JP2003344701A - Optical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an optical connector that can be easily assembled without erroneously assembling a ferrule. An optical connector includes a first ferrule, a second ferrule, and a connector housing. Each of the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b includes a cylindrical portion 9 for housing a terminal of the optical fiber 6, and flanges 11a and 11b protruding from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 9. The outer diameter D1 of the flange 11a is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the flange 11b. The thickness T1 of the flange 11a is smaller than the thickness T2 of the flange 11b. The connector housing 30 includes a pair of first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b.
It has. The first storage chamber 16a allows the inserted second ferrule 2b to escape. The second storage room 16b regulates the first ferrule 2a from entering.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical connector for accommodating an optical fiber terminal for transmitting signal light.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a wire harness, which is an assembled electric wire, has been used for connecting an auxiliary machine of an automobile. However, with the recent increase in the number of auxiliary machines and their circuits, there is a problem that noise generated when transmitting an electric signal increases. In order to solve this kind of problem, an optical fiber communication system has been proposed in which an optical fiber cable is used as a part of a wire harness to send a signal to an auxiliary device or the like.

In the above optical fiber communication system, in order to convert the signal light transmitted from the optical fiber cable into an electric signal and the electric signal into a signal light, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-153722 discloses. The described optical connector has been proposed.

The optical connector described in the above publication comprises a ferrule attached to the end of an optical fiber and a connector housing for housing the ferrule.
A pair of ferrules is provided. The pair of ferrules has the same shape. The ferrule is formed in a tubular shape and accommodates the end of the optical fiber inside. The connector housing is formed in a rectangular tube shape. The connector housing has a pair of storage chambers for housing the ferrule. The optical connector having the above-described structure is coupled to the mating optical connector including the optical receiving module and the optical transmitting module.

Therefore, the optical fiber attached to one of the pair of ferrules of the optical connector described in the above-mentioned publication is optically connected to the optical transmission module. The optical fiber attached to the other ferrule is optically connected to the optical receiving module.

Thus, the above-mentioned conventional optical connector is
By coupling with the optical connector of the other party, the optical fiber attached to one ferrule transmits the signal light from the optical transmission module of the above-mentioned optical connector of the other party. The optical fiber attached to the other ferrule
The signal light is transmitted to the optical receiving module of the optical connector on the other side.

[0007]

In the above-mentioned conventional optical connector, the transmission direction of the signal light of the optical fiber attached to one ferrule and the transmission direction of the signal light of the optical fiber attached to the other ferrule are Opposite each other. Therefore, when assembling the above-mentioned optical connector, it was necessary to store the desired ferrule in the desired storage chamber without fail.

However, in the optical connector described in the above-mentioned publication, since the pair of ferrules have the same shape, it is always difficult to accommodate the desired ferrule in the desired storage chamber. As described above, the optical connector described in the above-mentioned publication is difficult to assemble easily, and there is a possibility that the ferrule cannot be accommodated in a desired storage chamber and is erroneously assembled.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical connector in which a ferrule can be easily assembled without erroneous assembly.

[0010]

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, an optical connector of the present invention according to claim 1 comprises a first ferrule attached to an end of an optical fiber and an optical fiber. In an optical connector provided with a second ferrule attached to a terminal and a connector housing accommodating the first and second ferrules, the connector housing has a first through hole through which the first ferrule passes. A first storage chamber having the first ferrule, and a second through hole for passing the second ferrule, and a second holding hole for receiving the second ferrule
The first storage chamber restricts the first ferrule from coming out when the first ferrule is inserted through the first through hole, and the first storage chamber is provided. When the second ferrule is inserted through this second
Of the second ferrule is allowed to come out, and the second storage chamber restricts the second ferrule from coming out when the second ferrule is inserted through the second through hole. The feature is that the first ferrule is restricted from entering through the through hole.

The optical connector of the present invention according to claim 2 is
The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the first ferrule includes a tubular portion that accommodates an end of the optical fiber, and a first convex portion that projects from an outer surface of the tubular portion. The ferrule includes a cylindrical portion that accommodates the end of the optical fiber and a second convex portion that projects from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion, and is orthogonal to the insertion direction of the first ferrule in the first convex portion. The length of the longest part in the direction is longer than the length of the longest part in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the second ferrule in the second convex part, and the first through hole has the first convex part of the first convex part. It is characterized in that it corresponds to the outer shape, and the second through hole corresponds to the outer shape of the second convex portion.

The optical connector of the present invention according to claim 3 is
The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the first storage chamber has a first locking portion that locks with a first convex portion of the inserted first ferrule, and the first locking portion. Has a first step portion that contacts the first convex portion when the second ferrule is locked to the first ferrule, and the second storage chamber is locked to the second convex portion of the inserted second ferrule. A second step portion that contacts the second convex portion when the second engaging portion engages with the second ferrule.
The thickness of the first convex portion in the inserting direction of the ferrule is smaller than the thickness of the second convex portion in the inserting direction of the second ferrule.

According to the invention described in claim 1,
Even if the ferrule is inserted in the first containment chamber,
Get out of the storage room. Therefore, by inserting and moving the ferrule,
It will continue to be inserted only in the second storage chamber. The first ferrule cannot enter the second containment chamber. For this reason,
The first ferrule is inserted only in the first storage chamber.

According to the invention described in claim 2, the first
The longest part of the convex part is longer than the longest part of the second convex part. The second through hole corresponds to the outer shape of the second convex portion. Therefore, the first convex portion cannot pass through the second through hole.
Therefore, the first ferrule cannot enter the second storage chamber.

According to the present invention described in claim 3,
The thickness of the convex portion is thicker than the thickness of the first convex portion. When the first locking portion locks onto the first ferrule, the first convex portion hits the first step portion. Therefore, when the second ferrule is inserted into the first storage chamber through the first through hole, even if the second convex portion hits the first step portion, the first locking portion causes the second ferrule to move. Cannot be locked in.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An optical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
The optical connector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is coupled with an optical connector on the other side (not shown) to transmit signal light.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the optical connector 1 includes a pair of ferrules 2 and a connector housing 30.

An optical fiber cable 5 is attached to each ferrule 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical fiber cable 5 includes an optical fiber 6 made of a light guide material, a first sheath portion 7, and a second sheath portion 8. The optical fiber 6 is a conventionally known multi-mode plastic optical fiber that has a core and a clad that are formed to have different refractive indices and are coaxially arranged.

The first and second sheath portions 7 and 8 are each made of an insulating synthetic resin. The first sheath portion 7 covers and protects the optical fiber 6. Second
The sheath portion 8 covers and protects the optical fiber 6 and the first sheath portion 7. The optical fiber cable 5 has the optical fiber 6 and the first sheath portion 7 at each terminal.
The first and second sheath portions 7 and 8 are peeled off so as to be exposed stepwise toward the ends.

The ferrules 2 are each made of metal.
Of the pair of ferrules 2, the ferrule 2 on the front side in FIG.
Will be hereinafter referred to as a first ferrule and indicated by reference numeral 2a. The ferrule 2 on the inner side in FIG. 2 is hereinafter referred to as a second ferrule and is indicated by reference numeral 2b. The first and second ferrules 2a and 2b are
As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 to FIG. 7, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, it is provided with a cylindrical tubular portion 9 and a plurality of flanges 10, 11, 12 protruding from the outer surface of the tubular portion 9. The inner and outer diameters of the tubular portion 9 are changed stepwise.

The collars 10, 11 and 12 are formed in an annular shape so as to project from the entire outer surface of the tubular portion 9 toward the outer periphery of the tubular portion 9. The collars 10, 11, 12 are arranged coaxially with the tubular portion 9. Three ferrules 10, 11, and 12 are provided on one ferrule 2a and 2b. These three Tsuba 1
0, 11, and 12 are the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion 9, that is, the first and second
The ferrules 2a and 2b are spaced from each other along the axis (in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 6).

The collar 10, 11, 1 of the first ferrule 2a
Of the two, the flange 11 (shown in FIG. 14 and the like) located in the center of the drawing forms the first convex portion described in the present specification, and is indicated by reference numeral 11a below. Tsuba 10 of the second ferrule 2b,
A collar 11 (shown in FIG. 16 and the like) located at the center of the figure among 11 and 12 forms the second convex portion described in the present specification, and is indicated by reference numeral 11b below.

The collars 11a and 11b are formed in an annular shape. The outer diameter D1 (shown in FIG. 14) of the collar 11a is equal to that of the collar 11a.
It is larger than the outer diameter D2 of b (shown in FIG. 16). Tsuba 11a,
The outer diameters D1 and D2 of 11b are the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 6 attached to the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b (the insertion direction T of the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b).
It is the length of the longest part (corresponding to the longest part in the claims) of the collars 11a, 11b in the direction orthogonal to the. The thickness T2 (shown in FIG. 15) of the collar 11b in the longitudinal direction (insertion direction T of the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b) of the optical fiber 6 is the thickness of the collar 11a along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 6. Thicker than T1 (shown in FIG. 13).

The first and second ferrules 2a and 2b having the above-described structure accommodate the optical fiber 6 at the end of the optical fiber cable 5 inside the tube portion 9. Thus, the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b are attached to the ends of the optical fiber 6. Each first and second ferrule 2
a and 2b are fixed to the ends of the optical fiber cable 5.

The connector housing 30 is the housing 3.
And a spacer 4 (shown in FIGS. 2 to 7). The housing 3 is made of synthetic resin. The housing 3 is formed in a box shape by a plurality of outer walls 13 that are continuous with each other. One of the plurality of outer walls 13 forming the housing 3 is located at the upper side in FIGS. 1 to 4.
A lock arm 14 (shown by reference numeral 13a below) is provided to engage with the mating optical connector when coupled to the mating optical connector.

The lock arm 14 is elastically deformable. When the lock arm 14 is coupled to the mating optical connector, it is elastically deformed and then displaced to an initial position where it is not elastically deformed by an elastic restoring force. The lock arm 14 is locked to the connector housing of the mating optical connector described above.

Of the plurality of outer walls 13 described above, FIG.
To another outer wall 13 located below in FIG.
3b), an opening 15 is provided as shown in FIGS. The opening 15 penetrates the other outer wall 13b described above and communicates the inside and the outside of the housing 3.

Further, the housing 3 is composed of a pair of storage chambers 1.
6, a pair of sandwiching portions 17 (shown in FIGS. 19 and 20) provided in each of the storage chambers 16, a first inclined surface 18 as a guide means, and a second inclined surface 19 as a guide means. It has and. The pair of storage chambers 16 are housed in the housing 3. The pair of storage chambers 16 are parallel to each other.

Of the pair of storage chambers 16, the storage chamber on the front side in FIG. 2 is hereinafter referred to as a first storage chamber and is indicated by reference numeral 16a. Figure 2
The storage room on the inner back side is hereinafter referred to as a second storage room, and is denoted by reference numeral 16b
Indicate.

The first storage chamber 16a includes a pair of first openings 31a and 31b, a first lance 26a as a first locking portion, and a first step portion 28a. One of the first openings 31a is opened in the outer wall 13 (hereinafter indicated by reference numeral 13c) of the housing 3 on the front side in FIG. The other first opening 31b faces the one first opening 31a described above and, as shown in FIG. 12, is opened in the outer wall 13 on the inner side in FIG. 1 (hereinafter, indicated by reference numeral 13d). ing. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the first storage chamber 16a has the pair of first openings 31a and 31b described above and penetrates the housing 3. A pair of first openings 3
The other first opening 31b of the 1a and 31b forms the first through hole described in this specification.

As shown in FIG. 12 and the like, the pair of first openings 31a and 31b respectively have large holes 2 which are continuous with each other.
It is formed in a gourd shape (snowman shape) with 0a and small holes 21a. Note that FIG. 12 illustrates only the first opening 31b. First openings 31a, 31
Since b has the same shape, the illustration of the first opening 31a is omitted.

The large hole 20a and the small hole 21a are each formed in a circular shape. The inner diameter of the large hole 20a is equal to the outer diameter D1 of the collar 11a. Thus, the large hole 20a is provided with the collar 11a.
Is formed along the planar shape (outer shape) of. Therefore, the large hole 20a, that is, the first opening portion 31b, is provided with the collar 1 on the inside.
1a, that is, the first ferrule 2a is allowed to pass.

As described above, the large hole 20a, that is, the first opening 31b is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the collar 11a. The first openings 31a and 31b are the large holes 20a.
Is located near the opening 15 and the small hole 21a is located near the lock arm 14. Of course, the inner diameter of the large hole 20a is larger than the inner diameter of the small hole 21a.

The first lance 26a is arranged in a cylinder 27 of a through portion 23 of the spacer 4 which will be described later. The first lance 26a is located in the first storage chamber 16a when the spacer 4 is attached to the housing 3. One end of the first lance 26a is formed integrally with a spacer body 22 described later, and the other end thereof is formed in an arm shape separated from the spacer body 22. The first lance 26a is elastically deformable,
Moreover, the other end approaches or separates from (is in contact with) the spacer body 22. At the other end of the first lance 26a, a locking protrusion 29a for locking between the collars 11a and 12 of the first ferrule 2a.
(Shown in FIGS. 5-7).

The locking projection 29a is formed on the first ferrule 2a.
The brim 11a is sandwiched between the brim 11a and the first step portion 28a. A state in which the locking projection 29a sandwiches the collar 11a between the first stepped portion 28a and the flange 11a is called a state in which the first lance 26a locks the first ferrule 2a. Thus, the first lance 26a
Locks on the first ferrule 2a and restricts the first ferrule 2a from coming out of the first storage chamber 16a.

The distance W1 (shown in FIG. 5) between the locking projection 29a of the first lance 26a and the first step portion 28a is the first.
It is equal to the thickness T1 (shown in FIG. 13) of the collar 11a of the ferrule 2a. Therefore, even if the second ferrule 2b is inserted into the first storage chamber 16a, as shown in FIG.
The first lance 26a interferes with the collar 11b and does not sandwich the collar 11b with the first step portion 28a. Thus, the first
Even when the second ferrule 2b is inserted into the storage chamber 16a of the above, the first lance 26a does not engage with the second ferrule 2b. The first storage chamber 16a has a second ferrule 2b.
Even if the intrusion occurs, the second ferrule 2b is allowed to escape.

The first step portion 28a has the other first opening 3 when the spacer 4 is attached to the housing 3.
The inside of a cylinder 27, which will be described later, of the spacer 4 is gradually narrowed from 1b toward the one first opening 31a. First
The stepped portion 28 a of the collar 11 is located at the center of the first and second ferrules 2 a and 2 b housed in the cylinder 27.
a and 11b hit each other. The collar 11 is provided on the first step portion 28a.
When a and 11b hit, the collar 10 on the tip side of the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b faces the first inclined surface 18 along the arrow S, and the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b. The surface 12a of the flange 12 on the base end side of is opposed to the second inclined surface 19 along the arrow S.

The second storage chamber 16b has a pair of second openings 32a and 32b, a second lance 26b as a second locking portion, and a second step portion 28b. One of the second openings 32a is opened in the outer wall 13c of the housing 3 on the front side in FIG. The other second opening 32b
Faces the one second opening 32a described above, and as shown in FIG. 12, opens on the outer wall 13d on the inner side in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the second storage chamber 16b has a pair of second openings 32a and 32b described above.
And penetrates the housing 3. The other second opening 32b of the pair of second openings 32a, 32b
Form the second through hole described in the present specification.

As shown in FIG. 12, the pair of second openings 32a and 32b are respectively large holes 20b which are continuous with each other.
And a small hole 21b, and is formed in a gourd shape (snowman shape). Note that in FIG. 12, the second opening 32
Only b is shown. The second openings 32a and 32b are
Since the shape is the same, the illustration of the second opening 32a is omitted.

The large hole 20b and the small hole 21b are each formed in a circular shape. The inner diameter of the large hole 20b is equal to the outer diameter D2 of the collar 11b. Thus, the large hole 20b is provided with the collar 11b.
Is formed along the planar shape (outer shape) of. For this reason, the large hole 20b, that is, the second opening 32b, is provided with the collar 1 on the inside.
1b, that is, the second ferrule 2b is allowed to pass, and as shown in FIG. 17, the flange 11a, that is, the first ferrule 2a is restricted from passing (the first ferrule 2a is not passed). Thus, the second storage chamber 16b
Regulates the entry of the first ferrule 2a.

As described above, the large hole 20b, that is, the second opening 32b is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the collar 11b. The second openings 32a and 32b are large holes 20b.
Is located near the opening 15 and the small hole 21b is located near the lock arm 14. Of course, the inner diameter of the large hole 20b is larger than the inner diameter of the small hole 21b.

The second lance 26b is arranged in the cylinder 27 of the through portion 23 of the spacer 4. Second lance 26
b is located in the second storage chamber 16b when the spacer 4 is attached to the housing 3. Second lance 26b
Has one end formed integrally with the spacer body 22 and the other end formed in an arm shape separated from the spacer body 22. Second
The lance 26b is elastically deformable, and the other end of the lance 26b approaches or separates (contacts or separates) from the spacer body 22. Second
A locking projection 29b (shown in FIGS. 8 to 10) that locks between the collars 11b and 12 of the second ferrule 2b is provided at the other end of the lance 26b.

The locking projection 29b is provided on the second ferrule 2b.
The brim 11b is sandwiched between the collar 11b and the second step portion 28b. A state in which the locking projection 29b sandwiches the collar 11b between the second step portion 28b and the flange 11b is called a state in which the second lance 26b locks the second ferrule 2b. Thus, the second lance 26b
Locks on the second ferrule 2b and restricts the second ferrule 2b from coming out of the second storage chamber 16b. The interval W2 (shown in FIG. 8) between the locking projection 29b of the second lance 26b and the second step portion 28b is equal to the thickness T2 (shown in FIG. 15) of the collar 11b of the second ferrule 2b.

The second step portion 28b has the other second opening portion 3 when the spacer 4 is attached to the housing 3.
The inside of the cylinder 27 of the spacer 4 is gradually narrowed from 2b toward the one second opening 32a. A collar 11b located in the center of the second ferrule 2b housed in the cylinder 27 is attached to the second step portion 28b. When the collar 11b hits the second step portion 28b, the collar 10 on the distal end side of the second ferrule 2b faces the first inclined surface 18 along the arrow S, and the proximal end side of the second ferrule 2b. The surface 12a of the collar 12 of the second side is the second inclined surface 1 along the arrow S.
Opposite 9

Furthermore, the first and second storage chambers 16a, 16a
6b is connected to the opening 15 penetrating the other outer wall 13b, and is also connected to each other in the housing 3. The surface 13e of the outer wall 13c on which the above-described first and second openings 31a and 32a are formed is the overlapping surface described in this specification.

The first ferrule 2a fixed to the optical fiber cable 5 is inserted into the first storage chamber 16a from the tip through the first opening 31b. Further, the second ferrule 2b fixed to the optical fiber cable 5 is inserted into the second storage chamber 16b from the tip through the second opening 32b. First and second containment chamber 1
6a and 16b house the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b fixed to the optical fiber cable 5, respectively.

The first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b, that is, the housing 3 accommodate the ferrule 2, that is, the end of the optical fiber cable 5. First and second storage chambers 16a, 1
6b denotes the first and second openings 31b and 32b described above.
Of the first and second ferrules 2 both at the permissible position for passing through the large holes 20a, 20b of the first and second restricting positions for passing through the small holes 21a, 21b of the first and second openings 31b, 32b.
It can accommodate a and 2b.

The pinching portion 17 is used for the first and second storage chambers 16
One pair is provided for each of a and 16b. Sandwich 17
Protrudes from the inner surfaces of the first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b toward the inside of the first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b. The pair of sandwiching portions 17 are formed by the first and second ferrules 2 on the spacer 4 along arrow T described later.
Spacer 4 along the insertion direction of a and 2b and arrow S described later
The direction that intersects both the displacement direction of
(Indicated by) are opposite. In the illustrated example, the direction in which the pair of sandwiching portions 17 along the arrow K face each other and the arrow T
And the arrow S are orthogonal to each other.

The distance between the pair of sandwiching portions 17 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tubular portion 9 of the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b. The pair of sandwiching parts 17 sandwiches the tubular parts 9 of the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b between them. A pair of sandwiching parts 17
Sandwiching the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b between them allows the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b, that is, the optical fiber 6 to the housing 3 along the arrow K.
To position.

The end surface 17a of the sandwiching portion 17 near the first and second openings 31b and 32b is flat along the arrow S. The end surface 17a is the overlapping surface described in this specification. The distance L1 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 8) between the front surface 13e and the end surface 17a is equal to the distance between the pair of flanges 10 and 12 that are the most distant from each other among the three (plural) flanges 10, 11 and 12 described above. The distance is equal to or more than the distance L2 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 8) between the facing surfaces 10a and 12a. The distance L1 is the distance between the overlapping surfaces described in this specification. Further, in the illustrated example, the distance L1 is slightly longer than the distance L2.

A pair of first inclined surfaces 18 is provided. The first inclined surface 18 is formed by the first and second openings 3
A surface 13e of the outer wall 13c on which 1a and 32a are formed,
It is formed over the inner surfaces of the first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b. The first inclined surface 18 is provided on the inner edges of the first and second openings 31a and 32a. The first inclined surface 18 is inclined with respect to the above-mentioned arrows T, S and K.

A pair of second inclined surfaces 19 are provided. The second inclined surface 19 is the end surface 17 a of the sandwiching portion 17.
And the inner surfaces of the first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b. The second inclined surfaces 19 are provided on the edges of the pair of sandwiching portions 17 that face each other. The second inclined surface 19 is inclined with respect to the above-mentioned arrows T, S and K.

According to the above-mentioned structure, the first and second inclined surfaces 18 and 19 have the first and second storage chambers 16a and 16a.
As they are farther from the inner surface of b, they are gradually inclined in directions away from each other. Further, when the spacer 4 is displaced from the allowable position toward the regulation position as described later, the first inclined surface 18 causes the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b to move.
It contacts with the collar 10 on the tip side of the. Surface 10 of the collar 10 on the tip side
After “a” overlaps the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c, the second inclined surface 19 is brought into contact with the flange 12 on the base end side of the first and second ferrules 2a, 2b, and the first and second Slopes 18 and 19 are arranged.

The spacer 4 integrally includes a spacer body 22 and a through portion 23 attached to the spacer body 22. The spacer body 22 is formed in a plate shape having a rectangular planar shape. As shown in FIG.
As shown in the above, a plurality of locking portions 24 are provided. The spacer body 22 is integrally formed with the above-mentioned first and second lances 26a and 26b.

The locking portion 24 is provided on the outer edge of the spacer body 22. The locking portions 24 each include a pair of locking claws 25 that can be locked inside the opening 15 of the housing 3. The pair of locking claws 25 are arranged in a direction in which the spacer 4 is inserted into the housing 3 through the opening 15, that is, in a direction in which the spacer 4 is displaced from a later-described permissible position toward a restricting position (direction along arrow S in the figure). ) Are spaced apart from each other. The pair of locking claws 25 are spaced from each other along the direction orthogonal to the surface of the spacer body 22.

The through portion 23 has a pair of cylinders 27. The pair of cylinders 27 are parallel to each other. Each of the pair of cylinders 27 is provided with a plurality of openings. The cylinder 27 has the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b inside.
Can be passed through. The cylinder 27 is the locking claw 2 of the pair of locking claws 25 described above that is on the side away from the spacer body 22.
When 5 is locked in the housing 3, it communicates with the large holes 20a, 20b of the first and second openings 31b, 32b. Further, when the locking claw 25 near the spacer body 22 is locked to the housing 3, the cylinder 27 has the first and second openings 31.
It communicates with the small holes 21a and 21b of b and 32b.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, the through portion 23 passes the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b in the cylinder 27 and accommodates the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b.

The spacer 4 having the above-described structure has the opening 15
And is inserted into the housing 3 from the through portion 23. When the locking claw 25 of the pair of locking claws 25 on the side away from the spacer main body 22 is locked to the housing 3, the cylinder 27 of the through portion 23 causes the first and second openings 31b and 32b.
Communicate with the large holes 20a, 20b. At this time, the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b are allowed to be inserted into the housing 3 through the large holes 20a and 20b of the first and second openings 31b and 32b.

The first and second ferrules 2a and 2b are
It is inserted into the cylinder 27, that is, the housing 3 along the axis of the optical fiber cable 5 along the arrow T in FIG. The first and second lances 26a and 26b are engaged with the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b. The arrow T indicates the insertion direction of the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b, and the position of the spacer 4 where the locking claw 25 on the side away from the spacer body 22 is locked to the housing 3 is: It is in an allowable position. That is, in the allowable position, the spacer 4 is
Also, the second ferrules 2a and 2b are allowed to enter the housing 3.

Locking claw 2 on the side away from the spacer body 22
The spacer 4 is fixed to the housing 3 by the arrow T
The housing 3 along the arrow S in the figure that is orthogonal to (intersects with) the
Push it in. Then, the locking claws 25 near the spacer body 22 are locked to the housing 3, and the spacer body 22 and the outer wall 13b of the housing 3 are substantially flush with each other (the surfaces are located on the same plane).

The cylinder 27 communicates with the small holes 21a, 21b of the first and second openings 31b, 32b, and the surfaces 10a of the pair of collars 10, 12 farthest from each other,
12a overlaps the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c and the end surface 17a of the sandwiching portion 17. First and second ferrules 2a, 2b
That is, the optical fiber cable 5 is restricted from coming out of the housing 3.

The locking claw 25 near the spacer body 22
The position of the spacer 4 that is locked to the housing 3 is a regulation position. Therefore, at the regulation position, the spacer 4
From the housing 3 to the first and second ferrules 2a,
2b is restricted from coming out. Thus, the spacer 4
When one of the pair of locking claws 25 is locked to the housing 3, the is attached to the housing 3 at both the above-described allowable position and the restricting position. Further, the arrow S
Represents the displacement direction of the spacer 4.

The optical connector 1 described above is assembled as follows. First, while attaching the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b to the end of the optical fiber cable 5,
The through portion 23 of the spacer 4 is inserted into the housing 3 through the opening 15. The locking claw 25 on the side away from the spacer body 22 is locked to the housing 3. Position the spacer 4 at the allowable position.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first ferrule 2a is opposed to the first opening 31b. Then, the first ferrule 2a is inserted into the housing 3 mainly through the large hole 20a of the first opening 31b. Then, the locking protrusion 2
9a comes into contact with the collar 11a, and this locking projection 29a is the first
First lance 26a in the direction away from the ferrule 2a
Is elastically deformed once. When the collar 11a gets over the locking projection 29a, the locking projection 29a approaches the first ferrule 2a and the collar 11a hits the first step portion 28a.
Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the first lance 26a is
This ferrule 2 is locked to the ferrule 2a of
It is regulated that “a” escapes from the first storage chamber 16a.

As shown in FIG. 8, the second opening 3
The second ferrule 2b is opposed to 2b. After that, the second ferrule 2b is attached to the second opening 32b mainly in the large hole 2
Insert into the housing 3 through 0b. Then, the locking projection 29b comes into contact with the collar 11b, and the locking projection 29b
The second lance 26b temporarily elastically deforms in the direction away from the second ferrule 2b. The collar 11b has a locking protrusion 29b.
And the locking projection 29b, the second ferrule 2
The collar 11b hits the second step portion 28b when approaching b. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the second lance 26b
Is locked to the second ferrule 2b, and the second ferrule 2b is restricted from coming out of the second storage chamber 16b.

Thus, the first and second lances 26a,
26b engages with the first and second ferrules 2a, 2b, and the central flanges 11a, 11b hit the first and second step portions 28a, 28b. And
As shown in FIG. 21, the flange 10 on the distal end side faces the first inclined surface 18 along the arrow S. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the flange 12 on the base end side and the second inclined surface 19 face each other along the arrow S.

After that, the spacer 4 is pushed into the housing 3 along the arrow S. Then, first, as shown in FIG. 22, the flange 10 on the tip side contacts the first inclined surface 18. Then, as shown in FIG. 23, after the first inclined surface 18 displaces the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b in a direction projecting from the first and second openings 31a and 32a, FIG. As shown, the surface 10 of the collar 10 on the tip side.
a overlaps the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c. Then, FIG.
As shown in, the flange 12 on the base end side contacts the second inclined surface 19.

Then, as shown in FIG. 27, the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b are connected to the first and second openings 31.
After displacing toward b and 32b, as shown in FIG. 28, the surface 12a of the flange 12 on the proximal side is the end surface 17 of the pinching portion 17.
overlaps a. In this way, the first and second inclined surfaces 18,
19 guides the surfaces 10a, 12a of the flanges 10, 12 onto the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c and the end surface 17a of the sandwiching portion 17 when the spacer 4 is displaced from the allowable position to the restricting position.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG.
The first and second ferrules 2a and 2b are passed through the small holes 21a and 21b of the first and second openings 31a and 32b, and the surfaces 10a and 12a of the collars 10 and 12 are the outer wall 1.
The surface 13e of 3c and the end surface 17a of the sandwiching portion 17 overlap. The spacer 4 is positioned at the regulation position. Further, when the spacer 4 moves from the allowance position to the regulation position, the distance between the pair of sandwiching portions 17 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tubular portion 9 of the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b, and thus the pair of sandwiching portions 17 is sandwiched. The first and second ferrules 2a, 2b between the parts 17
The tubular portion 9 of is pressed.

Then, the pair of sandwiching portions 17 are elastically deformed in the direction in which the distance between them is slightly widened. Then, at the regulation position, the tubular portions 9 of the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b are sandwiched between the pair of sandwiching portions 17. In this way, the optical connector 1 having the above-described configuration is assembled. The optical connector 1 thus assembled transmits the signal light through the optical fiber 6 of the optical fiber cable 5 by being coupled with the optical connector of the other side by the lock arm 14 or the like.

According to this embodiment, the second ferrule 2
Even if b is inserted into the first storage chamber 16a, the first lance 26a is not locked as shown in FIG.
Get out of. Further, when the second ferrule 2b is inserted into the second storage chamber 16b, the second lance 26b is locked, so that the second ferrule 2b is inserted into the second storage chamber 16b even if it is moved in the extracting direction. to continue.

As shown in FIG. 17, the first ferrule 2a cannot enter the second storage chamber 16b due to the collar 11a and the large hole 20b of the second opening 32b, and therefore only the first storage chamber 16a is provided. Inserted in. Therefore, the first ferrule 2a can be reliably inserted into the first storage chamber 16a, and the second ferrule 2b can be reliably inserted into the second storage chamber 16b. Therefore, the first and second ferrules 2a,
It is possible to prevent erroneous assembly of 2b.

As described above, the first ferrule 2a can be surely inserted into the first storage chamber 16a only by inserting the first ferrule 2a into the first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b. Second
The second ferrule 2b can be moved to the second storage chamber 16 by simply inserting the ferrule 2b and then moving it in the pulling direction.
Continue to be inserted in b. Therefore, the first storage chamber 16
a in which the first ferrule 2a is housed and the second storage chamber 1
The second ferrule 2b can be easily assembled into the 6b.

Further, the first ferrule 2a is contained only in the first storage chamber 16a, and the second ferrule 2b is kept contained only in the second storage chamber 16b. Therefore, in the process of assembling the optical connector 1, the first ferrule 2a of the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b may be inserted into the first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b first, The second ferrule 2b may be inserted into the first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b first. In these cases, the desired ferrule 2 is placed in the desired storage chamber 16a, 16b.
The optical connector 1 can be reliably assembled in the state where a and 2b are accommodated. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the assembly process of the optical connector 1 can be increased.

The outer diameter D1 of the collar 11a of the first ferrule 2a is equal to the outer diameter D of the collar 11b of the second ferrule 2b.
Greater than 2. Thus, the collar 1 of the first ferrule 2a
The length of the longest part of 1a is the collar 11 of the second ferrule 2b.
It is longer than the longest part of b. The second opening 32b is formed along the plane shape of the collar 11b of the second ferrule 2b, and corresponds to the outer shape of the collar 11b. For this reason, the collar 11a of the first ferrule 2a is attached to the second opening 3
You cannot pass 2b. Therefore, the first ferrule 2a cannot enter the second storage chamber 16b.

Therefore, the first ferrule 2a can be more surely accommodated in the first storage chamber 16a. In addition, the first ferrule 2a can be moved into the first ferrule 2a by simply inserting the first ferrule 2a into the first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b.
The storage chamber 16a can be surely inserted. Therefore,
It is possible to more reliably assemble and to assemble it easily.

Further, the collar 11b of the second ferrule 2b.
Is the thickness T2 of the collar 11a of the first ferrule 2a.
Thicker than 1. The first lance 26a is the first ferrule 2
When locked to a, the collar 11a hits the first step portion 28a. Therefore, when the second ferrule 2b is inserted into the first storage chamber 16a through the first opening 31b, the collar 1
Even if 1b hits the first step portion 28a, the first lance 26a cannot be locked to the second ferrule 2b. Therefore, the second ferrule 2b is attached to the first storage chamber 16a.
Will surely get out of.

Therefore, the second ferrule 2b is set to the first
Also, by inserting into the second storage chambers 16a and 16b and then withdrawing it, it is possible to keep the storage in only the second storage chamber 16b. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably assemble and to assemble it easily.

In addition, the first and second ferrules 2a, 2
The direction T in which b is inserted into the cylinder 27 of the through portion 23 of the spacer 4 and the displacement direction S from the allowable position of the spacer 4 toward the regulation position are orthogonal (intersecting) to each other. For this reason,
When the spacer 4 is positioned at the regulation position, it becomes difficult for the first and second ferrules 2 a and 2 b to move with respect to the housing 3.

The distance L1 between the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c of the housing 3 and the end surface 17a of the sandwiching portion 17 is the first and the second.
Ferrules 2a, 2b of the pair of collars 1 farthest from each other
Distance L between surfaces 10a and 12a of 0 and 12 facing each other
A little longer than 2 (distance L2 or more). For this reason, the spacer 4 is positioned at the regulation position, and the surface 1 of the collar 10 or 12 is
When 0a and 12a are superposed on the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c and the end surface 17a of the sandwiching portion 17, the first and second ferrules 2
The a and 2b do not reliably move with respect to the housing 3.

Therefore, when it is attached to an automobile or the like, it is possible to prevent the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b from vibrating due to vibration while the automobile is running,
First and second ferrules 2a and 2b, that is, optical fiber 6
Can be prevented from leaving the mating connector. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the transmission efficiency of the signal light from decreasing.

The first and second inclined surfaces 18 and 19 are formed over the inner surfaces of the first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b, the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c and the end surface 17a of the sandwiching portion 17. . As the first and second inclined surfaces 18 and 19 move away from the inner surfaces of the first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b, the first and second inclined surfaces 18 and 19 gradually incline in directions away from each other.

Therefore, when the spacer 4 is displaced from the allowable position toward the restricting position, the above-mentioned first and second inclined surfaces 18 and 19 come into contact with the collars 10 and 12, and the collar 10 and
The 12 surfaces 10a and 12a are guided to the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c and the end surface 17a of the sandwiching portion 17. Therefore, the spacer 4 can be reliably displaced to the regulation position. First
It is possible to reliably prevent the second ferrules 2a and 2b, that is, the optical fiber 6 from coming out of the housing 3.

Further, at the regulation position, the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b are sandwiched between the pair of sandwiching portions 17, and the pair of sandwiching portions 17 are arranged between the first and second ferrules 2a and 2a.
They are opposed to each other along a direction K orthogonal (intersecting) to both the insertion direction T of 2b and the displacement direction S of the spacer 4. Therefore, the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b are prevented from vibrating with respect to the housing 3 along the direction K that is orthogonal (intersecting) to both the insertion direction T and the displacement direction S of the spacer 4. To be done. Therefore, the first and second ferrules 2
It is possible to more reliably prevent the movement of a and 2b, that is, the optical fiber 6 with respect to the housing 3, and it is possible to more surely suppress a decrease in the transmission efficiency of signal light.

In the above-described embodiment, the collars 11a and 11b are used.
Is formed in an annular shape (circular shape). However, in the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 29 to 31, the collar 11a,
11b may be formed in various shapes. Also in this case, the length D1 in the longest part (longest part) in the direction orthogonal to the inserting direction T of the collar 11a is the inserting direction T of the collar 11b.
It is longer than the length D2 in the longest part (longest part) in the direction orthogonal to.

In the example shown in FIG. 29, the collars 11a, 1
The plane shape of 1b is formed into an oval shape. In the example shown in FIG. 30, the collars 11a and 11b are formed as convex protrusions from the outer surface of the tubular portion 9. In the example shown in FIG. 31, the collars 11a, 11
The plane shape of b is formed into a hexagon. Also, the collar 11a,
11b may have the same shape (similar shape) or different shapes.

In the above-described embodiment, the tip 10 of the flange 10 comes into contact with the first inclined surface 18 and the surface 10a of the tip 10 of the flange 10 overlaps the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c. The collar 12 contacts the second inclined surface 19. However, in the present invention, after the base end side flange 12 comes into contact with the second inclined surface 19 and the surface 12a of the base end side flange 12 overlaps the end surface 17a, the tip end side flange 10 is moved to the first side. You may contact the inclined surface 18.

In summary, in the present invention, the pair of collars 10, 1
After one of the two flanges 10 and 12 comes into contact with one of the first and second inclined surfaces 18 and 19 and overlaps the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c or the end surface 17a, the other of the pair of collars 10 and 12 is It suffices if it comes into contact with the other of the first and second inclined surfaces 18 and 19. Thus, after one flange comes into contact with one inclined surface and is guided by the one inclined surface and overlaps with one overlapping surface, the other flange comes into contact with the other inclined surface and the other inclined surface. It is desirable to be guided by the surface and overlap the other overlapping surface.

By doing so, the surface 10 of the collars 10 and 12 is
Even if the distance L2 between the a and 12a is shorter than the distance L1 between the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c and the end surface 17a, the surfaces 10a and 12a of the flanges 10 and 12 are different from the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c and the end surface 1a.
The spacer 4 can be reliably displaced to the regulation position overlapping with 7a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b, that is, the ends of the optical fiber cable 5, from coming out of the housing 3.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the distance L1
Is slightly longer than the distance L2. Then, at the allowable position, the collar 10 and the first inclined surface 18 face each other along the arrow S, and the collar 12 and the second inclined surface 19 face each other. However, in the present invention, the distance L1 and the distance L2 are made equal, the surface 10a of the collar 10 and the surface 13e of the outer wall 13c are located on the same plane, and the surface 12a of the collar 12 and the end surface 17a are on the same plane. May be located at.

According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the following optical connector can be obtained. (Appendix 1) First attached to the end of the optical fiber 6
And a housing 3 for accommodating the second ferrules 2a, 2b, a permissible position for allowing the first and second ferrules 2a, 2b to enter the housing 3, and the first and second ferrules 2a, In the optical connector 1 including a spacer 4 attached to the housing 3 at both a regulation position that regulates the escape of 2b from the inside of the housing 3, the spacer 4 includes the first and second ferrules 2a, 2b through which the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b are inserted into the through portion 23 along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 6 at the allowable position. Ferrule 2 of 2
An optical connector 1 characterized in that the spacer 4 is displaced from the allowance position to the regulation position along a direction intersecting the insertion direction T of a and 2b. (Supplementary Note 2) The first and second ferrules 2a,
Reference numeral 2b denotes a tubular portion 9 for accommodating an end of the optical fiber 6, and a plurality of collars 10, 11, 1 protruding from the outer surface of the tubular portion 9 and spaced from each other along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 6.
2, the housing 3 includes a plurality of collars 10, 1 when the spacer 4 is positioned at the regulating position.
Overlapping surface 13 that overlaps mutually facing surfaces 10a, 12a of a pair of collars 10, 12 that are the most distant from each other
e, 17a as a pair, and the pair of overlapping surfaces 13e, 1
The distance L1 between the 7a is the surface 10 of the pair of collars 10 and 12.
The optical connector 1 according to appendix 1, wherein a distance L2 between a and 12a is not less than L2. (Supplementary Note 3) When the spacer 4 is displaced from the allowable position to the restricting position, the housing 3 is provided with the flanges 10 and 12.
3. The optical connector 1 according to appendix 2, further comprising guide means 18, 19 for guiding the surfaces 10a, 12a of the above onto the overlapping surfaces 13e, 17a. (Supplementary Note 4) The housing 3 is provided with first and second storage chambers 16a and 16b for accommodating the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b, and the guiding means is the first and second storage chambers. The inner surfaces of the chambers 16a and 16b and the overlapping surface 13
e, 17a and a pair of inclined surfaces 18, 19 that are formed along the insertion direction T of the first and second ferrules 2a, 2b, and that are formed as a pair of inclined surfaces 18,
Note that 19 is inclined with respect to both the insertion direction T and the displacement direction S of the spacer 4 in a direction in which they gradually separate from each other from the inner surface toward the overlapping surfaces 13e, 17a. Optical connector 1 described in 3. (Supplementary Note 5) The housings 3 face each other along a direction intersecting both the insertion direction T of the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b and the displacement direction S of the spacer 4 and are mutually opposed at the restriction position. 5. The optical connector 1 according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, further comprising a pair of sandwiching portions 17 sandwiching the first and second ferrules 2a and 2b between them.

[0091]

As described above, according to the present invention as set forth in claim 1, after being inserted, by moving in the extracting direction,
The second ferrule continues to be inserted only in the second storage chamber. Since the first ferrule cannot enter the second storage chamber, it is inserted only in the first storage chamber. Therefore, the first ferrule can be surely inserted into the first storage chamber, and the second ferrule can be surely inserted into the second storage chamber. Therefore, erroneous assembly of the ferrule can be prevented.

The first ferrule is replaced by the first and second ferrules.
It can be surely inserted into the first storage chamber only by trying to insert it into the first storage chamber. Simply insert the second ferrule and move it in the pulling direction to move the second ferrule to the second position.
Continues to be inserted in the containment room. Therefore, the first storage chamber contains the first ferrule and the second storage chamber contains the second ferrule.
The ferrule can be easily assembled in a state of being housed.

Furthermore, the first ferrule is kept housed only in the first storage chamber, and the second ferrule is kept stored only in the second storage chamber. Therefore, in the process of assembling this optical connector, the first ferrule of the first and second ferrules may be inserted into the storage chamber first, or the second ferrule may be inserted into the storage chamber first. The optical connector can be reliably assembled with the desired ferrule housed in the desired storage chamber. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the process of assembling the optical connector can be increased.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the longest portion of the first convex portion is longer than the longest portion of the second convex portion. The second through hole corresponds to the outer shape of the second convex portion. Therefore, the first
Cannot project through the second through hole. Therefore, the first ferrule cannot enter the second storage chamber.

Therefore, the first ferrule can be accommodated in the first storage chamber more reliably. In addition, when the first ferrule is simply inserted into the first and second storage chambers,
The ferrule can be reliably inserted into the first storage chamber.
Therefore, it is possible to more reliably assemble and to assemble it easily.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the thickness of the second convex portion is thicker than the thickness of the first convex portion, when the second ferrule is inserted into the first storage chamber, the second convex portion is inserted. The first engaging portion does not engage with the second ferrule even when hits the first step portion. Therefore, the second ferrule will surely come out of the first storage chamber. Therefore, by inserting the second ferrule into the first and second storage chambers and then withdrawing the second ferrule, it is possible to continue to store the second ferrule only in the second storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably assemble and to assemble it easily.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

2 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a spacer of the optical connector shown in FIG. 1 is positioned at an allowance position.

4 is a perspective view showing a state in which first and second ferrules are taken out from the housing of the optical connector shown in FIG.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG.

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG.

7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG.

8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG.

9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG.

10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the optical connector seen from the direction of arrow XI in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the housing of the optical connector shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the back side.

13 is a perspective view of a first ferrule of the optical connector shown in FIG. 2. FIG.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

15 is a perspective view of a second ferrule of the optical connector shown in FIG.

16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.

17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first ferrule is about to be inserted into the second storage chamber of the optical connector shown in FIG.

18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a second ferrule is inserted into the first storage chamber of the optical connector shown in FIG.

19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG.

20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG.

21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the spacer is displaced from the state shown in FIG. 21 toward the regulation position and the collar comes into contact with the first inclined surface.

23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the spacer is further displaced from the state shown in FIG. 22 toward the restricting position and the brim has moved along the first inclined surface.

24 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the flange surface overlaps the surface of the outer wall of the connector housing from the state shown in FIG.

25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in FIG.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the spacer is displaced from the state shown in FIG. 25 toward the regulation position and the collar comes into contact with the second inclined surface.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the spacer has been further displaced from the state shown in FIG. 26 toward the regulation position, and the collar has moved along the second inclined surface.

28 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the flange surface overlaps with the end surface of the sandwiching portion from the state shown in FIG. 27.

29 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the collar of the ferrule of the optical connector shown in FIG.

30 is an explanatory diagram showing another modification of the flange of the ferrule of the optical connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing still another modified example of the flange of the ferrule of the optical connector shown in FIG. 1.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Optical connector 2a First ferrule 2b Second ferrule 6 optical fiber 9 tube 11a Tsuba (first convex portion) 11b Tsuba (second convex portion) 16a First storage room 16b Second storage room 26a First lance (first locking portion) 26b Second lance (second locking portion) 28a First step portion 28b Second step portion 30 connector housing 31b First opening (first through hole) 32b Second opening (second through hole) T1 Tsuba thickness (thickness of the 1st convex part) T2 Tsuba thickness (thickness of the 2nd convex part) D1 outer diameter of the collar (length at the longest part of the first protrusion) D2 Tsuba outer diameter (length of the longest part of the second protrusion)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A first attached to an end of an optical fiber
Of the ferrule, a second ferrule attached to the end of the optical fiber, and a connector housing that accommodates these first and second ferrules, wherein the connector housing includes the first ferrule. A first storage chamber having a first through hole for passing therethrough and accommodating the first ferrule, and a second passing through the second ferrule.
A second storage chamber having a through hole for accommodating the second ferrule, wherein the first storage chamber has a first ferrule inserted through the first through hole. The first ferrule is prevented from coming out, and when the second ferrule is inserted through the first through hole, the second ferrule is allowed to come out, and the second storage chamber is the second storage chamber. When the second ferrule is inserted through the second through hole, the second ferrule is prevented from coming out, and the first ferrule is prevented from entering through the second through hole. connector. 2. The first ferrule includes a tubular portion that accommodates a terminal of the optical fiber, and a first convex portion that projects from an outer surface of the tubular portion, and the second ferrule is the optical fiber. It is provided with a tubular portion that accommodates the end of the fiber and a second convex portion that projects from the outer surface of the tubular portion, and the longest portion in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the first ferrule in the first convex portion The length is longer than the length of the longest part of the second protrusion in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the second ferrule, and the first through hole corresponds to the outer shape of the first protrusion. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the second through hole corresponds to the outer shape of the second convex portion. 3. The first storage chamber includes a first locking portion that locks with the inserted first ferrule, and a first locking portion that locks with the first ferrule when the first locking portion locks with the first ferrule. The second storage chamber includes a second locking portion that locks with the inserted second ferrule, and a second locking portion. A second step portion that contacts the second convex portion when locked to the second ferrule, and the thickness of the first convex portion in the insertion direction of the first ferrule is equal to that of the second ferrule. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the thickness is smaller than the thickness of the second convex portion in the insertion direction.