WO2018146924A1 - Optical connector and photoacoustic wave emission device - Google Patents

Optical connector and photoacoustic wave emission device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018146924A1
WO2018146924A1 PCT/JP2017/043387 JP2017043387W WO2018146924A1 WO 2018146924 A1 WO2018146924 A1 WO 2018146924A1 JP 2017043387 W JP2017043387 W JP 2017043387W WO 2018146924 A1 WO2018146924 A1 WO 2018146924A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
optical connector
connecting member
cylindrical connecting
ferrule
cylindrical
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2017/043387
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
覚 入澤
温之 橋本
Original Assignee
富士フイルム株式会社
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 富士フイルム株式会社 filed Critical 富士フイルム株式会社
Priority to JP2018566772A priority Critical patent/JP6968110B2/en
Publication of WO2018146924A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018146924A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/13—Tomography
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an optical connector having an optical fiber and a photoacoustic wave generator using the optical connector.
  • Patent Document 1 proposes an optical connector in which a ferrule that holds an optical fiber is provided at the tip of the optical fiber, and the ferrule is disposed in a cylindrical connection member. And in patent document 1, when an elastic member is provided in a cylindrical connection member and an optical connector is connected to the connection part (for example, optical adapter) of a connection destination, a ferrule is pressed to the connection part side by the elastic member.
  • connection part for example, optical adapter
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an optical connector capable of improving the insertion property of an optical connector into a connection portion of a connection destination and a photoacoustic wave generator using the optical connector. It is.
  • An optical connector includes an optical fiber having a ferrule portion provided at one end thereof, and a cylindrical connection member formed in a cylindrical shape into which the optical fiber is inserted, the ferrule being provided in the cylinder at the one end portion. And a cylindrical connecting member from which the other end of the optical fiber is drawn out from the other end, and the ferrule has a convex portion having a convex direction in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member. And the elastic member is provided in contact with the surface on the outside in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member of the convex portion.
  • a protrusion may be formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member, and an elastic member may be installed between the protrusion and the protrusion.
  • a recess may be formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member, and the protrusion may be formed by fitting the protrusion forming member into the recess.
  • the protrusion may be integrally formed with the cylindrical connecting member.
  • the protrusion may be provided only on a part of the inner periphery of the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member.
  • the protrusions are provided only at four locations on the inner periphery of the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member.
  • a groove may be formed along the inner periphery of the cylindrical connecting member, or an elastic member may be installed in the groove.
  • the elastic member is preferably an O-ring.
  • the elastic member may be a torsion spring.
  • optical connector it is preferable to provide a notch in the outer wall on the one end side of the cylindrical connecting member.
  • the tip of the ferrule part is chamfered.
  • a photoacoustic wave generation device includes a light source unit, the optical connector of the present invention connected to the light source unit, and a puncture needle to which the other end of the optical fiber extended from the optical connector is connected. Is provided.
  • the ferrule part has a convex part having a convex direction in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member.
  • the insertion property to the connection part of the connection destination of an optical connector can be improved by providing an elastic member in contact with the surface outside the length direction of the cylindrical connection member of the convex part.
  • Sectional drawing which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the optical connector of this invention
  • the perspective view which shows the external appearance of one Embodiment of a cylindrical connection member Partial enlarged view of the optical connector shown in FIG.
  • the figure which shows an example of a protrusion formation member Partial enlarged view of the cylindrical connecting member shown in FIG.
  • External side view of one embodiment of cylindrical connecting member The figure for demonstrating the detailed dimension of a cylindrical connection member
  • FIG. which shows the structure of other embodiment of the optical connector of this invention.
  • FIG. which shows the structure of other embodiment of the optical connector of this invention.
  • Sectional drawing which shows the structure of other embodiment of the optical connector of this invention.
  • Sectional drawing which shows the structure of other embodiment of the optical connector of this invention.
  • Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the puncture needle in one Embodiment of the photoacoustic wave generator of this invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an optical connector 1 of the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view including a central axis (hereinafter simply referred to as a central axis) extending in the length direction of the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment.
  • the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment includes an optical fiber 10, a ferrule part 11, a cylindrical connecting member 12, a protective member 13, and a covering member 14, as shown in FIG.
  • the ferrule part 11 is provided at one end of the optical fiber 10 and includes a ferrule body 11a made of zirconia and a metal part 11b connected to the ferrule body 11a.
  • the metal part 11 b has a convex part 11 c having a convex direction in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the optical fiber 10 is inserted into a hole formed along the central axis extending in the length direction of the ferrule part 11 and bonded and fixed so that one end surface of the optical fiber 10 is exposed from one end 11d of the ferrule part 11. It is configured.
  • the one end 11d (tip) of the ferrule part 11 is chamfered. Thereby, it can make it easy to insert with respect to the connection part (for example, optical adapter) which is the connection destination of the optical connector 1.
  • a protective coat may be provided on the side surface of the optical fiber 10 with polyimide or the like. Thereby, chipping of the optical fiber 10 can be suppressed. Further, in order to improve the coaxiality between the core portion of the optical fiber 10 and the ferrule inner hole, the protective coat may be peeled only at a portion that passes through the ferrule portion 11.
  • the cylindrical connecting member 12 is a member formed in a cylindrical shape into which the optical fiber 10 provided with the ferrule portion 11 is inserted.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the ferrule part 11 described above is fixed in the cylinder of the one end part 12 a of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • a ferrule contact surface 12 c with which the convex portion 11 c of the metal portion 11 b of the ferrule portion 11 abuts is formed on the inner wall of the one end portion 12 a of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the other end of the optical fiber 10 on which the ferrule portion 11 is not provided is inserted from the one end portion 12a side of the cylindrical connecting member 12. Then, the optical fiber 10 is pulled out from the other end portion 12b side of the cylindrical connecting member 12 until the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11 abuts on the ferrule abutting surface 12c, and the convex portion 11c abuts on the ferrule abutting surface 12c. Thus, the position of the ferrule portion 11 in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is determined.
  • the O-ring 15 is disposed opposite to the ferrule contact surface 12c side of the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11.
  • the O-ring 15 corresponds to the elastic member of the present invention.
  • the O-ring 15 is provided in contact with the surface 11e (see FIG. 3) on the outer side in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 of the convex portion 11c.
  • the O-ring 15 is provided along the outer periphery of the ferrule body 11 a and is provided between the ferrule body 11 a and the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12. In this embodiment, the O-ring is used as the elastic member.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and an X-ring, a rubber washer, a torsion spring, or the like can be used.
  • the rubber material nitrile, chlorobrene, silicone, fluorine, butyl, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene), or the like can be used.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of one end portion 12a of the cylindrical connecting member 12 shown in FIG.
  • a groove 12 s (corresponding to a concave portion of the present invention) is formed on the inner wall of the one end portion 12 a of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the groove 12s is formed along the inner periphery of the cylindrical connecting member 12, and the protrusion forming member 16 is fitted and provided in the groove 12s.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the protrusion forming member 16.
  • the protrusion forming member 16 is formed from a material that can be deformed to some extent, such as resin, and is formed in a ring shape as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG.
  • the protrusion forming member 16 is formed with a width w (see FIG. 4) larger than the depth dp of the groove 12s, whereby the protrusion 16a is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12. Is formed.
  • An O-ring 15 is installed between the protruding portion 16a and the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11. The distance ds between the protruding portion 16a and the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11 is set to be smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the ring member of the O-ring 15, whereby the O-ring 15 is connected to the cylindrical connecting member 12. Is pressed and fixed by the protrusion 16a in the length direction.
  • the O-ring 15 thereby presses the convex portion 11 c toward the inside in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 (arrow Z side shown in FIG. 3).
  • the above-mentioned cross-sectional diameter of the ring member of the O-ring 15 is the cross-sectional diameter of the ring member before the O-ring 15 is installed in the cylindrical connecting member 12 and is not deformed by pressure. is there.
  • the O-ring 15 is pressed and deformed by the protrusion 16a, so that the O-ring 15 is in close contact with the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and the outer peripheral surface of the ferrule portion 11. Thereby, the ferrule part 11 is positioned in the direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the interval dt is provided between the protrusion 16 a and the ferrule body 11 a, the ferrule 11 is deformed in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 by deformation of the O-ring 15. It is supported in a movable state in an orthogonal direction.
  • the distance dt between the protrusion 16a and the ferrule body 11a is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less.
  • the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment as described above, by pressing the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11 with the O-ring 15, it is possible to prevent the ferrule portion 11 from moving wastefully. Further, since the O-ring 15 is deformed so that the ferrule portion 11 can move in the direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12, the connecting portion to which the optical connector 1 is connected The ferrule part 11 can be inserted along the sleeve (for example, an optical adapter), and thereby the insertion property of the optical connector 1 can be improved.
  • the sleeve for example, an optical adapter
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a range of a dotted square shown in FIG.
  • the protective member contact surface 12 d is formed by a surface perpendicular to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the protection member 13 is a cylindrical tube member made of resin or the like, and the outer surface of the optical fiber 10 is protected by inserting the optical fiber 10 into the tube member.
  • the protection member 13 is the other end of the cylindrical connection member 12. It is inserted from 12b. And the front-end
  • the optical fiber 10 is inserted from the one end 12a side of the cylindrical connection member 12.
  • the protective member contact surface 12d is formed as described above, and the optical fiber 10 is inserted with the protective member 13 positioned by the protective member contact surface 12d.
  • the optical fiber 10 can be easily inserted, and the manufacturing time can be shortened.
  • a ferrule-side tapered surface 12e is formed between the protective member contact surface 12d and the ferrule portion 11 described above.
  • the ferrule side taper surface 12e is an inclined surface formed so that the inner diameter of the cylindrical connecting member 12 gradually increases toward the ferrule portion 11 side.
  • the inner wall surface that has a surface on the one end 12a side of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and is perpendicular to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 has a ferrule contact. Only the contact surface 12c is provided, so that the optical fiber 10 can be easily inserted.
  • a fiber passage portion 12f is formed between the above-described ferrule side tapered surface 12e and the protective member contact surface 12d. As shown in FIG. 5, the fiber passage portion 12 f is formed such that the inner diameter d of the cylindrical connecting member 12 in the fiber passage portion 12 f is smaller than the inner diameter D of the protection member 13.
  • an intermediate tapered surface 12g is formed between the protective member contact surface 12d and the other end portion 12b of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the intermediate taper surface 12g is an inclined surface formed so that the inner diameter of the cylindrical connecting member 12 gradually increases toward the other end 12b side.
  • a protective member passage portion 12h is formed between the intermediate taper surface 12g and the protective member contact surface 12d described above.
  • the protection member passage portion 12h is formed such that the inner diameter of the cylindrical connection member 12 in the protection member passage portion 12h is equal to the outer diameter of the protection member 13.
  • an opening-side tapered surface 12i is formed at the other end portion 12b of the cylindrical connecting member 12 of the present embodiment.
  • the opening-side tapered surface 12i is an inclined surface formed such that the inner diameter of the cylindrical connecting member 12 gradually increases toward the other end 12k of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the opening-side tapered surface 12i described above is formed from a curved surface.
  • the opening-side tapered surface 12i is a curved surface, as shown in FIG. 1, the line representing the opening-side tapered surface 12i on the cross section including the central axis of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is a quadratic curve or a spline curve. It can be expressed as By forming the opening-side tapered surface 12i as a curved surface in this manner, the optical fiber 10 can be bent along the curved surface, so that the bending radius of the optical fiber 10 can be limited. On the other hand, local load can be suppressed.
  • a covering member 14 is provided around the protective member 13.
  • the covering member 14 covers the protective member 13 at the other end portion 12 b of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the covering member 14 is a cylindrical tube member formed from a resin or the like, and the protection member 13 is inserted into the tube member to protect the protection member 13 and the optical fiber 10 in the protection member 13. be able to.
  • the protection member 13 and the covering member 14 are inserted from the other end 12 b of the cylindrical connection member 12. Is done.
  • the distal end of the protective member 13 on the insertion side is in contact with the above-described protective member contact surface 12d, and the insertion-side distal end of the covering member 14 is positioned in contact with the above-described opening-side tapered surface 12i.
  • the optical fiber 10 is inserted from the one end portion 12a side of the cylindrical connection member 12.
  • a notch 12p is formed in the outer wall on the one end 12a side of the cylindrical connecting member 12 of the present embodiment.
  • the notch 12p can be prevented from coming off from the connecting portion of the optical connector 1 by fitting with the convex portion of the connecting portion (for example, optical adapter) to which the optical connector 1 is connected.
  • FIGS. 6 is an external side view of the cylindrical connecting member 12, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.
  • the length L1 of the cylindrical connecting member 12 shown in FIG. 6 is preferably 20 mm or more and 100 mm or less.
  • the outer diameter d1 of the cylindrical connection member 12 is 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less.
  • the diameter d2 of the opening on the one end 12a side of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 8 mm or less.
  • the inner diameter d3 of the portion in which the ferrule portion 11 is accommodated is preferably 2.4 mm or more and 6 mm or less, and the inner diameter d4 of the portion in which the end of the metal portion 11b is accommodated is 1.2 mm or more and 4 mm or less.
  • the width (d3-d4) / 2 of the ferrule contact surface 12c is preferably 0.6 mm or more and 2 mm or less.
  • the depth dp of the groove 12s is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less.
  • the width w (see 4) of the ring-shaped protrusion forming member 16 fitted into the groove 12s is preferably 0.4 mm or more and 3 mm or less with respect to the depth of the groove 12s. That is, it is preferable that the height h from the inner wall of the cylindrical connection member 12 of the projection part 16a shown in FIG. 3 is 0.3 mm or more and 2 mm or less.
  • the inner diameter d5 of the portion where the tip end of the metal part 11b of the ferrule part 11 is disposed is preferably 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, and the inner diameter d6 of the protective member passage part 12h is 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less. Preferably there is.
  • the diameter d8 of the opening on the other end 12b side of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 8 mm or less, and the cylindrical connection between the intermediate tapered surface 12g and the opening-side tapered surface 12i.
  • the inner diameter d7 of the member 12 is preferably 1 mm or more and 4 mm or less.
  • positioned in the length direction of the cylindrical connection member 12 is 5 mm or more and 12 mm or less.
  • the length L3 from the one end 12r of the cylindrical connecting member 12 to the end of the ferrule side tapered surface 12e (boundary between the ferrule side tapered surface 12e and the fiber passing portion 12f) in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is 7 mm or more. It is preferable that it is 25 mm or less.
  • the length L5 of the fiber passage portion 12f in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2 mm or less.
  • the tip of the optical fiber 10 can be smoothly guided to the center of the protection member 13.
  • the fiber passage portion 12f is a very narrow space, it becomes difficult to manufacture the fiber passage portion 12f when the length is long. Therefore, when the length L5 of the fiber passage portion 12f is set to 2 mm or less, manufacturing becomes easier and the yield can be improved.
  • the total length L4 of the fiber passage portion 12f and the protection member passage portion 12h is preferably not less than 2 mm and not more than 10 mm, and the other end 12k of the tubular connection member 12 in the length direction of the tubular connection member 12 It is preferable that the length L6 from the middle part taper surface 12g to 5mm or more is 15 mm or less.
  • the inclination angle ⁇ 1 of the ferrule-side tapered surface 12e is 45 ° or less. More preferably, it is 30 ° or less, and more preferably about 10 °.
  • the ferrule side tapered surface 12e is formed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical connecting member 12, and the inclination angle ⁇ 1 of the ferrule side tapered surface 12e is the central axis of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and the ferrule side tapered. An angle formed by the surface 12e.
  • the inclination angle ⁇ 2 of the intermediate tapered surface 12g is desirably 45 ° or less. More preferably, it is 30 ° or less, and more preferably about 5 °.
  • the intermediate taper surface 12g is formed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical connection member 12, and the inclination angle ⁇ 2 of the intermediate taper surface 12g is the central axis of the cylindrical connection member 12 and the intermediate taper. An angle formed by the surface 12g.
  • one end of the optical fiber 10 is inserted into a hole formed along the central axis extending in the length direction of the ferrule portion 11. Bonded and fixed.
  • the protective member 13 is inserted into the cylinder of the covering member 14, and the protective member 13 provided with the covering member 14 is inserted from the other end 12b of the cylindrical connecting member 12. The Then, the distal end on the insertion side of the protective member 13 is positioned in contact with the protective member abutting surface 12d, and the distal end on the insertion side of the covering member 14 is positioned in contact with the opening-side tapered surface 12i.
  • the installation procedure of the covering member 14 and the protection member 13 is not limited to the above-described procedure. For example, after the protection member 13 is inserted from the other end portion 12b of the cylindrical connecting member 12, the covering member 14 is provided on the protection member 13. It may be.
  • the optical fiber 10 is inserted from the one end portion 12a side of the cylindrical connecting member 12 in a state where the protective member 13 and the covering member 14 are positioned.
  • the other end of the optical fiber 10 is drawn from the other end 12b of the cylindrical connecting member 12 via the ferrule-side tapered surface 12e, and the ferrule 11 is one end of the cylindrical connecting member 12 as shown in FIG. It is inserted from the 12a side.
  • the ferrule part 11 is fixed to the one end part 12a of the cylindrical connection member 12 as shown in FIG. 8V.
  • the O-ring 15 is inserted from the opening 12 v of the one end portion 12 a of the cylindrical connecting member 12 so that the ferrule body 11 a passes through the inside of the O-ring 15. It arrange
  • the protrusion forming member 16 is inserted from the opening 12v of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 as shown in FIG. 9II. Is fitted into the groove 12s.
  • the protrusion 16a is formed by fitting the protrusion forming member 16 into the groove 12s formed in the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Instead, the protrusion 16a may be integrally formed with the cylindrical connecting member 12. By integrally molding in this way, the number of parts and the assembly process can be reduced. However, in this case, when the protruding portion 16a is formed over the entire inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12, the ferrule portion 11 inserted from the one end portion 12a of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is inserted to the ferrule contact surface 12c. I can't.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a surface orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 at a position where the protruding portion 16a is formed. As shown in FIG. 10, the four protrusions 16a are more preferably formed in a cross direction.
  • FIG. 11I is an external view of the side surface of the ferrule part 11
  • FIG. 11II is a view of the ferrule part 11 of FIG.
  • a notch 11f is formed in the cross direction on the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11 shown in FIG. 11, as shown in FIG. 11II.
  • the protrusion 16a provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is formed with a size that can pass through the notch 11f.
  • the optical connector 1 when the optical connector 1 is manufactured using the ferrule portion 11 having a shape as shown in FIG. 11 by integrally forming the protruding portion 16 a and the cylindrical connecting member 12, the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the protruding portion 16a of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is inserted so as to pass through the notch 11f of the ferrule portion 11.
  • the ferrule portion 11 is inserted up to the ferrule abutting surface 12c.
  • the four protrusions 16a and the notches 11f are provided in the orthogonal cross direction.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and the protrusions 16a and the notches 11f may be provided only in two opposing positions.
  • the number of the protrusions 16a and the notches 11f may not necessarily match, and the number of the notches 11f may be larger than the number of the protrusions 16a.
  • the protrusion 16a may be provided at two places and the notch 11f may be provided at four places.
  • the O-ring 15 is inserted from the opening 12v of the cylindrical connecting member 12 so that the ferrule body 11a passes through the inside of the O-ring 15, and the O-ring 15 is connected to the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the protrusion 16a and the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11 are disposed.
  • the O-ring 15 is disposed between the protrusion 16a formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and the protrusion 11c of the ferrule part 11.
  • an O-ring groove 12 u may be provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12, and the O-ring 15 may be disposed in the O-ring groove 12 u.
  • the groove 12u for the O-ring is formed along the inner periphery of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the width wd of the groove 12 u in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is set smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the ring member of the O-ring 15. Therefore, the O-ring 15 is deformed when the O-ring 15 is installed in the groove 12u, so that the O-ring 15 is in close contact with the ferrule body 11a.
  • channel 12u of the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical connection member 12 as shown in FIG.
  • channel 12u and the length direction outer side (opening of the cylindrical connection member 12 of the convex part 11c) 12v side) surface 11e is preferably the same surface. Thereby, the O-ring 15 and the surface 11e of the convex part 11c can be contacted, and the ferrule part 11 can be prevented from moving wastefully.
  • the optical connector 1 When the optical connector 1 is manufactured by forming the O-ring groove 12u on the inner wall of the tubular connecting member 12 as shown in FIG. 13, first, as shown in FIG. It is inserted and installed up to the position of the contact surface 12c.
  • the O-ring 15 is inserted from the opening 12v of the cylindrical connecting member 12 so that the ferrule body 11a passes through the inside of the O-ring 15, and the O-ring 15 is used for the O-ring. It is deformed and arranged in the groove 12u.
  • the configuration in which the O-ring 15 is arranged in the groove 12u for the O-ring reduces the number of parts and the assembly process as compared with the configuration in which the O-ring 15 is pressed by providing the protrusion forming member 16. can do.
  • the O-ring 15 is provided so that the ferrule portion 11 is movable in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
  • the ferrule part 11 may be moved by bonding the outer peripheral surface of the metal part 11 b of the ferrule part 11 and the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 with a soft elastic adhesive 19.
  • the elastic adhesive is an adhesive that becomes a rubber-like elastic body when cured. Specifically, silicone-based, modified silicone-based, epoxy-modified silicone-based, and urethane-based elastic adhesives can be used.
  • the outer peripheral side surface of the ferrule body 11a and the O-ring 15 are in close contact with each other.
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • a gap may be provided between the O-ring 15 and the outer peripheral side surface of the ferrule body 11a.
  • the ferrule portion 11 can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and the ferrule portion 11 is not moved unnecessarily. Can do.
  • a gap may be provided between the O-ring 15 and the outer peripheral side surface of the ferrule body 11a as shown in FIG. Even in such a configuration, the ferrule portion 11 can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and the ferrule portion 11 is not moved unnecessarily. Can do.
  • FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the photoacoustic wave generator 2 of the present embodiment.
  • the photoacoustic wave generator 2 includes a laser unit 30 (corresponding to the light source unit of the present invention) and a puncture needle 21 having a photoacoustic wave generating function.
  • the optical connector 1 of the above embodiment is connected to the laser unit 30, and the light emitting end of the optical fiber 10 extended from the optical connector 1 is connected to the puncture needle 21.
  • the optical fiber 10 is covered with the protective member 13 as described above.
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the puncture needle 21.
  • FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view including the central axis along the length direction of the puncture needle 21.
  • the puncture needle 21 is a needle that is at least partially punctured by the subject.
  • the puncture needle body 21a is made of, for example, metal, has an opening 21b at the tip, and is formed in a hollow shape.
  • the diameter (inner diameter) of the hollow portion 21c of the puncture needle body 21a may be any size as long as the above-described optical fiber 10 can be provided.
  • the optical fiber 10 extended from the optical connector 1 is provided in the hollow portion 21c of the puncture needle body 21a along the length direction of the puncture needle body 21a.
  • a photoacoustic wave generator 22 is provided at the light emitting end 10a of the optical fiber 10 on the distal end side of the puncture needle body 21a.
  • the photoacoustic wave generator 22 absorbs light emitted from the light emitting end 10a and generates a photoacoustic wave.
  • the photoacoustic wave generation unit 22 is formed of a material including a light absorber that absorbs light guided by the optical fiber 10 and a resin that contains the light absorber.
  • a synthetic resin such as an epoxy resin, a fluorine resin, a silicone resin, or a polyurethane resin mixed with a black pigment can be used.
  • the laser unit 30 includes, for example, a semiconductor laser light source.
  • Laser light emitted from the laser unit 30 enters from the exposed surface of the optical fiber 10 connected to the ferrule portion 11 of the optical connector 1, is guided by the optical fiber 10, and enters the puncture needle 21.
  • the laser unit 30 desirably emits pulsed laser light in the near infrared wavelength region.
  • the near-infrared wavelength region means a wavelength region of about 700 nm to 2000 nm.
  • the semiconductor laser light source is used.
  • other laser light sources such as a solid laser light source, a fiber laser light source, and a gas laser light source may be used.
  • a light source may be used.
  • the laser light emitted from the laser unit 30 is guided by the optical fiber 10 in the optical connector 1 and applied to the photoacoustic wave generator 22 in the puncture needle 21.
  • a photoacoustic wave is generated by irradiating the photoacoustic wave generator 22 with laser light.
  • the puncture needle 21 generates a photoacoustic wave while being inserted into the subject, and the photoacoustic wave is detected by an ultrasonic probe or the like.
  • the photoacoustic wave is generated by irradiating the photoacoustic wave generation unit 22 with light, the photoacoustic wave generation unit 22 may not be provided.
  • light emitted from the end face of the optical fiber 10 of the puncture needle 21 may be irradiated onto a tissue such as a human body, and thereby a photoacoustic wave emitted from the tissue may be detected by an ultrasonic probe or the like.
  • the photoacoustic image generation apparatus of this invention is not limited only to the said embodiment, Various correction and change are possible from the structure of the said embodiment. Those subjected to are also included in the scope of the present invention.

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Abstract

Provided is an optical connector that can improve insertability into a connection part of an item to which the optical connector will be connected. Also provided is a photoacoustic wave emission device that uses said optical connector. The present invention comprises: an optical fiber (10) that has a ferrule part (11) provided at one end thereof; and a cylindrical connection member (12) that is formed in a cylindrical shape into which the optical fiber (10) is inserted, one end section of the cylindrical connection member (12) having the ferrule part (11) positioned within the cylinder, and the other end section having the other end of the optical fiber drawn out therefrom, wherein the ferrule part (11) has a protrusion (11c) having a protrusion direction in a direction that is perpendicular to a length direction of the cylindrical connection member (12), and an O-ring (15) is provided contacting a surface of the protrusion (11c), said surface being on an outer side in the length direction of the cylindrical connection member (12).

Description

光コネクタおよび光音響波発生装置Optical connector and photoacoustic wave generator
　本発明は、光ファイバを有する光コネクタおよびその光コネクタを用いた光音響波発生装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an optical connector having an optical fiber and a photoacoustic wave generator using the optical connector.
　従来、光ファイバとその光ファイバによって導光された光を用いる装置などとを光学的に結合するための光コネクタが種々提案されている。 Conventionally, various optical connectors for optically coupling an optical fiber and an apparatus using light guided by the optical fiber have been proposed.
　たとえば特許文献１においては、光ファイバの先端に光ファイバを保持するフェルールを設け、そのフェルールを筒状の接続部材内に配置した光コネクタが提案されている。そして、特許文献１においては、筒状の接続部材内に弾性部材を設け、光コネクタが接続先の接続部（たとえば光アダプタ）に接続された際、その弾性部材によってフェルールを接続部側に押圧し、光学的に接続する構成が提案されている。 For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an optical connector in which a ferrule that holds an optical fiber is provided at the tip of the optical fiber, and the ferrule is disposed in a cylindrical connection member. And in patent document 1, when an elastic member is provided in a cylindrical connection member and an optical connector is connected to the connection part (for example, optical adapter) of a connection destination, a ferrule is pressed to the connection part side by the elastic member. However, an optically connected configuration has been proposed.
特開平１０－１４２４５１号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-142451 特開２０１０－２１７６８５号公報JP 2010-217685 A 特開２０００－１３７１４２号公報JP 2000-137142 A
　しかしながら、特許文献１に記載の光コネクタにおいては、光コネクタが接続先の接続部に接続されていない状態において、フェルールのフランジ（周壁部）と弾性部材との間に隙間があるため、すなわちフェルールが筒状の接続部材内において固定されていない状態なので、筒状の接続部材の長さ方向に直交する方向にフェルールが大きく動いてしまい、接続部への挿入性が悪くなる問題がある。 However, in the optical connector described in Patent Document 1, there is a gap between the ferrule flange (peripheral wall portion) and the elastic member in a state where the optical connector is not connected to the connection destination connection portion, that is, the ferrule. Is not fixed in the cylindrical connecting member, the ferrule moves greatly in the direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member, and there is a problem that the insertion property into the connecting portion is deteriorated.
　なお、特許文献２および特許文献３には、シーリング目的でＯリングを設けた光コネクタが提案されているが、挿入性を向上させる構成については開示されていない。 In addition, although the optical connector which provided the O-ring for the purpose of sealing is proposed by patent document 2 and patent document 3, the structure which improves insertion property is not disclosed.
　本発明は、上記事情に鑑み、光コネクタの接続先の接続部への挿入性を向上することができる光コネクタおよびその光コネクタを用いた光音響波発生装置を提供することを目的とするものである。 The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an optical connector capable of improving the insertion property of an optical connector into a connection portion of a connection destination and a photoacoustic wave generator using the optical connector. It is.
　本発明の一態様に係る光コネクタは、一端にフェルール部が設けられた光ファイバと、光ファイバが挿入される筒状に形成された筒状接続部材であって、一端部の筒内にフェルール部が設置され、他端部から光ファイバの他端が引き出される筒状接続部材とを備え、フェルール部が、筒状接続部材の長さ方向に直交する方向に凸方向を有する凸部を有し、その凸部の筒状接続部材の長さ方向外側の面に弾性部材が接触して設けられている。 An optical connector according to an aspect of the present invention includes an optical fiber having a ferrule portion provided at one end thereof, and a cylindrical connection member formed in a cylindrical shape into which the optical fiber is inserted, the ferrule being provided in the cylinder at the one end portion. And a cylindrical connecting member from which the other end of the optical fiber is drawn out from the other end, and the ferrule has a convex portion having a convex direction in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member. And the elastic member is provided in contact with the surface on the outside in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member of the convex portion.
　また、本発明の一態様に係る光コネクタにおいては、筒状接続部材の内壁に突起部を形成し、突起部と凸部との間に弾性部材を設置してもよい。 In the optical connector according to one aspect of the present invention, a protrusion may be formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member, and an elastic member may be installed between the protrusion and the protrusion.
　また、本発明の一態様に係る光コネクタにおいては、筒状接続部材の内壁に凹部を形成し、凹部内に突起形成部材が嵌合することによって突起部を形成してもよい。 Further, in the optical connector according to one aspect of the present invention, a recess may be formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member, and the protrusion may be formed by fitting the protrusion forming member into the recess.
　また、本発明の一態様に係る光コネクタにおいて、突起部は、筒状接続部材と一体成形してもよい。 Further, in the optical connector according to one aspect of the present invention, the protrusion may be integrally formed with the cylindrical connecting member.
　また、本発明の一態様に係る光コネクタにおいて、突起部は、筒状接続部材の内壁の内周のうちの一部にのみ設けてもよい。 In the optical connector according to one aspect of the present invention, the protrusion may be provided only on a part of the inner periphery of the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member.
　また、本発明の一態様に係る光コネクタにおいて、突起部は、筒状接続部材の内壁の内周のうちの４か所にのみ設けることが好ましい。 In the optical connector according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the protrusions are provided only at four locations on the inner periphery of the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member.
　また、本発明の一態様に係る光コネクタにおいては、筒状接続部材の内周に沿って溝を形成してもよく、溝内に弾性部材を設置してもよい。 Further, in the optical connector according to one aspect of the present invention, a groove may be formed along the inner periphery of the cylindrical connecting member, or an elastic member may be installed in the groove.
　また、本発明の一態様に係る光コネクタにおいて、弾性部材は、Ｏリングであることが好ましい。 In the optical connector according to one aspect of the present invention, the elastic member is preferably an O-ring.
　また、本発明の一態様に係る光コネクタにおいて、弾性部材は、ねじりばねとしてもよい。 In the optical connector according to one aspect of the present invention, the elastic member may be a torsion spring.
　また、本発明の一態様に係る光コネクタにおいては、筒状接続部材の一端部側の外壁に切り欠きを設けることが好ましい。 Further, in the optical connector according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to provide a notch in the outer wall on the one end side of the cylindrical connecting member.
　また、本発明の一態様に係る光コネクタにおいて、フェルール部の先端は面取りされていることが好ましい。 In the optical connector according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the tip of the ferrule part is chamfered.
　本発明の一態様に係る光音響波発生装置は、光源部と、光源部に接続される上記本発明の光コネクタと、光コネクタから延伸された光ファイバの他端が接続される穿刺針とを備える。 A photoacoustic wave generation device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a light source unit, the optical connector of the present invention connected to the light source unit, and a puncture needle to which the other end of the optical fiber extended from the optical connector is connected. Is provided.
　本発明の光コネクタおよび光音響波発生装置によれば、フェルール部が、筒状接続部材の長さ方向に直交する方向に凸方向を有する凸部を有する。そして、その凸部の筒状接続部材の長さ方向外側の面に弾性部材を接触して設けることによって、光コネクタの接続先の接続部への挿入性を向上することができる。 According to the optical connector and the photoacoustic wave generator of the present invention, the ferrule part has a convex part having a convex direction in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member. And the insertion property to the connection part of the connection destination of an optical connector can be improved by providing an elastic member in contact with the surface outside the length direction of the cylindrical connection member of the convex part.
本発明の光コネクタの一実施形態の構成を示す断面図Sectional drawing which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the optical connector of this invention 筒状接続部材の一実施形態の外観を示す斜視図The perspective view which shows the external appearance of one Embodiment of a cylindrical connection member 図１に示す光コネクタの一部拡大図Partial enlarged view of the optical connector shown in FIG. 突起形成部材の一例を示す図The figure which shows an example of a protrusion formation member 図１に示す筒状接続部材の一部拡大図Partial enlarged view of the cylindrical connecting member shown in FIG. 筒状接続部材の一実施形態の外観側面図External side view of one embodiment of cylindrical connecting member 筒状接続部材の詳細な寸法を説明するための図The figure for demonstrating the detailed dimension of a cylindrical connection member 本発明の光コネクタの一実施形態の製造方法を説明するための図The figure for demonstrating the manufacturing method of one Embodiment of the optical connector of this invention. 本発明の光コネクタの一実施形態の製造方法を説明するための図The figure for demonstrating the manufacturing method of one Embodiment of the optical connector of this invention. 突起部と筒状接続部材とを一体形成した例を示す図The figure which shows the example which integrally formed the projection part and the cylindrical connection member フェルール部の一例を示す図The figure which shows an example of a ferrule part 本発明の光コネクタのその他の実施形態の製造方法を説明するための図The figure for demonstrating the manufacturing method of other embodiment of the optical connector of this invention. 本発明の光コネクタのその他の実施形態の構成を示す断面図Sectional drawing which shows the structure of other embodiment of the optical connector of this invention. 図１３に示す光コネクタの製造方法を説明するための図The figure for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the optical connector shown in FIG. 本発明の光コネクタのその他の実施形態の構成を示す断面図Sectional drawing which shows the structure of other embodiment of the optical connector of this invention. 本発明の光コネクタのその他の実施形態の構成を示す断面図Sectional drawing which shows the structure of other embodiment of the optical connector of this invention. 本発明の光コネクタのその他の実施形態の構成を示す断面図Sectional drawing which shows the structure of other embodiment of the optical connector of this invention. 本発明の光音響波発生装置の一実施形態の外観を示す図The figure which shows the external appearance of one Embodiment of the photoacoustic wave generator of this invention. 本発明の光音響波発生装置の一実施形態における穿刺針の構成を示す断面図Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the puncture needle in one Embodiment of the photoacoustic wave generator of this invention.
　以下、本発明の光コネクタの一実施形態について、図面を参照しながら詳細に説明する。図１は、本実施形態の光コネクタ１の概略構成を示す図である。なお、図１は、本実施形態の光コネクタ１の長さ方向に延びる中心軸（以下、単に中心軸という）を含む断面の図である。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the optical connector of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an optical connector 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view including a central axis (hereinafter simply referred to as a central axis) extending in the length direction of the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment.
　本実施形態の光コネクタ１は、図１に示すように、光ファイバ１０と、フェルール部１１と、筒状接続部材１２と、保護部材１３と、被覆部材１４とを備えている。 The optical connector 1 of the present embodiment includes an optical fiber 10, a ferrule part 11, a cylindrical connecting member 12, a protective member 13, and a covering member 14, as shown in FIG.
　フェルール部１１は、光ファイバ１０の一端に設けられるものであり、ジルコニアからなるフェルール本体１１ａと、フェルール本体１１ａに接続される金属部１１ｂとを備えている。金属部１１ｂは、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向に直交する方向に凸方向を有する凸部１１ｃを有する。そして、フェルール部１１の長さ方向に延びる中心軸に沿って形成された孔に光ファイバ１０が挿入されて接着固定され、フェルール部１１の一端１１ｄから光ファイバ１０の一端面が露出するように構成されている。なお、フェルール部１１の一端１１ｄ（先端）は、面取りされていることが好ましい。これにより、光コネクタ１の接続先である接続部（たとえば光アダプタ）に対して、挿入しやすくすることができる。 The ferrule part 11 is provided at one end of the optical fiber 10 and includes a ferrule body 11a made of zirconia and a metal part 11b connected to the ferrule body 11a. The metal part 11 b has a convex part 11 c having a convex direction in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12. Then, the optical fiber 10 is inserted into a hole formed along the central axis extending in the length direction of the ferrule part 11 and bonded and fixed so that one end surface of the optical fiber 10 is exposed from one end 11d of the ferrule part 11. It is configured. In addition, it is preferable that the one end 11d (tip) of the ferrule part 11 is chamfered. Thereby, it can make it easy to insert with respect to the connection part (for example, optical adapter) which is the connection destination of the optical connector 1. FIG.
　また、光ファイバ１０の側面にポリイミドなどにより保護コートを設けてもよい。これにより光ファイバ１０の欠けを抑制することができる。また、光ファイバ１０のコア部とフェルール内孔との同軸度を向上させるため、フェルール部１１に通す部分のみ保護コートを剥くようにしてもよい。 Further, a protective coat may be provided on the side surface of the optical fiber 10 with polyimide or the like. Thereby, chipping of the optical fiber 10 can be suppressed. Further, in order to improve the coaxiality between the core portion of the optical fiber 10 and the ferrule inner hole, the protective coat may be peeled only at a portion that passes through the ferrule portion 11.
　筒状接続部材１２は、フェルール部１１が設けられた光ファイバ１０が挿入される筒状に形成された部材である。図２は、筒状接続部材１２の外観を示す斜視図である。図１に戻り、筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａの筒内に、上述したフェルール部１１が固定される。具体的には、筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａの内壁には、フェルール部１１の金属部１１ｂの凸部１１ｃが当接するフェルール当接面１２ｃが形成されている。 The cylindrical connecting member 12 is a member formed in a cylindrical shape into which the optical fiber 10 provided with the ferrule portion 11 is inserted. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the cylindrical connecting member 12. Returning to FIG. 1, the ferrule part 11 described above is fixed in the cylinder of the one end part 12 a of the cylindrical connecting member 12. Specifically, a ferrule contact surface 12 c with which the convex portion 11 c of the metal portion 11 b of the ferrule portion 11 abuts is formed on the inner wall of the one end portion 12 a of the cylindrical connecting member 12.
　本実施形態の光コネクタ１の製造工程においては、フェルール部１１が設けられていない光ファイバ１０の他端が、筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａ側から挿入される。そして、フェルール部１１の凸部１１ｃがフェルール当接面１２ｃに当接するまで光ファイバ１０が筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂ側から引き出され、凸部１１ｃがフェルール当接面１２ｃに当接することによって、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向のフェルール部１１の位置が決定する。 In the manufacturing process of the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, the other end of the optical fiber 10 on which the ferrule portion 11 is not provided is inserted from the one end portion 12a side of the cylindrical connecting member 12. Then, the optical fiber 10 is pulled out from the other end portion 12b side of the cylindrical connecting member 12 until the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11 abuts on the ferrule abutting surface 12c, and the convex portion 11c abuts on the ferrule abutting surface 12c. Thus, the position of the ferrule portion 11 in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is determined.
　そして、本実施形態の光コネクタ１においては、フェルール部１１の凸部１１ｃのフェルール当接面１２ｃ側とは反対にＯリング１５が配置されている。本実施形態においては、Ｏリング１５が、本発明の弾性部材に相当するものである。Ｏリング１５は、凸部１１ｃの筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向外側の面１１ｅ（図３参照）に接触して設けられている。また、Ｏリング１５は、フェルール本体１１ａの外周に沿って設けられるものであり、フェルール本体１１ａと筒状接続部材１２の内壁との間に設けられている。なお、本実施形態においては、弾性部材としてＯリングを用いるようにしたが、これに限らず、Ｘリング、ゴムワッシャ、およびねじりばねなどを用いることができる。また、ゴム素材としては、ニトリル、クロロブレン、シリコーン、フッ素、ブチル、およびＥＰＤＭ（エチレンプロピレンジエン）などを用いることができる。 And in the optical connector 1 of this embodiment, the O-ring 15 is disposed opposite to the ferrule contact surface 12c side of the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11. In the present embodiment, the O-ring 15 corresponds to the elastic member of the present invention. The O-ring 15 is provided in contact with the surface 11e (see FIG. 3) on the outer side in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 of the convex portion 11c. The O-ring 15 is provided along the outer periphery of the ferrule body 11 a and is provided between the ferrule body 11 a and the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12. In this embodiment, the O-ring is used as the elastic member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an X-ring, a rubber washer, a torsion spring, or the like can be used. As the rubber material, nitrile, chlorobrene, silicone, fluorine, butyl, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene), or the like can be used.
　図３は、図１に示す筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａの拡大図である。図３に示すように、本実施形態においては、筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａの内壁に溝１２ｓ（本発明の凹部に相当する）が形成されている。溝１２ｓは、筒状接続部材１２の内周に沿って形成されており、その溝１２ｓ内に突起形成部材１６が嵌合して設けられている。図４は、突起形成部材１６の一例を示す図である。突起形成部材１６は、樹脂などといったある程度変形可能な材料から形成されるものであり、図４に示すように、リング状に形成されたものである。そして、図３に示すように、突起形成部材１６は、溝１２ｓの深さｄｐよりも大きい幅ｗ（図４参照）で形成されており、これにより筒状接続部材１２の内壁に突起部１６ａが形成される。突起部１６ａとフェルール部１１の凸部１１ｃとの間にＯリング１５が設置される。そして、突起部１６ａとフェルール部１１の凸部１１ｃとの間の距離ｄｓは、Ｏリング１５のリング部材の断面直径よりも小さく設定されており、これによりＯリング１５が、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向について突起部１６ａによって押圧されて固定されている。また、これによりＯリング１５が、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向内側（図３に示す矢印Ｚ側）に向かって凸部１１ｃを押圧している。なお、上述したＯリング１５のリング部材の断面直径とは、Ｏリング１５が、筒状接続部材１２内に設置される前であって、圧力によって変形していない状態におけるリング部材の断面直径である。 FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of one end portion 12a of the cylindrical connecting member 12 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, a groove 12 s (corresponding to a concave portion of the present invention) is formed on the inner wall of the one end portion 12 a of the cylindrical connecting member 12. The groove 12s is formed along the inner periphery of the cylindrical connecting member 12, and the protrusion forming member 16 is fitted and provided in the groove 12s. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the protrusion forming member 16. The protrusion forming member 16 is formed from a material that can be deformed to some extent, such as resin, and is formed in a ring shape as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the protrusion forming member 16 is formed with a width w (see FIG. 4) larger than the depth dp of the groove 12s, whereby the protrusion 16a is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12. Is formed. An O-ring 15 is installed between the protruding portion 16a and the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11. The distance ds between the protruding portion 16a and the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11 is set to be smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the ring member of the O-ring 15, whereby the O-ring 15 is connected to the cylindrical connecting member 12. Is pressed and fixed by the protrusion 16a in the length direction. In addition, the O-ring 15 thereby presses the convex portion 11 c toward the inside in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 (arrow Z side shown in FIG. 3). The above-mentioned cross-sectional diameter of the ring member of the O-ring 15 is the cross-sectional diameter of the ring member before the O-ring 15 is installed in the cylindrical connecting member 12 and is not deformed by pressure. is there.
　そして、Ｏリング１５が突起部１６ａによって押圧されて変形することによって、Ｏリング１５は、筒状接続部材１２の内壁とフェルール部１１の外周面とに密着した状態となっている。これにより筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向に直交する方向について、フェルール部１１が位置決めされている。ただし、図３に示すように、突起部１６ａとフェルール本体１１ａとの間に間隔ｄｔを設けているため、フェルール部１１は、Ｏリング１５の変形によって、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向に直交する方向に可動な状態で支持されている。突起部１６ａとフェルール本体１１ａとの間隔ｄｔは、０．１ｍｍ以上１ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。 The O-ring 15 is pressed and deformed by the protrusion 16a, so that the O-ring 15 is in close contact with the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and the outer peripheral surface of the ferrule portion 11. Thereby, the ferrule part 11 is positioned in the direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12. However, as shown in FIG. 3, since the interval dt is provided between the protrusion 16 a and the ferrule body 11 a, the ferrule 11 is deformed in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 by deformation of the O-ring 15. It is supported in a movable state in an orthogonal direction. The distance dt between the protrusion 16a and the ferrule body 11a is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less.
　本実施形態の光コネクタ１においては、上述したように、Ｏリング１５によってフェルール部１１の凸部１１ｃを押圧することによって、フェルール部１１が無駄に動くのを防止することができる。また、Ｏリング１５が変形することによって、フェルール部１１が、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向に直交する方向について動くことが可能なように構成したので、光コネクタ１の接続先の接続部（たとえば光アダプタ）のスリーブに沿ってフェルール部１１を挿入させることができ、これにより光コネクタ１の挿入性を向上させることができる。 In the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, by pressing the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11 with the O-ring 15, it is possible to prevent the ferrule portion 11 from moving wastefully. Further, since the O-ring 15 is deformed so that the ferrule portion 11 can move in the direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12, the connecting portion to which the optical connector 1 is connected The ferrule part 11 can be inserted along the sleeve (for example, an optical adapter), and thereby the insertion property of the optical connector 1 can be improved.
　次に、図１に示すように、筒状接続部材１２の内壁には、筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂから挿入された保護部材１３が当接する保護部材当接面１２ｄが形成されている。図５は、図１に示す点線四角の範囲の拡大図である。図５に示すように、本実施形態においては、保護部材当接面１２ｄは、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向に垂直な面で形成されている。保護部材１３は、樹脂などから形成された筒状のチューブ部材であり、そのチューブ部材内に光ファイバ１０が挿入されることによって光ファイバ１０の外表面が保護される。 Next, as shown in FIG. 1, a protective member abutting surface 12 d is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 to abut against the protective member 13 inserted from the other end 12 b of the cylindrical connecting member 12. Yes. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a range of a dotted square shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the protective member contact surface 12 d is formed by a surface perpendicular to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12. The protection member 13 is a cylindrical tube member made of resin or the like, and the outer surface of the optical fiber 10 is protected by inserting the optical fiber 10 into the tube member.
　そして、本実施形態の光コネクタ１の製造工程においては、筒状接続部材１２の筒内に光ファイバ１０が挿入される前に、まず、保護部材１３が、筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂから挿入される。そして、保護部材１３の挿入側の先端が、上述した保護部材当接面１２ｄに当接した状態で保護部材１３の先端が位置決めされる。 And in the manufacturing process of the optical connector 1 of this embodiment, before the optical fiber 10 is inserted in the cylinder of the cylindrical connection member 12, first, the protection member 13 is the other end of the cylindrical connection member 12. It is inserted from 12b. And the front-end | tip of the protection member 13 is positioned in the state which the front end by the side of the insertion of the protection member 13 contact | abutted to the protection member contact surface 12d mentioned above.
　そして、このように保護部材１３が位置決めされた状態において、光ファイバ１０が筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａ側から挿入される。本実施形態においては、上述したように保護部材当接面１２ｄを形成し、この保護部材当接面１２ｄによって保護部材１３を位置決めした状態で光ファイバ１０を挿入するようにしたので、保護部材１３に対して光ファイバ１０を容易に挿入することができ、製造時間を短縮することができる。 And in the state where the protection member 13 is positioned in this way, the optical fiber 10 is inserted from the one end 12a side of the cylindrical connection member 12. In the present embodiment, the protective member contact surface 12d is formed as described above, and the optical fiber 10 is inserted with the protective member 13 positioned by the protective member contact surface 12d. In contrast, the optical fiber 10 can be easily inserted, and the manufacturing time can be shortened.
　さらに、本実施形態の筒状接続部材１２においては、上述した保護部材当接面１２ｄとフェルール部１１との間に、フェルール側テーパ面１２ｅが形成されている。フェルール側テーパ面１２ｅは、筒状接続部材１２の内径がフェルール部１１側に向かって次第に大きくなるように形成された傾斜面である。このように筒状接続部材１２の内壁に、フェルール側テーパ面１２ｅを形成することによって、光ファイバ１０を筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａ側から挿入した際、光ファイバ１０の挿入側先端が、筒状接続部材１２の内壁の段差などに衝突することなく、よりスムーズに挿入することができる。なお、本実施形態の光コネクタ１においては、筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａ側に表面を有し、かつ、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向に対して垂直な内壁面は、フェルール当接面１２ｃのみであり、これにより光ファイバ１０を挿入し易く構成されている。 Furthermore, in the cylindrical connecting member 12 of the present embodiment, a ferrule-side tapered surface 12e is formed between the protective member contact surface 12d and the ferrule portion 11 described above. The ferrule side taper surface 12e is an inclined surface formed so that the inner diameter of the cylindrical connecting member 12 gradually increases toward the ferrule portion 11 side. By forming the ferrule-side tapered surface 12e on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 in this way, when the optical fiber 10 is inserted from the one end portion 12a side of the cylindrical connecting member 12, the distal end of the optical fiber 10 on the insertion side is And it can insert more smoothly, without colliding with the level | step difference of the inner wall of the cylindrical connection member 12, etc. FIG. In the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, the inner wall surface that has a surface on the one end 12a side of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and is perpendicular to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 has a ferrule contact. Only the contact surface 12c is provided, so that the optical fiber 10 can be easily inserted.
　また、本実施形態の筒状接続部材１２においては、図５に示すように、上述したフェルール側テーパ面１２ｅと保護部材当接面１２ｄとの間に、ファイバ通過部１２ｆが形成されている。ファイバ通過部１２ｆは、図５に示すように、ファイバ通過部１２ｆにおける筒状接続部材１２の内径ｄが保護部材１３の内径Ｄよりも小さくなるように形成されている。 Further, in the cylindrical connecting member 12 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a fiber passage portion 12f is formed between the above-described ferrule side tapered surface 12e and the protective member contact surface 12d. As shown in FIG. 5, the fiber passage portion 12 f is formed such that the inner diameter d of the cylindrical connecting member 12 in the fiber passage portion 12 f is smaller than the inner diameter D of the protection member 13.
　また、本実施形態の筒状接続部材１２においては、保護部材当接面１２ｄと筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂとの間に、中間部テーパ面１２ｇが形成されている。中間部テーパ面１２ｇは、筒状接続部材１２の内径が他端部１２ｂ側に向かって次第に大きくなるように形成された傾斜面である。 Further, in the cylindrical connecting member 12 of the present embodiment, an intermediate tapered surface 12g is formed between the protective member contact surface 12d and the other end portion 12b of the cylindrical connecting member 12. The intermediate taper surface 12g is an inclined surface formed so that the inner diameter of the cylindrical connecting member 12 gradually increases toward the other end 12b side.
　このように筒状接続部材１２の内壁に、中間部テーパ面１２ｇを形成することによって、保護部材１３を筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂ側から挿入する際、保護部材１３の挿入側先端を保護部材当接面１２ｄまでよりスムーズに案内することができる。 By forming the intermediate tapered surface 12g on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 in this way, when the protective member 13 is inserted from the other end 12b side of the cylindrical connecting member 12, the distal end on the insertion side of the protective member 13 is inserted. Can be guided more smoothly to the protective member contact surface 12d.
　なお、上述した中間部テーパ面１２ｇと保護部材当接面１２ｄとの間には、保護部材通過部１２ｈが形成されている。保護部材通過部１２ｈは、保護部材通過部１２ｈにおける筒状接続部材１２の内径が保護部材１３の外径と等しくなるように形成されている。このように保護部材通過部１２ｈを形成することによって、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向に直交する方向についての、保護部材１３の位置決めを容易にすることができ、これにより光ファイバ１０の挿入側先端を保護部材１３に対してよりスムーズに挿入することができる。 A protective member passage portion 12h is formed between the intermediate taper surface 12g and the protective member contact surface 12d described above. The protection member passage portion 12h is formed such that the inner diameter of the cylindrical connection member 12 in the protection member passage portion 12h is equal to the outer diameter of the protection member 13. By forming the protective member passage portion 12h in this way, the protective member 13 can be easily positioned in the direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12, and the optical fiber 10 can be inserted thereby. The side tip can be inserted more smoothly into the protection member 13.
　さらに、本実施形態の筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂにおいては、開口側テーパ面１２ｉが形成されている。開口側テーパ面１２ｉは、筒状接続部材１２の内径が筒状接続部材１２の他端１２ｋに向かって次第に大きくなるように形成された傾斜面である。このように開口側テーパ面１２ｉを形成することによって、筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂにおける光ファイバ１０の曲がりの自由度を制限することができ、光ファイバ１０への負荷を減らすことができる。 Furthermore, an opening-side tapered surface 12i is formed at the other end portion 12b of the cylindrical connecting member 12 of the present embodiment. The opening-side tapered surface 12i is an inclined surface formed such that the inner diameter of the cylindrical connecting member 12 gradually increases toward the other end 12k of the cylindrical connecting member 12. By forming the opening-side tapered surface 12 i in this way, the degree of freedom of bending of the optical fiber 10 at the other end 12 b of the cylindrical connecting member 12 can be limited, and the load on the optical fiber 10 can be reduced. it can.
　また、上述した開口側テーパ面１２ｉは、曲面から形成することが望ましい。なお、開口側テーパ面１２ｉが曲面であるとは、図１に示すように、筒状接続部材１２の中心軸を含む断面上において、開口側テーパ面１２ｉを表す線が２次曲線またはスプライン曲線で表せることをいう。このように開口側テーパ面１２ｉを曲面で形成することによって、光ファイバ１０が曲面に沿って曲がるようにすることができるので、光ファイバ１０の曲げ半径を制限することができ、光ファイバ１０に対して局所的に負荷がかかるのを抑制することができる。 Further, it is desirable that the opening-side tapered surface 12i described above is formed from a curved surface. Note that the opening-side tapered surface 12i is a curved surface, as shown in FIG. 1, the line representing the opening-side tapered surface 12i on the cross section including the central axis of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is a quadratic curve or a spline curve. It can be expressed as By forming the opening-side tapered surface 12i as a curved surface in this manner, the optical fiber 10 can be bent along the curved surface, so that the bending radius of the optical fiber 10 can be limited. On the other hand, local load can be suppressed.
　また、本実施形態においては、保護部材１３の周囲に被覆部材１４が設けられている。被覆部材１４は、筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂにおいて保護部材１３を被覆するものである。被覆部材１４は、樹脂などから形成された筒状のチューブ部材であり、そのチューブ部材内に、保護部材１３が挿入されることによって、保護部材１３および保護部材１３内の光ファイバ１０を保護することができる。そして、本実施形態においては、筒状接続部材１２の筒内に光ファイバ１０が挿入される前に、まず、保護部材１３および被覆部材１４が、筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂから挿入される。そして、保護部材１３の挿入側の先端が、上述した保護部材当接面１２ｄに当接し、かつ被覆部材１４の挿入側の先端が、上述した開口側テーパ面１２ｉに当接した状態で位置決めされる。 In the present embodiment, a covering member 14 is provided around the protective member 13. The covering member 14 covers the protective member 13 at the other end portion 12 b of the cylindrical connecting member 12. The covering member 14 is a cylindrical tube member formed from a resin or the like, and the protection member 13 is inserted into the tube member to protect the protection member 13 and the optical fiber 10 in the protection member 13. be able to. In the present embodiment, before the optical fiber 10 is inserted into the cylinder of the cylindrical connection member 12, first, the protection member 13 and the covering member 14 are inserted from the other end 12 b of the cylindrical connection member 12. Is done. The distal end of the protective member 13 on the insertion side is in contact with the above-described protective member contact surface 12d, and the insertion-side distal end of the covering member 14 is positioned in contact with the above-described opening-side tapered surface 12i. The
　そして、このように保護部材１３および被覆部材１４が位置決めされた状態において、光ファイバ１０が筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａ側から挿入される。 Then, in the state where the protection member 13 and the covering member 14 are positioned in this way, the optical fiber 10 is inserted from the one end portion 12a side of the cylindrical connection member 12.
　また、本実施形態の筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａ側の外壁には、切り欠き１２ｐが形成されている。この切り欠き１２ｐが、光コネクタ１の接続先の接続部（たとえば光アダプタ）の凸部と勘合することによって、光コネクタ１の接続部からの抜けを防止することができる。 Further, a notch 12p is formed in the outer wall on the one end 12a side of the cylindrical connecting member 12 of the present embodiment. The notch 12p can be prevented from coming off from the connecting portion of the optical connector 1 by fitting with the convex portion of the connecting portion (for example, optical adapter) to which the optical connector 1 is connected.
　次に、筒状接続部材１２の詳細な寸法について、図６および図７を参照しながら説明する。図６は、筒状接続部材１２の外観側面図であり、図７は、図６のＸ－Ｘ線断面図である。図６に示す筒状接続部材１２の長さＬ１は、２０ｍｍ以上１００ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。また、筒状接続部材１２の外径ｄ１は、３ｍｍ以上１０ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。 Next, detailed dimensions of the cylindrical connecting member 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is an external side view of the cylindrical connecting member 12, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. The length L1 of the cylindrical connecting member 12 shown in FIG. 6 is preferably 20 mm or more and 100 mm or less. Moreover, it is preferable that the outer diameter d1 of the cylindrical connection member 12 is 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less.
　また、図７に示すように、筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａ側の開口の直径ｄ２は、１．５ｍｍ以上８ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。また、フェルール部１１が収容される部分の内径ｄ３は、２．４ｍｍ以上６ｍｍ以下であることが好ましく、金属部１１ｂの端部が収容される部分の内径ｄ４は、１．２ｍｍ以上４ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。すなわち、フェルール当接面１２ｃの幅（ｄ３－ｄ４）／２は、０．６ｍｍ以上２ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。 Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the diameter d2 of the opening on the one end 12a side of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 8 mm or less. Further, the inner diameter d3 of the portion in which the ferrule portion 11 is accommodated is preferably 2.4 mm or more and 6 mm or less, and the inner diameter d4 of the portion in which the end of the metal portion 11b is accommodated is 1.2 mm or more and 4 mm or less. Preferably there is. That is, the width (d3-d4) / 2 of the ferrule contact surface 12c is preferably 0.6 mm or more and 2 mm or less.
　また、溝１２ｓの深さｄｐは、０．１ｍｍ以上１ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。また、この溝１２ｓの深さに対し、溝１２ｓに嵌合するリング状の突起形成部材１６の幅ｗ（４参照）は、０．４ｍｍ以上３ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。すなわち、図３に示す突起部１６ａの筒状接続部材１２の内壁からの高さｈは、０．３ｍｍ以上２ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。 The depth dp of the groove 12s is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less. Further, the width w (see 4) of the ring-shaped protrusion forming member 16 fitted into the groove 12s is preferably 0.4 mm or more and 3 mm or less with respect to the depth of the groove 12s. That is, it is preferable that the height h from the inner wall of the cylindrical connection member 12 of the projection part 16a shown in FIG. 3 is 0.3 mm or more and 2 mm or less.
　また、フェルール部１１の金属部１１ｂの先端端部が配置される部分の内径ｄ５は、１ｍｍ以上３ｍｍ以下であることが好ましく、保護部材通過部１２ｈの内径ｄ６は、０．１ｍｍ以上１ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。 In addition, the inner diameter d5 of the portion where the tip end of the metal part 11b of the ferrule part 11 is disposed is preferably 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, and the inner diameter d6 of the protective member passage part 12h is 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less. Preferably there is.
　また、筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂ側の開口の直径ｄ８は、１．５ｍｍ以上８ｍｍ以下であることが好ましく、中間部テーパ面１２ｇと開口側テーパ面１２ｉとの間の筒状接続部材１２の内径ｄ７は、１ｍｍ以上４ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。 The diameter d8 of the opening on the other end 12b side of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is preferably 1.5 mm or more and 8 mm or less, and the cylindrical connection between the intermediate tapered surface 12g and the opening-side tapered surface 12i. The inner diameter d7 of the member 12 is preferably 1 mm or more and 4 mm or less.
　また、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向におけるフェルール部１１が配置される部分の長さＬ２は、５ｍｍ以上１２ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向における筒状接続部材１２の一端１２ｒからフェルール側テーパ面１２ｅの末端（フェルール側テーパ面１２ｅとファイバ通過部１２ｆとの境界）までの長さＬ３は、７ｍｍ以上２５ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。 Moreover, it is preferable that the length L2 of the part in which the ferrule part 11 is arrange | positioned in the length direction of the cylindrical connection member 12 is 5 mm or more and 12 mm or less. The length L3 from the one end 12r of the cylindrical connecting member 12 to the end of the ferrule side tapered surface 12e (boundary between the ferrule side tapered surface 12e and the fiber passing portion 12f) in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is 7 mm or more. It is preferable that it is 25 mm or less.
　また、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向におけるファイバ通過部１２ｆの長さＬ５は、０．５ｍｍ以上２ｍｍ以下とすることが好ましい。ファイバ通過部１２ｆの長さＬ５を０．５ｍｍ以上とすることによって、光ファイバ１０の先端を保護部材１３の中心にスムーズに案内することができる。ただし、ファイバ通過部１２ｆは、非常に細い空間であるので、長くなると製造することが難しくなる。したがって、ファイバ通過部１２ｆの長さＬ５を２ｍｍ以下とすることによって、製造し易くなり、歩留まりを良くすることができる。 Further, the length L5 of the fiber passage portion 12f in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2 mm or less. By setting the length L5 of the fiber passage portion 12f to 0.5 mm or more, the tip of the optical fiber 10 can be smoothly guided to the center of the protection member 13. However, since the fiber passage portion 12f is a very narrow space, it becomes difficult to manufacture the fiber passage portion 12f when the length is long. Therefore, when the length L5 of the fiber passage portion 12f is set to 2 mm or less, manufacturing becomes easier and the yield can be improved.
　また、ファイバ通過部１２ｆと保護部材通過部１２ｈとを合わせた長さＬ４は、２ｍｍ以上１０ｍｍ以下とすることが好ましく、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向における筒状接続部材１２の他端１２ｋから中間部テーパ面１２ｇの手前までの長さＬ６は、５ｍｍ以上１５ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。 Further, the total length L4 of the fiber passage portion 12f and the protection member passage portion 12h is preferably not less than 2 mm and not more than 10 mm, and the other end 12k of the tubular connection member 12 in the length direction of the tubular connection member 12 It is preferable that the length L6 from the middle part taper surface 12g to 5mm or more is 15 mm or less.
　また、フェルール側テーパ面１２ｅの傾斜角度θ１は、４５°以下であることが望ましい。より好ましくは３０°以下であり、さらに好ましくは１０°程度である。なお、フェルール側テーパ面１２ｅは、筒状接続部材１２の中心軸について軸対称に形成されており、フェルール側テーパ面１２ｅの傾斜角度θ１とは、筒状接続部材１２の中心軸とフェルール側テーパ面１２ｅとがなす角度のことをいう。 Further, it is desirable that the inclination angle θ1 of the ferrule-side tapered surface 12e is 45 ° or less. More preferably, it is 30 ° or less, and more preferably about 10 °. The ferrule side tapered surface 12e is formed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical connecting member 12, and the inclination angle θ1 of the ferrule side tapered surface 12e is the central axis of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and the ferrule side tapered. An angle formed by the surface 12e.
　さらに、中間部テーパ面１２ｇの傾斜角度θ２は、４５°以下であることが望ましい。より好ましくは３０°以下であり、さらに好ましくは５°程度である。なお、中間部テーパ面１２ｇは、筒状接続部材１２の中心軸について軸対称に形成されており、中間部テーパ面１２ｇの傾斜角度θ２とは、筒状接続部材１２の中心軸と中間部テーパ面１２ｇとがなす角度のことをいう。 Furthermore, the inclination angle θ2 of the intermediate tapered surface 12g is desirably 45 ° or less. More preferably, it is 30 ° or less, and more preferably about 5 °. The intermediate taper surface 12g is formed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical connection member 12, and the inclination angle θ2 of the intermediate taper surface 12g is the central axis of the cylindrical connection member 12 and the intermediate taper. An angle formed by the surface 12g.
　次に、上記実施形態の光コネクタの製造方法について、図８および図９を参照しながら説明する。 Next, a method for manufacturing the optical connector of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
　本実施形態の光コネクタ１の製造工程においては、まず、図８Iに示すように、フェルール部１１の長さ方向に延びる中心軸に沿って形成された孔に光ファイバ１０の一端が挿入されて接着固定される。 In the manufacturing process of the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 8I, one end of the optical fiber 10 is inserted into a hole formed along the central axis extending in the length direction of the ferrule portion 11. Bonded and fixed.
　次に、図８IIに示すように、被覆部材１４の筒内に保護部材１３が挿入され、その被覆部材１４が設けられた保護部材１３が、筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂから挿入される。そして、保護部材１３の挿入側の先端が、保護部材当接面１２ｄに当接し、かつ被覆部材１４の挿入側の先端が、開口側テーパ面１２ｉに当接した状態で位置決めされる。なお、被覆部材１４および保護部材１３の設置手順は上記手順に限らず、たとえば保護部材１３を筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂから挿入した後、その保護部材１３に被覆部材１４を設けるようにしてもよい。 Next, as shown in FIG. 8II, the protective member 13 is inserted into the cylinder of the covering member 14, and the protective member 13 provided with the covering member 14 is inserted from the other end 12b of the cylindrical connecting member 12. The Then, the distal end on the insertion side of the protective member 13 is positioned in contact with the protective member abutting surface 12d, and the distal end on the insertion side of the covering member 14 is positioned in contact with the opening-side tapered surface 12i. In addition, the installation procedure of the covering member 14 and the protection member 13 is not limited to the above-described procedure. For example, after the protection member 13 is inserted from the other end portion 12b of the cylindrical connecting member 12, the covering member 14 is provided on the protection member 13. It may be.
　そして、図８IIIに示すように、保護部材１３および被覆部材１４が位置決めされた状態において、光ファイバ１０が筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａ側から挿入される。光ファイバ１０の他端は、フェルール側テーパ面１２ｅを経由して筒状接続部材１２の他端部１２ｂから引き出され、図８IVに示すように、フェルール部１１が筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａ側から挿入される。そして、図８Vに示すように、フェルール部１１が筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａに固定される。 Then, as shown in FIG. 8III, the optical fiber 10 is inserted from the one end portion 12a side of the cylindrical connecting member 12 in a state where the protective member 13 and the covering member 14 are positioned. The other end of the optical fiber 10 is drawn from the other end 12b of the cylindrical connecting member 12 via the ferrule-side tapered surface 12e, and the ferrule 11 is one end of the cylindrical connecting member 12 as shown in FIG. It is inserted from the 12a side. And the ferrule part 11 is fixed to the one end part 12a of the cylindrical connection member 12 as shown in FIG. 8V.
　次いで、図９Iに示すように、Ｏリング１５の内側をフェルール本体１１ａが通過するようにして、Ｏリング１５が筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａの開口１２ｖから挿入され、フェルール部１１の凸部１１ｃに当接する位置に配置される。 Next, as shown in FIG. 9I, the O-ring 15 is inserted from the opening 12 v of the one end portion 12 a of the cylindrical connecting member 12 so that the ferrule body 11 a passes through the inside of the O-ring 15. It arrange | positions in the position contact | abutted to the part 11c.
　そして、上述したようにＯリング１５が配置された後、突起形成部材１６が、筒状接続部材１２の開口１２ｖから挿入され、図９IIに示すように、筒状接続部材１２の内壁に形成された溝１２ｓに嵌合される。 Then, after the O-ring 15 is arranged as described above, the protrusion forming member 16 is inserted from the opening 12v of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 as shown in FIG. 9II. Is fitted into the groove 12s.
　なお、上記実施形態の光コネクタ１においては、筒状接続部材１２の内壁に形成された溝１２ｓに突起形成部材１６を嵌合することによって突起部１６ａを形成するようにしたが、これに限らず、突起部１６ａを筒状接続部材１２と一体成形するようにしてもよい。このように一体成形することによって、部品点数および組立工程を削減することができる。ただし、この場合、筒状接続部材１２の内壁の全周に亘って突起部１６ａを形成すると、筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａから挿入されたフェルール部１１をフェルール当接面１２ｃまで挿入することができない。したがって、筒状接続部材１２と突起部１６ａとを一体成形する場合には、筒状接続部材１２の内周のうちの一部にのみ突起部１６ａを設けることが好ましい。具体的には、図１０に示すように、筒状接続部材１２の内周のうちの４か所にのみ突起部１６ａを設けることが望ましい。図１０は、突起部１６ａが形成された位置における筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向に直交する面の断面図である。図１０に示すように、４つの突起部１６ａは、十字方向に形成することがより好ましい。 In the optical connector 1 of the above embodiment, the protrusion 16a is formed by fitting the protrusion forming member 16 into the groove 12s formed in the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Instead, the protrusion 16a may be integrally formed with the cylindrical connecting member 12. By integrally molding in this way, the number of parts and the assembly process can be reduced. However, in this case, when the protruding portion 16a is formed over the entire inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12, the ferrule portion 11 inserted from the one end portion 12a of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is inserted to the ferrule contact surface 12c. I can't. Therefore, when the cylindrical connecting member 12 and the protruding portion 16a are integrally formed, it is preferable to provide the protruding portion 16a only on a part of the inner periphery of the cylindrical connecting member 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, it is desirable to provide the protrusions 16 a only at four locations on the inner periphery of the cylindrical connecting member 12. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a surface orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 at a position where the protruding portion 16a is formed. As shown in FIG. 10, the four protrusions 16a are more preferably formed in a cross direction.
　そして、上述したように突起部１６ａを十字方向に形成した場合、フェルール部１１としては、図１１に示すような切り欠き１１ｆを有するものを用いることが好ましい。図１１Iは、フェルール部１１の側面の外観図であり、図１１IIは、図１１Iのフェルール部１１を矢印Ａ方向から見た図である。具体的には、図１１に示すフェルール部１１の凸部１１ｃには、図１１IIに示すように、十字方向に切り欠き１１ｆが形成されている。筒状接続部材１２の内壁に設けられる突起部１６ａは、切り欠き１１ｆを通過可能な大きさで形成されている。 And when the projection part 16a is formed in the cross direction as mentioned above, it is preferable to use the ferrule part 11 having a notch 11f as shown in FIG. FIG. 11I is an external view of the side surface of the ferrule part 11, and FIG. 11II is a view of the ferrule part 11 of FIG. Specifically, a notch 11f is formed in the cross direction on the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11 shown in FIG. 11, as shown in FIG. 11II. The protrusion 16a provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is formed with a size that can pass through the notch 11f.
　図１０に示すように突起部１６ａと筒状接続部材１２とを一体成形し、図１１に示すような形状のフェルール部１１を用いて光コネクタ１を製造する場合には、筒状接続部材１２の一端部１２ａにフェルール部１１が挿入される際、筒状接続部材１２の突起部１６ａが、フェルール部１１の切り欠き１１ｆを通過するようにして挿入される。そして、図１２Iに示すように、フェルール部１１は、フェルール当接面１２ｃまで挿入されるが、フェルール部１１の切り欠き１１ｆが突起部１６ａを通過した後、フェルール部１１は、その長さ方向に延びる中心軸を回転軸として９０°回転される。これにより、フェルール部１１が、筒状接続部材１２から抜けるのを防止することができる。 As shown in FIG. 10, when the optical connector 1 is manufactured using the ferrule portion 11 having a shape as shown in FIG. 11 by integrally forming the protruding portion 16 a and the cylindrical connecting member 12, the cylindrical connecting member 12. When the ferrule portion 11 is inserted into the one end portion 12a of the rim, the protruding portion 16a of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is inserted so as to pass through the notch 11f of the ferrule portion 11. As shown in FIG. 12I, the ferrule portion 11 is inserted up to the ferrule abutting surface 12c. After the notch 11f of the ferrule portion 11 passes through the protruding portion 16a, the ferrule portion 11 Is rotated by 90 ° with the central axis extending in the direction as the rotation axis. Thereby, it can prevent that the ferrule part 11 comes off from the cylindrical connection member 12. FIG.
　なお、本実施形態においては、突起部１６ａと切り欠き１１ｆを直交する十字方向に４か所設けるようにしたが、これに限らず、対向した２か所のみに設けるようにしてもよい。また、突起部１６ａと切り欠き１１ｆの数は必ずしも一致していなくてもよく、突起部１６ａの数に対して切り欠き１１ｆの数の方が多くてもよい。具体的には、突起部１６ａを２か所とし、切り欠き１１ｆを４か所としてもよい。 In the present embodiment, the four protrusions 16a and the notches 11f are provided in the orthogonal cross direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the protrusions 16a and the notches 11f may be provided only in two opposing positions. Further, the number of the protrusions 16a and the notches 11f may not necessarily match, and the number of the notches 11f may be larger than the number of the protrusions 16a. Specifically, the protrusion 16a may be provided at two places and the notch 11f may be provided at four places.
　次いで、図１２IIに示すように、Ｏリング１５の内側をフェルール本体１１ａが通過するようにしてＯリング１５が筒状接続部材１２の開口１２ｖから挿入され、Ｏリング１５は、筒状接続部材１２の突起部１６ａとフェルール部１１の凸部１１ｃとの間に配置される。 Next, as shown in FIG. 12II, the O-ring 15 is inserted from the opening 12v of the cylindrical connecting member 12 so that the ferrule body 11a passes through the inside of the O-ring 15, and the O-ring 15 is connected to the cylindrical connecting member 12. The protrusion 16a and the convex portion 11c of the ferrule portion 11 are disposed.
　また、上記実施形態の光コネクタ１においては、筒状接続部材１２の内壁に形成された突起部１６ａとフェルール部１１の凸部１１ｃとの間にＯリング１５を配置するようにしたが、これに限らず、図１３に示すように、筒状接続部材１２の内壁にＯリング用の溝１２ｕを設け、Ｏリング用の溝１２ｕ内にＯリング１５を配置するようにしてもよい。 In the optical connector 1 of the above embodiment, the O-ring 15 is disposed between the protrusion 16a formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and the protrusion 11c of the ferrule part 11. Not limited to this, as shown in FIG. 13, an O-ring groove 12 u may be provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12, and the O-ring 15 may be disposed in the O-ring groove 12 u.
　Ｏリング用の溝１２ｕは、筒状接続部材１２の内周に沿って形成されている。そして、図１３に示すように、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向の溝１２ｕの幅ｗｄは、Ｏリング１５のリング部材の断面直径よりも小さく設定されている。したがって、Ｏリング１５が溝１２ｕ内に設置されることによってＯリング１５が変形し、これによりＯリング１５がフェルール本体１１ａに密着するように構成されている。なお、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向の溝１２ｕの位置については、図１３に示すように、溝１２ｕの内壁面１２ｗと、凸部１１ｃの筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向外側（開口１２ｖ側）の面１１ｅとが同一面となるように構成することが望ましい。これによりＯリング１５と凸部１１ｃの面１１ｅとを接触させることができ、フェルール部１１が無駄に動くのを防止することができる。 The groove 12u for the O-ring is formed along the inner periphery of the cylindrical connecting member 12. As shown in FIG. 13, the width wd of the groove 12 u in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 is set smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the ring member of the O-ring 15. Therefore, the O-ring 15 is deformed when the O-ring 15 is installed in the groove 12u, so that the O-ring 15 is in close contact with the ferrule body 11a. In addition, about the position of the groove | channel 12u of the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical connection member 12, as shown in FIG. 13, the inner wall surface 12w of the groove | channel 12u and the length direction outer side (opening of the cylindrical connection member 12 of the convex part 11c) 12v side) surface 11e is preferably the same surface. Thereby, the O-ring 15 and the surface 11e of the convex part 11c can be contacted, and the ferrule part 11 can be prevented from moving wastefully.
　図１３に示すように筒状接続部材１２の内壁にＯリング用の溝１２ｕを形成して光コネクタ１を製造する場合には、図１４Iに示すように、まず、フェルール部１１が、フェルール当接面１２ｃの位置まで挿入されて設置される。 When the optical connector 1 is manufactured by forming the O-ring groove 12u on the inner wall of the tubular connecting member 12 as shown in FIG. 13, first, as shown in FIG. It is inserted and installed up to the position of the contact surface 12c.
　次いで、図１４IIに示すように、Ｏリング１５の内側をフェルール本体１１ａが通過するようにして、Ｏリング１５が筒状接続部材１２の開口１２ｖから挿入され、Ｏリング１５は、Ｏリング用の溝１２ｕ内に変形して配置される。 Next, as shown in FIG. 14II, the O-ring 15 is inserted from the opening 12v of the cylindrical connecting member 12 so that the ferrule body 11a passes through the inside of the O-ring 15, and the O-ring 15 is used for the O-ring. It is deformed and arranged in the groove 12u.
　上述したようにＯリング用の溝１２ｕ内にＯリング１５を配置する構成とすることによって、突起形成部材１６を設けることによってＯリング１５を押圧する構成と比較すると、部品点数および組立工程を削減することができる。 As described above, the configuration in which the O-ring 15 is arranged in the groove 12u for the O-ring reduces the number of parts and the assembly process as compared with the configuration in which the O-ring 15 is pressed by providing the protrusion forming member 16. can do.
　なお、上記説明では、Ｏリング１５を設けることによって、フェルール部１１が、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向に直交する方向に可動な状態となるようにしたが、これに限らず、たとえば図１５に示すように、フェルール部１１の金属部１１ｂの外周面と筒状接続部材１２の内壁とを柔らかい弾性接着剤１９によって接着することによって、フェルール部１１を可動な状態としてもよい。これにより、Ｏリング１５などの部材を用いる必要がないので、部分点数を削減することができる。なお、弾性接着剤とは、硬化した際、ゴム状弾性体となる接着剤である。具体的には、シリコーン系、変性シリコーン系、エポキシ変性シリコーン系、およびウレタン系の弾性接着剤を用いることができる。 In the above description, the O-ring 15 is provided so that the ferrule portion 11 is movable in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12. As shown in FIG. 15, the ferrule part 11 may be moved by bonding the outer peripheral surface of the metal part 11 b of the ferrule part 11 and the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member 12 with a soft elastic adhesive 19. Thereby, since it is not necessary to use members, such as O-ring 15, the number of partial points can be reduced. The elastic adhesive is an adhesive that becomes a rubber-like elastic body when cured. Specifically, silicone-based, modified silicone-based, epoxy-modified silicone-based, and urethane-based elastic adhesives can be used.
　また、上記説明では、フェルール本体１１ａの外周側面とＯリング１５とが密着するようにしたが、これに限らず、たとえば図３に示すような突起部１６ａを形成する構成において、図１６に示すように、Ｏリング１５とフェルール本体１１ａの外周側面との間に隙間を設けるようにしてもよい。このような構成とした場合でも、フェルール部１１を、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向に直交する方向に可動な状態とすることができ、かつフェルール部１１を無駄に動かないようにすることができる。また、たとえば図１３に示すような溝１２ｕを形成する構成において、図１７に示すように、Ｏリング１５とフェルール本体１１ａの外周側面との間に隙間を設けるようにしてもよい。このような構成とした場合でも、フェルール部１１を、筒状接続部材１２の長さ方向に直交する方向に可動な状態とすることができ、かつフェルール部１１を無駄に動かないようにすることができる。 In the above description, the outer peripheral side surface of the ferrule body 11a and the O-ring 15 are in close contact with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the configuration in which the protrusion 16a as shown in FIG. As described above, a gap may be provided between the O-ring 15 and the outer peripheral side surface of the ferrule body 11a. Even in such a configuration, the ferrule portion 11 can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and the ferrule portion 11 is not moved unnecessarily. Can do. Further, for example, in a configuration in which the groove 12u as shown in FIG. 13 is formed, a gap may be provided between the O-ring 15 and the outer peripheral side surface of the ferrule body 11a as shown in FIG. Even in such a configuration, the ferrule portion 11 can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member 12 and the ferrule portion 11 is not moved unnecessarily. Can do.
　次に、本発明の一態様に係る光コネクタを用いた光音響波発生装置の一実施形態について説明する。図１８は、本実施形態の光音響波発生装置２の外観を示す図である。 Next, an embodiment of a photoacoustic wave generation apparatus using the optical connector according to one aspect of the present invention will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the photoacoustic wave generator 2 of the present embodiment.
　光音響波発生装置２は、レーザユニット３０（本発明の光源部に相当する）と、光音響波発生機能を有する穿刺針２１とを備えている。 The photoacoustic wave generator 2 includes a laser unit 30 (corresponding to the light source unit of the present invention) and a puncture needle 21 having a photoacoustic wave generating function.
　レーザユニット３０には、上記実施形態の光コネクタ１が接続され、光コネクタ１から延伸された光ファイバ１０の光出射端が穿刺針２１に接続される。光ファイバ１０は、上述したように保護部材１３によって被覆されている。 The optical connector 1 of the above embodiment is connected to the laser unit 30, and the light emitting end of the optical fiber 10 extended from the optical connector 1 is connected to the puncture needle 21. The optical fiber 10 is covered with the protective member 13 as described above.
　図１９は、穿刺針２１の内部の構成を示す図である。図１９は、穿刺針２１の長さ方向に沿った中心軸を含む断面の図である。 FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the puncture needle 21. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view including the central axis along the length direction of the puncture needle 21.
　穿刺針２１は、その少なくも一部が被検体に穿刺される針である。穿刺針本体２１ａは、たとえば金属から形成されるものであり、先端に開口２１ｂを有し、中空状に形成されている。穿刺針本体２１ａの中空部２１ｃの直径（内径）は、上述した光ファイバ１０を設けることができる大きさであればよい。 The puncture needle 21 is a needle that is at least partially punctured by the subject. The puncture needle body 21a is made of, for example, metal, has an opening 21b at the tip, and is formed in a hollow shape. The diameter (inner diameter) of the hollow portion 21c of the puncture needle body 21a may be any size as long as the above-described optical fiber 10 can be provided.
　光コネクタ１から延伸された光ファイバ１０は、穿刺針本体２１ａの中空部２１ｃに、穿刺針本体２１ａの長さ方向に沿って設けられている。穿刺針本体２１ａの先端側の光ファイバ１０の光出射端１０ａには光音響波発生部２２が設けられている。 The optical fiber 10 extended from the optical connector 1 is provided in the hollow portion 21c of the puncture needle body 21a along the length direction of the puncture needle body 21a. A photoacoustic wave generator 22 is provided at the light emitting end 10a of the optical fiber 10 on the distal end side of the puncture needle body 21a.
　光音響波発生部２２は、光出射端１０ａから出射される光を吸収して光音響波を発生するものである。光音響波発生部２２は、具体的には、光ファイバ１０によって導光された光を吸収する光吸収体と、その光吸収体を含有する樹脂とを含む材料から形成される。光音響波発生部２２を形成する材料としては、たとえば黒色の顔料が混合されたエポキシ樹脂、フッ素樹脂、シリコーン樹脂またはポリウレタン樹脂などの合成樹脂を用いることができる。また、カーボンブラックを上述した合成樹脂に混合するようにしてもよい。また、カーボンブラックに限らず、黒色酸化チタンを用いるようにしてもよい。 The photoacoustic wave generator 22 absorbs light emitted from the light emitting end 10a and generates a photoacoustic wave. Specifically, the photoacoustic wave generation unit 22 is formed of a material including a light absorber that absorbs light guided by the optical fiber 10 and a resin that contains the light absorber. As a material for forming the photoacoustic wave generation unit 22, for example, a synthetic resin such as an epoxy resin, a fluorine resin, a silicone resin, or a polyurethane resin mixed with a black pigment can be used. Moreover, you may make it mix | blend carbon black with the synthetic resin mentioned above. Moreover, you may make it use not only carbon black but black titanium oxide.
　図１８に戻り、レーザユニット３０は、たとえば半導体レーザ光源を備えたものである。レーザユニット３０から出射されたレーザ光は、光コネクタ１のフェルール部１１に接続された光ファイバ１０の露出面から入射し、光ファイバ１０によって導光されて穿刺針２１に入射される。レーザユニット３０は、近赤外波長域のパルスレーザ光を出射するものであることが望ましい。近赤外波長域とは、およそ７００ｎｍ～２０００ｎｍの波長域を意味する。なお、本実施形態においては、半導体レーザ光源を用いるようにしたが、固体レーザ光源、ファイバレーザ光源、気体レーザ光源などその他のレーザ光源を用いるようにしてもよいし、レーザ光源以外のたとえば発光ダイオード光源を用いるようにしてもよい。 Referring back to FIG. 18, the laser unit 30 includes, for example, a semiconductor laser light source. Laser light emitted from the laser unit 30 enters from the exposed surface of the optical fiber 10 connected to the ferrule portion 11 of the optical connector 1, is guided by the optical fiber 10, and enters the puncture needle 21. The laser unit 30 desirably emits pulsed laser light in the near infrared wavelength region. The near-infrared wavelength region means a wavelength region of about 700 nm to 2000 nm. In the present embodiment, the semiconductor laser light source is used. However, other laser light sources such as a solid laser light source, a fiber laser light source, and a gas laser light source may be used. A light source may be used.
　上述した光音響波発生装置２においては、レーザユニット３０から出射されたレーザ光が光コネクタ１内の光ファイバ１０によって導光されて、穿刺針２１内の光音響波発生部２２に照射され、光音響波発生部２２へのレーザ光の照射によって光音響波が発生する。穿刺針２１は、被検体内に挿入された状態で光音響波を発生し、その光音響波が超音波プローブなどによって検出される
　なお、上記説明では、穿刺針２１内に光音響波発生部２２を設け、光音響波発生部２２に対して光を照射することによって光音響波を発生させるようにしたが、これに限らず、光音響波発生部２２を設けないようにしてもよい。そして、穿刺針２１の光ファイバ１０の端面から出射された光を人体などの組織に照射し、これにより組織から発せられた光音響波を超音波プローブなどによって検出するようにしてもよい。 In the photoacoustic wave generator 2 described above, the laser light emitted from the laser unit 30 is guided by the optical fiber 10 in the optical connector 1 and applied to the photoacoustic wave generator 22 in the puncture needle 21. A photoacoustic wave is generated by irradiating the photoacoustic wave generator 22 with laser light. The puncture needle 21 generates a photoacoustic wave while being inserted into the subject, and the photoacoustic wave is detected by an ultrasonic probe or the like. Although the photoacoustic wave is generated by irradiating the photoacoustic wave generation unit 22 with light, the photoacoustic wave generation unit 22 may not be provided. Then, light emitted from the end face of the optical fiber 10 of the puncture needle 21 may be irradiated onto a tissue such as a human body, and thereby a photoacoustic wave emitted from the tissue may be detected by an ultrasonic probe or the like.
　以上、本発明をその好適な実施形態に基づいて説明したが、本発明の光音響画像生成装置は、上記実施形態にのみ限定されるものではなく、上記実施形態の構成から種々の修正及び変更を施したものも、本発明の範囲に含まれる。 As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the suitable embodiment, the photoacoustic image generation apparatus of this invention is not limited only to the said embodiment, Various correction and change are possible from the structure of the said embodiment. Those subjected to are also included in the scope of the present invention.
１　　 光コネクタ
２　　 光音響波発生装置
１０　 光ファイバ
１０ａ 光出射端
１１　 フェルール部
１１ａ フェルール本体
１１ｂ 金属部
１１ｃ 凸部
１１ｄ フェルール部の一端
１１ｅ フェルールの凸部の筒状接続部材の長さ方向外側の面
１１ｆ 切り欠き
１２　 筒状接続部材
１２ａ 筒状接続部材の一端部
１２ｂ 筒状接続部材の他端部
１２ｃ フェルール当接面
１２ｄ 保護部材当接面
１２ｅ フェルール側テーパ面
１２ｆ ファイバ通過部
１２ｇ 中間部テーパ面
１２ｈ 保護部材通過部
１２ｉ 開口側テーパ面
１２ｋ 筒状接続部材の他端
１２ｒ 筒状接続部材１２の一端
１２ｓ 溝
１２ｕ Ｏリング用の溝
１２ｖ 筒状接続部材の開口
１２ｗ 溝の内壁面
１３　 保護部材
１４　 被覆部材
１５　 Ｏリング
１６　 突起形成部材
１６ａ 突起部
１９　 弾性接着剤
２１　 穿刺針
２１ａ 穿刺針本体
２１ｂ 穿刺針の開口
２１ｃ 中空部
２２　 光音響波発生部
Ｄ　　 保護部材の内径
ｄ　　 筒状接続部材の内径
ｄ１　 筒状接続部材の外径
ｄ２　 筒状接続部材の一端部側の開口の直径
ｄ３　 フェルール部が収容される部分の内径
ｄ４　 金属部の端部が収容される部分の内径
ｄ５　 フェルール部の金属部の先端端部が配置される部分の内径
ｄ６　 保護部材通過部の内径
ｄ７　 中間部テーパ面と開口側テーパ面との間の筒状接続部材の内径
ｄ８　 筒状接続部材の他端部側の開口の直径
θ１　 フェルール側テーパ面の傾斜角度
θ２　 中間部テーパ面の傾斜角度
Ｌ１　 筒状接続部材の長さ
Ｌ２　 フェルール部が配置される部分の長さ
Ｌ３　 筒状接続部材の一端からフェルール側テーパ面までの長さ
Ｌ４　 ファイバ通過部と保護部材通過部とを合わせた長さ
Ｌ５　 ファイバ通過部の長さ
Ｌ６　 筒状接続部材の他端から中間部テーパ面の手前までの長さ
ｄｓ　 突起部とフェルール部の凸部との間の距離
ｄｔ　 突起部とフェルール本体との間に間隔
ｄｐ　 溝の深さ
ｗ　　 突起形成部材の幅
ｗｄ　 筒状接続部材の長さ方向の溝の幅
θ１　 傾斜角度
θ２　 傾斜角度 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical connector 2 Photoacoustic wave generator 10 Optical fiber 10a Light output end 11 Ferrule part 11a Ferrule main body 11b Metal part 11c Protrusion part 11d One end 11e of a ferrule part The outer surface of the cylindrical connection member of the convex part of a ferrule 11f Notch 12 Tubular connection member 12a One end portion 12b of the tubular connection member The other end portion 12c of the tubular connection member Ferrule contact surface 12d Protection member contact surface 12e Ferrule side taper surface 12f Fiber passage portion 12g Intermediate taper surface 12h Protective member passage portion 12i Open side taper surface 12k Other end 12r of cylindrical connecting member One end 12s of cylindrical connecting member 12 Groove 12u O-ring groove 12v Cylindrical connecting member opening 12w Groove inner wall surface 13 Protecting member 14 Cover member 15 O-ring 16 Protrusion forming member 16 a Protrusion 19 Elastic adhesive 21 Puncture needle 2 a Puncture needle main body 21b Puncture needle opening 21c Hollow portion 22 Photoacoustic wave generating portion D Inner diameter d of protection member Inner diameter d1 of cylindrical connection member Outer diameter d2 of cylindrical connection member Opening on one end side of cylindrical connection member Diameter d3 Inner diameter d4 of the part in which the ferrule part is accommodated Inner diameter d5 of the part in which the end part of the metal part is accommodated Inner diameter d6 of the part in which the tip end part of the metal part of the ferrule part is arranged Intermediate diameter d7 of the protective member passing part Inner diameter d8 of the cylindrical connecting member between the tapered portion and the opening side tapered surface Diameter of the opening on the other end side of the cylindrical connecting member θ1 Inclined angle θ2 of the ferrule side tapered surface Inclined angle L1 of the intermediate tapered surface Length L2 of the connecting member Length L3 of the portion where the ferrule part is arranged Length L4 from one end of the cylindrical connecting member to the ferrule side tapered surface Length L combining the fiber passing part and the protecting member passing part Length L6 of the fiber passage part Length ds from the other end of the cylindrical connecting member to the front side of the intermediate taper surface Distance dt between the projection part and the convex part of the ferrule part Interval between the projection part and the ferrule body dp Groove depth w Projection forming member width wd Cylindrical connecting member lengthwise groove width θ1 Inclination angle θ2 Inclination angle

Claims (12)

  1. 　一端にフェルール部が設けられた光ファイバと、
    　前記光ファイバが挿入される筒状に形成された筒状接続部材であって、一端部の筒内に前記フェルール部が設置され、他端部から前記光ファイバの他端が引き出される筒状接続部材とを備え、
    　前記フェルール部が、前記筒状接続部材の長さ方向に直交する方向に凸方向を有する凸部を有し、
    　前記凸部の前記筒状接続部材の長さ方向外側の面に弾性部材が接触して設けられている光コネクタ。     An optical fiber provided with a ferrule at one end;
    A cylindrical connection member formed in a cylindrical shape into which the optical fiber is inserted, the cylindrical connection in which the ferrule portion is installed in a cylinder at one end and the other end of the optical fiber is drawn out from the other end With members,
    The ferrule part has a convex part having a convex direction in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member,
    An optical connector in which an elastic member is in contact with a surface of the convex portion on the outer side in the length direction of the cylindrical connecting member.
  2. 　前記筒状接続部材の内壁に突起部が形成されており、
    　前記突起部と前記凸部との間に前記弾性部材が設置されている請求項１記載の光コネクタ。     A protrusion is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member,
    The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is disposed between the protrusion and the protrusion.
  3. 　前記筒状接続部材の内壁に凹部が形成されており、
    　前記凹部内に突起形成部材が嵌合することによって前記突起部が形成されている請求項２記載の光コネクタ。     A recess is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member,
    The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is formed by fitting a protrusion forming member into the recess.
  4. 　前記突起部が、前記筒状接続部材と一体成形されている請求項２記載の光コネクタ。 3. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the protruding portion is integrally formed with the cylindrical connecting member.
  5. 　前記突起部が、前記筒状接続部材の内壁の内周のうちの一部にのみ設けられている請求項２から４いずれか１項記載の光コネクタ。 The optical connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the protruding portion is provided only on a part of the inner periphery of the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member.
  6. 　前記突起部が、前記筒状接続部材の内壁の内周のうちの４か所にのみ設けられている請求項５記載の光コネクタ。 6. The optical connector according to claim 5, wherein the protrusions are provided only at four locations on the inner periphery of the inner wall of the cylindrical connecting member.
  7. 　前記筒状接続部材の内周に沿って溝が形成されており、
    　前記溝内に前記弾性部材が設置される請求項１記載の光コネクタ。     A groove is formed along the inner periphery of the cylindrical connecting member,
    The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is installed in the groove.
  8. 　前記弾性部材が、Ｏリングである請求項１から７いずれか１項記載の光コネクタ。 The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the elastic member is an O-ring.
  9. 　前記弾性部材が、ねじりばねである請求項１から７いずれか１項記載の光コネクタ。 The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the elastic member is a torsion spring.
  10. 　前記筒状接続部材の前記一端部側の外壁に切り欠きを有する請求項１から９いずれか１項記載の光コネクタ。 The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cylindrical connecting member has a notch in an outer wall on the one end side.
  11. 　前記フェルール部の先端が面取りされている請求項１から１０いずれか１項記載の光コネクタ。 The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a tip of the ferrule part is chamfered.
  12. 　光源部と、
    　前記光源部に接続される、請求項１から１１いずれか１項記載の光コネクタと、
    　前記光コネクタから延伸された前記光ファイバの他端が接続された穿刺針とを備えた光音響波発生装置。     A light source unit;
    The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the optical connector is connected to the light source unit.
    A photoacoustic wave generator comprising: a puncture needle to which the other end of the optical fiber extended from the optical connector is connected.
PCT/JP2017/043387 2017-02-10 2017-12-04 Optical connector and photoacoustic wave emission device WO2018146924A1 (en)

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Cited By (4)

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CN110231686A (en) * 2019-06-21 2019-09-13 中航光电科技股份有限公司 A kind of optical fiber connector shell and optical fiber connector
CN110346876A (en) * 2019-06-21 2019-10-18 中航光电科技股份有限公司 A kind of optical fiber connector plug shell and optical fiber connector plug
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