Optical connector components and optical connectors

Abstract

To provide an optical connector component and an optical connector which can suppress heat generated by light leaking from an optical fiber.SOLUTION: A plug 100 to be a component of an optical connector includes: a ferrule 110 for holding an end part of an optical fiber 200 in a through-hole; and a reflection material 140 set between the ferrule 110 and the optical fiber 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to an optical connector component product and an optical connector for connecting a plurality of optical fibers.

Background Art

[0002] An optical connector is installed at the end of an optical fiber in order to connect an optical fiber cable to another optical fiber, another device, etc. and propagate light. There are optical connectors composed of two plugs and one adapter, those composed of one plug and one receptacle, etc. Ferrules are used for plugs and receptacles which are components of the optical connector. The tip of the optical fiber is passed through the through-hole of the ferrule, and the optical fiber is held by adhesion or the like. For example, two plugs are inserted from both sides of an adapter having a sleeve or the like, the end faces of the two optical fibers held by the plugs are abutted, and pressed with a spring or the like to connect the optical fibers so that light can be propagated (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] Here, although ceramic which is hard and has high machining accuracy is often used as the material for the ferrule, there are also those made of plastic (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Generally, increasing the power of the light input to an optical fiber allows the light to propagate over longer distances. However, increasing the light power also increases the amount of light leakage at the end faces of the optical fibers joined at the optical connector. For example, in the case of a plastic ferrule, the light leaking from the joined optical fibers causes the optical connector and its surroundings to heat up. This heat can damage the heat-sensitive plastic ferrule, the adhesive bonding the optical fiber to the ferrule, and the optical fiber's sheath.

[0007] Furthermore, in the case of ceramic ferrules, the light leaking from the joined optical fibers causes the ferrule to heat up and expand beyond the optical fibers. This causes the ends of the joined optical fibers to separate, leading to even more light leaking from the ends and further overheating of the optical connector. Therefore, even if the ferrule itself is made of a heat-resistant material, the adhesive bonding the optical fiber and the ferrule, as well as the optical fiber's coating, will be damaged by the heat.

[0008] Therefore, there was a need for optical connector components and optical connectors that could suppress the heat generated by light leaking from optical fibers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The optical connector components and optical connector disclosed include a ferrule that holds the tip portion of an optical fiber within a through-hole, and a reflective material installed between the ferrule and the optical fiber. , a case that holds the ferrule, a light absorbing means that absorbs light emitted from the optical fiber into the case, and a heat insulating material provided between the ferrule and the light absorbing means. It is equipped with these features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the disclosed optical connector components and optical connector, a reflective material is installed between the ferrule and the optical fiber, thereby suppressing the emission of light outside the optical fiber and reducing heat generation in the optical connector. As a result, the power of the light input to the optical fiber can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration of an optical fiber system centered on a plug 100 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the internal configuration of the plug 100 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example configuration of an optical fiber system centered on a plug 100 according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the internal configuration of the plug 100 according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example configuration of an optical fiber system centered on a plug 100 according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the internal configuration of the plug 100 according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the shape of the heat dissipation block 160 in the plug 100 according to Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The optical connector according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings and other documents. Optical connectors can consist of two plugs and one adapter, or one plug and one receptacle, etc. The plugs and receptacle are components of the optical connector. In the following embodiment, an example of a plug in an optical connector consisting of two plugs and one adapter will be described, but a similar configuration can be used for the receptacle. In the following drawings, parts with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent and are common throughout the entire text of the embodiment described below. Also, the size relationships of each component in the drawings may differ from those in reality. Furthermore, in the cross-sectional views, hatching may be omitted in some drawings and equipment for the sake of visibility. The forms of components shown in the entire specification are merely examples and are not limited to the forms described in the specification. It is not necessary to include all the equipment described in the specification. In particular, the combination of components is not limited to the combinations in each embodiment, and components described in other embodiments can be applied to other embodiments. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish or identify multiple similar devices that are otherwise distinguished by subscripts, the symbols and subscripts may be omitted in the description.

[0013] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an optical fiber system centered on a plug 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the plug 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 shows a cross-section when cut along the AA cross-section of Figure 1.

[0014] In the optical fiber system of Embodiment 1, the plug 100 is a terminal installed at the tip portion of the optical fiber 200. Details of the plug 100 will be described later. In the optical fiber system of Embodiment 1, when connecting the optical fiber 200, two plugs 100 are inserted from both sides of the housing 310 of the adapter 300, which is another component of the optical connector. Then, the adapter 300 keeps the end face of the optical fiber in contact with the sleeve 320 installed in the housing 310 along the ferrule 110 of the plug 100 described later, and presses it to maintain a state of being in contact, enabling the connection to propagate light. Here, as long as light can propagate, the end faces do not have to be in contact. In FIG. 1, the adapter 300 and one plug 100 constituting the optical connector are shown by dotted lines.

[0015] The optical fiber 200 is a cable composed of a core, a cladding, and a coating. The outer periphery of the core with a high refractive index is covered with a cladding having a lower refractive index than the core. Further, the outer periphery of the cladding is covered with a coating for protection. However, in the optical fiber 200 in Embodiment 1, there are also portions not covered with a coating inside the plug 100, such as inside the ferrule 110 described later. Here, the optical fiber 200 in Embodiment 1 is assumed to be a single-core wire.

[0016] The plug 100 in Embodiment 1 has a ferrule 110 and a case 120. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the plug 100 has a spring 130, a light absorption block 150, a heat dissipation block 160, a heat insulation material 170, and a heat dissipation material 180 inside the case 120.

[0017] The ferrule 110 is a member having a through-hole for holding the tip portion of the optical fiber 200. The end face of the optical fiber 200 is exposed from the through-hole of the ferrule 110. The ferrule 110 is made of materials such as quartz glass and plastic. A part of the ferrule 110 is placed in the case 120 and is held movably along the axial direction of the fiber optic cable. When the ferrule 110 is pushed from the end face side of the optical fiber 200, the repulsive force generated by the spring 130, which is an elastic body, is applied to the end face of the optical fiber 200 through the ferrule 110.

[0018] The reflector 140 is a member that reflects the light propagating through the optical fiber 200 back into the optical fiber 200 so that the light does not escape outside the optical fiber 200. In Embodiment 1, the reflector 140 is provided between the through-hole of the ferrule 110 and the outside of the cladding of the optical fiber 200. The reflector 140 is a material containing a metal such as gold or silver that reflects light. When the light propagating through the optical fiber 200 is infrared light, a material containing gold is preferable, and when it is visible light, a material containing silver is preferable. Also, it is desirable to have a structure in which the periphery of the optical fiber 200 is covered with the reflector 140. As a method of attaching the reflector 140 between the ferrule 110 and the optical fiber 200, there is a method of depositing a film on the optical fiber 200 by vapor deposition or sputtering. There are also methods such as applying a resin containing the powder of the reflector 140, inserting the optical fiber 200 into a sleeve of the reflector 140 and bonding or crimping it, and using chemical treatments such as plating and silver mirror reaction. For example, when it is necessary to improve the positional accuracy of the optical fiber 200 within the ferrule 110, as in the case of the plug 100 of a single-mode fiber, a method of depositing a thin film on the optical fiber 200 by vapor deposition or sputtering is suitable. Also, for example, when attaching a gold film to a cladding made of quartz glass, the peelability can be improved by providing a film of a primer such as chromium, titanium, or nickel between the quartz glass and the gold.

[0019] In the plug 100 of Embodiment 1, there is a portion of the optical fiber 200 within the case 120 after the light input from the end face of the optical fiber 200 has passed through the ferrule 110, where the reflective material 140 is not attached. The portion without the reflective material 140 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the non-reflective portion) is positioned such that the strong portion of light emitted from it does not strike the ferrule 110. However, even light emitted from the non-reflective portion can strike the ferrule 110 if its power has been reduced to a level where the temperature rise of the ferrule 110 does not become a problem due to reflection, diffusion, scattering, etc. Figure 2 shows an example of the position of the end of the reflective material 140.

[0020] The heat dissipation block 160, which serves as a heat dissipation means, dissipates the heat emitted by the optical fiber 200. Inside the case 120, the optical fiber 200 is installed along the heat dissipation block 160. The heat dissipation block 160 also has a curved surface 160A. By providing the heat dissipation block 160 with a curved surface 160A, the optical fiber 200 installed along the curved surface 160A will have a curved bend. By having a bend in the optical fiber 200 inside the case 120, the straight-line propagation of light is utilized so that the light propagating through the cladding moves outward at the bend and is emitted from the cladding. When the light emitted outside the cladding at the bend is absorbed by the coating of the optical fiber 200, heat is generated. Here, in order to dissipate the heat generated by the emitted light, the heat dissipation block 160 is made of a material with a thermal conductivity at least higher than that of the optical fiber 200. Suitable materials with high thermal conductivity include metals such as copper, iron, and aluminum, and materials containing these metals.

[0021] The light-absorbing block 150, which serves as a light-absorbing means, is released to the outside of the cladding at the bend and absorbs light that was not absorbed by the coating of the optical fiber 200. The material of the light-absorbing block 150 is one that has a thermal conductivity at least higher than that of the optical fiber 200 so that the heat generated by the absorbed light is diffused. The surface of the light-absorbing block 150 where light from the optical fiber 200 strikes has fine irregularities to cause diffuse reflection and increase the light absorption rate. Furthermore, the light-absorbing block 150 is preferably made of an oxide, carbon, or other material that has a higher absorption rate at least than that of the coating of the optical fiber 200. As an example, in Embodiment 1, the light-absorbing block 150 is made of an aluminum alloy, and the surface where light strikes is made uneven by sandblasting, and then black anodized.

[0022] Here, the optical fiber 200 has the advantage of reducing heat generation caused by the coating by removing the coating at least at the bent portion attached to the heat dissipation block 160. On the other hand, removing the coating makes the optical fiber 200 more prone to breakage. For this reason, it is desirable to attach a coating that has high light transmittance and can suppress heat generation. For example, if a coating is attached, a space is provided between the heat dissipation block 160 and the light absorption block 150 so that the heat generated in the light absorption block 150 due to light absorption is not directly transferred to the coating of the optical fiber 200 attached to the heat dissipation block 160.

[0023] An insulating material 170 is provided between the ferrule 110 and the heat dissipation block 160, and between the ferrule 110 and the light absorption block 150. The insulating material 170 is a component that prevents heat from the heat dissipation block 160 and the light absorption block 150 from being transferred to the ferrule 110. The insulating material 170 can suppress the heating of the ferrule 110.

[0024] The plug 100 has a heat dissipation material 180 between the heat dissipation block 160 and the case 120, and between the light absorption block 150 and the case 120. The heat dissipation material 180 transfers heat from the light absorption block 150 and the heat dissipation block 160 to the case 120 for heat dissipation. The heat dissipation material 180 is made of a material that has high heat resistance and flexibility so as not to hinder the pressing of the end face of the optical fiber 200 by the spring 130. For example, if a fluid heat dissipation material 180 such as grease is used, a viscous material should be used so as not to flow out of the case 120 and contaminate the end face of the optical fiber 200. Alternatively, a mechanism to prevent leakage of the heat dissipation material 180 can be added, such as an O-ring.

[0025] Next, the plug 100 in Embodiment 1 will be described. Of the light that enters the optical fiber 200 from the end face, the light coupled to the core propagates to a long distance. On the other hand, the light that leaks into the cladding propagates within the cladding while being reflected by the reflective material 140. The light that leaks into the cladding is then emitted to the outside of the cladding at the bent portion attached to the heat dissipation block 160. Some of the emitted light is absorbed by the cladding and converted into heat. The heat from the cladding is transferred to the heat dissipation block 160 and dissipated to the outside of the case 120 via the heat dissipation material 180. In addition, the light that is not absorbed by the cladding exits the cladding, hits the light absorption block 150, is absorbed and converted into heat. The heat from the light absorption block 150 is diffused and dissipated to the outside of the case 120 via the heat dissipation material 180.

[0026] As described above, the plug 100 in Embodiment 1 is equipped with a reflective material 140 between the ferrule 110 and the optical fiber 200, so that light leaking into the cladding of the optical fiber 200 is reflected by the reflective material 140. Therefore, heating of the ferrule 110 due to light leaking from the optical fiber 200 can be suppressed, and damage and deterioration of the plastic ferrule 110, the adhesive bonding the optical fiber 200 and the ferrule 110 can be prevented. Consequently, the input light power can be increased compared to the conventional plug 100, improving the performance of the optical fiber 200 and the system. In addition, the light emitted into the case 120 after passing through the ferrule 110 does not directly hit the ferrule 110. Therefore, heating of the ferrule 110 can be further suppressed.

[0027] Furthermore, by providing a light absorption block 150 inside the case 120, the light emitted into the case 120 is converted into heat and released, thereby suppressing the heating of the coating of the optical fiber 200 inside the case 120. In addition, by providing a heat dissipation block 160 inside the case 120 and attaching the optical fiber 200 to the heat dissipation block 160, the heat from the coating can be dissipated by the heat dissipation block 160. In this case, by making the surface of the heat dissipation block 160 a curved surface 160A, attaching the optical fiber 200 along the curved surface 160A, and providing a bend in the optical fiber 200, the portion of light emitted inside the case 120 can be controlled.

[0028] Embodiment 2. Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an optical fiber system centered on the plug 100 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 4 shows the internal configuration of the plug 100 according to Embodiment 2. Here, Figure 4 shows a cross-section when cut along the AA section of Figure 3. In Figures 3 and 4, components that have the same reference numerals as those in Figures 1 and 2 perform the same functions as those described in Embodiment 1.

[0029] The plug 100 in Embodiment 2 differs from the plug 100 in Embodiment 1 in two respects. First, instead of a heat dissipation block 160, the high refractive index material 190 is used to contact the non-reflective portion of the optical fiber 200, which lacks the cladding and reflective material 140, within the case 120. For example, the high refractive index material 190 is made of glass with a higher refractive index than the cladding of the optical fiber 200, and is in contact with the cladding of the optical fiber 200 from which the cladding has been removed. Light has the property of refracting in the direction of higher refractive index. Therefore, the high refractive index material 190 refracts the light propagating within the cladding toward the outside of the optical fiber 200 (towards the high refractive index material 190), causing it to be emitted toward the light absorption block 150. It is desirable that the high refractive index material 190 covers and contacts the entire periphery of the cladding. The risk of breakage of the optical fiber 200 is reduced as the strain due to bending decreases, so if breakage suppression is a priority, it is better to have fewer bends. In the plug 100 of Embodiment 2, the portion of the optical fiber 200 from which the coating has been removed can be made into a straight structure without the need for a bent portion as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the high refractive index material 190 serves as a protective coating for the optical fiber 200.

[0030] Another difference from Embodiment 1 is that the light-absorbing block 150 of the plug 100 in Embodiment 2 has a structure in which a part of it covers the high refractive index material 190 inside the case 120, and the other part is arranged to extend from inside the case 120 to the outside. Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, the plug 100 has a heat-insulating material 170 instead of a heat-dissipating material 180 between the light-absorbing block 150 and the case 120.

[0031] Next, the plug 100 in Embodiment 2 will be described. Of the light that enters the optical fiber 200 from the end face, the light coupled to the core propagates to distant locations. On the other hand, the light that leaks into the cladding propagates within the cladding while being reflected by the reflective material 140. The light that has propagated within the cladding is refracted toward the high refractive index material 190 in the non-reflective portion of the optical fiber 200 that is not covered by the reflective material 140, and is emitted outside the cladding and absorbed by the light absorption block 150. The light absorbed by the light absorption block 150 is converted into heat and diffused. The light absorption block 150 releases the heat generated by absorbing the light emitted from the optical fiber 200 inside the case 120 to the outside of the case 120. The heat insulating material 170 insulates the heat emitted by the light absorption block 150 and prevents the heat from being transferred to the case 120.

[0032] As described above, the plug 100 in Embodiment 2, in addition to the effects explained in Embodiment 1, does not have the heat-sensitive coating of the optical fiber 200 in the propagation path from the cladding of the optical fiber 200 until it is emitted. Therefore, heat generation due to the emission of light from the cladding can be suppressed. Consequently, the power of light input to the optical fiber 200 can be increased compared to the plug 100 in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, since the portion of the optical fiber 200 without coating inside the case 120 can be made straight, the less distortion caused by bending, the lower the risk of breakage. In addition, the risk of the optical fiber 200 being pressed against the surrounding light-absorbing block 150 or the like due to the movement of the ferrule 110 and breaking can be suppressed.

[0033] Embodiment 3. Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of an optical fiber system centered on the plug 100 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 6 shows the internal configuration of the plug 100 according to Embodiment 3. Here, Figure 6 shows a cross-section when cut along the AA section of Figure 5. In Figures 5 and 6, components that have the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 4 perform the same functions as those described in Embodiments 1 and 2. In Embodiment 3, the optical fiber 200 is described as a multi-core optical fiber. The optical fiber 200 is rectangular in shape with multiple core wires arranged side by side. The ferrule 110 has guide pins 111 used for aligning the optical fiber 200.

[0034] The plug 100 in Embodiment 3 differs from the plug 100 in Embodiment 1 in two respects. First, in Embodiment 3, the heat dissipation block 160 and the light absorption block 150 are located outside the case 120. Since the plug 100 in Embodiment 3 does not have the heat dissipation block 160 and the light absorption block 150 inside the case 120, it is desirable to attach the reflective material 140 to the entire optical fiber 200 inside the case 120. In the structure of the plug 100 in Embodiment 3, the optical fiber 200 inside the spring 130 is bent, so it is desirable to have a structure in which a thin film of reflective material 140 that is less likely to peel off even when bent is attached.

[0035] Figure 7 illustrates the shape of the heat dissipation block 160 in the plug 100 according to Embodiment 3. Here, Figure 7 shows a cross-section when cut along the BB cross-section in Figure 5. Another difference between the plug 100 in Embodiment 3 and the plug 100 in Embodiment 1 is that the plug 100 in Embodiment 3 has a groove 161 on the curved surface 160A of the heat dissipation block 160. The presence of the groove 161 in the heat dissipation block 160 allows the optical fiber 200 to be guided along the groove 161. As shown in Figure 7, the structure is such that the emission direction of light propagated through the cladding is open around the optical fiber 200, and the other directions are surrounded by the heat dissipation block 160 made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The material of the heat dissipation block 160 is the same as that described in Embodiment 1.

[0036] Next, the plug 100 in Embodiment 3 will be described. Of the light that enters the optical fiber 200 from the end face, the light coupled to the core propagates to distant locations. On the other hand, the light that leaks into the cladding propagates within the cladding while being reflected by the reflective material 140. The light that leaks into the cladding is then emitted to the outside of the cladding at the bent portion attached to the heat dissipation block 160. Some of the emitted light is absorbed by the cladding and converted into heat. The heat from the cladding is transferred to the heat dissipation block 160 and dissipated to the outside of the case 120. In addition, the light that is not absorbed by the cladding exits the cladding, hits the light absorption block 150, is absorbed, and converted into heat. The heat from the light absorption block 150 is diffused and dissipated to the outside of the case 120. The heat insulating material 170 insulates the heat emitted by the light absorption block 150 and the heat dissipation block 160, preventing the heat from being transferred to the case 120.

[0037] As described above, the plug 100 in Embodiment 3, in addition to the effects described in Embodiment 1, has the heat dissipation block 160 and light absorption block 150 placed outside the case 120. Therefore, much of the heat generated in the heat dissipation block 160 and light absorption block 150 can be dissipated outside the case 120. Consequently, the heat transmitted to the ferrule 110 via the case 120 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the heat from the cladding of the optical fiber 200 caused by the light emitted from the cladding can be efficiently transferred to the heat dissipation block 160. Therefore, the power of the light input to the optical fiber 200 can be increased compared to when using the plug 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0038] Furthermore, by providing grooves 161 in the heat dissipation block 160, the heat generated when the coating absorbs light in the optical fiber 200 can be efficiently transferred to the heat dissipation block 160.

[0039] Embodiment 4. This section describes uses of the plug 100 other than those described in Embodiments 1 to 3 above. Embodiments 1 to 3 described above describe optical connectors having a plug 100 that connects the end faces of optical fibers 200 via an adapter 300 to enable light propagation, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, an optical connector may be constructed by connecting the plug 100 to a receptacle having a ferrule, reflective material, etc., similar to the plug 100. This invention can also be applied to optical connectors with other connection configurations.

[0040] Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the plug 100 uses a circular, single-core ferrule 110, and the position of the end face of the optical fiber 200 is aligned with the sleeve 320 of the adapter 300. In Embodiment 3, a square, multi-core ferrule 110 is used, and the position of the end face of the optical fiber 200 is aligned with the guide pin 111. However, the shape of the ferrule 110 and the method of aligning the end face of the optical fiber 200 are not limited to these.

[0041] Furthermore, in the plug 100 of Embodiments 1 to 3, an example was shown in which an insulating material 170 is placed between the light-absorbing block 150 and the heat-dissipating block 160. For example, if the light-absorbing block 150 does not become hotter than the heat-dissipating block 160, or if the temperature difference is small, the insulating material 170 may be omitted.

[0042] Furthermore, while the plug 100 of Embodiments 1 and 3 includes a light-absorbing block 150 and a heat-dissipating block 160 within the case 120, it is not limited to this. The light-absorbing block 150 may be provided instead of the heat-dissipating block 160. In addition, the plug 100 of Embodiments 1 to 3 may have a structure that further improves heat dissipation, such as by attaching a heat sink to the light-absorbing block 150 or the heat-dissipating block 160, or by providing a water-cooling mechanism.

[0043] Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiment 2, the optical fiber 200 was made to have its coating removed and come into contact with the high refractive index material 190, but the coating may be made of a high refractive index material with high light transmittance.

[0044] Furthermore, the heat dissipation block 160 of Embodiment 1 may also have the groove 161 that the heat dissipation block 160 described in Embodiment 3 has.

[0045] In the plug 100 of Embodiments 1 to 3, an example was shown in which the end faces of the optical fibers 200 held by the ferrule 110 are pressed together using a spring 130, but the invention is not limited to this. The end faces may be kept in contact by other means. Alternatively, the end faces of one optical fiber 200 may not be in contact with the other, and the light emitted from one optical fiber 200 may be propagated through space and enter the end face of the other optical fiber 200.

[0046] In Embodiment 2, prioritizing the reduction of breakage probability, the structure was designed so that the portion of the optical fiber 200 not covered by the sheath is straightened within the case 120, but the design is not limited to this. If prioritizing the emission of light from the optical fiber 200, a structure with bent curves or a meandering structure may be used.

[0047] Furthermore, while metal materials were used for the heat dissipation block 160 in the plugs 100 of Embodiments 1 to 3, the invention is not limited to this. For example, ceramics with high thermal conductivity, such as sapphire, may also be used. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 100 plugs 110 ferrule 111 Guide pins 120 cases 130 springs 140 Reflective material 150 Light Absorption Block 160 Heat dissipation blocks 160A curved surface 161 Groove 170 Insulation 180 Heat dissipation material 190 High refractive index material 200 optical fibers 300 adapter 310 Housing 320 sleeves

Claims

1. A ferrule that holds the tip of the optical fiber inside the through-hole, A reflective material is installed between the ferrule and the optical fiber, A case that holds the ferrule, A light absorbing means for absorbing light emitted from the optical fiber into the case, A heat insulating material provided between the ferrule and the light absorbing means Optical connector components equipped with these features.

2. The optical connector component according to claim 1, wherein, within the case, light from the optical fiber is emitted to a position where the light does not strike the ferrule.

3. The optical connector component according to claim 1, wherein the reflective material is made of a material containing metal.

4. The optical connector component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light absorbing means is made of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the optical fiber.

5. The optical connector component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light absorbing means is made of a material that absorbs more light than the coating of the optical fiber, in the portion that is directly struck by light from the optical fiber.

6. The optical connector component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light absorbing means transmits the heat generated by the absorption of light to the case.

7. The optical connector component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light absorbing means is installed in a series inside and outside the case, and the heat generated by the light absorbed inside the case is dissipated outside the case.

8. The optical connector component according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the portion of the optical fiber not covered by the reflective material is bent within the case.

9. The optical connector component according to claim 8, further comprising a heat dissipation means for dissipating heat by contacting the bent portion of the optical fiber.

10. The optical connector component according to claim 9, wherein the heat dissipation means is made of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the optical fiber.

11. The optical connector component according to claim 9, wherein the heat dissipation means has a groove in the bent portion that covers a portion other than the portion from which light emitted from the optical fiber into the case holding the ferrule is emitted.

12. A high refractive index material is provided within the case, which is made of a material having a higher refractive index than the cladding of the optical fiber, and is in contact with the optical fiber. An optical connector component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:

13. An optical connector comprising the optical connector components described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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