JP7047221B2 - Optical connector plug and optical connector plug connection structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to, for example, an optical connector plug and an optical connector plug connection structure having both a rotation suppression function and a floating mechanism in the connection of an optical fiber having a directionality with respect to a rotation direction about a longitudinal direction.

For example, a connector for a multi-core fiber having a plurality of cores requires a highly accurate rotation suppression function. As an existing anti-rotation connector, there is a connector for a polarization-retaining fiber, but the degree of freedom of rotation is about 2 to 3 degrees, which is insufficient as a rotation suppression mechanism required for centering of a multi-core fiber.

On the other hand, a connector having a mechanism for preventing rotation deviation by giving a reaction force to rotation by gripping the connector flange portion with a spring mechanism has also been developed (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-106440

Normally, in order to suppress the optical axis deviation of the optical fiber when an external force is applied to the connector or the like, a movable structure (floating mechanism) for absorbing the fitting deviation or the like is required inside the connector. Is. However, in the method of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to achieve both sufficient spring strength and a floating mechanism, and when a plastic member is used as a spring, it is difficult to maintain the spring force for a long period of time due to the creep phenomenon.

In order to solve this problem, a connector for multi-core fiber using an oldham coupling mechanism for the connector flange part has also been developed, but high-precision component processing is required, and there is a particular problem in terms of cost.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector plug and an optical connector plug connection structure capable of achieving both a rotation suppression function and a floating function by a simple method. do.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first invention comprises a ferrule in which an optical fiber is held, a flange portion arranged on the outer periphery of the ferrule, a plug frame in which the flange portion is housed, and the ferrule. An optical connector plug having an elastic member that is in the axial direction of the optical fiber and presses in a direction protruding from the plug frame, and a pair of the optical connector plugs are inserted from both sides, and the respective optical fibers are optically connected. The optical connector plug is a ferrule for the plug frame centered on the axial direction of the optical connector plug by a support mechanism formed between the flange portion and the plug frame. The rotation of each of the optical connector plugs is restricted, and each of the optical connector plugs can slide the ferrule with respect to the plug frame in one direction perpendicular to the axial direction by the support mechanism. The optical connector plug connection structure is characterized in that the sliding operation of the ferrule is restricted with respect to the plug frame in the other direction perpendicular to the one direction, and the tilting operation is possible.

The one direction of the first optical connector plug inserted from one end of the adapter and the other direction of the second optical connector plug inserted from the other end of the adapter are the same direction. The other direction of the optical connector plug of 1 and the one direction of the second optical connector plug may be the same direction.

The support mechanism is a tapered protrusion provided in a predetermined range with respect to the one direction on each of the facing inner surfaces of the plug frame, and the tip of the protrusion comes into contact with the outer surface of the flange portion. As a result, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction is restricted, and the ferrule can slide and tilt along the formation direction of the protrusion in one of the directions. Yes, in the other direction, the ferrule may be capable of tilting from the tip of the protrusion.

The support mechanism is a tapered protrusion provided in a predetermined range with respect to the one direction on each of the facing outer surfaces of the flange portion, and the tip of the protrusion contacts the inner surface of the plug frame. As a result, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction is restricted, and the ferrule can slide and tilt along the formation direction of the protrusion in one of the directions. Yes, in the other direction, the ferrule may be capable of tilting from the tip of the protrusion.

The protrusion may be provided linearly at a predetermined length in one of the directions.

A plurality of the protrusions may be provided on the same straight line in a predetermined range with respect to the one direction.

The support mechanism includes a recess provided in the plug frame or the flange portion and provided in one direction, and a rod-shaped member arranged in the recess, and the flange is provided by a pair of the rod-shaped members. When the rod-shaped member comes into contact with the inner surface of the plug frame and the flange portion, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction is restricted, and the ferrule is restricted in one direction. , The ferrule may be capable of sliding and tilting along the rod-shaped member, and in the other direction, the ferrule may be capable of tilting from the contact portion of the rod-shaped member. ..

The support mechanism includes a groove provided in the plug frame or the flange portion and provided in the axial direction, and a protrusion formed so as to fit in the groove, and a pair of the protrusions are provided with each other. By fitting into the grooves formed in the facing portions, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction is restricted, and in one direction, the ferrule is formed on the protrusion. A sliding operation and a tilting operation may be possible by the gap between the tip and the bottom surface of the groove, and the ferrule may be capable of tilting operation starting from the protrusion in the other direction.

In this case, the protrusion may have a cylindrical shape.

The support mechanism is provided on the plug frame or the flange portion, and is formed so as to fit into the groove provided in the axial direction and the groove, and is a substantially rectangular protrusion that makes surface contact with the inner surface of the groove. By fitting the pair of protrusions into the grooves formed in the portions facing each other, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction is restricted. In the other direction, the ferrule can be slid and tilted by the gap between the tip of the protrusion and the bottom surface of the groove, and in the other direction, the ferrule can be moved by the elastic deformation of the protrusion. The tilting operation may be possible starting from the protrusion.

The support mechanism includes a groove provided on the plug frame or the flange portion and provided in the axial direction, and a protrusion formed so as to fit into the groove and formed so as to face the groove. Then, by fitting the pair of the protrusions into the grooves formed in the portions facing each other, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame with the axial direction as the central axis is restricted, and the rotation of the ferrule is restricted in the one direction. The ferrule can slide and tilt by the gap between the tip of the protrusion and the bottom surface of the groove, and in the other direction, a predetermined width formed between the groove and the protrusion. The clearance may allow the ferrule to tilt from the protrusion as a starting point.

It is desirable that the support mechanism can regulate the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction to 1 degree or less.

The optical fiber may be a multi-core fiber.

The optical fiber may be a polarization holding fiber.

The second invention is to press the ferrule in which the optical fiber is held, the flange portion protruding in the radial direction of the ferrule, the plug frame in which the flange portion is housed, and the ferrule in the direction of projecting from the plug frame. The ferrule is restricted from rotating with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction of the ferrule by a support mechanism formed between the flange portion and the plug frame. The support mechanism allows the ferrule to slide and tilt with respect to the plug frame in one direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and the other direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the one direction. In addition, the optical connector plug is characterized in that the sliding operation of the ferrule is restricted with respect to the plug frame and the tilting operation is possible.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical connector plug and an optical connector plug connection structure capable of achieving both a rotation suppression function and a floating function by a simple method.

Schematic side sectional view showing an optical connector plug 1. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA. The figure which shows the example of the cross-sectional structure of an optical fiber 11. The figure which shows the example of the cross-sectional structure of an optical fiber 11. The figure which shows the example of the cross-sectional structure of an optical fiber 11. It is a schematic diagram which shows the optical connector plug connection structure 10, and is the figure which shows the state which the optical connector plug 1 is inserted into the adapter. It is a schematic diagram which shows the optical connector plug connection structure 10, and is the figure which shows the state which the ferrules 3 are in contact with each other. FIG. 3b is a sectional view taken along line EE. FIG. 3b is a sectional view taken along line FF. The schematic diagram which shows the floating mechanism in an optical connector plug connection structure 10. The schematic diagram of the optical connector plug 1a. Schematic diagram of the optical connector plug 1b. Schematic diagram of the optical connector plug 1c. Schematic front sectional view of the optical connector plug 1d. FIG. 7a is a sectional view taken along line HH of FIG. 7a. The schematic which shows the other embodiment of an optical connector plug 1d. The schematic which shows the optical connector plug 1f. The front sectional view enlarged view which shows the optical connector plug 1f. The cross-sectional enlarged view which shows the optical connector plug 1f. The schematic which shows the optical connector plug connection structure 10a. The schematic diagram which shows the floating mechanism in an optical connector plug connection structure 10a. Schematic diagram of a perspective view showing the adapter 23a. The schematic which shows the optical connector plug connection structure 10b. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II. FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line JJ.

(Optical connector plug 1)
Hereinafter, the optical connector plug 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. 1a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the optical connector plug 1 as viewed from the side, and FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1a.

The optical connector plug 1 is mainly composed of a ferrule 3, a flange portion 5, a plug frame 7, an elastic member 9, an optical fiber 11, and the like. The optical connector plug 1 referred to here is, for example, an F04 type optical fiber connector (SC connector) defined by JIS C 5973, and in the following figure, the plug frame 7 is an elastic member 9. It shall include a stop ring mechanism for holding the preloaded state, and the illustration of the latch mechanism, the knob, etc. is omitted. Further, the following figure is a schematic diagram, and the shape, size, arrangement, etc. of each part of the optical connector plug 1 are not limited to the illustrated example.

The optical fiber 11 is held by the ferrule 3. A flange portion 5 is provided on the outer periphery of the ferrule 3 integrally or separately. When the flange portion 5 is integrally provided by the same member as the ferrule 3, the flange portion 5 may be a flat surface portion in which a part of the ferrule 3 is cut off. The flange portion 5 has a larger diameter than the ferrule 3. That is, the flange portion 5 projects in the radial direction of the ferrule 3.

A hole is provided in the ferrule 3, and an optical fiber 11 is inserted and fixed inside. The optical fiber 11 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2a, a multi-core fiber in which a plurality of cores 17 are covered with a clad 19. In the example shown in FIG. 2a, a total of seven cores 17 are provided, and the cores 17 are arranged at the center of the optical fiber 11 and around the center of the optical fiber 11 at each apex position of a regular hexagon. That is, the central core 17 and the surrounding six cores 17 are all at regular intervals. In addition, in the surrounding six cores, the distance between adjacent cores is also the same.

Further, the multi-core fiber is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2a, and for example, as shown in FIG. 2b, four cores 17 may be arranged at positions corresponding to the corners of a substantially square. That is, as the multi-core fiber, the number and arrangement of the cores 17 are not particularly limited.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2c, the optical fiber 11 may be a polarization holding fiber in which stress applying portions 21 are provided on both sides of the central core 17. That is, in the present embodiment, the optical fiber 11 has a directionality with respect to a rotation direction about the longitudinal direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The flange portion 5 is housed inside the plug frame 7. Further, the plug frame 7 is provided with a hole through which the ferrule 3 can penetrate and is smaller in size than the flange portion 5, and the tip portion of the ferrule 3 projects forward from the hole of the plug frame 7. Further, an elastic member 9 is provided behind the flange portion 5. The elastic member 9 presses the flange portion 5 in the direction in which the ferrule 3 projects forward from the hole of the plug frame 7. The ferrule 3 (flange portion 5) is slidable with respect to the plug frame 7 in the axial direction of the optical connector plug 1 (the protruding direction of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7).

Here, in the following description, the axial direction of the optical connector plug 1 is the Z direction, one direction is the X direction, and the other direction perpendicular to the X direction is the Y direction. In FIG. 1a, the left-right direction is the Z direction, the vertical direction is the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the X direction. Similarly, in FIG. 1b, the left-right direction is the X direction, the vertical direction is the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the Z direction.

In the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the optical connector plug 1, the outer shape of the flange portion 5 and the shape of the internal space of the plug frame 7 are substantially rectangular. That is, each side of the outer surface of the flange portion 5 and each side of the inner surface of the plug frame 7 facing the flange portion 5 are substantially parallel to each other.

A protrusion 13 is provided on each of the pair of inner surfaces of the plug frame 7 facing each other. The protrusion 13 has a tapered shape having a substantially triangular cross section, and is provided linearly in a predetermined range in one direction (X direction). The tip of the protrusion 13 makes a substantially linear contact with the respective outer surfaces of the flange portion 5 facing each other. It should be noted that between the tip of the protrusion 13 and the flange portion 5, within a range that does not affect the rotation regulation (direction C in FIG. 1b) required around the axis, which affects the alignment of each core of the optical fiber. , There may be a slight gap.

The protrusion 13 functions as a support mechanism for the flange portion 5 with respect to the plug frame 7. That is, the protrusion 13 (support mechanism) formed between the flange portion 5 and the plug frame 7 causes the ferrule 3 to rotate with respect to the plug frame 7 about the axial direction (Z direction) of the ferrule 3 (FIG. 1b). C direction) is regulated.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1b, a clearance 15 is provided between the plug frame 7 and the flange portion 5 in one direction (X direction) perpendicular to the Z direction of the flange portion 5. Therefore, the ferrule 3 slides in one direction (X direction) perpendicular to the Z direction by the amount corresponding to the clearance 15 along the forming direction of the protrusion 13 (support mechanism) with respect to the plug frame 7. Tilt operation is possible.

Further, in the other direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction, the ferrule 3 is restricted from sliding with respect to the plug frame 7, but tilts from the tip of the protrusion 13 as a starting point. (B direction in FIG. 1a) is possible. As the tilting operation in the Y direction starting from the protrusion 13, for example, the tilting may be allowed at an angle of about 0.5 to 2 degrees, and more preferably about 1 to 2 degrees. It should be done. This is because if the tilt angle is small, the sufficient floating function described later cannot be exhibited, and the floating mechanism can handle the tilt by about 1 to 2 degrees.

The protrusion 13 (support mechanism) is not completely rigid and can be elastically deformed to some extent. Further, as described above, a slight gap may be formed between the protrusion 13 and the flange portion 5. In this case, the rotation of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 about the axial direction (Z direction) of the ferrule 3 may be slightly allowed. However, even in this case, it is desirable that the rotation of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 about the axial direction of the ferrule 3 can be regulated to 1 degree or less.

Although the material of the plug frame 7 is not specified, for example, it is made of resin, and PBT containing 30% glass filler or the like can be applied. Further, although the material of the flange portion 5 is not specified, it is made of metal, for example. As described above, the flange portion may be integrally formed of the same material as the ferrule.

(Optical connector plug connection structure 10)
Next, the connection structure between the optical connector plugs 1 will be described. 3a and 3b are schematic views showing the optical connector plug connection structure 10, FIG. 3a shows a state in which the optical connector plug 1 is inserted into the adapter 23, and FIG. 3b shows a state in which the ferrules 3 are in contact with each other. It is a figure. The pair of optical connector plugs 1 are inserted and connected from both sides of the adapter 23.

A sleeve 25 is arranged inside the adapter 23. The tip of the ferrule 3 of each optical connector plug 1 is inserted into the sleeve 25. As shown in FIG. 3b, when the optical connector plug 1 is pushed into the adapter 23, the tips of the ferrules 3 come into contact with each other inside the sleeve 25. At this time, the ferrules 3 move in the axial direction (Z direction) with respect to the plug frame 7 and are pressed by the elastic members 9 to maintain the contact state. That is, the optical fibers 11 of the respective optical connector plugs 1 are optically connected to each other.

The internal shape of the adapter 23 corresponds to the external shape of the optical connector plug 1. Therefore, inside the adapter 23, the rotation of the optical connector plug 1 with the axial direction (Z direction) of the optical connector plug 1 as the rotation axis is restricted.

4a is a sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 3b, and FIG. 4b is a sectional view taken along line FF of FIG. 3b. That is, FIG. 4a is a sectional view of an optical connector plug 1 inserted from one end of an adapter 23 (the optical connector plug 1 on the left side of FIG. 3b is referred to as a first optical connector plug 1), and FIG. 4b is an adapter. It is sectional drawing of the optical connector plug 1 inserted from the other end of 23 (the optical connector plug 1 on the right side of FIG. 3b is referred to as the second optical connector plug 1).

In the first optical connector plug 1, a protrusion 13 (not shown) is formed on the inner surface of the plug frame 7 facing in the X direction. That is, in the first optical connector plug 1, the flange portion 5 is supported by the protrusion 13 in the X direction of the plug frame 7. Therefore, the first optical connector plug 1 is capable of tilting operation with restricted sliding operation in the X direction, and is capable of sliding operation and tilting operation in the Y direction.

On the other hand, in the second optical connector plug 1, a protrusion 13 is formed on the inner surface of the plug frame 7 facing in the Y direction. That is, in the second optical connector plug 1, the flange portion 5 is supported by the protrusion 13 in the Y direction of the plug frame 7. Therefore, the second optical connector plug 1 is capable of tilting operation with restricted sliding operation in the Y direction, and is capable of sliding operation and tilting operation in the X direction.

As described above, in the optical connector plug connection structure 10, the slide operation restricting direction (one direction) of the first optical connector plug 1 and the slide operation allowable direction (the other direction) of the second optical connector plug 1 are the same. It is a direction, and the slide operation allowable direction (the other direction) of the first optical connector plug and the slide operation restriction direction (one direction) of the second optical connector plug 1 are the same direction.

The optical fiber 11 has a directionality with respect to a rotation direction about the longitudinal direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and light with respect to a support direction of a flange portion 5 in the first optical connector plug 1. The circumferential direction of the fiber 11 and the circumferential direction of the optical fiber 11 with respect to the support direction of the flange portion 5 in the second optical connector plug 1 are deviated from each other by 90 degrees. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3b, when the first optical connector plug 1 and the second optical connector plug 1 are offset by 90 degrees and face each other, and the respective optical fibers 11 are connected to each other, the respective optical fibers 11 are connected to each other. The core positions of the optical fibers 11 coincide with each other.
The adapter 23 may be integrated with either the first optical connector plug 1 or the second optical connector plug 1.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which an external force (in the direction of arrow G in the figure) is applied to, for example, the optical fiber 11 of the second optical connector plug 1 in the optical connector plug connection structure 10. This state is equivalent to the state in which the plug frame is deformed by applying an external force to the optical connector plug. As described above, in the second optical connector plug 1, the ferrule 3 is allowed to tilt with respect to the plug frame 7 (up and down direction in the figure and arrow B direction) in the Y direction in the drawing. In the illustrated example, in the second optical connector plug 1, the ferrule 3 is tilted upward with respect to the plug frame 7.

On the other hand, the first optical connector plug 1 is allowed to slide and tilt the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 in the Y direction in the drawing. Therefore, the position and inclination of the tip of the ferrule 3 of the first optical connector plug 1 follow the tilting operation of the ferrule 3 in the second optical connector plug 1, and the optical connection between the ferrules 3 is maintained. Ru. Similarly, even when an external force in the Y direction is applied to the first optical connector plug 1, the optical connection between the ferrules 3 is maintained due to the inclination of the ferrules 3 in each optical connector plug 1.

On the other hand, when an external force is applied in the X direction in the figure, the ferrule 3 is allowed to tilt with respect to the plug frame 7 in the first optical connector plug, and the plug frame is allowed in the second optical connector plug 1. The sliding motion and tilting motion of the ferrule 3 with respect to 7 are allowed. Therefore, even in this case, the optical connection between the ferrules 3 is maintained due to the inclination of the ferrules 3 in each optical connector plug 1.

As described above, the optical connector plug connection structure 10 has the ferrule 3 due to the tilting operation of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 in either the optical connector plug 1 against any external force in the X direction or the Y direction. The contact between the tips can be maintained. Further, at this time, in any of the optical connector plugs 1, the rotation of the ferrule 3 with the axial direction of the optical connector plug 1 as the rotation axis is restricted, so that the optical connection can be reliably maintained.

In this way, the protrusion 13 restricts the rotational movement of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7, and allows the ferrule 3 to tilt in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (Z direction) (X direction or Y direction). be. That is, the protrusion 13 of each connected optical connector plug 1 can function as a rotation suppressing mechanism and a floating mechanism of the optical connector plug 1. Therefore, even when an external force is applied to the optical fiber 11 in the optically connected state, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap or an axial shift in the connection portion between the ferrules 3.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, protrusions 13 are provided on the inner surface of the plug frame 7 in a straight line with a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction, and the flange portion 5 is supported by the two facing protrusions 13. The rotation of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 can be restricted.

In this way, by using the protrusion 13 as a support mechanism, a complicated mechanism or processing is not required, and a highly accurate (for example, 1 degree or less) rotation suppression mechanism of the optical fiber 11 optically connected with a simple structure is required. Can be realized. Therefore, even when the optical fiber 11 has a directionality with respect to a rotation direction about the longitudinal direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 11, such as a multi-core fiber or a polarization holding fiber. , The optical axis shift can be suppressed.

Further, since the ferrule 3 can tilt with respect to the plug frame 7 in the direction supported by the protrusion 13, the position and orientation of the tip of the ferrule 3 can be changed with the protrusion 13 as the starting point. .. Further, since the ferrule 3 can slide and tilt with respect to the plug frame 7 in the direction perpendicular to the direction supported by the protrusion 13, the position and orientation of the tip of the ferrule 3 are set in the same manner as described above. It is possible to change.

In particular, a floating function that allows tilting operations in the X and Y directions by the synergistic action of both optical connector plugs 1 by connecting a pair of optical connector plugs 1 so as to face each other in different directions of 90 degrees. Can be demonstrated. Further, in any direction, the contact between the ferrules 3 can be maintained by the tilting motion of one and the sliding motion and the tilting motion of the other. That is, according to the optical connector plug connection structure 10, it is possible to achieve both a highly accurate rotation suppression function and a floating mechanism.

Further, since the protrusion 13 is a tapered protrusion, the plug frame 7 and the flange portion 5 can be brought into substantially linear contact with each other. Therefore, the ferrule 3 can be easily tilted with respect to the plug frame 7.

In the above-mentioned example, the protrusion 13 is formed linearly with a predetermined length, but it does not have to be a single protrusion 13 integrated in the longitudinal direction on each formation surface. That is, if the inner surface of the plug frame 7 or the outer surface of the flange portion 5 can be contacted at a plurality of points on substantially the same straight line, the protrusion 13 is divided into a plurality of protrusions, and the protrusions 13 are divided into a plurality of protrusions on the same straight line within a predetermined range. May be provided. Even if the protrusions 13 are divided into a plurality of parts in the longitudinal direction, the same effect can be obtained by arranging the plurality of protrusions 13 on substantially the same straight line.

Further, the pair of protrusions 13 arranged at positions facing each other may be slightly displaced from each other in the axial direction of the optical connector plug 1. For example, it is desirable that the tips of the pair of protrusions 13 are arranged on the same straight line (on the Y-direction straight line) perpendicular to the axial direction (Z direction in FIG. 3a) of the optical connector plug 1, but the protrusions 13 The position of the tip in the Z direction may be different.

(Optical connector plug 1a)
Next, another embodiment of the optical connector plug will be described. FIG. 6a is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the optical connector plug 1a. In the following description, configurations having the same functions as those in FIGS. 1a to 5 are designated by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1a to 5 and duplicated description will be omitted.

The optical connector plug 1a has almost the same structure as the optical connector plug 1, but the support mechanism between the plug frame 7 and the flange portion 5 is different. In the optical connector plug 1a, the protrusion 13a is provided on the outer surface of the flange portion 5 instead of providing the protrusion on the inner surface of the plug frame 7. That is, the protrusions 13a are formed on the outer surfaces of the flange portions 5 facing each other toward the outside.

The protrusion 13a has a tapered shape having a substantially triangular cross section, and is provided linearly in a predetermined range in one direction (X direction). The tip of the protrusion 13a is in substantially line contact with the respective inner surfaces of the plug frame 7 facing each other.

As described above, the protrusion which is the support mechanism between the plug frame 7 and the flange portion 5 may be provided on the inner surface side of the plug frame 7, or may be provided on the outer surface side of the flange portion 5 facing the plug frame 7. good.

(Optical connector plug 1b)
FIG. 6b is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical connector plug 1b, which is still another embodiment. The optical connector plug 1b has almost the same structure as the optical connector plug 1a, but the protrusion shape is different. The protrusion 13b has a tapered shape having a substantially semicircular cross section, and is provided linearly in a predetermined range on the outer surfaces of the flange portions 5 facing each other in the same direction (X direction). The tip of the protrusion 13b is in substantially line contact with the respective inner surfaces of the plug frame 7 facing each other.

As described above, the shape of the protrusion, which is the support mechanism between the plug frame 7 and the flange portion 5, is such that the tip of the protrusion is in substantially linear contact with the inner surface of the plug frame 7 or the outer surface of the flange portion 5. Does not matter. For example, the protrusion 13 of the optical connector plug 1 may be semicircular.

(Optical connector plug 1c)
FIG. 6c is a schematic cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment, the optical connector plug 1c. The optical connector plug 1c has almost the same structure as the optical connector plug 1 and the like, but has a different support mechanism. The support mechanism in the optical connector plug 1c includes a rod-shaped member 13c between the plug frame 7 and the flange portion 5, instead of a protrusion provided on the inner surface of the plug frame 7 or the outer surface of the flange portion 5. The rod-shaped member 13c is, for example, a substantially cylindrical needle bearing having a predetermined length.

In the illustrated example, recesses 14 are provided linearly in a predetermined direction (X direction) on the opposite outer surfaces of the flange portions 5, and rod-shaped members 13c are arranged in the recesses 14. The recess 14 may be formed in the plug frame 7, or may be provided in both the plug frame 7 and the flange portion 5.

The dimensions when the rod-shaped members 13c are arranged above and below the flange portion 5 substantially match the height (width in the Y-axis direction) of the internal space of the plug frame 7 in contact with the rod-shaped members 13c. Therefore, the rod-shaped member 13c comes into substantially line contact with the inner surface of the plug frame 7 and the flange portion 5.

In this way, the rod-shaped member 13c comes into contact with the inner surface of the plug frame 7 and the flange portion 5 in a substantially line manner, so that the rotation of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 about the axial direction of the optical connector plug 1c is restricted. Further, in one direction (X direction), the ferrule 3 can slide and tilt along the rod-shaped member 13c. Further, in the other direction (Y direction), the sliding operation of the ferrule 3 is restricted, but the tilting operation of the ferrule 3 is possible starting from the contact portion of the rod-shaped member 13c.

As described above, as the support mechanism, the rod-shaped member 13c may be arranged between the plug frame 7 and the flange portion 5 instead of the protrusion provided on the inner surface of the plug frame 7 or the outer surface of the flange portion 5. By using the rod-shaped member 13c, the movement of the flange portion 5 in the axial direction of the optical connector plug 1c with respect to the plug frame 7 becomes smoother. The cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped member 13c is not limited to a circular shape.

(Optical connector plug 1d)
FIG. 7a is a schematic cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment of the optical connector plug 1d, and FIG. 7b is a sectional view taken along line HH of FIG. 7a. The optical connector plug 1d has almost the same structure as the optical connector plug 1 and the like, but has a different support mechanism. In the support mechanism of the optical connector plug 1d, the protrusion 13d formed on the inner surface of the plug frame 7 is fitted into the groove 16 provided in the flange portion 5.

Grooves 16 are formed linearly in the axial direction (Z direction) of the optical connector plug 1d at each of the facing portions (the portions facing the Y direction in the drawing) of the flange portion 5. In the present embodiment, the flange portion 5 is not a rectangle but a circle, but the shape of the flange portion 5 is not particularly limited.

The protrusions 13d are formed on the inner surfaces of the plug frames 7 facing the grooves 16. The protrusion 13d is not a tapered shape, but is formed in a substantially constant shape (size) from the base to the tip. In the illustrated example, the protrusion 13d has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the outer diameter from the base to the tip is substantially constant.

The width of the groove 16 and the outer diameter of the protrusion 13d are substantially the same. Therefore, by fitting the protrusions 13d into the upper and lower grooves 16, the rotation of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 about the axial direction (Z direction) of the optical connector plug 1d is restricted.

On the other hand, the insertion allowance of the protrusion 13d into the groove 16 is shorter than the depth of the groove 16. Therefore, a clearance 15 is formed between the bottom surface of the groove 16 and the tip of the protrusion 13d. Therefore, in one direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the optical connector plug 1d, the ferrule 3 slides with respect to the plug frame 7 by the clearance 15 between the tip of the protrusion 13d and the bottom surface of the groove 16. Movement and tilting movements are possible.

Further, since the width of the groove 16 and the outer diameter (width in the X direction) of the protrusion 13d are substantially the same, the ferrule 3 is set in the other direction (X direction) perpendicular to one direction (Y direction). , The sliding operation is restricted with respect to the plug frame 7. On the other hand, since the outer surface of the protrusion 13d and the inner side surface of the groove 16 are in approximate line contact, the ferrule 3 is X with respect to the plug frame 7 starting from the contact portion between the protrusion 13d and the inner side surface of the groove 16. It is possible to tilt in the direction (arrow B in the figure).

The groove 16 may be formed in either the plug frame 7 or the flange portion 5, and the protrusion 13d may be provided in the plug frame 7 or the flange portion 5 facing the groove 16. For example, a protrusion 13d may be formed on the outer surface of the flange portion 5 so as to project in opposite directions, and a groove 16 may be formed on the surface of the plug frame 7 facing the protrusion 13d. That is, a pair of grooves 16 are provided in either the plug frame 7 or the flange portion 5 in the axial direction of the optical connector plug 1d, and the plug frame 7 or the flange portion 5 facing each other so as to fit into the grooves 16 is provided. By forming the protrusions 13d and fitting the protrusions 13d into the grooves 16, the rotation suppressing function and the floating function can be ensured.

The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion is not limited to a circle. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the protrusions 13e may be substantially rectangular, and the protrusions 13e may be arranged so that the width direction (X direction) of the groove 16 is the diagonal direction of the protrusions 13e.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the protrusion 13f having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape may be used. In this case, the side surface of the protrusion 13f and the inner side surface of the groove 16 may be in surface contact with each other. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 13f is changed in the height direction to facilitate elastic deformation, so that the ferrule 3 is tilted in the X direction with respect to the plug frame 7 due to the elastic deformation of the protrusion 13f. Operation is possible.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10a, a clearance 15a having a predetermined width may be provided between the protrusion 13f and the groove 16. In this case, the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 can rotate by the size of the clearance 15a (C in the figure). In this case, by appropriately setting the width of the protrusion 13f (N in the figure), the width of the groove 16 (M in the figure), and the radius R of the flange portion 5, the rotation of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 is 1 °. It can be as follows.

Even in this case, as shown in FIG. 10b, the inclination in the X direction (B in the figure) is set to be 0.5 ° or more and 2 ° or less. In this case, by appropriately setting the width of the protrusion 13f (N in the figure), the width of the groove 16 (M in the figure), and the length of the protrusion 13f (L in the figure), the inclination in the X direction (in the figure). B) can be set to be 0.5 ° or more and 2 ° or less.

As described above, by forming a support mechanism between the flange portion 5 and the plug frame 7, it functions as a rotation suppressing mechanism that regulates the rotation of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 about the axial direction of the ferrule 3. Can be made to. Further, the support mechanism enables the ferrule 3 to slide and tilt with respect to the plug frame 7 in one direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the ferrule 3, and to the plug frame 7 in the other direction perpendicular to this. By restricting the sliding operation of the ferrule 3 and enabling the tilting operation, the support mechanism can function as a floating mechanism.

(Optical connector plug connection structure 10a)
Next, another embodiment of the optical connector plug connection structure will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an optical connector plug connection structure 10a. In the following description, an example of connecting a pair of optical connector plugs 1 will be shown, but the other optical connector plugs 1a to 1d described above can also be applied.

The optical connector plug connection structure 10a has substantially the same configuration as the optical connector plug connection structure 10, but the orientation of the optical connector plug 1 to be connected is different. In the optical connector plug connection structure 10a, a pair of optical connector plugs 1 facing each other are connected so that their support mechanisms face in the same direction. For example, in the illustrated example, the support direction (opposite direction of the protrusion 13) of each optical connector plug 1 by the protrusion 13 is the same Y direction.

That is, in the optical connector plug connection structure 10a, the slide operation restricting direction of each pair of optical connector plugs 1 is the same direction, and the slide operation allowable direction of each pair of optical connector plugs is the same direction.

Also in this embodiment, the internal shape of the adapter 23 corresponds to the external shape of the optical connector plug 1. Therefore, inside the adapter 23, the rotation of the optical connector plug 1 with the axial direction (Z direction) of the optical connector plug 1 as the rotation axis is restricted.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which an external force is applied to the optical fiber 11 of one of the optical connector plugs 1 (in the direction of arrow D in the figure) and the adapter 23 is deformed from this state. Note that FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which an external force is applied in the Y direction. In this case, the adapter 23 is slightly deformed by the external force.

As described above, in each optical connector plug 1, tilting operation of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 (vertical direction in the figure and arrow B direction) is permitted in the Y direction in the drawing. In the illustrated example, in each optical connector plug 1, the ferrule 3 is tilted downward with respect to the plug frame 7. As described above, with respect to the external force in the Y direction, the optical connection at the tip of the ferrule 3 can be maintained by the tilting operation of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 in each optical connector plug 1.

On the other hand, in the case of an external force in the X direction perpendicular to this, in each optical connector plug 1, the ferrule 3 can slide and tilt with respect to each plug frame 7. Therefore, as in the case of FIG. 12, the contact state between the ferrules 3 can be maintained by the tilting and sliding operations of the ferrules 3 with respect to the plug frame 7.

As described above, the optical connector plug connection structure 10a has the ferrule 3 due to the tilting operation of the ferrule 3 with respect to the plug frame 7 in either the optical connector plug 1 against any external force in the X direction or the Y direction. The contact between the tips can be maintained. Further, at this time, in any of the optical connector plugs 1, the rotation of the ferrule 3 with the axial direction of the optical connector plug 1 as the rotation axis is restricted, so that the optical connection can be reliably maintained.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the same effect as the above-mentioned optical connector plug connection structure 10 can be obtained. That is, similarly to the optical connector plug connection structure 10, it is possible to regulate the rotational operation of the ferrule 3 with the Z direction as the rotation axis.

(Optical connector plug connection structure 10a)
Next, another embodiment of the optical connector plug connection structure will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the adapter 23a. The adapter 23a is a tubular member substantially similar to the adapter 23, except that the notches 27a and 27b are provided at the ends.

The adapter 23a has, for example, a substantially rectangular tubular shape. A notch 27a is provided substantially in the center of one side of one end of the adapter 23a. Further, at the other end of the adapter 23a, the notch 27b is provided at substantially the center of the other side that is 90 degrees different from the side on which the notch 27a is formed. The notches 27a and 27b are formed with substantially the same width from their respective ends in the longitudinal direction of the adapter 23a.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an optical connector plug connection structure 10b. 15a is a sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 14, and FIG. 15b is a sectional view taken along line JJ of FIG. That is, FIG. 15a is a cross-sectional view of the first optical connector plug 1 to be connected (optical connector plug 1 on the left side of FIG. 14), and FIG. 15b is a second optical connector plug 1 to be connected (FIG. 14). It is sectional drawing of the optical connector plug 1) on the right side of. The following figure is a perspective view of the adapter 23a.

The optical connector plug 1e is provided with a convex portion 29 on the outer peripheral surface of the plug frame 7. The convex portion 29 is provided near the rear end portion of one side of the substantially rectangular plug frame 7. When the optical connector plug 1e is inserted into the adapter 23a, the convex portion 29 is inserted so as to fit into the notches 27a and 27b.

As described above, since the notches 27a and 27b of the adapter 23a are provided in the directions different from each other by 90 degrees, the optical connector plugs 1e facing each other are also inserted into the adapter 23a in the directions different from each other by 90 degrees. That is, similarly to the above-mentioned optical connector plug connection structure 10, the slide operation restricting direction of the first optical connector plug 1 and the slide operation restricting direction of the second optical connector plug 1 are 90 degrees different directions.

According to the optical connector plug connection structure 10b, the optical connector plug 1e can be inserted into the adapter 23a in a desired orientation. For example, by holding the optical fiber 11 in directions (0 degree arrangement, 90 degree arrangement) different from each other by 90 degrees on one side and the other side with respect to the optical connector plug 1e, one side (0 degree arrangement) can be held. ) Can be prevented from being optically connected to each other or to each other (arranged at 90 degrees).

Further, since the notches 27a and 27b are arranged in the adapter 23a in different directions by 90 degrees, if the optical connector plug 1e and the adapter 23a are substantially square, both one side and the other side have the same convex portion 29. An optical connector plug 1e can be used.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of the present invention does not depend on the above-described embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modifications or modifications within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it belongs to.

1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e ……… Optical connector plug 3 ………… Ferrule 5 ………… Flange part 7 ………… Plug frame 9 ………… Elastic member 10, 10a, 10b ………… Optical connector Plug connection structure 11 ………… Optical fiber 13, 13a, 13b, 13d, 13e, 13f ………… Protrusion 13c ………… Rod-shaped member 14 ………… Recess 15 ………… Clearance 16 ………… Groove 17 ………… Core 19 ………… Clad 21 ………… Stress applying part 23, 23a ………… Adapter 25 ………… Sleeve 27a, 27b ………… Notch 29 ………… Convex part

Claims (15)

The ferrule that holds the optical fiber and
A flange portion arranged on the outer circumference of the ferrule and a flange portion.
The plug frame in which the flange portion is housed and
An elastic member that presses the ferrule in the axial direction of the optical fiber and in a direction protruding from the plug frame.
With an optical connector plug,
An adapter in which a pair of optical connector plugs are inserted from both sides and each optical fiber is optically connected.
Equipped with
In the optical connector plug, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction of the optical connector plug is restricted by the support mechanism formed between the flange portion and the plug frame.
Each of the optical connector plugs can slide and tilt the ferrule with respect to the plug frame in one direction perpendicular to the axial direction by the support mechanism.
An optical connector plug connection characterized in that the sliding operation of the ferrule is restricted with respect to the plug frame and the tilting operation is possible in the axial direction and the other direction perpendicular to the one direction. Construction. The one direction of the first optical connector plug inserted from one end of the adapter and the other direction of the second optical connector plug inserted from the other end of the adapter are the same direction. The optical connector plug connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the other direction of the optical connector plug 1 and the one direction of the second optical connector plug are the same direction. The support mechanism is a tapered protrusion provided on the opposite inner surface of the plug frame in a predetermined range with respect to the one direction.
When the tip of the protrusion comes into contact with the outer surface of the flange portion, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction is restricted.
In one of the directions, the ferrule can slide and tilt along the direction of formation of the protrusion.
The optical connector plug connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the ferrule can be tilted from the tip of the protrusion in the other direction. The support mechanism is a tapered protrusion provided on each of the facing outer surfaces of the flange portion in a predetermined range with respect to the one direction.
When the tip of the protrusion comes into contact with the inner surface of the plug frame, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction is restricted.
In one of the directions, the ferrule can slide and tilt along the direction of formation of the protrusion.
The optical connector plug connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the ferrule can be tilted from the tip of the protrusion in the other direction. The optical connector plug connection structure according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion is provided linearly at a predetermined length in one direction. The optical connector plug connection structure according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of protrusions are provided on the same straight line in a predetermined range with respect to the one direction. The support mechanism includes a recess provided in the plug frame or the flange portion and provided in one direction, and a rod-shaped member arranged in the recess.
The flange portion is sandwiched between the pair of rod-shaped members.
When the rod-shaped member comes into contact with the inner surface of the plug frame and the flange portion, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction is restricted.
In one of the directions, the ferrule can slide and tilt along the rod-shaped member.
The optical connector plug connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the ferrule can be tilted from a contact portion of the rod-shaped member in the other direction. The support mechanism includes a groove provided in the plug frame or the flange portion and provided in the axial direction, and a protrusion formed so as to fit in the groove.
By fitting the pair of protrusions into the grooves formed in the portions facing each other, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction is restricted.
In one of the directions, the ferrule can slide and tilt due to the gap between the tip of the protrusion and the bottom surface of the groove.
The optical connector plug connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the ferrule can be tilted from the protrusion in the other direction. The optical connector plug connection structure according to claim 8, wherein the protrusion has a cylindrical shape. The support mechanism is provided on the plug frame or the flange portion, and is formed so as to fit into the groove provided in the axial direction and the groove, and is a substantially rectangular protrusion that comes into surface contact with the inner surface of the groove. And equipped
By fitting the pair of protrusions into the grooves formed in the portions facing each other, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction is restricted.
In one of the directions, the ferrule can slide and tilt due to the gap between the tip of the protrusion and the bottom surface of the groove.
The optical connector plug connection structure according to claim 1, wherein in the other direction, the ferrule can be tilted from the protrusion by elastic deformation of the protrusion. The support mechanism includes a groove provided on the plug frame or the flange portion and provided in the axial direction, and a protrusion formed so as to fit into the groove and formed so as to face the groove. death,
By fitting the pair of protrusions into the grooves formed in the portions facing each other, the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction is restricted.
In one of the directions, the ferrule can slide and tilt due to the gap between the tip of the protrusion and the bottom surface of the groove.
The first aspect of the present invention, wherein the ferrule can tilt with the protrusion as a starting point due to a clearance having a predetermined width formed between the groove and the protrusion in the other direction. Optical connector plug connection structure. The optical connector plug connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the support mechanism can regulate the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction to one degree or less. The optical connector plug connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber is a multi-core fiber. The optical connector plug connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber is a polarization-retaining fiber. The ferrule that holds the optical fiber and
The flange portion protruding in the radial direction of the ferrule, and
The plug frame in which the flange portion is housed and
An elastic member that presses the ferrule in a direction that protrudes from the plug frame,
Equipped with
The support mechanism formed between the flange portion and the plug frame regulates the rotation of the ferrule with respect to the plug frame about the axial direction of the ferrule.
The support mechanism allows the ferrule to slide and tilt with respect to the plug frame in one direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
An optical connector plug characterized in that the sliding operation of the ferrule is restricted with respect to the plug frame and the tilting operation is possible in the axial direction and the other direction perpendicular to the one direction.

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