JP2010266826A - Optical fiber array member and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical fiber array member whose cost is reduced, and to provide a method of manufacturing the same. <P>SOLUTION: The optical fiber array member 10 includes: a ferrule 12 having one through-hole 16; and a plurality of optical fibers 14 held by the ferrule 12 while end sides are arranged in parallel in the through-hole 16. In this configuration, the ferrule 12 has one through-hole 16, thereby eliminating the need for a plurality of highly accurate core pins when the ferrule 12 is formed during resin molding, and also facilitating the molding. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical fiber array member and a manufacturing method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an MT connector having a resin ferrule and a plurality of through holes into which optical fibers are inserted is formed in the ferrule (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-46049 A

  However, since the MT connector is configured such that a plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the through holes independently, in order to form the plurality of through holes, a plurality of highly accurate core pins are used to form a ferrule. Need to be molded. In this molding, the core pin may be broken. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the cost with this MT connector.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said subject, Comprising: It aims at providing the optical fiber arrangement | sequence member which can reduce cost, and its manufacturing method.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the optical fiber array member according to claim 1 is provided with a ferrule having at least one through hole in which one opening is a connection port with a member to be connected, and a tip side in the through hole. And a plurality of optical fibers held by the ferrule in a state of being arranged in parallel on at least the connection port side.

  According to this optical fiber array member, the through holes are configured so that the tip ends of a plurality of optical fibers are not inserted independently but arranged in parallel. There is no need to form a ferrule using a plurality of high precision core pins. Therefore, the cost can be reduced.

  An optical fiber array member according to a second aspect is the optical fiber array member according to the first aspect, wherein each of the plurality of optical fibers is a coated optical fiber in which a bare fiber is coated. ing.

  According to this optical fiber array member, it is not necessary to remove the coating of the optical fiber during assembly to make the optical fiber a bare fiber, so that productivity can be improved and cost can be further reduced.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fiber arranging member according to the second aspect, wherein the plurality of coated optical fibers are formed into a tape fiber by tape coating. ing.

  According to this optical fiber array member, the tape fiber is used as it is, and it is not necessary to remove the tape coating. Therefore, the productivity can be improved and the cost can be further reduced.

  An optical fiber array member according to claim 4 is the optical fiber array member according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of optical fibers are coated optical fibers each having a bare fiber coated thereon, and a tape A tape fiber is formed into a tape shape by coating, and an exposed portion where the plurality of coated optical fibers are exposed is formed on the tip side of the tape fiber.

  According to this optical fiber array member, an exposed portion where a plurality of coated optical fibers are exposed is formed on the front end side of the tape fiber, and the influence of the tape coating can be eliminated. The arrangement accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers in the through-hole can be improved as compared with the case where it is used as it is.

  An optical fiber array member according to a fifth aspect is the optical fiber array member according to the second or fourth aspect, wherein the through hole is formed in a long hole shape in cross section and the through hole on the connection port side. The dimension in the long axis direction in the cross section is the same as the sum of the diameter dimensions of the plurality of coated optical fibers inserted into the one through hole, and the short axis in the cross section on the connection port side of the through hole. The dimension in the direction is the same as the diameter of each coated optical fiber inserted into the one through hole.

  Note that the same in this case is not only completely the same, but, for example, in the case of adhesive fixing, when the through hole is formed slightly larger than the plurality of coated optical fibers (for example, + 20%, From the viewpoint of consistency, preferably + 10% or +0.05 mm), and, for example, when caulking or press-fitting, the through-hole is formed slightly smaller than a plurality of coated optical fibers (for example, -20%, and preferably from -10% or -0.05 mm) from the viewpoint of positional consistency. That is, even if the through hole has a difference of about ± 20% (preferably ± 10%) or about ± 0.05 mm with respect to a plurality of coated optical fibers, it is included in the same spirit in the present invention. .

  According to this optical fiber array member, it is possible to ensure the alignment accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers in the through hole by bringing the plurality of optical fibers into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole.

  An optical fiber array member according to a sixth aspect is the optical fiber array member according to the third aspect, wherein the through hole has a long cross-sectional shape, and the cross section of the through hole on the connection port side is the one. The cross section of the tape fiber inserted into one through hole is the same.

  Note that the same in this case is not only completely the same, but, for example, in the case of adhesive fixing, when the through hole is formed slightly larger than the tape fiber (for example, + 20%, from the viewpoint of positional consistency) Preferably, it is + 10% or +0.05 mm. Also, for example, in the case of caulking or press-fitting, when the through-hole is formed slightly smaller than the tape fiber (for example, −20%, in view of position matching) To preferably −10% or −0.05 mm). That is, even if the through hole has a difference of about ± 20% (preferably ± 10%) or about ± 0.05 mm with respect to the tape fiber, it is included in the same meaning in the present invention.

  According to this optical fiber array member, it is possible to ensure the alignment accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers in the through hole by bringing the plurality of optical fibers into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole.

  The optical fiber arraying member according to claim 7 is the optical fiber arraying member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of optical fibers have an insertion port whose distal end side is opposite to the connection port. The through hole is inserted into the through hole, and at least the insertion port side of the through hole is formed in a tapered shape with a diameter increasing toward the insertion port.

  According to this optical fiber array member, since at least the insertion port side of the through hole is formed in a tapered shape whose diameter increases toward the insertion port, a plurality of optical fibers can be easily inserted into the through hole.

  The optical fiber array member according to claim 8 is the optical fiber array member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the diameter decreases as the connection port side of the through hole moves toward the connection port. It is formed in a taper shape, and is configured such that tip ends of the plurality of optical fibers are press-fitted into the through holes.

  According to this optical fiber array member, since the distal end sides of the plurality of optical fibers are press-fitted into the through holes, it is possible to ensure the alignment accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers in the through holes and to connect the plurality of optical fibers to the ferrule. Can be firmly fixed.

  The optical fiber array member according to claim 9 is the optical fiber array member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ferrule is fixed to the plurality of optical fibers by heat caulking. Has been.

  According to this optical fiber array member, since the ferrule is fixed to the plurality of optical fibers by heat caulking, it is possible to ensure the alignment accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers in the through hole and to connect the plurality of optical fibers to the ferrule. Can be firmly fixed.

  The optical fiber array member according to claim 10 is the optical fiber array member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ferrule is formed integrally with the plurality of optical fibers during resin molding. It is configured.

  According to this optical fiber array member, since the ferrule is formed integrally with the plurality of optical fibers at the time of resin molding, it is possible to ensure the alignment accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers in the through hole, and also the plurality of optical fibers. Can be firmly fixed to the ferrule.

  The optical fiber array member according to claim 11 is the optical fiber array member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ferrule is divided into a plurality of ferrule constituent members with the through hole as a boundary. It has been configured.

  According to this optical fiber array member, since the ferrule is divided into a plurality of ferrule constituent members with the through hole as a boundary, the ferrule can be assembled without performing an operation of inserting the plurality of optical fibers into the through hole.

  An optical fiber array member according to a twelfth aspect is the optical fiber array member according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the ferrule includes a fixing portion that fixes the plurality of ferrule constituent members to each other.

  According to this optical fiber array member, a plurality of ferrule constituent members can be fixed to each other by the fixing portion, and a plurality of optical fibers can be mechanically fixed (caulking fixed).

  The optical fiber array member according to claim 13, in the optical fiber array member according to any one of claims 1 to 12, having a connected portion optically connected to the plurality of optical fibers. The connection member is further provided.

  According to this optical fiber array member, signals can be transmitted between the plurality of optical fibers and the connected portion.

  The optical fiber array member according to claim 14 is the optical fiber array member according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of optical fibers are bonded to the ferrule by an adhesive that bonds the ferrule and the connected member. It is said that.

  According to this optical fiber array member, a plurality of optical fibers can be bonded to the ferrule with an adhesive, and the ferrule and the connected member can be bonded.

  The optical fiber array member according to claim 15 is the optical fiber array member according to claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising an optical lens provided between the plurality of optical fibers and the connected portion. It has been configured.

  According to this optical fiber array member, since the optical lens is provided between the plurality of optical fibers and the connected portion, the efficiency at the time of signal transmission of the plurality of optical fibers and the connected portion can be improved. Can do.

  The optical fiber array member according to claim 16 is the optical fiber array member according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising a positioning portion for positioning the ferrule and the connected member. It is said that.

  According to this optical fiber array member, the ferrule and the connected member, and consequently the plurality of optical fibers and the connected portion can be accurately positioned by the positioning portion.

  The optical fiber array member according to claim 17 is the optical fiber array member according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the through hole and an outer peripheral surface of the plurality of optical fibers are provided. Between the plurality of optical fibers, and further includes a drop prevention portion for preventing the plurality of optical fibers from coming off from the through holes.

  According to this optical fiber array member, it is possible to prevent the plurality of optical fibers from coming out of the through holes and suppress them by the drop suppressing portion.

  The optical fiber array member according to claim 18 is the optical fiber array member according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the through-hole, and the drop-out suppressing portion is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the through-hole. The protrusion is formed to be a protrusion that is inclined toward the connection port side.

  According to this optical fiber array member, when a plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the through-holes, the plurality of optical fibers are not easily caught by the protrusions. On the other hand, when a plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the through-holes, The protrusion from the through hole of the fiber can be suppressed by the protrusion.

  The optical fiber array member manufacturing method according to claim 19 is the optical fiber array member manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of optical fibers are divided into the ferrule. A holding step of holding the base material in a state of being arranged in parallel in one through hole, and the base material and the plurality of optical fibers in a direction crossing an axial direction of the plurality of optical fibers after the holding step. Cutting step.

  According to this method for manufacturing an optical fiber array member, a plurality of optical fiber array members can be obtained by a single manufacture, and thus productivity can be improved.

  The method of manufacturing an optical fiber array member according to claim 20 is the method of manufacturing an optical fiber array member according to claim 3, wherein a passage portion that can pass through an outlet of the through hole on a tip end side of the tape fiber. A step of forming a passing portion, and inserting the tape fiber into the through hole so that the passing portion protrudes from the through hole, and applying a tensile force to the passing portion protruding from the through hole. A press-fitting step of press-fitting the tape fiber into the through hole; and a cutting step of cutting the passage portion protruding from the through-hole after the press-fitting step.

  According to this method for manufacturing an optical fiber array member, the tape fiber can be press-fitted into the through hole, so that the tape fiber can be firmly fixed to the ferrule.

  The method for manufacturing an optical fiber array member according to claim 21 is the method for manufacturing an optical fiber array member according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of ferrule components are assembled to each other, and tips of the plurality of optical fibers are assembled. A holding step of holding the plurality of ferrule constituent members in a state in which the side is arranged in parallel with at least the connection port side in the through-hole, and a gap between the plurality of ferrule constituent members and the gap after the holding step Bonding the adhesive into the through-hole, and bonding the plurality of ferrule constituent members to each other with the adhesive and bonding the distal end side of the plurality of optical fibers to the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole; It has.

  According to this method for manufacturing an optical fiber array member, the plurality of ferrule constituent members are bonded to each other and the plurality of optical fibers are bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole on the front end side in the same process. Can be improved.

  The optical fiber array member manufacturing method according to claim 22 is the optical fiber array member manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of ferrule components are fixed by the fixing portion, A holding step for holding the ferrule in a state in which the tip end side of the optical fiber is arranged in parallel in the through hole, and an adhesive agent in the through hole from at least the gaps of the plurality of ferrule constituent members after the holding step And adhering the tip end side of the plurality of optical fibers to the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole with the adhesive.

  According to this method for manufacturing an optical fiber array member, a plurality of ferrule constituent members are fixed by the fixing portion before the bonding step, so that the plurality of optical fibers and the ferrule are easily bonded in the bonding step. be able to.

  The optical fiber array member manufacturing method according to claim 23 is the optical fiber array member manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein the ferrule and the connected member are connected, and the plurality of optical fibers are connected. A connecting step of optically connecting the connected portions; and an adhesive step of bonding the front ferrule and the connected member with an adhesive and bonding the plurality of optical fibers to the ferrule after the connecting step. I have.

  According to this method for manufacturing an optical fiber array member, since the bonding of the ferrule and the member to be connected and the bonding of the plurality of optical fibers to the ferrule are performed in the same process, the productivity can be improved.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the cost can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 4th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 5th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 6th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 6th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 7th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 8th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 9th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 10th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 11th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 12th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 13th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 14th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 15th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 15th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 16th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 17th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 18th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows 19th embodiment of this invention.

[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The optical fiber array member 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a ferrule 12 and a plurality of optical fibers 14.

  The ferrule 12 has one through hole 16. One opening of the through hole 16 serves as a connection port 16A to other connected members (an optical element and the other optical fiber array member described later), and the other opening of the through hole 16 includes an insertion port 16B. Has been. The through hole 16 has a straight portion 16C formed on the connection port 16A side, and a tapered portion 16D formed on the insertion port 16B side. The tapered portion 16D is formed in a tapered shape whose diameter increases toward the insertion port 16B.

  The through hole 16 has a long cross-sectional shape. The dimension in the major axis direction of the cross section of the through hole 16 on the side of the connection port 16A is the same as the sum of the diameters of the plurality of coated optical fibers 14 inserted into the through hole 16. The dimension in the short axis direction in the cross section on the side of the connection port 16 </ b> A is the same as the diameter dimension of each coated optical fiber 14 inserted into the through hole 16.

  Note that the same in this case is not only completely the same, but, for example, if the adhesive hole is fixed as in the present embodiment, the through hole 16 is formed slightly larger than the plurality of coated optical fibers 14 ( For example, + 20%, preferably + 10% or +0.05 mm from the viewpoint of positional consistency.

  The ferrule 12 having the through hole 16 is made of, for example, a resin such as a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, or a UV curable resin.

  On the other hand, each of the plurality of optical fibers 14 is a coated optical fiber in which a bare fiber is coated.

  The outer diameter of each coated optical fiber 14 is, for example, 250 μm, and the arrangement pitch of the plurality of optical fibers 14 is, for example, 250 μm. The outer diameter of the bare fiber (optical fiber strand) incorporated in each coated optical fiber 14 is, for example, 80 μm. The optical fiber 14 is, for example, a multimode optical fiber (GI fiber). Furthermore, the coating of the optical fiber 14 is made of any one of UV curable resin, polyimide, silicone, or a combination thereof.

  And the front end side of this some optical fiber 14 is inserted in the state arranged in parallel in the linear part 16C of the through-hole 16. As shown in FIG. Further, the adjacent ends of the plurality of optical fibers 14 are in close contact with each other, and are bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16 with an adhesive, and are in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16. Is held by.

  In addition, the part protruded from the connection port 16 </ b> A of the through-hole 16 and the adhesive protruding from the connection port 16 </ b> A of the through-hole 16 in the front end side of the plurality of optical fibers 14 are polished together with the end surface of the ferrule 12. Has been removed.

  According to the optical fiber arraying member 10, the through holes 16 are configured such that the distal ends of the plurality of optical fibers 14 are not inserted independently but are inserted in parallel. In order to form the through-hole 16, it is not necessary to form a ferrule using a plurality of high-precision core pins. Therefore, the cost can be reduced.

  Further, since it is not necessary to remove the coating of the optical fiber 14 at the time of assembly to make the optical fiber 14 a bare fiber, the productivity can be improved and the cost can be further reduced.

  Furthermore, since the optical fiber 14 is in a coated state, it is possible to suppress the bare fiber from being damaged by scratching the bare fiber when the ferrule 12 and the plurality of optical fibers 14 are assembled, thereby improving the yield. be able to.

  Also, by arranging the plurality of optical fibers 14 in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 16, the arrangement accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers 14 in the through-hole 16 (for example, ± 20 μm or less, which is the required accuracy) is ensured. can do.

  Further, since the insertion hole 16B side of the through hole 16 is formed in a tapered shape whose diameter increases toward the insertion hole 16B, a plurality of optical fibers 14 can be easily inserted into the through hole 16.

  Further, since the plurality of optical fibers 14 are bonded to the ferrule 12 with an adhesive, the plurality of optical fibers 14 can be firmly fixed to the ferrule 12.

  Moreover, in this optical fiber array member 10, when the array pitch of the plurality of optical fibers 14 set in advance is P, the outer diameter of the coating of each optical fiber 14 is 0.90P to 0.99P. In addition, it is preferable that the thickness of the coating of each optical fiber 14 is set.

  With this configuration, even when the coated optical fibers 14 are arranged in close contact with each other, the optical fibers 14 can be arranged at a desired arrangement pitch.

  Further, since it is usually assumed that the coated optical fiber is stripped to form a bare fiber, the coated optical fiber is formed so as not to be stripped. However, in this embodiment, since it is not necessary to peel off the coating, it is preferable to use a material that is difficult to peel off.

  In addition, in this optical fiber array member 10, the through-hole 16 may be formed in a tapered shape whose diameter increases as it goes toward the insertion port 16B.

  Further, the number of the plurality of optical fibers 14 is four, but may be any number (for example, eight or twelve).

  Further, although the plurality of optical fibers 14 are arranged in one row in the through holes 16, they may be arranged in two or more rows.

  The outer diameter of the bare fiber is 80 μm as an example, but it may be 125 μm or may be other than that.

  The outer diameter of the coated optical fiber 14 is 250 μm as an example, but may be other than that.

  The arrangement pitch of the plurality of optical fibers 14 is 250 μm as an example, but other arrangement pitches may be used.

  In addition, the optical fiber 14 is a multimode optical fiber (GI fiber) as an example, but may be a single mode fiber depending on the application.

  Further, an injection hole for injecting an adhesive into the through hole 16 may be formed on the side surface of the ferrule 12.

  An arbitrary gap (for example, about 100 μm) may be provided between the plurality of optical fibers 14 and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The configuration of the optical fiber array member 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is changed as follows with respect to the above-described optical fiber array member 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, in the optical fiber arraying member 20, the plurality of coated optical fibers 14 are tape fibers 24 that are grouped in a tape shape by the tape coating 22. The tape coating 22 is made of any one of UV curable resin, polyimide, and silicone, or a combination thereof.

  The cross section of the straight portion 16 </ b> C of the through hole 16 is the same as the cross section of the tape fiber 24 inserted into the through hole 16.

  Note that the same in this case is not only completely the same, but, for example, if the adhesive hole is fixed as in the present embodiment, the through hole 16 is formed slightly larger than the tape fiber 24 (for example, + 20%, From the viewpoint of positional consistency, it is preferable to include + 10% or +0.05 mm.

  The distal end side of the tape fiber 24 is inserted into the through hole 16. The tip side of the tape fiber 24 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16 with an adhesive and is held in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16.

  It should be noted that the portion protruding from the connection port 16A of the through hole 16 on the tip side of the tape fiber 24 and the adhesive protruding from the connection port 16A of the through hole 16 are removed by polishing together with the end surface of the ferrule 12. Has been.

  This optical fiber array member 20 also has a configuration in which a plurality of optical fibers 14 are inserted into the through-hole 16 as tape fibers 24 instead of being individually inserted at the tip ends of the optical fibers 14. Therefore, it is not necessary to form a ferrule using a plurality of high precision core pins in order to form the through hole 16. Therefore, the cost can be reduced.

  Further, since the tape fiber 24 is used as it is, and it is not necessary to remove the tape coating 22, the productivity can be improved and the cost can be further reduced.

  Further, since the tape fiber 24 is in close contact with the through hole 16, it is possible to ensure the alignment accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers 14 in the through hole 16.

  Further, since the tape fiber 24 is bonded to the ferrule 12 with an adhesive, the tape fiber 24 can be firmly fixed to the ferrule 12.

  Further, since it is usually assumed that the tape coating of the tape fiber is peeled to form a bare fiber, the tape coating is formed so as not to be peeled off. However, in this embodiment, since it is not necessary to peel off the tape coating 22, it is preferable that a material that is difficult to peel off is used for the tape coating 22.

  In the optical fiber array member 20, an arbitrary gap (for example, about 100 μm) may be provided between the tape fiber 24 and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The configuration of the optical fiber array member 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is changed as follows with respect to the above-described optical fiber array member 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, in this optical fiber array member 30, the tape coating 22 that covers the plurality of coated optical fibers 14 in a tape shape is removed from the distal end side of the tape fiber 24, and the plurality of coated optical fibers 14 are formed. An exposed exposed portion 32 is formed.

  The cross section of the straight portion 16C of the through hole 16 is the same as the cross section of the tape fiber 24 inserted into the straight portion 16C. On the other hand, a straight line portion 16E having a smaller diameter than the straight line portion 16C is formed on the connection port 16A side of the through hole 16, and the dimension in the major axis direction in the cross section of the straight line portion 16E of the through hole 16 is the straight line portion. This is the same as the sum of the diameters of the plurality of optical fibers 14 inserted into 16E, and the dimension in the minor axis direction of the cross-section of the straight portion 16E of the through hole 16 is the size of each light inserted into the straight portion 16E. The diameter of the fiber 14 is the same.

  In addition, the same meaning in this case is the same as in the case of the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention described above.

  Then, the distal end side of the tape fiber 24 including the exposed portion 32 is inserted into the through hole 16. At this time, the boundary between the exposed portion and the non-exposed portion of the tape fiber 24 comes into contact with the boundary portion between the straight portion 16C and the straight portion 16E, which is a measure of the amount of insertion. Further, the tip end side of the tape fiber 24 including the exposed portion 32 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16 with an adhesive, and is held in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16.

  According to the optical fiber array member 30, the exposed portion 32 where the plurality of coated optical fibers 14 are exposed is formed on the distal end side of the tape fiber 24, and the influence of the tape coating 22 can be eliminated. Therefore, the arrangement accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers 14 in the through hole 16 can be improved as compared with the case where the tape fiber 24 is used as it is.

  In the optical fiber array member 30, an exposed portion 32 may be formed over the entire portion inserted into the through hole 16 of the tape fiber 24.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The configuration of the optical fiber array member 40 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is changed as follows with respect to the above-described optical fiber array member 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, in this optical fiber array member 40, the through-hole 16 is formed in a taper shape whose diameter decreases as it goes toward the connection port 16A. Further, the connection port 16 </ b> A of the through hole 16 has a similar cross-sectional shape smaller than that of the tape fiber 24.

  Note that the connection port 16A of the through hole 16 is set to have a dimension of, for example, −20% with respect to the tape fiber 24, and preferably −10%, or −0.05 mm from the viewpoint of positional consistency.

  The distal end side of the tape fiber 24 is press-fitted into the connection port 16A side of the through hole 16.

  According to the optical fiber arraying member 40, since the tip end side of the tape fiber 24 is press-fitted into the connection port 16A side of the through hole 16, the alignment accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers 14 in the through hole 16 can be ensured. At the same time, the tape fiber 24 can be firmly fixed to the ferrule 12.

  Further, since the tape coating 22 has elasticity, the tape fiber 24 can be more stably fixed to the ferrule 12 when the front end side of the tape fiber 24 is press-fitted into the connection port 16A side of the through hole 16.

  If the outer diameter of the coating of the tape fiber 24 is set to be large, the plurality of optical fibers 14 can be arranged at a desired interval by elastic deformation of the tape coating 22 when the tape fiber 24 is press-fitted.

  In the optical fiber array member 40, the through hole 16 may be formed in a straight line on the insertion port 16B side, and only the connection port 16A side (portion into which the tape fiber 24 is press-fitted) may be formed in a tapered shape. .

  Further, a portion of the tape fiber 24 that is not press-fitted into the through hole 16 may be bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16 with an adhesive. With this configuration, the tape fiber 24 can be more firmly fixed to the ferrule 12.

  Further, the optical fiber arraying member 40 may be configured to have a plurality of optical fibers 14 like the optical fiber arraying member 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention instead of the tape fiber 24. The plurality of optical fibers 14 may be press-fitted into the through holes 16.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The configuration of the optical fiber array member 50 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is changed as follows with respect to the above-described optical fiber array member 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, in this optical fiber array member 50, the straight portion 16C of the through hole 16 has a similar cross-sectional shape smaller than that of the tape fiber 24 at room temperature.

  The linear portion 16C of the through hole 16 is set to have a dimension of, for example, −20% with respect to the tape fiber 24, preferably −10%, or −0.05 mm from the viewpoint of position alignment.

  The ferrule 12 is formed of a material having a larger linear expansion coefficient than the tape fiber 24 (tape coating 22).

  In this optical fiber array member 50, when the ferrule 12 is thermally expanded larger than the tape fiber 24 in a heating environment, the tape fiber 24 is inserted into the through hole 16, and thereafter, the ferrule 12 and the tape fiber. By cooling 24, the ferrule 12 is heat squeezed and fixed to the tape fiber 24.

  According to this optical fiber array member 50, since the ferrule 12 is fixed to the tape fiber 24 by heat caulking, the alignment accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers 14 in the through hole 16 can be ensured, and the tape fiber 24 is secured. Can be firmly fixed to the ferrule 12.

  If the outer diameter of the coating of the tape fiber 24 is set to be large, the plurality of optical fibers 14 are arranged at a desired interval by elastic deformation of the tape coating 22 of the tape fiber 24 when the ferrule 12 is heat caulked. be able to.

  The optical fiber array member 50 may be configured to have a plurality of optical fibers 14 instead of the tape fiber 24 as in the optical fiber array member 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Then, the ferrule 12 may be fixed to the plurality of optical fibers 14 by heat caulking instead of the tape fiber 24.

  Moreover, this optical fiber array member 50 may be configured to have an exposed portion 32 as in the optical fiber array member 30 of the third embodiment of the present invention instead of the tape fiber 24. The ferrule 12 may be fixed to the exposed portion 32 by heat caulking instead of the tape fiber 24.

  In these cases, since the influence of the heat resistance of the tape coating 22 can be eliminated, the alignment accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers 14 in the through holes 16 can be further improved.

[Sixth embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the ferrule 12 shown in FIG. 6A.

  The configuration of the optical fiber array member 60 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is changed as follows with respect to the above-described optical fiber array member 50 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, a plurality of grooves 62 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the straight portion 16C of the through hole 16 along the longitudinal direction of the straight portion 16C. One end side of each groove 62 is opened on the end face of the ferrule 12 on the connection port 16A side.

  According to the optical fiber array member 60, after the ferrule 12 is fixed to the tape fiber 24 by heat caulking, the adhesive is injected into the groove 62 from the opening on the connection port 16A side of the groove 62. Thus, the ferrule 12 and the tape fiber 24 can be more firmly fixed.

[Seventh embodiment]
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The configuration of the optical fiber array member 70 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is changed as follows with respect to the above-described optical fiber array member 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, in this optical fiber array member 70, the ferrule 12 is formed integrally with the tape fiber 24 during resin molding using a mold 72 having a pair of molding dies 74 and 76.

  The through hole 16 is formed along with this molding. The material of the ferrule 12 in this case is, for example, ABS, PS, PP, acrylic, polycarbonate, PBT, PPS, liquid crystal polymer, epoxy, or the like, or an optimum material according to required characteristics.

  According to this optical fiber arraying member 70, it is possible to ensure the alignment accuracy of the plurality of optical fibers 14 in the through holes 16 and to firmly fix the tape fiber 24 to the ferrule 12.

  In addition, this optical fiber array member 70 may be configured to have a plurality of optical fibers 14 like the optical fiber array member 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention instead of the tape fiber 24. The ferrule 12 may be formed integrally with the plurality of optical fibers 14 at the time of resin molding instead of the tape fiber 24.

[Eighth embodiment]
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The configuration of the optical fiber array member 80 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is changed as follows with respect to the above-described optical fiber array member 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, in this optical fiber array member 80, the ferrule 12 is divided into a pair of ferrule constituent members 82 with the through hole 16 as a boundary.

  The optical fiber array member 80 is assembled, for example, in the following manner. That is, with the tip side of the tape fiber 24 positioned between the pair of ferrule constituent members 82, the pair of ferrule constituent members 82 are assembled together and the tip side of the tape fiber 24 is disposed in the through hole 16. The pair of ferrule components 82 is held in a state (holding step).

  Subsequently, after this holding step, for example, capillary action is used to infiltrate (infiltrate) the adhesive into the gap between the pair of ferrule constituent members 82 and to penetrate the adhesive into the through hole 16 from this gap. Let Then, the plurality of ferrule constituent members 82 are bonded to each other by the adhesive, and the tip side of the tape fiber 24 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16 (bonding step).

  Further, the portion protruding from the through hole on the tip side of the tape fiber 24 and the adhesive protruding from the through hole 16 are removed by polishing with a sandpaper or the like together with the end surface of the ferrule 12 (polishing step).

  The optical fiber array member 80 is assembled by the above procedure.

  According to the manufacturing method of the optical fiber array member 80, the plurality of ferrule constituent members 82 are bonded to each other and the inner end surface of the through hole 16 on the distal end side of the tape fiber 24 is manufactured in the same process. Can be improved.

  Further, according to the optical fiber array member 80, since the ferrule 12 is divided into the plurality of ferrule constituent members 82 with the through hole 16 as a boundary, the tape fiber 24 is assembled without performing the operation of inserting it into the through hole 16. be able to.

  Further, by using the adhesive, the tape fiber 24 can be firmly fixed to the ferrule 12 and the plurality of ferrule constituent members 82 can be firmly fixed to each other.

  In this optical fiber array member 80, the ferrule 12 may be divided into three or more ferrule constituent members 82 with the through hole 16 as a boundary.

  Further, the ferrule 12 is divided in the short axis direction of the through hole 16, but may be divided in the long axis direction of the through hole 16.

  Further, instead of the tape fiber 24, a plurality of coated optical fibers 14 may be used.

[Ninth embodiment]
Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the optical fiber array member 90 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, a fixing portion 92 is added to the optical fiber array member 20 according to the above-described eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  The fixing portion 92 includes a plurality of convex portions 94 formed on one ferrule constituent member 82 and a concave portion 96 formed on the other ferrule constituent member 82. The convex portion 94 and the concave portion 96 are configured to be press-fitted together.

  The optical fiber array member 90 is assembled, for example, in the following manner. That is, with the tip side of the tape fiber 24 positioned between the pair of ferrule constituent members 82, the convex portions 94 are press-fitted into the concave portions 96, and the pair of ferrule constituent members 82 are temporarily assembled. And the ferrule 12 is hold | maintained in the state arrange | positioned in the through-hole 16 at the front end side of the tape fiber 24 (holding process).

  Subsequently, after this holding step, for example, capillary action is used to infiltrate (infiltrate) the adhesive into the gap between the pair of ferrule constituent members 82 and to penetrate the adhesive into the through hole 16 from this gap. Let Then, the pair of ferrule constituent members 82 are bonded to each other by the adhesive, and the tip side of the tape fiber 24 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16 (bonding step).

  Further, the portion protruding from the through hole 16 on the front end side of the tape fiber 24 and the adhesive protruding from the through hole 16 are removed together with the end surface of the ferrule 12 by polishing with a sandpaper or the like (polishing step).

  According to the method for manufacturing the optical fiber array member 90, since the pair of ferrule components 82 are fixed (temporarily assembled) by the fixing portion 92 before the bonding process, the tape fiber 24 and the ferrule 12 are bonded in the bonding process. Can be easily adhered.

  Further, when the through hole 16 has a smaller cross-sectional shape than the tape fiber 24, the pair of ferrule constituent members 82 are fixed by the fixing portion 92, thereby mechanically fixing (caulking and fixing) the tape fiber 24. Can do.

  In the optical fiber array member 90, when the fixing strength of the pair of ferrule constituent members 82 can be secured by the fixing portion 92, the fixing with the adhesive may be omitted.

[Tenth embodiment]
Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the optical fiber array member 100 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the fixing portion 92 is changed with respect to the above-described optical fiber array member 20 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

  In other words, the fixing portion 92 includes a pair of engaging pieces 104 and a pair of engaging protrusions 106 that can be engaged with each other. The pair of engagement pieces 104 are formed on the side surface of one ferrule component member 82, and the pair of engagement protrusions 106 are formed on the side surface of the other ferrule component member 82.

  Also with this optical fiber arraying member 100, since the pair of ferrule components 82 can be fixed (temporarily assembled) by the fixing portion 92 before the bonding process, in the bonding process, the tape fiber 24 and the ferrule 12 Can be easily adhered.

  In the optical fiber array member 100, when the fixing strength of the pair of ferrule components 82 can be secured by the fixing portion 92, the fixing with the adhesive may be omitted.

  Further, the configuration of the fixing portion 92 may be a configuration other than the ninth embodiment and the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[Eleventh embodiment]
Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the optical fiber array member 110 according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, an optical element 112 as a connected member is added to the above-described optical fiber array member 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The optical element 112 includes an element main body 114 as a connected portion optically connected to the plurality of optical fibers 14, and an optical lens 116 (lens array) provided between the element main body 114 and the tape fiber 24. And have.

  The element body 114 is, for example, a laser diode (VCSEL or the like), a photodiode, or the like.

  The optical fiber array member 110 is assembled, for example, in the following manner. That is, the ferrule 12 and the optical element 112 are connected so that the tape fiber 24 and the element body 114 are optically connected (connection process).

  Subsequently, after this connection step, for example, capillary action is used to infiltrate (penetrate) the adhesive into the gap between the ferrule 12 and the optical element 112, and penetrate the adhesive into the through hole 16 from this gap. Let And the ferrule 12 and the optical element 112 are adhere | attached with an adhesive agent, and the front end side of the tape fiber 24 is adhere | attached with the internal peripheral surface of the through-hole 16 (adhesion process).

  According to the method of manufacturing the optical fiber array member 110, the adhesion between the ferrule 12 and the optical element 112 and the adhesion to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16 on the distal end side of the tape fiber 24 are performed in the same process. Can be improved.

  Further, according to the optical fiber array member 110, signals can be transmitted between the plurality of optical fibers 14 and the optical element 112.

  Further, since the optical lens 116 is provided between the plurality of optical fibers 14 and the element body 114, the efficiency of the plurality of optical fibers 14 and the element body 114 during signal transmission can be improved.

  In this optical fiber array member 110, a plurality of coated optical fibers 14 may be directly held on the ferrule 12 instead of the tape fiber 24.

[Twelfth embodiment]
Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The optical fiber array member 120 according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention is an optical fiber array member having the same configuration as the optical fiber array member 20 with respect to the above-described optical fiber array member 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration includes a pair of members 20.

  The optical fiber array member 120 is assembled, for example, in the following manner. That is, the plurality of optical fibers 14 of one optical fiber arraying member 20 and the plurality of optical fibers 14 (connected portions) of the other optical fiber arraying member 20 (connected member) are optically connected. The pair of optical fiber array members 20 are connected to each other (connection process).

  Subsequently, after this connecting step, for example, by using capillary phenomenon or the like, the adhesive is infiltrated (infiltrated) into the gap between the pair of optical fiber array members 20, and the adhesive is introduced into each through hole 16 from this gap. Infiltrate. And a pair of optical fiber arrangement | sequence member 20 is adhere | attached with an adhesive agent, and the front end side of each tape fiber 24 is adhere | attached with the internal peripheral surface of the through-hole 16 (adhesion process).

  According to the method for manufacturing the optical fiber array member 120, the bonding of the pair of optical fiber array members 20 and the bonding to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16 on the distal end side of each tape fiber 24 are performed in the same process. Can be improved.

  Further, according to the optical fiber array member 120, a signal can be transmitted between the pair of tape fibers 24.

  In each optical fiber array member 20, a plurality of coated optical fibers 14 may be directly held on the ferrule 12 instead of the tape fiber 24.

[Thirteenth embodiment]
Next, a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the optical fiber array member 130 according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, a positioning portion 132 is added to the above-described optical fiber array member 120 according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

  The positioning part 132 includes a plurality of convex parts 134 formed on one optical fiber array member 20 and a concave part 136 formed on the other optical fiber array member 20. The convex portion 134 is formed, for example, in a hemispherical shape, and the concave portion 136 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape in plan view. The convex portion 134 is formed at a position aligned with the concave portion 136 and can be engaged with the concave portion 136.

  According to this optical fiber array member 130, the positioning unit 132 causes the ferrule 12 of one optical fiber array member 20 and the ferrule 12 of the other optical fiber array member 20, and thus a plurality of lights of one optical fiber array member 20 to be used. The fibers 14 and the plurality of optical fibers 14 of the other optical fiber array member 20 can be positioned with high accuracy.

  The positioning portion 132 may be applied to the connection between the ferrule 12 and the optical element 112 in the optical fiber array member 110 according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention described above.

  Alternatively, three convex portions 134 and three concave portions 136 may be formed, and the other optical fiber array member 20 may be supported at three points with respect to one optical fiber array member 20. With such a configuration, wobbling between the ferrules 12 can be suppressed and accurate positioning can be performed.

[14th embodiment]
Next, a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the optical fiber array member 140 according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the positioning portion 132 is changed with respect to the above-described optical fiber array member 130 according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, the positioning part 132 is configured by a hole 144 formed in each optical fiber array member 20 and a pair of pins 146.

  The hole 144 is formed on both sides of the through hole 16 and penetrates along the through hole 16. On the other hand, the pin 146 is configured to be insertable into the hole 144.

  Also with this optical fiber array member 140, the ferrule 12 of one optical fiber array member 20, the ferrule 12 of the other optical fiber array member 20, and a plurality of optical fibers of one optical fiber array member 20 are thereby positioned by the positioning portion 132. 14 and a plurality of optical fibers 14 of the other optical fiber arraying member 20 can be positioned with high accuracy.

  In addition, since the positioning portion 132 is configured by the hole portion 144 penetrating the ferrule 12 and the long pin 146, the positioning accuracy can be improved.

  In addition, a pair of optical fiber arrangement | sequence member 20 may be mutually fixed by the spring clip etc., for example.

[Fifteenth embodiment]
Next, a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B. 15B is a cross-sectional side view of the main part of FIG. 15A.

  The optical fiber array member 150 according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention is provided with a protrusion 152 as a drop prevention portion with respect to the optical fiber array member 80 according to the above-described eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  The protrusion 152 has, for example, a conical shape or a triangular pyramid shape, and is formed to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16.

  According to the optical fiber array member 150, the protrusion of the tape fiber 24 from the through hole 16 can be suppressed by the protrusion 152.

  Moreover, when the adhesive agent which adhere | attaches the internal peripheral surface of the through-hole 16 and the outer peripheral surface of the tape fiber 24 is used, the adhesive strength by this adhesive material can be improved.

  In the optical fiber array member 150, the ferrule 12 directly holds a plurality of coated optical fibers 14 instead of the tape fibers 24, and the plurality of optical fibers 14 are prevented from coming off from the through holes 16. It may be configured to be suppressed by the protrusion 152.

  Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 16, a rough surface may be formed as a slip-off suppressing portion by a texture process, a pear texture process, or the like instead of the protrusion 152. The rough surface may be formed on a part of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 16 or may be formed on the entire surface. Further, this rough surface may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tape fiber 24.

[Sixteenth embodiment]
Next, a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the optical fiber array member 160 according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the protrusion 152 is changed from the optical fiber array member 150 according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, in this optical fiber array member 160, the protrusion 152 is inclined toward the connection port 16 </ b> A side of the through hole 16.

  According to this optical fiber array member 160, when the tape fiber 24 is inserted into the through hole 16, the tape fiber 24 is not easily caught by the protrusion 152, while when the plurality of optical fibers 14 are inserted into the through hole 16, The protrusion of the tape fiber 24 from the through hole 16 can be suppressed by the protrusion 152.

  In this optical fiber array member 160, the ferrule 12 is not configured to be divided into a plurality of ferrule constituent members 82, but is an integrated configuration, and the protrusion 152 is formed on the ferrule 12 of this integrated configuration. good.

[Seventeenth embodiment]
Next, an seventeenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The configuration of the optical fiber array member 170 according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention is changed as follows with respect to the above-described optical fiber array member 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, the ferrule 12 is formed with a pair of through holes 16 aligned in the minor axis direction. Further, the distal end side of the tape fiber 24 is inserted into each through hole 16.

  According to this optical fiber array member 170, the number of optical fibers 14 can be increased while suppressing an increase in the dimension of the ferrule 12 in the width direction.

  In the optical fiber array member 170, the pair of through holes 16 may be formed side by side in the long axis direction.

  A plurality of through holes 16 may be formed side by side in the short axis direction and the long axis direction.

  In addition, a plurality of optical fibers 14 may be directly inserted into each through hole 16 instead of the tape fiber 24.

[Eighteenth embodiment]
Next, an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The eighteenth embodiment of the present invention shows an example of manufacturing the optical fiber array member 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention described above.

  That is, in the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention, first, a base material 182 having one through hole 16 is formed in advance by resin molding or the like, and the tape fiber 24 is inserted into the through hole 16 of this base material 182. The tape fiber 24 is held on the base material 182 (holding step).

  Subsequently, after this holding step, the base material 182 and the tape fiber 24 are cut in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the tape fiber 24 by a blade (cutting step).

  The pair of optical fiber array members 20 is manufactured by the above procedure.

  According to this method for manufacturing an optical fiber array member, a pair of optical fiber array members 20 can be obtained by a single manufacture, and thus productivity can be improved.

  Further, by using the blade, the end face of the ferrule 12 and the end face of the tape fiber 24 can be flattened simultaneously with the cutting.

  In this method of manufacturing an optical fiber array member, the base material 182 may directly hold a plurality of coated optical fibers 14 instead of the tape fibers 24.

  Further, in the cutting step, the base material 182 and the tape fiber 24 may be cut in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction of the tape fiber 24.

[Nineteenth embodiment]
Next, a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The nineteenth embodiment of the present invention shows another example of manufacturing the optical fiber array member 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the through-hole 16 is formed in the taper shape which diameter-reduces as it goes to the connection port 16A.

  In the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention, first, the plurality of optical fibers 14 are exposed by removing the tape coating 22 on the front end side of the tape fiber 24, and a passage portion 192 is formed on the front end side of the tape fiber 24. (Passing portion forming step).

  Subsequently, the tape fiber 24 is inserted into the through hole 16 so that the passing portion 192 formed by this passing portion forming step protrudes from the through hole 16. Further, the tape fiber 24 is press-fitted into the through-hole 16 by applying a tensile force to the passage portion 192 protruding from the through-hole 16 (press-fit process).

  Then, after this press-fitting step, the passage portion 192 protruding from the connection port 16A of the through hole 16 is cut (cutting step).

  Further, the tip end of the tape fiber 24 and the end face of the ferrule 12 are polished with a sandpaper or the like (polishing step).

  The optical fiber array member 20 is assembled by the above procedure.

  According to this method for manufacturing an optical fiber array member, the tape fiber 24 can be press-fitted into the through hole 16, so that the tape fiber 24 can be firmly fixed to the ferrule 12.

  In the above-described passage portion forming step, the passage portion 192 may be formed on the distal end side of the tape fiber 24 by shaving without removing the tape coating 22 on the distal end side of the tape fiber 24.

  Further, the passage portion 192 may be formed by resin molding or the like.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited above, Of course, it can change and implement variously within the range which does not deviate from the main point. .

  Of course, the embodiments that can be combined among the plurality of embodiments can be implemented by appropriately combining other than the above.

10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 Optical fiber array member 12 Ferrule 14 Optical fiber 16 Through hole 22 Tape coating 24 Tape Fiber 32 Exposed portion 82 Ferrule constituent member 92 Fixed portion 112 Optical element (member to be connected)
114 Element body (connected part)
116 Optical lens 132 Positioning part 152 Protrusion (omission prevention part)
182 Substrate 192 passage

Claims (23)

A ferrule having at least one through hole in which one opening is a connection port with a connected member;
A plurality of optical fibers held by the ferrule in a state in which the front end side is arranged in parallel to at least the connection port side in the through hole;
An optical fiber array member comprising: Each of the plurality of optical fibers is a coated optical fiber in which a bare fiber is coated.
The optical fiber array member according to claim 1. The plurality of coated optical fibers are tape fibers grouped into a tape shape by tape coating,
The optical fiber array member according to claim 2. Each of the plurality of optical fibers is a coated optical fiber in which a bare fiber is coated, and is a tape fiber grouped in a tape shape by a tape coating,
The exposed portion where the plurality of coated optical fibers are exposed is formed on the tip side of the tape fiber,
The optical fiber array member according to claim 1. The through hole has a cross-sectional elongated hole shape,
The dimension in the major axis direction in the cross section on the connection port side of the through hole is the same as the sum of the diameters of the plurality of coated optical fibers inserted into the one through hole,
The dimension in the minor axis direction in the cross section on the connection port side of the through hole is the same as the diameter dimension of each coated optical fiber inserted into the one through hole,
The optical fiber array member according to claim 2 or 4. The through hole has a cross-sectional elongated hole shape,
The cross section on the connection port side of the through hole is the same as the cross section of the tape fiber inserted into the one through hole,
The optical fiber array member according to claim 3. The tip side of the plurality of optical fibers is inserted into the through hole from the insertion port opposite to the connection port,
At least the insertion port side of the through hole is formed in a tapered shape whose diameter increases toward the insertion port.
The optical fiber array member as described in any one of Claims 1-6. The connection port side of the through hole is formed in a tapered shape that decreases in diameter toward the connection port,
The distal ends of the plurality of optical fibers are press-fitted into the through holes,
The optical fiber array member according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The ferrule is fixed to the plurality of optical fibers by heat caulking.
The optical fiber arrangement | sequence member as described in any one of Claims 1-4. The ferrule is formed integrally with the plurality of optical fibers during resin molding.
The optical fiber arrangement | sequence member as described in any one of Claims 1-4. The ferrule is divided into a plurality of ferrule constituent members with the through hole as a boundary.
The optical fiber array member according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The ferrule has a fixing portion that fixes the plurality of ferrule constituent members to each other.
The optical fiber array member according to claim 11. The connected member having a connected portion optically connected to the plurality of optical fibers.
The optical fiber array member according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The plurality of optical fibers are bonded to the ferrule by an adhesive that bonds the ferrule and the connected member.
The optical fiber array member according to claim 13. An optical lens provided between the plurality of optical fibers and the connected portion;
The optical fiber array member according to claim 13 or 14. A positioning portion for positioning the ferrule and the connected member;
The optical fiber array member according to any one of claims 13 to 15. Provided between the inner peripheral surface of the through hole and the outer peripheral surface of the plurality of optical fibers, and provided with a disconnection suppressing portion for suppressing the disconnection of the plurality of optical fibers from the through hole,
The optical fiber array member as described in any one of Claims 1-16. The plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the through holes,
The disconnection suppressing portion is formed to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole and is a protrusion inclined to the connection port side.
The optical fiber array member according to claim 17. It is a manufacturing method of the optical fiber arrangement member according to claim 1,
The holding step of holding the plurality of optical fibers in the base material in a state of being arranged in parallel in one through hole of the base material to be divided into the ferrule,
After the holding step, a cutting step of cutting the base material and the plurality of optical fibers in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the plurality of optical fibers;
The manufacturing method of the optical fiber arrangement | sequence member provided with this. It is a manufacturing method of the optical fiber arrangement member according to claim 3,
A passing part forming step of forming a passing part capable of passing through the connection port on the tip side of the tape fiber; and
The tape fiber is inserted into the through hole so that the passing portion protrudes from the through hole, and a tensile force is applied to the passing portion protruding from the through hole to press-fit the tape fiber into the through hole. Press-fitting process,
After the press-fitting step, a cutting step of cutting the passage portion protruding from the through hole;
The manufacturing method of the optical fiber arrangement | sequence member provided with this. It is a manufacturing method of the optical fiber arrangement member according to claim 11,
A holding step of assembling the plurality of ferrule constituent members to each other and holding the tip ends of the plurality of optical fibers on at least the connection port side in the through hole in parallel with the plurality of ferrule constituent members; ,
After the holding step, an adhesive is infiltrated into the through hole from the gaps of the plurality of ferrule constituent members and the gaps, and the plurality of ferrule constituent members are bonded to each other by the adhesive and the plurality of optical fibers An adhesion step of adhering the distal end side to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole;
The manufacturing method of the optical fiber arrangement | sequence member provided with this. It is a manufacturing method of the optical fiber arrangement member according to claim 12,
A holding step of fixing the plurality of ferrule constituent members by the fixing section and holding the ferrule in a state in which tip ends of the plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel on at least the connection port side in the through hole; ,
After the holding step, an adhesive is infiltrated into the through-hole from at least gaps between the plurality of ferrule constituent members, and the distal ends of the plurality of optical fibers are bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole by the adhesive. Bonding process;
The manufacturing method of the optical fiber arrangement | sequence member provided with this. It is a manufacturing method of the optical fiber arrangement member according to claim 14,
Connecting the ferrule and the connected member, and optically connecting the plurality of optical fibers and the connected portion; and
After the connecting step, an adhesive step of adhering the front ferrule and the connected member with an adhesive and adhering the plurality of optical fibers to the ferrule;
The manufacturing method of the optical fiber arrangement | sequence member provided with this.

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