Optical connector ferrule, optical connector, and method for manufacturing an optical connector

Abstract

An optical connector ferrule (2) comprises a front end part (10) and a flange part (21). Side surfaces (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of the front end part (10) are connected to a front end surface (11) of the front end part (10) and extend in a direction (X) that intersects the front end surface (11). The flange part (21) is connected to the front end part (10) on the opposite side from the front end surface (11) and protrudes from the front end part (10) in directions (Y, Z) that run along the front end surface (11). An optical fiber hole (14) opens at the front end surface (11) and extends in the intersecting direction (X) that intersects the front end surface (11). A window (15) opens at side surface (12a). The shortest distance between a connection position (P) at which the flange part (21) and the front end part (10) are connected to each other and a portion (15a) of the edge (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) of the window (15) that is closest to the front end surface (11) is equal to or shorter than the width of the flange part (21) in the intersecting direction (X).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical connector ferrule, an optical connector, and a method for manufacturing an optical connector. This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2021-128839 filed on August 5, 2021, and incorporates all the descriptions described in the above Japanese application.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an optical connector ferrule. This optical connector ferrule includes a front end face and a side face connected to the front end face. The side face extends in a direction intersecting the front end face. An optical fiber hole and a window are formed in this optical connector ferrule. The optical fiber hole opens at the front end face. The window opens at the side face.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The optical connector ferrule according to this disclosure comprises a front end and a flange portion. The front end includes a front end face and a side surface. The side surface is connected to the front end face and extends in a direction intersecting the front end face. The flange portion is connected to the opposite side of the front end face at the front end. The flange portion protrudes from the front end in a direction along the front end face. The front end comprises at least one optical fiber hole, a window, and an internal space. At least one optical fiber hole opens at the front end face and extends in a direction intersecting the front end face. The window opens at the side surface. The internal space communicates with at least one optical fiber hole and the window. The front end includes a margin defining the window. The shortest distance between the connection point where the flange portion and the front end are connected to each other and the portion of the margin closest to the front end face is less than or equal to the width of the flange portion in the intersecting direction.

[0005] The optical connector ferrule according to this disclosure comprises a front end and a flange portion. The front end includes a front end face and a side surface. The side surface is connected to the front end face and extends in a direction intersecting the front end face. The flange portion is connected to the opposite side of the front end face at the front end. The flange portion protrudes from the front end in a direction along the front end face. The front end comprises at least one optical fiber hole, a window, and an internal space. At least one optical fiber hole opens at the front end face and extends in a direction intersecting the front end face. The window opens at the side surface. The internal space communicates with at least one optical fiber hole and the window. The front end includes a rim defining the window. The shortest distance between the connection point where the flange portion and the front end are connected to each other and the window is 0 mm or more and less than 1 mm.

[0006] The optical connector ferrule according to this disclosure comprises a front end and a flange portion. The front end includes a front end face and a side surface. The side surface is connected to the front end face and extends in a direction intersecting the front end face. The flange portion is connected to the opposite side of the front end face at the front end. The flange portion protrudes from the front end in a direction along the front end face. The front end comprises at least one optical fiber hole, a window, and an internal space. At least one optical fiber hole opens at the front end face and extends in a direction intersecting the front end face. The window opens at the side surface. The internal space communicates with at least one optical fiber hole and the window. The front end includes a margin defining the window. The shortest distance between the connection point where the flange portion and the front end are connected to each other and the portion of the margin closest to the front end face is 2 / 5 or less of the shortest distance between the connection point and the front end face.

[0007] The optical connector relating to this disclosure comprises one of the optical connector ferrules described above, an optical fiber, and a resin part. The optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole. The resin part is exposed through a window and secures the optical fiber to the optical connector ferrule.

[0008] The method for manufacturing an optical connector according to this disclosure uses one of the optical connector ferrules described above. This manufacturing method includes inserting an optical fiber into an optical fiber hole, filling it with resin through a window, and fixing the optical fiber to the optical connector ferrule by curing the resin filled through the window. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an optical connector in an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the optical connector. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an optical connector ferrule. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an optical connector ferrule. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a plan view of the optical connector ferrule. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the optical connector ferrule. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view showing the front end surface of the optical connector ferrule. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an optical connector ferrule in a modified embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the optical connector ferrule in a modified example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a plan view of an optical connector ferrule in a modified example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a side view showing the front end surface of an optical connector ferrule in a modified example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows, as a comparative example, the front end surface of the optical connector ferrule before resin injection and the front end surface of the optical connector ferrule after resin curing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Issues this disclosure aims to address] In the optical connector ferrule described in Patent Document 1, resin is filled through a window while an optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole. The optical fiber inserted into the optical fiber hole is fixed to the optical connector ferrule as the filled resin hardens. However, the filled resin shrinks when it hardens. As a result, the optical connector ferrule may deform in response to the shrinkage of the resin, and the position of the optical fiber on the front end surface may shift. Furthermore, residual stress generated during the formation of the optical connector ferrule may be relieved by the heat generated when the filled resin hardens. In this case as well, the optical connector ferrule may deform, and the position of the optical fiber on the front end surface may shift.

[0011] [Effects of the invention] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an optical connector ferrule in which deformation is suppressed, an optical connector in which deformation of the optical connector ferrule is reduced, and a method for manufacturing an optical connector in which deformation of the optical connector ferrule can be suppressed. [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0012] An optical connector ferrule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a front end and a flange portion. The front end includes a front end face and a side surface. The side surface is connected to the front end face and extends in a direction intersecting the front end face. The flange portion is connected to the front end opposite the front end face. The flange portion protrudes from the front end in a direction along the front end face. The front end comprises at least one optical fiber hole, a window, and an internal space. At least one optical fiber hole opens on the front end face and extends in a direction intersecting the front end face. The window opens on the side surface. The internal space communicates with at least one optical fiber hole and the window. The front end includes a margin defining the window. The shortest distance between the connection point where the flange portion and the front end are connected to each other and the portion of the margin closest to the front end face is less than or equal to the width of the flange portion in the intersecting direction.

[0013] An optical connector ferrule according to an embodiment of this disclosure comprises a front end and a flange. The front end includes a front end face and a side surface. The side surface is connected to the front end face and extends in a direction intersecting the front end face. The flange is connected to the opposite side of the front end face at the front end. The flange protrudes from the front end in a direction along the front end face. The front end comprises at least one optical fiber hole, a window, and an internal space. At least one optical fiber hole opens at the front end face and extends in a direction intersecting the front end face. The window opens at the side surface. The internal space communicates with at least one optical fiber hole and the window. The front end includes a rim defining the window. The shortest distance between the connection point where the flange and the front end are connected to each other and the window is 0 mm or more and less than 1 mm.

[0014] The optical connector ferrule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a front end portion and a flange portion. The front end portion includes a front end face and a side face. The side face is connected to the front end face and extends in a direction intersecting the front end face. The flange portion is connected to the opposite side of the front end face in the front end portion. The flange portion protrudes from the front end portion in a direction along the front end face. The front end portion includes at least one optical fiber hole, a window, and an internal space. At least one optical fiber hole opens at the front end face and extends in an intersecting direction intersecting the front end face. The window opens at the side face. The internal space communicates with at least one optical fiber hole and the window. The front end portion includes an edge defining the window. The shortest distance between the connection position where the flange portion and the front end portion are connected to each other and the portion of the edge closest to the front end face is 2 / 5 or less of the shortest distance between the connection position and the front end face.

[0015] In the configuration of these optical connector ferrules, the front end face and the window are relatively separated. As a result of intensive research, the inventor of the present application has found that deformation of the optical connector ferrule is unlikely to occur with such a configuration. If the front end face and the window are relatively separated, even when the resin filled in the internal space from the window is cured, the influence of the shrinkage of the resin is unlikely to occur on the front end face. Further, in the configuration of the ferrule, the window and the flange portion are relatively close. Since the flange portion protrudes from the front end portion in a direction along the front end face, it has higher rigidity than the front end portion. Therefore, the closer the window is to the flange portion, the less likely the shrinkage of the resin near the window and the heat during curing of the resin will affect the deformation of the ferrule. Therefore, deformation of the ferrule is suppressed.

[0016] As an embodiment of the optical connector ferrule, a guide hole into which a guide pin for fixing the optical connector ferrule to another optical connector ferrule is inserted may be formed in the front end portion. The guide hole may open at the front end face and extend in an intersecting direction intersecting the front end face. In this case, if deformation of the optical connector ferrule is suppressed at the front end face, deviation between the guide hole and the optical fiber hole is also suppressed. As a result, the reliability of optical coupling with another optical connector ferrule can be improved.

[0017] As an embodiment of the optical connector ferrule, the window may be defined by an edge included in the front end portion and a flange portion. In this case, the shortest distance between the window and the flange portion is 0 mm. Therefore, the window is close to the flange portion, and the deformation of the optical connector ferrule is further suppressed.

[0018] As an embodiment of the optical connector ferrule, the front end portion may include a groove in which an optical fiber is disposed at a position overlapping the window when viewed from an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the side surface on which the window is formed. The optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole. In this case, the position of the optical fiber can be confirmed during the resin filling. The confirmation of the position of the optical fiber during the resin filling and the deformation of the optical connector ferrule can be made compatible.

[0019] As an embodiment of the optical connector ferrule, on the front end face, a plurality of optical fiber holes arranged in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the side surface on which the window is formed may be open. The front end portion may include a plurality of stepped portions. The plurality of stepped portions may be arranged step by step at a position overlapping the window when viewed from the orthogonal direction, and grooves may be formed in each of them. The plurality of optical fiber holes arranged in the orthogonal direction may be located on extension lines from the grooves formed in different stepped portions, respectively. In this case, even in an optical connector ferrule having a relatively large number of optical fiber holes, the position of the optical fiber can be confirmed during the resin filling. The confirmation of the position of the optical fiber during the resin filling and the deformation of the optical connector ferrule can be made compatible.

[0020] The optical connector according to the present disclosure includes an optical connector ferrule in any of the above-described forms, an optical fiber, and a resin portion. The optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole. The resin portion is exposed from the window and fixes the optical fiber to the optical connector ferrule. In this case, the deformation of the optical connector ferrule is suppressed during the formation of the resin portion. Therefore, an optical connector with reduced deformation of the optical connector ferrule can be provided.

[0021] The method for manufacturing an optical connector according to this disclosure uses one of the optical connector ferrules described above. This manufacturing method includes inserting an optical fiber into an optical fiber hole, filling it with resin through a window, and fixing the optical fiber to the optical connector ferrule by curing the resin filled through the window. In this case, the front end surface is less likely to deform during resin filling. Therefore, deformation of the optical connector ferrule is reduced. [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0022] Specific examples of an optical connector ferrule, an optical connector, and a method for manufacturing an optical connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is as defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. In the description of the drawings, identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0023] First, an example of the overall configuration of the optical connector according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the optical connector according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the optical connector. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the longitudinal direction of the optical connector will be the X direction, the short direction of the optical connector will be the Y direction, and the height direction of the optical connector will be the Z direction. The X, Y, and Z directions intersect each other. In this embodiment, the X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. Similar directions may be used in the explanation of figures other than Figure 1.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the optical connector 1 comprises an optical connector ferrule 2, an optical fiber ribbon core 3, a resin part 4, and a rubber part 5. Hereinafter, the optical connector ferrule 2 will be simply referred to as "ferrule 2".

[0025] The optical fiber ribbon cable 3 is a cable that transmits optical signals. The optical connector 1 has, for example, at least one optical fiber ribbon cable 3. In this embodiment, the optical connector 1 has, for example, one optical fiber ribbon cable 3. Each optical fiber ribbon cable 3 has a plurality of optical fibers 7. The ferrule 2 holds the ends of the plurality of optical fibers 7.

[0026] In this embodiment, each optical fiber ribbon 3 has, for example, 16 optical fibers 7. The number of optical fibers 7 in the optical connector 1 is not limited to this. Each optical fiber 7 extends in the X-axis direction and is arranged in a row in the Y-axis direction. Each optical fiber 7 may be a glass fiber consisting of a core and a cladding surrounding the core. Multiple optical fibers 7 are collectively coated with a resin. The coating resin may be, for example, an ultraviolet-curing resin.

[0027] The resin part 4 is filled inside the ferrule 2. The resin part 4 is, for example, an adhesive. The resin part 4 fills the internal space S and also fills the gap between the optical fiber 7 and the optical fiber hole 14. The curing of the resin part 4 fixes the optical fiber ribbon core 3 and the multiple optical fibers 7 to the ferrule 2. The resin part 4 is, for example, a curing type adhesive containing epoxy resin, which hardens with light or heat. The optical connector 1 is used, for example, to optically connect multiple optical fibers 7 to multiple optical fibers housed in another optical connector. The rubber part 5 is located inside the ferrule 2. The resin part 4 and the rubber part 5 are exposed from the ferrule 2.

[0028] Figures 3 to 7 show the configuration of ferrule 2. Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of ferrule 2. Figure 5 is a plan view of the optical connector ferrule. Figure 6 is a bottom view of the optical connector ferrule. Figure 7 is a side view of the optical connector ferrule.

[0029] Ferrule 2 can be manufactured by injection molding of synthetic resin using a mold. Examples of resins used for molding ferrule 2 include PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PEI (polyetherimide), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PES (polyethersulfone), PA (polyamide), or COP (cycloolefin polymer). Ferrule 2 may also be manufactured from other resin materials. Ferrule 2 is manufactured by resin molding using known methods.

[0030] The ferrule 2 has an internal space S formed inside. A filled resin portion 4 is arranged in the internal space S. The ferrule 2 has a front end portion 10 and a rear end portion 20. The front end portion 10 includes a front end surface 11 and side surfaces 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. The front end surface 11 and the side surfaces 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are connected to each other. For example, the front end surface 11 and the side surfaces 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are connected to each other orthogonally.

[0031] The front end surface 11 is the surface located at the front end of the ferrule 2, and is the surface that faces the front end surface of the other optical connector when connecting the optical connector 1, in which the optical fiber 7 is incorporated into the ferrule 2, to another optical connector. The front end surface 11 is perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The side surfaces 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d extend in a direction intersecting the front end surface 11. The side surfaces 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d face each other in a pair in the Z-axis direction and face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0032] The front end portion 10 has a pair of guide holes 13, a plurality of optical fiber holes 14, and a window 15. The plurality of optical fiber holes 14 and the window 15 communicate with the internal space S. The pair of guide holes 13 are spaced apart from the internal space S.

[0033] A guide pin is inserted into each guide hole 13 to secure the ferrule 2 to another optical connector ferrule. The guide pin may be attached to the optical connector 1 or to another optical connector. The guide holes 13 allow for positioning of the ferrules using the guide pin, and the optical fibers held by each ferrule are optically connected. The guide pin inserted into each guide hole 13 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. Each guide hole 13 opens at the front end face 11. Each guide hole 13 extends in a direction intersecting the front end face 11. In this embodiment, each guide hole 13 extends in the X-axis direction.

[0034] An optical fiber 7 is inserted and fixed into each optical fiber hole 14. In other words, each optical fiber hole 14 individually accommodates a corresponding optical fiber 7 from among a plurality of optical fibers 7. Each optical fiber hole 14 opens at the front end face 11. The optical fiber 7 inserted into each optical fiber hole 14 includes a tip that is exposed at the front end face 11. This allows each optical fiber 7 to be optically coupled with an optical fiber of another optical connector at the tip exposed at the front end face 11. Each optical fiber hole 14 extends in a direction that intersects the front end face 11. Each optical fiber hole 14 extends in the X-axis direction. Multiple optical fiber holes 14 form an opening arranged in a row of multiple columns at the front end face 11. In this embodiment, multiple optical fiber holes 14 are arranged in a row in the Y-axis direction. Multiple optical fiber holes 14 are sandwiched between a pair of guide holes 13.

[0035] The window 15 opens in the Z-axis direction on the side surface 12a. In other words, the front end portion 10 has a window 15 formed on the side surface 12a. The number of windows 15 is not limited and may be one or more. The window 15 communicates with the internal space S and is sized to allow the resin forming the resin portion 4 to be injected into the internal space S.

[0036] The front end portion 10 includes edges 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d that define the window 15. In this embodiment, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the window 15 has a rectangular shape with edges 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d as its four sides. Edges 15a and 15b face each other in the X-axis direction. Edges 15c and 15d face each other in the Y-axis direction. Edge 15a is closer to the front end surface 11 than edge 15b.

[0037] In the optical connector 1, the internal space S is filled with resin that forms the resin part 4. The resin part 4 is exposed through the window 15. The resin part 4 exposed through the window 15 is formed flush with the side surface 12a.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2, 4, 5, and 7, the front end portion 10 further includes a stepped portion 30. The stepped portion 30 is formed in the internal space S. The stepped portion 30 is positioned to overlap with the window 15 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Multiple grooves V are formed in the stepped portion 30. Each groove V extends in the X-axis direction. At least a portion of the multiple grooves V is positioned to overlap with the window 15 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, with the resin portion 4 removed, at least a portion of all grooves V is visible from the window 15. Optical fibers 7 inserted into each optical fiber hole 14 are placed in each groove V. The multiple optical fiber holes 14 are located on the extension line in the X-axis direction from the multiple grooves V formed in the stepped portion 30. Each optical fiber hole 14 and each groove V are arranged in a one-to-one relationship. In this embodiment, each groove V is connected to a corresponding optical fiber hole 14 among the multiple optical fiber holes 14.

[0039] The rear end portion 20 is connected to the front end portion 10 on the opposite side of the front end surface 11 in the X-axis direction. The rear end portion 20 includes a rear end surface 21a facing the front end surface 11 in the X-axis direction. An opening 23 is formed in the rear end surface 21a of the rear end portion 20. The opening 23 is filled with resin that forms the resin portion 4. As shown in Figure 2, the resin portion 4 and the rubber portion 5 are exposed in the opening 23. The resin portion 4 exposed in the opening 23 is formed flush with the rear end surface 21a. The rubber portion 5 is positioned between the ferrule 2 and the resin portion 4. An optical fiber ribbon core 3 can be inserted into the opening 23.

[0040] The rear end portion 20 includes a flange portion 21. The flange portion 21 is connected to the front end portion 10 on the opposite side of the front end surface 11. The flange surface 21b of the flange portion 21 and the side surface 12a of the front end portion 10 are connected at the connection position P. The flange portion 21 protrudes from the front end portion 10 in a direction along the front end surface 11. In this embodiment, the flange portion 21 protrudes from the front end portion 10 in the Z-axis and Y-axis directions when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0041] The flange portion 21 includes a flange surface 21b and a top surface 21c that are opposite each other in the X-axis direction to the rear end surface 21a. The flange surface 21b is connected to the sides 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d of the front end portion 10 at the connection position P. The flange surface 21b extends from the sides 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. For example, the flange surface 21b and the sides 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are orthogonal to each other. The top surface 21c is connected to the flange surface 21b. The top surface 21c extends from the flange surface 21b in the X-axis direction. Viewed from the Z-axis direction, the top surface 21c does not overlap with the side surface 12a. The top surface 21c is positioned differently from the side surface 12a in the Z-axis direction. The top surface 21c and the side surface 12a form a step. A step is formed by the top surface 21c, the flange surface 21b, and the side surface 12a.

[0042] For example, the shortest distance between the connection point P and the portion of the edges 15a to 15d closest to the front end surface 11 is less than or equal to 2 / 5 of the shortest distance between the connection point P and the front end surface 11. The shortest distance between the connection point P and the portion of the edges 15a to 15d closest to the front end surface 11 corresponds to the maximum distance between the edges 15a to 15d of the window 15 and the flange surface 21b in the X-axis direction. Edge 15a is the portion of the edges 15a to 15d closest to the front end surface 11. The portion of the edges 15a to 15d closest to the front end surface 11 is included in edge 15a. In other words, the shortest distance between the front end surface 11 and the window 15 is greater than or equal to 3 / 5 of the shortest distance between the connection point P and the front end surface 11.

[0043] For example, the shortest distance between the connection point P and the portion of the edge 15a to 15d closest to the front end surface 11 is less than or equal to the width of the flange portion 21 in the X-axis direction. The width of the flange portion 21 in the X-axis direction corresponds to the width of the top surface 21c in the X-axis direction. In other words, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the window 15 is located within the region of the side surface 12a that is the length of the flange portion 21 in the X-axis direction, from the flange portion 21.

[0044] For example, the shortest distance between the connection position P and the window 15 is 0 mm or more and less than 1 mm. In this embodiment, the window 15 is defined by the side surface 12a of the front end portion 10 and the flange surface 21b of the flange portion 21. In this case, the edge 15d defining the window 15 is included in the flange surface 21b of the flange portion 21. In this case, the shortest distance between the connection position P, where the flange surface 21b of the flange portion 21 and the side surface 12a of the front end portion 10 are connected to each other, and the window 15 is 0 mm. As a modified example of this embodiment, when the shortest distance between the connection position P and the window 15 is greater than 0 mm, the window 15 and the flange portion 21 are separated. In this case, a part of the side surface 12a is positioned between the connection position P and the edge 15d of the window 15.

[0045] Next, an example of the overall configuration of the optical connector in a modified version of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 11. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the optical connector ferrule in a modified version of the embodiment. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the optical connector ferrule in a modified version. Figure 10 is a plan view of the optical connector ferrule in a modified version. Figure 11 is a side view showing the front end surface of the optical connector ferrule in a modified version. This modified version is generally similar to or the same as the embodiment described above. This modified version differs from the embodiment described above in that the front end portion includes a plurality of stepped portions. The differences between the embodiment described above and the modified version will be mainly described below.

[0046] In this modified example, the optical connector is equipped with an optical connector ferrule 2A. Hereinafter, the optical connector ferrule 2A will be simply referred to as "ferrule 2A". Ferrule 2A corresponds to ferrule 2. Ferrule 2A is equipped with a front end 10A and a rear end 20. An internal space S is formed inside ferrule 2A. A filled resin portion 4 is arranged in the internal space S.

[0047] The front end portion 10A includes a front end surface 11 and side surfaces 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. The front end portion 10A has a pair of guide holes 13, a plurality of optical fiber holes 14A, and a window 15. The plurality of optical fiber holes 14A communicate with the internal space S.

[0048] An optical fiber 7 is inserted and fixed into each optical fiber hole 14A. Each optical fiber hole 14A individually accommodates a corresponding optical fiber 7 from among multiple optical fibers 7. Each optical fiber hole 14A is open at the front end face 11. The optical fiber 7 inserted into each optical fiber hole 14A includes a tip that is exposed at the front end face 11. Each optical fiber hole 14A extends in a direction that intersects the front end face 11. Each optical fiber hole 14A extends in the X-axis direction. In this modified example, the multiple optical fiber holes 14A are arranged in a matrix when viewed from the X-axis direction. The multiple optical fiber holes 14A form an opening arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns at the front end face 11. The multiple optical fiber holes 14A form multiple columns aligned in the Z-axis direction. In each column, the multiple optical fiber holes 14A are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The multiple optical fiber holes 14A are arranged in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0049] Multiple optical fiber holes 14A include multiple optical fiber holes 51 and multiple optical fiber holes 52. Multiple optical fiber holes 51 are arranged in a row along the Y-axis. Multiple optical fiber holes 52 are arranged in a row along the Y-axis. Multiple optical fiber holes 52 are closer to the side surface 12a than multiple optical fiber holes 51. Optical fiber holes 52 and optical fiber holes 51 are arranged along the Z-axis. Multiple optical fiber holes 51 and 52 are sandwiched between a pair of guide holes 13. For example, the number of multiple optical fiber holes 51 and the number of multiple optical fiber holes 52 are equal.

[0050] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the front end portion 10A includes a plurality of stepped portions 30A. The plurality of stepped portions 30A are formed in the internal space S. The plurality of stepped portions 30A are arranged in steps in the X-axis direction. In this modified example, the plurality of stepped portions 30A include two stepped portions 61 and 62. Stepped portion 62 is closer to the side surface 12a than stepped portion 61.

[0051] Multiple stepped portions 62, 61 are positioned to overlap with the window 15 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Multiple grooves V are formed in each stepped portion 61, 62. At least a portion of the multiple grooves V of each stepped portion 61, 62 is positioned to overlap with the window 15 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In this modified example, with the resin portion 4 removed, at least a portion of the grooves V of all stepped portions 30A can be seen from the window 15.

[0052] Multiple optical fiber holes 51 are located on lines extending in the X-axis direction from multiple grooves V formed in the stepped portion 61. Each optical fiber hole 51 and each groove V formed in the stepped portion 61 are arranged in a one-to-one relationship. In this modified example, each groove V formed in the stepped portion 61 is connected to the corresponding optical fiber hole 51 among the multiple optical fiber holes 51. Multiple optical fiber holes 52 are located on lines extending in the X-axis direction from multiple grooves V formed in the stepped portion 62. Each optical fiber hole 52 and each groove V formed in the stepped portion 62 are arranged in a one-to-one relationship. In this modified example, each groove V formed in the stepped portion 62 is connected to the corresponding optical fiber hole 52 among the multiple optical fiber holes 52.

[0053] The optical connector 1 is manufactured by preparing the ferrule 2 or ferrule 2A described above, inserting optical fibers 7 into each optical fiber hole 14, 14A, filling with resin through the window 15, and fixing the optical fibers 7 to the ferrule 2 or ferrule 2A by the hardening of the resin filled through the window 15. The resin filled through the window 15 forms the resin part 4.

[0054] Next, the effects of the ferrules 2 and 2A on the optical connector 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 shows the front end surface of the optical connector ferrule before resin injection and the front end surface of the optical connector ferrule after resin curing, as a comparative example. Part (a) of Figure 12 shows the front end surface 11B of the optical connector ferrule before resin injection. Part (b) of Figure 12 shows the front end surface 11B of the optical connector ferrule after resin curing.

[0055] The optical connector ferrule in the comparative example has a front end 10B instead of front ends 10 and 10A. The front end 10B has a pair of guide holes 13B corresponding to a pair of guide holes 13, and a plurality of optical fiber holes 14B corresponding to optical fiber holes 14, formed on the front end surface 11B corresponding to the front end surface 11. In the optical connector ferrule in the comparative example, the front end surface 11B and the window corresponding to window 15 are closer together, and the window corresponding to window 15 is farther from the flange portion (see, for example, Figure 2 of Patent Document 1). In this case, before resin injection, the pair of guide holes 13B and the plurality of optical fiber holes 14B are aligned on a straight line indicated by the arrow. The arrow is shown on a straight line passing through the centroid of the pair of guide holes 13B. However, after resin curing, the front end 10B deforms and the front end surface 11B is distorted. As a result, the plurality of optical fiber holes 14B are deviated from the straight line indicated by the arrow. In this case, the reliability of the optical connection with the optical fiber of another optical connector ferrule is reduced.

[0056] In the ferrules 2 and 2A of the optical connector 1, the shortest distance between the connection point P where the flange portion 21 and the front end portion 10 are connected to each other, and the portion of the edge 15a to 15d closest to the front end surface 11, is, for example, less than or equal to the width of the flange portion 21 in the direction intersecting with the front end surface 11. In this configuration, the front end surface 11 and the window 15 are relatively far apart. With this configuration, even when resin is filled into the internal space S from the window 15, the effect of resin shrinkage is less likely to occur on the front end surface 11. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the window 15 and the flange portion 21 are relatively close. Since the flange portion 21 protrudes from the front end in the direction along the front end surface 11, it has higher rigidity than the front end portion 10. Therefore, the closer the window 15 is to the flange portion 21, the less the heat and resin shrinkage when curing the resin near the window 15 will affect the deformation of the ferrule. Consequently, the deformation of the ferrules 2 and 2A is suppressed.

[0057] In the ferrules 2 and 2A of the optical connector 1, the shortest distance between the connection point P where the flange portion 21 and the front end portion 10 are connected to each other and the window 15 is, for example, 0 mm or more and less than 1 mm. In this configuration as well, the front end surface 11 and the window 15 are relatively far apart, and the window 15 and the flange portion 21 are relatively close. Therefore, deformation of the ferrules 2 and 2A is suppressed.

[0058] In the ferrules 2 and 2A of the optical connector 1, the shortest distance between the connection point P where the flange portion 21 and the front end portion 10 are connected to each other, and the portion of the edges 15a to 15d closest to the front end surface 11, is, for example, 2 / 5 or less of the shortest distance between the connection point P and the front end surface 11. In this configuration as well, the front end surface 11 and the window 15 are relatively far apart, and the window 15 and the flange portion 21 are relatively close. Therefore, deformation of the ferrules 2 and 2A is suppressed.

[0059] In the ferrules 2 and 2A of the optical connector 1, a guide hole 13 is formed at the front end 10 into which a guide pin is inserted to fix the ferrules 2 and 2A to another optical connector ferrule. The guide hole 13 opens on the front end surface 11 and extends in a direction intersecting the front end surface 11. In this case, if deformation of the ferrules 2 and 2A is suppressed on the front end surface 11, the misalignment between the guide hole 13 and the optical fiber holes 14 and 14A is also suppressed. As a result, the reliability of optical coupling with another optical connector ferrule can be improved.

[0060] In the ferrules 2 and 2A of the optical connector 1, the window 15 is defined by the edges 15a, 15c, and 15d included in the front end portion 10 and the flange portion 21. In this case, the shortest distance between the window 15 and the flange portion 21 is 0 mm. Therefore, the window 15 is close to the flange portion 21, and deformation of the ferrules 2 and 2A is further suppressed.

[0061] In the ferrules 2 and 2A of the optical connector 1, the front end portion 10 is provided with a groove V in which the optical fiber 7 is positioned at a location that overlaps with the window 15 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the side surface 12a in which the window 15 is formed. The optical fiber 7 is inserted into the optical fiber holes 14 and 14A. In this case, the position of the optical fiber 7 can be confirmed during resin filling. Confirmation of the position of the optical fiber 7 during resin filling and deformation of the ferrules 2 and 2A can be achieved simultaneously.

[0062] In the ferrule 2A of the optical connector 1, multiple optical fiber holes 14A are opened on the front end surface 11, arranged in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the side surface 12a. The front end portion 10 includes multiple stepped portions 30A. The multiple stepped portions 30A are arranged in steps at positions that overlap with the window 15 when viewed from an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the side surface 12a. Each of the multiple stepped portions 30A has a groove V formed therein. The multiple optical fiber holes 14A arranged in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the side surface 12a are each located on extension lines from grooves V formed in different stepped portions 30A. In this case, even in a ferrule 2A having a relatively large number of optical fiber holes 14A, the position of the optical fiber 7 can be confirmed during resin filling. Confirmation of the position of the optical fiber 7 during resin filling and deformation of the ferrule 2A can be achieved simultaneously.

[0063] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be applied to various embodiments. For example, the plurality of stepped portions 30A include two stepped portions 61, 62, but may include three or more stepped portions. In this case as well, at least a portion of the plurality of grooves V in each stepped portion is positioned to overlap with the window 15 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In this case, the plurality of optical fiber holes 14A are arranged in the Z-axis direction in groups of three or more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1… Optical connector 2.2A... Ferrule (Optical connector ferrule) 3… Fiber optic ribbon 4… Resin part 5...Rubber part 7… Fiber optic 10,10A,10B…Front end 11,11B…Front end surface 12a,12b,12c,12d…side 13,13B… Guide holes 14, 14A, 14B, 51, 52… Optical fiber holes 15…Window 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d... edge 20...Rear end 21…Flange section 21a...Rear end surface 21b…Flange surface 21c... Top surface 23…Aperture 30,30A,61,62…Stepped section P…Connection position S…interior space V…Groove

Claims

1. Optical connector ferrule and The optical fiber inserted into the aforementioned optical connector ferrule, The optical fiber is fixed to the optical connector ferrule by a resin part, The aforementioned optical connector ferrule is A front end portion including a front end surface and a side surface that is connected to the front end surface and extends in a direction intersecting the front end surface, The front end includes a flange portion which is connected to the front end on the opposite side of the front end surface and protrudes from the front end in a direction along the front end surface, The front end includes at least one optical fiber hole into which the optical fiber is inserted, and a first window opening on the side surface. The at least one optical fiber hole opens at the front end surface and extends in a direction intersecting the front end surface, The rear end portion including the flange portion has a rear end surface facing the front end surface and includes a second window opening to the rear end surface. The system comprises at least one optical fiber hole, the first window, and an internal space communicating with the second window, The aforementioned front end includes a border that defines the first window, The shortest distance between the connection point where the flange portion and the front end portion are connected to each other and the portion of the edge closest to the front end surface is 2 / 5 or less of the shortest distance between the connection point and the front end surface. The resin portion is filled in the internal space, exposed through the first window and the second window, fixes the optical fiber to the optical connector ferrule, and is formed flush with the side surface and the rear end surface of the optical connector.

2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the shortest distance between the connection position and the portion of the edge closest to the front end face is less than or equal to the width of the flange portion in the intersecting direction.

3. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the shortest distance between the connection position and the first window is 0 mm or more and less than 1 mm.

4. The front end is formed with a guide hole into which a guide pin is inserted to fix the optical connector ferrule to another optical connector ferrule. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the guide hole opens on the front end surface and extends in a direction intersecting the front end surface.

5. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the first window is defined by the edge and flange portion included in the front end.

6. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the front end portion is provided with a groove in which an optical fiber inserted into the optical fiber hole is positioned at a location that overlaps with the first window when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the side surface in which the first window is formed, and the groove is positioned in such a location.

7. On the front end surface, a plurality of optical fiber holes are opened, arranged in a direction perpendicular to the side surface in which the first window is formed. The aforementioned front end includes a plurality of stepped portions, each having a groove formed thereon, which are arranged in steps and overlap with the first window when viewed from the orthogonal direction. The optical connector according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of optical fiber holes arranged in the orthogonal direction are each located on extension lines from grooves formed in different stepped portions.

8. A method for manufacturing an optical connector according to claim 1, Inserting an optical fiber into the optical fiber hole, Filling the first window with resin, A method for manufacturing an optical connector, comprising fixing the optical fiber to the optical connector ferrule by curing the resin filled through the first window.

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