JP2020126761A - Optical fiber binding body - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an optical fiber binging body which can suppress generation of light unevenness while a plurality of optical fibers are emitting light, and which has an inexpensive structure.SOLUTION: An optical fiber binding body 1 comprises by binding end parts of a plurality of optical fibers 2, and is inserted in and connected to a light emitting device 11 including a light source 12 and a lens 13. In the end parts of the plurality of optical fibers, the tip side is bound in a first sleeve 3, and the further rear side than the tip side is bound in a second sleeve 4 arranged being separated from the first sleeve. Then, in a connection state of the optical fiber binding body with respect to the light emitting device, an engagement part 5 is engaged with a part 15 to be engaged, and by an interval S1 of the first and second sleeves being shortened and the plurality of optical fibers between the first and second sleeves being bent, a tip surface 1a of the optical fiber binding body is pressed against a restriction part (lens 13).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical fiber bundle, and more particularly to an optical fiber bundle that is formed by binding ends of a plurality of optical fibers and is inserted and connected to a light emitting device including a light source and a lens.

It has been studied to use a plurality of side-emitting optical fibers as interior parts for vehicles or houses (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As this type of optical fiber bundle 101, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, one in which end portions of a plurality of optical fibers 102 are bundled in a sleeve 103 is generally known. The optical fiber bundle 101 is inserted into the light emitting device 111, and the engaging portion 105 provided on the sleeve 103 engages with the engaged portion 115 provided on the light emitting device 111 to connect to the light emitting device 111. The light emitting device 111 usually includes a light source 112 and a lens 113.

JP, 2005-19154, A

However, in the above-described conventional optical fiber bundle 101, the distance L1 between the lens 113 and the engaging portion 115 is unlikely to be constant in the connected state to the light emitting device 111 due to the influence of the dimensional accuracy of each part of the sleeve 103 and the light emitting device 111. It is also difficult for the distance L2 between the lens 113 and the end faces 102a at the ends of the plurality of optical fibers 102 to be constant. As a result, light unevenness may occur when the plurality of optical fibers 102 emit light.

Here, as a technique for solving the above problem, a single-core type optical fiber connector (JIS C 5974 F05-type single-core optical fiber connector) having a spring for biasing the ferrule forward is known. However, in this connector, since the spring and the cap for pressing the spring are set, a lot of parts cost and mold cost are generated, resulting in high cost.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive optical fiber bundle capable of suppressing the occurrence of light unevenness when a plurality of optical fibers emit light.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is an optical fiber bundle which is formed by binding ends of a plurality of optical fibers and is inserted and connected to a light emitting device including a light source and a lens. The ends of the plurality of optical fibers are bundled in the first sleeve at the tip end side, and are bundled in the second sleeve at a rear side of the tip end side apart from the first sleeve, The second sleeve is provided with an engaging portion capable of engaging with an engaged portion provided in the light emitting device, and the light emitting device has a tip of the optical fiber bundle inserted into the light emitting device. A restricting portion is provided that abuts on the surface and restricts movement of the optical fiber bundle in the insertion direction. When the optical fiber bundle is connected to the light emitting device, the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion. In addition, when the gap between the first sleeve and the second sleeve is shortened and the plurality of optical fibers between the first sleeve and the second sleeve are bent, the tip end surface of the optical fiber bundle is The gist is to be pressed against the regulatory department.
A second aspect of the present invention is based on the first aspect of the invention, and the gist is that the restriction portion is configured by the lens.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve is provided with an adhesive filled between the plurality of optical fibers. The gist is that they are united.

According to the optical fiber bundle of the present invention, the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers are bundled in the first sleeve on the tip side thereof, and the second sleeve is arranged on the rear side of the tip sleeve apart from the first sleeve. The second sleeve is provided with an engaging portion that can be engaged with an engaged portion provided in the light emitting device, and the light emitting device is provided with an optical fiber bundle that is inserted into the light emitting device. A restricting portion is provided that contacts the tip end surface of the body and restricts movement of the optical fiber bundle in the insertion direction. In the connected state of the optical fiber bundle to the light emitting device, the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion, and the distance between the first sleeve and the second sleeve is shortened to reduce the distance between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. By bending the plurality of optical fibers, the tip end surface of the optical fiber bundle is pressed against the regulation portion. In this way, the plurality of optical fibers bend and exert the spring function, so that the tip end face of the optical fiber bundle is pressed against the regulation portion, so that the dimensional accuracy of the sleeve and each portion of the light emitting device is not affected, and the lens and the plurality of light emitting devices are not affected. It is easy to make the gap between the end face of the optical fiber and the end face constant. As a result, light unevenness is suppressed when the plurality of optical fibers emit light. Furthermore, the structure can be made cheaper than that of a conventional single-core type optical fiber connector including a spring and a cap.
Further, in the case where the restriction portion is composed of the lens, the distance between the lens and the tip surfaces of the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers can be made substantially zero, so that light unevenness is more likely to occur when the plurality of optical fibers emit light. Certainly suppressed. Further, light leakage between the lens and the tip surfaces of the ends of the plurality of optical fibers is suppressed.
Further, when each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve binds the plurality of optical fibers with an adhesive filled between the plurality of optical fibers, a plurality of the optical fibers may be provided between the first and second sleeves. The optical fiber can be effectively bent.

The present invention will be further explained in the following detailed description with reference to the several drawings referred to, by way of non-limiting examples of typical embodiments according to the present invention, wherein like reference numerals are used in the drawings. Similar parts are shown through several figures.
The perspective view of the optical fiber binding body which concerns on an Example is shown. It is the II-II sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connection structure of the said optical fiber bundle. It is a schematic diagram of the textile provided with the above-mentioned optical fiber bundle. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connection structure of the optical fiber bundle according to another embodiment. It is a perspective view of the conventional optical fiber binding body. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connection structure of the conventional optical fiber bundle.

The matters shown here are for the purpose of exemplifying the exemplary embodiments and the embodiments of the present invention, and are the explanations that allow the principles and conceptual features of the present invention to be most effectively and effortlessly understood. It is mentioned for the purpose of providing what you think. In this respect, it is not intended to present the structural details of the invention more than to the extent necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, and the description taken in conjunction with the drawings may explain some aspects of the invention. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how it is actually implemented.

<Optical fiber bundle>
The optical fiber bundle according to the present embodiment is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a bundle of end portions of a plurality of optical fibers (2), which is provided with a light source (12) and a lens (13). An optical fiber bundle (1) inserted into and connected to (11), wherein the ends of a plurality of optical fibers (2) are bundled at their tip ends in a first sleeve (3). The rear side of the first sleeve (3) is bound in a second sleeve (4) spaced apart from the first sleeve (3), and the second sleeve (4) is engaged with the light emitting device (11). An engaging portion (5) engageable with the portion (15) is provided, and the light emitting device (11) is in contact with the tip end surface (1a) of the optical fiber bundle (1) inserted in the light emitting device. A restricting portion (13, 17) is provided so as to contact and restrict the movement of the optical fiber bundle in the insertion direction. When the optical fiber bundle (1) is connected to the light emitting device (11), the engaging portion (5) engages with the engaged portion (15), and the first sleeve (3) and the second sleeve (3). The interval (S1) of 4) is shortened and the plurality of optical fibers (2) between the first sleeve (3) and the second sleeve (4) are bent, whereby the tip end surface (1a) of the optical fiber bundle (1). ) Is pressed against the regulation portion (13, 17).

As the optical fiber bundle according to the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the regulating portion may be configured by the lens (13). In this case, for example, in the connected state of the optical fiber bundle (1) to the light emitting device (11), the tip surfaces (2a) of the ends of the plurality of optical fibers (2) can be pressed against the lens (13).

As an optical fiber bundle according to this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, each of the first sleeve (3) and the second sleeve (4) is filled between a plurality of optical fibers (2). An example is a mode in which the plurality of optical fibers (2) are bound by an adhesive (6).

The plurality of optical fibers (2) can be pulled out from the edge of a woven fabric (9) woven using the optical fibers (2) as constituent threads, as shown in FIG. 4, for example. The structure, application, shape, etc. of the woven fabric (9) are not particularly limited. This woven fabric (9) is usually made by weaving an optical fiber (2) as a warp or weft with a synthetic resin fiber. Further, the fabric (9) is widely used in various decorative fields. In particular, it is suitable as a skin material for vehicle interiors. Specifically, it is preferably used as a skin material for instrument panels, door trims, armrests, center consoles, overhead consoles, sun visors, deck boards, roof trims, seats and the like.

The configuration, material, size, etc. of the optical fiber (2) are not particularly limited. The optical fiber (2) usually includes a core layer and a clad layer that covers the outer periphery of the core layer. Further, the optical fiber (2) is usually a side-emitting optical fiber that emits light by appropriately leaking light from the side surface. The optical fiber (2) is preferably a resin optical fiber from the viewpoint of flexibility.

The material, size, shape and the like of the first and second sleeves (3, 4) are not particularly limited. Each of these sleeves (3, 4) can be made of metal such as aluminum or synthetic resin, for example. The axial length of each sleeve (3, 4) is, for example, 5 to 10 mm.

The interval (S1) before the axial reduction of the first and second sleeves (3, 4) is, for example, 14 to 16 mm (see, for example, FIG. 2 ). The distance (S2) after shortening the sleeves (3, 4) in the axial direction is, for example, 13 to 13.5 mm (see, for example, FIG. 3 ). Therefore, the ratio (S2/S1) of the axial intervals of the sleeves (3, 4) is, for example, 0.81 to 0.96.

The configuration, size, arrangement form, etc. of the light emitting device (11) are not particularly limited. The light emitting device (11) typically comprises a housing (14) containing a light source (12) and a lens (13), as shown in FIG. Examples of the light source (12) include a light emitting diode, an organic EL, a fluorescent tube and the like.

<Connection structure of optical fiber bundles>
The connection structure of the optical fiber bundle according to the present embodiment is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the connection structure of the optical fiber bundle (1) according to the above-described embodiment with respect to the light emitting device (11), and the engaging portion. (5) is engaged with the engaged portion (15), and the interval (S1) between the first sleeve (3) and the second sleeve (4) is shortened to reduce the distance between the first sleeve (3) and the second sleeve (3). By bending the plurality of optical fibers (2) between the sleeves (4), the tip end surface (1a) of the optical fiber bundle (1) is pressed against the restricting portions (13, 17).

It should be noted that the reference numerals in parentheses of the respective constituents described in the above embodiment indicate the corresponding relationship with the concrete constituents described in the examples described later.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described by way of examples with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the "optical fiber bundle" according to the present invention is an optical fiber bundle formed by binding the end portions of a plurality of optical fibers 2 pulled out from the edge of the woven fabric 9 woven using the optical fibers 2 as constituent threads. 1 (see FIG. 4). Further, in this embodiment, the optical fiber 2 having a relatively high rigidity is adopted.

(1) Configuration of optical fiber bundle As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical fiber bundle 1 according to the present embodiment is formed by binding the end portions of a plurality of (for example, 104) optical fibers 2. There is. The optical fiber bundle 1 is inserted and connected to a light emitting device 11 including a light source 12 (for example, a light emitting diode or the like) and a lens 13 (see FIG. 3 ).

The ends of the plurality of optical fibers 2 are bundled in the first sleeve 3 on the tip side, and are bundled in the second sleeve 4 spaced apart from the first sleeve 3 on the rear side from the tip side. ing. The optical fiber bundle 1 is inserted and connected to a light emitting device 11 including a light source 12 (for example, a light emitting diode or the like) and a lens 13 (see FIG. 3 ).

Each of the first and second sleeves 3 and 4 is made of synthetic resin and formed into a cylindrical shape. Each of the sleeves 3 and 4 has an axial length of about 20 mm, an inner diameter of 3 mm, and an outer diameter of 5 mm. Further, the second sleeve 4 is provided with an engaging portion 5 which can be engaged with an engaged portion 15 provided on the light emitting device 11, which will be described later. The engaging portion 5 is formed by a protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second sleeve 4.

The first and second sleeves 3 and 4 bind the plurality of optical fibers 2 with an adhesive 6 filled between the plurality of optical fibers 2. The adhesive 6 bonds the optical fibers 2 to each other and also bonds the optical fibers 2 to the sleeves 3 and 4. Note that the plurality of optical fibers 2 between the first and second sleeves 3 and 4 are not joined by the adhesive 6 (however, the adhesive protruding from the first and second sleeves 3 and 4 slightly invades. It has a suitable flexibility.

Here, a binding method using the first and second sleeves 3 and 4 will be described below. A bundle of the ends of a plurality of optical fibers 2 is inserted into each sleeve 3, 4. Next, the adhesive 6 is applied to the tip ends of the ends of the plurality of optical fibers 2, the first sleeve 3 is aligned with that portion, and the adhesive 6 is dried. As a result, the tip ends of the plurality of optical fibers 2 are bound in the first sleeve 3. Then, the tip of the first sleeve 3 is polished. As a result, the tip surface 3a of the first sleeve 3 and the tip surfaces 2a of the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers 2 are flush with each other.

After that, the rear side of the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers 2 with respect to the first sleeve 3 is protected by a jig (for example, tape) to secure an interval S1 (see FIG. 2) between the sleeves 3 and 4, and The penetration of the adhesive 6 into the space S1 is prevented. Next, the adhesive 6 is applied to the end of the plurality of optical fibers 2 behind the part protected by the jig, the second sleeve 4 is aligned with the part, and the adhesive 6 is dried. As a result, the rear side of the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers 2 is bound in the second sleeve 4 rather than the front end side. The jig is removed while the adhesive 6 is being dried.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting device 11 includes a housing 14 that houses the light source 12 and the lens 13. The housing 14 is provided with an insertion cylinder 14a in which the optical fiber bundle 1 is inserted. The insertion cylinder 14a is provided with an engaged portion 15 with which the engaging portion 5 of the second sleeve 4 engages. The engaged portion 15 is composed of a through hole (or a recess) formed on the outer circumference of the insertion tube 14a.

The light source 12 and the lens 13 are arranged side by side in the housing 14 along the axial direction of the insertion tube 14a. The lens 13 is arranged so as to face the opening of the insertion tube 14a. Further, the lens 13 is arranged at a position closer to the insertion tube 14 a than the light source 12. Further, the lens 13 functions as a restriction portion that contacts the tip end surface 1a of the optical fiber bundle 1 inserted into the light emitting device 11 and restricts movement of the optical fiber bundle 1 in the insertion direction.

(2) Action of the optical fiber bundle 1 Next, the action of the optical fiber bundle 1 having the above-described configuration (connection action to the light emitting device 11) will be described. When the optical fiber bundle 1 is inserted into the insertion tube 14a of the light emitting device 11, the front end face 1a of the optical fiber bundle 1 (specifically, the front end faces 2a of the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers 2) abut on the surface of the lens 13. .. From this state, by further pushing the optical fiber bundle 1 in the insertion direction, the engaging portion 5 engages with the engaged portion 15 with elastic deformation, and the optical fiber bundle 1 is connected to the light emitting device 11 ( (See FIG. 3).

In the connected state of the optical fiber bundle 1 to the light emitting device 11, the engaging portion 5 is engaged with the engaged portion 15 and the interval S1 between the first sleeve 3 and the second sleeve 4 is shortened. The plurality of optical fibers 2 between the first sleeve 3 and the second sleeve 4 are bent and elastically deformed, and the tip end surface 1a of the optical fiber bundle 1 is pressed against the lens 13 by the elastic restoring force.

Here, the interval S1 of the first and second sleeves 3 and 4 before axial reduction is about 10 mm (see FIG. 2). On the other hand, the interval S2 after the axial shortening of the first and second sleeves 3 and 4 is about 9 mm. Therefore, the ratio (S2/S1) of the axial distance between the first and second sleeves 3 and 4 is 0.9.

(3) Effects of the Embodiment According to the optical fiber bundle 1 of this embodiment, the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers 2 are bundled in the first sleeve 3 on the tip side, and the first side is on the rear side of the tip side. The second sleeve 4 is bundled in a second sleeve 4 that is spaced apart from the sleeve 3, and the second sleeve 4 is provided with an engaging portion 5 that is engageable with an engaged portion 15 provided in the light emitting device 11. Therefore, the light emitting device 11 is provided with a restricting portion 13 that comes into contact with the tip end surface 1a of the optical fiber bundle 1 inserted into the light emitting device 11 to regulate movement of the optical fiber bundle 1 in the insertion direction. .. In the connected state of the optical fiber bundle 1 to the light emitting device 11, the engaging portion 5 engages with the engaged portion 15, and the interval S1 between the first sleeve 3 and the second sleeve 4 is shortened to reduce the first sleeve. By bending the plurality of optical fibers 2 between the third optical fiber 3 and the second sleeve 4, the tip end surface 1a of the optical fiber bundle 1 is pressed against the restriction portion 13. In this way, the tip end surface 1a of the optical fire bar bundle 1 is pressed against the restriction portion 13 by flexing the plurality of optical fibers 2 and exhibiting the spring function, so that the dimensions of the sleeves 3 and 4 and each portion of the light emitting device 11 are measured. It is easy to keep the distance between the lens 13 and the tip surfaces 2a at the ends of the plurality of optical fibers 2 constant without being affected by the accuracy. As a result, the occurrence of light unevenness is suppressed when the plurality of optical fibers 2 emit light. Furthermore, the structure can be made cheaper than that of a conventional single-core type optical fiber connector including a spring and a cap.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the restriction portion is composed of the lens 13. With this, the distance between the lens 13 and the tip surfaces of the end portions 2 of the plurality of optical fibers can be made substantially zero, so that the occurrence of light unevenness when the plurality of optical fibers 2 emit light can be more reliably suppressed. Further, light leakage between the lens 13 and the tip surfaces 2a of the end portions 2 of the plurality of optical fibers is suppressed.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each of the first sleeve 3 and the second sleeve 4 binds the plurality of optical fibers 2 with the adhesive 6 filled between the plurality of optical fibers 2. Thereby, the plurality of optical fibers 2 between the first and second sleeves 3 and 4 can be effectively bent.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention according to the purpose and application. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the tip end surfaces 2a of the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers 2 are pressed against the lens 13 in the state where the optical fiber bundle 1 is connected to the light emitting device 11 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the tip end surface 3 a of the first sleeve 3 may be pressed against the restriction portion 17 provided in the light emitting device 11.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the distal end surface 3a of the first sleeve 3 and the distal end surface 2a of the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers 2 are pressed against the lens 13, or only the distal end surface 3a of the first sleeve 3 is a lens. It is also possible to adopt a form in which it is brought into pressure contact with 13.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a mode in which the ends of the plurality of optical fibers 2 are bound with the adhesive 6 in the sleeves 3 and 4 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the ends of the plurality of optical fibers 2 are sleeved. It is also possible to adopt a mode of binding by crimping within 3 and 4.

In addition, although the first and second sleeves 3 and 4 having substantially the same axial length are exemplified in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the first and second sleeves 3 and 4 having different axial lengths may be used. Good. The material, size, shape and the like of the first and second sleeves 3 and 4 are appropriately selected according to the number and material of the optical fibers 2 to be bound.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the form in which the projection-shaped engaging portion 5 engages with the hole-shaped or concave-shaped engaged portion 15 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the hole-shaped or concave-shaped engagement. The part 5 may be configured to engage with the projection-shaped engaged part 15. The structures, the numbers, the locations of the engaging portions 15 and the engaged portions 16 are appropriately selected as long as the second sleeve 4 can be fixed to the light emitting device 11.

The above examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the language used in the description and illustration of the invention is explanatory and exemplary rather than limiting. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as set forth herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention in its form. Although specific structures, materials and examples have been referred to herein for the purposes of describing the invention, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the disclosure herein, but rather the invention should be construed in the appended claims. It shall cover all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses within the scope.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail above, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

The present invention is widely used as a technique for binding the ends of a plurality of optical fibers.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1; Optical fiber binding body, 1a; Tip surface, 2; Optical fiber, 3; First sleeve, 4; Second sleeve, 5; Engagement part, 11; Light emitting device, 12; Light source, 13; Lens (regulating part), 15: engaged part, 17: restricting part, S1: gap before shortening of the first and second sleeves.

Claims (3)

An optical fiber bundle which is formed by binding ends of a plurality of optical fibers and is inserted and connected to a light emitting device including a light source and a lens,
The ends of the plurality of optical fibers are bundled in the first sleeve at the tip end side, and are bundled in the second sleeve at a rear side of the tip end side apart from the first sleeve,
The second sleeve is provided with an engaging portion capable of engaging with an engaged portion provided in the light emitting device,
The light emitting device is provided with a restricting portion that comes into contact with the tip end surface of the optical fiber bundle inserted into the light emitting device and restricts movement of the optical fiber bundle in the insertion direction.
In the connected state of the optical fiber bundle to the light emitting device, the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion, and the interval between the first sleeve and the second sleeve is shortened to reduce the distance between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. An optical fiber bundle, wherein the tip end surface of the optical fiber bundle is pressed against the restriction portion by bending the plurality of optical fibers between the second sleeves. The optical fiber bundle according to claim 1, wherein the restricting portion includes the lens. The optical fiber bundle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the first sleeve and the second sleeve bundles the plurality of optical fibers with an adhesive agent filled between the plurality of optical fibers.

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