Optical connection member

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an optical connection member capable of appropriately transmitting an optical signal. This optical connection member is provided with: a plurality of optical fibers; a sheath having a first through-hole into which the plurality of optical fibers are inserted; a support member accommodating the sheath; and a positioning member having a plurality of holes into which end portions of the plurality of optical fibers exposed from the sheath are inserted, respectively. The thermal expansion coefficient of the positioning member is 1 * 10 <-6 > / K or more and 1 * 10 <-5 > / K or less.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical connection member. BACKGROUND

[0002] An optical connection member provided with a plurality of optical fibers and a holding member that holds end portions of the plurality of optical fibers is known (for example, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2). In such an optical connection member, the holding member is fixed to a substrate such as a silicon photonic integrated circuit (Si-PIC: Silicon-Photonic Integrated Circuit) substrate via an adhesive.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: U.S. Patent No. 5619604 Specification

[0006] Patent Literature 2: International Publication No. 2020 / 027125

[0007] However, when heat is applied to the optical connection member and the substrate in the process of fixing the holding member to the substrate, peeling of the optical connection member from the substrate can occur due to a difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the holding member and the substrate. In addition, in the optical connection member, the optical fibers are sometimes used in a bent state for the purpose of thinness, but damage (breakage) of the optical fibers can occur due to the bending. Due to the peeling of the optical connection member and the damage of the optical fibers, transmission of optical signals can not be properly performed. SUMMARY

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical connection member capable of properly performing transmission of optical signals.

[0009] The optical connection member of one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a plurality of optical fibers, a sheath having a first through-hole into which the plurality of optical fibers are inserted, a support member that houses the sheath, and a positioning member having a plurality of holes into which end portions of the plurality of optical fibers that are exposed from the sheath are respectively inserted. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the positioning member is 1 x 10 －6 / K or more and 1 x 10 －5 / K or less.

[0010] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to the present disclosure, an optical connection member capable of properly performing transmission of optical signals is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an optical connection member of one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 is a view taken alongFigure 1 A cross-sectional view of the optical connection member shown in line II-II.

[0014] Figure 3 Figure 2 An enlarged view of the cross section of the optical connection member shown.

[0015] Figure 4 A view of the optical connection member shown in a state fixed to a substrate.

[0016] Figure 5 A view of Figure 1 A view of the sheath shown.

[0017] Figure 6 A view of Figure 1 A view of the sheath shown.

[0018] Figure 7 A view of Figure 1 A view of the positioning member shown.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] 1: optical fiber; 2: sheath; 3: support member; 4: positioning member; 5: adhesive; 10: ribbon optical cable; 11: covering; 12: top end surface; 13: end portion; 21: end surface; 21e: outer edge; 22: end surface; 22e: outer edge; 23: surface; 23a, 23b: portions; 24: surface; 24a, 24b: portions; 25: surface; 25a, 25b: portions; 26: surface; 26a, 26b: portions; 27: through-hole; 28: opening; 31: wall portion; 32: surface; 32e: opening; 33: surface; 33e: opening; 34: through-hole; 34a: tapered portion; 35: cylindrical portion; 36: end surface; 36e: inner edge; 37: inner surface; 41: main surface; 41e: opening; 42: main surface; 42e: opening; 43, 44, 45, 46: surfaces; 47: hole; 47a: tapered portion; 100: optical connection member; 200: substrate; 200a: main surface; S1, S2, S3: spaces; W1, W2: widths. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] [Explanation of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0022] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained.

[0023] (1) The optical connection member of the present disclosure has: a plurality of optical fibers; a sheath having a first through-hole into which the plurality of optical fibers are inserted; a support member that houses the sheath; and a positioning member having a plurality of holes into which the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers that are exposed from the sheath are respectively inserted, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the positioning member being 1 x 10 －6 / K or more and 1 x 10​－5 / K or more and 1 x 10

[0024] The optical connection member has a sheath having first through holes into which the plurality of optical fibers are inserted. Thus, the sheath protects the optical fibers and prevents excessive bending of the optical fibers, so that damage (breakage) of the optical fibers is less likely to occur. Further, in the optical connection member, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the positioning member is 1 x 10 －6 / K or more and 1 x 10 －5 / K or less. Thus, the difference between the coefficient of thermal expansion of a base material (for example, silicon) of a silicon photonic integrated circuit (Si-PIC) substrate or the like to which the optical connection member is fixed and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the positioning member is made small. Thus, in a case where heat is applied in fixing the positioning member to the substrate, peeling of the optical connection member from the substrate due to the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion of the positioning member and the substrate can be prevented. Thus, according to the above-described optical connection member, transmission of optical signals can be appropriately performed.

[0025] (2) The optical connection member of the above-described (1) can further have first adhesive provided to the plurality of holes, the first adhesive fixing the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers to the positioning member. In this case, displacement of the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers can be prevented, so that transmission of optical signals can be more appropriately performed.

[0026] (3) In the optical connection member of the above-described (2), the first adhesive can be an ultraviolet-curable adhesive, and the positioning member can be formed of a material that transmits ultraviolet rays. In this case, ultraviolet rays can be irradiated to the first adhesive via the positioning member, so that fixing (curing of the first adhesive) of the optical fibers to the positioning member can be effectively performed. Further, in a case where the optical connection member is fixed to another member (for example, a substrate) by the ultraviolet-curable adhesive, ultraviolet rays can be irradiated to the adhesive via the positioning member, so that fixing of the optical connection member to the other member can be effectively performed.

[0027] (4) In the optical connection member of the above-described (2) or (3), the first adhesive can have a hardness of 80 or more. In this case, the optical fibers can be firmly fixed to the positioning member, so that the optical fibers can be prevented from falling off the positioning member.

[0028] (5) In the optical connection member of any one of the above-described (1) to (4), the positioning member can have a first main surface into which top end surfaces of the plurality of optical fibers are exposed and a second main surface located at a position on an opposite side to the first main surface in a first direction in which the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers extend, each of the plurality of holes can be open in the first main surface and the second main surface, and the plurality of holes in the second main surface can have a larger opening than the plurality of holes in the first main surface. In this case, the optical fibers can be easily inserted into the holes.

[0029] (6) In the optical connection member according to any one of (1) to (5) described above, the jacket can have a first end surface, and a second end surface located at a position on an opposite side to the first end surface in a first direction in which the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers extend, and the first through-hole can be open at the first end surface and the second end surface. In this case, the optical fibers can be easily inserted into the first through-hole.

[0030] (7) In the optical connection member according to (6) described above, the outer edge of the first end surface can be smaller than the outer edge of the second end surface when viewed in the first direction. In this case, for example, in a case where the support member has a cylindrical portion, the jacket can be easily accommodated in the cylindrical portion of the support member.

[0031] (8) In the optical connection member according to (6) or (7) described above, the support member can have a wall portion having a first surface and a second surface located at a position on an opposite side to the first surface in the first direction, and a cylindrical portion formed on the second surface, the wall portion can have a second through-hole into which the plurality of optical fibers are inserted, and the jacket can be accommodated in the cylindrical portion with the first end surface facing the second surface. In this case, the jacket can be appropriately protected by the wall portion and the cylindrical portion located so as to surround the jacket, and the optical fibers can be exposed to the outside of the support member from the second through-hole provided in the wall portion.

[0032] (9) The optical connection member according to (8) described above can further include a second adhesive that fixes the plurality of optical fibers to the support member, the jacket can be accommodated in the cylindrical portion in such a manner that a space is formed between the first end surface and the second surface, and the second adhesive can be disposed so as to extend over the second through-hole and the space. In this case, the position of the optical fibers can be prevented from shifting by the second adhesive, and thus the transmission of optical signals can be more appropriately performed.

[0033] (10) In the optical connection member according to (8) or (9) described above, the second through-hole can be open at the first surface and the second surface, and the opening of the second through-hole in the second surface can be larger than the opening of the second through-hole in the first surface. In this case, the optical fibers can be easily inserted into the second through-hole.

[0034] (11) In the optical connection member according to any one of (8) to (10) described above, the volume ratio of the inner space of the support member, which is defined by the second surface and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion, to the entire volume of the support member can be 50% or more and 90% or less. If the amount of the second adhesive arranged in the space between the first end surface and the second surface is too much, stress that can cause deformation or damage of the optical connection member can be generated due to shrinkage at the time of curing of the second adhesive. In the optical connection member described above, the volume ratio of the sheath is 50% or more, and thus it is possible to prevent the generation of these problems due to too much second adhesive. Furthermore, in the optical connection member described above, the volume ratio of the sheath is 90% or less, and thus it is possible to sufficiently maintain the filling amount of the second adhesive arranged in the space between the first end surface and the second surface.

[0035] (12) In the optical connection member according to any one of (8) to (11) described above, the cylindrical portion can have a third end surface at a position on the opposite side of the wall portion in the first direction, the third end surface can extend in a ring shape so as to surround the sheath when viewed in the first direction, and the shape of the outer edge of the second end surface can coincide with the shape of the inner edge of the third end surface when viewed in the first direction. In this case, it is possible to prevent the sheath from falling off the support member.

[0036] (13) In the optical connection member according to any one of (1) to (12) described above, the bending modulus of the sheath can be lower than the bending modulus of the support member. In this case, it is possible to further prevent the generation of damage to the optical fibers.

[0037] (14) In the optical connection member according to any one of (1) to (13) described above, the first through-hole can extend in a first direction in which the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers extend, and the width of the first through-hole in a second direction that intersects the first direction can be greater than the width of the first through-hole in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction. In this case, it is possible to easily insert a row (for example, a ribbon cable) including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in the second direction into the first through-hole. That is, it is possible to insert a plurality of optical fibers in units of ribbons into the first through-hole, and it is possible to simplify the assembly work of the optical connection member.

[0038] (15) In the optical connection member according to (14) described above, the sheath can have a plurality of first through-holes that are the first through-hole, and the plurality of first through-holes can be arranged in the third direction. In this case, it is possible to arrange the plurality of optical fibers in the third direction in a manner arranged in an appropriate order. For example, by inserting the plurality of optical fibers into the plurality of first through-holes arranged in the third direction, it is possible to prevent the positional deviation and the misalignment of the plurality of optical fibers in the third direction, and thus it is possible to arrange each optical fiber at an appropriate position.

[0039] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0040] Specific examples of optical connection components according to embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements having the same function, and repeated descriptions are omitted. It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications with the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims.

[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The configuration of an optical connection member 100 according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the optical connection component 100. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the optical connection component 100 of line II-II shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of the cross-section of the optical connector 100 shown. Figure 4 This diagram shows the optical connection member 100 fixed to the substrate 200. The optical connection member 100 includes multiple optical fibers 1, a sheath 2, a support member 3, and a positioning member 4. Hereinafter, the direction in which the ends 13 of the multiple optical fibers 1 extend is defined as the X-axis direction (first direction), a direction intersecting the X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction (second direction), and a direction intersecting both the X-axis and Y-axis directions is defined as the Z-axis direction (third direction). In this example, the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0042] Multiple optical fibers 1 are arranged in a column. These multiple optical fibers 1 constitute multiple ribbon optical cables (core wires) 10. In this example, the optical connector 100 has 24 optical fibers 1. Eight optical fibers 1 constitute one ribbon optical cable 10. That is, the optical connector 100 has three ribbon optical cables 10. The ends of the multiple ribbon optical cables 10 are arranged in the Z-axis direction. The ends 13 of the multiple optical fibers 1 included in each ribbon optical cable 10 are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The ends 13 of each optical fiber 1 extend along the X-axis direction.

[0043] Each optical fiber 1 has a core and a cladding surrounding the core. The cladding has a refractive index different from that of the core. The ribbon cable 10 has a cover 11 that covers the plurality of optical fibers 1 together. Each optical fiber 1 includes a portion covered by the cover 11 and a portion not covered by the cover 11 (with the cover 11 removed). The portion not covered by the cover 11 is located closer to the top surface of each optical fiber 1 than the portion covered by the cover 11.

[0044] Sheath 2 is a component that protects multiple optical fibers 1. See also the references here. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The detailed composition of sheath 2 will now be explained. Figure 5is a view of the jacket 2 as viewed in the X-axis direction. Figure 6 is a view of the jacket 2 as viewed in the Z-axis direction. The jacket 2 has an outer shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The jacket 2 has an end face (first end face) 21, an end face (second end face) 22, a surface 23, a surface 24, a surface 25, and a surface 26. The end face 22 is located at a position opposite the end face 21 in the X-axis direction. Each of the end faces 21 and 22 extends along the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The surface 24 is located at a position opposite the surface 23 in the Y-axis direction. The surface 26 is located at a position opposite the surface 25 in the Z-axis direction.

[0045] The jacket 2 has a tapered shape in which the tip becomes narrower as it approaches the end face 21 from the end face 22. Specifically, the surface 23 includes a portion 23a and a portion 23b located at a position closer to the end face 22 than the portion 23a. The surface 24 includes a portion 24a and a portion 24b located at a position closer to the end face 22 than the portion 24a. The portions 23a and 24a are inclined with respect to the X-axis direction in such a manner that they approach each other in the Y-axis direction as they approach the end face 21 from the end face 22. The portions 23b and 24b extend parallel to each other along the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0046] The surface 25 includes a portion 25a and a portion 25b located at a position closer to the end face 22 than the portion 25a. The surface 26 includes a portion 26a and a portion 26b located at a position closer to the end face 22 than the portion 26a. The portions 25a and 26a are inclined with respect to the X-axis direction in such a manner that they approach each other in the Z-axis direction as they approach the end face 21 from the end face 22. The portions 25b and 26b extend parallel to each other along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figure 5 in the X-axis direction, the outer edge 21e is located inside the outer edge 22e.

[0047] The jacket 2 has a plurality of through holes (first through holes) 27. In this example, three through holes 27 are formed in the jacket 2. The plurality of through holes 27 are arranged in the Z-axis direction. Each of the through holes 27 extends along the X-axis direction. Each of the through holes 27 is open at the end face 21 and the end face 22. Each of the two end portions of each of the through holes 27 in the X-axis direction is connected to the corresponding one of the end face 21 and the end face 22. In this example, as viewed in the X-axis direction, the through holes 27 (the inner surface 2a of the jacket 2 that delimits each of the through holes 27) have a rectangular shape having a long side along the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figure 5 the through holes 27 have a width W1 along the Y-axis direction that is greater than a width W2 of the through holes 27 along the Z-axis direction. The plurality of optical fibers 1 (the corresponding ribbon optical cable 10) are inserted into each of the through holes 27.

[0048] The sheath 2 is formed of a resin material, for example, a mixture of polyphenylene ether and hydrogenated styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (SEBS). The material of the sheath 2 can also be, for example, FLEX NORYL (trademark) Resin WCP921 of SABIC. The flexural modulus of the sheath 2 is lower than the flexural modulus of the support member 3 described later. That is, the sheath 2 is softer than the support member 3. The flexural modulus of the sheath 2 can be, for example, 150 MPa or more and 200 MPa or less, 100 MPa or more and 250 MPa or less, or 180 MPa. The flexural modulus of the sheath 2 is measured in accordance with the ASTM D790 standard. The measurement is performed by placing the object of measurement on two fulcrums and applying a load to the center. While the load is increased, the stress and strain generated as the object is bent are measured. The flexural modulus is calculated from these data. The moving speed of the slide (moving part of the measuring machine) in the measurement (the speed at which the measuring machine bends the object) is 12.5 mm / min. The length of the support span (distance between the fulcrums) used in the measurement is 100 mm.

[0049] The support member 3 is a member that accommodates the sheath 2. The support member 3 has a wall portion 31 and a tube portion 35. The wall portion 31 is a plate-like member extending in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The wall portion 31 has a surface 32 and a surface 33. The surface 32 and the surface 33 extend in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The surface 33 is located at a position opposite to the surface 32 in the X-axis direction.

[0050] The wall portion 31 has a plurality of through holes (second through holes) 34. In this example, 24 through holes 34 are formed in the wall portion 31. Eight through holes 34 are arranged in the Y-axis direction, and three through holes 34 are arranged in the Z-axis direction. Three columns including the eight through holes 34 arranged in the Y-axis direction are arranged in the Z-axis direction. Each of the through holes 34 penetrates the wall portion 31 in the X-axis direction. Each of the through holes 34 is open at the surface 32 and the surface 33. Each of the two end portions of the through hole 34 in the X-axis direction is connected to the corresponding one of the surface 32 and the surface 33. In this example, the through hole 34 (inner surface 31a of the wall portion 31 that defines each of the through holes 34) has a circular shape when viewed in the X-axis direction. The difference obtained by subtracting the diameter of the optical fiber 1 from the diameter of each of the through holes 34 is, for example, 2 μm or less.

[0051] As Figure 3As shown, the through-hole 34 (inner surface 31a) includes a tapered portion 34a. In the tapered portion 34a, the diameter of the through-hole 34 becomes smaller as it approaches the surface 32 from the surface 33. The tapered portion 34a is connected to the surface 33. The opening 33e of the through-hole 34 in the surface 33 is larger than the opening 32e of the through-hole 34 in the surface 32. Each through-hole 34 coincides with the corresponding through-hole 27 when viewed in the X-axis direction. The end portion 13 of each optical fiber 1 exposed from the sheath 2 is inserted into the corresponding through-hole 34. The portion of each optical fiber 1 in which the coating 11 is removed is inserted into the corresponding through-hole 34.

[0052] A cylindrical portion 35 is formed on the surface 33 of the wall portion 31. The cylindrical portion 35 is integrally formed with the wall portion 31, that is, is continuously formed. The cylindrical portion 35 continuously extends along the outer edge of the surface 33 in such a manner that a space (internal space) S1 is formed inside the cylindrical portion 35. The cylindrical portion 35 has an end surface (third end surface) 36 at a position on the opposite side of the wall portion 31 in the X-axis direction. The end surface 36 extends annularly in such a manner as to surround the sheath 2 when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0053] The support member 3 is formed of a resin material such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP: Liquid Crystal Polymer), for example. The material of the support member 3 can also be LAPEROS LCP E130i of POLYPLASTICS Co., for example. The flexural modulus of the support member 3 is higher than the flexural modulus of the sheath 2. The flexural modulus of the support member 3 can be 12000 MPa or more and 18000 MPa or less, or can be 10000 MPa or more and 20000 MPa or less, for example. The flexural modulus of the support member 3 is measured in accordance with the ISO 178 standard. In the case of comparing the flexural modulus of the sheath 2 and the flexural modulus of the support member 3, these flexural moduli are measured by a common measurement method (measurement conditions). The standard to which the measurement method is based can also employ either of the ASTM D790 standard and the ISO 178 standard, for example.

[0054] The sheath 2 is accommodated in the space S1. The space S1 is demarcated by the surface 33 of the wall portion 31 and the inner surface 37 of the cylindrical portion 35. The sheath 2 is inserted into the space S1 from the opening in the end surface 36 of the cylindrical portion 35. The sheath 2 is accommodated in the space S1 in such a manner that the end surface 21 opposes the surface 33. The sheath 2 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 35 in such a manner that the space S2 (gap) is formed between the end surface 21 and the surface 33. The proportion of the volume of the sheath 2 in the space S1 can be 50% or more and 90% or less, or can be 60% or more and 80% or less, or can be 72%, for example. The volume of the sheath 2 includes the volume of the inside of the through-hole 27.

[0055] In this example, the sheath 2 is accommodated in space S1 such that end face 22 and end face 36 are on the same plane, i.e., they are aligned without any height difference (so that their positions are the same in the X-axis direction). When viewed along the X-axis direction, the shape of the outer edge 22e of end face 22 is consistent with the shape of the inner edge 36e of end face 36. The consistency of the shape of the outer edge 22e with the shape of the inner edge 36e means that no gap is formed between the inner edge 36e and the outer edge 22e. Parts 23a, 24a, 25a, and 26a are not in contact with the inner surface 37 of the cylinder 35, but are separated from the inner surface 37. A space (gap) S3 is formed between parts 23a, 24a, 25a, and 26a and the inner surface 37. Parts 23b, 24b, 25b, and 26b are in contact with the inner surface 37 of the cylinder 35.

[0056] Positioning member 4 is a component that holds and determines the position of the ends 13 of the multiple optical fibers 1. (See also...) Figure 7 The detailed structure of the positioning component 4 will be explained. Figure 7 This is a view of the positioning member 4 viewed along the X-axis. The positioning member 4 has a generally rectangular plate shape. The thickness direction of the positioning member 4 is along the X-axis, the long side direction is along the Y-axis, and the short side direction is along the Z-axis. The positioning member 4 has a main surface (first main surface) 41, a main surface (second main surface) 42, surfaces 43, 44, 45, and 46. The main surface 42 is located on the side opposite to the main surface 41 in the X-axis direction. Each of the main surfaces 41 and 42 extends along the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. Surface 44 is located on the side opposite to the surface 43 in the Y-axis direction. Each of the surfaces 43 and 44 extends along the X-axis and Z-axis directions. Surface 46 is located on the side opposite to the surface 45 in the Z-axis direction. Each of the surfaces 45 and 46 extends along the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0057] The positioning member 4 has a plurality of holes 47. In this example, 24 holes 47 are formed in the positioning member 4. Eight holes 47 are arranged along the Y-axis direction and three holes 47 are arranged along the Z-axis direction. The columns including the eight holes 47 arranged along the Y-axis direction are arranged in three columns along the Z-axis direction. Each hole 47 penetrates the positioning member 4 in the X-axis direction. Each hole 47 opens in the main surface 41 and the main surface 42. Each end of each hole 47 in the X-axis direction is connected to the corresponding surface in the main surface 41 and the main surface 42. In this example, when viewed along the X-axis direction, the holes 47 (the inner surface 4a of the positioning member 4 that defines each hole 47) have a circular shape. The difference obtained by subtracting the diameter of the optical fiber 1 from the diameter of each hole 47 can be, for example, less than 2 μm.

[0058] like Figure 3As shown, the hole 47 (inner surface 4a) includes a tapered portion 47a. In the tapered portion 47a, the diameter of the hole 47 decreases as it approaches the main surface 41 from the main surface 42. The tapered portion 47a is connected to the main surface 42. The opening 42e of the hole 47 in the main surface 42 is larger than the opening 41e of the hole 47 in the main surface 41. When viewed along the X-axis, each hole 47 coincides with its corresponding through hole 27 and through hole 34. The ends 13 of multiple optical fibers 1 exposed from the sheath 2 are inserted into the multiple holes 47. The portion covered by the cover 11 is removed from the optical fiber 1 inserted into each hole 47. The top surface 12 of the multiple optical fibers 1 is exposed from the main surface 41 to the outside of the positioning member 4.

[0059] The positioning member 4 is formed, for example, of a glass material such as borosilicate glass. The material of the positioning member 4 can also be, for example, SCHOTT's BOROFLOAT glass. When the positioning member 4 is formed of a hard material such as glass, the positioning accuracy of the optical fiber 1 can be improved. In this example, the positioning member 4 is formed of a material that allows ultraviolet light to pass through. The ultraviolet transmittance of the positioning member 4 relative to ultraviolet light with wavelengths of 315 nm or more and 400 nm or less is 70% or more. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the positioning member 4 is 1 × 10⁻⁶. －6 / K or higher and 1×10 －5 / K or less. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the positioning component 4 can be 2×10. －6 / K or higher and 5×10 －6 Below / K, it can also be 3.25×10. －6 / K. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the positioning component 4 refers to the average coefficient of thermal expansion of the positioning component 4 at temperatures above 20°C and below 300°C. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the positioning component 4 is determined, for example, by the method of JIS R3102.

[0060] The optical connection component 100 includes an adhesive 5. The adhesive 5 is arranged throughout spaces S2 and S3, multiple through holes 27 and 34, between surface 32 and main surface 42, and through holes 47. The portion of adhesive 5 arranged throughout space S2 and through holes 34 (the second adhesive) secures multiple optical fibers 1 to the support member 3. The portion of adhesive 5 arranged in space S3 secures a sheath 2 to the support member 3. The portion of adhesive 5 arranged in the multiple through holes 27 secures multiple optical fibers 1 to the sheath 2. The portion of adhesive 5 arranged between surface 32 and main surface 42 secures the support member 3 to the positioning member 4. The portion of adhesive 5 arranged in the multiple holes 47 (the first adhesive) secures the ends 13 of the multiple optical fibers 1 to the positioning member 4.

[0061] The adhesive 5 can, for example, penetrate into the space S3, the plurality of through holes 27, the plurality of through holes 34, the space between the surface 32 and the main surface 42, and the plurality of holes 47 after being injected into the interior of the support member 3 (space S2). The adhesive 5 does not reach the openings 28 of the plurality of through holes 27 in the end face 22. Therefore, when the portion of the ribbon optical cable 10 exposed from the opening 28 to the outside of the sheath 2 bends, the bent portion does not come into contact with the adhesive 5 at the opening 28. Thus, even when the cured adhesive 5 is harder than the sheath 2 (with a higher flexural modulus or Young's modulus), it can prevent the bent portion of the ribbon optical cable 10 from coming into contact with the adhesive 5 and being damaged.

[0062] The adhesive 5 can also be made of resins such as epoxy resin. For example, adhesive 5 can be EPO-TEK 353ND or NTT-AT EH4197. The hardness of adhesive 5 can also be 80 or higher. The hardness of adhesive 5 refers to the hardness of adhesive 5 in its cured state. The hardness of adhesive 5 is measured using a type D hardness tester. Adhesive 5 is an ultraviolet-curing adhesive. Adhesive 5 is a thermosetting adhesive. The curing of adhesive 5 can also be performed according to the following procedure: Since the positioning member 4 is formed of a material that transmits ultraviolet light, ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto the portion of adhesive 5 disposed in the holes 47 via the positioning member 4. Therefore, firstly, the portion of adhesive 5 disposed in the multiple holes 47 can be cured (temporarily fixed) by ultraviolet irradiation via the positioning member 4. Then, the entire adhesive 5, including the other parts, can be formally cured (fully cured) by heating.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the optical connector 100 is fixed to the substrate 200. In this example, the substrate 200 is a silicon photonic integrated circuit (Si-PIC) substrate. A Si-PIC substrate is a substrate that uses silicon as the substrate material. Elements and circuits for processing optical signals are integrated on the substrate 200. With the optical connector 100 fixed to the substrate 200, the optical fiber 1 is optically connected to the elements mounted on the substrate 200, and optical signals are transmitted between them.

[0064] The coefficient of thermal expansion of substrate 200 is 2×10⁻⁶. －6 / K or higher and 5×10 －6 / K or less. The coefficient of thermal expansion of substrate 200 refers to the average coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate material (silicon in this example) of substrate 200 at temperatures above 20°C and below 300°C. The coefficient of thermal expansion of substrate 200 is measured by a dilatometer. As described above, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the positioning member is 1×10⁻⁶. －6 / K or higher and 1×10 －5 / K or less. That is, the coefficient of thermal expansion of both the substrate 200 and the positioning member 4 is approximately 10. －6The difference between the two is on the order of / K, and the difference is small.

[0065] The optical connector 100 is disposed on the substrate 200 with the main surface 41 of the positioning member 4 facing the main surface 200a of the substrate 200. An adhesive may also be disposed between the main surface 41 and the main surface 200a to fix the optical connector 100 to the substrate 200. During the process of fixing the optical connector 100 (positioning member 4) to the substrate 200, the optical connector 100 and the substrate 200 may be subjected to heat treatment. The optical connector 100 can also be used with multiple optical fibers 1 (multiple ribbon optical cables 10) bent. In this case, the ribbon optical cables 10 can also contact the sheath 2 (specifically, the inner surface 2a of the sheath 2 with the through-hole 27 defined).

[0066] As explained above, the optical connector 100 includes a sheath 2 with through holes 27 for inserting a plurality of optical fibers 1. Thus, the sheath 2 protects the optical fibers 1 and prevents excessive bending, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage (breakage) to the optical fibers 1. Furthermore, in this optical connector 100, the positioning member 4 has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 1 × 10⁻⁶. －6 / K or higher and 1×10 －5 / K or less. Therefore, the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the substrate material (silicon) of the silicon photonic integrated circuit (Si-PIC) substrate for fixing the optical connector 100 and the positioning member 4 is reduced. Thus, when heat is applied during the fixing of the positioning member 4 to the substrate 200, the optical connector 100 can be prevented from peeling off from the substrate 200 due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the positioning member 4 and the substrate 200. Therefore, optical signal transmission can be appropriately performed using the optical connector 100.

[0067] The optical connection component 100 includes an adhesive 5 disposed in a plurality of holes 47, which secures the ends 13 of a plurality of optical fibers 1 to the positioning member 4. This prevents positional displacement of the ends 13 of the plurality of optical fibers 1, thereby enabling more appropriate transmission of optical signals.

[0068] The adhesive 5 is a UV-curable adhesive. The positioning member 4 is formed of a material that transmits ultraviolet light. Therefore, ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto the adhesive 5 via the positioning member 4, thus effectively fixing the optical fiber 1 to the positioning member 4 (curing the adhesive 5). Furthermore, when the optical connection member 100 is fixed to the substrate 200 using the UV-curable adhesive, ultraviolet light can also be irradiated onto the adhesive disposed between the positioning member 4 and the substrate 200 via the positioning member 4, thus effectively fixing the optical connection member 100 to the substrate 200.

[0069] The adhesive 5 has a hardness of 80 or higher. This ensures that the optical fiber 1 is securely fixed to the positioning member 4, thus preventing the optical fiber 1 from detaching from the positioning member 4.

[0070] The positioning member 4 has: a main surface 41 for exposing the top surfaces of a plurality of optical fibers 1; and a main surface 42 located on the opposite side of the main surface 41 in the X-axis direction. Each of the plurality of holes 47 is open in both the main surface 41 and the main surface 42. The opening 42e of the plurality of holes 47 in the main surface 42 is larger than the opening 41e of the plurality of holes 47 in the main surface 41. Thus, the optical fiber 1 can be easily inserted into the hole 47.

[0071] The sheath 2 has an end face 21 and an end face 22 located on the side opposite to the end face 21 in the X-axis direction. A through hole 27 is opened in the end face 21 and the end face 22. Thus, the optical fiber 1 can be easily inserted into the through hole 27.

[0072] When viewed along the X-axis, the outer edge 21e of end face 21 is smaller than the outer edge 22e of end face 22. As a result, the sheath 2 can be easily accommodated in the cylindrical portion 35 of the support member 3.

[0073] The support member 3 includes: a wall portion 31 having a surface 32 and a surface 33 located on the side opposite to the surface 32 in the X-axis direction; and a cylindrical portion 35 formed on the surface 33. The wall portion 31 has through holes 34 for inserting a plurality of optical fibers 1. The sheath 2 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 35 with its end face 21 facing the surface 33. Thus, the sheath 2 can be properly protected by the wall portion 31 and the cylindrical portion 35 located in the position surrounding the sheath 2, and the optical fibers 1 can be exposed to the outside of the support member 3 through the through holes 34 provided in the wall portion 31.

[0074] The optical connector 100 includes an adhesive 5 that secures a plurality of optical fibers 1 to the support member 3. A sheath 2 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 35 such that a space S2 is formed between the end face 21 and the surface 33. The adhesive 5 is arranged throughout the through-hole 34 and the space S2. Thus, the adhesive 5 prevents the optical fibers 1 from shifting position, thereby enabling more appropriate transmission of optical signals.

[0075] The through-hole 34 opens on surfaces 32 and 33, with the opening 33e of the through-hole 34 in surface 33 being larger than the opening 32e of the through-hole 34 in surface 32. This allows the optical fiber 1 to be easily inserted into the through-hole 34.

[0076] The sheath 2 occupies 50% to 90% of the volume of the space S1 defined by the inner surface of the support member 3, which is defined by the surface 33 and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 35. If the amount of adhesive 5 disposed in the space S2 between the end face 21 and the surface 33 is excessive, stress may be generated due to the shrinkage of the adhesive 5 during curing, which could cause deformation or breakage of the optical connector 100. In the optical connector 100, the volume proportion of the sheath 2 is 50% or more, thus preventing these problems caused by excessive adhesive 5. Furthermore, in the optical connector 100, the volume proportion of the sheath 2 is 90% or less, thus ensuring sufficient filling of the adhesive 5 disposed in the space S2.

[0077] The cylindrical portion 35 has an end face 36 located on the side opposite to the wall portion 31 in the X-axis direction. When viewed along the X-axis, the end face 36 extends in a ring shape surrounding the sheath 2. When viewed along the X-axis, the shape of the outer edge 22e of the end face 22 matches the shape of the inner edge 36e of the end face 36. This prevents the sheath 2 from detaching from the support member 3.

[0078] The bending modulus of the sheath 2 is lower than that of the support member 3. This further prevents damage to the optical fiber 1.

[0079] The through-hole 27 extends along the X-axis. The width W1 of the through-hole 27 along the Y-axis is greater than the width W2 of the through-hole 27 along the Z-axis. Therefore, a column (e.g., a ribbon cable) comprising multiple optical fibers 1 arranged in the Y-axis direction can be easily inserted into the through-hole 27. That is, multiple optical fibers 1 can be inserted into the through-hole 27 in ribbon-like units, simplifying the assembly of the optical connection component 100.

[0080] The sheath 2 has multiple through holes 27. The multiple through holes 27 are arranged in the Z-axis direction. Thus, multiple optical fibers 1 can be arranged in a suitable order in the Z-axis direction. For example, by inserting multiple optical fibers 1 into the multiple through holes 27 arranged in the Z-axis direction, it is less likely that the positional offset and crossover of the multiple optical fibers 1 in the Z-axis direction will occur, thereby allowing each optical fiber 1 to be positioned appropriately.

[0081] The embodiments have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from its spirit. In addition, the embodiments described above can be appropriately combined.

[0082] The sheath 2 may not have a tapered shape that tapers at the tip as it approaches the end face 21 from the end face 22. The outer edge shape of the sheath 2 in a section perpendicular to the Y-axis direction may also be fixed. When viewed along the X-axis direction, the shape of the outer edge 21e of the end face 21 may be the same as the shape of the outer edge 22e of the end face 22. When viewed along the X-axis direction, the outer edge 21e of the end face 21 may also be larger than the outer edge 22e of the end face 22. When viewed along the X-axis direction, the shape of the outer edge 22e of the end face 22 may not be consistent with the shape of the inner edge 36e of the end face 36. A gap may also be formed between the inner edge 36e and the outer edge 22e.

[0083] End face 22 may not be on the same plane as end face 36, that is, it is not a surface without any height difference and not aligned. Sheath 2 may also be accommodated in space S1 with end face 22 located closer to wall 31 than end face 36 (with the entire sheath 2 located inside space S1). Sheath 2 may also be accommodated in space S1 with end face 22 located further away from wall 31 than end face 36 (with end face 22 of sheath 2 located outside space S1).

[0084] Alternatively, space S2 may not be formed. That is, the sheath 2 may be accommodated in space S1 with its end face 21 in contact with surface 33. The volume ratio of the sheath 2 in space S1 may be less than 50% or greater than 90%.

[0085] The through hole 34 (inner surface 31a) may also exclude the tapered portion 34a. The diameter of the through hole 34 may also be fixed. The size of the opening 33e of the through hole 34 in surface 33 may also be the same as the size of the opening 32e of the through hole 34 in surface 32. The size of the opening 33e may also be smaller than the opening 32e.

[0086] The positioning member 4 may not be formed of a material that allows ultraviolet light to pass through. The hole 47 (inner surface 4a) may also not include the tapered portion 47a. The diameter of the hole 47 may also be fixed. The size of the opening 42e of the hole 47 in the main surface 42 may also be the same as the size of the opening 41e of the hole 47 in the main surface 41. The opening 42e may also be smaller than the opening 41e.

[0087] At least one of the portions of adhesive 5 disposed in space S2, space S3, multiple through holes 27, multiple through holes 34, between surface 32 and main surface 42, and multiple holes 47 may be omitted or separated from other portions. For example, the portion of adhesive 5 disposed in multiple holes 47 (first adhesive) may also be separated from the portion of adhesive 5 disposed throughout space S2 and multiple through holes 34 (second adhesive).

[0088] Adhesive 5 may not be a UV-curing adhesive. Adhesive 5 may not be a thermosetting adhesive. The hardness of adhesive 5 may also be less than 80. The number of through holes 27 formed in the sheath 2, through holes 34 formed in the support member 3, and holes 47 formed in the positioning member 4 is not limited.

Claims

1. An optical connection component, comprising: Multiple optical fibers; Sheath having a first through hole for insertion of the plurality of optical fibers; Supporting member, accommodating the sheath; as well as The positioning member has a plurality of holes for insertion into the ends of the plurality of optical fibers exposed from the sheath. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the positioning component is 1×10⁻⁶. －6 / K or higher and 1×10 －5 / K or below.

2. The optical connection component according to claim 1, further comprising: A first adhesive is disposed in the plurality of holes, the first adhesive securing the ends of the plurality of optical fibers to the positioning member.

3. The optical connection component according to claim 2, wherein, The first adhesive is a UV-curable adhesive. The positioning member is formed of a material that allows ultraviolet light to pass through.

4. The optical connection component according to claim 2, wherein, The hardness of the first adhesive is above 80.

5. The optical connection component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The positioning member has: a first main surface for exposing the top ends of the plurality of optical fibers; and a second main surface located on the side opposite to the first main surface in a first direction, wherein the first direction is the direction in which the ends of the plurality of optical fibers extend. Each of the plurality of holes opens on both the first main surface and the second main surface. The openings of the plurality of holes in the second main surface are larger than the openings of the plurality of holes in the first main surface.

6. The optical connection component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sheath has: a first end face; and a second end face located on the side opposite to the first end face in a first direction, the first direction being the direction in which the ends of the plurality of optical fibers extend. The first through hole opens on the first end face and the second end face.

7. The optical connection component according to claim 6, wherein, When viewed along the first direction, the outer edge of the first end face is smaller than the outer edge of the second end face.

8. The optical connection component according to claim 6, wherein, The support member has: a wall portion having a first surface and a second surface located on the side opposite to the first surface in the first direction; And a cylindrical portion, formed on the second surface, The wall portion has a second through hole for inserting the plurality of optical fibers. The sheath is housed in the cylindrical portion with the first end face facing the second surface.

9. The optical connection component according to claim 8, further comprising: A second adhesive is used to fix the plurality of optical fibers to the support member. The sheath is accommodated in the cylindrical portion in such a way that a space is formed between the first end face and the second surface. The second adhesive is disposed throughout the second through hole and the space.

10. The optical connection component according to claim 8, wherein, The second through hole opens on both the first surface and the second surface. The opening of the second through hole in the second surface is larger than the opening of the second through hole in the first surface.

11. The optical connection component according to claim 8, wherein, The sheath occupies more than 50% and less than 90% of the volume of the internal space of the support member defined by the second surface and the inner surface of the cylinder.

12. The optical connection component according to claim 8, wherein, The cylindrical portion has a third end face located on the side opposite to the wall portion in the first direction. The third end face extends in a ring shape surrounding the sheath when viewed along the first direction. When viewed along the first direction, the shape of the outer edge of the second end face is consistent with the shape of the inner edge of the third end face.

13. The optical connection component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The flexural modulus of the sheath is lower than that of the support member.

14. The optical connection component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first through-hole extends along a first direction, wherein the first direction is the direction in which the ends of the plurality of optical fibers extend. The width of the first through hole along the second direction intersecting the first direction is greater than the width of the first through hole along the third direction intersecting both the first and second directions.

15. The optical connection component according to claim 14, wherein, The sheath has a plurality of first through holes, which are respectively the first through hole. The plurality of first through holes are arranged in the third direction.

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