JP2013037200A - Optical coupling device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical coupling device capable of providing a high joint strength despite a small diameter.SOLUTION: An optical coupling device 10 includes: a first holding member 31 for holding an optical fiber 21; and a second holding member 51 that holds an optical element 41 and is connected to the first holding member 31 such that the optical fiber 21 and the optical element 41 are optically coupled. The optical coupling device 10 further includes: a joint member 71 for joining the first holding member 31 with the second holding member 51 such that the optical fiber 21 and the optical element 41 are optically coupled; and a regulation guide member 81 configured to regulate a joining range of the joint member 71 in the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51, when the joint member 71 joins with the first holding member and the second holding member 51, and guide the joint member 71 towards the joining range such that the joint member 71 is disposed without protruding from the joining range.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical coupling device that optically couples an optical fiber and an optical element.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pigtail type optical fiber that reduces defects such as disconnection of an optical fiber inside the sleeve and occurrence of cracks in the optical fiber observed after a high-temperature and high-humidity test, and has high reliability.

  In Patent Document 1, the optical fiber is covered with a loose tube, and the adhesive bonds the end face of the sleeve and the loose tube so as to cover the loose tube.

JP 2004-20754 A

  In Patent Document 1 described above, the adhesive flows, for example, in the axial direction of the optical fiber along the loose tube according to the viscosity of the adhesive and the amount of the adhesive before bonding. In addition, the adhesive spills from the adhesion site depending on the viscosity of the adhesive and the amount of the adhesive before bonding. Thereby, an adhesive agent runs short in an adhesion part. Therefore, if stress concentrates on this adhesion part, the adhesion part will be destroyed. In this way, the bonding strength is reduced. In particular, the decrease in bonding strength becomes more pronounced as the bonding site is thinner.

  In order to increase the bonding strength, it is necessary to increase the amount of the adhesive. However, in this case, the adhesive concentrates around the axis of the optical fiber, the bonded portion becomes thick, and the optical fiber becomes thick.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an optical coupling device capable of obtaining high bonding strength even if the diameter is small.

  In order to achieve the object, the present invention is irradiated with the light guide member that guides light, the first holding member that holds the light guide member, and the light guided by the light guide member. An optical element that functions in the above; a second holding member that holds the optical element and that is connected to the first holding member so that the light guide member and the optical element are optically coupled; and the light guide member; A joining member that joins the first holding member and the second holding member to each other so that the optical element is optically coupled; and the joining member is the first holding member and the second holding member. And defining the joining range of the joining member between the first holding member and the second holding member so that the joining member is disposed without protruding from the joining range. A prescribed guide portion that guides the joining member toward the joining range If, to provide an optical coupling device, characterized by comprising.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the optical coupling device which can obtain high joint strength even if it is a small diameter can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an optical coupling device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a method of assembling the optical coupling device. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a method of assembling the optical coupling device. FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a method of assembling the optical coupling device. FIG. 2D is a diagram illustrating a method of assembling the optical coupling device. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an optical coupling device according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the optical coupling device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the optical coupling device illustrated in FIG. 4A is assembled. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 6A is a schematic view of an optical coupling device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6B is a front view of the regulation guide member in the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D.
In some drawings, illustration of a part of members is omitted for clarity of illustration.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical coupling device 10 is guided by a light guide member such as an optical fiber 21 that guides light, a first holding member 31 that holds the optical fiber 21, and the optical fiber 21. Optical element 41 that functions by being irradiated with light, and a second holding member that holds the optical element 41 and is connected to the first holding member 31 so that the optical fiber 21 and the optical element 41 are optically coupled. 51.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber 21 has an emission end face 23 a that emits light at one end portion 23. The other end 25 of the optical fiber 21 is covered with, for example, a resin coating layer 25 a that protects the optical fiber 21. The optical fiber 21 is formed of at least one of glass and plastic, for example.

  The first holding member 31 is a ferrule formed of, for example, at least one of zirconia, glass, and metal. This metal is made of, for example, at least one of nickel, SUS, and brass. The first holding member 31 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the first holding member 31 is, for example, 1 mm or less. As shown in FIG. 1, the cylindrical first holding member 31 has a through hole 31 a into which the optical fiber 21 is fitted or bonded at the center of the first holding member 31. The through hole 31 a passes through the first holding member 31 in the axial direction of the first holding member 31. The through hole 31a is provided for the first holding member 31 to hold the optical fiber 21, and functions as a holding hole. The first holding member 31 holds the optical fiber 21 so that the emission end face 23 a of the optical fiber 21 is disposed on the same plane as the one end face 31 b of the first holding member 31. The one end surface 31 b is disposed at one end portion 33 of the first holding member 31.

  The through hole 31a is open at one end surface 31b. In the one end surface 31b, the periphery of the opening of the through hole 31a is formed as a flat surface, for example. Further, the edge side of the first holding member 31 on the one end surface 31 b is reduced in diameter from the other end surface 31 c side of the first holding member 31 toward the one end surface 31 b side in the axial direction of the first holding member 31. Further, it is formed in a tapered shape. Thus, the one end portion 33 of the first holding member 31 extends from the other end surface 31 c side of the first holding member 31 to the one end surface 31 b side of the first holding member 31 in the axial direction of the first holding member 31. It has a truncated cone shape that is reduced in diameter.

  The first holding member 31 communicates with the through hole 31a, and a guide port 31d that guides the one end portion 23 of the optical fiber 21 to the through hole 31a so that the optical fiber 21 is inserted into the through hole 31a. 31c. The guide port 31d and the other end surface 31c are disposed at the other end portion 35 of the first holding member 31. The guide port 31d has a truncated cone shape whose diameter is reduced from the other end surface 31c of the first holding member 31 toward the one end surface 31b of the first holding member 31, and has a tapered taper. It has become. Note that the above-described coating layer 25a is provided only on the other end surface 31c side of the first holding member 31, specifically, near the guide port 31d, and is not inserted into the through hole 31a. For this reason, the one end part 23 of the optical fiber 21 is exposed from the coating layer 25a.

  An adhesive member 37 that adheres the other end 25 side of the optical fiber 21 including the coating layer 25a to the first holding member 31 is disposed in the guide port 31d. The adhesive member 37 is also disposed on the covering layer 25a. The adhesive member 37 is, for example, an optical adhesive or an adhesive such as silicon or epoxy.

  The optical element 41 is made of at least one of ceramic and glass, for example. The optical element 41 is a phosphor, for example. The optical element 41 has, for example, a truncated cone shape. The optical element 41 is not limited to a truncated cone shape, and may be a cylindrical shape, a hemispherical shape, or a parabolic shape. The optical element 41 has, for example, a planar end face 43a. The one end face 43a abuts on the emission end face 23a so that the optical fiber 21 and the optical element 41 are optically coupled. The one end face 43a is an incident end face on which light emitted from the emission end face 23a enters. The one end face 43a is larger than the emission end face 23a.

  The second holding member 51 is made of, for example, metal. This metal is made of at least one of nickel, SUS, and brass, for example. The second holding member 51 is a separate body from the first holding member 31. The second holding member 51 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the second holding member 51 is larger than the outer diameter of the first holding member 31, and the second holding member 51 is thicker than the first holding member 31. The outer diameter of the second holding member 51 is, for example, 1 mm or less.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the one end portion 53 of the second holding member 51 faces the one end portion 33 of the first holding member 31 when the optical fiber 21 and the optical element 41 are optically coupled. The outer diameter of the one end portion 53 is different from the outer diameter of the one end portion 33 and is larger than the outer diameter of the one end portion 33, for example. The one end portion 53 has a flat one end surface 53 a that contacts the one end surface 31 b of the first holding member 31. As described above, the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 are connected to each other by the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 (the optical fiber 21 and the optical element 41 are optically coupled to each other). ), One end surfaces 31b and 53a that face each other and come into contact with each other are provided.

  The second holding member 51 has a through hole 51 a into which the optical element 41 is fitted or bonded at the center of the second holding member 51. The through hole 51 a passes through the second holding member 51 in the axial direction of the second holding member 51. The through hole 51a is provided for the second holding member 51 to hold the optical element 41, and functions as a holding hole. For this reason, the through-hole 51a has the same shape as the optical element 41, for example, a truncated cone shape. The second holding member 51 holds the optical element 41 so that the one end face 43 a of the optical element 41 is disposed on the same plane as the one end face 53 a of the one end portion 53.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical coupling device 10 includes a joining member 71 that joins the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 to each other so that the optical fiber 21 and the optical element 41 are optically coupled. And defining the joining range of the joining member 71 in the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 when the joining member 71 is joined to the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51, It further has a regulation guide member 81 that guides the joining member 71 toward the joining range so that the joining member 71 is disposed without protruding from the joining range.

  The joining member 71 is formed, for example, as a liquid, and can flow according to the viscosity of the joining member 71 and the amount of the joining member 71. The liquid bonding member 71 is cured by being irradiated with, for example, UV light. Thus, the bonding material is, for example, an epoxy adhesive. The liquid joining member 71, that is, the joining member 71 in a flowable state, is guided toward the joining range by the prescribed guide member 81 so as to be disposed in the joining range so as to protrude from the joining range.

  Note that the bonding member 71 is cured by being irradiated with UV light after active alignment is performed. The active alignment indicates, for example, that the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 are adjusted to a desired relative position, and the optical fiber 21 and the optical element 41 are optically coupled. The joining member 71 is joined to the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 by curing, and joins the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 to each other. In this case, the outer peripheral surface 31 f and the one end surface 31 b of the first holding member 31 and the one end surface 53 a of the one end portion 53 in the second holding member 51 are joint surfaces.

  The regulation guide member 81 is formed of, for example, a linear member. The regulation guide member 81 is made of, for example, metal. The regulation guide member 81 has elasticity that expands and contracts along the radial direction and the axial direction of the regulation guide member 81.

  The regulation guide member 81 has, for example, a spiral shape for winding the first holding member 31. The regulation guide member 81 has one end 81a and the other end 81b having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the one end 81a. Such a prescribed guide member 81 gradually increases in diameter in the axial direction of the prescribed guide member 81 from one end 81a toward the other end 81b. Therefore, the regulation guide member 81 is tapered.

  When the regulation guide member 81 is disposed so as to wind the first holding member 31, the one end 81 a winds the first holding member 31 and engages with the first holding member 31. At this time, the other end 81b contacts the one end surface 53a. The one end portion 81a is fitted to the first holding member 31 at a desired position of the first holding member 31 so that the other end portion 81b can come into contact with the one end surface 53a. The one end 81a is fitted on the other end surface 31c side with respect to the one end surface 31b. The outer diameter of the other end 81 b is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second holding member 51.

  Further, when the prescribed guide member 81 is disposed so as to wind the first holding member 31, the one end 81a is fitted to the first holding member 31, and the other end 81b is in contact with the one end surface 53a. A filling portion 83 is formed between the regulation guide member 81 and the first holding member 31 in the radial direction of the first holding member 31. The joining member 71 is filled in the filling portion 83. Since the prescribed guide member 81 gradually increases in diameter from the one end portion 81a toward the other end portion 81b as described above, the filling portion 83 also gradually increases in diameter in the same manner. The joining member 71 is formed so as to substantially correspond to the shape of the filling portion 83.

  The filling portion 83 is a gap that indicates a space between the prescribed guide member 81 and the first holding member 31 in the radial direction of the first holding member 31. The filling portion 83 is formed as a joining range in which the joining member 71 joins the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51. The filling part 83 is also a joining part.

The size of the filling portion 83 (joining range) is influenced by, for example, the length of the prescribed guide member 81 in the axial direction of the prescribed guide member 81 and the outer diameter of the prescribed guide member 81, and is adjusted as desired based on these. Is done.
The length of the prescribed guide member 81 is adjusted as desired, for example, so that the prescribed guide member 81 is shorter than the first holding member 31.
Further, the size of the outer diameter of the prescribed guide member 81 is adjusted as desired so that the outer diameter of the prescribed guide member 81 (the other end) is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second holding member 51.

  As described above, the prescribed guide member 81 defines the filling portion 83, that is, the joining range, based on the length of the prescribed guide member 81 and the size of the outer diameter of the prescribed guide member 81. Thereby, the prescription | regulation guide member 81 will control the shape of the joining member 71 hardened | cured.

  Further, the prescribed guide member 81 is filled with the filling member 83 so that the liquid joining member 71 is transmitted through the prescribed guide member 81 and filled in the filling portion 83 and the liquid joining member 71 does not spill from the filling portion 83. Guide towards. At this time, the distance D in the prescribed guide member 81 is such that the surface tension acts on the liquid joining member 71 and the surface tension prevents the liquid joining member 71 filled in the filling portion 83 from spilling from the filling portion 83. It is adjusted as desired. Each of these intervals D is substantially uniform, for example. Further, the distance D needs to be arranged so that the bonding member 71 filled with the UV light can be irradiated with the UV light.

  The one end 81 a and the other end 81 b are such that the joining member 71 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 31 f and the outer peripheral surface 51 f of the second holding member 51 beyond the filling portion 83 in the axial direction of the first holding member 31. To prevent. That is, the one end portion 81 a and the other end portion 81 b function as a blocking portion that blocks the bonding member 71. Thus, the regulation guide member 81 accommodates the joining member 71.

  In addition, the regulation guide member 81 is formed of a linear member as described above, and has a spiral shape, so that the joining member 71 is uniformly spread in the filling portion 83 without unevenness, and is uniformly disposed in the filling portion 83 without unevenness. To do.

  Thus, the regulation guide member 81 regulates and controls the flow of the liquid joining member 71. The regulation guide member 81 is formed as a skeleton that defines the filling portion 83 (joining range) and anchors the joining member 71 to the regulation guide member 81.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D, the assembly method of the optical coupling device 10 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the optical element 41 is disposed in the through hole 51 a, and the second holding member 51 holds the optical element 41. A refractive index matching member 61 is disposed on the one end face 43a. The refractive index matching member 61 is disposed in order to prevent the optical coupling efficiency from being lowered due to air entering between the emission end face 23a and the one end face 43a and on the optical path. The refractive index of the refractive index matching member 61 approximates the refractive index of the optical fiber 21 and the refractive index of the optical element 41. The refractive index matching member may also be applied to the one end surface 53a. Such a refractive index matching member 61 is, for example, matching oil.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the optical fiber 21 is disposed from the guide port 31d to the through hole 31a, and the adhesive member 37 bonds the optical fiber 21 including the coating layer 25a to the first holding member 31 through the guide port 31d. To do. Thereby, the first holding member 31 holds the optical fiber 21.

  The above-described refractive index matching member 61 may be disposed on the emission end face 23a. The refractive index matching member 65 may also be applied to the one end surface 31b. That is, the refractive index matching member 65 only needs to be interposed between at least the emission end face 23a and the one end face 43a.

  The one end portion 81a has a diameter larger than that of the first holding member 31 due to stretchability. In this state, as shown in FIG. 2A, the regulation guide member 81 is disposed so as to wind the first holding member 31. The one end portion 81 a is reduced in diameter and fitted to the first holding member 31 at a desired position where the other end portion 81 b can come into contact with the one end surface 53 a.

  The 1st holding member 31 and the 2nd holding member 51 are each arrange | positioned at the jig | tool which is not shown in figure.

Next, active alignment is performed as follows.
The laser light is emitted from a light source (not shown) and passes through the optical fiber 21. The laser light that has passed through the optical fiber 21 is emitted from the emission end face 23a, and enters the optical element 41 through the one end face 43a that is the incidence end face. The optical element 41 excites light of a desired wavelength by being irradiated with laser light, and emits this light.

  The amount of laser light emitted from the optical element 41 is measured by a measurement unit (not shown).

  One of the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 is fixed in position by a jig. In the following, it is assumed that the second holding member 51 is fixed.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the first holding is performed so that the optical axis of the optical fiber 21 and the optical axis of the optical element 41 are arranged on the same straight line, and the light quantity of the laser beam measured by the measuring unit is maximized. The position of the member 31 is adjusted relative to the second holding member 51 by a jig. Thereafter, for example, the first holding member 31 moves toward the second holding member 51 by the jig so that the emission end face 23a and the one end face 43a abut via the refractive index matching member 61. At this time, the other end 81b contacts the one end surface 53a. Thereby, the filling part 83 is formed and a joining range is prescribed | regulated.
Thereby, active alignment is completed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2C, the liquid bonding member 71 is dropped from a device (not shown) so as to face the other end portion 81 b of the regulation guide member 81. The dropping amount of the joining member 71 corresponds to the filling portion 83 and is adjusted as desired so as not to spill from the filling portion 83. At this time, the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 do not rotate around the optical axis of the optical fiber 21, for example, do not move along the optical axis, and remain fixed by a jig. ing.

  At this time, the regulation guide member 81 is formed of a linear member and has a spiral shape. Therefore, the joining member 71 flows downward along the prescribed guide member 81 as shown by the arrow A, and further flows along the prescribed guide member 81 toward the one end portion 81a as shown by the arrow B. Filled.

  The regulation guide member 81 is formed of a linear member and has a spiral shape. Therefore, the joining member 71 spreads uniformly in the filling portion 83 without unevenness, and is uniformly disposed in the filling portion 83 without unevenness.

  Further, the interval D in the regulation guide member 81 is adjusted as desired, and the surface tension acts on the liquid joining member 71 filled in the filling portion 83. As a result, the liquid bonding member 71 filled in the filling portion 83 is prevented from spilling from the filling portion 83 due to surface tension. Note that the joining member 71 is formed in a fillet shape, for example, by surface tension at the interval D.

  Further, the joining member 71 is prevented from protruding from the outer peripheral surfaces 31f and 51f beyond the filling portion 83 by the one end portion 81a and the other end portion 81b.

  Thus, the regulation guide member 81 regulates and controls the flow of the liquid joining member 71. The prescribed guide member 81 functions as a skeleton that anchors the joining member 71 to the prescribed guide member 81.

  As shown in FIG. 2D, the bonding member 71 is irradiated with UV light irradiated from a UV irradiation device (not shown) through a distance D for a desired time. As a result, the joining member 71 is cured, joined to the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51, and joins the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51.

  In addition, since each space | interval D is substantially uniform, for example, the joining member 71 is irradiated with UV light in the filling part 83 evenly. Therefore, the joining member 71 is uniformly cured in the filling portion 83 without unevenness. Further, the bonding member 71 to be cured is formed so as to correspond to the shape of the filling portion 83.

  Thus, the regulation guide member 81 controls the shape of the joining member 71 to be cured.

  In summary, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the regulation guide member 81 defines a filling portion 83 that is a joining range of the joining member 71. Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, the prescribed guide member 81 guides the liquid bonding member 71 toward the filling portion 83 so that the liquid bonding member 71 is disposed in the filling portion 83 without spilling from the filling portion 83. To do. Thus, in this embodiment, the regulation guide member 81 regulates / controls the flow of the liquid joining member 71.

  Thereby, the joining member 71 is reliably filled in the filling portion 83, the joining member 71 is prevented from spilling from the filling portion 83 that is the joining portion, and the joining member 71 is insufficient in the filling portion 83 that is the joining portion. Is prevented. Therefore, the optical coupling device 10 can obtain a high bonding strength by the bonding member 71. Even if the stress concentrates on the filling portion 83 that is the joining portion, the joining member 71 prevents the filling portion 83 from being broken in the optical coupling device 10.

  In addition, the outer diameter of the other end 81 b that is the maximum outer diameter of the regulation guide member 81 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second holding member 51. For this reason, the filling portion 83 and the joining member 71 filled in the filling portion 83 are not thicker than the second holding member 51 by the regulation guide member 81. Therefore, the optical coupling device 10 does not have a large diameter but maintains a small diameter by the joining member 71 and the prescribed guide member 81.

  Further, as described above, the filling member 83 is reliably filled in the filling portion 83, and the joining member 71 is prevented from spilling from the filling portion 83 that is the joining portion, and the joining member 71 is filled in the filling portion 83 that is the joining portion. The shortage is prevented. For this reason, the joining member 71 does not need to be disposed more than the volume of the filling portion 83, and the joining member 71 does not need to be thicker than the filling portion 83 (the prescribed guide member 81). Therefore, the optical coupling device 10 does not have a large diameter but maintains a small diameter by the joining member 71 and the prescribed guide member 81.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the bonding member 71 and the prescribed guide member 81 can obtain a high bonding strength even if the diameter is small.

  In this embodiment, the regulation guide member 81 is formed of a linear member, and the regulation guide member 81 has a spiral shape. Thereby, in this embodiment, the joining member 71 can be made to flow downward as indicated by the arrow A along the prescribed guide member 81, and further to the one end 81a as indicated by the arrow B along the prescribed guide member 81. The filling portion 83 can be filled. Further, in this embodiment, the joining member 71 can be spread uniformly in the filling portion 83 without unevenness, and can be uniformly disposed in the filling portion 83 without unevenness. Therefore, in this embodiment, uniform bonding strength can be obtained anywhere in the filling portion 83.

  In this embodiment, the distance D in the prescribed guide member 81 is adjusted as desired, and the surface tension is applied to the liquid bonding member 71 filled in the filling portion 83. Thereby, in this embodiment, it can prevent that the liquid joining member 71 with which the filling part 83 was filled spills from the filling part 83. FIG.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, it can prevent that the joining member 71 protrudes over the outer peripheral surfaces 31f and 51f beyond the filling part 83 by the one end part 81a and the other end part 81b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the optical coupling device 10 can be prevented from being thickened by the bonding member 71.

  In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the other end portion 81b is made larger than the outer diameter of the one end portion 81a so as to correspond to the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51. Thereby, in this embodiment, by flowing the joining member 71 to the other end part 81b before the one end part 81a, the joining member 71 can be spread uniformly in the filling part 83, and the joining member 71 can be spread at the other end part. It is possible to easily flow from the portion 81b to the one end portion 81a.

  In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the other end 81b is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second holding member 51, and the bonding member 71 is bonded to the entire one end surface 53a, so that a high bonding strength is obtained. be able to.

  In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the other end portion 81 b is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second holding member 51, and the other end portion 81 b protrudes outward in the radial direction from the second holding member 51. Absent. Thereby, in this embodiment, the joining member 71 filled in the filling portion 83 also does not protrude outward in the radial direction from the second holding member 51. Therefore, in this embodiment, since the optical coupling device 10 is not thickened by the joining member 71 and the regulation guide member 81, the optical coupling device 10 can be made thin.

  In the present embodiment, the second holding member 51 is thicker than the first holding member 31, but it is not necessary to limit to this. One of the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 only needs to be thinner than the other. In this case, one end 81a may be wound and fitted on one thin side, and the other end 81b may be in contact with the other thick side. The outer diameter of the other end portion 81b is substantially the same as or smaller than the other outer diameter.

  In the present embodiment, the prescribed guide member 81 gradually increases in diameter from the one end 81a toward the other end 81b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and has the same diameter from the one end 81a to the other end 81b. There may be. Further, the outer diameter of the other end portion 81 b only needs to be smaller than the outer diameter of the second holding member 51.

Next, a first modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The second holding member 51 is formed in a stepped shape, and thus has, for example, a convex outer shape. Such a 2nd holding member 51 is comprised from the one end part 53 and the other end part 55 larger (thick) than the one end part 53 so that the step part 57 may be formed. The one end portion 53 and the other end portion 55 have, for example, a cylindrical shape. In this case, the one end portion 53 is formed as a small diameter portion, and the other end portion 55 is formed as a large diameter portion. The outer diameter of the one end portion 53 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the one end portion 33.

  The other end 55 has a flat one end face 55a. The one end surface 55 a is orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface 51 f of the second holding member 51 at the one end portion 53.

  The other end 81 b of the regulation guide member 81 is wound around the one end 53. The other end 81b contacts the one end surface 55a. The outer diameter of the other end 81b is substantially the same as or smaller than the outer diameter of the one end face 55a.

  Thereby, in this modification, the other end part 81b of the prescription | regulation guide member 81 can be easily contact | abutted to the 2nd holding member 51 side, ie, the one end surface 55a, at the time of active alignment. Thereby, in this modification, the filling part 83 can be formed easily and a joining range can be prescribed | regulated easily.

  In the present modification, the second holding member 51 is attached to the first holding member 31 by a jig within the range of the outer diameter of the first holding member 31 and within the inner diameter of the other end 81b during active alignment. The position may be adjusted relatively. Thereby, in this modification, active alignment can be implemented in a short time.

  Moreover, in this modification, by forming the step part 57, a joint surface can be increased and higher joint strength can be obtained.

  In the present modification, the second holding member 51 has the stepped portion 57, but it is not necessary to limit to this. As described above, since one of the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 is thin and the other is thick, the other of the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 has a stepped portion 57. It only has to have.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.
The first holding member 31 has a fitting groove 91 in which one end 81 a of the prescribed guide member 81 is fitted for positioning the prescribed guide member 81. The fitting groove 91 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 31 f of the first holding member 31 and is formed around the central axis of the first holding member 31.

  When the one end portion 81 a is fitted into the fitting groove 91, the prescribed guide member 81 has elasticity, and thus the one end portion 81 a may be expanded in the radial direction of the prescribed guide member 81. The first holding member 31 is inserted into the regulation guide member 81 in a state where the one end portion 81a is expanded in diameter. The one end 81 a is reduced in diameter in the fitting groove 91 and is fitted in the fitting groove 91.

  The fitting groove 91 has such a depth that one end 81 a fitted into the fitting groove 91 protrudes from the fitting groove 91 in the radial direction of the first holding member 31. Thereby, the one end portion 81a prevents the joining member 71 from protruding beyond the filling portion 83 in the axial direction of the first holding member 31 to the outer peripheral surface 31f, as in the first embodiment.

  Thereby, in this embodiment, the prescription | regulation guide member 81 can be positioned easily, the filling part 83 can be formed easily, and a joining range can be prescribed | regulated easily.

  In the present embodiment, the one end portion 81 a fitted in the fitting groove 91 protrudes from the fitting groove 91 in the radial direction of the first holding member 31, so that the joining member 71 is in the axial direction of the first holding member 31. In this case, it is possible to prevent the outer peripheral surface 31f from protruding beyond the filling portion 83.

  In the present embodiment, only the first holding member 31 has the fitting groove 91, but it is not necessary to limit to this. The second holding member 51 may have a fitting groove 91 into which the other end 81b is fitted. As described above, at least one of the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 51 only needs to have the fitting groove 91 into which the prescribed guide member 81 is fitted.

Next, a first modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
A plurality of fitting grooves 91 may be provided along the axial direction of the first holding member 31. The fitting grooves 91 are arranged with a desired distance D apart. Since the regulation guide member 81 has stretchability, the other end portion 81b only needs to expand and contract so that the other end portion 81b contacts the one end surface 53a in accordance with the fitting position of the one end portion 81a.

  Thereby, in this modification, the arrangement | positioning position of the prescription | regulation guide member 81 can be adjusted in multiple steps easily, the filling part 83 can be formed freely, a joining range can be prescribed freely, and joining strength can be adjusted.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.
The regulation guide member 81 includes a first ring member 85, a second ring member 87 disposed coaxially with the first ring member 85, a first ring member 85, and a second ring member 87. And a plurality of connecting members 89 that connect the two.

  The first ring member 85 is fitted to the first holding member 31. The first holding member 31 passes through the first ring member 85. The first ring member 85 has a C shape, and thus has a notch 85a.

  The second ring member 87 is larger than the first ring member 85 and abuts on the one end surface 53a.

  The connecting member 89 is disposed along the central axis direction of the first ring member 85. The connecting members 89 are disposed around the central axis of the first ring member 85 at a desired distance D from each other.

  The first ring member 85 and the connecting member 89 may be integrated or separate. The second ring member 87 and the connecting member 89 may be integrated or separate.

In the present embodiment, the connecting member 89 causes the surface tension to act on the joining member 71 more than in the first embodiment. Thereby, in this embodiment, the dispersion | variation in the outer diameter of the joining member 71 can be suppressed. Moreover, in this embodiment, when the 1st ring member 85 fits into the 1st holding member 31, it is notch part 85a. The diameter of the first ring member 85 can be easily increased in the radial direction, and the first holding member 31 can be easily inserted into the first ring member 85.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Optical coupling device, 21 ... Optical fiber, 31 ... 1st holding member, 31f ... Outer peripheral surface, 41 ... Optical element, 51 ... Second holding member, 51f ... Outer peripheral surface, 71 ... Joining member, 81 ... Prescription Guide member, 81a ... one end, 81b ... other end, 83 ... filling part.

Claims (8)

A light guide member for guiding light;
A first holding member for holding the light guide member;
An optical element that functions by being irradiated with the light guided by the light guide member;
A second holding member that holds the optical element and is connected to the first holding member so that the light guide member and the optical element are optically coupled;
A joining member that joins the first holding member and the second holding member to each other so that the light guide member and the optical element are optically coupled;
When the joining member joins the first holding member and the second holding member, the joining range of the joining member in the first holding member and the second holding member is defined, and the joining A prescribed guide member for guiding the joining member toward the joining range such that the member is disposed without protruding from the joining range;
An optical coupling device comprising:   The optical coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the defining guide member is formed of a linear member.   The optical coupling device according to claim 2, wherein the defining guide member has a spiral shape. One of the first holding member and the second holding member is thinner than the other,
The first holding member and the second holding member have end faces that face each other when the first holding member and the second holding member are connected,
The regulation guide member has one end wound around the one and fitted with the one, and the other end abutted against the other end surface;
The optical coupling device according to claim 3, wherein the regulation guide member gradually increases in diameter from the one end to the other end in the axial direction of the regulation guide member.   The optical coupling device according to claim 4, wherein the other of the first holding member and the second holding member has a stepped portion.   The optical coupling device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first holding member and the second holding member has a fitting groove into which the defining guide member is fitted.   The optical coupling device according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of the fitting groove portions are arranged along the one axial direction. One of the first holding member and the second holding member is thinner than the other,
The first holding member and the second holding member have end faces that face each other when the first holding member and the second holding member are connected,
The prescribed guide member is
A first ring member inserted through the one side and fitted into the one side;
A second ring member disposed coaxially with the first ring member and in contact with the other end surface;
A plurality of connecting members disposed along a central axis direction of the first ring member and connecting the first ring member and the second ring member;
The optical coupling device according to claim 1, comprising:

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