JP2018013563A - Ferrule, ferrule with optical fiber, and method of manufacturing ferrule - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve positional accuracy between a plurality of fiber holes.SOLUTION: A ferrule of the present disclosure, that is a ferrule with a plurality of fiber holes, comprises: a resin molding part molded of resin; and a reinforcement member embedded in the resin molding part and having a linear expansion coefficient smaller than that of the resin molding part. The reinforcement member has a plurality of fiber insertion portions in parallel with the fiber holes. The fiber holes are formed of the resin intruding into the fiber insertion portions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a ferrule, a ferrule with an optical fiber, and a method for manufacturing the ferrule.

In Patent Document 1, a reinforcing member made of a cemented carbide having a small linear expansion coefficient is embedded in order to prevent axial misalignment of a fiber hole (optical fiber insertion hole) due to contraction of an optical connector ferrule that is a resin molded body. Have been described. In Patent Document 1, the reinforcing member is disposed so as to surround the plurality of fiber holes.
Patent Documents 2 and 3 also describe that a reinforcing member is disposed so as to surround a plurality of fiber holes.

JP-A-8-338925 JP-A-4-98207 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-125409

  In Patent Documents 1 to 3, a plurality of fiber holes are resin-molded inside a rectangular tube-shaped reinforcing member. In such a configuration, since the linear expansion coefficient of the resin inside the reinforcing member is large, if the resin inside the reinforcing member expands or contracts due to the influence of a temperature change or the like, the fiber holes inside the reinforcing member may be misaligned. There is.

  On the other hand, when trying to form a plurality of fiber holes in the reinforcing member itself in order to suppress misalignment between the fiber holes due to temperature changes, the plurality of fiber holes are highly accurately formed in the reinforcing member, which is a low linear expansion material. Since it is difficult to form (position accuracy and dimensional accuracy as high as resin molding), the positional deviation between the fiber holes eventually occurs.

  Some embodiments of the present invention have an object to provide a ferrule with improved positional accuracy of a plurality of fiber holes.

  Some embodiments of the present invention are ferrules having a plurality of fiber holes, a resin molded part formed of resin, embedded in the resin molded part, and having a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the resin molded part A reinforcing member, and the reinforcing member has a plurality of fiber insertion portions parallel to the fiber hole, and the fiber hole is formed by the resin that has entered the fiber insertion portion. Is a ferrule.

  Other characteristics of the present invention will be made clear by the description and drawings described later.

  According to some embodiments of the present invention, the positional accuracy of a plurality of fiber holes can be increased.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a ferrule 10 (fiber with a ferrule) of the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is an overall perspective view of the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the reinforcing member 50 embedded inside the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a fiber with a ferrule. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram of a first modification of the reinforcing member 50 embedded in the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 of the first modification. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram of a second modification of the reinforcing member 50 embedded in the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 of the second modified example. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of a third modification of the reinforcing member 50 embedded in the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 of the third modified example. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 (fiber with a ferrule) of the second embodiment. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 of the second embodiment. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector 5 of the third embodiment. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 of the third embodiment.

  At least the following matters will be apparent from the description and drawings described below.

  A ferrule having a plurality of fiber holes, comprising: a resin molded portion molded by resin; and a reinforcing member embedded in the resin molded portion and having a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the resin molded portion. The ferrule has a plurality of fiber insertion portions parallel to the fiber hole, and the fiber hole is formed of the resin that has entered the fiber insertion portion. According to such a ferrule, the positional accuracy of a plurality of fiber holes can be increased.

  The fiber insertion part is a through hole, and the fiber hole is preferably formed of the resin that has entered the inside of the through hole. Thereby, since the inner wall of a fiber insertion part can be arrange | positioned so that a fiber hole may be enclosed, the position shift of the fiber hole by a temperature change can be suppressed.

  The fiber insertion portion is preferably formed in a groove shape, and the fiber hole is preferably formed of the resin that has entered the inside of the groove-shaped fiber insertion portion. Thereby, creation of a fiber insertion part becomes easy.

  The reinforcing member includes a first reinforcing member having a plurality of the fiber insertion portions formed in a groove shape, and a flat second reinforcing member, and the fiber hole includes the fiber insertion portion and the second reinforcing member. It is desirable that the resin be formed inside the region surrounded by the reinforcing member. Thereby, it can suppress that a ferrule deform | transforms so that it may warp.

  The first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member are preferably in contact with each other. Thereby, the process which sets a 1st reinforcement member and a 2nd reinforcement member to a resin molding apparatus at the time of resin molding becomes easy.

  It is desirable that the ferrule has a plurality of lens parts configured by the resin molding part. Thereby, signal loss can be suppressed.

  It is desirable that the ferrule has a reflecting surface constituted by the resin molded portion. Thereby, the optical path can be converted.

  The reflection surface is preferably inclined with respect to the direction of the fiber hole, and the end surface of the reinforcing member on the reflection surface side is preferably inclined in the same direction as the reflection surface. Thereby, a reinforcement member can be arrange | positioned close to a reflective surface.

  The resin molded part and the reinforcing member are preferably made of a material that can transmit ultraviolet rays. Thereby, an ultraviolet-ray can be irradiated to ultraviolet curing resin through a resin molding part and a reinforcement member.

  A ferrule-equipped fiber comprising a ferrule having a plurality of fiber holes and an optical fiber inserted into the fiber hole, wherein the ferrule is embedded in a resin-molded portion formed of resin and embedded in the resin-molded portion A reinforcing member having a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the resin molded portion, and the reinforcing member has a plurality of fiber insertion portions parallel to the fiber hole, and the fiber hole is located inside the fiber insertion portion. A fiber with a ferrule, which is formed by the resin that has entered, becomes clear. According to such a fiber with a ferrule, the positional accuracy of a plurality of fiber holes can be increased.

  A method for manufacturing a ferrule having a plurality of fiber holes, comprising: setting a reinforcing member having a plurality of fiber insertion portions and having a smaller linear expansion coefficient than a resin molding portion of the ferrule; and the molding Using the apparatus, the reinforcing member is embedded with resin to form the resin molding portion, and the resin is inserted inside the fiber insertion portion to form the fiber hole in parallel with the fiber insertion portion. The manufacturing method of the ferrule characterized by this will become clear. According to such a manufacturing method, it is possible to manufacture a ferrule with improved positional accuracy of the plurality of fiber holes.

=== First Embodiment ===
FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a ferrule 10 (fiber with a ferrule) of the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is an overall perspective view of the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the reinforcing member 50 embedded inside the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment.

  In the following description, each direction is defined as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A. That is, the direction of the fiber hole 11 of the ferrule 10 (the optical axis direction of the optical fiber 1) is “front-rear direction”, the end surface side of the optical fiber 1 is “front”, and the opposite side (the optical fiber 1 extending from the ferrule 10). Side) is “after”. The direction in which the plurality of fiber holes 11 are arranged is referred to as “left-right direction”. Further, the thickness direction of the ferrule 10 is defined as the “vertical direction”.

  The ferrule 10 is a member that holds the end of the optical fiber 1. The ferrule 10 has a plurality (four in this case) of fiber holes 11.

  The fiber hole 11 is a hole for inserting the end of the optical fiber 1. The fiber hole 11 is also a hole for positioning the optical fiber 1. A bare optical fiber having a coating removed from the optical fiber core wire is inserted into the fiber hole 11. For this reason, the fiber hole 11 becomes a part which forms an optical path inside the ferrule 10. Each fiber hole 11 is parallel to the front-rear direction. A plurality of fiber holes 11 parallel to each other are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

  In the present embodiment, the fiber hole 11 is formed as a through hole penetrating between the front end face and the rear end face of the ferrule 10. For this reason, a plurality of fiber holes 11 are opened on the front end face of the ferrule 10. A plurality of fiber holes 11 are also opened on the rear end face of the ferrule 10. The rear opening serves as a fiber insertion opening 12 for inserting the optical fiber 1 into the fiber hole 11. After the optical fiber 1 inserted into the fiber hole 11 is bonded and fixed to the ferrule 10, the end face is polished together with the front end face of the ferrule 10.

  The number of fiber holes 11 is not limited to four, but may be other numbers. Further, in the ferrule 10 in the figure, the plurality of fiber holes 11 are arranged in a line, but the number of the fiber holes 11 is not limited to one but may be two or more.

  The ferrule 10 of this embodiment is a resin molded body in which the reinforcing member 50 shown in FIG. 2B is embedded. That is, the ferrule 10 of this embodiment includes a reinforcing member 50 and a resin molded portion 60 in which the reinforcing member 50 is embedded.

  The reinforcing member 50 is a member having a small linear expansion coefficient, and is a member that suppresses expansion and contraction of the resin molded portion 60. The reinforcing member 50 desirably has a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the resin constituting the resin molded portion 60. In the present embodiment, the reinforcing member 50 is made of glass that can transmit ultraviolet rays.

  The material of the reinforcing member 50 is not limited to glass, and may be, for example, a ceramic material such as zirconia or alumina, a metal material such as cemented carbide, silicon, or the like. The material of the reinforcing member 50 is desirably the same as the material of the connection destination of the ferrule 10 or the same material as the linear expansion coefficient of the connection destination of the ferrule 10. The difference between the linear expansion coefficient of the reinforcing member 50 and the linear expansion coefficient at the connection destination of the ferrule 10 is preferably smaller than the difference between the linear expansion coefficient of the resin molded portion 60 and the linear expansion coefficient at the connection destination of the ferrule 10. For example, if the connection destination of the ferrule 10 is made of glass, the reinforcing member 50 is preferably made of glass.

  The reinforcing member 50 has a plurality of fiber insertion portions 51. The fiber insertion part 51 is a part for inserting the optical fiber 1, and the fiber hole 11 of the ferrule 10 is formed along the fiber insertion part 51. For this reason, each fiber insertion part 51 is parallel to the fiber hole 11 and parallel to the front-back direction. A plurality of fiber insertion portions 51 parallel to each other are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

  In the present embodiment, the fiber insertion portion 51 is formed as a through hole that penetrates between the front end face and the rear end face of the reinforcing member 50. That is, the reinforcing member 50 of the present embodiment is a glass capillary having a plurality of through holes. By using the fiber insertion part 51 as a through hole, the inner wall of the fiber insertion part 51 can be disposed so as to surround the fiber hole 11, so that the positional deviation between the fiber holes 11 due to a temperature change can be suppressed.

  The diameter D2 of the fiber insertion part 51 is about several μm to several tens of μm larger than the diameter D1 (about 125 μm) of the fiber hole 11. Thereby, even if the fiber insertion portion 51 cannot be formed with high accuracy (position accuracy and dimensional accuracy as high as resin molding) with respect to the reinforcing member 50 that is a low linear expansion material, the fiber hole 11 is arranged in the fiber insertion portion 51. Is possible. That is, the diameter D2 of the fiber insertion portion 51 is formed larger than the fiber hole 11 by an amount corresponding to a processing error when the fiber insertion portion 51 is formed in the reinforcing member 50 that is a low linear expansion material.

  The length of the fiber insertion part 51 in the front-rear direction is desirably 10 times or more the diameter (about 125 μm) of the optical fiber 1. This is because if the length of the fiber insertion portion 51 in the front-rear direction is too short, the resin molding portion 60 on the rear side of the reinforcing member 50 expands and contracts due to temperature change, and the fiber hole on the rear side of the reinforcing member 50 This is because when the optical fiber 1 is bent due to deformation of the optical fiber 11, the end face of the optical fiber 1 may be displaced due to the influence. In the present embodiment, the length of the fiber insertion portion 51 in the front-rear direction is about 2 mm.

  The reinforcing member 50 has a partition wall 52. The partition part 52 is a partition for separating the fiber insertion parts 51 from each other. The partition wall portion 52 is disposed between the fiber insertion portion 51 and the fiber insertion portion 51. Since the partition wall portion 52 made of a material having a low linear expansion coefficient (glass in the present embodiment) is disposed between the fiber insertion portion 51 and the fiber insertion portion 51, the positional deviation between the fiber holes 11 due to a temperature change is prevented. Can be suppressed.

  The resin molding part 60 is a part molded by resin. A reinforcing member 50 is embedded in the resin molding portion 60. In the present embodiment, all of the reinforcing member 50 is embedded in the resin molded portion 60, but a part of the reinforcing member 50 may be exposed.

  The above-described fiber hole 11 is constituted by the resin molding part 60. That is, the fiber hole 11 is formed in the resin molding part 60 by the resin entering the inside of the fiber insertion part 51 having a large outer diameter. That is, the inner wall surface of the fiber hole 11 is formed of the resin constituting the resin molding portion 60. Since the processing accuracy of the resin molding is higher than the processing accuracy for a material having a low linear expansion coefficient such as glass, the fiber hole 11 is formed in the resin molding portion 60 (the fiber hole 11 is formed by resin molding). By being formed, the diameter and position of the fiber hole 11 can be arranged with high accuracy.

  On the other hand, usually (when the reinforcing member 50 is not provided), when the plurality of fiber holes 11 are formed of resin, the resin has a relatively high linear expansion coefficient, and thus there is a possibility that the fiber holes 11 are displaced due to temperature changes. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a plurality of fiber insertion portions 51 are formed in the reinforcing member 50 having a low linear expansion coefficient, and the fiber holes 11 are formed inside the fiber insertion portions 51, respectively. Since the thickness of the resin layer inside the portion 51 (dimension from the inner wall surface of the fiber insertion portion 51 to the inner wall surface of the fiber hole 11: here about several μm to several tens of μm) is thin, Misalignment can be suppressed.

  The reinforcing member 50 can be formed by being embedded in the resin molding portion 60 (insert molding) by being placed in a mold chamber during resin molding. As such a resin molding method, for example, rim molding, transfer molding, or the like can be used.

  In this embodiment, at the time of resin molding, it is necessary to form the fiber hole 11 by allowing the resin to enter a gap of about several μm to several tens of μm inside the fiber insertion portion 51 of the reinforcing member 50. In order to allow the resin to enter into such a narrow gap, it is desirable to use a resin having a relatively low viscosity (melt viscosity, viscosity at the time of plasticizing the thermosetting resin). Specifically, the viscosity of the resin is desirably 2400 Pa · sec or less, and more desirably 100 Pa · sec or less.

  In this embodiment, the resin molding part 60 is comprised with resin which can permeate | transmit an ultraviolet-ray. By configuring the reinforcing member 50 and the resin molding portion 60 with a member capable of transmitting ultraviolet rays, the optical fiber 1 can be bonded and fixed to the fiber hole 11 using an ultraviolet curable resin. However, when the resin molding part 60 is made of a resin that can transmit ultraviolet rays, since the choice of the material of the resin molding part 60 is narrow, the resin molding part 60 may be made of a material having a relatively large linear expansion coefficient. . For this reason, it is advantageous that the ferrule 10 includes the reinforcing member 50 in such a case.

<Manufacturing method>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a fiber with a ferrule.

  First, the process which sets the reinforcement member 50 to a resin molding apparatus is performed (S001). The reinforcing member 50 is disposed in the mold chamber of the resin molding apparatus.

  Next, a process for manufacturing the ferrule 10 is performed (S002). At this time, the resin is injected into the mold chamber of the resin molding apparatus, and the resin molded portion 60 in which the reinforcing member 50 is embedded is formed. Resin also enters the inside of the fiber insertion portion 51 of the reinforcing member 50, and the fiber hole 11 is formed inside the fiber insertion portion 51.

  It is desirable that the resin that enters the inside of the fiber insertion portion 51 enters from the side that becomes the front end face of the ferrule 10. In other words, it is desirable that the mold of the resin molding apparatus is configured so that the resin enters the fiber insertion portion 51 from the side that becomes the front end face of the ferrule 10. Thereby, since the positional accuracy of the fiber hole 11 (fiber hole 11 close to the end face of the optical fiber 1) on the front end face of the ferrule 10 can be increased, transmission loss of the optical signal can be suppressed.

  The ferrule 10 shown in FIG. 1B is manufactured by the steps S001 and S002. It is also possible to ship and deliver the ferrule 10 (the ferrule 10 before attaching the optical fiber 1) alone.

  Next, a process of inserting the optical fiber 1 into the fiber hole 11 of the ferrule 10 is performed (S003). Usually, a plurality of optical fibers 1 of the optical fiber tape are collectively inserted into the fiber holes 11 of the ferrule 10. Note that an adhesive may be applied in advance to the fiber hole 11 before the optical fiber 1 is inserted.

  Next, a process of fixing the optical fiber 1 to the fiber hole 11 is performed (S004). In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 50 is made of transparent glass, the resin molding part 60 is made of a transparent resin, and the resin molding part 60 and the fiber hole 11 are coated with an ultraviolet curable resin. The ultraviolet curable resin is irradiated with ultraviolet rays through the reinforcing member 50, whereby the optical fiber 1 is bonded and fixed to the fiber hole 11. However, a thermoplastic resin may be used instead of the ultraviolet curable resin. In this case, the reinforcing member 50 and the resin molding part 60 do not need to be made of a transparent material (a material capable of transmitting ultraviolet rays).

  Next, the ferrule 10 and the end face of the optical fiber 1 are polished (S005). Thereby, the optical fiber 1 with a ferrule shown in FIG. 1A is manufactured. In addition, the reinforcing member 50 may be exposed from the front end surface of the ferrule 10 after polishing, or may not be exposed.

<Modification>
FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram of a first modification of the reinforcing member 50 embedded in the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 of the first modification. Whereas the fiber insertion portion 51 of the reinforcing member 50 is a through hole (see FIGS. 1B and 2B), the fiber insertion portion 51 of the reinforcing member 50 of the first modification is formed in a V-groove shape. ing.

  Also in the first modification, the reinforcing member 50 includes a plurality of fiber insertion portions 51. Also in the first modification, the fiber insertion part 51 is a part for allowing the optical fiber 1 to be inserted. Each fiber insertion part 51 is parallel to the fiber hole 11 and parallel to the front-rear direction. A plurality of fiber insertion portions 51 parallel to each other are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

  Also in the first modification, the fiber hole 11 of the ferrule 10 is formed along the fiber insertion portion 51. Also in the first modified example, the fiber hole 11 is configured by the resin molded portion 60. That is, the fiber hole 11 is formed in the resin molding part 60 by the resin entering the inside of the V-groove-shaped fiber insertion part 51. That is, also in the first modified example, the inner wall surface of the fiber hole 11 is formed of the resin constituting the resin molding portion 60. Since the processing accuracy of the resin molding is higher than the processing accuracy for a material having a low linear expansion coefficient such as glass, the fiber hole 11 is formed in the resin molding portion 60 (the fiber hole 11 is formed by resin molding). By being formed, the diameter and position of the fiber hole 11 can be arranged with high accuracy.

  In the first modification, since the fiber insertion portion 51 is configured in a groove shape, the fiber insertion portion 51 can be easily created as compared to the through hole. In the first modification, since the fiber insertion portion 51 is configured in a groove shape, the resin (resin that forms the fiber hole 11) that enters the inside of the fiber insertion portion 51 is not only from the front-rear direction but also from the left and right sides. It can also enter from the direction and from the top. For this reason, if it is the structure of the ferrule 10 of a 1st modification, even if the viscosity of the resin of the resin molding part 60 is high is accept | permitted, it will also become possible to increase the choice of resin.

  Even when the fiber insertion portion 51 is configured in a groove shape as in the first modification, the reinforcing member 50 includes the partition wall portion 52. When the fiber insertion part 51 is configured in a groove shape, it is desirable that the upper end of the partition wall part 52 be above the upper edge of the fiber hole 11. Thereby, the position shift of the fiber holes 11 by a temperature change can be suppressed more. However, even if the upper end of the partition wall portion 52 is lower than the upper edge of the fiber hole 11, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation between the fiber holes 11.

  FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram of a second modification of the reinforcing member 50 embedded in the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 of the second modified example.

  The reinforcing member 50 of the second modification has a first reinforcing member 50A and a second reinforcing member 50B. The first reinforcing member 50A has a plurality of V-groove-shaped fiber insertion portions 51, similarly to the reinforcing member 50 of the first modification. The second reinforcing member 50B is a flat plate member. Both the first reinforcing member 50A and the second reinforcing member 50B are made of a material having a low linear expansion coefficient.

  In the second modification, the fiber hole 11 is formed of a resin that enters the inside of a region surrounded by the fiber insertion portion 51 of the first reinforcing member 50A and the lower surface of the flat plate-like second reinforcing member 50B. In the first modified example described above, since the reinforcing member 50 is disposed only on the lower side when viewed from the fiber hole 11, the ferrule 10 is deformed so that it is warped when the resin of the resin molded portion 60 attempts to expand and contract. On the other hand, in the second modification, since the reinforcing members 50 having a low linear expansion coefficient are arranged on both the upper and lower sides when viewed from the fiber hole 11, it is possible to suppress the ferrule 10 from being deformed so as to be warped. .

  In the second modification, the lower surface of the second reinforcing member 50B is in contact with the upper surface of the first reinforcing member 50A. In other words, the second reinforcing member 50B is placed on the upper surface of the first reinforcing member 50A. For this reason, the process which arrange | positions the 1st reinforcement member 50A and the 2nd reinforcement member 50B in the chamber of a metal mold | die at the time of resin molding becomes easy.

  FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of a third modification of the reinforcing member 50 embedded in the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 of the third modified example.

  The fiber insertion portion 51 of the first and second modifications described above is formed in a V-groove shape, whereas the fiber insertion portion 51 of the third modification example is formed in a U-groove shape, and a plurality of fiber insertion portions are formed. The part 51 is formed in a comb-teeth shape. As described above, when the fiber insertion portion 51 of the reinforcing member 50 is formed in a groove shape, the fiber insertion portion 51 is not limited to the V-groove or the U-groove, and may have other shapes. Also in the third modification, a flat plate-like second reinforcing member 50B may be provided as in the second modification.

=== Second Embodiment ===
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 (fiber with a ferrule) of the second embodiment. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 of the second embodiment.

  The ferrule 10 of the second embodiment is also a resin molded body in which the reinforcing member 50 is embedded. That is, the ferrule 10 of 2nd Embodiment has the reinforcement member 50 and the resin molding part 60 with which the reinforcement member 50 was embed | buried. Also in the second embodiment, the reinforcing member 50 is a member having a small linear expansion coefficient and includes a plurality of fiber insertion portions 51. The fiber insertion part 51 of the reinforcing member 50 of the second embodiment is formed as a through hole as shown in FIG. 2B. However, the fiber insertion portion 51 of the reinforcing member 50 of the second embodiment may be formed in a groove shape as in the modification of the first embodiment.

  The ferrule 10 of the second embodiment includes a plurality of fiber holes 11, a lens unit 13, and a light transmission unit 14. These parts are constituted by the resin molding part 60. In the second embodiment, the resin molding portion 60 is made of a transparent resin that can transmit an optical signal. For this reason, since the choice of the material of the resin molding part 60 is narrow in 2nd Embodiment, the resin molding part 60 may be comprised with a comparatively large material of a linear expansion coefficient. For this reason, it is advantageous that the ferrule 10 includes the reinforcing member 50 in such a case.

  Also in the second embodiment, the fiber hole 11 is a hole for inserting the end of the optical fiber 1 and is also a hole for positioning the optical fiber 1. The fiber hole 11 of the second embodiment is not a through hole but a closed hole on the front side. Each fiber hole 11 is parallel to the fiber hole 11 and parallel to the front-rear direction. A plurality of fiber holes 11 parallel to each other are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 7A). The lens part 13 and the light transmission part 14 are arrange | positioned in the front side of the fiber hole 11 of 2nd Embodiment.

  The lens part 13 is arrange | positioned corresponding to the some optical fiber 1 (in other words, the some fiber hole 11), respectively. For this reason, the ferrule 10 has a plurality of lens portions 13. An optical signal is input / output via the lens unit 13. The lens unit 13 is formed so as to function as a collimating lens, for example. By inputting / outputting an optical signal whose diameter is enlarged by the lens unit 13, the influence of dust in the optical path can be reduced, and signal loss can be suppressed.

  The light transmission part 14 is a part that transmits an optical signal between the end face of the ferrule 10 (specifically, the lens part 13) and the end face of the optical fiber 1 (specifically, the front end face of the fiber hole 11). In the present embodiment, the resin molded part 60 is made of a transparent resin in order to transmit an optical signal in the light transmitting part 14.

  Also in the second embodiment, the fiber hole 11 of the ferrule 10 is formed along the fiber insertion portion 51. Also in the second embodiment, the fiber hole 11 is constituted by the resin molding portion 60. That is, the fiber hole 11 is formed in the resin molding part 60 by the resin entering the inside of the fiber insertion part 51. That is, also in the second embodiment, the inner wall surface of the fiber hole 11 is formed by the resin constituting the resin molded portion 60. Since the processing accuracy of the resin molding is higher than the processing accuracy for a material having a low linear expansion coefficient such as glass, the fiber hole 11 is formed in the resin molding portion 60 (the fiber hole 11 is formed by resin molding). By being formed, the diameter and position of the fiber hole 11 can be arranged with high accuracy.

=== Third Embodiment ===
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector 5 of the third embodiment. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 of the third embodiment. The optical connector 5 of the third embodiment has a ferrule 10 and a receptacle 6. The receptacle 6 is a member that fixes the ferrule 10 to the substrate 3.

  The ferrule 10 is a member that holds the end of the optical fiber 1. The ferrule 10 of the third embodiment is also a resin molded body in which the reinforcing member 50 is embedded. That is, the ferrule 10 of the third embodiment includes a reinforcing member 50 and a resin molded portion 60 in which the reinforcing member 50 is embedded. Also in the third embodiment, the reinforcing member 50 is a member having a small linear expansion coefficient, and includes a plurality of fiber insertion portions 51. Each fiber insertion part 51 is parallel to the fiber hole 11 and parallel to the front-rear direction. A plurality of fiber insertion portions 51 parallel to each other are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. A partition wall 52 (not shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B) is formed between the fiber insertion part 51 and the fiber insertion part 51. The fiber insertion portion 51 is a through hole here, but may be a groove shape as in the modification of the first embodiment.

  The ferrule 10 of the third embodiment has a plurality of fiber holes 11, an optical signal surface 15, and a reflection surface 16. These parts are constituted by the resin molding part 60. In 3rd Embodiment, the resin molding part 60 is comprised by transparent resin which can permeate | transmit an optical signal. For this reason, since the choice of the material of the resin molding part 60 is narrow in 3rd Embodiment, the resin molding part 60 may be comprised with a material with a comparatively large linear expansion coefficient. For this reason, it is advantageous that the ferrule 10 includes the reinforcing member 50 in such a case.

  Also in the third embodiment, the fiber hole 11 is a hole for inserting an end of the optical fiber 1 and is also a hole for positioning the optical fiber 1. Similar to the fiber hole 11 of the second embodiment, the fiber hole 11 of the third embodiment is not a through hole but a closed hole on the front side. Each fiber hole 11 is parallel to the front-rear direction. A plurality of fiber holes 11 parallel to each other are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 8A). A reflective surface 16 (and a lens portion 16A provided on the reflective surface 16) is disposed on the front side of the fiber hole 11 of the third embodiment.

  The optical signal surface 15 is a surface on which an optical signal enters or exits, and is a surface facing the optical element 3A (light emitting element or light receiving element). On the optical signal surface 15, a plurality of optical signals enter or exit. When the ferrule 10 and the receptacle 6 are aligned, the optical signal surface 15 of the ferrule 10 faces the opening of the receptacle 6, and the upper surface of the optical element 3A of the substrate 3 (the surface on which the optical signal enters or exits). opposite. The optical signal surface 15 is formed in parallel in the left-right direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 8A). A plurality of lenses may be formed along the left-right direction of the optical signal surface 15.

  The reflecting surface 16 is a surface that reflects an optical signal. The reflection surface 16 is an inclined surface disposed on the front side of the end surface of the optical fiber 1. Since the ferrule 10 has the reflecting surface 16, the optical path of the optical signal in the ferrule 10 can be converted. A recess is formed on the upper surface of the ferrule 10, and the inclined surface on the rear side of the recess becomes the reflection surface 16. The reflecting surface 16 is formed in parallel to the left-right direction (the direction in which the plurality of optical fibers 1 are arranged).

  In the present embodiment, a lens portion 16 </ b> A is formed on the reflecting surface 16. The lens portion 16A is arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of optical fibers 1 (in other words, the plurality of fiber holes 11). For this reason, the ferrule 10 has a plurality of lens portions 16A. However, the reflecting surface 16 may be a flat surface without providing the lens portion 16 </ b> A on the reflecting surface 16.

  In the present embodiment, the front end face (end face on the reflecting face 16 side) of the reinforcing member 50 is an inclined face that is inclined in the same direction as the reflecting face 16. That is, the front end surface of the reinforcing member 50 is configured to be substantially parallel to the reflecting surface 16. Specifically, the reflecting surface 16 is inclined so that the lower side (the substrate 3 side) is the front side (the side opposite to the side where the optical fiber 1 extends from the ferrule 10), and the front end surface of the reinforcing member 50 However, it is inclined so that the lower side is the front side. Thereby, since the front side end surface of the reinforcing member 50 can be disposed close to the reflecting surface 16, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation between the optical fibers 1 on the end surface of the optical fiber 1. Further, in the case where a plurality of lens portions 16A are provided on the reflecting surface 16, it is possible to suppress positional deviation between the lens portions 16A.

  When an optical signal is emitted from the end face of the optical fiber 1, the optical signal is reflected by the reflecting surface 16 (specifically, the lens portion 16A) and emitted from the optical signal surface 15 toward the optical element 3A (light receiving element). Will do. When an optical signal is incident on the optical signal surface 15 from the optical element 3A (light emitting element), the optical signal is reflected by the reflecting surface 16 (specifically, the lens portion 16A) and incident on the end surface of the optical fiber 1. Will do.

  Also in the third embodiment, the fiber hole 11 of the ferrule 10 is formed along the fiber insertion portion 51. Also in the third embodiment, the fiber hole 11 is configured by the resin molded portion 60. That is, the fiber hole 11 is formed in the resin molding part 60 by the resin entering the inside of the fiber insertion part 51. That is, also in the third embodiment, the inner wall surface of the fiber hole 11 is formed by the resin constituting the resin molding portion 60. Since the processing accuracy of the resin molding is higher than the processing accuracy for a material having a low linear expansion coefficient such as glass, the fiber hole 11 is formed in the resin molding portion 60 (the fiber hole 11 is formed by resin molding). By being formed, the diameter and position of the fiber hole 11 can be arranged with high accuracy.

=== Others ===
The above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

1 optical fiber, 3 substrate, 3A optical element,
5 Optical connector, 6 Receptacle,
10 ferrules, 11 fiber holes,
12 Fiber insertion port, 13 Lens part,
14 optical transmission parts, 15 optical signal surfaces,
16 reflective surface, 16A lens part,
50 reinforcement members,
50A first reinforcing member, 50B second reinforcing member,
51 Fiber insertion part, 52 Bulkhead part,
60 Resin molding part

Claims (11)

A ferrule having a plurality of fiber holes,
A resin molded part molded by resin;
Embedded in the resin molded part, and provided with a reinforcing member having a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the resin molded part,
The reinforcing member has a plurality of fiber insertion portions parallel to the fiber hole,
The ferrule, wherein the fiber hole is formed of the resin that has entered the inside of the fiber insertion portion. The ferrule according to claim 1, wherein
The fiber insertion part is a through hole,
The ferrule, wherein the fiber hole is formed of the resin that has entered the inside of the through hole. The ferrule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The fiber insertion part is formed in a groove shape,
The ferrule, wherein the fiber hole is formed by the resin that has entered the inside of the fiber insertion portion in the groove shape. The ferrule according to claim 3, wherein
The reinforcing member has a first reinforcing member having a plurality of the fiber insertion portions formed in a groove shape, and a plate-like second reinforcing member,
The ferrule, wherein the fiber hole is formed of a resin that enters the inside of a region surrounded by the fiber insertion portion and the second reinforcing member. The ferrule according to claim 4, wherein
The ferrule according to claim 1, wherein the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member are in contact with each other. The ferrule according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The ferrule has a plurality of lens parts constituted by the resin molding part. The ferrule according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The ferrule has a reflecting surface formed by the resin molding part. The ferrule according to claim 7, wherein
The reflecting surface is inclined with respect to the direction of the fiber hole;
The ferrule according to claim 1, wherein an end surface of the reinforcing member on the reflecting surface side is inclined in the same direction as the reflecting surface. The ferrule according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The resin molded part and the reinforcing member are made of a material that can transmit ultraviolet rays. A ferrule-equipped fiber comprising a ferrule having a plurality of fiber holes and an optical fiber inserted into the fiber hole,
The ferrule is
A resin molded part molded by resin;
Embedded in the resin molded part, and provided with a reinforcing member having a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the resin molded part,
The reinforcing member has a plurality of fiber insertion portions parallel to the fiber hole,
The fiber hole is formed of the resin that has entered the inside of the fiber insertion portion, and a fiber with a ferrule. A method for manufacturing a ferrule having a plurality of fiber holes,
Having a plurality of fiber insertion parts, setting a reinforcing member having a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the resin molding part of the ferrule in the molding apparatus; and
Forming the resin molding part by embedding the reinforcing member with resin by the molding device, and molding the fiber hole parallel to the fiber insertion part by inserting the resin inside the fiber insertion part. A method for manufacturing a ferrule, characterized in that:

Images