Optical connector enabling multicore structure by efficiently utilizing space

An optical connector for connecting an optical fiber to a connection counterpart in a first direction, said optical connector comprising:

• a plurality of aligned optical connector elements;
• and
• a first housing fitted over said optical connector elements collectively,
• each of sad optical connector elements comprising:
• a second housing for retaining said optical fiber, said second housing having a pair of main side surfaces opposite to each other in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction, and a pair of auxiliary side surfaces opposite to each other in a third direction perpendicular to said first and said second directions;
• an engaging member slidable relative to said second housing in said first direction;
• and
• a biasing member coupled to said second housing and said engaging member for biasing said second housing and said engaging member mutually opposite in said first direction,
• said engaging member comprising:
• a pair of engaging strips each extending along a corresponding one of said main side surfaces in said first direction and engaging with said corresponding one of said main side surfaces in a direction against said biasing member;
• a spring strip extending along one of said auxiliary side surfaces in said first while being spaced apart therefrom, and being elastically derformable in said third direction;
• and
• an outer retaining member joined with said spring strip for retaining another member in said first direction.