JPH0550407U - Multi-core optical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] A ferrule or microlens is not required, and highly precise axis alignment between the opposing optical fibers 3 is not required so much. [Structure] At least the light emitting side of the female connector 1 and the male connector 2 of the multi-core optical connector (here, the male connector 2)
The end face of the optical fiber 3 to be formed is formed into a convex lens shape 32.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to a multicore optical connector for connecting a plurality of optical fibers.

[0002]

[Prior Art]

 Multicore optical connectors are used to connect multiple optical fibers. In a multi-core optical connector, optical fibers facing each other are abutted against each other, so highly accurate axial alignment of the optical fibers is important for suppressing coupling loss.

In order to perform such highly accurate axis alignment, conventionally, a method of performing axis alignment using a precision-machined ferrule is generally used. In some cases, microlenses are used to increase the coupling efficiency.

[0004]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 However, the conventional method requires a high-precision ferrule in order to improve the coupling efficiency between optical fibers, and is therefore expensive, and the use of microlenses is also expensive.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and provides a multicore optical connector that does not require a ferrule and a microlens, does not require highly accurate axis alignment, and is inexpensive. The purpose is to

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 According to the present invention, a female connector in which a plurality of optical fibers are projectingly fixed in corresponding recesses is fitted to the female connector, and elastic force is applied via a spring at the time of fitting to support the optical fiber. Of the optical fiber in the female connector and the male connector, at least the end face of the optical fiber on the light projecting side is formed into a convex lens shape.

[0007]

[Action]

 According to the above-mentioned means, at the time of fitting, the end faces of the optical fibers facing each other are brought into close contact with each other by the elastic force of the spring of the male connector, and at least the end faces of the optical fibers on the light emitting side are formed in a convex lens shape. Coupling efficiency is improved.

[0008]

【Example】

 Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a multi-core optical connector according to the present invention when mated, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a female connector and a male connector of the multi-core optical connector according to the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a female connector in which a tip portion of an optical fiber 3 is projected into a recess 10 and a sheath portion 30 of the optical fiber 3 is adhered and fixed by a fixing member 11. ..

On the other hand, 2 is a male connector, and the spring 21 is fixedly installed in the recess of the projecting portion 20, and the fixing member 22 through which the optical fiber 3 can be movably inserted and the end portion of the sheath portion 30 of the optical fiber 3. It is interposed between the fixing members 23 that are fixedly installed on the base plate, and elastic force is generated in the fitting direction. The end face of the optical fiber 3 in the male connector 2 is formed into a convex lens shape 32, and the light is focused when the light is projected, so that the coupling efficiency of the optical fibers is improved. In this case, the male connector 2 side is the light emitting side. The convex lens shape 32 on the end face of the optical fiber 3 is processed by heating and melting, for example, as proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 3-116853 by the present applicant.

When the female connector 1 and the male connector 2 are fastened with the screws 4 and the recess 10 and the protruding portion 20 are fitted to each other, the female connector 1 and the male connector 2 are butted with each other by the elastic force of the spring 21 in the male connector 2. The optical fibers 3 and 3 are closely attached. Although not shown, the end surface of the optical fiber 3 on the female connector 1 side, which is the light receiving side, may also have a convex lens shape.

[0012]

[Effect of the device]

 As described above, according to the present invention, since at least the end face of the optical fiber on the light emitting side of the multi-core optical connector is formed in the shape of a convex lens, no ferrule or microlens is required and highly accurate axis alignment is required. In addition, it has the effect of being inexpensive.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of the product of the present invention at the time of fitting.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a female connector and a male connector of the present product.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Female Connector 10 Female Connector Recess 2 Male Connector 20 Male Connector Projection 21 Spring 3 Optical Fiber 32 Convex Lens

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A female connector in which a plurality of optical fibers are projectingly fixed in corresponding recesses, and a female connector which is fitted to the female connector and which is elastically applied via a spring when fitted. A multi-core optical connector comprising a supporting male connector, wherein at least an end face of the optical fiber on the light projecting side of both the female connector and the male connector is formed in a convex lens shape.