JP6447038B2 - Optical connector coupling system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical connector coupling system.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a ferrule assembly that includes two ferrules that hold a plurality of optical fibers and an adapter that accommodates the two ferrules while facing each other. The ferrules are positioned relative to each other by the latch member attached to each ferrule engaging with the adapter.

International Publication No. 2012/174227

  However, in the ferrule assembly disclosed in Patent Document 1, the side surface of each ferrule is in wide contact with an arm formed integrally with a latch member that engages with the adapter. For this reason, when an external force is applied to the adapter, the external force is transmitted to the arm via the latch member, and acts on each ferrule from the arm. As a result, there is a risk of adversely affecting the optical coupling between the optical fiber held by one ferrule and the optical fiber held by the other ferrule.

  In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector coupling system with improved reliability.

An optical connector coupling system according to an aspect of the present invention includes:
A first optical fiber;
A first holding unit for holding an end of the first optical fiber;
A first ferrule that is optically coupled to the first optical fiber and that expands and emits a light beam emitted from the first optical fiber;
A first housing that houses the first ferrule;
A first optical connector comprising:
A second optical fiber;
A second holding part for holding an end of the second optical fiber;
A second optical interface unit optically coupled to the second optical fiber and configured to condense the light beam emitted from the first optical interface unit onto the second optical fiber. Ferrules,
A second housing that houses the second ferrule;
A second optical connector comprising:
A spacer part disposed on one of the first ferrule and the second ferrule so as to separate the first optical interface part and the second optical interface part from each other;
An adapter for accommodating the first optical connector and the second optical connector so that the first optical connector and the second optical connector face each other, and engaging with the first housing and the second housing;
With
In a state where the first ferrule and the second ferrule are positioned with respect to each other, the first optical fiber is optically coupled to the second optical fiber via the first optical interface unit and the second optical interface unit. Combined.

  According to the present invention, an optical connector coupling system with improved reliability can be provided.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing an optical connector coupling system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a 1st optical connector. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a first ferrule shown in FIG. 2 and its vicinity. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the process of fixing a 1st lens array to the 1st main-body part of a 1st ferrule. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the spacer part shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state before attaching a spacer part to a 1st ferrule. It is sectional drawing of the optical connector coupling system which concerns on 1st Embodiment which shows the state before a 1st ferrule and a 2nd ferrule are positioned mutually. It is sectional drawing of the optical connector coupling system which concerns on 1st Embodiment which shows the state after the 1st ferrule and the 2nd ferrule are positioned mutually. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the optical coupling between the 1st optical fiber shown in FIG. 8, and a 2nd optical fiber. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st ferrule for demonstrating the 1st modification of the optical connector coupling system which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and its vicinity. It is sectional drawing orthogonal to the Y-axis direction of the spacer part and 1st lens array which were shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st ferrule and spacer part for demonstrating the 2nd modification of the optical connector coupling system which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

[Description of Embodiment of the Present Invention]
First, the contents of the embodiment of the present invention will be listed and described.
(1) a first optical fiber;
A first holding unit for holding an end of the first optical fiber;
A first ferrule that is optically coupled to the first optical fiber and that expands and emits a light beam emitted from the first optical fiber;
A first housing that houses the first ferrule;
A first optical connector comprising:
A second optical fiber;
A second holding part for holding an end of the second optical fiber;
A second optical interface unit optically coupled to the second optical fiber and configured to condense the light beam emitted from the first optical interface unit onto the second optical fiber. Ferrules,
A second housing that houses the second ferrule;
A second optical connector comprising:
A spacer part disposed on one of the first ferrule and the second ferrule so as to separate the first optical interface part and the second optical interface part from each other;
An adapter for accommodating the first optical connector and the second optical connector so that the first optical connector and the second optical connector face each other, and engaging with the first housing and the second housing;
With
In a state where the first ferrule and the second ferrule are positioned with respect to each other, the first optical fiber is optically coupled to the second optical fiber via the first optical interface unit and the second optical interface unit. Optical connector coupling system to be coupled.

  According to the above configuration, an optical connector coupling system with improved reliability can be provided.

  (2) While the first ferrule and the second ferrule are positioned with respect to each other, the first ferrule is accommodated in the first housing so as to be relatively movable with respect to the first housing. The optical connector coupling system according to item (1), wherein the second ferrule is accommodated in the second housing so as to be movable relative to the second housing.

  According to the above configuration, an optical connector coupling system with improved reliability can be provided.

  (3) The spacer portion includes a light-transmitting portion that transmits the expanded light beam and a base portion, and the base portion is detachable from the one ferrule. The optical connector coupling system according to item (2).

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide an optical connector coupling system that is relatively easy to maintain.

(4) The spacer portion has a first guide portion,
The other ferrule of the first ferrule and the second ferrule has a second guide part,
The first ferrule and the second ferrule are positioned relative to each other by the first guide portion and the second guide portion,
The first guide part is a pair of guide pins provided on the base part,
The optical connector coupling system according to item (3), wherein the second guide portion is a pair of guide holes formed in the other ferrule.

  According to the said structure, the optical connector coupling system which can reduce manufacturing cost can be provided.

  (5) The optical connector coupling system according to item (4), wherein the spacer portion further includes an engagement latch configured to engage with either one of the first ferrule and the second ferrule.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide an optical connector coupling system that is easy to handle.

(6) The spacer portion is formed integrally with the one ferrule,
The optical connector coupling system according to item (1) or item (2), wherein the first optical interface unit and the second optical interface unit include a lens.

  According to the said structure, the optical connector coupling system which can reduce manufacturing cost can be provided.

(7) The spacer portion includes an opening that exposes one of the first optical interface portion and the second optical interface portion, and a base portion.
The optical connector coupling system according to item (6), wherein an opening area of the opening gradually increases from the one optical interface unit side toward the other optical interface unit side.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide an optical connector coupling system that is relatively easy to maintain.

  (8) The optical connector coupling system according to item (7), wherein the inner wall surface defining the opening is formed in a round shape on the one optical interface side.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide an optical connector coupling system that is relatively easy to maintain.

(9) The base portion includes side surfaces facing each other across the one optical interface portion,
The optical connector coupling system according to item (7), wherein the opening extends from one side surface of the base portion to the other side surface.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide an optical connector coupling system that is relatively easy to maintain.

(10) The first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are single mode optical fibers,
A guide hole is formed in at least one of the first ferrule and the second ferrule,
The first ferrule and the second ferrule according to any one of items (1) to (9), wherein a guide pin for a multimode optical fiber is positioned with respect to each other by being inserted into the guide hole. Optical connector coupling system.

  According to the said structure, the optical connector coupling system which can reduce manufacturing cost can be provided.

[Details of the embodiment of the present invention]
(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the member which has the same reference number as the member already demonstrated in description of this embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted for convenience of explanation. Moreover, the dimension of each member shown by this drawing may differ from the actual dimension of each member for convenience of explanation.

  In the description of the present embodiment, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction will be referred to as appropriate in order to facilitate understanding of the present embodiment. These directions are relative directions set in the optical connector coupling system 1 shown in FIG. Therefore, when the optical connector coupling system 1 shown in FIG. 1 rotates in a predetermined direction, it should be noted that at least one of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction changes accordingly. is necessary.

  Here, the X-axis direction is a direction including the + X direction (the + direction is the vector direction) and the −X direction. Similarly, the Y-axis direction is a direction including the + Y direction and the −Y direction, and the Z-axis direction is a direction including the + Z direction and the −Z direction. When a specific direction (vector) is described, it is clearly indicated as + X direction, -Y direction, or the like as appropriate.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an optical connector coupling system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical connector coupling system 1 includes an optical cable 50, an optical cable 150, a first optical connector 10, a second optical connector 100, and an adapter 2.

  The first optical connector 10 includes a first ferrule 40, a spacer portion 60 attached to the end of the first ferrule 40, a first housing 30 that houses the first ferrule 40, and a rear end of the first housing 30. And an attached boot 20. The second optical connector 100 includes a second ferrule 140, a second housing 130 that houses the second ferrule 140, and a boot 120 attached to the rear end of the second housing 130. The second optical connector 100 has the same configuration as the first optical connector 10 except that the spacer portion 60 is not provided. In addition, you may provide the spacer part 60 in the 2nd optical connector 100. FIG.

  The adapter 2 accommodates the first optical connector 10 and the second optical connector 100 so as to face each other. In a state where the first optical connector 10 and the second optical connector 100 are accommodated in the adapter 2, the first housing 30 and the second housing 130 are engaged with the adapter 2.

  FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the first optical connector 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the first ferrule 40, the spacer portion 60, the spring 70, and the latch 90 are accommodated in the first housing 30 and the boot 20.

  The latch 90 is connected to the boot 20 and is configured to engage with the first housing 30. The spring 70 is configured to apply an elastic force to the first ferrule 40 in the + Z direction. By engaging the first housing 30 with the latch 90, the first housing 30 accommodates the spacer portion 60, the first ferrule 40, and the spring 70.

  Next, the first ferrule 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the first ferrule 40 shown in FIG. 2 and the vicinity thereof. FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining a process of fixing the first lens array 80 to the first main body portion 45.

  The optical cable 50 includes a plurality of first optical fibers 52 arranged in parallel with the X-axis direction, and a coating 53 that integrally covers the plurality of first optical fibers 52. In the present embodiment, the optical cable 50 is held by the first ferrule 40 in a state of being stacked in two stages in the Y-axis direction. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the optical cables 50 stacked in two stages are simply described as the optical cables 50 without any particular distinction.

  At the end of the optical cable 50, the plurality of first optical fibers 52 are exposed from the coating 53. The first optical fiber 52 includes a core layer through which light propagates and a cladding layer that covers the core layer. In the present embodiment, the first optical fiber 52 is a single mode optical fiber, but a multimode optical fiber may be applied.

  The first ferrule 40 includes a first main body 45 that holds the end of the first optical fiber 52 and a first lens array 80. The first main body 45 includes a window 41, a plurality of optical fiber holding holes 42 arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction, a pair of recesses 46, a pair of guide pin insertion holes 44, and a rear end 47. Have. The first main body 45 shown in FIG. 3 is an MT ferrule, but the shape of the first main body 45 is not limited to this. The rear end portion 47 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is provided so that an insertion port (not shown) into which the optical cable 50 is inserted communicates with the optical fiber holding hole 42.

As shown in FIG. 4, each optical fiber holding hole 42 and the pair of guide pin insertion holes 44 are formed in the main body 45 so as to extend in the Z-axis direction. Each first optical fiber 52 exposed from the coating 53 and separated from the single core is guided toward the front surface 48 of the first main body 45 by being inserted into the corresponding optical fiber holding hole 42. Each first optical fiber 52 is fixed to the first ferrule 40 with an adhesive supplied from the window portion 41. Thus, each first optical fiber 52 is held by the corresponding optical fiber holding hole 42.
Further, the front face 48 is polished, for example, so that the end face of each first optical fiber 52 is flush with the front face 48 of the first ferrule 40.

  The first lens array 80 includes a first optical interface unit IF-1 that expands and emits the light beam emitted from the first optical fiber 52, and a pair of guide holes 84. The first optical interface unit IF-1 includes a plurality of GRIN (Gradient-Index) lenses 82 arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction. The first lens array 80 has a front surface 88a and a rear surface 88b located on the opposite side of the front surface 88a. The GRIN lens 82 is held in the first lens array 80 so as to extend from the front surface 88a to the rear surface 88b in the Z-axis direction. The front surface 88a and the rear surface 88b are subjected to a smoothing process such as polishing.

  The first lens array 80 is disposed on the first main body 45 such that the rear surface 88 b contacts the front surface 48 of the first main body 45. In a state where the first lens array 80 is disposed on the front surface 48, each GRIN lens 82 is positioned with respect to the end surface of the first optical fiber 52 accommodated in the corresponding optical fiber holding hole 42.

  The GRIN lens 82 is configured such that the refractive index gradually changes from the central portion toward the outer periphery. The GRIN lens 82 is configured to expand the light beam emitted from the first optical fiber 52. For example, the GRIN lens 82 is configured to collimate divergent light emitted from the first optical fiber 52 and emit parallel light toward the + Z direction. Further, the GRIN lens 82 condenses the light beam that is parallel light incident on the GRIN lens 82 of the first optical interface unit IF-1 from the second optical interface unit IF-2 and couples it to the first optical fiber 52. It is configured as follows.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the process of arrange | positioning the 1st lens array 80 on the front surface 48 of the 1st main-body part 45 is demonstrated. The first lens array 80 is temporarily placed on the front surface 48 in a state where each of the pair of jig guide pins 12 is inserted into the corresponding guide pin insertion hole 44 and guide hole 84. In this state, each GRIN lens 82 is positioned with the corresponding end face of the first optical fiber 52. Thereafter, by supplying an adhesive between the rear surface 88b of the first lens array 80 and the front surface 48 of the first main body 45, the first lens array 80 is fixed to the first main body 45 via the adhesive. . Finally, each of the pair of jig guide pins 12 is taken out from the corresponding guide pin insertion hole 44 and guide hole 84.

  In this way, each GRIN lens 82 is positioned with respect to the end face of the corresponding first optical fiber 52, so that each GRIN lens 82 is optically coupled to the corresponding first optical fiber 52. Further, since each guide hole 84 is positioned with respect to the corresponding guide pin insertion hole 44, each guide hole 84 communicates with the corresponding guide pin insertion hole 44.

  The axial misalignment between the first optical fiber 52 and the GRIN lens 82 causes an angular misalignment of the light beam emitted from the GRIN lens 82 or the light beam incident on the first optical fiber 52 from the GRIN lens 82. The influence of is great. Therefore, it is preferable to use a guide pin for a single mode optical fiber as the jig guide pin 12.

  A guide pin for a single mode optical fiber is manufactured with an accuracy such that an error with respect to a predetermined design value of the outer diameter at each position in the axial direction of the guide pin is ± 0.5 μm or less. The diameter of the jig guide pin 12 indicates an average value of the outer diameters in the axial direction when the outer diameter varies in the axial direction. As described above, by using the guide pin for the single mode optical fiber, the positional deviation between the end face of the first optical fiber 52 and the GRIN lens 82 can be suppressed within ± 0.5 μm. At this time, the difference between the diameter of the jig guide pin 12 and the inner diameters of the guide pin insertion hole 44 and the guide hole 84 can be set to 1 μm or less, for example. Thereby, the shift of the center position of the guide pin insertion hole 44 of the first main body 45 and the guide pin insertion hole 44 of the first lens array 80 is set to 1 μm or less, for example, and the first main body 45 and the first lens array 80 are moved to each other. Positioning can be performed with high accuracy. Further, even with such a highly accurate jig guide pin 12, after the first ferrule 40 is manufactured, it can be reused for manufacturing another first ferrule 40, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Next, the spacer part 60 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing the spacer portion 60 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the spacer portion 60 includes a base portion 63, an opening 62 (light transmitting portion), a pair of first guide pins 64 (first guide portions), and a pair of second guide pins 68. And a pair of engagement latches 65. The base 63 has a front surface 63a and a rear surface 63b located on the opposite side of the front surface 63a. The base portion 63 defines an opening 62 that extends from the front surface 63a to the rear surface 63b in the Z-axis direction. The pair of first guide pins 64 protrude in the + Z direction from the front surface 63 a of the base portion 63. The pair of second guide pins 68 protrude in the −Z direction from the rear surface 63 b of the base portion 63.

  The pair of engagement latches 65 are configured to engage with the recesses 46 of the first ferrule 40. Each engagement latch 65 includes an arm 65b extending in the −Z direction and an engagement piece 65a formed at an end of the arm 65b.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the process of attaching the spacer part 60 to the 1st ferrule 40 is demonstrated easily. FIG. 6 shows a state before the spacer portion 60 is attached to the first ferrule 40. Each second guide pin 68 is inserted into a corresponding guide hole 84 and a guide pin insertion hole 44 (see FIG. 4) communicating with the guide hole 84, and the rear surface 63 b of the base portion 63 and the front surface 88 a of the first lens array 80. Are opposed to each other, the spacer portion 60 is disposed on the first lens array 80. At this time, the engagement piece 65 a of each engagement latch 65 is fitted into the corresponding recess 46 of the first ferrule 40, so that the spacer 60 is attached to the first lens array 80.

  In addition, the first interface unit IF-1 is exposed to the outside through the opening 62 in a state where the spacer unit 60 is disposed on the first lens array 80. For this reason, the opening part 62 functions as a light transmission part which permeate | transmits the expansion light beam which enters / outgoes in 1st interface part IF-1. The translucent portion is not limited to the opening 62, and a configuration filled with another transparent medium or the like can be employed as long as it has a function of transmitting the light beam entering and exiting the first interface unit IF-1.

  The first guide pin 64 and the second guide pin 68 may be formed integrally with the base portion 63 or may be formed separately. The first guide pin 64 and the second guide pin 68 are guide pins for a multimode optical fiber, and an error with respect to a predetermined design value of the outer diameter at each position in the axial direction of the guide pin is ± 1.0 μm or less. It is manufactured with such accuracy. The advantage of using a guide pin for a multimode optical fiber will be described later.

  The spacer portion 60 can be detached from the first ferrule 40 by releasing the engagement between each engagement latch 65 and the corresponding recess 46. Thus, the spacer part 60 can be attached to and detached from the first ferrule 40. Therefore, the first ferrule 40 and the second ferrule 140 can be coupled by attaching the spacer 60 to the first ferrule 40 after cleaning the surface of the first optical interface unit IF-1.

  Next, the state before and after the first ferrule 40 of the first optical connector 10 and the second ferrule 140 of the second optical connector 100 are positioned with respect to each other will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the Y-axis direction of the optical connector coupling system 1 and shows a state before the first ferrule 40 and the second ferrule 140 are positioned with respect to each other. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the Y-axis direction of the optical connector coupling system 1 and shows a state after the first ferrule 40 and the second ferrule 140 are positioned with respect to each other.

In the optical connector coupling system 1 shown in FIG. 7, the first optical connector 10 and the second optical connector 100 are accommodated in the cavity 23 of the adapter 2 so that the first ferrule 40 and the second ferrule 140 face each other. Has been.
In the first optical connector 10, the spacer portion 60 is attached to the first ferrule 40. The second optical connector 100 has the same configuration as the first optical connector 10 except that the spacer portion 60 is not provided.

  The second optical connector 100 includes a second ferrule 140, a second housing 130, and a spring 170. The second ferrule 140 includes a second main body 145 and a second lens array 180. The second housing 130 accommodates the second ferrule 140 and the spring 170.

  The optical cable 150 includes a plurality of second optical fibers 152 arranged in parallel with the X-axis direction, and a coating 153 that integrally covers the plurality of second optical fibers 152. The second ferrule 140 includes a second main body 145 having an optical fiber holding hole (not shown) that holds the end of the second optical fiber 152. The second main body 145 has a pair of guide pin insertion holes 144 at the front end. The second lens array 180 is disposed on the second main body 145 in the Z-axis direction, and expands and emits the light beam emitted from the second optical fiber 152 (see FIG. 9) and a pair of guide holes 184 (second guide portions). The second optical interface unit IF-2 includes a GRIN lens 182 (see FIG. 9). Each guide hole 184 passes through the second lens array 180 in the Z-axis direction, and is positioned and communicated with the corresponding guide pin insertion hole 144.

  From the state shown in FIG. 7, the first optical connector 10 is moved in the + Z direction, the second optical connector 100 is moved in the −Z direction, and each first guide pin 64 (first guide portion) of the spacer portion 60 is moved. The guide hole 184 (second guide portion) and the guide pin insertion hole 144 of the corresponding second ferrule 140 are inserted. As shown in FIG. 8, the first ferrule 40 and the second ferrule 140 are positioned with respect to each other by the first guide pin 64 and the guide hole 184. Further, in this state, the first optical fiber 52 and the second optical fiber 152 are optically coupled via the first optical interface unit IF-1 and the second optical interface unit IF-2.

  7 and 8, the first optical interface unit IF-1 protrudes from the first housing 30 in the + Z direction, and the second optical interface unit IF-2 is the first optical interface unit IF-2 in the -Z direction. 2 Since it protrudes from the housing 130, the first optical connector 10 and the second optical connector 100 can be reliably positioned with respect to each other via the spacer portion 60.

  In the state shown in FIG. 7, the elastic force that the spring 70 applies to the first ferrule 40 and the elastic force that the spring 170 applies to the second ferrule 140 are set to be substantially equal. In this state, the spring 70 presses the first ferrule 40 in the + Z direction. However, since the rear end portion 47 of the first ferrule 40 is in contact with the inner wall surface 36 of the first housing 30, the first ferrule 40 and the housing The relative position of 30 is fixed. Similarly, the spring 170 presses the second ferrule 140 in the −Z direction. However, since the rear end 147 of the second ferrule 140 is in contact with the inner wall surface 136 of the second housing 130, The relative position of one housing 30 is fixed.

  On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 8, the first optical connector 10 and the second optical connector 100 are positioned with respect to each other via the spacer portion 60. Since the elastic force that the spring 70 applies to the first ferrule 40 and the elastic force that the spring 170 applies to the second ferrule 140 are set to be substantially equal, the first ferrule 40 slightly retracts in the −Z direction, The second ferrule 140 slightly retracts in the + Z direction.

  At this time, the center position of the base part 63 of the spacer part 60 substantially coincides with the position of the center part of the cavity 23 of the adapter 2 in the Z-axis direction. Thus, since the first optical connector 10 and the second optical connector 100 are disposed in the cavity 23 symmetrically about the base portion 63, the first optical connector 10 and the second optical connector 100 are coupled to each other. Is stable.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the engaging portion 34 of the first housing 30 is engaged with the first engaging portion 24 a of the adapter 2, and the engaging portion 134 of the second housing 130 is The second engaging portion 24b engages with each other. Accordingly, the first optical connector 10 and the second optical connector 100 are held so as not to drop off from the adapter 2.

  In this state, when an external force is applied to the adapter 2, the external force is transmitted from the adapter 2 to the first ferrule 40 that holds the first optical fiber 52 via the first housing 30 and from the adapter 2 to the second housing 130. To the second ferrule 140 that holds the end of the second optical fiber. Therefore, the external force applied to the adapter 2 can be reduced by the first housing 30 and the second housing 130.

  Further, when the first ferrule 40 is slightly retracted in the −Z direction, the rear end portion 47 of the first ferrule 40 is slightly separated from the inner wall surface 36 of the housing 30. Similarly, when the second ferrule 140 is slightly retracted in the + Z direction, the rear end portion 147 of the second ferrule 140 is slightly separated from the inner wall surface 136 of the second housing 130.

  As described above, the first ferrule 40 is accommodated in the first housing 30 so as to be relatively movable with respect to the first housing 30 in a state where the first ferrule 40 and the second ferrule 140 are positioned with respect to each other. . On the other hand, the second ferrule 140 is accommodated in the second housing 130 so as to be movable relative to the second housing 130. As described above, the first ferrule 40 and the second ferrule 140 coupled to each other are accommodated in the housing in a state of floating with respect to the first housing 30 and the second housing 130.

  Therefore, even when an external force is applied to the first optical connector 10 and the second optical connector 100 coupled to each other, the external force is directly transmitted from the first housing 30 and the second housing 130 to the first ferrule 40 and the second ferrule 140. Absent. For this reason, the optical coupling between the first optical fiber 52 and the second optical fiber 152 is less likely to be adversely affected by external forces. Therefore, the optical connector coupling system 1 having improved reliability can be provided.

  Further, according to the optical connector coupling system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a pair of guide pins on the first lens array 80 or the second lens array 180, and the pair of first guide pins 64 is provided on the spacer portion 60. What is necessary is just to provide.

  That is, by attaching the spacer portion 60 to the first lens array 80, the first optical connector 10 can be used as a male connector. On the other hand, by attaching the spacer 60 to the second lens array 180, the second optical connector 100 can be used as a male connector. Thus, the optical connector to which the spacer portion 60 is attached can be used as a male connector. This eliminates the need to prepare a male connector in which guide pins are integrally formed. Therefore, the optical connector coupling system 1 that can reduce the manufacturing cost can be provided.

  Further, according to the optical connector coupling system 1 according to the present embodiment, the spacer portion 60 has the engagement latch 65 that engages with the first ferrule 40. Thereby, when removing the 1st ferrule 40 and the 2nd ferrule 140 couple | bonded together, the condition where the spacer part 60 is removed from the 1st lens array 80 suddenly can be prevented. Therefore, the optical connector coupling system 1 that can be easily handled can be provided.

(Optical coupling between the first optical fiber 52 and the second optical fiber 152)
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the optical coupling between the first optical fiber 52 and the second optical fiber 152 will be described below. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining optical coupling between the first optical fiber 52 and the second optical fiber 152 shown in FIG.

  Of the plurality of first optical fibers 52 held by the first ferrule 40, the reception side optical fiber is referred to as a first optical fiber 52a, and the transmission side optical fiber is referred to as a first optical fiber 52b. Similarly, among the plurality of second optical fibers 152 held by the second ferrule 140, the transmission side optical fiber is referred to as a second optical fiber 152a, and the reception side optical fiber is referred to as a second optical fiber 152b.

  Further, the first lens array 80 includes a plurality of GRIN lenses 82 and constitutes a first optical interface unit IF-1. Of the plurality of GRIN lenses 82, the GRIN lens optically connected to the first optical fiber 52a is referred to as a GRIN lens 82a, and the GRIN lens optically connected to the first optical fiber 52b is referred to as a GRIN lens 82b.

  Similarly, the second lens array 180 includes a plurality of GRIN lenses 182 and constitutes a second optical interface unit IF-2. Of the plurality of GRIN lenses 182, the GRIN lens optically connected to the second optical fiber 152a is referred to as GRIN lens 182a, and the GRIN lens optically connected to the second optical fiber 152b is referred to as GRIN lens 182b.

  The optical coupling between the first optical fiber 52b and the second optical fiber 152b will be described below. The light beam propagating in the first optical fiber 52b in the + Z direction and entering the GRIN lens 82b is expanded by the GRIN lens 82b and emitted toward the opening 62. The GRIN lens 82b collimates the divergent light emitted from the first optical fiber 52b and converts the divergent light into a substantially parallel light beam.

  The light beam expanded by the GRIN lens 82b propagates in the + Z direction through the opening 62, and enters the GRIN lens 182b. Then, the light beam is condensed on the end surface of the second optical fiber 152b by the GRIN lens 182b, and the second optical fiber 152b. Propagates in the + Z direction. As described above, the first optical fiber 52b and the second optical fiber 152b are optically coupled to each other via the first optical interface unit IF-1 and the second optical interface unit IF-2.

  Similarly, a light beam that propagates in the second optical fiber 152a in the −Z direction and enters the GRIN lens 182a is expanded by the GRIN lens 182a and emitted toward the opening 62.

  The light beam expanded by the GRIN lens 182a propagates in the −Z direction through the opening 62 and enters the GRIN lens 82a. Then, the light beam is condensed on the end surface of the first optical fiber 52a by the GRIN lens 82a, and the first optical fiber 52a. Propagates in the -Z direction. As described above, the second optical fiber 152a and the first optical fiber 52a are optically coupled to each other via the first optical interface unit IF-1 and the second optical interface unit IF-2.

  According to the optical connector coupling system 1 according to the present embodiment, the light beam is expanded between the first optical interface unit IF-1 and the second optical interface unit IF-2. As described above, according to the optical connector coupling system 1 of the present embodiment, by transmitting and receiving light in the form of the expanded light beam, in a plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the optical coupling direction (Z-axis direction). The connection loss caused by the misalignment between the first optical connector 10 and the second optical connector 100 can be suppressed. Therefore, an optical coupling structure is provided in which the deterioration of optical characteristics due to axial deviation is small (high tolerance). Moreover, since high processing precision is not requested | required by the guide pin which positions between the 1st optical connector 10 and the 2nd optical connector 100 by this, the optical connector coupling system 1 with a good optical characteristic can be provided at low cost. In an example of this embodiment, the processing accuracy of the first guide pin 64 and the second guide pin 68 can be the same processing accuracy as that of a guide pin normally used for an optical connector for optically coupling multimode optical fibers. In this case, the difference between the diameter of the first guide pin 64 and the inner diameter of the pair of guide holes 184 and the difference between the diameter of the second guide pin 68 and the inner diameter of the pair of guide holes 84 are, for example, 2 μm or less.

  Normally, single mode optical fibers are optically coupled using the above-mentioned guide pins for single mode optical fibers. In this case, the difference between the diameter of the guide pin and the inner diameter of the guide hole is 1 μm or less. On the other hand, according to the optical connector coupling system 1 of the present embodiment, the difference between the diameter of the first guide pin 64 and the inner diameter of the pair of guide holes 184, and the diameter of the second guide pin 68 and the pair of guide holes 84. Even when the difference from the inner diameter is greater than 1 μm and less than or equal to 2 μm, the decrease in optical characteristics between the second optical fiber 152a and the first optical fiber 52a is small. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the optical connector coupling system 1 can be reduced.

(First modification)
Next, with reference to FIG.10 and FIG.11, the 1st modification of the optical connector coupling system 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the first ferrule 40 and its vicinity. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the spacer unit 160 and the first lens array 80 shown in FIG.

  The optical connector coupling system according to the first modification is mainly different from the optical connector coupling system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the spacer portion 160 is integrally formed with the first lens array 80. Therefore, in the following description, only the configuration of the spacer portion 160 will be referred to. In addition, since the member which has the same reference number as the member demonstrated in 1st Embodiment has the same structure, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the spacer portion 160 is formed integrally with the first lens array 80 of the first ferrule 40. The spacer portion 160 includes a base portion 163 and a pair of guide pins 164 (first guide portions). The base portion 163 has a first surface 161a, a second surface 161b, a third surface 167a, and a fourth surface 167b. The front surface 88a includes the first optical interface unit IF-1. The second surface 161b is disposed on the second optical interface unit IF-2 side (projecting in the + Z direction) in the Z-axis direction from the first surface 161a. As shown in FIG. 10, the third surface 167a is disposed between the first surface 161a and the second surface 161b in the Z-axis direction, and is provided so as to be continuous with the first surface 161a. The fourth surface 167b is located on the opposite side of the third surface 167a and is provided so as to be continuous with the second surface 161b. The third surface 167a and the fourth surface 167b face each other across the first optical interface unit IF-1.

  In the optical connector coupling system according to the first modification, the second surface 161b of the spacer unit 160 abuts against the end of the second ferrule 140, whereby the first optical interface unit IF-1 and the second optical interface unit IF. -2 is opposed to each other in a separated state.

  The spacer unit 160 further includes an opening 162 (translucent part) configured to transmit the enlarged light beam emitted from the GRIN lens 82. The opening 162 is formed to extend from the first surface 161a to the second surface 161b in the Z-axis direction, and exposes the first optical interface unit IF-1. Furthermore, the opening 162 is formed to extend from the third surface 167a to the fourth surface 167b in the Y-axis direction. As described above, the opening 162 is defined by the base 163.

  The opening area of the opening 162 gradually increases from the first optical interface unit IF-1 side toward the second optical interface unit IF-2 side (not shown) (in the + Z direction). Yes. Thereby, the 1st optical interface part IF-1 can be cleaned easily.

  Of the inner wall surface 169 that defines the opening 162, the root portion 169a on the first optical interface unit IF-1 side is formed in a round shape having a smooth curve. Thereby, the dust which accumulates in the boundary part of the 1st surface 161a and the inner wall surface 169 can be easily removed by a cotton swab or air blow.

  According to the optical connector coupling system according to the first modification, the spacer portion 160 can be formed integrally with the first ferrule 40. Thus, since it is not necessary to separately prepare a component that functions as the spacer portion 160, it is possible to provide an optical connector coupling system that can reduce manufacturing costs.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the opening 162 is formed to extend from the third surface 167a to the fourth surface 167b. Thereby, the dust adhering to 1st optical interface part IF-1 with a cotton swab or an air blow can be removed easily.

  Thus, an optical connector coupling system that is relatively easy to maintain can be provided. In the description of the first modification, the spacer portion 160 is provided on the first ferrule 40, but may be provided on the second ferrule 140. Further, the spacer portion 160 may be provided on both the first ferrule 40 and the second ferrule 140.

(Second modification)
Next, a second modification of the optical connector coupling system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the first ferrule 40-2 and the spacer portion 260.

  The optical connector coupling system according to the second modification is different from the optical connector coupling system according to the first embodiment and the first modification in that the spacer portion 260 is integrally formed with the first ferrule 40-2. .

As shown in FIG. 12, the first ferrule 40-2 includes a first body portion 245 that holds the end portion of the first optical fiber, and a first optical interface portion IF-1. The first optical interface unit IF-1 includes a plurality of convex lenses 282.
The spacer portion 260 includes a base portion 263, guide pins 264, and guide holes 268. The guide pin 264 protrudes in the + Z direction from the second surface 261b of the base portion 263, and the guide hole 268 extends in the −Z direction from the second surface 261b of the base portion 263.

  The base 263 is formed with an opening 262 that exposes the plurality of convex lenses 282 to the outside. The opening 262 functions as a translucent part that transmits a light beam that enters and exits the convex lens 282.

  The plurality of convex lenses 282 are arranged in parallel to the X-axis direction. Each convex lens 282 is optically coupled to a corresponding optical fiber (not shown) held by the first ferrule 40-2. Further, each convex lens 282 expands and emits the light beam emitted from the corresponding optical fiber. Each convex lens 282 is configured to condense the light beam emitted from the second interface unit IF-2 of the second ferrule 140-2 (not shown) onto the corresponding optical fiber.

  A first ferrule 40-2 (referred to as a first ferrule with a spacer) in which the spacer portion 260 is integrally formed, and a second ferrule 140-2 in which the spacer portion 260 having the same configuration as the first ferrule with a spacer is integrally formed. (Referred to as a second ferrule with a spacer) is prepared, and one guide pin 264 and the other guide hole 268 are coupled to each other. In this state, the first optical interface unit IF-1 and the second optical interface unit IF-2 are opposed to each other with a space therebetween by bringing the front surfaces 260a of the first ferrule with spacer and the second ferrule with spacer into contact with each other. Let Thus, in the optical connector coupling system according to the second modification, the first ferrule 40-2 and the second ferrule 140-2 are positioned and coupled to each other via the spacer portion 260.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner by the description of this embodiment. This embodiment is an example, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  For example, in the first embodiment, the first optical interface unit IF-1 and the second optical interface unit IF-2 include a GRIN lens, but instead of the GRIN lens, the convex lens 282 described in the second modification is used. it can.

1: optical connector coupling system 2: adapter 10: first optical connector 12: jig guide pin 20: boot 23: cavity 24a: engagement portion 24b: engagement portion 30: first housing 34: engagement portion 36: inside Wall 40: 1st ferrule 40-2: 1st ferrule 41: Window part 42: Optical fiber holding hole 44: Guide pin insertion hole 45: 1st main-body part 46: Recessed part 47: Rear end part 48: Front 50: Optical cable 52 : First optical fiber 52a: first optical fiber 52b: first optical fiber 53: coating 60: spacer portion 62: opening (translucent portion)
63: Base portion 63a: Front surface 63b: Rear surface 64: First guide pin (first guide portion)
65: engagement latch 65a: engagement piece 65b: arm 68: second guide pin 70: spring 80: first optical interface portion 82: GRIN lens 82a: GRIN lens 82b: GRIN lens 84: guide hole (second guide portion) )
88a: front surface 88b: rear surface 90: latch 100: second optical connector 120: boot 130: second housing 134: engagement portion 136: inner wall surface 140: second ferrule 140-2: second ferrule 144: guide pin insertion hole 145: second body portion 147: rear end portion 150: optical cable 152: second optical fiber 152a: second optical fiber 152b: second optical fiber 153: coating 160: spacer portion 161a: first surface 161b: second surface 162 : Opening (translucent part)
163: Base portion 164: Guide pin (first guide portion)
167a: third surface 167b: fourth surface 169: inner wall surface 169a: root portion 170: spring 180: second optical interface portion 182: GRIN lens 182a: GRIN lens 182b: GRIN lens 184: guide hole (second guide portion)
245: 1st main-body part 260: Spacer part 261b: 2nd surface 262: Opening part (translucent part)
263: Base portion 264: Guide pin 268: Guide hole 282: Convex lens IF-1: First optical interface portion IF-2: Second optical interface portion

Claims (5)

A first optical fiber;
A first holding unit for holding an end of the first optical fiber;
A first ferrule that is optically coupled to the first optical fiber and that expands and emits a light beam emitted from the first optical fiber;
A first housing that houses the first ferrule;
A first optical connector comprising:
A second optical fiber;
A second holding part for holding an end of the second optical fiber;
A second optical interface unit optically coupled to the second optical fiber and configured to condense the light beam emitted from the first optical interface unit onto the second optical fiber. Ferrules,
A second housing that houses the second ferrule;
A second optical connector comprising:
A spacer part disposed on one of the first ferrule and the second ferrule so as to separate the first optical interface part and the second optical interface part from each other;
An adapter that accommodates the first optical connector and the second optical connector and engages the first housing and the second housing so that the first optical connector and the second optical connector face each other; Prepared,
In a state where the first ferrule and the second ferrule are positioned with respect to each other, the first optical fiber is optically coupled to the second optical fiber via the first optical interface unit and the second optical interface unit. Combined,
The spacer portion includes a light transmitting portion that transmits the expanded light beam, a base portion, and a first guide portion ,
The base portion is detachable from the one ferrule ,
The first guide portion is configured to position the first ferrule and the second ferrule.
Optical connector coupling system.   In a state where the first ferrule and the second ferrule are positioned with respect to each other, the first ferrule is accommodated in the first housing so as to be relatively movable with respect to the first housing, and the first ferrule 2. The optical connector coupling system according to claim 1, wherein the two ferrules are accommodated in the second housing so as to be movable relative to the second housing. The other ferrule of the first ferrule and the second ferrule has a second guide part,
The first ferrule and the second ferrule are positioned relative to each other by the first guide portion and the second guide portion,
The first guide part is a pair of guide pins provided on the base part,
The optical connector coupling system according to claim 1, wherein the second guide portion is a pair of guide holes formed in the other ferrule.   The optical connector coupling system according to claim 3, wherein the spacer portion further includes an engagement latch configured to engage with either one of the first ferrule and the second ferrule. The first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are single mode optical fibers,
A guide hole is formed in at least one of the first ferrule and the second ferrule,
5. The light according to claim 1, wherein the first ferrule and the second ferrule are positioned with respect to each other by inserting a guide pin for a multimode optical fiber into the guide hole. Connector coupling system.

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