Optical connection structure, first connection body, first optical connector, second connection body, second optical connector, and method for manufacturing optical connection structure

A first connector for being used in an optical connection structure to connect a first ferrule and a second ferrule to each other,

• wherein, in the optical connection structure, a relative position of the first ferrule and the second ferrule is defined by inserting a positioning member disposed in a first positioning hole, the first positioning hole extending through the first ferrule in a first direction in which a first tip end surface of the first ferrule and a second tip end surface of the second ferrule are connected to each other, into a second positioning hole formed in the second tip end surface of the second ferrule,
• wherein the first connector is provided on the first ferrule,
• wherein the first connector includes
• a first support provided in the vicinity of a first rear end surface of the first ferrule opposite to the first tip end surface, the first support being configured to support the first ferrule in the first direction, and
• first fixing portions located around opposite sides of the first ferrule in a second direction crossing the first direction, the first fixing portions being formed integrally with the first support,
• wherein the first fixing portions are attachable and detachable to and from a second connector provided on the second ferrule, and
• wherein the first connector is configured to hold the positioning member.

A second connector for being used in an optical connection structure to connect a first ferrule and a second ferrule to each other,

• wherein the second connector is provided on the second ferrule,
• wherein the second connector includes
• a second support provided in the vicinity of a second rear end surface of the second ferrule opposite to a second tip end surface of the second ferrule, the second support being configured to support the second ferrule in a first direction in which a first tip end surface of the first ferrule and the second tip end surface of the second ferrule are connected to each other,
• second fixing portions located around opposite sides of the second ferrule in a second direction crossing the first direction, the second fixing portions being formed integrally with the second support, and
• a pair of second claws located around opposite sides of the second ferrule in a third direction, the pair of second claws being configured to hold the second ferrule in the third direction, the third direction crossing the first direction and the second direction, and
• wherein the second fixing portions are attachable and detachable to and from a first connector provided on the first ferrule.