WO2008047740A1 - Optical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical connector that can be easily produced. A first holding section (4) is provided at a fixation section (3) at which an optical fiber wire (15) is fixed, and the first holding section (4) holds one end of an optical component (9) such that the one end is movable in the direction of the optical axis of the optical fiber wire (15). The optical component (9) has an aligning section (91) for receiving an end of the optical fiber wire (15). The first holding section (4) and a second holding section (5) are connected together by a pair of springs (6, 6) capable of extending and retracting in the optical axis direction. The second holding section (5) holds the other end of the optical component such that the other end is movable in the optical axis direction. An elastic engagement section (7) for connecting the second holding section (5) and the optical component (9) held by the first and second holding sections (4, 5) is provided at the second holding section (5).

Description

 Specification

 Optical connector

 Technical field

 The present invention relates to an optical connector, and more particularly to an optical connector that is easy to manufacture.

 Background art

 Conventionally, an optical connector including a clip housing, a ferrule, and a coil panel is known (see Patent Document 1 below).

 [0003] The clip housing is formed by bending a metal plate into a substantially U shape, and has a pair of free ends, a coupling piece for coupling the pair of free ends, and an elastic engagement claw. A flange is formed on each of the upper surface of one free end and the lower surface of the other free end. The collar portions extend in the opposing direction of the free ends and oppose each other in the height direction of the free ends. As will be described later, the ferrule is disposed between the pair of free ends, but the collar portion extends in the height direction of the free end before the ferrule is disposed between the pair of free ends. An elastic engagement claw is formed by bending the front ends of the pair of free ends outward. A hole is formed in the coupling piece. One end of the optical fiber is inserted between the pair of free ends through this hole.

 [0004] The ferrule has a flange portion and an aligned outer diameter portion. A split sleeve is fixed to the aligned outer diameter. The ferrule is disposed between a pair of free ends and is connected to one end of an optical fiber inserted between the pair of free ends. The ferrule can move in the direction of the optical axis of the optical fiber within the clip housing.

 [0005] The coil spring is attached to one end portion of the optical fiber, and is interposed between the coupling piece of the clip housing and the flange portion of the ferrule. The coil spring urges the ferrule away from the coupling piece, but the movement of the ferrule is limited by the flange part hitting the collar part of the clip housing.

 [0006] To assemble this optical connector, first, one end of an optical fiber is inserted between a pair of free ends through a hole in a coupling piece of a clip housing.

Next, a coil spring is attached to one end of the optical fiber inserted between the pair of free ends. [0008] Thereafter, one end of the optical fiber is connected to the ferrule.

 [0009] Finally, the ferrule is moved toward the coupling piece by staking it to the elastic force of the coil panel, and the collar portion of the clip housing is bent at a right angle in this state. This collar part holds the ferrule in the tip casing and prevents it from falling off the clip casing.

 In order to connect this optical connector to the counterpart optical connector, first, the optical connector and the counterpart optical connector are brought close to each other, and the ferrule of the counterpart optical connector is inserted into the split sleeve of the optical connector.

 Next, the optical connectors are further brought closer to each other, and the elastic engagement claws of the clip housing of the optical connector are engaged with the block of the counterpart optical connector. At this time, the coil panel is compressed, and the end face of the ferrule of the optical connector is abutted with the end face of the ferrule of the counterpart optical connector by the repulsive force of the coil panel, and optical connection is performed.

 Patent Document 1: JP-A-9 43453 (see paragraphs 0010 to 0013, FIG. 3)

 Disclosure of the invention

 Problems to be solved by the invention

 [0012] The above optical connector assembly work is often performed manually. This is because it is difficult to automate the work of attaching the coil panel to one end of the optical fiber, the work of staking it on the elastic force of the coil panel and pushing the ferrule toward the coupling piece to bend the collar part. , Et al. For this reason, manufacture of the above-mentioned optical connector is not easy.

 [0013] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an optical connector that can be easily manufactured.

 Means for solving the problem

In order to solve the above-described problem, an optical connector of an invention according to claim 1 includes: a fixing portion that fixes an optical fiber; and a tip portion of the optical fiber that is provided in the fixing portion and fixed to the fixing portion. A first holding unit that holds one end of an optical component having a receiving portion that can be moved in the direction of the optical axis of the optical fiber, and a second holding unit that holds the other end of the optical component so as to be movable in the direction of the optical axis. A pair of second holding portions that face each other with the optical component interposed therebetween, connect the first holding portion and the second holding portion to each other, and can expand and contract in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. It is characterized by comprising: a spring part; and a connecting means for connecting the optical component held by the first and second holding parts and the second holding part.

[0015] As described above, the first holding part and the second holding part are connected to each other by the pair of spring parts, and the connecting means for connecting the optical component and the second holding part is provided. It became possible to eliminate coil panels that required work.

 [0016] The optical connector according to the invention of claim 2 can be assembled to the optical connector main body and the optical connector main body, and the front end portions of the pair of optical fibers so that the front end surfaces of the pair of optical fibers face each other. And an adapter having a receiving portion for receiving the optical connector, wherein the optical connector main body is provided in a fixing portion for fixing one optical fiber of the pair of optical fibers, and the fixing portion, A first holding part for holding one end of the adapter movably in the optical axis direction of the one optical fiber; a second holding part for holding the other end of the adapter movably in the optical axis direction; The first holding part and the second holding part are connected to each other with the adapter sandwiched therebetween, and are held by the first and second holding parts and a pair of spring parts that can be expanded and contracted in the optical axis direction. The adapter and the second And a connecting means for connecting the holding portion.

 [0017] As described above, the first holding portion and the second holding portion are connected to each other by the pair of spring portions, and the connecting means for connecting the adapter and the second holding portion is provided. It became possible to eliminate the coil panel that required.

 [0018] The invention of claim 3 is the optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means is the first connector.

2 It is an elastic engagement piece which is provided in the holding part and engages with a recess formed on the surface of the optical component.

[0019] The invention of claim 4 is the optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the coupling means is the first connector.

2 It is an elastic engagement piece which is provided in the holding part and engages with a recess formed on the surface of the adapter.

[0020] The invention of claim 5 is the optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pair of spring portions are arcs having substantially the same curvature radius.

[0021] The invention of claim 6 is the optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fixing portion, the pair of spring portions, the first and second holding portions, and the connecting means are provided. One board It is characterized in that it is integrally formed by punching and bending the elastic body.

 The invention's effect

 [0022] According to the present invention, an optical connector can be easily manufactured.

 Brief Description of Drawings

 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

 2 is a perspective view showing a state before the optical connector shown in FIG. 1 is connected to an optical component.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where the optical connector shown in FIG. 1 is connected to an optical component.

 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an optical connector in an example in which the position of the end face of the optical fiber is changed in the optical connector shown in FIG.

 FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state before the optical connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention is connected to the counterpart optical connector.

 Explanation of symbols

[0024] 1, 201, 301 Optical connector

 202 Optical connector body

 3, 203, 303 Fixed part

 4, 204, 304 1st holding part

 5, 205 Second holding part

 6, 206 Spring

 7, 207, 307 Elastic engagement piece (connecting means)

 9 Optical components

 91 Alignment part (receiving part)

 94 recess

 95 prism

 209 adapter

 291 Alignment part (receiving part)

 294 recess

15, 215, 315 Optical fiber (optical fiber) BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

 1 is a perspective view of the optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state before the optical connector shown in FIG. 1 is connected to an optical component, and FIG. 3 is FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which connected the optical connector shown to optical components to.

[0027] As shown in FIGS.! To 3, the optical connector 1 includes a fixing part 3, a first holding part 4, a second holding part 5, a pair of spring parts 6, 6, and an elastic engagement piece (connecting means) 7 And. The optical connector 1 is connected to the optical component 9.

 [0028] First, the optical component 9 will be described. The optical component 9 is mounted on the surface of a printed wiring board (not shown). A light receiving element (not shown) and a light emitting element (not shown) are mounted on the back surface of the printed wiring board.

 As shown in FIG. 2, the optical component 9 is substantially plate-shaped and includes an alignment portion (receiving portion) 91, a receiving portion 92, a space 93, a concave portion 94, and a prism 95. The alignment portion 91 receives one end of the optical fiber 15 and guides it to the prism 95. The accommodating portion 92 is formed adjacent to one end of the aligning portion 91. The space 93 is formed adjacent to the accommodating portion 92. The recess 94 is formed on the upper surface of the optical component 9 and has an engagement surface 94a. The engagement surface 94a is a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber 15. The prism 95 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 92. The prism 95 is in contact with one end surface of the optical fiber 15. The prism 95 reflects light emitted from the optical fiber 15 or light from a light emitting element disposed below the prism 95 at a right angle.

Returning to the description of the optical connector 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the fixing portion 3 is substantially cylindrical and holds the optical fiber 15 so as not to move.

 The first holding part 4 is coupled to the fixing part 3 via a pair of coupling parts 8. The cross-sectional shape of the first holding part 4 at a virtual plane (not shown) orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical fiber 15 is substantially C-shaped. The first holding unit 4 holds one end of the optical component 9 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber 15. Each of the pair of coupling portions 8 is bent in a crank shape.

[0032] The cross-sectional shape of the second holding part 5 at a virtual plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical fiber 15 is substantially C-shaped. The second holding unit 5 moves the other end of the optical component 9 in the direction of the optical axis of the optical fiber 15. Hold it movable.

 [0033] Each of the pair of spring parts 6 and 6 is substantially plate-shaped, has elasticity, and connects the first holding part 4 and the second holding part 5 to each other. The thickness direction of the pair of spring portions 6 and 6 is substantially parallel to the opposing direction of the pair of spring portions 6 and 6. The pair of spring portions 6 and 6 are curved in a substantially arc shape so that the longitudinal intermediate portions of the pair of spring portions 6 and 6 are separated from each other.

 The elastic engagement piece 7 has a substantially plate shape and is coupled to the second holding portion 5. The elastic engagement piece 7 is bent in a direction in which the free end 7 a of the elastic engagement piece 7 approaches the optical fiber 15. When the elastic engagement piece 7 and the recess 94 are engaged, the free end 7 a presses the bottom surface of the recess 94. The optical component 9 is inserted between the pair of spring portions 6 and 6, one end of the optical component 9 is held by the first holding portion 4, and the other end of the optical component 9 is the second holding portion. When the force is not applied to the pair of spring parts 6 and 6, the free end 7a of the elastic engagement piece 7 is positioned closer to the first holding part 4 than the engagement surface 94a of the optical component 9 It is in.

 [0035] The fixing part 3, the first holding part 4, the second holding part 5, the spring parts 6 and 6, the elastic engagement piece 7 and the coupling part 8 are stamped and bent by one metal plate having elasticity. Is formed.

 Next, connection work of the optical connector 1 will be described.

 First, from the state shown in FIG. 2, the optical component 9 is inserted between the pair of spring portions 6, 6. At this time, the optical component 9 is guided to the second holding portion 5. When the optical component 9 is completely inserted between the pair of spring portions 6 and 6, one end of the optical component 9 is in the first holding portion 4 and the other end of the optical component 9 is in the second holding portion. Held in 5 respectively.

 Further, the coupling portion 8 abuts on one end portion of the optical component 9 and restricts the movement of the optical component 9 in the insertion direction.

 [0039] Next, when the pair of spring parts 6 and 6 are gripped from both sides with fingers, the radius of curvature of the arc drawn by the spring part 6 increases, and accordingly, the distance between the first holding part 4 and the second holding part 5 Spread. At this time, the elastic engagement piece 7 moves away from the first holding portion 4, and the free end 7 a of the elastic engagement piece 7 engages with the recess 94. When the free end 7a of the elastic engagement piece 7 is engaged with the recess 94, a spring force of the elastic engagement piece 7 is generated, and the elastic engagement piece 7 cannot be easily detached from the recess 94.

[0040] When the free end 7a of the elastic engagement piece 7 is engaged with the recess 94, the force to grip the pair of spring portions 6 and 6 is weakened. As a result, the pair of spring portions 6 and 6 tries to return to the original state, and the first holding portion 5 A force toward the holding part 4 is generated. This force is transmitted to the optical component 9 through the free end 7a of the elastic engagement piece 7 and the engagement surface 94a of the optical component 9. By this force, the prism 95 of the optical component 9 is abutted against one end face of the optical fiber 15.

As a result, the optical connection between the optical connector 1 and the optical component 9 is performed.

[0042] The light emitted from one end surface of the optical fiber 15 enters the prism 95, is reflected therein, is emitted from the lower surface of the prism 95, and enters a light receiving element disposed below the prism 95. Shoot.

 In addition, the light emitted from the light emitting element disposed below the prism 95 is incident on the prism 95, reflected therein, and incident on the optical fiber 15.

[0044] According to the first embodiment, since the pair of spring portions 6 and 6 are used instead of the coil panel which makes it difficult to automate the assembly, the optical connector 1 is automatically assembled to a completed state by a press machine or the like. The optical connector 1 can be manufactured easily.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an optical connector of an example in which the position of the end face of the optical fiber is changed in the optical connector shown in FIG.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the force that positions the end face of the optical fiber strand 15 below the elastic engagement piece 7 As shown in FIG. The second holding part 5 may protrude.

 In the example shown in FIG. 1, before the optical fiber strand 15 is fixed to the fixing portion 3, the force that needs to be treated such as polishing or cleaning of the end face of the optical fiber strand 15 is shown in FIG. Then, after the optical fiber strand 15 is fixed to the fixing portion 3, processing such as polishing and cleaning of the end face of the optical fiber strand 15 can be performed.

 Note that an optical component (not shown) connected to the optical connector 1 of this example is capable of receiving the optical fiber 15 protruding from the second holding portion 5.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state before the optical connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention is connected to the counterpart optical connector.

As shown in FIG. 5, the optical connector 201 includes an optical connector main body 202 and an adapter 209. The optical connector 201 is connected to the counterpart optical connector 301. The optical connector body 202 includes a fixing portion 203, a first holding portion 204, a second holding portion 205, a pair of spring portions 206, 206, and an elastic engagement piece ( Connecting means) 207.

[0051] The fixing portion 203 is substantially cylindrical and holds the vicinity of one end face of the optical fiber strand 215 so as not to move.

 The first holding unit 204 is coupled to the fixed unit 203 via a pair of coupling units 208. The cross-sectional shape of the first holding portion 204 at a virtual plane (not shown) orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical fiber strand 215 is substantially C-shaped. The first holding unit 204 holds one end of the adapter 209 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber strand 215. Each of the pair of coupling portions 208 is bent in a crank shape.

 [0053] The cross-sectional shape of the second holding unit 205 at a virtual plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical fiber strand 215 is approximately C-shaped. The second holding unit 205 holds the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the adapter 209 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber strand 215.

 [0054] Each of the pair of spring portions 206, 206 is substantially plate-shaped, has elasticity, and connects the first holding portion 204 and the second holding portion 205 to each other. The thickness direction of the pair of spring portions 206 and 206 is substantially parallel to the facing direction of the pair of spring portions 206 and 206. The pair of spring portions 206, 206 are curved in an arc shape so that the intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction of the pair of spring portions 206, 206 are separated from each other.

 The elastic engagement piece 207 has a substantially plate shape and is coupled to the end surface of the second holding unit 205 on the first holding unit 204 side. The elastic engagement piece 207 is bent in a direction in which the free end 207a of the elastic engagement piece 207 approaches the optical fiber strand 215. One end portion of the adapter 209 is inserted between the pair of spring portions 206 and 206, one end portion of the adapter 209 is held by the first holding portion 204, and the longitudinal intermediate portion of the adapter 209 is held by the second holding portion 205. The free end 207a of the elastic engagement piece 207 is the first engagement of the adapter 209 described above in the direction of the optical axis of the optical fiber 215 when no force is applied to the pair of spring portions 206, 206. It is located closer to the first holding part 204 than the surface 294a.

 [0056] The fixing portion 203, the first holding portion 204, the second holding portion 205, the spring portions 206 and 206, the elastic engagement piece 207, and the coupling portion 208 are punched from one elastic metal plate and bent. It is formed by applying.

The adapter 209 has a substantially plate shape, and has an alignment portion (receiving portion) 291 and a concave portion 294. Alignment The part 291 receives one end of the optical fiber strand 215 of the optical connector 201 and one end of the optical fiber strand 315 of the counterpart optical connector 301, and abuts the end faces of the optical fiber strands 215 and 315. The recess 294 is formed on the upper surface of the adapter 209 and has first and second engagement surfaces 294a and 294b. The first and second engaging surfaces 294a and 294b are surfaces substantially perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber springs 215 and 315.

[0058] Since the configuration of the counterpart optical connector 301 is substantially the same as that of the optical connector main body 202, the same reference numerals as those of the optical connector main body 202 are attached to the same parts as the configuration of the optical connector main body 202, and the description thereof Is omitted. Only the differences from the optical connector body 202 will be described below.

The fixed portion 303 holds the vicinity of one end face of the optical fiber strand 315 so as not to move.

[0060] The first holding unit 304 holds the other end of the adapter 209 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber strand 315.

 The elastic engagement piece 307 has a substantially plate shape and is coupled to the second holding unit 205. The free end 307 a of the elastic engagement piece 307 engages with the engagement surface 294 b of the adapter 209.

Next, connection work of the optical connector 201 will be described.

 First, as shown in FIG. 5, the one end side portion of the adapter 209 is inserted between the pair of spring portions 206, 206 of the optical connector main body 202. At this time, one end of the adapter 209 is inserted so as to be guided by the first holding unit 204. When the adapter 209 is completely inserted, one end portion of the adapter 209 is held by the first holding portion 204 and the longitudinal middle portion of the adapter 209 is held by the second holding portion 205.

 [0064] Further, the coupling portion 208 of the optical connector main body 202 abuts on one end portion of the adapter 209, and restricts the movement of the adapter 209 in the insertion direction.

[0065] Next, when the pair of spring portions 206, 206 are picked from both sides with fingers, the radius of curvature of the arc drawn by the spring portion 206 increases, and accordingly, the first holding portion 204 and the second holding portion 205 Spacing increases. At this time, the elastic engagement piece 207 moves away from the first holding portion 204, and the free end 207 a of the elastic engagement piece 20 7 is engaged with the recess 294. When the free end 207a of the elastic engagement piece 207 is engaged with the recess 294, the spring force of the elastic engagement piece 207 is generated, and the elastic engagement piece 207 is not easily detached from the recess 294. [0066] When the free end 207a of the elastic engagement piece 207 is engaged with the recess 294, the force to grip the pair of spring portions 206, 206 is weakened. As a result, the pair of spring parts 206, 206 tries to return to the original state, and the second holding part 205 generates a directional force and a bending force toward the first holding part 204. This force is transmitted to the adapter 209 through the free end 207a of the elastic engagement piece 207 and the engagement surface 294a of the adapter 209. By this force, the optical fiber strand 215 moves toward the counterpart optical connector 301.

 When the free end 307 a of the elastic engagement piece 307 of the counterpart optical connector 301 is engaged with the second engagement surface 294 b of the adapter 209 in the same manner as the optical connector 201, the optical fiber of the counterpart optical connector 301 is The element wire 315 moves toward the optical connector 201. At this time, the coupling portion 208 of the counterpart optical connector 301 abuts on the other end portion of the adapter 209 and restricts the movement of the adapter 209 in the insertion direction. As a result, the end faces of the optical fiber strands 215 and 315 are brought into contact with each other, and the optical fiber strands 215 and 315 are optically connected.

 [0068] According to the second embodiment, since the pair of spring portions 206, 206 are used instead of the coil panel which makes it difficult to automate the assembly, the optical connector 201 is automatically assembled to a complete state by a press machine or the like. Thus, the optical connector 201 can be easily manufactured.

 [0069] In the above-described embodiment, the first holding portion 4, 204, 304 is coupled to the fixing rods 203, 303 via the coupling portions 8, 208, and the first holding portion 204, 304 ( Alternatively, it may be directly connected to the fixing member 03,303.

 [0070] In the above-described embodiment, the optical fiber strands 15, 215, 315 are connected to the optical connectors 1, 201, 301. However, the manner of connection is not limited to this, for example, one end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber strand is exposed by exposing the optical fiber strand between the pair of spring parts 6, 6, 206, 206, and the coated portion of the optical fiber is fixed to the fixing portion 3, 203, It may be held at 303.

 In the first embodiment, the connection target of the optical connector 1 is the optical component 9 having the prism 95. However, the connection target of the optical connector 1 is not limited to this, for example, a light emitting element and a light receiving element. It may be an optical component provided with an element, an optical component provided with a waveguide, or the like.

Claims

The scope of the claims [1] a fixing part for fixing the optical fiber;  A first holding portion that is provided in the fixing portion and holds one end portion of an optical component having a receiving portion that receives a tip portion of the optical fiber fixed to the fixing portion so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. When,  A second holding portion that holds the other end portion of the optical component so as to be movable in the optical axis direction, and is opposed to the optical component, and the first holding portion and the second holding portion are connected to each other. And a pair of spring portions that can expand and contract in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber;  A connecting means for connecting the optical component held by the first and second holding portions and the second holding portion;  An optical connector comprising: [2] Optical connector body,  An optical connector that can be assembled to the optical connector body and includes an adapter having a receiving portion for receiving the distal end portions of the pair of optical fibers so that the distal end surfaces of the pair of optical fibers face each other. ! /  The optical connector body is:  A fixing portion for fixing one of the pair of optical fibers, and a first portion provided in the fixing portion and holding one end portion of the adapter movably in the optical axis direction of the one optical fiber. A holding part;  A second holding portion that holds the substantially intermediate portion of the adapter so as to be movable in the optical axis direction; and the second holding portion that is opposed to the adapter and that connects the first holding portion and the second holding portion to each other; A pair of spring portions capable of expanding and contracting in the optical axis direction;  A connecting means for connecting the adapter held by the first and second holding portions and the second holding portion;  An optical connector comprising: 3. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means is an elastic engagement piece that is provided in the second holding portion and engages with a concave portion formed on a surface of the optical component. . [4] The connecting means is provided on the second holding portion and formed on the surface of the adapter. 3. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the optical connector is an elastic engagement piece that engages with the recess. [5] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein each of the pair of spring portions has an arc shape having substantially the same radius of curvature. [6] The fixed portion, the pair of spring portions, the first and second holding portions, and the connecting means are integrally formed by punching and bending one plate-like elastic body. 1 The optical connector according to any one of -5.