adapter concerning 1st Embodiment. 2A to 2C are a top view, a side view, and a bottom view of the adapter according to the first embodiment. In the adapter concerning a 1st embodiment, it is the figure which looked at the inside from the opening side. It is AA 'sectional drawing of the adapter concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a top view before fitting of an adapter and a plug concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a side view of the adapter and plug concerning a 1st embodiment. It is BB 'sectional drawing of the adapter concerning 1st Embodiment, and a figure which shows the internal structure of a plug. It is a top view when the adapter and plug concerning a 1st embodiment are made to fit appropriately. It is a figure which shows the cross section of an adapter when the adapter concerning 1st Embodiment and a plug are fitted appropriately, and the structure of a plug. It is a top view of the adapter and plug concerning a 1st embodiment in a half-fitting state. It is a BB 'sectional view of the adapter concerning a 1st embodiment in a half-fitting state, and a figure showing the structure of a plug. It is AA 'sectional drawing in the state of a half fitting of the adapter concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the mode inside the adapter concerning 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C are a top view, a side view, and a bottom view of an adapter according to the second embodiment. In the adapter concerning a 2nd embodiment, it is a figure showing the position of a window part in relation to the internal structure of an adapter. It is AA 'sectional drawing of the adapter concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the adapter sectional drawing when the adapter concerning 2nd Embodiment and a plug are fitted appropriately, and the structure of a plug. It is a BB 'sectional view of an adapter concerning a 2nd embodiment in a half-fitting state, and a figure showing structure of a plug. It is AA 'sectional drawing of the adapter concerning 2nd Embodiment in a half-fitted state. FIGS. 20A and 20B are a diagram and a side view showing the internal structure of the adapter according to the third embodiment. It is AA 'sectional drawing of the adapter concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is BB 'sectional drawing of the adapter concerning 3rd Embodiment, and the top view which shows the internal structure of a plug. It is a figure which shows the cross section of an adapter when the adapter concerning 3rd Embodiment and a plug are fitted appropriately, and the structure of a plug. It is a BB 'sectional view of an adapter concerning a 3rd embodiment in a half-fitting state, and a figure showing structure of a plug. It is AA 'sectional drawing of the adapter concerning 3rd Embodiment in a half-fitted state. 20A and 20B are side views of the adapter and the plug according to the third embodiment in a normal fitting state and a semi-fitting state. It is a figure which shows the example which applied 3rd Embodiment to the socket for optical modules for connecting SC plug.

Explanation of symbols

  10A to C adapter, 12A to C housing, 14 opening, 16 flange, 18 locking part, 20 slit, 22 latch, 24 sleeve, 26 split sleeve, 28 recess, 30 protrusion, 32 through hole, 33 abnormal mark, 34 protrusion 35 Normal mark 36 Window part 38 Protrusion 40 Window part 40 Window part 50 Plug 52 White line 54 Ferrule 56 Latch receiving part 58 Step part 60 Ferrule holding part 70 Optical module 72 Socket part , 74 Optical module body, 76 pins.

Claims (7)

An adapter that connects a set of plugs to each other,
A housing having openings at both ends;
A latch for fixing the plug inserted into the housing from the opening,
The latch is formed with a protrusion so that the fitting state of the plug and the latch can be confirmed from the outside of the housing ,
The housing has a first window at a position that does not contact the protrusion when the latch is in a normal fitting state and a position that contacts the protrusion when the latch is in a half-fitted state;
The first window is covered with a semi-transparent member that has been subjected to grinding,
The adapter is characterized in that the protrusion is made of a deformable material . The housing has a second window at a position where a part of the protrusion can be visually recognized from the outside,
The protrusion is marked,
2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the latch and the plug are fitted is reflected in whether or not the mark is visible when the inside is viewed from the outside through the window portion. The adapter according to claim 2 , wherein the second window part is covered with a transparent part including a lens part. The adapter according to claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the housing is formed of a transparent member. An adapter that connects a set of plugs to each other,
A housing having openings at both ends;
A latch for fixing the plug inserted into the housing from the opening,
The latch is formed with a protrusion so that the fitting state of the plug and the latch can be confirmed from the outside of the housing,
The housing is formed of a translucent member, and at least a part of the translucent member is ground.
The housing does not contact the protrusion when the latch is in a normal fitting state, and contacts the protrusion at a portion formed by the translucent member when the latch is in a semi-fitted state,
The adapter is characterized in that the protrusion is made of a deformable material . The plug is an optical plug for use in an optical fiber connection, the adapter, the adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an adapter for connecting a pair of optical plug mutually. An optical module socket for connecting an optical plug to an optical module,
A housing having an opening at one end;
A latch for fixing the plug inserted into the housing from the opening,
The latch is formed with a protrusion so that the fitting state of the plug and the latch can be confirmed from the outside of the housing ,
The housing has a window at a position that does not contact the protrusion when the latch is in a normal fitting state and a position that contacts the protrusion when the latch is in a semi-fitted state,
The window is covered with a translucent member that has been rubbed,
The optical module socket , wherein the protrusion is formed of a deformable material .

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