JP2016099529A - Optical connector structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical connector structure and optical connector connection structure, which contribute to a simplified assembling process and reduced component cost and offers improved reliability by minimizing failures.SOLUTION: A lens-side optical connector 12 has a chuck 75 having a fiber insertion hole 73, into which an exposed portion of an optical fiber 22 is inserted, formed in the center thereof, and a fiber-side optical connector 11 has a fitting recess 24 for the chuck 75 to be fitted. Fitting the chuck 75 into the fitting recess 24 reduces a diameter of the fiber insertion hole 73, which causes the exposed portion of the optical fiber 22 inserted through the fiber insertion hole 73 to be circumferentially clamped by the chuck 75 and aligned with an optical axis of a lens 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical connector structure including an optical fiber and an optical connector connection structure.

  As an optical connector, a ferrule to which an optical fiber is bonded and fixed is connected to a holder made of a light-transmitting material, and the photoelectric conversion element attached to the holder and the optical fiber of the ferrule are connected to the condenser lens portion of the holder. An optically connected device is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-83451 A

  Since the above optical connector has a structure in which an expensive ferrule with an optical fiber fixed is abutted against a fiber stub and optically connected, the assembly of the optical connector becomes complicated and the cost of parts increases. In addition, it is necessary to bond and fix the optical fiber and the ferrule, which may cause deterioration of the adhesive or bonding failure, which is a major failure factor of the optical connector, leading to a decrease in reliability of the optical connector.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and its object is to simplify assembly and reduce component costs, and further, it is possible to suppress failures and improve reliability. An optical connector structure and an optical connector connection structure are provided.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the optical connector structure according to the present invention is characterized by the following (1) to (4).
(1) A fiber-side optical connector that holds an end portion of an optical fiber and a lens-side optical connector that includes a lens portion having a lens surface that refracts light are abutted so that the optical fiber and the lens portion are An optical connector structure for optical connection,
One of the fiber side optical connector and the lens side optical connector is provided with a chuck portion having a fiber insertion hole through which the optical fiber is inserted,
The other of the fiber side optical connector and the lens side optical connector is provided with a fitting recess into which the chuck portion is fitted,
The fiber insertion hole is reduced in diameter by fitting the chuck portion into the fitting recess, and the optical fiber inserted through the fiber insertion hole is gripped from the periphery by the chuck portion, so that the lens portion An optical connector structure characterized by being aligned with the optical axis.
(2) The chuck portion has a plurality of pressing pieces divided in the circumferential direction, and is fitted into the fitting recess so as to move toward the optical fiber inserted through the fiber insertion hole. Each of the pressing pieces is elastically deformed and displaced. The optical connector structure according to (1).
(3) The fiber-side optical connector is provided with a biasing member that biases the optical fiber toward the lens-side optical connector and abuts the tip surface of the optical fiber against the lens portion. (1) or (2) optical connector structure characterized by these.
(4) The lens-side optical connector includes a circuit member on which a light receiving / emitting element is mounted, the circuit member includes a lens fitting recess into which the lens unit is fitted, and the lens unit includes: The optical connector structure according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the lens surface is fitted in the lens fitting recess and disposed at a position facing the light receiving and emitting element.

In the optical connector structure having the above configuration (1), the optical fiber is gripped from the periphery by the chuck portion and aligned with the optical axis of the lens portion for optical connection. Thus, since the chuck portion grips the optical fiber from the periphery without any gap, it is possible to suppress the axial deviation of the optical fiber and realize a low-loss optical connection with the lens portion. Further, it is possible to suppress an increase in optical connection loss between the optical fiber and the lens portion due to vibration or impact. In addition, since the chuck portion grips the optical fiber without any gap from the periphery, high accuracy is not required for the fiber insertion hole of the chuck portion. Therefore, the manufacturing can be facilitated and the yield can be improved.
Further, as compared with a structure in which an expensive ferrule is fixed to the optical fiber and the ferrule and the lens portion are optically connected, it is possible to simplify the assembly of the optical connector and reduce the component cost. Further, it is not necessary to bond and fix the optical fiber and the ferrule, and it is possible to eliminate the deterioration of the adhesive and the bonding failure, which are the main failure factors of the optical connector, and to greatly improve the reliability of the optical connector. In addition, since the chuck portion and the fitting recess can be integrally formed on the fiber-side optical connector, the housing of the lens-side optical connector, or the like, the component cost can be reduced.
In the optical connector structure configured as described in (2) above, the plurality of pressing pieces constituting the chuck portion are elastically deformed and displaced toward the optical fiber in the fiber insertion hole to contact the optical fiber. Thereby, the optical fiber can be securely held by the chuck portion and can be aligned with the optical axis of the lens portion.
In the optical connector structure having the configuration (3), the optical fiber is urged and brought into contact with the lens portion by the urging member. Thereby, the front-end | tip surface of an optical fiber and a lens part can be reliably faced | butted, and it can be made to optically connect favorably. Further, even if the position of the front end surface of the optical fiber varies in the axial direction, the front end surface of the optical fiber and the lens unit are reliably abutted by the biasing force of the biasing member. Thereby, management of the tip position of the optical fiber can be facilitated.
In the optical connector structure having the configuration (4), the lens surface of the lens unit can be arranged with high accuracy at the position facing the light emitting / receiving element by fitting the lens unit into the lens fitting recess. As a result, the time required for alignment for aligning the optical axis of the lens portion with the light receiving and emitting element can be shortened, and the productivity of the optical connector can be increased.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the optical connector connection structure according to the present invention is characterized by the following (5) to (7).
(5) An optical connector connection structure in which a pair of optical connectors are abutted against each other and optically connected,
The optical connector includes a connector portion that holds an end portion of an optical fiber, and a lens member that includes a lens portion having a lens surface that refracts light. The fiber and the lens unit are optically connected,
One of the connector part and the lens member is provided with a chuck part having a fiber insertion hole through which the optical fiber is inserted,
The other of the connector part and the lens member is provided with a fitting recess into which the chuck part is fitted,
The fiber insertion hole is reduced in diameter by fitting the chuck portion into the fitting recess, and the optical fiber inserted through the fiber insertion hole is gripped from the periphery by the chuck portion, so that the lens portion Centered on the optical axis,
In the pair of optical connectors, any one lens member is formed with a fitting cylinder portion into which the lens portion of the other lens member is fitted,
The pair of optical connectors are abutted against each other, and the lens portion of the other lens member is fitted to the fitting tube portion of the one lens member so that the lens surfaces of the lens portion face each other. An optical connector connection structure, wherein the optical connector is optically connected to the optical connector.
(6) The chuck portion has a plurality of pressing pieces divided in the circumferential direction, and is fitted into the fitting recess so as to move toward the optical fiber inserted through the fiber insertion hole. Each of the pressing pieces is elastically deformed and displaced. The connection structure for an optical connector according to (5).
(7) The connector portion is provided with an urging member that urges the optical fiber toward the lens member to bring the tip surface of the optical fiber into contact with the lens portion. The optical connector connection structure according to (5) or (6).

In the connection structure of the optical connector configured as described in (5) above, in each optical connector, the optical fiber is gripped from the periphery by the chuck portion and aligned with the optical axis of the lens portion for optical connection. Thus, since the chuck portion grips the optical fiber from the periphery without any gap, it is possible to suppress the axial deviation of the optical fiber and realize a low-loss optical connection with the lens portion. Further, it is possible to suppress an increase in optical connection loss between the optical fiber and the lens portion due to vibration or impact. In addition, since the chuck portion grips the optical fiber without any gap from the periphery, high accuracy is not required for the fiber insertion hole of the chuck portion. Therefore, the manufacturing can be facilitated and the yield can be improved.
Further, as compared with a structure in which an expensive ferrule is fixed to the optical fiber and the ferrule and the lens portion are optically connected, it is possible to simplify the assembly of the optical connector and reduce the component cost. Further, it is not necessary to bond and fix the optical fiber and the ferrule, and it is possible to eliminate the deterioration of the adhesive and the bonding failure, which are the main failure factors of the optical connector, and to greatly improve the reliability of the optical connector. In addition, since the chuck portion and the fitting recess can be integrally formed with the housing or the lens member of the connector portion of the optical connector, the component cost can be reduced.
In addition, the pair of optical connectors can be easily arranged by fitting the lens portion of the other lens member to the fitting tube portion of the one lens member, so that the lens surfaces of the respective lens portions are arranged at positions facing each other. In addition, the optical connection can be made with high accuracy.
In the connection structure of the optical connector having the configuration (6), in each optical connector, the plurality of pressing pieces constituting the chuck portion are elastically deformed and displaced toward the optical fiber of the fiber insertion hole. Abut. Thereby, the optical fiber can be securely held by the chuck portion and can be aligned with the optical axis of the lens portion.
In the optical connector connection structure configured as described above in (7), in each optical connector, the optical fiber is urged and brought into contact with the lens portion by the urging member. Thereby, the front-end | tip surface of an optical fiber and a lens part can be reliably faced | butted, and it can be made to optically connect favorably. Further, even if the position of the front end surface of the optical fiber varies in the axial direction, the front end surface of the optical fiber and the lens unit are reliably abutted by the biasing force of the biasing member. Thereby, management of the tip position of the optical fiber can be facilitated.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the simplification of an assembly and part cost reduction can be aimed at, Furthermore, the optical connector structure and the connection structure of an optical connector which can suppress failure and can improve reliability can be provided.

  The present invention has been briefly described above. Further, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading through a mode for carrying out the invention described below (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) with reference to the accompanying drawings. .

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber-side optical connector constituting the optical connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cap attached to the housing of the fiber side optical connector. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lens side optical connector constituting the optical connector according to the first embodiment. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4 showing a chuck portion of the lens side optical connector. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the assembly procedure of the fiber-side optical connector, and FIGS. 6A to 6E are cross-sectional views of the components of the fiber-side optical connector during assembly. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the assembly procedure of the lens-side optical connector, and FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of parts of the lens-side optical connector during assembly. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the optical connector according to the first embodiment during connection. FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross sections of the fiber side optical connector and the lens side optical connector, respectively. FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4 showing another example of the chuck portion of the lens side optical connector. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber side optical connector constituting the optical connector according to the second embodiment. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 11 showing the chuck portion of the fiber side optical connector. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the lens-side optical connector constituting the optical connector according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the optical connector according to the second embodiment during connection. FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross sections of the fiber side optical connector and the lens side optical connector, respectively. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 11 showing another example of the chuck portion of the fiber side optical connector. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the optical connector according to the third embodiment, and FIGS. 16A to 16C are cross-sectional views of the optical connector.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the optical connector structure according to the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the optical connector 10 according to the first embodiment includes a fiber side optical connector 11 and a lens side optical connector 12. The fiber side optical connector 11 and the lens side optical connector 12 are fitted and connected by being abutted against each other. The fiber-side optical connector 11 and the lens-side optical connector 12 are provided with a lock mechanism (not shown), and are maintained connected to each other by the lock mechanism.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber-side optical connector constituting the optical connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cap attached to the housing of the fiber side optical connector.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fiber side optical connector 11 includes a housing 21, an optical fiber 22, and a cap 23.

  The housing 21 is formed from a resin material. The housing 21 has a fitting recess 24 on the front end side that is the lens-side optical connector 12 side, and a fiber housing recess 25 on the rear end side that is opposite to the lens-side optical connector 12. The housing 21 has a partition wall portion 26 between the fitting recess 24 and the fiber housing recess 25, and a fiber insertion hole 27 penetrating in the axial direction is formed at the center of the partition wall portion 26. Yes. The fiber insertion hole 27 is formed to have a slightly larger diameter than the exposed portion 22a exposed from the outer sheath 35 of the optical fiber 22, which will be described later. The fiber insertion hole 27 extends from the outer sheath 35 of the optical fiber 22. The exposed exposed portion 22a is inserted. The fitting recess 24 has a connector guide surface 28 that gradually increases in diameter toward the tip side on the opening side. Further, the fiber insertion hole 27 has a fiber guide portion 29 on the side of the fiber housing recess 25. The fiber guide portion 29 is formed in a tapered shape that gradually narrows toward the distal end side. Further, the housing 21 has a mounting portion 31 whose outer shape is reduced on the rear end side, and a locking claw 32 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 31.

  The outer periphery of the optical fiber 22 is covered with a jacket 35 made of resin. The optical fiber 22 has a structure in which the outer periphery of the central core portion is covered with a clad portion. The optical fiber 22 has an exposed portion 22a exposed at a tip portion of the optical fiber 22 by a predetermined length after the outer cover 35 is removed. A coil spring (biasing member) 36 is attached to the optical fiber 22. In addition, a flange 37 formed in an annular shape is fastened and fixed to the optical fiber 22 at the distal end portion of the jacket 35. As a result, the tip end side of the coil spring 36 is locked to the flange 37. The coil spring 36 is housed in the fiber housing recess 25 of the housing 21, and its rear end is in contact with the cap 23 and is slightly compressed. Accordingly, the flange 37 is urged toward the distal end side of the optical fiber 22 by the coil spring 36 and is in contact with the partition wall portion 26 of the housing 21.

  In the optical fiber 22, the exposed portion 22 a at the tip exposed from the jacket 35 is inserted into the fiber insertion hole 27 from the rear end side of the housing 21, and protrudes from the bottom surface 24 a of the fitting recess 24 by a dimension L1. Further, the tip portion of the outer jacket 35 to which the coil spring 36 of the optical fiber 22 is attached is accommodated in the fiber accommodating recess 25 of the housing 21.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cap 23 is formed in a box shape having an opening on the mounting side to the housing 21. The cap 23 has a bottom plate portion 41 and a side plate portion 42 extending from the bottom plate portion 41 toward the housing 21 side. The cap 23 has a notch 43 extending from one side plate portion 42 to the bottom plate portion 41. The notch 43 has a width that is larger than the outer diameter of the jacket 35 of the optical fiber 22 and smaller than the outer diameter of the coil spring 36. The cap 23 is formed with a locking groove 44 on the inner surface side of the side plate portions 42 facing each other so that the locking claw 32 of the housing 21 can be locked. The cap 23 is attached to the rear end of the housing 21 by inserting the optical fiber 22 into the notch 43 and fitting the cap 23 so as to cover the mounting portion 31 at the rear end of the housing 21.

  The cap 23 may have a hole through which the optical fiber 22 can be inserted into the bottom plate portion 41. However, in this case, before attaching the coil spring 36 to the optical fiber 22 and caulking and fixing the flange 37, the optical fiber 22 is inserted into the hole of the bottom plate 41 and the cap 23 is attached to the optical fiber 22. It will be installed. On the other hand, according to the cap 23 having the notch 43, the coil spring 36 is attached to the optical fiber 22 and the flange 37 is swaged and fixed, and then the cap is passed through the notch 43 through the optical fiber 22. 23 can be attached to the optical fiber 22.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lens side optical connector constituting the optical connector according to the first embodiment. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4 showing a chuck portion of the lens side optical connector.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lens-side optical connector 12 includes an electronic circuit board (circuit member) 51 and a lens member 53.

  The electronic circuit board 51 is made of a three-dimensional injection molded product such as MID (Molded Interconnect Devices), and is a circuit component in which an electric circuit is directly formed on the surface. The electronic circuit board 51 is formed with a lens housing portion 61 that protrudes toward the lens member 53 side. A lens fitting recess 62 is formed in the lens housing 61, and a lens guide surface 63 that gradually narrows toward the bottom of the lens fitting recess 62 at the opening side edge of the lens fitting recess 62. Is formed. A light emitting / receiving element 66 is mounted on the bottom of the lens fitting recess 62. The light receiving / emitting element 66 is a light receiving element that converts an optical signal into an electric signal or a light emitting element that converts an electric signal into an optical signal.

  The lens member 53 is formed of a transparent resin material having elasticity that can withstand repeated deformation. Examples of the transparent resin material forming the lens member 53 include engineering plastics such as cycloolefin polymer (COP) and polyetherimide (PEI). A fitting recess 71 is formed on the lens member 53 on the electronic circuit board 51 side, and the lens housing part 61 of the electronic circuit board 51 is fitted in the fitting recess 71. Thereby, the lens member 53 is assembled to the electronic circuit board 51. The lens member 53 has a lens portion 72 formed at the bottom of the fitting recess 71. The lens portion 72 protrudes toward the electronic circuit board 51 side, and the tip surface thereof is a lens surface 72a that bulges in an arc shape. The lens part 72 is fitted in a lens fitting recess 62 formed in the lens housing part 61 of the electronic circuit board 51. Thereby, the lens surface 72 a of the lens portion 72 is disposed at a position facing the light receiving and emitting element 66 with a slight gap.

  The lens member 53 has a fiber insertion hole 73 on the side opposite to the lens portion 72. The fiber insertion hole 73 has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 22. The fiber insertion hole 73 is a tapered fiber guide surface 74 whose tip portion gradually increases in diameter toward the tip.

  The lens member 53 is formed with a chuck portion 75 on the fiber side optical connector 11 side. The chuck portion 75 is fitted into the fitting recess 24 formed in the housing 21 of the fiber side optical connector 11. The outer diameter of the chuck portion 75 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the fitting recess 24. The chuck portion 75 is formed with a tapered fitting guide surface 76 which gradually narrows toward the tip on the outer periphery on the tip side. By forming the fitting guide surface 76, the outer diameter at the tip surface of the chuck portion 75 is made smaller than the inner diameter of the fitting recess 24 of the housing 21 of the fiber side optical connector 11.

  As shown in FIG. 5, three slits 77 are formed in the chuck portion 75 along the longitudinal direction. These slits 77 are formed at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the center of the fiber insertion hole 73, that is, at equally spaced positions in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the chuck portion 75 is divided into three pressing pieces 78 by the slits 77.

  Next, the case where the optical connector 10 having the above configuration is assembled will be described.

(Assembly of fiber side optical connector)
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the assembly procedure of the fiber-side optical connector, and FIGS. 6A to 6E are cross-sectional views of the components of the fiber-side optical connector during assembly.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, first, the jacket 35 at the tip of the optical fiber 22 is peeled off by a predetermined length to be exposed to provide an exposed portion 22a, and the end surface is processed to be smooth.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the processed optical fiber 22 is passed through the coil spring 36 and the flange 37 in order, and the flange 37 is crimped and fixed to the distal end portion of the jacket 35 as shown in FIG. 6C. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (d), the exposed portion 22 a of the tip portion exposed from the jacket 35 of the optical fiber 22 is inserted into the fiber insertion hole 27 from the fiber housing recess 25 side of the housing 21, and the tip of the optical fiber 22 is inserted. The portion is protruded from the bottom surface 24 a of the fitting recess 24. At this time, the exposed portion 22 a of the optical fiber 22 is smoothly guided by the fiber guide portion 29 formed in the tapered shape of the fiber insertion hole 27 and guided to the fiber insertion hole 27. Thereafter, the cap 23 is fitted over the mounting portion 31 at the rear end of the housing 21, and the locking claw 32 of the housing 21 is locked in the locking groove 44 of the cap 23.

  6E, the coil spring 36 is housed in the fiber housing recess 25 in a slightly compressed state, and the flange 37 is pressed against the partition wall 26 of the housing 21. Become. Thereby, the optical fiber 22 is held by the housing 21.

  Thereafter, the jacket 35 of the optical fiber 22 is fixed to the housing 21 by an optical fiber fixing mechanism (not shown) provided in the housing 21.

  Here, the dimension L1 at which the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 projects from the bottom surface 24a of the fitting recess 24 is from the tip of the optical fiber 22 to the bottom surface 24a of the fitting recess 24 at the time of joining with the lens side optical connector 12. Is adjusted so that the difference between L1 and L2 is shorter than the maximum dimension L3 that is longer than the projecting dimension L2 (see FIG. 1) of the exposed portion 22a from the bottom surface 24a that is the dimension of the coil spring 36. That is, the relationship between these dimensions L1, L2, and L3 is adjusted to satisfy 0 <(L1-L2) <L3. The protrusion dimension L1 of the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 from the bottom surface 24a of the fitting recess 24 is adjusted by the length of the exposed portion 22a exposed from the tip of the outer jacket 35 of the optical fiber 22.

  The optical fiber 22 constitutes an optical cable together with a tensile body. The strength member in the optical cable is fixed to the housing 21 by a fixing mechanism (not shown), thereby ensuring the tensile resistance of the optical fiber 22.

(Assembly of the optical connector on the lens side)
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the assembly procedure of the lens-side optical connector, and FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of parts of the lens-side optical connector during assembly.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the electronic circuit board 51 is brought close to the lens member 53. Accordingly, the lens housing portion 61 of the electronic circuit board 51 is fitted into the fitting recess 71 of the lens member 53, and the lens portion 72 of the lens member 53 is fitted into the lens fitting recess 62 of the electronic circuit board 51. At this time, the lens part 72 is smoothly guided by the lens guide surface 63 formed at the edge part on the opening side of the lens fitting recess 62 and guided to the lens fitting recess 62.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 7B, the lens surface 72 a of the lens portion 72 of the lens member 53 is disposed at a position facing the light receiving and emitting element 66 with a slight gap.

  Next, the case where the fiber side optical connector 11 and the lens side optical connector 12 which comprise the optical connector 10 are connected is demonstrated.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the optical connector according to the first embodiment during connection. FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross sections of the fiber side optical connector and the lens side optical connector, respectively. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, when the fiber side optical connector 11 and the lens side optical connector 12 are brought close to each other in order to connect the fiber side optical connector 11 and the lens side optical connector 12, the lens side optical connector 12. The chuck portion 75 is inserted into the fitting recess 24 of the fiber side optical connector 11, and the exposed portion 22 a of the optical fiber 22 of the fiber side optical connector 11 is inserted into the fiber insertion hole 73 of the chuck portion 75. The tip of the exposed portion 22 a of the optical fiber 22 is abutted against the bottom surface 73 a of the fiber insertion hole 73. Here, the chuck portion 75 is smoothly guided to the fitting concave portion 24 when the fitting guide surface 76 contacts the connector guide surface 28 of the fitting concave portion 24, and the exposed portion 22 a of the optical fiber 22 is the chuck portion. By being in contact with the 75 fiber guide surfaces 74, the fibers are smoothly guided to the fiber insertion hole 73.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, when the fiber side optical connector 11 and the lens side optical connector 12 are brought closer to each other, the chuck portion 75 of the lens side optical connector 12 is placed in the fitting recess 24 of the fiber side optical connector 11. Furthermore, it is inserted.

  The optical fiber 22 abutted against the bottom surface 73 a of the fiber insertion hole 73 is pushed toward the rear end side by the bottom surface 73 a of the fiber insertion hole 73. As a result, the optical fiber 22 is drawn into the fiber accommodating recess 25 of the housing 21 against the urging force of the coil spring 36. Then, the tip surface of the optical fiber 22 and the bottom surface 73a of the fiber insertion hole 73 are maintained in a state where they are pressed against each other by the reaction force of the compressed coil spring 36. As described above, since the surplus length of the optical fiber 22 is absorbed by the compression deformation of the coil spring 36, the protruding length of the optical fiber 22 can be easily managed.

  Further, when the chuck portion 75 is fitted into the fitting recess 24, the inner peripheral surface of the fitting recess 24 and the outer peripheral surface of the chuck portion 75 come into contact with each other, whereby the chuck portion 75 is pressed in the central axis direction. Each pressing piece 78 of the chuck portion 75 is elastically deformed and displaced in the central axis direction. As a result, the diameter of the fiber insertion hole 73 is reduced, and the exposed portion 22 a of the optical fiber 22 is held by the chuck portion 75 so as to be aligned with the optical axis of the lens portion 72.

  Thereafter, the fiber side optical connector 11 and the lens side optical connector 12 are fixed by a lock mechanism provided in the housing 21.

  In the optical connector 10 thus connected, the optical signal from the optical fiber 22 passes through the lens portion 72 of the lens member 53 and is condensed on the lens surface 72a toward the light receiving / emitting element 66 to be received by the light receiving / emitting element. 66, and the light receiving / emitting element 66 converts it into an electrical signal. Further, when the electrical signal is converted by the light receiving / emitting element 66 and emitted as an optical signal, the optical signal is refracted in the direction along the central axis by the lens surface 72 a, and sent to the optical fiber 22 through the lens portion 72. It is done.

  As described above, according to the optical connector structure according to the first embodiment, the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 is gripped from the periphery by the chuck portion 75, aligned with the optical axis of the lens portion 72, and optically connected. Yes. Thus, since the chuck part 75 grips the exposed part 22a of the optical fiber 22 without any gap from the surroundings, the axial deviation of the optical fiber 22 can be suppressed, and a low-loss optical connection with the lens part 72 can be realized. . In addition, an increase in optical connection loss between the optical fiber 22 and the lens unit 72 due to vibration or impact can be suppressed. Moreover, since the chuck portion 75 grips the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 without any gap from the periphery, high accuracy is not required for the fiber insertion hole 73 of the chuck portion 75. Therefore, the manufacturing can be facilitated and the yield can be improved.

  Here, the optical connector having a structure in which the optical fiber is fixed to the ferrule and optically connected to the optical fiber stub has the following problems due to the use of the ferrule.

1) Since a high-precision ferrule is expensive, the parts cost is high.
2) Polishing the ferrule end face that requires multiple steps.
3) Deterioration or poor adhesion of the adhesive that bonds the optical fiber and the ferrule is one of the failure factors of the optical connector.
4) Since it takes time to cure the adhesive that bonds the optical fiber and the ferrule, it takes time to assemble the ferrule and the optical fiber.
5) The adhesive having a limited pot life that cures and deteriorates over time requires careful handling, and is often subjected to batch processing by separating the bonding process from all processes, resulting in a decrease in productivity.
6) A two-pack type epoxy adhesive mainly used as an adhesive for fixing an optical fiber and a ferrule requires a complicated operation of mixing the main agent and a curing agent.
7) The adhesive that fixes the optical fiber to the ferrule goes around the tip of the optical fiber and stains the end face of the optical fiber.

In contrast, the optical connector 10 according to the present embodiment does not use a ferrule for connection to the optical fiber stub 52, and therefore has the following effects.
1) Instead of a high-precision and expensive ferrule, a chuck structure capable of resin molding is used, so that component costs can be reduced. That is, since the chuck portion 75 and the fitting recess 24 can be integrally formed on the fiber side optical connector 11 and the housing of the lens side optical connector 12, the component cost can be reduced.
2) The polishing of the ferrule end face that requires a plurality of steps can be made unnecessary, and the productivity can be improved.
3) Since an adhesive that is one of the failure factors of the optical connector 10 is not used, reliability can be improved.
4) Since an adhesive that requires time for curing is not used, assembly time can be shortened.
5) Since an adhesive having a limited pot life is not used, productivity can be improved by simplifying the manufacturing process.
6) Workability peculiar to the adhesive which mixes the main agent and the curing agent can be eliminated and workability can be improved.
7) The tip of the optical fiber 22 is not contaminated with an adhesive, and high reliability of optical connection can be obtained.

  Thus, compared with a structure in which an expensive ferrule is fixed to the optical fiber 22 and the ferrule and the lens portion 72 are optically connected, the assembly of the optical connector 10 can be simplified and the cost of parts can be reduced.

  Further, the plurality of pressing pieces 78 constituting the chuck portion 75 are elastically deformed and displaced toward the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 in the fiber insertion hole 73, and come into contact with the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22. Thereby, the optical fiber 22 can be reliably gripped by the chuck portion 75 and can be aligned with the optical axis of the lens portion 72.

  In addition, the optical fiber 22 is urged and brought into contact with the lens portion 72 by the coil spring 36. Thereby, the front end surface of the optical fiber 22 and the lens part 72 can be reliably abutted and optically connected well. Further, even if the position of the front end surface of the optical fiber 22 varies in the axial direction, the front end surface of the optical fiber 22 and the lens portion 72 are reliably abutted by the urging force of the coil spring 36. Thereby, management of the tip position of the optical fiber 22 can be facilitated.

  Further, by fitting the lens portion 72 into the lens fitting recess 62, the lens surface 72a of the lens portion 72 can be arranged at a position facing the light receiving and emitting element 66 with high accuracy. Thereby, the time required for alignment for aligning the optical axis of the lens portion 72 with the light receiving and emitting element 66 can be shortened, and the productivity of the optical connector 10 can be increased.

Next, another structure of the chuck portion 75 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4 showing another example of the chuck portion of the lens side optical connector.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the chuck portion 75, four slits 77 are formed along the longitudinal direction. These slits 77 are formed at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the center of the fiber insertion hole 73, that is, at equally spaced positions in the circumferential direction. Thus, the chuck portion 75 is divided into four pressing pieces 78 by the slits 77. Also in this structure, the four pressing pieces 78 uniformly press the outer periphery of the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22, and align and hold with high accuracy.

  Thus, the structure of the chuck portion 75 of the lens side optical connector 12 is not limited to the structure in which the three slits 77 are formed and the three pressing pieces 78 are provided. The structure of the chuck part 75 may be a structure in which pressure is evenly applied around the exposed part 22a of the optical fiber 22 when connected to the fiber side optical connector 11, and the number and shape of the slits 77 are not limited.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an optical connector structure according to the second embodiment will be described.
Note that the same components as those of the optical connector 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the optical connector 10A according to the second embodiment includes a fiber side optical connector 11A and a lens side optical connector 12A. The fiber side optical connector 11A and the lens side optical connector 12A are connected to each other by being abutted against each other. The fiber-side optical connector 11A and the lens-side optical connector 12A are provided with a lock mechanism (not shown), and are maintained connected to each other by the lock mechanism.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber side optical connector constituting the optical connector according to the second embodiment. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 11 showing the chuck portion of the fiber side optical connector.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the fiber side optical connector 11 </ b> A, a chuck portion 81 is integrally formed with the housing 21. The housing 21 is made of a resin material having elasticity that can withstand repeated deformation. Examples of the resin material forming the housing 21 having the chuck portion 81 include PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) and POM (polyacetal).

  The chuck portion 81 protrudes from the bottom surface 24a of the fitting recess 24 toward the lens side optical connector 12A. The chuck portion 81 is formed with a tapered fitting guide surface 82 which gradually narrows toward the tip at the outer edge on the tip side. The fiber insertion hole 27 formed in the housing 21 has a slightly small diameter at the chuck portion 81. The exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 inserted through the fiber insertion hole 27 is disposed so as to protrude from the tip of the chuck portion 81 by a dimension L4.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the chuck portion 81 has three slits 83 formed along the longitudinal direction. These slits 83 are formed at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the center of the fiber insertion hole 27, that is, at equally spaced positions in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the chuck portion 81 is divided into three pressing pieces 84 by the slit 83.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the lens-side optical connector constituting the optical connector according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the lens side optical connector 12 </ b> A, a chuck fitting recess (fitting recess) 91 is formed on the lens member 53 on the side opposite to the lens portion 72. The inner diameter of the chuck fitting recess 91 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the chuck portion 81 of the housing 21 of the fiber side optical connector 11A. The chuck fitting recess 91 is formed with a tapered chuck guide surface 93 that gradually expands toward the tip at the inner edge on the tip side.

Next, the case where the optical connector 10 having the above configuration is assembled will be described.
(Assembly of fiber side optical connector)
In order to assemble the fiber-side optical connector 11A, the outer cover 35 at the tip is peeled off by a predetermined length and exposed, and the optical fiber 22 provided with the exposed portion 22a is sequentially passed through the coil spring 36 and the flange 37. It is fixed by crimping to the tip of the jacket 35.

  Next, the exposed portion 22 a of the optical fiber 22 is inserted into the fiber insertion hole 27 from the fiber accommodating recess 25 side of the housing 21 and protrudes from the tip of the chuck portion 81. Thereafter, the cap 23 is fitted and mounted so as to cover the mounting portion 31 at the rear end of the housing 21, and the jacket 35 of the optical fiber 22 is fixed to the housing 21 by an optical fiber fixing mechanism (not shown) provided in the housing 21. .

  Here, the dimension L4 at which the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 protrudes from the tip of the chuck portion 81 is adjusted to be shorter than the maximum dimension L3 that the coil spring 36 can change in compression. That is, the relationship between the dimensions L4 and L3 is adjusted to satisfy 0 <L4 <L3.

(Assembly of the optical connector on the lens side)
The electronic circuit board 51 is brought close to the lens member 53, the lens housing portion 61 of the electronic circuit board 51 is fitted into the fitting recess 71 of the lens member 53, and the lens portion 72 of the lens member 53 is moved to the lens of the electronic circuit board 51. Fit into the fitting recess 62. If it does in this way, the lens surface 72a of the lens part 72 of the lens member 53 will be arrange | positioned in the position which opposes the light receiving / emitting element 66 with a little clearance gap.

  Next, a case where the fiber side optical connector 11A and the lens side optical connector 12A constituting the optical connector 10A are connected will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the optical connector according to the second embodiment during connection. FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross sections of the fiber side optical connector and the lens side optical connector, respectively. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, when the fiber side optical connector 11A and the lens side optical connector 12A are brought close to each other in order to connect the fiber side optical connector 11A and the lens side optical connector 12A, the fiber side optical connector 11A is connected. The chuck portion 81 is inserted into the chuck fitting recess 91 of the lens side optical connector 12A, and the tip of the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 of the fiber side optical connector 11A is abutted against the bottom surface 91a of the chuck fitting recess 91. . Here, the chuck portion 81 is smoothly guided to the chuck fitting recess 91 when the fitting guide surface 82 contacts the chuck guide surface 93.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, when the fiber side optical connector 11A and the lens side optical connector 12A are further brought closer, the chuck portion 81 of the fiber side optical connector 11A is in the chuck fitting recess 91 of the lens side optical connector 12A. And the tip of the chuck portion 81 is brought into contact with the bottom surface 91 a of the chuck fitting recess 91.

  The optical fiber 22 abutted against the bottom surface 91 a of the chuck fitting recess 91 is pushed toward the rear end side by the bottom surface 91 a of the chuck fitting recess 91. As a result, the optical fiber 22 is drawn into the fiber accommodating recess 25 of the housing 21 against the urging force of the coil spring 36. Then, the front end surface of the optical fiber 22 and the bottom surface 91a of the chuck fitting recess 91 are maintained in a state where they are pressed against each other by the reaction force of the compressed coil spring 36. As described above, since the surplus length of the optical fiber 22 is absorbed by the compression deformation of the coil spring 36, the protruding length of the optical fiber 22 can be easily managed.

  When the chuck portion 81 is fitted into the chuck fitting recess 91, the inner peripheral surface of the chuck fitting recess 91 and the outer peripheral surface of the chuck portion 81 come into contact with each other, so that the chuck portion 81 is pressed in the central axis direction. Then, each pressing piece 84 of the chuck portion 81 is elastically deformed and displaced in the central axis direction. As a result, the diameter of the fiber insertion hole 27 is reduced, and the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 is aligned and held by the optical axis of the lens portion 72 by the chuck portion 81, and the optical fiber 22 and the lens portion 72 are abutted against each other. Maintained.

  Thereafter, the fiber side optical connector 11 </ b> A and the lens side optical connector 12 </ b> A are fixed by a lock mechanism provided in the housing 21.

  In the optical connector 10A thus connected, the optical signal from the optical fiber 22 passes through the lens portion 72 of the lens member 53 and is condensed on the lens surface 72a toward the light receiving / emitting element 66 to be received by the light receiving / emitting element. 66, and the light receiving / emitting element 66 converts it into an electrical signal. Further, when the electrical signal is converted by the light receiving / emitting element 66 and emitted as an optical signal, the optical signal is refracted in the direction along the central axis by the lens surface 72 a, and sent to the optical fiber 22 through the lens portion 72. It is done.

  As described above, in the case of the optical connector structure according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 is gripped from the periphery by the chuck portion 81, and the optical axis of the lens portion 72 is obtained. Align the light and connect the light. Thus, since the chuck part 81 grips the exposed part 22a of the optical fiber 22 without any gaps from the surroundings, the axial deviation of the optical fiber 22 can be suppressed and a low-loss optical connection with the lens part 72 can be realized. . In addition, an increase in optical connection loss between the optical fiber 22 and the lens unit 72 due to vibration or impact can be suppressed. In addition, since the chuck portion 81 grips the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 without any gap from the periphery, high accuracy is not required for the fiber insertion hole 27 of the chuck portion 81. Therefore, the manufacturing can be facilitated and the yield can be improved.

  Further, as compared with a structure in which an expensive ferrule is fixed to the optical fiber 22 and the ferrule and the lens portion 72 are optically connected, the assembly of the optical connector 10A can be simplified and the cost of parts can be reduced. Further, it is not necessary to bond and fix the optical fiber 22 and the ferrule, and it is possible to eliminate deterioration of the adhesive and poor bonding, which are the main failure factors of the optical connector 10A, and greatly improve the reliability of the optical connector 10A. it can. In addition, since the chuck portion 81 and the chuck fitting recess 91 can be formed integrally with the fiber side optical connector 11A, the housing of the lens side optical connector 12A, or the like, the component cost can be reduced.

  In addition, the plurality of pressing pieces 84 constituting the chuck portion 81 are elastically deformed and displaced toward the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 in the fiber insertion hole 27 and come into contact with the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22. As a result, the optical fiber 22 can be securely held by the chuck portion 81 and aligned with the optical axis of the lens portion 72.

  Also in the case of the optical connector 10A according to the second embodiment, the structure of the chuck portion 81 of the fiber side optical connector 11A is limited to a structure in which three slits 83 are formed and three pressing pieces 84 are provided. There is no. The structure of the chuck portion 81 may be any structure as long as pressure is evenly applied around the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 when connected to the lens-side optical connector 12A, and the number and shape of the slits 83 are not limited.

15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 11 showing another example of the chuck portion of the fiber side optical connector.
As shown in FIG. 15, as the chuck portion 81, for example, four slits 83 may be formed along the longitudinal direction at equally spaced positions in the circumferential direction, and four pressing pieces 84 may be provided.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an optical connector connection structure according to the third embodiment will be described.
Note that the same components as those of the optical connectors 10 and 10A according to the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the optical connector according to the third embodiment, and FIGS. 16A to 16C are cross-sectional views of the optical connector.
As shown in FIG. 16A, the connection structure of the optical connector according to the third embodiment is a connection structure of a male optical connector (optical connector) 101 and a female optical connector (optical connector) 102. The male optical connector 101 and the female optical connector 102 are connected to each other by being abutted against each other. The male optical connector 101 and the female optical connector 102 are provided with a lock mechanism (not shown), and are maintained connected to each other by the lock mechanism.

  The male optical connector 101 and the female optical connector 102 each include an optical connector portion 111. The optical connector portion 111 has a configuration substantially similar to that of the fiber side optical connector 11. The optical connector portion 111 has an arm portion 121 that protrudes toward the distal end side of the housing 21. The arm portion 121 is formed with a locking portion 122 that protrudes inward in the radial direction at the tip portion thereof.

  The optical fiber 22 connected to the optical connector portion 111 also constitutes an optical cable together with a tensile body, and the tensile body in the optical cable is fixed to the housing 21 by a fixing mechanism (not shown), and the optical fiber 22 has a tensile resistance. Is secured.

  The male optical connector 101 includes a lens member 112A, and the female optical connector 102 includes a lens member 112B. Similarly to the lens member 53 of the lens-side optical connector 12, the lens members 112A and 112B have elasticity that can withstand repeated deformation of, for example, cycloolefin polymer (COP) or polyetherimide (PEI), which are engineering plastics. It is formed from the transparent resin material which has. A lens portion 72 having a lens surface 72a is also formed on the lens members 112A and 112B. The lens members 112 </ b> A and 112 </ b> B also have a chuck portion 75 having three or four pressing pieces 78 on the side opposite to the lens portion 72. The lens members 112A and 112B are formed with flange portions 123 that project to the outer peripheral side. The lens member 112 </ b> B of the female optical connector 102 is formed with a fitting cylindrical portion 124 that protrudes toward the male optical connector 101 on the flange portion 123.

  As shown in FIG. 16B, the lens member 112 </ b> A is pushed into the optical connector portion 111 of the male optical connector 101 by pushing the flange portion 123 into the housing 21 to a position where the flange portion 123 is locked by the locking portion 122 of the arm portion 121. Incorporated. Similarly, the lens member 112 </ b> B is incorporated into the optical connector portion 111 of the female optical connector 102 by being pushed into the housing 21 to a position where the flange portion 123 is locked by the locking portion 122 of the arm portion 121.

  When the lens members 112A and 112B are assembled into the optical connector portion 111, first, the chuck portion 75 of the lens members 112A and 112B is inserted into the fitting recess 24 of the optical connector portion 111, and the optical fiber 22 of the optical connector portion 111 is also inserted. The exposed portion 22 a is inserted into the fiber insertion hole 73 of the chuck portion 75. The tip of the exposed portion 22 a of the optical fiber 22 is abutted against the bottom surface 73 a of the fiber insertion hole 73. As a result, the optical fiber 22 is pushed to the rear end side by the bottom surface 73 a of the fiber insertion hole 73, and the front end surface of the optical fiber 22 and the bottom surface 73 a of the fiber insertion hole 73 are caused by the reaction force of the compressed coil spring 36. They are kept pressed against each other. Further, when the chuck portion 75 is fitted into the fitting recess 24 and each pressing piece 78 of the chuck portion 75 is elastically deformed and displaced in the central axis direction, the fiber insertion hole 73 is reduced in diameter. The exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 is held in a state aligned with the optical axis of the lens portion 72.

  As shown in FIG. 16C, the male optical connector 101 incorporating the lens member 112A and the female optical connector 102 incorporating the lens member 112B are abutted against each other and connected. When the male optical connector 101 and the female optical connector 102 are brought into contact with each other, the lens portion 72 of the lens member 112A of the male optical connector 101 is fitted into the fitting tube portion 124 formed on the lens member 112B of the female optical connector 102. The lens surfaces 72a are arranged at positions facing each other with a slight gap. In this state, the male optical connector 101 and the female optical connector 102 are kept connected to each other by the lock mechanism.

  Then, optical communication between the optical fibers 22 connected to the male optical connector 101 and the female optical connector 102 is possible in a state where the male optical connector 101 and the female optical connector 102 are connected.

  Specifically, the optical signal from the optical fiber 22 of the male optical connector 101 is condensed toward the lens surface 72a of the lens member 112B of the female optical connector 102 through the lens portion 72 of the lens member 112A and the lens surface 72a. Is done. This optical signal is refracted in the direction along the central axis by the lens surface 72a of the lens member 112B, and is sent to the optical fiber 22 of the female optical connector 102 through the lens portion 72. Similarly, an optical signal from the optical fiber 22 of the female optical connector 102 passes through the lens portion 72 of the lens member 112B and is condensed on the lens surface 72a toward the lens surface 72a of the lens member 112A of the male optical connector 101. . This optical signal is refracted in the direction along the central axis by the lens surface 72 a of the lens member 112 </ b> A, and is sent to the optical fiber 22 of the male optical connector 101 through the lens portion 72.

  As described above, in the case of the third embodiment as well, in the male optical connector 101 and the female optical connector 102, the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 is gripped from the periphery by the chuck portion 75 in the same manner as the first embodiment. The optical connection is made by aligning the optical axis of the lens unit 72. Thus, since the chuck part 75 grips the exposed part 22a of the optical fiber 22 without any gap from the surroundings, the axial deviation of the optical fiber 22 can be suppressed, and a low-loss optical connection with the lens part 72 can be realized. . In addition, an increase in optical connection loss between the optical fiber 22 and the lens unit 72 due to vibration or impact can be suppressed. Moreover, since the chuck portion 75 grips the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22 without any gap from the periphery, high accuracy is not required for the fiber insertion hole 73 of the chuck portion 75. Therefore, the manufacturing can be facilitated and the yield can be improved.

  In particular, in the optical connector connection structure according to the third embodiment, by fitting the lens portion 72 of the lens member 112A of the male optical connector 101 to the fitting tube portion 124 of the lens member 112B of the female optical connector 102, The lens surfaces 72a of the respective lens portions 72 can be arranged at opposing positions so that they can be easily optically connected with high accuracy.

  In addition, also in the case of the optical connector connection structure according to the third embodiment, the structure of the chuck portions 75 of the lens member 112A of the male optical connector 101 and the lens member 112B of the female optical connector 102 is different from that of the optical connector portion 111. The number and shape of the slits 77 are not limited as long as the members 112A and 112B are assembled so that pressure is evenly applied around the exposed portion 22a of the optical fiber 22.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A deformation | transformation, improvement, etc. are possible suitably. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, arrangement location, and the like of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary and are not limited as long as the present invention can be achieved.

Here, the features of the embodiments of the optical connector structure and the optical connector connection structure according to the present invention described above are briefly summarized and listed in the following (1) to (7), respectively.
(1) A lens-side optical connector (12) including a fiber-side optical connector (11, 11A) that holds the end of the optical fiber (22) and a lens portion (72) having a lens surface (72a) that refracts light. , 12A), and the optical fiber (22) and the lens portion (72) are optically connected to each other, and the structure of the optical connector (10, 10A),
A chuck portion having a fiber insertion hole (73, 27) through which the optical fiber (22) is inserted in one of the fiber side optical connector (11, 11A) and the lens side optical connector (12, 12A) ( 75, 81) are provided,
A fitting recess (24, chuck fitting recess 91) in which the chuck portion (75, 81) is fitted to the other of the fiber side optical connector (11, 11A) and the lens side optical connector (12, 12A). Is provided,
The fiber insertion holes (73, 27) are reduced in diameter by fitting the chuck portions (75, 81) into the fitting recesses (24, chuck fitting recess 91), and the fiber insertion holes (73, 27). 27) The optical fiber structure (22) inserted into the optical connector (27) is gripped from the periphery by the chuck portions (75, 81) and aligned with the optical axis of the lens portion (72). .
(2) The chuck portion (75, 81) has a plurality of pressing pieces (78, 84) divided in the circumferential direction, and is fitted into the fitting recess (24, chuck fitting recess 91). Thus, the pressing pieces (78, 84) are elastically deformed and displaced toward the optical fiber (22) inserted through the fiber insertion holes (73, 27), respectively (1). The optical connector structure described in 1.
(3) The fiber-side optical connector (11, 11A) is configured such that the optical fiber (22) is urged toward the lens-side optical connector (12, 12A) so that the distal end surface of the optical fiber (22) is The optical connector structure according to (1) or (2), wherein an urging member (coil spring 36) that is brought into contact with the lens portion (72) is provided.
(4) The lens-side optical connector (12, 12A) includes a circuit member (electronic circuit board 51) on which a light receiving / emitting element (66) is mounted, and the circuit member (electronic circuit board 51) A lens fitting recess (62) into which the lens portion (72) is fitted, and the lens portion (72) is fitted into the lens fitting recess (62) so that the lens surface (72a) is The optical connector structure according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the optical connector structure is disposed at a position opposite to the light receiving and emitting element (66).
(5) An optical connector connection structure in which a pair of optical connectors (male optical connector 101, female optical connector 102) are abutted against each other and optically connected;
The optical connector (male optical connector 101, female optical connector 102) includes a connector portion (111) that holds an end portion of an optical fiber (22) and a lens portion (72) having a lens surface (72a) that refracts light. And the lens member (112A, 112B) is incorporated in the connector part (111) so that the optical fiber (22) and the lens part (72) are optically connected. Connected,
One of the connector part (111) and the lens member (112A, 112B) is provided with a chuck part (75, 81) having a fiber insertion hole (73, 27) through which the optical fiber (22) is inserted. And
On the other side of the connector part (111) and the lens member (112A, 112B), a fitting recess (24, chuck fitting recess 91) into which the chuck part (75, 81) is fitted is provided.
The fiber insertion holes (73, 27) are reduced in diameter by fitting the chuck portions (75, 81) into the fitting recesses (24, chuck fitting recess 91), and the fiber insertion holes (73, 27). 27) The optical fiber (22) inserted into the lens 27 is gripped from the periphery by the chuck portion (75, 81) and aligned with the optical axis of the lens portion (72).
In the pair of optical connectors (male optical connector 101 and female optical connector 102), the lens portion (72) of the other lens member (112A) is fitted to either one of the lens members (112B). A cylindrical portion (124) is formed,
The pair of optical connectors (male optical connector 101, female optical connector 102) are abutted against each other and the lens portion of the other lens member (112A) is fitted to the fitting tube portion (124) of one lens member (112B). (72) is fitted, so that the lens surfaces (72a) of the lens portion (72) are arranged at opposing positions and are optically connected. An optical connector connection structure, wherein:
(6) The chuck portion (75, 81) has a plurality of pressing pieces (78, 84) divided in the circumferential direction, and is fitted into the fitting recess (24, chuck fitting recess 91). Thus, the pressing pieces (78, 84) are elastically deformed and displaced toward the optical fiber (22) inserted through the fiber insertion holes (73, 27), respectively (5). Optical connector connection structure as described in 1.
(7) In the connector portion (111), the optical fiber (22) is urged toward the lens member (112A, 112B) so that the front end surface of the optical fiber (22) is moved toward the lens portion (72). An optical connector connection structure according to (5) or (6), characterized in that an urging member (coil spring 36) is provided for contact with the optical connector.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,10A Optical connector 11, 11A Fiber side optical connector 12, 12A Lens side optical connector 22 Optical fiber 24 Fitting recessed part 27, 73 Fiber insertion hole 36 Coil spring (biasing member)
51 Electronic circuit board (circuit member)
66 Light receiving / emitting element 72 Lens part 72a Lens surface 75, 81 Chuck part 78, 84 Pressing piece 91 Chuck fitting concave part (fitting concave part)
101 Male optical connector (optical connector)
102 Female optical connector (optical connector)
111 Connector portion 112A, 112B Lens member 124 Fitting cylinder portion

Claims (4)

A fiber-side optical connector that holds the end of the optical fiber and a lens-side optical connector that includes a lens portion having a lens surface that refracts light are abutted to optically connect the optical fiber and the lens portion. Optical connector structure,
One of the fiber side optical connector and the lens side optical connector is provided with a chuck portion having a fiber insertion hole through which the optical fiber is inserted,
The other of the fiber side optical connector and the lens side optical connector is provided with a fitting recess into which the chuck portion is fitted,
The fiber insertion hole is reduced in diameter by fitting the chuck portion into the fitting recess, and the optical fiber inserted through the fiber insertion hole is gripped from the periphery by the chuck portion, so that the lens portion An optical connector structure characterized by being aligned with the optical axis. The chuck portion includes a plurality of pressing pieces divided in the circumferential direction, and the pressing pieces are directed toward the optical fiber inserted through the fiber insertion hole by being fitted into the fitting recess. The optical connector structure according to claim 1, wherein the optical connector structure is displaced by elastic deformation. The fiber-side optical connector is provided with a biasing member that biases the optical fiber toward the lens-side optical connector and abuts the front end surface of the optical fiber against the lens portion. The optical connector structure according to claim 1 or 2. The lens-side optical connector has a circuit member on which a light receiving / emitting element is mounted, the circuit member has a lens fitting recess into which the lens unit is fitted, and the lens unit is fitted with the lens fitting. The optical connector structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lens surface is fitted in a mating recess and disposed at a position facing the light receiving and emitting element.

Images