WO2011052356A1 - Protective cap - Google Patents
Protective capDownload PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2011052356A1 WO2011052356A1PCT/JP2010/067577JP2010067577WWO2011052356A1WO 2011052356 A1WO2011052356 A1WO 2011052356A1JP 2010067577 WJP2010067577 WJP 2010067577WWO 2011052356 A1WO2011052356 A1WO 2011052356A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- protective cap
- housing
- main body
- fitting portion
- rear end
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000001681protective effectEffects0.000titleclaimsabstractdescription76
- 238000003780insertionMethods0.000claimsabstractdescription39
- 230000037431insertionEffects0.000claimsabstractdescription39
- 230000003287optical effectEffects0.000claimsdescription28
- 230000002093peripheral effectEffects0.000claimsdescription13
- 239000013307optical fiberSubstances0.000claimsdescription12
- 239000000835fiberSubstances0.000claimsdescription6
- 238000005452bendingMethods0.000abstract1
- 230000005489elastic deformationEffects0.000abstract1
- 239000000428dustSubstances0.000description5
- 230000000630rising effectEffects0.000description5
- 230000005540biological transmissionEffects0.000description4
- 238000004891communicationMethods0.000description2
- 230000008878couplingEffects0.000description2
- 238000010168coupling processMethods0.000description2
- 238000005859coupling reactionMethods0.000description2
- 239000000463materialSubstances0.000description2
- 238000003825pressingMethods0.000description2
- 229920005989resinPolymers0.000description2
- 239000011347resinSubstances0.000description2
- 230000002411adverseEffects0.000description1
- 238000005520cutting processMethods0.000description1
- 238000000605extractionMethods0.000description1
- 238000005304joiningMethods0.000description1
- 238000004519manufacturing processMethods0.000description1
- 239000007769metal materialSubstances0.000description1
- 238000000034methodMethods0.000description1
- 230000008054signal transmissionEffects0.000description1
- 229920003002synthetic resinPolymers0.000description1
- 239000000057synthetic resinSubstances0.000description1
Images
Classifications
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
- G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
- G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
- G02B6/4219—Mechanical fixtures for holding or positioning the elements relative to each other in the couplings; Alignment methods for the elements, e.g. measuring or observing methods especially used therefor
- G02B6/4236—Fixing or mounting methods of the aligned elements
- G02B6/424—Mounting of the optical light guide
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
- G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
- G02B6/4256—Details of housings
- G02B6/426—Details of housings mounting, engaging or coupling of the package to a board, a frame or a panel
- G02B6/4261—Packages with mounting structures to be pluggable or detachable, e.g. having latches or rails
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
- G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
- G02B6/4256—Details of housings
- G02B6/4262—Details of housings characterised by the shape of the housing
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3847—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces
- G02B6/3849—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces using mechanical protective elements, e.g. caps, hoods, sealing membranes
Definitions
- the present inventionrelates to a protective cap that is attached to an optical connector that couples an optical signal transmission / reception module and an optical fiber, and more particularly, to a protective cap that includes a fitting portion that fits into a housing constituting the optical connector upon insertion. .
- an optical connectorwhen performing optical communication, is used to connect a device that performs communication to an optical network.
- the optical connectorhas a housing to which a plug for holding an optical fiber is connected, and a receiving module for receiving an optical signal from the optical fiber and a transmission module for transmitting the optical signal to the optical fiber are mounted in the housing.
- a holding unit for holding the optical fiber, a lens provided between the transmission / reception module and the optical fiber, and the likeare provided.
- the plugIn the process of manufacturing and transportation, the plug is not connected and the optical connector is in a single state, so that the holding part and the lens are exposed as they are. At this time, if dust, dust or the like enters the inside of the housing, the optical performance may be hindered. For this reason, when the optical connector is transported alone, the protective cap is inserted and attached to the housing.
- the protective caphas a shape that substantially fits the inner peripheral surface of the housing, and in particular has a protective covering portion that covers the holding portion that holds the optical fiber in the housing on the front end surface in the insertion direction, and is inserted and removed on the rear end surface in the insertion direction. It has a knob part for performing. On the side surface of the protective cap, a fitting portion that fits with the inner peripheral surface of the housing is formed in a protruding shape. Examples of such a protective cap include those described in Patent Document 1.
- the fitting part formed on the side surface of the protective capis pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the housing and temporarily deformed as it is inserted into the housing, and is fitted to the fitted part formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing. By doing so, it can return to its original shape again, thereby preventing the protective cap from being easily removed from the housing.
- the conventional protective capcannot be smoothly inserted into and removed from the housing because the fitting portion is not easily deformed.
- the inlet portion of the inner peripheral surface of the housingis formed with a wall surface that is substantially the same position as the outer peripheral surface position of the protective cap, and when the protective cap is inserted into the housing, the fitting portion of the protective cap is inserted by this wall surface. The surface it has is deformed in its internal direction. At this time, the force applied to the fitting portion is in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface of the housing, and this is the direction in which the protective cap is compressed. Therefore, a large force is required to deform the protective cap with the force in this direction. It was.
- the present inventionhas been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a protective cap that can be smoothly inserted into and removed from the housing, and that the fitting portion can be prevented from being scraped by the inner peripheral surface of the protective cap.
- a protective capis a protective cap inserted in place of the plug for an optical connector having a housing into which a plug holding an optical fiber is inserted.
- a main bodyhaving an outer shape substantially matching a region where the plug of the housing is inserted, and a knob portion extending rearward from the rear end surface in the insertion direction of the main body,
- the main bodyhas a protective covering for covering a fiber holding portion provided in the housing, has a front end face facing the rear end face, and side faces on both sides connecting the front end face and the rear end face, and the front end.
- the interior surrounded by the surface, the rear end surface and the side surfaceis hollow, and the side surface is elastically deformable so as to bend in the hollow interior direction.
- At least one of the side surfacesis formed with a protrusion-like fitting portion that fits into the housing, and the side surface on which the fitting portion is formed includes a notch at the rear of the fitting portion in the insertion direction. It is configured as a feature.
- the protective cap according to the present inventionis characterized in that the fitting portion is formed at the lower end portion of the side surface, and the notch portion is formed so as to be related to the lower end of the side surface.
- the protective cap according to the present inventionis characterized in that the notch is formed continuously from the side surface to the rear end surface.
- the region located in the horizontal direction of the cutout portion of the side surface having the fitting portionis formed on the protrusion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing at the time of insertion. Is pressed, and is deformed in the hollow inner direction of the main body while being supported by the upper side and the front side of the region.
- the cutout portionhas a width in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the main body portion, and the insertion direction of the main body portion of the fitted portion of the housing into which the fitting portion is fitted.
- the widthis substantially the same as the direction perpendicular to the direction.
- the inside surrounded by the front end surface, the rear end surface and the side surface of the main bodyis hollow, and the side surface is elastically deformable so as to bend toward the hollow inner direction, and at least on one side surface.
- the side surface on which the fitting portion is formedhas a notch portion on the rear side in the insertion direction of the fitting portion. Since deformation on the rear side in the insertion direction can be prevented, the side surface can be easily deformed inward and smoothly inserted into and removed from the housing. It can also be prevented.
- the fitting portionis formed at the lower end portion of the side surface, and the notch portion is formed so as to be related to the lower end of the side surface, so that the region of the side surface having the fitting portion is further increased. It can be easily deformed and can be inserted and removed with a smaller force.
- the notchcan be easily formed by forming the notch continuously from the side surface to the rear end surface.
- the region located in the horizontal direction of the cutout portion of the side surface having the fitting portionis pressed by the protrusion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing during insertion.
- the region located in the horizontal direction of the cutout portion of the side surface having the fitting portionis Since the deformation of the side and the rear side is not restricted, it can be easily deformed in the inner direction of the main body by pressing, and can be more reliably inserted / removed with a small force.
- the notch parthas the width
- FIG. 4is a partially enlarged view of a cross-sectional view in a state in which a protective cap is inserted into the optical connector from the state of FIG. 3. It is the elements on larger scale of the cross-sectional view in the state where the protective cap was attached to the optical connector.
- FIG. 1shows an exploded perspective view of the optical connector and the protective cap in the present embodiment.
- the optical connector 1 of this embodimentis used as a receptacle, and a fiber holding portion 11 that holds an optical fiber held by a plug is formed inside a non-conductive housing 10 formed of a synthetic resin.
- a coupling element and a transmission / reception modulethat are optically coupled to the optical fiber are provided inside the housing 10 and behind the fiber holder 11.
- the optical connector 1is formed in a substantially box shape whose front side surface shown in FIG. 1 is open, and has a top surface 20, a bottom surface 21 facing the top surface 20, and a top surface 20 and a bottom surface 21. It has a first side surface 22 and a second side surface 23.
- the entire front surface shown in FIG. 1is open to form an opening 24, and the plug or the protective cap 2 can be inserted into the housing 10 from the opening 24.
- the housing 10is covered with a shield member 12 made of a metal material.
- the protective cap 2is inserted into the housing 10 from the opening 24 and attached to the optical connector 1 in a single state where the plug cannot be attached.
- the protective cap 2includes a main body portion 30 having an outer shape substantially matching the inner shape of the housing 10, and a knob portion formed so as to protrude from the rear end surface 34 in the insertion direction of the main body portion 30. 31.
- FIG. 2is a perspective view showing a state in which the protective cap 2 is inserted into the optical connector 1 and attached.
- the main body 30 of the protective cap 2is substantially contained in the housing 10, and only the knob portion 31 protrudes from the housing 10. It becomes.
- the main body 30can be fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 10 at the side as described later, and the protective cap 2 can be prevented from falling off naturally.
- the fitting portion between the main body 30 and the housing 10is released by pulling the knob portion 31 with a predetermined force or more, and the protective cap 2 can be detached from the optical connector 1.
- FIG. 3shows a perspective view of the protective cap 2 as viewed from the front end face 33 side.
- the protective cap 2is formed of a resin material.
- the main body 30 of the protective cap 2includes a front end surface 33 with respect to the insertion direction, a rear end surface 34 facing the front end surface 33 and having a knob portion 31, a front end surface 33 and a rear end surface.
- the first side surface 35 and the second side surface 36that are connected to each other and have a first side surface 35 and a second side surface 36 that form a generally outer shape, and each surface is formed thin so that the interior is hollow.
- Two inner wall surfaces 37are formed in the hollow interior of the main body portion 30 so as to be parallel to the first side surface 35 and the second side surface 36 so as to connect the front end surface 33 and the rear end surface 34. It is divided into three areas. These inner wall surfaces 37 are provided to ensure the strength of the main body 30.
- each surface constituting the main body portion 30can be elastically deformed in the direction of compressing the main body portion 30 by being formed thin with a resin material.
- the front end surface 33 and the rear end surface 34are connected by an inner wall surface 37 extending in a direction orthogonal to these surface directions, and therefore hardly deform even when receiving a force.
- the first side surface 35 and the second side surface 36extend in a direction parallel to the inner wall surface 37, the first side surface 35 and the second side surface 36 can be elastically deformed in the inner direction of the main body 30 without being influenced by these.
- a protective covering portion 32 that protrudes in the insertion directionis formed on the front end surface 33 of the main body portion 30.
- the protective covering portion 32is formed so as to have a hollow elliptical shape.
- the protective covering portion 32covers the fiber holding portion 11 in the housing 10, and the coupling element or the transmission / reception module. Protect the side from dust and dirt.
- the first side surface 35 and the second side surface 36 of the main body 30are both formed to extend further forward in the insertion direction than the front end surface 33.
- a protruding fitting portion 38is formed on the first side surface 35 constituting the main body portion 30 of the protective cap 2 at the lower end on the rear side in the insertion direction.
- the fitting portion 38includes a rising surface 38b that rises at an angle with respect to the first side surface 35, and a protruding surface 38a that extends in a direction parallel to the first side surface 35 from the tip of the rising surface 38b. It is formed at the lower end of the side surface 35.
- a notch 39is formed by notching the lower end.
- the cutout portion 39is formed continuously from the rear side in the insertion direction of the first side surface 35 to the rear end surface 34 adjacent to the first side surface 35 from the fitting portion 38.
- the notch part 39has the form which concerns on the lower end of the 1st side surface 35 and the rear-end surface 34. FIG. Thereby, the lower end surface of the region other than the notch 39 including the fitting portion 38 of the first side surface 35 is located below the lower end surface of the region of the notch 39.
- the lower end region of the first side surface 35 positioned in the horizontal direction of the notch 39is supported by the upper side and the front side of the region.
- the lower side and the rear side of the regionare deformed in the hollow inner direction of the main body 30 in a state where the deformation is not restricted.
- FIG. 4shows a cross-sectional view in a state where the protective cap 2 is being attached to the optical connector 1.
- This figureshows a cross-sectional view of the protective cap 2 as viewed from the bottom side by cutting along a plane including the fitting portion 38 and the cutout portion 39.
- inner wall surfaces 27are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 10 constituting the optical connector 1 so as to have substantially the same width as the main body portion 30 of the protective cap 2 on both sides.
- a fitted portion 25 to which the fitting portion 38 of the first side surface 35 is fittedis formed on the surface on the side where the first side surface 35 of the protective cap 2 is inserted. Yes.
- the fitted portion 25is formed so as to be concave from at least the inner wall surface 27, and is formed so as to penetrate the housing 10 in this embodiment.
- An opening wall surface portion 26 that forms an inner wall surface 27is formed on the opening 24 side of the fitted portion 25.
- the opening wall surface portion 26is formed on the upper and lower portions of the first side surface 22 of the housing 10, and these form the first side surface 35 of the protective cap 2 at the inlet portion of the housing 10.
- the fitting portion 38 of the main body 30is formed so that the width in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction is larger than the width of the opening wall surface portion 26. Since they have the same width, the area that has the same width as the width in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the opening wall surface portion 26 is fulfilled from the lower end.
- the region including the fitting portion 38 positioned in the horizontal direction of the notch 39can be elastically deformed while being supported by the upper side and the front side of the region.
- the width of this region in the direction orthogonal to the insertion directioncorresponds to the width of the cutout portion 39, which is substantially the same width as the opening wall surface portion 26 of the housing 10. That is, the notch 39 is formed so as to have a width of a region pressed against the opening wall surface portion 26 as the main body 30 is inserted into the housing 10.
- FIG. 5shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the fitting portion 38 and the fitted portion 25 in FIG.
- the first side surface 35 constituting the main body portion 30is inserted in a state where the first side surface 35 is in contact with or very close to the opening wall surface portion 26 of the housing 10. Further, the height of the protruding surface 38 a of the fitting portion 38 from the first side surface 35 is larger than the gap between the first side surface 35 and the opening wall surface portion 26.
- FIG. 6shows an enlarged view of the state where the main body 30 is inserted into the housing 10 as compared with FIG.
- the fitting portion 38is pressed toward the inside of the main body portion 30 by the opening wall surface portion 26.
- a rising surface 38b on the front end side in the insertion direction that constitutes the fitting portion 38is formed so as to be inclined rearward in the insertion direction, while an inclined surface portion 26a is formed at the opening end of the opening wall surface portion 26. Therefore, the fitting portion 38 moves so as to ride on the opening wall surface portion 26, and the region of the first side surface 35 located in the horizontal direction of the cutout portion 39 is deformed toward the inner direction of the main body portion 30.
- the rear side in the insertion direction of the region to be deformedhas a notch 39 and the deformation is not restricted. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
- the cross sectionis cantilevered and is greatly deformed toward the inner side of the main body 30 toward the rear in the insertion direction. Thereby, the force required to deform the first side surface 35 can be made relatively small.
- the first side surface 35is configured to be elastically deformable as described above, the first side surface 35 can be deformed by pressing the opening wall surface portion 26 even without the notch portion 39. is required. On the other hand, by providing the notch 39, the force required to deform the first side surface 35 can be reduced.
- FIG. 7shows an enlarged view of the state in which the main body 30 has been inserted into the housing 10.
- the fitting part 38is accommodated in the fitted part 25 of the housing 10, and the rising surface 38b on the rear end side in the insertion direction is opened. It will be in the state contact
- FIG.Along with this, the deformation of the first side surface 35 is also restored.
- the rising surface 38b on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the fitting portion 38is formed so as to be inclined forward in the insertion direction.
- the joining portion 38moves so as to ride on the opening wall surface portion 26, and the region located in the horizontal direction of the cutout portion 39 in the first side surface 35 is deformed toward the inner direction of the main body portion 30 and is again in the state of FIG.
- the state shown in FIG. 5is obtained.
- each surface constituting the main body portion 30 of the protective cap 2is made elastically deformable, and the first side surface 35 is formed with a notch 39 on the rear side in the insertion direction of the fitting portion 38, Since the deformation is not restricted on the rear side in the insertion direction of the region to be fitted to the fitted portion 25 of the housing 10, the first side surface 35 can be easily deformed at the time of fitting. Insertion and extraction can be made smooth. Moreover, since the force applied to the fitting portion 38 can be reduced, it is possible to prevent the fitting portion 38 from being scraped and generating dust.
- the fitting portion 38is provided only on the first side surface 35 constituting the main body portion 30, but the fitting portion 38 may be provided on the second side surface 36, and in this case, the housing Corresponding to this, it is necessary to form the fitted portions 25 on both sides.
- the notch 39is formed from the first side surface 35 to the rear end surface 34.
- the notch 39restricts deformation on one side of at least the region having the fitting portion 38 of the first side surface 35. Therefore, the first side surface 35 may be provided in a slit shape or the like.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
Abstract
Description
本発明は、光信号の送受信モジュールと光ファイバーとを結合する光コネクターに取付けられる保護キャップに関し、特に光コネクターを構成するハウジングに対して挿入に伴って嵌合する嵌合部を備えた保護キャップに関する。The present invention relates to a protective cap that is attached to an optical connector that couples an optical signal transmission / reception module and an optical fiber, and more particularly, to a protective cap that includes a fitting portion that fits into a housing constituting the optical connector upon insertion. .
従来、光通信を行うにあたって、通信を行う機器を光ネットワークに接続するため、光コネクターが用いられる。光コネクターは、光ファイバーを保持するプラグが連結されるハウジングを有しており、このハウジングに、光ファイバーからの光信号を受信する受信モジュールや光ファイバーに光信号を送る送信モジュールが搭載されている。また、ハウジング内には、光ファイバーを保持する保持部や、送受信モジュールと光ファイバーの間に設けられるレンズなどが設けられる。Conventionally, when performing optical communication, an optical connector is used to connect a device that performs communication to an optical network. The optical connector has a housing to which a plug for holding an optical fiber is connected, and a receiving module for receiving an optical signal from the optical fiber and a transmission module for transmitting the optical signal to the optical fiber are mounted in the housing. In the housing, a holding unit for holding the optical fiber, a lens provided between the transmission / reception module and the optical fiber, and the like are provided.
光コネクターは、製造から輸送の過程においては、プラグは連結されておらず単体の状態であるため、そのままでは保持部やレンズなどが剥き出しの状態となる。このときにハウジングの内部にゴミや埃等が侵入すると、光学的な性能に支障を来すことも考えられる。このため、光コネクターを単体で輸送等するときには、ハウジングに保護キャップが挿入され取付けられる。In the process of manufacturing and transportation, the plug is not connected and the optical connector is in a single state, so that the holding part and the lens are exposed as they are. At this time, if dust, dust or the like enters the inside of the housing, the optical performance may be hindered. For this reason, when the optical connector is transported alone, the protective cap is inserted and attached to the housing.
保護キャップは、ハウジングの内周面に略適合する形状を有し、特にハウジング内において光ファイバーを保持する保持部を覆う保護被覆部を挿入方向前端面に有し、また挿入方向後端面には挿抜を行うためのつまみ部を有している。保護キャップの側面には、ハウジングの内周面と嵌合する嵌合部が突出状に形成される。このような保護キャップとしては、例えば特許文献１に挙げるようなものがある。The protective cap has a shape that substantially fits the inner peripheral surface of the housing, and in particular has a protective covering portion that covers the holding portion that holds the optical fiber in the housing on the front end surface in the insertion direction, and is inserted and removed on the rear end surface in the insertion direction. It has a knob part for performing. On the side surface of the protective cap, a fitting portion that fits with the inner peripheral surface of the housing is formed in a protruding shape. Examples of such a protective cap include those described inPatent Document 1.
保護キャップの側面に形成される嵌合部は、ハウジング内への挿入に伴い、ハウジングの内周面に押圧されて一旦変形し、ハウジングの内周面に形成された被嵌合部に嵌合することにより、再び元の形状に戻り、これによって保護キャップがハウジングから容易に抜けないようにすることができる。The fitting part formed on the side surface of the protective cap is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the housing and temporarily deformed as it is inserted into the housing, and is fitted to the fitted part formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing. By doing so, it can return to its original shape again, thereby preventing the protective cap from being easily removed from the housing.
しかし、従来の保護キャップは、嵌合部が変形しにくいため、ハウジングに対する挿抜を円滑に行うことができなかった。ハウジング内周面の入口部は、保護キャップの外周面位置と略同位置となる壁面が形成されており、保護キャップをハウジング内に挿入していくと、この壁面によって保護キャップの嵌合部を有する面がその内部方向に変形する。この際に嵌合部にかかる力は、ハウジングの壁面と直交する方向であり、これは保護キャップを圧縮する方向であるため、該方向の力で保護キャップを変形させるには、大きな力が必要となっていた。However, the conventional protective cap cannot be smoothly inserted into and removed from the housing because the fitting portion is not easily deformed. The inlet portion of the inner peripheral surface of the housing is formed with a wall surface that is substantially the same position as the outer peripheral surface position of the protective cap, and when the protective cap is inserted into the housing, the fitting portion of the protective cap is inserted by this wall surface. The surface it has is deformed in its internal direction. At this time, the force applied to the fitting portion is in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface of the housing, and this is the direction in which the protective cap is compressed. Therefore, a large force is required to deform the protective cap with the force in this direction. It was.
保護キャップの嵌合の際に大きな力が必要であることにより、保護キャップのハウジングに対する挿抜がしにくく、また嵌合時に嵌合部がハウジングの内周面によって削られてしまうこともあり、このとき生じたゴミがハウジング内に侵入することで、光ファイバーの保持部やレンズに悪影響を及ぼす可能性もあった。Since a large force is required when fitting the protective cap, it is difficult to insert and remove the protective cap from the housing, and the fitting portion may be scraped by the inner peripheral surface of the housing during fitting. There was a possibility that the dust generated at this time would enter the housing and adversely affect the optical fiber holding part and the lens.
本発明は前記課題を鑑みてなされたものであり、ハウジングに対し円滑に挿抜でき、嵌合部が保護キャップの内周面で削られることも防止することのできる保護キャップを提供することを目的とする。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a protective cap that can be smoothly inserted into and removed from the housing, and that the fitting portion can be prevented from being scraped by the inner peripheral surface of the protective cap. And
前記課題を解決するため、本発明に係る保護キャップは、光ファイバーを保持したプラグが挿入されるハウジングを備えた光コネクターに対し、前記プラグの代わりに挿入される保護キャップにおいて、
前記ハウジングのプラグが挿入される領域に略適合する外形状を有した本体部と、該本体部の挿入方向後端面から後方に向かって伸びるつまみ部とを有し、
前記本体部は、前記ハウジングに設けられるファイバー保持部を覆う保護被覆部を有し前記後端面と対向する前端面と、該前端面と後端面とを繋ぐ両側の側面とを有すると共に、前記前端面と後端面及び側面で囲まれる内部は中空状とされて、前記側面は中空内部方向に撓むように弾性変形可能とされ、
少なくとも一方の前記側面には前記ハウジングに嵌合する突起状の嵌合部が形成され、該嵌合部が形成された前記側面は、前記嵌合部の挿入方向後方に切欠部を備えてなることを特徴として構成されている。In order to solve the above problems, a protective cap according to the present invention is a protective cap inserted in place of the plug for an optical connector having a housing into which a plug holding an optical fiber is inserted.
A main body having an outer shape substantially matching a region where the plug of the housing is inserted, and a knob portion extending rearward from the rear end surface in the insertion direction of the main body,
The main body has a protective covering for covering a fiber holding portion provided in the housing, has a front end face facing the rear end face, and side faces on both sides connecting the front end face and the rear end face, and the front end. The interior surrounded by the surface, the rear end surface and the side surface is hollow, and the side surface is elastically deformable so as to bend in the hollow interior direction.
At least one of the side surfaces is formed with a protrusion-like fitting portion that fits into the housing, and the side surface on which the fitting portion is formed includes a notch at the rear of the fitting portion in the insertion direction. It is configured as a feature.
前記ハウジングのプラグが挿入される領域に略適合する外形状を有した本体部と、該本体部の挿入方向後端面から後方に向かって伸びるつまみ部とを有し、
前記本体部は、前記ハウジングに設けられるファイバー保持部を覆う保護被覆部を有し前記後端面と対向する前端面と、該前端面と後端面とを繋ぐ両側の側面とを有すると共に、前記前端面と後端面及び側面で囲まれる内部は中空状とされて、前記側面は中空内部方向に撓むように弾性変形可能とされ、
少なくとも一方の前記側面には前記ハウジングに嵌合する突起状の嵌合部が形成され、該嵌合部が形成された前記側面は、前記嵌合部の挿入方向後方に切欠部を備えてなることを特徴として構成されている。In order to solve the above problems, a protective cap according to the present invention is a protective cap inserted in place of the plug for an optical connector having a housing into which a plug holding an optical fiber is inserted.
A main body having an outer shape substantially matching a region where the plug of the housing is inserted, and a knob portion extending rearward from the rear end surface in the insertion direction of the main body,
The main body has a protective covering for covering a fiber holding portion provided in the housing, has a front end face facing the rear end face, and side faces on both sides connecting the front end face and the rear end face, and the front end. The interior surrounded by the surface, the rear end surface and the side surface is hollow, and the side surface is elastically deformable so as to bend in the hollow interior direction.
At least one of the side surfaces is formed with a protrusion-like fitting portion that fits into the housing, and the side surface on which the fitting portion is formed includes a notch at the rear of the fitting portion in the insertion direction. It is configured as a feature.
また、本発明に係る保護キャップは、前記嵌合部は前記側面の下端部に形成され、前記切欠部は前記側面の下端に係るように形成されることを特徴として構成されている。Also, the protective cap according to the present invention is characterized in that the fitting portion is formed at the lower end portion of the side surface, and the notch portion is formed so as to be related to the lower end of the side surface.
さらに、本発明に係る保護キャップは、前記切欠部は前記側面から後端面にかけて連続状に形成されてなることを特徴として構成されている。Furthermore, the protective cap according to the present invention is characterized in that the notch is formed continuously from the side surface to the rear end surface.
さらにまた、本発明に係る保護キャップは、前記嵌合部を有する側面のうち前記切欠部の水平方向に位置する領域は、挿入時に前記ハウジングの内周面に設けられる突部に前記嵌合部が押圧されることにより、該領域の上方辺と前方辺に支持された状態で前記本体部の中空内部方向に変形することを特徴として構成されている。Furthermore, in the protective cap according to the present invention, the region located in the horizontal direction of the cutout portion of the side surface having the fitting portion is formed on the protrusion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing at the time of insertion. Is pressed, and is deformed in the hollow inner direction of the main body while being supported by the upper side and the front side of the region.
そして、本発明に係る保護キャップは、前記切欠部は、前記本体部の挿入方向と直交する方向の幅が、前記嵌合部が嵌合するハウジングの被嵌合部の前記本体部の挿入方向と直交する方向の幅と略同じであることを特徴として構成されている。In the protective cap according to the present invention, the cutout portion has a width in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the main body portion, and the insertion direction of the main body portion of the fitted portion of the housing into which the fitting portion is fitted. The width is substantially the same as the direction perpendicular to the direction.
本発明に係る保護キャップによれば、本体部の前端面と後端面及び側面で囲まれる内部は中空状とされて、側面は中空内部方向に撓むように弾性変形可能とされ、少なくとも一方の側面にはハウジングに嵌合する突起状の嵌合部が形成され、嵌合部が形成された側面は、嵌合部の挿入方向後方に切欠部を備えてなることにより、側面のうち嵌合部の挿入方向後方側について、変形が規制されないようにすることができるので、側面を内部方向に変形しやすくして、ハウジングに対し円滑に挿抜でき、また嵌合部が保護キャップの内周面で削られることも防止することができる。According to the protective cap of the present invention, the inside surrounded by the front end surface, the rear end surface and the side surface of the main body is hollow, and the side surface is elastically deformable so as to bend toward the hollow inner direction, and at least on one side surface. Is formed with a protruding fitting portion that fits into the housing, and the side surface on which the fitting portion is formed has a notch portion on the rear side in the insertion direction of the fitting portion. Since deformation on the rear side in the insertion direction can be prevented, the side surface can be easily deformed inward and smoothly inserted into and removed from the housing. It can also be prevented.
また、本発明に係る保護キャップによれば、嵌合部は側面の下端部に形成され、切欠部は側面の下端に係るように形成されることにより、嵌合部を有する側面の領域をより変形しやすくでき、より小さい力で挿抜することができる。Further, according to the protective cap according to the present invention, the fitting portion is formed at the lower end portion of the side surface, and the notch portion is formed so as to be related to the lower end of the side surface, so that the region of the side surface having the fitting portion is further increased. It can be easily deformed and can be inserted and removed with a smaller force.
さらに、本発明に係る保護キャップによれば、切欠部は側面から後端面にかけて連続状に形成されてなることにより、切欠部の形成を容易にすることができる。Furthermore, according to the protective cap of the present invention, the notch can be easily formed by forming the notch continuously from the side surface to the rear end surface.
さらにまた、本発明に係る保護キャップによれば、嵌合部を有する側面のうち切欠部の水平方向に位置する領域は、挿入時にハウジングの内周面に設けられる突部に嵌合部が押圧されることにより、領域の上方辺と前方辺に支持された状態で本体部の中空内部方向に変形することにより、嵌合部を有する側面のうち切欠部の水平方向に位置する領域は、下方辺と後方辺については変形が規制されないので、押圧により本体部の内部方向に変形しやすく、より確実に小さい力で挿抜をなすことができる。Furthermore, according to the protective cap of the present invention, the region located in the horizontal direction of the cutout portion of the side surface having the fitting portion is pressed by the protrusion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing during insertion. By being deformed in the hollow interior direction of the main body while being supported by the upper side and the front side of the region, the region located in the horizontal direction of the cutout portion of the side surface having the fitting portion is Since the deformation of the side and the rear side is not restricted, it can be easily deformed in the inner direction of the main body by pressing, and can be more reliably inserted / removed with a small force.
そして、本発明に係る保護キャップによれば、切欠部は、本体部の挿入方向と直交する方向の幅が、嵌合部が嵌合するハウジングの被嵌合部の本体部の挿入方向と直交する方向の幅と略同じであることにより、嵌合がなされる側面領域の全域について、より小さい力で変形させることができる。And according to the protective cap which concerns on this invention, the notch part has the width | variety of the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of a main-body part orthogonal to the insertion direction of the main-body part of the to-be-fitted part of the housing which a fitting part fits. Since the width is approximately the same as the width in the direction in which the fitting is performed, the entire side surface region to be fitted can be deformed with a smaller force.
本発明の実施形態について、図面に沿って詳細に説明する。図１には本実施形態における光コネクターと保護キャップの分解斜視図を示している。本実施形態の光コネクター１は、レセプタクルとして使用されるものであり、合成樹脂で形成された非導電性のハウジング１０の内部に、プラグに保持された光ファイバーを保持するファイバー保持部１１が形成されている。また、図示しないが、ハウジング１０の内部であってファイバー保持部１１の奥側には、光ファイバーと光学的に結合される結合素子及び送受信モジュールが設けられる。Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the optical connector and the protective cap in the present embodiment. Theoptical connector 1 of this embodiment is used as a receptacle, and afiber holding portion 11 that holds an optical fiber held by a plug is formed inside anon-conductive housing 10 formed of a synthetic resin. ing. Although not shown, a coupling element and a transmission / reception module that are optically coupled to the optical fiber are provided inside thehousing 10 and behind thefiber holder 11.
光コネクター１は、図１に示す手前側の面が開口した略箱状に形成されており、天面２０と、この天面２０と対向する底面２１と、天面２０及び底面２１と直交する第１側面２２及び第２側面２３とを有している。図１に示す手前側の面は、全面が開口して開口部２４を構成しており、開口部２４からハウジング１０の内部にプラグまたは保護キャップ２を挿入することができる。また、ハウジング１０は金属材からなるシールド部材１２に覆われている。Theoptical connector 1 is formed in a substantially box shape whose front side surface shown in FIG. 1 is open, and has atop surface 20, abottom surface 21 facing thetop surface 20, and atop surface 20 and abottom surface 21. It has afirst side surface 22 and asecond side surface 23. The entire front surface shown in FIG. 1 is open to form anopening 24, and the plug or theprotective cap 2 can be inserted into thehousing 10 from theopening 24. Thehousing 10 is covered with ashield member 12 made of a metal material.
プラグが取付けられない単体の状態の光コネクター１に対しては、開口部２４からハウジング１０内部に保護キャップ２が挿入されて取付けられる。図１に示すように、保護キャップ２は、ハウジング１０の内部形状に略適合する外形状を有した本体部３０と、本体部３０の挿入方向に対する後端面３４から突出状に形成されたつまみ部３１とを有して構成されている。Theprotective cap 2 is inserted into thehousing 10 from theopening 24 and attached to theoptical connector 1 in a single state where the plug cannot be attached. As shown in FIG. 1, theprotective cap 2 includes amain body portion 30 having an outer shape substantially matching the inner shape of thehousing 10, and a knob portion formed so as to protrude from therear end surface 34 in the insertion direction of themain body portion 30. 31.
図２には、保護キャップ２を光コネクター１に挿入して取付けた状態の斜視図を示している。この図に示すように、保護キャップ２を開口部２４からハウジング１０の内部に挿入すると、保護キャップ２の本体部３０は、ほぼハウジング１０内に納まり、つまみ部３１だけがハウジング１０から突出した状態となる。保護キャップ２をハウジング１０に挿入することで、後述のように本体部３０は側面でハウジング１０の内周面と嵌合し、保護キャップ２が自然に抜け落ちることを防止することができる。保護キャップ２が取付けられた状態において、所定以上の力でつまみ部３１を引くことで、本体部３０とハウジング１０の嵌合状態が解除され、保護キャップ２を光コネクター１から取り外すことができる。FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which theprotective cap 2 is inserted into theoptical connector 1 and attached. As shown in this figure, when theprotective cap 2 is inserted into thehousing 10 through theopening 24, themain body 30 of theprotective cap 2 is substantially contained in thehousing 10, and only theknob portion 31 protrudes from thehousing 10. It becomes. By inserting theprotective cap 2 into thehousing 10, themain body 30 can be fitted to the inner peripheral surface of thehousing 10 at the side as described later, and theprotective cap 2 can be prevented from falling off naturally. When theprotective cap 2 is attached, the fitting portion between themain body 30 and thehousing 10 is released by pulling theknob portion 31 with a predetermined force or more, and theprotective cap 2 can be detached from theoptical connector 1.
図３には、保護キャップ２の前端面３３側から見た斜視図を示している。保護キャップ２は、樹脂材によって形成される。図１及び図２に示すように、保護キャップ２の本体部３０は、挿入方向に対する前端面３３と、この前端面３３と対向しつまみ部３１を有する後端面３４と、前端面３３と後端面３４を繋ぎ互いに対向する第１側面３５及び第２側面３６とを有して概ね外形状を構成し、内部が中空状となるように、各面は薄肉状に形成されている。FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of theprotective cap 2 as viewed from the front end face 33 side. Theprotective cap 2 is formed of a resin material. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, themain body 30 of theprotective cap 2 includes afront end surface 33 with respect to the insertion direction, arear end surface 34 facing thefront end surface 33 and having aknob portion 31, afront end surface 33 and a rear end surface. Thefirst side surface 35 and thesecond side surface 36 that are connected to each other and have afirst side surface 35 and asecond side surface 36 that form a generally outer shape, and each surface is formed thin so that the interior is hollow.
本体部３０の中空内部には、第１側面３５及び第２側面３６と平行で前端面３３と後端面３４を繋ぐように、２つの内壁面３７が形成されていて、本体部３０の内部を３つの領域に仕切っている。これら内壁面３７は、本体部３０の強度を確保するために設けられている。Two inner wall surfaces 37 are formed in the hollow interior of themain body portion 30 so as to be parallel to thefirst side surface 35 and thesecond side surface 36 so as to connect thefront end surface 33 and therear end surface 34. It is divided into three areas. These inner wall surfaces 37 are provided to ensure the strength of themain body 30.
前述のように、本体部３０を構成する各面は、樹脂材で薄肉状に形成されていることにより、本体部３０を圧縮する方向に弾性変形することができる。このうち、前端面３３と後端面３４は、これらの面方向と直交する方向に伸びる内壁面３７で繋がれているため、力を受けてもほとんど変形しない。一方、第１側面３５と第２側面３６は、内壁面３７と平行な方向に伸びているため、これらの影響を受けず本体部３０の内部方向に弾性変形することができる。As described above, each surface constituting themain body portion 30 can be elastically deformed in the direction of compressing themain body portion 30 by being formed thin with a resin material. Among these, thefront end surface 33 and therear end surface 34 are connected by aninner wall surface 37 extending in a direction orthogonal to these surface directions, and therefore hardly deform even when receiving a force. On the other hand, since thefirst side surface 35 and thesecond side surface 36 extend in a direction parallel to theinner wall surface 37, thefirst side surface 35 and thesecond side surface 36 can be elastically deformed in the inner direction of themain body 30 without being influenced by these.
本体部３０の前端面３３には、挿入方向に向かって突出する保護被覆部３２が形成されている。保護被覆部３２は、内部が中空の楕円形状をなすように形成されており、保護キャップ２をハウジング１０に挿入した際に、ハウジング１０内のファイバー保持部１１を覆って、結合素子や送受信モジュール側にゴミや埃等が侵入しないように保護する。また、本体部３０の第１側面３５と第２側面３６は、いずれも前端面３３よりも挿入方向前方まで伸びるように形成されている。Aprotective covering portion 32 that protrudes in the insertion direction is formed on thefront end surface 33 of themain body portion 30. Theprotective covering portion 32 is formed so as to have a hollow elliptical shape. When theprotective cap 2 is inserted into thehousing 10, theprotective covering portion 32 covers thefiber holding portion 11 in thehousing 10, and the coupling element or the transmission / reception module. Protect the side from dust and dirt. In addition, thefirst side surface 35 and thesecond side surface 36 of themain body 30 are both formed to extend further forward in the insertion direction than thefront end surface 33.
図１に示すように、保護キャップ２の本体部３０を構成する第１側面３５には、挿入方向後方の下端部に、突起状の嵌合部３８が形成されている。嵌合部３８は、第１側面３５に対して角度をなして立ち上がる立ち上がり面３８ｂと、立ち上がり面３８ｂの先端から第１側面３５と平行な方向に伸びる突出面３８ａとからなっており、第１側面３５の下端部に形成されている。As shown in FIG. 1, a protrudingfitting portion 38 is formed on thefirst side surface 35 constituting themain body portion 30 of theprotective cap 2 at the lower end on the rear side in the insertion direction. Thefitting portion 38 includes a risingsurface 38b that rises at an angle with respect to thefirst side surface 35, and aprotruding surface 38a that extends in a direction parallel to thefirst side surface 35 from the tip of the risingsurface 38b. It is formed at the lower end of theside surface 35.
本体部３０の第１側面３５から後端面３４にかけて、下端部が切り欠かれることで切欠部３９が形成されている。切欠部３９は、第１側面３５のうち嵌合部３８よりも挿入方向後方から、第１側面３５と隣接する後端面３４に渡って連続状に形成されている。また、切欠部３９は、下端部が切り欠かれているので、第１側面３５及び後端面３４の下端に係る形態を有している。これにより、第１側面３５の嵌合部３８を含む切欠部３９以外の領域の下端面は、切欠部３９の領域の下端面よりも下方にあることとなる。このため、第１側面３５が面方向と直交する方向に力を受けた場合、切欠部３９の水平方向に位置する第１側面３５の下端部領域は、該領域の上方辺及び前方辺に支持される一方、該領域の下方辺及び後方辺については変形が規制されない状態で、本体部３０の中空内部方向に変形することとなる。From thefirst side surface 35 to therear end surface 34 of themain body 30, anotch 39 is formed by notching the lower end. Thecutout portion 39 is formed continuously from the rear side in the insertion direction of thefirst side surface 35 to therear end surface 34 adjacent to thefirst side surface 35 from thefitting portion 38. Moreover, since the lower end part is notched, thenotch part 39 has the form which concerns on the lower end of the1st side surface 35 and the rear-end surface 34. FIG. Thereby, the lower end surface of the region other than thenotch 39 including thefitting portion 38 of thefirst side surface 35 is located below the lower end surface of the region of thenotch 39. For this reason, when thefirst side surface 35 receives a force in a direction perpendicular to the surface direction, the lower end region of thefirst side surface 35 positioned in the horizontal direction of thenotch 39 is supported by the upper side and the front side of the region. On the other hand, the lower side and the rear side of the region are deformed in the hollow inner direction of themain body 30 in a state where the deformation is not restricted.
図４には、保護キャップ２を光コネクター１に取付ける途中の状態における横断面図を示している。この図は、保護キャップ２の嵌合部３８及び切欠部３９を含む平面で切って底面側から見た断面図を表している。図４に示すように、光コネクター１を構成するハウジング１０の内周面には、両側に保護キャップ２の本体部３０と略同幅となるように内側壁面２７が形成されている。FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view in a state where theprotective cap 2 is being attached to theoptical connector 1. This figure shows a cross-sectional view of theprotective cap 2 as viewed from the bottom side by cutting along a plane including thefitting portion 38 and thecutout portion 39. As shown in FIG. 4, inner wall surfaces 27 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of thehousing 10 constituting theoptical connector 1 so as to have substantially the same width as themain body portion 30 of theprotective cap 2 on both sides.
ハウジング１０の内側壁面２７のうち、保護キャップ２の第１側面３５が挿入される側の面には、第１側面３５の嵌合部３８が嵌合される被嵌合部２５が形成されている。被嵌合部２５は、少なくとも内側壁面２７から凹状となるように形成されており、本実施形態ではハウジング１０を貫通するように形成されている。被嵌合部２５よりも開口部２４側は、内側壁面２７を構成する開口壁面部２６が形成されている。Of theinner wall surface 27 of thehousing 10, a fittedportion 25 to which thefitting portion 38 of thefirst side surface 35 is fitted is formed on the surface on the side where thefirst side surface 35 of theprotective cap 2 is inserted. Yes. The fittedportion 25 is formed so as to be concave from at least theinner wall surface 27, and is formed so as to penetrate thehousing 10 in this embodiment. An openingwall surface portion 26 that forms aninner wall surface 27 is formed on theopening 24 side of the fittedportion 25.
開口壁面部２６は、図１に示されているように、ハウジング１０の第１側面２２のうち上下部に形成されており、これらがハウジング１０の入口部分において保護キャップ２の第１側面３５をガイドする。本体部３０の嵌合部３８は、挿入方向と直交する方向の幅が、開口壁面部２６の幅よりも大きく形成されているが、ハウジング１０の被嵌合部２５は、開口壁面部２６と同じ幅を有するから、嵌合の機能を果たすのは、下端から開口壁面部２６の挿入方向と直交する方向の幅と同幅の領域となる。As shown in FIG. 1, the openingwall surface portion 26 is formed on the upper and lower portions of thefirst side surface 22 of thehousing 10, and these form thefirst side surface 35 of theprotective cap 2 at the inlet portion of thehousing 10. To guide. Thefitting portion 38 of themain body 30 is formed so that the width in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction is larger than the width of the openingwall surface portion 26. Since they have the same width, the area that has the same width as the width in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the openingwall surface portion 26 is fulfilled from the lower end.
本体部３０の第１側面３５のうち、切欠部３９の水平方向に位置する嵌合部３８を含む領域は、該領域の上方辺及び前方辺に支持された状態で弾性変形することができる。この領域の挿入方向と直交する方向の幅は、切欠部３９の幅に相当し、これがハウジング１０の開口壁面部２６と略同じ幅である。すなわち、切欠部３９は、本体部３０のハウジング１０に対する挿入に伴い、開口壁面部２６に押圧される領域の幅を有するように形成されていることになる。Of thefirst side surface 35 of themain body 30, the region including thefitting portion 38 positioned in the horizontal direction of thenotch 39 can be elastically deformed while being supported by the upper side and the front side of the region. The width of this region in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction corresponds to the width of thecutout portion 39, which is substantially the same width as the openingwall surface portion 26 of thehousing 10. That is, thenotch 39 is formed so as to have a width of a region pressed against the openingwall surface portion 26 as themain body 30 is inserted into thehousing 10.
図５には、図４のうち嵌合部３８及び被嵌合部２５付近の拡大図を示している。この図に示すように、本体部３０を構成する第１側面３５は、ハウジング１０の開口壁面部２６に当接あるいは極めて近接した状態で挿入がなされる。また、嵌合部３８の突出面３８ａの第１側面３５からの高さは、第１側面３５と開口壁面部２６との隙間よりも大きい。FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of thefitting portion 38 and the fittedportion 25 in FIG. As shown in this figure, thefirst side surface 35 constituting themain body portion 30 is inserted in a state where thefirst side surface 35 is in contact with or very close to the openingwall surface portion 26 of thehousing 10. Further, the height of the protrudingsurface 38 a of thefitting portion 38 from thefirst side surface 35 is larger than the gap between thefirst side surface 35 and the openingwall surface portion 26.
図６には、図５よりも本体部３０をハウジング１０内に挿入した状態の拡大図を示している。この図に示すように、本体部３０をハウジング１０に挿入していくと、嵌合部３８が開口壁面部２６によって本体部３０の内部方向に向かって押圧される。嵌合部３８を構成する挿入方向前端側の立ち上がり面３８ｂは、挿入方向後方側に傾斜するように形成されており、一方で開口壁面部２６の開口端には傾斜面部２６ａが形成されているので、嵌合部３８は開口壁面部２６に乗り上げるように移動し、第１側面３５のうち切欠部３９の水平方向に位置する領域が、本体部３０の内部方向に向かって変形する。FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the state where themain body 30 is inserted into thehousing 10 as compared with FIG. As shown in this figure, when themain body portion 30 is inserted into thehousing 10, thefitting portion 38 is pressed toward the inside of themain body portion 30 by the openingwall surface portion 26. A risingsurface 38b on the front end side in the insertion direction that constitutes thefitting portion 38 is formed so as to be inclined rearward in the insertion direction, while aninclined surface portion 26a is formed at the opening end of the openingwall surface portion 26. Therefore, thefitting portion 38 moves so as to ride on the openingwall surface portion 26, and the region of thefirst side surface 35 located in the horizontal direction of thecutout portion 39 is deformed toward the inner direction of themain body portion 30.
第１側面３５が開口壁面部２６により変形する際、変形する領域の挿入方向後方側は、切欠部３９があって変形が規制されないから、図６に示されているように第１側面３５の断面は片持ち状となって、挿入方向後方に向かって本体部３０の内部側により大きく変形する。これによって、第１側面３５を変形させるために必要な力を比較的小さくすることができる。When thefirst side surface 35 is deformed by the openingwall surface portion 26, the rear side in the insertion direction of the region to be deformed has anotch 39 and the deformation is not restricted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. The cross section is cantilevered and is greatly deformed toward the inner side of themain body 30 toward the rear in the insertion direction. Thereby, the force required to deform thefirst side surface 35 can be made relatively small.
前述のように第１側面３５は弾性変形可能となるように構成されているから、切欠部３９がなくても開口壁面部２６の押圧により変形させることは可能であるが、そのためには大きな力が必要である。これに対し、切欠部３９を設けることで、第１側面３５を変形させるために必要な力を小さくすることができる。Since thefirst side surface 35 is configured to be elastically deformable as described above, thefirst side surface 35 can be deformed by pressing the openingwall surface portion 26 even without thenotch portion 39. is required. On the other hand, by providing thenotch 39, the force required to deform thefirst side surface 35 can be reduced.
図７には、本体部３０をハウジング１０内に挿入し終わった状態の拡大図を示している。この図に示すように、本体部３０をハウジング１０の最深部まで挿入した状態において、嵌合部３８はハウジング１０の被嵌合部２５に納まり、挿入方向後端側の立ち上がり面３８ｂが、開口壁面部２６の端部に当接した状態となる。また、これに伴い、第１側面３５の変形も元に戻ることとなる。FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the state in which themain body 30 has been inserted into thehousing 10. As shown in this figure, in a state where themain body 30 is inserted to the deepest part of thehousing 10, thefitting part 38 is accommodated in the fittedpart 25 of thehousing 10, and the risingsurface 38b on the rear end side in the insertion direction is opened. It will be in the state contact | abutted to the edge part of thewall surface part 26. FIG. Along with this, the deformation of thefirst side surface 35 is also restored.
図７の状態から本体部３０をハウジング１０から引き抜く際には、嵌合部３８の挿入方向後端側の立ち上がり面３８ｂが、挿入方向前方側に傾斜するように形成されていることにより、嵌合部３８は開口壁面部２６に乗り上げるように移動し、第１側面３５のうち切欠部３９の水平方向に位置する領域が、本体部３０の内部方向に向かって変形して再び図６の状態となり、さらに引き抜くと図５の状態となる。When themain body 30 is pulled out of thehousing 10 from the state of FIG. 7, the risingsurface 38b on the rear end side in the insertion direction of thefitting portion 38 is formed so as to be inclined forward in the insertion direction. The joiningportion 38 moves so as to ride on the openingwall surface portion 26, and the region located in the horizontal direction of thecutout portion 39 in thefirst side surface 35 is deformed toward the inner direction of themain body portion 30 and is again in the state of FIG. When it is further pulled out, the state shown in FIG. 5 is obtained.
このように、保護キャップ２の本体部３０を構成する各面を、弾性変形可能となるようにし、第１側面３５には嵌合部３８の挿入方向後方側に切欠部３９を形成して、ハウジング１０の被嵌合部２５に嵌合する領域の挿入方向後方側について、変形が規制されないようにしたことで、嵌合に際して第１側面３５を変形しやすくすることができ、保護キャップ２の挿抜を円滑にすることができる。また、嵌合部３８にかかる力も小さくすることができるので、嵌合部３８が削れてゴミが発生することを防止できる。Thus, each surface constituting themain body portion 30 of theprotective cap 2 is made elastically deformable, and thefirst side surface 35 is formed with anotch 39 on the rear side in the insertion direction of thefitting portion 38, Since the deformation is not restricted on the rear side in the insertion direction of the region to be fitted to the fittedportion 25 of thehousing 10, thefirst side surface 35 can be easily deformed at the time of fitting. Insertion and extraction can be made smooth. Moreover, since the force applied to thefitting portion 38 can be reduced, it is possible to prevent thefitting portion 38 from being scraped and generating dust.
以上、本発明の実施形態について説明したが、本発明の適用は本実施形態には限られず、その技術的思想の範囲内において様々に適用されうるものである。例えば、本実施形態では本体部３０を構成する第１側面３５のみに嵌合部３８を設けているが、第２側面３６にも嵌合部３８を設けてもよく、この場合には、ハウジング１０にもこれに対応して両側に被嵌合部２５を形成する必要がある。As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, application of this invention is not restricted to this embodiment, It can apply variously within the range of the technical idea. For example, in this embodiment, thefitting portion 38 is provided only on thefirst side surface 35 constituting themain body portion 30, but thefitting portion 38 may be provided on thesecond side surface 36, and in this case, the housing Corresponding to this, it is necessary to form the fittedportions 25 on both sides.
また、本実施形態では切欠部３９を第１側面３５から後端面３４にかけて形成しているが、切欠部３９は少なくとも第１側面３５の嵌合部３８を有する領域について、一方側の変形が規制されないように構成されていればよいので、第１側面３５にスリット状となるように設けるなどしてもよい。In this embodiment, thenotch 39 is formed from thefirst side surface 35 to therear end surface 34. However, thenotch 39 restricts deformation on one side of at least the region having thefitting portion 38 of thefirst side surface 35. Therefore, thefirst side surface 35 may be provided in a slit shape or the like.
１ 光コネクター
２ 保護キャップ
１０ ハウジング
１１ ファイバー保持部
１２ シールド部材
２０ 天面
２１ 底面
２２ 第１側面
２３ 第２側面
２４ 開口部
２５ 被嵌合部
２６ 開口壁面部
２７ 内側壁面
３０ 本体部
３１ つまみ部
３２ 保護被覆部
３３ 前端面
３４ 後端面
３５ 第１側面
３６ 第２側面
３７ 内壁面
３８ 嵌合部
３９ 切欠部DESCRIPTION OFSYMBOLS 1Optical connector 2Protective cap 10Housing 11Fiber holding part 12Shield member 20Top surface 21 Bottom face 221st side surface 232nd side surface 24Opening part 25Fit part 26 Openingwall surface part 27Inner wall surface 30Main part 31Knob part 32Protective covering portion 33Front end surface 34Rear end surface 35First side surface 36Second side surface 37Inner wall surface 38Fitting portion 39 Notch portion
２ 保護キャップ
１０ ハウジング
１１ ファイバー保持部
１２ シールド部材
２０ 天面
２１ 底面
２２ 第１側面
２３ 第２側面
２４ 開口部
２５ 被嵌合部
２６ 開口壁面部
２７ 内側壁面
３０ 本体部
３１ つまみ部
３２ 保護被覆部
３３ 前端面
３４ 後端面
３５ 第１側面
３６ 第２側面
３７ 内壁面
３８ 嵌合部
３９ 切欠部DESCRIPTION OF
Claims (5)
- 光ファイバーを保持したプラグが挿入されるハウジングを備えた光コネクターに対し、前記プラグの代わりに挿入される保護キャップにおいて、
前記ハウジングのプラグが挿入される領域に略適合する外形状を有した本体部と、該本体部の挿入方向後端面から後方に向かって伸びるつまみ部とを有し、
前記本体部は、前記ハウジングに設けられるファイバー保持部を覆う保護被覆部を有し前記後端面と対向する前端面と、該前端面と後端面とを繋ぐ両側の側面とを有すると共に、前記前端面と後端面及び側面で囲まれる内部は中空状とされて、前記側面は中空内部方向に撓むように弾性変形可能とされ、
少なくとも一方の前記側面には前記ハウジングに嵌合する突起状の嵌合部が形成され、該嵌合部が形成された前記側面は、前記嵌合部の挿入方向後方に切欠部を備えてなることを特徴とする保護キャップ。For an optical connector having a housing into which a plug holding an optical fiber is inserted, in a protective cap inserted instead of the plug,
A main body having an outer shape substantially matching a region where the plug of the housing is inserted, and a knob portion extending rearward from the rear end surface in the insertion direction of the main body,
The main body has a protective covering for covering a fiber holding portion provided in the housing, has a front end face facing the rear end face, and side faces on both sides connecting the front end face and the rear end face, and the front end. The interior surrounded by the surface, the rear end surface and the side surface is hollow, and the side surface is elastically deformable so as to bend in the hollow interior direction.
At least one of the side surfaces is formed with a protrusion-like fitting portion that fits into the housing, and the side surface on which the fitting portion is formed includes a notch at the rear of the fitting portion in the insertion direction. A protective cap characterized by that. - 前記嵌合部は前記側面の下端部に形成され、前記切欠部は前記側面の下端に係るように形成されることを特徴とする請求項１記載の保護キャップ。The protective cap according to claim 1, wherein the fitting portion is formed at a lower end portion of the side surface, and the notch portion is formed so as to be related to a lower end of the side surface.
- 前記切欠部は前記側面から後端面にかけて連続状に形成されてなることを特徴とする請求項２記載の保護キャップ。3. The protective cap according to claim 2, wherein the notch is formed continuously from the side surface to the rear end surface.
- 前記嵌合部を有する側面のうち前記切欠部の水平方向に位置する領域は、挿入時に前記ハウジングの内周面に設けられる突部に前記嵌合部が押圧されることにより、該領域の上方辺と前方辺に支持された状態で前記本体部の中空内部方向に変形することを特徴とする請求項２または３記載の保護キャップ。Of the side surface having the fitting portion, the region located in the horizontal direction of the notch portion is located above the region when the fitting portion is pressed by a protrusion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing at the time of insertion. 4. The protective cap according to claim 2, wherein the protective cap is deformed in a hollow inner direction of the main body while being supported by the side and the front side.
- 前記切欠部は、前記本体部の挿入方向と直交する方向の幅が、前記嵌合部が嵌合するハウジングの被嵌合部の前記本体部の挿入方向と直交する方向の幅と略同じであることを特徴とする請求項１～４のいずれか１項に記載の保護キャップ。The width of the cutout portion in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the main body portion is substantially the same as a width in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the main body portion of the fitted portion of the housing to which the fitting portion is fitted. The protective cap according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protective cap is provided.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2009-246060 | 2009-10-27 | ||
| JP2009246060AJP2013011633A (en) | 2009-10-27 | 2009-10-27 | Protection cap |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2011052356A1true WO2011052356A1 (en) | 2011-05-05 |
Family
ID=43921783
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2010/067577WO2011052356A1 (en) | 2009-10-27 | 2010-10-06 | Protective cap |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2013011633A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2011052356A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016041551A1 (en)* | 2014-09-16 | 2016-03-24 | HARTING Electronics GmbH | Protective cap for a plug connector housing |
| CN106226869A (en)* | 2016-07-29 | 2016-12-14 | 中航光电科技股份有限公司 | Socket dust guard and use the jack assemblies of this dust guard, rack |
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| JPH0794237A (en)* | 1993-09-27 | 1995-04-07 | Ryosei Denso Kk | Waterproof joint connector |
| JP2000501849A (en)* | 1995-12-08 | 2000-02-15 | シーメンス アクチエンゲゼルシヤフト | Sealing parts |
| JP2001027720A (en)* | 1999-07-13 | 2001-01-30 | Sanwa Denki Kogyo Co Ltd | Dustproof cap |
| JP3086628U (en)* | 2001-12-11 | 2002-06-28 | 伸金股▲ふん▼有限公司 | Dustproof cap for optical fiber socket |
- 2009
- 2009-10-27JPJP2009246060Apatent/JP2013011633A/ennot_activeWithdrawn
- 2010
- 2010-10-06WOPCT/JP2010/067577patent/WO2011052356A1/enactiveApplication Filing
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0794237A (en)* | 1993-09-27 | 1995-04-07 | Ryosei Denso Kk | Waterproof joint connector |
| JP2000501849A (en)* | 1995-12-08 | 2000-02-15 | シーメンス アクチエンゲゼルシヤフト | Sealing parts |
| JP2001027720A (en)* | 1999-07-13 | 2001-01-30 | Sanwa Denki Kogyo Co Ltd | Dustproof cap |
| JP3086628U (en)* | 2001-12-11 | 2002-06-28 | 伸金股▲ふん▼有限公司 | Dustproof cap for optical fiber socket |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016041551A1 (en)* | 2014-09-16 | 2016-03-24 | HARTING Electronics GmbH | Protective cap for a plug connector housing |
| CN106716730A (en)* | 2014-09-16 | 2017-05-24 | 浩亭电子有限公司 | Protective cap for a plug connector housing |
| US9799984B2 (en) | 2014-09-16 | 2017-10-24 | HARTING Electronics GmbH | Protective cap for a plug connector housing |
| CN106716730B (en)* | 2014-09-16 | 2019-01-22 | 浩亭电子有限公司 | Shield for plug-in connector shell |
| CN106226869A (en)* | 2016-07-29 | 2016-12-14 | 中航光电科技股份有限公司 | Socket dust guard and use the jack assemblies of this dust guard, rack |
| CN106226869B (en)* | 2016-07-29 | 2018-08-10 | 中航光电科技股份有限公司 | Socket dust guard and jack assemblies, the cabinet for using the dust guard |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2013011633A (en) | 2013-01-17 |
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