WO2015079982A1 - End structure for optical fiber - Google Patents

End structure for optical fiber Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015079982A1
WO2015079982A1 PCT/JP2014/080554 JP2014080554W WO2015079982A1 WO 2015079982 A1 WO2015079982 A1 WO 2015079982A1 JP 2014080554 W JP2014080554 W JP 2014080554W WO 2015079982 A1 WO2015079982 A1 WO 2015079982A1
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Prior art keywords
optical fiber
ferrule
protective member
face
optical
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PCT/JP2014/080554
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
智枝美 山形
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矢崎総業株式会社
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Publication of WO2015079982A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015079982A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/32—Optical coupling means having lens focusing means positioned between opposed fibre ends
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/262—Optical details of coupling light into, or out of, or between fibre ends, e.g. special fibre end shapes or associated optical elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3809—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs without a ferrule embedding the fibre end, i.e. with bare fibre end

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an end structure of an optical fiber.
  • the plate-shaped refractive index matching member emits light at an angle close to the numerical aperture (NA) of the optical fiber, it is vulnerable to deviation in the interval direction between the ferrules (axial direction of the optical fiber). There is a problem that it becomes a simple structure. For example, when the interval between the ferrules becomes large, the emitted light spreads beyond the diameter of the optical fiber on the other side, resulting in a large loss and variation of light, resulting in a problem of communication failure. Further, when the end surfaces of the ferrules abut against each other during vibration in the connected state or insertion / extraction of the ferrule, the refractive index matching members may come into contact with each other. In this case, since the refractive index matching members are in contact with each other, the contact area between the two is large, and the other refractive index matching member sticks to one refractive index matching member. May come off from the end face of the ferrule.
  • the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable optical fiber end structure for connection between optical fibers.
  • the above object of the present invention is achieved by the following configurations. (1) a ferrule through which an end portion of an optical fiber is inserted; and a protective member disposed on the end surface of the ferrule.
  • the protective member has light permeability and is outside from the end surface of the ferrule.
  • An end structure of an optical fiber having a substantially hemispherical shape that bulges out.
  • FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing an end structure of an optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing a connection form by an optical connector using an end structure of an optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • (A), (b) of FIG. 3 is explanatory drawing which shows the example of formation of a protection member.
  • FIGS. 4A to 4C are explanatory views showing the state of the emitted light according to the thickness of the protective member.
  • (A), (b) of FIG. 5 is explanatory drawing which shows typically the connection form by an optical connector.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory views schematically showing a connection form using an optical connector.
  • the end structure of the optical fiber 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention functions as a part of the optical connector 1 used for connecting the optical fibers 2 to each other.
  • the end structure of the optical fiber 2 according to this embodiment will be described together with the optical connector 1.
  • the optical connector 1 is a connector that connects a pair of optical fibers 2 to each other, and includes a pair of ferrules 10 and a sleeve 30.
  • the ferrule 10 is a member that fixes and holds the end of the optical fiber 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the ferrule 10 is formed in a columnar shape, for example, and an optical fiber insertion hole 11 is formed therein.
  • the optical fiber insertion hole 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 2, and penetrates the inside along the central axis of the ferrule 10.
  • the optical fiber 2 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole 11 and fixedly held.
  • the positions of the end surface 2a of the optical fiber 2 and the end surface 10a of the ferrule 10 correspond (coincide on the same plane).
  • a protective member 15 is disposed on the end face 10a of the ferrule 10.
  • the protective member 15 is light transmissive and has a substantially hemispherical shape that bulges outward from the end face 10 a of the ferrule 10.
  • a resin can be used, and for example, a thermoplastic resin or the like can be used.
  • the protective member 15 is a refractive index matching member, and the refractive index thereof corresponds to the refractive index of the core of the optical fiber 2. In this case, it is not necessary until the protective member 15 and the core of the optical fiber 2 coincide with each other, but the difference between the two is set to be within 10%.
  • FIG. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are explanatory views showing an example of forming the protective member 15.
  • FIG. An annular guide wall 10b is erected around the end surface 10a of the ferrule 10 (the outer peripheral edge portion of the end surface), and the protective member 15 can be formed by pouring molten resin and solidifying it. It is. At this time, a substantially hemispherical shape can be formed by utilizing the surface tension of the molten resin.
  • the thickness (t) of the protective member 15 can be set according to the amount of resin to be poured.
  • the thickness (t) of the protection member 15 an arbitrary value can be selected in a range not less than the core diameter (D1) of the optical fiber 2 and not more than the outer diameter (D2) of the ferrule 10. In this case, it is also possible to set the height of the guide wall 10b according to the thickness (t) that forms the protective member 15.
  • FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the state of the emitted light according to the thickness of the protective member 15.
  • the protective member 15 can obtain parallel light by setting the thickness (t) corresponding to the diameter thereof. Further, when the thickness (t) of the protective member 15 is smaller than the diameter, it is possible to obtain light having a spread more than the parallel light, while the thickness (t) of the protective member 15 is equal to the diameter. If it is made larger than this, light in a condensed state can be obtained.
  • the sleeve 30 is a member that fixes the end face 10a of one ferrule 10 and the end face 10a of the other ferrule 10 to face each other.
  • the sleeve 30 is a cylindrical member and includes a ferrule support hole 31 that supports the ferrule 10.
  • the ferrule support hole 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the ferrule 10.
  • one ferrule 10 to which one optical fiber 2 is fixed is inserted into the ferrule support hole 31 of the sleeve 30 from the end face 10a side.
  • the other ferrule 10 to which the other optical fiber 2 is fixed is inserted into the ferrule support hole 31 of the sleeve 30 from the end face 10a side.
  • the individual ferrules 10 are inserted up to substantially the center of the ferrule support hole 31, and the protection members 15 are fixed in a state of facing each other with a certain gap therebetween. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the end face 2a of one optical fiber 2 and the end face 2a of the other optical fiber 2 are held with a predetermined gap amount.
  • the end structure of the optical fiber 2 includes the ferrule 10 through which the end of the optical fiber 2 is inserted, and the protective member 15 disposed on the end surface 10a of the ferrule 10.
  • the protective member 15 is light transmissive and has a substantially hemispherical shape that bulges in the axial direction of the optical fiber 2 while covering the end face 10a of the ferrule 10 and the end face 2a of the optical fiber 2. .
  • FIG. 5B shows a comparative example of the end structure of the optical fiber 2 shown in the present embodiment, in which a flat protective member (refractive index matching member) 50 covers the end surfaces of the ferrule 51 and the optical fiber 52. The structure provided so that it might cover is shown.
  • the surface of the protection member 15 has a spherical shape.
  • the protective members 15 contact each other, The contact area between the two is small. For this reason, it is difficult for the protective members 15 to stick to each other, and it is possible to suppress a situation in which one protective member 15 is peeled off from the end face 10 a of the ferrule 10.
  • FIG. 6B shows a comparative example of the end structure of the optical fiber 2 shown in the present embodiment, in which a flat protective member (refractive index matching member) 50 covers the end surfaces of the ferrule 51 and the optical fiber 52. The structure provided so that it might cover is shown.
  • the presence of the protective member 15 can protect the core of the optical fiber 2.
  • the end structure of the optical fiber 2 it is possible to provide a highly reliable structure for the connection between the pair of optical fibers 2.
  • the protective member 15 is a refractive index matching member in which the core of the optical fiber 2 is made to correspond to the refractive index.
  • the refractive index of the protective member 15 can be brought close to the refractive index of the core of the optical fiber 2.
  • polishing of the core part of the optical fiber 2 can be made unnecessary. Therefore, loss due to Fresnel reflection and return light due to reflection can be reduced. Further, since polishing is not necessary, it is possible to facilitate the assembly to the sleeve 30 and reduce the manufacturing cost. Thereby, the reliability of the optical connector 1 can be improved.
  • the protective member 15 having a refractive index corresponding to the refractive index of the core may be used, and it can be applied to various cores such as glass and plastic. can do.
  • the ferrule 10 has an annular guide wall 10b erected around the end face 10a of the ferrule 10.
  • the spherical shape of the surface of the protective member 15 can be easily created using the guide wall 10b. Further, the thickness of the protection member 15 can be freely changed according to the setting of the height of the guide wall 10b.
  • the ferrule (10) includes an optical fiber (2) according to the above [1], in which an annular guide wall (10b) is erected around the end surface (10a) of the ferrule (10). End structure.
  • the end structure of the optical fiber of the present invention is useful for highly reliable connection between optical fibers in an optical connector.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)

Abstract

An end structure for an optical fiber (2) has a ferrule (10) through which a terminal end of the optical fiber (2) is inserted and a protective member (15) disposed on the end surface (10a) of the ferrule (10). Furthermore, this protective member (15) has optical transparency and is provided with a substantially hemispherical shape protruding in the axial direction of the optical fiber (2).

Description

光ファイバの端部構造Optical fiber end structure
　本発明は、光ファイバの端部構造に関する。 The present invention relates to an end structure of an optical fiber.
　従来より、自動車内でネットワークを構築した通信が進められており（特許文献１参照）、このような通信では大容量の伝送を行うために光通信を用いることが試みられている。この光通信において使用される光ファイバは、その長さやレイアウトに制限があるため、複数の光ファイバ同士を接続することで一連の通信経路が確立されている。この場合、光ファイバ同士の接続に関しては、振動や衝撃による影響が存することから光ファイバの先端同士を接触させることができない。そこで、各光ファイバの端部にフェルールを設けた後に、各フェルール同士をスリーブでつなぎ合わせる手法が知られている。ここで、光ファイバの端面位置と対応するフェルールの端面には、平板状の屈折率整合部材が配設されている。 Conventionally, communication in which a network is built in an automobile has been promoted (see Patent Document 1). In such communication, it has been attempted to use optical communication in order to perform large-capacity transmission. Since optical fibers used in this optical communication are limited in length and layout, a series of communication paths is established by connecting a plurality of optical fibers. In this case, the connection between the optical fibers cannot be brought into contact with each other because the influence of vibration or impact exists. Therefore, a method is known in which after ferrules are provided at the end portions of the optical fibers, the ferrules are connected to each other with a sleeve. Here, a flat index matching member is disposed on the end face of the ferrule corresponding to the end face position of the optical fiber.
日本国特開２００９－１８８８３０号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-188830
　しかしながら、平板状の屈折率整合部材では、光ファイバの開口数（ＮＡ：Ｎｕｍｅｒｉｃａｌ　Ａｐｅｒｔｕｒｅ）と近い角度で光が出射するため、フェルール同士の間隔方向（光ファイバの軸方向）のずれに対して脆弱な構造となるという問題がある。例えば、フェルール同士の間隔が大きくなった場合には、出射した光が相手側の光ファイバ径よりも広がってしまい、光のロスやばらつきが大きくなり、通信の不成立の問題となる。また、接続状態での振動やフェルールの挿抜時にフェルールの端面同士が突き当たった際には、屈折率整合部材同士が接触してしまうことがある。この場合、屈折率整合部材が面同士で接触することとなるため、両者の接触面積が大きく、一方の屈折率整合部材に相手側の屈折率整合部材が張り付き、その相手側の屈折率整合部材がフェルールの端面から剥がれ落ちてしまう可能性もある。 However, since the plate-shaped refractive index matching member emits light at an angle close to the numerical aperture (NA) of the optical fiber, it is vulnerable to deviation in the interval direction between the ferrules (axial direction of the optical fiber). There is a problem that it becomes a simple structure. For example, when the interval between the ferrules becomes large, the emitted light spreads beyond the diameter of the optical fiber on the other side, resulting in a large loss and variation of light, resulting in a problem of communication failure. Further, when the end surfaces of the ferrules abut against each other during vibration in the connected state or insertion / extraction of the ferrule, the refractive index matching members may come into contact with each other. In this case, since the refractive index matching members are in contact with each other, the contact area between the two is large, and the other refractive index matching member sticks to one refractive index matching member. May come off from the end face of the ferrule.
　本発明はかかる事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、光ファイバ同士の接続についての信頼性の高い光ファイバの端部構造を提供することである。 The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable optical fiber end structure for connection between optical fibers.
　本発明の上記目的は、下記構成により達成される。
（１）　光ファイバの端部が挿通されるフェルールと、前記フェルールの端面に配設される保護部材と、を有し、前記保護部材が、光透過性を有するとともに、前記フェルールの端面から外側に膨出した略半球形状を備える光ファイバの端部構造。 The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following configurations.
(1) a ferrule through which an end portion of an optical fiber is inserted; and a protective member disposed on the end surface of the ferrule. The protective member has light permeability and is outside from the end surface of the ferrule. An end structure of an optical fiber having a substantially hemispherical shape that bulges out.
（２）　上記（１）の構成の光ファイバの端部構造であって、前記保護部材は、前記光ファイバのコアと屈折率を対応させた屈折率整合部材である光ファイバの端部構造。 (2) The end structure of the optical fiber configured as described in (1) above, wherein the protective member is a refractive index matching member in which a refractive index is matched with a core of the optical fiber.
（３）　上記（１）の構成の光ファイバの端部構造であって、前記フェルールは、当該フェルールの端面の周囲に環状のガイド壁が立設されている光ファイバの端部構造。 (3) The end structure of the optical fiber configured as described in (1) above, wherein the ferrule is an end structure of an optical fiber in which an annular guide wall is provided around the end face of the ferrule.
　本発明によれば、光ファイバ同士の接続について信頼性の高い光ファイバの端部構造を提供することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly reliable optical fiber end structure for connecting optical fibers.
図１は本発明の一実施形態に係る光ファイバの端部構造を模式的に示す説明図である。FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing an end structure of an optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present invention. 図２は本発明の一実施形態に係る光ファイバの端部構造を利用した光コネクタによる接続形態を模式的に示す説明図である。FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing a connection form by an optical connector using an end structure of an optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present invention. 図３の（ａ），（ｂ）は保護部材の形成例を示す説明図である。(A), (b) of FIG. 3 is explanatory drawing which shows the example of formation of a protection member. 図４の（ａ）～（ｃ）は保護部材の厚みに応じた出射光の状態を示す説明図である。FIGS. 4A to 4C are explanatory views showing the state of the emitted light according to the thickness of the protective member. 図５の（ａ），（ｂ）は光コネクタによる接続形態を模式的に示す説明図である。(A), (b) of FIG. 5 is explanatory drawing which shows typically the connection form by an optical connector. 図６の（ａ），（ｂ）は光コネクタによる接続形態を模式的に示す説明図である。FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory views schematically showing a connection form using an optical connector.
　図１及び図２に示すように、本発明の一実施形態に係る光ファイバ２の端部構造は、光ファイバ２同士の接続に用いられる光コネクタ１の一部として機能するものである。以下、光コネクタ１とともに、本実施形態に係る光ファイバ２の端部構造を説明する。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the end structure of the optical fiber 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention functions as a part of the optical connector 1 used for connecting the optical fibers 2 to each other. Hereinafter, the end structure of the optical fiber 2 according to this embodiment will be described together with the optical connector 1.
　図２に示すように、光コネクタ１は、一対の光ファイバ２を相互に接続するコネクタであり、一対のフェルール１０と、スリーブ３０とから構成されている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the optical connector 1 is a connector that connects a pair of optical fibers 2 to each other, and includes a pair of ferrules 10 and a sleeve 30.
　フェルール１０は、光ファイバ２の端部を固定保持する部材である。フェルール１０は、図１に示すように、例えば円柱状に形成されており、その内部には光ファイバ挿通孔１１が形成されている。光ファイバ挿通孔１１は、その内径が光ファイバ２の外径よりもごく僅かに大きい円柱状に形成されており、フェルール１０の中心軸に沿ってその内部を貫通している。 The ferrule 10 is a member that fixes and holds the end of the optical fiber 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the ferrule 10 is formed in a columnar shape, for example, and an optical fiber insertion hole 11 is formed therein. The optical fiber insertion hole 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 2, and penetrates the inside along the central axis of the ferrule 10.
　フェルール１０において、光ファイバ２は光ファイバ挿通孔１１に挿通されて固定保持される。光ファイバ挿通孔１１に挿入された光ファイバ２は、当該光ファイバ２の端面２ａとフェルール１０の端面１０ａとの位置が対応する（同一平面上で一致する）。 In the ferrule 10, the optical fiber 2 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole 11 and fixedly held. In the optical fiber 2 inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole 11, the positions of the end surface 2a of the optical fiber 2 and the end surface 10a of the ferrule 10 correspond (coincide on the same plane).
　本実施形態の特徴の一つとして、フェルール１０の端面１０ａには、保護部材１５が配設されている。保護部材１５は、光透過性を有しており、フェルール１０の端面１０ａから外側に膨出した略半球形状を備えている。保護部材１５としては、樹脂を用いることができ、例えば熱可塑性樹脂などを採用することができる。 As one of the features of this embodiment, a protective member 15 is disposed on the end face 10a of the ferrule 10. The protective member 15 is light transmissive and has a substantially hemispherical shape that bulges outward from the end face 10 a of the ferrule 10. As the protection member 15, a resin can be used, and for example, a thermoplastic resin or the like can be used.
　保護部材１５は、屈折率整合部材であり、その屈折率が光ファイバ２のコアの屈折率と対応されている。この場合、保護部材１５と光ファイバ２のコアとが一致していることまでは必要としないが、両者の差が概ね１０％以内に収まるように設定されている。 The protective member 15 is a refractive index matching member, and the refractive index thereof corresponds to the refractive index of the core of the optical fiber 2. In this case, it is not necessary until the protective member 15 and the core of the optical fiber 2 coincide with each other, but the difference between the two is set to be within 10%.
　図３の（ａ），（ｂ）は、保護部材１５の形成例を示す説明図である。フェルール１０の端面１０ａの周囲（端面の外周縁部分）には、円環状のガイド壁１０ｂが立設されており、溶融した樹脂を流し込みこれを固化することにより保護部材１５を形成することが可能である。この際、溶融した樹脂の表面張力を利用することで、略半球形状を形成することができる。 3 (a) and 3 (b) are explanatory views showing an example of forming the protective member 15. FIG. An annular guide wall 10b is erected around the end surface 10a of the ferrule 10 (the outer peripheral edge portion of the end surface), and the protective member 15 can be formed by pouring molten resin and solidifying it. It is. At this time, a substantially hemispherical shape can be formed by utilizing the surface tension of the molten resin.
　また、保護部材１５は、流し込む樹脂の量に応じてその厚さ（ｔ）を設定することができる。保護部材１５の厚さ（ｔ）は、光ファイバ２のコア径（Ｄ１）以上、かつフェルール１０の外径（Ｄ２）以下の範囲において任意の値を選択することができる。この場合、保護部材１５を形成する厚み（ｔ）に応じてガイド壁１０ｂの高さを設定することも可能である。 Also, the thickness (t) of the protective member 15 can be set according to the amount of resin to be poured. As the thickness (t) of the protection member 15, an arbitrary value can be selected in a range not less than the core diameter (D1) of the optical fiber 2 and not more than the outer diameter (D2) of the ferrule 10. In this case, it is also possible to set the height of the guide wall 10b according to the thickness (t) that forms the protective member 15.
　図４は、保護部材１５の厚みに応じた出射光の状態を示す説明図である。保護部材１５は、その直径に相当する厚さ（ｔ）に設定することで、平行光を得ることができる。また、保護部材１５の厚さ（ｔ）が直径よりも小さくされた場合には、平行光よりも広がりをもった光を得ることができ、一方、保護部材１５の厚さ（ｔ）が直径よりも大きくされた場合には、集光状態の光を得ることができる。 FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the state of the emitted light according to the thickness of the protective member 15. The protective member 15 can obtain parallel light by setting the thickness (t) corresponding to the diameter thereof. Further, when the thickness (t) of the protective member 15 is smaller than the diameter, it is possible to obtain light having a spread more than the parallel light, while the thickness (t) of the protective member 15 is equal to the diameter. If it is made larger than this, light in a condensed state can be obtained.
　スリーブ３０は、一方のフェルール１０の端面１０ａと他方のフェルール１０の端面１０ａとを対向させて固定する部材である。スリーブ３０は、筒状部材であり、フェルール１０を支持するフェルール支持孔３１を備えている。このフェルール支持孔３１は、その内径がフェルール１０の外径よりもごく僅かに大きい円柱状に形成されている。 The sleeve 30 is a member that fixes the end face 10a of one ferrule 10 and the end face 10a of the other ferrule 10 to face each other. The sleeve 30 is a cylindrical member and includes a ferrule support hole 31 that supports the ferrule 10. The ferrule support hole 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the ferrule 10.
　このように構成された光コネクタ１による接続方法を説明する。まず、一方の光ファイバ２が固定された一方のフェルール１０がその端面１０ａ側から、スリーブ３０のフェルール支持孔３１に挿入される。同様に、他方の光ファイバ２が固定された他方のフェルール１０がその端面１０ａ側から、スリーブ３０のフェルール支持孔３１に挿入される。 A connection method using the optical connector 1 configured as described above will be described. First, one ferrule 10 to which one optical fiber 2 is fixed is inserted into the ferrule support hole 31 of the sleeve 30 from the end face 10a side. Similarly, the other ferrule 10 to which the other optical fiber 2 is fixed is inserted into the ferrule support hole 31 of the sleeve 30 from the end face 10a side.
　個々のフェルール１０は、フェルール支持孔３１の略中央まで挿入され、その保護部材１５同士が一定の隙間を隔てて対峙した状態で固定される。これにより、図２に示すように、一方の光ファイバ２の端面２ａと他方の光ファイバ２の端面２ａとが所定の間隙量で保持されることとなる。 The individual ferrules 10 are inserted up to substantially the center of the ferrule support hole 31, and the protection members 15 are fixed in a state of facing each other with a certain gap therebetween. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the end face 2a of one optical fiber 2 and the end face 2a of the other optical fiber 2 are held with a predetermined gap amount.
　このように本実施形態に係る光ファイバ２の端部構造は、光ファイバ２の端末が挿通されるフェルール１０と、フェルール１０の端面１０ａに配設される保護部材１５と、を有している。そして、この保護部材１５は、光透過性を有するとともに、フェルール１０の端面１０ａと光ファイバ２の端面２ａとを覆った状態で光ファイバ２の軸方向に膨出する略半球形状を備えている。 As described above, the end structure of the optical fiber 2 according to the present embodiment includes the ferrule 10 through which the end of the optical fiber 2 is inserted, and the protective member 15 disposed on the end surface 10a of the ferrule 10. . The protective member 15 is light transmissive and has a substantially hemispherical shape that bulges in the axial direction of the optical fiber 2 while covering the end face 10a of the ferrule 10 and the end face 2a of the optical fiber 2. .
　かかる構成によれば、略半球形状の保護部材１５により、光ファイバ２の開口数と比べて集光された光が出射されることとなる。これにより、図５の（ａ）に示すように、一対のフェルール１０同士の間隔が大きくなった場合でも、光のロスやばらつきを抑制することができる。その結果、通信における信頼性の向上を図ることができる。なお、図５の（ｂ）は、本実施形態に示す光ファイバ２の端部構造との比較例として、平板状の保護部材（屈折率整合部材）５０がフェルール５１及び光ファイバ５２の端面を覆うように設けられた構造を示している。 According to such a configuration, the collected light is emitted by the substantially hemispherical protection member 15 as compared with the numerical aperture of the optical fiber 2. Thereby, as shown to (a) of FIG. 5, even when the space | interval of a pair of ferrules 10 becomes large, the loss and dispersion | variation of light can be suppressed. As a result, communication reliability can be improved. FIG. 5B shows a comparative example of the end structure of the optical fiber 2 shown in the present embodiment, in which a flat protective member (refractive index matching member) 50 covers the end surfaces of the ferrule 51 and the optical fiber 52. The structure provided so that it might cover is shown.
　また、本実施形態によれば、保護部材１５の表面が球面形状を有している。この場合、図６の（ａ）に示すように、光コネクタ１の接続状態における振動やフェルール１０の挿抜によってフェルール１０の端面１０ａ同士が突き当たり、保護部材１５同士が接触した場合であっても、両者の接触面積は小さいものとなる。このため、保護部材１５同士が張り付き難くなり、一方の保護部材１５がフェルール１０の端面１０ａから剥がれ落ちてしまうといった事態を抑制することができる。これにより、光コネクタ１は、接続状態における振動や、スリーブ３０に対するフェルール１０の挿抜が繰り返されるような場合であっても十分な耐性を得ることができる。さらに、保護部材１５として樹脂を使用することで、保護部材１５同士が接触しても応力により形状が元の形状に戻りやすいため、光学特性の劣化を抑制することができる。なお、図６の（ｂ）は、本実施形態に示す光ファイバ２の端部構造との比較例として、平板状の保護部材（屈折率整合部材）５０がフェルール５１及び光ファイバ５２の端面を覆うように設けられた構造を示している。 Further, according to the present embodiment, the surface of the protection member 15 has a spherical shape. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, even when the end faces 10a of the ferrule 10 abut each other due to vibration in the connected state of the optical connector 1 or insertion / extraction of the ferrule 10, and the protective members 15 contact each other, The contact area between the two is small. For this reason, it is difficult for the protective members 15 to stick to each other, and it is possible to suppress a situation in which one protective member 15 is peeled off from the end face 10 a of the ferrule 10. Thereby, the optical connector 1 can obtain sufficient tolerance even when the vibration in the connected state and the insertion / extraction of the ferrule 10 with respect to the sleeve 30 are repeated. Furthermore, by using a resin as the protection member 15, the shape easily returns to the original shape due to stress even when the protection members 15 come into contact with each other, so that deterioration of optical characteristics can be suppressed. FIG. 6B shows a comparative example of the end structure of the optical fiber 2 shown in the present embodiment, in which a flat protective member (refractive index matching member) 50 covers the end surfaces of the ferrule 51 and the optical fiber 52. The structure provided so that it might cover is shown.
　また、本実施形態によれば、この保護部材１５が存在することで、光ファイバ２のコアを保護することができる。 Further, according to the present embodiment, the presence of the protective member 15 can protect the core of the optical fiber 2.
　このように、本実施形態に係る光ファイバ２の端部構造によれば、一対の光ファイバ２同士の接続について信頼性の高い構造を提供することができる。 Thus, according to the end structure of the optical fiber 2 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly reliable structure for the connection between the pair of optical fibers 2.
　さらに本実施形態において、保護部材１５は、光ファイバ２のコアと屈折率を対応させた屈折率整合部材である。 Further, in the present embodiment, the protective member 15 is a refractive index matching member in which the core of the optical fiber 2 is made to correspond to the refractive index.
　このような構成によれば、保護部材１５の屈折率を光ファイバ２のコアの屈折率に近づけることができる。これにより、光ファイバ２のコア部分の研磨を不要とすることができる。そのため、フレネル反射による損失や、反射による戻り光を減らすことができる。また、研磨が不要となることで、スリーブ３０への組み付けの容易化や製造コストの低減を図ることができる。これにより、光コネクタ１の信頼性の向上を図ることができる。 According to such a configuration, the refractive index of the protective member 15 can be brought close to the refractive index of the core of the optical fiber 2. Thereby, polishing of the core part of the optical fiber 2 can be made unnecessary. Therefore, loss due to Fresnel reflection and return light due to reflection can be reduced. Further, since polishing is not necessary, it is possible to facilitate the assembly to the sleeve 30 and reduce the manufacturing cost. Thereby, the reliability of the optical connector 1 can be improved.
　さらに、光ファイバ２の種類を変更するような場合であっても、そのコアの屈折率に応じた屈折率となる保護部材１５を使用すればよく、ガラスやプラスティックといった種々のコアに対して適用することができる。 Further, even when the type of the optical fiber 2 is changed, the protective member 15 having a refractive index corresponding to the refractive index of the core may be used, and it can be applied to various cores such as glass and plastic. can do.
　また、本実施形態において、フェルール１０は、当該フェルール１０の端面１０ａの周囲に円環状のガイド壁１０ｂが立設されている。 Further, in the present embodiment, the ferrule 10 has an annular guide wall 10b erected around the end face 10a of the ferrule 10.
　このような構成によれば、ガイド壁１０ｂを利用して保護部材１５における表面の球面形状を容易に作成することができる。また、このガイド壁１０ｂの高さの設定に応じて、保護部材１５の厚みを自由に変更することも可能となる。 According to such a configuration, the spherical shape of the surface of the protective member 15 can be easily created using the guide wall 10b. Further, the thickness of the protection member 15 can be freely changed according to the setting of the height of the guide wall 10b.
　ここで、上述した本発明に係る光ファイバの端部構造の実施形態の特徴をそれぞれ以下に簡潔に纏めて列記する。
　［１］　光ファイバ（２）の端部が挿通されるフェルール（１０）と、
　前記フェルール（１０）の端面（１０ａ）に配設される保護部材（１５）と、を有し、
　前記保護部材（１５）が、光透過性を有するとともに、前記フェルール（１０）の端面（１０ａ）から外側に膨出した略半球形状を備える光ファイバ（２）の端部構造。
　［２］　前記保護部材（１５）は、前記光ファイバ（２）のコアと屈折率を対応させた屈折率整合部材である上記［１］に記載された光ファイバ（２）の端部構造。
　［３］　前記フェルール（１０）は、当該フェルール（１０）の端面（１０ａ）の周囲に環状のガイド壁（１０ｂ）が立設されている上記［１］に記載された光ファイバ（２）の端部構造。 Here, the features of the above-described embodiments of the end structure of the optical fiber according to the present invention will be briefly summarized below.
[1] A ferrule (10) through which an end of the optical fiber (2) is inserted;
A protective member (15) disposed on the end face (10a) of the ferrule (10),
The end structure of the optical fiber (2) in which the protective member (15) has light transmittance and has a substantially hemispherical shape bulging outward from the end face (10a) of the ferrule (10).
[2] The end structure of the optical fiber (2) described in [1], wherein the protection member (15) is a refractive index matching member in which a refractive index is made to correspond to the core of the optical fiber (2).
[3] The ferrule (10) includes an optical fiber (2) according to the above [1], in which an annular guide wall (10b) is erected around the end surface (10a) of the ferrule (10). End structure.
　以上、本実施形態にかかる光ファイバの端部構造について説明したが、本発明はこの実施形態に限定されることなく、その発明の範囲において種々の変更が可能である。
　また、本出願は、２０１３年１１月２６日出願の日本特許出願（特願２０１３－２４３６１０）に基づくものであり、その内容はここに参照として取り込まれる。 While the end structure of the optical fiber according to the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.
This application is based on a Japanese patent application filed on November 26, 2013 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-243610), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
　本発明の光ファイバの端部構造は、光コネクタにおける光ファイバ同士の信頼性が高い接続に有用である。 The end structure of the optical fiber of the present invention is useful for highly reliable connection between optical fibers in an optical connector.
　　１　　光コネクタ
　　２　　光ファイバ
　　２ａ　端面
　１０　　フェルール
　１０ａ　端面
　１０ｂ　ガイド壁
　１１　　光ファイバ挿通孔
　１５　　保護部材
　３０　　スリーブ
　３１　　フェルール支持孔 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical connector 2 Optical fiber 2a End surface 10 Ferrule 10a End surface 10b Guide wall 11 Optical fiber insertion hole 15 Protection member 30 Sleeve 31 Ferrule support hole

Claims (3)

  1. 　光ファイバの端部が挿通されるフェルールと、
    　前記フェルールの端面に配設される保護部材と、を有し、
    　前記保護部材が、光透過性を有するとともに、前記フェルールの端面から外側に膨出した略半球形状を備える光ファイバの端部構造。     A ferrule through which the end of the optical fiber is inserted;
    A protective member disposed on an end face of the ferrule,
    An end structure of an optical fiber having a substantially hemispherical shape in which the protective member has optical transparency and bulges outward from the end face of the ferrule.
  2. 　前記保護部材は、前記光ファイバのコアと屈折率を対応させた屈折率整合部材である請求項１に記載された光ファイバの端部構造。 2. The optical fiber end structure according to claim 1, wherein the protective member is a refractive index matching member having a refractive index corresponding to the core of the optical fiber.
  3. 　前記フェルールは、当該フェルールの端面の周囲に環状のガイド壁が立設されている請求項１に記載された光ファイバの端部構造。 The end structure of the optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the ferrule is provided with an annular guide wall standing around an end face of the ferrule.
PCT/JP2014/080554 2013-11-26 2014-11-18 End structure for optical fiber WO2015079982A1 (en)

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Citations (6)

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JPH02277006A (en) * 1989-04-19 1990-11-13 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Production of optical fiber with lens
JPH06118267A (en) * 1992-10-07 1994-04-28 Sumitomo Electric Ind Ltd Reflection preventing structure for light switch
JPH09145964A (en) * 1995-11-21 1997-06-06 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Wavelength multiplex transmission and reception module and its manufacture
JP2004213008A (en) * 2002-12-31 2004-07-29 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Method for manufacturing optical coupling device, the optical coupling device and its assembly, and lens-coupled optical fiber using the optical coupling device
JP2007121696A (en) * 2005-10-28 2007-05-17 Kyocera Corp Fiber stub, and optical receptacle and optical module using the fiber stub

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS61150307U (en) * 1985-03-08 1986-09-17
JPH02277006A (en) * 1989-04-19 1990-11-13 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Production of optical fiber with lens
JPH06118267A (en) * 1992-10-07 1994-04-28 Sumitomo Electric Ind Ltd Reflection preventing structure for light switch
JPH09145964A (en) * 1995-11-21 1997-06-06 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Wavelength multiplex transmission and reception module and its manufacture
JP2004213008A (en) * 2002-12-31 2004-07-29 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Method for manufacturing optical coupling device, the optical coupling device and its assembly, and lens-coupled optical fiber using the optical coupling device
JP2007121696A (en) * 2005-10-28 2007-05-17 Kyocera Corp Fiber stub, and optical receptacle and optical module using the fiber stub

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