JP7491102B2 - Optical distributors and electronic devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an optical distributor and electronic equipment.

Patent document 1 discloses an optical connector plug attached to a branch cable branched off from a feeder optical cable, and an optical connector plug attached to an optical fiber routed from an optical terminal device. It also discloses an optical terminal box in which the optical connector plug on the feeder optical cable side and the optical connector plug on the optical terminal device side are connected inside the box body.

The box body described in Patent Document 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A sealing introduction fitting is attached so as to penetrate the box body. The branch cable and the optical fiber are each introduced into the inside of the box body via this sealing introduction fitting. In Patent Document 1, the excess length of the branch cable introduced into the inside of the box body is wound up.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-90524

For example, to reduce the size of the optical terminal box described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to reduce the size of the box body. In that case, when the excess length of the branching cable is wound inside the box body, it is necessary to reduce the diameter of the wound body, i.e., the diameter of the ring formed by the branching cable. However, in order to reduce the diameter of the ring, the branching cable needs to be bent at a smaller radius, which generates large stress in the branching cable. This poses the problem of reduced transmission efficiency, for example at the branching point of the branching cable or the connection point of multiple cables.

The object of the present invention is to provide an optical splitter that suppresses the decrease in transmission efficiency at the connection between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber, and an electronic device equipped with such an optical splitter.

These objects can be achieved by the present invention described below in (1) to (8) .
(1) a first optical fiber;
a second optical fiber and a third optical fiber arranged in parallel with each other;
an optical waveguide having a branched core portion branched midway and connecting the first optical fiber to the second optical fiber and the third optical fiber;
a support member having a first portion having a first groove, a second portion having a second groove, and a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion;
Equipped with
The first groove opens to a side surface of the first portion,
The second groove opens to a side surface of the second portion,
the first optical fiber is inserted into and supported by the first groove;
the second optical fiber and the third optical fiber are inserted into and supported by the second groove;
An optical distributor, wherein the optical waveguide is held at a position away from the connecting portion.

(2) The optical distributor according to (1) above , wherein the second groove has a depth greater than the depth of the first groove .

(3) a first optical fiber; and
a second optical fiber and a third optical fiber arranged in parallel with each other;
an optical waveguide having a branched core portion branched midway and connecting the first optical fiber to the second optical fiber and the third optical fiber;
a support member having a first portion having a first groove, a second portion having a second groove deeper than the first groove, and a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion;
Equipped with
the first optical fiber is inserted into and supported by the first groove;
the second optical fiber and the third optical fiber are inserted into and supported by the second groove;
An optical distributor , wherein the optical waveguide is held at a position away from the connecting portion .

(4) The first groove opens to a surface of the first portion opposite to the connecting portion,
The optical distributor according to (3) above, wherein the second groove is open to a surface of the second portion opposite the connecting portion.

(5) The optical distributor according to any one of (1) to (4) above , wherein the first groove and the second groove extend in the same direction .

(6) The first optical fiber is fixed to the first groove by an adhesive or a member that blocks the first groove,
The optical distributor according to any one of (1) to (5) above , wherein the second optical fiber and the third optical fiber are fixed to the second groove by an adhesive or a member that blocks the second groove .

(7) The optical distributor according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the distance between the first portion and the second portion is longer than the length of the optical waveguide.

(8) An electronic device comprising the optical distributor according to any one of (1) to (7) above.

The present invention provides an optical distributor that suppresses the decrease in transmission efficiency at the connection between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber.

The present invention also provides a highly reliable electronic device equipped with an optical distributor that suppresses the decrease in transmission efficiency.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the optical distributor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the light guiding portion shown in FIG. 2 . 3 is a cross-sectional view of the light guiding portion shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 3 . FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of part A in FIG. 1 . FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a part of an optical distributor according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a part of an optical distributor according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a part of an optical distributor according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an optical distributor according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the optical distributor shown in FIG. 10 . 11 is a plan view showing a state in which a cover body of the optical distributor shown in FIG. 10 is removed. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the optical distributor shown in FIG. 12 . 13 is a cross-sectional view of the optical distributor shown in FIG. 12 along line CC. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the optical distributor shown in FIG. 12 taken along line DD. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the light guide portion and the support member shown in FIG. 1 are attached to a container when assembling the light distributor shown in FIG. 10. FIG.

The optical distributor and electronic device of the present invention will be described in detail below based on the preferred embodiment shown in the attached drawings.

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

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

In FIG. 6, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are set as three mutually orthogonal axes, and each axis is indicated by an arrow. Note that the tip of the arrow is the positive side of each axis, and the base end is the negative side. For ease of explanation, in the following explanation, the positive side of the Z-axis is referred to as "up" and the negative side is referred to as "down."

The optical distributor 100 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a light guide section 10 and a support member 9. Of these, the light guide section 10 comprises a first optical fiber 1, a second optical fiber 2 and a third optical fiber 3 arranged in parallel with each other, and an optical waveguide 4 having a function of distributing light. The optical waveguide 4 is formed with a core section 44 shown in FIG. 2, which is branched into two at a branch core section 46 in the middle. Therefore, for example, light incident on the first optical fiber 1 from the outside is split into two at the branch core section 46 and distributed to the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3.

The support member 9 supports the first optical fiber 1, the second optical fiber 2, and the third optical fiber 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the support member 9 has a first portion 91 having a first groove 911, a second portion 92 having a second groove 921, and a connecting portion 93 connecting the first portion 91 and the second portion 92. This allows the optical waveguide 4 to be held between the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 without touching the support member 9. As a result, even if the optical distributor 100 is subjected to an environmental test involving temperature changes, for example, stress concentration at the connection portion of the optical waveguide 4 is alleviated. The support member 9 will be described in detail later.

Each component of the optical distributor 100 will be described in detail below.
1.1. First Optical Fiber The first optical fiber 1 includes a first optical fiber body 11 and a first optical connector 12 attached to an end of the first optical fiber body 11.

Examples of the first optical fiber body 11 include a glass optical fiber, a plastic optical fiber, etc.

The waveguide mode of the first optical fiber body 11 may be either single mode or multimode, but is preferably multimode. In multimode, the tolerance for axial misalignment during alignment is greater than in single mode. For this reason, a multimode first optical fiber body 11 can facilitate the connection work when optically connecting to the optical waveguide 4, and is therefore useful from the viewpoint of increasing the ease of assembly of the optical distributor 100.

The first optical fiber body 11 shown in Figures 3 and 4 has a circular cross-sectional shape and has a core portion 111 located at the center and a clad portion 112 covering the side surface. The first optical fiber body 11 may have a coating portion that covers the side surface of the clad portion 112 as necessary. Examples of materials that can be used for the coating portion include resin materials, glass materials, metal materials, and fiber-reinforced composite materials.

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

Of the two end faces of the first optical fiber body 11, the end face on the optical waveguide 4 side shown in Figures 3 and 4 is the first light input/output surface 113. This first light input/output surface 113 and the optical waveguide 4 are optically connected via a first adhesive portion 81, which will be described later.

The first optical connector 12 has an insertion hole (not shown), and the end of the first optical fiber body 11 is inserted into this insertion hole to hold the first optical fiber body 11.

Examples of the first optical connector 12 include a ceramic optical connector, a glass optical connector, a plastic optical connector, and the like. The first optical connector 12 may also be one in which any of these optical connectors serve as the main body and a metal fitting is attached to the main body.

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

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

Examples of the second optical fiber body 21 include a glass optical fiber, a plastic optical fiber, etc.

The waveguide mode of the second optical fiber body 21 may be either single mode or multimode, but is preferably multimode. In multimode, the tolerance for axial misalignment during alignment is greater than in single mode. For this reason, a multimode second optical fiber body 21 can facilitate the connection work when optically connecting to the optical waveguide 4, and is therefore useful from the viewpoint of increasing the ease of assembly of the optical distributor 100.

The second optical fiber body 21 shown in FIG. 3 has a circular cross-sectional shape and includes a core portion 211 located at the center and a clad portion 212 covering the side surface. The second optical fiber body 21 may have a coating portion that covers the side surface of the clad portion 212, as necessary. Examples of materials that can be used for the coating portion include resin materials, glass materials, metal materials, and fiber-reinforced composite materials.

Of the two end faces of the second optical fiber body 21, the end face on the optical waveguide 4 side shown in Figures 3 and 5 is the second light input/output surface 213. This second light input/output surface 213 and the optical waveguide 4 are optically connected via a second adhesive part 82, which will be described later.

The second optical connector 22 has an insertion hole (not shown), and the end of the second optical fiber body 21 is inserted into this insertion hole to hold the second optical fiber body 21.

The second optical connector 22 may be, for example, a ceramic optical connector, a glass optical connector, a plastic optical connector, etc. The second optical connector 22 may also be configured with any of these optical connectors as the main body, with a metal fitting attached to the main body.

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

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

Examples of the third optical fiber body 31 include a glass optical fiber, a plastic optical fiber, etc.

The waveguide mode of the third optical fiber body 31 may be either single mode or multimode, but is preferably multimode. In multimode, the tolerance for axial misalignment during alignment is greater than in single mode. For this reason, a multimode third optical fiber body 31 can facilitate the connection work when optically connecting to the optical waveguide 4, and is therefore useful from the viewpoint of increasing the ease of assembly of the optical distributor 100.

The third optical fiber body 31 shown in FIG. 4 has a circular cross-sectional shape and includes a core portion 311 located at the center and a clad portion 312 covering the side surface. The third optical fiber body 31 may have a coating portion that covers the side surface of the clad portion 312, as necessary. Examples of materials that can be used for the coating portion include resin materials, glass materials, metal materials, and fiber-reinforced composite materials.

Of the two end faces of the third optical fiber body 31, the end face on the optical waveguide 4 side shown in FIG. 4 is the third light input/output surface 313. This third light input/output surface 313 and the optical waveguide 4 are optically connected via a third adhesive part 83 described later.

The third optical connector 32 has an insertion hole (not shown), and the end of the third optical fiber body 31 is inserted into this insertion hole to hold the third optical fiber body 31.

Examples of the third optical connector 32 include a ceramic optical connector, a glass optical connector, a plastic optical connector, and the like. The third optical connector 32 may also be configured with any of these optical connectors as the main body, with metal fittings attached to the main body.

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

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

The optical waveguide 4 shown in FIG. 5 has a sheet-like laminate in which, from the bottom, a lower protective layer 47, a cladding layer 41, a core layer 43, a cladding layer 42, and an upper protective layer 48 are laminated in this order. In addition, in the core layer 43, as shown in FIG. 2, a linear core portion 44 and a side cladding portion 45 provided adjacent to the core portion 44 are formed.

Each part of the optical waveguide 4 will be described in further detail below.
1.4.1 Core Layer The side surfaces of the core 44 shown in Fig. 2 are surrounded by the side cladding 45 shown in Fig. 2 and the cladding layers 41 and 42 shown in Fig. 5. The refractive index of the core 44 is higher than the refractive indexes of the side cladding 45 and the cladding layers 41 and 42. This allows light to be confined in the core 44 and propagated therethrough.

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

The cross-sectional shape of the core portion 44 taken along a plane perpendicular to the optical path of the core portion 44 is not particularly limited, and may be a circle such as a perfect circle, ellipse, or oval, a polygon such as a triangle, square, pentagon, or hexagon, or other irregular shape.

The average thickness of the core layer 43 is not particularly limited and is optimized to minimize coupling loss depending on the diameters of the core portions 111, 211, and 311 of the first optical fiber body 11, the second optical fiber body 21, and the third optical fiber body 31, but is preferably about 1 to 500 μm, more preferably about 10 to 300 μm, and even more preferably about 30 to 100 μm. This ensures the optical characteristics and mechanical strength required for the core portion 44.

Examples of materials (main materials) constituting the core layer 43 include various resin materials such as acrylic resins, methacrylic resins, polycarbonate, polystyrene, cyclic ether resins such as epoxy resins and oxetane resins, polyamide, polyimide, polybenzoxazole, polysilane, polysilazane, silicone resins, fluorine resins, polyurethane, polyolefin resins, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, polyesters such as PET and PBT, polyethylene succinate, polysulfone, polyether, and cyclic olefin resins such as benzocyclobutene resins and norbornene resins. Note that composite materials made by combining materials with different compositions may be used as the resin material.

The core section 44 shown in FIG. 2 includes a branch core section 46. In the branch core section 46, one core section 44 branches into two. This allows, for example, light incident on one core section 44 to be distributed to two core sections 44 in the branch core section 46.

The average thickness of each of the cladding layers 41 and 42 is preferably about 1 to 200 μm, more preferably about 3 to 100 μm, and even more preferably about 5 to 60 μm, so that the optical characteristics and mechanical strength required for the cladding layers 41 and 42 are ensured.

The clad layers 41 and 42 may be made of the same material as the core layer 43 described above.

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

In addition, the side cladding portion 45 in the core layer 43 may be integral with one or both of the cladding layers 41 and 42.

1.4.3. Protective Layer The lower protective layer 47 and the upper protective layer 48 protect the core layer 43 and the cladding layers 41 and 42, suppress a decrease in the transmission efficiency of the core portion 44 caused by the external environment, etc., and increase the mechanical strength of the optical waveguide 4.

Examples of materials constituting the lower protective layer 47 and the upper protective layer 48 include materials containing various resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene, polyolefins such as polypropylene, polyimides, and polyamides.

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

In addition, the lower protective layer 47 and the upper protective layer 48 may have the same configuration as each other or different configurations.

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

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

Any adhesive that is optically transparent may be used for the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83, examples of which include epoxy adhesives, acrylic adhesives, urethane adhesives, silicone adhesives, olefin adhesives, and various hot melt adhesives (polyester-based, modified olefin-based), etc.

The curing principle of each of the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 is not particularly limited, and may be a heat curing type, a curing agent mixed type, a solvent volatilization type, or the like, but is preferably a light curing type. That is, it is preferable that each of the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 contains a cured product of a light curing adhesive. The light curing adhesive can be cured in a short time while holding the object to be bonded with a translucent jig or the like. Therefore, the optical waveguide 4 and the first optical fiber 1, the second optical fiber 2, and the third optical fiber 3 can be precisely and easily fixed in a state where they are aligned. As a result, the optical coupling efficiency of the connection portion can be further improved. The light curing type includes an ultraviolet curing type.

In addition, when the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 contain a cured product of a photocurable adhesive, the elastic modulus of the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 can be made relatively large. Specifically, the elastic modulus of each of the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 is preferably about 100 to 20,000 MPa, more preferably about 300 to 15,000 MPa, even more preferably about 500 to 12,500 MPa, and particularly preferably about 1,000 to 10,000 MPa. By setting the elastic modulus of each of the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 within the above range, the first adhesive portion 81, the second adhesive portion 82, and the third adhesive portion 83 are less likely to deform, and therefore, after the optical waveguide 4 and the first optical fiber 1, the second optical fiber 2, and the third optical fiber 3 are aligned, misalignment is less likely to occur. This allows the optical coupling efficiency to be maintained at a good level.

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

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

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

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

1 and 6 show the light guiding section 10 and the support member 9 attached to the light guiding section 10. As shown in FIG.

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

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

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

The first optical fiber body 11 of the first optical fiber 1 constituting the light guide section 10 is inserted into the first groove 911. This causes the first optical fiber 1 to be supported by the support member 9.

The second optical fiber body 21 of the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber body 31 of the third optical fiber 3, which constitute the light guide section 10, are inserted into the second groove 921. This causes the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 to be supported by the support member 9.

The first portion 91 and the second portion 92 are spaced apart from each other. The optical waveguide 4 is held between the first portion 91 and the second portion 92. This causes the optical waveguide 4 to be held at a position away from the support member 9. Meanwhile, the first portion 91 supports the first optical fiber 1, and the second portion 92 supports the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3. Therefore, the optical waveguide 4 is indirectly reinforced by the support member 9. As a result, even if the first optical fiber 1 etc. expands or contracts due to bending or temperature changes, the effect of this is blocked by the support member 9.

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

In addition, for example, even if the optical distributor 100 is subjected to an environmental test involving temperature changes in a bent state, the concentration of stress in the first adhesive portion 81, etc. is alleviated. Specifically, even if the first optical fiber 1, etc., thermally expands with an increase in temperature, the influence of the thermal expansion on the first adhesive portion 81, etc. can be suppressed.

The above-mentioned action makes it possible to suppress the concentration of stress in the first adhesive portion 81, etc., thereby realizing an optical distributor 100 that can suppress the decrease in transmission efficiency.

The constituent material (main material) of the support member 9 is not particularly limited as long as it can have a bending rigidity greater than that of the first optical fiber 1, etc.

Examples of materials constituting the support member 9 include polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), cyclic polyolefins, modified polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, polyimide, polyamideimide, polycarbonate (PC), poly-(4-methylpentene-1), ionomers, acrylic resins, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin), butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyoxymethylene, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polycyclohexane terephthalate (PCT), and polyethers. , polyether ketone (PEK), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyetherimide, polyacetal (POM), polyphenylene oxide, modified polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, aromatic polyester (liquid crystal polymer), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, other fluorine-based resins, various thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based, polyolefin-based, polyurethane-based, polyester-based, polyamide-based, polybutadiene-based, trans-polyisoprene-based, fluororubber-based, and chlorinated polyethylene-based, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, urea resin, melamine resin, unsaturated polyester, silicone resin, etc., or blends and polymer alloys mainly made of these, etc., can be used alone or in combination of two or more of these.

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

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

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

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

With this configuration, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 shown in FIG. 6 can be well supported using a single second groove 921. In other words, since both the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 can be sandwiched by the inner surface of a single second groove 921, alignment and fixation can be performed efficiently. This can improve the efficiency of the assembly work of the optical distributor 100.

In addition, when the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are aligned vertically with respect to the second groove 921, the bending radii of the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 can be made equal when they are bent in the XY plane. This makes it possible to avoid problems that arise when the bending radii are different, such as the problem of excess length resulting in a localized reduction in the bending radius.

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

Lengths L2 and L3 may be the same, but are preferably different from each other as shown in FIG. 1. This makes it easier to align the position of the second optical connector 22 with the position of the third optical connector 32 when the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are bent so that the shorter one is on the inside. At that time, excess length of the optical fiber is less likely to occur. This makes it possible to prevent load from being applied to the second adhesive portion 82 or the third adhesive portion 83 due to the excess length.

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

In an optical distributor 100 that satisfies this relationship, the proportions of lengths L2 and L3 in its overall length are large. As a result, when bending the optical distributor 100, even if the bending radius varies due to, for example, manufacturing errors, excess length is less likely to occur in the second optical fiber 2 or the third optical fiber 3. In other words, by increasing the proportions of lengths L2 and L3 in the overall length, the range of bending radii that can suppress the occurrence of bending can be expanded. As a result, an optical distributor 100 that can suppress an increase in optical coupling loss in the second adhesive portion 82 or the third adhesive portion 83 can be realized.

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

In addition, if the number of branches of the core portion 44 is three or more, the second optical adapter 7 described later may also be capable of connecting the fourth optical fiber, the fifth optical fiber, etc., described above. In that case, the depth D2 of the second groove 921 may also be increased according to the number of optical fibers.

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

When the length of the minor axis perpendicular to the major axis of the optical waveguide 4 is taken as the width, the width W of the optical waveguide 4 shown in FIG. 2 is preferably about 1.0 to 15 mm, and more preferably about 1.5 to 10 mm, although it varies slightly depending on the number of branches.

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

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

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

As described above, the optical distributor 100 according to this embodiment includes the first optical fiber 1, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 arranged in parallel with each other, the optical waveguide 4, and the support member 9. Of these, the optical waveguide 4 has a branched core portion 46 that branches off midway, and connects the first optical fiber 1 to the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3. The support member 9 also has a first portion 91 having a first groove 911, a second portion 92 having a second groove 921, and a connecting portion 93 that connects the first portion 91 and the second portion 92.

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

With this configuration, the optical waveguide 4 is reinforced by the support member 9, so that the effects of expansion and contraction of the first optical fiber 1, etc. are blocked by the support member 9, and stress concentration at the connection between the optical waveguide 4 and the first optical fiber 1, etc. can be suppressed. This makes it possible to realize an optical distributor 100 in which the decrease in transmission efficiency is suppressed even when the optical waveguide 4 is bent.

In addition, even if the optical distributor 100 is subjected to an environmental test involving temperature changes, the concentration of stress at the connection is mitigated. Specifically, even if the first optical fiber 1 etc. thermally expands with an increase in temperature, the influence of that thermal expansion on the connection of the optical waveguide 4 can be suppressed. This makes it possible to realize an optical distributor 100 with excellent weather resistance.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first groove 911 and the second groove 921 extend in the same direction, specifically in the X-axis direction. This allows the optical waveguide 4 to be held in a straight, extended position. As a result, even if the optical distributor 100 is bent, for example, the position of the optical waveguide 4 does not change, so that the connection between the optical waveguide 4 and the first optical fiber 1, etc. is less likely to be subjected to load, and stress concentration at the connection can be particularly suppressed.

In this embodiment, the first optical fiber 1 is inserted into and supported by the first groove 911, and is preferably fixed to the first groove 911 with an adhesive. Similarly, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are inserted into and supported by the second groove 921, and are preferably fixed to the second groove 921 with an adhesive.

With this configuration, the first optical fiber 1 can be fixed to the first groove 911 not only by the frictional resistance associated with inserting the first optical fiber 1 into the first groove 911, but also by the adhesive force associated with hardening of the adhesive. Similarly, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 can be fixed to the second groove 921. This makes it difficult for the first optical fiber 1 and other fibers to become unfixed, resulting in a highly reliable optical distributor 100.

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

Examples of the other member include an adhesive tape, a bonding tape, a member that fits into the first groove 911 or the second groove 921, etc.

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

This configuration allows the distance between the optical waveguide 4 and the connecting portion 93 to be maximized. This further reduces the probability of contact between the optical waveguide 4 and the connecting portion 93. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the transmission efficiency of the optical waveguide 4 due to contact.

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

The optical distributor 100 according to the first embodiment has been described above, but the optical waveguide 4 may be replaced with a separate component such as an optical fiber having a distribution function.

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

The second embodiment will be described below. In the following description, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of similarities will be omitted. Note that in FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to those of the first embodiment.

The support member 9A shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the support member 9 shown in FIG. 6, except that the width W2 of the second groove 921A is wider.

Specifically, in the support member 9A shown in FIG. 7, the width W2 of the second groove 921A is wider than the sum of the diameter φ2 of the second optical fiber body 21 and the diameter φ3 of the third optical fiber body 31. More specifically, the width W2 of the second groove 921A is preferably greater than 100% and less than or equal to 150% of the sum of the diameter φ2 of the second optical fiber body 21 and the diameter φ3 of the third optical fiber body 31, and more preferably greater than or equal to 101% and less than or equal to 120%.

As a result, in this embodiment, the width W2 of the second groove 921A is wider than the width W1 of the first groove 911. This allows the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 to be inserted into one second groove 921A even when they are aligned horizontally, that is, along the Y axis. Note that if the number of branches of the core portion 44 is increased to three or more, the number of optical fibers also increases, so the width W2 of the second groove 921A can be increased accordingly. In addition, the probability of contact between the optical waveguide 4 and the connecting portion 93 can be further reduced.

In the second embodiment as described above, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.
The second groove 921A may be a collection of multiple grooves arranged in parallel with each other. In other words, the second groove 921A may be composed of two grooves that are independent of each other. The second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 can be inserted into these two grooves, respectively.

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

Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views showing a portion of an optical distributor according to the third embodiment.

The third embodiment will be described below. In the following description, differences from the second embodiment will be described, and descriptions of similarities will be omitted. Note that in Figures 8 and 9, the same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to those of the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment described above, the first groove 911 opens to the top surface 910 of the first portion 91 of the support member 9A. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the first groove 911 opens to the side surface 912 of the first portion 91 of the support member 9B. The side surface 912 refers to the surface adjacent to the top surface 910.

Similarly, in the second embodiment described above, the second groove 921 opens to the top surface 920 of the second portion 92 of the support member 9A. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the second groove 921 opens to the side surface 922 of the second portion 92 of the support member 9B. The side surface 922 refers to the surface adjacent to the top surface 920.

With this configuration, even when the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are aligned along the Y axis, the inner surface of the second groove 921 can be brought into contact with the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3, respectively. This makes it possible to more reliably fix the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3, even when the surface on which the sheet-like optical waveguide 4 extends is held substantially parallel to the surface of the connecting portion 93 on the optical waveguide 4 side. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the probability of contact between the optical waveguide 4 and the connecting portion 93, while improving the reliability of the optical distributor 100.

9, a first portion 91 and a second portion 92 are connected by two connection portions 93. Specifically, both ends of the first portion 91 in the Z-axis direction and both ends of the second portion 92 in the Z-axis direction are connected by the connection portions 93. This makes the support member 9C have a closed frame shape. As a result, the probability of unintentionally touching the optical waveguide 4 can be reduced.
In the third embodiment as described above, the same effects as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

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

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing an optical distributor according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 11 is an exploded view of the optical distributor shown in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a plan view showing the optical distributor shown in Figure 10 with the cover removed. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the optical distributor shown in Figure 12. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the optical distributor shown in Figure 12 taken along line C-C. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the optical distributor shown in Figure 12 taken along line D-D. Note that in each figure, the illustration of a part of the light guide section or the optical adapter may be simplified.

The fourth embodiment will be described below. In the following explanation, we will explain the points that are different from the first embodiment, and will omit the explanation of the points that are similar.

The optical distributor 100 according to this embodiment includes the light guide section 10 and the support member 9 of the first to third embodiments, as well as a housing 5 that houses them. Specifically, the optical distributor 100 shown in Figs. 10 to 12 includes the light guide section 10, the support member 9, and the housing 5. Of these, the light guide section 10 is bent so as to be curved in the XY plane as shown in Fig. 2, and is housed in this state inside the housing 5. This allows the light guide section 10 to be made small, and the optical distributor 100 can be made smaller. Note that even if the light guide section 10 is bent, it is supported by the support member 9, so that a decrease in the transmission efficiency in the optical distributor 100 can be suppressed.

4.1 Housing The housing 5 includes a container 5a and a lid 5b, as shown in FIG.

The opening of the container 5a is covered with a lid 5b. This forms a space inside the housing 5, and the light guide 10 and the support member 9 are housed in that space.

As shown in FIG. 11, the container 5a is box-shaped with a bottom and an opening that opens upward.

As shown in FIG. 11 or 12, the container 5a has a bottom 501, a wall 500, and three fixing parts 509. Of these, the bottom 501 has a bottom surface 502 and a back surface 503 which are in a front-back relationship as shown in FIG. 15. The bottom surface 502 is the upper surface of the bottom 501, and the back surface 503 is the lower surface of the bottom 501.

The wall 500 is provided to protrude upward from the edge of the bottom surface 502, and has a frame shape with a space inside. The wall 500 also has side walls 51, 52, 53, and 54. Of these, the side wall 51 has through-holes 511 and 512 that penetrate from the inside to the outside, as shown in FIG. 11. The first optical adapter 6 is attached to the through-hole 511, as shown in FIG. 11. The second optical adapter 7 is attached to the through-hole 512, as shown in FIG. 11. The first optical adapter 6 has a shape that protrudes on both the inside and outside of the wall 500. Similarly, the second optical adapter 7 has a shape that protrudes on both the inside and outside of the wall 500. The wall 500 does not need to be a closed frame shape, and may be partially interrupted.

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

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

The light guide 10, wound up in a ring shape, is in contact with the wall 500. In other words, the wound light guide 10 is in contact with the wall 500, preventing the light guide 10 from unfolding and allowing the light guide 10 to maintain its wound state. However, it is not essential that the light guide 10 is in contact with the wall 500. It is also not essential that the light guide 10 is wound up in a ring shape, and it may be stored in a straight stretched state. In that case, for example, the through-hole 511 may be provided in the side wall 51, and the through-hole 512 may be provided in the side wall 52.

The container 5a further has two side walls 53, 54 that are parallel to the YZ plane. The side wall 53 is located on the positive side of the X axis from the bottom surface 502, and the side wall 54 is located on the negative side of the X axis from the bottom surface 502.

The lid 5b is in the form of a plate capable of covering the opening of the container 5a, and its planar shape as viewed from the direction along the Z axis is the same as that of the container 5a. The lid 5b may be provided as necessary, and may be omitted.

The above-described shape of the housing 5 is merely an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, the container 5a and the lid 5b may be connected. The container 5a may also be an assembly formed by assembling multiple parts.

As shown in FIG. 11 etc., the container 5a also has columnar pole parts 551, 552 protruding from the bottom surface 502. The pole part 551 is cylindrical and is provided near the connection part between the side walls 52 and 53, but at a distance from the side walls 52 and 53. The pole part 552 is cylindrical and is provided near the connection part between the side walls 52 and 54, but at a distance from the side walls 52 and 54. The pole parts 551, 552 may be provided as necessary, and may be omitted.

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

As shown in FIG. 12, gaps 553, 554 are provided between the pole portions 551, 552 and the wall portion 500 (see FIG. 11) through which the light guide portion 10 can be inserted. By inserting the light guide portion 10 into these gaps 553, 554, the light guide portion 10 can be bent along the side surfaces of the pole portions 551, 552, preventing the bending radius from becoming too small. In addition, the force of the light guide portion 10 in a wound state attempting to unfold can be used to fix the light guide portion 10 to the housing 5.

The container 5a also has pedestal portions 504 and 505 that protrude from the bottom surface 502. The pedestal portion 504 is provided at a position corresponding to the through-hole portion 511. The pedestal portion 505 is provided at a position corresponding to the through-hole portion 512.

As shown in FIG. 11, a first optical adapter 6 is placed on the top surface of the base 504. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, a second optical adapter 7 is placed on the top surface of the base 505.

The first optical fiber 1 of the light guide 10 is inserted into the first optical adapter 6 as described above. The second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 of the light guide 10 are inserted into the second optical adapter 7 as described above. Furthermore, a portion of the light guide 10 is housed in the space between the pole portions 551, 552 and the base portions 504, 505 in a ring-shaped wound state as shown in FIG. 12.

As shown in FIG. 11, the container 5a is provided with a recess 56 that opens to the bottom surface 502. The connecting portion 93 of the support member 9 is inserted into the recess 56. With this configuration, the first portion 91 can be aligned and fixed to the bottom surface 502 simply by inserting the connecting portion 93 into the recess 56.

Of the two faces of the first optical adapter 6 that intersect with the Y axis, the face on the negative side of the Y axis is provided with one insertion section 61 into which the first optical fiber 1 can be inserted, as shown in Fig. 12. On the other hand, the face on the positive side of the Y axis is provided with one insertion section 62 into which a counterpart optical fiber to be optically connected to the first optical fiber 1 can be inserted, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. Therefore, the first optical fiber 1 is optically connected to a counterpart optical fiber (not shown) via the first optical adapter 6.

The first optical adapter 6 may be compliant with various standards related to optical connector housings, such as SC, FC, MU, D, DJ, ST, LC, SCF, SCH, MT, MPO, MT-RJ, etc.

Of the two faces of the second optical adapter 7 that intersect with the Y axis, the face on the negative Y axis is provided with an insertion section 71a into which the second optical fiber 2 can be inserted and an insertion section 71b into which the third optical fiber 3 can be inserted, as shown in FIG. 12. The two insertion sections 71a and 71b are aligned along the X axis. On the other hand, the face on the positive Y axis is provided with insertion sections 72a and 72b into which the optical fiber of the connection partner that is optically connected to the second optical fiber 2 or the third optical fiber 3 is inserted. Therefore, the second optical fiber 2 and the third optical fiber 3 are optically connected to the two optical fibers of the connection partner (not shown) via the second optical adapter 7. The two insertion sections 72a and 72b are aligned along the X axis.

The second optical adapter 7 may conform to various standards related to optical connector housings, such as SC, FC, MU, D, DJ, ST, LC, SCF, SCH, MT, MPO, MT-RJ, etc.

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

The first optical fiber 1, etc., inserted into the gaps 553, 554 between the pole parts 551, 552 and the wall part 500, is restrained by fitting into the gaps 553, 554. Therefore, the first optical fiber 1, etc. can be fixed simply by inserting the first optical fiber 1, etc. into the gaps 553, 554.

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

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

The cross-sectional shape of the pole portions 551 and 552 when cut by a plane parallel to the bottom surface 502 is not particularly limited, but examples include circles such as perfect circles, ellipses, and ovals, polygons such as squares, hexagons, and octagons, and other shapes. In FIG. 12, the cross-sectional shape of the pole portions 551 and 552 is a circle. This makes it difficult for the light guide portion 10 to be damaged when the light guide portion 10 is inserted into the gaps 553 and 554.

The shape of pole portion 551 and the shape of pole portion 552 may be different, but in Figures 11 and 12, they are the same. In addition, the shape and size of pole portions 551 and 552 may be constant along the Z axis or may vary. For example, the diameter of pole portions 551 and 552 may gradually decrease or increase toward the tip.

The housing 5 also has a recess 56 that opens on the bottom surface 502 and into which the connecting portion 93 is inserted.
According to this configuration, when assembling the optical distributor 100, the support member 9 can be easily and accurately aligned with the container 5a by inserting the connecting portion 93 into the recess 56. This allows the pole portions 551, 552 to be aligned with the first optical fiber 1 and the like with high precision. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the transmission efficiency of the light guide portion 10 due to misalignment between the first optical fiber 1 and the pole portions 551, 552. Furthermore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the assembly work of the optical distributor 100.

Here, an example of a method for manufacturing the optical distributor 100 shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the light guide section 10 and the supporting member 9 shown in FIG. 1 are attached to the container 5a when assembling the light distributor 100 shown in FIG.

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

Since the first optical fiber 1 etc. extend from the support member 9, when inserting the support member 9 into the recess 56, it is necessary to bend the extending first optical fiber 1 etc. until it is large enough to fit inside the wall portion 500. Therefore, if the first optical fiber 1 etc. is bent by mistake with a small bending radius, there is a risk of damaging the first optical fiber 1 etc.

Therefore, in the housing 5 shown in Figures 11 to 13, windows 57, 58 are provided in the wall 500. Specifically, the housing 5 has a window 57 that penetrates the side wall 53 at a position overlapping with the extension line of the first groove 911. In addition, the housing 5 has a window 58 that penetrates the side wall 54 at a position overlapping with the extension line of the second groove 921.

With this configuration, after the support member 9 is inserted into the recess 56, the first optical fiber 1 and the like can be caused to protrude outside the wall portion 500 through the windows 57 and 58. This allows the support member 9 to be inserted into the recess 56 without bending the first optical fiber 1 and the like with a small bending radius.

Although only one of the windows 57 and 58 may be provided, it is preferable to provide both. Also, the windows 57 and 58 shown in FIG. 11 are covered by fitting a part 59 of the cover 5b. The windows 57 and 58 may be open or may be covered with another member.

The lengths of the windows 57 and 58 in the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are not particularly limited and are set appropriately taking into account workability.

Furthermore, the windows 57 and 58 shown in FIG. 13 are each notched obliquely on the Y-axis positive side. By providing such notches 571 and 581, when the first optical fiber 1 protruding outward through the windows 57 and 58 is bent and stored inside the wall 500 as shown in FIG. 16, the first optical fiber 1 is less likely to get caught on the wall 500. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the light guide 10 is suspended in a downwardly convex U-shape, and then the support member 9 is inserted into the recess 56, and the first optical fiber 1 is wound and stored inside the wall 500. At this time, the notches 571 and 581 allow this work to be performed efficiently. This reduces the probability that the first optical fiber 1 will be damaged during the assembly work.

In addition, a member for fixing the light guide unit 10 to the housing 5 may be added. Examples of such a member include an adhesive tape, a bonding tape, an adhesive, and a pressure sensitive adhesive.

The container 5a may also be filled with a resin material such as a potting agent to improve the retention and weather resistance of the light guide section 10.

5. Electronic Devices According to the optical distributor 100 of the embodiment described above, it is possible to realize an optical distributor 100 that has little loss even when bent. Therefore, an electronic device including such an optical distributor 100 can save space for storing the optical distributor 100, and has high reliability because the loss in the optical distributor 100 is small.

The electronic device of the present invention is applicable to, for example, information and communication devices such as smartphones, tablet terminals, mobile phone terminals, smart watches, smart glasses, head-mounted displays, head-up displays, game consoles, router devices, WDM devices, personal computers, televisions, servers, and supercomputers, medical devices, sensor devices, as well as mobile control devices such as instruments for vehicles, aircraft, and ships, automobile control devices, aircraft control devices, railroad vehicle control devices, ship control devices, spacecraft control devices, and rocket control devices, and plant control devices for controlling plants such as power plants, refineries, steelworks, and chemical complexes.

The optical distributor and electronic device of the present invention have been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these.

For example, the optical distributor of the present invention may be one in which the configuration of each part of the above embodiment is replaced with any configuration having a similar function, or any configuration may be added to the above embodiment.

1 First optical fiber 2 Second optical fiber 3 Third optical fiber 4 Optical waveguide 5 Housing 5a Container 5b Lid 6 First optical adapter 7 Second optical adapter 9 Support member 9A Support member 9B Support member 9C Support member 10 Light guide section 11 First optical fiber body 12 First optical connector 21 Second optical fiber body 22 Second optical connector 31 Third optical fiber body 32 Third optical connector 41 Cladding layer 42 Cladding layer 43 Core layer 44 Core section 45 Side cladding section 46 Branch core section 47 Lower protective layer 48 Upper protective layer 51 Side wall 52 Side wall 53 Side wall 54 Side wall 56 Recess 57 Window section 58 Window section 59 Part 61 Insertion section 62 Insertion section 71a Insertion section 71b Insertion section 72a Insertion section 72b Insertion section 81 First adhesive section 82 Second adhesive section 83 Third adhesive section 91 First portion 92 Second portion 93 Connection portion 100 Optical distributor 111 Core portion 112 Clad portion 113 First light incident/output surface 211 Core portion 212 Clad portion 213 Second light incident/output surface 311 Core portion 312 Clad portion 313 Third light incident/output surface 491 Fourth light incident/output surface 492 Fifth light incident/output surface 500 Wall portion 501 Bottom portion 502 Bottom surface 503 Back surface 504 Pedestal portion 505 Pedestal portion 509 Fixing portion 511 Through portion 512 Through portion 551 Pole portion 552 Pole portion 553 Gap 554 Gap 571 Notch 581 Notch 910 Top surface 911 First groove 912 Side surface 920 Top surface 921 Second groove 921A Second groove 922 Side surface D1 Depth D2 Depth L1 Length L2 Length L3 Length L4 Length S4 Distance t Thickness W Width W1 Width W2 Width φ1 Diameter φ2 Diameter φ3 Diameter

Claims (8)

A first optical fiber;
a second optical fiber and a third optical fiber arranged in parallel with each other;
an optical waveguide having a branched core portion branched midway and connecting the first optical fiber to the second optical fiber and the third optical fiber;
a support member having a first portion having a first groove, a second portion having a second groove, and a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion;
Equipped with
The first groove opens to a side surface of the first portion,
The second groove opens to a side surface of the second portion,
the first optical fiber is inserted into and supported by the first groove;
the second optical fiber and the third optical fiber are inserted into and supported by the second groove;
13. An optical distributor according to claim 12, wherein the optical waveguide is held at a position away from the connecting portion. The optical distributor according to claim 1 , wherein the second groove has a depth greater than the depth of the first groove. A first optical fiber;
a second optical fiber and a third optical fiber arranged in parallel with each other;
an optical waveguide having a branched core portion branched midway and connecting the first optical fiber to the second optical fiber and the third optical fiber;
a support member having a first portion having a first groove, a second portion having a second groove deeper than the first groove , and a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion;
Equipped with
the first optical fiber is inserted into and supported by the first groove;
the second optical fiber and the third optical fiber are inserted into and supported by the second groove;
An optical distributor, wherein the optical waveguide is held at a position away from the connecting portion. The first groove opens to a surface of the first portion opposite the connecting portion,
The optical distributor according to claim 3 , wherein the second groove is open to a surface of the second portion opposite to the connecting portion. 5. The optical distributor according to claim 1 , wherein the first groove and the second groove extend in the same direction. the first optical fiber is fixed in the first groove by an adhesive or a member that blocks the first groove;
6. The optical distributor according to claim 1, wherein the second optical fiber and the third optical fiber are fixed in the second groove by an adhesive or a member that blocks the second groove. 7. The optical distributor according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the first portion and the second portion is longer than a length of the optical waveguide. 8. An electronic device comprising the optical distributor according to claim 1.

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