JP3983377B2 - Optical fiber connector - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical fiber connector that butt-connects optical fibers.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 7-313247 has been proposed as an optical fiber connector that butt-connects optical fibers.
This type of optical fiber connector is a device having a split structure in which the longitudinal directions of the optical fiber connectors are aligned with each other and are urged in the approaching direction by a C-shaped or U-shaped clamp spring mounted on the outside. The optical fiber inserted from both sides in the longitudinal direction of the element is sandwiched between the elements by the clamping force of the clamp spring, and the one or both of the contact surfaces of the elements that are in contact with each other are Optical fibers positioned and aligned are aligned and connected by alignment grooves formed extending along the longitudinal direction of the element. In addition, when a wedge-shaped opening member is press-fitted into the split separation boundary of the element and the element is expanded and released against the clamping force of the clamp spring, the optical fiber can be inserted into and extracted from the element. Fiber connection switching can be easily performed.
It is common to provide a refractive index matching agent in the aligning groove to obtain a desired low connection loss between optical fibers connected to each other. The refractive index matching agent is generally provided only in the alignment groove, particularly in the vicinity of the connection point where the optical fibers are butt-connected.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the optical fiber connector, when an environmental test (heat cycle test, temperature / humidity cycle test, etc.) is performed, the refractive index matching agent may involve fine dust such as moisture, bubbles, and dust. There was a problem that caused an increase in loss.
Further, when the element is opened and closed by using the opening member, a resin residue is generated from the element that is generally made of resin, and this may be mixed into the refractive index matching agent, resulting in an increase in connection loss.
However, there has been no appropriate measure to prevent the refractive index matching agent from entraining moisture, bubbles, dust and the like, and there has been a demand for the development of an appropriate technique that can reliably prevent these disadvantages. In addition, for example, measures such as sealing the outside of the element with silicon rubber may be considered, but it takes time and effort to perform sealing work on a small element (about a few tens of mm long). When the connection is switched, the sealant is removed and resealed, so that workability is greatly reduced and the problem cannot be fundamentally solved.
Japanese Patent Application No. 7-313247 is an optical fiber connector applied to a multi-core optical fiber ribbon. However, the above problem is not limited to a multi-fiber optical fiber connector, and can be opened and closed with a split structure. In the case of an optical fiber connector having a simple element, the same occurs in a single-core connector.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. In an optical fiber connector of a type in which a pair of optical fibers is butt-connected between two split-structure elements, the optical fibers inserted between the elements are butt-matched. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical fiber connector that can reliably prevent water, bubbles, dust, and the like from being caught in an aligning mechanism for positioning so as to be connectable, and a refractive index matching agent provided in the vicinity thereof.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In invention of Claim 1, it has the element (50) of the split structure which is arrange | positioned in the longitudinal direction of each other, and is urged | biased in the mutual approach direction by the clamp spring (64) mounted | worn outside, The optical fibers (54a) inserted from both sides in the longitudinal direction of the element are sandwiched between the elements, and the optical fibers (54a) positioned and aligned by the aligning mechanism (55a) at the center in the longitudinal direction of the element are connected. An optical fiber connector (1) for butt connection, in which the alignment mechanism (55a) is an alignment fiber (55) formed in the element at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the alignment groove It is a part located between the guide grooves (56), and the two parts of the element sandwich the optical fiber coating (54b) in the region where the optical fiber guide grooves are formed, and Alignment The bare fiber (54a) exposed from the covering portion is sandwiched in the region where the structure is formed, and the refractive index matching agent (67) provided around the aligning connection portion (55a) At the separation boundary where the element is divided into two partsCoatingAndThe refractive index matching agent isInserted from both ends of the element in the longitudinal direction of the element, or an opening member insertion groove (61) into which a wedge-shaped opening member (63) is inserted to open and open between elements against the clamping force of the clamp spring. An optical fiber connector that reaches the end of the optical fiber guide groove (56) that guides the optical fiber to the aligning connecting portion on the aligning connecting portion side; did.
  In the present invention, moisture, dust, or the like that is about to enter the element is captured by the refractive index matching agent that reaches the opening member insertion groove or the alignment groove that guides the optical fiber to the alignment mechanism. Since the refractive index matching agent has viscosity, the trapped water, dust, etc. stays in the opening member insertion groove or alignment groove and does not reach the refractive index matching agent provided in the alignment mechanism. . In addition, the refractive index matching agent has a tendency to easily entrain bubbles at the edges and edges, but the entrainment of bubbles is limited to the edges and edges of the alignment mechanism, and refraction near the alignment mechanism.rateIt is not involved in the matching agent. For this reason, in the alignment mechanism, moisture, dust, bubbles and the like are prevented from being adversely affected, and a desired connection loss can be stably obtained between the optical fibers to be butt-connected. In addition, when a refractive index matching agent is provided over a wide range of contact surfaces of the elements that are in contact with each other, the coefficient of friction between the contact surfaces is reduced, and the elements can be opened and closed smoothly. An effect is also obtained.
[0006]
  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is an element having a split structure that is arranged in the longitudinal direction of each other and is biased toward each other by a clamp spring mounted on the outside, and both sides of the element in the longitudinal direction. An optical fiber connector for sandwiching and connecting optical fibers inserted between the optical fibers positioned and aligned by an alignment mechanism at the center in the longitudinal direction of the elements. A protruding wall extending along the side of the element protrudes from one or both contact surfaces of the element that are in contact with each other, and the alignment mechanism and a refractive index matching agent provided in the vicinity thereof are provided. The projecting wall and its vicinity are also reachedMoreover, it wraps around between the protruding wall (68) protruding from one element and the protruding wall storage recess (69) formed in the other element and storing the protruding wall (68), The space between the protruding wall (68) and the protruding wall storage recess (69) is sealed.An optical fiber connector characterized by the above is used as means for solving the problems.
  According to the present invention, the protruding wall prevents moisture, dust and the like from being mixed into the alignment mechanism and the refractive matching agent provided there. Further, the vicinity of the protruding wall is sealed by the refractive index matching agent that reaches the protruding wall and the vicinity thereof, so that it is possible to reliably prevent intrusion of moisture, dust and the like from the protruding wall into the element.
[0007]
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is an element having a split structure that is arranged in the longitudinal direction of each other and is biased toward each other by a clamp spring mounted on the outside, and both sides of the element in the longitudinal direction. An optical fiber connector for sandwiching and connecting optical fibers inserted between the optical fibers positioned and aligned by an alignment mechanism at the center in the longitudinal direction of the elements.In the alignment groove (55) formed in the element, the alignment mechanism (55a) is a portion located between the optical fiber guide grooves (56) that are both ends in the longitudinal direction of the alignment groove, The two-split element sandwiches the optical fiber coating portion (54b) in the region where the optical fiber guide groove is formed, and from the coating portion to the region where the alignment mechanism of the alignment groove is formed The exposed bare fiber (54a) is sandwiched between them,Optical fibers inserted from both longitudinal ends of the element are guided to the alignment mechanism.Between the optical fiber guide groove (56) and the alignment mechanism having higher alignment accuracy than the optical fiber guide groove,A recessed portion (55b) having a recessed shape is formed so as to divide the alignment groove, and the alignment mechanism and a part of the refractive index matching agent provided in the vicinity thereof are stored in the recess. The optical fiber connector (1) characterized by the above is the means for solving the problems.
  According to the present invention, the refractive index matching agent stored in the recess can capture moisture, dust and the like entering from the end of the aligning groove, and the moisture, dust and the like are aligned. Intrusion into the mechanism can be prevented. Alignment grooves are formed on both sides of the alignment mechanism. The recess is formed in both or one of the alignment grooves on both sides of the alignment mechanism.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wedge-shaped opening member that opens and opens between the elements against the clamping force of the clamp spring at the separation boundary that is divided into two parts on the side of the element. 4. The optical fiber connector according to claim 2, wherein an opening for inserting the open member is formed.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the element is composed of an elongated base (51) and a lid (52) superimposed on the base, the lid (52) having two ends. The optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical fiber connector is a three-part structure comprising a part lid (52a) and one central lid (52b).
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the optical fiber butt-connected by the alignment mechanism is a multi-core optical fiber ribbon, and the light according to any one of the first to fifth aspects A fiber connector is provided.
[0008]
The aligning mechanism of the invention described in each claim is for precisely positioning an optical fiber. For example, aligning grooves such as V-grooves and U-grooves, microcapillaries, and optical fibers can be used as three or more precision balls and rods. Various configurations such as a supporting mechanism can be employed.
In addition, invention of Claim 1, 2, 3 can also be applied to the same optical fiber connector, combining arbitrary 2 or all three.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 is an overall perspective view showing an optical fiber connector 1 of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the optical fiber connector 1, and FIG. 3 shows a connection state of optical fibers 54 in the optical fiber connector 1. FIG.
In the figure, reference numeral 50 denotes an element clamped and held in a U-shaped clamp spring 64, 51 denotes a base, and 52 denotes a lid.
As shown in FIG. 1, the element 50 has a split rod shape with a rectangular cross section, and is composed of a base 51 and a lid 52 that are formed in an elongated shape.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 2, optical fibers 54, which are multi-fiber optical fiber ribbons such as four cores and eight cores, can be abutted and connected to the contact surface 53 on which the lid 52 of the base 51 is overlapped. A centering groove 55 made of a V-groove, a U-groove, or the like for alignment is formed extending along the longitudinal direction of the element 50. Specifically, the alignment groove 55 positions and aligns the plurality of bare fibers 54a exposed at the end of the optical fiber 54, which is an optical fiber ribbon, so that they can be connected to each other. In FIG. 2, four are formed in a parallel state. Optical fiber guide grooves 56 for receiving the bare fibers 54 a at the tips of the optical fibers 54 inserted from both ends of the element 50 are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the alignment grooves 55.
The alignment connecting portion 55a is an alignment mechanism that precisely positions and aligns the bare fiber 54a having a diameter of several tens of μm.
Since the optical fiber guide groove 56 has lower alignment accuracy than the alignment connecting portion 55a, it is easy to insert the bare fiber 54a. By inserting the bare fiber 54a from here, the alignment connection portion 55a can be smoothly inserted. Can be reached. The alignment groove 55 extending from the optical fiber guide groove 56 to the alignment connection portion 55a guides the optical fiber (bare fiber 54a) inserted from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the element 50 to the alignment connection portion 55a.
[0011]
A pair of guide walls 57 formed in a lump on a resin base 51 project from both side portions of the end portion of the optical fiber guide groove 56 on the alignment connecting portion 55a side. These guide walls 57 are tapered such that the distance between them is gradually reduced toward the alignment connecting portion 55a (the taper is very small and not shown). The guide walls 57 are accommodated in a guide wall accommodating recess 58 a formed on the contact surface 58 (see FIG. 3) on the lid 52 side when the lid 52 is superimposed on the base 51. In this case, the lid 52 is positioned.
The alignment groove 55 in the vicinity of the guide wall 57 is tapered so that the alignment accuracy gradually increases in the direction of the alignment connection portion 55a.
The aligning groove 55 is divided into the aligning grooves 55 on both sides of the aligning connecting portion 55a, that is, the aligning groove 55 located in the middle between the aligning connecting portion 55a and the optical fiber guide groove 56. A recess 55b having a recessed shape is formed.
Further, the introduction end portions 62 opened at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base 51 of the optical fiber guide groove 56 are inclined so that the depth from the contact surface 53 increases as going to the outside of the base 51. Even when 50 is integrated, the optical fiber 54 can be easily inserted.
[0012]
On one side of the element 50 in the width direction (the direction of arrow C in FIG. 2), there is an engagement recess 59 projecting from one of the base 51 and the lid 52 and an engagement projection 60 projecting from the other. Are combined. An opening member insertion groove 61 into which the opening member 63 is inserted is formed on the other side in the width direction of the element 50. The opening member insertion groove 61 is located at the separation boundary between the base 51 and the lid body 52, and when the insertion tip 63 a of the opening member 63 is inserted, the space between the base 51 and the lid body 52 is opened. It has become. At this time, the base 51 and the lid 52 are opened so that the engaging recess 59 and the engaging protrusion 60 engaged with each other function like a hinge and rotate relative to each other.
[0013]
In the vicinity of the alignment connecting portion 55 a, a protruding wall 68 protruding from the contact surface 53 of the base 51 extends along the alignment groove 55. As shown in FIG. 4, the lid 52 (specifically, the central lid 52b) is formed with a projecting wall housing recess 69 for housing the projecting wall 68. The protruding wall 68 prevents moisture, dust, and the like from entering the alignment connecting portion 55a from the other side in the width direction of the element 50. Incidentally, the engaging concave portion 59 and the engaging convex portion 60 also serve to prevent moisture, dust and the like from entering the aligning connecting portion 55a from one side in the width direction of the element 50. Intrusion of moisture, dust and the like from both sides is prevented by 55a by the protruding wall 68, the engaging recess 59, and the engaging protrusion 60.
In the present embodiment, the protruding wall 68 is formed only on the other side in the width direction of the element 50 from the alignment connecting portion 55a. However, the protruding wall 68 may be formed to face both sides in the width direction of the element 50. is there.
[0014]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 51 and the lid body 52 are sandwiched between the flange portions 65 on both sides of the U-shaped clamp spring 64 so that the integrated state is maintained.
The lid body 52 is a three-piece body composed of two end lids 52a corresponding to the slits 66 formed in the flange portions 65 on both sides of the clamp spring 64 and one central lid 52b. The clamping force of each part of the clamp spring 64 divided by the slit 66 acts on the two end lids 52a and the central lid 52b individually.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 2, a refractive index matching agent 67 is provided around the alignment connecting portion 55a and its periphery by coating, injection, or the like. This refractive index matching agent 67 reaches the optical fiber guide groove 56, the engagement recess 59 and the engagement protrusion 60, the open member insertion groove 61 and the protrusion wall 68 located in the vicinity of the alignment connecting portion 55 a.
A part of the refractive index matching agent 67 that has reached the vicinity of the optical fiber guide groove 56 is stored in a recess 55b formed in the alignment groove 55 on both sides of the alignment connection portion 55a. Moisture, dust, and the like that try to enter the central portion of the element 50 through the optical fiber guide groove 56 are captured by the refractive index matching agent 67 stored in the recess 55b and prevented from entering the alignment connecting portion 55a. Is done. Since the refractive index matching agent 67 provided in the element 50 has viscosity, the refractive index matching agent 67 stored in the recess 55b may be deformed when the element 50 is opened and closed. Since it is not affected by the opening and closing of 50, moisture, dust, etc. can always be reliably captured.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 4, the refractive index matching agent 67 that has reached the projecting wall 68 wraps between the projecting wall 68 and the projecting wall housing recess 69, and the projecting wall 68 and the projecting wall housing recess 69. It is preferable to seal between the two. As a result, moisture, dust, and the like that enter the element 50 from between the protruding wall 68 and the protruding wall housing recess 69 are captured by the refractive index matching agent 67 that seals the element 50, and the refractive index matching agent 67. Compared with the case where the temperature is not reached, it is possible to more reliably prevent moisture, dust, and the like from entering the alignment connecting portion 55a.
[0017]
It is also preferable to seal between the engagement concave portion 59 and the engagement convex portion 60 with the refractive index matching agent 67 that has reached here, so that the entry of moisture or dust into the element 50 is more reliable. Can be prevented. In addition, the refractive index matching agent 67 that has reached the engagement recess 59 and the engagement protrusion 60 captures the resin residue generated between the engagement recess 59 and the engagement protrusion 60 when the element 50 is opened and closed. Also, it functions to prevent entry into the aligning groove 55.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 2, the refractive index matching agent 67 that has reached the opening member insertion groove 61 in the vicinity of the alignment connecting portion 55 a captures moisture, dust, and the like from the opening member insertion groove 61 and enters the element 50. Prevent intrusion. In addition, the refractive index matching agent 67 also plays a role of capturing the resin residue generated when the opening member 63 is inserted into and extracted from the opening member insertion groove 61 so as not to enter the element 50.
[0019]
In addition, the refractive index matching agent 67 may involve air bubbles in addition to moisture and dust at the end, but as in the present embodiment, the refractive index matching agent 67 has a wide range including a portion separated from the alignment connecting portion 55a. If it is provided, the entrained moisture, dust, bubbles, etc. stay in the refractive index matching agent 67 away from the aligning connection portion 55a, and are prevented from entering the aligning connection portion 55a. There is no fear of adversely affecting the connection loss between the optical fibers (bare fiber 54a) connected by the portion 55a, and the desired connection loss can be obtained reliably.
[0020]
In order to butt-connect the optical fibers 54 using the optical fiber connector 1, first, the open member 63 is inserted into the open member insertion groove 61 to maintain the open state of the element 50, and then the optical fiber 54 is previously stored. The bare fibers 54a exposed at the tip are inserted from the introduction end portions 62 at both ends of the element 50 so as to follow the optical fiber guide grooves 56, reach the alignment connecting portion 55a, and are inserted from both sides. The fibers 54a are butt-connected. As shown in FIG. 3, the covering portion 54 b of the optical fiber 54 rides on the optical fiber guide groove 56 when the bare fiber 54 a is inserted into the aligning connection portion 55 a for a predetermined length. In addition, when there is a primary coating portion for individually coating each bare fiber 54a between the bare fiber 54a at the tip of the optical fiber 54 and the coating portion 54b, the primary coating portion is used as the optical fiber guide groove 56. Store inside.
[0021]
When the connection between the two optical fibers 54 is completed, the opening member 63 is pulled out from the opening member insertion groove 61 while pressing both the optical fibers 54 to ensure the butt force. Accordingly, the covering portion 54b of the optical fibers 54 and 54 is clamped between the base 51 and the end lid 52a by the clamping force of the clamp spring 64, and the bare fiber 54a is clamped between the central lid 52b and the base 51. It is clamped and the butt connection state of the bare fibers 54a is maintained.
Further, if the opening member 63 is pushed again into the opening member insertion groove 61 to open the space between the base 51 and the lid body 52, the optical fiber 54 can be pulled out from the element 50, and then another optical fiber 54. Can be easily switched by the same procedure as described above.
[0022]
When the optical fibers 54 are connected to each other and disconnected, the refractive index matching agent 67 in the aligning groove 55 is deformed. In either case, the refractive index matching agent stored in the recess 55b is used. The state where the middle of the aligning groove 55 is sealed is maintained by 67, and moisture, dust, and bubbles can be prevented from entering the aligning connecting portion 55a.
Even when the element 50 is opened and closed, when the element 50 is closed, the opening member insertion groove 61 located near the optical fiber guide groove 56, the engagement recess 59 and the engagement protrusion 60, and the alignment connecting part 55a, The refractive index matching agent 67 reaching the projecting wall 68 prevents moisture, dust, bubbles, and the like from entering the aligning connecting portion 55a. Therefore, between the bare fibers 54a butt-connected at the aligning connecting portion 55a. Therefore, the desired connection loss can be obtained reliably.
[0023]
Moreover, in this way, the refractive index matching agent 67 provided over a wide range between the contact surfaces 53 and 58 of the element 50 that are in contact with each other plays a role in smoothly opening and closing the element 50, and For example, in the case where the linear expansion coefficient with respect to the temperature change is different due to the difference in materials among the base 51, the end cover 52a, and the center cover 52b, the relative displacement between the constituent members of these elements 50 is made smooth and unnecessary. The occurrence of distortion is prevented, and the alignment accuracy of the optical fiber 54 (bare fiber 54a) by the alignment groove 55 is maintained. That is, in the element 50 sandwiching the optical fiber 54, it is normal that a slight gap is formed between the base 51 and the end cover 52a and the center cover 52b. If there is a difference in linear expansion coefficient between the end cover 52a and the center cover 52b, the strain generated in the element 50 acts as a shearing force of the optical fiber 54 sandwiched between the elements 50, and damages the bare fiber 54a. There are concerns about adverse effects such as fluctuations in connection loss due to stress applied to the bare fiber 54a. However, in this optical fiber connector 1, the refractive index matching agent 67 serves as a lubricant. 52a and the central lid 52b are smoothly displaced relative to each other, the element 50 is not distorted, the shearing force is prevented from acting on the optical fiber 54, and the connection loss between the bare fibers 54a is prevented. It can be stably maintained. Further, although there is a difference in linear expansion coefficient between the element 50 made of plastic or the like and the bare fiber 54a made of glass, the refractive index matching agent 67 is a lubricant between the element 50 and the bare fiber 54a. As a result, it is possible to prevent a shearing force from being generated in the bare fiber 54a, and to stably maintain the optical characteristics of the bare fiber 54a and the connection loss between the butt-connected bare fibers 54a.
[0024]
The optical fiber connector of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations such as a configuration in which elements are clamped and held by a C-shaped spring can be employed. In the above embodiment, the optical fiber connector 1 in which the alignment groove 55 is formed only in the base 51 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and alignment is performed only on the lid side or on both the base side and the lid side. A configuration in which a groove is formed can also be employed.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the optical fiber connector 1 corresponding to a multi-core optical fiber was illustrated, this invention is not limited to this, The optical fiber connector corresponding to the butt connection of single-core optical fibers is used. Is also applicable. Further, even in a multi-fiber optical fiber connector, the number of the target optical fibers is not limited to four described in the above embodiment, and other than four fibers can be adopted.
The alignment mechanism is not limited to alignment grooves such as V-grooves and U-grooves. For example, various configurations such as a microcapillary and a mechanism for supporting an optical fiber on three or more precision balls or precision rods can be employed. .
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
According to the optical fiber connector of claim 1, the refractive index matching in which moisture, dust, bubbles, etc. are separated from the aligning mechanism by the refractive index matching agent provided in the element over a wide range including the aligning mechanism. Since it can be prevented from entering the refractive index matching agent of the aligning mechanism, the desired connection loss can be reliably obtained between the optical fibers butt-connected by the aligning mechanism, and the connection loss can be reduced. It can be stably maintained for a long time. Contaminants such as resin debris generated by opening and closing the element are also captured by the refractive index matching agent, so that they are kept near the generation site and can be prevented from entering the alignment mechanism. Furthermore, since the refractive index matching agent functions as a lubricant in the element, even if there is a difference in linear expansion coefficient between the constituent members of the element or between the element and the optical fiber, the shearing force is applied to the optical fiber. It is possible to prevent the adverse effects such as the above from acting, and it is possible to achieve an excellent effect that the optical characteristics of the optical fiber and the connection loss between the optical fibers can be stably maintained over a long period.
[0026]
According to the optical fiber connector of the second aspect, the alignment mechanism and the refraction provided in the alignment mechanism are provided by the protruding wall extending along the alignment mechanism and extending to the side thereof. Intrusion into the rate matching agent is prevented. In addition, the refractive index matching agent that reaches the protruding wall and the vicinity thereof is sealed in the vicinity of the protruding wall, and it is possible to more reliably prevent moisture, dust, and the like from entering the element from the vicinity of the protruding wall. Bubbles entrained by the refractive index matching agent in the vicinity of the protruding wall are also retained in the vicinity of the protruding wall. As a result, the desired connection loss can be reliably obtained between the optical fibers butt-connected by the aligning mechanism, and the above connection loss can be stably maintained.
[0027]
In the invention according to claim 3, the end of the aligning groove is formed by the refractive index matching agent stored in the recess formed in a recessed shape so as to divide the aligning grooves on both sides or one side of the aligning mechanism. It is possible to capture moisture, dust, and the like entering from the inside, and to prevent the moisture, dust and the like from entering the aligning mechanism. Bubbles entrained by the refractive index matching agent in the recess are also retained in the vicinity of the recess. As a result, the desired connection loss is reliably obtained between the optical fibers butt-connected by the aligning mechanism, and an excellent effect is achieved that the connection loss can be stably maintained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing an embodiment of an optical fiber connector of the present invention.
2 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical fiber connector of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the optical fiber connector of FIG. 1;
4 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a protruding wall of the optical fiber connector of FIG. 1. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical fiber connector, 50 ... Element, 53, 58 ... Contact surface, 54 ... Optical fiber (multi-fiber optical fiber ribbon), 54a ... Optical fiber (bare fiber), 55 ... Alignment groove, 55a ... Alignment mechanism (alignment connection part), 55b ... recess, 61 ... open member insertion groove, 63 ... open member, 64 ... clamp spring (U-shaped spring), 67 ... refractive index matching agent, 68 ... projecting wall.

Claims (6)

It has a split structure element (50) arranged in the longitudinal direction of each other and biased in the approaching direction by a clamp spring (64) mounted on the outside, and inserted from both longitudinal sides of this element An optical fiber connector (42) that holds the optical fiber (54) between the elements and butt-connects the optical fibers (54a) positioned and aligned by the alignment mechanism (55a) at the center in the longitudinal direction of the element. 1)
In the alignment groove (55) formed in the element, the alignment mechanism (55a) is a portion located between the optical fiber guide grooves (56) that are both ends in the longitudinal direction of the alignment groove,
The two-split element sandwiches the optical fiber coating portion (54b) in the region where the optical fiber guide groove is formed, and from the coating portion to the region where the alignment mechanism of the alignment groove is formed The exposed bare fiber (54a) is sandwiched between them,
The alignment connecting portion (55a) and a refractive index matching agent (67) provided around the centering connection portion (55a) are applied to a separation boundary that is divided into two parts of the element, and the refractive index matching agent is applied to the clamp of the clamp spring. An opening member insertion groove (61) for inserting a wedge-shaped opening member (63) for opening the element against the force to open the element and an optical fiber inserted from both longitudinal ends of the element An optical fiber connector (1) characterized in that the optical fiber connector (1) reaches an end of the optical fiber guide groove (56) guided to the aligning connection portion on the aligning connection portion side. It has a split structure element (50) arranged in the longitudinal direction of each other and biased in the approaching direction by a clamp spring (64) mounted on the outside, and inserted from both longitudinal sides of this element An optical fiber connector (42) that holds the optical fiber (54) between the elements and butt-connects the optical fibers (54a) positioned and aligned by the alignment mechanism (55a) at the center in the longitudinal direction of the element. 1)
A protruding wall (68) extending to the side of the alignment mechanism protrudes from one or both contact surfaces (53, 58) of the element, and the alignment mechanism. And the refractive index matching agent (67) provided in the vicinity thereof reaches the protruding wall and the vicinity thereof, and is formed in the protruding wall (68) protruding from one element and the other element. The protruding wall (68) is inserted between the protruding wall storage recess (69) and sealed between the protruding wall (68) and the protruding wall storage recess (69). An optical fiber connector (1) characterized by comprising: It has a split structure element (50) arranged in the longitudinal direction of each other and biased in the approaching direction by a clamp spring (64) mounted on the outside, and inserted from both longitudinal sides of this element An optical fiber connector (42) that holds the optical fiber (54) between the elements and butt-connects the optical fibers (54a) positioned and aligned by the alignment mechanism (55a) at the center in the longitudinal direction of the element. 1)
In the alignment groove (55) formed in the element, the alignment mechanism (55a) is a portion located between the optical fiber guide grooves (56) that are both ends in the longitudinal direction of the alignment groove,
The two-split element sandwiches the optical fiber coating portion (54b) in the region where the optical fiber guide groove is formed, and from the coating portion to the region where the alignment mechanism of the alignment groove is formed The exposed bare fiber (54a) is sandwiched between them,
Between the optical fiber guide groove (56) for guiding the optical fibers inserted from both longitudinal ends of the element to the alignment mechanism and the alignment mechanism having higher alignment accuracy than the optical fiber guide groove, A recess (55b) is formed so as to divide the alignment groove, and the alignment mechanism and a part of the refractive index matching agent provided in the vicinity thereof are stored in the recess. An optical fiber connector (1) characterized in that   An opening member insertion groove into which a wedge-shaped opening member (63) for expanding and opening between the elements against the clamping force of the clamp spring is inserted at a separation boundary separated into two parts of the side portion of the element. 4. The optical fiber connector according to claim 2, wherein an opening is formed. The element includes an elongated base (51) and a lid (52) superimposed on the base,
The light according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lid (52) is a three-part body comprising two end lids (52a) and one central lid (52b). Fiber connector.   6. The optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber butt-connected by the aligning mechanism is a multi-core optical fiber ribbon.

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