Method for manufacturing multi-core connector and multi-core connector

Abstract

The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a multi-core connector and a multi-core connector that can use a normal positioning member and perform rotational core alignment with high precision. A manufacturing method of a multi-core connector using a positioning member having a plurality of positioning portions configured to hold a plurality of non-axisymmetric optical fibers includes: a first step of cutting a part of each of the optical fibers so that a part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber including one end portion becomes a flat surface; a second step of arranging each of the optical fibers on each of the positioning portions in such a manner that all of the flat surfaces protrude from the positioning member; a third step of performing rotational core alignment on each of the optical fibers in such a manner that the flat surfaces are in contact with a reference surface of a jig arranged opposite to the positioning member; a fourth step of fixing each of the optical fibers to the positioning member; and a fifth step of cutting and removing a portion of the glass fiber including the flat surface that protrudes from the positioning member, and polishing a cut surface of each of the optical fibers exposed from the positioning member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a multi-core connector and a multi-core connector. Background Art

[0002] A multi-core optical fiber having a plurality of cores in one optical fiber is known. When the multi-core optical fiber is observed in cross section, it is not axially symmetric with respect to the central axis of the multi-core optical fiber. In a multi-core connector having a plurality of multi-core optical fibers, rotational alignment of each multi-core optical fiber and a connection object is required (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 219255

[0004] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2016 / 031678

[0005] As an example of a method for rotational alignment, Patent Document 1 discloses the following method: planes are provided in the entire length direction of each multi-core optical fiber, and rotational alignment of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers is performed based on these planes. However, in this method, it is difficult to use a general positioning member for optical fibers. For example, a ferrule, which is a general positioning member, has a circular hole into which an optical fiber having a circular cross section is inserted. When a general ferrule is used in Patent Document 1, a gap is generated between the plane of each multi-core optical fiber and the hole of the ferrule, and thus it may not be possible to ensure manufacturing accuracy.

[0006] As another example of a method for rotational alignment, Patent Document 2 discloses a method of performing rotational alignment by mounting anti-rotation members on each multi-core optical fiber. However, a general positioning member is not designed to use an anti-rotation member. Therefore, for example, the positioning member does not have a space for accommodating the anti-rotation member, and thus interference occurs with an adjacent mounted member, and sometimes it is not possible to physically use a general positioning member and an anti-rotation member simultaneously. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a multi-core connector and a multi-core connector that can use a general positioning member and perform rotational alignment with high precision.

[0008] To solve the above problems, a method for manufacturing a multi-core connector uses a positioning member having a plurality of positioning portions configured to hold a plurality of non-axisymmetric optical fibers, each optical fiber having: a coated portion in which a glass fiber is covered with a resin film; and an uncoated portion that includes an end portion of the optical fiber and exposes the glass fiber.

[0009] The method for manufacturing the multi-core connector includes:

[0010] The first step is to cut a part of each of the optical fibers so that a part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber including the one end portion becomes a flat surface;

[0011] The second step is to arrange each of the optical fibers on each of the positioning portions of the positioning member such that all of the flat surfaces protrude from the positioning member;

[0012] The third step is to perform rotational alignment on each of the optical fibers such that the flat surfaces are in contact with the reference surface of a jig arranged opposite to the positioning member;

[0013] The fourth step is to fix each of the optical fibers to the positioning member after the third step; and

[0014] The fifth step is to cut off and remove the portion of the glass fiber including the flat surface that protrudes from the positioning member after the fourth step, and grind the cut surfaces of the optical fibers exposed from the positioning member.

[0015] In addition, the multi-core connector of the present invention includes:

[0016] a plurality of optical fibers; and

[0017] a positioning member having a plurality of positioning portions configured to hold the plurality of optical fibers,

[0018] holding the plurality of optical fibers in the plurality of positioning portions such that when observing the cross sections of the plurality of optical fibers, the fluctuation of the rotation angle of each optical fiber is within ±1 degree with respect to the central axis and a specified position of each optical fiber.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a manufacturing method of a multi-core connector and a multi-core connector that can use a normal positioning member and perform rotational alignment with high precision. Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multi-core connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is in Figure 1 a front view of the end face of an optical fiber fixed to the positioning member of the multi-core connector shown.

[0023] Figure 3 is a view showing a preparation step of a manufacturing method of a multi-core connector and is a perspective view of an optical fiber.

[0024] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the first step of the manufacturing method of the multi-core connector.

[0025] Figure 5A It is a top view observed from a direction orthogonal to the arrangement plane of the optical fibers, and shows the second process of the manufacturing method of the multi-core connector.

[0026] Figure 5B It is Figure 5A a front view of the optical fiber.

[0027] Figure 6A It is a top view observed from a direction orthogonal to the arrangement plane of the optical fibers, and shows the third and fourth processes of the manufacturing method of the multi-core connector.

[0028] Figure 6B It is Figure 6A a front view and a side view of the optical fiber.

[0029] Figure 7A It is a top view observed from a direction orthogonal to the arrangement plane of the optical fibers, and shows the fifth process of the manufacturing method of the multi-core connector.

[0030] Figure 7B It is Figure 7A a front view of the optical fiber.

[0031] Figure 8 It is a conceptual diagram showing the first process in a modification of the manufacturing method of the multi-core connector.

[0032] Figure 9A It is a top view observed from a direction orthogonal to the arrangement plane of the optical fibers, and shows the third and fourth processes in a modification of the manufacturing method of the multi-core connector.

[0033] Figure 9B It is Figure 9A a front view and a side view of the optical fiber. Detailed implementation mode

[0034] (Description of one aspect of the present invention)

[0035] First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described.

[0036] (1) The manufacturing method of the multi-core connector according to one aspect of the present invention uses a positioning member having a plurality of positioning portions configured to hold a plurality of non-axisymmetric optical fibers. Each optical fiber has: a coating portion in which a glass fiber is covered with a resin film; and

[0037] a non-coated portion that includes one end portion of the optical fiber and exposes the glass fiber,

[0038] The manufacturing method of the multi-core connector includes:

[0039] First step, cut a part of each of the optical fibers so that a part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber including the one end portion becomes a flat surface;

[0040] Second step, arrange each of the optical fibers on each of the positioning portions of the positioning member such that all of the flat surfaces protrude from the positioning member;

[0041] Third step, perform rotational core alignment on each of the optical fibers such that the flat surface is in contact with the reference surface of the jig arranged opposite to the positioning member;

[0042] Fourth step, after the third step, fix each of the optical fibers to the positioning member; and

[0043] Fifth step, after the fourth step, cut off and remove the portion of the glass fiber including the flat surface that protrudes from the positioning member, and grind the cut surfaces of the optical fibers exposed from the positioning member.

[0044] According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, each optical fiber is rotated such that the flat surface formed on each optical fiber is in contact with the reference surface of the jig arranged opposite to the positioning member, so that rotational core alignment can be performed with high precision.

[0045] In addition, each optical fiber is arranged on the positioning member such that all of the flat surfaces protrude from the positioning member, so that the cross section of the glass fiber in the positioning member perpendicular to the length direction is circular. Since it has the same cross section as a normal optical fiber, each optical fiber can be directly used for the positioning portion for normal optical fibers. And, since the jig is arranged opposite to the positioning member, it is easy to use the jig and the positioning member simultaneously.

[0046] (2) Each of the optical fibers may be a multi-core optical fiber.

[0047] According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, it is possible to use the positioning portion for normal optical fibers and perform rotational core alignment on multi-core optical fibers with high precision.

[0048] (3) The first step may include cutting a part of at least one core of each of the optical fibers.

[0049] According to the present invention, the first step includes cutting a part of at least one core of each optical fiber, thus ensuring the area of the flat surface. Since the area of the flat surface in contact with the reference surface of the jig is large, rotational core alignment can be performed with higher precision.

[0050] (4) The flat surface of each of the optical fibers may be parallel to the central axis of the optical fiber.

[0051] According to the present invention, the plane is parallel to the central axis of the optical fiber, so it is easy to arrange the jig in such a way that the plane is in contact with the reference plane of the jig. Therefore, the optical fiber can be rotationally aligned with high precision.

[0052] (5) The plane of each of the optical fibers may be inclined with respect to the central axis of the optical fiber.

[0053] According to the present invention, since the plane is inclined with respect to the central axis of the optical fiber, the reference plane of the jig can be guided from the front end side of the optical fiber toward the positioning member so as to follow the inclined plane. Therefore, the optical fiber can be rotationally aligned with high precision.

[0054] (6) The plurality of positioning portions may be a plurality of holes or a plurality of grooves.

[0055] According to the present invention, it is possible to use ordinary positioning members such as a ferrule having holes and an optical fiber array board having grooves.

[0056] (7) The first process may include cutting a part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber by laser.

[0057] Since a part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber is cut by laser, a plane can be formed with higher precision compared to polishing.

[0058] (8) The first process may include grinding and cutting a part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber by an optical connector polisher.

[0059] By grinding and cutting a part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber, a plane can be formed at a lower cost compared to laser processing.

[0060] (9) The multi-core connector according to another aspect of the present invention,

[0061] has:

[0062] a plurality of non-axisymmetric optical fibers; and

[0063] a positioning member having a plurality of positioning portions configured to hold the plurality of optical fibers,

[0064] holding the plurality of optical fibers in the plurality of positioning portions such that, when observed in the cross section of the plurality of optical fibers, the fluctuation of the rotation angle of each optical fiber is within ±1 degree with respect to the central axis and a specified position of each optical fiber.

[0065] According to the multi-core connector of the present invention, a multi-core connector after rotational alignment with high precision can be provided.

[0066] (Details of the first embodiment of the present invention)

[0067] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a multi-core connector 1 and a manufacturing method thereof according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0068] In addition, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown by the claims, and includes all modifications within the scope equivalent to the claims.

[0069] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multi-core connector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 1 shown, the multi-core connector 1 has a plurality of optical fibers 2 and a positioning member 3 that holds the plurality of optical fibers 2.

[0070] Each optical fiber 2 is a non-axisymmetric optical fiber with respect to each central axis. In this example, each optical fiber 2 is a multi-core optical fiber having a plurality of cores 21. Each optical fiber 2 may be a polarization-maintaining optical fiber. Each optical fiber 2 is fixed to the positioning member 3 such that the end face is exposed at the end of the positioning member 3. The outer diameter of each optical fiber 2 is, for example, 125 μm. Since each optical fiber 2 is non-axisymmetric, it is necessary to perform rotational core alignment on each optical fiber 2 in the manufacturing process of the multi-core connector 1. The manufacturing process of the multi-core connector 1 will be described later.

[0071] The positioning member 3 has a plurality of positioning portions 31 configured to hold the plurality of optical fibers 2. In this example, each positioning portion 31 is a circular hole that houses each optical fiber 2. Each positioning portion 31 is not limited to a circular hole and may also be a V-groove. The positioning member 3 is, for example, a ferrule. The inner diameter of the positioning portion 31 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 2, for example, 126 μm.

[0072] Figure 2 is a front view of the end face of one optical fiber 2 fixed to the positioning member 3 of the multi-core connector 1 shown in Figure 1 As shown, in the manufacturing process of the multi-core connector 1, it is ideal that the optical fiber 2 is rotationally core-aligned so that each core 21' is in a specified position indicated by a dashed line and fixed to the positioning member 3. However, sometimes each optical fiber 2 has a certain amount of fluctuation in the rotation angle. In fact, as the optical fiber 2 is shown in Figure 2 shown, it is rotationally core-aligned so that each core 21 is in the position indicated by a solid line and fixed to the positioning member 3. As described above, with respect to the central axis C of the optical fiber 2, there is a rotation angle fluctuation θ1 between the specified position (dashed line position) and the rotated position (solid line position) of each optical fiber 2. The rotation angle fluctuation θ1 of the multi-core connector 1 in this example is within ±1 degree.

[0073] Next, a manufacturing method of the multi-core connector 1 will be described. Figures 3 to 7B is a process diagram showing the manufacturing method of the multi-core connector 1.

[0074] Figure 3 Figure 3 ​It is a view showing a preparation process of a manufacturing method of a multi-core connector 1 and is an oblique view of an optical fiber 2 used in the multi-core connector 1. As Figure 3 shown, the optical fiber 2 has: a coated portion 23 in which a glass fiber 22 is covered with a resin coating; and an uncoated portion 25 which includes an end portion 24 of the optical fiber 2 and exposes the glass fiber 22. The material of the glass fiber 22 is, for example, silica glass and has a cylindrical shape. In the preparation process, Figure 3 a plurality of the non-axisymmetric optical fibers 2 shown are prepared. In the preparation process of this example, the optical fiber 2 having the coated portion 23 and the uncoated portion 25 in advance is prepared, but the preparation process is not limited thereto. It is also possible to prepare the following optical fiber, that is, an optical fiber covered with a resin coating over the entire length in the longitudinal direction, and the resin coating is removed at a part in the longitudinal direction including the front end portion to form an uncoated portion.

[0075] Figure 4 It is a conceptual diagram showing a first process of a manufacturing method of a multi-core connector 1. As Figure 4 shown, a part of the optical fiber 2 is cut so that a part of the outer peripheral surface of the end portion 24 and the glass fiber 22 becomes a flat surface 26 (first process).

[0076] First, the optical fiber 2 is positioned in a specified direction. At this time, through a camera 9 disposed toward the end portion 24 of the optical fiber 2, it is confirmed that the optical fiber 2 is positioned at an appropriate position and orientation. Next, for the positioned optical fiber 2, a flat surface 26 is formed by a laser or a polishing machine for an optical connector. Since a part of the optical fiber 2 is cut in a state where it is accurately positioned by the camera 9, the flat surface 26 is also formed at a high-precision position and orientation with respect to the optical fiber 2. At this time, it is also possible to cut a part of the optical fiber 2 while observing through the camera 9 to form the flat surface 26. As described above, the flat surfaces 26 are formed at high precision on the plurality of optical fibers 2 respectively. In addition, higher-precision processing can be achieved when using femtosecond lasers.

[0077] As Figure 4 shown, the flat surface 26 is formed by cutting a part of at least one core 21 of the optical fiber 2. The flat surface 26 is parallel to the central axis C of the optical fiber 2. The flat surface 26 of this example is formed on the central axis C, but the position of the flat surface 26 is not limited to the central axis C. The length of the flat surface 26 in the longitudinal direction is not particularly limited, but when the optical fiber 2 is inserted into the positioning portion 31 of the positioning member 3, it is only necessary to form it so that there is no flat surface 26 within the positioning portion 31. The flat surface 26 is formed to protrude from the positioning portion 31 toward the end portion 24.

[0078] Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is a view showing a second process of a manufacturing method of a multi-core connector 1. Figure 5Ais a top view of the optical fiber 2, the positioning member 3, and the camera 9 as viewed from a direction orthogonal to the alignment plane of the optical fibers 2. Figure 5B is a front view of the optical fiber 2 taken by the camera 9 disposed at one end 24 of the optical fiber 2 facing Figure 5A . As shown in Figure 5A , in the first process, a plurality of optical fibers 2 after being partially cut are respectively arranged to be inserted through the positioning portion 31 of the positioning member 3, and the plane 26 protrudes from the end face of the positioning portion 31 (second process). At this time, as shown in Figure 5B , the optical fibers 2 are not rotationally aligned, and the planes 26 are arranged in different orientations from each other.

[0079] Figure 6A and Figure 6B are diagrams showing the third and fourth processes of the manufacturing method of the multi-core connector 1. Figure 6A is a top view of the optical fiber 2, the positioning member 3, and the camera 9 as viewed from a direction orthogonal to the alignment plane of the optical fibers 2. Figure 6B is a front view of the optical fiber 2 taken by the camera 9 disposed at one end 24 of the optical fiber 2 facing Figure 6A and a side view of the vicinity of one end 24 of the optical fiber 2 as viewed from the arrangement direction of the optical fibers 2. As shown in Figure 6A and Figure 6B , in the third and fourth processes, a set of jigs 41, 42 are used. Each of the jigs 41, 42 has a rectangular shape. The jig 41 is disposed at a position opposite to the positioning member 3 and on the circumference of the glass fiber 22, and the jig 42 is disposed at a position opposite to the positioning member 3 and facing the plane 26 of the glass fiber 22. The jig 42 has a reference plane 43 formed on the surface opposite to the optical fiber 2 and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 2. That is, a set of jigs 41, 42 disposed opposite to the positioning member 3 are arranged to sandwich the plurality of optical fibers 2 arranged in the second process from above and below. The jig 42 is arranged along the plane 26 protruding from the positioning portion 31 toward the one end 24. At this time, as shown in Figure 6B , the optical fibers 2 are rotationally aligned so that the plane 26 is in contact with the reference plane 43 formed on the jig 42 (third process). In this example, the reference plane 43 is arranged parallel to the central axis C of each optical fiber. The plane 26 is also parallel to the central axis C, so that the planes 26 of the plurality of optical fibers 2 are all in contact with the reference plane 43, and the orientations are unified. At this time, through the camera 9 disposed toward the one end 24, it is confirmed that the plurality of optical fibers 2 are properly rotationally aligned.

[0080] After the rotational core alignment, each optical fiber 2 is fixed to the positioning portion 31 of the positioning member 3 (fourth process). As the fixing method, an adhesive may be applied to each optical fiber 2 and the adhesive may be hardened. The adhesive is, for example, an epoxy resin-based adhesive. At this time, while observing through the camera 9 and the fluctuation θ1 of the rotation angle is within ±1 degree, each optical fiber 2 is held and fixed to the positioning portion 31. Each optical fiber 2 may be fixed in a state where a set of jigs 41 and 42 are removed from the optical fiber 2.

[0081] Figure 7A and Figure 7B FIG. is a view showing the fifth process of the manufacturing method of the multi-core connector 1. Figure 7A FIG. is a top view of the optical fiber 2, the positioning member 3, and the camera 9 observed from a direction orthogonal to the arrangement plane of the optical fibers 2, Figure 7B is from the direction facing Figure 7A The front view of the optical fiber 2 photographed by the camera 9 arranged with the optical fiber 2. As shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, among the optical fibers 2 fixed by the third process, the portion of the plane 26 including the glass fiber 22 protruding from the positioning member 3 is cut off and removed (fifth process). And, as shown in Figure 7B As shown, the cut surface of the optical fiber 2 exposed from the positioning member 3 is polished (fifth process), and the multi-core connector 1 is completed.

[0082] As described above, in the manufacturing method of the multi-core connector 1 according to this example, the rotational core alignment is performed on each optical fiber 2 so that the plane 26 formed on each optical fiber 2 abuts on the reference surface 43 of one of the jigs 42 of a set of jigs 41 and 42 arranged opposite to the positioning member 3. Therefore, the rotational core alignment of a plurality of optical fibers 2 can be simultaneously performed with high precision. Therefore, the operation efficiency is improved.

[0083] In addition, each optical fiber is arranged in the positioning portion 31 of the positioning member 3 so that all the planes 26 protrude from the positioning member 3. Therefore, the cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the glass fiber 22 in the positioning portion 31 is circular, and there is no plane at the positioning portion 31. Since it has the same circular cross section as a normal optical fiber, each optical fiber 2 can be directly used for a normal optical fiber positioning member 3 such as an optical fiber array board having a ferrule and a V-groove. That is, there is no need to use special components for rotational core alignment or anti-rotation. And, a set of jigs 41 and 42 are arranged opposite to the positioning member 3, so it is easy to use them simultaneously with the positioning member 3. Therefore, the multi-core connector 1 can be manufactured without significantly increasing the manufacturing cost.

[0084] Since each optical fiber 2 is a multi-core optical fiber, a multi-core connector 1 capable of large-capacity transmission can be provided.

[0085] The plane 26 is formed by cutting a part of at least one core 21 of each optical fiber, so that the area of the plane 26 is ensured to be large. Since the area of the plane 26 in contact with the reference plane 43 of the jig 42 is large, the optical fiber 2 can be rotationally aligned with high precision, and the working efficiency is also improved.

[0086] The plane 26 of each optical fiber 2 is parallel to the central axis C of the optical fiber 2. Therefore, it is easy to arrange a set of jigs 41 and 42 in such a way that the plane 26 is in contact with the reference plane 43 of the jig 42. Therefore, a multi-core connector 1 with the optical fiber 2 rotationally aligned with high precision can be provided.

[0087] The multiple positioning parts 31 of the positioning part 3 are multiple holes or multiple grooves. Therefore, ordinary positioning parts such as a ferrule with holes and an optical fiber array board with grooves can be used. Therefore, the multi-core connector 1 can be manufactured without significantly increasing the manufacturing cost.

[0088] In the first process, a part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber 22 is cut by a laser. Therefore, the plane 26 can be formed with high precision compared with polishing. Therefore, the multi-core connector 1 with the optical fiber 2 rotationally aligned with high precision can be manufactured.

[0089] In the first process, a part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber 21 is cut by a polishing machine for optical connectors. Therefore, the plane 26 can be formed at a low cost compared with laser processing. Therefore, the multi-core connector 1 can be manufactured while suppressing the manufacturing cost.

[0090] The fluctuation θ1 of the rotation angle of each optical fiber 2 is within ±1 degree with respect to the central axis C of each optical fiber 2 and a specified position. Therefore, a multi-core connector 1 with the optical fiber 2 rotationally aligned with high precision can be provided.

[0091] (Variant example)

[0092] In Figure 4 In the first process shown, the plane 26 is formed parallel to the central axis C of the optical fiber 2, but it is not limited to this. Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a variant example of the first process in the manufacturing method of the multi-core connector 1 and is an oblique view of the optical fiber 2 used in the multi-core connector 1. The same reference numerals are assigned to elements that are substantially the same as or corresponding to the structures exemplified in Figure 4 and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0093] After the optical fiber 2 is rotationally aligned in a specified direction as confirmed by the camera 9, as Figure 8As shown, a part of the optical fiber 2 after rotational core alignment is cut such that the plane 27 is inclined with respect to the central axis C of the optical fiber 2. The entire core 21 of the optical fiber 2 may be cut to form the plane 27. The inclination angle of the plane 27 with respect to the central axis C is, for example, 60 degrees. The length of the plane 27 in the longitudinal direction is not particularly limited as long as when the optical fiber 2 is inserted into the positioning portion 31 of the positioning member 3 in the second process, the plane 27 is not formed within the positioning portion 31. The second process in this example is the same as Figure 5A and Figure 5B and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0094] Figure 9A and Figure 9B are diagrams showing modified examples of the third process in the method for manufacturing the multi-core connector 1. Figure 9A is a top view of the optical fiber 2, the positioning member 3, and the camera 9 observed from a direction orthogonal to the arrangement plane of the optical fibers 2, Figure 9B is a front view of the optical fiber 2 photographed by the camera 9 disposed at one end portion 24 of the optical fiber 2 facing Figure 9A and a side view of the vicinity of the one end portion 24 of the optical fiber 2 observed from the arrangement direction of the optical fibers 2. As shown in Figure 9A and Figure 9B , in the modified example of the third process, a set of jigs 41 and 44 is used. When observing the cross section of the optical fiber 2, the jig 41 is disposed on the circumference of the glass fiber 22, and the jig 44 is disposed on the plane 27 of the glass fiber 22. The jig 41 has a rectangular shape, and the jig 44 has a reference plane 45 formed to be inclined in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 2 on the surface facing the optical fiber 2. That is, the set of jigs 41 and 44 disposed opposite to the positioning member 3 is disposed to sandwich the plurality of optical fibers 2 from the vertical direction. The jig 44 is disposed along the plane 27 formed to protrude from the positioning portion 31 toward the one end portion 24. At this time, as shown in Figure 9B , each optical fiber 2 is rotationally core-aligned such that the plane 27 contacts the reference plane 45 formed on the jig 44 (third process). In this example, the reference plane 45 is disposed to be inclined with respect to the central axis C of each optical fiber. Since the plane 27 is also inclined with respect to the central axis C, the planes 27 of the plurality of optical fibers 2 all contact the reference plane 45, and the orientations are unified. At this time, it is confirmed by the camera 9 disposed toward the one end portion 24 that the plurality of optical fibers 2 are appropriately rotationally core-aligned. The fourth and fifth processes in this example are the same as the processes shown in Figures 6A to 7B and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0095] As described above, since the plane 27 is inclined with respect to the central axis C of the optical fiber 2, the reference plane 45 of the jig 44 can be guided from the front end side of the optical fiber 2 toward the positioning member 3 along the inclined plane 27. Therefore, the working efficiency is improved, and the optical fiber 2 can be rotationally core-aligned with high precision.

[0096] As described above, the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. However, for those skilled in the art, various changes or modifications can obviously be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the number, position, shape, etc. of the structural components described above are not limited to the above embodiments and can be changed to the number, position, shape, etc. suitable for implementing the present invention.

[0097] Description of reference numerals

[0098] 1: Multi-core connector 2: Optical fiber 21: Core 22: Glass fiber 23: Cladding portion 24: One end portion 25: Unclad portion 26, 27: Plane 3: Positioning member 31: Positioning portion 41, 42, 44: Clamp 43, 45: Reference plane 9: Camera C: Central axis θ1, θ2: Fluctuation of rotation angle.

Claims

1. A manufacturing method of a multi-core connector, which uses a positioning member having a plurality of positioning portions configured to hold a plurality of non-axisymmetric optical fibers. Each optical fiber has: a coated portion in which a glass fiber is covered with a resin coating; and an uncoated portion that includes one end portion of the optical fiber and exposes the glass fiber. The manufacturing method of the multi-core connector includes: A first step of cutting a part of each of the optical fibers so that a part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber including the one end portion becomes a flat surface. Second process: Each of the optical fibers is arranged such that all of the planes protrude from the positioning member at each of the positioning portions of the positioning member; Third process: Each of the optical fibers is rotationally aligned such that the plane abuts against a reference surface of a jig arranged opposite to the positioning member; Fourth process: After the third process, each of the optical fibers is fixed to the positioning member; And Fifth process: After the fourth process, a portion of the glass fiber including the plane that protrudes from the positioning member is cut off and removed, and the cut surfaces of the optical fibers exposed from the positioning member are polished.

2. The manufacturing method of the multi-core connector according to claim 1, wherein Each of the optical fibers is a multi-core optical fiber.

3. The manufacturing method of the multi-core connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first process includes cutting a part of at least one core of each of the optical fibers.

4. The manufacturing method of the multi-core connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The plane of each of the optical fibers is parallel to the central axis of the optical fiber.

5. The manufacturing method of the multi-core connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The plane of each of the optical fibers is inclined with respect to the central axis of the optical fiber.

6. The manufacturing method of the multi-core connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The plurality of positioning portions are a plurality of holes or a plurality of grooves.

7. The manufacturing method of the multi-core connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first process includes cutting a part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber by laser.

8. The manufacturing method of the multi-core connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first process includes grinding and cutting a part of the outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber by a polishing machine for optical connectors.

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