WO2024029270A1 - 光コネクタ、フェルール、及び光結合構造 - Google Patents

光コネクタ、フェルール、及び光結合構造 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024029270A1
WO2024029270A1 PCT/JP2023/025164 JP2023025164W WO2024029270A1 WO 2024029270 A1 WO2024029270 A1 WO 2024029270A1 JP 2023025164 W JP2023025164 W JP 2023025164W WO 2024029270 A1 WO2024029270 A1 WO 2024029270A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
holding
optical
introduction
hole
optical fiber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2023/025164
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English (en)
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
哲 森島
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd
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Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd
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 Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd filed Critical Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd
Priority to CN202380053947.6A priority Critical patent/CN119604793A/zh
Priority to JP2024538881A priority patent/JPWO2024029270A1/ja
Priority to EP23849829.9A priority patent/EP4567481A4/en
Priority to US18/994,770 priority patent/US20260016643A1/en
Publication of WO2024029270A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024029270A1/ja
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
    • G02B6/3834—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule
    • G02B6/3838—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule using grooves for light guides
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
    • G02B6/3885—Multicore or multichannel optical connectors, i.e. one single ferrule containing more than one fibre, e.g. ribbon type
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
    • G02B6/3834—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule
    • G02B6/3838—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule using grooves for light guides
    • G02B6/3839—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule using grooves for light guides for a plurality of light guides
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to optical connectors, ferrules, and optical coupling structures.
  • This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2022-123796 filed on August 3, 2022, and incorporates all the contents described in the said Japanese application.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a ferrule for an optical connector.
  • a plurality of fiber insertion holes are formed inside the ferrule to respectively insert a plurality of optical fibers.
  • Each of the plurality of fiber insertion holes has a narrow diameter portion that opens at the distal end surface, and an introduction portion that communicates with the narrow diameter portion and has an inner diameter larger than the narrow diameter portion.
  • An optical connector has a coating removal portion in which a predetermined length of resin coating is removed from a distal end surface, and a coating portion in which the resin coating remains, and is located at a position offset from the central axis.
  • a plurality of optical fibers each having at least one of a core and a stress applying portion, a front end surface and a rear end surface that are lined up in the first direction in which the central axis extends, and a plurality of optical fibers that extend in the first direction between the front end surface and the rear end surface.
  • a ferrule having a plurality of fiber holding parts that respectively hold a plurality of optical fibers in line in a second direction intersecting the first direction.
  • Each of the plurality of fiber holding parts includes a holding hole into which the sheath removal part is inserted in the first direction and holds the sheath removal part so as to maintain the position of the sheath removal part in a plane perpendicular to the first direction;
  • An introduction part is located between the hole and the rear end surface and has an inner wall surface inscribed with an imaginary circle having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the holding hole. The length of the holding hole in the first direction is shorter than the length of the introduction part in the first direction.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical connector according to a first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of an optical fiber included in the optical connector of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a ferrule included in the optical connector of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view of the ferrule of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing how an optical fiber is mounted on the ferrule of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an optical coupling structure including the optical connector of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the problem of the optical connector according to Comparative Example 1.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the problem of the optical connector according to Comparative Example 1.
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a modification of the ferrule.
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a fiber holding portion included in the ferrule of FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the fiber holding section of FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the optical connector according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a ferrule included in the optical connector of FIG. 13.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an optical fiber holding component included in the optical connector of FIG. 13.
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing how the optical fiber holding component is mounted on the ferrule of FIG. 14.
  • FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing a modification of the optical connector shown in FIG. 13.
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an optical fiber holding component included in the optical connector of FIG. 17.
  • FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing another modification of the optical connector shown in FIG. 13.
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an optical fiber holding component included in the optical connector of FIG. 19.
  • FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing a modification of the optical fiber holding component.
  • a plurality of optical fibers that require rotational alignment may be mounted on the ferrule described in Patent Document 1.
  • the optical fiber since the clearance between the small diameter part of the fiber insertion hole of the ferrule and the optical fiber is small, when inserting the optical fiber into this small diameter part, the optical fiber may be twisted due to friction between the small diameter part and the optical fiber. Rotation is likely to occur. Such twisting rotation may cause an angular deviation in the rotational direction of the optical fiber. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately hold such an optical fiber with such a ferrule.
  • An optical connector has a coating removal portion where a predetermined length of the resin coating is removed from the distal end surface, and a coating portion where the resin coating remains, and the optical connector is offset from the central axis.
  • a plurality of optical fibers each having at least one of a core and a stress-applying portion at a position thereof, a front end surface and a rear end surface that are aligned in a first direction in which the central axis extends;
  • a ferrule that extends and has a plurality of fiber holding parts that respectively hold a plurality of optical fibers in line in a second direction intersecting the first direction.
  • Each of the plurality of fiber holding parts includes a holding hole into which the sheath removal part is inserted in the first direction and holds the sheath removal part so as to maintain the position of the sheath removal part in a plane perpendicular to the first direction;
  • An introduction part is located between the hole and the rear end surface and has an inner wall surface inscribed with an imaginary circle having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the holding hole. The length of the holding hole in the first direction is shorter than the length of the introduction part in the first direction.
  • the rotationally aligned optical fibers are inserted from the introduction part of the fiber holding part into the holding hole in the first direction. Since the holding hole maintains the position of the covering removal part in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the clearance between the holding hole and the covering removal part is set small. Therefore, when the optical fiber is inserted into the holding hole, friction is likely to occur between the holding hole and the coating removal portion.
  • the introduction part since the introduction part has an inner wall surface inscribed with a virtual circle having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the holding hole, when the optical fiber is inserted into the holding hole, the friction between the introduction part and the coating removal part is reduced.
  • the length of the holding hole in the first direction is set shorter than the length of the introduction part in the first direction.
  • the length of the holding hole in this manner it is possible to reduce the possibility of friction occurring between the holding hole and the coating removal portion.
  • the frictional resistance between the holding hole and the coating removal part can be reduced.
  • the occurrence of angular deviation (rotational deviation) in the position of the optical fiber in the rotational direction can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the optical connector described above, it is possible to hold a plurality of optical fibers with high precision.
  • the introduction portion may be an introduction hole that communicates with the holding hole in the first direction.
  • the inner diameter of the introduction hole defined by the diameter of the virtual circle may be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the covering portion.
  • a covering portion may be inserted into the introduction hole.
  • the attitude of the optical fiber can be restricted to the state along the first direction.
  • the covering removal part can be inserted into the holding hole in the first direction in a state where friction between the covering removal part and the holding hole is less likely to occur.
  • the occurrence of rotational deviation of the optical fiber can be more reliably suppressed.
  • the introduction part has a hole shape in this way, it becomes possible to easily introduce the coating removal part from the introduction hole to the holding hole.
  • the introduction portion may be an introduction hole that communicates with the holding hole in the first direction.
  • the inner diameter of the introduction hole defined by the diameter of the virtual circle may be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the coating removal part.
  • Only the covering removal part of the covering removal part and the covering part may be inserted into the introduction hole.
  • the attitude of the optical fiber can be restricted to a state along the first direction.
  • the covering removal part can be inserted into the holding hole in the first direction in a state where friction between the covering removal part and the holding hole is less likely to occur.
  • the occurrence of rotational deviation of the optical fiber can be more reliably suppressed.
  • the introduction part has a hole shape in this way, it becomes possible to easily introduce the coating removal part from the introduction hole to the holding hole.
  • the introduction portion may be an introduction groove communicating with the holding hole in the first direction.
  • the diameter of the virtual circle inscribed in the introduction groove may be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the coating removal portion.
  • the introduction groove may accommodate only the covering removal part of the covering removal part and the covering part.
  • the attitude of the optical fiber can be restricted to a state along the first direction.
  • the covering removal part can be inserted into the holding hole in the first direction in a state where friction between the covering removal part and the holding hole is less likely to occur.
  • the occurrence of rotational deviation of the optical fiber can be more reliably suppressed.
  • the introduction part has a groove shape in this way, the position of the optical fiber with respect to the introduction part can be positioned with high precision.
  • the introduction portion may be an introduction groove communicating with the holding hole in the first direction.
  • the diameter of the virtual circle inscribed in the introduction groove may be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the covering portion.
  • a covering portion may be accommodated in the introduction groove.
  • the optical connector according to any one of (1) to (5) above is arranged in a position facing the plurality of fiber holding parts in the first direction inside the ferrule, and is an optical connector that holds the plurality of optical fibers. It may further include a fiber holding component. In this case, by holding the multiple rotationally aligned optical fibers in the optical fiber holding component and placing the optical fiber holding component inside the ferrule, the sheathing of the multiple rotationally aligned optical fibers can be removed. The parts can be inserted into a plurality of holding holes together. This facilitates the work of mounting multiple optical fibers onto the ferrule.
  • the optical fiber holding component may be a resin layer that collectively covers the coating portions of the plurality of optical fibers.
  • the above optical fiber holding component can be realized with a simple configuration.
  • the optical fiber holding component has a plurality of V grooves extending in the first direction and lining up in the second direction and accommodating the plurality of optical fibers, respectively. You can.
  • the plurality of optical fibers can be fixed. With the attitude of the optical fibers along the first direction, the coated removed portions of the plurality of optical fibers can be inserted into the plurality of holding holes at once. This makes it possible to more reliably reduce the possibility of friction occurring between the holding hole and the coating removal part, and to facilitate the work of mounting a plurality of optical fibers onto the ferrule.
  • the optical fiber holding component has a plurality of through holes that penetrate in the first direction and are lined up in the second direction and into which the plurality of optical fibers are respectively inserted. Good too.
  • the plurality of optical fibers can be inserted and fixed. With the attitude of the optical fibers along the first direction, the coated removed portions of the plurality of optical fibers can be inserted into the plurality of holding holes at once. This makes it possible to more reliably reduce the possibility of friction occurring between the holding hole and the coating removal part, and to facilitate the work of mounting a plurality of optical fibers onto the ferrule.
  • the optical fiber may be any one of a multi-core fiber, a polarization-maintaining fiber, and a bundle fiber.
  • a multi-core fiber a polarization-maintaining fiber
  • a bundle fiber a bundle fiber.
  • the ferrule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a coating removal portion where a predetermined length of the resin coating is removed from the distal end surface, and a coating portion where the resin coating remains, and the ferrule is offset from the central axis.
  • the ferrule includes a front end surface, a rear end surface aligned with the front end surface in a first direction, a plurality of ferrules extending in the first direction between the front end surface and the rear end surface, and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. a plurality of fiber holding sections configured to hold respective optical fibers.
  • Each of the plurality of fiber holding parts includes a holding hole into which the sheathing removal part is inserted in the first direction and a holding hole configured to maintain the position of the sheathing removal part in a plane perpendicular to the first direction; an introduction part located between the end face and the inner wall surface inscribed with a virtual circle having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the holding hole.
  • the length of the holding hole in the first direction is shorter than the length of the introduction part in the first direction.
  • An optical coupling structure includes a first optical connector and a second optical connector as the optical connector according to any one of (1) to (10) above.
  • the first optical connector is arranged to face the second optical connector in the first direction, and is optically coupled to the second optical connector. Since this optical coupling structure includes the first optical connector and the second optical connector as the optical connectors described above, it is possible to hold a plurality of optical fibers with high precision as described above.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical connector 1 according to a first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the optical connector 1.
  • the longitudinal direction of the optical connector 1 is assumed to be the X direction (an example of a "first direction")
  • the lateral direction of the optical connector 1 is assumed to be a Y direction (an example of a "second direction")
  • the height direction of the optical connector 1 is defined as the Z direction.
  • the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction intersect each other (orthogonal in one example).
  • one side in the Z direction may be referred to as "upper”, the other side in the Z direction as “lower”, one side in the X direction as "front”, and the other side in the X direction as "rear”.
  • the optical connector 1 includes, for example, a plurality of optical fibers 10 and a ferrule 20 that holds the plurality of optical fibers 10.
  • the plurality of optical fibers 10 are cables that transmit optical signals.
  • the plurality of optical fibers 10 extend in the X direction and are arranged side by side in the Y direction.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example in which twelve optical fibers 10 are lined up in a row in the Y direction.
  • the number of the plurality of optical fibers 10 is not limited to 12, and may be other numbers such as 4, 8, or 24, for example.
  • the plurality of optical fibers 10 may be arranged in two or more rows.
  • each optical fiber 10 includes, for example, a distal end surface 11, a coating removal section 12, and a coating section 13.
  • the optical fiber 10 may be shown in light gray for ease of understanding.
  • the tip surface 11 is an end surface located at the tip of the optical fiber 10 in the X direction.
  • the coating removal section 12 is a portion of the optical fiber 10 from which a predetermined length of the resin coating 15 (see FIG. 3) is removed from the distal end surface 11.
  • the coating portion 13 is a portion of the optical fiber 10 where the resin coating 15 remains.
  • the covering portion 13 is provided on the opposite side from the distal end surface 11 with the covering removal portion 12 in between. In the coating removal section 12, the cladding 16 (see FIG. 3) of the optical fiber 10 is exposed.
  • the outer diameter of the covering removal portion 12 (that is, the diameter of the cladding 16) is, for example, 30 ⁇ m or more and 300 ⁇ m or less.
  • the cladding 16 of the optical fiber 10 is covered with a resin coating 15 .
  • the outer diameter of the covering portion 13 is, for example, 50 ⁇ m or more and 500 ⁇ m or less.
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of the optical fiber 10.
  • the optical fiber 10 is an optical fiber that requires rotational alignment with respect to the central axis L.
  • a multi-core fiber MMF
  • the optical fiber 10 has a plurality of cores 17 covered with a clad 16.
  • the plurality of cores 17 include a central core 17a arranged on the central axis L, a plurality of (for example, six) peripheral cores 17b arranged at positions offset from the central axis L, has.
  • the state in which the peripheral core 17b is deviated from the central axis L may be a state in which the center of the peripheral core 17b does not coincide with the central axis L when viewed in the X direction.
  • the number and arrangement of the plurality of cores 17 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3, and can be changed as appropriate.
  • the number of multiple cores 17 is not limited to six, but may be two, four, or eight or more.
  • the plurality of cores 17 may not have the central core 17a arranged on the central axis L.
  • Examples of the optical fiber 10 that requires rotational alignment include, in addition to multi-core fibers, bundle fibers and polarization maintaining fibers (PMF).
  • PMF polarization maintaining fibers
  • the optical fiber 10 has a stress applying portion at a position offset from the central axis L.
  • the optical fiber 10 has a central core disposed on the central axis L, and a pair of stress applying parts are disposed on both sides of the central core.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 20.
  • FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view showing the ferrule 20. 4 and 5 show a state in which a plurality of optical fibers 10 are removed from the optical connector 1 of FIG. 2.
  • the ferrule 20 is a component that holds the ends of the plurality of optical fibers 10, and is, for example, an MT ferrule.
  • the ferrule 20 has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped appearance.
  • the ferrule 20 is made of resin such as PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide).
  • the ferrule 20 has, for example, a front end surface 21, a rear end surface 22, a pair of guide holes 23, 23 (see FIG. 1), a fiber accommodating section 24, and a plurality of fiber holding sections 25.
  • the front end surface 21 is an end surface located at the front end of the ferrule 20 in the X direction.
  • the rear end surface 22 is an end surface located at the rear end of the ferrule 20 in the X direction.
  • the front end surface 21 and the rear end surface 22 extend along the Y direction and the Z direction, and are lined up in the X direction.
  • the pair of guide holes 23, 23 are open at both ends of the front end surface 21 in the Y direction, and extend in the X direction from the front end surface 21 toward the rear end surface 22 (see FIG. 1).
  • An opening 22a that can receive a plurality of optical fibers 10 all at once is formed in the rear end surface 22.
  • the fiber accommodating portion 24 is formed at the rear of the ferrule 20 between the front end surface 21 and the rear end surface 22 and closer to the rear end surface 22.
  • the rear portion of the ferrule 20 is the portion of the ferrule 20 from the wall surface 26 formed inside the ferrule 20 to the rear end surface 22.
  • the wall surface 26 is a plane along the Y direction and the Z direction, and is arranged between the front end surface 21 and the rear end surface 22 in the X direction.
  • the fiber housing portion 24 is an internal space formed between the wall surface 26 and the rear end surface 22 inside the rear portion of the ferrule 20 .
  • the fiber accommodating portion 24 extends forward from the opening 22 a of the rear end surface 22 and is connected to a plurality of fiber holding portions 25 .
  • the fiber accommodating portion 24 can collectively accommodate a plurality of optical fibers 10 received through the opening 22a.
  • the plurality of fiber holding parts 25 are formed at the front part of the ferrule 20 between the front end face 21 and the rear end face 22 and closer to the front end face 21 .
  • the front portion of the ferrule 20 is the portion of the ferrule 20 from the front end surface 21 to the wall surface 26.
  • the plurality of fiber holding parts 25 extend in the X direction and are lined up in the Y direction in correspondence with the plurality of optical fibers 10 at the front part of the ferrule 20.
  • the plurality of fiber holding sections 25 each hold a plurality of optical fibers 10 introduced into the fiber accommodating section 24.
  • Each fiber holding section 25 has, for example, a holding hole 27 for holding the optical fiber 10 and an introduction hole 28 (an example of an "introduction section") for introducing the optical fiber 10 into the holding section.
  • the holding hole 27 is a small circular hole extending from the front end surface 21 in the X direction.
  • the inner wall surface S1 constituting the holding hole 27 has a constant inner diameter D1 at each position along the X direction.
  • the coating removal portion 12 of the optical fiber 10 is inserted into the holding hole 27.
  • the holding hole 27 opens at the front end surface 21, and the tip end surface 11 of the optical fiber 10 is exposed from the opening of the front end surface 21.
  • the holding hole 27 maintains the position of the covering removal part 12 in the YZ plane perpendicular to the X direction.
  • the clearance between the holding hole 27 and the coating removing part 12 in the YZ plane is set to be extremely small so that the position of the coating removing part 12 with respect to the holding hole 27 is determined in the YZ plane.
  • the introduction hole 28 is a circular large-diameter hole extending in the X direction from the holding hole 27 to the wall surface 26.
  • the introduction hole 28 communicates with the holding hole 27 in the X direction, and is formed larger than the holding hole 27 when viewed in the X direction.
  • the introduction hole 28 communicates with the holding hole 27 in the X direction, it means that the internal space of the introduction hole 28 and the internal space of the holding hole 27 are connected in the X direction.
  • the center of the introduction hole 28 coincides with the center of the holding hole 27, for example.
  • the center of the introduction hole 28 does not have to exactly coincide with the center of the holding hole 27.
  • the deviation between the center of the introduction hole 28 and the center of the holding hole 27 when viewed in the X direction may be, for example, 3 ⁇ m or less.
  • the introduction hole 28 opens in the wall surface 26 and receives the optical fiber 10 from the opening in the wall surface 26 .
  • the introduction hole 28 includes, for example, a tapered portion 28a and a constant diameter portion 28b.
  • the constant diameter portion 28b is a portion of the introduction hole 28 closer to the rear end surface 22 in the X direction.
  • the constant diameter portion 28b extends forward from the rear end surface 22 in the X direction.
  • the inner wall surface S2 constituting the constant diameter portion 28b has a constant inner diameter D2 at each position along the X direction.
  • the inner diameter D2 of the inner wall surface S2 is larger than the inner diameter D1 of the inner wall surface S1.
  • the inner diameter D2 of the inner wall surface S2 can be expressed as the diameter D2 of a virtual circle C2 inscribed in the inner wall surface S2.
  • the inner diameter D2 of the inner wall surface S2 is, for example, set to be the same as the outer diameter d2 of the covering part 13, or set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter d2 of the covering part 13.
  • the inner diameter D1 of the inner wall surface S1 is, for example, set to be the same as the outer diameter d1 of the sheath removal section 12 of the optical fiber 10, or set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter d1 of the sheath removal section 12.
  • the covering portion 13 is inserted into the constant diameter portion 28b. By inserting the covering portion 13 into the constant diameter portion 28b, movement of the optical fiber 10 in the YZ plane is restricted, and the posture of the optical fiber 10 is regulated along the X direction.
  • the tapered portion 28a is provided between the constant diameter portion 28b and the holding hole 27.
  • the tapered portion 28a is formed such that the inner diameter of the tapered portion 28a decreases from the constant diameter portion 28b toward the holding hole 27 in the X direction.
  • the uncoated portion 12 of the optical fiber 10 inserted into the constant diameter portion 28b is guided into the holding hole 27 by the tapered portion 28a.
  • the introduction hole 28 has a role of assisting the introduction of the coating removal part 12 into the holding hole 27.
  • the length L1 of the holding hole 27 in the X direction is set shorter than the length L2 of the introduction hole 28 in the X direction.
  • the length L1 of the holding hole 27 is the distance in the X direction from the front end surface 21 to the connecting portion P1 between the holding hole 27 and the introduction hole 28.
  • the length L2 of the introduction hole 28 is the distance from the connecting portion P1 to the wall surface 26 in the X direction.
  • the total length (L1+L2) of the length L1 of the holding hole 27 and the length L2 of the introduction hole 28 is the length of the fiber holding part 25 in the X direction, that is, from the front end surface 21 to the rear end surface 22. Corresponds to distance.
  • the length L1 of the holding hole 27 is shorter than the length L2 of the introduction hole 28, it can be said that the length L1 of the holding hole 27 is smaller than half the length (L1+L2) of the fiber holding part 25. can.
  • the length L1 of the holding hole 27 is set to be 0.5 mm or more and shorter than 2 mm.
  • the length L2 of the introduction hole 28 is set to 3 mm, and the length L1 of the holding hole 27 is set to 1 mm.
  • the ratio may be set to, for example, 12% or more and less than 50%.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing how the optical fiber 10 is mounted on the ferrule 20.
  • the rotationally aligned optical fiber 10 is introduced into the fiber accommodating part 24 from the opening 22a of the rear end surface 22, and the fiber holding part 25 is introduced from the fiber accommodating part 24.
  • the optical fiber 10 is inserted into the hole 28 in the X direction.
  • the length L12 of the coating removal section 12 is usually set to about 2 mm, which is half the length (L1+L2) of the fiber holding section 25. Therefore, the length L1 of the holding hole 27 is shorter than the length L12 of the coating removal part 12, and the length L2 of the introduction hole 28 is longer than the length L12 of the coating removal part 12. Then, the coating portion 13 enters the introduction hole 28 before the tip end surface 11 of the optical fiber 10 entered into the introduction hole 28 reaches the holding hole 27 .
  • the coating section 13 When the coating section 13 is inserted into the introduction hole 28 in the X direction, the movement of the coating section 13 on the YZ plane is restricted in the introduction hole 28, so that the posture of the optical fiber 10 is adjusted along the X direction. regulated by the state. In this state, the covering removal part 12 is inserted into the holding hole 27 in the X direction. After that, the optical fiber 10 is fixed to the fiber holding part 25 with an adhesive. Thereby, the optical connector 1 shown in FIG. 2 is obtained. After inserting the coating removal part 12 into the holding hole 27, the rotational alignment of the optical fiber 10 may be performed. However, in this case, since the clearance between the coating removal part 12 and the holding hole 27 is extremely small, rotational alignment of the optical fiber 10 may become difficult.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the optical coupling structure 100 according to this embodiment.
  • the optical coupling structure 100 includes, for example, a first optical connector 1a, a second optical connector 1b, a pair of guide pins 40, 40, and a spacer 50.
  • the first optical connector 1a and the second optical connector 1b have the same configuration as the optical connector 1 described above.
  • the front end surface 21 of the first optical connector 1a and the front end surface 21 of the second optical connector 1b face each other in the X direction with a gap in between.
  • the pair of guide pins 40, 40 fit into the pair of guide holes 23, 23 of the first optical connector 1a and the pair of guide holes 23, 23 of the second optical connector 1b. This defines the positions of the first optical connector 1a and the second optical connector 1b in the YZ plane.
  • the spacer 50 is a plate-like member having an opening 50a.
  • the spacer 50 is arranged between the front end surface 21 of the first optical connector 1a and the front end surface 21 of the second optical connector 1b.
  • the opening 50a allows a plurality of optical paths extending between the first optical connector 1a and the second optical connector 1b to pass through. Thereby, the first optical connector 1a and the second optical connector 1b are optically coupled.
  • the spacer 50 contacts the front end surface 21 of the first optical connector 1a and the front end surface 21 of the second optical connector 1b. This defines the gap between the first optical connector 1a and the second optical connector 1b in the X direction.
  • optical connector 1, ferrule 20, and optical coupling structure 100 according to the present embodiment described above will be explained together with the problems that the comparative example has.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the problems of the optical connector 200 according to Comparative Example 1.
  • the length L1a of the holding hole 127 of the fiber holding part 125 formed in the ferrule 120 is set to be the same as the length L2a of the introduction hole 128 of the fiber holding part 125.
  • the coating removal portion 12 of the optical fiber 10 reaches the holding hole 127 before the coating portion 13 of the optical fiber 10 enters the introduction hole 128.
  • the coating removal section 12 enters the holding hole 127 with the attitude of the optical fiber 10 largely tilted from the X direction.
  • the coating removing part 12 When the coating removing part 12 enters the holding hole 127 obliquely in this way, the coating removing part 12 comes into contact with the holding hole 127, and the optical fiber 10 is twisted due to the friction between the coating removing part 12 and the holding hole 127. It rotates. As a result, an angular shift (ie, rotational shift) in the rotational direction of the optical fiber 10 occurs. Further, since the clearance between the holding hole 127 and the coating removal part 12 is set to be extremely small, the coating removal part 12 easily comes into contact with the holding hole 127. Therefore, even in the process of inserting the coating removal part 12 into the holding hole 127, rotational deviation of the optical fiber 10 is likely to occur. Such rotational deviation may cause a core positional deviation at the distal end surface 11 of the optical fiber 10, which may cause deterioration of optical characteristics such as an increase in splice loss.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the problems of the optical connector 300 according to Comparative Example 2.
  • the length L1b of the holding hole 227 of the fiber holding part 225 formed in the ferrule 220 is set longer than the length L2b of the introduction hole 228 of the fiber holding part 225.
  • the coating removal section 12 enters the holding hole 227 with the attitude of the optical fiber 10 tilted further from the X direction. In such a case, the coating removal portion 12 is more likely to come into contact with the holding hole 227, and rotational deviation of the optical fiber 10 is likely to occur.
  • the holding hole 227 is set to be long in this way, the covering removing part 12 comes into contact with the holding hole 227 more easily, and the contact area of the covering removing part 12 with the holding hole 227 becomes larger.
  • the frictional resistance between the holding hole 227 and the coating removal part 12 increases, rotational deviation of the optical fiber 10 is more likely to occur.
  • the position of the core on the distal end surface 11 of the optical fiber 10 may be shifted, which may cause deterioration of optical characteristics such as an increase in connection loss.
  • the length L1 of the holding hole 27 of the fiber holding part 25 is set shorter than the length L2 of the introduction hole 28.
  • the attitude of the optical fiber 10 in the introduction hole 28 can be restricted to a state along the X direction.
  • the optical fiber 10 is centered by the introduction hole 28, and the center of the optical fiber 10 coincides with the center of the introduction hole 28 when viewed in the X direction.
  • the center of the holding hole 27 of the optical fiber 10 can be aligned with the center of the holding hole 27 when viewed in the X direction.
  • the occurrence of rotational deviation of the optical fiber 10 can be suppressed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to hold the plurality of optical fibers 10 with high precision. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of misalignment of the core 17 on the distal end surface 11 of the optical fiber 10. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of deterioration of optical characteristics such as an increase in connection loss.
  • the inner diameter D2 of the introduction hole 28 may be larger than the outer diameter d2 of the covering portion 13, and the covering portion 13 may be inserted into the introduction hole 28.
  • the attitude of the optical fiber 10 can be regulated in a state along the X direction.
  • the covering removing part 12 can be inserted into the holding hole 27 in the X direction in a state where friction between the covering removing part 12 and the holding hole 27 is less likely to occur.
  • the occurrence of rotational deviation of the optical fiber 10 can be more reliably suppressed.
  • the introduction hole 28 having a hole shape it becomes possible to easily introduce the coating removal part 12 from the introduction hole 28 into the holding hole 27.
  • the optical fiber 10 may be any one of a multi-core fiber, a polarization-maintaining fiber, and a bundle fiber.
  • a multi-core fiber a polarization-maintaining fiber
  • a bundle fiber a bundle fiber.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a ferrule 20A according to a modification.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber holding portion 25A included in the ferrule 20A.
  • the ferrule 20A includes a fiber holding portion 25A instead of the fiber holding portion 25 described above.
  • the fiber holding part 25A has an introduction groove 28A (an example of an "introduction part") in place of the introduction hole 28 described above.
  • the introduction groove 28A is, for example, a V groove extending in the X direction, and communicates with the holding hole 27 in the X direction.
  • the inner wall surface of the introduction groove 28A includes a pair of inner side surfaces S2A and S2A.
  • the diameter D2 of the virtual circle C2 inscribed in the pair of inner surfaces S2A, S2A is larger than the diameter D1 of the virtual circle C1 indicating the inner wall surface S1 of the holding hole 27 (that is, the inner diameter D1 of the holding hole 27). It's also big.
  • the center of the virtual circle C2 coincides with the center of the holding hole 27, for example.
  • the diameter D2 of the virtual circle C2 is set, for example, to be the same as the outer diameter d2 of the covering portion 13 (see FIG. 2). In this case, the virtual circle C2 coincides with the outer edge of the covering portion 13.
  • the covering portion 13 is accommodated in the introduction groove 28A.
  • the introduction groove 28A assists the introduction of the coating removal portion 12 into the holding hole 27 by regulating the position and posture of the optical fiber 10 in this manner. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as the optical connector 1 according to the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, if the coating portion 13 is accommodated in the introduction groove 28A, the position of the optical fiber 10 relative to the introduction groove 28A can be accurately positioned.
  • the covering portion 13 being accommodated in the introduction groove 28A means that at least a portion of the covering portion 13 is disposed in the internal space of the introduction groove 28A.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a fiber holding section 25B according to another modification.
  • the fiber holding part 25B has an introduction groove 28B (an example of an "introduction part") in which the coating removal part 12 is accommodated.
  • the diameter D3 of the virtual circle C3 inscribed in the pair of inner surfaces S2B, S2B of the introduction groove 28B is larger than the diameter D1 of the virtual circle C1 (that is, the inner diameter D1 of the holding hole 27), and the diameter D3 of the virtual circle C2 is smaller than D2.
  • the diameter D2 of the virtual circle C2 corresponds to the outer diameter d2 of the covering portion 13.
  • the position of the coating removal part 12 with respect to the introduction groove 28B in the YZ plane is defined, and the attitude of the optical fiber 10 is regulated along the X direction.
  • the introduction groove 28B assists the introduction of the coating removal portion 12 into the holding hole 27 by regulating the position and posture of the optical fiber 10 in this manner. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as the optical connector 1 according to the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, if the coating removal section 12 is accommodated in the introduction groove 28B, the position of the optical fiber 10 relative to the introduction groove 28B can be accurately positioned.
  • the covering removal section 12 being accommodated in the introduction groove 28B means that at least a portion of the covering removal section 12 is arranged in the internal space of the introduction groove 28B.
  • FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an optical connector 1A according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 20B included in the optical connector 1A.
  • the introduction hole 28C an example of an "introduction part" of the fiber holding part 25C of the ferrule 20B.
  • the covering part 13 is not inserted into the introduction hole 28C, but is arranged at the rear of the introduction hole 28C (that is, outside the fiber holding part 25C).
  • the introduction hole 28C includes a tapered portion 28c and a constant diameter portion 28d instead of the tapered portion 28a and the constant diameter portion 28b.
  • the inner diameter D4 of the constant diameter portion 28d is larger than the inner diameter D1 of the holding hole 27.
  • the inner diameter D4 of the constant diameter portion 28d is larger than the outer diameter d1 of the coating removal portion 12 and smaller than the outer diameter d2 of the coating portion 13.
  • the clearance between the introduction hole 28C and the coating removal portion 12 when viewed in the X direction is set to, for example, 3 ⁇ m or more.
  • the length L2 of the introduction hole 28C in the X direction is longer than the length L1 of the holding hole 27 in the X direction.
  • the relationship between the length L2 of the introduction hole 28C and the length L1 of the holding hole 27 is the same as the relationship between the length L2 of the introduction hole 28 and the length L1 of the holding hole 27 described in the first embodiment. good.
  • a fiber support portion 29 is provided in the fiber accommodating portion 24 of the ferrule 20B.
  • the fiber support portion 29 extends rearward from a position below the fiber holding portion 25C on the wall surface 26 of the ferrule 20B.
  • the upper surface of the fiber support part 29 functions as a support surface 29a that supports the optical fiber holding component 30.
  • the support surface 29a is, for example, a plane extending along the X direction and the Y direction, and is formed perpendicular to the wall surface 26.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the optical fiber holding component 30.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30 is a component that holds a plurality of optical fibers 10.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30 is configured separately from the ferrule 20B and is arranged inside the ferrule 20B.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30 is made of a material such as resin or metal, for example.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30 includes, for example, a front surface 30a, a rear surface 30b, an upper surface 30c, a lower surface 30d, a side surface 30e, and a side surface 30f.
  • the front surface 30a is an end surface located at the front end of the optical fiber holding component 30 in the X direction.
  • the rear surface 30b is an end surface located at the rear end of the optical fiber holding component 30 in the X direction.
  • the front surface 30a and the rear surface 30b are, for example, planes along the YZ plane, and are arranged side by side along the X direction.
  • the upper surface 30c is an end surface located at the upper end of the optical fiber holding component 30 in the Z direction.
  • the lower surface 30d is an end surface located at the lower end of the optical fiber holding component 30 in the Z direction.
  • the upper surface 30c and the lower surface 30d are, for example, planes along the XY plane, and are arranged side by side along the Z direction.
  • the side surface 30e is an end surface located at one end of the optical fiber holding component 30 in the Y direction.
  • the side surface 30f is an end surface located at the other end of the optical fiber holding component 30 in the Y direction.
  • the side surface 30e and the side surface 30f are, for example, planes along the XZ plane, and are arranged side by side along the Y direction.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30 includes a fixing surface 30g for fixing the covering portions 13 of the plurality of optical fibers 10 together at a portion closer to the rear surface 30b in the X direction.
  • the fixed surface 30g is, for example, a plane along the XY plane, and forms a step with respect to the upper surface 30c.
  • the fixed surface 30g and the upper surface 30c are connected via a stepped surface 30s.
  • the step surface 30s is, for example, a plane along the YZ plane, and is formed perpendicular to the fixed surface 30g and the upper surface 30c.
  • the fixed surface 30g extends from the step surface 30s to the rear surface 30b in the X direction.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30 includes a plurality of V-grooves 30h for holding the coating removal portions 12 of the plurality of optical fibers 10, respectively, in a portion near the rear surface 30b in the X direction.
  • a plurality of V grooves 30h are formed on the upper surface 30c.
  • the plurality of V grooves 30h extend in the X direction from the front surface 30a to the step surface 30s on the upper surface 30c, and are arranged in line along the Y direction.
  • the coating removal parts 12 of the plurality of optical fibers 10 are placed in the plurality of V grooves 30h, and the coating parts 13 of the plurality of optical fibers 10 are placed in the fixing surface 30g. be done.
  • the position of the optical fiber 10 in the YZ plane with respect to the optical fiber holding component 30 is defined by placing the coating removal part 12 in each V-groove 30h. Rotation alignment of the optical fiber 10 is performed in a state in which the coating removal portion 12 is placed in the V-groove 30h.
  • Each V-groove 30h is configured to hold the coating removal part 12 rotatably around the central axis L.
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing how the optical fiber holding component 30 is mounted on the ferrule 20B.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30 holding the plurality of optical fibers 10 is arranged inside the ferrule 20B at a position facing the plurality of fiber holding parts 25C in the X direction.
  • the lower surface 30d of the optical fiber holding component 30 is placed on the support surface 29a of the ferrule 20B, and the side surface 30e of the optical fiber holding component 30 is abutted against the inner surface 24a of the ferrule 20B.
  • the position of the optical fiber holding part 30 in the YZ plane with respect to the ferrule 20B is defined, and the optical fiber holding part 30 holds it.
  • the arrangement of the plurality of optical fibers 10 corresponds to the arrangement of the plurality of fiber holding parts 25C.
  • the coating removal part 12 of each optical fiber 10 is inserted into the introduction hole 28C of the fiber holding part 25C.
  • the optical fiber 10 can be inserted straight into the introduction hole 28C.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30 is advanced in the X direction until the front surface 30a of the optical fiber holding component 30 hits the wall surface 26.
  • the coating removal portion 12 is inserted into the holding hole 27 while the optical fiber 10 remains aligned in the X direction.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30 holding the plurality of optical fibers 10 is fixed to the ferrule 20B via an adhesive, thereby obtaining the optical connector 1A shown in FIG. 13.
  • the same effects as the optical connector 1 according to the first embodiment can be obtained. That is, since the sheath removal part 12 can be inserted into the holding hole 27 in the X direction in a state where friction between the sheath removal part 12 and the holding hole 27 is less likely to occur, occurrence of rotational deviation of the optical fiber 10 is suppressed. can. This makes it possible to hold the plurality of optical fibers 10 with high precision. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of misalignment of the core 17 on the distal end surface 11 of the optical fiber 10, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of deterioration of optical characteristics such as an increase in connection loss.
  • the optical fiber holding part 30 is inserted into the inside of the ferrule 20B. Place it in Thereby, the coating removal parts 12 of the plurality of optical fibers 10 can be inserted into the plurality of holding holes 27 all at once with the plurality of optical fibers 10 aligned in the X direction. This makes it possible to more reliably reduce the possibility of friction occurring between the holding hole 27 and the coating removal part 12, and to facilitate the work of mounting the plurality of optical fibers 10 onto the ferrule 20B.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30 By placing the optical fiber holding component 30 on the support surface 29a and keeping the posture of the optical fiber holding component 30 stable, it is possible to prevent stress from being applied to the optical fiber 10. Furthermore, since the optical fiber holding component 30 holds both the coating removal section 12 and the coating section 13, the posture of the optical fiber 10 can be made more stable.
  • FIG. 17 is a sectional view of an optical connector 1B according to a modification of the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the optical fiber holding component 30A included in the optical connector 1B.
  • the optical connector 1B includes an optical fiber holding part 30A shown in FIG. 18 instead of the optical fiber holding part 30 shown in FIG. 15.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30A does not have a fixing surface 30g, and has an upper surface 30c extending from the front surface 30a to the rear surface 30b, and has a plurality of Vs formed on the upper surface 30c.
  • a groove 30i extends from the front surface 30a to the rear surface 30b.
  • the covering portions 13 of the plurality of optical fibers 10 are placed in the plurality of V-grooves 30i.
  • the plurality of rotationally aligned optical fibers 10 are accommodated and fixed in the plurality of V-grooves 30i, respectively.
  • a rectangular plate-shaped lid 31 that covers the covering portions 13 of the plurality of optical fibers 10 is provided on the plurality of V-grooves 30i.
  • the ferrule 20C included in the optical connector 1B has the same fiber holding portion 25 as in the first embodiment.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30A is disposed inside the ferrule 20C at a position facing the fiber holding portion 25 in the X direction while holding the coating portions 13 of the plurality of optical fibers 10. As shown in FIG. 17, the coating section 13 protruding forward from the optical fiber holding part 30A is inserted into the introduction hole 28 of the fiber holding section 25, and the coating removal section 12 protruding further forward from the coating section 13 is inserted into the introduction hole 28 of the fiber holding section 25. It is inserted into the holding hole 27 of the fiber holding part 25.
  • the attitude of the optical fiber 10 remains in the state along the X direction.
  • the covering portion 13 is inserted into the introduction hole 28 and the covering removal portion 12 is inserted into the holding hole 27.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30A holding the plurality of optical fibers 10 is fixed to the ferrule 20C via an adhesive, thereby obtaining the optical connector 1B shown in FIG. 17. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as the optical connector 1A according to the second embodiment can be obtained.
  • FIG. 19 is a sectional view of an optical connector 1C according to another modification of the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an optical fiber holding component 30B included in the optical connector 1C.
  • the optical connector 1C includes an optical fiber holding component 30B shown in FIG. 20 in place of the optical fiber holding component 30 shown in FIG. Unlike the optical fiber holding component 30, the optical fiber holding component 30B does not have a fixing surface 30g, and has an upper surface 30c extending from the front surface 30a to the rear surface 30b.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30B includes a plurality of through holes 32 instead of the plurality of V grooves 30h.
  • the plurality of through holes 32 penetrate in the X direction from the front surface 30a to the rear surface 30b, and are lined up along the Y direction. A plurality of optical fibers 10 are inserted into the plurality of through holes 32, respectively.
  • each through hole 32 has a small diameter portion 32a and a large diameter portion 32b.
  • the coating removal section 12 of the optical fiber 10 is inserted into the narrow diameter section 32a.
  • the inner diameter of the narrow diameter portion 32a is set to be the same as the outer diameter d1 of the sheath removal portion 12, or slightly larger than the outer diameter d1 of the sheath removal portion 12.
  • the large diameter portion 32b has an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 32a.
  • the covering portion 13 of the optical fiber 10 is inserted into the large diameter portion 32b.
  • the inner diameter of the large diameter portion 32b is set to be the same as the outer diameter d2 of the covering portion 13, or slightly larger than the outer diameter d2 of the covering portion 13.
  • the optical fiber 10 With the coating removed part 12 and the coating part 13 inserted into the small diameter part 32a and the large diameter part 32b, the optical fiber 10 is rotated and aligned, and the adhesive injected into the through hole 32 causes the optical fiber 10 to be is fixed in the through hole 32.
  • the optical connector 1C includes the same ferrule 20B as the second embodiment.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30B is disposed inside the ferrule 20B at a position facing the fiber holding portion 25C in the X direction while holding the plurality of optical fibers 10.
  • the coating section 13 protruding forward from the optical fiber holding part 30B is inserted into the introduction hole 28C of the fiber holding section 25C, and the coating removal section 12 protruding further forward from the coating section 13 is inserted into the introduction hole 28C of the fiber holding section 25C. It is inserted into the holding hole 27 of the fiber holding part 25C.
  • the attitude of the optical fiber 10 remains in the state along the X direction.
  • the covering part 13 is inserted into the introduction hole 28C, and the covering removal part 12 is inserted into the holding hole 27.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30B holding the plurality of optical fibers 10 is fixed to the ferrule 20B via an adhesive, thereby obtaining the optical connector 1C shown in FIG. 19.
  • the through hole 32 may have only a narrow diameter portion 32a, or may hold only the coating removal portion 12 by the narrow diameter portion 32a.
  • the through hole 32 may have only the large diameter portion 32b, and only the covering portion 13 may be held by the large diameter portion 32b.
  • FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing a modification of the optical fiber holding component 30.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30C is a resin layer that collectively covers the covering portions 13 of the plurality of optical fibers 10.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30C constitutes a tape fiber including a plurality of optical fibers 10.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30C is used to suppress positional changes between the plurality of optical fibers 10.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30C integrally holds the covering portions 13 of the plurality of optical fibers 10 in a state where the plurality of optical fibers 10 are arranged in the Y direction and rotationally aligned.
  • the optical fiber holding component 30C is arranged, for example, inside the ferrule 20C at a position facing the fiber holding part 25 in the X direction while holding the plurality of optical fibers 10. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as the optical connector 1A according to the second embodiment can be obtained.
  • the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and various other modifications are possible.
  • the embodiments and modifications described above may be combined with each other to the extent that there is no contradiction, depending on the desired purpose and effect.
  • the configuration of the optical connector is not limited to each embodiment and each modification example described above.
  • the fiber holding part of the ferrule does not need to have a tapered part, and may have only a holding hole and an introduction part.
  • the introduction groove of the fiber holding portion is not limited to a V-groove, and may be a groove having another shape such as a U-groove or a rectangular groove.
  • Fiber holding Part 26 ...Wall surface 27...Holding hole 28, 28C...Introduction hole (an example of "introduction part”) 28A, 28B...Introduction groove (an example of “introduction part”) 28a...Tapered part 28b...Constant diameter part 29...Fiber support part 29a...Supporting surface 30, 30A, 30B, 30C...Optical fiber holding part 30a...Front surface 30b...Rear surface 30c...Top surface 30d...Bottom surface 30e, 30f...Side surface 30g...Fixed Surfaces 30h, 30i...V groove 30s...Stepped surface 31...Lid 32...Through hole 32a...Small diameter portion 32b...Large diameter portion 40...Guide pin 50...Spacer 50a...Opening 100...Optical coupling structure C1, C2, C3...Virtual Circle D1, D2, D4...Inner diameter D1, D2, D3...Diameter d1, d2...Outer diameter L...Central axis P1...

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
PCT/JP2023/025164 2022-08-03 2023-07-06 光コネクタ、フェルール、及び光結合構造 Ceased WO2024029270A1 (ja)

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CN202380053947.6A CN119604793A (zh) 2022-08-03 2023-07-06 光连接器、插芯以及光耦合结构
JP2024538881A JPWO2024029270A1 (https=) 2022-08-03 2023-07-06
EP23849829.9A EP4567481A4 (en) 2022-08-03 2023-07-06 OPTICAL CONNECTOR, FERRULE AND OPTICAL COUPLING STRUCTURE
US18/994,770 US20260016643A1 (en) 2022-08-03 2023-07-06 Optical connector, ferrule, and optical coupling structure

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