JP3966835B2 - Multi-fiber optical connector and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-fiber optical connector used for optical communication and the like, and a method for manufacturing the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view of a general optical fiber core 3 as an optical fiber. As shown in the figure, the optical fiber core wire 3 has a bare optical fiber 4 having an outer diameter of about 125 μm formed by covering a core 8 with a clad 9. It is covered with a primary coat 15, and further its periphery is covered with a nylon jacket 10 or the like. The outer diameter of the optical fiber core wire 3 is about 250 μm, for example, and is formed to be about twice the outer diameter of the bare optical fiber 4.
[0003]
A multi-fiber optical connector is widely used as an optical fiber connector for connecting a plurality of such optical fiber core wires 3 together, and FIG. 27 shows an example of a conventional multi-fiber optical connector. In the figure, an optical fiber tape 6 comprising a plurality (four in the figure) of optical fiber cores 3 arranged side by side is inserted and fixed to a ferrule 2 as an optical fiber arraying tool to form a multi-fiber optical connector. The optical fiber core wire 3 of the optical fiber tape 6 is inserted into the ferrule 2 with the coating of the nylon jacket 10 and the primary coat 15 (FIG. 26) on the tip side removed, and is exposed by removing the coating. The end surfaces of the bare optical fibers 4 are arranged at a predetermined arrangement pitch so as to be exposed on the connection end surface 5 of the ferrule 2.
[0004]
The ferrule 2 is usually formed by molding a resin or the like, and the connection end face 5 has a hole such as an optical fiber insertion hole 13 for arranging the bare optical fibers 4 at a predetermined pitch or the like. A plurality of grooves (four in the figure) are arranged with an arrangement pitch twice as large as the outer diameter of the bare optical fiber 4 with an interval therebetween, and the bare optical fiber 4 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole 13. As a result, the bare optical fibers 4 are arranged at a pitch (2r) twice the outer diameter r of the bare optical fibers 4.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Recently, not only connecting optical connectors and connecting optical fiber cores 3, but also connecting a waveguide element having a plurality of optical waveguides to a multi-fiber optical connector. Accordingly, optical connectors having more optical fiber cores 3 such as 8 cores (8 fibers), 16 fibers (16 fibers), etc. are being developed in accordance with the circuit configuration of the waveguide element. In addition, with the increase in the density of optical communication, a multi-fiber optical connector is required in which a large number of optical fiber cores such as 32 cores and 64 cores are arranged for the purpose of high density.
[0006]
However, in the conventional multi-fiber optical connector as shown in FIG. 27, the arrangement pitch of the bare optical fibers 4 of the optical fiber core 3 is about twice the outer diameter of the bare optical fibers 4 (for example, about 250 μm). Therefore, if the width B of the reinforcing blank portion on both sides of the optical fiber arrangement region is 1000 μm, the four-core (four) multi-fiber optical fiber connector as shown in FIG. The element width is 3 mm (250 μm × number of cores + 1000 μm × 2). With 8 cores, the element width is 4 mm, 6 cores with 16 cores, 10 mm with 32 cores, and 18 mm with 64 cores.
[0007]
As described above, when the number of the optical fiber cores 3 arranged in the multi-fiber optical connector increases, the size of the multi-fiber optical connector becomes very large accordingly. When manufactured, there has been a problem that when a waveguide element is formed using the same wafer, the amount of element manufacturing in the wafer becomes extremely small. Further, when the element size is increased, there is a problem that when the multi-fiber optical connector is incorporated into an optical communication system, it becomes bulky and obstructive, and also hinders high density.
[0008]
Also, recently, when a plurality of optical waveguides are formed side by side on a waveguide element, for example, odd-numbered optical waveguides such as 1, 3, and 5 have wavelength λ ₁ Is incident on the even-numbered optical waveguide with wavelength λ. ₂ Light of different wavelengths alternately in the order of arrangement of the optical waveguides, or vice versa, the wavelength λ from the odd-numbered optical waveguides. ₁ Wavelength and λ from the even-numbered optical waveguide ₂ There is a demand for a multi-fiber optical connector that can alternately extract light of the same wavelength and propagate each light of the same wavelength together, but a multi-fiber optical connector having such a function has not been proposed in the past. It was.
[0009]
Accordingly, the present applicant can form a small size even if the number of optical fibers (optical fiber cores) to be arranged is large, and separate light beams alternately in the arrangement order of a plurality of optical waveguides arranged in parallel. A multi-fiber optical connector that can take out different lights from each other in the order in which the optical waveguides are arranged and propagate them together for each light of the same type. This is proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-246887.
[0010]
FIG. 24 shows a multi-fiber optical connector proposed by the applicant. As shown in the figure, the proposed multi-fiber optical connector has an optical fiber tape 6 and a ferrule 2. FIG. 25 shows the configuration of the ferrule 2.
[0011]
In order to make the characteristics of the proposed optical connector easier to understand, in FIG. 24, the size of the optical fiber tape 3 and the like is schematically illustrated with respect to the ferrule 2; As shown in FIG. 25, the width W1 of the optical fiber tape 6 is formed as small as, for example, 1/3 or less of the width W2 of the ferrule 2. 25A is a bottom view of the ferrule 2, FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 25A, FIG. 25C is a front view, and FIG. 25D is a rear view. ing.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 24, the proposed multi-core optical connector includes a first optical fiber tape 6a formed by arranging four (four cores) first optical fiber cores 3a in a strip shape, and four A second optical fiber tape 6b formed by juxtaposing the second optical fiber core wires 3b in a strip shape is arranged so as to overlap with each other, and as shown in FIG. The arrangement is changed so that the first bare optical fiber 4a and the second bare optical fiber 4b, which are exposed by removing the nylon jacket 10 and the primary coat 15 on the front end side of 6a and 6b, are alternately arranged. Has been. As shown in FIG. 5B, this arrangement conversion is performed by removing the nylon jacket 10 and the primary coat 15 to the second interval (about 125 μm) formed between the bare optical fibers 4a. The first bare optical fiber 4a and the second bare optical fiber 4b are alternately twilled in a state where the bare bare optical fiber 4b is inserted.
[0013]
In the ferrule 2, as shown in FIG. 25, an optical fiber tape insertion portion 18 for inserting the optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b is formed in the shape of a horizontal hole on the rear end face 11 side. An adhesive injection port 20 is formed on the bottom side of the ferrule 2 at the distal end side of the insertion portion 18. The upper and lower opening widths of the optical fiber tape insertion portion 18 are set so that the thickness of the first optical fiber tape 6a and the second optical fiber tape 6a can be inserted with the first optical fiber tape 6a and the second optical fiber tape 6b overlapped. The opening width corresponding to the total thickness of the two optical fiber tapes 6b is formed.
[0014]
A wave-shaped U-shaped groove for disposing the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b is formed on the distal end side of the optical fiber tape insertion portion 18, and the optical fiber is inserted by the U-shaped groove. A hole 13 is formed. The arrangement pitch of the optical fiber insertion holes 13 substantially coincides with the outer diameter r (r≈125 μm) of each of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b, that is, the outer diameter of each of the optical fiber cores 3a and 3b. The optical fiber insertion holes 13 are arranged in a line with no gap.
[0015]
Optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b obtained by changing the arrangement of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b as shown in FIG. 22 are inserted into the ferrule 2. Then, the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are alternately inserted into the optical fiber insertion holes 13 of the ferrule 2 so that the arrangement pitch has a size substantially equal to the outer diameter of each of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b. The proposed multi-fiber optical connector is formed by fixing the optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b to the optical fiber tape insertion portion 18 with an adhesive that is arranged on the ferrule 2 and injected from the adhesive injection port 20.
[0016]
According to this proposed multi-fiber optical connector, the arrangement pitch of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b on the front end side (connection end face side) of the optical fiber tape is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b. Therefore, a very small multi-fiber optical connector can be formed as compared with a multi-fiber optical connector formed by arranging eight bare optical fibers 4 with a pitch of 250 μm as in the conventional example. The effect is obtained.
[0017]
Also, the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b forming the first optical fiber tape 6a and the second optical fiber tape 6b, respectively, are rearranged so that they are arranged on the connection end face 5 side of the multi-fiber optical connector, and one row is obtained. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, each optical fiber core wire 3a of the first optical fiber tape 6a has a wavelength λ as shown in FIG. ₁ Is incident on the second optical fiber core wire 3b of the second optical fiber tape 6b. ₂ When light of ₁ , Wavelength λ ₂ Of the light propagates through the first optical fiber core 3a and the second optical fiber core 3b, respectively, and has a wavelength λ in the conversion unit in which the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are array-converted. ₁ , Λ ₂ The light propagation path is also converted. Then, the wavelength λ emitted from the first bare optical fiber 4a from the tip side of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b (the connection end face 5 side of the multi-fiber optical connector). ₁ And the wavelength λ emitted from the second bare optical fiber 4b ₂ Are emitted in a state of being alternately arranged.
[0018]
Therefore, if, for example, a waveguide element in which a plurality of optical waveguides are arranged in parallel is connected to the connection end face 5 side of the multi-fiber optical connector, the wavelength λ ₁ Is incident on the even-numbered optical waveguide with wavelength λ. ₂ The wavelength λ is alternately arranged in the order of arrangement of the optical waveguides arranged in parallel. ₁ Light and wavelength λ ₂ Can be incident.
[0019]
On the contrary, the wavelength λ is alternately arranged from the optical waveguides of the waveguide elements in which a plurality of optical waveguides are arranged in parallel to each other in the arrangement order of the optical waveguides. ₁ Light and wavelength λ ₂ If this waveguide element is connected to the proposed multi-core optical connector, for example, the wavelength λ ₁ Light enters the first bare optical fiber 4a and has a wavelength λ. ₂ Light enters the second bare optical fiber 4b.
[0020]
In the same manner as described above, since the optical propagation path is converted by the arrangement conversion unit of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b, the wavelength λ propagated through the first bare optical fiber 4a. ₁ The wavelengths λ that have been collected and emitted from the first optical fiber tape 6a and propagated through the second bare optical fiber 4b ₂ Are collected and emitted from the second optical fiber tape 6b. In this way, by using the proposed multi-fiber optical connector, light having different wavelengths emitted alternately and in parallel from the waveguide element or the like is transmitted to the first optical fiber tape 6a side and the second optical fiber tape 6b side. It is possible to obtain the effect that each can be distributed and collected together.
[0021]
However, the multi-fiber optical connector proposed by the present applicant has a plurality of optical fiber insertions at a pitch interval substantially equal to the outer diameter of the bare optical fiber 4 whose coating is removed from the inside of the front end side of the ferrule 2 made of molding resin. The holes 13 are densely arranged, and these optical fiber insertion holes 13 have a very small hole diameter (for example, a diameter of about 126 μm) so that the bare optical fiber 4 can be inserted without rattling. When the optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b from which the coating has been removed are overlapped and inserted from the optical fiber tape insertion portion 18 side, the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b on the distal end side are alternately and correctly converted to correspond to the arrangement without error. The operation of inserting into the optical fiber insertion hole 13 was extremely difficult. Therefore, there arises a problem that the work efficiency of assembling the multi-fiber optical connector is low and the assembling cost of the multi-fiber optical connector is increased, and this problem becomes inconspicuous as the number of core wires of the multi-fiber optical connector increases. was there.
[0022]
In addition, as described above, a multi-fiber optical connector has been connected to an optical waveguide component (optical waveguide element) such as a quartz type. Recently, a filter is inserted into the optical waveguide of this optical waveguide component. The filter insertion type has been actively developed. This is because a plurality of waveguides of 2 × 2 optical couplers (two-input two-output optical couplers) as shown in FIG. 23A are formed in parallel on a waveguide substrate, and a predetermined port ( A filter 16 such as a SWPF (Short Wave Pass Filter) is inserted into an odd or even port, etc., and the waveguide itself has a function of transmitting or blocking a certain wavelength.
[0023]
In such a filter insertion type optical waveguide component, a slit is formed on the waveguide substrate on which the waveguide is formed so as to cross the waveguide, and the slit is shown in FIG. 23B. It is manufactured by inserting the filter 16 processed into a comb-tooth shape.
[0024]
However, the unit cost of the waveguide substrate itself is very high, and if a defect occurs in the process of forming the slit for inserting the filter 16 or the process of fixing the filter, it is discarded as a defective product. In some cases, the product cost of the waveguide component increases.
[0025]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made to solve the various problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to facilitate assembling work of the multi-fiber optical connector and to reduce the assembling cost. By attaching the filter inserted and mounted on the waveguide component to the multi-fiber optical connector side, the manufacturing yield on the expensive waveguide component side is increased, and the overall connection product of the optical waveguide component and multi-fiber optical connector is improved. An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-fiber optical connector capable of reducing the cost and a method of manufacturing the same.
[0026]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a multi-fiber optical connector comprising: a first optical fiber tape comprising a plurality of first optical fibers arranged in a strip; and a plurality of second optical fibers. And a second optical fiber tape formed by arranging optical fibers side by side in a band shape, and the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, each of which has a coating on the tip side of each optical fiber tape removed. In a multi-fiber optical connector that is array-converted so that the optical fibers are arranged alternately, and arranged in an optical fiber array, the optical fiber array removes the coating of each optical fiber on a flat plate substrate The first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, which are formed by forming a plurality of arrangement guide grooves at an arrangement pitch having a size substantially equal to the outer diameter, and in which the coating is removed from the arrangement guide grooves, are alternately arranged. The optical fiber on the tip side of the array A pressing member is provided on the upper side of the bar, and each optical fiber is clamped and fixed in the arrangement guide groove by being pressed by the pressing member.
[0027]
In the multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 2, a filter is provided in a formation region of the arrangement guide groove, and the filter is provided in at least one of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber arranged in the arrangement guide groove. It is inserted.
[0028]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the multi-fiber optical connector is characterized in that a roundness for relaxing contact with the optical fiber is formed on the fiber pressing surface side on the rear end side of the pressing member.
[0029]
The multi-fiber optical connector according to a fourth aspect is characterized in that the pressing member is formed by arranging two or more pressing member pieces in parallel in the optical fiber arrangement direction.
[0030]
In the multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 5, an optical fiber alignment guide groove is formed in a central region of the flat substrate that is lower than the upper surface of the flat substrate on the flat substrate of the optical fiber array tool, The groove forming slopes at both outer ends of the guide groove are extended so as to reach the upper surface of the flat substrate, and the upper surface of the flat substrate substantially coincides with the upper ends of the first and second optical fibers arranged in the arrangement guide groove, The upper surface of the flat plate substrate and the upper ends of the first and second optical fibers are covered with a pressing member almost without a gap.
[0031]
The multi-fiber optical connector according to a sixth aspect is characterized in that a taper surface is formed on the rear end side of the flat plate substrate of the optical fiber arranging tool in a direction to reduce the thickness of the flat plate substrate.
[0032]
In the multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 7, a plurality of fiber tape sets of the first optical fiber tape and the second optical fiber tape arranged in a stacked manner are arranged in parallel in the optical fiber arrangement direction. The first and second optical fiber tapes of the plurality of fiber tape sets are characterized in that at least one side surface adjacent to another fiber tape set is cut.
[0033]
The multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 8 is characterized in that each of the first and second optical fiber tapes is branched on the terminal side of the input / output end.
[0034]
In the multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 9, an optical fiber tape formed by arranging a plurality of optical fibers in a strip shape is divided into two, and the one-sided optical fiber tape is divided into a first optical fiber tape. The optical fiber tape on the other side is formed as the second optical fiber tape, the optical fiber arranged in parallel with the first optical fiber tape is formed as the first optical fiber, and the second optical fiber tape is formed. The second optical fiber is an optical fiber arranged side by side with the second optical fiber.
[0035]
The method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 10 is the method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the intermediate portions of the first and second optical fiber tapes are covered. After that, the first and second optical fibers from which the coating has been removed are rearranged so as to be alternately arranged and alternately arranged in the arrangement guide grooves of the optical fiber arrangement tool. After a press member is provided on the upper side of these optical fibers and each optical fiber is pressed by the press member and fixed in the arrangement guide groove, the fixing portion of the press member and the optical fiber arrangement tool crosses the optical fiber arrangement direction. Two multi-fiber optical connectors are manufactured at a time by dividing and cutting in the direction.
[0036]
The method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 11 is the method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein one of the first and second optical fiber tapes. The optical fibers from which the coating of the optical fiber tape on one side has been removed are temporarily fixed in a state where they are alternately arranged in a plurality of guide grooves of the optical fiber arranging tool, and thereafter, the first and second optical fibers Of the tape, the optical fibers from which the coating of the optical fiber tape on the other side is removed are arranged in every other arrangement guide groove.
[0037]
The method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 12 is the method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one of the first and second optical fiber tapes. In a state where the optical fibers from which the coating of the optical fiber tape on one side has been removed are arranged every other in the plurality of arrangement guide grooves of the optical fiber arrangement tool, the optical fibers are held by the holding member, and then the first Of the first and second optical fiber tapes, the optical fiber from which the coating of the optical fiber tape on the other side is removed is left every other holding member from above or below the optical fiber pressed by the holding member. It is characterized by being inserted into a gap formed by the arranged guide grooves.
[0038]
The method of manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 13 removes a part of the coating on the optical fiber tape on at least one side of the optical fiber tape when the coatings of the first and second optical fiber tapes are peeled off. In this state, the coating is left as a residual coating on the optical fiber tip side, and then the base side of the optical fiber from which the coating has been removed is arranged on the optical fiber array tool. It is characterized by doing.
[0039]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector, comprising preparing a plurality of optical fiber tapes with a part of the coating remaining in parallel in the optical fiber arrangement direction, The optical fibers are arranged in an optical fiber arraying tool after being shifted in position.
[0040]
A method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 15 is the method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the optical fibers arranged in the array guide grooves of the optical fiber array tool are After being pressed by the pressing member, an adhesive is supplied to the connection end face side of the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is fixed to the arrangement guide groove.
[0041]
A multi-fiber optical connector manufacturing method according to claim 16 is the multi-fiber optical connector manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel in a strip shape. The tape is divided into two, and the optical fiber tape on one side divided into two is used as a first optical fiber tape, and the optical fiber tape on the other side is used as a second optical fiber tape.
[0042]
In the present invention having the above-described configuration, when the multi-fiber optical connector is assembled, the first optical fiber tape and the second optical fiber tape are arranged to overlap each other, and the coating on the tip side of each of the optical fiber tapes is removed. The first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are alternately arranged and inserted into an arrangement guide groove on a flat plate substrate which is an optical fiber arrangement tool. By placing a pressing member on the upper side of the optical fiber and pressing and fixing the pressing member to the flat substrate side, each optical fiber is clamped and fixed in the alignment guide groove, and the intended multi-fiber optical connector is manufactured.
[0043]
In the present invention, since the first and second optical fibers are accommodated in the alignment guide grooves formed on the flat plate substrate, the state of the optical fibers arrayed in the alignment guide grooves becomes obvious from the outside. The first optical fiber and the second optical fiber can be alternately rearranged so as not to cause an error in the arrangement, and can be easily accommodated in the corresponding alignment guide grooves. As a result, the work efficiency of assembling the multi-fiber optical connector is enhanced, and the assembly cost of the multi-fiber optical connector can be greatly reduced.
[0044]
In the second invention of the multi-fiber optical connector, the filter is inserted into at least one of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber arranged in the arrangement guide groove. By connecting a multi-fiber optical connector to a waveguide component, it has a function equivalent to a filter provided on the optical waveguide of the waveguide component, and is cheaper than providing a filter on the expensive waveguide substrate side. If the filter is provided on the flat substrate of the optical fiber array tool, the cost for the yield of the filter mounting process can be reduced.
[0045]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same name portions as those of the conventional example and the proposed example, and the duplicate description thereof is omitted.
[0046]
FIG. 1 shows a perspective configuration of a first embodiment of a multi-fiber optical connector according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. In these drawings, a plurality of arrangement guide grooves 22 are arranged in parallel in the width direction on a flat substrate 21 which is an optical fiber arrangement tool. The flat substrate 21 may be formed of an opaque member. In this embodiment, the flat substrate 21 is formed of a transparent glass substrate such as glass known by the trademark Pyrex (R) or synthetic quartz. A plurality of arrangement guide grooves 22 are formed on the substrate 21 in the longitudinal direction of the flat substrate 21 at a pitch interval of, for example, 127 μm, which is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the bare optical fiber 4 (4a, 4b) from which the coating has been removed by machining or the like It is formed by stretching.
[0047]
The groove shape of the array guide groove 22 is preferably formed in a V shape or a U shape, for example, as shown in FIG. Further, the array guide groove 22 is formed in the central region of the flat substrate 21 which is lower than the upper surface 24 of the flat substrate 21, and in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A. The groove forming inclined surfaces 12 at both outer ends of the array guide grooves 22 are extended so as to reach the upper surface 24 of the flat substrate 21. As shown in FIG. 1, a filter insertion groove 17 for inserting a filter is formed in the formation region of the alignment guide grooves 22 in a direction crossing the alignment guide grooves 22.
[0048]
A plurality of first optical fibers are arranged in a strip shape on the rear end side of the flat plate substrate 21, for example, a first optical fiber tape 6a having 16 cores and a second optical fiber having 16 cores in a strip shape. The first optical fiber tape 6b arranged in parallel with the first optical fiber tape 6b is disposed so as to overlap with the first bare optical fiber 4a from which the coating on the front end side of the first optical fiber tape 6a is removed. The second bare optical fiber 4b from which the coating on the front end side of the second optical fiber tape 6b has been removed is rearranged one by one as shown in FIG. 22 and is alternately accommodated in the corresponding alignment guide grooves 22. The upper ends of the first and second bare optical fibers 4 a and 4 b are substantially coincident with the upper surface 24 of the flat substrate 21.
[0049]
Further, in a state where the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are arranged and accommodated, a plate-like pressing member 23 is arranged from the upper side of the arranged bare optical fibers 4a and 4b at the position on the front end side of the flat substrate 21. The upper surface 24 and the upper ends of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are covered with a pressing member 23 with almost no gap, and are pressed by the pressing member 23 so that the leading ends of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are arranged in alignment guide grooves. It is clamped in 22 and fixed.
[0050]
A rectangular plate-like filter 16 is inserted into the filter insertion groove 17, and the filter 16 is inserted into each second bare optical fiber 4b on the second optical fiber tape 6b side. The filter 16 is fixed in the filter insertion groove 17 with, for example, a thermosetting adhesive, and the flat plate substrate 21 and the pressing member 23 are also bonded and fixed using a thermosetting adhesive or the like. Although the pressing member 23 can be formed of an opaque member, in this embodiment, like the flat plate substrate 21, it is formed using a transparent member such as a glass plate.
[0051]
Next, a method for manufacturing the multi-fiber optical connector in the present embodiment will be briefly described. First, the second optical fiber tape 6b from which the coating on the front end side is removed to expose the bare optical fiber 4b is supplied from the rear end side of the flat substrate 21, and the bare optical fiber 4b is arranged on the alignment guide groove on the flat substrate 21. Every other piece is inserted and accommodated in 22, and the portion where the filter insertion groove 17 is provided is temporarily fixed using an adhesive or the like. In this embodiment, the filter insertion groove 17 is designed so as to be provided in the formation region of the arrangement guide groove 22 avoiding the place where the pressing member 23 is arranged (in FIG. 1, substantially the middle position in the longitudinal direction of the arrangement guide groove 22). Has been.
[0052]
Next, a filter insertion groove 17 is formed in a direction transverse to each second bare optical fiber 4b at a position where the second bare optical fiber 4b is temporarily fixed, and then a rectangle is formed in the filter insertion groove 17. The plate-shaped filter 16 is inserted, and the filter 16 and the flat plate substrate 21 are fixed in the filter insertion groove 17 with a thermosetting adhesive or the like. By attaching the filter 16, the filter 16 is inserted into each second bare optical fiber 4b of the second optical fiber tape 6b.
[0053]
Next, the first optical fiber tape 6a from which the coating on the front end side is removed is supplied to the upper side of the second optical fiber tape 6b, and the first bare optical fibers 4a of the first optical fiber tape 6a are supplied. Through the upper side of the filter 16 and in the adjacent alignment guide groove 22 in which the second bare optical fiber 4b in front of the filter 16 is accommodated (a vacant array guide in which the second bare optical fiber 4b is not accommodated). In the groove). As a result, the first bare optical fiber 4a and the second bare optical fiber 4b are alternately arranged next to each other and accommodated in the respective array guide grooves 22 on the front side of the flat substrate 21.
[0054]
Next, the pressing member 23 is pressed against the leading end side of the flat substrate 21 from above the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b, and the flat substrate 21 and the pressing member 23 are fixed with a thermosetting adhesive or the like. As a result, the arrayed first bare optical fibers 4 a and second optical fibers 4 b are sandwiched and fixed in the array guide groove 22. Next, if necessary, an adhesive is applied to the upper side of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b exposed on the flat substrate 21, and the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are embedded in the adhesive to protect against external force. . Finally, the connecting end surface 5 on the front end side of the flat substrate 21 is polished together with the pressing member 23 and the end surfaces of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b, and the intended multi-fiber optical connector is manufactured.
[0055]
According to the multi-fiber optical connector of the present embodiment, the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are accommodated in the array guide grooves 22 formed with a pitch interval substantially matching the outer diameter of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b. Therefore, as in the case of the multi-fiber optical connector previously proposed by the applicant, the multi-fiber optical connector can be remarkably reduced in size as compared with the conventional example, and the first bare optical fiber 4a is arranged in the arrangement guide groove 22. And the second bare optical fiber 4b are alternately arrayed and accommodated, for example, the wavelength λ passing through the first bare optical fiber 4a. ₁ Wavelength λ passing through the second bare optical fiber 4b ₂ The wavelength λ supplied from the optical waveguide or the like by alternately converting the light of the light and making it incident on the optical waveguide or the like connected to the multi-fiber optical connector. ₁ And λ ₂ Take out the alternating light of the wavelength λ ₁ Are extracted together on a first optical fiber tape, and the wavelength λ ₂ The same effect as the multi-fiber optical connector previously proposed by the applicant can be obtained.
[0056]
Furthermore, since the multi-fiber optical connector according to the present embodiment is configured to accommodate the optical fibers in the array guide grooves 22 arrayed on the flat substrate 21, the bare light stored in each array guide groove 22 is used. Since the state of the fibers 4a and 4b becomes clear from the outside, it is extremely easy to correctly accommodate the first bare optical fiber 4a and the second bare optical fiber 4b in each array guide groove 22 without error. It is possible to improve the work of assembling the optical connector, reduce the assembly cost, and eliminate the misalignment of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b, so that the reliability of the multi-fiber optical connector can be improved. It becomes. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the flat plate substrate 21 and the pressing member 23 are both formed of transparent members, the arrangement state of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b is changed to the back side of the flat plate substrate 21 (formation surface of the alignment guide groove 22) The surface of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b held by the holding member 23 can also be observed from the outside, so that the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are misplaced. Can be removed perfectly.
[0057]
Furthermore, since the filter 16 is provided on the flat substrate 21 in the present embodiment, compared to the case where the filter is provided on the waveguide substrate on the optical waveguide component side as in the conventional example, the waveguide substrate of the optical waveguide component is more suitable. The unit price of the flat substrate 21 of the multi-fiber optical connector is much cheaper, so that the total cost of the connection product made by connecting and integrating the multi-fiber optical connector and the optical waveguide component can be reduced for the same yield. Is obtained. In this respect, in the present embodiment, a rectangular plate-like filter with a simpler structure is used without using a comb-teeth filter as shown in FIG. Since the filter is used, the manufacturing process of the filter itself can be facilitated, so that the yield of the filter manufacturing is increased and the cost can be further reduced.
[0058]
Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the groove forming slopes 12 at both outer ends of the array guide grooves 26 formed on the flat substrate 21 reach the upper surface 24 of the flat substrate 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the upper surface 24 of the flat substrate 21 and the upper ends of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are covered with the pressing member 23 almost without any gap. Thus, unlike the case where a gap is formed between the upper surface 24 of the flat substrate 21 and the pressing member 23, there is almost no adhesive between the upper surface 24 of the flat substrate 21 and the bottom surface of the pressing member 23. Therefore, the adhesive applied to the gap, such as when a gap is formed between the upper surface 24 of the flat substrate 21 and the pressing member 23, for example, when the adhesive is cured or due to a temperature change The bare optical fibers 4a and 4b at both ends of the array are not pulled outward by heat shrinkage or the like, and all the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are surely inserted into the corresponding array guide grooves 22. The arrangement accuracy of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b in the arrangement guide groove 22 is improved. Therefore, the yield of manufacturing the multi-fiber optical connector is increased, and the cost can be further reduced.
[0059]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the flat substrate 21 and the pressing member 23 are formed of a transparent member, but if at least one of them is formed of a transparent member, the multi-fiber optical connector of this embodiment can be connected. When connecting to the optical component on the other side, it is possible to irradiate ultraviolet rays (UV) on the connection end face 5 side, and a highly reliable UV connection using a UV adhesive or the like is possible. Further, in particular, if the holding member 23 is made of a transparent member, it is possible to irradiate ultraviolet rays. In addition, the final arrangement of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b inserted into the arrangement guide grooves 22 of the flat plate substrate 21 is possible. It is easy to check the condition.
[0060]
FIG. 5 shows a perspective configuration of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the first bare light from which the coating on the front end side of the first optical fiber tape 6a and the second optical fiber tape 6b arranged in an overlapping manner is removed. The fibers 4a and the second bare optical fibers 4b are rearranged so that they are alternately arranged and arranged in the arrangement guide grooves 22 of the flat substrate 21, and the first and second bare optical fibers 4a, 4b is pressed by the holding member 23 and is fixedly held in the arrangement guide groove 22. In this embodiment, the first optical fiber tape 6a and the second optical fiber tape 6b arranged in an overlapping manner are arranged. A plurality (two sets) of fiber tape sets 7 are arranged in the optical fiber arrangement direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, among these two fiber tape sets 7 (7a, 7b), the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a, 6b of the fiber tape set 7a on the near side of the figure are: A side surface 27 adjacent to another fiber tape set 7b is cut.
[0061]
Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the rear end side 25 of the pressing member 23 is formed with a roundness (A in the drawing) for relaxing the contact with the optical fiber on the fiber pressing surface 26 side. Yes. In this embodiment, the filter insertion groove 17 and the filter 16 provided in the first embodiment are not provided, but the filter insertion groove 17 and the filter 16 in the present embodiment are the same as in the above embodiment. A filter 16 may be provided to form a multi-fiber optical connector.
[0062]
This embodiment is configured as described above. Next, a method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to this embodiment will be described. First, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8B, the coating on either one of the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b (the optical fiber tape 6a in the figure) is removed. Every other optical fiber (the first bare optical fiber 4a in the figure) is arranged in every other plurality of arrangement guide grooves 22 of the flat substrate 21.
[0063]
Next, as shown in (c) of the figure, in this state, the bare optical fiber 4a is pressed by the holding member 23. After that, as shown in (d) to (e) of the figure, the first optical fiber 4a is pressed. An optical fiber (second bare optical fiber 4b) from which the coating of the optical fiber tape (the optical fiber tape 6b in the figure) on the other side of the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b has been removed is held by the holding member 23. The bare optical fiber 4b is inserted from below the pressed bare optical fiber 4a, and is inserted into a gap formed by the holding member 23 and every other array guide groove 22 left. As a result, the first bare optical fibers 4a and the second bare optical fibers 4b are alternately arranged and accommodated in the arrangement guide grooves 22 on the front side of the flat substrate 21, and the holding member 23 is accommodated. It will be pressed.
[0064]
When the bare optical fiber 4b of the second optical fiber tape 6b is arranged in the arrangement guide groove 22, as described above, the bare optical fiber 4b is moved from the lower side of the bare optical fiber 4a to the holding member 23 and the arrangement guide groove. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9D to 9E, the second bare optical fiber 4b is inserted from the upper side of the first bare optical fiber 4a. You may insert in the clearance gap formed by the holding member 23 and the arrangement | positioning guide groove 22 left every other.
[0065]
Next, the flat substrate 21 and the pressing member 23 are fixed with a thermosetting adhesive or the like. In supplying the adhesive, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the adhesive is supplied to the connection end face side of each of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b. To do. Specifically, as shown in these drawings, an adhesive is applied to the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b protruding from the front end sides of the flat substrate 21 and the pressing member 23. Then, since the adhesive enters the entire gap between the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b, the array guide groove 22 and the holding member 23 by capillary action, the adhesive is applied using capillary action. The plurality of the first bare optical fibers 4a and the second bare optical fibers 4b arranged in the gap are permanently fixed in the arrangement guide grooves 22.
[0066]
Then, as in the first embodiment, if necessary, an adhesive is applied to the upper side of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b exposed on the flat substrate 21, and finally, on the tip side of the flat substrate 21. The connecting end face 5 is polished together with the pressing member 23 and the end faces of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b to manufacture the target multi-fiber optical connector.
[0067]
In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the filter insertion groove 17 and the filter 16 are provided in the flat substrate 21, the filter insertion groove 17 is formed by the same method as in the first embodiment. Is formed on the flat substrate 21, and the filter 16 is inserted into the filter insertion groove 17.
[0068]
According to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved, and the fiber pressing surface 26 side on the rear end side 25 of the pressing member 23 is rounded to reduce contact with the optical fiber. As a result of the formation, for example, as shown in FIG. 21B, since no roundness is formed on the fiber pressing surface 26 side, an excessive force is directly applied to the bare optical fiber 4a at the portion where the pressing member 23 hits the bare optical fiber 4a. Therefore, since it is possible to reliably prevent the bare optical fiber 4a from being disconnected, the production yield of the multi-fiber optical connector can be further improved.
[0069]
Further, in the present embodiment, the fiber tape sets 7a and 7b of the first optical fiber tape 6a and the second optical fiber tape 6b arranged in an overlapping manner are juxtaposed in the optical fiber arrangement direction. Since the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b of the fiber tape set 7a cut the side surfaces 27 adjacent to the other fiber tape sets 7b, the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a, The adjacent covering portions of 6b do not get in the way, and all the arrayed optical grooves 4a, 4b corresponding to all the bare optical fibers 4a, 4b without greatly bending the bare optical fibers 4a, 4b on the outer ends of the optical fiber tapes 6a, 6b. Can be arranged with high accuracy. Also, the optical fiber tape sets 7a and 7b can be arranged in a multi-fiber optical connector with high density.
[0070]
Further, when the array guide grooves 22 of the flat substrate 21 are formed at a pitch interval substantially equal to the outer diameter of the bare optical fiber 4 as in the present embodiment, the depth of the array guide grooves 22 becomes shallow. The first bare optical fiber 4a of one optical fiber tape 6a and the second bare optical fiber 4b of the second optical fiber tape 6b are rearranged one by one as shown in FIG. Although the work of alternately accommodating in the arrangement guide grooves 22 is not very workable, according to the manufacturing method of the multi-fiber optical connector of the present embodiment, the first bare optical fibers 4a are first arranged. Arrangement workability of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b in order to insert the second bare optical fibers 4b into the remaining guide guide grooves 22 after every other guide groove 22 is arranged. Can be improved.
[0071]
In particular, according to the manufacturing method of the multi-fiber optical connector of the present embodiment, the first bare optical fiber 4a arranged in the arrangement guide groove 22 is first pressed by the holding member 23, and in this state, the second naked light is used. In order to insert the fiber 4b from the upper side or the lower side of the first bare optical fiber 4a and to insert it into the gap between the holding member 23 and the remaining array guide grooves 22, first, Thus, the first bare optical fiber 4a arranged in the (2) is not detached from the arrangement guide groove 22, and the second bare optical fiber 4b can be more easily inserted. Therefore, the production yield of the multi-fiber optical connector can be further improved.
[0072]
Further, when an adhesive used for permanently fixing the flat substrate 21, the first and second bare fibers 4a and 4b, and the presser member 23 is supplied from the rear end side 25 of the presser member 23, the adhesive is used as a capillary tube. Due to the phenomenon, the adhesive enters the gap between the flat substrate 21, the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b, and the holding member 23, but the adhesive does not reach the connection end face 5 side of the multi-fiber optical connector. Even if it arrives, bubbles may be mixed. If this happens, the loss of adhesive and bubbles on the connection end face 5 side cause bubbles to enter the interface when the multi-fiber optical connector is connected to another optical component, resulting in increased connection loss. . In addition, the bubble portion or the portion where the adhesive is removed expands due to a heat change or the like, and the load on the connection end face side of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b becomes large. This adversely affects the connection end face side of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b.
[0073]
In contrast, in the present embodiment, the adhesive is supplied from the connection end face 5 side of the multi-fiber optical connector, and the first and second from the connection end face side of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b due to the capillary phenomenon. In order to enter the gap between the two bare fibers 4a and 4b, the flat plate substrate 21 and the holding member 23, at least on the connection end face side of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b, the first and second There is no loss of adhesive or bubbles that enter the gap between the alignment guide grooves 22 of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b and the flat substrate 21 and the pressing member 23, and the adverse effects of the loss of the adhesive and bubbles are avoided. Can do. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent an increase in connection loss with other optical components of the multi-fiber optical connector, and a multi-fiber optical connector capable of optical connection with low connection loss can be obtained. The multi-fiber optical connector can be made highly reliable for a long period of time.
[0074]
FIG. 11 shows a perspective configuration of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the second embodiment, and this embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the pressing member 23 has two pressing member pieces 33a, 33b is formed side by side in the optical fiber arrangement direction. Note that, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the flat plate substrate 21 may be provided with the filter insertion groove 17 and the filter 16.
[0075]
This embodiment is configured as described above, and this embodiment is also manufactured by the same manufacturing method as that of the second embodiment, and can achieve the same effects as those of the second embodiment.
[0076]
Further, when the number of cores of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b is 32 in total as in the present embodiment, for example, the length of A in the figure is about 6 mm and the length of B in the figure. Is about 5 mm, and the length of C in the figure is about 10 mm. The flat substrate 21, the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b, and the presser member 23 are fixed by an adhesive. However, due to a temperature change, the adhesive and the presser member 23 are thermally contracted, and the presser is pressed as described above. When the width A of the member 23 is widened, there is a possibility that the presser member 23 is cracked due to the difference in the magnitude of the heat shrinkage. However, in the present embodiment, since the presser member 23 is formed by the two presser member pieces 33a and 33b, distortion due to the difference in the heat shrinkage can be easily escaped, and cracking of the presser member 23 can be prevented. Thus, the production yield and long-term reliability of the multi-fiber optical connector can be improved.
[0077]
Even if the arrangement of the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b occurs again, if the holding member 23 is divided into the holding member pieces 33a and 33b as in the present embodiment, the bare optical fibers 4a, 4b, It is easy to repeat the arrangement of 4b.
[0078]
FIG. 12 shows a perspective configuration of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the second embodiment, and this embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a, 6b is branched at the terminal side 28 at the input / output end. As described above, the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b are optical fiber tapes formed by juxtaposing eight cores of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b, respectively. In the embodiment, the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b are branched into four cores at the terminal side 28 at the input / output end. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the flat plate substrate 21 may be provided with the filter insertion groove 17 and the filter 16.
[0079]
The present embodiment is configured as described above, and the present embodiment is also manufactured by a manufacturing method substantially similar to that of the second embodiment, and can provide the same effects.
[0080]
In the present embodiment, the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b in which eight optical fibers are juxtaposed are used, respectively, and the multi-core light is the same as in the second and third embodiments. A connector can be easily manufactured, and if the terminal side 28 is connected to a light incident terminal by branching at the terminal side 28 at the input / output ends of the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b, for example, an optical fiber Different signal inputs can be performed for each of the four cores, and a total of eight types of signal inputs can be performed.
[0081]
That is, as in this embodiment, a multi-fiber optical connector is manufactured using the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b in which a large number of optical fibers are juxtaposed, and the first and second optical fibers are manufactured. If the terminal side 28 of the optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b of No. 2 is branched in accordance with the number of cores required for the input / output terminals, it is easy to manufacture, and the light is made to correspond to the number of cores required for the incident terminal. It is possible to provide an excellent multi-fiber optical connector capable of performing the incidence and emission of the optical fiber.
[0082]
FIG. 13 shows a plan view (a) and a side view (b) of a fifth embodiment of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the present invention. The characteristic feature of this embodiment is that an optical fiber tape 6 (four optical fiber tapes 6 in the figure) formed by arranging a plurality of optical fibers side by side is divided into two parts. The optical fiber tape on one side is formed with the first optical fiber tape 6a, the optical fiber tape on the other side is formed with the second optical fiber tape 6b, and light arranged in parallel with the first optical fiber tape 6a. The fiber is a first optical fiber, and the optical fiber arranged in parallel with the second optical fiber tape 6b is a second optical fiber.
[0083]
Then, the first optical fiber tape 6a is placed on the upper side of the second optical fiber tape 6b, and the first bare optical fiber 4a from which the coating on the front end side of the first optical fiber tape 6a is removed; The second bare optical fiber 4b from which the coating on the front end side of the second optical fiber tape 6b is removed is the same as the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b in the above embodiments. The arrangement is changed one by one and accommodated alternately in the corresponding arrangement guide grooves 22. The present embodiment is configured as described above, and in this embodiment as well, the filter insertion groove 17 and the filter 16 can be provided in the flat plate substrate 21 as in the first embodiment.
[0084]
The present embodiment is configured as described above. When the multi-fiber optical connector of the present embodiment is manufactured, an optical fiber tape 6 formed by arranging eight optical fibers in a strip shape is arranged on the tip side. The optical fiber tape on one side divided into two is used as the first optical fiber tape 6a, the optical fiber tape on the other side is used as the second optical fiber tape 6b, and the upper side of the second optical fiber tape 6b. After superposing the first optical fiber tape 6a, a multi-fiber optical connector is manufactured by the same manufacturing method as in the first to fourth embodiments.
[0085]
The present embodiment can achieve substantially the same effect as the first to fourth embodiments.
[0086]
Further, for example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, an optical waveguide component 30 in which a 1 × n star coupler such as a 1 × 8 star coupler 31 is formed is used for optical communication. For example, light incident from the incident end 1a of the 1 × 8 star coupler 31 and emitted from the respective output ends 1a1 to 1a8 is taken out by one optical fiber tape 6 and incident from the incident end 1b of the 1 × 8 star coupler 31. There is a case where it is required to take out the light emitted from the emission ends 1b1 to 1b8 by another optical fiber tape 6. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b of the multi-fiber optical connector connected to the optical waveguide component 30 are arranged in parallel to make the traveling direction of the light easy to understand. The first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b are actually arranged so as to overlap each other.
[0087]
However, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b from which the coatings on the front ends of the eight optical fiber first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b are removed are rearranged. When the multi-fiber optical connectors arranged alternately are connected to the output end side of the optical waveguide component 30, the light emitted from the output end 1a1 of the 1 × 8 star coupler 31 enters the first optical fiber tape 6a and enters the first optical fiber tape 6a. The light extracted from the optical fiber tape 6a and emitted from the output end 1a2 of the 1 × 8 star coupler 31 enters the second optical fiber tape 6b and is extracted from the second optical fiber tape 6b. The light incident from the incident end 1a of the × 8 star coupler 31 enters the two optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b and is extracted. In this case, it becomes impossible to satisfy the above requirement of taking out light incident on one star coupler from one optical fiber tape 6.
[0088]
In FIG. 15, the light incident from the incident end 1b of the 1 × 8 star coupler 31 and emitted from the output ends 1b1 to 1b8 is also distributed and incident on the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b, respectively. Therefore, the light incident from the incident end 1a of the 1 × 8 star coupler 31 and the light incident from the incident end 1b are mixed in the first optical fiber tape 6a. Similarly, the second optical fiber tape 6b The light incident from the incident end 1a of the 1 × 8 star coupler 31 and the light incident from the incident end 1b are mixed.
[0089]
On the other hand, if the eight optical fiber tapes 6 are divided into two as the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b as in the present embodiment, 1 × 8 star as shown in FIG. The light incident from the incident end 1a of the coupler 31 exits from the exit ends 1a1 to 1a8 and enters the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b, respectively, but the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b, respectively. Since 6b is originally one optical fiber tape 6, all the light incident from the incident end 1a of the 1 × 8 star coupler 31 enters the single optical fiber tape 6 and is taken out. Similarly, all the light incident from the incident end 1b of the 1 × 8 star coupler 31 is incident on another optical fiber tape 6 and is taken out from the optical fiber tape 6 to prevent the above-mentioned mixing of light. it can.
[0090]
In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment, Various embodiments can be taken. For example, in the first embodiment, the filter 16 is inserted into each second bare optical fiber 4b on the second optical fiber tape 6b side. However, the first bare optical fiber on the first optical fiber tape 6a side is used. The filter 16 may be inserted also into 4a, and such an insertion structure of the filter 16 can be applied to the second to fifth embodiments. In this case, the filter insertion groove 17 is formed in the state where the first bare optical fibers 4a and the second bare optical fibers 4b are alternately arranged in the arrangement guide grooves 22 of the flat substrate 21, and the filter 16 is inserted into the filter. What is necessary is just to insert in the groove | channel 17.
[0091]
Further, the shape of the filter 16 is not a rectangular plate, and may be a filter with comb teeth as shown in FIG. 23B, and the shape of the filter 16 is not particularly limited.
[0092]
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the filter insertion groove 17 is provided and the filter 16 is inserted and mounted. However, the filter insertion groove 17 and the filter 16 are omitted, and a multi-fiber optical connector that does not include a filter is provided. It is good.
[0093]
Further, when a multi-fiber optical connector is manufactured, the multi-fiber optical connector can be manufactured by a method as shown in FIG. 16, for example. That is, when stripping the coating of the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b, the coating of the optical fiber tape (the first optical fiber tape 6a in the figure) on at least one side of the optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b. As shown in FIG. 5A, the coating is slid to the distal end side of the optical fiber (first bare optical fiber 4a), and this coating is used as a residual coating 14 without removing a part of the coating. The first bare optical fiber 4a is left at the front end side, and thereafter, the base side of the first bare optical fiber 4a is formed in the arrangement guide groove 22 of the flat substrate 21 as shown in FIG. Arrange every other line.
[0094]
In this state, the front end side of the first bare optical fiber 4a is temporarily pressed by the temporary pressing member 29, and then the second optical fiber tape 6b is attached to the first optical fiber tape 6b as shown in FIG. The second bare optical fibers 4b are arranged in the remaining array guide grooves 22 from the upper side of the optical fiber tape 6a, and as shown in FIG. The tip end side of the fiber 4b is also temporarily fixed by the temporary holding member 29.
[0095]
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5E, a pressing member 23 is placed on the tip side of the flat substrate 21 from the upper side of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b arranged in the arrangement guide groove 22, and the holding member 23 and the flat substrate 21 sandwich and fix the tip ends of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b. Then, in this state, for example, an adhesive is applied to the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b projecting toward the distal ends of the flat substrate 21 and the holding member 23, and the same as in the second embodiment. Manufactures multi-fiber optical connectors.
[0096]
As described above, the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b are slid and moved to the front end side of the optical fiber without removing a part of the coating of the optical fiber tape on at least one side. If the optical fiber tape 6a, 6b with the coating remaining is left as the residual coating 14 on the distal end side of the optical fiber, the residual coating 14 indicates that the distal ends of the bare optical fibers 4a, 4b open radially. Therefore, the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b can be easily arranged in the arrangement guide groove 22.
[0097]
In particular, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when a plurality of optical fiber tapes (first optical fiber tape 6a in the figure) having a part of the coating are prepared and arranged side by side in the optical fiber arrangement direction, adjacent optical fibers are arranged. If the first bare optical fiber 4a is arranged in the arrangement guide groove 22 of the flat substrate 21 after the residual coating 14 of the tape 6a is shifted in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, the residual coating 14 collides with each other. Since this can be prevented, the arrangement of the first bare optical fiber 4a in the arrangement guide groove 22 can be made easier.
[0098]
FIG. 18 shows an example of a method for peeling the coating of the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b. As shown in FIG. After removing the coating on the tip side of the tape 6a, as shown in FIG. 5B, a part of the remaining coating on the tip side is peeled off and slid to the tip side of the first bare optical fiber 4a. By moving, the residual coating 14 can be formed. When the first optical fiber tape 6a having the residual coating 14 is overlapped with the second optical fiber tape 6b from which all of the coating on the front end side is removed as shown in FIG. The state is as shown in d).
[0099]
Further, in the second to fifth embodiments, the fiber pressing surface 26 on the rear end side 25 of the pressing member 23 is formed with a roundness that reduces the contact with the optical fiber, so that the first configuration as shown in FIG. The portion where the rear end side of the pressing member 23 hits the bare optical fiber 4a (B in the figure) is prevented from being broken. Instead of rounding the pressing member 23, as shown in FIG. A taper surface 19 is formed on the rear end side of the plate 21 in the direction of reducing the thickness of the flat plate substrate 21, whereby the first bare optical fiber 4a is bent upward and the second bare optical fiber 4b is lowered. The rate of bending to the side can be made almost equal, and disconnection of the first bare optical fiber 4a can be prevented. Such a tapered surface can be formed by glass forming when a flat substrate is formed of, for example, glass or synthetic quartz. Further, the tapered surface 19 is formed on the flat substrate 21 as described above, and the fiber pressing surface 26 on the rear end side 25 of the pressing member 23 is rounded as in the second to fifth embodiments. Thus, a multi-fiber optical connector can be formed.
[0100]
Furthermore, when manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector, the multi-fiber optical connector can be manufactured by a method as shown in FIG. 20, for example. That is, as shown in (a) of the figure, the coating of the middle portions of the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b is removed, and thereafter, as shown in (b) of the figure, The first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b exposed by removing the coating are rearranged so as to be alternately arranged and alternately arranged in the arrangement guide grooves 22 of the flat plate substrate 21, and then the first A pressing member 23 is provided on the upper side of the second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b. Then, after the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are pressed and fixed in the arrangement guide groove 22 by the holding member 23, as shown in FIG. The two multi-fiber optical connectors are manufactured at a time by dividing and cutting the fixed portion of the optical fiber in a direction crossing the optical fiber array direction (in the figure, a direction orthogonal to the optical fiber array direction).
[0101]
When a multi-fiber optical connector is manufactured by such a method, two multi-fiber optical connectors can be manufactured at one time. Therefore, a multi-fiber optical connector can be manufactured very efficiently. The manufacturing cost of the connector can be reduced.
[0102]
Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the presser member 23 is formed by arranging two presser member pieces 33a and 33b side by side in the optical fiber arrangement direction. In this way, the presser member 23 is formed by the presser member piece. In this case, three or more pressing member pieces can be formed side by side in the optical fiber arrangement direction.
[0103]
Further, in the fourth embodiment, the terminal side 28 at the input / output end of the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b is branched into two to form a multi-fiber optical connector. The terminal side 28 at the input / output end of the two optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b can be branched into three or more to form a multi-fiber optical connector.
[0104]
Further, in the second to fourth embodiments, only the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b of the fiber tape set 7a among the fiber tape sets 7a and 7b are side surfaces 27 adjacent to the fiber tape set 7b. However, the adjacent side surfaces 27 of the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b of the fiber tape set 7b may also be cut, and the first and second of the fiber tape sets 7a and 7b may be cut. These optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b may also cut the side surfaces 27 that are not adjacent to other fiber tape sets.
[0105]
Further, when a multi-fiber optical connector is formed by arranging a plurality of fiber tape sets 7 as in the second to fourth embodiments, the number of the fiber tape sets 7 arranged in parallel may be three or more. .
[0106]
Furthermore, in the said 2nd-5th embodiment, when manufacturing the multi-fiber optical connector, although the adhesive agent was supplied to the connection end surface side of an optical fiber, when an adhesive agent is not necessarily supplied to the connection end surface side of an optical fiber, Is not limited. However, by supplying the adhesive to the connection end face side of the optical fiber, at least the connection end face side of the optical fiber is prevented from coming out of the adhesive or bubbles, and the adverse effects of the adhesive coming off or bubbles are prevented. Therefore, it is preferable to manufacture a multi-fiber optical connector by supplying an adhesive from the connection end face side of the optical fiber.
[0107]
Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the upper surface 24 of the flat plate substrate 21 and the upper ends of the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are covered with the pressing member 23 almost without any gap. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, a gap may be formed between the upper surface 24 of the flat substrate 21 and the pressing member 23. However, if a gap is formed between the flat plate substrate 21 and the pressing member 23 as described above, an increase in connection loss with other optical components of the multi-fiber optical connector due to the adhesive entering the gap as described above, Since a problem due to the load applied to the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b occurs, the upper surface 24 of the flat substrate 21 and the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b are formed as in the above embodiment. It is desirable to extend the groove forming inclined surfaces 12 at both outer ends of the array guide grooves 22 so as to reach the upper surface 24 of the flat plate substrate 21 so that the upper end of the array guide grooves 22 is covered with the pressing member 23 with almost no gap.
[0108]
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b have 16 cores, and in the second to fifth embodiments, the optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b have 8 cores. In the fifth embodiment, eight optical fiber tapes 6 are used, but the number of optical fibers of each of the optical fiber tapes 6, 6a, 6b is 4, 8, 16, 32. Etc., which can be set appropriately.
[0109]
Further, in the multi-fiber optical connectors of the above embodiments, the connection end face (tip face) 5 is a vertical face with respect to the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b, but as shown by broken lines in FIG. 5 may be an inclined end surface inclined by θ (for example, θ = 8 °) with respect to the vertical plane. In this way, by forming the connection end face 5 on the oblique end face, when the multi-fiber optical connector is connected to the optical component on the connection partner side, the light propagating from the multi-fiber optical connector to the connection partner side and vice versa. In addition, light propagating from the optical component on the connection partner side to the multi-fiber optical connector is reflected back to the bare optical fibers 4a and 4b side of the multi-fiber optical connector at the connection end face, or the light of the optical component on the connection partner side. It is possible to prevent a retrograde reflection from the passage. In this way, adverse effects on optical communication can be suppressed by preventing reverse light.
[0110]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the arrangement pitch of the arrangement guide grooves formed on the flat substrate, which is an optical fiber arrangement tool, is formed to a size that substantially matches the outer diameter of each optical fiber from which the coating has been removed. As compared with the conventional multi-fiber optical connector, the width of the arrangement region of the optical fibers can be made very small. Therefore, even if the number of optical fibers to be arranged (the number of cores) increases, a small multi-fiber optical connector can be formed.
[0111]
In addition, the first optical fiber from which the coating of the first optical fiber tape is removed and the second optical fiber from which the coating of the second optical fiber tape is also removed are alternately arranged. By changing the arrangement in such a manner, the light incident from the first optical fiber and the light incident from the second optical fiber can be emitted from the distal end side (connection end surface side) in a state of being alternately arranged in parallel. it can. Therefore, for example, when the multi-core optical connector of the present invention is connected to a waveguide element formed by arranging a plurality of optical waveguides in parallel, light from the first optical fiber is incident on odd-numbered optical waveguides, and even-numbered The light from the first optical fiber and the light from the second optical fiber are alternately arranged in the order of the arrangement of the optical waveguides of the waveguide elements, such that light from the second optical fiber enters the second optical waveguide. Can be incident.
[0112]
Further, different light (for example, light having different wavelengths and optical power levels) is emitted alternately from the optical waveguides of the waveguide elements in the order of arrangement of the optical waveguides, and the multi-core optical connector of the present invention is connected to the waveguide elements. If connected, the different light emitted alternately from the respective optical waveguides of the waveguide element is incident on the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber separately for each common type of light, and the first light Separately, the same type of light can be grouped and extracted from the fiber tape and the second optical fiber tape.
[0113]
For this reason, for example, different light beams are alternately incident on a plurality of light paths (light guides, etc.) in the order of arrangement of the light paths, or different lights emitted alternately from the plurality of light paths are grouped in the same light. Thus, it is possible to take out from the first and second optical fiber tapes in groups so that the optical communication system having an excellent function can be constructed.
[0114]
Further, according to the present invention, the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are arranged and accommodated in the arrangement guide grooves arranged on the flat plate substrate, so that the optical fibers accommodated in the arrangement guide grooves. Can be observed from the outside. This makes it very easy to accommodate the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber in the alignment guide groove, and can significantly increase the work efficiency of assembling the multi-fiber optical connector. The product cost of the multi-fiber optical connector can be greatly reduced.
[0115]
In addition, since the arrangement state of the optical fibers accommodated in the arrangement guide grooves becomes obvious at a glance, if an error occurs in the arrangement of the optical fibers, this can be corrected immediately. Therefore, the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber can be corrected. Mistakes (errors) in the alternating arrangement with the fiber can be eliminated, and the reliability of the multi-fiber optical connector of the present invention can be sufficiently enhanced. In particular, when the flat substrate and the pressing member are formed of a transparent member, particularly when at least the pressing member is transparent, the arrangement state of the optical fibers can be seen from the back side of the flat substrate, and the pressing member Since the arrangement state of the pressed optical fibers can also be known from the outside, it is possible to more surely eliminate the optical fiber arrangement error and further improve the reliability of the multi-fiber optical connector.
[0116]
Furthermore, in the second invention of the multi-fiber optical connector in which a filter is inserted into at least one of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber accommodated and arranged in the arrangement guide groove on the flat plate substrate, When considering the production yield compared to the case where the filter is provided on the optical waveguide of the optical waveguide component, it is possible to significantly reduce the manufacturing cost by providing the filter on the multi-fiber optical connector side, and the filter on the optical waveguide component side. Compared with the case where it provides, the outstanding effect that the total cost of the connection body product formed by integrally connecting a multi-fiber optical connector and optical waveguide components can be reduced can be acquired.
[0117]
Furthermore, in the third invention of the multi-fiber optical connector in which the fiber pressing surface side is formed with a roundness for relaxing the contact with the optical fiber on the rear end side of the pressing member, the optical fiber is not excessively directly transferred from the pressing member to the optical fiber. It is possible to prevent the optical fiber from being broken and broken due to excessive force, improving the manufacturing yield of multi-fiber optical connectors and reducing the manufacturing cost. Can do.
[0118]
Furthermore, in the fourth invention of the multi-fiber optical connector in which the press member is formed by arranging two or more press member pieces in parallel in the optical fiber arrangement direction, the optical fiber arranged in the multi-fiber optical connector. Even if the number of cores increases and the area of the presser member increases, it becomes possible to prevent the presser member from cracking due to heat shrinkage of the presser member due to temperature changes, etc. Yield can be improved, and the long-term reliability of the multi-fiber optical connector can be improved.
[0119]
Furthermore, an optical fiber array guide groove is formed in the center region of the flat substrate on the flat substrate of the optical fiber array tool which is lower than the upper surface of the flat substrate, and the groove forming slopes at both outer ends of the array guide groove are The flat plate substrate is extended so as to reach the upper surface of the flat plate substrate. The upper surface of the flat plate substrate substantially coincides with the upper ends of the first and second optical fibers arranged in the alignment guide grooves, and the upper surface of the flat plate substrate and the first and second optical fibers are aligned. In the fifth invention of the multi-fiber optical connector in which the upper end of the optical fiber is covered with the pressing member almost without any gap, for example, between the optical fiber array tool, the first and second optical fibers, and the pressing member. When the adhesive is supplied to fix the first and second optical fibers in the alignment guide groove of the optical fiber array tool, the adhesive does not enter between the upper surface of the flat plate substrate of the optical fiber array tool and the holding member. Array guide groove and first and second optical fibers Clearance only so that the adhesive is attached to between the pressing member.
[0120]
Therefore, in the fifth aspect of the invention, unlike the case where a gap is formed between the upper surface of the flat plate substrate and the bottom surface of the pressing member, the arrangement guide grooves are arranged at both outer ends by the adhesive that enters the gap. It is possible to prevent the optical fiber from being pulled outward due to the thermal contraction of the adhesive due to the curing of the adhesive or due to temperature change, improving the yield of multi-fiber optical connector manufacturing and high long-term reliability. A multi-fiber optical connector can be used.
[0121]
Furthermore, in the sixth invention of the multi-fiber optical connector in which the tapered surface is formed in the direction of reducing the thickness of the flat substrate on the rear end side of the flat substrate of the optical fiber arranging tool, Of the two optical fiber tapes, the upper side of the upper optical fiber tape from which the coating is removed on the tip side of the upper optical fiber tape is bent toward the tip side of the optical fiber tape coating, and the lower optical fiber tape is removed from the coating. In the same way as in the third invention of the multi-fiber optical connector, it is possible to equalize the downward bending from the optical fiber arraying tool of the optical fiber toward the distal end side of the optical fiber tape coating. It is possible to prevent the optical fiber from being disconnected due to an excessive force applied to the fiber. Therefore, the yield of manufacturing the multi-fiber optical connector can be improved, and the manufacturing cost of the multi-fiber optical connector can be reduced.
[0122]
Further, a plurality of fiber tape sets of the first optical fiber tape and the second optical fiber tape arranged in a stacked manner are arranged side by side in the optical fiber arrangement direction. In the seventh invention of the multi-fiber optical connector in which at least one side surface adjacent to the other fiber tape assembly is cut, the other optical fiber tape assembly is provided with a plurality of fiber tape assemblies arranged in parallel. It is possible to prevent the covering portions on the side surfaces adjacent to each other from interfering with each other, and it is possible to arrange the optical fiber tape sets in a high density, and the optical fibers of each optical fiber tape can be used as an optical fiber arrangement tool. When arranging, the optical fibers on the outer end side of the tape can be arranged in the arrangement guide grooves of the optical fiber arrangement tool without greatly bending. As a result, the multi-fiber optical connector can be made small, the manufacturing yield can be improved, and the manufacturing cost of the multi-fiber optical connector can be reduced.
[0123]
Furthermore, according to the eighth invention of the multi-fiber optical connector in which the first and second optical fiber tapes are respectively branched at the terminal side of the emission end, for example, the first and second light having a large number of cores. A fiber optic tape is used to manufacture a multi-fiber optical connector, and the terminal side is branched according to the needs of the input and output ends (corresponding to the number of required terminals), thereby increasing the number of terminals at the input and output ends of the signal. Since the corresponding multi-fiber optical connector can be manufactured very efficiently, it is possible to provide an excellent multi-fiber optical connector corresponding to the number of terminals at the input and output ends and at a low manufacturing cost.
[0124]
Furthermore, an optical fiber tape formed by arranging a plurality of optical fibers in a strip shape is divided into two, and the one optical fiber tape divided into two is formed as a first optical fiber tape, and the other optical fiber tape is formed. Is formed with the second optical fiber tape, the optical fiber arranged in parallel with the first optical fiber tape is formed as the first optical fiber, and the multi-core light arranged in parallel with the second optical fiber tape According to the ninth aspect of the connector, when the multi-fiber optical connector is connected to, for example, a 1 × n star coupler or the like, for example, an optical fiber tape formed by arranging n optical fibers in parallel is divided into two. First and second optical fiber tapes are formed, and the first optical fiber arranged in parallel with the first optical fiber tape and the second optical fiber arranged in parallel with the second optical fiber tape are alternately arranged. 1 × n star coupler output after array conversion When connected to n terminals on the end side, the multi-fiber optical connector of the present invention, which is very small compared to a conventional multi-fiber optical connector formed by arranging n optical fibers in parallel, is 1 × n. Each light incident on the star coupler and branched can be taken out from one optical fiber tape.
[0125]
Furthermore, in the method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of the above-described configurations, the intermediate portions of the first and second optical fiber tapes are removed, and then the coatings are removed. The first and second optical fibers are arranged so that they are alternately arranged, and are alternately arranged in the arrangement guide grooves of the optical fiber arrangement tool. After that, a pressing member is provided above these optical fibers to provide each optical fiber. Are clamped and fixed in the arrangement guide groove by pressing the holding member, and then the two multi-fiber optical connectors are once cut by dividing and cutting the holding portion of the holding member and the optical fiber arrangement tool in the direction crossing the optical fiber arrangement direction. In the first invention of the manufacturing method of the multi-fiber optical connector having the structure to be manufactured in the first embodiment, since two multi-fiber optical connectors can be manufactured at a time, the multi-fiber optical connector can be manufactured very efficiently. Do Becomes possible, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the multi-fiber optical connector.
[0126]
Furthermore, in the method of manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of the above-described configurations, the light from which the coating of the optical fiber tape on either one of the first and second optical fiber tapes is removed Temporarily fix the fibers in a state where they are arranged in every other guide groove of the optical fiber arrangement tool, and then remove the coating of the optical fiber tape on the other side of the first and second optical fiber tapes. In the second invention of the manufacturing method of the multi-fiber optical connector in which every other optical fiber is arranged in the remaining array guide grooves, and the manufacturing method of the multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of the above configurations The optical fiber from which the coating of the optical fiber tape on either one of the first and second optical fiber tapes is removed is arranged in every other plurality of arrangement guide grooves of the optical fiber arrangement tool Press this optical fiber with The optical fiber from which the coating of the optical fiber tape on the other side of the first and second optical fiber tapes is removed is pressed from above or below the optical fiber pressed by the pressing member. In the third invention of the manufacturing method of the multi-fiber optical connector to be inserted into the gap formed by the members and the remaining array guide grooves, the array guide grooves of the first and second optical fibers The arrangement of the optical fibers can be made very easy, and it is possible to prevent the optical fibers initially arranged in the arrangement guide grooves from being detached from the arrangement guide grooves. Therefore, it becomes possible to manufacture a multi-fiber optical connector very easily, thereby improving the production yield of the multi-fiber optical connector and reducing the manufacturing cost.
[0127]
Furthermore, when the coatings of the first and second optical fiber tapes were peeled off, the optical fiber tape was slid and moved to the tip side of the optical fiber without removing a part of the coating of the optical fiber tape on at least one side of the optical fiber tape. In the fourth invention of the manufacturing method of the multi-fiber optical connector, this coating is left as a residual coating on the front end side of the optical fiber in the state, and then the base side of the optical fiber from which the coating has been removed is arranged on the optical fiber arranging tool. Then, in order to prevent the coated optical fibers on the front end side of the first and second optical fiber tapes from spreading radially, the residual coating can prevent the optical fibers from being arranged on the optical fiber arranging tool. This makes it easy to manufacture a multi-fiber optical connector efficiently.
[0128]
In addition, a plurality of optical fiber tapes with a portion of the coating remaining are prepared and arranged side by side in the optical fiber arrangement direction, and the positions of the adjacent coatings of the adjacent optical fiber tapes are shifted in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. In the fifth invention of the method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector arranged in a fiber array, adjacent optical fibers are prepared when a multi-fiber optical connector is manufactured by preparing a plurality of optical fiber tapes with a part of the coating remaining. Since it is possible to prevent the residual coatings of the tapes from colliding with each other, it becomes possible to easily arrange the optical fibers on the optical fiber arranging tool, and it is possible to facilitate the manufacture of the multi-fiber optical connector.
[0129]
Furthermore, in the method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of the above-described configurations, the optical fiber arrayed in the array guide groove of the optical fiber array tool is pressed by a pressing member, and then the connection end surface side of the optical fiber is pressed. In the sixth invention of the multi-fiber optical connector for supplying an adhesive to the optical fiber and fixing the optical fiber to the arrangement guide groove, at least on the connection end face side of the optical fiber, the arrangement guide groove and the light of the optical fiber arrangement tool In order to prevent the loss of adhesive and air bubbles between the fiber and the holding member, it is possible to increase the connection loss between other optical components of the multi-fiber optical connector due to the loss of adhesive and air bubbles. It is possible to prevent a load from being applied to the optical fiber due to expansion or expansion due to thermal changes such as bubbles. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture an excellent multi-fiber optical connector that can be connected to other optical components with low connection loss and has high long-term reliability.
[0130]
Furthermore, in the method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of the above-described configurations, an optical fiber tape formed by arranging a plurality of optical fibers in parallel in a strip shape is divided into two parts, and the one side of the two parts is divided. In the seventh invention of the manufacturing method of the multi-fiber optical connector in which the optical fiber tape is the first optical fiber tape and the other optical fiber tape is the second optical fiber tape, the effect of the ninth invention is achieved. Can be easily manufactured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a multi-fiber optical connector according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the embodiment.
4 is an enlarged view (a) in the chain line frame A of FIG. 3 showing a part of the front view of the multi-fiber optical connector in which a gap is formed between the bottom surface of the pressing member 23 and the top surface 24 of the flat substrate 21. FIG. It is explanatory drawing shown in comparison with (b).
FIG. 5 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a pressing member used in the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory plan view showing the configuration of the fiber tape assembly 7 arranged side by side with almost no gap in the second embodiment, arranged side by side with a gap.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a manufacturing method of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing another example of the manufacturing method of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an adhesive supply process in the manufacture of the multi-fiber optical connector of the second embodiment with a perspective view (a) and a side view (b).
FIG. 11 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a third embodiment of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a structural view showing a fifth embodiment of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the present invention by a plan view (a) and a side view (b).
14 is an explanatory view schematically showing a state in which the multi-fiber optical connector of the fifth embodiment is connected to the output end side of the optical waveguide component 30 including the 1 × 8 star coupler 31. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a multi-core light formed by alternately changing the first and second bare optical fibers 4a and 4b of the first and second optical fiber tapes 6a and 6b in which eight optical fibers are arranged in parallel. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state in which a connector is connected to an output end side of an optical waveguide component 30 including a 1 × 8 star coupler 31.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of a method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 shows a manufacturing process of a multi-fiber optical connector according to the present invention, in which the two first optical fiber tapes 6a are partially moved and slid to the optical fiber tip side, and the optical fiber tapes 6a in this state are arranged side by side. It is explanatory drawing which shows the method to do.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of sliding the first optical fiber tape 6a to a part of the optical fiber while leaving a part of the coating, and overlapping the second optical fiber tape 6b with the coating removed.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing a flat substrate 21 used in another embodiment of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the present invention.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing still another embodiment of the method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to the present invention.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory side view showing a portion where the disconnection is likely to occur in the bare optical fiber 4a arranged on the flat substrate 21 in the multi-fiber optical connector.
FIG. 22 shows a state in which the first optical fiber tape 6a and the second optical fiber 6b are overlapped with each other and the coating is removed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | sequence conversion state with the 2nd bare optical fiber 4b by the side of an optical fiber tape.
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an array formation pattern of waveguides with a 2 × 2 optical coupler type filter formed on a waveguide substrate of an optical waveguide component, and the shape of the filter.
FIG. 24 is a perspective explanatory view of a multi-fiber optical connector that the applicant previously proposed in a patent application;
25 is a detailed explanatory view of the ferrule 2 constituting the multi-fiber optical connector of FIG. 24. FIG.
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional structure diagram of a generally known optical fiber core wire.
FIG. 27 is a perspective explanatory view of a conventional multi-fiber optical connector.
[Explanation of symbols]
4a First bare optical fiber
4b Second bare optical fiber
6a First optical fiber tape
6b Second optical fiber tape
7, 7a, 7b Fiber tape assembly
14 Residual coating
16 filters
21 Flat board
22 Array guide groove
23 Presser member

Claims (16)

A first optical fiber tape formed by arranging a plurality of first optical fibers in a strip shape and a second optical fiber tape formed by arranging a plurality of second optical fibers in a strip shape are overlapped. Has been placed,
Multi-core light arrayed in an optical fiber array device, the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber from which the coating on the front end side of each optical fiber tape has been removed, being array-converted so as to be in an alternating array In the connector,
The optical fiber arranging tool has a flat substrate, and has an arrangement pitch of a size that substantially matches the outer diameter of the central region of the flat substrate that is lower than the upper surface of the flat substrate, with the coating of each optical fiber removed. , together with the sequence guide groove groups of optical fibers are formed, a first optical fiber coating each sequence guide grooves has been removed and a second optical fiber are arranged alternately, an upper surface of the flat substrate is arranged Guide The upper ends of the first and second optical fibers arranged in the groove group substantially coincide with each other, and the upper surface of the flat plate substrate and the upper ends of the first and second optical fibers are covered with a pressing member with almost no gap . A multi-fiber optical connector characterized by being sandwiched and fixed in the array guide groove group . 2. The multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber arraying tool is extended so that groove forming slopes at both outer ends of the array guide groove group reach the upper surface of the flat substrate. The filter is provided in the formation area of the arrangement guide groove, and the filter is inserted into at least one of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber arranged in the arrangement guide groove. The multi-fiber optical connector according to 1 or 2 . The multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a roundness is formed on the rear end side of the pressing member so as to reduce contact with the optical fiber on the fiber pressing surface side. . The multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the pressing member is formed by arranging two or more pressing member pieces in parallel in the optical fiber arrangement direction. Flat substrate of the optical fiber array member may, until the region where the coating has been removed of the optical fibers arranged in at least the sequence guide groove groups a rear end side of the array guide grooves group are formed side , multiple-core optical connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the tapered surface and the thickness of the plate substrate in the direction of thinning is formed. A plurality of fiber tape sets of the first optical fiber tape and the second optical fiber tape arranged in a stacked manner are arranged side by side in the optical fiber arrangement direction, and the first and second of the plurality of fiber tape sets are arranged. the optical fiber ribbon, multiple-core optical connector according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that at least one side surface adjacent to the other fiber ribbon sets are cut. First and second optical fiber tapes, claims plurality of optical fibers at the terminal side of the input and output end respectively, characterized in that it is branched into a plurality of optical fiber ribbons arranged in parallel in a strip 1-7 The multi-fiber optical connector according to any one of the above. An optical fiber tape comprising a plurality of optical fibers arranged side by side is divided into two, and the two-divided optical fiber tape is formed as a first optical fiber tape, and the other optical fiber tape is formed as a first optical fiber tape. The optical fiber formed in parallel with the first optical fiber tape is formed as the first optical fiber, and the optical fiber disposed in parallel with the second optical fiber tape is formed in the second optical fiber tape. multiple-core optical connector according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that it forms an optical fiber. In multi-fiber optical connector, The method according to any one of claims 1-9,
Removing the coating in the middle of the first and second optical fiber tapes;
Thereafter, the first and second optical fibers from which the coating has been removed are rearranged so as to be alternately arranged and alternately arranged in the arrangement guide grooves of the optical fiber arrangement tool,
After that, after providing a pressing member on the upper side of these optical fibers, each optical fiber is pressed by the pressing member and is clamped and fixed in the arrangement guide groove.
A method of manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector, comprising: manufacturing two multi-fiber optical connectors at a time by dividing and cutting a fixing portion of the holding member and the optical fiber array tool in a direction intersecting the optical fiber array direction. In multi-fiber optical connector, The method according to any one of claims 1-9,
Temporarily fix the optical fiber from which the coating of the optical fiber tape on either one of the first and second optical fiber tapes is arranged in every other guide groove of the optical fiber arranging tool. ,
Thereafter, an optical fiber from which the coating of the optical fiber tape on the other side of the first and second optical fiber tapes is removed is arranged in every other arrangement guide groove. Manufacturing method of multi-fiber optical connector. In multi-fiber optical connector, The method according to any one of claims 1-8,
In the state where every one of the first and second optical fiber tapes, the optical fiber from which the coating of the optical fiber tape is removed is arranged in every other arrangement guide groove of the optical fiber arrangement tool, Press the optical fiber with the pressing member,
Thereafter, the optical fiber from which the coating of the optical fiber tape on the other side of the first and second optical fiber tapes is removed is pressed from above or below the optical fiber pressed by the pressing member. A method of manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector, wherein the optical fiber connector is inserted into a gap formed by every other array guide groove left. When peeling off the coatings of the first and second optical fiber tapes, the optical fiber tape is slid and moved to the front end side of the optical fiber tape without removing a part of the coating on the optical fiber tape on at least one side. , Leave this coating as the residual coating on the optical fiber tip side,
13. The method of manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 11 or 12 , wherein after that, the base side of the optical fiber from which the coating has been removed is arranged in an optical fiber arrangement tool. Prepare multiple optical fiber tapes with some coatings left in parallel in the optical fiber array direction, and arrange the optical fibers in the optical fiber array after shifting the position in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber in the residual coating of adjacent optical fiber tapes. The method of manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 13 , wherein the multi-fiber optical connector is arranged in a tool. In multi-fiber optical connector, The method according to any one of claims 1-9,
After pressing the optical fiber arranged in the arrangement guide groove of the optical fiber arrangement tool with the holding member,
A manufacturing method of a multi-fiber optical connector, wherein an adhesive is supplied to a connection end face side of the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is fixed to the alignment guide groove. In multi-fiber optical connector, The method according to any one of claims 1-8,
An optical fiber tape formed by juxtaposing a plurality of optical fibers in a strip shape is divided into two, the optical fiber tape on one side divided into two is used as the first optical fiber tape, and the optical fiber tape on the other side is used as the second optical fiber tape. A method of manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector, characterized by using a fiber tape.

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