JP2018101024A - Optical connector-use ferrule - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem to take such a lot of time, labor, and cost as to require a device and a jig separately for highly-accurate positioning in mounting an optical path conversion part on a ferrule body part.SOLUTION: The present invention is one optical connector-use ferrule constituting a pair of the optical connector-use ferrules for optically connecting optical fibers to each other. The one optical connector-use ferrule comprises: a ferrule body part that integrally has a lens part to/from which an optical signal transmitted by the optical fibers is input/output and also holds ends of the optical fibers; and an optical path conversion part that forms a first optical path of the optical signal so as to optically connect the optical fibers to each other when the pair of optical connector-use ferrules are connected, and forms a second optical path through which the optical signal is not emitted outside the optical connector-use ferrule when the pair of optical connector-use ferrules are not connected. The optical connector-use ferrule is provided with a positioning part that positions the optical path conversion part relative to the ferrule body part so as to make the optical signal pass through the first optical path and the second optical path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical connector ferrule.

  A technique of an optical connector with a lens ferrule that optically connects optical fibers by allowing ferrules having lenses on end faces to face each other is known. Patent Document 1 discloses that a ferrule body that holds an optical fiber and a lens are integrally formed, thereby reducing the time and labor for aligning and assembling the ferrule body and the lens.

JP 2008-151843 A

  In order to improve safety, it is necessary to prevent the optical signal output from the lens from leaking outside the connector when the optical connector with a lens ferrule is not connected. For this reason, apart from the ferrule body molded integrally with the lens, an optical path conversion plate that converts the optical path of the optical signal when the optical connector is not connected and prevents light from leaking outside the housing of the optical connector is attached to the tip of the ferrule body. Sometimes. The attachment of the optical path conversion plate to such a ferrule body requires high-precision positioning.

  Therefore, conventionally, the optical path conversion plate is positioned with respect to the ferrule body while performing active alignment using a CCD camera or the like. In order to perform such active alignment, a device such as a CCD camera and a jig for gripping a ferrule or the like are separately required, and much labor and cost are required.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a ferrule for an optical connector provided with a positioning portion that can be easily positioned with high accuracy without requiring a separate device or jig when attaching an optical path changing portion to a ferrule main body. .

  A main invention for achieving the above object is one of the ferrules for an optical connector that constitutes a pair of optical connector ferrules for optically connecting optical fibers to each other, wherein an optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber is input / output When the ferrule body portion that holds the end portion of the optical fiber and the pair of ferrules for the optical connector are connected, the optical fibers are optically connected to each other. An optical path conversion unit that forms a first optical path of an optical signal and forms a second optical path in which the optical signal is not emitted outside the optical connector ferrule when the pair of optical connector ferrules are not connected. The ferrule for an optical connector faces the ferrule main body so that the optical signal passes through the first optical path and the second optical path. It is an optical connector ferrule, characterized in that the positioning unit for positioning the optical path conversion portion is provided.

  Other characteristics of the present invention will be made clear by the description and drawings described later.

  According to the present invention, when attaching the optical path changing unit to the ferrule body, it is possible to easily perform high-accuracy positioning without requiring a separate device or jig.

FIG. 1A is a schematic explanatory diagram of the ferrule 1 when the ferrule 1A of the first embodiment is not connected to the ferrule 1B. FIG. 1B is a schematic explanatory diagram of the ferrule 1 when the ferrule 1A of the first embodiment is connected to the ferrule 1B. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the ferrule 1A (first embodiment) with the optical path conversion module 3A attached to the main body 2A. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the ferrule 1A (first embodiment) with the optical path conversion module 3A removed from the main body 2A. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical path conversion module 3A according to the first embodiment viewed from the rear side. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the attachment portion of the ferrule 1A (first embodiment) in a state where the optical path conversion module 3A is attached to the main body 2A. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the ferrule 1A (second embodiment) with the optical path conversion module 3A attached to the main body 2A. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the ferrule 1A (second embodiment) with the optical path conversion module 3A removed from the main body 2A. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the optical path conversion module 3A according to the second embodiment as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the attachment portion of the ferrule 1A (second embodiment) in a state where the optical path conversion module 3A is attached to the main body 2A. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a ferrule 1A (third embodiment) in a state where the optical path conversion module 3A is attached to the main body 2A. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the ferrule 1A (third embodiment) with the optical path conversion module 3A removed from the main body 2A. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the optical path conversion module 3A according to the third embodiment as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the attachment portion of the ferrule 1A (third embodiment) in a state where the optical path conversion module 3A is attached to the main body 2A.

  At least the following matters will be apparent from the description and drawings described below.

  One of the ferrules for an optical connector that constitutes a pair of optical connector ferrules that optically connect optical fibers to each other, and integrally having a lens portion for inputting and outputting an optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber, When the ferrule body holding the end of the optical fiber and the pair of optical connector ferrules are connected, a first optical path of the optical signal is formed so as to optically connect the optical fibers, An optical path converter that forms a second optical path in which the optical signal is not emitted outside the optical connector ferrule when the pair of optical connector ferrules is not connected, and the optical connector ferrule includes the optical connector Positioning for positioning the optical path converter with respect to the ferrule body so that a signal passes through the first optical path and the second optical path It becomes clear that the optical connector ferrule, characterized in that parts are provided. According to such a ferrule for an optical connector, when attaching the optical path changing part to the ferrule main body part, positioning with high accuracy can be easily performed without requiring a separate device or jig.

  The optical path conversion unit includes a prism disposed to face the lens unit, and the positioning unit performs positioning by fitting a main body side positioning unit formed on the ferrule main body unit and the prism. It is desirable. Thereby, when attaching an optical path conversion part to a ferrule main-body part, a highly accurate positioning can be performed easily, without requiring an apparatus, a jig | tool, etc. separately.

  The body-side positioning portion is a V-groove, and light having a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of the optical signal is input to and output from the prism before or after passing through the lens portion. It is desirable that an incident / exit surface is provided, and the positioning portion is positioned by fitting the convex portion of the prism formed by the light incident / exit surface with the V groove. Thereby, when attaching an optical path conversion part to a ferrule main-body part, a highly accurate positioning can be performed easily, without requiring an apparatus, a jig | tool, etc. separately.

  The optical path conversion unit includes a prism disposed opposite to the lens unit and a pair of ribs disposed on both sides of the prism, and the positioning unit includes a recess formed in the ferrule body unit. It is desirable to perform positioning by fitting the pair of ribs. Thereby, when attaching an optical path conversion part to a ferrule main-body part, a highly accurate positioning can be performed easily, without requiring an apparatus, a jig | tool, etc. separately.

  It is desirable that the positioning portion be positioned by fitting the side surfaces of the pair of ribs to the inner peripheral surface of the recess. Thereby, when attaching an optical path conversion part to a ferrule main-body part, a highly accurate positioning can be performed easily, without requiring an apparatus, a jig | tool, etc. separately.

  It is desirable that the positioning portion be positioned by contacting the pair of ribs so as to sandwich the outer peripheral portion of the recess. Thereby, when attaching an optical path conversion part to a ferrule main-body part, a highly accurate positioning can be performed easily, without requiring an apparatus, a jig | tool, etc. separately.

  It is desirable that the surface where the pair of ribs and the outer peripheral portion of the recess come into contact with each other is inclined with respect to the mounting direction of the optical path conversion unit with respect to the ferrule body. Thereby, when attaching an optical path conversion part to a ferrule main-body part, a highly accurate positioning can be performed easily, without requiring an apparatus, a jig | tool, etc. separately.

  The ferrule body part and the optical path conversion part each have a ferrule hole into which a guide pin formed in the other optical connector ferrule is inserted, and the positioning part has the guide pin in both the ferrule holes. It is desirable to perform positioning by being inserted. Thereby, when attaching an optical path conversion part to a ferrule main-body part, a highly accurate positioning can be performed easily, without requiring an apparatus, a jig | tool, etc. separately.

=== First Embodiment ===
FIG. 1A is a schematic explanatory diagram of the ferrule 1 when the ferrule 1A of the first embodiment is not connected to the ferrule 1B. FIG. 1B is a schematic explanatory diagram of the ferrule 1 when the ferrule 1A of the first embodiment is connected to the ferrule 1B. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the ferrule 1A (first embodiment) with the optical path conversion module 3A attached to the main body 2A. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the ferrule 1A (first embodiment) with the optical path conversion module 3A removed from the main body 2A. First, the basic configuration of the ferrule 1A shown in FIGS. 1A to 2B will be described, and then the optical path conversion module 3A will be described.

  In the following description, among the configurations of the ferrule 1, the plug side is distinguished, for example, as a ferrule 1A and the receptacle side is designated as a ferrule 1B, for example, while the plug side and the receptacle side are collectively referred to without distinction, for example, Ferrule 1 may be called without English letters. The same applies to a main body 2 and an optical path conversion module 3 described later.

  In the following description, each direction is defined as shown in the figure. That is, the mounting direction of the optical path conversion module 3A with respect to the main body 2A is “front-rear direction”, the plate 11A side is “front”, and the opposite side is “rear”. The forward direction may be referred to as the “Z direction”. Further, the thickness direction of the ferrule 1A is “vertical direction”, the upper side when viewed from the front to the rear is “upper”, and the opposite side is “lower”. The upward direction may be referred to as the “Y direction”. A direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is referred to as a “left-right direction”. The width direction of the ferrule 1A is “left-right direction”, and the direction in which the two guide pin holes 14 are arranged is “left-right direction” (see FIG. 2B). Further, the arrangement direction of the plurality of optical fiber holes 15 is the “left-right direction” (see FIG. 2B). In this left-right direction, the right side when viewed from the front is “right”, and the opposite side is “left”. The right direction may be referred to as the “X direction”.

  In addition, the directions of rotation about the “X direction”, “Y direction”, and “Z direction” axes may be referred to as “RX direction”, “RY direction”, and “RZ direction”, respectively. Also, the surface defined by the X-direction axis and the Y-direction axis is the “XY plane”, the surface defined by the Y-direction axis and the Z-direction axis is the “YZ plane”, the Z-direction axis and the X-direction A plane defined by the axis may be referred to as a “ZX plane”.

<Basic configuration of ferrule 1>
First, differences between the ferrule 1 (ferrule 1A and ferrule 1B) of the first embodiment and a normal MT ferrule (optical connector defined in JIS C5981) will be described.

  In a normal MT ferrule, the end face of the optical fiber is exposed from the end face of the ferrule. Then, the optical fibers are optically connected by abutting the ferrule end faces and physically connecting the optical fiber end faces.

  On the other hand, in the ferrule 1 of the first embodiment, the end face of the optical fiber is not exposed from the end face 9 of the ferrule. In the ferrule 1 of the first embodiment, the lens unit 7 is disposed in the recess 8 of the ferrule end surface 9, and an optical signal is input / output from the lens unit 7. That is, in the ferrule 1 of this embodiment, there is no physical contact between the optical fiber end faces. For this reason, even if attachment and detachment are repeated, it does not deteriorate and has high durability.

  The ferrule 1 is a member that holds the ends of the optical fibers 5A to 5D when optical fibers that transmit optical signals are optically connected to each other. Note that the optical fiber 5A and the optical fiber 5B (FIG. 1A) may be collectively referred to simply as “optical fiber 5”. Further, the optical fibers 5A to 5D (FIG. 1B) may be collectively referred to simply as “optical fiber 5”. Hereinafter, the basic configuration of the ferrule 1A on the plug side (side that outputs an optical signal) of the ferrule 1 (ferrule 1A and ferrule 1B) will be described. The basic configuration of the ferrule 1B on the receptacle side (side on which an optical signal is input) will be described later.

  The ferrule 1 </ b> A includes a main body 2 </ b> A, an optical path conversion module 3 </ b> A, and a housing 4.

  The main body 2 </ b> A is a member that holds an end of the optical fiber 5 and inputs and outputs an optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber 5. The front end surface (ferrule end surface 9) of the main body 2A is a surface on which the optical path conversion module 3A is mounted. On the rear side of the main body 2A, a flange 13 is formed protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the main body 2A (see FIG. 2A). The main body 2A and the flange 13 including the ferrule end face 9 are integrally formed of a resin (for example, a transparent resin) that can transmit an optical signal. The ends of the plurality of optical fibers 5 are held inside the main body 2A.

  The main body 2 </ b> A includes a guide pin hole 14, an optical fiber hole 15, an adhesive filling part 16, a recess 8, a lens part 7, and a light transmission part 6.

  The guide pin hole 14 is a hole for inserting a guide pin (not shown). By inserting the guide pin into the guide pin hole 14, the ferrule 1A and the ferrule 1B are aligned. The guide pin hole 14 penetrates the main body 2A in the front-rear direction, and two guide pin holes 14 are opened on the front end face of the main body 2A. The two guide pin holes 14 are formed at intervals in the left-right direction so as to sandwich the plurality of optical fiber holes 15 from the left and right. In addition to the optical fiber hole 15, the recess 8, the lens part 7, and the light transmission part 6 are also disposed between the two guide pin holes 14.

  The optical fiber hole 15 is a hole for inserting the optical fiber 5. The optical fiber hole 15 is also a hole for positioning the optical fiber 5. The optical fiber hole 15 penetrates between a boot hole (not shown) provided in the rear part of the main body 2 </ b> A and the adhesive filling part 16. A bare fiber obtained by removing the coating from the optical fiber core wire is inserted into the optical fiber hole 15. The optical fiber holes 15 are parallel to the front-rear direction, and the plurality of optical fiber holes 15 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. That is, a plurality of optical fiber holes 15 parallel to each other are arranged in the left-right direction. The plurality of optical fiber holes 15 are also arranged in parallel in the vertical direction (see FIG. 1). In other words, the plurality of optical fiber hole 15 columns arranged in parallel in the left-right direction are also arranged in parallel in the vertical direction.

  The adhesive filling part 16 is a hollow part for filling the adhesive. The adhesive filling portion 16 is a cavity that is long in the left-right direction (longer than the length in which the plurality of optical fiber holes 15 and the lens portion 7 are arranged in the left-right direction). On the inner wall on the front side of the adhesive filling portion 16, there is an abutting surface 17 that abuts the end surface of the optical fiber 5.

  The recess 8 is a portion that is recessed with respect to the ferrule end surface 9. The recess 8 is provided between the two guide pin holes 14 on the ferrule end face 9. The recess 8 has a rectangular shape elongated in the left-right direction so as to correspond to the plurality of optical fiber holes 15.

  The lens unit 7 is provided on the bottom surface (rear surface) of the recess 8. The lens unit 7 is disposed corresponding to each of the plurality of optical fibers 5 (in other words, the plurality of optical fiber holes 15), and an optical signal is input / output through the lens unit 7. The lens unit 7 is formed so as to function as a collimating lens, for example. By outputting the optical signal whose diameter is enlarged by the lens unit 7, it is possible to reduce the coupling loss due to the slight deviation of the axes of the optical fibers to be connected. Further, the influence of dust and the like in the optical path can be reduced, and transmission loss of optical signals can be suppressed.

  The light transmitting portion 6 is a portion (a portion where an optical path is formed) that transmits an optical signal between the lens portion 7 and the abutting surface 17 of the adhesive filling portion 16. The main body 2A of the present embodiment is integrally formed of a resin that transmits an optical signal. However, it is sufficient that at least a portion where the optical path is formed (light transmitting portion 6) can transmit the optical signal. Other parts may be made of another material (a material that does not transmit an optical signal).

<Optical path conversion module 3>
Next, the optical path conversion module 3A will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. The optical path conversion module 3 </ b> A is a member that is attached to the ferrule end face 9 of the main body 2 </ b> A and converts an optical path of an optical signal input / output via the lens unit 7. The optical path conversion module 3A is also a member having a function as an optical shutter. That is, the optical path conversion module 3A converts the optical path, so that when the ferrule 1A and the ferrule 1B are not connected, the optical signal is not emitted to the outside (the optical shutter is closed), and when the ferrule 1A and the ferrule 1B are connected, An optical signal is transmitted from the ferrule 1A to the ferrule 1B (optical shutter is opened). The optical path conversion module 3A of this embodiment converts the optical path by converting the traveling direction of the optical signal by utilizing the refraction of light.

  The optical path conversion module 3A includes a prism 10A and a plate 11A.

  The prism 10A is a part that converts an optical path of an optical signal input / output via the lens unit 7 in the optical path conversion module 3A. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the optical path P1 and the optical path P2 of the optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber 5A and the optical fiber 5B and collimated through the lens unit 7 are respectively optical paths parallel to the Z direction. . If the ferrule 1A to which the optical path conversion module 3A is not attached and the ferrule 1B to which the optical path conversion module 3B is not attached are connected, the optical path P1 and the optical path P2 are again connected to the optical fiber 5D and the light through the lens unit 7, respectively. It is provided to be input to the fiber 5C. That is, the optical axes of P1 and P2 are provided to be input to the optical fiber 5D and the optical fiber 5C. In the present embodiment, the optical path P1 and the optical path P2 pass through the optical path conversion module 3A, so that the optical path is converted into the optical path Q1 and the optical path Q2.

  The plate 11A is a part for holding the prism 10A and attaching the optical path conversion module 3A to the main body 2A. A prism 10A is provided on the rear end face of the plate 11A. The optical path conversion module 3 is mounted on the main body 2 such that the prism surface 18A and the prism surface 18B of the prism 10A face the rear side. That is, the optical path conversion module 3 is mounted on the main body 2 in a direction in which the prism surface 18A and the prism surface 18B are opposed to the lens unit 7. Further, the plate end surface 12 which is the front end surface of the plate 11 is a surface parallel to the XY plane. The plate 11A and the prism 10A may be molded and assembled as separate members, or may be integrally molded with resin.

When the ferrule 1A and the ferrule 1B are not connected In FIG. 1A, the surfaces on which the optical signal is incident on the prism 10A (prism surfaces 18A and 18B) are parallel to a surface inclined by a predetermined angle in the RX direction from the XY plane. It has become. Hereinafter, a surface where the optical signal enters and exits the prism 10A and the prism 10B may be referred to as a light incident / exit surface. Specifically, the prism surface 18A is a surface parallel to a surface inclined by a predetermined angle θ in the plus RX direction from the XY plane. The prism surface 18B is a surface parallel to a surface inclined by a predetermined angle θ in the minus RX direction from the XY plane. The optical path P1 is converted from the direction parallel to the Z direction to the optical path Q1 refracted downward (minus Y direction) by passing through the prism 10A. Further, the optical path P2 is converted from the direction parallel to the Z direction to the optical path Q2 refracted upward (plus Y direction) by passing through the prism 10A. The optical paths Q1 and Q2 whose optical paths are converted are blocked by the inner wall of the housing 4 of the ferrule 1A. Thereby, the optical signal that has passed through the optical path conversion module 3A is prevented from going out of the housing 4 of the ferrule 1A. That is, when the ferrule 1A is not connected to the ferrule 1B, the optical signal is suppressed from going out of the housing 4 of the ferrule 1A.

When connecting the ferrule 1A and the ferrule 1B The ferrule 1B shown in FIG. 1B includes a main body 2B and an optical path conversion module 3B (prism 10B and plate 11B). The ferrule 1B has the same configuration as the ferrule 1A described above except for the housing 4. When connecting the ferrule 1A and the ferrule 1B, the ferrule 1A and the ferrule 1B are connected so that the plate end faces 12 are opposed to each other. At this time, the plate end surfaces 12 may be in contact with each other or may not be in contact.

  When the plate end faces 12 are thus connected to face each other, the main body 2B of the ferrule 1B and the optical path conversion module 3B are in the Z direction with respect to the main body 2A of the ferrule 1A and the optical path conversion module 3A. The arrangement is reversed. The prism 10B and the plate 11B of the optical path conversion module 3B have the same shape as the prism 10A and the plate 11A of the optical path conversion module 3A. For this reason, the optical paths Q1 and Q2 whose optical paths have been converted by the optical path conversion module 3A pass through the prism 10B and are converted again into a direction parallel to the Z direction (optical paths R1 and R2). The optical signal passing through the optical path R1 is transmitted to the optical fiber 5C via the lens unit 7 of the main body 2B. An optical signal passing through the optical path R2 is transmitted to the optical fiber 5D via the lens unit 7 of the main body 2B. That is, when the ferrule 1A and the ferrule 1B shown in FIG. 1B are connected, an optical signal is transmitted to the optical fiber 5C and the optical fiber 5B to the optical fiber 5D.

<Positioning>
In this embodiment, since the optical connection is made via the optical path conversion module 3 attached to the main body 2, the optical path conversion module 3 is attached to the main body 2 with high accuracy. If this position shifts, the optical signal may not be properly transmitted from the optical fiber 5A to the optical fiber 5C and from the optical fiber 5B to the optical fiber 5D, which may cause transmission loss.

  The positioning according to the present embodiment is performed by defining six axes on which the optical path conversion module 3 can move with respect to the main body 2 and fixing (constraining) all the movements and rotations related to the six axes. Here, the six axes are the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction that are movement directions, and the RX direction, the RY direction, and the RZ direction that are rotation directions. Therefore, if the six axes are fixed, the main body 2 and the optical path conversion module are positioned.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical path conversion module 3A according to the first embodiment viewed from the rear side. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the attachment portion of the ferrule 1A (first embodiment) in a state where the optical path conversion module 3A is attached to the main body 2A.

  The ferrule 1A shown in FIGS. 2A to 4 is positioned by fitting the optical path conversion module 3A to the front portion of the main body 2A. In the following, positioning with respect to the ferrule 1A will be described, but the same applies to the ferrule 1B (main body 2B, optical path conversion module 3B).

  The main body 2A has an accommodating portion 19 on the front side for fitting and accommodating with the optical path conversion module 3A. A main body side positioning portion 20 is provided in the housing portion 19. The main body side positioning portion 20 includes a main body side fitting surface 21A, a main body side fitting surface 21B, and a V groove 21C.

  The main body side fitting surface 21 </ b> A and the main body side fitting surface 21 </ b> B are provided on the inner surface of the accommodating portion 19. The main body side fitting surface 21 </ b> A is a surface parallel to the YZ plane, and is provided on the left and right inner surfaces of the accommodating portion 19. The main body side fitting surface 21 </ b> B is a surface parallel to the XY plane, and is provided on the front inner surface of the accommodating portion 19. The center part of the main body side fitting surface 21 </ b> B has a recess 8. That is, the main body side fitting surface 21 </ b> B is provided over the outer edge of the recess 8.

  The V-grooves 21C are provided so as to extend in the left-right direction, one pair on each of the left and right sides of the body-side fitting surface 21B. A V groove 21 </ b> C shown in FIG. 2B extends from the recess 8 to the guide pin hole 14. In addition, the V-groove 21C may not be provided in a portion where a prism-side fitting surface 23B described later comes into contact. The V-groove 21C is molded according to the shape of the prism convex portion 23C so that a prism convex portion 23C described later is fitted.

  The optical path conversion module 3A is fitted so as to fit between the two guide pin holes 14 of the main body 2A. Therefore, no guide pin hole is formed in the optical path conversion module 3A. However, a guide pin hole may be formed so as to cover the entire front end surface of the main body portion 2A and be fitted to the main body portion 2A.

  The optical path conversion module 3A has a prism-side positioning portion 22 when fitted to the main body portion 2A. The prism side positioning portion 22 includes a prism side fitting surface 23A, a prism side fitting surface 23B, and a prism convex portion 23C.

  The prism-side fitting surfaces 23A are parallel to the YZ plane, and are provided in pairs on the left and right end surfaces of the optical path conversion module 3A. The length between the pair of left and right prism-side fitting surfaces 23A, that is, the length in the left-right direction of the optical path conversion module 3A is slightly smaller than the length between the pair of body-side fitting surfaces 21A of the main body 2A. small. Thereby, the optical path conversion module 3A is accommodated to such an extent that it can be roughly positioned with respect to the accommodation part 19 of the main body 2A. Accordingly, the prism-side fitting surface 23A comes into contact with the main-body-side fitting surface 21A, so that rough positioning in the X direction and the RZ direction is performed.

  The prism-side fitting surfaces 23B are surfaces parallel to the XY plane, and are provided on the rear end surface of the optical path conversion module 3A as a pair on the left and right sides. The prism-side fitting surface 23B comes into contact with the main-body-side fitting surface 21B, thereby positioning in the Z direction and the RY direction.

  The prism convex part 23C is a part constituted by the prism surfaces 18A and 18B of the prism 10A of the optical path conversion module 3A. In the present embodiment, the prism 10A is formed to be longer in the left-right direction than the recess 8, and a portion disposed on the outer side in the left-right direction than the recess 8 serves as the prism convex portion 23C and is fitted to the main body portion 2A. A prism-side positioning portion 22 is formed. The prism convex portion 23C is positioned in the Y direction, the RY direction, and the RZ direction by fitting with the V groove 21C of the main body portion 2A that also extends in the left-right direction.

  As described above, the main body side positioning unit 20 and the prism side positioning unit 22 make it possible to move the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction that are the movement directions, and the RX direction, the RY direction, and the RZ direction that are the rotation directions. The optical path conversion module 3 is fixed to the main body 2 and positioned with high accuracy. However, positioning in the X direction is not strict, and only rough positioning is performed. However, both the prism surface 18A and the prism surface 18B of the prism 10A are formed as surfaces parallel to the X direction, and even if a positional shift occurs in the X direction, the refraction at the prism surface 18A and the prism surface 18B occurs. The corner is almost unchanged. Therefore, the positioning in the X direction is not strict, and even if the positioning is rough, the optical signal is transmitted almost appropriately, and the influence of causing transmission loss is small.

  In the positioning of the main body 2A and the optical path conversion module 3A of the present embodiment, the prism convex portion 23C of the prism side positioning unit 22 is formed by the prism surface 18A and the prism surface 18B of the prism 10A. . That is, the position is adjusted by the prism 10A itself, and the prism 10A is directly positioned. Thereby, when attaching optical path changing module 3A to main part 2A, it can position easily, without requiring a jig etc.

<Attaching the optical path conversion module 3A to the ferrule body 2A>
Next, a procedure for attaching the optical path conversion module 3A to the main body 2A will be described. First, positioning is performed by pressing the optical path conversion module 3A against the main body 2A. Next, an adhesive is injected into the bonding portion between the main body 2A and the optical path conversion module 3A. As the adhesive, a thermosetting adhesive is used. Here, in this embodiment, the positioning is performed by the prism 10 </ b> A itself with respect to the main body side positioning unit 20. For this reason, an optical path may be included in the bonded portion, but the adhesive is not applied to a location where the optical path exists. Finally, heat is applied to cure the adhesive. Thereby, the attachment of the optical path conversion module 3A to the ferrule body 2A is completed. The optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole 15 after the attachment of the optical path conversion module 3A to the ferrule body 2A is completed.

=== Second Embodiment ===
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the ferrule 1A (second embodiment) with the optical path conversion module 3A attached to the main body 2A. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the ferrule 1A (second embodiment) with the optical path conversion module 3A removed from the main body 2A. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the optical path conversion module 3A according to the second embodiment as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the attachment portion of the ferrule 1A (second embodiment) in a state where the optical path conversion module 3A is attached to the main body 2A.

  The ferrule 1A shown in FIGS. 5A to 7 is positioned by fitting the rib 25C of the optical path conversion module 3A to the inner peripheral surface of the recess 8 of the main body 2A. The positioning is also performed by contacting the front end face of the main body 2A with the optical path conversion module 3A.

  The main body portion 2A is provided with a main body side positioning portion 27 on the front side thereof. The main body side positioning portion 27 has a main body side contact surface 24A and a main body side fitting surface 24B.

  The main body side contact surface 24A is a surface parallel to the XY plane, and is a part that contacts a prism side contact surface 25B of the optical path conversion module 3A described later. The main body side contact surface 24 </ b> A is formed on the front end face of the main body 2. A pair of guide pin holes 14 are provided on the left and right of the main body side contact surface 24A. Further, a recess 8 is provided in the center of the main body side contact surface 24A. That is, the main body side contact surface 24 </ b> A is provided over the outer edge of the recess 8.

  The main body side fitting surface 24 </ b> B is provided on the inner surface of the recess 8. The main body-side fitting surface 24B is a surface parallel to the XZ plane, and is provided on the inner surface of the recess 8 one by one on the upper and lower sides.

  The optical path conversion module 3 </ b> A is attached so as to cover the front end face of the main body 2 </ b> A including the two guide pin holes 14. Therefore, the optical path conversion module 3 </ b> A is provided with a prism side guide pin hole 25 </ b> A described later so as to communicate with the guide pin hole 14. However, as in the first embodiment, a housing portion for fitting and housing the optical path conversion module 3A is formed, and the optical path conversion module 3A is fitted so as to fit between the two guide pin holes 14 of the main body portion 2A. May be combined. In this case, the prism side guide pin hole 25A may not be formed. The optical path conversion module 3A may be provided with an antireflection coating (AR coating).

  The optical path conversion module 3A has a prism side positioning portion 28 when fitted to the main body portion 2A. The prism side positioning portion 28 includes a prism side guide pin hole 25A, a prism side contact surface 25B, and a rib 25C.

  A pair of prism-side guide pin holes 25A are provided on the left and right of the optical path conversion module 3A. The prism side guide pin hole 25A is provided so as to communicate with the guide pin hole 14 of the main body 2A. In the prism side guide pin hole 25A, a guide pin (not shown) is inserted together with the guide pin hole 14, whereby the ferrules 1 (1A, 1B) are aligned. Further, by inserting a guide pin (not shown) into the prism side guide pin hole 25A together with the guide pin hole 14, the optical path conversion module 3A is positioned in the X direction and the RZ direction with respect to the main body 2A. .

  The prism side contact surface 25B is provided on the rear end surface of the optical path conversion module 3A. The prism-side contact surface 25B is a surface parallel to the XY plane, and the Z direction is fixed by contacting the prism-side contact surface 24A. Therefore, when the prism side contact surface 25B contacts the main body side contact surface 24A, the optical path conversion module 3A is positioned in the Z direction with respect to the main body 2A.

  A pair of ribs 25C is provided on both sides (up and down) of the prism 10A of the optical path conversion module 3A. The rib 25C has a pair of rib fitting surfaces 26 on the upper and lower surfaces on the side not facing the prism 10A. The rib fitting surface 26 is a surface parallel to the XZ plane and abuts on the main body side fitting surface 24B. The length between the pair of rib fitting surfaces 26 is slightly smaller than the length between the pair of main body side fitting surfaces 24B, and the rib fitting surface 26 comes into contact with the main body side fitting surface 24B. The rib 25C is fitted into the recess 8. In addition, when this rib 25C is fitted into the recess 8, it is performed by press-fitting. By fitting the rib 25C with the recess 8, the optical path conversion module 3A is positioned in the Y direction, the RX direction, and the RY direction with respect to the main body 2A.

  As described above, the main body side positioning unit 27 and the prism side positioning unit 28 allow a total of six axes including the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction that are movement directions, and the RX direction, the RY direction, and the RZ direction that are rotation directions. It is fixed and highly accurate positioning is performed when the optical path conversion module 3A is attached to the main body 2A.

  In the present embodiment, a pair of ribs 25C provided on both sides of the prism 10A are positioning members and members that reinforce the strength of the optical path conversion module 3A. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the rib 25C is formed so as to protrude in the front-rear direction with respect to the plate 11A of the optical path conversion module 3A, and thus, for example, against bending stress applied to the optical path conversion module 3A in the left-right direction. Has a role to reinforce. When the antireflection coating (AR coating) is applied to the optical path conversion module 3A by vapor deposition, the protrusion height of the rib 25C is suppressed to be low in order to prevent the rib 25C from being shaded. is there. However, in order to maintain the above-described strength, the rib 25C needs a sufficient protruding height.

=== Third Embodiment ===
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a ferrule 1A (third embodiment) in a state where the optical path conversion module 3A is attached to the main body 2A. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the ferrule 1A (third embodiment) with the optical path conversion module 3A removed from the main body 2A. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the optical path conversion module 3A according to the third embodiment as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the attachment portion of the ferrule 1A (third embodiment) in a state where the optical path conversion module 3A is attached to the main body 2A.

  In the ferrule 1A shown in FIGS. 8A to 10, the prism-side contact surface 31B of the optical path conversion module 3A contacts the main body-side inclined contact surface 29B of the main body 2A, and the optical path conversion module 3A is fitted to the main body 2A. By doing so, positioning is performed. The positioning is also performed by contacting the front end face of the main body 2A with the optical path conversion module 3A.

  The main body portion 2A is provided with a main body side positioning portion 30 on the front side thereof. The main body side positioning portion 30 has a main body side contact surface 29A and a main body side inclined contact surface 29B.

  The main body side contact surface 29A is a part that contacts a prism side contact surface 31B of the optical path conversion module 3A described later. A pair of main body side contact surfaces 29 </ b> A are formed on the left and right sides of the front end surface of the main body 2. A pair of guide pin holes 14 are provided in the central portion of each main body side contact surface 29A.

  A pair of body-side inclined contact surfaces 29 </ b> B are provided above and below the recess 8. The main body side inclined contact surface 29B is an inclined surface that is parallel to the X axis and extends toward the center in the vertical direction. The inclination angle of the main body side inclined contact surface 29B may be 45 degrees, for example. As a result, when the prism-side inclined contact surface 31C is brought into contact with the main body-side inclined contact surface 29B during positioning, the front-rear direction pressing force and the vertical direction pressing force are evenly distributed and stably Can be positioned. The main body side inclined contact surface 29B is formed behind the main body side contact surface 29A so as to accommodate a prism side inclined contact surface 31C of the optical path conversion module 3A described later.

  The optical path conversion module 3 </ b> A is attached so as to cover the front end face of the main body 2 </ b> A including the two guide pin holes 14. Accordingly, the optical path conversion module 3 </ b> A is provided with a prism side guide pin hole 31 </ b> A described later so as to communicate with the guide pin hole 14. However, as in the first embodiment, a housing portion for fitting and housing the optical path conversion module 3A is formed, and the optical path conversion module 3A is fitted so as to fit between the two guide pin holes 14 of the main body portion 2A. May be combined. In this case, the prism side guide pin hole 31A may not be formed. The optical path conversion module 3A may be provided with an antireflection coating (AR coating).

  The optical path conversion module 3A has a prism-side positioning portion 32 when fitted to the main body portion 2A. The prism side positioning portion 32 includes a prism side guide pin hole 31A, a prism side contact surface 31B, and a prism side inclined contact surface 31C.

  A pair of prism side guide pin holes 31A are provided on the left and right of the optical path conversion module 3A. The prism side guide pin hole 31A is provided so as to communicate with the guide pin hole 14 of the main body 2A. The guide pins (not shown) are inserted into the prism side guide pin holes 31A together with the guide pin holes 14 so that the ferrules 1 (1A, 1B) are aligned. Further, by inserting a guide pin (not shown) into the prism side guide pin hole 31A together with the guide pin hole 14, the optical path conversion module 3A is positioned in the X direction and the RZ direction with respect to the main body 2A. .

  The prism side contact surface 31B is provided on the rear end surface of the optical path conversion module 3A. The prism side contact surface 31B contacts the main body side contact surface 29A of the main body 2A, whereby the optical path conversion module 3A is positioned in the Z direction with respect to the main body 2A.

  The prism-side inclined contact surfaces 31C are provided on the upper and lower surfaces on the side facing the prism 10A. The prism-side inclined contact surfaces 31C are provided on rib portions formed in pairs above and below the optical path conversion module 3A. The prism-side inclined contact surfaces 31C are inclined surfaces that are parallel to the X axis and extend away from the center in the vertical direction. The prism side inclined contact surface 31C has the same inclination angle as that of the main body side inclined contact surface 29B. For example, the inclination angle may be 45 degrees. Therefore, when the prism-side inclined contact surface 31C is fitted to the main body-side inclined contact surface 29B, the optical path conversion module 3A is positioned in the Y direction, the RX direction, and the RY direction with respect to the main body portion 2A.

  As described above, the main body side positioning unit 27 and the prism side positioning unit 28 allow a total of six axes including the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction that are movement directions, and the RX direction, the RY direction, and the RZ direction that are rotation directions. The optical path conversion module 3 is fixed to the main body 2 and positioned with high accuracy.

  In the present embodiment, the prism-side inclined contact surface 31C is an inclined surface extending away from the center in the vertical direction of the optical path conversion module 3A, which is an advantageous structure when performing antireflection coating (AR coating). It has become. In other words, with such a structure, when performing an antireflection coating (AR coating) by vapor deposition, there is no shadowed portion, and for example, it is possible to prevent the vapor deposition particles from interfering with the prism 10A. is there.

  In the present embodiment, a V-groove 33 is formed between the guide pin hole 14 and the recess 8 of the main body 2A. However, the V-groove 33 does not come into contact with the prism 10A of the optical path conversion module 3A. That is, when the optical path conversion module 3A is attached to the main body 2A, there is a slight gap between the V groove 33 and the prism 10A.

=== Others ===
The above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

1A / 1B ferrule, 2A / 2B body, 3A / 3B optical path conversion module,
4 housing, 5A-5D optical fiber, 6 light transmission part, 7 lens part,
8 recesses, 9 ferrule end faces, 10A and 10B prisms,
11A / 11B plate, 12 plate end face, 13 collar,
14 guide pin hole, 15 optical fiber hole, 16 adhesive filling part,
17 abutting surface, 18A-18D prism surface, 19 accommodating part,
20 Main body side positioning part, 21A / 21B Main body side fitting surface, 21C V groove,
22 prism side positioning part, 23A / 23B prism side fitting surface,
23C Prism convex part, 24A Main body side contact surface, 24B Main body side fitting surface,
25A prism side guide pin hole, 25B prism side contact surface, 25C rib,
26 rib fitting surface, 27 main body side positioning portion, 28 prism side positioning portion,
29A, main body side contact surface, 29B main body side inclined contact surface, 30 main body side positioning portion,
31A Prism side guide pin hole, 31B Prism side contact surface,
31C Prism side inclined contact surface, 32 Prism side positioning portion 33, V groove

Claims (8)

One of the ferrules for an optical connector constituting a pair of optical connector ferrules for optically connecting optical fibers,
A ferrule body portion that integrally has a lens portion that inputs and outputs an optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber, and that holds an end portion of the optical fiber;
When the pair of optical connector ferrules are connected, the first optical path of the optical signal is formed so as to optically connect the optical fibers, and when the pair of optical connector ferrules are not connected, An optical path conversion unit that forms a second optical path in which the optical signal is not emitted outside the ferrule for the optical connector,
In the optical connector ferrule,
A ferrule for an optical connector, wherein a positioning part for positioning the optical path conversion part with respect to the ferrule main body part is provided so that the optical signal passes through the first optical path and the second optical path. The optical path conversion unit has a prism disposed to face the lens unit,
The optical connector ferrule according to claim 1, wherein the positioning portion performs positioning by fitting a main body side positioning portion formed in the ferrule main body portion and the prism. The body side positioning portion is a V-groove,
The prism is provided with a light incident / exit surface having a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of the optical signal before or after passing through the lens unit, and having a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of the optical signal,
The ferrule for an optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the positioning portion performs positioning by fitting the convex portion of the prism formed on the light incident / exit surface and the V groove. The optical path conversion unit includes a prism disposed to face the lens unit, and a pair of ribs disposed on both sides of the prism,
The optical connector ferrule according to claim 1, wherein the positioning portion performs positioning by fitting a recess formed in the ferrule main body portion and the pair of ribs. The optical connector ferrule according to claim 4, wherein the positioning portion performs positioning by fitting side surfaces of the pair of ribs to an inner peripheral surface of the concave portion. 5. The ferrule for an optical connector according to claim 4, wherein the positioning portion performs positioning by contacting the pair of ribs so as to sandwich an outer peripheral portion of the concave portion. 7. The ferrule for an optical connector according to claim 6, wherein a surface on which the pair of ribs and the outer peripheral portion of the concave portion are in contact with each other is inclined with respect to a mounting direction of the optical path conversion unit with respect to the ferrule body. The ferrule body part and the optical path conversion part each have a ferrule hole into which a guide pin formed on the other optical connector ferrule is inserted,
The optical connector ferrule according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the positioning portion performs positioning by inserting the guide pin into both of the ferrule holes.

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