Optical fiber bundle connector and method of manufacturing optical fiber bundle connector

A method of manufacturing an optical fiber bundle connector, the method comprising:

• inserting each of a plurality of optical fibers, a portion of each of which is accommodated in a plastic tube, into an intermediate member having a cylindrical shape, inserting starting from a tip portion of each of the plurality of optical fibers, and causing a tip portion of the plastic tube to be held by the intermediate member;
• connecting a ferrule extending in a first direction and configured to hold a tip of each of the plurality of optical fibers to the intermediate member, and disposing a pressing member around the intermediate member;
• and
• accommodating at least a portion of the ferrule, the intermediate member, and at least a portion of the plastic tube in a frame member, and, by the pressing member, pressing the ferrule against the frame member toward a tip side of each of the plurality of optical fibers, wherein:
• the intermediate member includes a flange that holds a tip of the ferrule and a sleeve on an opposite side of the flange, the sleeve holding a tip of the plastic tube;
• a shortest distance between the flange and the sleeve is longer than a natural length of the pressing member;
• and
• a shortest distance between the flange and the frame member is shorter than the natural length of the pressing member, such that the pressing member presses against the frame member rather than against the sleeve.