Optical connector apparatus suitable for interconnection between different-diameter ferrules

Abstract

An optical connector apparatus includes a first connector having a first connecting portion adapted to be connected to and disconnected from a first connecting object in a first direction, a second connector which has a second connecting portion adapted to be connected to a second connection object and which is coupled to the first connector, and an optical fiber connected between the first and the second connectors. The first connector includes a first ferrule having an end portion formed at a position corresponding to the first connecting portion and having a first outer diameter. The second connector includes a second ferrule having an end portion formed at a position corresponding to the second connecting portion and having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. The optical fiber is coupled to the first and the second ferrules.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is an external perspective view of an optical connector apparatus according to a first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 1B is a longitudinal sectional perspective view of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the optical connector apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B together with a mating connector;

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the optical connector apparatus in FIG. 1 in a deformed state;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an optical connector apparatus according to a second embodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional side view of the optical connector apparatus in FIG. 4 when it is coupled to a mating connector.

Claims

1. An optical connector apparatus comprising: a first connector having a first connecting portion adapted to be connected to and disconnected from a first connecting object in a first direction;a second connector which has a second connecting portion adapted to be connected to a second connection object and which is coupled to the first connector; andan optical fiber connected between the first and the second connectors;wherein the first connector includes a first ferrule having an end portion formed at a position corresponding to the first connecting portion and having a first outer diameter;wherein the second connector includes a second ferrule having an end portion formed at a position corresponding to the second connecting portion and having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter; andwherein the optical fiber is coupled to the first and the second ferrules.

2. The optical connector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first connector is held by the second connector to be slidable in the first direction.

3. The optical connector apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the optical fiber has opposite ends fixed to the first and the second ferrules, respectively, so that the optical fiber has a portion to be extended straight and bent in response to sliding movement of the first connector.

4. The optical connector apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a guide formed between the first and the second connectors to guide sliding movement of the first connector.

5. The optical connector apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the guide having: a protruding portion formed on one of the first and the second connectors; anda recessed portion formed on the other of the first and the second connectors, extending in the first direction, and receiving the protruding portion.

6. The optical connector apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the guide has a restricting portion for restricting a movable region of the first connector.

7. The optical connector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first connector further comprises a housing holding the first ferrule, the first connecting portion being integrally formed with the housing.

8. The optical connector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second connector further comprises: a cylindrical housing; anda holding member fixed in the cylindrical housing and holding the second ferrule.

9. The optical connector apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first connector further comprises a housing holding the first ferrule and fitted to the cylindrical housing, the first connecting portion being integrally formed with the housing of the first connector.

10. The optical connector apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the housing of the first connector is slidable with respect to the cylindrical housing in the first direction.

11. The optical connector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first connector is a plug connector and the second connector is an adapter connector.