JP2022015657A - Optical distributor and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an optical distributor capable of suppressing a decrease in transmission efficiency in a connection part between an optical waveguide and an optical fiber, and an electronic device including the optical distributor.SOLUTION: An optical distributor comprises: a first optical fiber 1; a second optical fiber 2 and a third optical fiber 3 arranged in parallel with each other; an optical waveguide 4 including a branch core part branching halfway and connecting the first optical fiber and the second and third optical fibers; and a support member 9 including a first portion 91 having a first groove, a second portion 92 having a second groove, and a coupling portion 93 coupling the first portion and the second portion. The first optical fiber is inserted into the first groove and supported. The second optical fiber and the third optical fiber are inserted into the second groove and supported. The optical waveguide is retained at a position distant from the coupling portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to optical distributors and electronic devices.

Patent Document 1 discloses an optical connector plug attached to a branch cable branched from a wire optical cable and an optical connector plug attached to an optical fiber routed from an optical terminal device. An optical terminal box in which an optical connector plug on the optical cable side and an optical connector plug on the optical terminal device side are connected is disclosed inside the box body.

The box body described in Patent Document 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Then, a sealing introduction metal fitting is attached so as to penetrate the box body. The branch cable and the optical fiber are introduced into the inside of the box body via the sealing introduction metal fittings, respectively. Further, in Patent Document 1, the extra length of the branch cable introduced inside the box body is wound.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-90524

For example, in order to reduce the size of the optical terminal box described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to reduce the size of the box body. In that case, when the extra length of the branch cable is wound inside the box body, it is necessary to reduce the diameter of the winding body, that is, the diameter of the ring formed by the branch cable. However, in order to reduce the diameter of the ring, it is necessary to bend the branch cable with a smaller radius, which causes a large stress on the branch cable. Then, for example, at the branch point of the branch cable or the connection point of a plurality of cables, there is a problem that the transmission efficiency is lowered.

An object of the present invention is to provide an optical distributor in which a decrease in transmission efficiency at a connection portion between an optical waveguide and an optical fiber is suppressed, and an electronic device provided with such an optical distributor.

Such an object is achieved by the present invention of the following (1) to (9).
(1) With the first optical fiber
The second and third optical fibers that are parallel to each other,
An optical waveguide having a branch core portion branched in the middle and connecting the first optical fiber, the second optical fiber, and the third optical fiber.
A support member having a first portion having a first groove, a second portion having a second groove, and a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.
Equipped with
The first optical fiber is inserted and supported in the first groove, and is supported.
The second optical fiber and the third optical fiber are inserted into and supported by the second groove.
The optical waveguide is an optical waveguide, characterized in that it is held at a position away from the connecting portion.

(2) The light distributor according to (1) above, wherein the first groove and the second groove extend in the same direction to each other.

(3) The first optical fiber is fixed to the first groove by an adhesive or a member that closes the first groove.
The light distributor according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the second optical fiber and the third optical fiber are fixed to the second groove by an adhesive or a member that closes the second groove.

(4) The first groove is opened on the surface of the first portion opposite to the connecting portion.
The light distributor according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the second groove is open on a surface opposite to the connecting portion of the second portion.

(5) The first groove is opened on the side surface of the first portion.
The light distributor according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the second groove is open on the side surface of the second portion.

(6) The light distributor according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the depth of the second groove is deeper than the depth of the first groove.

(7) The light distributor according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the width of the second groove is wider than the width of the first groove.

(8) The optical distributor according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the distance between the first portion and the second portion is longer than the length of the optical waveguide.

(9) An electronic device comprising the optical distributor according to any one of (1) to (8) above.

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an optical distributor in which a decrease in transmission efficiency at a connection portion between an optical waveguide and an optical fiber is suppressed.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a highly reliable electronic device provided with an optical distributor in which a decrease in transmission efficiency is suppressed.

It is a top view which shows the light distributor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an enlarged view of the part A of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the light guide part shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the light guide part shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. It is a perspective view of the vicinity of the part A of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows a part of the optical distributor which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows a part of the optical distributor which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows a part of the optical distributor which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the optical distributor which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is an exploded view of the light distributor shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the lid of the light distributor shown in FIG. 10 is removed. It is a perspective view of the light distributor shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line CC of the optical distributor shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line DD of the optical distributor shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing explaining how the light guide part and the support member shown in FIG. 1 are attached to a container when assembling the light distributor shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the optical distributor and the electronic device of the present invention will be described in detail based on the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

1. 1. First Embodiment First, the optical distributor according to the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a light distributor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the light guide portion shown in FIG. 2, respectively. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the vicinity of part A in FIG.

In FIG. 6, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are set as three axes orthogonal to each other, and each axis is indicated by an arrow. The tip side of the arrow is the plus side of each axis, and the base end side is the minus side. Further, in the following description, for convenience of explanation, the plus side of the Z axis will be referred to as "upper" and the minus side will be referred to as "lower".

The light distributor 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a light guide unit 10 and a support member 9. Among them, the light guide unit 10 includes a first optical fiber 1, a second optical fiber 2 and a third optical fiber 3 in parallel with each other, and an optical waveguide 4 having a function of distributing light. The core portion 44 shown in FIG. 2 is formed in the optical waveguide 4, and the core portion 44 is branched into two by a branch core portion 46 in the middle. Therefore, for example, the light incident on the first optical fiber 1 from the outside is divided into two by the branch core portion 46 and distributed to the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3.

Further, the support member 9 supports the first optical fiber 1, the second optical fiber 2, and the third optical fiber 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the support member 9 connects the first portion 91 having the first groove 911, the second portion 92 having the second groove 921, and the first portion 91 and the second portion 92. It has a site 93 and. As a result, the optical waveguide 4 is held between the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 without touching the support member 9. As a result, for example, even when the optical distributor 100 is subjected to an environmental test accompanied by a temperature change, the concentration of stress at the connection portion of the optical waveguide 4 is relaxed. The support member 9 will be described in detail later.

Hereinafter, each part of the optical distributor 100 will be described in detail.
1.1. First Optical Fiber The first optical fiber 1 includes a first optical fiber main body 11 and a first optical connector 12 attached to an end portion of the first optical fiber main body 11.

Examples of the first optical fiber main body 11 include a glass optical fiber and a plastic optical fiber.

The waveguide mode of the first optical fiber main body 11 may be a single mode or a multi-mode, but the multi-mode is preferable. In the multi-mode, the tolerance for misalignment during alignment is larger than in the single mode. Therefore, the multi-mode first optical fiber main body 11 can facilitate the connection work in the optical connection with the optical waveguide 4, and is useful from the viewpoint of improving the ease of assembling the optical distributor 100. be.

The first optical fiber main body 11 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 has a circular cross-sectional shape, and has a core portion 111 located at the center thereof and a clad portion 112 covering the side surface thereof. The first optical fiber main body 11 may have a covering portion that covers the side surface of the clad portion 112, if necessary. Examples of the constituent material of the covering portion include a resin material, a glass material, a metal material, a fiber-reinforced composite material, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line from the first optical fiber 1 to the second optical fiber 2 via the optical waveguide 4. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line from the first optical fiber 1 to the third optical fiber 3 via the optical waveguide 4.

Of the two end faces of the first optical fiber main body 11, the end face on the optical waveguide 4 side shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is referred to as the first light entry / exit surface 113. The first light entrance / exit surface 113 and the optical waveguide 4 are optically connected via a first adhesive portion 81, which will be described later.

The first optical connector 12 has an insertion hole (not shown), and the first optical fiber main body 11 is held by inserting the end portion of the first optical fiber main body 11 into the insertion hole.

Examples of the first optical connector 12 include a ceramic optical connector, a glass optical connector, and a plastic optical connector. Further, the first optical connector 12 may have these various optical connectors as a main body, and a metal fitting may be attached to the main body.

The first optical connector 12 may be an assembly of a ferrule and a housing into which the ferrule can be inserted. The housing has a shape according to various standards for optical connection. Examples of this standard include SC, FC, MU, D, DJ, ST, LC, SCF, SCH, MT, MPO, MT-RJ and the like.

1.2. The second optical fiber The second optical fiber 2 includes a second optical fiber main body 21 and a second optical connector 22 attached to an end portion of the second optical fiber main body 21.

Examples of the second optical fiber main body 21 include a glass optical fiber and a plastic optical fiber.

The waveguide mode of the second optical fiber main body 21 may be a single mode or a multi-mode, but the multi-mode is preferable. In the multi-mode, the tolerance for misalignment during alignment is larger than in the single mode. Therefore, the multi-mode second optical fiber main body 21 can facilitate the connection work in the optical connection with the optical waveguide 4, and is useful from the viewpoint of improving the ease of assembling the optical distributor 100. be.

The second optical fiber main body 21 shown in FIG. 3 has a circular cross-sectional shape, and has a core portion 211 located at the center thereof and a clad portion 212 covering the side surface thereof. The second optical fiber main body 21 may have a covering portion that covers the side surface of the clad portion 212, if necessary. Examples of the constituent material of the covering portion include a resin material, a glass material, a metal material, a fiber-reinforced composite material, and the like.

Of the two end faces of the second optical fiber main body 21, the end face on the optical waveguide 4 side shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 is referred to as the second light entrance / exit surface 213. The second light entrance / exit surface 213 and the optical waveguide 4 are optically connected via a second adhesive portion 82, which will be described later.

The second optical connector 22 has an insertion hole (not shown), and the second optical fiber main body 21 is held by inserting the end portion of the second optical fiber main body 21 into the insertion hole.

Examples of the second optical connector 22 include a ceramic optical connector, a glass optical connector, and a plastic optical connector. Further, the second optical connector 22 may have these various optical connectors as a main body, and a metal fitting may be attached to the main body.

The second optical connector 22 may be an assembly of a ferrule and a housing into which the ferrule can be inserted. The housing has a shape according to various standards for optical connection. Examples of this standard include SC, FC, MU, D, DJ, ST, LC, SCF, SCH, MT, MPO, MT-RJ and the like.

1.3. Third optical fiber The third optical fiber 3 includes a third optical fiber main body 31 and a third optical connector 32 attached to an end portion of the third optical fiber main body 31.

Examples of the third optical fiber main body 31 include a glass optical fiber and a plastic optical fiber.

The waveguide mode of the third optical fiber main body 31 may be a single mode or a multi-mode, but the multi-mode is preferable. In the multi-mode, the tolerance for misalignment during alignment is larger than in the single mode. Therefore, the multi-mode third optical fiber main body 31 can facilitate the connection work in the optical connection with the optical waveguide 4, and is useful from the viewpoint of improving the ease of assembling the optical distributor 100. be.

The third optical fiber main body 31 shown in FIG. 4 has a circular cross-sectional shape, and has a core portion 311 located at the center thereof and a clad portion 312 covering the side surface thereof. The third optical fiber main body 31 may have a covering portion that covers the side surface of the clad portion 312, if necessary. Examples of the constituent material of the covering portion include a resin material, a glass material, a metal material, a fiber-reinforced composite material, and the like.

Of the two end faces of the third optical fiber main body 31, the end face on the optical waveguide 4 side shown in FIG. 4 is referred to as the third light entrance / exit surface 313. The third light entrance / exit surface 313 and the optical waveguide 4 are optically connected via a third adhesive portion 83, which will be described later.

The third optical connector 32 has an insertion hole (not shown), and the third optical fiber main body 31 is held by inserting the end portion of the third optical fiber main body 31 into the insertion hole.

Examples of the third optical connector 32 include a ceramic optical connector, a glass optical connector, and a plastic optical connector. Further, the third optical connector 32 may have these various optical connectors as a main body, and a metal fitting may be attached to the main body.

The third optical connector 32 may be an assembly of a ferrule and a housing into which the ferrule can be inserted. The housing has a shape according to various standards for optical connection. Examples of this standard include SC, FC, MU, D, DJ, ST, LC, SCF, SCH, MT, MPO, MT-RJ and the like.

1.4. Optical Waveguide As described above, the optical waveguide 4 is provided between the first optical fiber 1, the second optical fiber 2, and the third optical fiber 3, and optically connects them. In the following description, the first optical fiber 1, the second optical fiber 2, and the third optical fiber 3 may be referred to as "first optical fiber 1, etc."

The optical waveguide 4 shown in FIG. 5 is a sheet-like laminated body in which a lower protective layer 47, a clad layer 41, a core layer 43, a clad layer 42, and an upper protective layer 48 are laminated in this order from the lower side. I have. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a linear core portion 44 and a side clad portion 45 provided adjacent to the core portion 44 are formed in the core layer 43.

Hereinafter, each part of the optical waveguide 4 will be described in more detail.
1.4.1. Core layer The side surface of the core portion 44 shown in FIG. 2 is surrounded by the side surface clad portion 45 shown in FIG. 2 and the clad layers 41 and 42 shown in FIG. The refractive index of the core portion 44 is higher than that of the side clad portion 45 and the clad layers 41 and 42. As a result, light can be confined and propagated in the core portion 44.

In the core layer 43, the refractive index distribution in the plane orthogonal to the optical path may be any distribution, for example, a so-called step index (SI) type distribution in which the refractive index changes discontinuously. It may be a so-called graded index (GI) type distribution in which the refractive index is continuously changed.

The cross-sectional shape of the core portion 44 with respect to the plane orthogonal to the optical path of the core portion 44 is not particularly limited, and is not particularly limited. It may have a different shape.

The average thickness of the core layer 43 is not particularly limited, and the coupling loss is minimized according to the diameters of the core portions 111, 211, and 311 of the first optical fiber main body 11, the second optical fiber main body 21, and the third optical fiber main body 31. However, it is preferably about 1 to 500 μm, more preferably about 10 to 300 μm, and even more preferably about 30 to 100 μm. This ensures the optical properties and mechanical strength required for the core 44.

Examples of the constituent material (main material) of the core layer 43 include acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polycarbonate, polystyrene, cyclic ether resin such as epoxy resin and oxetane resin, polyamide, polyimide, and polybenzoxazole. Polysilane, polysilazane, silicone resin, fluororesin, polyurethane, polyolefin resin, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, polyester such as PET and PBT, polyethylene succinate, polysulfone, polyether, and benzocyclobutene resin. And various resin materials such as cyclic olefin-based resins such as norbornene-based resins can be mentioned. As the resin material, a composite material in which different compositions are combined may be used.

The core portion 44 shown in FIG. 2 includes a branched core portion 46. In the branched core portion 46, one core portion 44 is branched into two. Thereby, for example, the light incident on one core portion 44 can be distributed to the two core portions 44 in the branched core portion 46.

14.2. Clad layer The average thickness of the clad layers 41 and 42 is preferably about 1 to 200 μm, more preferably about 3 to 100 μm, and even more preferably about 5 to 60 μm. This ensures the optical properties and mechanical strength required for the clad layers 41, 42.

As the constituent material of the clad layers 41 and 42, for example, the same material as the constituent material of the core layer 43 described above can be used.

The clad layers 41 and 42 may be provided as needed or may be omitted. At this time, for example, if the core layer 43 is exposed to the outside air (air), the outside air functions as the clad layers 41 and 42.

Further, the side surface clad portion 45 in the core layer 43 and one or both of the clad layer 41 and the clad layer 42 may be integrated.

1.4.3. The lower protective layer 47 and the upper protective layer 48 protect the core layer 43 and the clad layers 41 and 42, suppress the decrease in the transmission efficiency of the core portion 44 due to the external environment and the like, and suppress the decrease in the transmission efficiency of the optical waveguide 4. Increase mechanical strength.

Examples of the constituent materials of the lower protective layer 47 and the upper protective layer 48 include materials containing various resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyimide, and polyamide. Can be mentioned.

The average thickness of the lower protective layer 47 and the upper protective layer 48 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 5 to 500 μm, and more preferably about 10 to 400 μm.

Further, the lower protective layer 47 and the upper protective layer 48 may have the same configuration or different configurations from each other.

The lower protective layer 47 and the upper protective layer 48 may be provided as needed, and at least one of them may be omitted.

1.5. Adhesive portion Of the optical waveguide 4, the end face on the first optical fiber 1 side shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is designated as the fourth light entrance / exit surface 491, and the end face on the second optical fiber 2 side shown in FIG. 3 and the third end surface shown in FIG. The end surface on the optical fiber 3 side is designated as the fifth light entrance / exit surface 492. The first light input / output surface 113 of the first optical fiber 1 and the fourth light input / output surface 491 of the optical waveguide 4 are optically connected via the first adhesive portion 81. Further, the second light entrance / exit surface 213 of the second optical fiber 2 and the fifth light entrance / exit surface 492 of the optical waveguide 4 are optically connected via the second adhesive portion 82. Further, the third light entrance / exit surface 313 of the third optical fiber 3 and the fifth light entrance / exit surface 492 of the optical waveguide 4 are optically connected via the third adhesive portion 83. The second adhesive portion 82 and the third adhesive portion 83 may be integrated with each other so that the boundary cannot be determined.

As the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83, any adhesive can be used as long as it is a light-transmitting adhesive. For example, an epoxy adhesive or an acrylic adhesive can be used. , Urethane-based adhesives, silicone-based adhesives, olefin-based adhesives, various hot melt adhesives (polyester-based, modified olefin-based) and the like.

The curing principles of the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 are not particularly limited, and may be a thermosetting type, a curing agent mixed type, a solvent volatilization type, or the like. It is preferably a photocurable type. That is, it is preferable that the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 each contain a cured product of the photocurable adhesive. The photo-curable adhesive can be cured in a short time while holding the object to be adhered with a light-transmitting jig or the like. Therefore, the optical waveguide 4 and the first optical fiber 1, the second optical fiber 2, and the third optical fiber 3 can be fixed accurately and easily in a state of being aligned. As a result, the optical coupling efficiency of the connecting portion can be further improved. The photocurable type includes an ultraviolet curable type.

Further, when the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82 and the third adhesive portion 83 contain a cured product of the photocurable adhesive, the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82 and the third adhesive portion are formed. The elastic coefficient of 83 can be made relatively large. Specifically, the elastic modulus of each of the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 is preferably about 100 to 20000 MPa, more preferably about 300 to 15000 MPa, and further preferably about 300 to 15000 MPa. It is about 500 to 12,500 MPa, and particularly preferably about 1000 to 10000 MPa. By setting the elastic ratios of the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 within the above range, the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 are deformed. Therefore, after aligning the optical waveguide 4, the first optical fiber 1, the second optical fiber 2, and the third optical fiber 3, misalignment is less likely to occur. Therefore, the photocoupling efficiency can be maintained satisfactorily.

The elastic modulus of each of the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 is measured by the method specified in JIS K 7127, and the measurement temperature is 25 ° C.

Further, the refractive index of the first adhesive portion 81 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a value between the refractive index of the core portion 111 of the first optical fiber main body 11 and the refractive index of the core portion 44 of the optical waveguide 4. .. By setting the refractive index of the first adhesive portion 81 within the above range, the first adhesive portion 81 has a refractive index adjusting function. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of coupling loss due to the difference in refractive index between the first optical fiber 1 and the optical waveguide 4, and it is possible to realize an optical distributor 100 having good optical coupling efficiency. ..

Similarly, the refractive index of the second adhesive portion 82 is not particularly limited, but is a value between the refractive index of the core portion 211 of the second optical fiber main body 21 and the refractive index of the core portion 44 of the optical waveguide 4. preferable. By setting the refractive index of the second adhesive portion 82 within the above range, the second adhesive portion 82 has a refractive index adjusting function. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of coupling loss due to the difference in refractive index between the second optical fiber 2 and the optical waveguide 4, and it is possible to realize an optical distributor 100 having good optical coupling efficiency. ..

Similarly, the refractive index of the third adhesive portion 83 is not particularly limited, but is a value between the refractive index of the core portion 311 of the third optical fiber main body 31 and the refractive index of the core portion 44 of the optical waveguide 4. preferable. By setting the refractive index of the third adhesive portion 83 within the above range, the third adhesive portion 83 has a refractive index adjusting function. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of coupling loss due to the difference in refractive index between the third optical fiber 3 and the optical waveguide 4, and it is possible to realize an optical distributor 100 having good optical coupling efficiency. ..

1.6. Support member FIGS. 1 and 6 show a light guide portion 10 and a support member 9 attached to the light guide portion 10.

The support member 9 includes a first portion 91, a second portion 92, and a connecting portion 93 that connects the first portion 91 and the second portion 92.

The first portion 91 and the second portion 92 shown in FIG. 6 each have a prismatic shape extending in the vertical direction. The shape is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a columnar shape, a pyramidal shape, a conical shape, or the like. The lower end of the first portion 91 and the lower end of the second portion 92 are connected to each other via the connecting portion 93.

The first portion 91 has a first groove 911 that opens to the upper surface 910. The second portion 92 has a second groove 921 that opens in the upper surface 920. The first groove 911 extends in the laying direction connecting the first portion 91 and the second portion 92, specifically, in the X-axis direction of FIG. 6, and penetrates the first portion 91. The second groove 921 also extends in the same laying direction as the first groove 911, that is, in the X-axis direction of FIG. 6, and penetrates the second portion 92.

The first optical fiber main body 11 of the first optical fiber 1 constituting the light guide portion 10 is inserted in the first groove 911. As a result, the first optical fiber 1 is supported by the support member 9.

In the second groove 921, the second optical fiber main body 21 of the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber main body 31 of the third optical fiber 3 constituting the light guide portion 10 are inserted. As a result, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are supported by the support member 9.

The first portion 91 and the second portion 92 are provided apart from each other. The optical waveguide 4 is held between the first portion 91 and the second portion 92. As a result, the optical waveguide 4 is held at a position away from the support member 9. On the other hand, the first portion 91 supports the first optical fiber 1, and the second portion 92 supports the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3. Therefore, the optical waveguide 4 is indirectly reinforced by the support member 9. As a result, even if the first optical fiber 1 or the like expands or contracts due to bending or a change in temperature, the influence thereof is blocked by the support member 9.

As a result, the first adhesive portion 81, which is the connection portion between the first optical fiber 1 and the optical waveguide 4, the second adhesive portion 82, which is the connection portion between the second optical fiber 2 and the optical waveguide 4, and the third optical fiber 3. At the third adhesive portion 83, which is a connection portion with the optical waveguide 4, the concentration of stress is suppressed.

Further, for example, even when the optical distributor 100 is subjected to an environmental test accompanied by a temperature change in a bent state, the concentration of stress in the first adhesive portion 81 or the like is relaxed. Specifically, even if the first optical fiber 1 or the like thermally expands as the temperature rises, it is possible to suppress the influence of the thermal expansion on the first adhesive portion 81 or the like.

By the above action, the concentration of stress in the first adhesive portion 81 and the like can be suppressed, so that the optical distributor 100 capable of suppressing the decrease in transmission efficiency can be realized.

The constituent material (main material) of the support member 9 is not particularly limited as long as the bending rigidity thereof can be made larger than the bending rigidity of the first optical fiber 1 or the like.

Examples of the constituent material of the support member 9 include polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), cyclic polyolefin, modified polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, and polyvinylidene chloride. Polystyrene, polyamide, polyimide, polyamideimide, polycarbonate (PC), poly- (4-methylpentene-1), ionomer, acrylic resin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin), butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyoxymethylene, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycyclohexane terephthalate (PBT) Polymers such as PCT), polyether, polyetherketone (PEK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide, polyacetal (POM), polyphenylene oxide, modified polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, Polyarylate, aromatic polyester (liquid crystal polymer), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, other fluororesins, styrene-based, polyolefin-based, polyurethane-based, polyester-based, polyamide-based, polybutadiene-based, transpolyisoprene-based, fluororubber Examples thereof include various thermoplastic elastomers such as chlorinated polyethylene, epoxy resin, phenol resin, urea resin, melamine resin, unsaturated polyester, silicone resin, etc., or blends mainly composed of these, polymer alloys, etc. One of them or two or more of them can be used in combination.

Among these, as the constituent material of the support member 9, one selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, acrylic resin, polyethylene terephthalate and ABS resin is preferably used. These are useful as constituent materials because of their relatively high bending strength.

In the support member 9 shown in FIG. 6, the width W2 of the second groove 921 is the same as the width W1 of the first groove 911. This is a case where the diameter φ1 of the first optical fiber main body 11 is the same as the diameter φ2 of the second optical fiber main body 21 and the diameter φ3 of the third optical fiber main body 31. Therefore, when they are different from each other, the widths W1 and W2 may be different from each other.

The width W1 of the first groove 911 is set according to the diameter φ1 of the first optical fiber main body 11, but as an example, it is preferably more than 100% and 150% or less of the diameter φ1 of the first optical fiber main body 11. More preferably, it is% or more and 120% or less. Similarly, the width W2 of the second groove 921 is set according to the diameter φ2 of the second optical fiber main body 21 and the diameter φ3 of the third optical fiber main body 31, but as an example, the diameter φ2 and the second optical fiber main body 21 of the second optical fiber main body 21. 3 Of the diameter φ3 of the optical fiber main body 31, the larger diameter is preferably more than 100% and 150% or less, and more preferably 101% or more and 120% or less. By following such conditions, the first optical fiber 1 and the like can be fixed with high positional accuracy.

On the other hand, in the support member 9 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the depth D2 of the second groove 921 of the second portion 92 is deeper than the depth D1 of the first groove 911 of the first portion 91. ing.

According to such a configuration, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 shown in FIG. 6 can be satisfactorily supported by using one second groove 921. That is, since both the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 can be sandwiched by the inner surface of one second groove 921, positioning and fixing can be efficiently performed. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the assembly work of the optical distributor 100.

Further, when the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are arranged in the vertical direction with respect to the second groove 921, when the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are bent in the XY plane, the bending radii of both are arranged. Can be equal to each other. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a problem that occurs when the bending radius is different, for example, a problem that an extra length is generated and the local bending radius becomes small.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the length of the first optical fiber 1 is L1, the length of the second optical fiber 2 is L2, and the length of the third optical fiber 3 is L3.

The length L2 and the length L3 may be the same as each other, but are preferably different from each other as shown in FIG. As a result, when the shorter one of the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 is curved so as to be inward, the position of the second optical connector 22 and the position of the third optical connector 32 can be easily aligned. .. At that time, the extra length of the optical fiber is less likely to occur. As a result, it is possible to prevent the load from being applied to the second adhesive portion 82 or the third adhesive portion 83 due to the extra length.

Further, the length L1 of the first optical fiber 1 may be longer than both the length L2 of the second optical fiber 2 and the length L3 of the third optical fiber 3, but in FIG. 1, it is shorter than both. That is, it is preferable that the light guide unit 10 satisfies L1 <L2 and L1 <L3.

In the optical distributor 100 satisfying such a relationship, the ratio of the lengths L2 and L3 to the total length is large. Then, when the optical distributor 100 is bent, for example, even when the bending radius varies due to a manufacturing error or the like, the second optical fiber 2 or the third optical fiber 3 is less likely to have an extra length. In other words, by increasing the proportion of the lengths L2 and L3 in the total length, the range of the bending radius that can suppress the occurrence of bending can be expanded. As a result, it is possible to realize the optical distributor 100 that can suppress the increase in the optical bond loss in the second adhesive portion 82 or the third adhesive portion 83.

The number of branches of the core portion 44 in the branch core portion 46 of the optical waveguide 4 is not limited to the above two, and may be three or more. In that case, the fourth optical fiber, the fifth optical fiber, and so on may be added so as to be in parallel with the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3.

Further, when the number of branches of the core portion 44 is 3 or more, the second optical adapter 7 described later may be capable of connecting the above-mentioned fourth optical fiber, fifth optical fiber, and so on. In that case, the depth D2 of the second groove 921 may also be increased according to the number of optical fibers.

When the longest side of each side of the main surface of the optical waveguide 4 is set as the long axis, the length L4 of the long axis of the optical waveguide 4 shown in FIG. 1 is slightly different depending on the number of branches, but 5 to 5. It is preferably about 80 mm, more preferably about 7 to 50 mm.

Further, when the length of the short axis orthogonal to the long axis of the optical waveguide 4 is taken as the width, the width W of the optical waveguide 4 shown in FIG. 2 is about 1.0 to 15 mm, although it varies slightly depending on the number of branches. It is preferably about 1.5 to 10 mm, and more preferably about 1.5 to 10 mm.

The thickness t of the optical waveguide 4 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is preferably about 50 to 500 μm, and more preferably about 100 to 300 μm.

The diameter φ1 of the first optical fiber main body 11, the diameter φ2 of the second optical fiber main body 21, and the diameter φ3 of the third optical fiber main body 31 are not particularly limited, but are preferably about 100 to 1000 μm, preferably about 200 to 800 μm. It is more preferable to have it. Thereby, the mechanical characteristics of the first optical fiber main body 11, the second optical fiber main body 21, and the third optical fiber main body 31 can be optimized. As a result, when the light guide portion 10 is bent, it is possible to achieve both a rigidity that does not bend and a restoring force that is not too large.

The total length of the light guide unit 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 5 to 200 cm, more preferably about 10 to 100 cm.

As described above, the optical distributor 100 according to the present embodiment includes a first optical fiber 1, a second optical fiber 2 and a third optical fiber 3 in parallel with each other, an optical waveguide 4, and a support member 9. .. Of these, the optical waveguide 4 has a branch core portion 46 that is branched in the middle, and connects the first optical fiber 1, the second optical fiber 2, and the third optical fiber 3. Further, the support member 9 has a first portion 91 having a first groove 911, a second portion 92 having a second groove 921, and a connecting portion 93 connecting the first portion 91 and the second portion 92. Have.

The first optical fiber 1 is inserted into and supported by the first groove 911. Further, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are inserted and supported in the second groove 921. Further, the optical waveguide 4 is held at a position away from the connecting portion 93.

According to such a configuration, since the optical waveguide 4 is reinforced by the support member 9, the influence of expansion and contraction of the first optical fiber 1 and the like is blocked by the support member 9, and the optical waveguide 4 and the first optical fiber 1 and the like are combined. It is possible to suppress the concentration of stress at the connection portion. Therefore, it is possible to realize the optical distributor 100 in which the decrease in transmission efficiency is suppressed even when the light is bent.

Further, even when the optical distributor 100 is subjected to an environmental test accompanied by a temperature change, the concentration of stress at the connection portion is relaxed. Specifically, even if the first optical fiber 1 or the like thermally expands as the temperature rises, it is possible to suppress the influence of the thermal expansion on the connection portion of the optical waveguide 4. Thereby, the optical distributor 100 having excellent weather resistance can be realized.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first groove 911 and the second groove 921 extend in the same direction as each other, specifically, in the X-axis direction. As a result, the optical waveguide 4 can be held in a straightened posture. As a result, for example, even when the optical waveguide 100 is bent, the posture of the optical waveguide 4 does not change, so that the connection portion between the optical waveguide 4 and the first optical fiber 1 and the like is less likely to be loaded, and the stress at the connection portion is reduced. Concentration can be particularly suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the first optical fiber 1 is inserted and supported in the first groove 911, but it is more preferable that the first optical fiber 1 is further fixed to the first groove 911 by an adhesive. Similarly, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are inserted and supported in the second groove 921, but it is preferable that the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are further fixed to the second groove 921 by an adhesive.

According to such a configuration, the first optical fiber 1 is fixed to the first groove 911 not only by the frictional resistance caused by inserting the first optical fiber 1 into the first groove 911 but also by the adhesive force caused by the curing of the adhesive. can do. Similarly, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 can be fixed to the second groove 921. As a result, the fixed state of the first optical fiber 1 and the like is less likely to be released, and a highly reliable optical distributor 100 can be realized.

In addition, instead of the adhesive, or together with the adhesive, a member that closes the first groove 911 or a member that closes the second groove 921 may be used. Even when such a member is used, the first optical fiber 1 and the like can be fixed to the first groove 911 or the second groove 921.

Examples of the other member include an adhesive tape, an adhesive tape, a member fitted in the first groove 911 or the second groove 921, and the like.

Further, as described above, the first groove 911 is open to the upper surface 910 of the first portion 91. The upper surface 910 is a surface opposite to the connecting portion 93 of the first portion 91. Similarly, the second groove 921 is open to the upper surface 920 of the second portion 92. The upper surface 920 is a surface opposite to the connecting portion 93 of the second portion 92.

According to such a configuration, the distance between the optical waveguide 4 and the connecting portion 93 can be maximized. Therefore, the probability that the optical waveguide 4 and the connecting portion 93 come into contact with each other can be further reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the transmission efficiency of the optical waveguide 4 due to contact.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the distance S4 between the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 is preferably longer than the length L4 of the long axis of the optical waveguide 4. As a result, the optical waveguide 4 can be held in a state where it does not come into contact with not only the connecting portion 93 but also the first portion 91 and the second portion 92. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the decrease in transmission efficiency of the optical waveguide 4 due to contact.

Although the optical waveguide 100 according to the first embodiment has been described above, the optical waveguide 4 may be replaced with another member such as an optical fiber having a distribution function.

2. 2. Second Embodiment Next, the optical distributor according to the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the optical distributor according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described, but in the following description, matters different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and the same matters will be omitted. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment.

The support member 9A shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the support member 9 shown in FIG. 6 except that the width W2 of the second groove 921A is widened.

Specifically, in the support member 9A shown in FIG. 7, the width W2 of the second groove 921A is wider than the sum of the diameter φ2 of the second optical fiber main body 21 and the diameter φ3 of the third optical fiber main body 31. More specifically, the width W2 of the second groove 921A is preferably more than 100% and 150% or less of the sum of the diameter φ2 of the second optical fiber main body 21 and the diameter φ3 of the third optical fiber main body 31. It is more preferably 120% or more.

As a result, in the present embodiment, the width W2 of the second groove 921A is wider than the width W1 of the first groove 911. As a result, even in a state where the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are arranged side by side, that is, in a state where they are arranged along the Y axis, they can be inserted into one second groove 921A. When the number of branches of the core portion 44 is increased to three or more, the number of optical fibers also increases, so that the width W2 of the second groove 921A may be increased accordingly. Further, the probability that the optical waveguide 4 and the connecting portion 93 come into contact with each other can be further reduced.

Also in the second embodiment as described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.
The second groove 921A may be an aggregate of a plurality of grooves parallel to each other. That is, the second groove 921A may be composed of two grooves independent of each other. A second optical fiber 2 and a third optical fiber 3 can be inserted into these two grooves, respectively.

3. 3. Third Embodiment Next, the optical distributor according to the third embodiment will be described.

8 and 9 are perspective views showing a part of the optical distributor according to the third embodiment, respectively.

Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described, but in the following description, matters different from those of the second embodiment will be described, and the description thereof will be omitted for the same matters. In addition, in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment described above, the first groove 911 is opened in the upper surface 910 of the first portion 91 of the support member 9A. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the first groove 911 is opened on the side surface 912 of the first portion 91 of the support member 9B. The side surface 912 means a surface adjacent to the upper surface 910.

Similarly, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, the second groove 921 is opened in the upper surface 920 of the second portion 92 of the support member 9A. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the second groove 921 is opened on the side surface 922 of the second portion 92 of the support member 9B. The side surface 922 means a surface adjacent to the upper surface 920.

According to such a configuration, even when the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are arranged along the Y axis, the inner surface of the second groove 921 is brought into contact with the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3, respectively. Can be done. As a result, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are more reliably fixed even in a state where the surface on which the sheet-shaped optical waveguide 4 spreads is held substantially parallel to the surface of the connecting portion 93 on the optical waveguide 4 side. be able to. As a result, the reliability of the optical distributor 100 can be improved while further reducing the probability that the optical waveguide 4 and the connecting portion 93 come into contact with each other.

On the other hand, in the support member 9C shown in FIG. 9, the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 are connected by two connecting portions 93. Specifically, both ends of the first portion 91 in the Z-axis direction and both ends of the second portion 92 in the Z-axis direction are connected by the connecting portion 93, respectively. As a result, the support member 9C has a closed frame shape. As a result, the probability of unintentionally touching the optical waveguide 4 can be reduced.
Also in the third embodiment as described above, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained.

4. Fourth Embodiment Next, the optical distributor according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the light distributor according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the light distributor shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a state in which the lid of the light distributor shown in FIG. 10 is removed. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the light distributor shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line CC of the light distributor shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line DD of the light distributor shown in FIG. In each figure, a part of the light guide unit or the optical adapter may be simplified.

Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described, but in the following description, matters different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and the same matters will be omitted.

The optical distributor 100 according to the present embodiment includes a light guide portion 10 and a support member 9 included in the first to third embodiments, as well as a housing 5 for accommodating them. Specifically, the optical distributor 100 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 includes a light guide unit 10, a support member 9, and a housing 5. Of these, as shown in FIG. 2, the light guide portion 10 is bent so as to be curved in the XY plane, and is housed inside the housing 5 in that state. As a result, the light guide unit 10 can be made small, so that the light distributor 100 can be miniaturized. Even if the light guide portion 10 is bent, it is supported by the support member 9, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in transmission efficiency in the optical distributor 100.

4.1. Housing As shown in FIG. 11, the housing 5 includes a container 5a and a lid 5b.

The opening of the container 5a is covered with the lid 5b. As a result, a space is formed inside the housing 5, and the light guide portion 10 and the support member 9 are accommodated in the space.

As shown in FIG. 11, the container 5a has a bottomed box shape having an opening that opens upward.

As shown in FIG. 11 or 12, the container 5a includes a bottom portion 501, a wall portion 500, and three fixing portions 509. Of these, the bottom portion 501 includes a bottom surface 502 and a back surface 503 that have a front-to-back relationship with each other, as shown in FIG. The bottom surface 502 is the upper surface of the bottom portion 501, and the back surface 503 is the lower surface of the bottom portion 501.

The wall portion 500 is provided so as to project upward from the edge portion of the bottom surface 502, and has a frame shape in which the inside is a space. Further, the wall portion 500 includes side walls 51, 52, 53 and 54. Of these, the side wall 51 includes penetrating portions 511 and 512 that penetrate the inside and the outside, as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the first optical adapter 6 is attached to the penetrating portion 511. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a second optical adapter 7 is attached to the penetrating portion 512. The first optical adapter 6 has a shape that protrudes from the inside and the outside of the wall portion 500, respectively. Similarly, the second optical adapter 7 has a shape that protrudes from the inside and the outside of the wall portion 500, respectively. The wall portion 500 does not have to have a closed frame shape, and may be partially interrupted.

The fixing portion 509 is provided with a screw hole that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the wall portion 500 and penetrates in the vertical direction. The housing 5 can be fixed to the fixed member by passing a screw through the screw hole and screwing it to the fixed member.

The first optical fiber 1 is inserted into the first optical adapter 6 as shown in FIG. 12, and the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are inserted into the second optical adapter 7 as shown in FIG. ing.

The light guide portion 10 in a state of being wound in an annular shape is in contact with the wall portion 500. In other words, when the light guide portion 10 in the wound state comes into contact with the wall portion 500, the light guide unit 10 can be prevented from expanding and the wound state of the light guide unit 10 can be maintained. However, it is not essential that the light guide portion 10 comes into contact with the wall portion 500. Further, it is not essential that the light guide portion 10 is wound in an annular shape, and may be accommodated in a straightly extended state. In that case, for example, the penetrating portion 511 may be provided on the side wall 51, and the penetrating portion 512 may be provided on the side wall 52.

The container 5a further comprises two side walls 53, 54 parallel to the YY plane. The side wall 53 is located on the X-axis plus side of the bottom surface 502, and the side wall 54 is located on the X-axis minus side of the bottom surface 502.

The lid 5b has a plate shape that can cover the opening of the container 5a, and the plan view shape seen from the direction along the Z axis is the same as that of the container 5a. Further, the lid body 5b may be provided as needed and may be omitted.

The shape of the housing 5 described above is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the container 5a and the lid 5b may be connected to each other. Further, the container 5a may be an assembly formed by assembling a plurality of parts.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11 and the like, the container 5a includes pole portions 551 and 552 having a columnar shape protruding from the bottom surface 502. The pole portion 551 has a columnar shape, is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion between the side wall 52 and the side wall 53, and at a position separated from the side walls 52 and 53. The pole portion 552 has a columnar shape, is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion between the side wall 52 and the side wall 54, and at a position separated from the side walls 52 and 54. The pole portions 551 and 552 may be provided as needed and may be omitted.

The pole portions 551 and 552 extend in directions intersecting the bottom surface 502, respectively. However, the extending direction of the pole portions 551 and 552 is not limited to the Z-axis direction shown in FIG. 13, and may be a direction inclined with respect to the Z-axis.

As shown in FIG. 12, gaps 553 and 554 through which the light guide portion 10 can be inserted are provided between the pole portions 551 and 552 and the wall portion 500 (see FIG. 11). By inserting the light guide portion 10 into these gaps 553 and 554, the light guide portion 10 can be bent along the side surfaces of the pole portions 551 and 552, so that it is possible to prevent the bending radius from becoming too small. can. Further, the light guide unit 10 can be fixed to the housing 5 by utilizing the force that the light guide unit 10 in the wound state tries to deploy.

Further, the container 5a includes pedestals 504 and 505 having a trapezoidal shape protruding from the bottom surface 502. The pedestal portion 504 is provided at a position corresponding to the penetration portion 511. Further, the pedestal portion 505 is provided at a position corresponding to the penetrating portion 512.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first optical adapter 6 is mounted on the upper surface of the pedestal portion 504. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a second optical adapter 7 is mounted on the upper surface of the pedestal portion 505.

Then, as described above, the first optical fiber 1 of the light guide unit 10 is inserted into the first optical adapter 6. Further, as described above, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 of the light guide unit 10 are inserted into the second optical adapter 7. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, a part of the light guide portion 10 is housed in the space between the pole portions 551 and 552 and the pedestal portions 504 and 505 in a state of being wound in an annular shape.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the container 5a is provided with a recess 56 that opens to the bottom surface 502. The connecting portion 93 of the support member 9 is inserted into the recess 56. According to such a configuration, the first portion 91 can be fixed while being aligned with the bottom surface 502 only by inserting the connecting portion 93 into the recess 56.

4.2. Optical Adapter Of the two surfaces intersecting the Y-axis of the first optical adapter 6, the surface on the minus side of the Y-axis is provided with one insertion portion 61 into which the first optical fiber 1 can be inserted, as shown in FIG. Has been done. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, one insertion portion 62 into which the optical fiber of the connection partner optically connected to the first optical fiber 1 can be inserted is provided on the surface on the plus side of the Y-axis. .. Therefore, the first optical fiber 1 and the optical fiber of the connection partner (not shown) are optically connected via the first optical adapter 6.

The first optical adapter 6 may comply with various standards relating to the optical connector housing. Examples of this standard include SC, FC, MU, D, DJ, ST, LC, SCF, SCH, MT, MPO, MT-RJ and the like.

Of the two surfaces intersecting the Y-axis of the second optical adapter 7, the surface on the minus side of the Y-axis has an insertion portion 71a into which the second optical fiber 2 can be inserted and a third optical fiber 3 as shown in FIG. An insertable portion 71b is provided. The two insertion portions 71a and 71b are arranged along the X axis. On the other hand, on the surface on the plus side of the Y-axis, insertion portions 72a and 72b into which the optical fiber of the connection partner optically connected to the second optical fiber 2 or the third optical fiber 3 is inserted are provided. Therefore, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 and the two optical fibers of the connection partner (not shown) are optically connected via the second optical adapter 7. The two insertion portions 72a and 72b are aligned along the X axis.

The second optical adapter 7 may comply with various standards relating to the optical connector housing. Examples of this standard include SC, FC, MU, D, DJ, ST, LC, SCF, SCH, MT, MPO, MT-RJ and the like.

The second optical adapter 7 may be divided into a portion having the insertion portions 71a and 72a and a portion having the insertion portions 71b and 72b.

4.3. Accommodation of the light guide portion in the housing The first optical fiber 1 and the like inserted through the gaps 551 and 554 between the pole portions 551 and 552 and the wall portion 500 are constrained by fitting into the gaps 555 and 554. Therefore, the first optical fiber 1 and the like can be fixed only by inserting the first optical fiber 1 and the like into the gaps 555 and 554.

At this time, the first optical fiber 1 is inserted into the gap 553 in a curved state, and the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are inserted into the gap 554 in a curved state. Specifically, the gap 553 includes a portion between the side wall 53 and the pole portion 551 and a portion between the side wall 52 and the pole portion 551. Therefore, the first optical fiber 1 inserted through the gap 553 is curved while changing the extending direction by about 90 °. Similarly, the gap 554 includes a portion between the side wall 54 and the pole portion 552 and a portion between the side wall 52 and the pole portion 552. Therefore, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 inserted through the gap 554 are curved while changing the extending direction by about 90 °. Each of the first optical fiber 1 and the like curved in this way generates a restoring force that tries to return from the curved state. As a result, the first optical fiber 1 and the like are pressed against the wall portion 500 and the pole portions 551 and 552 by this restoring force, and are fixed to the gaps 553 and 554.

It is not essential that the pole portions 551 and 552 are provided on the bottom surface 502, and may be provided on the wall portion 500 or the lid 5b, for example. The number of pole portions 551 and 552 is not particularly limited, and may be one or three or more.

The cross-sectional shape when the pole portions 551 and 552 are cut in a plane parallel to the bottom surface 502 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a circle such as a perfect circle, an ellipse, or an oval, a quadrangle, a hexagon, or an octagon. Such polygons and other shapes can be mentioned. In FIG. 12, the cross-sectional shapes of the pole portions 551 and 552 are circular. As a result, when the light guide portion 10 is inserted into the gaps 555 and 554, the light guide portion 10 is less likely to be damaged.

The shape of the pole portion 551 and the shape of the pole portion 552 may be different, but in FIGS. 11 and 12, both are the same. Further, the shapes and sizes of the pole portions 551 and 552 may be constant or may change along the Z axis. For example, the diameters of the pole portions 551 and 552 may be gradually decreased or gradually increased toward the tip.

Further, the housing 5 has a recess 56 that opens to the bottom surface 502 and into which the connecting portion 93 is inserted.
According to such a configuration, when the optical distributor 100 is assembled, the support member 9 can be easily and accurately aligned with the container 5a by inserting the connecting portion 93 into the recess 56. This makes it possible to accurately align the pole portions 551 and 552 with the first optical fiber 1 and the like. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the transmission efficiency of the light guide unit 10 due to the positional deviation between the first optical fiber 1 and the pole units 551 and 552. In addition, the assembly work efficiency of the optical distributor 100 can be improved.

Here, an example of the manufacturing method of the optical distributor 100 shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating how the light guide portion 10 and the support member 9 shown in FIG. 1 are attached to the container 5a when the optical distributor 100 shown in FIG. 10 is assembled.

When assembling the optical distributor 100 shown in FIG. 10, first, as an example, the structure shown in FIG. 1 is prepared in advance. Next, the obtained structure is attached to the container 5a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 16, first, the support member 9 is inserted into the recess 56. Next, the first optical fiber 1 and the like are wound and stored in the container 5a.

Since the first optical fiber 1 and the like extend from the support member 9, when the support member 9 is inserted into the recess 56, the extended first optical fiber 1 and the like are sized to fit inside the wall portion 500. Need to bend. Therefore, if it is accidentally bent with a small bending radius, the first optical fiber 1 or the like may be damaged.

Therefore, in the housing 5 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, windows 57 and 58 are provided on the wall portion 500. Specifically, the housing 5 has a window portion 57 penetrating the side wall 53 at a position overlapping the extension line of the first groove 911. Further, the housing 5 has a window portion 58 penetrating the side wall 54 at a position overlapping the extension line of the second groove 921.

According to such a configuration, after the support member 9 is inserted into the recess 56, the first optical fiber 1 and the like can be projected to the outside of the wall portion 500 via the window portions 57 and 58. As a result, the support member 9 can be inserted into the recess 56 without bending the first optical fiber 1 or the like with a small bending radius.

Although only one of the windows 57 and 58 may be provided, it is preferable that both are provided. Further, the windows 57 and 58 shown in FIG. 11 are closed by fitting a part 59 of the lid 5b. The windows 57 and 58 may be open or may be closed by another member.

Further, the lengths of the windows 57 and 58 in the Z-axis direction and the lengths in the Y-axis direction are not particularly limited and are appropriately set in consideration of workability.

Further, the windows 57 and 58 shown in FIG. 13 are notched diagonally on the plus side of the Y-axis, respectively. By providing such cutouts 571 and 581, when the first optical fiber 1 and the like protruding outward through the window portions 57 and 58 are bent and housed inside the wall portion 500 as shown in FIG. The first optical fiber 1 and the like are less likely to be caught by the wall portion 500. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the light guide portion 10 is suspended in a downwardly convex U shape, the support member 9 is inserted into the recess 56, and then the first optical fiber 1 and the like are wound around. While doing so, the work of fitting the inside of the wall portion 500 is performed, and at that time, the work can be efficiently performed because the notches 571 and 581 are provided. As a result, the probability that the first optical fiber 1 or the like will be damaged due to the assembly work can be reduced.

A member for fixing the light guide portion 10 to the housing 5 may be added. Examples of such a member include an adhesive tape, an adhesive tape, an adhesive, an adhesive and the like.

Further, a resin material such as a potting agent may be contained in the container 5a and preferably filled to improve the retention and weather resistance of the light guide portion 10.

5. Electronic device According to the optical distributor 100 according to the embodiment as described above, it is possible to realize the optical distributor 100 having a small loss even if it is bent. Therefore, the electronic device provided with such an optical distributor 100 is highly reliable because the space for accommodating the optical distributor 100 can be saved and the loss in the optical distributor 100 is small. It becomes.

The electronic device of the present invention includes, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone terminal, a smart watch, a smart glass, a head mount display, a head-up display, a game machine, a router device, a WDM device, a personal computer, a television, a server, a super computer, and the like. Information and communication equipment, medical equipment, sensor equipment, vehicles, aircraft, ship instruments, automobile control equipment, aircraft control equipment, railroad vehicle control equipment, ship control equipment, spacecraft control equipment, rocket control equipment It is applied to mobile control equipment such as power plants, refineries, steel mills, plant control equipment that controls plants such as chemical complexes.

Although the optical distributor and the electronic device of the present invention have been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, in the optical distributor of the present invention, the configuration of each part of the embodiment may be replaced with an arbitrary configuration having the same function, or an arbitrary configuration is added to the embodiment. May be.

1 1st optical fiber 2 2nd optical fiber 3 3rd optical fiber 4 Optical waveguide 5 Housing 5a Container 5b Lid 6 1st optical adapter 7 2nd optical adapter 9 Support member 9A Support member 9B Support member 9C Support member 10 Light guide unit 11 1st optical fiber main body 12 1st optical connector 21 2nd optical fiber main body 22 2nd optical connector 31 3rd optical fiber main body 32 3rd optical connector 41 clad layer 42 clad layer 43 core layer 44 core part 45 side clad part 46 branch core part 47 Lower protective layer 48 Upper protective layer 51 Side wall 52 Side wall 53 Side wall 54 Side wall 56 Recess 57 Window part 58 Window part 59 Part 61 Insertion part 62 Insertion part 71a Insertion part 71b Insertion part 72a Insertion part 72b Insertion part 81 First adhesive part 82 2nd bonding part 83 3rd bonding part 91 1st part 92 2nd part 93 Connecting part 100 Optical distributor 111 Core part 112 Clad part 113 1st light input / output surface 211 Core part 212 Clad part 213 2nd light input / output Surface 311 Core part 312 Clad part 313 3rd light input / output surface 491 4th light input / output surface 492 5th light input / output surface 500 Wall part 501 Bottom part 502 Bottom part 503 Back side 504 Back side 504 Pedestal part 505 Fixed part 591 Penetration part 512 Penetration 551 Pole 552 Pole 555 Gap 554 Gap 571 Notch 581 Notch 910 Top surface 911 First groove 912 Side surface 920 Top surface 921 Second groove 921A Second groove 922 Side surface D1 Depth D2 Depth L1 Length L2 Length L3 Length L4 Length S4 Distance t Thickness W Width W1 Width W2 Width φ1 Diameter φ2 Diameter φ3 Diameter

Claims (9)

With the first optical fiber
The second and third optical fibers that are parallel to each other,
An optical waveguide having a branch core portion branched in the middle and connecting the first optical fiber, the second optical fiber, and the third optical fiber.
A support member having a first portion having a first groove, a second portion having a second groove, and a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.
Equipped with
The first optical fiber is inserted and supported in the first groove, and is supported.
The second optical fiber and the third optical fiber are inserted into and supported by the second groove.
The optical waveguide is an optical waveguide, characterized in that it is held at a position away from the connecting portion. The optical distributor according to claim 1, wherein the first groove and the second groove extend in the same direction as each other. The first optical fiber is fixed to the first groove by an adhesive or a member that closes the first groove.
The light distributor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second optical fiber and the third optical fiber are fixed to the second groove by an adhesive or a member that closes the second groove. The first groove is opened on the surface of the first portion opposite to the connecting portion.
The light distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second groove is open on a surface of the second portion opposite to the connecting portion. The first groove is opened on the side surface of the first portion.
The light distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second groove is open on the side surface of the second portion. The optical distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the depth of the second groove is deeper than the depth of the first groove. The optical distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the width of the second groove is wider than the width of the first groove. The optical distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the distance between the first portion and the second portion is longer than the length of the optical waveguide. An electronic device comprising the optical distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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