JP2009134262A - Optical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical connector capable of preventing reduction in positional accuracy of optical fiber holes, and capable of narrowing the connector area. <P>SOLUTION: This optical connector 11 of a fitting pin positioning type has a plurality of optical fiber holes 12 juxtaposed in a lateral row. Positioning two fitting holes 13 (or fitting pins) mutually exist on the opposite side by sandwiching a straight line L of connecting the centers of the optical fiber holes, and are arranged in point symmetry on the arrangement center P of the whole optical fiber holes on the straight line L. A lateral dimension (a width dimension W<SB>1</SB>) of the optical connector can be reduced more than a laterally long flat optical connector having a fitting hole on both sides of an optical fiber hole row. A vertical dimension (a height dimension H) becomes large, and can be formed in a non-laterally long flat cross-sectional shape being not so much large in a vertical-lateral dimension difference. The optical connector is formed in a shape of hardly causing molding strain in resin molding, and reduction in the positional accuracy of the optical fiber hole can be prevented. The width dimension W<SB>1</SB>can be reduced, and when installed on a substrate, the connector area on the substrate can be narrowed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an optical connector, and more particularly to an optical connector that is positioned by fitting a fitting convex portion that is a positioning convex portion and a fitting receiving portion that is a positioning receiving portion.
More specifically, the present invention relates to an optical connector in which a fitting pin that is a fitting convex portion is fitted and positioned in a fitting hole that is a fitting receiving portion.

FIG. 9 shows a conventional general optical connector 1 of a fitting pin positioning system.
The optical connector 1 is a resin molded product, and fitting holes 3 are arranged on both sides of a plurality of optical fiber holes 2 arranged in a line, that is, on both sides of the optical fiber hole array (Patent Document 1).
The positions of the two fitting holes 3 are located on the straight line L connecting the optical fiber hole centers or slightly displaced from the straight line L connecting the optical fiber hole centers to one side (upper or lower side). Reference numeral 5 denotes an optical fiber ribbon. Each optical fiber 5 a of the optical fiber ribbon 5 is inserted and fixed in the optical fiber hole 2. 6 is a rubber boot. The optical connector 1 generally corresponds to an F12 type multi-core optical fiber connector (MT connector) defined in JIS C 5981.
Multi-fiber optical connector and method for assembling the same

In this type of conventional optical connector 1, since the positions of the fitting holes are on both sides of the optical fiber hole array, the optical connector is generally horizontally long and flat.
This causes the following problem.
(1) Although the resin cures and shrinks after resin molding, the positional accuracy of the optical fiber hole is likely to be lowered due to shrinkage distortion (warp) generated at that time.
(2) Although the width of a standard MT optical connector is fixed, the number of optical fiber holes cannot be increased because large-diameter fitting holes exist on the left and right.
A two-dimensional optical connector that has two or more optical fiber hole arrays in order to increase the number of optical fiber holes is difficult to increase in accuracy compared to a one-dimensional optical connector with a single optical fiber hole array. Also gets higher.
(3) Since a standard MT optical connector is horizontally long and flat and has a large width, when a plurality of optical connectors are arranged side by side on a mounting substrate such as an optoelectric composite substrate, the entire optical connector occupies a large width. The width does not change.
For this reason, the degree of freedom in designing the board is lost, and the optical connector cannot be mounted with high density.

  Furthermore, the present invention makes it easy to increase the number of cores and the manufacturing cost is low, and the position accuracy of the optical fiber hole is good. An object is to provide an optical connector.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is an optical connector provided with at least one row of optical fiber holes on a connection end face,
The connection end surface of the optical connector is provided with a positioning convex portion or a positioning receiving portion, and the positioning convex portion or the positioning receiving portion is opposite to each other across a straight line L passing through the center of the connection end surface. The positioning convex portion or the positioning receiving portion is arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center P on the straight line L.

Invention of Claim 2 is an optical connector which changes the direction of the light which propagates an optical fiber,
The optical connector is an optical connector provided with a reflective surface that changes the direction of light propagating through the optical fiber, and one surface of the optical connector through which the reflected light reflected by the reflective surface passes is provided. , positioning protrusions or the positioning recess are provided, the positioning projection or the positioning recess, across the straight line M ₁ passing through the center of the light and out path of the one surface provided opposite to each other, wherein positioning projections or positioning recesses, characterized in that are arranged in point symmetry with respect to the center Q of the straight line M _1.

  A third aspect is characterized in that, in the second aspect, the reflecting surface is an inclined surface, and the optical connector is provided with an inclined surface facing the optical axis of the optical fiber.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the inclined surface is provided on an inner surface of the optical connector.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third aspect, the inclined surface is provided on an outer surface of the optical connector.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the two positioning convex portions are formed on one surface of the optical connector through which the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surface passes, and the two positioning convex portions line connecting protrusion is characterized in that it is perpendicular to the straight line M _1.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the positioning convex portion is a round bar-shaped pin, and the positioning concave portion is a hole into which the pin is fitted.

  An eighth aspect is characterized in that, in the seventh aspect, the positioning convex portion is a resin pin integrally formed with the optical connector.

According to the optical connector of the first aspect of the present invention, the fitting holes or the fitting pins are on opposite sides of the straight line L connecting the optical fiber hole centers, and the entire optical fiber hole on the straight line L is arranged. Since it is point-symmetric with respect to the center P, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Compared with standard MT optical connectors that have fitting holes on both sides of the optical fiber hole array and are horizontally long and flat, the horizontal dimension (horizontal width, width dimension) of the optical connector is small and the vertical dimension (vertical width, The height dimension) can be increased, and the cross-sectional shape of a non-horizontal oblong shape in which the difference in vertical and horizontal dimensions is not so large can be achieved.
As a result, the degree of freedom of the optical connector arrangement is improved, and the optical connector is miniaturized, so that the optical connector can be mounted at a high density.
(2) Since the large-diameter fitting holes or fitting pins are opened above and below the optical fiber hole row, the number of optical fiber holes in the row can be increased within the prescribed optical connector lateral width.
That is, as compared with a one-dimensional optical connector and a two-dimensional optical connector having concentric optical fiber holes, a one-dimensional optical connector can easily manufacture a high-precision product and can be manufactured at a low cost.
(3) Since the vertical / horizontal dimension difference is not so large, molding distortion due to uneven curing shrinkage or the like that occurs during resin molding hardly occurs, and it is possible to prevent the positional accuracy of the optical fiber hole from being lowered.
(4) Since the center of the two fitting holes (or fitting pins) and the arrangement center of the optical fiber coincide with each other, the center of expansion / contraction change due to temperature change also coincides. (Or pin position) can be less affected.
(5) Positioning of the fitting pins and fitting holes at each corner of the connection end face and separation from the optical fiber hole array, forming accuracy and arrangement pitch of optical fiber holes that are extremely small compared to the fitting pin diameter The accuracy can be improved.

According to the optical connector of the invention of claim 2, fitting holes or fitting pins, across the straight line M ₁ connecting the center of the optical input and path located opposite one another, and an optical input and path on the straight line M ₁ Since they are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the entire arrangement center, the connector width can be narrowed and the optical connector can be miniaturized in the same manner as the optical connector of the invention of claim 1.
Since the connection surface (bottom surface) of the optical connector having this shape has a space in the optical fiber introduction direction, the connector area does not increase even if a fitting hole or a fitting pin is provided in that portion.

  An optical connector embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical connector 11 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In the following embodiments, the positioning convex portion is described as a fitting pin, and the positioning receiving portion is described as a fitting hole.
However, the positioning convex portion and the positioning receiving portion are generic names of structures having a function of positioning two members, and are not limited to the embodiments.
This optical connector 11 is a multi-fiber optical connector of a fitting pin positioning system that is integrally formed of resin.
A plurality of optical fiber holes 12 arranged in a horizontal row are opened in the connection end surface 11a which is a connection surface with the counterpart optical connector.
Two positioning fitting holes 13 having a diameter larger than that of the optical fiber holes 12 are opened above and below the optical fiber holes 12 with the row of the optical fiber holes 12 interposed therebetween.
L is a straight line that connects the centers of the optical fiber holes 12 and horizontally crosses the center of the upper and lower surfaces of the connection end surface 11a.
The two fitting holes 13 are open on the opposite side with respect to the straight line L.
The center of the straight line L is the center P of the arrangement of the optical fiber holes.
This center P is also the center in the left-right direction of the connection end face 11a.
The two large fitting holes 13 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center P of the arrangement of the optical fiber holes 12.
When a straight line connecting the opening centers of the two fitting holes 13, L ₁ L ₁ is perpendicular to L.
Reference numeral 14 denotes a flange portion (flange portion) that is somewhat wider than the main body portion (body portion) of the optical connector, and the end surface on the flange side of the body portion is an open end.
The inside of the optical connector from the opening end is a hollow portion serving as an adhesive filling space.
An adhesive filling window (not shown) that connects the hollow portion and the outside may open on either the upper or lower surface of the optical connector 11.
The front side of the connection end face side from the hollow part is a resin enriched part.
A plurality of optical fiber holes 12 pass through the resin-rich portion along the optical connector connection direction (longitudinal direction of the optical connector, optical fiber insertion direction).
In order to terminate the optical fiber in the optical connector 11, first, the optical fiber tape core wire 5 from which the end coating has been removed is inserted into the optical connector from the opening end on the flange 14 side.
After each optical fiber 5a of the optical fiber ribbon (optical fiber) 5 is inserted into the optical fiber hole 12 communicating with the hollow portion, the hollow portion is filled with an adhesive and the optical fiber 5a is connected to the optical connector. Adhere to.
In order to guide the tip of the optical fiber 5a into the small-diameter optical fiber hole 12, a guide structure employed in a general MT optical connector (also referred to as MT connector, MT ferrule, or MT optical ferrule) can be employed.
Reference numeral 6 denotes a rubber boot for protecting the base of the optical fiber ribbon 5 extending from the optical connector.
The boot 6 can be employed as necessary for protecting the optical fiber 5.

The optical connector 11 is different from the horizontally long and flat standard MT connector shown in FIG. 9 in that the two fitting holes 13 are positioned above and below the optical fiber hole array.
When the horizontal width of the optical connector is specified and cannot be increased, the horizontal width of the optical fiber hole row can be increased by changing the position of the fitting hole up and down, so that the number of optical fibers can be increased.
For example, since the width of a standard-shaped MT optical connector is regulated, the number of optical fiber holes cannot be increased due to the presence of the large-diameter fitting hole 13, but the position of the optical fiber cannot be increased by changing the position of the fitting hole. The number of accommodating hearts can be increased.
Even when the optical connector is not standard shape, this arrangement, narrow transverse dimension of the street light connector shown (width) W _1, because the vertical dimension (height) H can be widened, length and width difference is too large It can be made into a non-horizontal and flat shape.
In order to increase the number of optical fibers to be accommodated, a two-dimensional array type multi-fiber optical connector in which two or more optical fiber hole arrays are arranged in two or more stages maintains molding accuracy compared to a one-dimensional optical connector. There is a problem that the manufacturing cost becomes high.
Therefore, if the number of optical fiber holes in the same row can be increased while maintaining a one-dimensional array, there is an advantage that an inexpensive and accurate multi-fiber optical connector can be realized.
Further, since the connection end face of the optical connector is non-horizontal and flat, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom in designing the circuit board on which the optical connector is mounted is improved and high-density mounting of the optical connector is possible.
For example, when comparing a case where a plurality of optical connectors 11 are mounted side by side on a photoelectric circuit board and a case where a plurality of concentric MT connectors are mounted side by side, the horizontal width occupied by the optical connectors 11 arranged side by side is This is narrower than when the same number of MT connectors are arranged side by side.
When the fitting holes 13 are opened above and below the optical fiber hole array, the height dimension (width) H of the optical connector 1 becomes larger than that of a standard MT connector having a concentric number.
However, since the MT MT of the standard shape originally has a wide width between the upper and lower side surfaces, even if the fitting hole 13 is formed in this part, the increment of the width necessary for forming the fitting hole is so large. There is no.
Thus, since the connection end surface 11a of the optical connector 11 generally has a smaller area than the connection end surface 1a of the standard MT connector, the optical connector can be miniaturized.
In addition to improving the mounting density, the vertical and horizontal dimension differences can be reduced, so that molding distortion due to non-uniform curing shrinkage that occurs during resin molding is less likely to occur, and the positional accuracy of the optical fiber hole 12 is prevented from being lowered. There is an advantage that you can.
Furthermore, since the center of the two fitting holes coincides with the center of the array of fiber holes, molding distortion due to non-uniform curing shrinkage or the like that occurs during resin molding is less likely to occur.
Still further, there is an advantage that the change in the hole position due to the temperature change can be reduced.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an optical connector 21 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The optical connector 21 is the same optical connector as in the above-described embodiment, and has a plurality of optical fiber holes 22 arranged in a horizontal row and two fitting holes 23 having a diameter larger than that of the optical fiber hole 22 on the connection end surface 21a. Is open.
The two fitting holes 23 for positioning are open on the opposite corners of the straight line L and at the corners away from the vicinity of the center of the connection end face.
The two fitting holes 23 are point-symmetrical with respect to sequence the center P, the straight line L ₂ connecting the centers is inclined at an appropriate set angle other than 90 ° to the straight line L theta.
That is, the embodiment of FIG. 1, the angle θ with respect to the straight line L of the straight line L ₁ is a case of 90 °.
This optical connector 21 has the same effect as that of FIG. 1, but has the advantage that the positional relationship between the fitting hole and the optical fiber hole array can be changed as appropriate.
In addition, by positioning the fitting hole at each corner of the connection end face and separating it from the optical fiber hole row, the molding accuracy of optical fiber holes and arrangement pitch that are extremely small compared to the fitting pin diameter can be achieved. It has the advantage that it can be improved.

3 to 5 show an optical connector 31 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical connector 31 and the positioning table 42 on which the optical connector is mounted. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical connector 31 mounted on the positioning table 42.
The optical connector 31 is an optical path changing type optical connector.
The optical connector 31 has a generally square shape, and is attached to the optical connector main body and the optical axes of a plurality of optical elements 41 arranged at regular intervals in a horizontal row (vertical direction in FIG. 4) attached to the substrate surface 42. This is an optical connector that couples the optical axes of light propagating through a plurality of optical fibers 35 arranged at regular intervals in a horizontal row (perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 4) by a reflecting portion 36.
This optical connector may be called an optical connector for changing an optical path or an optical ferrule for changing an optical path, but the name is not particularly limited.
In each embodiment of the present invention, an inner surface formed inside the optical connector or an inclined surface provided on the outer surface of the optical connector is employed as the reflection portion 36 (also referred to as a reflection surface).
In the embodiment of the present invention, the optical connector 31 is mounted on the mounting surface 42 a of the positioning table 42.
An optical element such as a light receiving / emitting element is disposed on the surface of the mounting surface 42a.
The light emitting / receiving elements are, for example, PD arrays, bixels, and the like, and the optical axes of these light emitting / receiving elements are substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface 42a.
Two fitting holes 43 are formed on the mounting surface 42a with the optical element interposed therebetween.
The fitting pins 33 described later are fitted into these fitting holes 43.
The positioning table 42 is a support member for the light emitting / receiving element, is disposed on the surface of a circuit board or the like, and is electrically connected to a circuit pattern formed on the circuit board or the like.
In this embodiment, the positioning table 42 is a frame having a U-shaped cross section.
However, the shape of the positioning table 42 has various modifications and is not limited to the embodiment.
The two fitting pins 33 projecting vertically from the bottom surface (also referred to as connection surface) 31a of the optical connector 31 are positioning projections for precisely positioning the optical connector 31 and the light emitting / receiving element.
The arrangement pitch (interval) of the two fitting holes 43 on the mounting surface 42a is the same as the arrangement pitch of the two fitting pins on the optical connector side.
The optical connector 31 can be positioned and fixed to the positioning table 42 by inserting and fitting the two fitting pins 33 into the two fitting holes 43.
When the positioning of the optical connector 31 and the positioning table 42 is completed, a plurality of optical elements (light emitting / receiving elements, light receiving elements or light emitting elements) 41 arranged on the surface of the mounting surface 42a and a plurality of optical elements 31 attached to the optical connector 31 are provided. The optical axis of the optical fiber is aligned.
This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
Reference numeral 32 denotes an optical fiber insertion hole penetrating the inside of the optical connector in the horizontal direction of the drawing.
The optical fiber insertion hole 32 is parallel to the connection surface 31a (mounting surface 42a).
One end of the optical fiber insertion hole 32 opens to the notch 31 b at the lower end of the optical connector, and the other end opens to the recess 36.
In the optical fiber insertion hole 32, the optical fiber 35 from which the resin coating at the tip is removed is inserted from the notch 31b.
The recess 36 has a substantially triangular cross section when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The recess 36 is composed of a vertical surface extending in the vertical direction of the paper surface and an inclined surface 36a inclined with respect to the vertical direction of the paper surface.
The inclined surface 36a is an inclined surface facing the end surface of the optical fiber 35, and is inclined 45 ° with respect to the direction perpendicular to the paper surface.
The surface of the inclined surface can be made into a mirror surface by metal plating such as silver.
The tip of the optical fiber 35 inserted into the recess 36 may be flush with the vertical surface or may protrude slightly into the recess 36.
When the optical axis of the light receiving / emitting element 41 is perpendicular to the mounting surface 42a, the incoming / outgoing light of the optical fiber 35 is reflected by the mirror surface and changes its direction to a right angle.
That is, when the optical connector 31 is positioned on the positioning table 42, the optical axis of the optical element 41 and the optical axis of the light propagating through the optical fiber 35 are orthogonal to each other by the mirror surface.
The plurality of optical fiber insertion holes 32, which are portions for fixing the optical fiber, are arranged at regular intervals in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface.
However, since such a plurality of fine optical fiber insertion holes are complicated in mold and manufacturing process, it is possible to adopt a simple structure in which the optical fiber is held by a lid without forming a hole.
For example, as a positioning structure in place of the optical fiber hole 32, a plurality of V-grooves having a V-shaped cross section are formed in the bottom surface of the optical connector 31 along the longitudinal direction, and the optical fiber is placed in these V-grooves, and transparent glass It is also possible to hold the optical fiber with a lid such as.
The tip of the lid of transparent glass or the like can extend not only to the region where the V-groove exists, but also to the opening region of the recess 36 by extending from the V-groove.
In this case, the opening region can be sealed with transparent glass, but the inside of the recess 36 closed with a glass lid is sealed with an optical adhesive that does not cause light loss.
However, a structure in which the optical fiber is positioned by the V-groove and pressed and fixed by the lid is well known and will not be described in detail.
FIG. 5 shows a connection surface (bottom surface) 31 a of the optical connector 31.
A recess 36 serving as an area for entering and exiting the light is long open in the left-right direction of the drawing.
Inside the recess 36, the optical path cross section of the light entering and exiting from each optical fiber 35 is arranged in a horizontal row in the horizontal direction of the paper (not shown).
These optical path cross sections are spot-like, and may be referred to as light input / output paths.
The straight line connecting the center of the optical path cross-section shown in M _1.

The sequence around the entire optical input and path on the straight line M ₁ and Q.
Two fitting pins 33 across the straight M ₁ located opposite one another, and a position of point symmetry with respect to sequence the center Q.
On the other hand, as in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of optical elements (light receiving and emitting elements) 41 are arranged on the facing surface (mounting surface 42a) of the positioning table 42 with respect to the optical connector 31, and the optical fiber 35 row on the optical connector 31 side. They are lined up at the same pitch.
Assuming that a straight line connecting the centers of the optical elements 41 in a horizontal row is M ₂ (not shown), the two fitting holes 43 of the positioning base 42 are located on opposite sides of the straight line M ₂ , and are pointed with respect to the arrangement center Q. It is a symmetrical position.
For this reason, when the two fitting pins 33 of the optical connector 31 are inserted into the two fitting holes 43 on the substrate 42 side, a straight line M ₁ connecting a plurality of optical input / output paths arranged in a horizontal row on the connection surface 31a of the optical connector 31. When a straight line M ₂ connecting the center of the optical element 41 of the substrate 42 side in a row match.
When the optical axis of the optical element 41 on the substrate 42 side matches the optical axis of the light propagating through the optical fiber 35 on the optical connector 31 side, each optical fiber 35 of the optical connector 31 and each optical element 41 on the substrate 42 side are aligned. Correct optical connection.

The optical connector 31, since the two engagement pins 33 are not in both sides of the optical input and path, it is possible to reduce the transverse dimensions of the street light connector shown (width) W _2.
On the other hand, since the engagement pin 33 is on the opposite sides of the straight line M _1, connector vertical dimension (depth) D increases.
Therefore, the vertical and horizontal dimension difference can be reduced as compared with the structure in which the fitting pins are on both sides of the light input / output path row.
Thus, since the vertical / horizontal dimension difference is not so large, the horizontal dimension (width dimension) is smaller than that of a horizontally long and flat optical connector in which fitting pins are arranged on both sides of the light input / output path.
Accordingly, for example, when a plurality of devices are installed side by side on the board, the horizontal width occupied by the optical connector on the board can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in designing the board is improved.
In other words, as described in the above embodiment, the optical connector 31 has a row of optical fiber holes 32 parallel to the connection surface 31a, and a predetermined connector vertical dimension D is present in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber hole. Since it is necessary, there is no increase in the connector vertical dimension due to the provision of the fitting pin 33, or even if there is an increase, it is not so large.
Compared with the case where the optical fiber hole arrays are arranged on the left and right, the size can be reduced and higher-density mounting is possible, so that the degree of freedom in wiring design is greatly improved.
In addition, since the aspect ratio is small, distortion due to non-uniform shrinkage that occurs during curing shrinkage of the molding resin is difficult to occur, and it is possible to prevent the molding accuracy of each part such as the optical fiber hole 32 from being lowered.

In the embodiment, the fitting pin 33 is provided on the optical connector 31 side and the fitting hole 43 is provided on the substrate 42 side. On the contrary, the fitting pin is provided on the substrate 42 side and the fitting hole is provided on the optical connector 31 side. It can also be set as the structure which provides.
However, when the fitting hole 33 is provided on the optical connector 31 side, the depth of the fitting hole is not deep enough to touch the optical fiber hole 32, or is fitted to the optical fiber hole 32 in plan view. The positions of the holes 33 are not overlapped (not shown).
With such a structure, a fitting hole can be provided on the optical connector 31 side.
In this embodiment, a recess 36 is provided inside the optical connector, and the inclined surface of this recess is used as a reflection surface.
Further, the optical path can be changed without providing the recess 36.
When the recess for reflection is not provided, the optical connector main body is molded with a resin that transmits light so that incident / exit light of the optical fiber can pass through the optical connector main body.
One end of the optical fiber hole is formed partway through the optical connector body, and the side surface of the optical connector body that faces the optical fiber optical axis is inclined by 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis.
For example, the left side surface of the optical connector 31 in FIG.
Since this inclined surface is a boundary between air and resin, it becomes a total reflection surface.
The light emitted from the optical fiber enters the optical connector main body from the bottom of the optical fiber hole and is totally reflected by this inclined surface.
The totally reflected light passes through the resin as it is, and is emitted to the outside of the optical connector from the mounting surface of the optical connector, that is, the lower surface of the optical connector on the light receiving element side (the lower surface in FIG. 4).

FIG. 6 shows an optical connector 51 according to still another embodiment of the present invention, in which fitting pins 53 are arranged at positions different from those of the above embodiment.
In this optical connector 51, two fitting pins 53 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the arrangement center Q of the entire plurality of optical input / output paths.
The line connecting the two fitting pins 53 have an angle with respect to the straight line M ₁ connecting the optical input and path center, the angle can be set as appropriate to the respective embodiments.
On the board side on which the optical connector 51 is mounted, a fitting hole is provided at a position corresponding to the two fitting pins 53.
Also in this optical connector 51, the same effect as the optical connector 31 of each said Example is acquired.
In this embodiment, when a fitting hole is provided as a positioning portion instead of the fitting pin 53, the fitting hole is formed at the position of the fitting pin 53 illustrated.
In this case, if the formation position of the fitting hole is greatly separated, the fitting hole can be avoided from being positioned on the optical fiber hole array.
When the thickness of the optical connector 51 is small, there is a possibility that the bottom of the optical fiber hole may touch the optical fiber hole, so that the depth of the fitting hole cannot be secured sufficiently.
However, if the existence region of the optical fiber hole array and the formation position of the fitting hole are not overlapped in a plan view, the effect of making the restriction of the depth of the fitting hole gentle can be obtained.

The optical connector 11 ′ shown in FIG. 7 includes a plurality of optical fiber holes 12 in a two-dimensional array arranged in two rows on the connection end surface 11a.
In the optical connector of FIG. 1, the optical fiber hole array is not a one-dimensional horizontal array but a two-dimensional array.
The end face of the optical fiber 5 a is exposed in the optical fiber hole 12.
The optical connector is positioned by fitting a fitting pin projecting from the connection end face of one optical connector into a fitting hole 13 formed in the connection end face of the other optical connector, thereby forming the optical fiber holes of the two optical connectors. Is an optical connector to be positioned.
That is, the two fitting holes 13 (or fitting pins) for positioning are opposite to each other in the direction orthogonal to the optical fiber hole arrangement direction, and the distribution center of the entire two-dimensional array of optical fiber holes This is a configuration arranged symmetrically with respect to P.
In this figure, the distribution center P is in the middle of two rows of optical fiber holes and in the middle in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber holes.
Portions common to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
Also in this optical connector 11 ′, the same effect as in the case where the optical fiber hole array is one horizontal line (that is, one-dimensional array) as in the optical connector 11 of FIG. 1 can be obtained.
In the optical connector 21 of FIG. 2, the arrangement of the optical fiber holes may be a two-dimensional array instead of a one-dimensional horizontal array.

Next, an embodiment in which the optical fiber array is a two-dimensional type in the optical path changing type optical connector will be described.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the optical connector, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view.
In this embodiment, the optical connector 31 in FIG. 3 is an embodiment in which the arrangement of the light input / output paths is not a one-dimensional array in a horizontal row but a two-dimensional array.
In the following, parts common to those in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, the optical path changing type optical connector 31 ′ of this embodiment has a plurality of optical fibers 35 in a two-dimensional array arranged in two rows.
Two fitting pins 33 for positioning are opposite to each other in a direction (left-right direction in FIG. 9) perpendicular to the direction in which the light input / output paths are arranged (direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 9).
The two fitting pins 33 (or fitting holes) are configured to be point-symmetric with respect to the distribution center of the entire plurality of light input / output paths in a two-dimensional array.
Also in this optical connector 31 ′, the same effect as in the case where the optical input / output path row is one horizontal row (that is, one-dimensional array) as in the optical connector 31 of FIG. 5 can be obtained.
In the optical connector 21 of FIG. 6, the arrangement of the optical fiber holes may be a two-dimensional array instead of a one-dimensional horizontal array.

In each said Example, the case where the optical fiber insertion hole 32 is parallel to the connection surface 31a (attachment surface 42a) is illustrated.
However, the angle formed by the direction of the optical fiber insertion hole and the surface direction of the mounting surface can be set as appropriate.
For example, the direction of the optical fiber insertion hole may be inclined from the upper right direction on the paper surface toward the lower left side on the paper surface in FIG.
Thus, even if the direction of the optical fiber insertion hole is inclined, the optical element and the optical fiber can be optically coupled if the critical angle can be secured on the reflecting surface.
Instead of an optical fiber insertion hole, a plurality of V-grooves having a V-shaped cross section are formed on the bottom surface of the optical connector, optical fibers are placed in these V-grooves, and the optical fiber is pressed with a lid made of transparent glass or the like. The same applies to the case.

In the present invention, the fitting pin is an example of a positioning convex part, and the fitting hole is an example of a positioning receiving part that receives the positioning convex part.
In general, in a resin-integrated MT optical connector, a male-side optical connector is formed by embedding a metal fitting pin made of SUS or the like in a fitting hole formed in an optical connector body.
However, in the present invention, a resin-made fitting pin can be formed integrally with the optical connector body.
In general, in the MT optical connector, the shape of the fitting pin is a conical section with a conical tip, but the shape of the fitting pin is not limited and can be appropriately adopted.
That is, the positioning convex portion and the positioning receiving portion are not limited to the fitting pin and the fitting hole, but are generic names of structures having a positioning function.
Furthermore, in the present invention, an inclined surface formed on the optical connector body as a reflecting surface for reflecting light is used as an example, but the reflecting surface is a general term for a portion having a function of reflecting light, and in the example. Is not limited.
For example, the end face itself of the optical fiber can be inclined and a reflecting film can be processed on the inclined surface as necessary. In this case, a structure such as an inclined surface is not necessary for the optical connector body.
However, since the technique for reflecting the optical fiber propagation light with the end face of the optical fiber as an inclined surface is well known, it will not be described in particular.

Furthermore, the term optical fiber used in the present invention means an optical waveguide.
The optical waveguide includes an all-quartz optical fiber, a polymer optical fiber (plastic optical fiber), or those in which these are arranged in parallel.

It is a perspective view of the optical connector of one Example of this invention. It is a perspective view of the optical connector of the other Example of this invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of still another optical connector of the present invention and a positioning table on which the optical connector is mounted. It is the cross-sectional view shown in the state which mounted the optical connector in the positioning stand in FIG. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the optical connector of FIG. 3. It is a bottom view of the optical connector of another example of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the optical connector of another one Example of this invention. It is a perspective view of the optical connector of the further another Example of this invention, and the positioning stand in which this optical connector is mounted. It is the cross-sectional view shown in the state which mounted the optical connector in the positioning stand in FIG. It is a perspective view of the conventional optical connector.

Explanation of symbols

5 Optical fiber ribbon 5a Optical fiber 11, 21 Optical connector 11 'Optical connector 12, 22 Optical fiber hole 13, 23 Fitting hole 31, 51 Optical connector 31' Optical connector 31a Bottom of connector (connection surface)
32 Optical fiber hole
33, 53 Fitting pin 35 Optical fiber 36 Mirror 41 Optical element 42 Positioning base (substrate)
42a Mounting surface 43 Fitting hole L Straight line M ₁ connecting the optical fiber hole centers Straight line P connecting the optical input / output center (on the optical connector side) Arrangement center of the entire optical fiber hole (distribution center of the entire two-dimensional optical fiber hole) )
Q Array center of the entire light input / output path (distribution center of the entire light input / output path of the two-dimensional array)
W ₁ , W ₂ connector horizontal dimension (width dimension)
H Connector vertical dimension (height dimension)
D Connector vertical dimension (depth dimension)

Claims (8)

An optical connector having at least one row of optical fiber holes on the connection end face;
The connection end surface of the optical connector is provided with a positioning convex portion or a positioning receiving portion,
The positioning convex portion or the positioning receiving portion is provided on opposite sides of a straight line L passing through the center of the connection end surface,
The optical connector, wherein the positioning convex portion or the positioning receiving portion is arranged point-symmetrically with respect to a center P on the straight line L. An optical connector that changes the direction of light propagating through an optical fiber,
The optical connector is an optical connector provided with a reflective surface for changing the direction of light propagating through the optical fiber,
On one surface of the optical connector through which the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surface passes, a positioning convex portion or a positioning concave portion is provided,
The positioning protrusions or the positioning recess, across the straight line M ₁ passing through the center of the light and out path of the one surface provided opposite to each other,
The positioning protrusions or positioning recesses, an optical connector, characterized in that are arranged in point symmetry with respect to the center Q of the straight line M _1.   The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the reflecting surface is an inclined surface, and the optical connector is provided with an inclined surface facing the optical axis of the optical fiber.   The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein the inclined surface is provided on an inner surface of the optical connector.   The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein the inclined surface is provided on an outer surface of the optical connector. The two positioning projections are formed on one surface of the optical connector through which the reflected light reflected by the reflecting surface passes,
Wherein the two line segments connecting the positioning projections, the optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the is perpendicular to the straight line M _1.   The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the positioning convex portion is a round bar-shaped pin, and the positioning concave portion is a hole into which the pin is fitted.   The optical connector according to claim 7, wherein the positioning convex portion is a resin pin integrally formed with the optical connector.

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