Ferrule, optical connector, and optical connector module

The present invention relates to the provision of a ferrule that can be connected even when the space for the connection is small. A ferrule of the present invention is configured to hold a plurality of optical transmission members and to be connected to another ferrule. The ferrule includes a first surface facing the end of the optical transmission members when the optical transmission members are held; and a plurality of second surfaces disposed opposite to the first surface in the ferrule. In the ferrule, the optical transmission members extend in the Z direction, and the ferrule is configured to be moved in a direction orthogonal to the Z direction to be connected to the other ferrule.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a ferrule, an optical connector, and an optical connector module.

BACKGROUND ART

A ferrule with an optical transmission member (for example, an optical fiber or an optical waveguide) disposed therein is known. A ferrule with an optical transmission member disposed therein serves as an optical connector and is used to achieve an optical connection.

For example, Patent Literature (hereinafter, referred to as PTL) 1 discloses an optical fiber assembly. The optical fiber assembly includes a ferrule body with plurality of optical fibers.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2014-521966

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

For connecting the ferrule bodies disclosed in PTL 1 to each other, the ferrule bodies are placed so that the fronts thereof face each other, are moved to reduce the distance between the fronts (approach each other in the Z direction in the present invention), and are connected to each other. However, such a connection method needs a large space (footprint) for the connection.

An object of the present invention is to provide a ferrule that can be connected even when the space for the connection is small. Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector including the ferrule. Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector module including the optical connector.

Solution to Problem

A ferrule of the present invention is configured to hold a plurality of optical transmission members and to be connected to another ferrule. The ferrule of the present invention includes: a first surface facing an end of the plurality of optical transmission members when the plurality of optical transmission members are held; and a plurality of second surfaces disposed opposite to the first surface in the ferrule, in whichthe plurality of optical transmission members extend in a Z direction, and the ferrule is configured to be moved in a direction orthogonal to the Z direction to be connected to the other ferrule.

A ferrule of the present invention is configured to hold a plurality of optical transmission members and to be connected to another ferrule. The ferrule of the present invention includes: a first surface facing an end of the plurality of optical transmission members when the plurality of optical transmission members are held; and a plurality of second surfaces disposed opposite to the first surface in the ferrule, in whichthe plurality of second surfaces are arranged in an X direction, and the ferrule is configured to be moved in the X direction to be connected to the other ferrule.

An optical connector of the present invention includes the ferrule and optical transmission members.

An optical connector module of the present invention includes the optical connector, an elastic member for fixing a position of the optical connector, and an adapter for fixing a position of the elastic member.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present invention is capable of providing a ferrule that can be joined even when the space for the joining is small. The present invention is capable of providing an optical connector including the ferrule. The present invention is capable of providing an optical connector module including the optical connector.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Configurations of Optical Connector Module and Optical Connector

FIG.1Ais a perspective view of optical connector module100according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, andFIG.1Bis a plan view of the optical connector module.

As illustrated inFIGS.1A and1B, optical connector module100includes adapter110, at least one elastic body120, and optical connectors200. Optical connector200includes ferrule300and at least one optical transmission member400.

In the following description, the direction in which the plurality of second surfaces (described below) of ferrule300are arranged is the X direction, the direction perpendicular to the X direction when the ferrule is viewed from the front is the Y direction, and the direction (namely the direction in which optical transmission member400extends) perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction is the Z direction. The front view means the view from the direction in which the second surfaces are visible.

As illustrated inFIGS.1A and1B, in optical connector module100, adapter110fixes the position of elastic body120, and fixed elastic body120fixes the positions of two optical connectors200(two ferrules300each including optical transmission member400) in such a way that the fronts of optical connectors200face each other.

In optical connector200, ferrule300includes one end of optical transmission member400. By fixing two optical connectors200to each other at their fronts as described above, the ends of optical transmission members400are optically connected to each other.

Adapter110is a member located on the outermost side in the structure for fixing optical connector200, and is a member for fixing elastic bodies120. Adapter110is formed of a material that is harder than elastic body120.

In the present embodiment, adapter110includes base111extending in the Z direction, and first wall112and second wall113each extending in the X direction from the base. Elastic body120is fixed between first wall112and second wall113. In addition, first wall112and second wall113each includes at least one slit114for allowing optical transmission members to pass therethrough.

Elastic body120is a member located between adapter110and optical connectors200, and is a member for fixing optical connectors200to each other. Elastic body120may have any configuration as long as the elastic body can apply forces from its both ends toward its center in the Z direction onto the two optical connectors.

In the present embodiment, elastic body120includes base plate121extending in the Z direction, and first plate122and second plate123each extending in the X direction from base plate121. First plate122and second plate123push the respective rear sides of two optical connectors200disposed between the plates so that forces are applied in the direction in which the fronts of the optical connectors meet. In the present embodiment, elastic body120is a leaf spring, and one metal plate forms base plate121, first plate122, and second plate123. In the present embodiment, first plate122and second plate123of elastic body120each includes at least one slit124for allowing optical transmission members400to pass therethrough.

Two optical connectors200in the foreground inFIG.1Aillustrates a state in which the fronts of ferrules300in two optical connectors200are being joined to each other. AsFIG.1Aillustrates, ferrule300is configured to be joined to another ferrule by moving at least one of the ferrules in the X direction. This configuration of the present invention can substantially eliminate a space for allowing the fronts of two ferrules to face each other during the joining (space for moving the ferrule in the Z direction). The configuration of ferrule300will be described below.

Optical transmission members400are held by ferrule300described above. Any member capable of transmitting light may be used as optical transmission member400. Examples of optical transmission member400include optical fibers and optical waveguides. In the present embodiment, optical transmission member400is an optical fiber. In the present embodiment, a plurality of optical fibers are bundled in a row by a covering part to form a ribbon.

Configuration of Ferrule

FIG.2is a perspective view of ferrule300according to Embodiment 1.FIG.3Ais a plan view of ferrule300, andFIG.3Bis a bottom view of ferrule300.FIG.4Ais a front view of the ferrule according to Embodiment 1,FIG.4Bis a rear view of the ferrule,FIG.4Cis a right side view of the ferrule, andFIG.4Dis a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D shown inFIG.4A.

As illustrated inFIG.2, ferrule300has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Ferrule300includes optical transmission member holding part301, first surface302, light transmitting wall303, at least one second surface304, engaging protrusion305, engaging recess306, at least one positioning protrusion307, and at least one positioning recess308.

As illustrated inFIG.3B, optical transmission member holding part301is for holding optical transmission members400. Optical transmission member holding part301may have any configuration as long as the part can hold optical transmission members400. In the present embodiment, optical transmission member holding part301includes grooves301awhere optical transmission members400are to be disposed. As illustrated inFIG.3B, groove301aextends perpendicularly to the first surface302when viewed from the bottom. Examples of groove301ainclude V-grooves and U-grooves. Grooves301aare configured to allow the end face of optical transmission members400to be disposed at an appropriate position with respect to first surface302when optical transmission members400are disposed. The number of grooves301amay be appropriately set according to the number of optical transmission members400. In the present embodiment, the number of grooves301ais 16 according to the number of optical transmission members (optical fibers)400. In addition, in the present embodiment, a lid is disposed on optical transmission members400disposed in grooves301a, and optical transmission members400are held between grooves301aand the lid.

First surface302directly faces the end of optical transmission members400. First surface302has the following configuration: light from optical transmission members400is incident on first surface302, or light incident from second surface304is emitted from first surface302toward optical transmission members400. First surface302is disposed on light transmitting wall303at the surface opposite to second surface304. In the present embodiment, first surface302is parallel to the XY plane.

Light transmitting wall303allows transmission of light, and includes first surface302at one surface and second surface304at the other surface. Light incident on light transmitting wall303from first surface302or second surface304passes through light transmitting wall303.

Second surface304is on light transmitting wall303and faces first surface302. Second surface304has the following configuration: light incident from first surface302and traveling inside ferrule300is emitted from second surface304, or light incident on second surface304travels inside ferrule300toward first surface302. Second surface304may be a flat surface or a curved surface. Second surface304is preferably an optical control surface. In the present embodiment, second surface304is a curved surface, and more specifically, a convex lens. Ferrule300may include one second surface304or plurality of second surfaces304. In the present embodiment, there are 16 second surfaces304, which are convex lenses, according to the number of optical transmission members (optical fibers)400. In addition, in the present embodiment, second surfaces304are arranged in a row along the X direction.

As illustrated inFIG.2, engaging protrusion305is a structure that protrudes from the front of ferrule300and extends in the X direction. As illustrated inFIGS.1A and1B, engaging protrusion305serves as a guide, together with engaging recess306of the other ferrule that faces ferrule300, for moving ferrule300in the X direction (in this case, the other ferrule is ferrule300facing ferrule300because ferrules300having the same shape are connected to each other in the present embodiment). Engaging protrusion305functions to fix the ferrules with respect to the Y direction after the joining. Engaging protrusion305may have any configuration as long as engaging protrusion305can exhibit these functions. In other words, engaging protrusion305has a shape substantially complementary to that of engaging recess306of the other ferrule (namely, ferrule300) which faces ferrule300(herein also referred to as “the other facing ferrule”), and is disposed at a position substantially complementary to that of engaging recess306.

As illustrated inFIG.4A, engaging protrusion305is disposed apart from engaging recess306in the Y direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, engaging protrusion305and engaging recess306are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction in such a way that plurality of second surfaces304arranged in the X direction are placed therebetween. In addition, in the present embodiment, engaging protrusion305has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape long in the X direction. Engaging protrusion305may extend over the entire length of ferrule300from one end to the other end in the X direction, or may extend over only a part of the entire length. In the present embodiment, engaging protrusion305extends over the entire length.

As illustrated inFIG.2, engaging protrusion305includes inward restricting surface305a. On engaging protrusion305, inward restricting surface305afaces the inside (second surface side) of the ferrule. Inward restricting surface305acontacts outward restricting surface306b(described below) of engaging recess306of the other facing ferrule (ferrule300) to restrict the movement of ferrule300in the Y direction.

As described above, engaging recess306has a shape substantially complementary to that of engaging protrusion305of the other facing ferrule (ferrule300), and is disposed at a position substantially complementary to that of engaging protrusion305.

As illustrated inFIG.2, engaging recess306is depressed from the front of ferrule300and extends in the X direction. Engaging recess306is disposed apart from engaging protrusion305in the Y direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, engaging recess306and engaging protrusion305are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction in such a way that second surfaces304arranged in the X direction are placed therebetween. In addition, in the present embodiment, engaging recess306has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape long in the X direction. Engaging recess306may extend over the entire length of ferrule300from one end to the other end, or may extend over only a part of the entire length. In the present embodiment, engaging recess306extends over the entire length.

As illustrated inFIG.2, engaging recess306includes outward restricting surface306b. In engaging recess306, outward restricting surface306bfaces the outside of ferrule300. Outward restricting surface306bcontacts inward restricting surface305aof engaging protrusion305of the other facing ferrule (ferrule300) to restrict the movement of the ferrule in the Y direction.

Positioning protrusion307is, together with positioning recess308in the other facing ferrule (ferrule300), for fixing the position of the ferrule in the X direction. Positioning protrusion307is smaller than the engaging protrusion. Positioning protrusion307has a shape substantially complementary to that of positioning recess308in the other facing ferrule, and is disposed at a position substantially complementary to that of positioning recess308.

In the present embodiment, positioning protrusion307is disposed at the front of ferrule300. Specifically, in the present embodiment, positioning protrusion307is disposed at the front of engaging recess306(seeFIG.3A).

Positioning recess308is, together with positioning protrusion307in the other facing ferrule (ferrule300), for fixing the position of ferrule300in the X direction. Positioning recess308is smaller than engaging recess306. Positioning recess308has a shape substantially complementary to that of positioning protrusion307in the other facing ferrule, and is disposed at a position substantially complementary to that of positioning protrusion307.

In the present embodiment, positioning recess308is disposed at the front of ferrule300. Specifically, in the present embodiment, positioning recess308is disposed at the front of engaging protrusion305(seeFIG.3A).

Connection Method

FIG.5illustrates a process in which ferrule300is connected to another ferrule (a process in which ferrules300are connected to each other). As illustrated inFIG.5, the ferrules can be joined to each other by fixing one of ferrules300and moving the other ferrule in the X direction.

While ferrule300is moved, engaging protrusion305of ferrule300moves so as to slide along engaging recess306of the other ferrule, and engaging recess306of ferrule300moves so as to slide along engaging protrusion305of the other ferrule. In other words, engaging protrusion305and engaging recess306serve as guides for preventing misalignment in the Y direction when ferrule300is moved in the X direction.

In the joined state, positioning protrusion307and positioning recess308engage with each other to fix the ferrules with respect to the X direction. In addition, in the joined state, ferrule300is fixed with respect to the Y direction by inward restricting surface305aof engaging protrusion305and outward restricting surface306bof engaging recess306. Specifically, inFIG.5, ferrule300on the right side is fixed with respect to one direction, that is from the back to the front of the drawing, in the Y direction.

In the above description, the ferrules are connected to each other by moving one of the ferrules in the X direction as an example. However, the direction in which the ferrule is moved may be any direction perpendicular to the Z direction. In other words, the ferrule may be moved in the Y direction to be connected to each other.

Effects

Ferrule300according to the present embodiment includes engaging protrusion305and engaging recess306, which extend in the X direction and are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction. This configuration can connect ferrules300to each other by moving at least one ferrule300in the X direction. As a result, ferrules300can be connected to each other even in a small space.

Configuration of Ferrule

In an optical connector module and an optical connector according to Embodiment 2, only the configuration of a ferrule is different from the optical connector module and the optical connector according to Embodiment 1. Therefore, only ferrule310according to Embodiment 2 will be described in the following description. Regarding ferrule310according to Embodiment 2, the same components as those of ferrule300according to Embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG.6is a perspective view of ferrule310according to Embodiment 2.FIG.7Ais a plan view of the ferrule andFIG.7Bis a bottom view of the ferrule.FIG.8Ais a front view of ferrule310according to Embodiment 2,FIG.8Bis a rear view of the ferrule,FIG.8Cis a right side view of the ferrule, andFIG.8Dis a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D shown inFIG.8A.

Ferrule310according to Embodiment 2 includes engaging protrusion315and engaging recess316. Engaging protrusion315and engaging recess316differ in the configuration thereof from engaging protrusion305and engaging recess306in ferrule300according to Embodiment 1. In the following, engaging protrusion315and engaging recess316will be described.

Engaging protrusion315has a shape substantially complementary to that of engaging recess316of the other facing ferrule (ferrule310), and is disposed at a position substantially complementary to that of engaging recess316.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.6, engaging protrusion315is a structure that protrudes from the front of ferrule310and extends in the X direction. Engaging protrusion315serves as a guide, together with engaging recess316of the other ferrule that faces ferrule310, for moving the ferrule in the X direction (in this case, the other ferrule is ferrule310because ferrules310having the same shape are joined to each other in the present embodiment). Engaging protrusion315functions to fix the ferrules with respect to the Y direction after the joining.

Engaging protrusion315is disposed apart from engaging recess316in the Y direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, engaging protrusion315and engaging recess316are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction in such a way that plurality of second surfaces304arranged in the X direction are placed therebetween. In addition, in the present embodiment, engaging protrusion315has a semi-cylindrical shape long in the X direction. Engaging protrusion315may extend over the entire length of ferrule310from one end to the other end in the X direction, or may extend over only a part of the entire length. In the present embodiment, engaging protrusion315extends over the entire length.

On engaging protrusion315, inward restricting surface315afaces the inside (second surface304side) of the ferrule. Inward restricting surface315acontacts outward restricting surface316b(described below) of engaging recess316of the other facing ferrule (ferrule310) to restrict the movement of ferrule310in the Y direction.

On engaging protrusion315, outward restricting surface315bfaces the outside of ferrule310. Outward restricting surface315bcontacts inward restricting surface316a(described below) of engaging recess316of the other facing ferrule (ferrule310) to restrict the movement of ferrule310in the Y direction.

As described above, engaging recess316has a shape substantially complementary to that of engaging protrusion315of the other facing ferrule (ferrule310), and is disposed at a position substantially complementary to that of engaging protrusion315.

As illustrated inFIG.6, engaging recess316is depressed from the front of ferrule310and extends in the X direction. Engaging recess316is disposed apart from engaging protrusion315in the Y direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, engaging recess316and engaging protrusion315are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction in such a way that second surfaces304arranged in the X direction are placed therebetween. In addition, in the present embodiment, engaging recess316has a V-groove shape extending in the X direction. Engaging recess316may extend over the entire length of ferrule310from one end to the other end, or may extend over only a part of the entire length. In the present embodiment, engaging recess316extends over the entire length.

In engaging recess316, inward restricting surface316afaces the inside (second surface304side) of the ferrule. Inward restricting surface316acontacts outward restricting surface315bof the engaging protrusion of the other facing ferrule (ferrule310) to restrict the movement of the ferrule in the Y direction.

In engaging recess316, outward restricting surface316bfaces the outside of ferrule310. Outward restricting surface316bcontacts inward restricting surface315aof engaging protrusion315of the other facing ferrule (ferrule310) to restrict the movement of the ferrule in the Y direction.

In addition, ferrule310may include positioning protrusion307and positioning recess308as described in Embodiment 1.

Connection Method

FIG.9illustrates a process in which ferrule310is connected to another ferrule (a process in which ferrules310are connected to each other at the fronts thereof). In the lower drawing ofFIG.9, elastic body120is omitted. As illustrated inFIG.9, ferrules310can be joined to each other by fixing one of ferrules310and moving the other ferrule in the X direction.

While ferrule310is moved, engaging protrusion315of ferrule310moves so as to slide along engaging recess316of the other ferrule, and engaging recess316of ferrule310moves so as to slide along engaging protrusion315of the other ferrule. In other words, engaging protrusion315and engaging recess316serve as guides for preventing misalignment in the Y direction when ferrule310is moved in the X direction.

In the joined state, ferrules310are fixed with respect to the Y direction by inward restricting surfaces and outward restricting surfaces of engaging protrusion315and engaging recess316. Specifically, inFIG.9, ferrule300on the right side is fixed with respect to two direction, that is, the direction from the back to the front of the drawing, and the direction opposite thereto. The reason for the restriction in the both direction is that engaging protrusion315includes both inward restricting surface315aand outward restricting surface315b, and engaging recess316also includes both inward restricting surface316aand outward restricting surface316bas described above.

In the above description, the ferrules are connected to each other by moving one of the ferrules in the X direction as an example. However, the direction in which the ferrule is moved may be any direction orthogonal to the Z direction. In other words, the ferrule may be moved in the Y direction.

Effects

Ferrule310according to the present embodiment has the same effects as ferrule300according to Embodiment 1. Further, ferrule310can be fixed in both directions with respect to the Y direction.

Configuration of Ferrule

In an optical connector module and an optical connector according to Embodiment 3, only the configuration of a ferrule is different from the optical connector module and the optical connector according to Embodiment 1. Therefore, only ferrule320according to Embodiment 3 will be described in the following description. Regarding ferrule320according to Embodiment 3, the same components as those of ferrule300according to Embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG.10is a perspective view of ferrule320according to Embodiment 3.FIG.11Ais a plan view of the ferrule andFIG.11Bis a bottom view of the ferrule.FIG.12Ais a front view of ferrule320according to Embodiment 3,FIG.12Bis a rear view of the ferrule,FIG.12Cis a right side view of the ferrule, andFIG.12Dis a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D shown inFIG.12A.

Ferrule320according to Embodiment 3 includes engaging protrusion325and engaging recess326. Engaging protrusion325and engaging recess326differ in the configuration thereof from engaging protrusion305and engaging recess306in ferrule300according to Embodiment 1. In the following, engaging protrusion325and engaging recess326will be described.

Engaging protrusion325has a shape substantially complementary to that of engaging recess326of the other facing ferrule (ferrule320), and is disposed at a position substantially complementary to that of engaging recess326. Engaging protrusion325thus can be engaged with engaging recess326.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.10, engaging protrusion325is a structure that protrudes from the front of ferrule320and extends in the Y direction. Engaging protrusion325is a structure, together with engaging recess326of the other ferrule that faces ferrule320, for fixing the ferrules with respect to the X direction (in this case, the other ferrule is ferrule320because ferrules320are joined to each other in the present embodiment).

Engaging protrusion325is disposed apart from engaging recess326in the X direction (seeFIG.10). Specifically, in the present embodiment, engaging protrusion325and engaging recess326are disposed apart from each other in the X direction in such a way that both ends of the second surfaces arranged in the X direction are placed therebetween. In addition, in the present embodiment, engaging protrusion325has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape long in the Y direction. Engaging protrusion325may extend over the entire length of ferrule320from one end to the other end in the Y direction, or may extend over only a part of the entire length. In the present embodiment, engaging protrusion325extends over the entire length.

On engaging protrusion325, inward restricting surface325afaces the inside (second surface304side) of the ferrule. Inward restricting surface325acontacts outward restricting surface326b(described below) of engaging recess326of the other facing ferrule (ferrule320) to restrict the movement of the ferrule in the X direction.

As described above, engaging recess326has a shape substantially complementary to that of engaging protrusion325of the other facing ferrule (ferrule320), and is disposed at a position substantially complementary to that of engaging protrusion325.

As illustrated inFIG.10, engaging recess326is depressed from the front of ferrule320and extends in the Y direction. Engaging recess326is disposed apart from engaging protrusion315in the X direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, engaging recess326and engaging protrusion325are disposed apart from each other in the X direction in such a way that both ends of second surfaces304arranged in the X direction are placed therebetween. In addition, in the present embodiment, engaging recess326has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape long in the Y direction. Engaging recess326may extend over the entire length of ferrule320from one end to the other end in the Y direction, or may extend over only a part of the entire length. In the present embodiment, engaging recess326extends over the entire length in the Y direction.

In engaging recess326, outward restricting surface326bfaces the outside of the ferrule. Outward restricting surface326bcontacts inward restricting surface325aof engaging protrusion325of the other facing ferrule (ferrule310) to restrict the movement of the ferrule in the X direction.

In addition, ferrule320may include positioning protrusion307and positioning recess308as described in Embodiment 1 for fixing the ferrules with respect to the Y direction.

Connection Method

FIG.13illustrates a process in which ferrule320is connected to another ferrule (a process in which ferrules320are connected to each other at the fronts thereof). In the lower drawing ofFIG.13, ferrule320on the left side is illustrated with the lid removed. As illustrated inFIG.13, ferrules320can be joined to each other by fixing one ferrule320and moving the other ferrule320in the X direction.

In the joined state, ferrules320are fixed with respect to the X direction by inward restricting surface325aof engaging protrusion325and outward restricting surface326bof engaging recess326.

In the above description, the ferrules are connected to each other by moving one of the ferrules in the X direction as an example. However, the direction in which the ferrule is moved may be any direction orthogonal to the Z direction. In other words, the ferrule may be moved in the Y direction.

Effects

Ferrule320according to the present embodiment includes engaging protrusion325and engaging recess326, which extend in the Y direction and are disposed apart from each other in the X direction. This configuration can connect ferrules320to each other by moving at least one ferrule320in the X direction. As a result, ferrules320can be connected to each other even in a small space.

Configuration of Ferrule

In an optical connector module and an optical connector according to Embodiment 4, only the configuration of a ferrule is different from the optical connector module and the optical connector according to Embodiment 1. Therefore, only ferrules330and340according to Embodiment 4 will be described in the following description. Regarding ferrules330and340according to Embodiment 4, the same components as those of ferrule300according to Embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. In Embodiments 1 to 3, ferrules having the same shape are joined to each other at their front. However, in Embodiment 4, two ferrules having different shapes, namely ferrule330and ferrule340, are connected to each other at their front. In the following, ferrules330and340will be described.

FIG.14is a perspective view of ferrule330according to Embodiment 4.FIG.15Ais a plan view of the ferrule andFIG.15Bis a bottom view of the ferrule.FIG.16Ais a front view of ferrule330according to Embodiment 4,FIG.16Bis a rear view of the ferrule,FIG.16Cis a right side view of the ferrule, andFIG.16Dis a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D shown inFIG.16A.

Ferrule330includes two engaging protrusions335. As illustrated inFIG.14, each of two engaging protrusions335is a structure that protrudes from the front of ferrule330and extends in the X direction. Two engaging protrusions335are structures, together with two engaging recesses346of the other facing ferrule (ferrule340described below), for fixing the ferrules with respect to the X direction. Therefore, it is preferred that each of two engaging protrusions335of ferrule330has a shape substantially complementary to that of corresponding one of engaging recesses346of ferrule340facing ferrule330, and is disposed at a position substantially complementary to that of the engaging recess346.

As illustrated inFIG.14, two engaging protrusions335are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, two engaging protrusions335are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction in such a way that second surfaces304arranged in the X direction are placed therebetween. In addition, in the present embodiment, each of two engaging protrusions335has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape long in the X direction. Each of two engaging protrusions335may extend over the entire length of ferrule330from one end to the other end in the X direction, or may extend over only a part of the entire length. In the present embodiment, engaging protrusion335extends over the entire length.

Two engaging protrusions335each include inward restricting surface335a.

On engaging protrusion335, inward restricting surface335afaces the inside (second surface side) of the ferrule. Inward restricting surface335acontacts outward restricting surface346b(described below) of engaging recess346of the other facing ferrule (ferrule340) to restrict the movement of the ferrule in the Y direction.

In the above description, the number of engaging protrusions335is two, but the number may be more than two as long as engaging protrusions335can engage with engaging recesses346.

FIG.17is a perspective view of ferrule340according to Embodiment 4.FIG.18Ais a plan view of the ferrule andFIG.18Bis a bottom view of the ferrule.FIG.19Ais a front view of ferrule340according to Embodiment 4,FIG.19Bis a rear view of the ferrule,FIG.19Cis a right side view of the ferrule, andFIG.19Dis a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D shown inFIG.19A.

As described above, each of two engaging recesses346has a shape substantially complementary to that of corresponding one of two engaging protrusions335of the other facing ferrule (ferrule330), and is disposed at a position substantially complementary to that of the engaging protrusion335.

As illustrated inFIG.17, ferrule340includes two engaging recesses346. As illustrated inFIG.17, each of two engaging recesses346is depressed from the front of ferrule340and extends in the X direction. Two engaging recesses346are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, two engaging recesses346are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction in such a way that second surfaces304arranged in the X direction are placed therebetween. In addition, in the present embodiment, engaging recess346has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape long in the X direction. Engaging recess346may extend over the entire length of ferrule340from one end to the other end in the X direction, or may extend over only a part of the entire length. In the present embodiment, engaging recess346extends over the entire length in the X direction.

Two engaging recesses346each include outward restricting surface346b.

In engaging recess346, outward restricting surface346bfaces the outside of the ferrule. Outward restricting surface346bcontacts inward restricting surface335a(seeFIG.14) of engaging protrusion335of the other facing ferrule (ferrule330) to restrict the movement of the ferrule in the Y direction.

In addition, ferrules330and340may include positioning protrusion307and positioning recess308as described in Embodiment 1.

Connection Method

FIG.20illustrates a process in which ferrule330and ferrule340are connected to each other. In the lower drawing ofFIG.20, the ferrule on the left side is illustrated with the lid removed. As illustrated inFIG.20, ferrules330and340can be joined to each other by fixing ferrule330and moving ferrule340in the X direction. As a result, optical transmission members400can be optically connected. Alternatively, ferrule340may be fixed and ferrule330is moved.

While ferrule340is moved, engaging recess346of ferrule340moves so as to slide along engaging protrusion335of ferrule330. In other words, engaging protrusion335and engaging recess346serve as guides for preventing misalignment in the Y direction when ferrule340is moved in the X direction.

In the connected state, ferrules330and340are fixed with respect to two direction in the Y direction by two inward restricting surfaces335aof two engaging protrusions335and two outward restricting surfaces346bof two engaging recesses346.

Effects

Ferrule330according to the present embodiment includes two engaging protrusions335, which extend in the X direction and are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction. In addition, ferrule340according to the present embodiment includes two engaging recesses346, which extend in the X direction and are disposed apart from each other in the Y direction. This configuration can connect ferrules330and340to each other by moving at least one of the ferrules in the X direction. As a result, the two ferrules can be connected to each other even in a small space.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is particularly advantageous for, for example, installing in a narrow space a ferrule (optical connector) including an optical transmission member.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST