Optical Connector

Abstract

To prevent the occurrence of damage to a laser oscillator and an optical fiber provided in a light source of a laser beam.SOLUTION: An optical connector 100 comprises: an optical fiber 10; a light guide member 40 that has a first end face 40a on which a laser beam emitted from a light source LS along an axis line X is incident and a second end face 40b which is joined to an incidence end face 10a of the optical fiber 10, and guides the laser beam from the first end face 40a to the second end face 40b; and a window member 73 that is disposed between the light source LS and the light guide member 40 and guides the laser beam emitted from the light source LS to the first end face 40a of the light guide member 40. The window member 73 has a first transmission surface 73a on which the laser beam emitted from the light source LS is incident and a second transmission surface 73b which emits, toward the light guide member 40, the laser beam made incident on the first transmission surface 73a. The first transmission surface 73a is disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle θ to a plane orthogonal to the axis line X.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to optical connectors. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, optical connectors that guide laser light emitted from a light source to an optical fiber are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The optical connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 guides a light beam incident on a window portion from a light guide space to a light guide rod, and guides the light beam to an incident end face of an optical fiber through a light guide path of the light guide rod. In Patent Document 1, the end face of the window portion where the light beam enters is arranged along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the light beam. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-209554 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the end face of the window portion through which the light beam enters is arranged along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the light beam, part of the light beam may be reflected and guided to the light source, which may cause damage to the laser oscillator or optical fiber contained in the light source.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an optical connector that can prevent damage to the laser oscillator and optical fiber provided in the light source of laser light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An optical connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an optical fiber arranged along an axis; a light-guiding member having a first end face into which laser light emitted from a light source along the axis is incident and a second end face joined to the incident end face of the optical fiber, and guiding the laser light from the first end face to the second end face; and a window member arranged between the light source and the light-guiding member, and guiding the laser light emitted from the light source to the first end face of the light-guiding member, wherein the window member has a first transmission surface into which the laser light emitted from the light source is incident and a second transmission surface that emits the laser light incident on the first transmission surface toward the light-guiding member, and the first transmission surface The optical axis of the laser beam emitted from the light source is aligned with the optical axis of the laser beam. The optical axis is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an optical connector that can prevent damage to a laser oscillator provided in a laser light source and an optical fiber. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an optical connector according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the optical connector shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the optical connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of an optical connector according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of an optical connector according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector shown in FIG. 5 taken along the line AA. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of an optical connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] An optical connector 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the optical connector 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the optical connector 100 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the optical connector 100 according to this embodiment. The arrows shown in Fig. 1 indicate the direction of flow of the cooling medium.

[0010] The optical connector 100 of this embodiment is a device for connecting an optical fiber 10 to a laser processing device (not shown) when transmitting laser light L1 emitted from a light source LS to the laser processing device through the optical fiber 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the optical connector 100 includes the optical fiber 10, an inner sleeve 20, an outer sleeve 30, a light-guiding member 40, a supply mechanism (cooling mechanism) 50, a flow rate adjustment valve (supply amount adjustment unit) 55, a discharge mechanism (cooling mechanism) 60, a holding member 70, a rear fixed sleeve 71, a front fixed sleeve (fixing mechanism) 72, a window member 73, a fixing member 74, a temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) 80, and a control unit (output adjustment unit) 90.

[0011] The optical fiber 10 is a member disposed along the axis X and transmitting laser light incident from the light source LS through the light-guiding member 40 at the incident end face 10a. The optical fiber 10 transmits the laser light and has a core 11 having a circular cross section perpendicular to the axis X, and a coating 12 that coats the outer peripheral surface of the core 11. The output of the laser light emitted by the light source LS is preferably 1 W or more, and more preferably 1 kW or more.

[0012] The optical fiber used here is effective for both solid-core fibers and hollow-core photonic crystal fibers (PCFs), and is particularly effective for fibers capable of transmitting high-quality lasers such as high-power, single-mode fiber lasers.

[0013] The core 11 is a component in which a glass cladding is provided on the outside of a glass core. The coating 12 is formed of an ultraviolet curable resin such as polyimide. As shown in FIG. 1 , the core 11 is coated with the coating 12 in a coated region R1 along the axis X. On the other hand, the core 11 is not coated with the coating 12 in an uncoated region R2 along the axis X.

[0014] The inner sleeve 20 is a member formed in a cylindrical shape along the axis X and holding the optical fiber 10 on its inner periphery. The inner sleeve 20 is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, such as brass. The inside of the inner sleeve 20 forms an inflow space S1 into which a cooling medium, such as cooling water, flows by a supply mechanism 50. The inflow space S1 is a space formed in an annular shape around the axis X.

[0015] The outer sleeve 30 is a member formed in a cylindrical shape along the axis X and holding the inner sleeve 20 on its inner circumferential side. The outer sleeve 30 is made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity, such as a copper alloy, brass, or aluminum alloy. Between the inner sleeve 20 and the outer sleeve 30 is an outflow space S2 that guides the cooling medium flowing out from the discharge mechanism 60. The outflow space S2 is a space formed in an annular shape around the axis X.

[0016] The inner sleeve 20 has a communication hole 21 in the uncoated region R2 that connects the inflow space S1 and the outflow space S2. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication hole 21 is formed near the position where the incident end face 10a of the optical fiber 10 and the second end face 40b of the light-guiding member 40 are joined (fused). The communication hole 21 may be formed in only one location as shown in Fig. 1, or may be formed in multiple locations in the circumferential direction around the axis X.

[0017] The light-guiding member 40 is a member that guides the laser light emitted from the light source LS along the axis X to the incident end face 10a of the optical fiber 10. The light-guiding member 40 has a first end face 40a onto which the laser light emitted from the light source LS is incident, and a second end face 40b that is joined by fusion to the incident end face 10a of the optical fiber 10. The light-guiding member 40 guides the laser light from the first end face 40a to the second end face 40b.

[0018] The light-guiding member 40 is a member formed by integrally forming a first member 41 formed in a cylindrical shape and a second member 42 formed in a substantially conical shape. The light-guiding member 40 is made of, for example, quartz. As shown in FIG. 1, the outer peripheral surface of the first member 41 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the inner sleeve 20 on the front fixed sleeve 72 side (one end side) via an adhesive.

[0019] The supply mechanism 50 is a mechanism that supplies the cooling medium to the inflow space S1 in the covered region R1. The supply mechanism 50 is a pipe that circulates the cooling medium supplied from a supply source (not shown) via a flow rate control valve 55. The supply mechanism 50 passes through the outer sleeve 30 and is in communication with the inflow space S1 inside the inner sleeve 20.

[0020] The flow rate adjustment valve 55 is a valve element whose opening is adjusted in response to a control signal transmitted from the control unit 90. The flow rate adjustment valve 55 guides the cooling medium from the supply source to the supply mechanism 50 at a supply amount according to the opening.

[0021] The discharge mechanism 60 is a mechanism that discharges the cooling medium, which has flowed from the supply mechanism 50 into the inflow space S1 and been guided to the outflow space S2 through the communication holes 21, from the outflow space S2 to the outside in the covered region R1. The discharge mechanism is a pipe that circulates the cooling medium from the outflow space S2 to the outside. The discharge mechanism 60 passes through the outer sleeve 30 and is in communication with the outflow space S2.

[0022] The supply mechanism 50 and the discharge mechanism 60 function as a cooling mechanism that cools the optical fiber 10 and also cools the front fixed sleeve 72. That is, the cooling mechanism of this embodiment has the supply mechanism 50 and the discharge mechanism 60. The supply mechanism 50 cools the inner sleeve 20 with the cooling medium that is caused to flow into the inflow space S1, and cools the front fixed sleeve 72 via the inner sleeve 20. The discharge mechanism 60 cools the outer sleeve 30 with the cooling medium that is caused to flow out from the outflow space S2, and cools the front fixed sleeve 72 via the outer sleeve 30.

[0023] The holding member 70 is a member formed in a cylindrical shape along the axis X and configured to hold the optical fiber 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the outer peripheral surface of the holding member 70 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the inner sleeve 20 on the rear fixed sleeve 71 side (the other end side). The holding member 70 is attached in a state where it abuts against the rear fixed sleeve 71.

[0024] A sealant 74a made of, for example, silicone resin is filled in the area where the holding member 70 and the rear fixed sleeve 71 butt against each other to seal the area. As described above, the outer peripheral surface of the first member 41 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the inner sleeve 20 on the front fixed sleeve 72 side (one end side) via an adhesive. This makes the inflow space S1 a space sealed by the light guide member 40 and the holding member 70.

[0025] The rear fixed sleeve 71 is a member attached to the ends of the inner sleeve 20 and the outer sleeve 30 opposite the light source LS, and is formed into a cylindrical shape along the axis X. The inner sleeve 20 and the outer sleeve 30 are attached to the light source LS side of the rear fixed sleeve 71. A fiber cable CA is attached to the side of the rear fixed sleeve 71 opposite the light source LS.

[0026] The front fixed sleeve 72 is a cylindrical member attached to the ends of the inner sleeve 20 and the outer sleeve 30 on the light source LS side and formed along the axis X. The front fixed sleeve 72 is made of a metal material such as copper alloy, aluminum, or brass. It is preferable to use a metal material having a thermal conductivity of 50 W / mK or higher for the metal material forming the front fixed sleeve 72.

[0027] The front fixed sleeve 72 fixes the light-guiding member 40 and the window member 73, and forms a sealed light-guiding space S3 between the first end surface 40a of the light-guiding member 40 and the second transmission surface 73b of the window member 73. The front fixed sleeve 72 is attached to the ends of the inner sleeve 20 and the outer sleeve 30 on the light source LS side.

[0028] The window member 73 is a member that is disposed between the light source LS and the light-guiding member 40 and that guides the laser light emitted from the light source LS to the first end surface 40a of the light-guiding member 40. The window member 73 is formed of a transparent material (for example, quartz), and is disposed between the window member 73 and the light-guiding member 40 with a sealed light-guiding space S3 sandwiched therebetween.

[0029] 2, the window member 73 has a first transmitting surface 73a onto which the laser light L1 emitted from the light source LS is incident, and a second transmitting surface 73b from which the laser light L1 incident on the first transmitting surface 73a is emitted toward the light-guiding member 40. In FIG. 2, the axis X coincides with the optical axis of the laser light L1 emitted from the light source LS.

[0030] The first transmitting surface 73a is disposed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle θ with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis X. In FIG. 2, the first transmitting surface 73a is inclined at the predetermined angle θ with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis X and on which the axis Y, which is also orthogonal to the axis X, is disposed. Similar to the first transmitting surface 73a, the second transmitting surface 73b is disposed so as to be inclined at the predetermined angle θ with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis X. The window member 73 is formed so that the first transmitting surface 73a and the second transmitting surface 73b are parallel to each other.

[0031] Here, the predetermined angle θ is set to be equal to or greater than 0.01 degrees and equal to or less than 10 degrees. Furthermore, the predetermined angle θ is preferably set to be equal to or greater than 0.1 degrees and equal to or less than 10 degrees. Furthermore, the predetermined angle θ is more preferably set to be equal to or greater than 0.1 degrees and equal to or less than 5 degrees.

[0032] The laser light L1 incident on the first transmission surface 73a of the window member 73 is emitted from the second transmission surface 73b of the window member 73, passes through the light-guiding space S3, and is incident as laser light L2 on the first end surface 40a of the light-guiding member 40. The laser light L2 incident on the first end surface 40a is guided to the incident end surface 10a of the optical fiber 10 via the second end surface 40b.

[0033] A portion of the laser light L1 emitted from the light source LS is reflected by the first transmitting surface 73a of the window member 73. The laser light L1 reflected by the first transmitting surface 73a is guided to the light source LS as laser light L3. As shown in FIG. 2, although the laser light L3 is guided to the light source LS, it does not enter the light source LS. This is because the first transmitting surface 73a is disposed at an inclination angle θ with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis X. The predetermined angle θ is set in consideration of the distance D from the light source LS to the first transmitting surface 73a in the direction of the axis X, etc., so that the laser light L3 does not enter the light source LS.

[0034] A portion of the laser light L1 emitted from the light source LS is reflected by the second transmitting surface 73b of the window member 73. The laser light L1 reflected by the second transmitting surface 73b is guided to the light source LS as laser light L4. As shown in FIG. 2, although the laser light L4 is guided to the light source LS, it does not enter the light source LS. This is because the second transmitting surface 73b is disposed at an inclination angle θ with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis X. The predetermined angle θ is set in consideration of the distance D from the light source LS to the second transmitting surface 73b in the direction of the axis X, etc., so that the laser light L3 does not enter the light source LS.

[0035] The fixing member 74 is a member that fixes the window member 73 to the front fixed sleeve 72. With the window member 73 inserted into the recess 72a of the front fixed sleeve 72, the fixing member 74 fixes the window member 73 between itself and the front fixed sleeve 72.

[0036] The temperature sensor 80 is a device that detects the temperature of the cooling medium that has passed through the boundary position between the coated region R1 and the uncoated region R2. The temperature sensor 80 detects the temperature of the inner sleeve 20 near the position where the incident end face 10a of the optical fiber 10 and the second end face 40b of the light-guiding member 40 are joined (fused). By detecting the temperature of the inner sleeve 20, the temperature sensor 80 can detect the temperature of the cooling medium that has passed through the position where the incident end face 10a of the optical fiber 10 and the second end face 40b of the light-guiding member 40 are fused.

[0037] The control unit 90 is a device that adjusts the flow rate adjustment valve 55 and the output of the laser light from the light source LS in accordance with the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 80. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 80 is higher than the target temperature, the control unit 90 controls the flow rate adjustment valve 55 to increase the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 55. Furthermore, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 80 is lower than the target temperature, the control unit 90 controls the flow rate adjustment valve 55 to decrease the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 55.

[0038] When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 80 is higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, the control unit 90 adjusts the light source LS to stop outputting the laser light from the light source LS. By stopping the output of the laser light, it is possible to prevent the optical connector 100 from being damaged due to being maintained at a temperature higher than the threshold temperature.

[0039] Next, the flow of the cooling medium circulating inside the optical connector 100 of this embodiment will be described. The cooling medium supplied from the supply source has its supply amount adjusted by a flow rate adjustment valve 55 and is supplied to the inflow space S1 of the coated region R1 by a supply mechanism 50. The cooling medium supplied to the inflow space S1 of the coated region R1 flows along the axis X from the coated region R1 toward the uncoated region R2 and passes through the boundary position between the coated region R1 and the uncoated region R2. The cooling medium passing through the boundary position cools the coated portion 12 in the vicinity of the boundary position.

[0040] The cooling medium that has passed through the boundary position flows toward the light-guiding member 40 along the axis X and is guided to the outflow space S2 of the uncoated region R2 through the communication holes 21. The cooling medium that has flowed through the inflow space S1 from the covered region R1 to the uncoated region R2 turns back at the communication holes 21 and flows in the opposite direction through the outflow space S2 from the uncoated region R2 to the covered region R1. The cooling medium that has passed through the boundary position between the uncoated region R2 and the covered region R1 is discharged from the outflow space S2 to the outside by the discharge mechanism 60.

[0041] The cooling medium cools the inner sleeve 20 and the outer sleeve 30, thereby cooling the front fixed sleeve 72 that is in contact with the inner sleeve 20 and the outer sleeve 30. When the front fixed sleeve 72 is cooled, the window member 73 that is disposed in contact with the front fixed sleeve 72 is cooled.

[0042] The optical connector 100 of the present embodiment described above provides the following functions and effects. According to the optical connector 100 of this embodiment, the laser light L1 emitted from the light source LS is incident on the first transmission surface 73a of the window member 73, exits from the second transmission surface 73b, and is guided to the light-guiding member 40. The laser light L2 incident on the first end surface 40a of the light-guiding member 40 is guided from the second end surface 40b to the incident end surface 10a of the optical fiber 10. The first transmission surface 73a of the window member 73, on which the laser light L1 is incident, is inclined at a predetermined angle θ with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis X, which is the optical axis of the laser light L1.

[0043] Therefore, a portion of the laser light L1 incident on the window member 73 is reflected by the first transmitting surface 73a, and the reflected laser light L1 is guided in a direction inclined by a predetermined angle θ from the axis X. This prevents the reflected laser light L1 from being guided along the axis X to the light source LS, thereby preventing damage to the laser oscillator and optical fiber included in the light source LS.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the optical connector 100 of this embodiment, by setting the predetermined angle θ, which is the inclination angle of the first transmitting surface 73a of the window member 73, into which the laser light L1 is incident, with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis X, to be greater than or equal to 0.01 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees, it is possible to appropriately prevent the laser light L1 reflected by the first transmitting surface 73a from being guided along the axis X to the light source LS.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the optical connector 100 of this embodiment, the light-guiding space S3 is disposed between the window member 73 and the light-guiding member 40, and therefore the energy density of the laser light passing through the window member 73 is lower than when the light-guiding space S3 is not disposed, and it is possible to prevent heating of the window member 73. Furthermore, because the light-guiding space S3 is sealed, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the light-guiding member 40, and it is possible to prevent problems caused by the dust adhering to the light-guiding member 40 being burned.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the optical connector 100 of this embodiment, the cooling medium supplied to the inflow space S1 inside the inner sleeve 20 is guided from the communication hole 21 to the outflow space S2, and is then guided from the outflow space S2 to the outside by the discharge mechanism 60. The front fixed sleeve 72 is cooled by the cooling medium flowing through the inflow space S1 and the outflow space S2, so that the window member 73 is cooled via the front fixed sleeve 72, and it is possible to prevent the window member 73 from being heated and causing a thermal lens effect.

[0047] When the thermal lens effect occurs, the focal position of the laser light L2 changes, and the beam diameter of the laser light L2 increases at the incident end face 10a of the optical fiber 10. If the beam diameter of the laser light L2 increases and becomes larger than the incident end face 10a of the optical fiber 10, the laser light L2 that does not enter the optical fiber 10 may damage components of the optical connector 100.

[0048] Second Embodiment An optical connector 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is a modified example of the first embodiment, and is the same as the first embodiment unless otherwise specified below, and therefore further description will be omitted. Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view of the optical connector 100A according to this embodiment.

[0049] In the window member 73 of the first embodiment, both the first transmitting surface 73a and the second transmitting surface 73b are arranged so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle θ with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis X. In contrast, in the window member 73A of the present embodiment, the first transmitting surface 73Aa is arranged so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle θ with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis X, and the second transmitting surface 73Ab is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the axis X.

[0050] 4, the window member 73A is a member that is disposed between the light source LS and the light-guiding member 40 and that guides the laser light emitted from the light source LS to the first end surface 40a of the light-guiding member 40. The window member 73A is formed of a transparent material (for example, quartz), and is disposed between the window member 73A and the light-guiding member 40, with a sealed light-guiding space S3 sandwiched therebetween.

[0051] 4, the window member 73A has a first transmission surface 73Aa on which the laser light L1 emitted from the light source LS is incident, and a second transmission surface 73Ab from which the laser light L1 incident on the first transmission surface 73Aa is emitted toward the light-guiding member 40. In FIG. 4, the axis X coincides with the optical axis of the laser light L1 emitted from the light source LS.

[0052] The first transmitting surface 73Aa is disposed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle θ with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis X. In Fig. 4, the first transmitting surface 73Aa is inclined at the predetermined angle θ with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis X and on which the axis Y orthogonal to the axis X is disposed. The second transmitting surface 73Ab is disposed so as to be orthogonal to the plane orthogonal to the axis X.

[0053] Here, the predetermined angle θ is set to be equal to or greater than 0.01 degrees and equal to or less than 10 degrees. Furthermore, the predetermined angle θ is preferably set to be equal to or greater than 0.1 degrees and equal to or less than 10 degrees. Furthermore, the predetermined angle θ is more preferably set to be equal to or greater than 0.1 degrees and equal to or less than 5 degrees.

[0054] The laser light L1 incident on the first transmission surface 73Aa of the window member 73A is emitted from the second transmission surface 73Ab of the window member 73A, passes through the light-guiding space S3, and is incident as laser light L2 on the first end surface 40a of the light-guiding member 40. The laser light L2 incident on the first end surface 40a is guided to the incident end surface 10a of the optical fiber 10 via the second end surface 40b.

[0055] A portion of the laser light L1 emitted from the light source LS is reflected by the first transmitting surface 73Aa of the window member 73A. The laser light L1 reflected by the first transmitting surface 73Aa is guided to the light source LS as laser light L3. As shown in FIG. 4, although the laser light L3 is guided to the light source LS, it does not enter the light source LS. This is because the first transmitting surface 73Aa is disposed at an inclination angle θ with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis X. The predetermined angle θ is set in consideration of the distance D from the light source LS to the first transmitting surface 73Aa in the direction of the axis X, etc., so that the laser light L3 does not enter the light source LS.

[0056] A portion of the laser light L1 emitted from the light source LS is reflected by the second transmission surface 73Ab of the window member 73A. The laser light L1 reflected by the second transmission surface 73Ab is guided to the light source LS as laser light L4. As shown in FIG. 4, the laser light L4 is guided in a direction along the axis X toward the light source LS.

[0057] The laser light L1 reflected by the second transmitting surface 73Ab is guided to the light source LS as laser light L4, but the laser light L1 reflected by the first transmitting surface 73Aa does not enter the light source LS. Therefore, according to the window member 73A of the present embodiment, the amount of laser light reflected by the window member 73 and guided to the light source LS can be reduced compared to when both the laser light reflected by the first transmitting surface 73Aa and the laser light reflected by the second transmitting surface 73Ab are guided to the light source LS.

[0058] Third Embodiment An optical connector 100B according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment is a modified example of the first embodiment, and is the same as the first embodiment unless otherwise specifically described below, and therefore further description will be omitted. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the optical connector 100B according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector 100B shown in FIG. 5 taken along the line AA.

[0059] The optical connector 100 of the first embodiment indirectly cools the front fixed sleeve 72 by a cooling mechanism having a supply mechanism 50 and a discharge mechanism 60. In contrast, the optical connector 100 of the present embodiment not only indirectly cools the front fixed sleeve 72, but also includes a cooling mechanism that directly cools the front fixed sleeve 72 by circulating a cooling medium through a cooling medium flow path 72b formed inside the front fixed sleeve 72.

[0060] 5, the optical connector 100B of this embodiment has a cooling medium flow path 72b, through which a cooling medium (e.g., water) circulates, formed inside the front fixed sleeve 72. As shown in Fig. 6, the cooling medium flow path 72b is a flow path formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction around the axis X inside the front fixed sleeve 72.

[0061] The coolant flow path 72b is supplied with a coolant from a coolant supply source (not shown) via a supply mechanism 72c. The coolant supplied to the coolant flow path 72b flows in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 6 and is discharged to the outside by a discharge mechanism 72d. In this embodiment, the coolant flow path 72b functions as a cooling mechanism that cools the front fixed sleeve 72.

[0062] According to the optical connector 100B of this embodiment, by circulating a cooling medium through the cooling medium flow path 72b formed inside the front fixed sleeve 72, the window member 73 can be cooled through the front fixed sleeve 72, and the thermal lens effect caused by heating the window member 73 can be prevented.

[0063] [Fourth embodiment] An optical connector 100C according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and is the same as the first embodiment unless otherwise specified below, and therefore further description will be omitted. Figure 7 is a partially enlarged view of the optical connector 100C according to this embodiment.

[0064] The optical connector 100 of the first embodiment indirectly cools the front fixed sleeve 72 by a cooling mechanism having a supply mechanism 50 and a discharge mechanism 60. In contrast, the optical connector 100 of the present embodiment not only indirectly cools the front fixed sleeve 72, but also includes a cooling mechanism that directly cools the window member 73 by circulating a gaseous cooling medium through the light-guiding space S3 formed inside the front fixed sleeve 72.

[0065] 7, the front fixed sleeve 72 of the optical connector 100C of this embodiment has a supply pipe 72e that supplies a gaseous cooling medium to the light guiding space S3 of the front fixed sleeve 72, and a discharge pipe 72f that discharges the cooling medium supplied to the light guiding space S3 to the outside. In this embodiment, the supply pipe 72e and the discharge pipe 72f function as a cooling mechanism that circulates the gaseous cooling medium in the light guiding space S3.

[0066] According to the optical connector 100B of this embodiment, the window member 73 is directly cooled by circulating a gaseous cooling medium in the light-guiding space S3, thereby preventing the thermal lens effect caused by heating the window member 73.

[0067] The optical connector according to the present embodiment described above can be understood, for example, as follows. The optical connector (100) according to the present disclosure comprises an optical fiber (10) arranged along an axis (X), a light-guiding member (40) having a first end face (40a) into which laser light emitted from a light source (LS) along the axis is incident and a second end face (40b) joined to the incident end face (10a) of the optical fiber, and guiding the laser light from the first end face to the second end face, and a window member (73) arranged between the light source and the light-guiding member and guiding the laser light emitted from the light source to the first end face (40a) of the light-guiding member, the window member having a first transmission surface (73a) into which the laser light emitted from the light source is incident and a second transmission surface (73b) that emits the laser light incident on the first transmission surface toward the light-guiding member, the first transmission surface being inclined at a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis.

[0068] In the optical connector according to the present disclosure, laser light emitted from the light source enters the first transmission surface of the window member, exits from the second transmission surface, and is guided to the light-guiding member. The laser light that enters the first end surface of the light-guiding member is guided from the second end surface to the incident end surface of the optical fiber. The first transmission surface of the window member, onto which the laser light enters, is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis that is the optical axis of the laser light.

[0069] Therefore, a portion of the laser light incident on the window member is reflected by the first transmitting surface, but the reflected laser light is guided in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle from the axis, which prevents the reflected laser light from being guided along the axis to the light source, thereby preventing damage to the laser oscillator and optical fiber provided in the light source.

[0070] In the optical connector according to the present disclosure, the predetermined angle may be set to be not less than 0.01 degrees and not more than 10 degrees, more preferably not less than 0.1 degrees and not more than 10 degrees, and even more preferably not less than 0.1 degrees and not more than 5 degrees. By setting the inclination angle of the first transmitting surface of the window member, through which the laser light is incident, to a plane perpendicular to the axis to be greater than or equal to 0.01 degrees and less than or equal to 10 degrees, it is possible to appropriately prevent the laser light reflected by the first transmitting surface from being guided along the axis to the light source.

[0071] In the optical connector according to the present disclosure, the window member may be arranged with a sealed light-guiding space (S3) sandwiched between the window member and the light-guiding member. According to the optical connector of this configuration, since the light guide space is disposed between the window member and the light guide member, the energy density of the laser light passing through the window member is lower than when the light guide space is not disposed, and heating of the window member can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the light guide space is sealed, dust is suppressed from adhering to the light guide member, and problems caused by the combustion of dust adhering to the light guide member can be suppressed.

[0072] The optical connector according to the present disclosure may be configured to include a fixing mechanism (72) that fixes the light-guiding member and the window member and forms the light-guiding space, and a cooling mechanism (50, 60) that cools the fixing mechanism. According to the optical connector of this configuration, the window member fixed to the fixing mechanism can be cooled by cooling the fixing mechanism with the cooling mechanism, thereby preventing the thermal lens effect caused by heating the window member.

[0073] When the thermal lens effect occurs, the focal position of the laser light changes, and the beam diameter of the laser light at the input end face of the optical fiber increases. If the beam diameter of the laser light increases and becomes larger than the input end face of the optical fiber, the laser light that does not enter the optical fiber may damage the components of the optical connector.

[0074] The optical connector having the above configuration comprises an inner sleeve (20) formed cylindrically along the axis and holding the optical fiber on its inner periphery, and an outer sleeve (30) formed cylindrically along the axis and holding the inner sleeve on its inner periphery, wherein the cooling mechanism has a supply mechanism (50) that supplies a cooling medium to an inflow space (S1) inside the inner sleeve, and an exhaust mechanism (60) that exhausts the cooling medium from an outflow space (S2) between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, and the fixing mechanism is attached to the ends of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve on the light source side, and the inner sleeve may have a communication hole (21) that connects the inflow space and the outflow space.

[0075] In this optical connector, the optical fiber is held on the inner periphery of the inner sleeve, and the inner sleeve is held on the inner periphery of the outer sleeve. The cooling medium supplied to the inlet space inside the inner sleeve is guided to the outlet space through the communication hole and then guided from the outlet space to the outside by the exhaust mechanism. The fixing mechanism is cooled by the cooling medium circulating through the inlet space and the outlet space, and the window member is cooled via the fixing mechanism, preventing the thermal lens effect caused by heating the window member.

[0076] In the optical connector having the above configuration, the cooling mechanism may be a mechanism for circulating a cooling medium through a cooling medium flow path (72b) formed inside the fixing mechanism. According to the optical connector of this configuration, by circulating a cooling medium through a cooling medium flow path formed inside the fixing mechanism, the window member can be cooled through the fixing mechanism, and the thermal lens effect caused by heating the window member can be prevented.

[0077] In the optical connector having the above configuration, the cooling mechanism may be a mechanism for circulating a gaseous cooling medium through the light guiding space. According to the optical connector of this configuration, the window member is cooled by circulating a gaseous cooling medium in the light-guiding space, and it is possible to prevent the thermal lens effect caused by heating the window member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10 Optical Fiber 10a Incidence end face 11 Core 12 Covering part 20 Inner sleeve 21 Communication hole 30 Outer sleeve 40 Light guide member 40a 1st end face 40b 2nd end face 41 First member 42 Second member 50 Supply mechanism (cooling mechanism) 55 Flow control valve 60 Discharge mechanism (cooling mechanism) 70 Retaining member 71 Rear fixing sleeve 72 Front fixing sleeve (fixing mechanism) 72b Coolant flow path (cooling mechanism) 72c Supply mechanism (cooling mechanism) 72d Discharge mechanism (cooling mechanism) 72e Supply piping (cooling mechanism) 72f Discharge piping (cooling mechanism) 73, 73A Window member 73a,73Aa 1st transmission surface 73b,73Ab 2nd transmission surface 74 Fixing member 74a Sealing material 80 Temperature Sensor 90 Control Unit 100, 100A, 100B, 100C optical connector D distance L1, L2, L3, L4 laser light LS light source R1 Coverage Area R2 Uncovered region S1 inflow space S2 outflow space S3 Light guide space X axis Y axis θ Predetermined angle

Claims

1. an optical fiber arranged along an axis; a light guiding member having a first end surface onto which a laser beam emitted from a light source along the axis is incident and a second end surface joined to the incident end surface of the optical fiber, the light guiding member guiding the laser beam from the first end surface to the second end surface; a window member disposed between the light source and the light-guiding member and configured to guide the laser light emitted from the light source to the first end surface of the light-guiding member; a fixing mechanism that fixes the light guide member and the window member; a cooling mechanism that cools the fixing mechanism, the window member has a first transmitting surface onto which the laser light emitted from the light source is incident and a second transmitting surface through which the laser light incident on the first transmitting surface is emitted toward the light-guiding member, and is disposed between the window member and the light-guiding member with a sealed light-guiding space interposed therebetween; the fixing mechanism forms the light guiding space, The first transmitting surface is disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis that coincides with the optical axis of the laser light emitted from the light source.

2. 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle is set to be equal to or greater than 0.01 degrees and equal to or less than 10 degrees.

3. an inner sleeve formed cylindrically along the axis and holding the optical fiber on its inner periphery; an outer sleeve formed cylindrically along the axis and holding the inner sleeve on its inner circumferential side, The cooling mechanism includes: a supply mechanism for supplying a cooling medium to an inflow space inside the inner sleeve; a discharge mechanism that discharges the cooling medium from an outflow space between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, the fixing mechanism is attached to the end of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve on the light source side; 3. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the inner sleeve has a communication hole that connects the inflow space and the outflow space.

4. 3. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the cooling mechanism is a mechanism for circulating a cooling medium through a cooling medium flow path formed inside the fixing mechanism.

5. 3. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the cooling mechanism is a mechanism for circulating a gaseous cooling medium in the light guiding space.

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