JP5320192B2 - Optical ferrule molding die and optical ferrule manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical ferrule molding die and an optical ferrule manufacturing method, and more particularly to an optical ferrule molding die for molding an optical ferrule that holds an optical fiber and an optical ferrule manufacturing method.

  In recent years, with the expansion of transmission capacity, optical communication networks have attracted attention, and optical fiber communication networks are rapidly developing. The role played by optical connectors in optical fiber communication networks is extremely important, and various optical connectors have been developed. In addition, with the rapid development of multimedia, high-density wiring is becoming an indispensable item in information processing apparatuses such as large-capacity switches and massively parallel computers, and research on optical interconnection technology is being conducted extensively. For example, as an example of an optical connector for connecting an optical fiber tape or the like provided with a multi-core optical fiber, an MT connector, an MPO connector or the like defined by the JIS standard is known.

  The MT connector is fixed to an MT ferrule, which is an optical ferrule, and optical fibers exposed from optical fiber holes provided on the connection end face of the MT ferrule are arranged to face each other, and both MT ferrules are connected via two guide pins. In other words, it is possible to maintain a stable connection by maintaining a constant pressing force. The MPO connector is configured by mounting an MT connector in which a tape fiber is bonded and fixed to an MT ferrule and a connector connection surface is polished, and a spring for applying a pressing force for maintaining the connection state, mounted in the MPO housing. .

  An optical ferrule used for an optical connector such as an MT connector and holding an optical fiber is generally manufactured by molding with a synthetic resin. Patent Document 1 describes a molding die for manufacturing a multi-core optical connector.

JP 2004-117616 A

  By the way, conventionally, an optical ferrule molding die for molding an optical ferrule is disposed at a position where a plurality of pins for molding an optical fiber hole and a guide hole are projected in parallel and held at a position opposite to the plurality of pins. And a pin tip holding part having a pin hole for holding the tip part of the pin.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional optical ferrule molding die 100. A conventional optical ferrule molding die 100 includes a plurality of optical fiber hole forming pins 102, a pin root holding portion 106 that holds a pair of guide hole forming pins 104, and a plurality of optical fiber hole forming pins 102. A pin tip holding portion 108 that holds the tip portion and the tip portions of the pair of guide hole forming pins 104 is provided. The pin tip holding portion 108 is provided with a pin hole 110 into which the tip portions of the plurality of optical fiber hole forming pins 102 are fitted, and a pin hole 112 into which the tip portions of the guide hole forming pins 104 are fitted. It has been. As the optical fiber hole forming pin 102 and the guide hole forming pin 104, fine pins having a fine diameter processed with high accuracy are used.

  Here, for example, when the optical ferrule is integrally formed of a synthetic resin, the optical fiber hole forming pin 102 and the guide hole forming pin 104 that are fine pins are the pin root holding portion 106 and the pin tip holding portion 108. Therefore, there is a possibility that bending or the like may occur due to the resin pressure during resin molding. For this reason, positional deviation may occur in the optical fiber hole forming pin 102 and the guide hole forming pin 104. If the optical ferrule is molded while the optical fiber hole forming pin 102 or the guide hole forming pin 104 is misaligned, the positional accuracy of the optical fiber may be lowered when the optical fiber is attached. There is.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical ferrule molding die and an optical ferrule manufacturing method that further improve the positioning accuracy of pins for molding optical fiber holes and guide holes.

An optical ferrule molding die according to the present invention is an optical ferrule molding die for molding an optical ferrule for holding an optical fiber, and a lower die having a cavity for molding a resin ferrule body formed in a substantially square shape. And an upper mold that covers the cavity, and a core disposed between the lower mold and the upper mold, the core protruding from the core body and the core body Provided at the rear end of the cavity, and formed on the rear end surface of the ferrule body to form an optical fiber insertion port for inserting the optical fiber, and to the optical fiber insertion port molding convex portion An optical fiber insertion passage forming pin that protrudes and forms an optical fiber insertion passage through which the optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule body, and the lower mold is a concave lower metal that forms the cavity Has a body, the lower tool body includes a bottom wall and the bottom one, and the side wall surface provided on a side edge of the wall, the bottom while the first side wall surface on the side edges of the wall facing and the side wall surface provided with said provided at the front edge of the bottom wall, and a wall surface before abutting on the front end of the front end and the second side wall surface of the first sidewall surface, before Symbol The front wall surface has an optical fiber hole forming hole into which an end portion of the optical fiber insertion path forming pin is inserted, and an optical fiber hole is formed on the front end surface of the ferrule body to expose the front end of the optical fiber. An optical fiber insertion passage molding pin insertion portion through which the optical fiber insertion passage molding pin is inserted is disposed at a distance from both the front wall surface of the lower mold body and the front wall surface of the optical fiber insertion port molding convex portion. has, before the ferrule body upper surface molding surface of the lower tool While being formed at the same height as the distance to the ferrule body lower surface molding surface of the upper mold is formed with a smaller width than the distance from the first side wall surface to the second side wall surface, said optical fiber insertion passage forming pins A pair of guides for forming a guide hole through which the guide pin is inserted into the ferrule body. A pair of hole forming pins, and the lower mold is provided on the front wall surface of the lower mold main body with the optical fiber hole forming hole interposed therebetween, and a pair of guide hole forming pins is inserted into the pair. has a guide hole forming portion, the pin support has a pair of guide holes shaped pin insertion portion into which the pair of guide holes forming pins are inserted, that you support the pair of guide holes shaped pins Features.

  In the optical ferrule molding die according to the present invention, it is preferable that the optical fiber insertion passage molding pin insertion portion and the guide hole molding pin insertion portion are formed by round holes or V grooves.

An optical ferrule manufacturing method according to the present invention includes a lower mold having a cavity for molding a resin ferrule body formed in a substantially square shape, an upper mold that covers the cavity, the lower mold, and the upper mold. A core disposed between the mold and the core, the core projecting from the core body, disposed at the rear end of the cavity, and disposed on the rear end surface of the ferrule body. An optical fiber insertion port molding convex part for molding an optical fiber insertion port for inserting the optical fiber, and an optical fiber insertion path provided so as to protrude from the optical fiber insertion port molding convex part and through which the optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule body An optical fiber insertion passage molding pin for molding the lower mold body, the lower mold body has a concave lower mold body forming the cavity, and the lower mold body includes a bottom wall surface, and a bottom wall surface of the bottom wall surface. Provided on one side edge The first side wall surface, the second side wall surface provided on the other side edge of the bottom wall surface so as to face the first side wall surface, and the first side wall surface provided on the front edge of the bottom wall surface. front and and a wall before abutting on the front end of the second side wall surface of the front SL front wall, the tip portion of said optical fiber insertion passage forming pins are inserted, the front end surface of the ferrule body has an optical fiber hole forming hole for molding the optical fiber hole to expose the tip of the optical fiber, both the respective spacing of the front wall surface of the front wall and the optical fiber insertion opening forming protrusion of the lower die body to said cavity An optical fiber insertion passage molding pin insertion portion through which the optical fiber insertion passage molding pin is inserted, from the ferrule body upper surface molding surface of the lower mold to the ferrule body lower surface molding surface of the upper mold When formed at the same height as the distance of Is formed with a smaller width than the distance from the first side wall surface to the second side wall surface, a pin support for supporting the optical fiber insertion path forming pins, the core, the light to the core body A pair of guide hole forming pins for forming a guide hole for inserting the guide pin through the ferrule body, the lower mold being a front wall surface of the lower mold body; And a pair of guide hole forming portions into which the tip ends of the pair of guide hole forming pins are inserted, and the pin support is the pair of guide hole forming pins. There has a pair of guide holes shaped pin insertion portion to be inserted, the pair of guide holes molding die assembly step of molding pin clamping assembles the ferrule molding die you support, the optical ferrule molding die The cavity of the mold A synthetic resin liquid injection process for injecting a synthetic resin liquid into the resin, a resin curing process for curing the synthetic resin liquid injected into the cavity, and a ferrule main body taking out the ferrule main body by opening the optical ferrule molding die And a process.

  According to the optical ferrule molding die and the optical ferrule manufacturing method configured as described above, the pin positioning accuracy at the time of molding is suppressed by supporting the intermediate position of the pin, so that the pin positioning accuracy can be further improved. it can.

In embodiment of this invention, it is a perspective view which shows the structure of an optical ferrule. In embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing which shows the structure of an optical ferrule. In embodiment of this invention, it is a perspective view which shows the structure of the optical ferrule shaping die. In embodiment of this invention, it is a perspective view which shows the arrangement configuration of a pin support body. In embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the structure of a pin support body. In embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the structure of the other pin support body. In embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the structure of another pin support body. In embodiment of this invention, it is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the manufactured optical ferrule. In embodiment of this invention, it is a perspective view which shows the structure of an optical connector. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the conventional optical ferrule shaping die.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an optical ferrule that holds an optical fiber will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the optical ferrule 10. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical ferrule 10 in the optical fiber insertion direction.

  The optical ferrule 10 includes a ferrule body 12 that is wide and substantially rectangular, and a flange 14 that is provided on the rear end side of the ferrule body 12 and that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the ferrule body 12. And has a function of holding the optical fiber.

  The optical ferrule 10 holds, for example, an optical fiber such as a multi-core optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers of 2 to 12 fibers are formed into a tape shape. Of course, the optical fiber held by the optical ferrule 10 may be an optical fiber single-core wire or the like, as long as it has at least one optical fiber core wire. Hereinafter, the optical ferrule 10 that holds a plurality of optical fiber core wires will be described.

  The ferrule body 12 is formed of a synthetic resin having a wide and substantially square shape. The ferrule body 12 is molded by, for example, transfer molding using a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin, injection molding using a thermoplastic resin such as polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS) or liquid crystal polymer (LCP), or the like.

  The optical ferrule 10 is provided in the ferrule body 12, and includes an optical fiber insertion port 16 into which a plurality of optical fiber cores are inserted, an optical fiber insertion path 18 through which the plurality of optical fiber cores are inserted, and a plurality of optical fiber cores. And a plurality of optical fiber holes 20 exposing the tips of the optical fibers.

  The optical fiber insertion port 16 is provided on the rear end surface 21 of the ferrule body 12 and has a function of inserting a plurality of optical fiber core wires into the ferrule body 12. The optical fiber insertion port 16 is formed, for example, in the approximate center of the rear end surface 21 of the ferrule body 12, and is formed in a wide, substantially rectangular shape that is large enough to insert an optical fiber tape or the like.

  The optical fiber insertion path 18 is provided in the ferrule body 12, communicates with the optical fiber insertion port 16, and has a function of inserting a plurality of optical fiber core wires. The optical fiber insertion path 18 has an optical fiber guide groove 22 for guiding each optical fiber core wire, and a bare fiber insertion path 24 for inserting a bare fiber from which the coating is removed from the optical fiber core wire.

  A plurality of optical fiber holes 20 are provided in the front end face 26 of the ferrule body 12, communicate with the optical fiber insertion path 18, and have a function of exposing the end of the bare fiber. The plurality of optical fiber holes 20 are formed in parallel with the front end face 26 of the ferrule body 12, for example. The plurality of optical fiber holes 20 may be provided not only in parallel in one row but also in parallel in a plurality of rows such as two rows. The plurality of optical fiber holes 20 are formed by, for example, round holes.

  The optical ferrule 10 has a pair of guide holes 28 through which guide pins are inserted. By using the guide pins, the optical ferrule 10 can be accurately positioned when connecting the connector. The pair of guide holes 28 are formed so as to penetrate from the front end face 26 to the rear end face 21 of the ferrule body 12 and are provided in a direction substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the plurality of optical fiber core wires. Further, the pair of guide holes 28 are formed, for example, as round holes having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape in a direction substantially orthogonal to the insertion direction of the guide pins.

  The recess 36 is formed, for example, as a through hole that penetrates from the ferrule body upper surface 32 to the ferrule body lower surface 34 and communicates with the optical fiber insertion path 18. The recess 36 is provided close to the front end surface 26 in a state of being separated from the front end surface 26 of the ferrule body 12, is formed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical fiber insertion direction, and communicates with the bare fiber insertion passage 24. Preferably it is formed. The recess 36 may be formed from a bottomed hole that opens from the upper surface 32 of the ferrule body, is not penetrated in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical fiber insertion path 18, and communicates with the bare fiber insertion path 24. .

  The ferrule body 12 communicates with the optical fiber insertion path 18 and an adhesive filling window for filling the optical fiber insertion path 18 with an adhesive for fixing a plurality of optical fiber core wires to the ferrule body 12 (see FIG. (Not shown) may be provided. The adhesive filling window is provided on the rear end side of the upper surface 32 of the ferrule main body 32, and is formed between the flange 14 and the recess 36, for example. The adhesive filling window is formed in a substantially rectangular or polygonal hollow shape, for example.

  Next, the optical ferrule molding die 40 for molding the optical ferrule 10 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the optical ferrule molding die 40. The optical ferrule molding die 40 is disposed between a lower die 44 having a cavity 42 for molding the ferrule body 12, an upper die 46 covering the cavity 42, and the lower die 44 and the upper die 46. And a core 48. The lower mold 44, the upper mold 46, and the core 48 are formed of, for example, a metal material or an inorganic material.

  The upper mold 46 has an upper mold body 50 that covers the cavity 42. A ferrule body lower surface molding surface 52 for molding the ferrule body lower surface 34 is provided on the cavity 42 side of the upper mold body 50. Further, the upper mold body 50 is provided with a resin injection port (not shown) for injecting a synthetic resin liquid into the cavity 42.

  The core 48 is provided to protrude from the front end surface of the core main body 54 and the core main body 54, and an optical fiber insertion port forming convex portion 56 for forming the optical fiber insertion port 16 into which a plurality of optical fiber core wires are inserted. And a plurality of optical fiber insertion passage forming pins 58 for forming the optical fiber insertion passage 18 that is provided so as to protrude from the optical fiber insertion port forming convex portion 56 and through which the plurality of optical fiber core wires are inserted.

  The optical fiber insertion port forming convex portion 56 is provided so as to protrude from the front end surface of the core body 54, has a substantially square shape, and has a function of forming the optical fiber insertion port 16. The plurality of optical fiber insertion path forming pins 58 protrude from the optical fiber insertion port forming convex portion 56 and are formed in an elongated shape. As the optical fiber insertion path forming pin 58, a fine pin processed with a fine diameter is used, for example, an ultra fine pin with a diameter of 80 μm is used. The plurality of optical fiber insertion path forming pins 58 are arranged in parallel in, for example, one row. The plurality of optical fiber insertion path forming pins 58 may be arranged in a plurality of rows such as two rows.

  The core 48 includes a pair of guide hole forming pins 60 that are provided on both sides of the core main body 54 with the optical fiber insertion port forming convex portions 56 interposed therebetween, and that form a pair of guide holes 28 through which the guide pins are inserted. Yes. The pair of guide hole forming pins 60 are disposed on both sides of the optical fiber insertion port forming convex portion 56 and the plurality of optical fiber insertion passage forming pins 58. The pair of guide hole forming pins 60 is formed in an elongated shape in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber insertion passage forming pin 58. The optical fiber insertion port forming convex portion 56, the plurality of optical fiber insertion passage forming pins 58, and the pair of guide hole forming pins 60 are positioned in the cavity 42 when the mold is clamped.

  The lower mold 44 has a concave lower mold body 62 provided with a cavity 42 for molding the ferrule body 12. The lower mold body 62 is provided on the bottom wall surface 64, the first side wall surface 66 provided on one side edge of the bottom wall surface 64, and the first side wall surface 66 on the other side edge of the bottom wall surface 64. Provided on the front edge of the bottom wall surface 64, and a front wall surface 70 in contact with the front end of the first side wall surface 66 and the front end of the second side wall surface 68. The rear end side facing the wall surface 70 is open. The cavity 42 is formed by being surrounded by the first side wall surface 66, the second side wall surface 68, and the front wall surface 70.

  The bottom wall surface 64 has a ferrule body upper surface molding surface 72 for molding the ferrule body upper surface 32. The bottom wall surface 64 is formed at the rear end of the ferrule body upper surface molding surface 72 in a groove shape deeper than the ferrule body upper surface molding surface 72 from the first side wall surface 66 side to the second side wall surface 68 side. It has a flange forming groove 74 for forming the flange 14 provided on the rear end side. Also, an adhesive-filled window forming convex part (see FIG. 4) is formed on the bottom wall surface 64 so as to protrude from the cavity 42 and forms an adhesive-filled window for injecting an adhesive for fixing a plurality of optical fiber core wires to the ferrule body 12. (Not shown) may be provided.

  The front wall surface 70 has an optical fiber hole forming portion for forming the plurality of optical fiber holes 20 in the front end surface 26 of the ferrule body 12 by inserting the distal end portion of the optical fiber insertion path forming pin 58. The optical fiber hole forming portion is constituted by a plurality of optical fiber hole forming holes 76 formed in a round hole shape, for example. The plurality of optical fiber hole forming holes 76 are provided in parallel to the front wall surface 70. The optical fiber hole forming holes 76 may be provided in one row or in a plurality of rows such as two rows. By inserting the distal end portion of the optical fiber insertion passage forming pin 58 into the optical fiber hole forming hole 76, the synthetic resin liquid injected into the cavity 42 is suppressed from entering the optical fiber hole forming hole 76. A plurality of optical fiber holes 20 are formed in the front end face 26 of the optical fiber.

  Further, the optical fiber hole forming portion is not limited to the optical fiber hole forming hole 76, and may be constituted by, for example, a plurality of optical fiber hole forming grooves formed in a V-groove shape. A plurality of optical fiber holes 20 can be formed in the front end face 26 of the ferrule body 12 by fitting and fixing the tip of the optical fiber insertion passage forming pin 58 in the optical fiber hole forming groove.

  The front wall surface 70 is provided so as to sandwich the optical fiber hole forming portion. The front end portions of the pair of guide hole forming pins 60 are inserted to form a pair of guide holes 28 in the front end surface 26 of the ferrule body 12. It is preferable to have. When the optical fiber hole forming portion is configured by the optical fiber hole forming hole 76, the guide hole forming portion is configured by a pair of guide hole forming holes 78 having a round hole shape. The guide hole forming holes 78 are formed on both sides of an optical fiber hole forming hole array composed of a plurality of optical fiber hole forming holes 76. By inserting the tip end portion of the guide hole forming pin 60 into the guide hole forming hole 78, the synthetic resin liquid injected into the cavity 42 can be prevented from entering the guide hole forming hole 78. A pair of guide holes 28 are formed in 26.

  Further, when the optical fiber hole forming portion is configured by a V-groove optical fiber hole forming groove, the guide hole forming portion is configured by a pair of V-groove guide hole forming grooves. A pair of guide holes 28 can be formed in the front end face 26 of the ferrule body 12 by fitting and fixing the tip end portion of the guide hole forming pin 60 in the guide hole forming groove.

  The optical ferrule molding die 40 is disposed in the cavity 42 at a distance from the front wall surface 70 of the lower die main body 62, and has an optical fiber insertion passage molding pin insertion portion through which the optical fiber insertion passage molding pin 58 is inserted. The optical fiber insertion path forming pin 58 is provided with a pin support body that supports the optical fiber insertion path forming pin 58 by inserting it into the optical fiber insertion path forming pin insertion portion. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the arrangement configuration of the pin support 80. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the pin support 80. In FIG. 4, for the lower mold 44, only the front wall surface 70 of the lower mold main body 62 is shown, and other parts are omitted.

  The pin support 80 has a plurality of round hole-shaped optical fiber insertion passage forming pin holes 82 through which the plurality of optical fiber insertion passage forming pins 58 are inserted. The optical fiber insertion passage shaping pin hole 82 is formed with a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber insertion passage shaping pin 58 and has a function as an optical fiber insertion passage shaping pin insertion portion. Since the plurality of optical fiber insertion path forming pins 58 are inserted into and supported by the optical fiber insertion path forming pin holes 82 of the pin support 80, bending due to the resin pressure during resin molding is suppressed.

  The pin support 80 is provided between the front wall surface 70 of the lower mold body 62 and the core body 54 so as to support an intermediate position of the optical fiber insertion path forming pin 58. The pin support 80 is provided so as to support a portion of the optical fiber insertion passage forming pin 58 where the bare fiber insertion passage 24 is formed, and is close to the front wall surface 70 while being separated from the front wall surface 70 of the lower mold body 62. Are preferably arranged. By disposing the pin support 80 close to the front wall surface 70 of the lower mold body 62, the accuracy of the ferrule body 12 on the front end face 26 side can be further improved.

  The pin support 80 preferably has a pair of guide hole forming pin insertion portions through which the pair of guide hole forming pins 60 are inserted. The pin support 80 has a pair of round hole-shaped guide hole forming pin holes 84 through which the pair of guide hole forming pins 60 are inserted. The pair of guide hole forming pin holes 84 are provided on both sides of the optical fiber insertion passage forming pin hole row. The guide hole forming pin hole 84 is formed with a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of the guide hole forming pin 60 and has a function as a guide hole forming pin insertion portion. Since the pair of guide hole forming pins 60 are inserted into and supported by the pair of guide hole forming pin holes 84 of the pin support 80, bending due to the resin pressure during resin molding is suppressed.

  The pin support 80 is formed in a substantially rectangular sheet shape, for example, with a metal material or an inorganic material. The pin support 80 is formed at a height greater than the distance from the ferrule body upper surface molding surface 72 to the optical fiber insertion passage molding pin 58 or the guide hole molding pin 60, and the ferrule body upper surface molding surface 72 to the ferrule body lower surface molding surface 52. Or a height smaller than the distance from the ferrule main body upper surface molding surface 72 to the ferrule main body lower surface molding surface 52. The pin support 80 is formed with a width smaller than the distance from the first side wall surface 66 to the second side wall surface 68 in the lower mold body 62. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a configuration of the pin support 80 formed at the same height as the distance from the ferrule body upper surface molding surface 72 to the ferrule body lower surface molding surface 52, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the pin support body 80a formed in height smaller than the distance from the ferrule main body upper surface molding surface 72 to the ferrule main body lower surface molding surface 52. FIG.

  The pin supports 80 and 80a have twelve optical fiber insertion path forming pin holes 82 arranged in a line at substantially the center. Further, the pin supports 80 and 80a have a pair of guide hole forming pin holes 84 on both sides of the 12 optical fiber insertion path forming pin holes 82. Both the optical fiber insertion path forming pin hole 82 and the guide hole forming pin hole 84 are formed as round holes. 5A, the upper end of the pin support 80 abuts on the ferrule body lower surface molding surface 52 provided on the upper mold body 50, and the lower end of the pin support 80 is lower. Since the upper surface and the lower end of the pin support 80 are in contact with the ferrule main body lower surface molding surface 52 and the ferrule main body upper surface molding surface 72 because they abut against the ferrule main body upper surface molding surface 72 provided on the mold main body 62. Thus, the pin support 80 can be more stably disposed in the optical ferrule molding die 40.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of another pin support 86, 86a. FIG. 6A is a view showing the configuration of the pin support 86 formed at the same height as the distance from the ferrule main body upper surface molding surface 72 to the ferrule main body lower surface molding surface 52, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the pin support body 86a formed in height smaller than the distance from the ferrule main body upper surface molding surface 72 to the ferrule main body lower surface molding surface 52. FIG.

  The pin supports 86 and 86a are provided with twelve V-groove optical fiber insertion passage molding pin grooves 88 and a pair of V-groove guide hole molding pin grooves 90 arranged in a line. The optical fiber insertion passage forming pin groove 88 has a function as an optical fiber insertion passage formation pin insertion portion, and the guide hole formation pin groove 90 has a function as a guide hole formation pin insertion portion.

  The pin support 86 is divided into upper and lower parts, and sandwiches the optical fiber insertion molding pin 58 and the guide hole molding pin 60 from above and below the optical fiber insertion molding pin 58 and the guide hole molding pin 60. Each is configured to support. The pin support 86a is configured to support the optical fiber insertion passage forming pin 58 and the guide hole forming pin 60 on one side from below the optical fiber insertion passage forming pin 58 and the guide hole forming pin 60, respectively.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of another pin support 92, 92a. FIG. 7A is a view showing a pin support 92 in which a plurality of optical fiber insertion passage forming pin holes 82 are arranged in two rows, and FIG. 7B is a plurality of optical fiber insertion passage forming pin holes. It is a figure which shows the pin support body 92a in which 82 was arranged in 5 rows.

  The pin support 92 shown in FIG. 7 (a) is provided with two rows of optical fiber insertion passage forming pin hole rows formed by arranging 12 optical fiber insertion passage forming pin holes 82 in one row. 24 optical fiber insertion path forming pin holes 82 are formed. In addition, the pin support 92a shown in FIG. 7B is provided with five rows of optical fiber insertion passage forming pin hole rows formed by arranging 20 optical fiber insertion passage forming pin holes 82 in a row. In total, 100 optical fiber insertion passage forming pin holes 82 are formed. The pin supports 92, 92a are provided with a pair of guide hole forming pin holes 84.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the optical ferrule 10 using the optical ferrule molding die 40 will be described.

  The manufacturing method of the optical ferrule 10 includes a molding die assembly process for assembling and clamping the optical ferrule molding die 40, a synthetic resin liquid injection process for injecting a synthetic resin liquid into the cavity 42 of the optical ferrule molding die 40, A resin curing step of curing the synthetic resin liquid injected into the cavity, and a ferrule body removing step of opening the optical ferrule molding die 40 and taking out the ferrule body 12.

  The molding die assembling step is a step of clamping the optical ferrule molding die 40 by positioning and assembling the core 48 between the upper die 46 and the lower die 44. The core 48 is disposed such that the front end surface of the core main body 54 is in contact with the rear end of the first side wall surface 66 and the rear end of the second side wall surface 68 of the lower mold main body 62. The optical fiber insertion port forming convex portion 56, the optical fiber insertion path forming pin 58, the guide hole forming pin 60, the pin support 80 or the pin support 80a are the first side wall surface 66 and the second side wall surface 68. And in the cavity 42 surrounded by the front wall surface 70 and the front end surface of the core body 54.

  The pin support 80 or the pin support 80a is disposed in proximity to the front wall 70 in a state of being separated from the front wall 70 of the lower mold body 62. When the pin support 80 is used, the pin support 80 abuts the lower end of the pin support 80 on the ferrule main body upper surface molding surface 72 of the lower mold main body 62 and the upper end of the pin support 80 upward. The die body 50 is disposed in contact with the ferrule body lower surface molding surface 52. When the pin support 80a is used, the pin support 80a causes the lower end of the pin support 80 to abut the ferrule main body upper surface molding surface 72 of the lower mold main body 62 and the upper end of the pin support 80 to be upper. It arrange | positions in the state which does not contact | abut to the ferrule main body lower surface molding surface 52 of the metal mold | die main body 50. FIG.

  The distal end portion of the optical fiber insertion passage forming pin 58 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion passage formation pin hole 82 of the pin support 80 or the pin support 80 a, and the optical fiber hole provided in the front wall surface 70 of the lower mold body 62. It is inserted into the molding hole 76. The optical fiber insertion passage forming pin hole 82 is located at a portion of the optical fiber insertion passage forming pin 58 where the bare fiber insertion passage 24 is formed. The tip end portion of the guide hole forming pin 60 is inserted into the guide hole forming pin hole 84 of the pin support 80 or the pin support 80 a and is fitted into the guide hole forming hole 78 provided in the front wall surface 70 of the lower mold body 62. Combined. In this manner, the upper die 46, the lower die 44, and the core 48 are assembled, and the clamping of the optical ferrule molding die 40 is completed.

  The synthetic resin liquid injection process is a process of injecting the synthetic resin liquid into the cavity 42 of the optical ferrule molding die 40. As the synthetic resin liquid, a thermosetting resin liquid such as an epoxy resin, or a thermoplastic resin liquid such as a polyphenylene sulfide resin or a liquid crystal polymer is used. The synthetic resin liquid is injected into the cavity 42 from a resin injection port (not shown) of the upper mold 46. The optical ferrule molding die 40 is preferably heated to a predetermined temperature before the synthetic resin liquid is injected into the cavity 42.

  The resin curing step is a step of curing the synthetic resin liquid injected into the cavity 42 of the optical ferrule molding die 40. When the synthetic resin liquid is a thermosetting resin liquid, the synthetic resin liquid can be cured by heating the optical ferrule molding die 40 filled with the synthetic resin liquid to a predetermined curing temperature. When the synthetic resin liquid is a thermoplastic resin liquid, the synthetic resin liquid can be cured by cooling the optical ferrule molding die 40 into which the synthetic resin liquid has been injected to a predetermined temperature.

  The ferrule main body taking-out step is a step of taking out the ferrule main body 12 formed by opening the optical ferrule molding die 40 and curing the resin. The optical ferrule molding die 40 is opened, and the upper die 46, the lower die 44, the core 48, and the pin support 80 or the pin support 80a are removed from the ferrule body 12. Thus, the manufacture of the optical ferrule 10 is completed.

  FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the manufactured optical ferrule 10. 8A is a partial cross-sectional view showing the optical ferrule 10 molded using the pin support 80, and FIG. 8B is a partial cross-section showing the optical ferrule 10 molded using the pin support 80a. FIG. In the optical ferrule 10 formed using the pin support 80, the recess 36 is provided in the vicinity of the front end surface 26 of the ferrule body 12, and is formed by a through-hole penetrating from the ferrule body upper surface 32 to the ferrule body lower surface 34. The Further, in the optical ferrule 10 formed using the pin support 80a, the recess 36 is provided in the vicinity of the front end face 26 of the ferrule body 12 and is formed by a non-through bottomed hole opened from the upper surface 32 of the ferrule body. Is done.

  An optical connector is manufactured by attaching an optical fiber to the optical ferrule 10. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the optical connector 93. For example, an optical fiber tape 94 is used as the optical fiber. The front ends of the plurality of optical fiber cores included in the optical fiber tape 94 are removed from the coating, and are led out.

  The optical fiber tape 94 is inserted from the optical fiber insertion port 16 of the optical ferrule 10. A rubber boot 96 for protecting the optical fiber core wire is attached to the optical fiber insertion port 16. A plurality of optical fiber core wires included in the optical fiber tape 94 are guided by the optical fiber guide groove 22 and inserted through the bare fiber insertion path 24. The tip portions of the plurality of optical fiber core wires are attached so as to protrude from the plurality of optical fiber holes 20 by a predetermined amount, for example. Then, a plurality of optical fiber core wires are fixed to the ferrule body 12 with an adhesive to complete the optical connector 93.

  As described above, according to the above configuration, the optical ferrule molding die is disposed in the cavity at a distance from the front wall surface of the lower die main body, and the optical fiber insertion passage molding pin insertion portion is inserted. The optical fiber insertion passage forming pin is provided with a pin support that supports the optical fiber insertion passage formation pin, so that the positional deviation of the optical fiber insertion passage formation pin due to the resin pressure during resin molding is suppressed. The accuracy can be further improved. Therefore, according to the method of manufacturing an optical ferrule using the optical ferrule molding die having the above-described configuration, a more accurate optical ferrule can be molded.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10a, 100 Optical ferrule 12 Ferrule main body 14 Gutter part 16 Optical fiber insertion port 18 Optical fiber insertion path 20 Optical fiber hole 21 Rear end surface of ferrule main body 22 Optical fiber guide groove 24 Bare fiber insertion path 26 Front end surface of ferrule main body 28 Guide hole 30 Adhesive inlet 32 Ferrule body upper surface 34 Ferrule body lower surface 36 Recess 40 Optical ferrule molding die 42 Cavity 44 Lower mold 46 Upper mold 48 Core 50 Upper mold body 52 Ferrule body lower surface molding surface 54 Medium Sub body 56 Optical fiber insertion port molding convex portion 58 Optical fiber insertion passage molding pin 60 Guide hole molding pin 62 Lower mold body 64 Bottom wall surface 66 First side wall surface 68 Second side wall surface 70 Front wall surface 72 Ferrule main body upper surface molding surface 74 Hip forming groove 76 Optical fiber hole forming hole 78 Guide hole Shaped hole 80, 80a, 86, 86a, 92, 92a Pin support 82 Optical fiber insertion passage forming pin hole 84 Guide hole forming pin hole 88 Optical fiber insertion passage forming pin groove 90 Guide hole forming pin groove 93 Optical connector 94 Optical fiber Tape 96 Rubber boot 102 Optical fiber hole forming pin 104 Guide hole forming pin 106 Pin root holding part 108 Pin tip holding part 110, 112 Pin hole

Claims (3)

An optical ferrule molding die for molding an optical ferrule that holds an optical fiber,
A lower mold having a cavity for molding a resin ferrule body formed in a substantially square shape;
An upper mold covering the cavity;
A core disposed between the lower mold and the upper mold;
With
The core is provided with a core main body and an optical fiber that is provided to project from the core main body, is disposed at the rear end of the cavity, and forms an optical fiber insertion port for inserting the optical fiber into a rear end surface of the ferrule main body. An insertion port molding convex part, and an optical fiber insertion path molding pin that projects from the optical fiber insertion port molding convex part and molds an optical fiber insertion path through which the optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule body,
The lower mold has a concave lower mold body that forms the cavity, and the lower mold body includes a bottom wall surface, a first side wall surface provided on one side edge of the bottom wall surface, A second side wall surface provided on the other side edge of the bottom wall surface so as to face the first side wall surface; a front edge of the first side wall surface provided on a front edge of the bottom wall surface; and the second side wall surface. comprising of the wall before abutting on the front end, the front SL front wall, the tip portion of said optical fiber insertion passage forming pin is inserted, the light exposing the tip of the optical fiber to the front end face of the ferrule body An optical fiber hole forming hole for forming the fiber hole;
An optical fiber insertion molding pin that is disposed in the cavity at a distance from both the front wall surface of the lower mold body and the front wall surface of the optical fiber insertion port molding projection, and the optical fiber insertion molding pin is inserted through the cavity. An insertion portion , formed at the same height as the distance from the upper mold surface of the lower mold ferrule body to the lower surface of the upper mold ferrule body, and from the first side wall surface to the second side Formed with a width smaller than the distance to the wall surface, comprising a pin support for supporting the optical fiber insertion path forming pin ,
The core has a pair of guide hole forming pins that are provided on the core body with the optical fiber insertion port forming convex portion interposed therebetween, and form a guide hole through which the guide pin is inserted into the ferrule body.
The lower mold has a pair of guide hole forming portions that are provided on the front wall surface of the lower mold body with the optical fiber hole forming hole interposed therebetween, and into which the tip ends of the pair of guide hole forming pins are inserted. ,
Said pin support, the pair of guide holes shaped pin has a pair of guide holes shaped pin insertion portion to be inserted, the ferrule molding die characterized that you support the pair of guide holes shaped pins . The optical ferrule molding die according to claim 1 ,
The optical ferrule molding die, wherein the optical fiber insertion passage molding pin insertion portion and the guide hole molding pin insertion portion are formed by round holes or V-grooves. An optical ferrule manufacturing method for holding an optical fiber,
A lower mold having a cavity for molding a resin ferrule body formed in a substantially square shape, an upper mold for covering the cavity, and a core disposed between the lower mold and the upper mold; The core is provided with a core main body, an optical fiber insertion port that is provided at the rear end surface of the ferrule main body and is provided at the rear end surface of the ferrule main body. An optical fiber insertion port molding convex portion to be molded, and an optical fiber insertion passage molding pin that projects from the optical fiber insertion port molding convex portion and shapes an optical fiber insertion passage through which the optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule body. And the lower mold body has a concave lower mold body that forms the cavity, and the lower mold body is provided on a bottom wall surface and a first side provided on one side edge of the bottom wall surface. A wall and the other of the bottom wall A second side wall surface provided on the edge opposite to the first side wall surface, a front edge of the bottom wall surface, and abutted against a front end of the first side wall surface and a front end of the second side wall surface comprising a front wall surface, a front SL front wall, the light tip of the fiber insertion passage forming pin is inserted, the optical fiber forming the optical fiber holes for exposing the tip of the optical fiber to the front end face of the ferrule body The hole has a hole forming hole , and is arranged in the cavity with a space between both the front wall surface of the lower mold body and the front wall surface of the optical fiber insertion port forming convex portion, and the optical fiber insertion passage forming pin is inserted through the cavity. An optical fiber insertion path forming pin insertion portion, and is formed at the same height as the distance from the upper mold surface of the ferrule body of the lower mold to the lower surface of the ferrule body of the upper mold. From the side wall surface to the second side wall surface Is formed in a width smaller than the distance, a pin support for supporting the optical fiber insertion path forming pins, the core is provided across the optical fiber insertion opening shaped projections on the core body, wherein The ferrule body has a pair of guide hole forming pins for forming a guide hole through which the guide pin is inserted, and the lower mold is provided with the optical fiber hole forming hole sandwiched between front wall surfaces of the lower mold body, The pair of guide hole forming pins has a pair of guide hole forming portions into which the tip ends are inserted, and the pin support includes a pair of guide hole forming pin insertion portions through which the pair of guide hole forming pins are inserted. a, a clamping molding die assembling step assembles the ferrule molding die you support the pair of guide holes forming pins,
A synthetic resin liquid injection step of injecting a synthetic resin liquid into the cavity of the optical ferrule molding die;
A resin curing step of curing the synthetic resin liquid injected into the cavity;
A ferrule body taking-out step of opening the optical ferrule molding die and taking out the ferrule body;
An optical ferrule manufacturing method comprising:

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