Patent ID: 12204151

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An optical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Configuration of Optical Connector

FIG.1is a perspective view of optical connector50as viewed from the lower side.FIG.2Ais a plan view of optical connector50, andFIG.2Bis a bottom view.FIG.3Ais a right side view of optical connector50, andFIG.3Bis a sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG.2A.FIG.4Ais a front view of optical connector50, andFIGS.4B and4Care rear views. Note that inFIG.4C, optical transmission member10and pressing member123are omitted.

Note that in the following description, the direction in which optical transmission member10is disposed in parallel (the direction in which projecting surfaces161of second surface160are arranged) is “first direction” or “X direction”, the direction orthogonal to the X direction in front view of second surface160is “second direction” or “Z direction”, and the direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Z direction is “third direction” or “Y direction”.

As illustrated inFIGS.1to4C, optical connector50according to Embodiment 1 includes ferrule100and optical transmission member10. Optical connector50according to the present embodiment may be used as an optical connector module together with a housing, a spring clamp structure part and the like.

The type of optical transmission member10is not limited. Examples of the type of optical transmission member10include optical fibers and optical waveguides. In the present embodiment, optical transmission member10is an optical fiber. In addition, the optical fiber may be of a single mode type, or of a multiple mode type. The end surface of optical transmission member10may be parallel to the plane orthogonal to the extending direction of optical transmission member10, or may be tilted with respect to the plane orthogonal to the extending direction of optical transmission member10. In the present embodiment, the end surface of optical transmission member10is tilted with respect to the plane orthogonal to the extending direction of optical transmission member10. In the present embodiment, the inclination angle to the plane is 5 degrees, for example. The number of optical transmission members10is not limited. In the present embodiment, sixteen optical transmission members10are provided for one ferrule100. The end portion of optical transmission member10is fixed to ferrule100.

FIG.5Ais a perspective view of ferrule100from which pressing member123is detached as viewed from the lower side, andFIG.5Bis a sectional view.FIG.6Ais a plan view of ferrule100from which pressing member123is detached, andFIG.6Bis a bottom view.FIG.7Ais a front view of ferrule100from which pressing member123is detached,FIG.7Bis a rear view, andFIG.7Cis a right side view.FIG.8Ais a perspective view of pressing member123as viewed from the lower side,FIG.8Bis a plan view,FIG.8Cis a bottom view,FIG.8Dis a right side view, andFIG.8Eis a front view.

Ferrule100is a member with a substantially cuboid shape. Ferrule100includes holding part120, first surface140, and second surface160. Ferrule100is formed using a material that is optically transparent to light with wavelengths used for optical communications. Examples of the material of ferrule100include polyetherimide (PEI) such as ULTEM (registered trademark) and transparent resins such as cyclic olefin resin. In addition, ferrule100is manufactured by injection molding.

Holding part120holds the end portion of optical transmission member10. Holding part120includes holding recess121, first groove122, pressing member123, and sliding part124.

Holding recess121is a recess that opens at the top surface and back surface of ferrule100. The planar shape of holding recess121is not limited as long as the end portions of a plurality of optical transmission members10can be disposed at appropriate positions. In the present embodiment, the planar shape of holding recess121is rectangular. In the present embodiment, sliding groove127of sliding part124for disposing pressing member123at a predetermined position is disposed at the both end portions of holding recess121in the first direction (the X direction). First groove122is disposed at the bottom surface of holding recess121.

First groove122is a groove for setting the position of optical transmission member10. First groove122may be disposed in the entirety of the bottom surface of holding recess121, or in a part of the bottom surface of holding recess121. In the present embodiment, first groove122is disposed in a part of the region on the first surface140side in the bottom surface of holding recess121. The number of first grooves122need only be greater than the number of optical transmission members10installed. In the present embodiment, the number of first grooves122is the same as the number of optical transmission members10installed, i.e., 16. The cross-sectional shape of first groove122in the XZ cross-section is not limited. First groove122may be a V-shaped groove or a U-shaped groove. In the present embodiment, first groove122is a V-shaped groove. Here, “V-groove” is a groove composed of two planes, with a V-shape in the cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the groove. The connecting part of the two planes may be chamfered (processed into a rounded corner). “U-groove” is a groove composed of one curved surface, with an arc-like shape in the cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the groove. Preferably, the depth of first groove122is a depth with which the upper end portion of optical transmission member10is located on the upper side of the upper end portion of first groove122(the upper end portion of the ridge located between two first grooves122). In this manner, removal of optical transmission member10from first groove122can be prevented by pressing optical transmission member10toward first groove122with pressing member123.

First groove122may be disposed parallel to the rear surface of ferrule100, or may be disposed in a manner that it comes closer to the rear surface of ferrule100in the direction toward first surface140. In the present embodiment, first groove122is disposed parallel to the rear surface of ferrule100.

Pressing member123presses optical transmission member10toward first groove122. In other words, pressing member123presses optical transmission member10toward a connector main body including holding recess121, first surface140and second surface160. Pressing member123is disposed to cover holding recess121where the end portion of optical transmission member10is disposed. The configuration of pressing member123is not limited as long as the above-described function can be achieved. In the present embodiment, pressing member123includes pressing member main body125. Pressing member123is housed inside holding recess121. Protrusion126of sliding part124is disposed at the side surface of pressing member main body125.

Sliding part124is a mechanism for sliding pressing member123in the extending direction of optical transmission member10. Sliding part124is not limited as long as the above-described function can be achieved. In the present embodiment, sliding part124includes protrusion126and sliding groove127. In sliding part124, protrusion126and sliding groove127are disposed at pressing member123and holding recess121, respectively, or sliding groove127and protrusion126are disposed at pressing member123and holding recess121, respectively. In the present embodiment, protrusion126is disposed at pressing member main body125and sliding groove127is disposed at holding recess121.

Protrusion126is disposed at both ends in the first direction (the X direction) in pressing member main body125. In the present embodiment, protrusion126is a ridge disposed along the extending direction of optical transmission member10in pressing member main body125. In the present embodiment, the cross-section orthogonal to the extending direction of protrusion126has the same size from one end portion to the other end portion. Protrusion126is disposed at both end portions in the first direction (the X direction) in pressing member main body125, and laterally protruded. Regarding the width (the length in the up-down direction in side view of ferrule100) of protrusion126, it is preferable that the width of the opening of sliding groove127be small. That is, preferably, protrusion126is configured to be press-fitted to sliding groove127.

Sliding groove127is disposed at the surfaces on the both sides in the first direction (the X direction) in holding recess121. Sliding groove127is disposed such that the width of its opening decreases toward first surface140. In the present embodiment, sliding groove127includes first tapered part127a, first straight part127b, second tapered part127c, and second straight part127d. In sliding groove127, first tapered part127a, first straight part127b, second tapered part127c, and second straight part127dare disposed in this order. Second straight part127dhas a smaller width of the opening than first straight part127b. In this manner, preferably, sliding groove127has a portion where the width (the length in the up-down direction in side view of ferrule100) of the opening is small.

First surface140is disposed to face the end surface of the plurality of optical transmission members10held by holding part120. First surface140allows incidence of light emitted from the plurality of optical transmission members10. Note that first surface140may emit, toward the end surface of the plurality of optical transmission members10, the light entered from second surface160. The shape of first surface140is not limited as long as the above-described function can be achieved. First surface140may include a plurality of projecting surfaces, or may be a plane. In the present embodiment, first surface140is a plane. First surface140is disposed at a part of the inner surface of holding recess121.

The surface of first surface140that makes contact with the end surface of optical transmission member10may be tilted in a manner that it comes closer to second surface160in the direction toward the rear surface of ferrule100, or may be perpendicular to the rear surface of ferrule100. In the present embodiment, the surface of first surface140that makes contact with the end surface of optical transmission member10is tilted in a manner that it comes closer to second surface160in the direction toward the rear surface of ferrule100. Preferably, the inclination angle of first surface140is the same as the inclination angle of the end surface of optical transmission member10. The inclination angle of first surface140with respect to the second direction (the Z direction) set as 0 degree is within a range of 3 to 8 degrees, preferably 5 to 8 degrees, for example. In the present embodiment, the inclination angle of first surface140with respect to the second direction (the Z direction) set as 0 degree is 5 degrees.

Second surface160emits, to the outside, the light entered from first surface140. Note that second surface160may allow incidence of light from the outside. The shape of second surface160is not limited as long as the above-described function can be achieved. Second surface160may include a plurality of projecting surfaces, or may be a plane. In the present embodiment, second surface160includes a plurality of projecting surfaces161. Projecting surfaces161, which are disposed in parallel in the first direction (the X direction), emit, toward other ferrule100, the light entered from first surface140, or allow incidence of light from the outside. Second surface160is disposed in the front surface of ferrule100. The planar shape of projecting surface161is not limited. The planar shape of projecting surface161may be a circular shape or a rectangular shape. In the present embodiment, the planar shape of projecting surface161is a circular shape. In addition, the number of projecting surfaces161is the same as the number of optical transmission member10. That is, in the present embodiment, sixteen projecting surfaces161are provided.

Now, a method of attaching optical transmission member10to ferrule100is described below. First, the end portions of the plurality of optical transmission members are respectively disposed on a plurality of first grooves122such that the end surfaces of the plurality of optical transmission members10hit first surface140. In this state, pressing member123is disposed at ferrule main body with a guide of sliding part124. With a guide of sliding part124, pressing member123is inserted from the back side toward front surface side of ferrule100. At this time, since the width of sliding groove127decreases from the back surface toward front surface of ferrule100, pressing member123moves from the top surface toward bottom surface of ferrule100as pressing member123is inserted from the back surface toward front surface of ferrule100. Therefore, pressing member123presses optical transmission member10against first groove122while pressing the end surface of optical transmission member10against first surface140. Thus, optical transmission member10can be accurately positioned at ferrule100.

Effects

As described above, with ferrule100of the present embodiment, sliding groove127is formed such that the width of its opening decreases toward first surface140, and thus optical transmission member10can be positioned in a manner of being pushed to first groove122while the end surface of optical transmission member10is pressed to first surface140side with pressing member123. Thus, the end of optical transmission member10can be accurately positioned, and the ease of assembling increases.

Modification 1

Next, an optical connector according to Modification 1 is described. The optical connector according to the present modification is different from optical connector50according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of holding part220excluding pressing member123of ferrule200. In view of this, the same components as those of the optical connector50according to Embodiment 1 are denoted with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG.9Ais a plan view of ferrule200from which a lid is detached,FIG.9Bis a rear view, andFIG.9Cis a sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG.9A.

The optical connector according to the present modification includes ferrule200and optical transmission member10. As illustrated inFIGS.9A to9C, ferrule200includes holding part220, first surface140, and second surface160. Holding part220includes holding recess121, first groove122, pressing member123, sliding part124, and third groove271.

Third groove271serves as an escape area for the end of optical transmission member10, as well as a reservoir for excess adhesive. Third groove271is disposed between first surface140and first groove122. Third groove271is disposed along third direction (the Y direction).

Effects

In the above-described manner, the optical connector of the present modification has an effect similar to that of optical connector50according to Embodiment 1. In addition, since the optical connector according to the present modification includes third groove271, optical transmission member10can be further accurately positioned.

Modification 2

Next, an optical connector according to Modification 2 is described. The optical connector according to the present modification is different from optical connector50according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of holding part320excluding pressing member123of ferrule300. In view of this, the same components as those of optical connector50according to Embodiment 1 are denoted with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG.10Ais a plan view of ferrule300from which a lid is detached,FIG.10Bis a rear view, andFIG.10Cis a sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG.10A.

The optical connector according to the present modification includes ferrule300, and optical transmission member10. As illustrated inFIGS.10A to10C, ferrule300includes holding part320, first surface140, and second surface160. Holding part320includes holding recess121, first groove322, pressing member123, and sliding part124.

First groove322according to the present modification includes first straight groove322a, and first tapered groove322b. First straight groove322ais the same as first groove122in Embodiment 1. First tapered groove322bis connected to the base end portion of first straight groove322aon the side opposite to first surface140. First tapered groove322bis disposed such that its width decreases toward first surface140. In addition, first tapered groove322bis disposed such that its depth decreases toward first surface140. In this case, optical transmission member10is guided to first straight groove322athrough first tapered groove322b, and thus each optical transmission member10can be easily appropriately guided to each first groove322.

Effects

In the above-described manner, the optical connector of the present modification has an effect similar to that of optical connector50according to Embodiment 1. In addition, since first groove322of ferrule300of the optical connector according to the present modification includes first tapered groove322b, each optical transmission member10can be easily appropriately guided to first groove322.

Modification 3

Next, an optical connector according to Modification 3 is described. The optical connector according to the present modification is different from ferrule100of the optical connector according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of lid423. In view of this, the same components as those of optical connector50according to Embodiment 1 are denoted with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG.11Ais a perspective view of lid423as viewed from the lower side,FIG.11Bis a plan view,FIG.11Cis a bottom view,FIG.11Dis a side view, andFIG.11Eis a rear view.

The optical connector according to the present modification includes a ferrule and optical transmission member10. The ferrule includes a holding part, first surface140, and second surface160. The holding part includes holding recess121, first groove122, lid423, and sliding part124.

As illustrated inFIGS.11A to11E, lid423includes pressing member main body125, and pressing part473. Pressing part473is disposed in the region of substantially half of the rear surface of pressing member main body125on first surface140side. Pressing part473protrudes from the bottom surface of lid423. Thus, with pressing part473, optical transmission member10can be more reliably pushed toward the ferrule main body.

Effects

In the above-described manner, the optical connector of the present modification has an effect similar to that of optical connector50according to Embodiment 1. In addition, since the optical connector according to the present modification includes pressing part473, optical transmission member10can be further accurately positioned.

Modification 4

Next, an optical connector according to Modification 4 is described. The optical connector according to the present modification is different from optical connector50according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of lid523of the ferrule. In view of this, the same components as those of optical connector50according to Embodiment 1 are denoted with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

The optical connector according to the present modification includes the ferrule and optical transmission member10.FIG.12Ais a perspective view of lid523as viewed from the lower side,FIG.12Bis a plan view,FIG.12Cis a bottom view,FIG.12Dis a side view, andFIG.12Eis a rear view.

The ferrule includes a holding part, first surface140, and second surface160. The holding part includes holding recess121, first groove122, lid523, and sliding part124.

As illustrated inFIGS.12A to12E, lid523includes pressing member main body125, pressing part473, and notch575formed in pressing member main body125. Notch575is disposed at the side surface of pressing member main body125on the base end side. Lid523can be easily slid by pushing notch575.

Effects

In the above-described manner, the optical connector of the present modification has an effect similar to that of optical connector50according to Embodiment 1. In addition, since the optical connector according to the present modification includes notch575, optical transmission member10can be easily slid.

Modification 5

Next, an optical connector according to Modification 5 is described. The optical connector according to the present modification is different from optical connector50according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of lid623of the ferrule. In view of this, the same components as those of optical connector50according to Embodiment 1 are denoted with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG.13Ais a perspective view of lid623as viewed from the lower side,FIG.13Bis a plan view,FIG.13Cis a bottom view,FIG.13Dis a side view, andFIG.13Eis a rear view.

The optical connector according to the present modification includes a ferrule, and optical transmission member10. The ferrule includes a holding part, first surface140, and second surface160. The holding part includes holding recess121, first groove122, lid623, and sliding part124.

As illustrated inFIGS.13A to13E, lid623includes pressing member main body125, pressing part473, and second groove677. Pressing part473is disposed in the region of substantially half of the rear surface of pressing member main body125on the first surface140side. Second groove677is formed in the rear surface of pressing part473. Second groove677is disposed at a position facing first groove122along the extending direction of optical transmission member10. Second groove677includes second straight groove677a, and second tapered groove677b. Second straight groove677ahas the same configuration as first straight groove322aexcept that it is formed in pressing part473. In addition, second tapered groove677bis the same as first tapered groove322bexcept that it is formed in pressing part473.

Effects

In the above-described manner, the optical connector of the present modification has an effect similar to that of optical connector50according to Embodiment 1. In addition, since the optical connector according to the present modification includes second groove677, lid623can be easily slid.

Note that the ferrule according to Modification 1 from which the lid is detached may be combined with lid423according to Modification 3, the ferrule according to Modification 1 from which the lid is detached may be combined with lid523according to Modification 4, and the ferrule according to Modification 1 from which the lid is detached may be combined with lid623according to Modification 5. In addition, the ferrule according to Modification 2 from which the lid is detached may be combined with lid423according to Modification 3, the ferrule according to Modification 2 from which the lid is detached may be combined with lid523according to Modification 4, and the ferrule according to Modification 2 from which the lid is detached may be combined with lid623according to Modification 5.

Industrial Applicability

The optical connector according to the present invention is suitable for optical communications using optical transmission members.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

10Optical transmission member50Optical connector100,200,300Ferrule120,220,320Holding part121Holding recess122,322First groove123,423,523,623Pressing member124Sliding part125Pressing member main body126Protrusion127Sliding groove127aFirst tapered part127bFirst straight part127cSecond tapered part127dSecond straight part140First surface160Second surface161Projecting surface271Third groove322aFirst straight groove322bFirst tapered groove473Pressing part575Notch677Second groove677aSecond straight groove677bSecond tapered groove