Optical connector, optical connection assembly, multi-core optical fiber, and method for manufacturing multi-core optical fiber

The optical connector design addresses the issue of fiber breakage by covering the diameter-changing portion of the optical fiber core within the coating layer and using a softer adhesive, resulting in reduced stress and easier assembly.

WO2026150770A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-07-16SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
Filing Date
2025-12-19
Publication Date
2026-07-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The challenge in optical connectors is the increased likelihood of optical fiber core breakage due to residual stress generated by adhesive hardening, especially when the length of the optical fiber core extending from the sheath is long, leading to a larger connector size and increased adhesive use.

Method used

The optical connector design includes a configuration where the constant diameter portion of the optical fiber core does not extend forward from the coating end, with a diameter-changing portion covered by the coating layer, reducing the overall length of the optical fiber core and using a softer adhesive in gaps to absorb bending stress, thereby minimizing breakage.

Benefits of technology

This design effectively reduces the occurrence of optical fiber core breakage by minimizing residual stress and bending stress, allowing for a shorter connector length and easier assembly.

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Abstract

An optical connector (10) according to the present disclosure comprises a ferrule (14) having a rear end surface and an insertion hole that opens in the rear end surface, and a plurality of coated optical fibers (12) inserted into the insertion hole (14c). Each of the plurality of coated optical fibers (12) includes a glass fiber (121) and a coating layer (122) surrounding the glass fiber. The glass fiber (121) includes a constant-diameter part (121b) covered by the coating layer, a small-diameter part (121a) inserted into the insertion hole at a position at which the glass fiber (121) protrudes from the coating end of the coating layer, and a diameter change part (121c) formed between the constant-diameter part and the small-diameter part. The diameter change part (121c) includes a rear end connected to the constant-diameter part and a front end connected to the small-diameter part. At least a portion of the diameter change part (121c) including the rear end is disposed further rearward than a covering end (122a) and is covered by the covering layer (122).
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