JP2003202457A - Multi-core optical connector and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-core optical connector and its manufacturing method which can improve polishing precision and shorten a polishing time. <P>SOLUTION: The multi-core optical connector 10 provided with a plurality of optical fiber insertion holes 12 in which at least tip parts of a plurality of optical fibers are held while arrayed almost in parallel is provided with such a projection part 16 that at least an opening circumference of an end surface where the plurality of optical fiber insertion holes 12 are open projects from its outside to the axial tip sides of the optical fibers. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-fiber optical connector which holds a plurality of optical fibers in a state where they are aligned substantially parallel to each other and enables optical coupling between the optical fibers, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A fiber for optical communication is used by bonding and fixing the fiber in the center hole of a ferrule, which is a main member of a connector, and then polishing the end face of the ferrule and the end face of the fiber simultaneously to make them mirror-finished. If the polished surface of the ferrule and the fiber that have been polished is not a surface perpendicular to the central axis of the ferrule, or if the polished surface is scratched, the opposing position accuracy of the optical connector in which the ferrules are connected to each other is It deteriorates and the loss increases. Therefore, it is necessary to polish the polished surface of the ferrule including the optical fiber with high accuracy.

In addition, in the conventional optical connector, one optical fiber is held, whereas a plurality of optical fibers can be held to perform high-speed transmission of a large amount of data, for example, MT type, A multi-core optical connector such as MPO type is known.

FIG. 15 shows an MT type optical connector as an example of such a multi-fiber optical connector. Note that FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multi-core optical connector.

As shown, a multi-fiber optical connector 100
Is an optical fiber insertion hole 101 having a rectangular cross section with a rectangular cross section, and a plurality of optical fibers fixed by an adhesive, and an optical fiber core for holding an optical fiber core wire communicating with the optical fiber insertion hole 101. The wire holding hole 102 is provided, and an adhesive injection hole 103 for injecting an adhesive is provided above the optical fiber core wire holding hole 102, that is, on the side surface of the multi-fiber optical connector 100.
Is open.

A guide pin is inserted into one end surface of the multi-fiber optical connector 100 where the optical fiber insertion hole 101 is opened, and a guide pin for aligning with another multi-fiber optical connector is inserted in the opposite connection. A hole 104 is provided.

Further, the other end of the multi-fiber optical connector 100 opposite to the side where the guide pin insertion hole 104 is opened is
A brim portion 105 for holding an optical fiber cord in which the optical fiber core wire is coated is provided.

According to this multi-core optical connector 100, a plurality of optical fibers can be oppositely connected at one time.
In order to reduce the loss due to the improvement of the facing position accuracy with the downsizing, it is necessary to polish the end face with higher accuracy than the conventional single-core optical connector.

Further, in such a multi-fiber optical connector, since the end faces of a plurality of optical fibers are pressed against each other at the same time to make an optical connection, the end portions of the optical fibers are protruded by a predetermined amount from the end faces of the multi-fiber optical connector. It needs to be polished.

[0010]

However, in such a multi-fiber optical connector, after holding a plurality of optical fibers, the end face of the multi-fiber optical connector is polished to remove the optical fiber from the multi-fiber optical connector. Although the protrusion polishing was performed to cause a fixed amount of protrusion, the end face of the multi-fiber optical connector is a flat surface with a large area, so if the pressing force during polishing is increased, the polishing accuracy of the end face of the multi-fiber optical connector will be poor and the protrusion amount of the optical fiber However, there is a problem that polishing time will be required if the pressing force is reduced.

Further, in order to reduce the polishing amount of the end face of the multi-fiber optical connector by the protrusion polishing, the thickness in the direction orthogonal to the alignment direction of the optical fibers of the multi-fiber optical connector is reduced to reduce the area of the end face. Although it is possible to reduce the polishing amount by making it small, the multi-fiber optical connector needs an opening for filling with an adhesive that bonds the multi-fiber optical connector and the optical fiber, so that the thickness cannot be reduced. There is.

In view of such circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-fiber optical connector capable of improving polishing accuracy and shortening polishing time, and a manufacturing method thereof.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention which solves the above-mentioned problems, a plurality of optical fiber insertion holes for holding at least the tips of a plurality of optical fibers in a state where they are aligned substantially parallel to each other are provided. In the multi-core optical connector, at least the vicinity of the opening of the end face where the plurality of optical fiber insertion holes are opened is from the outside, that is, the periphery of the opening of the optical fiber insertion hole is the multi-fiber optical connector in which the optical fiber insertion hole is opened. A multi-fiber optical connector having a projecting portion projecting from the end face of the connector toward the tip end side in the axial direction of the optical fiber.

A second aspect of the present invention is the multi-fiber optical connector according to the first aspect, wherein the projecting portion has a substantially rectangular cross section.

A third aspect of the present invention is the multi-fiber optical connector according to the first aspect, characterized in that the projecting portion has a substantially arcuate cross section.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the multi-fiber optical connector according to the first aspect, characterized in that the protruding portion has a substantially trapezoidal cross section.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the protrusion amount of the protrusion is 1 μm to 1
It is a multi-fiber optical connector characterized by having a thickness of 50 μm. Furthermore, the protrusion amount of the protrusion is 1 μm to 5 μm.
It is a multi-fiber optical connector characterized by being 0 μm.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the optical fiber is held with its tip end surface protruding from the end surface of the protruding portion by a predetermined amount. It is in a multi-fiber optical connector.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the optical fiber is held so that a front end surface thereof is flush with an end surface of the protruding portion. It is a multi-fiber optical connector.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector having a plurality of optical fiber insertion holes for holding at least the tips of a plurality of optical fibers substantially in parallel,
At least the vicinity of the end face of the optical fiber insertion hole at which the end face of the multi-fiber optical connector opens is from the outside, that is, the periphery of the opening of the optical fiber insertion hole is the multi-core optical fiber insertion hole. A multi-fiber optical system comprising: a step of forming a protruding portion protruding from the end surface of the optical connector toward the front end side in the axial direction; and a step of polishing the front end surface of the protruding portion together with the front end surface of the optical fiber. It is in the method of manufacturing the connector.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to the eighth aspect, characterized in that in the step of polishing the protruding portion, polishing is performed until the protruding portion is eliminated.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is the method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to the eighth aspect, wherein in the step of polishing the protruding portion, polishing is performed so that the protruding portion remains. .

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, characterized in that the step of forming the protruding portion is performed by grinding. .

In a twelfth aspect of the present invention according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, in the step of polishing the protruding portion, the front end surface of the optical fiber is protruded by a predetermined amount from the front end surface of the protruding portion. A method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector is characterized by polishing as described above.

In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, in the step of polishing the protruding portion, the tip surface of the optical fiber is flush with the tip surface of the protruding portion. A method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector is characterized by polishing as described above.

In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, in the step of polishing the protruding portion, a substantially central portion where an optical fiber insertion hole at an end of the protruding portion is opened by a polishing member having a predetermined hardness. In the method for producing a multi-fiber optical connector, the outer peripheral portion is polished so as to be convex.

According to the present invention, by providing the protruding portion for opening the optical fiber insertion hole on the tip end surface of the multi-fiber optical connector, the polishing area for the protruding polishing of the optical fiber is made small to shorten the highly accurate polishing. Can be done in time.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail below based on embodiments.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view in which a main part of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is cut away, and FIG. 2 is a view of the multi-fiber optical connector shown in FIG. 2A is a plan view, FIG. 2A is a rear view of the multi-fiber optical connector, and FIG.
Is a top view of the multi-fiber optical connector, and FIG. 2C is a front view of the multi-fiber optical connector.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the multi-core optical connector 10 has an optical fiber insertion hole in which a plurality of optical fibers are fixed with an adhesive in a connector plug body 11 having a rectangular prismatic cross section. 12 and this optical fiber insertion hole 12
An optical fiber core wire holding hole 13 for communicating with the optical fiber and holding the optical fiber core wire coated on the outer circumference of the optical fiber. Above the optical fiber core wire holding hole 13, that is, in the multi-fiber optical connector 10. Adhesive input hole 14 for inputting adhesive on the upper surface
Is open.

On the tip surface 15 of the connector plug body 11 where the optical fiber insertion hole 12 is opened, there is provided a projecting portion 16 having a rectangular cross section projecting toward the axial tip side of the optical fiber. There is.

The protruding portion 16 is near the opening of the optical fiber insertion hole 12, that is, the optical fiber insertion hole 1 so that at least the optical fiber insertion hole 12 is opened at the end face 17.
It suffices that the periphery of the opening of No. 2 protrudes from the front end surface 15 toward the front end side in the axial direction of the optical fiber. In the present embodiment, the end surface of the protruding portion 16 is provided on both sides in the juxtaposed direction of the optical fiber insertion holes 12. Guide pin insertion hole 1 into which a guide pin is inserted for performing alignment when facing the multi-fiber optical connector
The protruding portion 16 is formed in such a size that 8 is opened.

Further, on the base end side opposite to the front end surface 15 of the connector plug main body 11 on which the protruding portion 16 of the connector plug main body 11 is provided, the optical fiber connecting hole 13 is communicated with the optical fiber. A flange portion 20 is provided in which an optical fiber cord holding hole 19 for holding an optical fiber cord with a coated core wire is provided.

In such a multi-fiber optical connector 10, since only the end surface 17 of the protruding portion 16 is polished, it is possible to perform the protruding polishing in which the tip portion of the optical fiber is protruded from the protruding portion 16 by a predetermined amount. Plug body 1
As compared with the case where the tip end surface 15 of No. 1 is polished, a smaller area is polished, and the polishing time can be shortened even if polishing is performed with a small pressure. Therefore, highly accurate polishing can be performed in a short time.

As a method of manufacturing such a multi-fiber optical connector 10, first, an optical fiber is fixed to the connector plug body 11 in which the protruding portion 16 is not formed, and then the protruding portion is formed at the tip of the connector plug body 11. 16 is formed.

As a method of forming the protruding portion 16,
The tip surface 15 and the protruding portion 16 of the connector plug body 11 can be formed at the tip portion of the connector plug body 11 by grinding with a disc-shaped die cutter, for example.

Although the protruding portion 16 is formed after the optical fiber is fixed to the connector plug body 11, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the protruding portion 16 may be formed after the optical fiber is fixed to the connector plug body 11. You may In such a case, the protruding portion 16 may be formed by grinding, or the connector plug body 11 provided with the protruding portion 16 may be simultaneously formed by molding.

Next, by polishing the end face 17 of the protrusion 16 where the optical fiber insertion hole 12 is opened, protrusion polishing is performed so that the tip of the optical fiber protrudes from this end face 17 by a predetermined amount.

Specifically, using a polishing member having a predetermined hardness,
Polishing is performed so that the substantially central portion of the end portion 17 of the protruding portion 16 where the optical fiber insertion hole 12 is opened becomes convex from the outer peripheral portion and becomes a dome shape. The polishing member in this polishing step includes an elastic member for polishing having a predetermined hardness, which is mounted on the upper surface of a polishing plate provided on the end face polishing apparatus so as to rotate and swing, and an elastic member for mounting on the upper surface of the elastic member for polishing. And a polishing sheet to be placed. The material of the elastic member for polishing is not particularly limited as long as the predetermined hardness can be appropriately adjusted, and examples thereof include rubber, elastomer, resin and the like. The hardness of the elastic member for polishing is 9
It is preferably 5 Hs or less. Then, protrusion polishing is performed in which the tip end of the optical fiber is protruded by a predetermined amount from the end face 17 having a substantially central portion as a convex surface from the outer peripheral portion.

In this protruding polishing, the area of the end surface 17 of the protruding portion 16 is such that the end surface 15 of the connector plug body 11 is
Since the area is smaller than the area, it is possible to perform highly accurate polishing in a short time.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the multi-fiber optical connector shown in FIG. 4B is a rear view of the multi-fiber optical connector, FIG. 4B is a top view of the multi-fiber optical connector, and FIG. 4C is a front view of the multi-fiber optical connector.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the above-described first embodiment, the protruding portion 16 is provided in the end face 17 so that the optical fiber insertion hole 12 and the guide pin insertion hole 18 are opened. In the second embodiment, the protruding portion 16A of the multi-fiber optical connector 10A is formed so that only the optical fiber insertion hole 12 is opened to the end surface 17A, and the guide pin insertion hole 18 is opened so that the tip end surface 15 of the connector plug body 11A.
The same as Embodiment 1 described above except that the opening is made to A.

In the case of such a protruding portion 16A,
The guide pin restricts the radial movement of the optical fiber between the multi-fiber optical connectors when the multi-fiber optical connector is opposed to another multi-fiber optical connector, and the guide pin insertion hole 18 for holding the guide pin is provided in the connector plug body. 11A tip surface 15
Since it is provided so as to open at A, the protruding portion 1
If the protrusion amount of 6A is increased, there is a problem that backlash or the like is generated and the optical fiber cannot be properly connected to the opposite side. Therefore, the protrusion amount of the protruding portion 16A from the tip surface 15A of the connector plug body 11A is 1 μm to 150 μm.
It is preferably set to μm. More preferably the protrusion 1
The amount of protrusion from the front end surface 15A of the connector plug body 11A of 6A is preferably 1 μm to 50 μm.

By using the multi-fiber optical connector 10A having such a protruding portion 16A, the area of the end face 17A of the protruding portion 16A can be further reduced.
The protrusion polishing of the optical fiber can be performed with high accuracy in a short time.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to Embodiment 3, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the multi-fiber optical connector shown in FIG. 6A is a rear view of the multi-fiber optical connector, FIG. 6B is a top view of the multi-fiber optical connector, and FIG. 6C is a front view of the multi-fiber optical connector.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the multi-fiber optical connector 10B of the third embodiment, the projecting portion 16B is the optical fiber insertion hole 1 in the tip surface 15B of the connector plug body 11B.
It is formed only in the vicinity of 2. Specifically, the protruding portion 16B of the third embodiment is the optical fiber insertion hole 1 in the tip end surface 15B of the optical connector plug body 11B of the multi-fiber optical connector 10B.
A plurality of tubular bodies each having a thickness half the pitch of the optical fibers are formed side by side around the second opening. Since the protruding portion 16B is provided only in the vicinity of the optical fiber insertion hole 12, the protruding portion 16B is elastically deformed when the end faces 17B of the protruding portion 16B of the multi-fiber optical connector are brought into contact with each other for optical connection. By doing so, it is possible to bring the end faces of the optical fibers into contact with each other for optical connection, and therefore, it is not necessary to perform the protrusion polishing for protruding the optical fiber by a predetermined amount from the end face 17B of the protrusion 16B. Of course, protrusion polishing may be performed to protrude the optical fiber from the end surface 17B of the protrusion 16B by a predetermined amount.

As described above, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 16B is formed so as to have the smallest end face 17B, so that it is not necessary to perform the protruding polishing of the optical fiber, and the polishing process can be simplified and the height can be increased. Accurate polishing can be performed in a short time.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a plan view of the multi-fiber optical connector shown in FIG. 8A is a rear view of the multi-fiber optical connector, FIG. 8B is a top view of the multi-fiber optical connector, and FIG. 8C is a front view of the multi-fiber optical connector.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the multi-fiber optical connector 10C of the fourth embodiment, a protruding portion 16C having a trapezoidal cross section is formed on the entire front surface of the connector plug body 11C.

On the end face 17C of the protruding portion 16C,
The optical fiber insertion hole 12 and the guide pin insertion hole 18 are opened.

Even with such a protruding portion 16C, the same effect as that of the above-described first embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the protruding portion 16C
Although the optical fiber insertion hole 12 and the guide pin insertion hole 18 are opened in the above, at least the optical fiber insertion hole may be opened in the end surface of the protruding portion.

Such an example is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. 9 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector showing another example of Embodiment 4, and FIG. 10 is a plan view of the multi-fiber optical connector shown in FIG. 10A is a rear view of the multi-fiber optical connector, FIG. 10B is a top view of the multi-fiber optical connector, and FIG.
(C) is a front view of a multi-fiber optical connector.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a protruding portion 16D having a trapezoidal cross section is formed on the tip surface 15D of the connector plug body 11D of the multi-fiber optical connector 10D, and the end surface 17D of the protruding portion 16D has a size in which only the optical fiber insertion hole 12 is opened. And the guide pin insertion hole 18 is provided in the connector plug body 11D.
The front end surface 15D of the above is opened.

In the case of such a protruding portion 16D, as in the second embodiment, the protruding amount of the protruding portion 16D from the tip surface 15D of the connector plug body 11D is 1 μm.
It is preferably set to 150 μm. More preferably, the tip surface 15 of the connector plug body 11D of the protruding portion 16D
The amount of protrusion from D is preferably 1 μm to 50 μm.

By using such a protruding portion 16D, the area for protruding polishing can be further reduced, and polishing with higher accuracy can be performed in a short time.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a fifth embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a plan view of the multi-fiber optical connector shown in FIG. 12A is a front view of the multi-fiber optical connector, FIG. 12B is a top view of the multi-fiber optical connector, and FIG. 12C is a side view of the multi-fiber optical connector.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the multi-fiber optical connector 10E of the fifth embodiment has a connector plug body 11
A protruding portion 16 having an arc-shaped cross section on the entire front end surface of E
E is formed.

The projecting portion 16E is formed so that the cross section in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the connector plug body 11E has a substantially arc shape, and the end surface of the projecting portion 16E is
The optical fiber insertion hole 12 and the guide pin insertion hole 18 are opened.

Even with such a protruding portion 16E, the same effect as that of the above-described first embodiment can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, such a protruding portion 16E has a substantially arcuate cross section in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the connector plug body 11E.
When the plurality of optical fibers held in the optical fiber insertion holes 12 arranged in parallel are opposedly connected, the tip of the connector plug body 11E of the protruding portion 16E is provided so that the opposite connection of the outer optical fibers is favorably performed. The amount of protrusion from the surface is 1 μm
˜150 μm, more preferably 1 μm to 50 μm, it is preferable to appropriately polish to a length such that the tip of the optical fiber protruding from the protruding portion 16E becomes substantially linear.

Further, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 16E
Although the optical fiber insertion hole 12 and the guide pin insertion hole 18 are opened in the end surface 17E of the above, at least the optical fiber insertion hole may be opened in the end surface of the protruding portion.

Such an example is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
13 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector showing another example of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a plan view of the multi-fiber optical connector shown in FIG. 14A is a front view of the multi-fiber optical connector, FIG. 14B is a top view of the multi-fiber optical connector,
FIG. 14C is a side view of the multi-fiber optical connector.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a projecting portion 16F having an arcuate cross section in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the connector plug body 11F of the multi-fiber optical connector 10F is provided with an optical fiber insertion hole 12 in its end face 17F. The connector pin main body 11F is provided on the front end surface 15F so that only the guide pin insertion hole 18 is opened on the front end surface 15F of the connector plug main body 11F.

When such a protruding portion 16F is used, as in the second embodiment, the protruding amount of the protruding portion 16F from the tip surface 15F of the connector plug body 11F is 1 μm.
It is preferably set to 150 μm. More preferably, the projecting portion 16F has a tip surface 15 of the connector plug body 11F.
The amount of protrusion from F is preferably 1 μm to 50 μm.

By using such a protruding portion 16F, the area for protruding polishing can be further reduced, and polishing with higher accuracy can be performed in a short time.

(Other Embodiments) The first to fifth embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the basic structure of the multi-fiber optical connector and the method of manufacturing the same is not limited to the above.

For example, in the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the protruding portion has a rectangular cross section, a trapezoidal shape, and an arc shape. However, the protruding portion has an end face of the optical fiber opened at the end face thereof and a connector. The shape is not particularly limited as long as the shape has an end surface area smaller than the end surface of the plug body.

The width of the protruding portion surrounding the optical fiber may be formed at least around the opening of the optical fiber insertion hole with a thickness capable of holding and supporting the optical fiber.

Further, in the step of polishing the protruding portion, the polishing may be performed until the protruding portion is eliminated or left as it is. That is, for example, when the protruding amount of the protruding portion is very small, it is considered that the protruding portion will be almost eliminated by polishing, but finally the optical fiber insertion hole at the end face of the protruding portion is almost at the center of the opening. It suffices if the optical fiber is in a state where it can be projected and polished. Further, in the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the MT type multi-fiber optical connector has been exemplified, but, for example, an MTO type multi-fiber optical connector or the like, particularly an optical connector or ferrule for sticking out and polishing an optical fiber, is particularly preferable. It is not limited.

[0071]

As explained above, according to the multi-fiber optical connector of the present invention, the projection of the optical fiber is carried out by providing the projecting portion for opening the optical fiber insertion hole on the front end surface of the multi-fiber optical connector. It is possible to reduce the polishing area at this time and perform highly accurate polishing in a short time. Further, since only the vicinity of the opening of the optical fiber insertion hole is used as the protruding portion, protruding polishing of the optical fiber is not necessary, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector showing another example of Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a multi-fiber optical connector showing another example of Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a multi-fiber optical connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a multi-fiber optical connector showing another example of Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a multi-fiber optical connector showing another example of Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a conventional multi-fiber optical connector.

[Explanation of Codes] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10
F multi-fiber optical connectors 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11
F connector plug main body 12 optical fiber insertion hole 13 optical fiber core wire holding hole 14 adhesive injection holes 15, 15A, 15B, 15D, 15F tip surfaces 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, 16
F protrusions 17, 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, 17
F End face 18 Guide pin insertion hole 19 Optical fiber cord holding hole 20 Collar

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A multi-fiber optical connector provided with a plurality of optical fiber insertion holes for holding at least the ends of a plurality of optical fibers in a state of being aligned substantially parallel to each other, wherein an end face where the plurality of optical fiber insertion holes is opened. At least in the vicinity of the opening has a projecting portion projecting from the outside thereof toward the tip end side in the axial direction of the optical fiber. 2. The multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion has a substantially rectangular cross section. 3. The multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the projecting portion has a substantially arc-shaped cross section. 4. The multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the projecting portion has a substantially trapezoidal cross section. 5. The multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion amount of the protrusion is 1 μm to 5 μm.
A multi-fiber optical connector characterized by being 0 μm. 6. The multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the optical fiber is held with its tip end surface protruding by a predetermined amount from the end surface of the protruding portion. Optical fiber connector. 7. The multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the optical fiber is held so that its tip end surface is flush with the end surface of the protruding portion. Multi-core optical connector. 8. A method of manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector having a plurality of optical fiber insertion holes for holding at least tip portions of a plurality of optical fibers substantially in parallel, wherein at least the optical fiber insertion portion of a tip surface of the multi-fiber optical connector. The method further comprises a step of forming a protruding portion in which at least the vicinity of the opening of the hole is protruded from the outer side to the front end side in the axial direction, and a step of polishing the front end surface of the protruding portion together with the front end surface of the optical fiber. A method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector, comprising: 9. The method of manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 8, wherein, in the step of polishing the protruding portion, polishing is performed until the protruding portion is eliminated. 10. The method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 8, wherein in the step of polishing the protruding portion, polishing is performed so that the protruding portion remains. 11. The method of manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 8, wherein the projecting portion is formed by grinding. . 12. The method of manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 8, wherein in the step of polishing the protruding portion, the tip end surface of the optical fiber is separated from the tip end surface of the protruding portion by a predetermined amount. A method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector, which comprises polishing so as to project. 13. The method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 8, wherein in the step of polishing the protruding portion, the tip surface of the optical fiber is flush with the tip surface of the protruding portion. A method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector, which comprises polishing so that 14. The method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 8, wherein in the step of polishing the protruding portion, an optical fiber insertion hole at an end of the protruding portion is opened by a polishing member having a predetermined hardness. A method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector, which comprises polishing so that a portion is convex from the outer peripheral portion.