Optical connector and optical connection structure

An optical connector, comprising:

• a plurality of optical fibers extending rearward along a first direction;
• a ferrule that holds front end portions of the plurality of optical fibers;
• a grip portion provided on an outer periphery of the plurality of optical fibers and disposed rearward of the ferrule;
• and
• a connecting portion disposed between the ferrule and the grip portion and connecting the ferrule and the grip portion,
• wherein the ferrule has a front end surface facing a mating ferrule in the first direction, a rear end surface facing away from the front end surface, a first side surface and a second side surface that intersect a second direction, which is a width direction of the ferrule, while facing away from each other with the plurality of optical fibers interposed between the first side surface and the second side surface, and that connect the front end surface and the rear end surface, and a first main surface and a second main surface that intersect a third direction, which is a thickness direction of the ferrule, while facing away from each other with the plurality of optical fibers interposed between the first main surface and the second main surface, and that connect the front end surface and the rear end surface,
• the connecting portion includes a first engaging portion that engages with the ferrule on the first main surface, and a second engaging portion that engages with the ferrule on the second main surface, and the ferrule is fixed to the connecting portion by the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, and
• an entirety of the first side surface and the second side surface is exposed.