JP3230073B2 - Optical fiber connecting device and connecting method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical fiber connecting device and a connecting method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An optical fiber connecting device is required to have a small connection loss, a small size and light weight, and excellent workability. In order to reduce the size and weight of the optical fiber connecting device, it is effective to reduce the size and simplification of its components and directly connect the end faces of the optical fiber wires. Positioning accuracy on the order of μm is required so that axial displacement does not occur between the end surfaces of the strands. As an example of a method of connecting using a sleeve to reduce the axial deviation, there is a connecting device as shown in FIG. 8 (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 236509/1990).
The optical fiber connecting device includes a metal sleeve 22 having a deformable support member 21 having an insertion path for the optical fiber, and an optical fiber 23,
24 is inserted, thereby preventing axial displacement between the abutting surfaces 25 and 26 of the distal end surfaces of the optical fiber wires to be connected, and forming a curved portion 27 in the optical fiber 23 to generate an axial force, thereby producing an optical fiber element. Line abutment surface 2
Pressure is applied to 5, 26. Reference numeral 28 denotes a pin provided on the bending portion 27.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a connecting device for connecting a large number of optical fiber strands collectively (see Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Sho 63-44802). The optical fiber connecting device includes a plurality of V-shaped grooves 30 formed at the center of the substrate 29 for aligning the optical fibers, and a plurality of springs for individually pressing the optical fibers 31 and 31 ′ into the V-shaped grooves 30. Pieces 32, 32 'and optical fiber 3
Support member 3 for fixing or supporting the root of 1, 31 '
3, 33 ', and the support members 33, 3'
By defining the range of the pressing force and the pressing position of the spring pieces 32, 32 'by 3', not only the axial alignment and the connection state can be maintained, but also the optical fiber 31, 31,
The variation in the protruding length between 31 'is easily adjusted by using the bending of the optical fiber, and the bending state is fixed by the support members 33 and 33'. is there.

[0004]

The optical fiber connecting device shown in FIG. 8 uses an optical fiber 23 from both ends of a passage (opening diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the optical fiber) in a deformable support member 21. , 24 are inserted into the optical fiber 2 while generating a pressing force in the radial direction of the optical fiber by utilizing the deformability of the support member 21.
After connecting the distal end faces of the optical fiber strands 3 and 24 to each other, the optical fiber 23 is provided with a curved portion 27 and pressure is applied to the abutting surfaces 25 and 26 of the distal end faces of the optical fiber strands. This is a permanent connection in which the metal sleeve 22 is crimped to fix the abutting surfaces 25 and 26 of the optical fiber, so that there is a problem that it cannot be used for connecting and disconnecting a connector many times.

The optical fiber connecting device shown in FIG. 9 uses a spring piece 32, 32 'to insert an optical fiber 31 into a V-shaped groove 30 for aligning the optical fiber formed in the center of a substrate 29. , 31 ′ are pressed individually, so that the structure of the optical fiber connecting device becomes complicated and large, and in the case of connector connection which is not permanent connection, the spring pieces 32, 32 are repeatedly inserted and removed. ′ Of the optical fiber 31 and 31 ′ may be deviated. Further, the spring pieces 32,
While pushing up 32 ', the optical fibers 31 and 31'
Is inserted into the V-shaped groove 30, there is also a problem that the leading end surfaces of the optical fiber wires 31, 31 'are chipped.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention does not cause chipping at the distal end surface of an optical fiber even in the case of connecting and disconnecting a connector many times. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical fiber connecting device which is simple and has high positioning accuracy of the optical fiber. In order to attain this object, the present invention relates to an adapter for connecting and fixing a micro ferrule 15 having an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the first and second optical fiber wires 2a and 2b in an optical fiber connecting device. And the optical fiber 2
a and 2a 'are first and second plugs 1,
1 ′, and the adapter 10 has a leaf spring 1
7 and the first and second plugs 1,
1 'is provided with recesses 5, 5' at positions where the leaf springs 17 are fitted.
And the first and second plugs 1, 1 'and
When fitting with the adapter 10, the plate of the adapter 10
The spring 17 is provided in the recesses of the first and second plugs 1, 1 '.
By fitting into 5, 5 ', the micro ferrule
Of the optical fiber strands 2a, 2a 'in the fiber 15
It is configured so that connection between them is made.

Further, a specific configuration of the connecting device of the optical fiber strands of the present invention, the same equal number has an outer diameter first and second optical fiber elements 2a, the 2a 'were more aligned fixed A first and second plugs 1, 1 'and a microferrule 15 having an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the optical fiber strands 2a, 2a', and having an opening diameter at both ends larger than the inner diameter in a cone shape; Each plug 1, 1 '
And the number of optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'aligned and fixed to each other. The adapter 10 includes a substrate 11, a microferrule fixing substrate 14 provided on a central portion of the substrate 11, and a substrate. And a guide groove 19 for guiding the first and second plugs 1, 1 ′ provided at both right and left corners of the micro ferrule 11. Micro ferrules 15 as many as the number of optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'are aligned and fixed so that the center lines of the respective inner diameters are in the same plane, and are located at positions substantially parallel to the center lines of the micro ferrules 15. Four L-shaped grooves 16 are provided symmetrically with the micro ferrule 15 on both side surfaces of a certain micro ferrule fixing substrate 14, Four leaf springs 17 are provided on the protrusions 13, 13 provided at the center of both sides of the ferrule fixing substrate 14 in a direction substantially parallel to the center line of the micro ferrule 15 and symmetrically with respect to the micro ferrule 15. The first and second plugs 1, 1 'are fixed at one end.
Are fixed substrates 3 and 3 'for the first and second optical fiber wires 2a and 2a', optical fiber wires 2a and 2a 'aligned and fixed to the fixed substrates 3 and 3', and fixed substrates 3 and 3 '. ′ Are provided on both sides of the optical fiber element wires 4 and 4 ′. The optical fiber elements 2 a and 2 a ′ have center lines substantially parallel to each other in the same plane. In addition, the distance between the center lines is
Are fixed to the fixed substrates 3 and 3 'so as to be equal to the distance between the center lines of the micro ferrules 15 aligned and fixed. Projections 6 and 6 'are provided inside 5' and the distal end, and guide projections 7 fitted and guided in guide grooves 19 provided in the adapter 10 are provided outside the rear ends of the fixed substrates 3 and 3 '. , 7 'are further provided, and the protruding length L1 of the optical fiber 2a from the end 3a of the fixed substrate 3 of the first optical fiber 2a, and the fixed substrate of the second optical fiber 2a' 3 'end 3a'
With respect to the protruding length L2 of the optical fiber 2a ', the plate spring 17 provided on the adapter 10 is connected to the fitting arm 4 provided on the first and second plugs 1, 1'.
The first and second plugs 1 and 1 'are fitted into the adapter 10 by fitting them into the recesses 5 and 5' of the 4 ', and the microfibers 2a' and 2a ' When connected within the ferrule 15, the distance L3 from the end 3a of the fixed substrate 3 to the end 3a 'of the fixed substrate 3', which is substantially parallel to both end surfaces of the micro ferrule 15 on the adapter 10, is greater than L1 + L2. Is also set to be small.

[0008] Another specific configuration of the connecting device of the optical fiber strands of the present invention includes a first plug 1 having a first optical fiber elements 2a described above similarly configured multiple alignment fixed, the optical fiber-containing An inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the wire 2a, and at least the optical fiber
A plurality of micro ferrules 15 having an opening diameter at the end facing the other and having a cone shape larger than the inner diameter are aligned and fixed, and the other end of the micro ferrule 15 has the same outer diameter as the optical fiber 2a. Adapter 10 in which two optical fiber wires 2a 'are inserted and aligned and fixed
The adapter 10 comprises a substrate 11 and a substrate 11
The microferrule fixing substrate 14 is provided with guide grooves 19 and 19 provided at both right corners of the substrate 11 for guiding the first plug 1. Micro ferrules 1 as many as the number of optical fiber strands 2a aligned and fixed
5 are aligned and fixed so that their center lines are in the same plane, and a second optical fiber 2a 'is inserted and aligned and fixed from the other end of the micro ferrule 15. L-grooves 1 are provided symmetrically with respect to the micro ferrule 15 on both side surfaces of the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14 at one end of the micro ferrule 15 and at a position substantially parallel to the center line of the micro ferrule 15.
6 and 16 and convex portions 13 and 13 provided at the center of both side surfaces of the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14.
In addition, at a position facing the L-shaped grooves 16, 16 and substantially parallel to the center line of the micro ferrule 15,
Leaf springs 17, 17 are fixed at one end symmetrically with the micro ferrule 15, and further, a protruding length L1 of the optical fiber 2a from the end 3a of the fixed substrate 3 of the first optical fiber 2a, and For the insertion length L4 of the second optical fiber 2a 'in the micro ferrule 15, the plate springs 17, 17 provided on the adapter 10 are connected to the fitting arm portions provided on the first plug 1. The first plug 1 is fitted to the adapter 10 by fitting into the recesses 5 and 5 of the fourth and fourth optical fibers. When connected in the ferrule 15, the second optical fiber of the micro ferrule 15 extends from the end 3 a of the fixed substrate 3 substantially parallel to one end face of the micro ferrule 15 on the adapter 10. The distance L5 to the insertion end of the wire 2a 'is characterized in that it is set to be smaller than L1 + L4.

Further , still another specific configuration of the optical fiber connecting device according to the present invention includes a first plug 1 in which a first optical fiber 2a constructed in the same manner as described above is aligned and fixed, and an optical fiber connecting device. An inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the wire 2a, and at least the optical fiber
A micro ferrule 15 having an opening diameter at one end opposed to a and having a cone shape larger than the inner diameter is aligned and fixed, and the axis of the micro ferrule 15 and the optical axis coincide with the other end of the micro ferrule 15. An optical fiber connecting device comprising an adapter 10 having an optical component 20 aligned and fixed at a position, wherein the adapter 1
Reference numeral 0 denotes a micro-ferrule fixing substrate 14 provided on the substrate 11 and guide grooves 19 provided on both right corners of the substrate 11 for guiding the first plug 1. An optical fiber 2a aligned and fixed to the plug 1 is mounted on the ferrule fixing substrate 14.
And the number of micro ferrules 15 are aligned and fixed so that their center lines are in the same plane, and the micro ferrule 1 is connected to the other end of the micro ferrule 15.
The optical component 20 is aligned and fixed at a position where the optical axis of the micro ferrule 5 coincides with the optical axis of the micro ferrule 15, and further, the micro component is positioned in the direction of one end of the micro ferrule 15 and substantially parallel to the center line of the micro ferrule 15. Ferrule fixing substrate 14
L-shaped grooves 16, 16 are provided on both sides of the micro ferrule 15 symmetrically with the micro ferrule 15, and the protrusions 13, 1 provided at the center of both sides of the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14.
3, at a position opposed to the L-shaped grooves 16, 16, and
The leaf spring 17 is substantially parallel to the center line of the micro ferrule 15 and symmetrical with the micro ferrule 15.
17 is fixed at one end, and further, with respect to the protruding length L1 of the first optical fiber 2a from the end 3a of the fixed substrate 3 of the first optical fiber 2a,
The leaf springs 17, 17 provided on the adapter 10 are fitted into the recesses 5, 5 of the fitting arms 4, 4 provided on the first plug 1, and the first plug 1 is fitted on the adapter 10. The tip of the optical fiber 2a and the optical component 2
0 is connected via the micro ferrule 15 to the micro ferrule 1 on the adapter 10.
The distance L6 from the end 3a of the fixed substrate 3 of the plug 1 substantially parallel to one end face of the optical component 5 to the optical component 20 connected to the end face of the optical fiber 2a is set to be smaller than L1. It is characterized by the following.

[0010]

According to the present invention, the micro ferrules 15 aligned and fixed to the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14 provided at the center of the substrate 11 of the adapter 10 by the above means are aligned with high precision by using a jig. Can be fixed. The micro ferrule 15 has an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the first and second optical fiber strands 2a, 2a ', and can be manufactured with a dimensional accuracy on the order of μm. Therefore, by inserting the optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'from both ends of the micro ferrule 15 and pressing the end faces of both optical fiber strands 2a and 2a', a high-precision connection of less than μm order with little displacement is achieved. Can be.

[0011] Next, the first and second optical fiber elements 2a of the micro ferrule 15 within, 'optical fiber elements 2a utilizing deflection (bending) of, 2a' 2a for connection principle between the distal end surface of describing . PC that reduces connection loss when connecting the end faces of optical fiber strands
(Physical Contact) In order to realize the connection, a load (approximately 10 g) exceeding a certain level such that the entire surface of the optical fiber core, which is the connection point, is in close contact with the core must be applied to the distal end surface of the optical fiber. In the present invention, the load generated by the bending of the optical fiber is utilized to make the P between the tip surfaces of the optical fiber stable in the micro ferrule.
C connection is performed.

When the tip surfaces of the optical fibers are connected to each other in a micro ferrule, as shown in FIG. The axial load Pk (buckling load) required for buckling is given by the following equation. Pk = π ² EI / L ² (1) Therefore, the optical fiber 34 was bent while the optical fiber 34 was adhered and fixed to the end of the clamp 35 and the end of the micro ferrule 36 having an inner diameter of 126 μm, and the amount of load at that time was measured. FIG. 5A shows that L is 20 mm.
In this case, the amount of contraction between the optical fiber strands is measured instead of the amount of contraction between the optical fiber strands (here, the amount of flexure when bending occurs (= the height of the apex of the arc of the optical fiber strand). ) And the load P are shown. The load P is almost constant up to the shrinkage amount of 0.8 mm (corresponding to the bending amount of 3 mm), and thereafter monotonically increases, and increases to around 3.7 mm (the bending amount of 5.8 mm).
), And sharply decreases due to breakage of the optical fiber.

[0013] When the load P to start the monotonous increase and the buckling load Pk, the amount of deflection caused the buckling load Pk is seen smaller than the length L of the long pillar. Here, the buckling load Pk
FIG. 5B shows the relationship between the length and the length L of the long column. As a result, when the length L of the long column was changed by 12.5 to 32.5 mm, a buckling load Pk of 3 to 22 g was obtained. In order to connect the optical fiber strand to the PC, a load of at least 10 g is sufficient, so if the length of the long column is appropriately selected,
It can be seen that the required load can be easily obtained by only slightly bending the optical fiber.

[0014] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, to secure the one end of the optical fiber elements 37, is connected to the front end face of the other optical fiber elements 39 fixed to the other in the micro ferrule 38, micro ferrule 38 The relationship between the length L of the long column and the buckling load Pk obtained by using the length L1 of the optical fiber in the inside as a parameter is shown in FIG. Buckling load Pk can be generated by the length L of the long column and the bending of the optical fiber, regardless of the distance from the tip surface of the micro ferrule 38 to the end surface of the micro ferrule 38).

According to the above principle, if the length of the long column is controlled, the connection between the distal end surfaces of the optical fiber strands can be stabilized in the micro ferrule only by slightly bending the optical fiber strand. In the present invention, further, an adapter in which the microferrule is aligned and fixed, and a plug in which the optical fiber is aligned and fixed, the optical fiber is inserted into the microferrule from both ends of the microferrule, and the L provided on the adapter is provided. A connection device for an optical fiber strand configured to fit a projection provided on a plug and a guide projection respectively into a U-shaped groove and a guide groove, and further configured to fit a plate spring provided on an adapter into a concave portion provided on the plug; and By adopting the connection method, the plugs can be easily inserted into and removed from the adapter, and the end faces of the optical fibers can be connected.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an optical fiber connecting device according to the present invention. In this figure, reference numerals 1 and 1 'denote first and second plugs which are inserted and withdrawn and held by an adapter, which will be described later, and both have exactly the same configuration. Optical fibers 2 and 2 'and fixed substrates 3 for the optical fibers 2a and 2a'
On both sides of 3 ', fitting arms 4 and 4' for fitting to an adapter described later are provided, and a leaf spring provided on the adapter described later fits outside the distal end of the fitting arms 4 and 4 '. The fitting arms 5, 4 'are provided with projections 6, 6' for fitting into an L-shaped groove provided in an adapter to be described later inside the distal ends of the fitting arms 4, 4 '. Guide projections 7, 7 'are provided outside the base ends of the portions 4, 4' to be fitted in guide grooves provided in an adapter described later, and the fixed substrates 3, 3 'are provided.
Are mounted with V-groove substrates 8 and 8 'made of Si. The V-groove substrates 8 and 8' made of Si have, for example, a width of 5 mm and a length of 10 mm.
Using a Si substrate having a thickness of 450 μm and a thickness of 450 μm, the width is 135 μm, the depth is 108 μm, and the pitch is 250 μm with the accuracy of the order of μm or less by photolithography and anisotropic etching.
Are formed in four V-shaped grooves. Reference numerals 9 and 9 'denote plates for pressing the optical fibers 2 and 2' and the optical fibers 2a and 2a 'to fixed substrates 3 and 3'.

Reference numeral 10 denotes an adapter into which the plugs 1 and 1 ′ holding the optical fibers 2 and 2 ′ are inserted and withdrawn, and a microferrule fixing substrate 14 is provided at the center of the plane of the substrate 11. 14
A V-groove substrate 12 made of Si made in substantially the same manner as the V-groove substrates 8 and 8 'made of Si is fixed on the substrate, and convex portions 13 and 13 are provided at the center of both side surfaces in the longitudinal direction. Provided, said S
Four micro ferrules 15 are aligned and fixed on the i-shaped V-shaped groove substrate 12 by using a fixing jig (not shown) so that the alignment errors of the front and rear and height of the four micro ferrules are aligned to 1 μm or less. The micro ferrule 15 is made of, for example, glass or ceramic and has a length of 5 mm and an inner diameter of 126 μm.
m, the inner diameter at both ends is 180 μm cone, the outer diameter is 24
6 μm.

Further , the micro ferrule fixed substrate 1
4, four L-shaped grooves 16 are provided symmetrically with respect to the fixed micro ferrule 15 on the both sides in the longitudinal direction.
13, four leaf springs 17 are fixed at one end symmetrically to the micro ferrule 15. On the V-groove substrate 12 made of Si on both ends of the fixed micro ferrule 15, bending members 18 for the optical fiber wires 2a, 2a 'are provided. Also, four guide grooves 19 are provided at both left and right corners of the substrate 11 of the adapter 10 in the longitudinal direction so that the guide projections 7, 7 'provided on the plugs 1, 1' are fitted and guided. I have.

[0019] and the optical fiber lines 2a 'first and second optical fiber 2, 2' plug 1,1 configured as above, 2a 'to align fix, first, the optical fiber 2, 2' of The outer sheath is removed, the optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'are exposed, and a fixing jig (not shown)
The optical fiber wires 2a and 2a 'are aligned and fixed in the V-shaped grooves of the Si V-shaped grooved substrates 8 and 8' fixed on the fixed substrates 3 and 3 'of the optical fiber wires, respectively. The first and second optical fibers 2, 2 'and the optical fiber strands 2a, 2a' are respectively connected to plates 9, 9 '.
Fix with.

The length L1 of the first optical fiber 2a protruding from the end 3a of the fixed substrate 3 and the length of the second optical fiber 2a 'fixed substrate 3'.
The plate spring 17 provided on the adapter 10 is connected to the fitting arm 4, 4 'provided on the first and second plugs 1, 1' for the protruding length L2 from the end 3a '. The first and second plugs 1 and 1 'are fitted to the adapter 10 by fitting into the concave portions 5 and 5' outside the distal end, and the first and second optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'are fitted. When the end faces of the fixed ferrule 15 are connected in the micro ferrule 15, the fixed base 3 extends from the end 3 a of the fixed base 3 substantially parallel to both end faces of the microferrule 15 aligned and fixed to the microferrule fixed base 14 of the adapter 10. 'End 3
The distance L3 to a 'was set to be smaller than the above L1 + L2.

[0021] That is, the first and second optical fiber elements 2a, the end portion 3a 'of the fixed substrate 3, 3' 2a,
The protruding length of the optical fiber strands 2a, 2a 'from the 3a' is determined by the four leaf springs 17 provided on the projections 13, 13 of the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14, and the fitting arms of the plugs 1, 1 '. When the first or second plug 1, 1 'is fitted to the adapter 10 alone by fitting into the concave portions 5, 5' provided outside the distal end portions of the portions 4, 4 ', the first or second plug Of the optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'are set so as to be located 1 mm beyond the middle of the micro ferrule 15 (the length corresponding to the length of the long column in FIGS. 15 mm).

Next, a method of connecting optical fiber elements according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 of the connecting device of the optical fiber elements will be described. First, protrusions 6, 6 provided inside the distal ends of the fitting arms 4, 4 'of the first and second plugs 1, 1' are inserted into L-shaped grooves 16 provided on both side surfaces of the microferrule fixing substrate 14. And the four guide grooves 19 provided at the left and right corners of the board 11 of the adapter 10, and the base ends of the fitting arms 4, 4 ′ of the first and second plugs 1, 1 ′. Guide projections 7, 7 'provided on the outside are fitted respectively. Then, the optical fiber strands 2a, 2a 'of the first and second optical fibers 2, 2' aligned and fixed to the first and second plugs 1, 1 'are aligned and fixed to the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14 of the adapter 10. The first and second plugs 1, 1 ′ are inserted into both ends of the micro ferrule 15 and moved to the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14 side, thereby providing the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14 of the adapter 10. The four leaf springs 17 are fitted into the recesses 5, 5 'provided on the outer ends of the fitting arms 4, 4' of the first and second plugs 1, 1 ', whereby the first and second plugs 1, 1' are fitted. The tip surface of the second optical fiber 2a, 2a 'is the micro ferrule 15
And the optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'are bent to generate a buckling load.
The connection state between the end faces of the optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'is stabilized.

The deflection was 2.7 mm, and the load was more than the required load (10 g) for PC connection. The bending direction of the first and second optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'is changed by the bending alignment member 18 having an inverted V-shaped groove having the same pitch as that of the Si V-shaped groove substrate 12. Groove substrate 1
2 is suppressed only in the direction perpendicular to the surface. The connection between the distal end surfaces of the first and second optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'in the micro ferrule 15 and the first and second plugs 1 into the four guide grooves 19 provided in the adapter 10. , 1 ', and the four L-shaped grooves 16 provided in the adapter 10 and the fitting arms 4, 4' of the first and second plugs 1, 1 '. The protrusions 6, 6 'provided on the inner side of the distal end, and the concave portions 5, 5' provided on the outer side of the distal end of the fitting arm 4, 4 'of the first and second plugs 1, 1'. With the simple connection method of fitting the four leaf springs 17 provided on the adapter 10, the stable alignment of the distal end surfaces of the optical fiber strands 2a, 2a 'and the distal end face of the optical fiber strands 2a, 2a' are performed. Retention and insertion of bending force to stabilize butt connection It can be carried out. Note that the end surfaces of the first and second optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'may be slightly rounded and edged to facilitate insertion into the micro ferrule 15.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a description is given of a second embodiment of the connection device and connection method of optical fiber elements of the present invention. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first plug 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the first plug 1 in which a plurality of first optical fiber wires 2a are aligned and fixed, and the Si
The distal end surface of the second optical fiber 2a 'aligned and fixed on the V-groove substrate 8' made of micro ferrule 15 is aligned and fixed on the V-groove substrate 12 made of Si of the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14. And an adapter 10 which is inserted so as to be located in the middle of the adapter and is aligned and fixed.

The adapter 10 is composed of a substrate 11, a microferrule fixing substrate 14 provided on the substrate 11, and guide grooves 19, 19 for guiding the first plugs 1 provided on both right corners of the substrate 11. An optical fiber 2 aligned and fixed to the plug 1 is formed on the V-groove substrate 12 made of Si of the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14.
Micro ferrules 15 of the same number as a are aligned and fixed so that their center lines are in the same plane, and are aligned and fixed on the V-groove substrate 8 ′ made of Si on the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14. Second optical fiber 2a '
Is inserted and fixed at a predetermined position from the other end of the micro ferrule 15, and the micro ferrule 15 is positioned in the direction of one end of the micro ferrule 15 and substantially parallel to the center line of the micro ferrule 15. L-shaped grooves 16, 16 are provided symmetrically with the micro ferrule 15 on both side surfaces of the ferrule fixing substrate 14, and the L-shaped grooves 16, 13 provided at the center of both side surfaces of the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14 are provided with the L-shaped grooves. Leaf springs 17, 17 are fixed at one end at positions opposite to the grooves 16 and substantially parallel to the center line of the micro ferrule 15, and symmetrically with the micro ferrule 15.

The length L1 of the first optical fiber 2a protruding from the end 3a of the fixed substrate 3 and the insertion length L4 of the second optical fiber 2a 'in the micro ferrule 15 are shown. And the adapter 10
The first plug 1 is attached to the adapter by fitting the leaf springs 17 provided in the first plug 1 to the concave portions 5 and 5 on the outer ends of the fitting arms 4 provided in the first plug 1. 10 and the first and second optical fibers 2a, 2
When the tip surfaces of a ′ are connected in the micro ferrule 15, the micro ferrule 1
5, a distance L5 from the end 3a of the fixed substrate 3 of the plug 1 substantially parallel to one end face of the plug 1 to the insertion end (the other end) of the second optical fiber 2a 'of the micro ferrule 15.
Is set to be smaller than L1 + L4.

Next, explaining the connection method of optical fiber lines by connecting device of the optical fiber elements, the L-shaped grooves 16 and 16 provided on both sides of the micro-ferrule fixing substrate 14 of the adapter 10, the first plug The projections 6, 6 provided inside the distal ends of the fitting arms 4, 4 are fitted, and the guide projections 7, provided on the first plug 1 in the guide grooves 19, 19 provided on the adapter 10. 7, the tip end of the first optical fiber 2 a is inserted into one end of the micro ferrule 15, and the first plug 1 is moved toward the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14 of the adapter 10. Leaf springs 17 and 1 provided in 10
7 are fitted into recesses 5 and 5 provided outside the distal ends of the fitting arms 4 and 4 of the first plug 1 so that the distal end surfaces of the first and second optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'are connected to each other. Are butt-connected in the micro ferrule 15 and
A bending force that generates a buckling load is generated in the first optical fiber 2a, and the connection state is stabilized (the bending direction of the first optical fiber 2a is changed by the bending alignment member 18 to Si.
In the direction perpendicular to the surface of the V-groove substrate 12). The length of the optical fiber 2a of the first plug 1 protruding from the end 3a of the fixed substrate 3 of the optical fiber 2a is the same as in the first embodiment. Note that the end surfaces of the first and second optical fiber strands 2a and 2a 'may be rounded and trimmed to facilitate insertion into the micro ferrule 15.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a description is given of a third embodiment of the connection device and connection method of optical fiber elements of the present invention. Since the configuration of the first plug 1 used in this embodiment is the same as that of the first and second embodiments,
The description is omitted. In this embodiment, an optical component 20 (corresponding to a lens, an optical element, or the like) is fixed on a V-groove substrate 12 made of Si of a microferrule fixing substrate 14 of the adapter 10 by using a positioning device (not shown). . At this time, the optical component 20 is located near the other end of the micro ferrule 15 (it does not need to be in contact with the micro ferrule 15).
The second embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the optical axis is fixed so as to coincide with the axis of the micro ferrule 15.

The length of the optical fiber 2a of the first plug 1 protruding from the end 3a of the fixed substrate 3 to the length L1 of the optical fiber 2a is adjusted by the leaf springs 17, 17 provided on the adapter 10. The first plug 1
The first plug 1 is fitted to the adapter 10 by fitting into the concave portions 5 and 5 outside the distal ends of the fitting arms 4 and 4 provided at the end of the first optical fiber 2a. When the surface and the optical component 20 are connected via the micro ferrule 15, the end of the fixed substrate 3 of the plug 1 on the micro ferrule fixed substrate 14 of the adapter 10 which is substantially parallel to one end surface of the micro ferrule 15. The distance L6 from the portion 3a to the optical component 20 connected to the distal end face of the first optical fiber 2a is set to be smaller than the distance L1.

[0030] Then, the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14 micro ferrule 15 aligned fixed on the V-shaped groove substrate 12 made of Si of the adapter 10, the first plug 1
Optical fiber 2a of the optical fiber 2 aligned and fixed
In order to insert and hold, the L-shaped grooves 16 and 1 provided on both side surfaces of the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14 of the adapter 10
6, the projections 6, 6 provided inside the distal ends of the fitting arms 4, 4 of the first plug 1 are fitted, and further, the first plug 1 is inserted into the guide grooves 19, 19 provided in the adapter 10. Of the first optical fiber 2a is inserted into one end of the micro ferrule 15, and the first plug 1 is inserted into the micro ferrule fixing substrate 14 of the adapter 10. , And the leaf springs 17, 17 provided on the adapter 10 are fitted into the recesses 5, 5 provided on the outer ends of the fitting arms 4, 4 of the first plug 1, whereby the aforementioned The distal end face of the first optical fiber 2a is connected to the end face of the optical component 20, and a bending force that generates a buckling load is generated in the first optical fiber 2a. Optical fiber 2
The connection state of the optical fiber 2a with the distal end surface is stabilized (the bending direction of the optical fiber 2a is suppressed only by the bending alignment member 18 in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the V-groove substrate 12 made of Si).

The leaf spring 1 provided on the adapter 10
When the first and second plugs 7 and 17 are fitted into the recesses 5 and 5 provided on the outer ends of the fitting arms 4 and 4 of the first plug 1,
The protruding length of the optical fiber 2a from the end 3a of the fixed substrate 3 is about 1 mm longer than the distance from the one end 3a to the surface of the optical component 20 facing the distal end of the optical fiber 2a. Set to. In addition, the tip end surface of the first optical fiber 2a is preferably rounded and edged to facilitate insertion into the micro ferrule 15.

[0032]

As described above, according to the optical fiber connecting device and the connecting method of the present invention, an adapter in which a microferrule having an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the optical fiber is aligned and fixed, The protrusions and the guide protrusions provided on the plug are fitted into the L-shaped grooves and the guide grooves provided on the adapter, respectively, and the end face of the optical fiber is connected to the end of the micro ferrule. And the plug spring is moved in the direction of the adapter so that the plate spring provided on the adapter and the concave portion provided on the plug are fitted together. Easily insert / remove the plug into / from the adapter so that the tip of the optical fiber and the optical component are connected / separated Door can be. In addition, since the distal end surfaces of the optical fibers are directly in contact with each other, a small optical fiber connecting device requiring a small pressing force can be realized. In addition, since the end faces of the optical fiber wires are connected in a micro ferrule having an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the optical fiber wires, high-precision axis alignment can be easily performed and connection of the optical fiber wires with little connection loss can be achieved. The device can be realized. Further, by forming the opening end of the micro ferrule into a cone shape having a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the optical fiber, there is an effect that chipping does not occur at the distal end surface when the optical fiber is inserted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of an optical fiber connecting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a second embodiment of the optical fiber connecting device according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a third embodiment of the optical fiber connecting device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a conventional technique.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a conventional technique.

[Description of Signs] 1,1 'plug 2,2' optical fiber 2a, 2a 'optical fiber 3,3' fixed substrate 4,4 'fitting arm 5,5' recess 6,6 'projection 7,7' Guide projection 8, 8 'V-shaped groove substrate 9, 9' plate 10 Adapter 11 substrate 12 V-shaped groove substrate 13 Convex portion 14 Microferrule fixing substrate 15 Microferrule 16 L-shaped groove 17 Leaf spring 18 Deflection alignment member 19 Guide groove 20 Optical component 21 Support member 22 Metal sleeve 23 Optical fiber 24 Optical fiber 25 Abutting surface of optical fiber wire 26 Abutting surface of optical fiber wire 27 Bending portion 28 Pin 29 Substrate 30 V-shaped groove for aligning optical fiber 31, 31 'Optical fiber wire 32, 32 'Spring piece 33, 33' Supporting member 34 Optical fiber 35 Clamp 3 6 Micro ferrule 37 Optical fiber strand 38 Micro ferrule 39 Optical fiber strand

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] The connecting device as claimed in claim 1] optical fiber wire, an adapter aligned fixed micro ferrule having an outer diameter equal to the inside diameter of the optical fiber lines, is composed of a plug aligned fixing the optical fiber elements, the
The adapter is provided with a leaf spring, and
Is provided with a concave portion at a position where the leaf spring fits.
When fitting the lug and the adapter,
By fitting a spring into the recess of the plug,
The optical fiber strands are connected in the
A connection device for an optical fiber, characterized in that it is configured to be connected. 2. A first and a second plug having a plurality of first and second optical fiber strands having the same outer diameter and equal in number, and an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the optical fiber strand. A micro ferrule having an opening diameter at both ends and a cone shape larger than the inner diameter is constituted by an adapter aligned and fixed in the same number as the number of optical fiber wires fixed and aligned to each plug, wherein the adapter is a substrate and And a guide groove for guiding the first and second plugs provided on both right and left corners of the substrate, and a micro ferrule fixing substrate provided substantially on the center of the substrate. The same number of micro ferrules as the number of optical fiber strands aligned and fixed to the plugs are aligned and fixed so that their center lines are in the same plane. Four L-shaped grooves are provided symmetrically with the micro ferrule on both side surfaces of the micro ferrule fixing substrate at positions substantially parallel to the center line of the croferrule, and provided at the center of both side surfaces of the micro ferrule fixing substrate. On the protrusion, four leaf springs are fixed at one end in a direction substantially parallel to the center line of the micro ferrule, and at a position symmetric to the micro ferrule, and the first and second plugs are optical fiber wires. A fixed substrate, an optical fiber strand aligned and fixed to the fixed substrate, and a fitting arm provided substantially parallel to the optical fiber strand on both side surfaces of the fixed substrate, and the optical fiber strand has a center thereof. The lines are approximately parallel in the same plane,
And, the distance between the center lines is aligned and fixed to the fixed substrate so as to be equal to the distance between the center lines of the micro ferrules aligned and fixed to the adapter. A projection is provided inside the distal end portion, and a guide projection is provided outside the rear end portion of the fixed substrate so as to be fitted and guided in a guide groove provided in the adapter. With respect to the protruding length L1 of the first optical fiber from the end of the fixed substrate and the protruding length L2 of the second optical fiber from the end of the fixed substrate of the second optical fiber. Fitting a leaf spring provided on the adapter to a concave portion of a fitting arm provided on the first and second plugs, fitting the first and second plugs on the adapter, First and second When the end faces of the optical fiber strands are connected in the micro ferrule, the distance L3 from the end of the fixed substrate to the end of the fixed substrate, which is substantially parallel to both end faces of the micro ferrule on the adapter, is L1
An optical fiber connecting device characterized in that it is configured to be smaller than + L2. 3. The optical fiber connecting device according to claim 2 , wherein the optical fiber wires aligned and fixed to the aug are inserted, and both ends of the micro ferrule aligned and fixed to the first and second optical fiber adapters. A method for connecting between optical fiber strands for connecting between tip end faces of first and second puller strands, wherein the protrusion of the fitting arm provided on the first and second plugs is connected to the adapter. Fitting into the L-shaped groove provided on both sides of the microferrule fixed substrate, and fitting the guide projections provided on the first and second plugs into the guide grooves provided on the substrate of the adapter, The optical fiber is inserted from both ends of the micro ferrule aligned and fixed to the adapter, and the end faces of the optical fiber are abutted with each other, and the first and second optical fibers are joined together. An optical fiber, wherein a leaf spring provided on the adapter is fitted into a concave portion of a fitting arm provided on the second plug, and the distal end faces of the optical fiber are optically coupled and held. Connection method. 4. A first plug in which a plurality of first optical fiber strands are aligned and fixed, and one end having an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the optical fiber strand and at least one of both ends facing the optical fiber strand. A plurality of micro ferrules having an opening diameter larger than the inner diameter and having a cone shape are aligned and fixed, and a second optical fiber having the same outer diameter as the optical fiber is inserted from the other end of the micro ferrule. An optical fiber connection device comprising an aligned and fixed adapter, the adapter comprising: a substrate; a microferrule fixed substrate provided on the substrate; and a first plug provided on both right corners of the substrate. And a guide groove for guiding the micro-ferrule fixed substrate, the number of optical fiber wires aligned and fixed to the plug and The same number of micro ferrules are aligned and fixed such that their center lines are in the same plane, and a second optical fiber is inserted and aligned and fixed from the other end of the micro ferrule. In the direction of one end, on both sides of the micro ferrule fixing substrate at a position substantially parallel to the center line of the micro ferrule, an L-shaped groove is provided symmetrically with the micro ferrule, and both sides of the micro ferrule fixing substrate In the convex part provided in the center of the surface,
A leaf spring is fixed at one end at a position facing the L-shaped groove, substantially parallel to the center line of the micro ferrule, and symmetrically with the micro ferrule, and the first plug is a first optical fiber. A fixed substrate of the wire, an optical fiber wire aligned and fixed to the fixed substrate, and a fitting arm provided substantially parallel to the optical fiber wire on both side surfaces of the fixed substrate, wherein the optical fiber wire is Their center lines are almost parallel in the same plane,
The micro ferrule is aligned and fixed to the fixed substrate so that the distance between the center lines is equal to the distance between the center lines of the inner diameters of the micro ferrules aligned and fixed to the adapter. A projection is provided on the inside of the concave portion and the distal end portion, and a guide projection is provided on an outer surface of a rear end portion of the fixed substrate so as to be fitted and guided in a guide groove provided in the adapter. For the protruding length L1 of the optical fiber from the end of the wire fixing substrate, and the insertion length L4 of the second optical fiber in the microferrule, a leaf spring provided on the adapter is provided. Fitting into the recess of the fitting arm portion provided in the first plug, fitting the first plug into the adapter,
When the end faces of the first and second optical fiber strands are connected in the micro ferrule, the end of the fixed substrate substantially parallel to one end face of the micro ferrule on the adapter is connected to the second end of the micro ferrule. An optical fiber connecting device, wherein a distance L5 to an insertion end of the two optical fibers is set to be smaller than L1 + L4. 5. The optical fiber connecting device according to claim 4 , wherein the second optical fiber having the same outer diameter as the first optical fiber is inserted from the other end of the micro ferrule. A method of connecting an optical fiber, wherein an optical fiber which is aligned and fixed to the first plug is inserted from one end of the ferrule, and a distal end face of the first and second optical fibers is connected. A guide in which a projection provided on a fitting arm portion provided on the first plug is fitted into an L-shaped groove provided on the adapter, and a guide projection provided on the first plug is provided on the adapter. A second optical fiber is inserted from the other end of the micro ferrule aligned and fixed to the adapter by fitting into the groove, and one of the micro ferrules aligned and fixed is inserted. From the end, the first optical fiber strand aligned and fixed to the first plug is inserted, and the first plug is moved toward the micro ferrule substrate of the adapter, whereby the first and second optical fibers are moved. The first and second optical fiber elements are fitted with each other by abutting the end faces of the wires and by fitting a leaf spring provided on the adapter into a recess provided on the fitting arm of the first plug. A method for connecting an optical fiber, comprising optically coupling between end faces of the wire. 6. A first plug in which a first optical fiber is aligned and fixed, and an opening having an inner diameter equal to an outer diameter of the optical fiber and an end of at least one of both ends facing the optical fiber. The micro ferrule having a cone shape larger than the inner diameter is aligned and fixed, and the other end of the micro ferrule is provided with an adapter in which an optical component is aligned and fixed at a position where the axis of the micro ferrule coincides with the optical axis. An optical fiber element connection device characterized in that the adapter comprises a substrate, a microferrule fixing substrate provided on the substrate, and first plugs provided on both right corners of the substrate. And a guide groove for guiding. The micro ferrule fixing substrate has the same number of fibers as the number of optical fiber strands aligned and fixed to the plug. The icroferrule is aligned and fixed so that its center line is in the same plane, and the optical component is aligned and fixed to the other end of the microferrule at a position where the axis of the microferrule coincides with the optical axis, and An L-shaped groove is provided symmetrically with the micro ferrule on both side surfaces of the micro ferrule fixing substrate in a direction toward one end of the micro ferrule and substantially parallel to a center line of the micro ferrule. One end of a leaf spring is provided at a convex portion provided at the center of both sides of the ferrule fixing substrate at a position facing the L-shaped groove, substantially parallel to the center line of the micro ferrule, and symmetrically with the micro ferrule. The first plug is fixed to the fixed substrate of the optical fiber, and the optical fiber aligned and fixed to the fixed substrate. -Strands,
An optical fiber and a fitting arm provided substantially parallel to both sides of the fixed substrate, the optical fiber having a center line substantially parallel in the same plane, and
It is aligned and fixed to the fixed substrate so that the distance between the center lines is equal to the distance between the center lines of the inner diameters of the micro ferrules aligned and fixed to the adapter. A protrusion is provided on the inside of the distal end portion, and a guide protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the rear end portion of the fixed substrate so as to be fitted and guided in a guide groove provided in the adapter. Projection length L1 of the first optical fiber from the end of the fixed substrate
In contrast, the leaf spring provided on the adapter is fitted into the concave portion of the fitting arm provided on the first plug, the first plug is fitted on the adapter, and the tip of the optical fiber When the surface and the optical component are connected via the micro ferrule, the end of the fixed substrate of the plug that is substantially parallel to one end surface of the micro ferrule on the adapter is connected to the tip end surface of the optical fiber. An optical fiber connecting device, wherein a distance L6 to the optical component is set smaller than the distance L1. 7. The optical fiber connecting device according to claim 6 , wherein the first optical fiber is inserted and fixed from one end of the micro ferrule, and a tip end surface of the optical fiber and the optical component are connected. A method of connecting optical fiber strands to be connected, wherein a protrusion of a fitting arm portion provided on the first plug is fitted into an L-shaped groove provided on a microferrule fixing substrate of the adapter, and A guide projection provided on the first plug is fitted into a guide groove provided on the adapter, and aligned from the one end of the microferrule fixed to the microferrule fixing substrate of the adapter to the first plug. The fixed optical fiber is inserted, and the distal end face of the optical fiber and the optical component are abutted with each other, and provided on the first plug. A flat spring provided on the adapter is fitted into the concave portion of the fitting arm portion, and optically couples the distal end face of the first optical fiber and the optical component. Connection method.