WO2012029442A1

WO2012029442A1 - Optical connector

Info

Publication number: WO2012029442A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/066851
Authority: WO
Inventors: 延好浅岡
Original assignee: オリンパス株式会社
Priority date: 2010-09-01
Filing date: 2011-07-25
Publication date: 2012-03-08

Abstract

An optical connector (1) comprises a refractive index matching member (50) which is interposed between at least the entire surface of an end face (11b) of a first optical fibre (11) and the entire surface of an end face (31b) of a second optical fibre (31) opposing the entire surface of the end face (11b) of the first optical fibre (11), and which matches the refractive indices of the first optical fibre (11) and the second optical fibre (31). In addition, the optical connector (1) further comprises a connection structure (70) which connects the end face (11b) of the first optical fibre (11) and the end face (31b) of the second optical fibre (31) by mutually bringing together the end face (11b) of the first optical fibre (11) and the end face (31b) of the second optical fibre (31) in the optical axis direction of the first optical fibre (11) and the second optical fibre (31).

Description

Optical connector

The present invention relates to an optical connector that optically couples optical elements.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a ferrule for an optical connector, an optical connector, and an optical connector manufacturing method. In Patent Document 1, it is possible to suppress the outflow of the alignment material, and it is possible to reduce the alignment material injection process that is difficult to work and the quality control is difficult. In Patent Document 1, the ferrule for optical connector is A front block that holds one optical fiber, a rear block that holds the other optical fiber and adheres to the front block, a reinforcing member that reinforces adhesion between the front block and the rear block, and a front block and a rear block The refractive index matching film F is interposed between the front block side optical fiber (hereinafter referred to as the front side optical fiber) and the rear block side optical fiber (hereinafter referred to as the rear side optical fiber). An optical connector ferrule is used for the optical connector.

The refractive index matching film F has refractive index matching and adhesiveness.
JP 2008-151931 A

In Patent Document 1 described above, it is not assumed that the optical connector is repeatedly connected / disconnected many times. For this reason, for example, when the optical connector is disconnected while the adhesive strength of the refractive index matching film F is high, the refractive index matching film F adheres to the fiber end face side, and only the portion of the refractive index matching film F that contacts the fiber. May peel (plastic deformation). As a result, the desired optical characteristics cannot be obtained, and the coupling efficiency of the optical connector portion may be lowered.

Further, when the optical connector is connected with the adhesive strength of the refractive index matching film F being low, if an external factor such as vibration occurs during the connection, the optical fiber and the refractive index matching film F are caused by the external factor. There may be a gap between the two. As a result, optical characteristics cannot be obtained, and as a result, the coupling efficiency of the optical connector portion may be lowered.

That is, in the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order that the coupling efficiency does not decrease even if the connection / disconnection is repeatedly performed, the upper limit of the adhesive strength of the refractive index matching film F is based on the above. It needs to be kept between the standard value and the lower limit standard value. However, even if the connection / disconnection is performed many times, it is difficult to always keep the adhesive force within the above-mentioned standard range.

Therefore, when optical elements such as an optical fiber constituting the optical connector are frequently connected and disconnected, there is a possibility that the coupling efficiency and the optical characteristics are deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an optical connector having desired coupling efficiency and desired optical characteristics even when optical elements are frequently connected and disconnected. To do.

An optical connector according to one aspect of the present invention is interposed at least between the entire end face of the first optical fiber and the entire end face of the second optical fiber facing the entire end face of the first optical fiber, A refractive index matching member that matches the refractive indexes of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and the first light in the optical axis direction of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber. A connection mechanism for connecting the end face of the first optical fiber and the end face of the second optical fiber by bringing the end face of the fiber and the end face of the second optical fiber together;

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an optical connector before connection according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating the optical connector after connection according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2A-2A in FIG. 1B. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2B-2B in FIG. 1B. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2A-2A in FIG. 1A, and shows a state in which one optical fiber is disposed on the axis of the permanent magnet. FIG. 2D is a diagram illustrating a state in which the center of gravity of an optical fiber group including a plurality of optical fibers is arranged on the axis of the permanent magnet instead of one optical fiber in FIG. 2C. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2A-2A in FIG. 1A, in which one optical fiber and a plurality of permanent magnets are arranged, and the plurality of permanent magnets are arranged concentrically around the optical fiber. It is a figure which shows a state. In FIG. 2F, instead of one optical fiber in FIG. 2E, a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of permanent magnets are arranged, and each permanent magnet is a concentric circle centering on the center of gravity of an optical fiber group composed of a plurality of optical fibers. It is a figure which shows the state arrange | positioned on the top. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an optical connector before connection according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an optical connector being connected according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3C is a diagram showing the optical connector after connection according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4A-4A in FIG. 3A. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4B-4B of FIG. 3A. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4C-4C of FIG. 3A. 4D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4D-4D of FIG. 3A. 4E is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4E-4E in FIG. 3A. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B.
In the following, the optical axis direction of the

optical fibers

11 and 31 is referred to as the Z-axis direction, the direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction is referred to as the X-axis direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is referred to as the Y-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is the direction in which the laser light is emitted, and the laser light is transmitted through the

optical fibers

11 and 31. The optical coupling means that the optical fiber 11 and the optical fiber 31 are adjusted after the positions of the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 so that the optical axis of the optical fiber 11 and the optical axis of the optical fiber 31 coincide with each other. And are bound to each other.

The optical connector 1 houses a first ferrule 10 that houses a first optical fiber (hereinafter referred to as an optical fiber 11) and a second optical fiber (hereinafter referred to as an optical fiber 31). Opposite to the ferrule 10, it has the 2nd ferrule 30 connected with the 1st ferrule 10 so that the optical fiber 11 and the optical fiber 31 may be optically coupled. The optical connector 1 is interposed at least between the entire end surface 11b of the optical fiber 11 and the entire end surface 31b of the optical fiber 31 facing the entire end surface 11b in the Z-axis direction, and the refractive index of the optical fiber 11 and the optical fiber 31. And the end face 11b and the end face 31b in the Z-axis direction are connected to each other so that the end face 11b and the end face 31b are connected, and the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 are connected to each other. It further has a connection mechanism 70 for connection.

The first ferrule 10 is formed of at least one of ceramic and aluminum, for example, and has a cylindrical shape, for example. The first ferrule 10 has a hole 10 a for holding the optical fiber 11. The diameter of the hole 10 a is substantially the same as the diameter of the optical fiber 11. The optical fiber 11 is fixed to the first ferrule 10 by, for example, adhering the optical fiber 11 to the hole 10a. Note that fitting may be used instead of bonding. In the present embodiment, for simplicity of illustration, one hole 10a and one optical fiber 11 are illustrated, but the number of these is not limited thereto.

The second ferrule 30 has substantially the same configuration as the first ferrule 10. The hole in the second ferrule 30 is referred to as a hole 30a. Note that the end face 31 b of the optical fiber 31 protrudes toward the end face 11 b from the end face 30 c of the second ferrule 30. Further, the end face 30 c of the second ferrule 30 faces the end face 10 c of the first ferrule 10.

The number of the optical fibers 11 and the optical fibers 31 is the same, for example. For example, one optical fiber 11 and one optical fiber 31 are optically coupled. The optical fiber 11 and the optical fiber 31 are made of the same material and have the same refractive index.

The refractive index matching member 50 is formed by a film 51 and an adhesive 53. The refractive index matching member 50 matches the refractive indexes of the

optical fibers

11 and 31 with the film 51 and the adhesive 53. The film 51 is made of, for example, a polymer material and can be elastically deformed. The adhesive 53 adheres at least the film 51 to the end surface 11b.

The film 51 is disposed at least on the entire end surface 11 b of the optical fiber 11. One end face 50 a of the refractive index matching member 50 facing the end face 11 b may protrude from the end face 10 c of the first ferrule 10. In this case, the end surface 11b and the end surface 10c are arrange | positioned on the same plane. In this case, the end surface 50 a of the film 51 is mechanically bonded to the end surface 11 b and the end surface 10 c by the adhesive 53.

As described above, the refractive index matching member 50 is mechanically bonded to the entire end face 11b of the optical fiber 11 and a part of the end face 10c of the first ferrule 10 on the same plane as the end face 11b of the optical fiber 11 by the adhesive 53. It is fixed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1A, the film 51 is fixed to the entire end surface 11b and a part of the end surface 10c by the adhesive 53.

The end surfaces 50a and 50b of the film 51 are elastically deformed by being pressed by the end surface 31b. The film 51 has a desired tackiness, and can be brought into close contact with the end face 11b when the optical fiber 11 and the optical fiber 31 are optically coupled.

Note that the film 51 is not given adhesiveness. That is, the end surface 50a and the end surface 50b do not have adhesiveness with respect to the end surfaces 11b and 31b and the end surfaces 10c and 30c. The end surface 50a and the end surfaces 10c and 11b are mechanically bonded only by the adhesive 53 as described above.
The connection mechanism 70 is bonded to the end face 10c by an adhesive (not shown) and an adhesive (not shown) to the end face 30c of the second ferrule 30 facing the end face 10c of the first ferrule 10. Second connection member 70b. The second connection member 70b is bonded to the end face 30c so as to face the first connection member 70a. The second connecting member 70b generates a desired attractive force with the first connecting member 70a and pulls the end surface 11b of the optical fiber 11 and the end surface 31b of the optical fiber 31 by pulling each other in the Z-axis direction. Connecting The connection mechanism 70 attracts the end surface 11b of the optical fiber 11 and the end surface 31b of the optical fiber 31 to each other by, for example, magnetic force. For this reason, the first connection member 70 a has, for example, a permanent magnet 71, and the second connection member 70 b has, for example, a permanent magnet 73. The permanent magnet 71 and the permanent magnet 73 oppose each other in the Z-axis direction, and the magnetic force acts along the Z-axis direction.

The permanent magnet 71 and the permanent magnet 73 connect the end face 11c and the end face 30c by magnetic force while simultaneously connecting the end face 11b and the end face 31b by pressing the end face 10c and the end face 30c toward each other. And fixed.

Further, one end surface 71b of the permanent magnet 71 protrudes from the end surface 10c and faces the permanent magnet 73 (end surface 73b). One end face 73b of the permanent magnet 73 protrudes from the end face 30c and faces the permanent magnet 71 (end face 71b). When the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 face each other, the magnetic force as attractive force in the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 so that the end face 11b and the end face 31b and the end face 10c and the end face 30c are pressed toward each other. Will occur. For this reason, the end surface 71b side is, for example, the N pole, and the end surface 73b side is, for example, the S pole.

Note that the end face 50b protrudes toward the end face 31b rather than the end face 71b. Moreover, the end surface 31b protrudes toward the end surface 50b side from the end surface 30c and the end surface 73b.

Here, the distance from the end face 10c of the first ferrule 10 to the end face 71b of the first connecting member 70a (permanent magnet 71) is L11.

Further, the distance from the end face 10c of the first ferrule 10 to the end face 50b of the refractive index matching member 50 is L12.

The distance from the end face 30c of the second ferrule 30 to the end face 73b of the second connecting member 70b (permanent magnet 73) is L21.

The distance from the end face 30c of the second ferrule 30 to the end face 31b of the optical fiber 31 is L22.

According to this, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the end face 11b of the optical fiber 11 and the end face 31b of the optical fiber 31 are connected,
L11 + L21 ≦ L12 + L22
The relationship holds.

At this time, in L11 and L12, the end face 50b of the refractive index matching member 50 may be disposed on the same plane as the end face 71b of the permanent magnet 71.
In L21 and L22, the end surface 73b of the permanent magnet 73 may be disposed on the same plane as the end surface 31b of the optical fiber 31.

In the connection mechanism 70, as shown in FIG. 2A, the permanent magnet 71 and the permanent magnet 73 have a hollow shape, more specifically, a substantially cylindrical shape, and are magnetized in the respective axial directions.

The substantially cylindrical permanent magnet 71 has a hollow portion 71c. The hollow portion 71 c surrounds the central axis of the permanent magnet 71 and is coaxial with the permanent magnet 71. The refractive index matching member 50 is disposed in the hollow portion 71c. The hollow portion 71c communicates with the hole 10a. This is the same for the permanent magnet 73.

When one optical fiber 11 is accommodated in the first ferrule 10 as shown in FIG. 2B, as shown in FIG. 2C, the optical fiber 11 is on the center of the hollow portion 71c in the Z-axis direction, that is, It is preferable to be disposed on the axis of the permanent magnet 71. This also applies to the optical fiber 31. In addition, although this embodiment has this suitable structure, this structure is not limited to this.
As shown in FIG. 2D, when a plurality of optical fibers 11 are accommodated in the first ferrule 10, the center of gravity of the optical fiber group composed of these optical fibers 11 is above the center of the hollow portion 71c in the Z-axis direction. It is preferable to be disposed in the area. This also applies to the optical fiber 31. In addition, although this embodiment has this suitable structure, this structure is not limited to this.

The reason why it is preferable is that the

optical fibers

11 and 31 are arranged with respect to the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 in this way, so that the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 are substantially uniform with respect to the

optical fibers

11 and 31 over the entire circumference. The end face 11b of the optical fiber 11 and the end face 31b of the optical fiber 31 are connected by the thus generated magnetic force.

The first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 are accommodated in, for example, an aluminum sleeve 75 and fixed by the sleeve 75 as shown in FIG. 1B.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
(Operation 1-1a, 1b)
The film 51 is not given tackiness. For this reason, when the connected first ferrule 10 and second ferrule 30 are separated as shown in FIG. 1A, the film is bonded to the end surface 11b and a part of the end surface 10c by the adhesive 53. 51 is not pulled toward the end face 31b side, and is not detached from the optical fiber 11 (end face 11b) and attached to the end face 31b side of the optical fiber 31. Thereby, the part which contacted the end surface 31b of the optical fiber 31 of the film 51 will not peel (plastic deformation). Thereby, desired optical characteristics are maintained, and a decrease in coupling efficiency at the contact portion is prevented.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the connection is made, the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 have the same magnetic force in the permanent magnet 71 and the permanent magnet 73 (the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule). 30)). Therefore, in the Z-axis direction, forces that attract each other (attractive force) also act on the end surface 10 c of the first ferrule 10 and the end surface 30 c of the second ferrule 30. At this time, the optical fiber 11 is fixed to the first ferrule 10, and the optical fiber 31 is fixed to the second ferrule 30. Therefore, simultaneously with this action, in the Z-axis direction, a pulling force (attractive force) also acts on the end face 11b of the optical fiber 11 and the end face 31b of the optical fiber 31.

Thus, when the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 are connected, the end face 11b of the optical fiber 11 is firmly connected to the end face 31b of the optical fiber 31 through the film 51 by a magnetic force (attraction). For this reason, for example, when an external factor such as vibration occurs, a gap is prevented from being generated between the end surface 11 b of the optical fiber 11 and the film 51 and between the film 51 and the end surface 31 b of the optical fiber 31. The Thereby, desired optical characteristics are maintained, and a reduction in coupling efficiency is prevented.

Thus, even if the first ferrule 10 including the optical fiber 11 and the second ferrule 30 including the optical fiber 31 are frequently connected and disconnected, the desired coupling efficiency and the desired optical characteristics are maintained. It will be.

(Operation 1-1c)
The film 51 is mechanically bonded in advance with an adhesive 53 to a part of the end surface 10 c of the first ferrule 10 and the entire end surface 11 b of the optical fiber 11. For this reason, it is not necessary to attach or remove the film 51 each time the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 are connected and disconnected.

(Operation 1-2a)
The permanent magnet 71 and the permanent magnet 73 are opposed to each other, the permanent magnet 71 as the first connection member 70a is bonded to the end surface 10c, and the permanent magnet 73 as the second connection member 70b is bonded to the end surface 30c. Has been. The permanent magnet 71 and the permanent magnet 73 are close to each other when the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 are connected.
In general, the magnitude of the magnetic force increases as the distance from the magnetic field generation source (in this case, the permanent magnets 71 and 73) is shorter. The magnitude of the magnetic force is proportional to the reciprocal of the square of the distance. For this reason, the magnetic force between the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 becomes strong.
Thereby, the 1st ferrule 10 and the 2nd ferrule 30 are connected firmly.

(Operation 1-2b)
When the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 are connected, in the

permanent magnets

71 and 73, the magnetic force acts along the Z-axis direction and includes the X direction and the Y direction. And the second ferrule 30 are less likely to act in the radial direction.

(Operation 1-3)
Further, the end surface 71b of the permanent magnet 71 protrudes from the end surface 10c, and the end surface 73b of the permanent magnet 73 protrudes from the end surface 30c. ≦ L12 + L22 holds. For this reason, the end surface 50 b of the refractive index matching member 50 is always in contact (connected) with the end surface 31 b of the optical fiber 31.

(Operation 1-4)
The permanent magnet 71 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the optical fiber 11 is disposed on the center portion of the hollow portion 71c in the Z-axis direction. This also applies to the permanent magnet 71 and the optical fiber 31. Therefore, a magnetic force acts continuously and evenly on the end surface 10c and the end surface 30c in the circumferential direction around the

optical fibers

11 and 31. For this reason, the malfunction (one piece contact) that only a part of end surface 31b of the optical fiber 31, for example, is biased and connected to the end surface 50b of the film 51 is prevented more reliably.

(Effect 1-1a)
As described above, in this embodiment, as described in the operations 1-1a and 1b, the film 51 is not provided with adhesiveness, and the connection mechanism 70 uses the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 71 and the permanent magnet 73. The first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 are connected. Thereby, in this embodiment, the 1st ferrule 10 containing the optical fiber 11 and the 2nd ferrule 30 containing the optical fiber 31 can be connected and disconnected easily, and even if it connects and disconnects frequently, desired coupling | bonding is possible. Efficiency and desired optical properties can always be maintained.

(Effect 1-1b)
Further, in the present embodiment, as described in the operation 1-1b, since the connection using the magnetic force is not required, the elastically deforming member and part, the member and the part holding the elastic deformation, and the like are not necessary. Can be.

(Effect 1-1c)
In the present embodiment, as described in the operation 1-1c, the film 51 is mechanically preliminarily bonded to the part of the end face 10c of the first ferrule 10 and the entire end face 11b of the optical fiber 11 by the adhesive 53. Glued. For this reason, in this embodiment, the attachment or removal of the film 51 can be made unnecessary each time the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 are connected and disconnected. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is possible to save the trouble of separately storing the film 51 when the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 are separated.

(Effect 1-2a)
In this embodiment, the magnetic force can be efficiently obtained by the action 1-2a, and the displacement can be efficiently prevented. As a result, the reduction of the coupling efficiency can be effectively prevented.

(Effect 1-2b)
In the present embodiment, a new connection member for connecting the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 is disposed around the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 by the action 1-2b. Therefore, the optical connector 1 can be reduced in diameter.

(Effect 1-3)
In the present embodiment, even if the first ferrule 10 including the optical fiber 11 and the second ferrule 30 including the optical fiber 31 are frequently connected and disconnected, the end surface 50b and the end surface 31b are separated by action 1-3. Connection and disconnection can be performed, and a decrease in coupling efficiency can be prevented.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the length (L11, L21) which the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 protrude from the end surfaces 10c and 30c is the length when the film 51 is elastically deformed and the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 are connected (contacted). More preferably, it is more preferable. This is because the magnetic force is greatest when the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 are in close contact with each other, and the end surface 31b of the optical fiber 31 and the end surface 50b of the film 51 can be efficiently connected (contacted).

(Effect 1-4)
In the present embodiment, due to the action 1-4, even if the first ferrule 10 including the optical fiber 11 and the second ferrule 30 including the optical fiber 31 are frequently connected and disconnected, one-sided contact can be prevented more reliably. It is possible to prevent the coupling efficiency from decreasing more reliably.
This also applies to the case where the plurality of

optical fibers

11 and 31 are accommodated in the

ferrules

10 and 30.

In the present embodiment, it is not necessary to be limited to the configuration described above, and the following modifications may be used.
(First modification)
The permanent magnet 71 may extend to the end surface opposite to the end surface 10c in the Z-axis direction. Further, the permanent magnet 73 may extend to the end surface opposite to the end surface 30c in the Z-axis direction. In general, the longer the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 are in the magnetization direction (in the present embodiment, the Z-axis direction), the stronger the magnetic force of the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 is. Thereby, a stronger magnetic force can be obtained.

(Second modification)
At least one of the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 may be an electromagnet.

(Third Modification)
In the connection mechanism 70, the end surface 11b of the optical fiber 11 and the end surface 31b of the optical fiber 31 are connected by magnetic force. However, the connection mechanism 70 is not limited to this, and may be connected by, for example, electrostatic force.

(Fourth modification)
The shape and the number of

permanent magnets

71 and 73 are not limited. The

permanent magnets

71 and 73 may have a cylindrical shape, for example. Such

permanent magnets

71 and 73 are, for example, bar magnets.

As shown in FIG. 2E, when a cylindrical permanent magnet 71 is used and one optical fiber 11 is accommodated in the first ferrule 10, a plurality of cylindrical permanent magnets 71 are connected to the optical fiber 11. It is preferable that they are arranged approximately rotationally symmetric with respect to the circumferential direction in the Z-axis direction. This also applies to the optical fiber 31, the second ferrule 30, and the permanent magnet 73. At this time, it is preferable that the plurality of permanent magnets 71 have substantially the same magnetic force.
As shown in FIG. 2F, when a cylindrical permanent magnet 71 is used and a plurality of optical fibers 11 are accommodated in the first ferrule 10, the plurality of cylindrical permanent magnets 71 are formed of these optical fibers. It is preferable that the optical fiber group consisting of 11 is substantially rotationally symmetric with respect to the circumferential direction in the Z-axis direction around the center of gravity. This also applies to the optical fiber 31, the second ferrule 30, and the permanent magnet 73. At this time, it is preferable that the plurality of

permanent magnets

71 and 73 have substantially the same magnetic force.
In FIG. 2E and FIG. 2F, as the plurality of

permanent magnets

71 and 73, two

permanent magnets

71 and 73 are provided as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.
The reason why it is preferable is that a magnetic force can be applied relatively evenly in the circumferential direction around the optical fiber 11 at the end face 10c and the end face 30c. Therefore, in the above preferred case, for example, it is possible to more reliably prevent a malfunction (per one piece contact) in which the end surface 31b of the optical fiber 31 is biased and connected to the end surface 50b of the film 51. Further, even if the first ferrule 10 including the optical fiber 11 and the second ferrule 30 including the optical fiber 31 are frequently connected and disconnected, the one-piece contact can be prevented more reliably, and the connector portion can be more reliably coupled. A decrease in efficiency can be prevented. The arrangement of the cylindrical

permanent magnets

71 and 73 is not limited to the preferred arrangement described above. Further, the number of cylindrical

permanent magnets

71 and 73 is not limited.

In addition, when the

holes

10a and 30a described above are formed by a drill, for example, the holes for disposing the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 that are bar magnets may be formed by a drill, so that the labor of processing can be saved.

When one optical fiber 11 is accommodated in the first ferrule 10, the first ferrule 10 has a substantially columnar shape and the end face 10c has a circular shape in order to prevent contact with each other more reliably. It is preferable that the optical fiber 11 is disposed at the center of the end face 10 c of the first ferrule 10. The same applies to the optical fiber 31, the second ferrule 30, and the end face 30c.

Further, when a plurality of optical fibers 11 are accommodated in the first ferrule 10, the first ferrule 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape and the end surface 10c has a circular shape in order to prevent contact with each other more reliably. It is preferable that the center of gravity of the optical fiber group including these optical fibers 11 is disposed at the center of the end face 10 c of the first ferrule 10. This is because the magnetic force tends to act evenly in the circumferential direction around the center and the center of gravity. The same applies to the optical fiber 31, the second ferrule 30, and the end face 30c.

(Fifth modification)
One of the permanent magnet 71 and the permanent magnet 73 may be a ferromagnetic material such as iron.
Thereby, in this modification, the freedom degree of design can be raised and cost can be reduced.

(Sixth Modification)
The second ferrule 30 may be a ferromagnetic material such as nickel.
Thereby, in this modification, the permanent magnet 71 can be made unnecessary, the process of attaching the permanent magnet 71 can be made unnecessary, and the assembly cost can be reduced.
This also applies to the first ferrule 10 and the permanent magnet 73.

(Seventh Modification)
The first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 may also serve as the connection mechanism 70, that is, the

permanent magnets

71 and 73.
Thereby, in this modification, the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 can be made unnecessary, the process of attaching the

permanent magnets

71 and 73 can be made unnecessary, and the assembly cost can be reduced.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E. The same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The connection mechanism 70 of this embodiment includes a sleeve 75 that is a hollow member, a fixing member 79, and a repulsive force generating member 81.

The sleeve 75 accommodates the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 connected to the first ferrule 10 via the refractive index matching member 50. The sleeve 75 has an opening 75b on the bottom surface 75a on which the second ferrule 30 is disposed. The bottom surface 75 a excluding the opening 75 b also serves as a pressing portion that presses the second ferrule 30 toward the first ferrule 10.

A jacket 85 covering the optical fiber 31 protrudes from the opening 75b. The opening 75b is arranged on the same straight line as the optical fiber 31 in the Z-axis direction.

Note that the upper portion 75 c of the sleeve 75 is open to accommodate the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30. A screw 75e for fixing the fixing member 79 is cut on the outer peripheral surface 75d of the upper portion 75c.

Thus, the sleeve 75 is a cylindrical hollow member having a bottom surface 75a and has a concave cross-sectional shape.

The fixing member 79 fixes the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 accommodated in the sleeve 75 to the sleeve 75. The fixing member 79 has a cylindrical shape having a bottom surface 79 a, has a concave cross-sectional shape, and is a sleeve auxiliary member that covers the upper portion 75 c of the sleeve 75.

The fixing member 79 has an opening 79b on the bottom surface 79a. A jacket 85 covering the optical fiber 11 protrudes from the opening 79b. The opening 79b is disposed on the same straight line as the optical fiber 11 in the Z-axis direction.

The fixing member 79 has a screw 79e on the inner peripheral surface 79d on the side surface 79c side, which meshes with the screw 75e to fix the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 to the sleeve 75.

The repulsive force generating member 81 is, for example, interposed between the bottom surface 75 a of the sleeve 75 and the second ferrule 30, and connects the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30, for example, with the bottom surface 75 a and the second ferrule 30. A repulsive force is generated between the ferrule 30 and the ferrule 30. The repulsive force generating member 81 also serves as a pressing member that presses the second ferrule 30 by repulsive force toward the first ferrule 10 fixed by the fixing member 79. Such a repulsive force generating member 81 is, for example, a spring. The repulsive force is, for example, an elastic force.

As shown in FIG. 4D, the repulsive force generating member 81 is disposed substantially symmetrically about the optical fiber 31 with respect to the circumferential direction in the Z-axis direction. The repulsive force generating member 81 is fitted in, for example, a hole 30f formed in the bottom surface portion 30e of the second ferrule 30, and the front end portion of the repulsive force generating member 81 protrudes from the bottom surface portion 30e. For example, four repulsive force generating members 81 are provided.

Note that the number of repulsive force generating members 81, the arrangement position, and the magnitude of the repulsive force are not particularly limited.

In addition, the end surface 31b of the optical fiber 31 of this embodiment protrudes toward the end surface 11b side from the end surface 30c.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
(Operation 2-1a, 1b, 1c, 1d)
The first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 are accommodated in the sleeve 75. When the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 are connected, the fixing member 79 covers the upper portion 75c of the sleeve 75, and the screw 75e. And the screw 79e mesh with each other. As a result, the first ferrule 10 is pressed toward the second ferrule 30. At the same time, the distance between the fixing member 79 and the bottom surface 75a is shortened, the repulsive force generating member 81 as a spring contracts, and a repulsive force is generated between the bottom surface 75a and the second ferrule 30. Thereby, a force is generated in a direction in which the end face 10c side of the first ferrule 10 and the end face 30c side of the second ferrule 30 are pressed against each other.

Then, the end face 11 b of the optical fiber 11 and the end face 31 b of the optical fiber 31 are pressed in the Z-axis direction and connected via the refractive index matching member 50.

(Operation 2-2)
The end face 31 b of the optical fiber 31 protrudes from the end face 30 c and always contacts (connects) with the end face 50 b of the refractive index matching member 50.

(Operation 2-3)
The repulsive force generating member 81 is disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to the circumferential direction in the Z-axis direction with the optical fiber 31 as the center. Therefore, a magnetic force acts continuously and evenly on the end surface 10c and the end surface 30c in the circumferential direction around the

optical fibers

(Effect 2-1a)
In the present embodiment, as described in the operations 2-1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Effect 2-1b)
In the present embodiment, as described in the actions 2-1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, since the repulsive force generating member 81 that is a spring is used, it can be used in various use environments.

(Effect 2-1c)
In this embodiment, as described in the operations 2-1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, the degree of freedom in design can be increased by using repulsive force.

(Effect 2-1d)
In the present embodiment, as described in the operations 2-1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, the repulsive force generating member 81 and the fixing member 79 are not disposed on the outer peripheral surface 75d side of the sleeve 75, but the sleeve 75 Since the optical connector 1 is disposed on the inner side, the diameter of the optical connector 1 can be reduced.

(Effect 2-2)
In this embodiment, even if the first ferrule 10 including the optical fiber 11 and the second ferrule 30 including the optical fiber 31 are frequently connected and disconnected, the end surface 50b and the end surface 31b are separated by the action 2-2. Connection and disconnection can be performed, and a decrease in coupling efficiency can be prevented.

(Effect 2-3)
In the present embodiment, as described in the operation 2-3 and as shown in FIG. 4D, the repulsive force generating member 81 is arranged in a substantially rotational symmetry with respect to the circumferential direction in the Z-axis direction around the optical fiber 31. Therefore, even if the first ferrule 10 including the optical fiber 11 and the second ferrule 30 including the optical fiber 31 are frequently connected and disconnected, one-sided contact can be prevented more reliably and more reliably. In addition, it is possible to prevent a decrease in coupling efficiency of the connector portion.

In the present embodiment, the following modifications may be used.
(First modification)
As shown in FIG. 5, one repulsive force generating member 81 may be disposed along the circumferential direction in the Z-axis direction around the optical fiber 31. In this case, the repulsive force generating member 81 is disposed so as to wind the optical fiber 31.

(Second modification)
In addition, the end surface 31b of the optical fiber 31 of this embodiment may be arrange | positioned on the same plane as the end surface 30c.

(Third Modification)
The sleeve 75 may have a cylindrical shape. In this case, the bottom surface 75a and the sleeve 75 may be separate from each other, and may be fixed by joining, for example.
Further, the fixing member 79 may be disposed on at least one of the first ferrule 10 side and the second ferrule 30 side.

In addition, the repulsive force generating member 81 connects the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 by repulsive force, so that at least one of the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 is pressed toward the other by repulsive force. I can do it.
Therefore, the repulsive force generating member 81 may be interposed between the bottom surface 79a of the fixing member 79 and the first ferrule 10, for example.

In this way, the repulsive force generating member 81 connects at least one of the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 so as to connect the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 to each other. In addition, a repulsive force is generated between at least one of the sleeve 75 and the fixing member 79 and the ferrule side (the first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30) facing the one.

(Fourth modification)
The repulsive force need not be limited to the elastic force of the spring, and may be a magnetic force or an electrostatic force.

Moreover, you may implement the following modifications about the 1st, 2nd embodiment mentioned above and those modifications below.
(First modification)
The refractive index matching member 50 is not limited to the film 51 and the adhesive 53 as long as the end face 31 b of the optical fiber 31 and the refractive index matching member 50 can be connected and disconnected.
For example, the refractive index matching member 50 may consist only of the film 51 having adhesiveness only on the end face 50a side. By using such a film 51, the step of applying the adhesive 53 can be omitted.

(Second modification)
As illustrated, the number of optical fibers 11 is not limited to one or two for one first ferrule 10. The number of optical fibers 31 is not limited to one or two for one second ferrule 30. Thus, the number of the

optical fibers

11 and 31 is not particularly limited.

(Third Modification)
The first ferrule 10 and the second ferrule 30 are not limited to a substantially cylindrical shape. The end faces 10c and 30c are not limited to a substantially circular shape.

(Fourth modification)
The refractive index matching member 50 only needs to be interposed between the end surface 11 b of the optical fiber 11 and the end surface 31 b of the optical fiber 31 when the optical connector 1 is connected. That is, as shown in FIG. 1A, in a state where the optical connector 1 is disconnected, the refractive index matching member 50 is not limited to the structure disposed on the end surface 11 b of the optical fiber 11, for example, the end surface of the optical fiber 11. 11b and the end surface 31b of the optical fiber 31 should just be previously arrange | positioned.

(Fifth modification)
The film 51 is disposed on the entire end surface 11b of the optical fiber 11 and a part of the end surface 10c of the first ferrule 10, and is mechanically bonded only to the end surface 10c of the first ferrule 10 with an adhesive 53. 51 and the end surface 11b may be mechanically fixed (contacted) by the connection mechanism 70.

(Sixth Modification)
For example, the film 51 may not be mechanically bonded in advance to the entire end surface 11 b of the optical fiber 11 and a part of the end surface 10 c of the first ferrule 10 by the adhesive 53. In this case, the film 51 is mechanically fixed to the end face 11 b of the optical fiber 11 by connecting the optical connector 1 by the connection mechanism 70.

(Seventh Modification)
It is preferable in terms of optical coupling that the refractive index matching member 50 does not protrude from a part of the end face 10 c of the first ferrule 10 and is disposed only on the entire end face 11 b of the optical fiber 11.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the refractive index matching member 50 protrudes from a part of the end face 10 c of the first ferrule 10. This is because the tolerance of the positioning accuracy of the refractive index matching member 50 in the pasting step for pasting to the end face 11b is taken into consideration.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment.

Claims

Between the entire end surface (11b) of the first optical fiber (11) and the entire end surface (31b) of the second optical fiber (31) facing the entire end surface (11b) of the first optical fiber (11). A refractive index matching member (50) that is at least interposed between the first optical fiber (11) and the second optical fiber (31).
The end face (11b) of the first optical fiber (11) and the second optical fiber (31) in the optical axis direction of the first optical fiber (11) and the second optical fiber (31). A connection mechanism (70) for connecting the end surface (11b) of the first optical fiber (11) and the end surface (31b) of the second optical fiber (31) by pulling the end surface (31b) together. When,
An optical connector (1) comprising:
A first ferrule (10) that houses the first optical fiber (11);
A second ferrule (30) for accommodating the second optical fiber (31);
The optical connector (1) according to claim 1, comprising:
The first ferrule (10) and the second ferrule (30) are connected so that the first optical fiber (11) and the second optical fiber (31) are optically coupled. The optical connector (1) according to 2.
The refractive index matching member (50) includes the first end face (11b) of the first optical fiber (11) and the first end face (11b) on the same plane as the end face (11b) of the first optical fiber (11). The optical connector (1) according to claim 3, wherein the optical connector (1) is mechanically fixed to a part of the end face (10c) of the ferrule (10).
The connection mechanism (70)
A first connecting member (70a) disposed on the end face (10c) of the first ferrule (10);
Disposed on the end face (30c) of the second ferrule (30) facing the end face (10c) of the first ferrule (10) so as to face the first connecting member (70a), A desired attractive force is generated between the first connecting member (70a) and the two end surfaces (11b) of the first optical fiber (11) and the second light are attracted to each other in the optical axis direction. A second connecting member (70b) for connecting the end face (31b) of the fiber (31);
The optical connector (1) according to claim 3, comprising:
The distance from the end face (10c) of the first ferrule (10) to the end face (71b) of the first connecting member (70a) is L11,
The distance from the end face (10c) of the first ferrule (10) to the end face (50b) of the refractive index matching member (50) is L12,
The distance from the end face (30c) of the second ferrule (30) to the end face (73b) of the second connecting member (70b) is L21,
When the distance from the end face (30c) of the second ferrule (30) to the end face (31b) of the second optical fiber (31) is L22,
When the end face (11b) of the first optical fiber (11) and the end face (31b) of the second optical fiber (31) are connected,
The optical connector (1) according to claim 5, wherein a relationship of L11 + L21 ≦ L12 + L22 is established.
The connection mechanism (70)
A hollow member (75) that houses the first ferrule (10) and the second ferrule (30) connected to the first ferrule (10);
A fixing member (79) for fixing the first ferrule (10) and the second ferrule (30) accommodated in the hollow member (75) to the hollow member (75);
In order to connect the first ferrule (10) and the second ferrule (30), at least one of the first ferrule (10) and the second ferrule (30) is pressed toward the other. As described above, a repulsive force generating member (81) that generates a repulsive force between at least one of the hollow member (75) and the fixing member (79) and the ferrule side facing the one,
The optical connector (1) according to claim 3, comprising:
The end face (31b) of the second optical fiber (31) is the same as the end face (30c) of the second ferrule (30) facing the end face (10c) of the first ferrule (10). 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the first optical fiber (11) protrudes toward the end surface (11 b) on a plane or with respect to the end surface (30 c) of the second ferrule (30). Optical connector (1).
The connection mechanism (70) has a hollow portion (71c), and one of the first optical fibers (11) is accommodated in the first ferrule (10), and one of the second optical fibers. (31) is accommodated in the second ferrule (30), and the first optical fiber (11) and the second optical fiber (31) are hollow in the optical axis direction. The optical connector (1) according to claim 3, wherein the optical connector (1) is disposed on a central portion of the portion (71c).
The connection mechanism (70) has a hollow part (71c), a plurality of the first optical fibers (11) are accommodated in the first ferrule (10), and a plurality of the second optical fibers (31). ) Is accommodated in the second ferrule (30), and the center of gravity of the first optical fiber (11) group composed of the plurality of first optical fibers (11) and the plurality of second ferrules (30). 4. The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein the center of gravity of the second optical fiber (31) group including the optical fibers (31) is disposed on a central portion of the hollow portion (71 c) in the optical axis direction. (1).
When one first optical fiber (11) is accommodated in the first ferrule (10) and one second optical fiber (31) is accommodated in the second ferrule (30) The optical connector (70) according to claim 3, wherein the connection mechanism (70) is arranged substantially rotationally symmetrically with respect to a circumferential direction of the optical axis direction around the first and second optical fibers. 1).
A plurality of the first optical fibers (11) are accommodated in the first ferrule (10), and a plurality of the second optical fibers (31) are accommodated in the second ferrule (30). The connection mechanism (70) includes the center of gravity of the first optical fiber (11) group including the plurality of first optical fibers (11) and the plurality of second optical fibers (31). The optical connector (1) according to claim 3, wherein the optical connector (1) is disposed substantially symmetrically with respect to a circumferential direction in the optical axis direction around the center of gravity of the second optical fiber (31) group.
When one first optical fiber (11) is accommodated in the first ferrule (10) and one second optical fiber (31) is accommodated in the second ferrule (30) The first ferrule (10) and the second ferrule (30) have a substantially cylindrical shape, and the end surface (10c) of the first ferrule (10) and the second ferrule ( 30) has an end surface (30c) having a circular shape, and the first optical fiber (11) is disposed at the center of the end surface (10c) of the first ferrule (10), and the second light The optical connector (1) according to claim 3, wherein the fiber (31) is arranged at the center of the end face of the second ferrule (30).
A plurality of the first optical fibers (11) are accommodated in the first ferrule (10), and a plurality of the second optical fibers (31) are accommodated in the second ferrule (30). The first ferrule (10) and the second ferrule (30) have a substantially cylindrical shape, and the end surface (10c) of the first ferrule (10) and the second ferrule ( 30) has an end surface (30c) having a circular shape, and the center of gravity of the first optical fiber (11) group composed of the plurality of first optical fibers (11) is the end surface of the first ferrule (10). The center of the second optical fiber (31) group arranged at the center of (10c) and made up of the plurality of second optical fibers (31) is the center of the end face (30c) of the second ferrule (30). The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein the optical connector is ).
The connection mechanism (70) attracts the end surface (11b) of the first optical fiber (11) and the end surface (31b) of the second optical fiber (31) to each other by magnetic force. The optical connector (1) described in 1.
The connection mechanism (70) attracts the end surface (11b) of the first optical fiber (11) and the end surface (31b) of the second optical fiber (31) to each other by elastic force. 3. The optical connector (1) according to 3.