Optical connection components and optical wiring
The optical connection component addresses handling complexity and interference issues by arranging cores in a non-intersecting manner within a cladding, improving signal transmission efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-05-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing optical connection components face challenges with increased complexity in handling and potential interference or loss of optical signals due to multiple fibers intersecting on the same plane.
An optical connection component design featuring a cladding with cores arranged in a specific order and orientation, where cores extend from one surface to another with a different arrangement, avoiding intersections and incorporating bending to minimize signal interference.
The design facilitates easy handling and effectively suppresses optical signal interference and loss by ensuring cores do not intersect, enhancing signal transmission efficiency.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical connection component and an optical wiring. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-087089 filed on May 24, 2021, and incorporates all the descriptions described in the above Japanese application.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an optical wiring member and an optical wiring structure. The optical wiring member includes a wiring part and a plurality of optical fiber ribbon core wires extending from the wiring part. The wiring part includes a plurality of sheet-like members, and a plurality of optical fibers extending from the optical fiber ribbon core wires are inserted between the plurality of members. Each of the plurality of optical fibers has a first end portion and a second end portion located on the opposite side of the first end portion. The plurality of optical fibers have a plurality of first input / output portions aggregated at the first end portion and a second input / output portion aggregated at the second end portion. Between the first input / output portion and the second input / output portion, a plurality of crossing portions where the plurality of optical fibers cross each other are provided. Patent Document 2 describes an optoelectronic hybrid mounting substrate on which a plurality of optical waveguides and a plurality of optical connectors are arranged. but The optical waveguide includes a plurality of core portions that optically connect the plurality of optical connectors to each other. The plurality of core portions cross each other on the same plane.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
[0004] The optical connection component according to this disclosure comprises a plurality of cores that transmit optical signals along a first direction, and a cladding having a refractive index smaller than that of the plurality of cores and enclosing the plurality of cores as a whole. The optical connection component has a first surface extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and in a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions, and a second surface extending in the second and third directions and aligned with the first surface along the first direction. Each of the plurality of cores extends from the first surface along the first direction and is bent in the third direction to extend to the second surface. On the first surface and the second surface, the plurality of cores are aligned along the second direction. The order in which the plurality of cores are arranged as a whole on the first surface is different from the order in which the plurality of cores are arranged as a whole on the second surface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0005] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an optical wiring configuration with an optical connection component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a view of the optical connection component according to the first embodiment, along the third direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a view of the optical connection component according to the first embodiment, along the second direction. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an optical connection component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the first and second sequences in the optical connection component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the first and second sequences in the optical connection component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the optical connection component according to the second embodiment, viewed along the third direction. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a view of the optical connection component according to the second embodiment, along the second direction. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an optical connection component according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a view of the optical connection component according to the third embodiment, along the third direction. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a view of the optical connection component according to the third embodiment, along the second direction. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an optical connection component according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing an optical wiring configuration with an optical connection component according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a view of the optical wiring according to the fourth embodiment, along the second direction. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the MT ferrule and optical fiber array of the optical wiring according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0006] As with the optical wiring component described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, when routing is performed using optical fibers, handling can become complicated as the number of optical fibers increases. When multiple cores intersect each other on the same plane, interference or loss of optical signals can occur at the intersection.
[0007] This disclosure aims to provide an optical connection component that is easy to handle and can suppress interference and loss of optical signals.
[0008] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described first. (1) An optical connection component according to one embodiment is an optical connection component comprising a plurality of cores that transmit optical signals along a first direction, and a cladding having a refractive index smaller than that of the plurality of cores and enclosing the plurality of cores as a whole. The optical connection component has a first surface extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and in a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions, and a second surface extending in the second and third directions and aligned with the first surface along the first direction. Each of the plurality of cores extends from the first surface along the first direction and is bent in the third direction to extend to the second surface. On the first surface and the second surface, the plurality of cores are aligned along the second direction. The order in which the plurality of cores are arranged as a whole on the first surface and the order in which the plurality of cores are arranged as a whole on the second surface are different from each other.
[0009] In one embodiment of an optical connection component, multiple cores are arranged on both the first and second surfaces. Each core extends from the first surface along a first direction, is bent in a third direction, and extends to the second surface. The overall arrangement of the multiple cores on the first surface is different from the overall arrangement of the multiple cores on the second surface. In the optical connection component, the cores extending from the first surface are bent in a third direction, and the order of the multiple cores is reversed between the first and second surfaces. Therefore, since the multiple cores do not intersect each other on the same plane, interference and loss of optical signals passing through the cores can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the component that reverses the order of the cores can be made into a single component, it can be easily handled.
[0010] (2) In (1) above, the optical connection component described above may have a first surface and a second surface connected to each other, as well as a third surface extending in the first and second directions. The first distance from the third surface to the multiple cores on the first surface and the second distance from the third surface to the multiple cores on the second surface may be different from each other, and the difference between the first distance and the second distance may be 10 μm or more. In this case, the length over which the cores are bent in the third direction is 10 μm or more, so interference and loss of optical signals can be suppressed more reliably.
[0011] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the number of times each of the plurality of cores is bent in the third direction may be the same for each core.
[0012] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the plurality of cores may form a first group including at least one core and a second group including cores not belonging to the first group. The order in which the cores of the first group are arranged on the first surface may be the same as the order in which the cores of the first group are arranged on the second surface, and the order in which the cores of the second group are arranged on the first surface may be the same as the order in which the cores of the second group are arranged on the second surface.
[0013] (5) In the above (4), the number of times each of the plurality of cores is bent in the third direction may be 1 time.
[0014] (6) In the above (4) or (5), a rearrangement part may be provided between the first surface and the second surface to change the order of the plurality of cores in the second direction. The plurality of cores belonging to the first group may be bent in the third direction between the first surface and the rearrangement part, and the plurality of cores belonging to the second group may be bent in the third direction between the rearrangement part and the second surface.
[0015] (7) In any of (1) to (3) above, the plurality of cores may form a first group including at least one core, a second group including cores not belonging to the first group, and a third group including cores not belonging to the first group and the second group. The order in which the cores of the first group are arranged on the first surface may be the same as the order in which the cores of the first group are arranged on the second surface. The order in which the cores of the second group are arranged on the first surface may be the same as the order in which the cores of the second group are arranged on the second surface. The order in which the cores of the third group are arranged on the first surface may be the same as the order in which the cores of the third group are arranged on the second surface.
[0016] (8) In (7) above, a plurality of sorting sections may be provided between the first surface and the second surface, in which the order of the plurality of cores in the second direction can be changed. Among the plurality of sorting sections, the sorting section in which the cores belonging to the first group are bent in the second direction, the sorting section in which the cores belonging to the second group are bent in the second direction, and the sorting section in which the cores belonging to the third group are bent in the second direction may be different from each other in the first direction.
[0017] (9) In (7) above, a plurality of sorting sections may be provided between the first surface and the second surface, in which the order of the plurality of cores in the second direction can be changed. Among the plurality of sorting sections, the sorting section in which the cores belonging to the first group are bent in the second direction, the sorting section in which the cores belonging to the second group are bent in the second direction, and the sorting section in which the cores belonging to the third group are bent in the second direction may be different from each other in the third direction.
[0018] (10) An optical wiring according to one embodiment comprises an optical connection component as described in any of (1) to (9) above, and at least one optical fiber array holding a plurality of optical fibers that optically connect to a plurality of cores of the optical connection component. (11) In one aspect of this embodiment, in (10) above, the optical wiring may comprise a plurality of optical fiber arrays.
[0019] The optical wiring according to the above embodiment allows for easy handling and suppresses interference and loss of optical signals.
[0020] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of optical connection components and optical wiring relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples, and is intended to include all modifications shown in the claims and within the scope equivalent to the claims. In the description of the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as appropriate. For the sake of ease of understanding, the drawings may be simplified or exaggerated in some parts, and dimensional ratios, etc., are not limited to those shown in the drawings.
[0021] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an optical wiring 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the optical wiring 1 comprises a first MT ferrule 2A, a second MT ferrule 2B, a first optical fiber array 3A, a second optical fiber array 3B, and an optical connection component 10. For example, the first MT ferrule 2A, the first optical fiber array 3A, the optical connection component 10, the second optical fiber array 3B, and the second MT ferrule 2B are arranged in this order along the first direction D1.
[0022] The optical connection component 10 transmits optical signals along the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the first optical fiber array 3A and the second optical fiber array 3B are arranged between the first MT ferrule 2A and the second MT ferrule 2B. The optical connection component 10 is arranged between the first optical fiber array 3A and the second optical fiber array 3B.
[0023] The first MT ferrule 2A holds multiple single-core fibers F. Each single-core fiber F has a tip surface F1 that is exposed to the end surface 2b of the first MT ferrule 2A, which is oriented in a first direction D1. In the first MT ferrule 2A, the multiple single-core fibers F belong to one of two sets (an upper set and a lower set). In both the upper set and the lower set, the multiple single-core fibers F are aligned along a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1. The upper set and the lower set are aligned along a third direction D3 that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.
[0024] The second direction D2 is, for example, perpendicular to the first direction D1, and the third direction D3 is perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The number of single-core fibers F aligned along the second direction D2 is, for example, 12. In this case, the first MT ferrule 2A is a 24-channel MT ferrule that holds 24 single-core fibers F.
[0025] The first optical fiber array 3A holds multiple single-core fibers F extending from the first MT ferrule 2A. In the first optical fiber array 3A, the multiple single-core fibers F are arranged in a single line along the second direction D2. The multiple single-core fibers F extending from the first MT ferrule 2A are transformed from being arranged in both the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 to being arranged in a single line along the second direction D2. However, Figure 1 omits the illustration of this transformation in the arrangement of the single-core fibers F. For example, in the first optical fiber array 3A, the number of single-core fibers F arranged along the second direction D2 is 24.
[0026] The configurations of the second MT ferrule 2B and the second optical fiber array 3B are as follows: first MT ferrule 2A and first optical fiber array 3 A The configurations are identical. The second MT ferrule 2B and the second optical fiber array 3B are, as viewed from the optical connection component 10, the first MT ferrule 2A and 1 Optical fiber array 3 A They are located on the opposite side. For example, the first MT ferrule 2A and the second MT ferrule 2B are arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical connection component 10. For example, the first optical fiber array 3A and the second optical fiber array 3B are arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical connection component 10.
[0027] The optical connector 10 has a first surface 11 facing the first optical fiber array 3A along the first direction D1, and a second surface 12 facing the second optical fiber array 3B along the first direction D1. The optical connector 10 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape. The first surface 11 and the second surface 12 each extend in both the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. The second surface 12 is aligned with the first surface 11 along the first direction D1.
[0028] Figure 2 is a plan view of the optical connector 10 as seen along the third direction D3. Figure 3 is a side view of the optical connector 10 as seen along the second direction D2. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the optical connector 10. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, in addition to the first surface 11 and the second surface 12, the optical connector 10 has a third surface 13 extending in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, a fourth surface 14 facing the opposite direction from the third surface 13, a fifth surface 15 extending in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3, and a sixth surface 16 facing the opposite direction from the fifth surface 15.
[0029] The optical connection component 10 comprises a cladding 10A and a plurality of cores 17 arranged inside the cladding 10A that transmit optical signals along a first direction D1. In the drawing, the cores 17 are shown with solid lines for clarity. The plurality of cores 17 and the cladding 10A constitute a three-dimensional optical waveguide that transmits optical signals while bending them in the first direction D1, second direction D2, and third direction D3 within the cores 17. The cores 17 are fabricated, for example, by irradiation with a femtosecond laser. In the optical connection component 10, a plurality of cores 17 are arranged inside a single cladding 10A. Each of the plurality of cores 17 extends along the first direction D1 and is bent in the second direction D2 and third direction D3. In this embodiment, the number of times the plurality of cores 17 are bent in the third direction D3 is the same for all of them. For example, the number of times the plurality of cores 17 are bent in the third direction D3 is one. In this case, the number of times the cores 17 are bent can be kept to the minimum necessary.
[0030] Because the multiple cores 17 are bent in a third direction D3 inside the optical connection component 10, the first distance K1 from the third surface 13 to the multiple cores 17 on the first surface 11 is different from the second distance K2 from the third surface 13 to the multiple cores 17 on the second surface 12. For example, the second distance K2 is longer than the first distance K1. The difference between the second distance K2 and the first distance K1 is, for example, 10 μm or more.
[0031] On both the first surface 11 and the second surface 12, multiple cores 17 are arranged along the second direction D2. For example, on both the first surface 11 and the second surface 12, 24 cores 17 are arranged in a straight line along the second direction D2. Each core 17 on the first surface 11 is optically connected to each single-core fiber F of the first optical fiber array 3A. Each core 17 on the second surface 12 is optically connected to each single-core fiber F of the second optical fiber array 3B.
[0032] The order in which the multiple cores 17 are arranged as a whole on the first surface 11 is different from the order in which the multiple cores 17 are arranged as a whole on the second surface 12. That is, the order of the multiple cores 17 is swapped between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. Hereinafter, the order in which the multiple cores 17 are arranged as a whole on the first surface 11 may be referred to as the first order, and the order in which the multiple cores 17 are arranged as a whole on the second surface 12 may be referred to as the second order. The optical connection component 10 is a shuffling three-dimensional optical waveguide that swaps the order of the multiple cores 17 between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. In this embodiment, "order" refers to the order in which the cores or optical fibers are arranged on a predetermined surface.
[0033] Multiple cores 17 constitute a first group G1, and a second group G2 composed of multiple cores 17 that do not belong to the first group G1. The first order (the order of cores 17 on the first surface 11) in the first group G1 and the second order (the order of cores 17 on the second surface 12) in the first group G1 and the second group G2 are identical to each other. That is, the order in which the cores 17 of the first group G1 are arranged on the first surface 11 is the same as the order in which the cores 17 of the first group G1 are arranged on the second surface 12. And the order in which the cores 17 of the second group G2 are arranged on the first surface 11 is the same as the order in which the cores 17 of the second group G2 are arranged on the second surface 12.
[0034] As a concrete example, let's assume that the first order of the 24 cores 17 arranged on the first face 11, from the fifth face 15 side, is 1st, 2nd, 3rd...23rd, 24th, with even-numbered cores 17 forming the first group G1 and odd-numbered cores 17 forming the second group G2. In this case, if the first order of each of the 24 cores 17 is 1st, 2nd, 3rd...23rd, 24th, then the second order is swapped to 2nd, 4th...24th, 1st...21st, 23rd. In the following, this may be shown as the first order being (1, 2, 3...23, 24) and the second order being (2, 4...24, 1...21, 23).
[0035] For example, if there are n cores 17 (where n is a multiple of 2), the 2k-th core 17 (where k is a natural number less than or equal to n / 2) from the 5th face 15 of the 1st face 11 will be swapped with the 1st to n / 2nd cores on the 2nd face 12. Then, the 2k-1th core 17 from the 5th face 15 of the 1st face 11 will be swapped with the ((n / 2)+1)th to nth cores on the 2nd face 12. In other words, the first order on the 1st face 11 is (1, 2, 3...n-1, n), while the second order on the 2nd face 12 is swapped with (2, 4...n, 1...n-3, n-1).
[0036] The optical connection component 10 is Multiple Core 17 A bent portion 18 that is bent in the third direction D3, multiple The core 17 has a rearrangement section 19 in which the core 17 is bent in a second direction D2 and the order of the multiple cores 17 is changed. In one embodiment, the "bent section" refers to the part of the core 17 from the beginning to the end of the bend in the third direction D3. The "rearrangement section" refers to the part of the core 17 from the beginning to the end of the bend in the second direction D2.
[0037] The bent portion 18 and the rearrangement portion 19 are provided between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. In this embodiment, the rearrangement portion 19 is provided in a region including the center of the first direction D1 of the optical connection component 10. The optical connection component 10 has a plurality of bent portions 18. In this case, the positions of the bent portions 18 of the first group G1 and the positions of the bent portions 18 of the second group G2 are different from each other.
[0038] For example, the bent portion 18 of the first group G1 is located between the first surface 11 and the sorting portion 19. The bent portion 18 of the second group G2 is located between the sorting portion 19 and the second surface 12. That is, the multiple cores 17 belonging to the first group G1 are bent in the third direction D3 between the first surface 11 and the sorting portion 19, and the multiple cores 17 belonging to the second group G2 are bent in the third direction D3 between the sorting portion 19 and the second surface 12. In this embodiment, the position of the bent portion 18 in the first direction D1 and the position of the sorting portion 19 in the first direction D1 are different from each other. As a result, the multiple cores 17 inside the optical connection component 10 do not come into contact with each other.
[0039] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate specific examples of the order of single-core fibers F in the first MT ferrule 2A, the first optical fiber array 3A, the optical connection component 10, the second optical fiber array 3B, and the second MT ferrule 2B, respectively. As mentioned above, if the first order of the first surface 11 of each of the multiple cores 17 is (1, 2, 3...23, 24) and the second order of the second surface 12 is (2, 4...24, 1...21, 23), then the order of single-core fibers F in the first optical fiber array 3A corresponding to each of the multiple cores 17 is (1, 2, 3...23, 24). And the order of single-core fibers F in the second optical fiber array 3B is (2, 4...24, 1...21, 23).
[0040] That is, in the virtual cross-section (b) extending in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 between the first optical fiber array 3A and the optical connector 10, the order (core number) of the single-core fibers F is (1, 2, 3...23, 24). In the virtual cross-section (c) extending in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 between the optical connector 10 and the second optical fiber array 3B, the order (core number) of the single-core fibers F is (2, 4...24, 1...21, 23).
[0041] The order of single-core fibers F in the first MT ferrule 2A and the order of single-core fibers F in the second MT ferrule 2B are different. For example, if the order of single-core fibers F in the first optical fiber array 3A is (1, 2, 3...23, 24), then the order of single-core fibers F in the first MT ferrule 2A (virtual cross-section (a)) is (2, 4, 6...22, 24) in the upper row and (1, 3, 5...21, 23) in the lower row. In this case, the single-core fibers F that were originally arranged in two rows in the first MT ferrule 2A (virtual cross-section (a)) are rearranged into a single row on their way to the first optical fiber array 3A.
[0042] If the order of the single-core fibers F in the second optical fiber array 3B is (2, 4, 6...24, 1...21, 23), then the order of the single-core fibers F in the second MT ferrule 2B (virtual cross-section (d)) is (2, 6...18, 22, 1,...17, 21) in the upper row and (4, 8...20, 24, 3...19, 23) in the lower row. In this case, the single-core fibers F that were originally arranged in a single line in the second optical fiber array 3B are divided into two rows on their way to the second MT ferrule 2B and arrive at the second MT ferrule 2B (virtual cross-section (d)). Thus, in the optical wiring 1 according to this embodiment, which includes the first MT ferrule 2A, the first optical fiber array 3A, the optical connection component 10, the second optical fiber array 3B, and the second MT ferrule 2B, the order of all single-core fibers F can be shuffled.
[0043] As described above, in the optical connection component 10, multiple cores 17 are arranged on both the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. Each core 17 extends from the first surface 11 along the first direction D1, is bent in the third direction D3, and extends to the second surface 12. The order in which the multiple cores 17 are arranged on the first surface 11 (first order) and the order in which the multiple cores 17 are arranged on the second surface 12 (second order) are different from each other. Since the multiple cores 17 do not intersect each other on the same plane, interference and loss of optical signals passing through the cores 17 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the component that changes the order of the cores 17 can be made into a single component, the optical connection component 10, it can be handled easily.
[0044] (Second Embodiment) Next, the optical connection component 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 is a plan view of the optical connection component 20 as seen along the third direction D3. Figure 8 is a side view of the optical connection component 20 as seen along the second direction D2. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the optical connection component 20. Since some of the components of the optical connection component 20 overlap with some of the components of the optical connection component 10, the same reference numerals are used for the parts that overlap with the components of the optical connection component 10, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.
[0045] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the optical connection component 20 comprises a cladding 10A and a plurality of cores 27 arranged inside the cladding 10A that transmit optical signals along a first direction D1. For example, the plurality of cores 27 are bent twice in the third direction D3. On each of the first surface 11 and the second surface 12, for example, 12 cores 27 are aligned in a straight line along the second direction D2.
[0046] Multiple cores 27 constitute a first group G1, a second group G2 composed of multiple cores 27 not belonging to the first group G1, and a third group G3 including cores 27 not belonging to the first group G1 and the second group G2. The first order (the order of cores 27 on the first surface 11) in each of the first group G1, second group G2, and third group G3, and the second order (the order of cores 27 on the second surface 12) in each of the first group G1, second group G2, and third group G3 are identical to each other. That is, the order in which the cores 17 of the first group G1 are arranged on the first surface 11 is the same as the order in which the cores 17 of the first group G1 are arranged on the second surface 12. The order in which the cores 17 of the second group G2 are arranged on the first surface 11 is the same as the order in which the cores 17 of the second group G2 are arranged on the second surface 12. The order in which the cores 17 of the third group G3 are arranged on the first surface 11 is the same as the order in which the cores 17 of the third group G3 are arranged on the second surface 12.
[0047] As a concrete example, in the first face 11, the 3m-2 (m is a natural number)-th core 27 from the fifth face 15 side is designated as the first group G1, the 3m-1-th core 27 from the fifth face 15 is designated as the second group G2, and the 3m-th core 27 from the fifth face 15 is designated as the third group G3. In this case, the second order of the second face 12 is swapped to (3, 6, 9, 12, 2, 5, 8, 11, 1, 4, 7, 10). As an example, if there are p cores 27 (p is a multiple of 3), the 3q (q is a natural number less than or equal to p / 3)-th core 27 from the fifth face 15 on the first face 11 is swapped to the 1st to p / 3rd cores on the second face 12, and the 3q-1-th core 27 from the fifth face 15 on the first face 11 is swapped to the (p / 3)+1 to 2p / 3rd cores on the second face 12. Then, the 3q-2th core 27 from the 5th core 15 on the 1st surface 11 is swapped with the (2p / 3)+1th to pth cores on the 2nd surface 12.
[0048] The optical connection component 20 has a plurality of bent portions 28 that are bent in a third direction D3, and sorting portions 29A, 29B, and 29C in which the core 27 is bent in a second direction D2 to change the order of the plurality of cores 27. Sorting portion 29A represents the sorting portion for the first group G1, sorting portion 29B represents the sorting portion for the second group G2, and sorting portion 29C represents the sorting portion for the third group G3. In this embodiment, the position of sorting portion 29A for the first group G1, the position of sorting portion 29B for the second group G2, and sorting portion 29 for the third group G3 C The positions of the multiple bent sections 28 are different from each other.
[0049] For example, the bending portion 28 is provided between the first surface 11 and the sorting portion 29C, between the sorting portion 29C and the sorting portion 29B, between the sorting portion 29B and the sorting portion 29A, and between the sorting portion 29A and the second surface 12. Within each of the sorting portions 29A, 29B, and 29C, the distance of each core 27 from the third surface 13 is constant. The distance from the third surface 13 to each core 27 within each of the sorting portions 29A, 29B, and 29C is longer than the first distance K1 from the third surface 13 to the core 27 on the first surface 11, and shorter than the second distance K2 from the third surface 13 to the core 27 on the second surface 12. The sorting portion 29C is positioned closer to the first surface 11 than the sorting portion 29B, and the sorting portion 29A is positioned closer to the second surface 12 than the sorting portion 29B.
[0050] The cores 27 of the third group G3 extending from the first surface 11 are bent in the third direction D3 at the bending section 28 and reach the sorting section 29C. Upon reaching the sorting section 29C, the cores 27 of the third group G3 are bent in the second direction D2 and their order is changed relative to the cores 27 of the first group G1 and the cores 27 of the second group G2. The cores 27 of the third group G3 extending from the sorting section 29C toward the second surface 12 reach the bending section 28, are further bent in the third direction D3, and then extend toward the second surface 12.
[0051] The cores 27 of the second group G2, extending from the first surface 11, extend along the first direction D1 from the first surface 11, passing through the position of the sorting section 29C near the third surface 13 and continuing along the first direction D1. The cores 27 of the second group G2, passing through the position of the sorting section 29C near the third surface 13, are bent in the third direction D3 at the bending section 28 and reach the sorting section 29B. The cores 27 of the second group G2, having reached the sorting section 29B, are bent in the second direction D2, and their order is changed relative to the cores 27 of the first group G1 and the cores 27 of the third group G3. The cores 27 of the second group G2, extending from the sorting section 29B toward the second surface 12, reach the bending section 28, are bent in the third direction D3, and then continue toward the second surface 12.
[0052] The cores 27 of the first group G1 extending from the first surface 11 extend from the first surface 11 along the first direction D1, passing through the position of the sorting section 29C near the third surface 13 and the position of the sorting section 29B near the third surface 13, and continuing along the first direction D1. The cores 27 of the first group G1 passing through the position of the sorting section 29B near the third surface 13 are bent in the third direction D3 at the bending section 28 and reach the sorting section 29A. The cores 27 of the first group G1 that reach the sorting section 29A are bent in the second direction D2, and their order is changed relative to the cores 27 of the second group G2 and the cores 27 of the third group G3. The cores 27 of the first group G1 extending from the sorting section 29A toward the second surface 12 reach the bending section 28, are bent in the third direction D3, and then reach the second surface 12.
[0053] As described above, the optical connection component 20 has sorting sections 29A, 29B, and 29C between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12, in which the cores 27 are bent in a second direction D2 to change the order of the multiple cores 27. The positions in which the cores 27 are bent in the second direction D2 are different for each of the first group G1, second group G2, and third group G3. Then, while moving from the first surface 11 to the second surface 12, the cores 27 of the third group G3 are bent in the third direction D3 before the cores 27 of the second group G2, and the cores 27 of the second group G2 are bent in the third direction D3 before the cores 27 of the first group G1. Thus, a configuration is achieved in which the multiple cores 27 do not come into contact with each other inside the optical connection component 20.
[0054] (Third embodiment) Next, the optical connection component 30 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 is a plan view of the optical connection component 30 as seen along the third direction D3. Figure 11 is a side view of the optical connection component 30 as seen along the second direction D2. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the optical connection component 30. In the following, explanations that overlap with the embodiments described above will be omitted as appropriate, using the same reference numerals.
[0055] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the optical connection component 30 is located inside the cladding 10A and has a plurality of cores 37 that transmit optical signals along a first direction D1. The number of times the plurality of cores 37 are bent in a third direction D3 is once for the first group G1 and the third group G3, and twice for the second group G2. In this embodiment, the number of times the plurality of cores 37 are bent in the third direction D3 differs from one another. For example, the number differs for each group. The optical connection component 30 has a plurality of bent sections 38 in which the cores 37 are bent in the third direction D3, and reordering sections 39A, 39B, and 39C in which the cores 37 are bent in a second direction D2 and the order of the plurality of cores 37 is changed.
[0056] The bent portions 38 are provided between the first surface 11 and the sorting portions 39A, 39B, and 39C, and between the sorting portions 39A, 39B, and 39C and the second surface 12. In this embodiment, the sorting portions 39A, 39B, and 39C are arranged on each of several different planes. The distances from the third surface 13 to the sorting portions 39A, 39B, and 39C are different. For example, the distance from the third surface 13 to the sorting portion 39A of the first group G1 is shorter than the distance from the third surface 13 to the sorting portion 39B of the second group G2. The distance from the third surface 13 to the sorting portion 39B of the second group G2 is shorter than the distance from the third surface 13 to the sorting portion 39C of the third group G3. Because the distance from the third surface 13 to the core 37 differs for each group, when, for example, a femtosecond laser is irradiated along the third direction D3 to fabricate a core 37, the fabricated core 37 does not interfere with the fabrication of a new core 37.
[0057] The sorting unit 39A is positioned closer to the third face 13 than the sorting unit 39B. The sorting unit 39B is positioned closer to the third face 13 than the sorting unit 39C. For example, the distance from the third face 13 to the sorting unit 39A is the same as the first distance K1 from the third face 13 to the core 37 on the first face 11. The distance from the third face 13 to the sorting unit 39C is the same as the distance from the third face 13 to the core 37 on the second face 12.
[0058] The cores 37 of the third group G3, extending from the first surface 11, are bent in the third direction D3 at the bending section 38 and reach the sorting section 39C. Upon reaching the sorting section 39C, the cores 37 of the third group G3 are bent in the second direction D2, and their order is changed relative to the cores 37 of the second group G2 and the cores 37 of the first group G1. The cores 37 of the third group G3 extend from the sorting section 39C toward the second surface 12 along the first direction D1.
[0059] The cores 37 of the second group G2, extending from the first surface 11, are bent in the third direction D3 at the bending section 38 and reach the sorting section 39B. Upon reaching the sorting section 39B, the cores 37 of the second group G2 are bent in the second direction D2, and their order is changed relative to the cores 37 of the first group G1 and the cores 37 of the third group G3. On their way from the sorting section 39B to the second surface 12, the cores 37 of the second group G2 are bent again in the third direction D3 at the bending section 38, and after being bent in the third direction D3, they reach the second surface 12.
[0060] The cores 37 of the first group G1, extending from the first surface 11, reach the sorting section 39A without being bent in the third direction D3 at the bending section 38. Upon reaching the sorting section 39A, the cores 37 of the first group G1 are bent in the second direction D2, and their order is changed relative to the cores 37 of the second group G2 and the cores 37 of the third group G3. On their way from the sorting section 39A to the second surface 12, the cores 37 of the first group G1 are bent in the third direction D3 at the bending section 38, and reach the second surface 12 after being bent in the third direction D3.
[0061] As described above, in the optical connection component 30, the positions of the sorting sections 39A, 39B, and 39C in the third direction D3 are different for each of the first group G1, second group G2, and third group G3. As you move from the first surface 11 to the second surface 12, the cores 37 of the third group G3 are bent in the third direction D3 with a greater curvature than the cores 37 of the second group G2, while the cores 37 of the first group G1 reach the sorting section 39A without being bent in the third direction D3. Then, as you move from each of the sorting sections 39A, 39B, and 39C to the second surface 12, the cores 37 of the first group G1 are bent in the third direction D3 with a greater curvature than the cores 37 of the second group G2, while the cores 37 of the third group G3 reach the second surface 12 without being bent in the third direction D3. Thus, a configuration is achieved in which multiple cores 37 do not come into contact with each other inside the optical connection component 30.
[0062] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, the optical wiring 41 and optical connection component 50 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 15. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the optical wiring 41 equipped with the optical connection component 50. Figure 14 is a side view of the optical wiring 41 along the second direction D2. Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the optical wiring 41.
[0063] The optical wiring 41 comprises a plurality of first MT ferrules 2A, a plurality of second MT ferrules 2B, a plurality of first optical fiber arrays 3A, a plurality of second optical fiber arrays 3B, and an optical connection component 50. The plurality of first MT ferrules 2A, the plurality of first optical fiber arrays 3A, the optical connection component 50, the plurality of second optical fiber arrays 3B, and the plurality of second MT ferrules 2B are arranged in this order along the first direction D1.
[0064] The optical connector 50, like the optical connectors 10, 20, and 30, transmits optical signals along the first direction D1. The optical connector 50 has a first surface 11 and a second surface 12. Multiple first optical fiber arrays 3A are connected to the first surface 11, and multiple second optical fiber arrays 3B are connected to the second surface 12. Each of the multiple first optical fiber arrays 3A and the multiple second optical fiber arrays 3B are aligned along the second direction D2.
[0065] A tape fiber T, composed of bundles of multiple single-core fibers F, is provided between the first MT ferrule 2A and the first optical fiber array 3A, and between the second optical fiber array 3B and the second MT ferrule 2B. In other words, the first MT ferrule 2A and the first optical fiber array 3A, and the second optical fiber array 3B and the second MT ferrule 2B are each connected to each other via the tape fiber T.
[0066] Multiple tape fibers T extend from the first optical fiber array 3A. A first MT ferrule 2A is connected to each of the multiple tape fibers T extending from the first optical fiber array 3A. In other words, multiple first MT ferrules 2A are connected to one first optical fiber array 3A. For example, if the first MT ferrule 2A is a 24-channel MT ferrule, the number of single-core fibers F held by one tape fiber T is 24.
[0067] For example, if the first optical fiber array 3A is a 72-channel optical fiber array, three tape fibers T (72 single-core fibers F) are connected to one first optical fiber array 3A. As an example, in the optical connection component 50, four first optical fiber arrays 3A are connected to the first surface 11, and four second optical fiber arrays 3B are connected to the second surface 12.
[0068] The relationship between the second optical fiber array 3B and the second MT ferrule 2B is the same as, for example, the relationship between the first optical fiber array 3A and the first MT ferrule 2A. In the fourth embodiment, an optical wiring 41 comprising a plurality of first MT ferrules 2A, a plurality of first optical fiber arrays 3A, an optical connection component 50, a plurality of second optical fiber arrays 3B, and a plurality of second MT ferrules 2B has been described. The optical wiring 41 according to this fourth embodiment provides the same effects and advantages as the optical wiring according to each embodiment described above.
[0069] The embodiments have been described above. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without altering the essence of each claim. For example, the number and arrangement of cores in the optical connector can be further modified without altering the essence of the claim. Also, the embodiments described above described an optical connector having two or three groups containing multiple cores. However, an optical connector may have four or more groups. Or, an optical connector may not have any groups. [Explanation of symbols]
[0070] 1.41…Optical wiring 2A...First MT ferrule 2B...2nd MT ferrule 2b...end face 3A…First optical fiber array 3B...Second optical fiber array 10, 20, 30, 50… Optical connection components 10A...Clad 11...Side 1 12…Second side 13...Third side 14…Side 4 15…Side 5 16...Side 6 17, 27, 37… cores 18, 28, 38…bent section 19, 29A, 29B, 29C, 39A, 39B, 39C... Sorting section D1…first direction D2…Second direction D3...Third direction F...Single Core Fiber F1…Tip surface G1…Group 1 G2…Group 2 G3…Third Group K1…1st distance K2…Second distance T... Tape fiber
Claims
1. An optical connection component comprising a plurality of cores that transmit optical signals along a first direction, and a cladding having a refractive index smaller than that of the plurality of cores and surrounding the plurality of cores as a whole, A first surface extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and in a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions, A second surface extending in the second and third directions and aligned with the first surface along the first direction, It has, Each of the plurality of cores extends from the first surface along the first direction and is bent in the third direction to the second surface. In each of the first and second surfaces, the plurality of cores are arranged along the second direction, The order in which the plurality of cores are arranged as a whole on the first surface, The order in which the multiple cores on the second surface are arranged as a whole is different from that of the others. The optical connection component is rectangular in shape, The plurality of cores are arranged in a single row along the second direction on each of the first and second surfaces, The plurality of cores are bent at least once in the third direction between the first and second surfaces, The number of times each of the plurality of cores is bent in the third direction is the same to each other. Optical connection component.
2. The first and second surfaces are connected to each other, and the third surface extends in the first and second directions, The first distance from the third surface to the plurality of cores on the first surface and the second distance from the third surface to the plurality of cores on the second surface are different from each other. The difference between the first distance and the second distance is 10 μm or more. The optical connection component according to claim 1.
3. The plurality of cores constitute a first group including at least one core from the plurality of cores, and a second group including cores from the plurality of cores that do not belong to the first group. The order in which the cores of the first group are arranged on the first surface is the same as the order in which the cores of the first group are arranged on the second surface. The order in which the cores of the second group are arranged on the first surface is the same as the order in which the cores of the second group are arranged on the second surface. The optical connection component according to claim 1 or claim 2.
4. Each of the plurality of cores is bent once in the third direction. The optical connection component according to claim 3.
5. Between the first surface and the second surface, there is a sorting section that changes the order of the plurality of cores in the second direction, The plurality of cores belonging to the first group are bent in the third direction between the first surface and the sorting portion, The plurality of cores belonging to the second group are bent in the third direction between the sorting portion and the second surface. The optical connection component according to claim 3.
6. The plurality of cores constitute a first group including at least one core from the plurality of cores, a second group including cores that do not belong to the first group from the plurality of cores, and a third group including cores that do not belong to the first group and the second group from the plurality of cores. The order in which the cores of the first group are arranged on the first surface is the same as the order in which the cores of the first group are arranged on the second surface. The order in which the cores of the second group are arranged on the first surface is the same as the order in which the cores of the second group are arranged on the second surface. The order in which the cores of the third group are arranged on the first surface is the same as the order in which the cores of the third group are arranged on the second surface. The optical connection component according to claim 1 or claim 2.
7. Between the first surface and the second surface, there are multiple sorting sections that change the order of the multiple cores in the second direction, Among the plurality of sorting sections, the positions of the sorting section in which the cores belonging to the first group are bent in the second direction, the sorting section in which the cores belonging to the second group are bent in the second direction, and the sorting section in which the cores belonging to the third group are bent in the second direction are different from each other in the first direction. The optical connection component according to claim 6.
8. Between the first surface and the second surface, there are multiple sorting sections that change the order of the multiple cores in the second direction, Among the plurality of sorting sections, the sorting section in which the cores belonging to the first group are bent in the second direction, the sorting section in which the cores belonging to the second group are bent in the second direction, and the sorting section in which the cores belonging to the third group are bent in the second direction are different from each other in the third direction. The optical connection component according to claim 6.
9. The optical connection component according to claim 1 or claim 2, The optical connection component comprises at least one optical fiber array holding a plurality of optical fibers that optically connect to the plurality of cores, Optical wiring equipped with [a specific feature].
10. The at least one optical fiber array is a plurality of optical fiber arrays. The optical wiring according to claim 9.