JP2023071241A - Optical connector and method for manufacturing optical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an optical connector having an optical fiber surely fixed therein, and a method for manufacturing an optical connector capable of surely fixing the optical fiber.SOLUTION: An optical connector includes: a ferrule including a storage part; a fiber member including a coated part having a glass fiber coated with a coating, a plurality of optical fibers including a coating removal part obtained by removing a part of the coating, and a fixing part for fixing the plurality of optical fibers; and a bonding part for fixing the plurality of optical fibers to the ferrule. The storage part includes a first space communicating with the outside through a window part and a second space communicating with the first space. The fixing part covers at least a part of the coating removal part and at least a part of the coated part over each coating removal part and coated part of the plurality of optical fibers. The fiber member is arranged in the storage part so that a portion exposed from the fixing part of the coating removal part is located in the first space and the fixing part is located in the second space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present disclosure relates to optical connectors and methods of manufacturing optical connectors.

Patent Literature 1 describes an optical connector that includes a ferrule and an optical fiber that is placed in a housing portion of the ferrule. In the optical connector disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the adhesive is filled into the accommodating portion through the window formed in the ferrule. The optical fiber is fixed to the ferrule by the adhesive.

JP 2016-184106 A

In the optical connector as described above, there are cases where the optical fiber is not sufficiently fixed by the adhesive in the portion of the accommodating portion away from the window.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical connector in which an optical fiber is securely fixed, and a method of manufacturing an optical connector capable of securely fixing the optical fiber.

An optical connector of the present disclosure includes a ferrule, a fiber member, and an adhesive portion. The ferrule has a housing. The accommodation portion has a first space and a second space. The first space communicates with the outside through the window. The second space communicates with the first space. The fiber member is arranged in the housing. The fiber member has a plurality of optical fibers and a fixing portion. The optical fiber includes a coating section and a stripping section. The coated portion is a portion of the optical fiber in which the glass fiber is covered with a coating. The coating-removed portion is a portion of the optical fiber from which a part of the coating has been removed. The fixing section fixes the plurality of optical fibers to each other. The adhesive portion is positioned in the first space of the housing portion. The adhesive portion secures the plurality of optical fibers to the ferrule. The fixing part straddles the coating-removed part and the coating part of each of the plurality of optical fibers and covers at least part of the coating-removed part and at least part of the coating part. The fiber member is arranged in the housing part such that the part of the coating-removed part exposed from the fixing part is positioned in the first space and the fixing part is positioned in the second space.

A method for manufacturing an optical connector according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of optical fibers including a coating portion in which the glass fiber is covered with a coating and a coating removal portion in which a portion of the coating is removed, and the coating of each of the plurality of optical fibers. a step of preparing a fiber member comprising a fixing portion for fixing a plurality of optical fibers so as to cover at least a portion of the coating removal portion and at least a portion of the coating portion across the removal portion and the coating portion; The method includes placing the member in the ferrule housing and fixing the plurality of optical fibers to the ferrule with a first adhesive. The accommodation part has a first space communicating with the outside through the window, and a second space communicating with the first space. In the arranging step, the fiber member is arranged such that a portion of the coating-removed portion exposed from the fixing portion is positioned in the first space and the fixing portion is positioned in the second space. In the fixing step, the optical fiber is fixed by filling the first adhesive into the first space through the window and then solidifying the first adhesive.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an optical connector in which an optical fiber is securely fixed, and a method for manufacturing an optical connector capable of securely fixing an optical fiber.

1 is a perspective view of an optical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector shown in FIG. 1 along the YZ plane. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector shown in FIG. 2 along line III--III. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the optical fiber and the first groove shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing the optical connector shown in FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a step of forming the fixing portion shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an optical connector according to a first modified example. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an optical connector according to a second modification. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an optical connector according to a third modified example. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector shown in FIG. 9. FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an optical connector according to a fourth modification. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an optical connector according to a fifth modification. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector shown in FIG. 12. FIG. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an optical connector according to a sixth modification. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector shown in FIG. 14. FIG.

[Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]
An optical connector of the present disclosure includes a ferrule, a fiber member, and an adhesive portion. The ferrule has a housing. The accommodation portion has a first space and a second space. The first space communicates with the outside through the window. The second space communicates with the first space. The fiber member is arranged in the housing. The fiber member has a plurality of optical fibers and a fixing portion. The optical fiber includes a coating section and a stripping section. The coated portion is a portion of the optical fiber in which the glass fiber is covered with a coating. The coating-removed portion is a portion of the optical fiber from which a part of the coating has been removed. The fixing section fixes the plurality of optical fibers to each other. The adhesive portion is positioned in the first space of the housing portion. The adhesive portion secures the plurality of optical fibers to the ferrule. The fixing part straddles the coating-removed part and the coating part of each of the plurality of optical fibers and covers at least part of the coating-removed part and at least part of the coating part. The fiber member is arranged in the housing part such that the part of the coating-removed part exposed from the fixing part is positioned in the first space, and the fixing part is positioned in the second space.

In this optical connector, the optical fiber is fixed by the adhesive portion in the first space, and the optical fiber is fixed by the fixing portion in the second space. Accordingly, even if the second space is away from the window, the optical fiber is fixed in the second space by the fixing portion different from the adhesive portion, so that the optical fiber is securely fixed. be. In addition, the fixing section straddles the covering removed section and the covering section and covers at least a portion of the covering removed section and at least a portion of the covering section. As a result, the boundary portion between the coating-removed portion and the coating portion of the optical fiber is securely fixed. As described above, according to this optical connector, the optical fiber can be securely fixed.

A first groove in which an optical fiber is arranged may be provided in the first space. Thereby, deformation of the optical fiber can be suppressed, and optical loss can be suppressed.

A second groove in which the optical fiber is arranged may be provided in the second space. As a result, deformation of the optical fiber can be reliably suppressed, and optical loss can be reliably suppressed.

The first groove and the second groove may be separated from each other. The width of the second groove may be greater than the width of the first groove. As a result, deformation of the optical fiber can be reliably suppressed by the first groove and the second groove while relaxing the accuracy of the width of the second groove.

The optical connector may further include a pressing member. The pressing member may be arranged in the first space so as to face the first groove. The pressing member may press the optical fiber arranged in the first groove. As a result, the optical fiber arranged in the first groove can be reliably fixed.

The material of each of the adhesive portion and the fixed portion may be a cured product of a UV-curable (ultraviolet-curable) resin adhesive. As a result, it is possible to use a common material for the bonding portion and the fixing portion, and to securely fix the optical fiber with a simple configuration.

The material of the adhesive part and the fixing part may be the same. Thereby, when the temperature changes, deformation of the optical fiber due to the difference between the thermal expansion coefficient of the bonding portion and the fixing portion can be suppressed.

The transmittance of UV light (ultraviolet light) passing through the ferrule may be smaller than the transmittance of communication light passing through the ferrule. In the second space, since the optical fiber is fixed by the fixing portion, the optical fiber can be reliably fixed even when the transmittance of the UV light passing through the ferrule is low. This allows for a wider range of material choices for the ferrule.

A method for manufacturing an optical connector according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of optical fibers including a coating portion in which the glass fiber is covered with a coating and a coating removal portion in which a portion of the coating is removed, and the coating of each of the plurality of optical fibers. a step of preparing a fiber member comprising a fixing portion for fixing a plurality of optical fibers so as to cover at least a portion of the coating removal portion and at least a portion of the coating portion across the removal portion and the coating portion; The method includes placing the member in the ferrule housing and fixing the plurality of optical fibers to the ferrule with a first adhesive. The accommodation part has a first space communicating with the outside through the window, and a second space communicating with the first space. In the arranging step, the fiber member is arranged such that a portion of the coating-removed portion exposed from the fixing portion is positioned in the first space and the fixing portion is positioned in the second space. In the fixing step, the optical fiber is fixed by filling the first adhesive into the first space through the window and then solidifying the first adhesive.

In this manufacturing method, in the arranging step, the fiber member is arranged such that the portion of the coating-removed portion exposed from the fixing portion is positioned in the first space, and the fixing portion is positioned in the second space. In the fixing step, the optical fiber is fixed by filling the first adhesive into the first space through the window and then solidifying the first adhesive. Accordingly, even if the second space is away from the window, the optical fiber is fixed in the second space by a fixing portion different from the first adhesive, so that the optical fiber is reliably fixed. be done. In addition, the fixing section straddles the covering removed section and the covering section and covers at least a portion of the covering removed section and at least a portion of the covering section. As a result, the boundary portion between the coating-removed portion and the coating portion of the optical fiber is securely fixed. As described above, according to this manufacturing method, the optical fiber can be reliably fixed.

The step of preparing the fiber member comprises: preparing a plurality of optical fibers; arranging the plurality of optical fibers in the inner space of the mold; filling the inner space with a second adhesive; A step of forming the fixing portion by solidifying the agent, and a step of removing the plurality of optical fibers and the fixing portion from the internal space may be included. This allows the fiber member to be prepared.

In the fixing step, the pressing member may be inserted into the first space through the window after the first space is filled with the first adhesive through the window. Thereby, the optical fiber can be reliably fixed by the first adhesive and the pressing member.

[Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure]
A specific example of an optical connector and an optical connector manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical connector 1 is a component for optically connecting multiple optical fibers to multiple optical fibers of another optical connector. The optical connector 1 includes a ferrule 2 , a fiber member 30 , a pressing member 4 and an adhesive portion 5 . The ferrule 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The ferrule 2 has a front end surface 21 , a rear end surface 22 , a first main surface 23 , a second main surface 24 and a pair of side surfaces 25 .

The tip surface 21 is positioned at the front end of the ferrule 2 . The tip surface 21 intersects the Y-axis direction. The tip surface 21 is inclined with respect to the XZ plane. The angle formed by the tip surface 21 and the XZ plane is, for example, 4° or more and 16° or less. Reflected light can escape from this. The tip surface 21 is provided with a plurality of lenses 21a. In this embodiment, the tip surface 21 is provided with, for example, 12 lenses 21a. The multiple lenses 21a are arranged in a row in the X-axis direction. Each lens 21a is in one-to-one correspondence with each optical fiber 3, which will be described later. The optical axis of the lens 21a coincides with the optical axis of the optical fiber 3 when viewed in the Y-axis direction. Lens 21 a is optically coupled to optical fiber 3 . The lens 21 a collimates the light emitted from the optical fiber 3 .

The rear end surface 22 is positioned at the rear end of the ferrule 2 . The rear end face 22 faces the side opposite to the tip end face 21 . The rear end surface 22 intersects the Y-axis direction. The first main surface 23 and the second main surface 24 are located between the front end surface 21 and the rear end surface 22 . The first main surface 23 and the second main surface 24 intersect the Z-axis direction. The second main surface 24 faces away from the first main surface 23 . Each side surface 25 is positioned between the leading end surface 21 and the trailing end surface 22 . Each side surface 25 crosses the X-axis direction. Each side surface 25 is recessed toward the inside of the ferrule 2 . The side surface 25 is composed of two planes that intersect each other. Ferrule 2 is positioned with a mating ferrule by side 25 . Specifically, inside an adapter or the like used when connecting the ferrule 2 to the mating ferrule, protrusions (not shown) that abut against the recesses of the pair of side surfaces 25 are provided (not shown). Ferrule 2 is positioned against the mating ferrule. This eliminates the need for a guide pin or the like for positioning.

The ferrule 2 has a housing portion 7 . The accommodating portion 7 is a space formed inside the ferrule 2 . The housing portion 7 opens to the rear end surface 22 . The rear end surface 22 is formed with an opening 22a that communicates with the housing portion 7 . The accommodation portion 7 extends closer to the rear end surface 22 than the front end surface 21 . In other words, the accommodation portion 7 does not reach the distal end surface 21 .

The housing portion 7 is defined by a first inner surface 7a, a second inner surface 7b, a third inner surface 7c, and a pair of side surfaces (not shown). The first inner surface 7a intersects the Z-axis direction. The first inner surface 7a faces away from the first main surface 23 . The second inner surface 7b intersects the Z-axis direction. The second inner surface 7b faces away from the second major surface 24 . The first inner surface 7a and the second inner surface 7b face each other. The third inner surface 7c intersects the Y-axis direction. The third inner surface 7c faces the side opposite to the tip surface 21 . The third inner surface 7 c is parallel to the tip surface 21 .

The ferrule 2 has a window portion 8 . The window portion 8 opens to the first main surface 23 . The window portion 8 extends to the first inner surface 7a. The housing portion 7 communicates with the outside through the window portion 8 . The window 8 has, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The window portion 8 includes an inner surface 8a and an inner surface 8b facing each other in the Y-axis direction. The inner surface 8a coincides with the third inner surface 7c.

The housing portion 7 has a first space S1 and a second space S2. The first space S1 includes a window portion 8 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The first space S1 communicates with the outside through the window portion 8 . The second space S2 communicates with the first space S1. The first space S<b>1 is a region of the housing portion 7 closer to the tip surface 21 than the inner surface 8 b of the window portion 8 . The second space S<b>2 is a region of the housing portion 7 closer to the rear end surface 22 than the inner surface 8 b of the window portion 8 .

A first convex portion 71 and a second convex portion 72 are provided in the housing portion 7 . The first protrusion 71 and the second protrusion 72 protrude from the second inner surface 7b. The first convex portion 71 reaches the third inner surface 7c. The second protrusion 72 is located closer to the rear end surface 22 than the first protrusion 71 is. The second protrusion 72 is located between the first protrusion 71 and the rear end surface 22 . The first convex portion 71 and the second convex portion 72 are separated from each other. The distance between the edge of the first protrusion 71 on the second protrusion 72 side and the edge of the second protrusion 72 on the first protrusion 71 side is, for example, 0.15 mm or more and 4 mm or less.

The first convex portion 71 includes a main surface 71a facing the first inner surface 7a. The second convex portion 72 includes a main surface 72a facing the first inner surface 7a. Each of the main surface 71a and the main surface 72a is separated from the first inner surface 7a. The height of the first protrusion 71 and the height of the second protrusion 72 are substantially the same. The height of each of the first convex portion 71 and the second convex portion 72 from the second inner surface 7b substantially matches the height of the lens 21a. Each height of the first convex portion 71 and the second convex portion 72 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

At least a portion of the first convex portion 71 overlaps the window portion 8 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the window portion 8 is positioned inside the first convex portion 71 . The length of the first convex portion 71 in the Y-axis direction is longer than the length of the window portion 8 in the Y-axis direction. The inner surface 8b of the window portion 8 is located closer to the front end surface 21 than the end portion of the first projection 71 on the rear end surface 22 side. The first convex portion 71 straddles the first space S1 and the second space S2. The second convex portion 72 is positioned in the second space S2.

The transmittance of UV light passing through the ferrule 2 is relatively small. In particular, the transmittance of UV light in the wavelength range of 240 nm to 405 nm through the ferrule 2 is relatively small. The transmittance of UV light passing through the ferrule 2 is smaller than the transmittance of communication light passing through the ferrule 2 . The transmittance of UV light passing through the ferrule 2 per 1 mm thickness is, for example, 10% or less. The communication light is an optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber 3 and has a wavelength of 0.85 μm, 1.3 μm, 1.55 μm, etc., for example.

Materials for the ferrule 2 include, for example, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PEI (polyetherimide), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PES (polyether sulfone), and PA. (polyamide), COP (cycloolefin polymer), or the like.

The fiber member 30 has a plurality of optical fibers 3 and a fixing portion 6 . In this embodiment, the fiber member 30 has twelve optical fibers 3 . The plurality of optical fibers 3 are arranged in a row in the X-axis direction. Optical fiber 3 includes glass fiber 31 and coating 32 . The glass fiber 31 has, for example, a core and a clad surrounding the core. The cross section of the glass fiber 31 is, for example, circular. A coating 32 covers the glass fiber 31 . A portion of the tip of the coating 32 is removed from the glass fiber 31 . Thereby, the coating-removed portion 34 of the optical fiber 3 is formed. In other words, the optical fiber 3 includes a coating portion 33 in which the glass fiber 31 is covered with the coating 32 and a coating removal portion 34 in which a portion of the coating 32 is removed from the glass fiber 31 . The coating 32 is, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin or the like.

The fixing portion 6 fixes the plurality of optical fibers 3 to each other. The fixing part 6 covers the plurality of optical fibers 3 . The fixed portion 6 straddles the coating-removed portion 34 and the coating portion 33 and covers at least a portion of the coating-removed portion 34 and at least a portion of the coating portion 33 . The material of the fixing portion 6 is, for example, a UV-curing resin adhesive. The fixed portion 6 is a cured product obtained by previously UV-curing such an adhesive. The material of the fixing portion 6 is, for example, silicone or epoxy resin. In this embodiment, the material of the fixing part 6 is silicone.

The fiber member 30 is placed in the housing portion 7 so that the portion 35 of the coating-removed portion 34 exposed from the fixing portion 6 is positioned in the first space S1 and the fixing portion 6 is positioned in the second space S2. are placed. Specifically, the coating removing section 34 is located in the first space S1 and the second space S2. An end portion 34a of the coating removed portion 34 faces the third inner surface 7c. An end portion 34a of the coating removal portion 34 is slightly separated from the third inner surface 7c. The covering portion 33 is located in the second space S2. A region other than the optical fiber 3 in the second space S2 is filled with the fixing portion 6 . The second space S2 is filled with the optical fiber 3 and the fixed part 6. As shown in FIG. The fixed portion 6 reaches the rear end surface 22 . The fixed portion 6 may be flush with the rear end surface 22 or may protrude slightly outward from the rear end surface 22 .

The optical fiber 3 is arranged on the principal surface 71 a of the first convex portion 71 and the principal surface 72 a of the second convex portion 72 . Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , a plurality of first grooves 73 are provided on the principal surface 71 a of the first protrusion 71 . The first groove portion 73 straddles the first space S1 and the second space S2. That is, part of the first groove portion 73 is provided in the first space S1. The first groove portion 73 extends along the Y-axis direction. The multiple first grooves 73 are arranged in the X-axis direction. Each first groove portion 73 corresponds to each lens 21a on a one-to-one basis. The cross section of the first groove portion 73 has, for example, a triangular shape. That is, the first groove portion 73 is a V groove. The width of the first groove portion 73 in the X-axis direction gradually decreases from the main surface 71a toward the second inner surface 7b.

A plurality of second grooves 74 are provided on the main surface 72 a of the second protrusion 72 . The second groove portion 74 is provided in the second space S2. The first groove portion 73 and the second groove portion 74 are separated from each other in the Y-axis direction. The second groove portion 74 extends along the Y-axis direction. The multiple second grooves 74 are arranged in the X-axis direction. Each second groove portion 74 corresponds to each first groove portion 73 on a one-to-one basis. The cross section of the second groove portion 74 has, for example, a triangular shape. That is, the second groove portion 74 is a V groove. The width of the second groove portion 74 in the X-axis direction gradually decreases from the main surface 72a toward the second inner surface 7b.

The width of the second groove portion 74 is greater than the width of the first groove portion 73 . Specifically, the width (maximum width) of the main surface 72 a of the second groove portion 74 is larger than the width (maximum width) of the main surface 71 a of the first groove portion 73 . The average width of the second groove portion 74 is larger than the average width of the first groove portion 73 . The coating-removed portion 34 of the optical fiber 3 is arranged in the first groove portion 73 and the second groove portion 74 . This prevents the positional deviation of the optical fiber 3 in the X-axis direction. Note that each of the first groove portion 73 and the second groove portion 74 may not be a V groove. Each of the first groove portion 73 and the second groove portion 74 may be, for example, a U groove having a curved bottom. Each of the first groove portion 73 and the second groove portion 74 may be, for example, a rectangular groove having a flat bottom.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pressing member 4 is arranged in the first space S<b>1 so as to face the first groove portion 73 . The pressing member 4 is inserted through the window 8 into the first space S1. The pressing member 4 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The pressing member 4 includes a principal surface 4a and a principal surface 4b facing away from the principal surface 4a. The main surfaces 4a and 4b are flat surfaces that intersect the Z-axis direction. The principal surface 4 b faces the principal surface 71 a of the first protrusion 71 .

The pressing member 4 straddles the window portion 8 and the first space S1. The outer shape of the pressing member 4 is slightly smaller than the window portion 8 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. A gap exists between the pressing member 4 and the window portion 8 . The pressing member 4 is separated from the entire inner surface of the window portion 8 . The pressing member 4 presses the plurality of optical fibers 3 arranged in the plurality of first grooves 73 . The pressing member 4 presses the coating removing portion 34 . The main surface 4 a of the pressing member 4 is positioned on substantially the same plane as the first main surface 23 of the ferrule 2 . The pressing member 4 transmits UV light. The material of the pressing member 4 is, for example, glass or polycarbonate (PC).

The bonding portion 5 is located in the first space S1. The adhesive portion 5 fixes the plurality of optical fibers 3 to the ferrule 2 . The bonding portion 5 covers the plurality of optical fibers 3 in the first space S1. The adhesive portion 5 covers the coating removal portion 34 in the first space S1. A region of the first space S<b>1 other than the cover removing portion 34 and the pressing member 4 is filled with the adhesive portion 5 . The first space S<b>1 is filled with the coating removal portion 34 , the pressing member 4 and the adhesion portion 5 . An adhesion portion 5 exists between the first groove portion 73 and the coating removal portion 34 . An adhesive portion 5 is present between the coating removed portion 34 and the main surface 4 b of the pressing member 4 . That is, the pressing member 4 presses the coating removal portion 34 via the adhesive portion 5 .

The bonding portion 5 straddles the first space S1 and the window portion 8 . At least part of the gap between the window portion 8 and the pressing member 4 has the adhesive portion 5 . The bonding portion 5 may or may not reach the main surface 4a of the pressing member 4 or the first main surface 23 of the ferrule 2 . The adhesive portion 5 is connected to the fixed portion 6 . The adhesive portion 5 is fixed to the fixed portion 6 . Between the adhesive part 5 and the fixed part 6 there is a trace of the connection between the adhesive part 5 and the fixed part 6 . The material of the adhesive portion 5 is the same as the material of the fixed portion 6 . That is, the material of the adhesive portion 5 is, for example, a UV-curing resin adhesive. The adhesive part 5 is a cured product obtained by UV curing after filling the first space S1 with such an adhesive. The material of the bonding portion 5 is, for example, silicone or epoxy resin. In this embodiment, the material of the adhesive portion 5 is silicone. The adhesive portion 5 transmits communication light.

As described above, in the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the bonding portion 5 in the first space S1, and the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the fixing portion 6 in the second space S2. . Accordingly, even if the second space S2 is away from the window portion 8, the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the fixing portion 6 different from the adhesive portion 5 in the second space S2. The fiber 3 is securely fixed. In addition, the fixed portion 6 covers at least a portion of the covering removed portion 34 and at least a portion of the covering portion 33 across the covering removed portion 34 and the covering portion 33 . As a result, the boundary portion between the coating-removed portion 34 and the coating portion 33 of the optical fiber 3 is securely fixed. As described above, according to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 can be reliably fixed.

A first groove portion 73 in which the optical fiber 3 is arranged is provided in the first space S1. Thereby, deformation of the optical fiber 3 can be suppressed, and optical loss can be suppressed.

A second groove portion 74 in which the optical fiber 3 is arranged is provided in the second space S2. As a result, deformation of the optical fiber 3 can be reliably suppressed, and optical loss can be reliably suppressed.

The first groove portion 73 and the second groove portion 74 are separated from each other. The width of the second groove portion 74 is greater than the width of the first groove portion 73 . As a result, deformation of the optical fiber 3 can be reliably suppressed by the first groove portion 73 and the second groove portion 74 while relaxing the accuracy of the width of the second groove portion 74 .

The optical connector 1 includes a pressing member 4 arranged in the first space S<b>1 so as to face the first groove portion 73 . The pressing member 4 presses the optical fiber 3 arranged in the first groove portion 73 . Thereby, the optical fiber 3 arranged in the first groove portion 73 can be reliably fixed.

Each material of the bonding portion 5 and the fixing portion 6 is a cured product of a UV-curing resin adhesive. As a result, the types of materials for the bonding portion 5 and the fixing portion 6 can be made common, and the optical fiber 3 can be reliably fixed with a simple configuration.

The materials of the adhesive portion 5 and the fixed portion 6 are the same. As a result, deformation of the optical fiber 3 due to the difference between the thermal expansion coefficient of the bonding portion 5 and the fixing portion 6 can be suppressed when the temperature changes. Therefore, optical loss due to changes in the position or shape of the optical fiber 3 can be suppressed.

The transmittance of UV light passing through the ferrule 2 is smaller than the transmittance of communication light passing through the ferrule 2 . Since the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the fixing portion 6 in the second space S2, the optical fiber 3 can be reliably fixed even when the transmittance of the UV light passing through the ferrule 2 is low. This widens the range of selection of materials for the ferrule 2 .

Since the lens 21a is provided on the tip surface 21, optical connection can be achieved without bringing the ferrule 2 into close contact with the mating ferrule. As a result, resistance to dust can be improved, and connection can be realized with a low load.

Next, a method for manufacturing the optical connector 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, first, a fiber member 30 including a plurality of optical fibers 3 and a fixing portion 6 is prepared (preparing step). Specifically, first, a plurality of optical fibers 3 are prepared (step S1). More specifically, a portion of the coating 32 covering the entire glass fiber 31 is removed to expose the coating removed portion 34 . Subsequently, the end face treatment of the coating removal portion 34 is performed. Note that the end surface treatment of the coating-removed portion 34 may be performed after the formation of the fixing portion 6, which will be described later.

Next, a mold 40 is prepared. The mold 40 has a body portion 41 , a first lid portion 42 and a second lid portion 43 . The body portion 41 has an internal space S. The first lid portion 42 and the second lid portion 43 are separated from each other. The internal space S communicates with the outside via between the first lid portion 42 and the second lid portion 43 . The internal space S has the same shape as the second space S2 of the ferrule 2 .

Subsequently, a plurality of optical fibers 3 are arranged in the internal space S of the mold 40 (step S2). Specifically, a portion of the coating removing portion 34 and a portion of the coating portion 33 are arranged in the internal space S. Subsequently, the first lid portion 42 and the second lid portion 43 are attached to the body portion 41 . Thereby, the plurality of optical fibers 3 are temporarily fixed. Subsequently, the adhesive (second adhesive) 50 is filled into the internal space S through the space between the first lid portion 42 and the second lid portion 43 (step S3). The adhesive 50 is a liquid UV curable resin adhesive. The adhesive 50 is filled into the internal space S by the nozzle 60 .

Subsequently, the adhesive 50 is cured (hardened) (step S4). Specifically, the adhesive 50 filled in the internal space S is irradiated with UV light. As a result, the fixing portion 6 (see FIG. 2) covering at least a portion of the covering removed portion 34 and at least a portion of the covering portion 33 is formed. In step S<b>4 , UV light is directly applied to the adhesive 50 through between the first lid portion 42 and the second lid portion 43 . Therefore, the adhesive 50 can be sufficiently cured. The outer shape of the fixed part 6 substantially matches the shape of the internal space S. As shown in FIG. In other words, the outer shape of the fixing portion 6 substantially matches the shape of the second space S2 of the ferrule 2 . The Young's modulus of the fixed portion 6 is, for example, 2 MPa or more and 60 MPa or less. That is, the fixed portion 6 is relatively soft. The fixed part 6 is softer than the ferrule 2. - 特許庁

Subsequently, the fixing portion 6 and the plurality of optical fibers 3, that is, the fiber member 30 are taken out from the internal space S (step S5). Specifically, first, the first lid portion 42 and the second lid portion 43 are removed from the main body portion 41 . Subsequently, the fiber member 30 is taken out from the internal space S. The fiber member 30 is thus prepared.

Subsequently, the fiber member 30 is placed in the accommodation portion 7 of the ferrule 2 (placement step, step S6). Specifically, in step S6, the portion 35 (see FIG. 2) of the coating removing portion 34 exposed from the fixing portion 6 is positioned in the first space S1, and the fixing portion 6 is positioned in the second space S2. Position the fiber member 30 so that it is in position. More specifically, the fiber member 30 is inserted into the housing portion 7 through the opening 22a (see FIG. 2) formed in the rear end face 22 of the ferrule 2. As shown in FIG. The portion 35 exposed from the fixing portion 6 is arranged in the first groove portion 73 after passing through the second groove portion 74 . When the fiber member 30 is inserted into the housing portion 7 , part of the fixing portion 6 abuts on the second convex portion 72 . However, as described above, since the fixing portion 6 is relatively soft, the portion of the fixing portion 6 in contact with the second convex portion 72 deforms and then climbs over the second convex portion 72 . As a result, the fixing portion 6 substantially matching the shape of the second space S2 is arranged in the second space S2 and fixed to the ferrule 2 .

Subsequently, the plurality of optical fibers 3 are fixed to the ferrule with an adhesive (first adhesive) 51 (see FIG. 2) (step of fixing). Specifically, the first space S1 is filled with the same adhesive 51 as the adhesive 50 through the window 8 (step S7). Subsequently, the pressing member 4 (see FIG. 2) is inserted into the first space S1 through the window 8 (step S8). As a result, the optical fiber 3 placed in the first groove portion 73 is held down by the holding member 4 . Subsequently, the adhesive 51 filled in the first space S1 is cured (hardened) (step S9). Specifically, the adhesive 51 filled in the first space S1 is irradiated with UV light. This fixes the plurality of optical fibers 3 to the ferrule 2 . UV light is applied to the window portion 8 . The UV light is applied to the adhesive 51 through the pressing member 4 . As described above, since the UV light passes through the pressing member 4, the adhesive 51 is sufficiently cured.

As described above, in the method of manufacturing the optical connector 1, the portion 35 of the coating-removed portion 34 exposed from the fixing portion 6 is positioned in the first space S1, and the fixing portion 6 is In the step of arranging and fixing the fiber member 30 so as to be positioned in the second space S2, the first space S1 is filled with the adhesive 51 through the window 8, and then the adhesive 51 is solidified. The optical fiber 3 is fixed. Accordingly, even if the second space S2 is away from the window portion 8, the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the fixing portion 6 different from the adhesive 51 in the second space S2. 3 is securely fixed. In addition, the fixed portion 6 covers at least a portion of the covering removed portion 34 and at least a portion of the covering portion 33 across the covering removed portion 34 and the covering portion 33 . As a result, the boundary portion between the coating-removed portion 34 and the coating portion 33 of the optical fiber 3 is securely fixed. As described above, according to the method for manufacturing the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 can be reliably fixed.

The step of preparing the fiber member 30 includes a step of preparing a plurality of optical fibers 3 (step S1), a step of arranging the plurality of optical fibers 3 in the inner space S of the mold 40 (step S2), and a step of placing the plurality of optical fibers 3 in the inner space S a step of filling the adhesive 50 (step S3); a step of forming the fixing portion 6 by solidifying the adhesive 50 (step S4); and a step of taking out (step S5). Thereby, the fiber member 30 can be prepared.

In the fixing step, after filling the first space S1 with the adhesive 51 through the window portion 8, the pressing member 4 is inserted into the first space S1 through the window portion 8. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the optical fiber 3 can be reliably fixed by the adhesive 51 and the pressing member 4 .

For example, when the optical fiber 3 is fixed only by the adhesive 51, there is a possibility that the optical fiber 3 is insufficiently fixed. Specifically, when the transmittance of UV light passing through the ferrule 2 is relatively low, the adhesive 51 filled in the second space S2 cannot receive sufficient irradiation of UV light, resulting in hardening. may be insufficient. Also, in a portion where the shape of the optical fiber 3 changes, such as the boundary between the coating removal portion 34 and the coating portion 33, air bubbles are likely to occur. On the other hand, in the optical connector 1, since the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the fixing portion 6 in the second space S2, the optical fiber 3 is securely fixed.

In the method for manufacturing the optical connector 1 , the UV light is directly applied to the adhesive 50 through the space between the first lid portion 42 and the second lid portion 43 . Therefore, the adhesive 50 can be sufficiently cured, and the fixed portion 6 that is securely fixed to the optical fiber 3 can be formed. Furthermore, since the optical fiber 3 (fiber member 30) fixed in advance by the fixing portion 6 is inserted into the housing portion 7 of the ferrule 2, even if the second space S2 is away from the window portion 8, the optical fiber 3 can be securely fixed.

Since the width of the second groove portion 74 is larger than the width of the first groove portion 73 , the optical fiber 3 is guided by the second groove portion 74 when the fiber member 30 is inserted into the housing portion 7 . can be placed accurately. Further, since the optical fiber 3 is arranged in both the first groove portion 73 and the second groove portion 74, the posture of the optical fiber 3 can be maintained over a wider range, and the optical fiber 3 can be moved more accurately by the first groove portion 73. can be placed. That is, the angle alignment of the optical fiber 3 becomes more accurate. Furthermore, by guiding the optical fiber 3 through the second groove portion 74, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber 3 from coming into contact with the side surface of the first groove portion 73, and damage to the optical fiber 3 can be suppressed.

An embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[First modification]
As shown in FIG. 7, the optical connector 1A may have a ferrule 2A instead of the ferrule 2. FIG. The ferrule 2</b>A differs from the ferrule 2 in that it does not have the second projection 72 .

In the optical connector 1A, similarly to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the adhesive portion 5 in the first space S1, and the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the fixing portion 6 in the second space S2. there is According to the optical connector 1A, similarly to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 can be reliably fixed. Other effects of the optical connector 1A are the same as those of the optical connector 1. FIG.

[Second modification]
As shown in FIG. 8, the optical connector 1B may have a ferrule 2B instead of the ferrule 2. FIG. The ferrule 2B differs from the ferrule 2 in that it has a pair of side surfaces 26 instead of the pair of side surfaces 25. FIG. A pair of guide holes 21b are formed in the tip surface 21 of the ferrule 2B. The pair of guide holes 21b are positioned on both sides of the plurality of lenses 21a in the X-axis direction. Each guide hole 21b is a non-through hole extending along the Y-axis direction. The ferrule 2B and the mating ferrule are positioned by guide pins inserted into the respective guide holes 21b. That is, one end of the guide pin is inserted into the guide hole 21b, and the other end of the guide pin is inserted into the guide hole of the mating ferrule.

In the optical connector 1B, similarly to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the adhesive portion 5 in the first space S1, and the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the fixing portion 6 in the second space S2. there is According to the optical connector 1B, similarly to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 can be securely fixed. Other effects of the optical connector 1B are the same as those of the optical connector 1. FIG.

[Third Modification]
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the optical connector 1C may have a ferrule 2C instead of the ferrule 2. FIG. The ferrule 2</b>C differs from the ferrule 2 in that it does not have a plurality of lenses 21 a and in that it does not have the second convex portion 72 . That is, the lens 21a is not provided on the tip surface 21C of the ferrule 2C. The first space S1 reaches the tip surface 21C. Each first groove portion 73 reaches the tip surface 21C. Each first groove portion 73 opens to the tip surface 21C. The end portion 3a of each optical fiber 3 reaches the tip surface 21C. The tip surface 21C and the end of each optical fiber 3 are polished. The window portion 8 may be open on the tip surface 21C.

In the optical connector 1C, similarly to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the adhesive portion 5 in the first space S1, and the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the fixing portion 6 in the second space S2. there is According to the optical connector 1C, similarly to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 can be securely fixed. Other effects of the optical connector 1C are the same as those of the optical connector 1C.

[Fourth Modification]
As shown in FIG. 11, the optical connector 1D may have a ferrule 2D instead of the ferrule 2. FIG. The ferrule 2D differs from the ferrule 2C in that it has a pair of side surfaces 26 instead of the pair of side surfaces 25. FIG. As with ferrule 2B, each side 26 of ferrule 2D is a flat surface. Similar to the ferrule 2B, a pair of guide holes 21b are formed in the tip surface 21C of the ferrule 2D. The pair of guide holes 21b are located on both sides of the plurality of first grooves 73 in the X-axis direction.

In the optical connector 1D, similarly to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the adhesive portion 5 in the first space S1, and the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the fixing portion 6 in the second space S2. there is According to the optical connector 1D, similarly to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 can be reliably fixed. Other effects of the optical connector 1</b>D are the same as those of the optical connector 1 .

[Fifth Modification]
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the optical connector 1E may have a ferrule 2E instead of the ferrule 2. FIG. The ferrule 2E differs from the ferrule 2 in that it has a pair of side surfaces 26 instead of the pair of side surfaces 25 and in that it has a plurality of through holes 29 . As with ferrule 2B, each side 26 of ferrule 2E is a flat surface.

Each through hole 29 extends along the Y-axis direction. Each through hole 29 opens to the first space S1. Each through-hole 29 opens to the tip surface 21E of the ferrule 2E. Each through-hole 29 corresponds to each first groove portion 73 (see FIG. 3) on a one-to-one basis. The through hole 29 is connected to the first groove portion 73 . The coating-removed portion 34 of the optical fiber 3 is inserted into the through hole 29 . An end portion 34a of the coating removal portion 34 reaches the tip surface 21E. Like the tip surface 21, the tip surface 21E is inclined with respect to the XZ plane. The angle formed by the tip surface 21E and the XZ plane is, for example, 4° or more and 16° or less.

The optical connector 1E further includes a lens member 27. As shown in FIG. The lens member 27 has a plate shape, for example. The lens member 27 is arranged on the distal end surface 21E. The lens member 27 has a tip surface 28 facing away from the ferrule 2E. The tip surface 28 is substantially parallel to the tip surface 21E. The tip surface 28 is provided with a plurality of lenses 28a. The multiple lenses 28a are arranged in a row in the X-axis direction. Each lens 28a corresponds to each through-hole 29 on a one-to-one basis. Lens 28a has the same function as lens 21a.

A pair of guide holes 28b are formed in the tip surface 28 of the lens member 27, similarly to the ferrule 2B. The pair of guide holes 28b are positioned on both sides of the plurality of lenses 28a in the X-axis direction. Each guide hole 28b has the same function as the guide hole 21b. The optical connector 1</b>E may not have the pressing member 4 .

In the optical connector 1E, similarly to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the adhesive portion 5 in the first space S1, and the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the fixing portion 6 in the second space S2. there is According to the optical connector 1E, similarly to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 can be reliably fixed. Other effects of the optical connector 1E are the same as those of the optical connector 1. FIG.

[Sixth Modification]
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the optical connector 1F may not have the lens member 27. FIG. The optical connector 1F differs from the optical connector 1E in that it does not have a lens member 27 and in that a pair of guide holes 29b are formed in the tip surface 21E. The pair of guide holes 29b are located on both sides of the plurality of through holes 29 in the X-axis direction. Each guide hole 29b has the same function as the guide hole 21b. The tip surface 21E and the end portion 3a of each optical fiber 3 are polished.

In the optical connector 1F, similarly to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the adhesive portion 5 in the first space S1, and the optical fiber 3 is fixed by the fixing portion 6 in the second space S2. there is According to the optical connector 1F, similarly to the optical connector 1, the optical fiber 3 can be reliably fixed. Other effects of the optical connector 1F are the same as those of the optical connector 1. FIG.

In embodiments and variations, the transmittance of UV light through the ferrule 2 may be relatively high. The transmittance of UV light passing through the ferrule 2 may be greater than 10%.

In the embodiment and each modified example, the fixing portion 6 may not be a cured product of a UV-curable resin adhesive. The fixing portion 6 may be, for example, a cured product of a thermosetting resin adhesive. The fixing portion 6 may be arranged in the housing portion 7 after being formed on the plurality of optical fibers 3 in advance.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F... Optical connectors 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E... Ferrule 3... Optical fiber 4... Pressing member 4a... Main surface 4b... Main surface 5... Adhesive portion 6 Fixed portion 7 Accommodating portion 7a First inner surface 7b Second inner surface 7c Third inner surface 8 Window portion 8a Inner surface 8b Inner surfaces 21, 21C, 28, 21E End surfaces 21a, 28a Lenses 21b, 28b , 29b... Guide hole 22... Rear end face 22a... Opening 23... First main surface 24... Second main surface 25... Side surface 26... Side surface 27... Lens member 29... Through hole 30... Fiber member 31... Glass fiber 32... Coating 33 ... Covering part 34... Coating removal part 40... Mold 41... Main body part 42... First cover part 43... Second cover part 51... First adhesive 50... Second adhesive 60... Nozzle 71... First convex part 71a Main surface 72 Second convex portion 72a Main surface 73 First groove portion 74 Second groove portion S Internal space S1 First space S2 Second space

Claims (11)

A ferrule having an accommodating portion, wherein the accommodating portion has a first space communicating with the outside through a window and a second space communicating with the first space;
A plurality of optical fibers and the plurality of optical fibers, which are fiber members arranged in the accommodation portion and which include a coating portion in which the glass fiber is covered with a coating, and a coating removal portion in which a portion of the coating is removed. a fiber member having a fixing portion that secures them together;
a bonding portion located in the first space of the accommodating portion and fixing the plurality of optical fibers to the ferrule;
with
The fixing part straddles the coating removal part and the coating part of each of the plurality of optical fibers and covers at least part of the coating removal part and at least part of the coating part,
The fiber member is arranged in the accommodating portion such that a portion of the coating-removed portion exposed from the fixing portion is positioned in the first space, and the fixing portion is positioned in the second space. optical connector. 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein said first space is provided with a first groove in which said optical fiber is arranged. 3. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein said second space is provided with a second groove in which said optical fiber is arranged. The first groove and the second groove are separated from each other,
4. The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein the width of said second groove is greater than the width of said first groove. further comprising a pressing member arranged in the first space so as to face the first groove,
The optical connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the pressing member presses the optical fiber arranged in the first groove. 6. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a material of each of said bonding portion and said fixing portion is a cured product of a UV-curing resin adhesive. 7. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bonding portion and the fixing portion are made of the same material. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transmittance of UV light passing through said ferrule is smaller than the transmittance of communication light passing through said ferrule. A plurality of optical fibers including a coating portion in which a glass fiber is covered with a coating and a coating-removed portion in which a portion of the coating is removed, and the coating-removed portion and the coating portion of each of the plurality of optical fibers. a step of preparing a fiber member comprising a fixing portion for fixing the plurality of optical fibers to each other so as to straddle at least a portion of the coating-removed portion and at least a portion of the coating portion;
placing the fiber member in a ferrule housing;
securing the plurality of optical fibers to the ferrule with a first adhesive;
The accommodation portion has a first space communicating with the outside through a window portion, and a second space communicating with the first space,
In the arranging step, the fiber member is positioned such that a portion of the coating-removed portion exposed from the fixing portion is positioned in the first space, and the fixing portion is positioned in the second space. place and
In the fixing step, the optical fiber is fixed by filling the first adhesive into the first space through the window and then solidifying the first adhesive. . The preparing step includes:
providing the plurality of optical fibers;
placing the plurality of optical fibers in an interior space of a mold;
filling the internal space with a second adhesive;
forming the fixing portion by solidifying the second adhesive;
10. The method of manufacturing an optical connector according to claim 9, further comprising the step of extracting said plurality of optical fibers and said fixing portion from said internal space. In the fixing step, after filling the first adhesive into the first space through the window, a pressing member is inserted into the first space through the window. 11. The method for manufacturing the optical connector according to 10.

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