Optical wiring, optical transceiver, and method for assembling optical wiring

Abstract

Optical wiring according to one embodiment comprises: a plurality of optical fibers (12); a first connection component (11) provided at first ends of the plurality of optical fibers; and a second connection component (13) provided at second ends opposite from the first ends of the plurality of optical fibers. The positions of the optical fibers in the rotational direction about the axis (12f) of each of the optical fibers are the same among the plurality of optical fibers. The first connection component (11) has a first display part (11c) that shows the positions of the plurality of optical fibers at the first ends in the rotation direction. The second connection component (13) has a second display part (13c) that shows the positions of the plurality of optical fibers at the second ends in the rotation direction. Twisting of the plurality of optical fibers at the second ends (12h) with respect to the plurality of optical fibers at the first ends (12b) is 180° or less.

Description

Optical Wiring, Optical Transceiver, and Method for Assembling Optical Wiring

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical wiring, an optical transceiver, and a method for assembling an optical wiring. This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2024-164048 filed on September 20, 2024, and incorporates all the descriptions set forth in the above Japanese application.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an optical fiber adapter module. The optical fiber adapter module includes a plurality of optical fibers, fiber stubs and ferrule sleeves provided at the ends of the plurality of optical fibers, and a fiber array provided at the ends of the plurality of optical fibers opposite to the fiber stubs.

[0003] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0333336

[0004] The optical wiring according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of optical fibers, a first connection component provided at the first end of the plurality of optical fibers, and a second connection component provided at the second end opposite to the first end of the plurality of optical fibers. The positions of the plurality of optical fibers in the rotational direction about the axis of each optical fiber are the same as each other among the plurality of optical fibers. The first connection component has a first display portion indicating the positions of the plurality of optical fibers in the rotational direction at the first end. The second connection component has a second display portion indicating the positions of the plurality of optical fibers in the rotational direction at the second end. The twist of the plurality of optical fibers at the second end with respect to the plurality of optical fibers at the first end is 180° or less.

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an optical transceiver equipped with optical wiring according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing a first connecting component of the optical wiring according to an embodiment and the first end of the optical fiber. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a second connecting component of the optical wiring according to an embodiment and the second end of the optical fiber. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing optical wiring when the twist is 0°, 90°, and 180°. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the second connecting component of the optical wiring and the second end of the optical fiber when the twist is 90°. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the second connecting component of the optical wiring and the second end of the optical fiber when the twist is 180°. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a modified first connecting component and the first end of the optical fiber. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a modified second connecting component and the second end of the optical fiber. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a receptacle as an example. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an optical fiber array as an example. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps for assembling the optical wiring according to an embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an optical transceiver according to a modified example.

[0006] In a structure where optical components are connected to both ends of an optical fiber, twisting can occur in the optical fiber when connecting the ends to the optical components. In optical fibers that require rotational alignment, such as multicore fibers, if the above-mentioned twisting occurs, connection loss may increase, raising concerns about the reliability of the connection. If the above-mentioned twisting occurs in a short optical fiber, the twisting stress applied to the optical fiber may cause it to break.

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide optical wiring, optical transceivers, and methods for assembling optical wiring that can prevent increased connection loss and optical fiber breakage, thereby improving connection reliability.

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to prevent increased connection loss and breakage of optical fibers, thereby improving the reliability of the connection.

[0009] Embodiments of optical wiring, optical transceivers, and methods for assembling optical wiring according to this disclosure will be described.

[0010] (1) The optical wiring according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of optical fibers, a first connecting component provided at the first end of the plurality of optical fibers, and a second connecting component provided at the second end opposite to the first end of the plurality of optical fibers. The rotational position of each optical fiber with respect to the axis of each optical fiber is the same for all of the plurality of optical fibers. The first connecting component has a first indicator unit that shows the rotational position of the plurality of optical fibers at the first end. The second connecting component has a second indicator unit that shows the rotational position of the plurality of optical fibers at the second end. The twist of the plurality of optical fibers at the second end with respect to the plurality of optical fibers at the first end is 180° or less.

[0011] In this optical wiring, a first connecting component is provided at the first end of multiple optical fibers, and a second connecting component is provided at the second end opposite to the first end of the multiple optical fibers. The first connecting component has a first indicator that shows the rotational position of the optical fiber at the first end, and the second connecting component has a second indicator that shows the rotational position of the optical fiber at the second end. The rotational position of the optical fiber at the first end can be evaluated by the first indicator of the first connecting component, and the rotational position of the optical fiber at the second end can be evaluated by the second indicator of the second connecting component. Therefore, by looking at the first and second indicators, the amount of twist of the optical fiber from the first end to the second end can be evaluated. The twist of the optical fiber at the second end relative to the optical fiber at the first end is 180° or less. Since the twist of the optical fiber extending from the first end to the second end can be reduced to half a turn or less, the twisting stress applied to the optical fiber can be reduced, and the breakage of the optical fiber can be prevented. Since the twist is 180° or less, an increase in connection loss can be prevented, and the reliability of the connection can be improved.

[0012] (2) In (1) above, the length of each optical fiber may be 100 mm or less. Even if the length of each optical fiber is 100 mm or less, it is possible to prevent an increase in connection loss and breakage of the optical fibers, thereby improving the reliability of the connection.

[0013] (3) In (1) or (2) above, the first display unit may be formed on the outer edge of the first connecting component when viewed along the direction in which the optical fiber extends. The second display unit may be formed on the outer edge of the second connecting component when viewed along the same direction. In this case, when viewed along the direction in which the optical fiber extends, the first display unit is formed on the outer edge of the first connecting component and the second display unit is formed on the outer edge of the second connecting component. The first display unit and the second display unit can be easily recognized, so the optical fiber can be centered and fixed efficiently.

[0014] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the first display unit may be a first protruding portion that engages with the protrusions and recesses of the first optical component connected to the first connecting component. The second display unit may be a second protruding portion that engages with the protrusions and recesses of the second optical component connected to the second connecting component. In this case, the optical fiber can be fixed by engaging the first protruding portion with the protrusions and recesses of the first optical component and the second protruding portion with the protrusions and recesses of the second optical component. Therefore, rotational alignment and fixing of the optical fiber can be performed efficiently.

[0015] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the twist may be 0°. The first display unit may extend at a first angle with respect to the same orientation of the multiple optical fibers. The second display unit may extend at a second angle with respect to the same orientation of the multiple optical fibers.

[0016] (6) In (5) above, the first angle may be 0°. The second angle may be any one of 0°, 90°, and 180°.

[0017] (7) In (5) above, the first angle may be 90°. The second angle may also be 90°.

[0018] (8) In any of (1) to (7) above, at least one of the first connecting component and the second connecting component may be a receptacle.

[0019] (9) In any of (1) to (7) above, at least one of the first connecting component and the second connecting component may be an optical fiber array.

[0020] (10) The optical transceiver according to this embodiment comprises the optical wiring described above and a light-emitting / receiving element to which the second connecting component is connected, and an optical connector is connected to the first connecting component. This optical transceiver includes the optical wiring described above. The same effects as the optical wiring described above can be obtained from this optical transceiver.

[0021] (11) The optical wiring assembly method according to this embodiment comprises the steps of fixing the first ends of a plurality of optical fibers to a first connecting component, extending the plurality of optical fibers from the first connecting component without twisting, and rotating and centering the second ends of the plurality of optical fibers opposite to the first ends and fixing them to a second connecting component. In the step of fixing to the second connecting component, rotational centering is performed so that the twist of the plurality of optical fibers at the second end relative to the plurality of optical fibers at the first end is 180° or less.

[0022] In this optical wiring assembly method, a first connecting component is fixed to the first end of multiple optical fibers, and a second connecting component is fixed to the second end opposite to the first end of the multiple optical fibers. The second end is rotationally aligned and fixed to the second connecting component. In this assembly method, rotational alignment is performed so that the twist of the multiple optical fibers at the second end relative to the multiple optical fibers at the first end is 180° or less. Since the twist of the optical fibers from the first end to the second end can be reduced to half a turn or less, the torsional stress applied to the optical fibers can be reduced, preventing the optical fibers from breaking. By performing rotational alignment so that the twist is 180° or less, an increase in connection loss can be prevented, thereby improving the reliability of the connection.

[0023] (12) In (11) above, the step of fixing to the first connecting component may include rotating and centering the first ends of the multiple optical fibers and fixing them to the first connecting component.

[0024] (13) In (11) or (12) above, the step of fixing to the first connecting component may include fixing the first ends of the plurality of optical fibers to the first connecting component such that the first display portion of the first connecting component is at a first angle with respect to the same orientation of the plurality of optical fibers.

[0025] (14) In any of (11) to (13) above, the step of fixing to the second connecting component may include fixing the second ends of the multiple optical fibers to the second connecting component such that the second display portion of the second connecting component is at a second angle with respect to the same orientation of the multiple optical fibers.

[0026] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] Specific examples of optical wiring, optical transceivers, and methods for assembling optical wiring according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following examples, but is indicated by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the scope equivalent to the claims. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted where appropriate. The drawings may be simplified or exaggerated in part for ease of understanding, and dimensional ratios, etc., are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical transceiver 1 as an example. The optical transceiver 1 comprises a housing 2, optical wiring 10, a second optical component 3, and a control circuit 4 that transmits and receives electrical signals with the second optical component 3. The optical transceiver 1 is inserted, for example, into a cage provided in a host system.

[0028] The housing 2 is, for example, made of metal. The housing 2 extends in a first direction D1, a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, and a third direction D3 intersecting both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. For example, the length of the optical transceiver 1 in the first direction D1 is greater than the length of the optical transceiver 1 in the second direction D2, and the length of the optical transceiver 1 in the second direction D2 is greater than the length of the optical transceiver 1 in the third direction D3.

[0029] The second optical component 3 is located inside the housing 2. In this embodiment, the second optical component 3 is a light-emitting / receiving element. The second optical component 3 is, for example, a TOSA (Transmitter Optical Sub-Assembly). In this case, the second optical component 3 converts an electrical signal from the control circuit 4 into an optical signal, and the optical signal converted by the second optical component 3 is output to the outside of the optical transceiver 1 through the optical wiring 10. The second optical component 3 may also be a ROSA (Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly). In this case, the second optical component 3 converts an optical signal received from outside the optical transceiver 1 into an electrical signal. The electrical signal converted by the second optical component 3 is output to the control circuit 4.

[0030] The control circuit 4 is electrically connected, for example, to an electrical plug extending from the housing 2 to the outside of the housing 2. In this case, communication between the optical transceiver 1 and the host system is established when the electrical plug engages with an electrical connector inside the cage. The control circuit 4 performs signal processing on the electrical signal received from the second optical component 3, for example, and outputs the electrical signal to the host system. The host system may also input an electrical signal for transmission to the control circuit 4. In this case, the control circuit 4 processes the electrical signal, and the electrical signal processed by the control circuit 4 is transmitted to the second optical component 3.

[0031] The optical wiring 10 comprises a first connecting component 11, a plurality of optical fibers 12 extending from the first connecting component 11, and a second connecting component 13 provided at the end of the plurality of optical fibers 12 opposite to the first connecting component 11. The first connecting component 11 is fixed, for example, to the wall portion 2b of the housing 2. A first optical component 5 is connected to the first connecting component 11. The first optical component 5 is, for example, an optical connector. The first optical component 5 holds a plurality of optical fibers 6. When the first optical component 5 is connected to the first connecting component 11, each of the plurality of optical fibers 6 is optically coupled to each of the plurality of optical fibers 12.

[0032] Figure 2 shows the end face 11b of the first connecting component 11 when viewed along the first direction D1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first connecting component 11 is provided on the first end 12b, which is the end face of a plurality of optical fibers 12. The optical fibers 12 extend from the first connecting component 11 into the interior of the housing 2. The length of each optical fiber 12 is, for example, 100 mm or less. The length of each optical fiber 12 may be 10 mm or more and 100 mm or less. Each of the plurality of optical fibers 12 is an optical fiber that requires rotational alignment. For example, the optical fiber 12 is a multi-core fiber (MCF). However, the optical fiber 12 may be a polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF) or a hollow-core fiber (HCF).

[0033] For example, optical fiber 12 has multiple cores 12c and a cladding 12d surrounding the multiple cores 12c. For example, optical fiber 6 has multiple cores and a cladding surrounding the multiple cores. In order to properly perform optical coupling between the multiple optical fibers 12 and the multiple optical fibers 6, it is necessary to align the rotational positions of the multiple optical fibers 12 with the rotational positions of the multiple optical fibers 6. The rotational direction of the optical fiber 12 refers to the position of the rotational direction θ of each optical fiber 12 around the axis 12f of each optical fiber 12. The position of the rotational direction θ of each optical fiber 12 is the same for all of the multiple optical fibers 12.

[0034] Figure 3 shows the end face 13b of the second connecting component 13 when viewed along the first direction D1. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the second connecting component 13 is provided on the second end 12h, which is the end face opposite to the first end 12b of the plurality of optical fibers 12. The second connecting component 13 is located inside the housing 2. The second connecting component 13 is optically coupled to the second optical component 3. The second connecting component 13 is fixed to the second optical component 3, for example, by adhesive.

[0035] The first connecting component 11 has a first indicator section 11c that shows the position of the rotational direction θ of the multiple optical fibers 12 at the first end 12b. The position of the rotational direction θ of the optical fibers 12 at the first end 12b can be evaluated by looking at the first indicator section 11c. The first indicator section 11c is a mark that shows the position of the rotational direction θ of the optical fibers 12 at the first end 12b. The first indicator section 11c may have a different color from the other parts of the first connecting component 11. The first indicator section 11c is formed on the outer edge 11d of the first connecting component 11 when the first connecting component 11 is viewed along the direction in which the optical fibers 12 extend (for example, the first direction D1).

[0036] For example, the first display unit 11c extends along the direction in which multiple cores 12c are aligned at the first end 12b. The first connecting component 11 is, for example, polygonal in shape. The first connecting component 11 may have the first display unit 11c on one of its multiple faces. For example, the end face 11b of the first connecting component 11 is polygonal. When the first connecting component 11 is viewed along the direction in which the optical fiber 12 extends, the first display unit 11c may be formed on one side of the polygonal first connecting component 11. The first display unit 11c only needs to be recognizable when viewed, and the arrangement of the first display unit 11c is not particularly limited.

[0037] The second connecting component 13 has a second indicator section 13c that shows the position of the rotational direction θ of the multiple optical fibers 12 at the second end 12h. The position of the rotational direction θ of the optical fibers 12 at the second end 12h can be evaluated by looking at the second indicator section 13c. The second indicator section 13c is a mark that shows the position of the rotational direction θ of the optical fibers 12 at the second end 12h. The second indicator section 13c is formed on the outer edge 13d of the second connecting component 13 when the second connecting component 13 is viewed along the direction in which the optical fibers 12 extend (for example, the opposite direction to the first direction D1).

[0038] For example, the second display unit 13c extends along the direction in which multiple cores 12c are aligned at the second end 12h. The second connecting component 13 is, for example, polygonal in shape. For example, the end face 13b of the second connecting component 13 is polygonal in shape. The second display unit 13c is formed identically to the first display unit 11c, for example. The second display unit 13c only needs to be recognizable when viewed, and the arrangement of the second display unit 13c is not particularly limited.

[0039] The rotation direction θ may differ between the multiple optical fibers 12 at the first end 12b and the multiple optical fibers 12 at the second end 12h. Twisting may occur in the optical fiber 12 between the first end 12b and the second end 12h. Twisting of the optical fiber 12 refers to the difference between the position of the rotation direction θ of the optical fiber 12 at the first end 12b and the position of the rotation direction θ of the optical fiber 12 at the second end 12h.

[0040] A twist of 0° means that the position of the rotation direction θ of the optical fiber 12 at the first end 12b and the position of the rotation direction θ of the optical fiber 12 at the second end 12h are the same, and the optical fiber 12 is not rotating around the axis 12f between the first end 12b and the second end 12h. A twist of 180° means that the position of the rotation direction θ of the optical fiber 12 at the first end 12b and the position of the rotation direction θ of the optical fiber 12 at the second end 12h are shifted by 180°. In other words, a twist of 180° means that the optical fiber 12 is rotating 180° (half a turn) around the axis 12f between the first end 12b and the second end 12h.

[0041] In this embodiment, the twist of the multiple optical fibers 12 at the second end 12h relative to the multiple optical fibers 12 at the first end 12b is 180° or less. That is, the twist of the optical fibers 12 at the second end 12h relative to the optical fibers 12 at the first end 12b is half a turn or less. In the examples of Figures 2 and 3, the twist of the multiple optical fibers 12 at the second end 12h relative to the multiple optical fibers 12 at the first end 12b is 0°. That is, there is no twist between the first end 12b and the second end 12h.

[0042] As described above, the position of the optical fiber 12 in the rotational direction θ at the first end 12b can be evaluated by looking at the first display unit 11c, and the position of the optical fiber 12 in the rotational direction θ at the second end 12h can be evaluated by looking at the second display unit 13c. The first display unit 11c extends at a first angle with respect to the same orientation of the multiple optical fibers 12. The second display unit 13c extends at a second angle with respect to the same orientation of the multiple optical fibers 12. The same orientation of the multiple optical fibers 12 is, for example, a second direction D2. In this case, the first angle is the angle made by the first display unit 11c with respect to the second direction D2, and the second angle is the angle made by the second display unit 13c with respect to the second direction D2. The difference between the second angle and the first angle corresponds to the twist described above.

[0043] In the examples in Figures 2 and 3, the first angle is 0° and the second angle is 0°. Figure 4 schematically shows the optical wiring 10 when the twist is 0°, 90°, and 180°. As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, when the twist is 0°, the direction in which the first display unit 11c is located when viewed from the center 11h of the end face 11b of the first connecting component 11 and the direction in which the second display unit 13c is located when viewed from the center 13h of the end face 13b of the second connecting component 13 are the same. By observing this state, it can be evaluated that there is no twist between the first end 12b and the second end 12h. By observing the position (orientation) of the first display unit 11c in the first connecting component 11 and the position (orientation) of the second display unit 13c in the second connecting component 13, it can be evaluated that there is no twist between the first end 12b and the second end 12h.

[0044] A twist of 180° or less may occur between the first end 12b and the second end 12h. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the second connecting component 13 in a state different from that of FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, depending on the aspect of the second optical component 3, the orientation of the second connecting component 13 may need to be changed with respect to the orientation of the first connecting component 11. The twist of the plurality of optical fibers 12 at the second end 12h with respect to the plurality of optical fibers 12 at the first end 12b may be 90°. At this time, the first angle is 0° and the second angle is 90°.

[0045] A 90° twist occurs between the first end 12b and the second end 12h. For example, the direction in which the first display portion 11c is located from the center 11h of the end face 11b of the first connecting component 11 and the direction in which the second display portion 13c is located from the center 13h of the end face 13b of the second connecting component 13 are displaced by 90°. By observing this state, it can be evaluated that a 90° twist occurs between the first end 12b and the second end 12h.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the second connecting component 13 in a state different from that of FIGS. 3 and 5. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, the twist of the plurality of optical fibers 12 at the second end 12h with respect to the plurality of optical fibers 12 at the first end 12b may be 180°. The first angle may be 0° and the second angle may be 180°. In this case, a 180° twist occurs between the first end 12b and the second end 12h. For example, the direction in which the first display portion 11c is located from the center 11h of the end face 11b of the first connecting component 11 and the direction in which the second display portion 13c is located from the center 13h of the end face 13b of the second connecting component 13 are displaced by 180°. By observing this state, it can be evaluated that a 180° twist occurs between the first end 12b and the second end 12h.

[0047] As described above, the first display portion 11c is formed, for example, on the outer edge 11d of the first connecting component 11 when the first connecting component 11 is viewed along the direction in which the optical fiber 12 extends. As shown in FIG. 7, the first display portion 11c may be formed at a location other than the outer edge 11d of the first connecting component 11. The first display portion 11c is, for example, the first concavo-convex portion 11j.

[0048] The concavo-convex portion 11j of the first engages with the concavo-convex portion of the first optical component 5. The first concavo-convex portion 11j is, for example, a concave portion that depresses from the end face 11b of the first connection component 11 in the first direction D1. In this case, the convex portion of the first optical component 5 engages with the first concavo-convex portion 11j. The first concavo-convex portion 11j may be a convex portion that protrudes from the end face 11b in the first direction D1, and the shape and mode of the first concavo-convex portion 11j are not particularly limited. For example, the convex portion of the first optical component 5 is a latch of an optical connector, and the first concavo-convex portion 11j may be an adapter portion with which the latch engages. When the first display portion 11c is the first concavo-convex portion 11j, the position of the first connection component 11 in the rotation direction θ with respect to the first optical component 5 can be easily adjusted by the engagement of the concavo-convex portions.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 8, the second display portion 13c may be formed at a location other than the outer edge 13d of the second connection component 13. The second display portion 13c may be a second concavo-convex portion 13j. The concavo-convex portion of the second optical component 3 engages with the second concavo-convex portion 13j. For example, the shape and mode of the second concavo-convex portion 13j are the same as those of the first concavo-convex portion 11j. When the second display portion 13c is the second concavo-convex portion 13j, the position of the second connection component 13 in the rotation direction θ with respect to the second optical component 3 can be easily adjusted by the engagement of the concavo-convex portions.

[0050] Hereinafter, various modified examples of the first connection component 11 and the second connection component 13 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the first connection component 11 may be a receptacle 11k. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the receptacle 11k. For example, the first optical component 5, which is an external connector, engages with the receptacle 11k. The receptacle 11k is, for example, cylindrical. The shape of the receptacle 11k does not have to be cylindrical and is not particularly limited.

[0051] The second connecting component 13 may be a receptacle. As shown in Figure 10, the second connecting component 13 may be an optical fiber array 13k. The optical fiber array 13k includes, for example, a grooved substrate 13q having a plurality of grooves 13p on which each of a plurality of optical fibers 12 is placed, and a cover 13r that covers the plurality of optical fibers 12 placed in the grooves 13p. The configuration of the optical fiber array 13k is not limited to a configuration comprising a grooved substrate 13q and a cover 13r, and is not particularly limited. The first connecting component 11 may also be an optical fiber array.

[0052] The method for assembling the optical wiring according to this embodiment will now be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps for assembling the optical wiring. Below, an example of how to assemble the optical wiring 10 will be described. First, the first ends 12b of the multiple optical fibers 12 are fixed to the first connecting component 11 (step of fixing the first ends to the first connecting component). At this time, the optical fibers 12 are rotated and centered relative to the first connecting component 11 to fix the optical fibers 12 to the first connecting component 11 (step S1).

[0053] Rotational alignment of the optical fiber 12 with respect to the first connecting component 11 is performed while observing the first end 12b of the optical fiber 12. More specifically, light is incident on the optical fiber 12 from the side and at least one of the second end 12h, and the optical fiber 12 is rotated while observing the first end 12b with the light illuminating it. This adjusts the position of the rotational direction θ of the optical fiber 12. The first ends 12b of multiple optical fibers 12 are rotationally aligned and fixed to the first connecting component 11. The multiple optical fibers 12 are fixed to the first connecting component 11 with the rotational direction θ positions of the multiple cores 12c of the optical fiber 12 matching the rotational direction θ positions of the multiple cores of the optical fiber 6. The optical fibers 12 are fixed to the first connecting component 11, for example, by adhesive. The first ends 12b of multiple optical fibers 12 may be fixed to the first connecting component 11 such that the first display portion 11c of the first connecting component 11 is at a first angle with respect to the same orientation of the multiple optical fibers 12. The first angle is 0° as an example, but it could also be 90°.

[0054] Multiple optical fibers 12 are extended from the first connecting component 11 without twisting (step S2, step of extending multiple optical fibers). At this time, the twisting state of the optical fibers 12 may be managed by observing the side surface of the optical fibers 12 and measuring the arrangement pattern of the core 12c of the optical fibers 12. In this case, the occurrence of twisting of the optical fibers 12 can be prevented more reliably. As a method for detecting the twisting of the optical fibers 12 between the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 13 and adjusting the orientation of the optical fibers 12, for example, the optical fibers 12 may be observed from the side and elements other than the cladding of the optical fibers 12 (e.g., the core or stress application part) may be measured. In this case, when twisting occurs in the optical fiber 12, the positional movement of the elements in a helical manner in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 12 can be measured. It is possible to adjust the twisting of the optical fibers 12 between the first connecting component 11 and the second connecting component 13 to a desired amount of twisting.

[0055] The second end 12h of the optical fiber 12, which has been extended without twisting starting from the first connecting component 11, is fixed to the second connecting component 13 (step of fixing the second end to the second connecting component). At this time, the second end 12h opposite to the first end 12b of the multiple optical fibers 12 is rotated and fixed to the second connecting component 13 (step of fixing the second end to the second connecting component). The rotational alignment of the optical fiber 12 with respect to the second connecting component 13 may be performed while observing the second end 12h of the optical fiber 12. Light is incident on the optical fiber 12 from the side and from at least one of the first end 12b, and the optical fiber 12 is rotated while observing the second end 12h with the light illuminating it. This may be used to adjust the position of the rotation direction θ of the optical fiber 12.

[0056] Rotational alignment of the optical fiber 12 may be performed by irradiating the optical fiber 12 from the side of the optical fiber 12 and from at least one of the first end 12b or the second end 12h. Rotational alignment of the optical fiber 12 may also be performed by looking at at least one of the first display unit 11c and the second display unit 13c. When rotating the second end 12h and fixing it to the second connecting component 13, rotational alignment is performed so that the twist of the multiple optical fibers 12 at the second end 12h relative to the multiple optical fibers 12 at the first end 12b is 180° or less. The multiple optical fibers 12 are then fixed to the second connecting component 13 in this rotationally aligned state. The second ends 12h of the multiple optical fibers 12 may be fixed to the second connecting component 13 such that the second display unit 13c of the second connecting component 13 is at a second angle with respect to the same orientation of the multiple optical fibers 12. The second angle is, for example, 0°, 90°, or 180°. After the above steps, the series of steps for assembling the optical wiring 10 is completed.

[0057] The effects obtained from the optical wiring 10, optical transceiver 1, and optical wiring assembly method according to this embodiment will be explained. In the optical wiring 10 and optical transceiver 1, a first connecting component 11 is provided at the first end 12b of a plurality of optical fibers 12, and a second connecting component 13 is provided at the second end 12h of the plurality of optical fibers 12 opposite to the first end 12b. The first connecting component 11 has a first display unit 11c that indicates the position of the optical fiber 12 in the rotation direction θ at the first end 12b, and the second connecting component 13 has a second display unit 13c that indicates the position of the optical fiber 12 in the rotation direction θ at the second end 12h. The position of the optical fiber 12 in the rotation direction θ at the first end 12b can be evaluated by the first display unit 11c of the first connecting component 11, and the position of the optical fiber 12 in the rotation direction θ at the second end 12h can be evaluated by the second display unit 13c of the second connecting component 13. Therefore, by looking at the first display unit 11c and the second display unit 13c, the amount (angle) of twist in the optical fiber 12 from the first end 12b to the second end 12h can be evaluated.

[0058] In the optical wiring 10, optical transceiver 1, and optical wiring assembly method according to this embodiment, the twist of the optical fiber 12 at the second end 12h relative to the optical fiber 12 at the first end 12b is 180° or less. Since the twist of the optical fiber 12 extending from the first end 12b to the second end 12h can be reduced to half a turn or less, the torsional stress applied to the optical fiber 12 can be reduced, thereby preventing the optical fiber 12 from breaking. Since an increase in connection loss can be prevented by keeping the twist at 180° or less, the reliability of the connection can be improved.

[0059] The length of each optical fiber 12 may be 100 mm or less. Even if the length of each optical fiber 12 is 100 mm or less, it is possible to prevent increased connection loss and breakage of the optical fiber 12, thereby improving the reliability of the connection.

[0060] The first display unit 11c may be formed on the outer edge 11d of the first connecting component 11 when the first connecting component 11 is viewed along the direction in which the optical fiber 12 extends. The second display unit 13c may be formed on the outer edge 13d of the second connecting component 13 when the second connecting component 13 is viewed along the same direction. In this case, when viewed along the direction in which the optical fiber 12 extends, the first display unit 11c is formed on the outer edge 11d of the first connecting component 11, and the second display unit 13c is formed on the outer edge of the second connecting component 13. Since the first display unit 11c and the second display unit 13c can be easily recognized, the optical fiber 12 can be centered and fixed efficiently.

[0061] The first display unit 11c may be a first recessed portion 11j that engages with the recesses of the first optical component 5 connected to the first connecting component 11. The second display unit 13c may be a second recessed portion 13j that engages with the recesses of the second optical component 3 connected to the second connecting component 13. In this case, the optical fiber 12 can be fixed by engaging the first recessed portion 11j with the recesses of the first optical component 5 and the second recessed portion 13j with the recesses of the second optical component 3. Therefore, rotational alignment and fixing of the optical fiber 12 can be performed efficiently.

[0062] Embodiments of optical wiring, optical transceivers, and methods for assembling optical wiring according to this disclosure have been described above. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways within the scope of the gist described in the claims. For example, the shape, size, material, number, and arrangement of each part of the optical wiring and optical transceivers, as well as the content and sequence of steps in the method for assembling optical wiring, can be appropriately changed within the scope of the gist described above.

[0063] Figure 12 shows an optical wiring 10A and optical transceiver 1A according to a modified example. In the following, explanations of configurations that overlap with the configurations of the optical wiring 10 and optical transceiver 1 described above will be omitted as appropriate. The optical wiring 10A comprises two first connecting components 11, two optical fibers 12, and one second connecting component 13. Each of the two first connecting components 11 is connected to each of the two first optical components 5. As with the optical wiring 10A and optical transceiver 1A, the number of first connecting components 11 can be changed as appropriate. The number of optical fibers 12 and the number of second connecting components 13 are also similar or identical.

[0064] In the embodiment described above, an optical wiring 10 was described in which the first connecting component 11 has a first display unit 11c and the second connecting component 13 has a second display unit 13c. The optical wiring may also include at least one of the first connecting component that does not have the first display unit 11c and the second connecting component that does not have the second display unit 13c.

[0065] A first indicator unit showing the position of the multiple optical fibers 12 in the rotational direction θ at the first end 12b may be provided on the optical fiber 12. The first indicator unit may be provided, for example, at the first end 12b of the optical fiber 12, or it may be formed on the first end 12b as a marker with a refractive index different from that of the cladding 12d. A second indicator unit showing the position of the multiple optical fibers 12 in the rotational direction θ at the second end 12h is similar or identical. The second indicator unit may be provided, for example, at the second end 12h of the optical fiber 12, or it may be formed on the second end 12h as the marker described above.

[0066] 1, 1A...Optical transceiver 2...Housing 2b...Wall 3...Second optical component 4...Control circuit 5...First optical component 6...Optical fiber 10, 10A...Optical wiring 11...First connector 11b...End face 11c...First display section 11d...Outer edge 11h...Center 11j...First protrusions 11k...Receptacle 12...Optical fiber 12b...First end 12c...Core 12d...Cladding 12f...Axis 12h...Second end 13...Second connector 13b...End face 13c...Second display section 13d...Outer edge 13h...Center 13j...Second protrusions 13k...Optical fiber array 13p...Groove 13q...Groove substrate 13r...Lid

Claims

1. Optical wiring comprising: a plurality of optical fibers; a first connecting component provided at the first end of the plurality of optical fibers; and a second connecting component provided at the second end of the plurality of optical fibers opposite to the first end, wherein the rotational position of each optical fiber around the axis of each optical fiber is the same for all of the plurality of optical fibers; the first connecting component has a first display unit indicating the rotational position of the plurality of optical fibers at the first end; the second connecting component has a second display unit indicating the rotational position of the plurality of optical fibers at the second end; and the twist of the plurality of optical fibers at the second end with respect to the plurality of optical fibers at the first end is 180° or less.

2. The optical wiring according to claim 1, wherein the length of each optical fiber is 100 mm or less.

3. The optical wiring according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first display portion is formed on the outer edge of the first connecting component when viewed along the direction in which the optical fiber extends, and the second display portion is formed on the outer edge of the second connecting component when viewed along the direction.

4. The optical wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first display portion is a first protruding portion that engages with the protrusions and recesses of a first optical component connected to the first connecting component, and the second display portion is a second protruding portion that engages with the protrusions and recesses of a second optical component connected to the second connecting component.

5. The optical wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the twist is 0°, the first display unit extends at a first angle with respect to the same orientation of the plurality of optical fibers, and the second display unit extends at a second angle with respect to the same orientation of the plurality of optical fibers.

6. The optical wiring according to claim 5, wherein the first angle is 0° and the second angle is one of 0°, 90°, and 180°.

7. The optical wiring according to claim 5, wherein the first angle is 90° and the second angle is 90°.

8. The optical wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the first connecting component and the second connecting component is a receptacle.

9. The optical wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the first connecting component and the second connecting component is an optical fiber array.

10. An optical transceiver comprising: an optical wiring according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a light-emitting / receiving element to which the second connecting component is connected; and an optical connector connected to the first connecting component.

11. A method for assembling optical wiring, comprising the steps of: fixing the first ends of a plurality of optical fibers to a first connecting component; extending the plurality of optical fibers from the first connecting component without twisting; and rotating and centering the second ends of the plurality of optical fibers opposite to the first ends and fixing them to a second connecting component, wherein in the step of fixing to the second connecting component, the rotational centering is performed so that the twist of the plurality of optical fibers at the second end relative to the plurality of optical fibers at the first end is 180° or less.

12. The method for assembling optical wiring according to claim 11, wherein the step of fixing to the first connecting component includes rotating and centering the first ends of a plurality of optical fibers and fixing them to the first connecting component.

13. The optical wiring assembly method according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the step of fixing to the first connecting component includes fixing the first ends of the plurality of optical fibers to the first connecting component such that the first display portion of the first connecting component is at a first angle with respect to the same orientation of the plurality of optical fibers.

14. The method for assembling optical wiring according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the step of fixing to the second connecting component includes fixing the second ends of the plurality of optical fibers to the second connecting component such that the second display portion of the second connecting component is at a second angle with respect to the same orientation of the plurality of optical fibers.

Images