JPH08271759A - Assembling structure for optical connector with lens - Google Patents
Assembling structure for optical connector with lensInfo
- Publication number
- JPH08271759A JPH08271759A JP7490295A JP7490295A JPH08271759A JP H08271759 A JPH08271759 A JP H08271759A JP 7490295 A JP7490295 A JP 7490295A JP 7490295 A JP7490295 A JP 7490295A JP H08271759 A JPH08271759 A JP H08271759A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- lens
- lens holder
- fitted
- peripheral surface
- outer cylinder
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】この発明はレンズ付き光コネクタ
の組合せ構造に関し、特に光ファイバ（フェルール）と
レンズとの間を調心、固定する際の作業工数の低減に関
する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a combined structure of an optical connector with a lens, and more particularly to a reduction in man-hours required for aligning and fixing an optical fiber (ferrule) and a lens.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】テレビカメラ中継ケーブル用光コネクタ
のように、汚れ、ほこりの多い環境で着脱を繰り返し行
う必要のある光コネクタでは、従来から光ファイバ（シ
ングルモード光ファイバ）のスポットサイズを拡大して
接続するようにしたレンズ付き光コネクタが用いられて
いる。光ファイバのスポットサイズは例えば5.５μm 程
度と小さく、この小さいスポットサイズで相互の着脱を
行うと、汚れ、ほこりの付着による影響（光伝送損失の
増加や変動、表示画質の劣化等の原因となる）が大きく
なるので、レンズによりスポットサイズを拡大させてか
ら着脱するようにすれば、ほこり等の影響を軽減でき
る。2. Description of the Related Art For an optical connector such as an optical connector for a TV camera relay cable that needs to be repeatedly attached and detached in an environment with a lot of dirt and dust, the spot size of the optical fiber (single mode optical fiber) has conventionally been increased. An optical connector with a lens, which is configured to be connected by using the optical connector, is used. The spot size of the optical fiber is as small as 5.5 μm, for example, and when these small spot sizes are attached and detached, the effect of dirt and dust adhesion (increased and changed optical transmission loss, deterioration of display image quality, etc. Therefore, if the lens is used to increase the spot size before attachment / detachment, the influence of dust or the like can be reduced.
【０００３】図３に示すのは、この発明を得る前の段階
で提案されたレンズ付き光コネクタの組合せ構造であ
る。フェルール２ａ，２ｂにより光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂ
の端末がそれぞれ同軸心状に保持され、各光ファイバ１
ａ，１ｂの端面はフェルール２ａ，２ｂの端面とそれぞ
れ面一とされている。フェルール２ａ，２ｂの外周面に
フランジ３ａ，３ｂがそれぞれ同軸心状に嵌合、固定さ
れる。FIG. 3 shows a combined structure of an optical connector with a lens, which has been proposed in a stage before obtaining the present invention. Optical fibers 1a and 1b by ferrules 2a and 2b
Of the optical fibers 1 are held coaxially with each other.
The end faces of a and 1b are flush with the end faces of the ferrules 2a and 2b, respectively. The flanges 3a and 3b are coaxially fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surfaces of the ferrules 2a and 2b, respectively.
【０００４】円筒状のレンズホルダ４ａ，４ｂの互いに
対向すべき一端側の中心孔に円柱状の屈折率分布型レン
ズ５ａ，５ｂがそれぞれ同軸心状に嵌合、固定される。
レンズホルダ４ａ，４ｂの他端側の中心孔内にフェルー
ル２ａ，２ｂの先端部がそれぞれ挿入され、光ファイバ
１ａ，１ｂとレンズ５ａ，５ｂとがそれぞれ互いに調心
された後フランジ３ａ，３ｂの端面とレンズホルダ４
ａ，４ｂの端面とがそれぞれ例えば溶接により固定され
る。Cylindrical gradient index lenses 5a and 5b are coaxially fitted and fixed in the central holes of the cylindrical lens holders 4a and 4b at one end side which should be opposed to each other.
The front ends of the ferrules 2a and 2b are respectively inserted into the center holes on the other end sides of the lens holders 4a and 4b, and the optical fibers 1a and 1b and the lenses 5a and 5b are respectively aligned with each other. End face and lens holder 4
The end faces of a and 4b are fixed by welding, for example.
【０００５】以上により、組立られた一対のレンズ付き
光コネクタのレンズホルダ４ａ，４ｂが共通の円筒状ス
リーブ６の両側の端面よりそれぞれ挿入され、レンズホ
ルダ４ａ，４ｂの端面同士が突き合わされる。円柱状の
屈折率分布型レンズ５ａ，５ｂは軸心の屈折率が最も大
きく、周辺になるに従い屈折率が減少し、凸レンズと同
じ光学特性をもつレンズである。レンズ５ａ，５ｂの焦
点距離ｆa ，ｆb は各レンズの軸線方向の長さに逆比例
し、ｆ a ／ｆb ≒２／１〜３／２に設定される。そのた
めレンズ５ａ，５ｂ間の光は平行光でなく、レンズ５ａ
側からレンズ５ｂ側に行くにつれてスポットサイズが僅
かに拡大される。なお、フェルール２ａ，２ｂの端面と
対向するレンズ５ａ，５ｂとの間及びレンズ５ａ，５ｂ
間にそれぞれ小さな空隙が設けられている。With the above, a pair of lenses assembled
The lens holders 4a and 4b of the optical connector have a common cylindrical shape.
Inserted from both end faces of the leave 6 respectively,
The end surfaces of the ruders 4a and 4b are butted against each other. Cylindrical
The gradient index lenses 5a and 5b have the highest refractive index in the axial center.
The refractive index decreases as it gets closer to the periphery,
It is a lens with the same optical characteristics. Focus of lenses 5a and 5b
Point distance fa, FbIs inversely proportional to the axial length of each lens
And f a/ Fb≈2 / 1 to 3/2 are set. That
The light between the lenses 5a and 5b is not parallel light,
The spot size decreases from the lens side to the lens 5b side.
Will be enlarged. In addition, with the end faces of the ferrules 2a and 2b
Between the lenses 5a and 5b facing each other and the lenses 5a and 5b
There are small gaps between them.
【０００６】レンズホルダ４ａ，４ｂをスリーブ６に挿
入して端面同士を突き合わせた場合に、レンズ５ａ，５
ｂとの間に僅かの軸ずれと角度ずれ（両レンズの光軸の
角度差）が発生する。軸ずれによる光伝送損失は、スポ
ットサイズが拡大されているので問題にならないが、角
度ずれによる光伝送損失はかなり大きく、光コネクタの
性能を左右する。この角度ずれによる光伝送損失を軽減
するために、両レンズの焦点距離に差を設けている。When the lens holders 4a and 4b are inserted into the sleeve 6 and the end faces are butted against each other, the lenses 5a and 5b
A slight axial deviation and angular deviation (angle difference between the optical axes of both lenses) occur between the lens and b. The optical transmission loss due to the axis shift is not a problem because the spot size is enlarged, but the optical transmission loss due to the angle shift is considerably large and affects the performance of the optical connector. In order to reduce the optical transmission loss due to this angle shift, a difference is provided in the focal lengths of both lenses.
【０００７】[0007]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】この発明の得る前の段
階で提案されたレンズ付き光コネクタの組合せ構造で
は、上述したように、両レンズの軸ずれ及び角度ずれに
よる光伝送損失を小さくできるメリットがある。しかし
ながら、フェルール２ａ，２ｂ（光ファイバ１ａ，１
ｂ）とレンズホルダ４ａ，４ｂとをそれぞれ調心し、フ
ランジ３ａ，３ｂをレンズホルダ４ａ，４ｂに溶接する
工程での調心作業の工数が大きく、生産性が充分でない
問題が残されていた。In the combined structure of the optical connector with a lens proposed at the stage before obtaining the present invention, as described above, there is an advantage that the optical transmission loss due to the axial deviation and the angular deviation of both lenses can be reduced. There is. However, the ferrules 2a and 2b (optical fibers 1a and 1b
b) and the lens holders 4a and 4b are respectively aligned, and the number of man-hours of the centering work in the process of welding the flanges 3a and 3b to the lens holders 4a and 4b is large, and the problem of insufficient productivity remains. .
【０００８】２つの光ビームの軸ずれｘ（μm ）により
生ずる光伝送損失η（dB）の間にはω（μｍ）をビーム
径とすると、 η＝１０log ｛ exp（−４ｘ2 ／ω2 ）｝ ……… （１） の関係がある。図２はω＝１０及び２５（μm ）を与え
たときのη対ｘのグラフである。フェルール２ａ，２ｂ
の端面におけるスポットサイズは光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂ
のスポットサイズであり、例えば5.５μm と極めて小さ
いため、光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの光軸とレンズ５ａ，５
ｂとの間の僅かの軸ずれも大きな光伝送損失となり、そ
のため軸ずれを例えば１μm 程度に抑えねばならなくな
り、調心に時間がかかるのである。If the beam diameter is ω (μm) between the optical transmission loss η (dB) caused by the axis shift x (μm) of the two light beams, then η = 10log {exp (-4x 2 / ω 2 ). } ……… (1) has the relationship. FIG. 2 is a graph of η vs. x when ω = 10 and 25 (μm) are given. Ferrules 2a, 2b
Of the spot size on the end face of the optical fiber 1a, 1b
Since the spot size is very small, for example, 5.5 μm, the optical axes of the optical fibers 1a and 1b and the lenses 5a and 5 are
Even a slight misalignment with the axis b results in a large optical transmission loss, so that the misalignment must be suppressed to, for example, about 1 μm, and the alignment takes time.
【０００９】この発明の目的は、これらの問題を解決
し、フェルール（光ファイバ）とその先端のレンズとの
調心の作業工数を軽減し、生産性を向上させようとする
ものである。An object of the present invention is to solve these problems, reduce the man-hours for aligning the ferrule (optical fiber) and the lens at the tip thereof, and improve the productivity.
【００１０】[0010]
（１）請求項１の発明の該組合せ構造は、結合すべき一
対の光ファイバの各端末にそれぞれ取付けられる細長い
円筒状の第１，第２フェルールと、細長い円筒形で、そ
の先端側の中心孔に、焦点距離の等しい円柱状の屈折率
分布型の第１，第２レンズをそれぞれ保持し、他端側の
中心孔（その内径はフェルールの外径に等しいか、また
はそれより僅かに大きく設定される）に第１，第２フェ
ルールの先端側（フェルールの全長のほぼ１／２または
それ以上）がそれぞれ同軸心状に嵌合される第１，第２
レンズホルダと、円筒形で、その内周面が第１レンズホ
ルダの外周面に同軸心状に嵌合、固定される外筒と、円
筒形で、その先端側の中心孔に屈折率分布型の第３レン
ズを保持し、他端側の中心孔の内周面が第２レンズホル
ダの外周面に同軸心状に嵌合、固定され、第３レンズが
第２レンズに近接対向して配される第３レンズホルダ
と、円筒形で、その一端側の中心孔が外筒の外周面に、
他端側の中心孔が第３レンズホルダの外周面にそれぞれ
嵌合され、外筒の先端が第３レンズホルダの端面に突き
合わされ、第１レンズが第３レンズに近接対向して配さ
れるスリーブとより構成される。(1) The combined structure according to the invention of claim 1 has elongated cylindrical first and second ferrules attached to respective ends of a pair of optical fibers to be coupled, and an elongated cylindrical shape, and a center on the tip side thereof. The first and second cylindrical refractive index distribution type lenses having the same focal length are respectively held in the holes, and the central hole on the other end side (its inner diameter is equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the ferrule). (To be set), the tip sides of the first and second ferrules (approximately 1/2 or more of the total length of the ferrule) are coaxially fitted to each other.
A lens holder, an outer cylinder which is cylindrical and whose inner peripheral surface is coaxially fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the first lens holder, and a cylindrical shape which has a refractive index distribution type in the center hole on the tip side. Holding the third lens, the inner peripheral surface of the center hole on the other end side is coaxially fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the second lens holder, and the third lens is arranged close to and facing the second lens. And a third lens holder that is cylindrical and has a center hole on one end side on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder.
The center hole on the other end side is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the third lens holder, the tip of the outer cylinder is abutted against the end surface of the third lens holder, and the first lens is arranged close to and facing the third lens. Composed of a sleeve.
【００１１】（２）請求項２の発明では、前記（１）に
おいて、第１，第２フェルールの端面が第１，第２レン
ズにそれぞれ対接されている。 （３）請求項３の発明では、前記（１）において、外筒
の外径と第３レンズホルダの外径とがほぼ等しく設定さ
れている。 （４）請求項４の発明では、前記（１）において、外筒
の内径と第３レンズホルダの第２レンズホルダと嵌合さ
れる他端側の内径とがほぼ等しく設定されている。(2) In the invention of claim 2, in (1), the end faces of the first and second ferrules are in contact with the first and second lenses, respectively. (3) In the invention of claim 3, in (1), the outer diameter of the outer cylinder and the outer diameter of the third lens holder are set to be substantially equal to each other. (4) In the invention of claim 4, in (1), the inner diameter of the outer cylinder and the inner diameter of the other end of the third lens holder fitted to the second lens holder are set to be substantially equal.
【００１２】（５）請求項５の発明では、前記（１）に
おいて、外筒の先端が第３レンズホルダ側に延長され、
それに対応して第３レンズホルダの前端の周辺部がリン
グ状に削り取られ、これにより外筒と第３レンズホルダ
とが凹凸係合される。 （６）請求項６の発明では、前記（１）において、外筒
または第３レンズホルダの一方とスリーブとが互いに固
定され、他方がスリーブに挿脱自在に嵌合される。(5) In the invention of claim 5, in the above (1), the tip of the outer cylinder is extended to the third lens holder side,
Correspondingly, the peripheral portion of the front end of the third lens holder is scraped off in a ring shape, so that the outer cylinder and the third lens holder are engaged with each other in an uneven manner. (6) In the invention of claim 6, in the above (1), one of the outer cylinder or the third lens holder and the sleeve are fixed to each other, and the other is removably fitted into the sleeve.
【００１３】（７）請求項７の発明では、前記（１）に
おいて、第１，第２レンズの長さＬ 1 ，Ｌ2 （Ｌ1 ＝Ｌ
2 ）と第３レンズの長さＬ3 の比がＬ3 ／Ｌ1 ≒１／２
〜３／２に設定されている。(7) In the invention of claim 7, in the above (1)
The length L of the first and second lenses 1, L2(L1= L
2) And the length L of the third lens3Ratio of L3/ L1≒ 1/2
It is set to ~ 3/2.
【００１４】[0014]
【実施例】この発明の実施例を図１に、図３と対応する
部分に同じ符号を付けて示す。結合すべき一対の光ファ
イバ１ａ，１ｂの各端末の外周面に、細長い円筒状の第
１，第２フェルール２ａ，２ｂがそれぞれ同軸心状に取
付けられる。第１，第２レンズホルダ４ａ，４ｂは細長
い円筒形で、その先端側の中心孔に、焦点距離が等しい
円柱状の屈折率分布型の第１，第２レンズ５ａ，５ｂを
それぞれ保持し、他端側の中心孔に第１，第２フェルー
ル２ａ，２ｂの先端側（フェルールの全長のほぼ１／２
またはそれ以上）がそれぞれ同軸心状に嵌合され、例え
ば接着剤、半田等により互いに固定され、それらフェル
ールの各端面が第１，第２レンズ５ａ，５ｂに対接され
る。第１，第２レンズホルダ４ａ，４ｂのフェルールを
挿入する側の内径は、フェルールの外径に等しいか、ま
たはそれより僅かに大きく設定される。フェルール２
ａ，２ｂを比較的長い寸法にわたってレンズホルダ４
ａ，４ｂにそれぞれガタツキが無いように密着して同軸
心状に係合させることによって、フェルール４ａ，４ｂ
（光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂ）と第１，第２レンズ５ａ，５
ｂとの調心作業を省略できる。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Elongated cylindrical first and second ferrules 2a and 2b are coaxially attached to the outer peripheral surface of each end of the pair of optical fibers 1a and 1b to be coupled. The first and second lens holders 4a and 4b are elongated cylinders, and the first and second lenses 5a and 5b of cylindrical refractive index distribution type having the same focal length are respectively held in the center holes on the tip side thereof. In the center hole on the other end side, the tip side of the first and second ferrules 2a, 2b (approximately half the total length of the ferrule)
Or more) are coaxially fitted to each other and are fixed to each other by, for example, an adhesive, solder, or the like, and the end faces of the ferrules are in contact with the first and second lenses 5a and 5b. The inner diameter of the first and second lens holders 4a and 4b on the side where the ferrule is inserted is set to be equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the ferrule. Ferrule 2
a and 2b over a relatively long dimension, the lens holder 4
The ferrules 4a and 4b are closely attached to the a and 4b without any rattling and are engaged with each other coaxially.
(Optical fibers 1a, 1b) and first and second lenses 5a, 5
The alignment work with b can be omitted.
【００１５】外筒７は円筒状で、その内周面が第１レン
ズホルダ４ａの外周面に同軸心状に嵌合、固定される。
図１の例では、先ずフランジ３ａがレンズホルダ４ａの
長手方向の中間の外周面に嵌合、固定され、そのフラン
ジより先端側の外周面に外筒７が同軸心状に嵌合され、
外筒７とフランジ３ａの端面同士が突き合わされて、例
えば溶接により固定される。The outer cylinder 7 has a cylindrical shape, and its inner peripheral surface is coaxially fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the first lens holder 4a.
In the example of FIG. 1, first, the flange 3a is fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder 4a in the longitudinal direction, and the outer cylinder 7 is coaxially fitted to the outer peripheral surface on the tip side of the flange.
The end faces of the outer cylinder 7 and the flange 3a are butted against each other and fixed by welding, for example.
【００１６】外筒７の軸線（中心線）に対する第１レン
ズ５ａの軸ずれは、第１レンズ５ａと第３レンズ９との
軸ずれの原因となるが、第１レンズの出射光のスポット
サイズが拡大されているので、図３のフェルール（光フ
ァイバ）とレンズとを調心する場合のように、軸ずれに
よる光伝送ロスは大きくならない。そのため軸ずれの許
容値を大きく設定できるので、調心の作業時間を短縮で
きる。なお、外筒７とフランジ３ａとを一体に形成し、
第１レンズホルダ４ａとガタつかないように密着して、
充分な長さに亘って同軸心状に嵌合させることにより、
第１レンズ５ａと外筒７との調心作業を省略することも
できる。The misalignment of the first lens 5a with respect to the axis (center line) of the outer cylinder 7 causes the misalignment between the first lens 5a and the third lens 9, but the spot size of the light emitted from the first lens 5a. Is enlarged, the optical transmission loss due to the axis deviation does not increase unlike the case where the ferrule (optical fiber) and the lens in FIG. 3 are aligned. Therefore, the tolerance value of the axis deviation can be set to a large value, and the working time for centering can be shortened. In addition, the outer cylinder 7 and the flange 3a are integrally formed,
Make a tight contact with the first lens holder 4a so that it does not rattle,
By fitting coaxially over a sufficient length,
Alignment work between the first lens 5a and the outer cylinder 7 can be omitted.
【００１７】第３レンズホルダ８は円筒形であり、その
先端側（第１レンズと対向する側）の中心孔に円柱状の
屈折率分布型の第３レンズ９を保持し、他端側の中心孔
の内周面が第２レンズホルダ４ｂの外周面に同軸心状に
嵌合、固定され、第３レンズ９が第２レンズ５ｂに近接
対向して配される。図１の例では、第２レンズホルダ４
ｂの長手方向の中間の外周面にフランジ３ｂが嵌合、固
定され、フランジ３ｂより先端の外周面に第３レンズホ
ルダ８の他端側の内周面が同軸心状に嵌合され、第３レ
ンズホルダ８とフランジ３ｂの端面同士が突き合わさ
れ、例えば溶接により互いに固定される。The third lens holder 8 has a cylindrical shape, and a cylindrical refractive index distribution type third lens 9 is held in the center hole on the tip side (the side facing the first lens), and the third lens holder 8 is provided on the other end side. The inner peripheral surface of the center hole is coaxially fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the second lens holder 4b, and the third lens 9 is arranged in close proximity to the second lens 5b. In the example of FIG. 1, the second lens holder 4
The flange 3b is fitted and fixed to the middle outer peripheral surface of the b in the longitudinal direction, and the inner peripheral surface on the other end side of the third lens holder 8 is coaxially fitted to the outer peripheral surface at the tip of the flange 3b. The end surfaces of the 3 lens holder 8 and the flange 3b are butted against each other, and are fixed to each other by, for example, welding.
【００１８】第３レンズホルダ８の端面をフランジ３ｂ
の端面に固定する際には、第３レンズホルダ９と第２レ
ンズ５ｂとの調心作業が必要となるが、両レンズの対向
する側のスポットサイズは拡大され、軸ずれによる光伝
送ロスは小さいので、軸ずれの許容値を比較的大きく設
定できる。従って、調心の作業時間を短縮できる。第３
レンズホルダ８とフランジ３ｂを一体に形成し、第２レ
ンズホルダ４ｂとガタつかないように密着させ、充分な
長さに亘って同軸心状に嵌合させることにより、調心作
業を省略することもできる。The end face of the third lens holder 8 is attached to the flange 3b.
In order to fix it to the end face of the lens, it is necessary to align the third lens holder 9 and the second lens 5b, but the spot size on the opposite side of both lenses is enlarged, and the optical transmission loss due to the axis shift is reduced. Since it is small, the allowable value of the axis deviation can be set relatively large. Therefore, the working time for alignment can be shortened. Third
The lens holder 8 and the flange 3b are integrally formed, and the lens holder 8 and the second lens holder 4b are closely attached to each other so as not to rattle, and are coaxially fitted over a sufficient length, thereby omitting the centering work. You can also
【００１９】スリーブ６は円筒形で、その一端側の中心
孔が外筒７の外周面に、他端側の中心孔が第３レンズホ
ルダ８の外周面にそれぞれ嵌合され、外筒７の先端が第
３レンズホルダ８の端面に突き合わされ、第１レンズ５
ａが第３レンズ９に近接対向して配される。第１，第２
フェルール２ａ，２ｂは第１，第２レンズホルダ４ａ，
４ｂに深く挿入され、それらの端面がレンズ５ａ，５ｂ
の端面にそれぞれ対接して固定されるので、フェルール
とレンズホルダとの間のガタツキを極力抑えることがで
きる（請求項２）。The sleeve 6 is cylindrical and has a center hole on one end side fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 7 and a center hole on the other end side fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the third lens holder 8, respectively. The tip is abutted against the end surface of the third lens holder 8, and the first lens 5
a is disposed close to and facing the third lens 9. First and second
The ferrules 2a and 2b are the first and second lens holders 4a,
4b, the end surfaces of which are inserted into the lenses 5a and 5b.
Since the end surfaces of the ferrule and the lens holder are fixed in contact with each other, rattling between the ferrule and the lens holder can be suppressed as much as possible (claim 2).
【００２０】外筒７の外径と第３レンズホルダ８の外径
をほぼ等しく設定すれば、これらと嵌合するスリーブ６
の内径を共通の値に設定することができるので、光コネ
クタの組合せ構造を簡単化し製造を容易にすることがで
きる（請求項３）。また、外筒７の内径と、第３レンズ
ホルダ８の第２レンズホルダ４ｂと係合する側の内径と
をほぼ等しく設定すれば、これらと係合する第１，第２
レンズホルダ４ａ，４ｂの外径を共通の値に設定するこ
とができるので、部品の種類を増やすことなく、共用化
できる（請求項４）。If the outer diameter of the outer cylinder 7 and the outer diameter of the third lens holder 8 are set to be substantially equal to each other, the sleeve 6 to be fitted with them is set.
Since the inner diameters of the optical connectors can be set to a common value, the combined structure of the optical connectors can be simplified and manufacturing can be facilitated (claim 3). Further, if the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 7 and the inner diameter of the side of the third lens holder 8 that engages with the second lens holder 4b are set to be substantially equal, the first and second portions that engage with these are set.
Since the outer diameters of the lens holders 4a and 4b can be set to a common value, they can be shared without increasing the types of parts (claim 4).
【００２１】図１の例では、外筒７の先端が第３レンズ
ホルダ８側に延長され、それに対応して第３レンズホル
ダ８の前端の周辺部にリング状の凹部が形成され、これ
により外筒７と第３レンズホルダ８とが凹凸係合され、
相互の結合を強固にしている（請求項５）。外筒７また
は第３レンズホルダ８の一方をスリーブ６に固定し、他
方をスリーブ６に挿脱自在に嵌合させるようにすれば、
スリーブ６を紛失させる恐れがなくて望ましい（請求項
６）。In the example of FIG. 1, the tip of the outer cylinder 7 is extended toward the third lens holder 8 side, and correspondingly, a ring-shaped recess is formed in the peripheral portion of the front end of the third lens holder 8, whereby The outer cylinder 7 and the third lens holder 8 are engaged in a concavo-convex shape,
The mutual connection is strengthened (Claim 5). If one of the outer cylinder 7 and the third lens holder 8 is fixed to the sleeve 6 and the other is fitted in the sleeve 6 in a removable manner,
It is desirable because there is no risk of losing the sleeve 6 (claim 6).
【００２２】第１，第２レンズ５ａ，５ｂは焦点距離が
等しく、従って長さが等しい。第１，第２レンズ５ａ，
５ｂの長さＬ1 ，Ｌ2 （Ｌ1 ＝Ｌ2 ）と第３レンズ９の
長さＬ3 の比をＬ3 ／Ｌ1 ≒0.５／１〜1.５／１＝１／
２〜３／２に設定すると、言い換えると（Ｌ3 ＋Ｌ2 ）
／Ｌ1 ≒３／２〜５／２に設定すると、光コネクタ結合
時の第１レンズ５ａと第３レンズ９との間の軸ずれによ
る光ロスは、スポットサイズが拡大されているので比較
的小さくできるのは勿論あるが、第１レンズ５ａの光軸
と第３レンズ９の光軸との間の角度ずれによる光ロスに
ついても図３の組合せ構造と同様に小さく抑えられる。
このようにＬ1 （＝Ｌ2 ）とＬ3 との比を設定すること
による角度ずれの影響を軽減できる効果は、第２レンズ
５ｂと第３レンズ９との間の角度ずれについても同様で
ある（請求項７）。The first and second lenses 5a and 5b have the same focal length, and therefore the same length. The first and second lenses 5a,
The ratio of the lengths L 1 and L 2 of 5 b (L 1 = L 2 ) to the length L 3 of the third lens 9 is L 3 / L 1 ≈0.5 / 1 to 1.5 / 1 = 1 /
When set to 2-3 / 2, in other words (L 3 + L 2)
When / L 1 ≈3 / 2 to 5/2 is set, the light loss due to the axis shift between the first lens 5a and the third lens 9 when the optical connector is coupled is relatively large because the spot size is enlarged. Of course, it can be made small, but the light loss due to the angular deviation between the optical axis of the first lens 5a and the optical axis of the third lens 9 can be suppressed to be small as in the combined structure of FIG.
In this way, the effect of reducing the influence of the angular deviation by setting the ratio of L 1 (= L 2 ) and L 3 is the same for the angular deviation between the second lens 5b and the third lens 9. There is (claim 7).
【００２３】[0023]
【発明の効果】この発明では、第１，第２レンズホルダ
４ａ，４ｂを細長く形成して、フェルール２ａ，２ｂの
先端部をガタツキが無いように、その全長のほぼ１／２
またはそれ以上の必要充分な長さに亘って同軸心状に嵌
合、固定するようにしたので、フェルール２ａ，２ｂ
（光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂ）とレンズ５ａ，５ｂとの間の
調心が自動的に行われる。従って、従来行っていた調心
作業を省略し、生産性を向上することができる。According to the present invention, the first and second lens holders 4a and 4b are formed to be long and thin, and the tip portions of the ferrules 2a and 2b are approximately 1/2 of the entire length thereof so that there is no rattling.
Alternatively, the ferrules 2a, 2b can be fitted and fixed coaxially over a necessary and sufficient length.
Alignment between the (optical fibers 1a and 1b) and the lenses 5a and 5b is automatically performed. Therefore, it is possible to omit the conventional aligning work and improve the productivity.
【図１】この発明の実施例を示す断面図。FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】２つの光学装置間の軸ずれと光伝送損失との関
係を示すグラフ。FIG. 2 is a graph showing a relationship between an optical axis loss and an optical transmission loss between two optical devices.
【図３】この発明を得る前の段階で提案されたレンズ付
き光コネクタの組合せ構造を示す断面図。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a combined structure of an optical connector with a lens proposed at a stage before obtaining the present invention.
Claims (7)
それぞれ取付けられる細長い円筒状の第１，第２フェル
ールと、 細長い円筒形で、その先端側の中心孔に、焦点距離の等
しい円柱状の屈折率分布型の第１，第２レンズをそれぞ
れ保持し、他端側の中心孔（その内径は前記フェルール
の外径に等しいか、またはそれより僅かに大きく設定さ
れる）に前記第１，第２フェルールの先端側（フェルー
ルの全長のほぼ１／２またはそれ以上）がそれぞれ同軸
心状に嵌合される第１，第２レンズホルダと、 円筒形で、その内周面が前記第１レンズホルダの外周面
に同軸心状に嵌合、固定される外筒と、 円筒形で、その先端側の中心孔に屈折率分布型の第３レ
ンズを保持し、他端側の中心孔の内周面が前記第２レン
ズホルダの外周面に同軸心状に嵌合、固定され、前記第
３レンズが前記第２レンズに近接対向して配される第３
レンズホルダと、 円筒形で、その一端側の中心孔が前記外筒の外周面に、
他端側の中心孔が前記第３レンズホルダの外周面にそれ
ぞれ嵌合され、前記外筒の先端が前記第３レンズホルダ
の端面に突き合わされ、前記第１レンズが前記第３レン
ズに近接対向して配されるスリーブと、 を具備するレンズ付き光コネクタの組合せ構造。1. An elongated cylindrical first and second ferrules attached to respective ends of a pair of optical fibers to be coupled, and an elongated cylindrical column having a uniform focal length in a center hole on the tip side thereof. Holding the first and second refractive index distribution type lenses, and setting the first lens in the center hole (the inner diameter thereof is set to be equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the ferrule) on the other end side. , First and second lens holders on which the tip side of the second ferrule (approximately 1/2 or more of the total length of the ferrule) are fitted coaxially, respectively, and the inner peripheral surface of which is the first (1) An outer cylinder coaxially fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the lens holder, and a cylindrical shape, which holds a third lens of the refractive index distribution type in the center hole on the front end side and the center hole on the other end side. The inner peripheral surface of the is coaxially fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the second lens holder. If the third lens is fixed, the third lens is arranged so as to closely face the second lens.
A lens holder, which is cylindrical and has a center hole on one end side thereof on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder,
The center holes on the other end side are respectively fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the third lens holder, the tip of the outer cylinder is butted against the end surface of the third lens holder, and the first lens is closely opposed to the third lens. The combined structure of the optical connector with a lens, which comprises:
ルールの端面が前記第１，第２レンズにそれぞれ対接さ
れていることを特徴とするレンズ付き光コネクタの組合
せ構造。2. The combined structure of an optical connector with a lens according to claim 1, wherein the end faces of the first and second ferrules are in contact with the first and second lenses, respectively.
記第３レンズホルダの外径とがほぼ等しく設定されてい
ることを特徴とするレンズ付き光コネクタの組合せ構
造。3. The combined structure of optical connectors with lenses according to claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the outer cylinder and the outer diameter of the third lens holder are set to be substantially equal to each other.
記第３レンズホルダの前記第２レンズホルダと嵌合され
る他端側の内径とがほぼ等しく設定されていることを特
徴とするレンズ付き光コネクタの組合せ構造。4. The inner diameter of the outer cylinder and the inner diameter of the other end of the third lens holder fitted to the second lens holder are set to be substantially equal to each other. Combination structure of optical connector with lens.
記第３レンズホルダ側に延長され、それに対応して前記
第３レンズホルダの前端の周辺部にリング状の凹部が形
成され、これにより外筒と第３レンズホルダとが凹凸係
合されることを特徴とするレンズ付き光コネクタの組合
せ構造。5. The front end of the outer cylinder is extended to the third lens holder side, and a ring-shaped recess is formed in a peripheral portion of a front end of the third lens holder correspondingly. The outer cylinder and the third lens holder are engaged in a concave and convex shape by means of the above, whereby a combined structure of an optical connector with a lens.
レンズホルダの一方と前記スリーブとが互いに固定さ
れ、他方が前記スリーブに挿脱自在に嵌合されることを
特徴とするレンズ付き光コネクタの組合せ構造。6. The outer cylinder or the third cylinder according to claim 1.
One of the lens holders and the sleeve are fixed to each other, and the other is fitted into the sleeve so as to be freely inserted and removed.
ズの長さＬ1 ，Ｌ2（Ｌ1 ＝Ｌ2 ）と前記第３レンズの
長さＬ3 の比がＬ3 ／Ｌ1 ≒１／２〜３／２に設定され
ていることを特徴とするレンズ付き光コネクタの組合せ
構造。7. The ratio between the lengths L 1 and L 2 (L 1 = L 2 ) of the first and second lenses and the length L 3 of the third lens is L 3 / L 1 according to claim 1. A combined structure of an optical connector with a lens, characterized in that ≉1 / 2 to 3/2 is set.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7490295A JP2939556B2 (en) | 1995-03-31 | 1995-03-31 | Combination structure of optical connector with lens |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7490295A JP2939556B2 (en) | 1995-03-31 | 1995-03-31 | Combination structure of optical connector with lens |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH08271759A true JPH08271759A (en) | 1996-10-18 |
| JP2939556B2 JP2939556B2 (en) | 1999-08-25 |
Family
ID=13560793
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7490295A Expired - Fee Related JP2939556B2 (en) | 1995-03-31 | 1995-03-31 | Combination structure of optical connector with lens |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2939556B2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7792397B2 (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2010-09-07 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Holding member for holding a plurality of circuit boards and module utilizing this holding member |
| US8121451B2 (en) | 2006-03-22 | 2012-02-21 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Module having a plurality of circuit boards stacked with a prescribed distance therebetween and optical connector for the same |
| JP2021063884A (en) * | 2019-10-11 | 2021-04-22 | ヒロセ電機株式会社 | Optical fiber insertion unit and method for building optical fiber insertion unit |
-
1995
- 1995-03-31 JP JP7490295A patent/JP2939556B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7792397B2 (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2010-09-07 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Holding member for holding a plurality of circuit boards and module utilizing this holding member |
| US8121451B2 (en) | 2006-03-22 | 2012-02-21 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Module having a plurality of circuit boards stacked with a prescribed distance therebetween and optical connector for the same |
| JP2021063884A (en) * | 2019-10-11 | 2021-04-22 | ヒロセ電機株式会社 | Optical fiber insertion unit and method for building optical fiber insertion unit |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2939556B2 (en) | 1999-08-25 |
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