WO1983002335A1

WO1983002335A1 - Optical connector

Info

Publication number: WO1983002335A1
Application number: PCT/JP1981/000427
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kazushi Miura
Original assignee: Tanaka, Toshiyasu; Ariga, Sadakazu
Priority date: 1981-12-28
Filing date: 1981-12-28
Publication date: 1983-07-07

Abstract

An optical connector to be used for connections between optical fibers and of an optical fiber to equipment in the fields including communication, instrumentation, control, and has such features as a simple structure and inexpensive manufacture. The optical connector is composed of a plug-in unit (23) projected therefrom, a plug-in side (21) formed with an axial through hole opened at the end of the plug-in unit (23), a bore retainer (24) detachably engaged with the plug-in unit, and a retaining side (22) formed with an axial through hole opened at the bottom of the retainer (24) in a housing (20), and a planar fiber holder (10) having connecting means (13, 14) provided at the inside and the outside of the vicinity of the end of the optical fiber, intimately covered and engaging with a cylindrical shape at the plug-in side and the retaining side of the housing (20).

Description

Meiho, technology

The present invention relates to an optical connector used for connection between optical fibers and between an optical fiber and a device in the fields of communication, measurement, control, and the like, and particularly to a simplified structure. Optical connector.

Background art

In recent years, optical fiber has been widely used as a new communication transmission medium, not only for long-distance transmission but also for short-distance transmission inside and outside 100. Optical connectors are used in such optical communication systems, and optical fibers are detachably connected when switching devices, removing transmitter / receiver, etc. Parts that are indispensable in the system configuration, and are used as a pair on the insertion side and the receiving side, and cover the vicinity of the optical fiber. And a fiber holder fitted into the housing.

Conventionally, optical connectors have been developed for long-distance transmissions.], And these long-distance transmissions are designed to minimize loss due to misalignment and reduce High accuracy is required for the holder. Therefore, the fiber holders of the centering type and the non-centering type are also complicated and highly accurate.

OMPI Work such as coating removal is required, and it is easy to mount on an optical fiber, which is problematic for mass production. In addition, the housing has to be correspondingly complicated and of high precision. Therefore, the optical connector composed of these powers also has a complicated structure]), is easy to assemble, and is expensive.

However, in short-distance transmission, the loss is not so problematic, and inexpensive and large-diameter plastic fibers are often used, so that there is a certain degree of accuracy. There is a demand for an optical connector that can be connected, has a simplified structure, is inexpensive and easy to assemble.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has a simple structure, components can be easily manufactured and inexpensive.], And assembly work such as mounting and mounting of optical fibers can be easily performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical connector that can be constructed at a low cost as a whole and that can be connected to a connector without significantly lowering the accuracy.

Disclosure of the invention

That is, the present invention provides a plug-in side in which an insertion portion is provided in a protruding manner, and a through-hole opened at a tip end of the insertion portion is provided in an axial direction, and a hole which is detachably fitted to the insertion portion. In addition to the provision of the receiving portion, a through hole opening in the bottom surface of the receiving portion is provided in the axial direction, and the receiving side is formed on each of the insertion side and the receiving side of the housing. Locking means inside and outside the end of the optical fiber It is configured to be fitted and engaged by being tightly covered in a tubular shape by a plate-like fiber holder provided with According to such a configuration, components are easily manufactured and inexpensive with a simple structure.], Assembly work such as mounting of optical fiber can be easily performed, and the entire optical system can be manufactured. The connector can be configured at low cost.

The present invention also provides a fiber holder, wherein a fiber locking projection is provided on the inner surface side, and a locking portion for engaging with a locking means of the housing is provided at an appropriate position on the outer surface. It is composed of the provided plate-like body. This simplifies the structure of the fiber holder to facilitate its manufacture, and also bends the fiber holder along the outer periphery of the optical fiber coating. Therefore, it can be easily attached to the optical fiber, but also has the effect of damaging the fiber.

In addition, the present invention provides an optical fiber at the time of fitting by fitting the above-mentioned housing to each of the insertion side and the receiving side with a fiber holder attached to the optical fiber. It is provided with a holding means for holding the fibers so that they concentrically face each other, and a locking means for locking the fitted fiber holder. This allows the optical fiber to be reliably concentrically oriented without the need for complicated and difficult operations such as centering, etc. The structure can be extremely simplified because the through-hole is provided in the insertion portion protruding in a rod shape on the side, and the through-hole is provided on the bottom surface of the receiving hole on the receiving side. Further, the present invention provides the above-mentioned holding portion (or thread) so as to be in close contact with the fiber holder in the housing.

OMPI

/ WIPO ) And the fiber holders on the insertion side and the receiving side are opposed to each other and held in the same holding part (or sleeve). Therefore, there is an advantage that the optical fiber can be connected to the connector with relatively high accuracy irrespective of the simple structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector taken along line AA, and FIG. 3 is a fiber used in the optical connector of the present invention. FIG. 4A is an enlarged plan view showing an example of a holder, FIG. 4A is a plan view showing the above-mentioned holder bent in a rectangular shape, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view thereof, and FIG. 5 is a different form. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a fiber holder having a fiber locking projection bent in a rectangular shape, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber holder, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber holder. FIG. 6B is a side view of the optical fiber connector attached to the end of the optical fiber, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a housing body used in the optical connector of the present invention. Fig. 8, Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line A-A, Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line B-B, and Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a locking member to be attached to the housing body. Figure, 1st 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the insertion side of a second embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention, FIG. 11B is a side view thereof, and FIG. 12 is a third embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view, FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view showing another example of a fiber holder used in the optical connector of the present invention, and FIGS. 14 and 15 are still other examples. A cross-sectional view showing the FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the insertion side of the fourth embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the insertion side of the fifth embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention. Is a sectional view showing a sixth embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a seventh embodiment in which the optical connector of the present invention has two pins.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. In these figures, the optical connector of the present invention has a fiber holder 10 closely attached to the outer periphery near the end of the optical fiber 1, and this is connected to a housing 20. It is configured to be fitted on each of the insertion side 21 and the receiving side 22 of

The structure of the fiber holder 10 is shown in FIGS. 3 to 4B. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing an example of a fiber holder used in the present invention. The fiber holder 10 includes a covering section 11, a locking projection It is composed of a plate-like body provided with 12, a lens 13 and a locking projection 14.

The fiber holder 10 is formed by punching or the like from a metal plate such as iron, and the length in the axial direction (the left and right direction in the figure) is determined by the housing to be mounted. The optical fiber is formed to have a length that can be accommodated in the optical fiber, and the width is such that the optical fiber can be wrapped in a tubular shape by substantially making a round from the sheath on the coating. The covering part 1 1

OMPI

H-I 1-1-1 The part of the hang body excluding the locking projections 12, the lance 13, and the locking projections 14), and the front end (left side in the drawing) has a conforming covering piece. lla, lib, and lie are provided on the base side (right side of the drawing), and rectangular covering pieces lid and lie are provided, respectively.

The fiber holder 10 is formed in an unfolded shape, but in use, it is bent into a cylindrical shape such as a cylinder as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, it may be formed by bending into a letter shape in advance.

The locking projections 12 are cut off on the inner surface (optical fiber contact surface) side of the plate-like body], raised and protruded by baling or other means to cover the optical fiber. This prevents the optical fiber from dropping out. In the case of the present embodiment, the shape is triangular in order to make it easy to penetrate the coating. However, the shape is not limited to this, and any shape having a protruding shape may be used. Figures 5Α and 5B show the ballings. In the case of cutting and raising, the direction is arbitrary. However, as in the present embodiment, cutting in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction increases the locking effect. In addition, the protruding height is reduced to reduce the thickness of the coating to prevent damage to the optical fiber. Further, the number and arrangement can be appropriately determined according to the shape of the fiber holder 10. ―

The lens 13 and the locking projection 14 project from the outer side of the fiber holder to connect the fiber * holder 10 to the connector housing. The holder 20 moves in the axial direction when it is fitted into the housing 20, so that the holder is disengaged from the housing 20. Engages with the locking means 28 (see Fig. 1), with the former blocking movement in the proximal direction and the latter blocking movement in the distal direction.

The lens 13 is provided symmetrically in two substantially rectangular shapes in the middle of the plate-like body constituting the holder, and the short side located at the tip end of the holder is used as a support. Cut in the diagonal direction]? It is raised to have an appropriate spring property. The shape of the lens 13 is arbitrary as long as it can have the function as a locking portion and the paneling property, and the number is limited to two. The locking projection 14 is provided as a locking piece on the base end side of the fiber holder 10, and is provided in advance from the outer periphery when the optical fiber is cylindrically enclosed. It is folded so that it projects almost vertically. The locking convexity 14 is different from the above-mentioned lance 13]. Further, it is only necessary to prevent the holder 10 from moving in the tip direction, so that the shape and the size of the holder 10 can be engaged with the locking means 28 of the housing 20. Well, the number is not limited to two. For example, it may be formed in a flange shape.

Next, the configuration of the housing 20 is shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a housing body used for the optical connector of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A, and FIG. 9 is also a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B. Fig. 10 shows the above housing

OMPI FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a locking member mounted on the main body. In these figures and in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 20 is composed of a main body, which is a pair of the insertion side 21 and the receiving side 22, and the holding portions 26A, 26B. It comprises a locking mechanism 27 and a locking means 28 comprising a locking portion 29 and a locking member 30.

The insertion side 21 and the receiving side 22 are separately formed of synthetic resin.] The insertion side 21 is provided with an insertion portion 23 and A through hole 25A opening at the tip of the insertion portion 23 is provided in the axial direction. On the other hand, the receiving side 22 is provided with a hole-shaped receiving portion 24 that is removably fitted to the insertion portion 23. A through hole 25B opened in the bottom surface of the receiving portion 24 is provided in the axial direction. Note that the housing body can be D-shaped with a material such as metal, but synthetic resin molding is the cheapest. In this case, the synthetic resin, small ¾ rather the convex portion 27a on the outer wall of _c plug Metropolitan 2 3 Shi and this Ru use those not translucent is desirable with respect to the wavelength of light used甩is Come on! ? On the other hand, a concave portion 27b which engages with the convex portion 27a is provided on the inner wall of the receiving wall 24. The protrusion 27a and the recess 27b constitute a locking mechanism 27, and the insertion side and the receiving side are fitted so as to be freely inserted and removed. In addition, the locking at the time of fitting is not limited to such a mechanism, but may be a configuration of locking with a claw or the like.

The through holes 25A and 25B are configured so as to be concentric with each other when the insertion side 21 and the receiving side 22 are fitted together. Step portions 29a, 29b, 29c are provided on each base side as locking portions 29 constituting locking means described later. In addition, in the through hole 25A of the insertion side 21, the portion inside the insertion portion 23 from the tip, while on the other hand, in the through hole 25B of the reception side 22, the receiving wall 24 bottom surface The portions near the openings are formed as holding portions 26A and 26B for fitting and holding the fiber holders that cover the optical fibers.

These holding capitals 26A and 26B are formed in a cross-sectional shape and a diameter that can freely fit a fiber holder that covers the optical fiber. As shown in FIG. 1, the length of the holding portion 26B is set so that the tip of the fiber holder 10 to be fitted is protruded into the hole of the receiving portion 24. The length of the holding portion 26A is such that the fiber holder 10 on the insertion side fitted from its own base side is accommodated, and the holding portion 26A protrudes into the hole of the receiving portion 24. The fiber holder 10 on the side is set to a length that can be stored from the tip when fitting. This allows the end faces of both optical fibers to be concentrically opposed by the holding section 26A on the insertion side when the insertion side and the receiving side are fitted.

In addition, it is desirable that the play between the holding portions 26A and 26B and the fiber holder be pressed down to a small extent when it is difficult to insert the fiber holder. The fiber holder can be kept in close contact with the holding part to minimize the axis deviation.o

The locking means 28 is provided on each of the insertion side 21 and the receiving side 22. The first, second, and third step portions 29a, 29b, 29c are provided concentrically as the locking portions 29 by sequentially increasing the diameters of the first, second, and third step portions 29a, 29b, and 29c differently from the holding portions 26A, 26B. The third stage 29c is provided with a U-shaped spring mounting hole 29d, and a locking member 30 is fitted in these positions to form a fiber mounted on the optical fiber. Attach the holder 10 to the insertion side 21 and the receiving side 22 respectively. More specifically, the locking means 28 can be changed in various ways depending on the structure of the fiber holder and the shape of the locking material, as will be described in each embodiment described later. is there.

The locking member 30 is composed of an elastic body 31 of a ring, and first and second washers 32 and 33 mounted on the locking portion 29 with the elastic body 31 interposed therebetween.バネ -shaped springs 3 4 are formed.

The elastic body 31 is made of a material having elasticity such as rubber, for example, and is formed in a ring or a cylindrical shape having a through hole 31 a through which the fiber holder 10 can pass through at the center. However, the holder 10 is pressed by the lens 13 of the fitted holder 10 and contracts. In addition, the first dash 32 is formed to have substantially the same diameter as the elastic body 31. 3, and the second boss 29 b is attached to the second step 29 b so as to be able to contact the lance 13. When fitted and pressed against the lance 13, the elastic body 31 prevents the lance 13 from biting into the end face. If this biting can be neglected depending on the state of the end face of the elastic body 31, the washer 32 may be omitted. —On the other hand, the second disk 33 is formed to have a diameter larger than these.], Is inserted into the third step portion 29C, and the fiber hood is formed on the inner peripheral side. Engagement with the locking projections 14 of the holder 10 prevents the holder 10 from moving in the tip direction. The U-shaped spring 34 is formed by bending a metal pin into a substantially rectangular shape, and is mounted in the U-shaped spring mounting hole 29d. Then, the elastic body 31 and the first washer 32 are engaged with each other.

The first stage 29a is provided with a diameter and a length capable of storing the lens 13 of the fiber holder 10, and the second stage 29b is provided with the first stage 29b. It is provided with a diameter and a length that can fit the washer 32 and the elastic body 31. Further, the third step 29c is configured to have a diameter and a length capable of accommodating the second cache 33 and having a U-shaped panel mounting hole 29d. The U-shaped panel mounting hole 29d is a hole having a cross-sectional shape through which the U-shaped panel 34 can be inserted, and is used to mount the second washer 33 on the third step portion 29c. At or near the position, it is provided at right angles to the axial direction in consideration of the thickness of the washer 33.

Next, the assembling of the optical connector of this embodiment will be described together with the operation of each part with reference to the above-mentioned drawings.

The fiber holder 10 is attached to the optical fiber 1 by attaching it to the flat or rectangular fiber holder 10 and the core 2 made of plastic or the like. Connect the end of the optical fiber 1 with the coating 3 and the tip 4 with the coating 3 attached to the fiber holder 10.

Ο ΡΙ Or bend it slightly out of the way, and bend the vacuum holder 10 along the outer periphery of the coating 3 with an appropriate tool]. See Fig. 6 and Fig. 6).

At this time, the envelopes 11a, lib, and lie of the fire folder 10 are fitted with the convex portions of lib and the concave portions between lla and lie! ? In this way, a cylinder is formed, and the cover pieces lid and lie contact each other at their side end surfaces to form a cylinder.

Close contact with 1. Before or after mounting, the optical fiber tip 4 may be polished as necessary.

At the time of the mounting, the locking projections 12 are pressed against the optical fiber 1 so that the sharp ends of the locking projections 12 bite into the coating 3 (not shown. ¾ Other Embodiments) However, a similar situation is shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. :), and the fiber holder 10 is securely attached to the optical fiber 1.

Attach the end holder 10 to the housing 20. Before mounting, first attach the locking material 30 to the housing body. At least, after the locking member 30 is mounted on the fiber holder 10, the fiber holder 10 and the housing member 30 are fixed together with the locking member 30. You can fit it in.

To attach the locking member 30, insert the first pedestal 32 and the elastic body 31 in this order into the second step 29 b, and insert the second ヮ into the third step 29. Insert the hash 3 3. Then, the rectangular panel 34 is fitted into the rectangular panel mounting hole 29d, and the above-mentioned mesh 33 is locked. This is what?], Elastic body 31 and WIPO Keys 32 and 33 are engaged.

Thereafter, the above-mentioned end holder 10 is inserted into the insertion side 21 and the receiving side 22 by the through holes 33 a, of the washer 33, the elastic body 31 and the washer 32. After passing through 31a and 32a, they are fitted into the holding capitals 26A and 26B via the first step 29a. In this case, since the lance 13 has a spring property, the lance 13 is easily pressed against the outer periphery of the optical fiber 1 when passing through the elastic body 31, the washers 32 and 33, What prevents installation

. After installation, the lance 13 spreads again in the first step part 29a due to the panel property and protrudes obliquely, and the tip of the lance 13 contacts the washer 32. To prevent the fiber holder 10 from being pulled out. The locking projection 14 engages with the cache 33 to prevent the fiber holder 10 from moving toward the tip.

As described above, an optical connector can be formed. The insertion side 21 and the receiving side 22 insert the insertion portion 23 into the receiving portion 24, and the locking mechanism 2 7 is formed by engaging the convex portion 27a and the concave groove 27b.] The two optical fibers 1 and 1 are connected with their ends 4 and 4 facing each other. Connected.

The optical connector according to the present embodiment uses the elastic body 31 to enable displacement in the base direction with respect to the fiber holder 10 and to apply a pressing force. Therefore, the end faces 4 and 4 of the optical fibers can be brought into close contact with each other, and the impulse applied to the optical fibers can be absorbed to prevent damage to the end faces of the optical fibers.

u 丄, '

C: .iPI

WEPO '' Can be prevented. Further, in this embodiment, since the elastic body 31 and the like are engaged by the U-shaped panel 34,

It is possible to release the locks and release these locking members 30, and therefore, remove the fiber holder 10 from the housing 2. Can be removed from 0. In particular, the fiber holder can be removed even when a member other than a rectangular panel is used as shown in another embodiment described later.

Next, FIG. 11A is a sectional view showing an insertion side of a second embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention, and FIG. 11B is a side view thereof. The optical connector of this embodiment uses an elastic body with the snap ring 35.

3 It was designed to detachably attach to 1st class.

Except for the locking means, the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, only the insertion side is shown, but the receiving side is of course configured in the same manner. The same applies to each of the embodiments described below.

The locking means of the present embodiment is composed of a first and second step portions 29a and 29b which are sequentially and concentrically provided with a large diameter and a groove 29e provided in the second step portion 29b. The locking member 29 includes a stopper 29, a locker 3.7, an elastic body 31, and a snap ring 35. As in the first embodiment, the first

The lance 13 of the fiber bolder 10 is accommodated in the capital 29a, and the above-mentioned washer 37 and the elastic body 31 are fitted in the second step portion 29b. You. Then, it is fitted into the second stage capital 29b.

OMPI IPO

'-J The groove 29 e such as a concave groove is provided at a position corresponding to the joint of the elastic body 31, and the snap ring 35 is detachably mounted on the elastic body 31. 3 Lock 1 and prevent the fiber holder 10 from moving toward the tip.

The snap ring 35 is formed, for example, by providing notches 35a and 35b in a C-shaped (E-shaped or other) metal plate. The notch 35a provided on the outer periphery is used to engage a tool so that the snap ring 35 may be deformed at the time of mounting.], And the notch 35a provided on the inner periphery is provided. b is intended to facilitate this transformation. The snap ring 35 is not limited to the one in this embodiment, but may be any of various other forms. For example, one having a locking projection in place of the cutouts 35a and 35a can be used.

In addition, since the above-mentioned mesh 37 is formed to have a concave cross section, the expansion of the lens 13 can be suppressed.], And the elastic body 31 is pressed by the When 13 protrudes into the second step 29b having a large diameter, it has an effect of preventing the tip of the lens 13 from slipping on the mesh surface and causing buckling. The cache 37 can be applied to an optical connector of another embodiment using a fiber holder having a balance and an elastic body. In any case, when the strength of the lance 13 is sufficiently large with respect to the pressing force, the normal dash 32 shown in the other embodiment is sufficient. · Next, FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a third embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention. The optical connector of this embodiment is a locking member.

OMPI The structure is simplified by using color 36.] It is simplified and the number of parts is reduced. This embodiment is also the same as the first embodiment except for the locking means.

The locking means 28 of the present embodiment includes a locking member composed of first and second step portions 29a and 29b provided sequentially and concentrically with a large diameter, and a locking member formed on the second step portion 29b. And a character 36 to be fitted and fitted. To attach the fire / hollow holder 10 to the housing '20, attach the color 36 to the second step 29b, and then pass through the color mosquito L 36a of the color 36. Through the fiber folder 10.

In each of the above embodiments, the optical connector using the fiber holder of the same mode has been described. However, the optical connector using the fiber filters of different modes is used. FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 show examples of fiber holders having different modes.

The fiber holder shown in these figures uses a substantially rectangular plate-like body, and is configured to cover the optical fiber in a split sleeve shape. The thing shown in FIG. 13 is that the locking projection 12 is different from the lens 13], and the thing shown in FIG. 14 is that the locking projection 12 is hemispherical. The shape of the convex capital and the locking convex capital 14 are flanged.]? What is shown in FIG. 15 is one in which the locking projection 12 has a conical shape and the locking projection has a step 15.

Next, FIG. 16 shows the difference between the fourth embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention. FIG. In the optical connector of this embodiment, each of the above embodiments is a lens and a locking projection.] Although the optical connector forms the locking portion of the fiber holder. On the other hand, the fiber holder 10 is provided with a protruding piece 16 that protrudes vertically outward at a position corresponding to the tip of the above-mentioned lance, and this is used as a locking portion. .

In the case of the present embodiment, a step 29f corresponding to the second step capital 29b in the third embodiment is used as a locking part of the housing 20. After the fiber holder 10 attached to the optical fiber 1 is fitted to the housing, the color 36 is fitted to the step 29f. The optical connector is formed

Next, Fig. 17 is a sectional view showing an insertion side of a fifth embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention. In the optical connector of this embodiment, the lens 13 and the protruding piece 16 form a locking member for the fiber holder, and the housing locking means. Is composed of the same locking member 29 and locking member 30 as in the second embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The fiber holder 10 of the present embodiment is made of a plate-like body having an enclosing city 11], and a lens 13 is provided in the middle, and near the tip thereof. It is configured by providing a projecting piece 16 that vertically projects outward. Of course, the inner surface has a fiber locking projection (not shown) like the fiber holder of the above-mentioned other embodiments.

ΟΜΡΙ, The locking means of the present embodiment includes first and second step portions 29a and 29b and a groove portion 29e provided as locking portions 29 on the main body of the housing 20; It is provided with a washer 32, an elastic body 31 and a snap ring 35, which are fitted as locking members 30 on the front side. In this embodiment, the fiber holder 10 is locked so that the washer 32 is sandwiched between the lens 13 and the projecting piece 16. The snap ring 35 locks the washer 32 and the elastic body 31.

As in the first embodiment, the elastic body 31 may be locked by a rectangular panel.

Next, Fig. 18 is a sectional view showing a sixth embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention. The optical connector shown in FIG. 1 includes a fiber holder 10 that covers the vicinity of the optical fiber 1 near the terminal, a housing 20 that fits and holds the fiber holder 10, A sleeve 40 fitted to the housing 20 and holding the leading ends of the opposite fiber holders 10, 10 is provided.

The fiber holder 10 has almost the same structure as that shown in FIG. 15 except that the locking projection 12 is cut off. It is attached to the optical fiber 1 with the coating 3 attached to it. In addition, a fiber holder having the same structure as that of the fiber holder 10 shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 can also be used.

The housing 20 is composed of an insertion side 21 and a receiving side 22 formed of synthetic resin, respectively.

ΟΜΡΙ The latter is provided with a receiving portion 24, respectively, and a convex portion 27 a is provided on an outer periphery of the plug-in portion 23, and a concave portion 27 b is provided on an inner portion of the receiving portion 24. The projection 27a and the recess 27b constitute a locking mechanism 27. In both cases, through holes 25A and 25B are provided with a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the covering portion 11 of the fiber holder 10]. In the vicinity of the base ends of the through holes 25A and 25B, there is provided a locking portion made of a convex portion 29g protruding inward. The lance 13 and the step 15 of the fiber holder 10 are engaged with the projection 29 g to lock the holder 10. Of course, it is also possible to configure this locking member in the same manner as the locking portion of each of the above-described embodiments, and attach the locking member to this. Conversely, the locking means 28 in each of the above embodiments can be formed as in this embodiment.

The sleeve 40 is formed of a synthetic resin or metal in a cylindrical shape, and has a hole having a cross-sectional shape for fitting and holding a fiber holder that covers the optical fiber inside the sleeve 40. At the same time, one end is provided with a convex capital 41 protruding outward. A recess 23a is provided at an appropriate position on the inner wall of the through-hole 25A of the insertion side 21 to engage with the convex portion 41]), and the convex portion 41 and the concave portion 23a are engaged with each other to form a slot. The sleeve 40 is fitted into the through hole 25A. If necessary, a J-flange may be provided at a position corresponding to the insertion portion 23 of the sleeve 40. The sleeve 40 may be attached to the receiving side 22.

This sleeve 40 is separate from the housing 20.

〇MH Moreover, since it has a simple structure, it can be easily and accurately formed. Therefore, in the optical connector of the present invention, the fiber holder 10 is inserted into the sleeve 40 to form the insertion side _ 21, which protrudes into the through hole 25 B. When the fiber holder 10 of the receiving side 22 to be inserted is fitted from the opposite side and the plug-in 23 and the receiving portion 24 are fitted by the locking mechanism 27, the three The optical fibers 1, 1 on the insertion side and the receiving side contact or face each other with high precision in the bus 40.

In each of the above embodiments, the housing and the housing are formed in a cylindrical shape. However, the housing is not limited to this, and the insertion portion is rod-shaped, and the housing can be fitted with the hole. The outer shape of the entire housing need not necessarily be formed in a rotationally symmetric shape, and may be a box shape or any other shape.

Next, FIG. 19 shows a seventh embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention. The optical connector shown in the figure has two housings each having an insertion portion 23 and a receiving portion 24 for two bins. On the insertion side 21 of this optical connector, 2 mm sleeves 40, 40 are provided so as to protrude into the insertion portion 23! ), The corresponding fiber holders 10, 10 are mounted on the receiving side 22 such that the tips protrude into the receiving portion 24. A projection 27a is provided on the outer wall of the distal end of the insertion portion 23, and a recess 27b is provided on the inner wall of the receiving portion 24 to engage with the projection. ?, Both constitute a locking mechanism. Plug-in 2 3 and receptacle 2 4

O PI The fiber holders 10, 10 of the receiving side 22 are fitted into the sleeves 40, 40, and each sleeve is fitted. Within 40, the connector is connected to the fiber holder (not shown) on the insertion side 21 opposite.

The internal structure of each of the bins of the last embodiment is substantially the same as that of the optical connector shown in FIG. 18; however, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this. A structure similar to that of the optical connector shown in the fifth embodiment can be obtained. Also, it is not limited to 2 bins, and it may have a multi-pin structure such as 3-pin or 4-pin. In each of the above embodiments, the receiving side 22 is plugged and the insertion side 21 is jaw-shaped. A force indicating the single connector that is used as a connector; the receiver 22 can be attached to a panel, chassis, etc., such as a transmitter / receiver, etc., and used as a receptacle. Alternatively, the insertion side may be attached to these panels and chassis to form a panel jack. Further, the optical connector of the present invention is not limited to an optical fiber, but at least—if the end has the same outer shape as the optical fiber, a lens, a light emitting element, and a light receiving element Etc. can be attached to the insertion side or the receiving side.

Industrial applicability

As described above, the optical connector according to the present invention is configured such that an optical fiber is detachably connected when light such as optical communication, optical measurement, and optical control is used as a signal. Useful for doing so. Also, send the receiving side or the receiving side to a device such as a receiving device.

OMPI Also, it can be used for connector connection between optical fiber and various devices. Particularly suitable for connector connection of large diameter optical fiber.

OMPI

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A plug-in side provided with an insertion portion protruding and having a through hole formed in the axial direction at the tip of the insertion portion, In addition to the provision of the receiving portion, an optical fiber is provided on each of the receiving side, which is formed by providing a through hole that opens at the bottom surface of the receiving portion in the axial direction, and the insertion side and the receiving side of the housing configured by e. The optical connector is characterized in that the vicinity of the end of the fiber is tightly covered and engaged in a cylindrical shape with a fiber holder having a plate-like body provided with locking means inside and outside. Ta.

2. The above-mentioned end holder is projected to the inner surface (optical fiber contact surface) side to lock the fiber, and to the outer surface side, housing is projected. Claim 1 comprising a plate-like body provided with a locking means and a locking portion to be engaged with the optical fiber, bent along the outer periphery of the coating, and closely attached to the optical fiber. Optical connector according to the item.

3. The through hole of the housing is configured so as to be concentrically different when the insertion side and the receiving side are fitted together, and when the insertion side of the through hole is inside the insertion part. On the receiving side, the section near the opening at the bottom of the receiving section is formed into a cross-sectional shape that fits and holds the fiber holder that covers the optical fiber. In addition to the fiber holder holding structure, when the insertion side and the receiving side are fitted together, both optical fiber end faces are made to face each other at the insertion side holding part. Claim 2 The optical connector described.

4. The through hole is concentrically inserted when the insertion side and the receiving side are fitted together, and the optical fiber is connected to the tip of the insertion portion or the tip of the receiving portion. A sleeve having a hole with a cross-sectional shape capable of fitting and holding the covered fiber holder is inserted into the optical fiber inside the sleeve when the insertion side and the receiving side are fitted. 3. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the optical connector is fitted so that end faces of the fiber are opposed to each other.

5. As a locking portion of the fiber holder, a lance projecting obliquely to a suitable place in the middle of the holder and a locking projection projecting outward to the base end of the holder. And first and second steps are sequentially provided at the bases of the insertion side and the reception side adjacent to the holding section as locking means for the housing. A ring-shaped locking member is fitted to the second step, and when the fiber holder is fitted into the housing, the lance and the locking are formed. 4. The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein the projection is configured to engage with the locking member to lock the holder.

6. A lance that protrudes obliquely at a suitable position in the middle of the holder and that protrudes outward near the position of the lance end of the holder, as a locking part of the fiber holder. And first and second steps are sequentially provided at the bases of the insertion side and the receiving side adjacent to the holding portion as locking means for the housing. At the same time, the above-mentioned lance and Attach a lasher at the position where it is sandwiched by the protruding pieces, and further fit a ring-shaped locking material to lock the lasher, and provide the housing. Claim 3 wherein when the fiber holder is fitted into the housing, the holder is locked with the lasher interposed between the lance and the projecting piece. The described optical connector.

7. The above-mentioned locking member is made of an elastic body, a first cache having substantially the same diameter and the like, a second cache having a large diameter, and the second washer. And a U-shaped panel for locking, and a third step is provided outside the second step, and a ϋ-shaped panel mounting hole is provided in the third step, and the second step is provided. The above-mentioned first washer and elastic body were fitted, and then the above-mentioned second washer was fitted into the third stage, and a U-shaped spring was fitted into a rectangular spring mounting hole. The optical connector according to claim 5 or claim 6.

8. The above-mentioned locking member is constituted by a snap ring having a large diameter and a cache having substantially the same diameter as the elastic body. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein a groove is provided, and a cache and an elastic body are fitted into the second step, and a snap ring is fitted into the groove and locked. Or an optical connector according to item 6.