U.S. patent application number 09/883314 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-22 for optical connector housing, optical connector using the optical connector housing, and connection structure between an optical connector using the same optical connector housing and an opticalcomponent.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Iwase, Masayuki, Shimoji, Naoko, Yamakawa, Jun.
Application Number | 20010043776 09/883314 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 17987591 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010043776 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shimoji, Naoko ; et
al. |
November 22, 2001 |
Optical connector housing, optical connector using the optical
connector housing, and connection structure between an optical
connector using the same optical connector housing and an
opticalcomponent
Abstract
An optical connector housing having arm portions extending from
both end sides of the face of the base end side. A space placed
between the arm portions is constituted as ferrule accommodation
space. An engaging portion which is engaged in an object to be
connected is formed at the tip end side of the respective arm
portions. A surface of an angle widening drive cam, which widens
the arm portions when the ferrule is drawn to the face of the base
end side, protrudes from and is formed on the inner wall of the arm
portions extending from the position of the rear end face of the
ferrule accommodated in the accommodation space to the base end
side of the optical connector housing.
Inventors: |
Shimoji, Naoko; (Chiyoda-ku,
JP) ; Yamakawa, Jun; (Chiyoda-ku, JP) ; Iwase,
Masayuki; (Chiyoda-ku, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON SPIVAK MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT PC
FOURTH FLOOR
1755 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Assignee: |
THE FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO.,
LTD.
6-1, Marunouchi 2-chome
Chiyoda-ku
JP
100-8322
|
Family ID: |
17987591 |
Appl. No.: |
09/883314 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09883314 |
Jun 19, 2001 |
|
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PCT/JP00/01541 |
Mar 14, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
385/60 ;
385/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/3893 20130101;
G02B 6/3825 20130101; G02B 6/3821 20130101; G02B 6/4292 20130101;
G02B 6/43 20130101; G02B 6/3885 20130101; G02B 6/3878 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
385/60 ;
385/58 |
International
Class: |
G02B 006/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 29, 1999 |
JP |
11-308987 |
Claims
What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent
of the United States is:
1. An optical connector housing having arm portions extending from
both end sides of the face of the base end side, in which space
placed between said arm portions is constituted as ferrule
accommodation space, wherein an engaging portion which is engaged
in an object to be connected is formed at the tip end side of said
respective arm portions, and a surface of an angle widening drive
cam, which widens the arm portions when said ferrule is drawn to
the face of the base end side, protrudes from and is formed on the
inner wall of said arm portions extending from the position of the
rear end face of said ferrule accommodated in said accommodation
space to the base end side of the optical connector housing.
2. An optical connector having an optical connector housing
described in claim 1, wherein a ferrule is accommodated in ferrule
accommodation space of said optical connector housing, and a
resilient body which presses said ferrule to an object to be
connected is provided from the rear end face of said ferrule to the
face of the base end side of the optical connector housing.
3. An optical connector having an optical connector housing
described in claim 2, wherein the tip end portions of the arm
portions of an optical connector housing extend forward beyond the
connection end face of said ferrule.
4. An optical connector having an optical connector housing
described in claim 2 or 3, wherein an optical fiber protection
housing is provided so that an optical fiber ribbon led out from
the rear end side of a ferrule accommodated in ferrule
accommodation space of an optical connector housing is placed
between both the sides thereof, or so that the outer
circumferential surface thereof is covered, said optical fiber
protection housing is provided in said optical connector housing in
a state such that it does not come out, and in a state where it can
advance and retract in the extending direction of the arm portions
of said optical connector housing, and a cam surface contacting
portion, which, when pulling said optical fiber protection housing
rearwards, is brought into contact with the surface of an angle
widening drive cam of the arm portions of said optical connector
housing and drives to open or widen the optical connector housing,
is formed in said optical fiber protection housing so as to
protrude toward said arm portion side.
5. An optical connector having an optical connector housing
described in claim 4, wherein a ferrule stopping portion which is
engaged with or in a flange portion or a recess formed on said
ferrule is provided on the optical fiber protection housing.
6. A connection structure between an optical connector and an
optical component, in which, by engaging an engaging portion of an
optical connector described in claim 2 or 3 in a portion to be
engaged of an optical component being an object to be connected,
said optical connector is connected to said optical component being
an object to be connected, wherein, when a ferrule is drawn to the
rear end side of the arm portion against the pressing force of a
resilient member, the rear end portion of the ferrule moves along
the surface of the angle widening drive cam to cause the arm
portions to be widened, and by said engaging portion being
disengaged from said portion to be engaged, the optical connector
is disconnected from said optical component being an object to be
connected.
7. A connection structure between an optical connector and an
optical component, in which, by engaging an engaging portion of an
optical connector described in claim 4 in a portion to be engaged
of an optical component to be connected, said connector is
connected to the optical component being an object to be connected,
wherein, when an optical fiber protection housing is drawn toward
the rear end side thereof, the cam surface contacting portion of
the optical fiber protection housing moves along the surface of an
angle widening drive cam to cause the arm portions to be widened,
and wherein, when said engaging portion is disengaged from said
portion to be engaged, the optical connector is disconnected from
the optical component being an object to be connected.
8. A connection structure between an optical connector and an
optical component, in which, by engaging an engaging portion of an
optical connector described in claim 5 in a portion to be engaged
of an optical component to be connected, said connector is
connected to the optical component being an object to be connected,
wherein, when the optical fiber protection housing is pulled
rearward, the cam surface contacting portion of the optical fiber
protection housing moves along the surface of the angle widening
drive cam to cause the arm portions to be widened, and by said
engaging portion being disengaged from the portion to be engaged,
the optical connector is disconnected from an optical component
being an object to be connected.
9. A connection structure between an optical connector and optical
components as set forth in claim 6, wherein a plurality of optical
fibers are disposed in parallel in a ferrule of the optical
connector, and optical components being objects to be connected are
arrayed and formed on a substrate in an erect state in the form of
an array along the surface of said substrate, wherein, by an
engaging portion of an optical connector housing being engaged in a
portion to be engaged of an optical component being an object to be
connected, said optical components being objects to be connected
and said optical connector are detachably connected to each other
so that a plurality of optical fibers of said respective optical
connector are arrayed in a perpendicular direction with respect to
the surface of said substrate.
10. A connection structure between an optical connector and optical
components as set forth in claim 7, wherein a plurality of optical
fibers are disposed in parallel in a ferrule of the optical
connector, and optical components being objects to be connected are
arrayed and formed on a substrate in an erect state in the form of
an array along the surface of said substrate, wherein, by an
engaging portion of an optical connector housing being engaged in a
portion to be engaged of an optical component being an object to be
connected, said optical components being objects to be connected
and said optical connector are detachably connected to each other
so that a plurality of optical fibers of said respective optical
connector are arrayed in a perpendicular direction with respect to
the surface of said substrate.
11. A connection structure between an optical connector and optical
components as set forth in claim 8, wherein a plurality of optical
fibers are disposed in parallel in a ferrule of the optical
connector, and optical components being objects to be connected are
arrayed and formed on a substrate in an erect state in the form of
an array along the surface of said substrate, wherein, by an
engaging portion of an optical connector housing being engaged in a
portion to be engaged of an optical component being an object to be
connected, said optical components being objects to be connected
and said optical connector are detachably connected to each other
so that a plurality of optical fibers of said respective optical
connector are arrayed in a perpendicular direction with respect to
the surface of said substrate.
12. A connection structure between an optical connector and optical
components as set forth in claim 6, wherein a plurality of optical
fibers are disposed in parallel in a ferrule of an optical
connector, section guiding walls are arrayed and formed on a
substrate in an erect state in the form of an array along the
surface of said substrate, optical components being objects to be
connected are disposed in an erect state between the respective
section guiding walls, and the tip end sides of the respective
section guiding walls protrude forward from the connection end
faces of optical components being objects to be connected, so that
they become an optical connector insertion guide, and said optical
connectors are guided by and inserted into said optical connector
insertion guide, wherein, by engaging an engaging portion of the
optical connector housing in a portion to be engaged of the optical
components being objects to be connected, said respective optical
components being objects to be connected are detachably connected
to said optical connector.
13. A connection structure between an optical connector and optical
components as set forth in claim 7, wherein a plurality of optical
fibers are disposed in parallel in a ferrule of an optical
connector, section guiding walls are arrayed and formed on a
substrate in an erect state in the form of an array along the
surface of said substrate, optical components being objects to be
connected are disposed in an erect state between the respective
section guiding walls, and the tip end sides of the respective
section guiding walls protrude forward from the connection end
faces of optical components being objects to be connected, so that
they become an optical connector insertion guide, and said optical
connectors are guided by and inserted into said optical connector
insertion guide, wherein, by engaging an engaging portion of the
optical connector housing in a portion to be engaged of the optical
components being objects to be connected, said respective optical
components being objects to be connected are detachably connected
to said optical connector.
14. A connection structure between an optical connector and optical
components as set forth in claim 8, wherein a plurality of optical
fibers are disposed in parallel in a ferrule of an optical
connector, section guiding walls are arrayed and formed on a
substrate in an erect state in the form of an array along the
surface of said substrate, optical components being objects to be
connected are disposed in an erect state between the respective
section guiding walls, and the tip end sides of the respective
section guiding walls protrude forward from the connection end
faces of optical components being objects to be connected, so that
they become an optical connector insertion guide, and said optical
connectors are guided by and inserted into said optical connector
insertion guide, wherein, by engaging an engaging portion of the
optical connector housing in a portion to be engaged of the optical
components being objects to be connected, said respective optical
components being objects to be connected are detachably connected
to said optical connector.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 to Japanese Patent Application No.11-308987, filed Oct.
29, 1999. Further, the present application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.120 to International Application No. PCT/JP00/01541,
filed Mar. 14, 2000, entitled "OPTICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING, OPTICAL
CONNECTOR USING THE OPTICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING, AND CONNECTION
STRUCTURE BETWEEN AN OPTICAL CONNECTOR USING THE SAME OPTICAL
CONNECTOR HOUSING AND AN OPTICALCOMPONENT." The contents of these
applications are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an optical connector
housing used for detachably connecting an optical connector mainly
employed in optical transmissions and an optical component, an
optical connector using the same optical connector housing, and a
structure for connecting between an optical connector using the
optical connector housing and an optical component.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Background
[0005] Recently, optical transmissions using optical fibers have
been frequently employed, wherein high bit rate mounting of optical
fibers is demanded. To meet the requirements of high bit rate
mounting of optical fibers, studies and research have been carried
out with respect to downsizing of optical connectors used to
connect optical fibers and high bit rate mounting of optical
modules, etc.
[0006] An MU type connector is one-fourth the size in
cross-sectional area in comparison to the conventional SC type
connectors. Further, recently, an MT type optical connector has
been widely utilized, in which multiple optical fibers are disposed
and fixed.
[0007] As shown in FIG. 15, this type of MT optical connector is
formed so that an optical fiber tape ribbon 12 in which a plurality
of optical fibers are disposed in parallel are inserted in a
ferrule 6. In the drawing, 13 indicates a boot which protect the
optical fiber tape ribbon 12, and 19 indicates a flange portion of
the ferrule 6. A plurality of optical fiber insertion holes (not
illustrated) are formed in the ferrule 6. Respective optical fibers
of the optical fiber tape ribbon 12 are inserted into these
respective optical fiber insertion holes while the tip ends of
these optical fibers are exposed to the connection end face 21 of
the ferrule 6.
[0008] As a means for connecting such optical fibers to each other,
as shown in FIG. 14, a method has been proposed, in which, using an
adapter 35 having a plurality of optical connector insertion holes
36, optical connectors 10 are inserted from both directions of the
optical connector insertion holes 36 and connected to each other.
As the proposed method, there is one which is disclosed in an
extract B-10-34 of the 1997 Transmission Society Meeting of the
Electronic Information Transmission Society.
[0009] In the proposed method, an optical connector housing 3 is
provided at the optical connector 10 at one side (the left side of
the drawing) of the optical connectors to be connected, thereby
constituting an optical connector 10 (10a) having an optical
connector housing 3. The optical connector 10a and another optical
connector 10b (the right side in the drawing) not provided with the
optical connector housing 3 are connected to each other in an
optical connector insertion hole 36, utilizing the optical
connector housing 3. The optical connector housing 3 has arm
portions 1 each extending from both side ends of the face (base end
face) 2 at the base side, and the space put between the arm
portions 1 is constituted as accommodation space of the ferrule 6
of the optical connector 10. A claw portion 4 is formed at the tip
end side of the respective arm portions 1, and the respective tip
ends of the arm portions 1 are constituted as a wedge-like latch
structure.
[0010] In the optical connector 10a provided with the optical
connector housing 3, a spring 5 is provided so as to extend from
the rear end face 18 of the ferrule 6 to the face at the base end
side of the optical connector housing 3. The spring 5 presses the
ferrule 6 of the optical connector 10a against the optical
connector 10 being an object to which the ferrule 6 is connected.
The respective tip ends of the arm portions 1 of the optical
connector housing 3 is provided so as to extend beyond the
connection end face 21 of the ferrule 6 outwardly. The claw
portions 4 at the tip ends of the arm portions 1 are caught by the
flange portion 19 of the optical connector 10b illustrated at the
right side in the drawing, whereby the optical connectors 10 are
coupled to each other.
[0011] When attaching and detaching the optical connector 10, that
is, connecting and disconnecting the optical connectors 10, a
specified tool or fixture exclusively used for connection and
disconnection is used. For example, when the optical connectors 10
are connected to each other, the right side optical connector 10b
held by the fixture is pressed into the optical connector housing 3
and is connected to the left side optical connector 10a. Also, when
disconnecting the optical connectors 10 from each other, the claw
portions 4 of the left side optical connector 10a, which is caught
by the flange portion 19 of the right side optical connector 10b,
is removed by a wedge, and the optical connector 10b is pulled out,
whereby the optical connectors 10a and 10b are disconnected from
each other. In the case where the respective optical connectors 10
are inserted into the respective optical connector insertion holes
36, and connection of the optical connectors 10 is completed, the
optical connectors 10 connected to each other are caused to overlap
each other in the vertical direction of the drawing and they are
disposed and accommodated.
[0012] However, as described, an exclusive attaching and detaching
tool is required to connect the optical connectors 10 to each other
and to disconnect the same from each other. Such an attaching and
detaching tool will be used less in line with advances in high
integrated optical connectors. Also, in the case where the optical
connectors are connected to and disconnected from each other by
utilizing such an attaching and detaching tool, a problem arises,
by which the attaching and detaching management of optical
connectors becomes cumbersome. Therefore, in the case where the
optical connectors disposed at a high integration density are
detachably connected to each other, and optical connectors are
detachably connected to an optical module mounted on a substrate at
a high integration density, it was difficult to connect the optical
connectors to each other and to disconnect the same from each
other, using the proposed method for connecting optical
connectors.0.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention was developed in view of the above
problems, and it is therefore a first object of the invention to
provide an optical connector housing which enables easy attachment
and detachment of optical connectors without any need for any
exclusive attachment and detachment tool, and an optical connector
using the optical connector housing. In addition, it is a second
object of the invention to provide an optical connector using an
optical connector housing by which an optical connector can be
detachably connected to an optical component such as an optical
module at a high integration density, and a connection structure
between the optical connector and an optical component.
[0014] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the
invention is constructed so as to have the following means in order
to solve the problems. That is, an optical connector housing
according to the invention, which is provided with arm portions
extending from both end sides of the face at the base end side,
space put between said arm portions is constituted as the
accommodation space of a ferrule of said optical connector,
comprises an engaging portion formed so as to be engaged with an
object to be connected, at the tip end side of said respective arm
portions, and an angle widening drive cam face, which can open the
clearance between the arm portions when said ferrule is drawn near
the face side of said base end side, protruding from and formed at
the inner wall of said arm portions, extending from the position of
the rear end face of said ferrule to be accommodated in said
accommodation space to the base end side of an optical connector
housing.
[0015] A first aspect of an optical connector according to the
invention is featured in that it is provided with an optical
connector housing thus constructed above, a ferrule is accommodated
in the ferrule accommodation space of said optical connector
housing, and a resilient member, which presses said ferrule against
an object to be connected, secured so as to extend from the rear
end face of said ferrule to the face at the base end side of the
optical connector housing.
[0016] Further, a second aspect of an optical connector according
to the invention is featured in that, in addition to the first
aspect of the optical connector according to the invention, the tip
end portions of the arm portions of an optical connector housing
extend beyond the connection end face of said ferrule.
[0017] A third aspect of an optical connector according to the
invention is featured in that, in addition to the first or second
aspect of the optical connector according to the invention, an
optical fiber protection housing is provided so that an optical
fiber ribbon led out from the rear end side of a ferrule
accommodated in the ferrule accommodation space of an optical
connector housing is placed between both the sides thereof, or so
that the outer circumferential surface thereof is covered, said
optical fiber protection housing is provided in said optical
connector housing in a state where it does not come out, and in a
state where it can advance and retract in the extending direction
of the arm portions of said optical connector housing, and a cam
surface contacting portion which, when pulling said optical fiber
protection housing rearwards, is brought into contact with the
surface of an angle widening drive cam of the arm portions of said
optical connector housing and drives so as to open the optical
connector housing is formed in said optical fiber protection
housing so as to protrude toward said arm portion side.
[0018] In addition, a fourth aspect of an optical connector of the
invention is featured in that, in addition to the third aspect of
the invention, a ferrule stopping portion to be engaged with a
flange portion or in a recess portion formed at the ferrule is
provided in the optical fiber protection housing.
[0019] Still further, a first aspect of a connection structure
between an optical connector and an optical component according to
the invention is featured in that, by an engaging portion of an
optical connector in the first or second construction of the
optical connector according to the invention with a portion to be
engaged of an optical component being an object to be connected,
said optical connector is connected to said optical component being
an object to be connected, wherein when a ferrule is drawn near the
rear end side of the arm portion against a pressing force of a
resilient member, the rear end side of the ferrule moves along the
surface of the angle widening drive cam to cause the arm portions
to be widened and said engaging portion is disengaged from said
portion to be engaged, whereby the connection between the optical
connector and said optical component being an object to be
connected is released.
[0020] Also, a second aspect of a connection structure between an
optical connector and an optical component according to the
invention is featured in that, by engaging an engaging portion of
an optical connector in the third or fourth aspect of the optical
connector according to the invention with a portion to be engaged
of an optical component to be connected, said connector is
connected to the optical component being an object to be connected,
wherein when an optical fiber protection housing is drawn toward
the rear end side thereof, the cam surface contacting portion of
the optical fiber protection housing moves along the surface of an
angle widening drive cam to cause the arm portions to be widened,
and wherein when said engaging portion is disengaged from said
portion to be engaged, the connection between the optical connector
and the optical component being an object to be connected is
released.
[0021] A third aspect of a connection structure between an optical
connector and an optical component according to the invention is
featured in that, in addition to the first or second aspect of the
connection structure between an optical connector and an optical
component according to the invention, a plurality of optical fibers
are disposed in parallel in a ferrule of the optical connector, and
optical components being objects to be connected are arrayed and
formed on a substrate in an erect state in the form of an array
along the surface of said substrate, wherein by an engaging portion
of an optical connector housing being engaged with a portion to be
engaged of an optical component being an object to be connected,
said optical components being objects to be connected and said
optical connector are detachably connected to each other so that a
plurality of optical fibers of said respective optical connector
are arrayed in a perpendicular direction with respect to the
surface of said substrate.
[0022] Further, a fourth aspect of a connection structure between
an optical connector and an optical component according to the
invention is featured in that, in addition to the first or second
aspect of the connection structure between an optical connector and
an optical component according to the invention, a plurality of
optical fibers are disposed in parallel in a ferrule of an optical
connector, section guiding walls are arrayed and formed on a
substrate in an erect state in the form of an array along the
surface of said substrate, optical components being objects to be
connected are disposed in an erect state between the respective
section guiding walls, and the tip end sides of the respective
section guiding walls protrude forwards from the connection end
faces of optical components being objects to be connected, so that
they become an optical connector insertion guide, wherein said
optical connectors are guided by and inserted into said optical
connector insertion guide, and by an engaging portion of the
optical connector housing being engaged with a portion to be
engaged of the optical components being objects to be connected,
said respective optical components being objects to be connected
are detachably connected to said optical connector.
[0023] In the invention thus constructed, arm portions extend from
both end sides of the face at the base end side of an optical
connector housing, and a ferrule of the optical connector is
accommodated in an accommodation space of the optical connector
placed between the arm portions. In the optical connector housing,
an engaging portion engaged with an object to be connected is
formed at the tip end side of the respective arm portions.
Therefore, for example, by pressing the optical connector housing
to the objects to be connected, and engaging the engaging portion
with a portion to be engaged of the object to be connected such as,
for example, an optical module, the optical connector can be
connected to an optical component being an object to be
connected.
[0024] Also, in the optical connector housing, the surface of an
angle widening drive cam is formed to protrude on the inner wall of
the arm portions from the position of the rear end face of a
ferrule accommodated in the accommodation space, to the base end
side of the optical connector housing. Therefore, when the ferrule
is drawn to the face side of the base end side of the optical
connector housing, the tip ends of the arm portions of the optical
connector housing are widened by actions of the surface of the
angle widening drive cam (by the rear end face of the ferrule being
drawn to the base end side of the optical connector housing along
the surface of the angle widening drive cam). Therefore, the
engaging portion of the optical connector housing is disengaged
from the portion to be engaged, at the side of objects being
connected, whereby the optical connector is disconnected from the
objects to be connected.
[0025] In addition, in such a construction that an optical fiber
protection housing is provided in a ferrule accommodation space of
the optical connector housing, when the optical fiber protection
housing is pulled rearward, the cam surface contacting portion of
the optical fiber protection housing moves along the surface of the
angle widening drive cam to cause the tip ends of the arm portions
to be widened as the arm portions are widened. Therefore, the
engaging portion of the optical connector housing is disengaged
from the portion to be engaged at the side of objects to be
connected, whereby the optical connector is disconnected from the
objects to be connected.
[0026] As described above, in the invention, by only engaging the
engaging portion at the tip end of the arm portions of the optical
connector housing with the portion to be engaged at the side of
objects to be connected, it is possible to very easily connect an
optical connector to objects to be connected. Besides, when
disconnecting them from each other, by only drawing the ferrule of
the optical connector to the base end side of the optical connector
housing or pulling the optical fiber protection housing rearwards,
it is possible to very easily disconnect the optical connector from
the objects to be connected. Thus, in the invention, the optical
connector can be easily connected to or disconnected from objects
to be connected, without the use of any special connection
tool.
[0027] As described above, according to an optical connector
housing, an optical connector, and a connection structure between
the optical connector and optical components according to the
invention, it is possible to very easily detachably connect optical
connectors to objects to be connected, without the use of any
special connection tool. Furthermore, the construction of the
optical connector housing and optical connectors is very simple.
Therefore, it is possible to array optical connectors and objects
to be connected such as optical modules, etc., at a high
integration density.
[0028] In particular, for example, as in the third and fourth
constructions of a connection structure between optical connectors
and optical modules according to the invention, a plurality of
optical modules are arrayed on a substrate in an erect state in the
form of an array along said substrate. And, if optical connectors
of the respective constructions are detachably connected to the
respective optical modules, optical connectors and optical modules
can be disposed at a yet higher integration density, whereby a
plurality of optical fibers arrayed in an optical connector can be
disposed at a higher integration density.
[0029] In an optical connector constructed so that an optical fiber
protection housing is provided in a ferrule accommodation space of
the optical connector housing, when disconnecting the optical
connector from an object to be connected, the optical fiber ribbon
leading from the rear end side of the ferrule of the optical
connector is not pulled, but as shown above, the optical fiber
protection housing is pulled rearward, whereby the tip ends of the
arm portions of the optical connector housing are widened, and the
optical connector is disconnected from the object to be connected.
Thus, since the connection of the optical connector is released not
by pulling the optical fiber ribbon but pulling the optical fiber
protection housing, a fear that the optical fibers may be damaged
can be completely prevented when disconnecting the optical
connector.
[0030] Still further, in an optical fiber protection housing in
which a ferrule holding portion engaged in a flange portion or a
recess formed in the ferrule, by engaging the ferrule holding
portion of an optical fiber protection housing with the flange
portion of the ferrule or in a recess portion thereof, the optical
fiber protection housing and ferrule are made integral with each
other. Therefore, when pulling the optical fiber protection housing
rearward, the ferrule can pulled rearward at the same time.
Accordingly, when releasing the engaged optical connector, the
connection between the ferrule and objects to be connected can be
carried out at the same time.
[0031] Further, according to the fourth construction of a
connection structure between an optical connector and optical
components according to the invention, section guiding walls are
arrayed and formed on a substrate in an erect state in the form of
an array along the surface of the substrate, and optical components
being objects to be connected are arrayed in an erect state between
respective section guiding walls. Since the tip end side of the
respective section guiding walls can be used as an optical
connector insertion guide, connection between the optical connector
and optical components being objects to be connected can be further
easily carried out.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will become readily apparent with
reference to the following detailed description, particularly when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0033] FIGS. 1(a)-1(c) are explanatory views showing a first
preferred embodiment of a connection structure between an optical
connector and optical components, in which an optical connector
housing according to the invention is employed;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example in which a
connection structure according to the first preferred embodiment is
applied to a connection between an optical module mounted on an
electronic circuit substrate and an optical connector;
[0035] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a second preferred
embodiment of a connection structure between an optical connector
and optical components, in which an optical connector housing
according to the invention is employed;
[0036] FIGS. 4(a)-4(c) are explanatory views showing an example in
which the connection structure between an optical connection having
an optical connector housing according to the second preferred
embodiment used therein and an optical component is applied to a
connection between an optical module secured between section
guiding walls and an optical connector;
[0037] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example in which a
connection structure between an optical connector using an optical
connector housing according to the second preferred embodiment and
optical components is applied to a connection between a plurality
of optical modules incorporated on a substrate and an optical
connector;
[0038] FIG. 6 is another explanatory view showing an example in
which a connection structure between an optical connector using an
optical connector housing according to the second preferred
embodiment and optical components is applied to a connection
between a plurality of optical modules incorporated on a substrate
and an optical connector;
[0039] FIGS. 7(a)-7(c) are explanatory views showing a third
preferred embodiment of a connection structure between an optical
connector using an optical connector housing according to the
invention and optical components;
[0040] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view, shown by a perspective view,
showing, in a disassembled state, an optical connector applied to
the above third preferred embodiment along with an optical
connector at the objects to be connected;
[0041] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing another example of a
deformed state of the optical connector housing when the optical
connector is disconnected, in the third preferred embodiment;
[0042] FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) are explanatory views showing another
example of the optical connector using an optical connector housing
according to the invention;
[0043] FIGS. 11(a)-11(c) are explanatory views showing another
example of an optical fiber protection housing construction which
is applied to an optical connector using an optical connector
housing according to the invention;
[0044] FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing still another example
of a ferrule construction applied to an optical connector using an
optical connector housing according to the invention;
[0045] FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing another example of
the connection structure between the optical connector using an
optical connector housing according to the invention and optical
components;
[0046] FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a method for
connecting optical connectors to each other, using an optical
connector housing proposed in the prior art; and
[0047] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing an MT optical
connector.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] The preferred embodiments will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout
the various drawings.
[0049] In order to describe the invention in further detail, a
description is given of modes of embodiments of the invention with
reference to the accompanying drawings. Besides, in the following
description of respective embodiments described below, parts which
are identical to those in the prior art examples are given the same
reference numbers, and overlapping description of the common
components is omitted.
[0050] In FIG. 1(a), an example of a connection structure between
an optical connector and optical components, which is the first
preferred embodiment of the connection structure between the
optical connector using an optical connector housing according to
the invention and optical components, is illustrated in the form of
a plan view. As shown in FIG. 1(a), in the first preferred
embodiment, an optical connector housing 3 is provided with arm
portions 1 each extending from both end sides of the face 2 at the
base end side and is formed channel-like. Space placed between the
above respective arm portions 1 constitutes an accommodation space
in a ferrule 6 of an optical connector 6. Claws 4 acting as
engaging portions which are engaged with objects to be connected
(in the first preferred embodiment, optical module 11) are formed
at the tip end side of the respective arm portions 1. Also, The
ferrule 6, optical fiber ribbon 12 and boot 13 are formed as in the
prior art examples.
[0051] A characteristic point of the optical connector housing
according to the first preferred embodiment resides in that the
surface 9 of an angle widening drive cam protrudes from and is
formed on the inner walls of the arm portions 1 extending from the
position of the rear end face 18 of the ferrule accommodated in the
above-mentioned accommodation space to the base end side of the
optical connector housing 3. In the first preferred embodiment, a
protrusion portion 8 is formed on both the inner walls of the arm
portions 1, and the surface 9 of the angle-widening drive cam is in
the form of a tapered surface at the side opposed to the rear end
face 18 of the ferrule, which is formed at the protrusion portions
8. The surface 9 of the angle widening drive cam is to widen the
arm portions 1 when the ferrule 6 is drawn to the side of the face
2 at the base end side.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 1(a), in the optical connector 10, a spring
5 is provided so as to extend from the rear end face 18 of the
ferrule 6 to the face 2 at the base end side of the optical
connector housing 3. The spring 5 functions as a resilient body
which presses the ferrule 6 to the objects to be connected. Also,
the tip end of the arm portions 1 of the optical connector housing
3 extends forward of the connection end face of the ferrule 6. In
addition, a stopper 15 protrudes from the inner wall of the arm
portions 1 at the central portion thereof. The stopper 15 stops a
flange portion 19 in engagement with each other, whereby the
ferrule 6 is prevented from coming off from the optical connector
housing 3.
[0053] Further, an optical module 11 connected to the optical
connector 10 has an MT ferrule type package 20. The package 20 has
a plurality of lead terminals 7 provided at both sides thereof, in
order to mount, for example, the module 11 on a substrate. Also,
the optical module 11 is provided with a recess 14 as a portion to
be engaged, with which the claw portions at the tip end of the
optical connector housing 3 are engaged. Also, a pair of guide pin
holes 17 are formed on the connection end face 22 of the optical
module 11, and as shown in FIG. 11(a), guide pins 16 for connection
with the optical connector 10 are, respectively, inserted into the
guide pin holes 17.
[0054] In the connection structure according to the first preferred
embodiment, when connecting the optical connector 10 with the
optical module 11, for example, they press the optical connector 10
into the optical module 11 side holding the optical connector
housing 3, and as shown in FIG. 1(b), the claw portions 4 of the
optical connector 10 are engaged with the recess 14 of the optical
module 11, whereby connection between the optical connector 10 and
the optical module 11 is carried out.
[0055] Besides, when disconnecting such a state, for example, the
ferrule 6 is pulled to the rear end side of the arm portions 1
against the force of the spring 5, whereby as shown in FIG. 1(c),
the rear end portion of the ferrule 6 moves along the surface 9 of
the angle widening drive cam to widen the arm portions 1, wherein
the claw portion 4 is disconnected from the recess 14, and the
connection between the optical connector 10 and the optical module
11 is broken.
[0056] Also, work of drawing the ferrule 6 of the optical connector
6 to the rear end side of the arm portions 1 may be carried out by
holding the ferrule 6 directly, by pulling the optical fiber tape
ribbon 12, or by pulling the boot 13. In the first preferred
embodiment, as described above, such a construction is employed, in
which the optical connector housing 3 is formed channel-like and it
can directly touch both the upper and lower sides of the ferrule 6.
Therefore, when disconnecting the optical connector 10, by drawing
the corresponding ferrule 6 with the ferrule held directly, it is
possible to very easily carry out disconnection of the optical
connector.
[0057] According to the first preferred embodiment, as described
above, the claw portion 4 is provided at the tip end side of the
arm portions 1 of the optical connector housing 3 of the optical
connector 10, and the recess 14, which is engaged with the claw
portion 4 is provided at the optical module being an object to be
connected. Therefore, by only engaging the claw portion 4 of the
optical connector 10 in the recess 4 of the optical module 11, the
optical connector 10 can be connected to the optical module 11.
[0058] Also, since the surface 9 of the angle widening drive cam is
provided on the inner wall surface of the optical connector housing
3 of the optical connector 10, the optical connector 10 can be
disconnected from the optical module by only drawing the ferrule 6
of the optical connector 10 to the base end side of the optical
connector housing 3.
[0059] As described above, in the first preferred embodiment, no
very cumbersome work, in which a special connection tool is used,
is required, and it is possible to very easily connect the optical
connector 10 to the optical module 11 and to disconnect the former
from the latter.
[0060] Thus, since the optical connector 10 and optical module 11
can be detachably connected very easily, it is possible to array
and dispose the optical connector 10 and optical module 11 at a
high integration density. Based thereon, a still higher integration
density mounting can be provided. Furthermore, in the first
preferred embodiment, the construction of the optical connector
housing 3 and optical connector 10 is very simple. Therefore,
components connecting between the optical connector 10 and optical
module 11 can be disposed at a high integration density surely, and
since it is possible to very easily produce the optical connector
10 and optical connection housing 3, production cost thereof can be
further reduced.
[0061] In FIG. 2, one example of a connection structure between an
optical module 11 and an optical connector 10, to which the first
embodiment is applied, is illustrated in the form of a perspective
view. The optical module 11 shown in FIG. 2 is mounted on an
electronic circuit substrate 24. By applying the first embodiment
to a connection structure between such an optical module and an
optical connector 10, without a connection tool the optical
connector 10 can be very easily, securely and detachably connected
to the optical module mounted on the electronic substrate 24.
[0062] FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure, further showing a
connected state where the second preferred embodiment of a
connection structure between an optical connector using an optical
connector housing according to the invention and an optical
component connects an optical connector to an optical module. Also,
in the description of the second preferred embodiment, parts which
are identical to those in the first preferred embodiment are given
the same reference numbers, and overlapping description of the
common components is omitted.
[0063] A characteristic point at which the connection structure
between the optical connector 10 and optical module 11 according to
the second embodiment differs from that in the first preferred
embodiment resides in that the optical module 11 is constructed so
as to have lead terminals 7 at only one side of the package 20, and
the optical connector 10 is connected to such an optical module.
All the others remain the same as those in the first preferred
embodiment.
[0064] In the second preferred embodiment, for example, utilizing
the lead terminals 7 of the optical module 11, the optical module
11 is mounted on a substrate in an erect state, whereby the optical
module 11 and optical connector 10 can be mounted at still higher
integration density. The method for connecting the optical
connector 10 to the optical module 11 and disconnecting the former
from the latter is similar to that in the first preferred
embodiment, wherein the same effects can be brought about.
[0065] Also, an optical module 11 shown in FIG. 4(a) may be guided
by section guiding walls 30 shown in FIG. 4(b), and disposed and
mounted on a substrate 24. In this case, for example, the tip end
side 32 of the section guiding wall 30 protrudes forward from the
connection end face 22 of the optical module 11, and the protruding
part thereof may function as an optical connector insertion guide.
In such a case, when connecting the optical connector 10 to the
optical module 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the
connection end faces of the optical connector 10 and optical module
11 are opposed to each other. And, the optical connector 10 is
inserted between the section guiding walls 30 along the optical
connector insertion guide of the section guiding walls 30, wherein
the claw portion 4 of the optical connector housing 3 of the
optical connector 10 is engaged with the recess 14 of the optical
module 11. Thereby, the optical connector 10 is connected to the
optical module 11. Since an optical connector-insertion guide is
provided at the section guiding walls 30, it is possible to further
easily and securely connect the optical connector 10 and the
optical module 11 to each other.
[0066] In addition, in the second preferred embodiment, for
example, utilizing an assembled body of such section guiding walls
30 as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to dispose a connected body
consisting of the optical module 11 and optical connector 10 at a
high integration density. That is, a plurality of section guiding
walls 30 are arrayed and disposed on a substrate 24 in an erect
state in the form of an array along the substrate surface, and the
section guiding walls 30 are supported by a guide supporting
portion 31. Optical modules 11 are, respectively, disposed between
these section guiding walls 30 in an erect state, and optical
connectors 10 are, respectively, connected to the respective
optical modules 11, whereby a connected body consisting of the
optical modules 11 and optical connectors 10 can be disposed at a
higher integration density.
[0067] In an example shown in FIG. 5, the tip end sides 2 of the
section guiding walls 30 may protrude forward from the connection
end face 22 of the respective optical modules 11 and constitute an
optical connector insertion guide as in the example shown in FIG.
4. Thus, in the case where the optical connector insertion guide is
formed on the section guiding walls 30, it is possible to very
easily connect the respective optical modules 11 and optical
connector 10 to each other as in the above description. As a matter
of course, as in the example shown in FIG. 5, in the case where
optical connectors 10 are, respectively, connected to a plurality
of optical modules 11, the optical modules 11 and optical
connectors 10 can be detachably connected to each other without the
use of any connection tool, and it is very convenient.
[0068] In the examples shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, since optical
modules can be arrayed in the vertical direction with respect to
the reference surface of the substrate 24, it is possible to mount
optical fibers at a very high integration density.
[0069] FIG. 6 shows an example, to which a connection structure
between an optical connector and optical modules according to the
second preferred embodiment is applied, in the form of a
perspective view. In the example shown in FIG. 6, an optical module
10 is connected to the optical modules 11 mounted on an electronic
circuit substrate 24, wherein the optical module 11 and optical
connector 10 are provided with a unique construction shown in the
second preferred embodiment. Also, the section guiding walls 30
shown in FIG. 5 are accommodated in a guide package 33. In the
example shown in FIG. 6, the optical modules 11 and optical
connector 10 can be detachably connected to each other.
[0070] In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 6, in order to
prevent the optical connector 10 from coming off from the optical
modules 11 as a result of the optical fiber ribbon 12 being
carelessly caught by something, the optical connector 10 is fixed
by providing the cover 25. When disconnecting the optical connector
10 from the optical modules 11, the disconnection can be carried
out by removing the cover 25 and drawing a desired optical
connector 10 to the base end side of the optical connector housing
3.
[0071] In FIG. 7, a connection structure between an optical
connector and a connector being an object to be connected, which is
a third preferred embodiment of a connection structure between an
optical connector using an optical connector housing and optical
components according the present invention, is illustrated in the
form of a cross-sectional view. Further, FIG. 8 is a disassembled
view showing an optical connector shown in the third preferred
embodiment along with an optical connector being an object to be
connected, in the form of a perspective view. Also, in the
description of the third preferred embodiment, parts which are
identical to those in the respective preferred embodiments are
given the same reference numbers, and overlapping description of
the common parts is omitted.
[0072] A characteristic point of the optical connector to which the
third preferred embodiment is applied resides in its being
constructed so as to prevent an optical fiber ribbon from being
damaged when disconnecting the optical connector. That is, as shown
in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, an optical fiber ribbon (in the preferred
embodiment fiber tape ribbon 12) is drawn out from the rear end
side of the ferrule 6 accommodated in the ferrule accommodation
space of the optical connector housing 3. A cylindrical optical
fiber protection housing 40 is provided in the form that covers the
outer circumferential surface of the optical fiber tape ribbon 12.
By means of the optical fiber protection housing 40, it becomes
possible to disconnect the optical connector 10 without pulling the
ferrule 6 and optical fiber tape ribbon 12. In addition, the
ferrule 6 is an MT type in the third preferred embodiment. In FIG.
7 and FIG. 8, illustration of the flange portion 19 shown in FIG. 1
is omitted.
[0073] The optical fiber protection housing 40 is provided with two
hole portions 42, and the base end portion of the optical connector
housing 3 is inserted into the two hole portions 42 at a suitable
interval. Thus, in the third preferred embodiment, the optical
fiber protection housing 40 is provided so as to advance and
retract in the extending direction of the arm portions 1 of the
optical connector housing so that it does not come off from the
optical connector housing 3.
[0074] Also, the cam surface-contacting portion 41 protrudes from
and is formed at the arm portion 1 sides in the optical fiber
protection housing 40. The cam surface contacting portion 41 is
brought into contact with the surface 9 of the angle widening drive
cam of the arm portions 1 of the optical connector housing 3 when
the optical fiber protection housing 40 is pulled rearwards, and
causes the tip end side of the optical connector housing 3 to be
widened. In the third preferred embodiment, the cam surface
contacting portion 41 is constructed so as to have a tapered
surface which is widened toward the tip end side.
[0075] In addition, the interval between the hole portion 42 of the
optical fiber protection housing 40 and the base end side of the
optical connector housing 3 is formed to be an interval, in which,
when the optical fiber protection housing 40 is pulled rearwards,
the cam surface contacting portion 41 is brought into contact with
the surface 9 of the angle widening drive cam of the arm portions 1
of the optical connector housing 3 and the optical connector hosing
3 can be widened.
[0076] Also, in the third preferred embodiment, a connector being
an object to be connected is accommodated in a connector casing 50
fixed at the substrate 24. A claw 51 to be engaged with, which acts
as a portion to be engaged, is provided at the tip end of the
connector casing 50.
[0077] In the connection structure according to the third preferred
embodiment, when the optical connector 10 is connected to the
connector being an object to be connected, the optical connector 10
is pressed into the ferrule 26 side, for example, holding the
optical connector housing 3, in a state as shown in FIG. 7(a) as in
the connection structure according to the above mentioned first
preferred embodiment, whereby as shown in FIG. 7(b), the claw
portion 4 is engaged in the claw 5 to be engaged with of the
connector casing 50. If so, the ferrule 6 of the optical connector
10 is connected to the ferrule 26 of the connector being an object
to be connected.
[0078] When disconnecting such a connection structure, as shown in
FIG. 7(c), the optical protection housing 40 is pulled rearward,
whereby the cam surface contacting portion 41 of the optical fiber
protection housing 40 moves along the surface 9 of the angle
widening drive cam to widen the arm portions 1, whereby the claw
portion 4 is disconnected from the claw 51 to be engaged.
Therefore, the connection between the optical connector 10 and the
connector being an object to be connected is released.
[0079] Further, in some material of the optical connector housing
3, the arm portions 1 of the optical connector housing 3 are
deformed as shown in FIG. 9 to widen the tip end sides thereof.
Also, widening resulting from deformation of the arm portions may
be available in the first and second preferred embodiments as
well.
[0080] Since the third preferred embodiment was constructed as
described above, the third preferred embodiment can bring about the
same effects as those in the respective preferred embodiments.
[0081] Also, according to the third preferred embodiment, by
providing it with an optical fiber protection housing 40 and
pulling the optical fiber protection housing 40 rearward, the
optical connector 10 can be disconnected from the side being
connected. Since the third preferred embodiment is constructed as
described above, no optical fiber tape ribbon 12 may be directly
pulled. For example, if the optical fiber tape ribbon 12 is
directly pulled when disconnecting the optical connector 10, there
is absolutely no possibility that the optical fiber tape ribbon 12
is damaged.
[0082] Further, the invention is not limited to the above mentioned
embodiments, but may be subjected to various modifications. For
example, as in the third preferred embodiment, in the case where
the optical connector 10 is provided with an optical fiber
protection housing 40, a protrusion portion 48 for preventing the
housing 40 from coming off is provided on the inner wall of the arm
portions of the optical connector housing 3 as shown in FIG. 10(a),
and the protrusion portion 48 may be inserted into the hole portion
42 of the optical fiber protection housing 40 with a suitable
allowance.
[0083] In this case, the interval between the hole portion 42 of
the optical fiber protection housing 40 and the protrusion portion
48 for preventing the housing 40 from coming off is formed to be an
interval in which, when the optical fiber protection housing 40 is
pulled rearward, the cam surface contacting portion 41 is brought
into contact with the surface 9 of the angle widening drive cam of
the arm portions 1 of the optical connector housing 3, and the
optical connector housing 3 can be widened.
[0084] In addition, thus, in the case where the protrusion portion
48 for preventing the housing 40 from coming off is provided, it is
highly recommended that a spring 5 intervenes between the rear end
face of the ferrule 6 and the protrusion portion 48.
[0085] Also, as in the third preferred embodiment, in the case
where the optical connector 10 is provided with an optical fiber
protection housing 40, the optical fiber protection housing 40 may
be constructed in the form as shown in FIG. 10(b). That is, in the
example of an optical fiber protection housing 40 shown in FIG.
10(b), a constriction portion 49 is provided at the opposed
portions of the optical fiber protection housing 40 with respect to
the surface 9 of the angle widening drive cam of the optical
connector housing 3.
[0086] Further, as in the third preferred embodiment, in the case
where an optical fiber protection housing 40 is provided in the
optical connector 10, the optical fiber protection housing 40 may
be constructed in the respective forms shown in FIGS. 11(a) and
(b). That is, in the example of the optical fiber protection
housing 40 shown in FIGS. 11(a) and (b), a ferrule holding portion
43 is provided, which is engaged with a flange portion 19 or
engaged in a recess 28, either of which is formed on the ferrule 6.
If constructed so, when the optical fiber protection housing 40 is
pulled rearward, the ferrule 6 can be pulled rearward along with
the optical fiber protection housing 40. In addition, a recess 44
may be provided, as shown in FIG. 11(c), instead of the hole
portions 42 of the optical fiber protection housing 40 applied to
the third preferred embodiment.
[0087] Further, although the optical fiber protection housing 40
which is applied to the third preferred embodiment is provided in
the form such that the outer circumferential side of the optical
fiber tape ribbon 12 drawn out from the rear end side of the
ferrule 6 can be covered with, it may be provided in the form such
that the optical fiber tape ribbon 12 is sandwiched from both its
sides.
[0088] Still further, as in the second preferred embodiment, when
the optical module 11 is disposed on a substrate in an erect state,
the section guiding walls 30 are not necessarily provided. For
example, optical modules 11 may be disposed and arrayed on the
surface of a substrate 24 in an erect state in the form of an array
along the substrate surface without providing any section guiding
wall 30. In this case, by the claw 4 of the optical connector
housing 3 being engaged in the recess 14 of the respective optical
modules 11, a plurality of optical fibers of the respective optical
connector 10 will be arrayed in the vertical direction with respect
to the substrate surface.
[0089] However, as shown in the second preferred embodiment, by
providing the section guiding walls 30 and using the tip end side
32 of the section guiding walls 30 as a connector insertion guide,
the connection of the optical connector 10 to optical modules 11
can be further easily carried out.
[0090] Still further, where a connection structure between an
optical connector and optical components according to the invention
is applied to a plurality of connections between the optical
components and the optical connector, the optical components
disposed on a substrate in an erect state are not necessarily
connected to the optical connector 10. For example, as shown in
FIG. 13, they may be connected in the form such that optical fibers
arrayed in the ferrule 6 of the optical connector 10 or ferrule of
the connector being an object to be connected are placed in
parallel along the substrate 24.
[0091] Also, the connection structure shown in FIG. 13 is shown in
a disassembled state, using an image view in which the connection
structure shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 is applied to a connection
between optical connectors and a plurality of connectors being
objects to be connected, which are placed on the substrate 24 in
parallel.
[0092] In FIG. 13, by assembling the upper part 50a of the
connector casing to the lower part 50b thereof, a connector casing
shown in FIG. 8 can be formed. A ferrule (not illustrated) secured
in the connector casing 50 is connected to the ferrule 6 of the
optical connector 10. Besides, by providing a cover 25 so that the
positions A and B shown in FIG. 13 are brought into contact with
each other, it is possible to make the connection between the
optical connector 10 and the optical connectors being objects to be
connected more reliable.
[0093] Furthermore, in each of the above mentioned preferred
embodiments, although the claw 4 is provided, as an engaging
portion, at the tip end side of the arm portions 1 of the optical
connector housing 3, the engaging portion is not necessarily the
claw 4. Also, in the first and second preferred embodiments, a
recess 14 is provided at the optical modules 14 as a portion to be
engaged, which is engaged in the engaging portion, and in the third
preferred embodiment, a claw 51 to be engaged is provided in the
connector casing 50. However, the portion to be engaged is not
necessary the recess 14 or the claw 51 to be engaged.
[0094] Further, in the respective preferred embodiments described
above, although the tip end of the arm portions 1 of the optical
connector housing 3 extends forward from the connection end face 21
of the ferrule 6, the tip end of the arm portions 1 of the optical
connector housing 3 may be provided rearward from the connection
end face 21 in the case where the position of the portion to be
engaged at the object side to be connected extends midway of the
ferrule 6 or at the rear end side. However, as shown in the
respective embodiments, extending the tip end of the arm portions 1
forward from the connection end face 21 of the ferrule 6 provides a
better connection between the optical connector 10 and objects to
be connected.
[0095] Also, in the respective preferred embodiments, a description
was given of the examples of connecting an optical connector 10 and
optical modules 11 to each other, and connecting an optical
connector 10 to another connector at the side of objects to be
connected. However, an optical connector according to the invention
is not necessarily connected to optical modules and a connector at
the side of objects to be connected, but optical components being
objects to be connected to the optical connector may be adequately
set.
[0096] Further, the optical connector applied to the invention does
not necessarily have an MT type ferrule. For example, as shown in
FIG. 12, it may be of such a type in which the ferrule 6 is
provided with an optical fiber protection portion 47. In the case
where the ferrule is of such a type, for example, as shown in FIG.
12, the spring 5 may be provided on the outer circumferential side
of the optical fiber protection portion 47. And, in this case, it
is constructed such that, when pulling the ferrule 6 rearwards, the
tapered portion 46 of the ferrule 6 is brought into contact with
the surface 9 of the angle widening drive cam formed at the arm
portions 1 of the optical connector housing 3 and moves along the
surface 9 of the corresponding angle widening drive cam. By means
of the tapered portion 46 of the corresponding ferrule 6 moving
along the surface 9 of the angle widening drive cam, the arm
portions 1 are widened, thereby enabling disconnection of the
optical connector 10 from optical components being objects to be
connected.
[0097] Still further, the ferrule 6 of an optical connector applied
to the invention may be a single-fiber cylindrical ferrule. At this
time, when aligning the ferrules to each other, a sleeve may be
used as in the prior arts.
[0098] As described above, the invention relates to an optical
connector housing by which connection of an optical connector to
objects to be connected, and disconnection of the optical connector
from the objects can be easily carried out, an optical connector
using the same optical connector housing, and a connection
structure between an optical connector using the same optical
connector housing and optical components, whereby the invention is
very applicable to cases where an optical connector is connected to
optical components at a high integration density.
[0099] obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It
is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
* * * * *