Holding member, optical fiber connection component, optical connector, connection assembly, and method for manufacturing optical fiber connection component

Abstract

A holding member (10) comprises a front wall face (10a), a rear wall face (10b), a plurality of insertion holes (11), a first side wall face (10c), a second side wall face (10f), and marks (15). The rear wall face (10b) is aligned with the front wall face (10a) along a first direction (X direction) which intersects the front wall face. The plurality of insertion holes (11) extend along the first direction (X direction) between the front wall face and the rear wall face and are aligned along a second direction (Y direction) which intersects the first direction. The plurality of insertion holes are capable of allowing a plurality of optical fibers to be inserted thereto. The first side wall face (10c) is disposed between the front wall face and the rear wall face, and intersects a third direction (Z direction) which intersects both the first direction and the second direction. The second side wall face (10f) is disposed between the front wall face and the rear wall face, and intersects the second direction (Y direction). The marks are formed on at least one of the first side wall face (10c) and the second side wall face (10f), and indicate respective positions of the plurality of insertion holes (11).

Description

Holding member, optical fiber connection part, optical connector, connection assembly, and method for manufacturing optical fiber connection part

[0001] This disclosure relates to a holding member, an optical fiber connection component, an optical connector, a connection assembly, and a manufacturing method of an optical fiber connection component. This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2024-001045, filed on January 9, 2024, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application.

[0002] A conventional holding member for holding a plurality of optical fibers is, for example, a hole array as described in Patent Document 1. This hole array has a plurality of insertion holes into which a plurality of optical fibers can be inserted, respectively. The plurality of optical fibers are inserted into and held in the plurality of insertion holes of the hole array, and then inserted into the optical connector ferrule.

[0003] International Publication No. 2018 / 135368

[0004] A holding member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a holding member disposed inside an optical connector ferrule while holding a plurality of optical fibers, the holding member including: a front wall surface; a rear wall surface aligned with the front wall surface along a first direction intersecting the front wall surface; a plurality of insertion holes extending along the first direction and aligned along a second direction intersecting the first direction between the front wall surface and the rear wall surface, into which each of the plurality of optical fibers can be inserted; a first side wall surface disposed between the front wall surface and the rear wall surface and intersecting a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction; a second side wall surface disposed between the front wall surface and the rear wall surface and intersecting the second direction; and marks formed on at least one of the first side wall surface and the second side wall surface that indicate the positions of each of the plurality of insertion holes.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a holding member according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the holding member of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an optical fiber splicing component including the holding member of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a tip surface of an optical fiber included in the optical fiber splicing component of FIG. 3. FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a manufacturing process of the optical fiber splicing component of FIG. 3. FIG. 5B is a plan view showing a manufacturing process of the optical fiber splicing component of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an optical connector including the optical fiber splicing component of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the optical connector of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a splicing assembly including the optical connector of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a holding member according to Modification 1. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the holding member of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a holding member according to Modification 2. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the holding member of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the holding member of FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a holding member according to Modification 3. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the holding member of FIG. 14. 16 is a side view showing the holding member of FIG. 14. FIG.

[0006] [Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure] When mounting optical fibers in the hole array described in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to directly observe the positions of the insertion holes in the hole array to identify the positions of the insertion holes into which the optical fibers are to be inserted. However, obstacles such as the hand of an operator holding the optical fiber or a jig may be present in the position opposite the insertion hole in the hole array, making it difficult to directly observe the positions of the insertion holes in the hole array due to such obstacles. In this case, the positions of the insertion holes in the hole array cannot be efficiently identified, and it may take a long time to mount the optical fibers in the hole array.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a holding member that allows easy mounting of an optical fiber, an optical fiber connection part, an optical connector, a connection assembly, and a method for manufacturing an optical fiber connection part.

[0008] Effect of the Present Disclosure According to the holding member, optical fiber connecting component, optical connector, connecting assembly, and method of manufacturing an optical fiber connecting component according to the present disclosure, optical fibers can be easily mounted.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] (1) According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a holding member is disposed inside an optical connector ferrule while holding a plurality of optical fibers, the holding member including: a front wall surface; a rear wall surface aligned with the front wall surface along a first direction intersecting the front wall surface; a plurality of insertion holes extending along the first direction between the front wall surface and the rear wall surface and aligned along a second direction intersecting the first direction, into which each of the plurality of optical fibers can be inserted; a first side wall surface disposed between the front wall surface and the rear wall surface and intersecting a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction; a second side wall surface disposed between the front wall surface and the rear wall surface and intersecting the second direction; and marks formed on at least one of the first side wall surface and the second side wall surface that indicate the positions of each of the plurality of insertion holes.

[0011] The holding member includes marks formed on at least one of the first and second side walls, indicating the positions of each of the multiple insertion holes. Obstacles, such as the operator's hand or a jig holding each optical fiber, may be present at positions facing the front or rear wall where each insertion hole is formed. Therefore, such obstacles make it difficult to directly observe the positions of each insertion hole from the front or rear wall. The marks indicating the positions of each insertion hole can be easily observed from at least one of the first and second side walls, where no such obstacles exist. Therefore, when mounting multiple optical fibers in the holding member, the marks can be detected from observation of at least one of the first and second side walls, allowing the positions of each of the multiple insertion holes to be easily identified using the marks. As a result, the positions of each optical fiber can be accurately aligned with the positions of each insertion hole, making it easy to insert each optical fiber into each insertion hole. Therefore, the holding member facilitates mounting optical fibers in the holding member.

[0012] (2) In the holding member described in (1) above, the marks may include a first mark formed on the first side wall surface and a second mark formed on the second side wall surface. In this case, the position of each insertion hole can be accurately identified using position information of each insertion hole obtained from observation of the first side wall surface using the first mark and position information of each insertion hole obtained from observation of the second side wall surface using the second mark.

[0013] (3) In the holding member according to (1) or (2), the mark may include one or more grooves formed in at least one of the first side wall surface and the second side wall surface. In this case, the position of each insertion hole can be easily identified based on the positional relationship between the one or more grooves and the multiple insertion holes from observation of at least one of the first side wall surface and the second side wall surface.

[0014] (4) In the holding member described in (3) above, the first side wall surface may include a first surface connected to the front wall surface and a second surface connecting the first surface and the rear wall surface and forming a recess in the first side wall surface. The multiple insertion holes may extend along the first direction from the wall surface connecting the first surface and the second surface to the rear wall surface. The multiple grooves may be formed in the second surface. Each of the multiple grooves may extend along the first direction and be aligned along the second direction on an extension of the central axis of each of the multiple insertion holes, or may be connected to each of the multiple insertion holes. In this case, the positions of each insertion hole in the first direction and the second direction can be easily determined from observation of the first side wall surface using each groove formed in the first side wall surface. This allows the first and second direction positions of each optical fiber to be accurately aligned with the first and second direction positions of each insertion hole. Furthermore, by placing each optical fiber in each groove, the third direction position of each optical fiber can be aligned with the third direction position of each insertion hole. As a result, by using the observation results of the first side wall surface, the position of each optical fiber can be accurately aligned with the position of each insertion hole, making it possible to easily insert each optical fiber into each insertion hole. Furthermore, by aligning each optical fiber with each groove, the posture of each optical fiber can be adjusted, making it possible to smoothly insert each optical fiber into each insertion hole.

[0015] (5) In the holding member described in (3) above, the multiple grooves may include multiple first grooves formed in the first side wall surface. Each of the multiple first grooves may extend along the first direction and be aligned along the second direction so as to be aligned with the central axes of the multiple insertion holes in the third direction. In this case, the positions of each insertion hole in the first direction and the second direction can be identified from observation of the first side wall surface using each first groove formed in the first side wall surface. This allows the positions of each optical fiber in the first direction and the second direction to be accurately aligned with the positions of each insertion hole in the first direction and the second direction, making it possible to easily insert each optical fiber into each insertion hole.

[0016] (6) In the holding member according to any one of (3) to (5), the plurality of grooves may include one second groove formed in the second side wall surface. The second groove may extend along the first direction so as to be aligned with the central axes of the plurality of insertion holes along the second direction. In this case, the positions of each insertion hole in the first direction and the third direction can be easily identified from observation of the second side wall surface using the second groove formed in the second side wall surface. This allows the positions of each optical fiber in the first direction and the third direction to be accurately aligned with the positions of each insertion hole in the first direction and the third direction, making it possible to easily insert each optical fiber into each insertion hole.

[0017] (7) In the holding member according to any one of (1) to (6), the mark may be formed on at least one of the first side wall surface and the second side wall surface and include one or more through holes communicating with the plurality of insertion holes. In this case, the position of each insertion hole can be easily identified based on the positional relationship between the one or more through holes and the plurality of insertion holes from observation of at least one of the first side wall surface and the second side wall surface.

[0018] (8) In the holding member described in (7) above, the plurality of through holes may be formed in the first side wall surface and may be aligned along the second direction so as to communicate with the plurality of insertion holes, respectively. Each of the plurality of through holes may be aligned along the third direction with the central axis of each of the plurality of insertion holes. In this case, the positions of each insertion hole in the first direction and the second direction can be identified from observation of the first side wall surface through each through hole formed in the first side wall surface. This allows the positions of each optical fiber in the first direction and the second direction to be accurately aligned with the positions of each insertion hole in the first direction and the second direction, making it possible to easily insert each optical fiber into each insertion hole.

[0019] (9) In the holding member described in (8) above, the plurality of through holes may include a plurality of first through holes aligned in a line along the second direction, and a plurality of second through holes aligned in a line along the second direction at positions offset in the first direction from the plurality of first through holes so as to be staggered with respect to the plurality of first through holes. In this case, compared to a case in which all of the through holes are formed to be aligned in a line along the second direction, it is possible to avoid the spacing between the through holes from becoming excessively narrow, thereby reducing the risk of a decrease in the mechanical strength of the wall portions between the through holes.

[0020] (10) An optical fiber splicing component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the holding member according to any one of (1) to (9) above and a plurality of optical fibers inserted into a plurality of insertion holes. Since this optical fiber splicing component includes the holding member according to any one of (1) to (9) above, as described above, it is easy to mount the optical fibers on the holding member.

[0021] (11) An optical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the optical fiber connecting component described in (10) above and an optical connector ferrule into which the optical fiber connecting component is inserted. Since this optical fiber connecting component includes the optical fiber connecting component described in (10) above, as described above, it is easy to mount the optical fiber on the holding member.

[0022] (12) A connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first optical connector and a second optical connector as the optical connectors described in (11) above. The first optical connector and the second optical connector are arranged to face each other along a first direction. Because this connection assembly includes the first optical connector and the second optical connector as the optical connectors described above, as described above, it is easy to mount an optical fiber on the holding member.

[0023] (13) A manufacturing method of an optical fiber splicing component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is the manufacturing method of an optical fiber splicing component described in (10) above. This manufacturing method includes the steps of: identifying the positions of each of the plurality of insertion holes using marks by observing at least one of the first side wall surface and the second side wall surface of the holding member; and inserting a plurality of optical fibers into each of the plurality of insertion holes based on the identified positions of each of the plurality of insertion holes. In this case, since the optical fibers can be easily inserted into each insertion hole based on the positions of each insertion hole identified using the marks, as described above, it is easy to mount the optical fibers on the holding member.

[0024] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of a holding member, an optical fiber splicing component, an optical connector, a splicing assembly, and a method for manufacturing an optical fiber splicing component according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the following description, the same elements in the drawings will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a holding member 10 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the holding member 10. An XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is shown in each figure. The holding member 10 has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance with the Y direction (second direction) as the longitudinal direction, the X direction (first direction) as the lateral direction, and the Z direction (third direction) as the thickness direction. In the following description, "up and down" may be defined by the relative position of the Z coordinate, "front and back" by the relative position of the X coordinate, and "left and right" by the relative position of the Y coordinate. A larger Z coordinate is "up." A larger X coordinate is "front." A larger Y coordinate is "right."

[0026] The holding member 10 is a member that holds a plurality of optical fibers 20 (see FIG. 3 described later). The holding member 10 is formed, for example, from a material such as quartz glass or a resin that is transparent to ultraviolet light, which is used when curing an ultraviolet-curable adhesive. Being transparent to ultraviolet light means that a material with a thickness of 3 mm has a transmittance of 40% or more for light with wavelengths of 360 nm to 410 nm. In this case, the holding member 10 can be manufactured inexpensively and with high precision. The holding member 10 may be formed, for example, from metal. In this case, the holding member 10 can be manufactured with even higher precision. When the holding member 10 is formed from quartz glass or metal, frictional resistance between the holding member 10 and the plurality of optical fibers 20 can be reduced.

[0027] 1 , the holding member 10 includes, for example, a front wall surface 10a, a rear wall surface 10b, and four side wall surfaces 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f. The front wall surface 10a is located at the front end of the holding member 10 in the X direction. The rear wall surface 10b is located at the rear end of the holding member 10 in the X direction. The front wall surface 10a and the rear wall surface 10b are aligned along the X direction so as to face in opposite directions. The front wall surface 10a and the rear wall surface 10b extend, for example, along a YZ plane perpendicular to the X direction and are arranged parallel to each other along the X direction.

[0028] The side wall surface 10c (first side wall surface) and the side wall surface 10d are disposed between the front wall surface 10a and the rear wall surface 10b and are aligned along the Z direction so as to face in opposite directions. The side wall surfaces 10c and 10d extend, for example, along an XY plane perpendicular to the Z direction and are aligned parallel to each other along the Z direction. The side wall surfaces 10c and 10d may be perpendicular to the front wall surface 10a and the rear wall surface 10b, for example. The side wall surfaces 10e and 10f (second side wall surfaces) are disposed between the front wall surface 10a and the rear wall surface 10b and are aligned along the Y direction so as to face in opposite directions. The side wall surfaces 10e and 10f extend, for example, along an XZ plane perpendicular to the Y direction and are aligned parallel to each other along the Y direction. The side wall surfaces 10e and 10f may be perpendicular to the front wall surface 10a, the rear wall surface 10b, the side wall surface 10c, and the side wall surface 10d.

[0029] The side wall surface 10c includes, for example, a first surface S1 and a second surface S2. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are aligned in order along the X direction between the front wall surface 10a and the rear wall surface 10b. The first surface S1 is connected to the front wall surface 10a and extends from the front wall surface 10a toward the rear wall surface 10b along the X direction. The second surface S2 is recessed in the Z direction relative to the first surface S1 and connected to the first surface S1 via a wall surface 10g. The second surface S2 extends in the X direction from the wall surface 10g to the rear wall surface 10b. The wall surface 10g is a connecting surface that connects the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, which forms a recess relative to the first surface S1, in the Z direction. The wall surface 10g extends, for example, along a YZ plane that intersects the X direction and is perpendicular to the first surface S1 and the second surface S2.

[0030] The holding member 10 has a plurality of insertion holes 11 formed therein, penetrating in the X direction from the wall surface 10g to the rear wall surface 10b. For example, each insertion hole 11 extends along the X direction and is arranged in a row along the Y direction. For example, each insertion hole 11 is formed closer to the side wall surface 10c than to the side wall surface 10d in the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 2 , each insertion hole 11 penetrates from the wall surface 10g to the rear wall surface 10b along the X direction and opens at the wall surface 10g and the rear wall surface 10b. The shape of each insertion hole 11 as viewed along the X direction is, for example, a circle centered on a central axis C11.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2 , openings 11a, which are first ends of the multiple insertion holes 11, are formed in the wall surface 10g. Openings 11b, which are second ends of the multiple insertion holes 11, are formed in the rear wall surface 10b. The inner diameter of each opening 11b is, for example, larger than the inner diameter of each opening 11a. The openings 11a, 11b are arranged in a line along the Y direction corresponding to each insertion hole 11. In this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which 12 insertion holes 11 are arranged at equal intervals in a line (12 x 1 line) along the Y direction. However, the number of insertion holes 11 is not limited to 12 and may be 4, 8, or 16. The insertion holes 11 do not have to be arranged in a line, but may be arranged in two or more lines.

[0032] Each insertion hole 11 includes, for example, a narrow diameter portion P1, an enlarged diameter portion P2, and a thick diameter portion P3. The narrow diameter portion P1 extends linearly in the X direction from the wall surface 10g toward the rear wall surface 10b. The narrow diameter portion P1 has an inner diameter that allows insertion of a coating removal portion 22 (see FIG. 3 ) of the optical fiber 20, which will be described later. The narrow diameter portion P1 is formed to rotatably hold the coating removal portion 22 around the central axis C20 of the optical fiber 20. The fact that the narrow diameter portion P1 is formed to rotatably hold the coating removal portion 22 around the central axis C20 means that the inner diameter of the narrow diameter portion P1 is set large enough to allow rotation of the coating removal portion 22 around the central axis C20, but small enough to determine the position of the coating removal portion 22 in the YZ plane. The inner diameter of the narrow diameter portion P1 is constant at each position along the X direction of the narrow diameter portion P1.

[0033] The large-diameter portion P3 is located between the small-diameter portion P1 and the rear wall surface 10b in the X direction. The large-diameter portion P3 extends linearly in the X direction toward the rear wall surface 10b. The large-diameter portion P3 has an inner diameter that allows the insertion of a coating portion 23 (see FIG. 3 ) of the optical fiber 20, which will be described later. The large-diameter portion P3 is formed to hold the coating portion 23 rotatably around the central axis C20. Therefore, the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion P3 is set to be large enough to allow rotation of the coating portion 23 around the central axis C20, and small enough to determine the position of the coating portion 23 in the YZ plane. The inner diameter of the large-diameter portion P3 is constant at each position along the X direction.

[0034] The expanded diameter portion P2 is located between the small diameter portion P1 and the large diameter portion P3 in the X direction and connects the small diameter portion P1 and the large diameter portion P3. The inner diameter of the expanded diameter portion P2 gradually increases from the small diameter portion P1 toward the large diameter portion P3 along the X direction. The expanded diameter portion P2 guides the coating-removed portion 22 of the optical fiber 20 inserted from the large diameter portion P3 to the small diameter portion P1. Each insertion hole 11 does not necessarily have to include both the small diameter portion P1 and the large diameter portion P3. Each insertion hole 11 may include only the small diameter portion P1 or only the large diameter portion P3. Each insertion hole 11 does not necessarily have to include the expanded diameter portion P2.

[0035] 1 , the holding member 10 according to this embodiment further includes marks 15 that indicate the positions of the multiple insertion holes 11. The marks 15 are formed on at least one of the side wall surfaces 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f of the wall surfaces of the holding member 10, but are not formed on the front wall surface 10a or the rear wall surface 10b. In this embodiment, the marks 15 are formed only on the side wall surface 10c of the holding member 10.

[0036] The mark 15 includes, for example, multiple grooves G and multiple through holes H. The multiple grooves G are formed on the second surface S2 of the side wall surface 10c. As shown in FIG. 2 , each of the multiple grooves G is formed on the second surface S2 on an extension line of each of the multiple insertion holes 11. When the side wall surface 10c is viewed along the Z direction, the multiple grooves G are arranged so as to overlap with the extension line of the central axis C11 of the multiple insertion holes 11. In other words, each groove G is arranged on the extension line of the central axis C11 of the insertion hole 11 when the side wall surface 10c is viewed along the Z direction. The grooves G are aligned in a row along the Y direction to correspond to each insertion hole 11, and extend linearly along the X direction. For example, each groove G is formed continuously along the X direction from the rear wall surface 10b to the wall surface 10g, and communicates with each insertion hole 11 formed in the wall surface 10g.

[0037] The cross-sectional shape of each groove G in the YZ plane perpendicular to the X direction is, for example, semicircular. The cross-sectional shape of each groove G may be, for example, V-shaped. The inner diameter of each groove G is, for example, the same as the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion P3 of each insertion hole 11, i.e., the outer diameter of the coating 23 of the optical fiber 20. The inner diameter of the groove G may be the diameter of an inscribed circle inscribed in the inner surface of the semicircular groove G. When the side wall surface 10c is viewed along the X direction, the central axis C of each groove G overlaps the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. That is, the central axis C of each groove G coincides with an extension line of the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. As a result, the inner surface of each groove G is smoothly connected to the inner surface of the insertion hole 11 without any steps. When the coating 23 of the optical fiber 20 is placed in the groove G, the central axis C of the groove G coincides with the central axis C20 of the optical fiber 20. The state in which the coating 23 of the optical fiber 20 is placed in the groove G means a state in which the outer circumferential surface of the coating 23 is in contact with the two inner surfaces that form the groove G.

[0038] Each groove G extends along the second surface S2 in the X direction and communicates with each insertion hole 11 via the wall surface 10g. Therefore, when viewing the side wall surface 10c along the Z direction, the point where each groove G intersects with the wall surface 10g can be detected as the start point P11 of each insertion hole 11 (see FIG. 5A ). In this embodiment, an extension of the central axis C of each groove G coincides with the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. Therefore, for example, the intersection point between the central axis C of each groove G and the wall surface 10g may be determined as the start point P11 of each insertion hole 11. In this way, by observing the side wall surface 10c, the position of each insertion hole 11 can be identified using each groove G. Therefore, each groove G functions as a marker indicating the position of each insertion hole 11 when observing the side wall surface 10c.

[0039] A plurality of through holes H are formed in the first surface S1 of the side wall surface 10c. Each through hole H is formed in the first surface S1 at a position aligned with the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11 in the Z direction. When viewed along the Z direction, each through hole H is arranged so as to overlap with the central axis C1 of each insertion hole 11. For example, each through hole H extends from the first surface S1 along the Z direction at a position overlapping with the thin-diameter portion P1 of each insertion hole 11 in the Z direction and communicates with the thin-diameter portion P1 of each insertion hole 11. When viewed along the Z direction, each through hole H has a circular shape, for example. The inner diameter of each through hole H is larger than the inner diameter of the thin-diameter portion P1, for example. Therefore, the inner surface of the thin-diameter portion P1 can be seen from each through hole H. Each through hole H may be formed at a position overlapping with the thick-diameter portion P3 of each insertion hole 11 in the Z direction or may communicate with the thick-diameter portion P3.

[0040] The multiple through holes H are, for example, arranged in two rows so as to be staggered on the first surface S1. The multiple through holes H include, for example, multiple first through holes H1 and multiple second through holes H2. The multiple first through holes H1 are arranged in a row at intervals along the Y direction. The multiple second through holes H2 are arranged in a row at intervals along the Y direction so as to be staggered with respect to the multiple first through holes H1. In other words, each second through hole H2 is arranged in a row along the Y direction at a position offset in the X direction from each first through hole H1 and at a position that does not completely overlap with each first through hole H1 in the X direction.

[0041] Therefore, when viewed along the X direction, the central axis C2 of each second through hole H2 is disposed between the central axes C1, C1 of the two first through holes H1, H1 adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The central axis C1 is an axis passing through the center of the first through hole H1 and extends along the Z direction. The central axis C2 is an axis passing through the center of the second through hole H2 and extends along the Z direction. When the side wall surface 10c is viewed along the Z direction, each of the central axes C1, C2 is disposed so as to overlap, for example, with the central axis C11 of the insertion hole 11.

[0042] The inner surface of the insertion hole 11 can be directly viewed from each through hole H. The inner surface of the insertion hole 11 visible from each through hole H is shown as two straight lines in FIG. 2 . The line connecting the centers of these two straight lines can be detected as the central axis C11 of the insertion hole 11. Therefore, when viewing the side wall surface 10c along the Z direction, for example, the point where the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11 intersects with the wall surface 10g can be detected as the starting point P11 (see FIG. 5A ) of each insertion hole 11. In this way, by observing the side wall surface 10c, the position of each insertion hole 11 can be identified using each through hole H. Therefore, each through hole H functions as a marker indicating the position of each insertion hole 11 when observing the side wall surface 10c.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an optical fiber splicing component 25 including a holding member 10. FIG. 4 is a front view showing an end face of an optical fiber included in the optical fiber splicing component 25. As shown in FIG. 3 , the optical fiber splicing component 25 includes, for example, a holding member 10 and a plurality of optical fibers 20. The plurality of optical fibers 20 are held by the holding member 10 while being inserted into a plurality of insertion holes 11 of the holding member 10. Each optical fiber 20 is, for example, an optical fiber that requires rotational alignment in the holding member 10 (i.e., adjustment of the position around the central axis C20). Each optical fiber 20 is, for example, a multi-core fiber (MCF). Each optical fiber 20 may also be, for example, a polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF).

[0044] 4, the optical fiber 20 includes a plurality of cores 14a, a cladding 14b covering the plurality of cores 14a, and a coating 14c surrounding the cladding 14b. At least one of the plurality of cores 14a is disposed in a region excluding the central axis C20, i.e., in a region shifted from the central axis C20. The central axis C20 is an axis passing through the center of the optical fiber 20 in a YZ plane perpendicular to the X direction.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3, the optical fiber 20 includes, for example, a coating-removed portion 22 and a coating portion 23. The coating-removed portion 22 is a portion of the optical fiber 20 where a predetermined length of the coating 14c (see Fig. 4) has been removed from the tip face 20a of the optical fiber 20, exposing the surface of the cladding 14b. The coating-removed portion 22 includes, for example, a plurality of cores 14a and a cladding 14b. The coating-removed portion 22 is inserted into the narrow-diameter portion P1 and the enlarged-diameter portion P2 of the insertion hole 11, and is fixed to the inner surface of the insertion hole 11 by a cured product of an adhesive injected into the insertion hole 11.

[0046] The coating portion 23 is a portion of the optical fiber 20 where the coating 14c remains. The coating portion 23 includes, for example, multiple cores 14a, cladding 14b, and coating 14c. The outer diameter of the coating portion 23 is larger than the outer diameter of the coating-removed portion 22 by the thickness of the coating 14c. The coating portion 23 is inserted into the large-diameter portion P3 of the insertion hole 11 and is fixed to the inner surface of the insertion hole 11 by a cured product of the adhesive injected into the insertion hole 11.

[0047] 5A and 5B are plan views showing the manufacturing process of the optical fiber splicing component 25. When manufacturing the optical fiber splicing component 25, as shown in Fig. 5A, first, a holding member 10 is prepared, having a plurality of grooves G, a plurality of first through holes H1, and a plurality of second through holes H2 formed in a side wall surface 10c. Then, as shown in Fig. 5B, a plurality of optical fibers 20 are inserted in the X direction into the plurality of insertion holes 11 of the holding member 10.

[0048] When inserting each optical fiber 20 into each insertion hole 11 of the holding member 10, for example, a jig for gripping each optical fiber 20 is placed at a position facing the rear wall surface 10b. Then, a camera for detecting each groove G and each through hole H formed in the side wall surface 10c is placed at a position facing the side wall surface 10c. In this manner, the camera is placed in a different direction from the jig for gripping each optical fiber 20 so as not to interfere with the jig. Then, by observing the side wall surface 10c through the camera, each groove G and each through hole H formed in the side wall surface 10c are detected from the observation result (image result) of the side wall surface 10c. Then, based on the positional relationship between each groove G and each insertion hole 11 and the positional relationship between each through hole H and each insertion hole 11, the position of each insertion hole 11 is identified using each groove G and each through hole H.

[0049] For example, from the observation of the side wall surface 10c, the central axis C of each groove G is detected, and the position of the intersection of the central axis C and the wall surface 10g is detected as the X-direction and Y-direction positions of the start point P11 of each insertion hole 11. Furthermore, from the observation of the side wall surface 10c, the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11 is detected through each through hole H, and the position of the intersection of the central axis C11 and the wall surface 10g is detected as the X-direction and Y-direction positions of the start point P11 of each insertion hole 11. In this way, when multiple grooves G and multiple through holes H are formed as markers on the side wall surface 10c, the X-direction and Y-direction positions of the start point P11 of each insertion hole 11 can be detected using either the multiple grooves G or the multiple through holes H. Therefore, the X-direction and Y-direction positions of the start point P11 of each insertion hole 11 can be accurately determined using the position information of the insertion hole 11 obtained using the multiple grooves G and the position information of the insertion hole 11 obtained using the multiple through holes H. As a result, the positions of the optical fiber 20 in the X and Y directions can be accurately aligned with the positions of the starting point P11 of the insertion hole 11 in the X and Y directions, which are identified from the observation of the side wall surface 10c.

[0050] Furthermore, since the central axis C of each groove G is located on an extension of the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11, the position in the Z direction of the central axis C of each groove G coincides with the position in the Z direction of the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. Therefore, by placing the optical fiber 20 in each groove G, the position in the Z direction of the central axis C20 of the optical fiber 20 can be accurately aligned with the position in the Z direction of the central axis C11 of the insertion hole 11. As a result, the three-dimensional position (i.e., the position in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction) of the central axis C20 of the optical fiber 20 can be accurately aligned with the position of the central axis C11 of the insertion hole 11.

[0051] With the optical fibers 20 aligned with the insertion holes 11 in this manner, each optical fiber 20 can be moved along the grooves G in the X direction toward the insertion holes 11, thereby allowing each optical fiber 20 to be smoothly inserted into each insertion hole 11. With each optical fiber 20 inserted into each insertion hole 11, an adhesive can be injected into each insertion hole 11 to obtain an optical fiber splicing component 25 in which each optical fiber 20 is held by the holding member 10. The insertion of each optical fiber 20 into each insertion hole 11 may be performed manually by an operator.

[0052] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector 2 including the optical fiber connecting component 25. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the optical connector 2. The optical connector 2 includes, for example, the optical fiber connecting component 25 and a ferrule 30. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7 , the ferrule 30 has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance. The optical fiber connecting component 25 is inserted into the ferrule 30 and fixed inside the ferrule 30. The optical connector 2 may include, for example, two optical fiber connecting components 25. In this case, the two optical fiber connecting components 25 may be inserted into the ferrule 30 in a state where they are stacked on top of each other in the Z direction so that their side wall surfaces 10c face each other.

[0053] The ferrule 30 includes, for example, a front surface 30a and a rear surface 30b. The front surface 30a is an end face located at the front end of the ferrule 30 along the X direction. The front surface 30a is, for example, slightly inclined with respect to the XZ plane. The front surface 30a exposes the tip surfaces 20a of the multiple optical fibers 20 inserted inside the ferrule 30. The rear surface 30b is an end face located at the rear end of the ferrule 30 along the X direction. The rear surface 30b has an opening 31 formed therein that can receive an optical fiber connecting component 25. Furthermore, the rear surface 30b has a pair of guide through holes 34 formed therein, into which a pair of guide pins 40 (see FIG. 8 ), described below, are respectively inserted. The pair of guide through holes 34 penetrate the ferrule 30 along the X direction from the front surface 30a to the rear surface 30b, and are formed on both sides of the opening 31 along the Y direction.

[0054] 8 is a perspective view showing a connection assembly 1 including a first optical connector 2a and a second optical connector 2b as the optical connectors 2. In the connection assembly 1, the front surface 30a of the first optical connector 2a and the front surface 30a of the second optical connector 2b face each other in the X direction with a gap between them. In this state, a pair of guide pins 40 fit into a pair of guide through holes 34 of the first optical connector 2a and a pair of guide through holes 34 of the second optical connector 2b. This defines the positions of the first optical connector 2a and the second optical connector 2b in the YZ plane.

[0055] For example, a spacer 50 is disposed between the front surface 30a of the first optical connector 2a and the front surface 30a of the second optical connector 2b. The spacer 50 is a plate-like member having an opening 50a. The opening 50a allows a plurality of optical paths extending between the first optical connector 2a and the second optical connector 2b to pass through. The spacer 50 abuts against the front surface 30a of the first optical connector 2a and the front surface 30a of the second optical connector 2b in the X direction, thereby defining a gap between the first optical connector 2a and the second optical connector 2b in the X direction.

[0056] The effects obtained by the holding member 10, the optical fiber connecting part 25, the optical connector 2, the connecting assembly 1, and the method for manufacturing the optical fiber connecting part 25 according to the present embodiment explained above will be explained.

[0057] When mounting the optical fiber 20 in the holding member 10, it is conceivable to place a camera at a position facing the rear wall surface 10b of the holding member 10 in order to identify the position of the insertion hole 11 into which the optical fiber 20 is to be inserted. Because obstacles, such as the hand of an operator holding the optical fiber 20 or a jig, exist at the position facing the rear wall surface 10b, such obstacles prevent the camera from being placed at a position facing the rear wall surface 10b. In other words, it is not possible to directly observe the position of the insertion hole 11 from the rear wall surface 10b. To avoid interference between the camera and obstacles, it is conceivable to place the camera at a position diagonally facing the rear wall surface 10b. In this case, the position of the insertion hole 11 can only be roughly evaluated, making it difficult to accurately identify the position of the insertion hole 11.

[0058] Marks 15 indicating the positions of each insertion hole 11 can be easily observed from the side wall surface 10c where no obstacles are present. Therefore, in this embodiment, when mounting a plurality of optical fibers 20 in the holding member 10, the marks 15 can be detected from the observation of the side wall surface 10c, and the positions of each of the plurality of insertion holes 11 can be easily identified using the marks 15. As a result, the position of each optical fiber 20 can be accurately aligned with the position of each insertion hole 11, making it possible to easily insert each optical fiber 20 into each insertion hole 11. Therefore, the holding member 10 according to this embodiment makes it easy to mount the optical fibers 20 in the holding member 10.

[0059] As in the present embodiment, the mark 15 may include a plurality of grooves G formed on the side wall surface 10 c. In this case, the position of each insertion hole 11 can be easily identified based on the positional relationship between the plurality of grooves G and the plurality of insertion holes 11 from the observation results of the side wall surface 10 c.

[0060] As in the present embodiment, each of the multiple grooves G may extend along the X direction and be aligned along the Y direction on an extension of the central axis C11 of each of the multiple insertion holes 11, or may be connected to each of the multiple insertion holes 11. In this case, the X- and Y-direction positions of each insertion hole 11 can be easily determined from observation of the side wall surface 10c using each groove G formed in the side wall surface 10c. This allows the X- and Y-direction positions of each optical fiber 20 to be aligned with the X- and Y-direction positions of each insertion hole 11. Furthermore, by placing each optical fiber 20 in each groove G, the Z-direction position of each optical fiber 20 can be aligned with the Z-direction position of each insertion hole 11. As a result, the position of each optical fiber 20 can be accurately aligned with the position of each insertion hole 11 using observation of the side wall surface 10c, making it possible to easily insert each optical fiber 20 into each insertion hole 11. Furthermore, by aligning each optical fiber 20 along each groove G, the posture of each optical fiber 20 can be adjusted, so that each optical fiber 20 can be smoothly inserted into each insertion hole 11.

[0061] As in the present embodiment, the mark 15 may be formed on the side wall surface 10c and may include a plurality of through holes H that communicate with the plurality of insertion holes 11. In this case, the position of each insertion hole 11 can be easily identified based on the positional relationship between the plurality of through holes H and the plurality of insertion holes 11 from the observation results of the side wall surface 10c.

[0062] As in the present embodiment, the multiple through holes H may be aligned along the Y direction so as to communicate with the multiple insertion holes 11, respectively. Each of the multiple through holes H may be aligned along the Z direction with the central axis C11 of each of the multiple insertion holes 11. In this case, the X- and Y-direction positions of each insertion hole 11 can be easily identified from observation of the side wall surface 10c through each through hole H formed in the side wall surface 10c. This allows the X- and Y-direction positions of each optical fiber 20 to be accurately aligned with the X- and Y-direction positions of each insertion hole 11, making it possible to easily insert each optical fiber 20 into each insertion hole 11. Furthermore, when through holes H are formed individually for the multiple insertion holes 11 as in the present embodiment, compared to when a single through hole is formed for the multiple insertion holes 11, there is an advantage in that the position of the central axis C11 of the insertion hole 11 can be more easily identified by utilizing the positional relationship between the edge of the through hole H and the inner surface of the insertion hole 11 when viewed from the side wall surface 10c.

[0063] As in the present embodiment, the plurality of through holes H may include a plurality of first through holes H1 aligned in a line along the Y direction, and a plurality of second through holes H2 aligned in a line along the Y direction at positions shifted in the X direction from the plurality of first through holes H1 so as to be staggered with respect to the plurality of first through holes H1. In this case, compared to a case in which all of the through holes H are formed to be aligned in a line along the Y direction, it is possible to avoid the spacing between the through holes H being excessively narrow, thereby reducing the risk of a decrease in the mechanical strength of the wall portions between the through holes H.

[0064] The holding member 10, optical fiber connection part 25, optical connector 2, connection assembly 1, and method of manufacturing the optical fiber connection part 25 of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be modified within the scope of the claims.

[0065] <Modification 1> FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a holding member 10A according to Modification 1. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the holding member 10A. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the holding member 10A includes a mark 15A that includes only a plurality of grooves G. Therefore, in the holding member 10A, the plurality of grooves G are formed as marks only on the second surface S2 of the side wall surface 10c, and no marks are formed on the first surface S1 of the side wall surface 10c. The holding member 10A has a similar configuration to the holding member 10 according to the above-described embodiment, except that the side wall surface 10c does not have a plurality of through holes H. As described above, even with the holding member 10A, observation of the side wall surface 10c reveals that the optical fibers 20 can be easily inserted into the insertion holes 11 using the grooves G as marks, facilitating the implementation of the optical fibers 20 into the holding member 10A.

[0066] <Modification 2> FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a holding member 10B according to Modification 2. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the holding member 10B. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the holding member 10B. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the holding member 10B includes a mark 15B including a single second groove G2 instead of multiple grooves G. Furthermore, the side wall surface 10c of the holding member 10B does not include a configuration corresponding to the second surface S2 described above, and extends continuously along the X direction from the front wall surface 10a to the rear wall surface 10b. Only multiple through holes H are formed in the side wall surface 10c. One second groove G2 is formed in the side wall surface 10f. Therefore, in the holding member 10B, the mark 15B is formed on both the side wall surface 10c and the side wall surface 10f. That is, the mark 15B includes a plurality of through holes H (first marks) formed in the side wall surface 10c and a second groove G2 (second mark) formed in the side wall surface 10f.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 , the second groove G2 is formed on the side wall surface 10f at a position aligned with the central axis C11 of the insertion hole 11 along the Y direction. When the side wall surface 10f is viewed along the Y direction, the second groove G2 extends linearly from the rear wall surface 10b to the front wall surface 10a along the X direction so as to overlap with the central axis C11 of the insertion hole 11. The cross-sectional shape of the second groove G2 on a YZ plane perpendicular to the X direction is, for example, rectangular. The cross-sectional shape of the second groove G2 may also be, for example, circular or V-shaped. The width of the second groove G2 in the Z direction may be, for example, smaller than the inner diameter of the narrow diameter portion P1 of each insertion hole 11 or may be larger than the inner diameter of the narrow diameter portion P1 of each insertion hole 11. When the side wall surface 10f is viewed along the Y direction, the central axis C22 of the second groove G2 overlaps with, for example, the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. The central axis C22 of the second groove G2 is an axis passing through the center of the width of the second groove G2 in the Z direction and extends along the X direction.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 13 , when the side wall surface 10f is viewed along the Y direction, the central axis C22 of the second groove G2 overlaps with the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. Therefore, the position of the central axis C22 of the second groove G2 when viewing the side wall surface 10f can be detected as the position of the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. The point where the central axis C22 of the second groove G2 intersects with the rear wall surface 10b can be detected as the start point P12 of each insertion hole 11. In this way, by observing the side wall surface 10f, the position of each insertion hole 11 can be identified using the second groove G2. Therefore, the second groove G2 functions as a marker indicating the position of each insertion hole 11 when observing the side wall surface 10f.

[0069] When inserting each optical fiber 20 into each insertion hole 11 of the holding member 10B, cameras are placed at positions facing the side wall surface 10c and the side wall surface 10f. From the observation of the side wall surface 10c, as described above, the X- and Y-direction positions of the start points P12 of each insertion hole 11 can be detected using the through holes H formed in the side wall surface 10c. Furthermore, from the observation of the side wall surface 10f, the X- and Z-direction positions of the start points P12 of each insertion hole 11 can be detected using the second grooves G2 formed in the side wall surface 10f. Therefore, by observing both the side wall surface 10c and the side wall surface 10f, the three-dimensional positions of the start points P12 of each insertion hole 11 can be accurately identified. As a result, the positions of each optical fiber 20 can be accurately aligned with the identified positions of each insertion hole 11, making it easy to insert each optical fiber 20 into each insertion hole 11.

[0070] <Modification 3> FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a holding member 10C according to Modification 2. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the holding member 10C. FIG. 16 is a side view showing the holding member 10C. As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the holding member 10C includes a mark 15C including multiple first grooves G1 and one second groove G2 instead of multiple grooves G. Furthermore, the side wall surface 10c of the holding member 10C does not have a configuration corresponding to the second surface S2 described above, and extends continuously along the X direction from the front wall surface 10a to the rear wall surface 10b. The multiple first grooves G1 are formed in the side wall surface 10c, and the one second groove G2 is formed in the side wall surface 10f. Therefore, in the holding member 10C, the mark 15C is formed on both the side wall surface 10c and the side wall surface 10f. That is, the mark 15C includes a plurality of first grooves G1 (first marks) formed in the side wall surface 10c and second grooves G2 (second marks) formed in the side wall surface 10f.

[0071] 14 and 15 , each of the first grooves G1 is formed on the side wall surface 10c at a position aligned along the Z direction with the central axis C11 of each of the insertion holes 11. When the side wall surface 10c is viewed along the Z direction, the first grooves G1 are arranged so as to overlap with the central axes C11 of the insertion holes 11. Therefore, the first grooves G1 are aligned in a row along the Y direction to correspond to each insertion hole 11, and extend linearly along the X direction. Each of the first grooves G1 is formed continuously on the side wall surface 10c, for example, from the rear wall surface 10b to the front wall surface 10a.

[0072] The cross-sectional shape of each first groove G1 in a YZ plane perpendicular to the X direction is, for example, rectangular. The cross-sectional shape of each second groove G2 may be, for example, circular or V-shaped. The width of each first groove G1 in the Y direction may be, for example, smaller than the inner diameter of the thin-diameter portion P1 of each insertion hole 11, or may be larger than the inner diameter of the thin-diameter portion P1 of each insertion hole 11. When the side wall surface 10c is viewed along the Z direction, the central axis C21 of each first groove G1 overlaps, for example, the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. The central axis C21 of each first groove G1 is an axis passing through the center of the Y-direction width of the first groove G1 and extends along the X direction.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 15 , when the side wall surface 10c is viewed along the Z direction, the central axis C21 of each first groove G1 overlaps the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. Therefore, the position of the central axis C21 of each first groove G1 when viewing the side wall surface 10c can be detected as the position of the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. The point where the central axis C21 of each first groove G1 intersects with the rear wall surface 10b can be detected as the start point P12 of each insertion hole 11. In this way, by observing the side wall surface 10c, the position of each insertion hole 11 can be identified using each first groove G1. Therefore, each first groove G1 functions as a mark indicating the position of each insertion hole 11 when observing the side wall surface 10c.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 , the second groove G2 is formed on the side wall surface 10f at a position aligned with the central axis C11 of the insertion hole 11 along the Y direction. When the side wall surface 10f is viewed along the Y direction, the second groove G2 extends linearly from the rear wall surface 10b to the front wall surface 10a along the X direction so as to overlap with the central axis C11 of the insertion hole 11. The cross-sectional shape of the second groove G2 on a YZ plane perpendicular to the X direction is, for example, rectangular. The cross-sectional shape of the second groove G2 may also be, for example, circular or V-shaped. The width of the second groove G2 in the Z direction may be, for example, smaller than the inner diameter of the narrow diameter portion P1 of each insertion hole 11 or may be larger than the inner diameter of the narrow diameter portion P1 of each insertion hole 11. The width of the second groove G2 in the Z direction may be, for example, the same as the width of the first groove G1 in the Y direction. When the side wall surface 10f is viewed along the Y direction, the central axis C22 of the second groove G2 overlaps, for example, the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. The central axis C22 of the second groove G2 is an axis passing through the center of the width of the second groove G2 in the Z direction and extends along the X direction.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 13 , when the side wall surface 10f is viewed along the Y direction, the central axis C22 of the second groove G2 overlaps with the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. Therefore, the position of the central axis C22 of the second groove G2 when viewing the side wall surface 10f can be detected as the position of the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. The point where the central axis C22 of the second groove G2 intersects with the rear wall surface 10b can be detected as the start point P12 of each insertion hole 11. In this way, by observing the side wall surface 10f, the position of each insertion hole 11 can be identified using the second groove G2. Therefore, the second groove G2 functions as a marker indicating the position of each insertion hole 11 when observing the side wall surface 10f.

[0076] When inserting each optical fiber 20 into each insertion hole 11 of the holding member 10C, cameras are placed at positions facing the side wall surface 10c and the side wall surface 10f. From the observation of the side wall surface 10c, as described above, the X- and Y-direction positions of the start points P12 of each insertion hole 11 can be detected using the first grooves G1 formed in the side wall surface 10c. Furthermore, from the observation of the side wall surface 10f, the X- and Z-direction positions of the start points P12 of each insertion hole 11 can be detected using the second grooves G2 formed in the side wall surface 10f. Therefore, by observing both the side wall surface 10c and the side wall surface 10f, the three-dimensional positions of the start points P12 of each insertion hole 11 can be accurately identified. As a result, the positions of each optical fiber 20 can be accurately aligned with the identified positions of each insertion hole 11, making it easy to insert each optical fiber 20 into each insertion hole 11.

[0077] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and each modified example, and various modifications are possible. For example, the above-described embodiment and each modified example may be combined with each other to a consistent extent depending on the required purpose and effect. In the above-described embodiment, the mark 15 includes multiple grooves G and multiple through holes H. However, the mark may include a single through hole instead of multiple through holes. In this case, the single through hole may be formed so as to overlap all of the insertion holes in the Z direction on the side wall surface of the holding member, or may be connected to all of the insertion holes.

[0078] Instead of a groove or a through hole, the marking may include, for example, a protrusion, a refractive index changing portion, a color changing portion, or a transparent portion. Therefore, each of the first marking and the second marking may be a groove, a through hole, a protrusion, a refractive index changing portion, a color changing portion, or a transparent portion. The combination of the first marking and the second marking may be any two selected from a groove, a through hole, a protrusion, a refractive index changing portion, a color changing portion, and a transparent portion. The protrusion may be a portion protruding from the side wall surface of the holding member. The refractive index changing portion may be a portion formed of a material having a refractive index different from that of the other portions. In this case, the refractive index changing portion can be identified from the side wall surface of the holding member by utilizing the difference in refractive index. The color changing portion may be a portion formed of a material having a color different from that of the other portions. In this case, the color changing portion can be identified from the side wall surface of the holding member by utilizing the difference in color. The transparent portion may be a portion made of a transparent material. "Transparency" refers to, for example, a property in which the transparent portion has a transmittance of 30% for visible light (e.g., wavelengths of 380 nm to 780 nm) per 3 mm thickness. Examples of transparent materials include quartz glass, quartz, polycarbonate, and acrylic.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the mark 15 is formed on the side wall surface 10c of the holding member 10. However, it is sufficient that the mark is formed on at least one of the four side wall surfaces 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f of the holding member 10. For example, the mark may be formed on another side wall surface, such as the side wall surface 10d or the side wall surface 10e of the holding member 10. In the above-described embodiment, the central axis C of each groove G included in the mark 15 is aligned with the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11 when viewed from the side wall surface 10c. However, the central axis C of each groove G does not necessarily have to be aligned with the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11. Similarly, the central axes C1 and C2 of each through hole H included in the mark 15 do not necessarily have to be aligned with the central axis C11 of each insertion hole 11 when viewed from the side wall surface 10c.

[0080] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Connection assembly 2...Optical connector 2a...First optical connector 2b...Second optical connector 10, 10A, 10B, 10C...Holding member 10a...Front wall surface 10b...Rear wall surface 10c...Side wall surface (first side wall surface) 10f...Side wall surface (second side wall surface) 10d, 10e...Side wall surface 10g...Wall surface 11...Insertion hole 11a, 11b, 31, 50a...Opening 14a...Core 14b...Cladding 14c...Coating 15, 15A, 15B, 15C...Mark 20...Optical fiber 20a...Tip surface 22...Coating removal portion 23...Coating portion 25...Optical fiber connecting part 30...Ferrule 30a...Front surface 30b...Rear surface 34...Guide through hole 40...Guide pin 50...Spacer C, C1, C2, C11, C20, C21, C22... Central axis G... Groove G1... First groove (first mark) G2... Second groove (second mark) H... Through hole (first mark) H1... First through hole H2... Second through hole S1... First surface S2... Second surface P1... Small diameter part P2... Expanded diameter part P3... Large diameter part P11, P12...Starting point

Claims

1. A holding member disposed inside an optical connector ferrule while holding a plurality of optical fibers, comprising: a front wall surface; a rear wall surface parallel to the front wall surface along a first direction intersecting the front wall surface; a plurality of insertion holes extending along the first direction and arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction, each of the plurality of optical fibers being insertable thereinto, between the front wall surface and the rear wall surface; a first side wall surface disposed between the front wall surface and the rear wall surface and intersecting a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction; a second side wall surface disposed between the front wall surface and the rear wall surface and intersecting the second direction; and a mark formed on at least one of the first side wall surface and the second side wall surface, indicating the position of each of the plurality of insertion holes.

2. The holding member according to claim 1, wherein the mark includes a first mark formed on the first side wall surface and a second mark formed on the second side wall surface.

3. The holding member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mark includes one or more grooves formed on at least one of the first side wall surface and the second side wall surface.

4. The first side wall surface includes a first surface connected to the front wall surface and a second surface connecting the first surface and the rear wall surface and forming a recess with respect to the first side wall surface. The plurality of insertion holes extend along the first direction from a wall surface connecting the first surface and the second surface to the rear wall surface. The plurality of grooves are formed on the second surface. Each of the plurality of grooves extends along the first direction and is arranged along the second direction on the extension line of each of the plurality of insertion holes and communicates with each of the plurality of insertion holes. The holding member according to claim 3.

5. The plurality of grooves include a plurality of first grooves formed on the first side wall surface. Each of the plurality of first grooves extends along the first direction and is arranged along the second direction so as to be aligned with the central axis of each of the plurality of insertion holes along the third direction. The holding member according to claim 3.

6. The plurality of grooves includes one second groove formed on the second side wall surface, and the second groove extends along the first direction so as to be aligned with the central axis of each of the plurality of insertion holes along the second direction. The holding member according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The mark is formed on at least one of the first side wall surface and the second side wall surface and includes one or more through holes communicating with the plurality of insertion holes. The holding member according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The plurality of through holes are formed on the first side wall surface and are arranged side by side along the second direction so as to communicate with the plurality of insertion holes respectively. Each of the plurality of through holes is arranged so as to be aligned with the central axis of each of the plurality of insertion holes along the third direction. The holding member according to claim 7.

9. The plurality of through holes include a plurality of first through holes arranged in a row along the second direction, and a plurality of second through holes arranged in a row along the second direction at positions shifted from the plurality of first through holes in the first direction so as to be staggered with respect to the plurality of first through holes. The holding member according to claim 8.

10. An optical fiber connection component comprising the holding member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the plurality of optical fibers respectively inserted into the plurality of insertion holes.

11. An optical connector comprising the optical fiber connection component according to claim 10, and the optical connector ferrule into which the optical fiber connection component is inserted.

12. A connection assembly comprising a first optical connector and a second optical connector as the optical connector according to claim 11, wherein the first optical connector and the second optical connector are arranged to face each other along the first direction.

13. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber connection component according to claim 10, comprising the steps of: identifying the position of each of the plurality of insertion holes using the mark by observing at least one of the first side wall surface and the second side wall surface of the holding member; and inserting the plurality of optical fibers into the plurality of insertion holes respectively based on the identified position of each of the plurality of insertion holes. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber connection component.

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