JP2013029624A - Optical connector and optical transmission module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical connector capable of suitably connecting optical transmission paths each other.SOLUTION: An optical connector 3 includes a plug 15, a second holding member (a substrate 17 and a pedestal part 27) and a connection member 29 supported on the pedestal part 27 and engaged with the plug 15. The connection member 29 includes: an extension part 29a; a first engagement part 29ba protruded from the extension part 29a and allowed to be engaged with an engaged part 15f of the plug 15 in a direction from the first connection part 15d side to the second connection part 17cc side; and an abutting part 29c located on the second connection part 17cc side from the first engagement part 29ba of the extension part 29a and capable of abutting on the plug 15 to the protruded side of the first engagement part 29ba. A distance Sfrom the second connection part 17cc up to the first engagement part 29ba in an x direction before the engagement of the first engagement part 29ba is shorter than a distance Sfrom the first connection part 15d up to the engaged part 15f in the x direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical connector for connecting optical transmission lines to each other and an optical transmission module having the optical connector.

  2. Description of the Related Art An optical connector that connects optical transmission lines composed of optical fibers or the like is known. Patent Document 1 discloses an optical connector having an optical module and a ferrule provided at one end of an optical fiber cable and connected to the optical module. In this optical connector, the end face of the optical module where one end face of the optical transmission path is exposed and the end face of the ferrule where one end face of the optical transmission path is exposed are brought into contact with each other in the contact direction. The guide pin is inserted.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-84147

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, the movement of the optical module and the ferrule in the direction orthogonal to the optical transmission path is regulated by the guide pin, which causes various inconveniences. For example, the number of members increases by the amount of the guide pin. Further, for example, the guide pins exist independently of the optical module and the ferrule, which causes complication of component management and connection work. Further, for example, the positions of the optical transmission paths vary during the connection of the optical transmission paths according to the fitting backlash between the guide pins and the pin holes through which the guide pins are inserted.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector and an optical transmission module that can stably connect optical transmission paths without using guide pins.

  The optical connector which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention has the 1st holding member which has the 1st connection part which the one end surface of a 1st optical transmission line exposes, and the 2nd connection part which the one end surface of a 2nd optical transmission line exposes. A second holding member that is supported by the second holding member, and abuts the first connection portion and the second connection portion in a predetermined connection direction so as to contact the first optical transmission line and the second A connection member that engages with the first holding member when connected to an optical transmission path, the connection member extending from the second connection portion side to the first connection portion side, An extension part supported by the second holding member so that the second connection part side part cannot move in the connection direction, and a direction intersecting the connection direction in the first connection part side part of the extension part Projects and engages in a direction from the first connection portion side to the second connection portion side with respect to a predetermined engaged portion of the first holding member A first engaging portion that is capable of functioning and a side on which the first engaging portion protrudes with respect to the first holding member, the first connecting portion being located on the second connecting portion side of the first engaging portion of the extending portion. And a distance in the connection direction from the second connection portion to the first engagement portion before the engagement of the first engagement portion is the first connection. Shorter than the distance in the connecting direction from the portion to the engaged portion.

  Preferably, the connection member is supported by the extension portion on the first engagement portion side with respect to the contact portion, and the side on which the first engagement portion protrudes from the first holding member; Further has a second engaging portion engageable to the opposite side.

  Preferably, the second holding member includes a base body having the second connection portion, and a pedestal portion coupled to the base body and supporting the connection member.

  Preferably, one of the base body and the pedestal portion has a protrusion protruding to the side from which the first engagement portion protrudes or the opposite side, and the other of the base body and the pedestal portion is the connection direction. And a hole into which the protrusion is inserted so as not to move in a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the protrusion.

  Preferably, the inner diameter of the hole in the connection direction is larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion in the connection direction.

  Preferably, the base has a support portion capable of supporting the first holding member from a side opposite to the contact portion of the first holding member.

  Preferably, in a state where the first engagement portion is engaged, the contact portion and the support portion overlap each other in a plan view seen in the contact direction of the contact portion.

  Preferably, in the first connection portion, end faces of the plurality of first optical transmission lines are arranged and exposed in a width direction perpendicular to the connection direction and perpendicular to the contact direction of the contact portion. In the second connection portion, end surfaces of the plurality of second optical transmission lines are arranged and exposed in the width direction, and the contact portion extends in the width direction.

  Preferably, the first holding member is abutted so that the abutting portion abuts in a direction inclined from the first connecting portion side to the second connecting portion side with respect to a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction. Part.

  Preferably, the first optical transmission line extends from the first holding member on the side opposite to the side connected to the second optical transmission line, and the first holding member and the second holding member At least one is positioned closer to the first engagement portion than the contact portion of the connection member, and sandwiches an extended portion of the first optical transmission path with respect to an end portion of the first engagement portion. It has a regulation part which counters.

  An optical transmission module according to an aspect of the present invention is output from the above-described optical connector, the second optical transmission line, a light-emitting element that inputs light to the second optical transmission line, and the second optical transmission line. And at least one of light receiving elements for receiving light.

  According to said structure, the optical transmission paths can be connected suitably.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a disconnected state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical connector of FIG. 1 in a connected state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a substrate and a pedestal portion of the optical connector of FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a substrate of the optical connector of FIG. 1, FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a base portion of the optical connector of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4C is a positioning portion of the substrate and the base portion. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a connection member of the optical connector of FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. FIGS. 7A to 7C are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of the optical connector of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical connector which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical connector which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical connector which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical connector which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical connector which concerns on 6th Embodiment. FIG. 13A is an enlarged view of a region XIIa in FIG. 12, and FIGS. 13B and 13C are main parts of the optical connector according to the first and second modifications of the sixth embodiment. FIG. FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing an optical connector according to the seventh embodiment, FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIVb-XIVb in FIG. 14A, and FIG. It is sectional drawing in the XIVc-XIVc line | wire of Fig.14 (a). It is a perspective view which shows the connection member of the optical connector which concerns on 8th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an optical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second and subsequent embodiments, components that are the same as or similar to the configurations of the embodiments that have already been described are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the embodiments that have already been described, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. There is.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical connector 3 according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an optical transmission module 1 including the optical connector 3 in a disconnected state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical connector 3 in a connected state.

  The optical connector 3 may be used with any direction set upward or downward, but in the following description, for convenience, the orthogonal coordinate system xyz is defined and the positive side in the z direction is used. The term “upper surface” or “lower surface” shall be used with the symbol “up”.

  The optical transmission module 1 includes a plug assembly 5 and a receptacle assembly 7 connected to the plug assembly 5. The optical connector 3 includes a part of the plug assembly 5 and a part of the receptacle assembly 7.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical transmission module 1 includes a light emitting element 9A and a light receiving element 11A connected to the plug assembly 5, and a light emitting element 9B and a light receiving element 11B connected to the receptacle assembly 7. Yes.

  The light generated in the light emitting element 9A is received by the light receiving element 11B through the plug assembly 5 and the receptacle assembly 7 in the connected state. The light generated in the light emitting element 9B is received by the light receiving element 11A via the connected receptacle assembly 7 and plug assembly 5. The light emitting element 9B and the light receiving element 11B may be mounted on the substrate 17 or may be provided separately from the substrate 17.

  The plug assembly 5 includes an optical cable 13 having one end connected to the light emitting element 9 </ b> A and the light receiving element 11 </ b> A, and a plug 15 provided on the other end of the optical cable 13.

  The receptacle assembly 7 includes a substrate 17, an optical waveguide band 19 provided on the substrate 17, one end of which is connected to the light emitting element 9 </ b> B and the light receiving element 11 </ b> B, and a receptacle 21 provided on the other end of the optical waveguide band 19. Have.

  The optical cable 13 has a plurality of optical fibers 23 as seen through in FIG. Each optical fiber 23 has a core and a clad (and coating) (not shown) as is well known. In addition, although the some optical fiber 23 may be covered and bundled with the sheath and may not be bundled, the case where it bundles is illustrated in this embodiment. For example, the plurality of optical fibers 23 are arranged in a line in the radial direction at least inside the plug 15.

  The plug 15 holds the optical cable 13 by inserting one end of the optical cable 13. In addition, the plug 15 may be comprised by the one member integrally formed, and may be comprised including two members mutually fixed so that the optical cable 13 may be inserted | pinched. The plug 15 is made of an appropriate material such as resin, ceramic or metal.

  For example, the plug 15 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has an upper surface 15a, a lower surface 15b, two side surfaces 15c, a front surface (first connection portion 15d), and a rear surface 15e. The optical cable 13 is inserted into the plug 15 in the direction from the rear surface 15e to the first connection portion 15d, and the end surfaces of the plurality of optical fibers 23 are exposed at the first connection portion 15d (see FIG. 6). .

  The board | substrate 17 is comprised by the rigid type printed wiring board, for example. The substrate 17 is formed in, for example, a flat plate shape, and includes a first main surface 17a, a second main surface on the back surface (reference number omitted), and an outer peripheral surface (reference number omitted) facing the outer peripheral side of these main surfaces. have. A part of the outer peripheral surface is a facing surface 17c facing the plug 15 side. The facing surface 17c is formed, for example, in a straight line over the arrangement range of the receptacle 21 in the plan view of the substrate 17 (the facing surface 17c is formed in a flat shape).

  The optical waveguide band 19 is provided on the first main surface 17a of the substrate 17, and has a plurality of optical waveguides 25 as seen through in FIG.

  As is well known, each optical waveguide 25 has the same configuration as an optical fiber, and has a core and a clad. The optical waveguide 25 may be an appropriate type such as a slab type, a buried type, or a semi-buried type. The end surface of the optical waveguide 25 is exposed at the facing surface 17c (see FIG. 6). The plurality of optical waveguides 25 are arranged in a line in a direction along the facing surface 17c (y direction) at least on the end surface side exposed from the facing surface 17c.

  The receptacle 21 includes a pedestal portion 27 attached to the substrate 17 and a connection member 29 supported by the pedestal portion 27 and engaged with the plug 15 in the connected state. The pedestal 27 is made of an appropriate material such as resin, ceramic, or metal. The connection member 29 is made of an elastically deformable material, for example, resin or metal.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the receptacle assembly 7 with the connection member 29 removed.

  The pedestal portion 27 includes, for example, an attachment portion 27 a that mainly contributes to the attachment of the pedestal portion 27 to the substrate 17 and an accommodating portion 27 b that mainly contributes to guiding and holding the plug 15.

  For example, the attachment portion 27 a is formed in a plate shape and overlaps the first main surface 17 a (optical waveguide band 19) of the substrate 17. The mounting portion 27a and the substrate 17 are fixed by appropriate means such as a fixing member such as a screw or solder, or an adhesive including an inorganic material or an organic material, for example.

  The accommodating part 27b is formed in the shape which comprises the groove part of a substantially rectangular cross section, for example, and has the bottom face part 27ba and two side part 27bb. The accommodating part 27b is made into the magnitude | size and shape which the plug 15 fits in general. Thus, since the accommodating part 27b and the plug 15 are set to the size and shape which fit, the movement of the plug 15 in the y direction can be suppressed. What is necessary is just to design the dimension of the y direction of the accommodating part 27b, for example by the relationship between the core diameter of the y direction of the optical waveguide 25, and the core diameter of the optical fiber 23 in the y direction. That is, the dimension in the y direction of the accommodating portion 27b may be determined depending on how much light leakage can be allowed between the optical waveguide 25 and the optical fiber 23.

  An opening 27c is formed between the mounting portion 27a and the accommodating portion 27b so as to expose a part of the opposing surface 17c of the substrate 17 (second connection portion 17cc). In the second connection portion 17cc, the end faces of the plurality of optical waveguides 25 are exposed (see FIG. 6).

  When the plug 15 is guided by the bottom surface portion 27ba and the side surface portion 27bb of the accommodating portion 27b and inserted into the receptacle 21, the first connection portion 15d of the plug 15 contacts the second connection portion 17cc. Thereby, the end surfaces of the plurality of optical fibers 23 exposed at the first connection portion 15d and the end surfaces of the plurality of optical waveguides 25 exposed at the second connection portion 17cc face each other, and the plurality of optical fibers 23 and the plurality of light guides are exposed. The waveguide 25 is connected (see FIG. 6).

  FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the pedestal portion 27 removed from the configuration of FIG. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the pedestal portion 27 as viewed from below.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the first main surface 17a of the substrate 17 is provided with a protrusion 31 protruding from the first main surface 17a. For example, the protrusions 31 are provided on both sides of the plurality of optical waveguides 25. The planar shape of the protrusion 31 may be an appropriate shape such as a rectangle or a circle (in the present embodiment, a circle). The protrusion 31 may be formed of an appropriate material such as resin, ceramic, or metal. Further, the protrusion 31 may be appropriately fixed to the substrate 17 such as being fixed to the first main surface 17a with solder or adhesive, embedded in the substrate 17, or constituted by a part of the substrate 17. . A plurality of protrusions 31 may be formed, and when a plurality of protrusions 31 are formed, they may be formed with the same shape and size, or may be formed with different shapes and sizes. When the plurality of protrusions 31 are formed with different shapes and sizes, it is possible to prevent the hole 33 from being erroneously placed on the substrate 17.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, a hole 33 into which the protrusion 31 is inserted is formed in the attachment portion 27a of the receptacle 21. For example, the hole 33 is formed in a long shape in the x direction (the contact direction between the first connecting portion 15d and the second connecting portion 17cc). The hole 33 may be a recess having a bottom surface or may be a through hole (in this embodiment, a recess).

  FIG. 4C is a plan view of the protrusion 31 and the hole 33.

  The inner diameter of the hole 33 in the y direction is the same as the outer diameter of the protrusion 31 in the y direction. Therefore, when the protrusion 31 is inserted into the hole 33, the y direction with respect to the hole 33 (in a direction orthogonal to the contact direction of the first connection portion 15 d and the second connection portion 17 cc and in the protrusion direction of the protrusion 31). Movement in the orthogonal direction) is restricted. That is, the movement of the receptacle 21 with respect to the substrate 17 in the y direction is restricted.

  On the other hand, the inner diameter of the hole 33 in the x direction (the contact direction between the first connection portion 15d and the second connection portion 17cc) is larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 31 in the x direction. Therefore, during the assembly process (before the pedestal 27 is fixed to the substrate 17 with solder or the like), the protrusion 31 can move in the hole 33 in the x direction. That is, the position of the receptacle 21 in the x direction with respect to the substrate 17 can be adjusted.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the connection member 29 as viewed from below.

  The connection member 29 is provided on the extension portion 29 a supported by the pedestal portion 27, the engagement function portion 29 b supported by the extension portion 29 a and engaging with the plug 15, and the extension portion 29 a, and attached to the plug 15. And an abutting portion 29c that abuts.

  The extending portion 29a is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and extends in the x direction (abutting direction of the first connecting portion 15d and the second connecting portion 17cc) and in the y direction (a plurality of optical waveguides 25). In the arrangement direction). The extending portion 29a is, for example, a bonding member including a fixing member such as a screw or solder, or an inorganic material or an organic material at the end on the positive side in the x direction (the second connecting portion 17cc side with respect to the first connecting portion 15d). It is fixed to the pedestal portion 27 by a support portion 35 (see FIG. 6) made of a material or the like, and translates in the x, y, and z directions, and rotates around the x axis, the y axis, and the z axis. Movement is restricted. That is, the extended portion 29a has one end supported by a fixed fulcrum and the other end a free end like a cantilever.

  The engagement function portion 29b is provided, for example, at the end of the extending portion 29a on the negative side in the x direction (on the first connection portion 15d side with respect to the second connection portion 17cc), and the upper surface 15a of the rear surface 15e of the plug 15 It engages with an engaged portion 15f (FIG. 1) formed on the side (FIG. 2). The engagement function part 29b and the engaged part 15f are provided, for example, at positions on both sides of the arrangement region of the plurality of optical fibers 23.

  The contact portion 29c protrudes from the negative z-direction surface (the surface from which the engagement function portion 29b protrudes) of the extending portion 29a, and extends toward the negative z-direction with respect to the upper surface 15a of the plug 15. Abutment is possible. For example, the contact portion 29 c extends in the arrangement direction (y direction) of the plurality of optical fibers 23 and the plurality of optical waveguides 25. In addition, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the y direction of the contact part 29c may be an appropriate shape.

  6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. However, illustration of a part of the accommodating portion 27b (bottom surface portion 27ba) of the pedestal portion 27 is omitted.

  The engagement function part 29b includes a first engagement part 29ba that projects downward from the tip of the extension part 29a (a direction that intersects the contact direction of the first connection part 15d and the second connection part 17cc), and a first engagement part. A second engaging portion 29bb protruding from the tip of the joint portion 29ba toward the positive side in the x direction (the direction from the first connecting portion 15d side to the second connecting portion 17cc side). On the other hand, the engaged portion 15f protrudes from the rear surface 15e of the plug 15 to the negative side in the x direction. The first engaging portion 29ba is engaged with the engaged portion 15f on the positive side in the x direction, and the second engaging portion 29bb is engaged with the engaged portion 15f upward.

  FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are cross-sectional views for explaining the dimensions of the optical connector 3, and FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the optical connector 3.

As shown in FIG. 7A, from the second connecting portion 17cc of the substrate 17 to the first engaging portion 29ba of the receptacle 21 (strictly, the point of action of the first engaging portion 29ba with respect to the engaged portion 15f). distance and _{S 2.} Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the plug 15, the distance from the first connecting portion 15d to the engaged portion 15f (strictly, the operating point of the engaged portion 15f with respect to the first engaging portion 29ba). It is referred to as _{S 1.} At this time, the receptacle 21 is attached to the substrate 17 so that S ₁ > S ₂ is satisfied.

  Therefore, when the first engaging portion 29ba is engaged with the engaged portion 15f, as shown in FIG. 7C, the first engaging portion 29ba applies the force indicated by the arrow y1 from the engaged portion 15f. In response to the elastic deformation of the connection member 29, the connection member 29 is displaced as indicated by the dotted line L1. Then, as indicated by an arrow y3, the first engagement portion 29ba applies a positive force in the x direction generated by the restoring force of the connection member 29 to the engaged portion 15f. As a result, the first connecting portion 15d is pressed against the second connecting portion 17cc.

  In addition, the first engaging portion 29ba has its base portion (point P1) moved to the negative side in the x direction with respect to the second connecting portion 17cc (substrate 17) by the extending portion 29a, the pedestal portion 27, and the support portion 35. Since it is regulated, the force indicated by the arrow y1 generates a moment around the point P1 indicated by the arrow y5. This moment is transmitted to the extending portion 29a as a moment for bending the extending portion 29a as indicated by the dotted line L3. In other words, a force is generated to displace the contact portion 29c to the negative side in the z direction. As a result, the contact portion 29c applies the force indicated by the arrow y7 to the upper surface 15a of the plug 15.

The plug 15 to which the force indicated by the arrow y7 is applied obtains a reaction force against the force from the second engaging portion 29bb. Further, the plug 15 can obtain a reaction force also by a frictional force between the first connection portion 15d and the second connection portion 17cc. Then, the plug 15 is kept pressed by the force indicated by the arrow y7, thereby suppressing the fluctuation in the z direction with respect to the substrate 17 after the connection. The force with which the plug 15 is pressed can be set to be 4N or more and 20N or less, for example. As a method for adjusting the force plug 15 is pressed, for example, the material of the connecting member 29, the shape of the engaged portion 15f of the shape and the plug 15 of the first engagement portion 29ba of the connecting member 29, and _{S 1} and and a method of adjusting the relationship of S _2.

  The extending portion 29a only needs to be applied with a moment to bend the extending portion 29a with the positive side in the z direction being concave, and does not have to be actually bent as compared to before the engagement. (The abutting portion 29c may abut against the plug 15 without being bent.) However, the extending portion 29a may be bent with the positive side in the z direction actually concave as compared to before the engagement, or is bent with the negative side in the z direction being concave before the engagement, and after the engagement. The bend may be corrected.

  The position of the plug 15 in the y direction is positioned by, for example, the side surface portion 27bb of the housing portion 27b of the pedestal portion 27. Since the position of the plug 15 in the z direction is positioned by the connection member 29 and the second connection portion 17cc as described above, the bottom surface portion 27ba of the housing portion 27b may be in contact with the lower surface 15b of the plug 15. , It may not be in contact. When the bottom surface portion 27ba of the housing portion 27b and the lower surface 15b of the plug 15 are in contact with each other, the plug 15 can be prevented from moving in the vertical direction (z direction), and the optical waveguide 25, the optical fiber 23, The connection can be kept good.

In the above embodiment, the optical connector 3 includes the plug 15 having the first connection portion 15d in which the one end surface of the optical fiber 23 is exposed, and the second holding portion having the second connection portion 17cc in which the one end surface of the optical waveguide 25 is exposed. The optical fiber is supported by the members (the substrate 17 and the pedestal portion 27) and the second holding member, and the first connection portion 15d and the second connection portion 17cc are brought into contact with each other in a predetermined connection direction (x direction). And a connection member 29 that engages with the plug 15 when the optical waveguide 25 and the optical waveguide 25 are connected. The connection member 29 extends from the second connection portion 17cc side to the first connection portion 15d side, and the extension portion 29a is supported by the second holding member so that the second connection portion 17cc side portion cannot move in the x direction, The extension portion 29a projects in the direction (z direction) intersecting the x direction at the first connection portion 15d side portion, and the second connection portion 17cc from the first connection portion 15d side with respect to the engaged portion 15f of the plug 15. The first engagement portion 29ba that can be engaged in the direction toward the side (the positive side in the x direction) and the second connection portion 17cc side of the first engagement portion 29ba of the extension portion 29a are located on the plug 15 On the other hand, a contact portion 29c that can contact the side from which the first engagement portion 29ba protrudes is provided. Distance _{S 2} in the x direction from the second connecting portion 17cc before engagement of the first engagement portion 29ba to the first engaging portion 29ba is, the distance in the x-direction from the first connecting portion 15d to the engaged portion 15f shorter than S _1.

  Accordingly, as described with reference to FIG. 7C, the plug 15 is pressed to the negative side in the z direction by the contact portion 29c, thereby suppressing the displacement of the plug 15 to the positive side in the z direction. it can. As a result, no guide pin is required, and the number of members can be reduced. In addition, since the pressing force is maintained by the restoring force of the connection member 29, it is possible to make it difficult to cause a shift due to the fitting play as in the positioning by the guide pin. Further, since the connecting member 29 for positioning in the x direction is also used for positioning in the z direction by the contact portion 29c, the configuration is simplified and the connecting work is facilitated. As a result, the workability of the plug 15 insertion / extraction operation is improved, the optical waveguide 25 and the optical fiber 23 can be aligned with high positional accuracy, and the connection between the optical waveguide 25 and the optical fiber 23 can be stabilized. Can be done.

  The connecting member 29 is supported by the extending portion 29a on the first engagement portion 29ba side of the contact portion 29c, and is opposite to the side from which the first engagement portion 29ba protrudes with respect to the plug 15 (in the z direction). It further has a second engagement portion 29bb that can be engaged with the positive side.

  Accordingly, the force indicated by the arrow y1 (FIG. 7C) generates a moment for rotating the connection member 29 around the support portion 35, and the engagement of the first engagement portion 29ba is prevented from being released. The force indicated by the arrow y1 is used as a force for efficiently pushing the contact portion 29c toward the plug 15 side.

  The second holding member includes a substrate 17 having a second connection portion 17 cc, and a pedestal portion 27 that is connected to the substrate 17 and supports the connection member 29.

  Therefore, for example, when the optical module includes the substrate 17 provided with the optical waveguide 25, the substrate 17 is used as a part of the optical connector 3 by attaching the receptacle 21 to the substrate 17. The optical waveguide 25 can be directly connected to the optical fiber 23. In another aspect, the receptacle 21 need not include an optical fiber or optical waveguide. Therefore, the number of members can be reduced and the optical connector 3 can be simplified.

  One of the substrate 17 and the pedestal portion 27 (substrate 17 in this embodiment) has a protrusion 31 that protrudes to the side from which the first engagement portion 29ba protrudes or to the opposite side (in the present embodiment, the opposite side). The other of the substrate 17 and the pedestal 27 (the pedestal 27 in this embodiment) is a protrusion that is not movable in a direction (y direction) orthogonal to the connection direction (x direction) and orthogonal to the protruding direction of the protrusion 31. It has the hole 33 in which 31 was inserted.

  Therefore, the receptacle 21 can be accurately positioned with respect to the substrate 17 in the y direction, and the optical fiber 23 and the optical waveguide 25 can be suitably connected.

  The inner diameter in the connecting direction (x direction) of the hole 33 is larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 31 in the x direction (FIG. 4C).

Accordingly, by adjusting the position of the pedestal portion 27 in the x direction with respect to the substrate 17, the distance between the first engagement portion 29 ba of the connection member 29 supported by the pedestal portion 27 and the second connection portion 17 cc of the substrate 17. it is possible to adjust the S _2. Therefore, the relationship of S ₂ <S ₁ is realized for the plugs 15 having various distances S ₁ , and the operation described with reference to FIG. 7C can be obtained. That is, the versatility of the receptacle 21 is increased. The adjustment may be performed at the time of manufacturing the optical connector 3 (when the receptacle 21 is attached to the substrate 17), and the fixing means for the pedestal portion 27 and the substrate 17 is used as one of the pedestal portion 27 and the substrate 17. It may be performed at any time after manufacture, for example, by using a screw that is inserted into a long hole extending in the x direction and is screwed into the other.

  In the first connection portion 15d, the end faces of the plurality of optical fibers 23 are arranged in the width direction (y direction) perpendicular to the connection direction (x direction) and perpendicular to the contact direction (z direction) of the contact portion 29c. To be exposed. In the second connection portion 17cc, the end faces of the plurality of optical waveguides 25 are arranged in the y direction and exposed. The contact portion 29c extends in the y direction.

  Therefore, it is possible to easily position the plurality of optical fibers 23 and the plurality of optical waveguides 25 in the z direction. As a result, for example, utilization of the optical connector 3 for an optical module that performs large-capacity optical communication is also promoted.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating the optical connector 203 according to the second embodiment.

  In the optical connector 203, the substrate 217 has a support portion 217f that can support the plug 15 from the side opposite to the contact portion 29c with respect to the plug 15.

  Therefore, the plug 15 can be pressed against the support portion 217f by the contact portion 29c, and the plug 15 can be accurately positioned in the z direction. As described in the first embodiment, the support from the bottom surface side of the plug 15 can also be performed by the bottom surface portion 27ba (FIG. 3) of the accommodating portion 27b of the pedestal portion 27. However, the plug 15 (optical fiber 23) can be positioned more accurately with respect to the optical waveguide 25 by directly forming the support portion 217f on the substrate 17 on which the optical waveguide 25 is provided. Note that the support portion 217f may be formed of a material that hardly undergoes elastic deformation, such as ceramic. When the support portion 217f is formed of a ceramic material, the support portion 217f formed integrally with the substrate 17 may be used.

  Note that the support portion 217f overlaps the contact portion 29c when the first engagement portion 29ba is engaged with the plug 15 and in a plan perspective as viewed in the contact direction (z direction) of the contact portion 29c. Yes. By forming the support portion 217f in this way, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an unexpected moment with respect to the plug 15.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating the optical connector 303 according to the third embodiment.

  In the optical connector 303, the substrate 317 has a support portion 217f that can support the plug 315 from the opposite side of the contact portion 29c with respect to the plug 315, as in the second embodiment.

  However, in the second embodiment, the support portion 217f is formed by cutting out the first main surface 217a side and the second connection portion 217cc side of the substrate 217, whereas the support portion 317f The first main surface 317a side and the second connection portion 317cc side of 317 are formed without being cut out. In the optical connector 303, the plug 315 is cut out on the bottom surface 315b side and the first connection portion 315d side. The first main surface 317 a is in contact with the optical fiber 23 from below, supports the optical fiber 23, and supports the plug 15 via the optical fiber 23.

  Therefore, the same effects as those of the second embodiment are achieved, and the influence of the plug dimensional error and the substrate notch dimensional error on the connection between the optical fiber 23 and the optical waveguide 25 is suppressed.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating an optical connector 403 according to the fourth embodiment.

  The optical connector 403 is different from the optical connector 3 of the first embodiment only in that the connection member 29 is supported by the support portion 435 so as to be rotatable about the y axis with respect to the pedestal portion 27. According to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the connection can be made by fitting the plug 15 into the accommodating portion 27b of the pedestal portion 27 while moving the connecting member 29 upward and moving the connecting member 29 downward. Therefore, for example, it is useful when it is difficult to secure a space for inserting and removing the plug 15 in the x direction.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating an optical connector 503 according to the fifth embodiment.

  The optical connector 503 is different from the first embodiment only in the position of the support portion 35 that fixes the connection member 529 to the pedestal portion 27. Specifically, the support portion 35 has the same position in the z direction as the contact position of the first engagement portion 529ba with the engaged portion 15f.

  According to the present embodiment, the plug 15 can be efficiently pressed and positioned in the x direction, and the generation of a moment to rotate the connecting member 529 around the support portion 35 is suppressed.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 showing an optical connector 603 according to the sixth embodiment.

  The optical connector 603 is different from the first embodiment only in the shape of the upper surface 615a of the plug 615. Specifically, the upper surface 615a has a first surface 615aa on the engaged portion 615f side and a second surface 615ab that is higher than the first surface 615aa. And the contact part 29c is located in the level | step difference of 1st surface 615aa and 2nd surface 615ab.

  FIG. 13A is an enlarged view of a region XIIa in FIG.

  An inclined surface 615ac is formed at the step between the first surface 615aa and the second surface 615ab. The inclined surface 615ac is inclined so that the second connecting portion 17cc side (second surface 615ab side) approaches the connecting member 29 side with respect to the connecting direction (x direction) of the first connecting portion 615d and the second connecting portion 17cc. ing. The contact portion 29c is in contact with the first surface 615aa and is in contact with the inclined surface 615ac.

  The operation of the contact portion 29c on the first surface 615aa is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, when the first engagement portion 29ba is engaged with the engaged portion 615f, the contact portion 29c applies a negative force in the z direction indicated by the arrow y9 to the first surface 615aa.

  The operation of the contact portion 29c on the inclined surface 615ac is as follows. When the first engaging portion 29ba is engaged with the engaged portion 615f, the contact portion 29c tends to move to the negative side in the z direction as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the inclined surface 615ac is restricted from moving in the negative direction in the z direction by the second engaging portion 29bb and the like, and is inclined with respect to the z direction and is in contact with the contact portion 29c. Accordingly, the contact portion 29c tries to push the inclined surface 615ac to the positive side in the x direction while sliding on the inclined surface 615ac. That is, the contact portion 29c applies the force indicated by the arrow y13 to the inclined surface 615ac.

  From another viewpoint, when the frictional resistance of the inclined surface 615ac is ignored, the contact portion 29c applies a force orthogonal to the inclined surface 615ac indicated by the arrow y11 to the inclined surface 615ac. This force can be broken down into a component force on the positive side in the x direction indicated by arrow y13 and a component force on the negative side in the y direction indicated by arrow y15. The component force indicated by the arrow y13 contributes to urging the plug 615 to the positive side in the x direction, and the component force indicated by the arrow y15 urges the plug 615 to the negative side in the z direction together with the force indicated by the arrow y9. It contributes to that.

  According to the sixth embodiment, not only the first engagement portion 29ba but also the contact portion 29c can obtain a force (the force indicated by the arrow y13) that presses the first connection portion 615d against the second connection portion 17cc. Since it can do, connection of the 1st connection part 615d and the 2nd connection part 17cc is made more reliably. Further, since the contact portion 29c is engaged with the inclined surface 615ac in the direction from the first connection portion 615d side to the second connection portion 17cc side, the plug 615 is also prevented from coming off from the receptacle 21. It is suppressed.

  In this embodiment, the contact portion 29c contacts the first surface 615aa to apply a negative force in the z direction to the plug 615. However, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 615ac with respect to the x direction is moderated. And / or by increasing the coefficient of friction between the inclined surface 615ac and the contact portion 29c, the contact portion 29c is not brought into contact with the first surface 615aa, and is moved to the negative side in the z direction. A force may be applied to the plug 615 (the inclined surface 615ac).

(Modification of the sixth embodiment)
FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 13A showing a first modification of the sixth embodiment.

  In this modification, an inclined surface 615ac is formed by forming a groove 615av having a V-shaped cross section on the upper surface 615a 'of the plug. Also in the inclined surface 615ac formed in this way, the same operation as the sixth embodiment described above is exhibited. The abutting portion 29c may abut against the inclined surface 615ad opposite to the inclined surface 615ac with a relatively weak force by sliding on the inclined surface 615ac. Further, the groove 615av may be formed in a shape that fits with the contact portion 29c. When the groove 615ab is formed in this way, when the plug 615 is inserted into the receptacle assembly 7, the groove 615av of the plug 615 and the contact portion 29c of the connection member 29 are fitted. Therefore, even if the plug 615 is repeatedly inserted and removed, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the force with which the plug 615 is pressed against the facing surface 17 c of the substrate 17.

  FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 13A showing a second modification of the sixth embodiment.

  In this modification, a protrusion 615ae is formed on the upper surface 615a ″ of the plug. The corner of the protrusion 615ae is in contact with the curved surface (inclined surface) of the contact portion 29c. Even if it exists, the effect | action similar to 6th Embodiment mentioned above is show | played.

  As can be understood from this modification, the inclined surface does not have to be a flat surface. Further, the inclined surface may be provided on either the plug 615 side or the contact portion 29c side, or may be provided on both. Generally speaking, the plug 615 is provided with a portion where the abutting portion 29c abuts in a direction inclined from the first connecting portion 615d side to the second connecting portion 17cc side with respect to the direction orthogonal to the connecting direction (z direction). It only has to be.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 14A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 showing an optical connector 703 according to the seventh embodiment. FIG.14 (b) is sectional drawing in the XIVb-XIVb line | wire of Fig.14 (a). FIG.14 (c) is sectional drawing in the XIVc-XIVc line | wire of Fig.14 (a).

  Generally speaking, the optical connector 703 is obtained by adding a function of restricting the deflection of the optical cable 13 to the optical connector 3 of the first embodiment. Specifically, it is as follows.

  In the connection member 729 of the receptacle 721, the first engaging portion 729ba of the engaging function portion 729b is formed in a plate shape extending from the extending portion 729a to the bottom surface portion 727ba of the base portion 727, and the optical cable 13 is inserted therethrough. A notch 729bc is formed. The first engaging portion 729ba is engaged on the positive side in the x direction with respect to the engaged portion 715f formed on the upper surface side of the plug 715 on the base side.

  The second engagement portion 729bb is formed at the tip of both sides of the notch 729bc of the first engagement portion 729ba, and engages with the notch formed on the lower surface side of the plug 715. Yes.

  The pedestal portion 727 has a restriction portion 727f that protrudes from the bottom surface portion 727ba and is located in the notch portion 729bc. The front end of the restricting portion 727f is located closer to the first engaging portion 729ba than the contact portion (not shown) of the connection member 729, and the end portion of the first engaging portion (the upper side edge of the notch portion 729bc). ) With the optical cable 13 in between.

  As in the fourth embodiment, the connection member 729 is supported so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to the y direction, and the plug 715 is mounted on the pedestal portion 727 with the connection member 729 lifted. Then, the connecting member 729 is lowered to be fixed in the receptacle 721.

  In the above embodiment, even if the optical cable 13 is swung as indicated by the arrow y21, the wobbling can be suppressed by the connecting member 729 and the restricting portion 727f. As a result, the influence of the shake on the connection is reduced. Further, since the connecting member 729 contributes to such vibration suppression, the structure can be simplified. Furthermore, since the end on the first engagement portion 729ba side of the abutting portion contributes to the deflection control, the force that urges the optical cable 13 toward the positive side in the z direction is applied to the extension portion. It is also expected that the force is converted into a force that bends 729a and presses the contact portion against the plug 715.

  Further, since the opening on the optical cable 13 side of the receptacle 721 is closed by the first engaging portion 729ba and the restricting portion 727f, the entry of foreign matter into the optical connector 703 is suppressed.

  The restricting portion that faces the connection member 729 across the optical cable 13 may be formed in the plug 715 or in both the pedestal portion 727 and the plug 715.

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 5 showing a connection member 829 of the optical connector according to the eighth embodiment.

  In the connection member 829, the engagement function portion 829b extends over the width of the extension portion 829a, like the contact portion 829c. Although not particularly illustrated, the engaged portion of the plug that engages with the engaging function portion 829b also extends in the width direction (y direction) of the plug in the same manner as the engaging function portion 829b. In this connection member 829, the vibration of the optical cable 13 in the z direction can be suppressed as compared with the first embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, the optical fiber 23 is an example of the first optical transmission line of the present invention, and the plugs 15, 315, 615 and 715 are examples of the first holding member of the present invention. Is an example of the second optical transmission line of the present invention, and the combination of the substrate 17, 217 or 317 and the pedestal portion 27 or 727 is an example of the second holding member of the present invention, and each of the substrates 17, 217 and 317 is It is an example of the base | substrate of this invention, and each inclined surface 615ac and protrusion 615ae are examples of the to-be-contacted part of this invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented in various aspects.

  The above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined. For example, the support portion of the second or third embodiment may be provided in the fourth to eighth embodiments, and the rotation fulcrum of the fourth embodiment is the fifth, sixth, and eighth. It may be provided in the embodiment, the fulcrum position of the fifth embodiment may be applied to the sixth to eighth embodiments, and the inclined surface of the sixth embodiment is the seventh and eighth. It may be provided in the embodiment.

  An optical connector is not limited to what connects an optical cable and the optical module containing a board | substrate, For example, you may connect optical cables. From another viewpoint, the base (substrate) may be a part of the optical module or may be used only for the optical connector.

  The second holding member is not limited to the one constituted by the base that holds the second optical transmission path and the pedestal that supports the connection member. For example, the second holding member may be formed by a single member that is integrally formed. In the case where the second holding member is configured by the base and the pedestal portion, the base is not limited to the substrate, and may be configured by a member having an appropriate shape such as a cylindrical shape.

  The optical transmission line is not limited to an optical fiber or an optical waveguide. For example, the optical transmission line may include an optical fiber and a lens. Further, the first optical transmission line is not limited to an optical fiber, and may be, for example, an optical waveguide. Similarly, the first optical transmission line is not limited to the optical waveguide, and may be, for example, an optical fiber (optical cable).

  The extending part of the connection member does not need to extend in parallel with the contact direction (connection direction) of the first connection part and the second connection part, and may extend obliquely with respect to the contact direction.

  The first engaging portion of the connection member does not need to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the connection direction, and may protrude in a direction that obliquely intersects the connection direction. Moreover, it is not necessary to protrude at the front-end | tip of a connection member, and you may protrude from the appropriate position of a connection member.

  The second engaging portion of the connecting member does not need to protrude from the tip of the first engaging portion. You may protrude from the extension part in the appropriate position of the 1st engagement part side rather than a contact part.

  The contact portion of the connection member does not need to be configured by a protrusion. For example, a part of the flat surface on the plug 15 side of the extending portion 29a of the embodiment may contact the plug 15 as a contact portion. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 13C, the plug 15 may be provided with a protrusion that contacts the extending portion 29a.

  In the optical transmission module, it is not necessary that the light receiving element and the light emitting element are provided on both the first optical transmission path side and the second optical transmission path side. That is, the light transmission module may be provided with one of the light receiving element and the light emitting element on the first optical transmission path side and the other of the light receiving element and the light emitting element on the second optical transmission path side.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Optical connector, 15 ... Plug (1st holding member), 15d ... 1st connection part, 15f ... Engaged part, 17 ... Board | substrate (base | substrate, a part of 2nd holding member), 17cc ... 2nd connection part 23 ... Optical fiber (first optical transmission line), 25 ... Optical waveguide (second optical transmission line), 27 ... Pedestal part (part of the second holding member), 29 ... Connection member, 29a ... Extension part, 29ba: first engaging portion, 29c: abutting portion.

Claims (11)

A first holding member having a first connecting portion at which one end face of the first optical transmission line is exposed;
A second holding member having a second connection portion at which one end face of the second optical transmission line is exposed;
Supported by the second holding member, the first optical transmission path and the second optical transmission path are connected by bringing the first connection portion and the second connection portion into contact with each other in a predetermined connection direction. A connection member sometimes engaged with the first holding member;
Have
The connecting member is
An extension part that extends from the second connection part side to the first connection part side and is supported by the second holding member so that the second connection part side part cannot move in the connection direction;
The first connecting portion side portion of the extending portion protrudes in a direction crossing the connecting direction, and the second connecting portion from the first connecting portion side with respect to a predetermined engaged portion of the first holding member. A first engagement portion engageable in a direction toward the side;
An abutting portion that is located closer to the second connecting portion than the first engaging portion of the extending portion and is capable of abutting on the side from which the first engaging portion protrudes with respect to the first holding member; ,
Have
The distance in the connection direction from the second connection part to the first engagement part before the engagement of the first engagement part is the distance in the connection direction from the first connection part to the engaged part. Shorter than optical connector. The connection member is supported by the extension portion on the first engagement portion side with respect to the contact portion, and is on the opposite side to the side from which the first engagement portion protrudes with respect to the first holding member. The optical connector according to claim 1, further comprising a second engaging portion that can be engaged. The second holding member is
A base body having the second connection portion;
A pedestal connected to the base and supporting the connecting member;
The optical connector according to claim 1 or 2. One of the base and the pedestal has a protrusion protruding to the side from which the first engagement part protrudes or the opposite side,
4. The light according to claim 3, wherein the other of the base body and the pedestal has a hole in which the protrusion is inserted so as not to move in a direction orthogonal to the connection direction and orthogonal to the protrusion direction of the protrusion. connector. The optical connector according to claim 4, wherein an inner diameter of the hole in the connection direction is larger than an outer diameter of the protrusion in the connection direction. The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein the base has a support portion that can support the first holding member from a side opposite to the contact portion of the first holding member. The optical connector according to claim 6, wherein the contact portion and the support portion overlap each other in a plan view seen in the contact direction of the contact portion in a state where the first engagement portion is engaged. In the first connection portion, the end faces of the plurality of first optical transmission lines are arranged and exposed in a width direction perpendicular to the connection direction and perpendicular to the contact direction of the contact portion,
In the second connection portion, end surfaces of the plurality of second optical transmission lines are arranged and exposed in the width direction,
The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion extends in the width direction. The first holding member includes a contacted portion that contacts in a direction inclined from the first connection portion side to the second connection portion side with respect to a direction orthogonal to the connection direction of the contact portion. The optical connector according to any one of 1 to 8. The first optical transmission line extends from the first holding member on the side opposite to the side connected to the second optical transmission line,
At least one of the first holding member and the second holding member is positioned closer to the first engagement portion than the contact portion of the connection member, and the end portion of the first engagement portion is The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a restricting portion facing the extended portion of the first optical transmission line. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The second optical transmission line;
At least one of a light emitting element that inputs light into the second optical transmission line and a light receiving element that receives light output from the second optical transmission line;
An optical transmission module.

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