WO2014168187A1 - Optical-fiber module and manufacturing method therefor - Google Patents

Optical-fiber module and manufacturing method therefor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014168187A1
WO2014168187A1 PCT/JP2014/060333 JP2014060333W WO2014168187A1 WO 2014168187 A1 WO2014168187 A1 WO 2014168187A1 JP 2014060333 W JP2014060333 W JP 2014060333W WO 2014168187 A1 WO2014168187 A1 WO 2014168187A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
window
adhesive
optical fiber
optical
ferrule
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2014/060333
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
夏野　靖幸
Original Assignee
コニカミノルタ株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by コニカミノルタ株式会社 filed Critical コニカミノルタ株式会社
Priority to JP2015511288A priority Critical patent/JPWO2014168187A1/en
Publication of WO2014168187A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014168187A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
    • G02B6/3855—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture characterised by the method of anchoring or fixing the fibre within the ferrule
    • G02B6/3861—Adhesive bonding
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
    • G02B6/3834—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule
    • G02B6/3838—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule using grooves for light guides

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an optical fiber module in which an optical ferrule is fixed to an end of an optical fiber, and a method for manufacturing the same.
  • Patent Documents 1 and 2 in order to optically connect an optical fiber and another optical system, a structure in which an optical ferrule is fixed to an end portion of the optical fiber is employed.
  • a ferrule having a through hole for guiding an optical fiber and having a cavity filled with an adhesive in the middle of the hole is used, and the tip of the optical fiber is exposed on the end face of the ferrule.
  • the optical ferrule described in Patent Document 2 has a structure in which an optical fiber is inserted and held in a ferrule hole formed deep in the axial direction.
  • Patent Document 3 As a countermeasure, a protective plate (a “protective window 30” in the same document) made of a transparent member is disposed on the end face of the optical fiber and attached to the frame (the “housing 14”).
  • An optical fiber module in which an optical ferrule described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is fixed to an end of an optical fiber can be configured as an optical fiber endoscope by applying an image fiber as an optical fiber, and an optical ferrule at a base end Can be configured to connect to optical equipment.
  • an adhesive In order to attach the protective plate to the image fiber, there is a method of fixing with an adhesive through a ferrule.
  • bubbles or dust enters the adhesive an image defect is generated. Therefore, it is necessary to bond / assemble without air bubbles or dust.
  • the tip of the optical fiber is disposed so as to be exposed at the end face of the ferrule.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the problems in the prior art described above, and is an optical fiber module in which an optical ferrule is fixed to an end portion of an optical fiber and a window portion for protecting the end surface of the optical fiber is provided. It is an object of the present invention to improve the optical quality by preventing air bubbles and dust from being fixed in the adhesive.
  • the invention according to claim 1 for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises an optical fiber, and an optical ferrule in which a ferrule hole for holding the end of the optical fiber is formed and fixed to the end of the optical fiber, and further a transparent member
  • An optical fiber module comprising a window portion that is configured as a bottom portion of the ferrule hole and protects an end face of the optical fiber, The end face of the optical fiber and the inner surface of the window portion are bonded,
  • the optical ferrule is formed with a window adhesive portion communication path that communicates with a window adhesive portion that is a portion filled with an adhesive between the end face of the optical fiber and the window portion,
  • the window adhering portion communication path extends to the rear side where the ferrule hole is located with respect to the window adhering portion, and at least the opposite end of the window adhering portion is opened to the surface of the component part of the optical ferrule. It is an optical fiber module characterized by being.
  • the invention according to claim 2 is the optical fiber module according to claim 1, wherein the end portion of the window adhesion portion communication path is opened to a rear surface of the optical ferrule.
  • the end portion of the window bonding portion communication path is opened through a mating surface of two parts constituting the optical ferrule.
  • the invention according to claim 4 is the optical fiber module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical ferrule includes a plurality of the window adhesive portion communication paths.
  • the invention according to claim 5 is the optical fiber module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the window portion and the optical ferrule are integrally formed.
  • the invention according to claim 6 is the optical fiber module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the window portion and the optical ferrule are configured as separate parts.
  • an adhesive reservoir portion having an enlarged cross-sectional area is formed in the window adhesive portion communication path.
  • the optical fiber module is formed in the window adhesive portion communication path.
  • the invention according to claim 8 is provided with an optical fiber and an optical ferrule in which a ferrule hole for holding an end of the optical fiber is formed and fixed to the end of the optical fiber, and further comprises a transparent member and is formed at the bottom of the ferrule hole.
  • a manufacturing method for manufacturing an optical fiber module provided with a window portion for protecting the end face of the optical fiber As the optical ferrule, a window adhesive portion communication path that communicates with a window adhesive portion that is a portion filled with an adhesive between the end face of the optical fiber and the window portion is formed, and the window adhesive portion communication path is The ferrule hole is extended to the rear side with respect to the window adhesive portion, and at least the opposite end of the window adhesive portion of the window adhesive portion communication path is opened to the surface of the component part of the optical ferrule Use things After inserting the end of the optical fiber into the ferrule hole, filling the window adhesive part with an adhesive, and flowing excess adhesive from the window adhesive part together with bubbles and dust into the window adhesive part communication path, In the optical fiber module manufacturing method, the adhesive is solidified to bond the end face of the optical fiber and the inner surface of the window portion.
  • the invention according to claim 9 comprises the window part and the optical ferrule as separate parts,
  • the window adhesive portion is filled with an adhesive by aligning the end surface of the optical fiber disposed at the tip opening of the ferrule hole and the inner surface of the window portion with an adhesive, and excess adhesive is added to the window.
  • the invention according to claim 10 uses, as the optical ferrule, one provided with a plurality of the window adhesive portion communication passages, Adhesive agent is filled into the window adhesive portion through one of the window adhesive portion communication passages, and excess adhesive is caused to flow into the other one of the window adhesive portion communication passages.
  • Adhesive agent is filled into the window adhesive portion through one of the window adhesive portion communication passages, and excess adhesive is caused to flow into the other one of the window adhesive portion communication passages.
  • the window adhesive portion communication passage is formed in a capillary tube in advance, and the capillary of the window adhesive portion communication passage is formed.
  • the excess adhesive is caused to flow into the window adhesive portion communication path by suction by applying a negative pressure to the window adhesive portion communication path from the outside. It is a manufacturing method of the optical fiber module according to any one of claims 8 to 10.
  • the invention according to claim 13 causes the excess adhesive to flow into the window adhesion part communication path by suction by applying a negative pressure to the window adhesion part communication path from the outside,
  • the bubble and dust in the range are reduced while observing the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber in the window adhesive portion.
  • the invention according to claim 15 is the method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 14, wherein the observation is performed using a magnifying optical system or an electronic camera.
  • the observation is performed by causing the illumination light for the observation to enter from an end surface opposite to the end surface facing the window portion of the optical fiber.
  • Item 16 A method for manufacturing an optical fiber module according to Item 15.
  • the invention according to claim 17 uses a photo-curing adhesive or a thermosetting adhesive as the adhesive, and the method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to any one of claims 8 to 16. It is.
  • the invention according to claim 19 is the method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 18, wherein a protective coat is applied to an outer surface of the window portion polished by the polishing step.
  • an extra adhesive from the window adhesive portion that is a portion filled with the adhesive between the end face of the optical fiber and the window portion. Is allowed to flow into the window adhesive part communication path together with air bubbles and dust, thereby discharging the air bubbles and dust from the window adhesive part, preventing the bubbles and dust from being fixed in the adhesive on the end face of the optical fiber, and improving the optical quality. be able to.
  • FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA described in FIG. 5A. It is a disassembled perspective view of the optical fiber module which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the component matching surface of the optical fiber module which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention.
  • the manufactured optical fiber module will be described.
  • 1A, 1B and 1C show an optical ferrule 10 applied to the present embodiment.
  • the optical ferrule 10 has a cylindrical structure in which a ferrule hole 11 that holds an end of an optical fiber is formed.
  • the optical fiber is inserted and held in the ferrule hole 11, and the optical ferrule 10 is fixed to the end of the optical fiber.
  • the side on which the tapered surface 12 is provided is the tip of the optical ferrule 10.
  • the tapered surface 12 is followed by the rear surface 14 via the outer peripheral surface 13.
  • a concave portion 16 that is recessed backward from the foremost surface 15 is formed at the center of the tip portion.
  • a window bonding portion communication path 17 is formed in a groove shape along the axial direction of the ferrule hole 11.
  • One end of the ferrule hole 11 and the window adhesive portion communication path 17 opens into the recess 16, and the other end opens into the rear surface 14.
  • the window portion 2 is bonded to the concave portion 16 of the optical ferrule 10 in which the optical fiber 1 is inserted into the ferrule hole 11.
  • the window portion 2 is a member that is installed in the recessed portion 16 so as to close the ferrule hole 11 and the window adhesion portion communication path 17 and serves as a bottom portion of the ferrule hole 11.
  • the window portion 2 protects the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and is made of a transparent member, and transmits light emitted from the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and light incident on the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1.
  • the optical fiber 1 is inserted into the ferrule hole 11, and the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 is disposed on the bottom surface of the recess 16. At this time, the optical fiber 1 may be bonded to the ferrule hole 11, but the window bonding portion communication path 17 is not blocked by the adhesive at that time.
  • the window portion 2 is bonded as shown in FIG. 2A ⁇ FIG. 2B ⁇ FIG. 2C. That is, as shown in FIG. 2A, the adhesive b is applied to the inner surface 2 a of the window portion 2 and / or the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1. The adhesive b is held in a convex shape by its surface tension.
  • the handling method of the window part 2 is not ask
  • the window portion 2 and the concave portion 16 are brought close to each other, and the inner surface 2a of the window portion 2 and the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1 are brought together through an adhesive b.
  • a part of the adhesive b is caused to flow into the window adhesive portion communication path 17.
  • the optical fiber module of this embodiment is comprised by solidifying the adhesive agent b and adhere
  • the adhesive b is also filled and bonded between the inner surface of the recess 16 and the window portion 2.
  • the portion filled with the adhesive b between the end face 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and the window portion 2 constitutes the window adhesive portion C. That is, the window adhesive portion C is a gap portion filled with an adhesive that bonds the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and the window portion 2.
  • the window bonding portion communication path 17 communicates with the window bonding portion C and extends to the rear side where the ferrule hole 11 is located with respect to the window bonding portion C. At least an end portion 17 a (see FIG. 1B) on the opposite side of the window adhesive portion C of the window adhesive portion communication path 17 is open to the surface of the component 10 of the optical ferrule 10.
  • the end portion 17 a is open to the rear surface 14 of the optical ferrule 10.
  • the end portion 17a is opened to the rear surface 14 of the optical ferrule 10.
  • the flow of the adhesive b to the window adhesive portion communication path 17 can be performed by utilizing a capillary phenomenon or by suction.
  • capillary action can be effectively used when the viscosity of the adhesive b is low, and suction can be effectively used when the viscosity is high.
  • the flow path cross-sectional area of the window bonding portion communication path 17 is previously formed into a capillary tube that is sufficiently small so that the capillary phenomenon occurs due to the surface tension of the adhesive b used.
  • suction is performed, a negative pressure source is connected to the end portion 17 a of the window bonding portion communication path 17.
  • the flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive portion C to the window adhesive portion communication path 17 can be controlled by the amount of pressing the window portion 2 against the concave portion 16 during the bonding operation. Also, when utilizing the capillary phenomenon, the flow of the adhesive b into the window adhesive portion communication passage 17 can be suppressed by closing the end portion 17a of the window adhesive portion communication passage 17, and the end portion 17a is opened. By doing so, the flow of the adhesive b can be promoted, whereby the flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive portion C to the window adhesive portion communication path 17 can be controlled. When suction is performed, the flow of the adhesive b from the window adhesive part C to the window adhesive part communication path 17 can be controlled by controlling the negative pressure applied to the window adhesive part communication path 17.
  • the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1 in the window adhesive portion C is observed.
  • the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1 in the window bonding portion C is a path range of light emitted from the end face 1a between the end face 1a and the inner surface 2a and a path range of light incident on the end face 1a from the outside. While observing the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1 in the window adhesive portion C by using a magnifying optical system or an electronic camera, the window adhesive portion C is connected to the window adhesive portion so that bubbles and dust in the range are reduced.
  • the flow of the adhesive b into the passage 17 is controlled by any of the methods described above.
  • a magnifying glass or an optical microscope is applied.
  • an apparatus equipped with a magnifying optical system may be applied.
  • bubbles and dust that are difficult to identify with the naked eye are observed.
  • the adhesive b in addition to a photo-curable adhesive or a thermosetting adhesive, a two-component mixed adhesive or an anaerobic adhesive can be applied.
  • a photocurable adhesive or a thermosetting adhesive it is preferable to use a photocurable adhesive or a thermosetting adhesive. It is because it can be cured by applying light or heat as curing energy after ensuring the discharge of bubbles and dust.
  • Specific examples of the component include an epoxy adhesive (two-component mixing property) and an acrylic adhesive.
  • the adhesive b has thixotropy. It is preferable to apply the agent.
  • the adhesive b Since the adhesive b has thixotropy, a sufficient amount of the adhesive b can be applied, and the adhesive b is less likely to drip or swing as shown in FIGS. 2A ⁇ 2B ⁇ FIG. 2C. The bonding operation for bringing the window portion 2 and the concave portion 16 closer is facilitated.
  • the adhesive b has no thixotropy and has a low viscosity
  • FIG. 3A by filling the concave portion 16 with the concave portion 16 facing upward, a sufficient filling amount can be secured, and the bonding work Can also be done easily.
  • FIG. 3A ⁇ FIG. 3B ⁇ FIG. 3C by placing the window portion 2 obliquely with respect to the concave portion 16, air bubbles are mixed between the window portion 2 and the end surface 1a. Can be reduced.
  • the air bubble and dust in the range are reduced while observing the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1 in the window adhesive portion C by using an magnifying optical system or an electronic camera.
  • the flow of the adhesive b to the window bonding part communication path 17 is controlled by any of the methods described above.
  • the optical fiber module of the present embodiment includes the optical fiber 1 and the optical ferrule 10 in which the ferrule hole 11 that holds the end of the optical fiber 1 is formed and fixed to the end of the optical fiber 1, and is further made of a transparent member.
  • a window portion 2 that is configured and becomes the bottom portion of the ferrule hole 11 and protects the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1 is provided, and the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1 and the inner surface 2a of the window portion 2 are bonded to each other.
  • the ferrule hole 11 extends to the rear side, and at least the end 17a on the opposite side of the window adhesive portion C opens to the surface (rear surface 14) of the component 10 of the optical ferrule 10.
  • the window part 2 and the optical ferrule 10 are comprised by another component.
  • the adhesive b is continuously filled in the window adhesive portion communication passage 17 in the window adhesive portion C and solidified, and the discharge of bubbles and dust from the window adhesive portion C to the window adhesive portion communication passage 17 is controlled.
  • a very small amount of air bubbles and dust that are unavoidable in advance from the adhesive are also unevenly distributed in the window adhesive portion communication path 17 rather than the window adhesive portion C, and the adhesive is solidified in this state. It is possible to prevent air bubbles and dust from being fixed in the adhesive on the end surface 1a of the 1 and to exhibit high optical quality.
  • FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show the optical ferrule tip part 20 and the optical fiber 1 applied to this embodiment.
  • the optical ferrule tip part 20 has a cylindrical structure in which a ferrule hole 21 that holds the end of the optical fiber 1 is formed.
  • the optical fiber 1 is inserted and held in the ferrule hole 21, and the optical ferrule tip part 20 is fixed to the end of the optical fiber 1.
  • the side on which the tapered surface 22 is provided is the tip of the optical ferrule tip part 20.
  • the taper surface 22 is followed by the rear surface 24 via the outer peripheral surface 23.
  • the window 4 is integrally formed at the center of the tip, and the foremost surface 25 includes the outer surface 4 b of the window 4.
  • Two window adhesive portion communication passages 26 and 27 each having one end opened on the inner peripheral surface of the ferrule hole 21 are formed in a tunnel shape. The rear ends of the ferrule hole 21 and the window adhesive portion communication passages 26 and 27 open to the rear surface 24.
  • the front end 26 b of the window bonding part communication path 26 and the front end 27 b of the window bonding part communication path 27 are arranged at different positions in the axial direction of the ferrule hole 21. By arranging them at different positions in this way, the strength and rigidity of the tip of the optical ferrule tip component 20 arranged around the end of the optical fiber 1 can be ensured.
  • the front end 26 b of the window bonding portion communication path 26 is formed up to the inner surface 4 a of the window portion 4 which is also the bottom surface of the ferrule hole 21.
  • the front end 27b of the window bonding portion communication path 27 is disposed so as to recede from the rear side.
  • the formation ranges do not overlap in the axial direction of the ferrule holes 21 of the two front ends 26b and 27b.
  • the window adhesive portion communication path 26 having the front end 26b closer to the bottom surface of the ferrule hole 21 is used as an adhesive injection path, and the window adhesive portion communication path 27 is used as an adhesive discharge path.
  • the window adhesive portion communication path 27 is also possible to use the window adhesive portion communication path 27 as an adhesive injection path and the window adhesive portion communication path 26 as an adhesive discharge path.
  • the optical ferrule tip part 20 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of window bonding part communication paths, and the window part 4 and the optical ferrule tip part 20 are integrally formed. Further, the optical ferrule is configured by joining the optical ferrule tip part 20 and the optical ferrule rear part 30.
  • the optical ferrule rear end part 30 is a cylindrical member having a through-hole continuous with the ferrule hole 21. The rear end portions 26a and 27a of the window bonding portion communication passages 26 and 27 are open to the mating surfaces of the two parts 20 and 30 constituting the optical ferrule.
  • the window adhesive portion communication paths 26 and 27 are extended to the rearmost end face of the entire optical ferrule. And open.
  • the window adhesion part communication paths 26 and 27 can be shortened, and the filling of an adhesive becomes easy.
  • the optical fiber 1 is inserted into the ferrule hole 21, and the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 is brought into contact with the inner surface 4 a of the window 4 that is also the bottom surface of the ferrule hole 21. Touch.
  • the adhesive is filled through the window adhesive portion communication passage 26, while excess adhesive is caused to flow in the window adhesive portion communication passage 27.
  • the adhesive permeates between the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and the inner surface 4 a of the window portion 4, or between the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber 1 and the inner peripheral surface of the ferrule hole 21.
  • illustration of an adhesive agent is abbreviate
  • the flow of the adhesive to the window adhesive portion communication path 27 can be performed by utilizing a capillary phenomenon or by suction.
  • capillary action can be effectively used when the viscosity of the adhesive is low, and suction can be effectively used when the viscosity is high.
  • the flow path cross-sectional area of the window adhesive portion communication path 27 is previously formed into a capillary tube that is sufficiently small so that the capillary phenomenon occurs due to the surface tension of the adhesive used.
  • a negative pressure source is connected to the end portion 27 a of the window bonding portion communication path 27.
  • the flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive part C to the window adhesive part communication path 27 can be controlled by the injection amount of the adhesive from the window adhesive part communication path 26. Further, when the capillary phenomenon is used, the flow of the adhesive into the window adhesive portion communication passage 27 can be suppressed by closing the end portion 27a of the window adhesive portion communication passage 27, and the end portion 27a is opened. Thus, the flow of the adhesive can be promoted, whereby the flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive portion C to the window adhesive portion communication path 27 can be controlled. When suction is performed, the flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive part C to the window adhesive part communication path 27 can be controlled by controlling the negative pressure applied to the window adhesive part communication path 27.
  • the bubbles and dust in the range are reduced.
  • the flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive portion C to the window adhesive portion communication path 27 is controlled by any of the methods described above.
  • a filling step for filling the adhesive from the window adhesive portion communication path 26, and sucking the adhesive from the window adhesive portion communication path 27 may be performed simultaneously or may be performed alternately.
  • FIG. 5A and 5B show the optical ferrule 40 and the optical fiber 1 applied to this embodiment.
  • This embodiment is an embodiment for specific illustration of a structure in which adhesive reservoir portions 46b and 47b having a cross-sectional area widened are formed in the window adhesive portion communication paths 46 and 47.
  • the window portion 4, its inner surface 4a, its outer surface 4b, and the window adhesive portion C are the same as those in the second embodiment and are denoted by common reference numerals.
  • the optical ferrule 40 of this embodiment has a one-part configuration, it may have a two-part configuration as in the second embodiment. In that case, only the tip part needs to form the window adhesive portion communication passages 46 and 47.
  • the optical ferrule 40 has a cylindrical structure in which a ferrule hole 41 that holds the end of the optical fiber 1 is formed.
  • the optical fiber 1 is inserted and held in the ferrule hole 41, and the optical ferrule 40 is fixed to the end of the optical fiber 1.
  • the side on which the tapered surface 42 is provided is the tip of the optical ferrule 40.
  • the tapered surface 42 is followed by a rear surface 44 through the outer peripheral surface 43.
  • the window 4 is integrally formed at the center of the tip, and the foremost surface 45 includes the outer surface 4 b of the window 4.
  • Two window adhesive portion communication passages 46 and 47 each having one end opened on the inner peripheral surface of the ferrule hole 41 are formed in a tunnel shape. The rear ends of the ferrule hole 41 and the window bonding portion communication passages 46 and 47 open to the rear surface 44.
  • Adhesive reservoirs 46b and 47b are formed at the ends of the window adhesive portion communication passages 46 and 47 connected to the ferrule holes 41.
  • the window adhesive portion communication path 46 is described as an adhesive injection path
  • the window adhesive portion communication path 47 is described as an adhesive discharge path.
  • the adhesive flows from the window adhesive portion communication path 46 to the ferrule hole 41 and further to the window adhesive portion communication path 47.
  • the flow of the adhesive stagnates in the adhesive reservoirs 46b and 47b, and minute amounts of air bubbles and dust that cannot be removed from the adhesive in advance tend to stagnate in the adhesive reservoirs 46b and 47b.
  • the optical fiber module of the present embodiment since a relatively large amount of adhesive is disposed around the end of the optical fiber 1 by the adhesive reservoirs 46b and 47b, it is applied to the end of the optical fiber 1 by solidification shrinkage of the adhesive. There is also an effect that the generated stress can be relaxed.
  • FIG. 6 shows an optical ferrule 50 and an optical fiber 1 applied to this embodiment.
  • the optical ferrule 50 includes a part 51 and a part 52.
  • FIG. 7 shows a diagram of the component mating surface of the component 51 in a state where the optical fiber 1 is arranged.
  • the optical ferrule 50 includes a component 51 and a component 52.
  • the end of the optical fiber 1 is held in a state of being inserted into the ferrule hole 60.
  • the ferrule hole 60 is composed of two parts 51 and 52 to be assembled.
  • a groove 53 is formed in the component 51, and a groove 54 is formed in the component 52.
  • the groove 53 and the groove 54 are combined to form the ferrule hole 60.
  • One component 51 is provided with a window portion 55 that is a bottom portion of the ferrule hole 60.
  • the window portion 55 has a function of protecting the end face 1a of the optical fiber 1 from contact that may cause dust adhesion or damage.
  • the window part 55 is comprised with the transparent member, and the input / output of the light between the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1 and the exterior is attained.
  • reference numerals 56 and 57 denote parts mating surfaces, and 58 denotes a tapered surface formed at the tip of the ferrule.
  • Two window adhesive portion communication paths 61 and 62 are formed in a groove shape on the component mating surface 56 of the component 51 in which the window portion 55 is configured.
  • the two window bonding portion communication paths 61 and 62 are formed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the ferrule hole 60.
  • Adhesive reservoirs 61a and 62a are respectively formed at the rear end portions of the window bonding portion communication passages 61 and 62, and the front ends 61b and 62b open to the groove 53 at symmetrical positions.
  • the window adhesion part communication path 61 and the window adhesion part communication path 62 are symmetrical and have the same volume.
  • Each of the window adhering portion communication paths 61 and 62 is open to the mating surface 56 of two parts constituting the optical ferrule.
  • the window adhesive portion communication passages 61 and 62 are formed in a capillary shape except for the adhesive reservoir portions 61a and 62a.
  • the adhesive is filled in the gap between the window bonding portion C between the window portion 55 and the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and the inner surface of the groove 53 and the optical fiber 1.
  • the flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive portion C to the window adhesive portion communication path 62 is caused by the amount of adhesive filled in the adhesive reservoir portion 61a. Control.
  • bubbles and dust are discharged between the end face 1a of the optical fiber 1 and the window portion 55, particularly from the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1.
  • the optical quality is improved by preventing the fixing of bubbles and dust in the adhesive on the end face 1a of the optical fiber 1.
  • the adhesive is solidified to determine the adhesion between the end face 1a of the optical fiber 1 and the window portion 55 from which bubbles and dust are excluded.
  • the ferrule hole 60 is completed by confining the end portion of the optical fiber 1 in the ferrule hole 60 by fixing the part aligning surface 57 of the other part 52 to the part aligning surface 56 of the part 51.
  • the window bonding portion communication paths 61 and 62 are confined inside the optical ferrule 50.
  • the component 51 and the component 52 may be fixed by mechanical connection such as snap fit in addition to adhesion.
  • the window bonding portion communication path is open to the component matching surface, the bonding operation can be easily performed before the components are aligned, and after the assembly is completed.
  • the window bonding portion communication path is confined inside the optical ferrule, so that the adhesive and unnecessary openings are not exposed to the outside, and the connectivity of the optical ferrule is not affected.
  • the surface accuracy of the window portion 2 (4, 55) may deteriorate due to assembly stress mainly due to solidification shrinkage of the adhesive.
  • the illuminance of the light (ultraviolet in the case of an ultraviolet curable adhesive) irradiated to the adhesive to cure the photocurable adhesive filled in the optical ferrule is kept low.
  • the illuminance of light for curing the photocurable adhesive may be constant, but by increasing the intensity stepwise, it is possible to efficiently reduce surface accuracy degradation while shortening the irradiation time. .
  • the window portion 2 (4 , 55) since the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1 bonded to the optical ferrule is covered with the window portion 2 (4, 55) when the adhesive is filled in any of the above embodiments, the window portion 2 (4 , 55), by irradiating the photo-curable adhesive filled in the window adhesive portion C with light for curing it, a part of the light is cut by the window portion 2 (4, 55). As a result, the irradiation time becomes longer, and the surface accuracy deterioration of the window 2 (4, 55) can be reduced.
  • the window portion 2 of the first embodiment which is an independent component, is optimized by selecting an ultraviolet absorption property, other optical properties, and mechanical properties such as bending elastic modulus and combining them with an optical ferrule. Is easy.
  • a polishing step of polishing the outer surface of the window portion 2 (4, 55) after the adhesive is solidified After the adhesive is solidified, the surface accuracy of the outer surface can be secured at a high level by performing a polishing process on the outer surface of the window portion 2 (4, 55). Further, after the polishing step, it is preferable to apply a protective coating for preventing charging and preventing damage to the outer surface of the window portion 2 (4, 55). This is to maintain the optical quality by preventing dust from adhering to the outer surface of the window 2 (4, 55) and damaging the outer surface.
  • the optical fiber 1 is not particularly limited, and may include at least a single core and a surrounding clad, and a plurality of optical fibers 1 may be bundled.
  • An image fiber is used for image transmission of an endoscope or the like.
  • the optical fiber module may be used for any purpose such as optical communication, endoscope, and measurement.
  • endoscope fiberscopes endoscope fiberscopes
  • demand for disposable (disposable) specifications can be expected from the hygiene aspect.
  • low cost is also required. Therefore, it is preferable to apply a plastic image fiber provided at a relatively low cost as the optical fiber 1.
  • Plastic fibers are softer and more easily scratched than glass fibers, and also have the problem that dust easily adheres to them.
  • the plastic fibers are covered and protected by the optical ferrule. Therefore, such problems are solved.
  • the present invention can be used for transmission of optical signals.

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Abstract

By preventing air bubbles and dust from becoming embedded in an adhesive on an end face of an optical fiber, the present invention improves the optical quality of a fiber module that comprises an optical ferrule affixed to an end section of the aforementioned optical fiber and is provided with a window section that protects the aforementioned end face. Said optical ferrule has a window-adhesive-section-connected passage (17) that connects to a window-adhesive section (C), between the end face (1a) of the optical fiber (1) and the window section (2), that gets filled with an adhesive (b). Said window-adhesive-section-connected passage extends backwards, in the direction where a ferrule hole (11) is, from the window-adhesive section. At least the end section (17a) of the window-adhesive-section-connected passage facing away from the window-adhesive section is open to the surface (14) of components constituting the optical ferrule. The end section of the optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule hole, the window-adhesive section is filled with the abovementioned adhesive, excess adhesive is made to flow from the window-adhesive section into the window-adhesive-section-connected passage together with air bubbles and/or dust, and the adhesive is then solidified, bonding the end face of the optical fiber to the inside surface of the window section.

Description

光ファイバーモジュール及びその製造方法Optical fiber module and manufacturing method thereof
　本発明は、光フェルールが光ファイバーの端部に固定されてなる光ファイバーモジュール及びその製造方法に関する。 The present invention relates to an optical fiber module in which an optical ferrule is fixed to an end of an optical fiber, and a method for manufacturing the same.
　従来、特許文献１，２にも記載されているように、光ファイバーと他の光学系とを光学的に接続するために、光ファイバーの端部に光フェルールが固定された構造が採られる。
　特許文献１にあっては、光ファイバーを案内する貫通した穴を有するとともにその穴の途中に接着剤を充填する空洞部を設けたフェルールが用いられており、光ファイバーの先端はフェルールの端面に露出して配置される。
　特許文献２に記載の光フェルールにあっては、軸方向に深く形成したフェルール穴に光ファイバーを挿入して保持する構造を有する。
　一方、工業／医用を問わず内視鏡を用いて、物の裏側や管の内部など直接肉眼で見ることができない個所を観察、もしくは拡大して観察することが一般的に行われている。
　内視鏡は細く長い管を用いて画像転送するため、先端部に撮像素子を設置した電子内視鏡のほか、特許文献３に記載されるようにイメージファイバーにより先端から基端に像を伝送する光ファイバー内視鏡等あるが、いずれも高価である。
　近年、安価で高画質（ファイバー素線径が細い物）なプラスチックイメージファイバーの登場により、安価で高性能な光ファイバー内視鏡を提供することができるようになった。
　しかしながら、プラスチックファイバーはガラスファイバーに比べ柔らかくて傷が付きやすく、また、帯電によりゴミが付着しやすいといった問題点がある。
　特許文献３では対策の一つの方法として透明部材による保護板（同文献中「保護窓３０」）を光ファイバーの端面に配置して枠（同「ハウジング１４」）に取り付ける。 Conventionally, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in order to optically connect an optical fiber and another optical system, a structure in which an optical ferrule is fixed to an end portion of the optical fiber is employed.
In Patent Document 1, a ferrule having a through hole for guiding an optical fiber and having a cavity filled with an adhesive in the middle of the hole is used, and the tip of the optical fiber is exposed on the end face of the ferrule. Arranged.
The optical ferrule described in Patent Document 2 has a structure in which an optical fiber is inserted and held in a ferrule hole formed deep in the axial direction.
On the other hand, it is a general practice to observe or magnify a part that cannot be directly seen with the naked eye, such as the back side of an object or the inside of a tube, using an endoscope regardless of industrial / medical use.
Because the endoscope uses a thin and long tube to transfer images, in addition to an electronic endoscope with an image sensor installed at the distal end, an image fiber transmits the image from the distal end to the proximal end as described in Patent Document 3. There are optical fiber endoscopes, etc., which are expensive.
In recent years, with the advent of low-priced, high-quality plastic image fibers (those with a small fiber strand diameter), it has become possible to provide inexpensive and high-performance optical fiber endoscopes.
However, plastic fibers are softer than glass fibers and are easily damaged, and dust is liable to adhere due to charging.
In Patent Document 3, as a countermeasure, a protective plate (a “protective window 30” in the same document) made of a transparent member is disposed on the end face of the optical fiber and attached to the frame (the “housing 14”).
特開２０００－２６６９５７号公報JP 2000-266957 A 特開２００５－３１６２９２号公報JP 2005-316292 A 特開平１１－１２５７７５号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-125775
　特許文献１，２にも記載されている光フェルールが光ファイバーの端部に固定されてなる光ファイバーモジュールは、光ファイバーとしてイメージファイバーを適用することで光ファイバー内視鏡として構成でき、基端部の光フェルールで光学機器に接続するよう構成できる。
　イメージファイバーに保護板を取り付けるには、フェルールを介して接着剤により固定する方法があるが、接着剤に気泡や塵埃が入ると画像の欠陥が生じる。そのため、気泡や塵埃の入らない接着／組立が必要である。
　しかし、特許文献１に記載の光フェルールの構造では、光ファイバーとフェルールとの接着固定は実現されるものの、光ファイバーの先端がフェルールの端面に露出して配置されているので、光ファイバーの入出力端面の保護性に欠け、光ファイバーの入出力面が傷つくことで画像の欠陥が生じ光学的品質が維持できない。
　特許文献２に記載の光フェルールの構造では、被覆を皮剥した光ファイバーが挿入されるフェルール穴は穴径が小さくかつ深いため、気泡や塵埃の無い接着の難易度が高く、接着過程で気泡や塵埃が入ることで画像の欠陥が生じるから、高い光学的品質のものを歩留まり良く製造することが困難である。 An optical fiber module in which an optical ferrule described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is fixed to an end of an optical fiber can be configured as an optical fiber endoscope by applying an image fiber as an optical fiber, and an optical ferrule at a base end Can be configured to connect to optical equipment.
In order to attach the protective plate to the image fiber, there is a method of fixing with an adhesive through a ferrule. However, if bubbles or dust enters the adhesive, an image defect is generated. Therefore, it is necessary to bond / assemble without air bubbles or dust.
However, in the structure of the optical ferrule described in Patent Document 1, although the optical fiber and the ferrule are bonded and fixed, the tip of the optical fiber is disposed so as to be exposed at the end face of the ferrule. Lack of protection and damage to the input / output surface of the optical fiber causes image defects, and the optical quality cannot be maintained.
In the structure of the optical ferrule described in Patent Document 2, since the ferrule hole into which the optical fiber with the coating peeled is inserted has a small and deep hole diameter, it is difficult to bond without bubbles or dust. Therefore, it is difficult to manufacture a high optical quality product with a high yield.
　本発明は以上の従来技術における問題に鑑みてなされたものであって、光フェルールが光ファイバーの端部に固定され、光ファイバーの端面を保護する窓部が設けられてなる光ファイバーモジュールにおいて、光ファイバーの端面における接着剤中への気泡や塵埃の定着を防止して光学的品質を向上することを課題とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the problems in the prior art described above, and is an optical fiber module in which an optical ferrule is fixed to an end portion of an optical fiber and a window portion for protecting the end surface of the optical fiber is provided. It is an object of the present invention to improve the optical quality by preventing air bubbles and dust from being fixed in the adhesive.
　以上の課題を解決するための請求項１記載の発明は、光ファイバーと、前記光ファイバーの端部を保持するフェルール穴が形成され前記光ファイバーの端部に固定される光フェルールとを備え、さらに透明部材で構成され前記フェルール穴の底部となり前記光ファイバーの端面を保護する窓部が設けられてなる光ファイバーモジュールであって、
　前記光ファイバーの端面と前記窓部の内表面とが接着され、
　前記光フェルールに、前記光ファイバーの端面と前記窓部との間の接着剤が充填された部分である窓接着部に連通する窓接着部連通路が形成され、
　前記窓接着部連通路は、前記窓接着部に対して前記フェルール穴がある後方側に延設され、少なくとも前記窓接着部の逆側の端部が前記光フェルールの構成部品の表面に開通していることを特徴とする光ファイバーモジュールである。 The invention according to claim 1 for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises an optical fiber, and an optical ferrule in which a ferrule hole for holding the end of the optical fiber is formed and fixed to the end of the optical fiber, and further a transparent member An optical fiber module comprising a window portion that is configured as a bottom portion of the ferrule hole and protects an end face of the optical fiber,
The end face of the optical fiber and the inner surface of the window portion are bonded,
The optical ferrule is formed with a window adhesive portion communication path that communicates with a window adhesive portion that is a portion filled with an adhesive between the end face of the optical fiber and the window portion,
The window adhering portion communication path extends to the rear side where the ferrule hole is located with respect to the window adhering portion, and at least the opposite end of the window adhering portion is opened to the surface of the component part of the optical ferrule. It is an optical fiber module characterized by being.
　請求項２記載の発明は、前記窓接着部連通路の前記端部は、前記光フェルールの後方面に開通していることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の光ファイバーモジュールである。 The invention according to claim 2 is the optical fiber module according to claim 1, wherein the end portion of the window adhesion portion communication path is opened to a rear surface of the optical ferrule.
　請求項３記載の発明は、前記窓接着部連通路の前記端部は、前記光フェルールを構成する２つの部品の合わせ面に開通していることを特徴とする請求項１又は請求項２に記載の光ファイバーモジュールである。 According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the end portion of the window bonding portion communication path is opened through a mating surface of two parts constituting the optical ferrule. The optical fiber module described.
　請求項４記載の発明は、前記光フェルールは、前記窓接着部連通路を複数備えることを特徴とする請求項１から請求項３のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールである。 The invention according to claim 4 is the optical fiber module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical ferrule includes a plurality of the window adhesive portion communication paths.
　請求項５記載の発明は、前記窓部と前記光フェルールとが一体成形されてなる請求項１から請求項４のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールである。 The invention according to claim 5 is the optical fiber module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the window portion and the optical ferrule are integrally formed.
　請求項６記載の発明は、前記窓部と前記光フェルールとが別部品で構成されている請求項１から請求項４のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールである。 The invention according to claim 6 is the optical fiber module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the window portion and the optical ferrule are configured as separate parts.
　請求項７記載の発明は、前記窓接着部連通路に、断面積が拡幅された接着剤溜まり部が形成されていることを特徴とする請求項１から請求項６のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールである。 According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the window adhesive portion communication path, an adhesive reservoir portion having an enlarged cross-sectional area is formed. The optical fiber module.
　請求項８記載の発明は、光ファイバーと、前記光ファイバーの端部を保持するフェルール穴が形成され前記光ファイバーの端部に固定される光フェルールとを備え、さらに透明部材で構成され前記フェルール穴の底部となり前記光ファイバーの端面を保護する窓部が設けられてなる光ファイバーモジュールを製造する製造方法であって、
　前記光フェルールとして、前記光ファイバーの端面と前記窓部との間の接着剤が充填される部分である窓接着部に連通する窓接着部連通路が形成され、当該窓接着部連通路が、前記窓接着部に対して前記フェルール穴がある後方側に延設され、当該窓接着部連通路の少なくとも前記窓接着部の逆側の端部が当該光フェルールの構成部品の表面に開通しているものを用い、
　前記フェルール穴に前記光ファイバーの端部を挿入し、前記窓接着部に接着剤を充填し、前記窓接着部から余分な接着剤を気泡や塵埃とともに前記窓接着部連通路に流動させた後、接着剤を固化させて前記光ファイバーの端面と前記窓部の内表面とを接着することを特徴とする光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法である。 The invention according to claim 8 is provided with an optical fiber and an optical ferrule in which a ferrule hole for holding an end of the optical fiber is formed and fixed to the end of the optical fiber, and further comprises a transparent member and is formed at the bottom of the ferrule hole. And a manufacturing method for manufacturing an optical fiber module provided with a window portion for protecting the end face of the optical fiber,
As the optical ferrule, a window adhesive portion communication path that communicates with a window adhesive portion that is a portion filled with an adhesive between the end face of the optical fiber and the window portion is formed, and the window adhesive portion communication path is The ferrule hole is extended to the rear side with respect to the window adhesive portion, and at least the opposite end of the window adhesive portion of the window adhesive portion communication path is opened to the surface of the component part of the optical ferrule Use things
After inserting the end of the optical fiber into the ferrule hole, filling the window adhesive part with an adhesive, and flowing excess adhesive from the window adhesive part together with bubbles and dust into the window adhesive part communication path, In the optical fiber module manufacturing method, the adhesive is solidified to bond the end face of the optical fiber and the inner surface of the window portion.
　請求項９記載の発明は、前記窓部と前記光フェルールとを別部品で構成し、
　前記フェルール穴の先端開口に配置された前記光ファイバーの端面と、前記窓部の内表面とを接着剤を介して合わせることで前記窓接着部に接着剤を充填し、余分な接着剤を前記窓接着部連通路に流動させた後、接着剤を固化させて前記光ファイバーの端面と前記窓部の内表面とを接着することを特徴とする請求項８に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法である。 The invention according to claim 9 comprises the window part and the optical ferrule as separate parts,
The window adhesive portion is filled with an adhesive by aligning the end surface of the optical fiber disposed at the tip opening of the ferrule hole and the inner surface of the window portion with an adhesive, and excess adhesive is added to the window. 9. The method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 8, wherein after flowing into the bonding portion communication path, the adhesive is solidified to bond the end surface of the optical fiber and the inner surface of the window portion.
　請求項１０記載の発明は、前記光フェルールとして、前記窓接着部連通路を複数備えるものを用い、
　１つの前記窓接着部連通路を通して接着剤を前記窓接着部に充填し、他の１つの前記窓接着部連通路に余分な接着剤を流動させた後、接着剤を固化させて前記光ファイバーの端面と前記窓部の内表面とを接着することを特徴とする請求項８に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法である。 The invention according to claim 10 uses, as the optical ferrule, one provided with a plurality of the window adhesive portion communication passages,
Adhesive agent is filled into the window adhesive portion through one of the window adhesive portion communication passages, and excess adhesive is caused to flow into the other one of the window adhesive portion communication passages. The method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 8, wherein an end surface and an inner surface of the window portion are bonded.
　請求項１１記載の発明は、前記余分な接着剤を前記窓接着部連通路に流動させることを、当該窓接着部連通路を予め毛細管状に形成しておいて当該窓接着部連通路の毛細管現象によって行うことを特徴とする請求項８から請求項１０のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法である。 According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in order to cause the excess adhesive to flow into the window adhesive portion communication passage, the window adhesive portion communication passage is formed in a capillary tube in advance, and the capillary of the window adhesive portion communication passage is formed. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the method is performed according to a phenomenon.
　請求項１２記載の発明は、前記余分な接着剤を前記窓接着部連通路に流動させることを、当該窓接着部連通路に外部から負圧を付与することによる吸引によって行うことを特徴とする請求項８から請求項１０のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法である。 According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the excess adhesive is caused to flow into the window adhesive portion communication path by suction by applying a negative pressure to the window adhesive portion communication path from the outside. It is a manufacturing method of the optical fiber module according to any one of claims 8 to 10.
　請求項１３記載の発明は、前記余分な接着剤を前記窓接着部連通路に流動させることを、当該窓接着部連通路に外部から負圧を付与することによる吸引によって行い、
　前記窓接着部への接着剤の充填と、前記窓接着部からの接着剤の吸引とを、同時に又は交互に繰り返し行うことを特徴とする請求項１０に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法である。 The invention according to claim 13 causes the excess adhesive to flow into the window adhesion part communication path by suction by applying a negative pressure to the window adhesion part communication path from the outside,
The method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 10, wherein filling of the adhesive into the window adhesive portion and suction of the adhesive from the window adhesive portion are repeated simultaneously or alternately.
　請求項１４記載の発明は、前記窓接着部内の前記光ファイバーの出入力光路範囲の観察を行いながら当該範囲の気泡や塵埃が減少するように、前記窓接着部から前記窓接着部連通路への接着剤の流動を制御することを特徴とする請求項８から請求項１３のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法である。 In the invention according to claim 14, from the window adhesive portion to the window adhesive portion communication path, the bubble and dust in the range are reduced while observing the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber in the window adhesive portion. The method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the flow of the adhesive is controlled.
　請求項１５記載の発明は、前記観察を拡大光学系又は電子カメラを用いて行うことを特徴とする請求項１４に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法である。 The invention according to claim 15 is the method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 14, wherein the observation is performed using a magnifying optical system or an electronic camera.
　請求項１６記載の発明は、前記観察のための照明光を、前記光ファイバーの前記窓部に臨む端面とは逆側の端面から入射させて前記観察を行うことを特徴とする請求項１４又は請求項１５に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法である。 According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the observation is performed by causing the illumination light for the observation to enter from an end surface opposite to the end surface facing the window portion of the optical fiber. Item 16. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber module according to Item 15.
　請求項１７記載の発明は、前記接着剤として光硬化性接着剤又は熱硬化性接着剤を用いることを特徴とする請求項８から請求項１６のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法である。 The invention according to claim 17 uses a photo-curing adhesive or a thermosetting adhesive as the adhesive, and the method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to any one of claims 8 to 16. It is.
　請求項１８記載の発明は、前記接着剤の固化後に、前記窓部の外表面を研磨する研磨工程と実行することを特徴とする請求項８から請求項１７のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法である。 The optical fiber according to any one of claims 8 to 17, wherein the optical fiber according to claim 18 is executed with a polishing step of polishing an outer surface of the window portion after the adhesive is solidified. It is a manufacturing method of a module.
　請求項１９記載の発明は、前記研磨工程により研磨された前記窓部の外表面に保護コートを施すことを特徴とする請求項１８に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法である。 The invention according to claim 19 is the method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 18, wherein a protective coat is applied to an outer surface of the window portion polished by the polishing step.
　本発明によれば、光ファイバーの端面と当該端面を保護する窓部との接着工程において、光ファイバーの端面と窓部との間の接着剤が充填される部分である窓接着部から余分な接着剤を気泡や塵埃とともに窓接着部連通路に流動させることで窓接着部から気泡や塵埃を排出し、光ファイバーの端面における接着剤中への気泡や塵埃の定着を防止して光学的品質を向上することができる。 According to the present invention, in the bonding process between the end face of the optical fiber and the window portion that protects the end face, an extra adhesive from the window adhesive portion that is a portion filled with the adhesive between the end face of the optical fiber and the window portion. Is allowed to flow into the window adhesive part communication path together with air bubbles and dust, thereby discharging the air bubbles and dust from the window adhesive part, preventing the bubbles and dust from being fixed in the adhesive on the end face of the optical fiber, and improving the optical quality. be able to.
本発明の第１実施形態に適用される光フェルールの先端面図である。It is a front view of the optical ferrule applied to 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１実施形態に適用される光フェルールの縦断面図である。It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the optical ferrule applied to 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１実施形態に適用される光フェルールの後方面図である。It is a rear view of the optical ferrule applied to 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第１実施形態に係る光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法における一例の接着過程を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the adhesion process of an example in the manufacturing method of the optical fiber module which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. 図２Ａに続く接着過程を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the adhesion process following FIG. 2A. 図２Ｂに続く接着過程を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the adhesion process following FIG. 2B. 本発明の第１実施形態に係る光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法における他の一例の接着過程を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the adhesion process of another example in the manufacturing method of the optical fiber module which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. 図３Ａに続く接着過程を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the adhesion process following FIG. 3A. 図Ｂに続く接着過程を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the adhesion process following FIG. 本発明の第２実施形態に適用される光フェルール先端部品及び光ファイバーの縦断面図である。It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the optical ferrule tip component and optical fiber applied to the second embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第２実施形態に適用される光フェルール先端部品の後方面図である。It is a rear view of the optical ferrule tip part applied to 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第３実施形態に適用される光フェルール及び光ファイバーの縦断面図である。It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the optical ferrule and optical fiber applied to 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 図５Ａ中に記載したＡ－Ａ線に沿った断面図である。FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA described in FIG. 5A. 本発明の第４実施形態に係る光ファイバーモジュールの分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the optical fiber module which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第４実施形態に係る光ファイバーモジュールの部品合わせ面を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the component matching surface of the optical fiber module which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention.
　以下に本発明の一実施形態につき図面を参照して説明する。以下は本発明の一実施形態であって本発明を限定するものではない。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following is one embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention.
〔第１実施形態〕
　まず、図１Ａ、図１Ｂ、図１Ｃ、図２Ａ、図２Ｂ、図２Ｃ、図３Ａ、図３Ｂ及び図３Ｃを参照して本発明の第１実施形態の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法と、これにより製造された光ファイバーモジュールにつき説明する。
　図１Ａ、図１Ｂ及び図１Ｃに本実施形態に適用される光フェルール１０が示される。
　光フェルール１０は、光ファイバーの端部を保持するフェルール穴１１が形成された円筒状の構造を有する。光ファイバーはフェルール穴１１に挿入されて保持され、光フェルール１０は光ファイバーの端部に固定される態様となる。テーパー面１２が設けられた側が光フェルール１０の先端である。テーパー面１２に外周面１３を介して後方面１４が続く。先端部中央には、最先端面１５から後方に窪んだ凹部１６が形成されている。フェルール穴１１の内周面には、窓接着部連通路１７がフェルール穴１１の軸方向に沿って溝状に形成されている。フェルール穴１１及び窓接着部連通路１７の一端は凹部１６に開口し、他端は後方面１４に開口する。 [First Embodiment]
First, referring to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C, FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. The manufactured optical fiber module will be described.
1A, 1B and 1C show an optical ferrule 10 applied to the present embodiment.
The optical ferrule 10 has a cylindrical structure in which a ferrule hole 11 that holds an end of an optical fiber is formed. The optical fiber is inserted and held in the ferrule hole 11, and the optical ferrule 10 is fixed to the end of the optical fiber. The side on which the tapered surface 12 is provided is the tip of the optical ferrule 10. The tapered surface 12 is followed by the rear surface 14 via the outer peripheral surface 13. A concave portion 16 that is recessed backward from the foremost surface 15 is formed at the center of the tip portion. On the inner peripheral surface of the ferrule hole 11, a window bonding portion communication path 17 is formed in a groove shape along the axial direction of the ferrule hole 11. One end of the ferrule hole 11 and the window adhesive portion communication path 17 opens into the recess 16, and the other end opens into the rear surface 14.
　製造方法としては図２Ａ、図２Ｂ及び図２Ｃに示すようにフェルール穴１１に光ファイバー１が挿入された光フェルール１０の凹部１６に、窓部２を接着することにより行う。窓部２は、フェルール穴１１及び窓接着部連通路１７を塞ぐように凹部１６に設置され、フェルール穴１１の底部となる部材である。窓部２は、光ファイバー１の端面１ａを保護するとともに、透明部材で構成され、光ファイバー１の端面１ａからの出射光、光ファイバー１の端面１ａへの入射光を透過させる。
　まず、フェルール穴１１に光ファイバー１を挿入し、光ファイバー１の端面１ａを凹部１６の底面に配置する。このとき、光ファイバー１をフェルール穴１１に接着してもよいが、その際の接着剤により窓接着部連通路１７を閉塞しないようにする。
　次に、図２Ａ→図２Ｂ→図２Ｃのように窓部２を接着する。すなわち、図２Ａに示すように、窓部２の内表面２ａ及び／又は光ファイバー１の端面１ａに接着剤ｂを塗布する。接着剤ｂはその表面張力により凸状に保持される。窓部２の取り扱い方法は問わないが、吸着保持手段３により保持する場合を図示する。
　次に図２Ａ→図２Ｂ→図２Ｃのように窓部２と凹部１６とを近づけ、窓部２の内表面２ａと光ファイバー１の端面１ａとを接着剤ｂを介して合わせる。この時、接着剤ｂの一部を窓接着部連通路１７に流動させる。この窓接着部連通路１７に流動する余分な接着剤ｂとともに気泡や塵埃を流動させることで、光ファイバー１の端面１ａと窓部２との間、特に光ファイバー１の出入力光路範囲から気泡や塵埃を排出し、光ファイバー１の端面１ａにおける接着剤中への気泡や塵埃の定着を防止して光学的品質を向上する。
　その後、接着剤ｂを固化させて光ファイバー１の端面１ａと窓部２の内表面２ａとを接着することで、本実施形態の光ファイバーモジュールが構成される。なお、本実施形態では凹部１６の内面と窓部２との間にも接着剤ｂが充填されて接着される。 As a manufacturing method, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the window portion 2 is bonded to the concave portion 16 of the optical ferrule 10 in which the optical fiber 1 is inserted into the ferrule hole 11. The window portion 2 is a member that is installed in the recessed portion 16 so as to close the ferrule hole 11 and the window adhesion portion communication path 17 and serves as a bottom portion of the ferrule hole 11. The window portion 2 protects the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and is made of a transparent member, and transmits light emitted from the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and light incident on the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1.
First, the optical fiber 1 is inserted into the ferrule hole 11, and the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 is disposed on the bottom surface of the recess 16. At this time, the optical fiber 1 may be bonded to the ferrule hole 11, but the window bonding portion communication path 17 is not blocked by the adhesive at that time.
Next, the window portion 2 is bonded as shown in FIG. 2A → FIG. 2B → FIG. 2C. That is, as shown in FIG. 2A, the adhesive b is applied to the inner surface 2 a of the window portion 2 and / or the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1. The adhesive b is held in a convex shape by its surface tension. Although the handling method of the window part 2 is not ask | required, the case where it hold | maintains by the adsorption | suction holding means 3 is illustrated.
Next, as shown in FIG. 2A → FIG. 2B → FIG. 2C, the window portion 2 and the concave portion 16 are brought close to each other, and the inner surface 2a of the window portion 2 and the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1 are brought together through an adhesive b. At this time, a part of the adhesive b is caused to flow into the window adhesive portion communication path 17. By causing bubbles and dust to flow together with the excess adhesive b flowing in the window bonding portion communication path 17, bubbles and dust are formed between the end face 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and the window portion 2, particularly from the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1. The optical quality is improved by preventing air bubbles and dust from being fixed in the adhesive on the end face 1a of the optical fiber 1.
Then, the optical fiber module of this embodiment is comprised by solidifying the adhesive agent b and adhere | attaching the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1, and the inner surface 2a of the window part 2. FIG. In this embodiment, the adhesive b is also filled and bonded between the inner surface of the recess 16 and the window portion 2.
　図２Ｃに示すように、光ファイバー１の端面１ａと窓部２との間の接着剤ｂが充填される部分は、窓接着部Ｃを構成する。すなわち、窓接着部Ｃは、光ファイバー１の端面１ａと窓部２とを接着する接着剤が充填される隙間部分である。
　窓接着部連通路１７は、窓接着部Ｃに連通しており、窓接着部Ｃに対してフェルール穴１１がある後方側に延設される。窓接着部連通路１７の少なくとも窓接着部Ｃの逆側の端部１７ａ（図１Ｂ参照）が光フェルール１０の構成部品１０の表面に開通している。本実施形態にあっては、光フェルール１０は１部品構成であるので、端部１７ａは光フェルール１０の後方面１４に開通している。光ファイバー１を他の光学系に光学的に接続するために光フェルール１０を他の部品に機械的に接続する都合上、テーパー面１２や外周面１３に端部１７ａを開通させることは好ましくないため、端部１７ａが光フェルール１０の後方面１４に開通した構成とする。 As shown in FIG. 2C, the portion filled with the adhesive b between the end face 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and the window portion 2 constitutes the window adhesive portion C. That is, the window adhesive portion C is a gap portion filled with an adhesive that bonds the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and the window portion 2.
The window bonding portion communication path 17 communicates with the window bonding portion C and extends to the rear side where the ferrule hole 11 is located with respect to the window bonding portion C. At least an end portion 17 a (see FIG. 1B) on the opposite side of the window adhesive portion C of the window adhesive portion communication path 17 is open to the surface of the component 10 of the optical ferrule 10. In the present embodiment, since the optical ferrule 10 has a one-part configuration, the end portion 17 a is open to the rear surface 14 of the optical ferrule 10. In order to optically connect the optical ferrule 10 to other components in order to optically connect the optical fiber 1 to another optical system, it is not preferable to open the end portion 17a on the tapered surface 12 or the outer peripheral surface 13. The end portion 17a is opened to the rear surface 14 of the optical ferrule 10.
　窓接着部連通路１７への接着剤ｂの流動は、毛細管現象を利用するか、吸引によって行うことができる。特に、接着剤ｂの粘度が低い場合には毛細管現象を、粘度が高い場合には吸引を効果的に利用できる。
　毛細管現象を利用する場合は、予め窓接着部連通路１７の流路断面積を使用接着剤ｂの表面張力との関係で毛細管現象が生じるように十分に小さく毛細管状に形成しておく。
　吸引を行う場合は、負圧源を窓接着部連通路１７の端部１７ａに接続して行う。
　接着作業時に窓部２を凹部１６に押し付ける押し付け量によって、窓接着部Ｃから窓接着部連通路１７への接着剤の流動を制御することができる。また、毛細管現象を利用する場合は、窓接着部連通路１７の端部１７ａを塞ぐことで窓接着部連通路１７内への接着剤ｂの流動を抑止することができ、端部１７ａを開放することで接着剤ｂの流動を促進することができ、これにより窓接着部Ｃから窓接着部連通路１７への接着剤の流動を制御することができる。吸引を行う場合は、窓接着部連通路１７に付与する負圧の制御によって、窓接着部Ｃから窓接着部連通路１７への接着剤ｂの流動を制御することができる。 The flow of the adhesive b to the window adhesive portion communication path 17 can be performed by utilizing a capillary phenomenon or by suction. In particular, capillary action can be effectively used when the viscosity of the adhesive b is low, and suction can be effectively used when the viscosity is high.
When the capillary phenomenon is used, the flow path cross-sectional area of the window bonding portion communication path 17 is previously formed into a capillary tube that is sufficiently small so that the capillary phenomenon occurs due to the surface tension of the adhesive b used.
When suction is performed, a negative pressure source is connected to the end portion 17 a of the window bonding portion communication path 17.
The flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive portion C to the window adhesive portion communication path 17 can be controlled by the amount of pressing the window portion 2 against the concave portion 16 during the bonding operation. Also, when utilizing the capillary phenomenon, the flow of the adhesive b into the window adhesive portion communication passage 17 can be suppressed by closing the end portion 17a of the window adhesive portion communication passage 17, and the end portion 17a is opened. By doing so, the flow of the adhesive b can be promoted, whereby the flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive portion C to the window adhesive portion communication path 17 can be controlled. When suction is performed, the flow of the adhesive b from the window adhesive part C to the window adhesive part communication path 17 can be controlled by controlling the negative pressure applied to the window adhesive part communication path 17.
　窓接着部Ｃ、特に光ファイバー１の出入力光路範囲から気泡や塵埃をより確実に排出するために、窓接着部Ｃ内の光ファイバー１の出入力光路範囲の観察を行う。窓接着部Ｃ内の光ファイバー１の出入力光路範囲とは、端面１ａと内表面２ａとの間における端面１ａから出射する光の進路範囲、外部から端面１ａに入射する光の進路範囲である。
　拡大光学系又は電子カメラを用いて行いて窓接着部Ｃ内の光ファイバー１の出入力光路範囲の観察を行いながら当該範囲の気泡や塵埃が減少するように、窓接着部Ｃから窓接着部連通路１７への接着剤ｂの流動を上述したいずれかの方法により制御する。拡大光学系としては、拡大鏡や光学顕微鏡を適用する。電子カメラを用いる場合、併せて拡大光学系を備えたものを適用してもよいことはもちろんである。以上により肉眼では識別しにくい気泡や塵埃を観察する。 In order to more reliably discharge air bubbles and dust from the window adhesive portion C, particularly the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1, the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1 in the window adhesive portion C is observed. The input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1 in the window bonding portion C is a path range of light emitted from the end face 1a between the end face 1a and the inner surface 2a and a path range of light incident on the end face 1a from the outside.
While observing the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1 in the window adhesive portion C by using a magnifying optical system or an electronic camera, the window adhesive portion C is connected to the window adhesive portion so that bubbles and dust in the range are reduced. The flow of the adhesive b into the passage 17 is controlled by any of the methods described above. As the magnifying optical system, a magnifying glass or an optical microscope is applied. When using an electronic camera, it is needless to say that an apparatus equipped with a magnifying optical system may be applied. Thus, bubbles and dust that are difficult to identify with the naked eye are observed.
　接着剤ｂとしては、光硬化性接着剤又は熱硬化性接着剤のほか、２液混合性接着剤、嫌気性接着剤を適用することができる。その中でも接着剤ｂとしては、光硬化性接着剤又は熱硬化性接着剤を用いることが好ましい。気泡や塵埃の排出を確保した後に硬化エネルギーである光又は熱を付与することで硬化させることができるからである。具体的な成分としてはエポキシ系接着剤（２液混合性）、アクリル系接着剤を挙げることができる。
　図２Ａに示した段階で、窓部２の内表面２ａ及び／又は光ファイバー１の端面１ａに、十分な量の接着剤ｂを凸状に保持するには、接着剤ｂとしてチキソ性を有する接着剤を適用することが好ましい。接着剤ｂがチキソ性を有することによって、十分な量の接着剤ｂを塗布することができるとともに、接着剤ｂが垂れ落ちたり揺れ動いたりすることが少なく図２Ａ→図２Ｂ→図２Ｃのように窓部２と凹部１６とを近づける接着の作業が容易となる。 As the adhesive b, in addition to a photo-curable adhesive or a thermosetting adhesive, a two-component mixed adhesive or an anaerobic adhesive can be applied. Among them, as the adhesive b, it is preferable to use a photocurable adhesive or a thermosetting adhesive. It is because it can be cured by applying light or heat as curing energy after ensuring the discharge of bubbles and dust. Specific examples of the component include an epoxy adhesive (two-component mixing property) and an acrylic adhesive.
In order to hold a sufficient amount of adhesive b on the inner surface 2a of the window 2 and / or the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1 in the stage shown in FIG. 2A, the adhesive b has thixotropy. It is preferable to apply the agent. Since the adhesive b has thixotropy, a sufficient amount of the adhesive b can be applied, and the adhesive b is less likely to drip or swing as shown in FIGS. 2A → 2B → FIG. 2C. The bonding operation for bringing the window portion 2 and the concave portion 16 closer is facilitated.
　接着剤ｂにチキソ性がなく粘度が低い場合には、図３Ａに示すように、凹部１６を上向きして凹部１６に接着剤ｂを充填することにより、十分な充填量を確保でき、接着作業も容易に行える。
　この場合、図３Ａ→図３Ｂ→図３Ｃに示すように凹部１６に対して窓部２を斜めに配置して近づけていくことで、窓部２と端面１ａとの間への気泡の混入を低減することができる。
　この場合も、拡大光学系又は電子カメラを用いて行いて窓接着部Ｃ内の光ファイバー１の出入力光路範囲の観察を行いながら当該範囲の気泡や塵埃が減少するように、窓接着部Ｃから窓接着部連通路１７への接着剤ｂの流動を上述したいずれかの方法により制御する。 When the adhesive b has no thixotropy and has a low viscosity, as shown in FIG. 3A, by filling the concave portion 16 with the concave portion 16 facing upward, a sufficient filling amount can be secured, and the bonding work Can also be done easily.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 3A → FIG. 3B → FIG. 3C, by placing the window portion 2 obliquely with respect to the concave portion 16, air bubbles are mixed between the window portion 2 and the end surface 1a. Can be reduced.
Also in this case, from the window adhesive portion C, the air bubble and dust in the range are reduced while observing the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1 in the window adhesive portion C by using an magnifying optical system or an electronic camera. The flow of the adhesive b to the window bonding part communication path 17 is controlled by any of the methods described above.
　以上のように本実施形態の光ファイバーモジュールは、光ファイバー１と、光ファイバー１の端部を保持するフェルール穴１１が形成され光ファイバー１の端部に固定される光フェルール１０とを備え、さらに透明部材で構成されフェルール穴１１の底部となり光ファイバー１の端面１ａを保護する窓部２が設けられてなり、光ファイバー１の端面１ａと窓部２の内表面２ａとが接着され、光フェルール１０に、光ファイバー１の端面１ａと窓部２との間の接着剤ｂが充填された部分である窓接着部Ｃに連通する窓接着部連通路１７が形成され、窓接着部連通路１７は、窓接着部Ｃに対してフェルール穴１１がある後方側に延設され、少なくとも窓接着部Ｃの逆側の端部１７ａが光フェルール１０の構成部品１０の表面（後方面１４）に開通している。窓部２と光フェルール１０とが別部品で構成されている。
　接着剤ｂが窓接着部Ｃに連続して窓接着部連通路１７内にも充填され固化しており、窓接着部Ｃから窓接着部連通路１７への気泡や塵埃の排出が制御されたことで、接着剤中から予め除去不可避な微量な気泡や塵埃も、窓接着部Ｃよりも窓接着部連通路１７内に偏在しており、その状態で接着剤が固化しているため、光ファイバー１の端面１ａにおける接着剤中への気泡や塵埃の定着が防止されており、高い光学的品質を発揮することができる。 As described above, the optical fiber module of the present embodiment includes the optical fiber 1 and the optical ferrule 10 in which the ferrule hole 11 that holds the end of the optical fiber 1 is formed and fixed to the end of the optical fiber 1, and is further made of a transparent member. A window portion 2 that is configured and becomes the bottom portion of the ferrule hole 11 and protects the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1 is provided, and the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1 and the inner surface 2a of the window portion 2 are bonded to each other. A window adhesive portion communication path 17 communicating with the window adhesive portion C, which is a portion filled with the adhesive b between the end surface 1a of the window 2 and the window portion 2, is formed. The ferrule hole 11 extends to the rear side, and at least the end 17a on the opposite side of the window adhesive portion C opens to the surface (rear surface 14) of the component 10 of the optical ferrule 10. To have. The window part 2 and the optical ferrule 10 are comprised by another component.
The adhesive b is continuously filled in the window adhesive portion communication passage 17 in the window adhesive portion C and solidified, and the discharge of bubbles and dust from the window adhesive portion C to the window adhesive portion communication passage 17 is controlled. Thus, a very small amount of air bubbles and dust that are unavoidable in advance from the adhesive are also unevenly distributed in the window adhesive portion communication path 17 rather than the window adhesive portion C, and the adhesive is solidified in this state. It is possible to prevent air bubbles and dust from being fixed in the adhesive on the end surface 1a of the 1 and to exhibit high optical quality.
〔第２実施形態〕
　次に、図４Ａ及び図４Ｂを参照して本発明の第２実施形態の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法と、これにより製造された光ファイバーモジュールにつき説明する。
　図４Ａ及び図４Ｂに本実施形態に適用される光フェルール先端部品２０と光ファイバー１とが示される。
　光フェルール先端部品２０は、光ファイバー１の端部を保持するフェルール穴２１が形成された円筒状の構造を有する。光ファイバー１はフェルール穴２１に挿入されて保持され、光フェルール先端部品２０は光ファイバー１の端部に固定される態様となる。テーパー面２２が設けられた側が光フェルール先端部品２０の先端である。テーパー面２２に外周面２３を介して後方面２４が続く。先端部中央には、窓部４が一体成形されており、最先端面２５は窓部４の外表面４ｂを含む。フェルール穴２１の内周面にそれぞれ一端を開口する２つの窓接着部連通路２６，２７がトンネル状に形成されている。フェルール穴２１及び窓接着部連通路２６，２７の各後端は後方面２４に開口する。 [Second Embodiment]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the manufacturing method of the optical fiber module of 2nd Embodiment of this invention and the optical fiber module manufactured by this are demonstrated.
4A and 4B show the optical ferrule tip part 20 and the optical fiber 1 applied to this embodiment.
The optical ferrule tip part 20 has a cylindrical structure in which a ferrule hole 21 that holds the end of the optical fiber 1 is formed. The optical fiber 1 is inserted and held in the ferrule hole 21, and the optical ferrule tip part 20 is fixed to the end of the optical fiber 1. The side on which the tapered surface 22 is provided is the tip of the optical ferrule tip part 20. The taper surface 22 is followed by the rear surface 24 via the outer peripheral surface 23. The window 4 is integrally formed at the center of the tip, and the foremost surface 25 includes the outer surface 4 b of the window 4. Two window adhesive portion communication passages 26 and 27 each having one end opened on the inner peripheral surface of the ferrule hole 21 are formed in a tunnel shape. The rear ends of the ferrule hole 21 and the window adhesive portion communication passages 26 and 27 open to the rear surface 24.
　窓接着部連通路２６の前端２６ｂと、窓接着部連通路２７の前端２７ｂとは、フェルール穴２１の軸方向について異なる位置に配置されている。このように異なる位置に配置することで、光ファイバー１の端部周りに配置される光フェルール先端部品２０の先端部の強度、剛性を確保することできる。窓接着部連通路２６の前端２６ｂは、フェルール穴２１の底面でもある窓部４の内表面４ａまで形成されている。窓接着部連通路２７の前端２７ｂは、それより後方側に後退して配置されている。上述したように光フェルール先端部品２０の先端部の強度、剛性を確保するために、２つの前端２６ｂ，２７ｂのフェルール穴２１の軸方向について形成範囲は重ならないことが好ましい。
　本実施形態の製造方法においては、よりフェルール穴２１の底面に近い前端２６ｂを有した窓接着部連通路２６を接着剤注入路として用い、窓接着部連通路２７を接着剤排出路として用いる。しかし、窓接着部連通路２７を接着剤注入路、窓接着部連通路２６を接着剤排出路としても実施可能である。 The front end 26 b of the window bonding part communication path 26 and the front end 27 b of the window bonding part communication path 27 are arranged at different positions in the axial direction of the ferrule hole 21. By arranging them at different positions in this way, the strength and rigidity of the tip of the optical ferrule tip component 20 arranged around the end of the optical fiber 1 can be ensured. The front end 26 b of the window bonding portion communication path 26 is formed up to the inner surface 4 a of the window portion 4 which is also the bottom surface of the ferrule hole 21. The front end 27b of the window bonding portion communication path 27 is disposed so as to recede from the rear side. As described above, in order to ensure the strength and rigidity of the tip portion of the optical ferrule tip component 20, it is preferable that the formation ranges do not overlap in the axial direction of the ferrule holes 21 of the two front ends 26b and 27b.
In the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the window adhesive portion communication path 26 having the front end 26b closer to the bottom surface of the ferrule hole 21 is used as an adhesive injection path, and the window adhesive portion communication path 27 is used as an adhesive discharge path. However, it is also possible to use the window adhesive portion communication path 27 as an adhesive injection path and the window adhesive portion communication path 26 as an adhesive discharge path.
　以上のように本実施形態の光フェルール先端部品２０は、窓接着部連通路を複数備え、窓部４と光フェルール先端部品２０とが一体成形されている。また、光フェルール先端部品２０と、光フェルール後端部品３０とが接合されることで光フェルールが構成される。光フェルール後端部品３０は、フェルール穴２１に連続する貫通孔を有した円筒状部材である。窓接着部連通路２６，２７の後端部２６ａ，２７ａが光フェルールを構成する２つの部品２０，３０の合わせ面に開通している構成である。
　なお、２つの部品２０，３０に相当する全体を一体成形により形成し、１部品構成の光フェルールとする場合には、窓接着部連通路２６，２７を光フェルール全体の最後端面まで延設して開口すればよい。しかし、本実施形態のように２部品に分けることで窓接着部連通路２６，２７を短くすることができ、接着剤の充填が容易となる。 As described above, the optical ferrule tip part 20 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of window bonding part communication paths, and the window part 4 and the optical ferrule tip part 20 are integrally formed. Further, the optical ferrule is configured by joining the optical ferrule tip part 20 and the optical ferrule rear part 30. The optical ferrule rear end part 30 is a cylindrical member having a through-hole continuous with the ferrule hole 21. The rear end portions 26a and 27a of the window bonding portion communication passages 26 and 27 are open to the mating surfaces of the two parts 20 and 30 constituting the optical ferrule.
When the entire part corresponding to the two parts 20 and 30 is formed by integral molding to form an optical ferrule having a single part structure, the window adhesive portion communication paths 26 and 27 are extended to the rearmost end face of the entire optical ferrule. And open. However, by dividing into two parts like this embodiment, the window adhesion part communication paths 26 and 27 can be shortened, and the filling of an adhesive becomes easy.
　製造方法としては、部品２０と部品３０の組立前において、まず、光ファイバー１をフェルール穴２１に挿入して、光ファイバー１の端面１ａをフェルール穴２１の底面でもある窓部４の内表面４ａに当接する。この状態で、窓接着部連通路２６を通して接着剤を充填する一方、窓接着部連通路２７に余分な接着剤を流動させる。この過程で接着剤は、光ファイバー１の端面１ａと窓部４の内表面４ａとの間や、光ファイバー１の外周面とフェルール穴２１の内周面との間に浸入する。なお、図４Ａ及び図４Ｂにおいて接着剤の図示を省略する。
　この窓接着部連通路２７に流動する余分な接着剤とともに気泡や塵埃を流動させることで、光ファイバー１の端面１ａと窓部４との間、特に光ファイバー１の出入力光路範囲から気泡や塵埃を排出し、光ファイバー１の端面１ａにおける接着剤中への気泡や塵埃の定着を防止して光学的品質を向上する。
　次に、光ファイバー１が通された光フェルール後端部品３０の前方面を、光フェルール先端部品２０の後方面２４に接着剤を介して合わせる。
　その後、接着剤を固化させて光ファイバー１及び部品２０，３０を接着する。これにより光ファイバー１の端面１ａと窓部４の内表面４ａも接着される。 As a manufacturing method, before assembling the component 20 and the component 30, first, the optical fiber 1 is inserted into the ferrule hole 21, and the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 is brought into contact with the inner surface 4 a of the window 4 that is also the bottom surface of the ferrule hole 21. Touch. In this state, the adhesive is filled through the window adhesive portion communication passage 26, while excess adhesive is caused to flow in the window adhesive portion communication passage 27. In this process, the adhesive permeates between the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and the inner surface 4 a of the window portion 4, or between the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber 1 and the inner peripheral surface of the ferrule hole 21. In addition, illustration of an adhesive agent is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. 4A and 4B.
By allowing bubbles and dust to flow along with the excess adhesive flowing in the window adhesive portion communication path 27, bubbles and dust are removed between the end face 1a of the optical fiber 1 and the window portion 4, particularly from the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1. The optical quality is improved by discharging and preventing air bubbles and dust from being fixed in the adhesive on the end face 1a of the optical fiber 1.
Next, the front surface of the optical ferrule rear end component 30 through which the optical fiber 1 is passed is aligned with the rear surface 24 of the optical ferrule front end component 20 via an adhesive.
Then, the optical fiber 1 and the parts 20 and 30 are bonded by solidifying the adhesive. Thereby, the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1 and the inner surface 4a of the window part 4 are also bonded.
　窓接着部連通路２７への接着剤の流動は、毛細管現象を利用するか、吸引によって行うことができる。特に、接着剤の粘度が低い場合には毛細管現象を、粘度が高い場合には吸引を効果的に利用できる。
　毛細管現象を利用する場合は、予め窓接着部連通路２７の流路断面積を使用接着剤の表面張力との関係で毛細管現象が生じるように十分に小さく毛細管状に形成しておく。
　吸引を行う場合は、負圧源を窓接着部連通路２７の端部２７ａに接続して行う。
　窓接着部連通路２６からの接着剤の注入量によって、窓接着部Ｃから窓接着部連通路２７への接着剤の流動を制御することができる。また、毛細管現象を利用する場合は、窓接着部連通路２７の端部２７ａを塞ぐことで窓接着部連通路２７内への接着剤の流動を抑止することができ、端部２７ａを開放することで接着剤の流動を促進することができ、これにより窓接着部Ｃから窓接着部連通路２７への接着剤の流動を制御することができる。吸引を行う場合は、窓接着部連通路２７に付与する負圧の制御によって、窓接着部Ｃから窓接着部連通路２７への接着剤の流動を制御することができる。 The flow of the adhesive to the window adhesive portion communication path 27 can be performed by utilizing a capillary phenomenon or by suction. In particular, capillary action can be effectively used when the viscosity of the adhesive is low, and suction can be effectively used when the viscosity is high.
When utilizing the capillary phenomenon, the flow path cross-sectional area of the window adhesive portion communication path 27 is previously formed into a capillary tube that is sufficiently small so that the capillary phenomenon occurs due to the surface tension of the adhesive used.
When suction is performed, a negative pressure source is connected to the end portion 27 a of the window bonding portion communication path 27.
The flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive part C to the window adhesive part communication path 27 can be controlled by the injection amount of the adhesive from the window adhesive part communication path 26. Further, when the capillary phenomenon is used, the flow of the adhesive into the window adhesive portion communication passage 27 can be suppressed by closing the end portion 27a of the window adhesive portion communication passage 27, and the end portion 27a is opened. Thus, the flow of the adhesive can be promoted, whereby the flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive portion C to the window adhesive portion communication path 27 can be controlled. When suction is performed, the flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive part C to the window adhesive part communication path 27 can be controlled by controlling the negative pressure applied to the window adhesive part communication path 27.
　上記第１実施形態と同様に、拡大光学系又は電子カメラを用いて行いて窓接着部Ｃ内の光ファイバー１の出入力光路範囲の観察を行いながら当該範囲の気泡や塵埃が減少するように、窓接着部Ｃから窓接着部連通路２７への接着剤の流動を上述したいずれかの方法により制御する。
　窓接着部連通路２７からの吸引を行って接着剤の流動を制御する場合、窓接着部連通路２６から接着剤の充填を実行する充填工程と、窓接着部連通路２７から接着剤を吸引する吸引工程とを同時に行ってもよいし、交互に繰り返して行ってもよい。 As in the first embodiment, while observing the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1 in the window bonding portion C by using an magnifying optical system or an electronic camera, the bubbles and dust in the range are reduced. The flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive portion C to the window adhesive portion communication path 27 is controlled by any of the methods described above.
In the case of controlling the flow of the adhesive by performing suction from the window adhesive portion communication path 27, a filling step for filling the adhesive from the window adhesive portion communication path 26, and sucking the adhesive from the window adhesive portion communication path 27 The sucking step to be performed may be performed simultaneously or may be performed alternately.
　接着剤の流動制御の際の観察は、観察のための照明光を光ファイバー１の窓部４に臨む端面１ａとは逆側の端面１ｂから入射させて行うことが効果的である。この場合、拡大光学系又は電子カメラを介して窓部４の外表面４ｂ側から観察を行い、端面１ｂから入射し端面１ａから出射する光に欠陥がないか識別する。これにより、光ファイバーの光学的品質を直接的に識別することができ、光学的品質に影響しない現象に惑わされることなく、効率的に光学的品質の向上を図ることができる。 It is effective to perform observation during the flow control of the adhesive by making illumination light for observation enter from the end face 1b opposite to the end face 1a facing the window 4 of the optical fiber 1. In this case, observation is performed from the outer surface 4b side of the window portion 4 through the magnifying optical system or the electronic camera, and it is identified whether there is a defect in the light incident from the end surface 1b and emitted from the end surface 1a. Thereby, the optical quality of the optical fiber can be directly identified, and the optical quality can be improved efficiently without being confused by a phenomenon that does not affect the optical quality.
〔第３実施形態〕
　次に、図５Ａ及び図５Ｂを参照して本発明の第３実施形態の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法と、これにより製造された光ファイバーモジュールにつき説明する。
　図５Ａ及び図５Ｂに本実施形態に適用される光フェルール４０と光ファイバー１とが示される。
　本実施形態は、窓接着部連通路４６，４７に断面積が拡幅された接着剤溜まり部４６ｂ，４７ｂが形成された構造の具体的例示のための実施形態である。
　窓部４、その内表面４ａ、その外表面４ｂ並びに窓接着部Ｃは、上記第２実施形態と同様であり共通の符号とする。
　本実施形態の光フェルール４０は１部品構成であるが、上記第２実施形態のように２部品構成としてもよい。その場合、窓接着部連通路４６，４７の形成が必要なのは、先端の部品のみである。 [Third Embodiment]
Next, with reference to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the manufacturing method of the optical fiber module of 3rd Embodiment of this invention and the optical fiber module manufactured by this are demonstrated.
5A and 5B show the optical ferrule 40 and the optical fiber 1 applied to this embodiment.
This embodiment is an embodiment for specific illustration of a structure in which adhesive reservoir portions 46b and 47b having a cross-sectional area widened are formed in the window adhesive portion communication paths 46 and 47.
The window portion 4, its inner surface 4a, its outer surface 4b, and the window adhesive portion C are the same as those in the second embodiment and are denoted by common reference numerals.
Although the optical ferrule 40 of this embodiment has a one-part configuration, it may have a two-part configuration as in the second embodiment. In that case, only the tip part needs to form the window adhesive portion communication passages 46 and 47.
　光フェルール４０は、光ファイバー１の端部を保持するフェルール穴４１が形成された円筒状の構造を有する。光ファイバー１はフェルール穴４１に挿入されて保持され、光フェルール４０は光ファイバー１の端部に固定される態様となる。テーパー面４２が設けられた側が光フェルール４０の先端である。テーパー面４２に外周面４３を介して後方面４４が続く。先端部中央には、窓部４が一体成形されており、最先端面４５は窓部４の外表面４ｂを含む。フェルール穴４１の内周面にそれぞれ一端を開口する２つの窓接着部連通路４６，４７がトンネル状に形成されている。フェルール穴４１及び窓接着部連通路４６，４７の各後端は後方面４４に開口する。 The optical ferrule 40 has a cylindrical structure in which a ferrule hole 41 that holds the end of the optical fiber 1 is formed. The optical fiber 1 is inserted and held in the ferrule hole 41, and the optical ferrule 40 is fixed to the end of the optical fiber 1. The side on which the tapered surface 42 is provided is the tip of the optical ferrule 40. The tapered surface 42 is followed by a rear surface 44 through the outer peripheral surface 43. The window 4 is integrally formed at the center of the tip, and the foremost surface 45 includes the outer surface 4 b of the window 4. Two window adhesive portion communication passages 46 and 47 each having one end opened on the inner peripheral surface of the ferrule hole 41 are formed in a tunnel shape. The rear ends of the ferrule hole 41 and the window bonding portion communication passages 46 and 47 open to the rear surface 44.
　窓接着部連通路４６，４７のフェルール穴４１に接続する端部に接着剤溜まり部４６ｂ，４７ｂが形成されている。
　ここでは、窓接着部連通路４６を接着剤注入路、窓接着部連通路４７を接着剤排出路として説明するが、いずれから充填してもよい。光ファイバー１と光フェルール４０とを接着するために接着剤を充填する過程において、窓接着部連通路４６からフェルール穴４１、さらに窓接着部連通路４７へと接着剤が流動する。接着剤の流れは接着剤溜まり部４６ｂ，４７ｂで淀みが生じ、接着剤中から予め除去不可避な微量な気泡や塵埃は接着剤溜まり部４６ｂ，４７ｂで停滞しやすくなる。これにより、光ファイバー１の端面１ａにおける接着剤中への気泡や塵埃の定着を防止して光学的品質を向上することができる。このような効果を得るためには、接着剤溜まり部４６ｂ，４７ｂを、窓接着部連通路４６，４７のフェルール穴４１に接続する端部に形成することは必ずしも必要なく、本実施形態に拘わらず窓接着部連通路４６，４７の途中のいずれかの箇所に接着剤溜まり部を形成すればよい。
　その他は上記第２実施形態と同様にして、観察や接着剤の流動制御を実施して製造する。 Adhesive reservoirs 46b and 47b are formed at the ends of the window adhesive portion communication passages 46 and 47 connected to the ferrule holes 41.
Here, the window adhesive portion communication path 46 is described as an adhesive injection path, and the window adhesive portion communication path 47 is described as an adhesive discharge path. In the process of filling the adhesive to bond the optical fiber 1 and the optical ferrule 40, the adhesive flows from the window adhesive portion communication path 46 to the ferrule hole 41 and further to the window adhesive portion communication path 47. The flow of the adhesive stagnates in the adhesive reservoirs 46b and 47b, and minute amounts of air bubbles and dust that cannot be removed from the adhesive in advance tend to stagnate in the adhesive reservoirs 46b and 47b. Thereby, it is possible to prevent bubbles and dust from being fixed in the adhesive on the end face 1a of the optical fiber 1 and to improve the optical quality. In order to obtain such an effect, it is not always necessary to form the adhesive reservoir portions 46b and 47b at the end portions connected to the ferrule holes 41 of the window adhesive portion communication passages 46 and 47. What is necessary is just to form an adhesive reservoir part in any location in the middle of the window bonding part communication paths 46 and 47.
Others are manufactured in the same manner as in the second embodiment by observing and controlling the flow of the adhesive.
　本実施形態の光ファイバーモジュールにあっては、着剤溜まり部４６ｂ，４７ｂによって光ファイバー１の端部周囲に比較的多量の接着剤が配置されるので、接着剤の固化収縮によって光ファイバー１の端部に生じる応力を緩和することができるという効果もある。 In the optical fiber module of the present embodiment, since a relatively large amount of adhesive is disposed around the end of the optical fiber 1 by the adhesive reservoirs 46b and 47b, it is applied to the end of the optical fiber 1 by solidification shrinkage of the adhesive. There is also an effect that the generated stress can be relaxed.
〔第４実施形態〕
　次に、図６及び図７を参照して本発明の第４実施形態の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法と、これにより製造された光ファイバーモジュールにつき説明する。
　図６に本実施形態に適用される光フェルール５０と光ファイバー１とが示される。光フェルール５０は、部品５１と部品５２とからなる。光ファイバー１が配置された状態の部品５１の部品合わせ面の図を図７に示した。 [Fourth Embodiment]
Next, with reference to FIG.6 and FIG.7, the manufacturing method of the optical fiber module of 4th Embodiment of this invention and the optical fiber module manufactured by this are demonstrated.
FIG. 6 shows an optical ferrule 50 and an optical fiber 1 applied to this embodiment. The optical ferrule 50 includes a part 51 and a part 52. FIG. 7 shows a diagram of the component mating surface of the component 51 in a state where the optical fiber 1 is arranged.
　光フェルール５０は、部品５１と部品５２とを備えて構成される。光ファイバー１の端部がフェルール穴６０に挿入された状態で保持される。フェルール穴６０は、組み立てられる２つの部品５１，５２で構成される。部品５１に溝５３が形成されており、部品５２に溝５４が形成されている。部品５１，５２を組み立てたとき、溝５３と溝５４とが合わされてフェルール穴６０が構成される。
　一方の部品５１には、フェルール穴６０の底部となる窓部５５が構成されている。窓部５５は、光ファイバー１の端面１ａをゴミの付着や損傷を受け得る接触から保護する機能を有する。窓部５５は透明部材で構成されており、光ファイバー１の端面１ａと外部との間の光の出入力が可能とされる。
　図中において５６及び５７は部品合わせ面、５８はフェルール先端部に形成されたテーパー面である。 The optical ferrule 50 includes a component 51 and a component 52. The end of the optical fiber 1 is held in a state of being inserted into the ferrule hole 60. The ferrule hole 60 is composed of two parts 51 and 52 to be assembled. A groove 53 is formed in the component 51, and a groove 54 is formed in the component 52. When the parts 51 and 52 are assembled, the groove 53 and the groove 54 are combined to form the ferrule hole 60.
One component 51 is provided with a window portion 55 that is a bottom portion of the ferrule hole 60. The window portion 55 has a function of protecting the end face 1a of the optical fiber 1 from contact that may cause dust adhesion or damage. The window part 55 is comprised with the transparent member, and the input / output of the light between the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1 and the exterior is attained.
In the figure, reference numerals 56 and 57 denote parts mating surfaces, and 58 denotes a tapered surface formed at the tip of the ferrule.
　窓部５５が構成された部品５１の部品合わせ面５６に、２つの窓接着部連通路６１、６２が溝状に形成されている。
　２つの窓接着部連通路６１、６２は、フェルール穴６０の中心軸を中心にして互いに対称に形成されている。窓接着部連通路６１、６２の後端部には接着剤溜まり部６１ａ，６２ａがそれぞれ形成され、それぞれの前端６１ｂ，６２ｂは対称的な位置で溝５３に開通している。窓接着部連通路６１と窓接着部連通路６２とは、対称形状であり容積は等しい。
　窓接着部連通路６１、６２はそれぞれ、その全体が光フェルールを構成する２つの部品の合わせ面５６に開通している。
　本実施形態ににおいは毛細管現象を利用して接着剤を充填するため、接着剤溜まり部６１ａ，６２ａを除き、窓接着部連通路６１、６２を毛細管状に形成する。 Two window adhesive portion communication paths 61 and 62 are formed in a groove shape on the component mating surface 56 of the component 51 in which the window portion 55 is configured.
The two window bonding portion communication paths 61 and 62 are formed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the ferrule hole 60. Adhesive reservoirs 61a and 62a are respectively formed at the rear end portions of the window bonding portion communication passages 61 and 62, and the front ends 61b and 62b open to the groove 53 at symmetrical positions. The window adhesion part communication path 61 and the window adhesion part communication path 62 are symmetrical and have the same volume.
Each of the window adhering portion communication paths 61 and 62 is open to the mating surface 56 of two parts constituting the optical ferrule.
In this embodiment, since the adhesive is filled using the capillary phenomenon, the window adhesive portion communication passages 61 and 62 are formed in a capillary shape except for the adhesive reservoir portions 61a and 62a.
　ここでは、窓接着部連通路６１から接着剤を充填するものとして説明するが、いずれから充填してもよい。
　図７に示すように溝５３に光ファイバー１を配置し、一方の接着剤溜まり部６１ａに接着剤を充填する。すると、毛細管現象により接着剤が窓接着部連通路６１、溝５３の内面と光ファイバー１との隙間、窓接着部連通路６２へと順次に流動する。なお、図７において接着剤の図示を省略する。
　接着剤の流動は、毛細管現象における圧力平衡が到来するまで生じる。予め使用する接着剤の粘度を選択しておくことで、接着剤の流動を制御することができる。
　以上により、接着剤を窓部５５と光ファイバー１の端面１ａとの間の窓接着部Ｃと、溝５３の内面と光ファイバー１との隙間に充填する。
　上記第２実施形態と同様に窓接着部Ｃの観察を行いながら、接着剤溜まり部６１ａへの接着剤の充填量により、窓接着部Ｃから窓接着部連通路６２への接着剤の流動を制御する。窓接着部連通路６２に流動する余分な接着剤とともに気泡や塵埃を流動させることで、光ファイバー１の端面１ａと窓部５５との間、特に光ファイバー１の出入力光路範囲から気泡や塵埃を排出し、光ファイバー１の端面１ａにおける接着剤中への気泡や塵埃の定着を防止して光学的品質を向上する。
　次に、接着剤を固化させて光ファイバー１の端面１ａと窓部５５との気泡や塵埃が排除された接着を確定する。
　次に、他方の部品５２の部品合わせ面５７を、部品５１の部品合わせ面５６に合わせて固定することにより、光ファイバー１の端部をフェルール穴６０内に閉じ込めるようにしてフェルール穴６０を完成させるとともに、窓接着部連通路６１，６２を光フェルール５０の内部に閉じ込める。部品５１と部品５２との固定は、接着のほか、スナップフィットなど機械的接続により行ってもよい。 Here, although it demonstrates as what is filled with an adhesive agent from the window adhesion part communication path 61, you may fill from any.
As shown in FIG. 7, the optical fiber 1 is disposed in the groove 53, and one adhesive reservoir 61a is filled with the adhesive. Then, due to capillary action, the adhesive sequentially flows into the window adhesive portion communication path 61, the gap between the inner surface of the groove 53 and the optical fiber 1, and the window adhesive portion communication path 62. In addition, illustration of an adhesive agent is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.
Adhesive flow occurs until pressure equilibrium in the capillary action arrives. By selecting the viscosity of the adhesive to be used in advance, the flow of the adhesive can be controlled.
As described above, the adhesive is filled in the gap between the window bonding portion C between the window portion 55 and the end surface 1 a of the optical fiber 1 and the inner surface of the groove 53 and the optical fiber 1.
While observing the window adhesive portion C as in the second embodiment, the flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive portion C to the window adhesive portion communication path 62 is caused by the amount of adhesive filled in the adhesive reservoir portion 61a. Control. By allowing bubbles and dust to flow together with excess adhesive flowing into the window adhesive portion communication path 62, bubbles and dust are discharged between the end face 1a of the optical fiber 1 and the window portion 55, particularly from the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber 1. In addition, the optical quality is improved by preventing the fixing of bubbles and dust in the adhesive on the end face 1a of the optical fiber 1.
Next, the adhesive is solidified to determine the adhesion between the end face 1a of the optical fiber 1 and the window portion 55 from which bubbles and dust are excluded.
Next, the ferrule hole 60 is completed by confining the end portion of the optical fiber 1 in the ferrule hole 60 by fixing the part aligning surface 57 of the other part 52 to the part aligning surface 56 of the part 51. At the same time, the window bonding portion communication paths 61 and 62 are confined inside the optical ferrule 50. The component 51 and the component 52 may be fixed by mechanical connection such as snap fit in addition to adhesion.
〔その他補足説明〕
　上記第２実施形態又は第４実施形態によれば、窓接着部連通路が部品合わせ面に開通しているので、部品を合わせる前に接着作業を容易に行うことができるとともに、組立て完成後は窓接着部連通路が光フェルールの内部に閉じ込められて、接着剤及び不要な開口が外部に露出せず、光フェルールの接続性等に影響を与えることがない。 [Other supplementary explanations]
According to the second embodiment or the fourth embodiment, since the window bonding portion communication path is open to the component matching surface, the bonding operation can be easily performed before the components are aligned, and after the assembly is completed. The window bonding portion communication path is confined inside the optical ferrule, so that the adhesive and unnecessary openings are not exposed to the outside, and the connectivity of the optical ferrule is not affected.
　上記各実施形態において接着剤の固化収縮を主な要因とした組立応力により窓部２（４，５５）の面精度が劣化するおそれがある。
　光硬化性接着剤を使用する場合、光フェルールに充填した光硬化性接着剤を硬化させるために同接着剤に照射する光（紫外線硬化性接着剤の場合は紫外線）の照度を低く抑え、その分照射時間を長くすることで接着剤の硬化に必要な照射量を確保しつつ、窓部２（４，５５）の面精度劣化を低減することができる。
　また、光硬化性接着剤を硬化させるための光の照度は一定としてもよいが、段階的に強くすることで、照射時間の短期化を図りながら効率的に面精度劣化を低減することができる。
　また、光フェルールに接着される光ファイバー１の端面１ａは、上記のいずれの実施形態によっても接着剤を充填した時点で窓部２（４，５５）によって覆われているので、窓部２（４，５５）を介して窓接着部Ｃに充填された光硬化性接着剤にこれを硬化させるための光を照射することで、その光の一部が窓部２（４，５５）によってカットされて、その結果照射時間を長くなり、窓部２（４，５５）の面精度劣化を低減することができる。この効果を得るために、紫外線硬化性接着剤の場合は窓部２（４，５５）に紫外線吸収性のある材料を適用することが好ましい。特に独立部品である上記第１実施形態の窓部２にあっては、紫外線吸収特性その他の光学的性質、曲げ弾性率などの機械的性質を選択して光フェルールに組み合わせることで最適化を図ることが容易である。 In each of the embodiments described above, there is a risk that the surface accuracy of the window portion 2 (4, 55) may deteriorate due to assembly stress mainly due to solidification shrinkage of the adhesive.
When using a photocurable adhesive, the illuminance of the light (ultraviolet in the case of an ultraviolet curable adhesive) irradiated to the adhesive to cure the photocurable adhesive filled in the optical ferrule is kept low. By extending the minute irradiation time, it is possible to reduce the surface accuracy deterioration of the window 2 (4, 55) while securing the irradiation amount necessary for curing the adhesive.
In addition, the illuminance of light for curing the photocurable adhesive may be constant, but by increasing the intensity stepwise, it is possible to efficiently reduce surface accuracy degradation while shortening the irradiation time. .
Moreover, since the end surface 1a of the optical fiber 1 bonded to the optical ferrule is covered with the window portion 2 (4, 55) when the adhesive is filled in any of the above embodiments, the window portion 2 (4 , 55), by irradiating the photo-curable adhesive filled in the window adhesive portion C with light for curing it, a part of the light is cut by the window portion 2 (4, 55). As a result, the irradiation time becomes longer, and the surface accuracy deterioration of the window 2 (4, 55) can be reduced. In order to obtain this effect, in the case of an ultraviolet curable adhesive, it is preferable to apply an ultraviolet absorbing material to the window portion 2 (4, 55). In particular, the window portion 2 of the first embodiment, which is an independent component, is optimized by selecting an ultraviolet absorption property, other optical properties, and mechanical properties such as bending elastic modulus and combining them with an optical ferrule. Is easy.
　また、接着剤の固化後に、窓部２（４，５５）の外表面を研磨する研磨工程と実行することが好ましい。接着剤固化後に、窓部２（４，５５）の外表面の研磨工程を実施することで、この外表面の面精度を高水準に確保することができる。さらに研磨工程後、窓部２（４，５５）の外表面に帯電防止及び損傷防止のための保護コートを施すことが好ましい。窓部２（４，５５）の外表面への埃の付着や、同外表面が傷つくことを防止して光学的品質を維持するためである。 Further, it is preferable to perform a polishing step of polishing the outer surface of the window portion 2 (4, 55) after the adhesive is solidified. After the adhesive is solidified, the surface accuracy of the outer surface can be secured at a high level by performing a polishing process on the outer surface of the window portion 2 (4, 55). Further, after the polishing step, it is preferable to apply a protective coating for preventing charging and preventing damage to the outer surface of the window portion 2 (4, 55). This is to maintain the optical quality by preventing dust from adhering to the outer surface of the window 2 (4, 55) and damaging the outer surface.
　光ファイバー１としては、特に限定されず、少なくとも単一のコアとその周りのクラッドを含み、複数本を束ねたものでもよく、内視鏡などのイメージ伝送用にはイメージファイバーが適用される。光ファイバーモジュールは、光通信、内視鏡、計測など用途は問わない。
　医用の光ファイバー内視鏡（内視鏡ファイバースコープ）に適用する場合、衛生面からディスポーザブル（使い捨て）仕様の需要が見込める。ディスポーザブル仕様とする場合、低廉性も求められる。そのため、光ファイバー１として比較的安価に提供されるプラスチックイメージファイバーを適用することが好ましい。
　プラスチックファイバーはガラスファイバーに比べ柔らかくて傷が付きやすく、また、帯電によりゴミが付着しやすいといった問題点があるが、本発明の光ファイバーモジュールによれば、光フェルールによってプラスチックファイバーが覆われて保護されるので、そのような諸問題が解決される。 The optical fiber 1 is not particularly limited, and may include at least a single core and a surrounding clad, and a plurality of optical fibers 1 may be bundled. An image fiber is used for image transmission of an endoscope or the like. The optical fiber module may be used for any purpose such as optical communication, endoscope, and measurement.
When applied to medical optical fiber endoscopes (endoscope fiberscopes), demand for disposable (disposable) specifications can be expected from the hygiene aspect. In the case of a disposable specification, low cost is also required. Therefore, it is preferable to apply a plastic image fiber provided at a relatively low cost as the optical fiber 1.
Plastic fibers are softer and more easily scratched than glass fibers, and also have the problem that dust easily adheres to them. However, according to the optical fiber module of the present invention, the plastic fibers are covered and protected by the optical ferrule. Therefore, such problems are solved.
　本発明は、光信号の伝送に利用することができる。 The present invention can be used for transmission of optical signals.
１ 光ファイバー
２ 窓部
４ 窓部
１０ 光フェルール
１１ フェルール穴
１４ 後方面
１７ 窓接着部連通路
２０ 光フェルール先端部品
２１ フェルール穴
２４ 後方面（部品合わせ面）
２６，２７ 窓接着部連通路
３０ 光フェルール後端部品
４０ 光フェルール
４１ フェルール穴
４４ 後方面
４６，４７ 窓接着部連通路
４６ｂ，４７ｂ接着剤溜まり部
５０ 光フェルール
５１，５２ 光フェルール部品
５５ 窓部
５６ 部品合わせ面
５７ 部品合わせ面
６０ フェルール穴
６１，６２ 窓接着部連通路
６１ａ，６２ａ接着剤溜まり部
ｂ 接着剤
Ｃ 窓接着部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical fiber 2 Window part 4 Window part 10 Optical ferrule 11 Ferrule hole 14 Rear surface 17 Window adhesion part communication path 20 Optical ferrule tip component 21 Ferrule hole 24 Rear surface (component matching surface)
26, 27 Window adhesive part communication path 30 Optical ferrule rear end part 40 Optical ferrule 41 Ferrule hole 44 Rear surface 46, 47 Window adhesive part communication path 46b, 47b Adhesive reservoir part 50 Optical ferrule 51, 52 Optical ferrule part 55 Window part 56 Component alignment surface 57 Component alignment surface 60 Ferrule holes 61, 62 Window adhesive portion communication path 61a, 62a Adhesive reservoir portion b Adhesive C Window adhesive portion

Claims (19)

  1. 　光ファイバーと、前記光ファイバーの端部を保持するフェルール穴が形成され前記光ファイバーの端部に固定される光フェルールとを備え、さらに透明部材で構成され前記フェルール穴の底部となり前記光ファイバーの端面を保護する窓部が設けられてなる光ファイバーモジュールであって、
    　前記光ファイバーの端面と前記窓部の内表面とが接着され、
    　前記光フェルールに、前記光ファイバーの端面と前記窓部との間の接着剤が充填された部分である窓接着部に連通する窓接着部連通路が形成され、
    　前記窓接着部連通路は、前記窓接着部に対して前記フェルール穴がある後方側に延設され、少なくとも前記窓接着部の逆側の端部が前記光フェルールの構成部品の表面に開通していることを特徴とする光ファイバーモジュール。     And an optical ferrule that is formed with a ferrule hole that holds the end of the optical fiber and is fixed to the end of the optical fiber. An optical fiber module provided with a window,
    The end face of the optical fiber and the inner surface of the window portion are bonded,
    The optical ferrule is formed with a window adhesive portion communication path that communicates with a window adhesive portion that is a portion filled with an adhesive between the end face of the optical fiber and the window portion,
    The window adhering portion communication path extends to the rear side where the ferrule hole is located with respect to the window adhering portion, and at least the opposite end of the window adhering portion is opened to the surface of the component part of the optical ferrule. An optical fiber module characterized in that
  2. 　前記窓接着部連通路の前記端部は、前記光フェルールの後方面に開通していることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の光ファイバーモジュール。 2. The optical fiber module according to claim 1, wherein the end portion of the window bonding portion communication path is opened to a rear surface of the optical ferrule.
  3. 　前記窓接着部連通路の前記端部は、前記光フェルールを構成する２つの部品の合わせ面に開通していることを特徴とする請求項１又は請求項２に記載の光ファイバーモジュール。 3. The optical fiber module according to claim 1, wherein the end portion of the window bonding portion communication path is opened to a mating surface of two parts constituting the optical ferrule.
  4. 　前記光フェルールは、前記窓接着部連通路を複数備えることを特徴とする請求項１から請求項３のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュール。 The optical fiber module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical ferrule includes a plurality of the window adhesive portion communication paths.
  5. 　前記窓部と前記光フェルールとが一体成形されてなる請求項１から請求項４のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュール。 The optical fiber module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the window portion and the optical ferrule are integrally formed.
  6. 　前記窓部と前記光フェルールとが別部品で構成されている請求項１から請求項４のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュール。 The optical fiber module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the window portion and the optical ferrule are configured as separate parts.
  7. 　前記窓接着部連通路に、断面積が拡幅された接着剤溜まり部が形成されていることを特徴とする請求項１から請求項６のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュール。 The optical fiber module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an adhesive reservoir portion having an enlarged cross-sectional area is formed in the window adhesive portion communication path.
  8. 　光ファイバーと、前記光ファイバーの端部を保持するフェルール穴が形成され前記光ファイバーの端部に固定される光フェルールとを備え、さらに透明部材で構成され前記フェルール穴の底部となり前記光ファイバーの端面を保護する窓部が設けられてなる光ファイバーモジュールを製造する製造方法であって、
    　前記光フェルールとして、前記光ファイバーの端面と前記窓部との間の接着剤が充填される部分である窓接着部に連通する窓接着部連通路が形成され、当該窓接着部連通路が、前記窓接着部に対して前記フェルール穴がある後方側に延設され、当該窓接着部連通路の少なくとも前記窓接着部の逆側の端部が当該光フェルールの構成部品の表面に開通しているものを用い、
    　前記フェルール穴に前記光ファイバーの端部を挿入し、前記窓接着部に接着剤を充填し、前記窓接着部から余分な接着剤を気泡や塵埃とともに前記窓接着部連通路に流動させた後、接着剤を固化させて前記光ファイバーの端面と前記窓部の内表面とを接着することを特徴とする光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法。     And an optical ferrule that is formed with a ferrule hole that holds the end of the optical fiber and is fixed to the end of the optical fiber. A manufacturing method for manufacturing an optical fiber module provided with a window,
    As the optical ferrule, a window adhesive portion communication path that communicates with a window adhesive portion that is a portion filled with an adhesive between the end face of the optical fiber and the window portion is formed, and the window adhesive portion communication path is The ferrule hole is extended to the rear side with respect to the window adhesive portion, and at least the opposite end of the window adhesive portion of the window adhesive portion communication path is opened to the surface of the component part of the optical ferrule Use things
    After inserting the end of the optical fiber into the ferrule hole, filling the window adhesive part with an adhesive, and flowing excess adhesive from the window adhesive part together with bubbles and dust into the window adhesive part communication path, A method of manufacturing an optical fiber module, comprising solidifying an adhesive to bond an end face of the optical fiber and an inner surface of the window portion.
  9. 　前記窓部と前記光フェルールとを別部品で構成し、
    　前記フェルール穴の先端開口に配置された前記光ファイバーの端面と、前記窓部の内表面とを接着剤を介して合わせることで前記窓接着部に接着剤を充填し、余分な接着剤を前記窓接着部連通路に流動させた後、接着剤を固化させて前記光ファイバーの端面と前記窓部の内表面とを接着することを特徴とする請求項８に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法。     The window portion and the optical ferrule are configured as separate parts,
    The window adhesive portion is filled with an adhesive by aligning the end surface of the optical fiber disposed at the tip opening of the ferrule hole and the inner surface of the window portion with an adhesive, and excess adhesive is added to the window. 9. The method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 8, wherein after flowing into the bonding portion communication path, the adhesive is solidified to bond the end surface of the optical fiber and the inner surface of the window portion.
  10. 　前記光フェルールとして、前記窓接着部連通路を複数備えるものを用い、
    　１つの前記窓接着部連通路を通して接着剤を前記窓接着部に充填し、他の１つの前記窓接着部連通路に余分な接着剤を流動させた後、接着剤を固化させて前記光ファイバーの端面と前記窓部の内表面とを接着することを特徴とする請求項８に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法。     As the optical ferrule, a thing provided with a plurality of the window adhesion part communication path,
    Adhesive agent is filled into the window adhesive portion through one of the window adhesive portion communication passages, and excess adhesive is caused to flow into the other one of the window adhesive portion communication passages. The method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 8, wherein an end surface and an inner surface of the window portion are bonded.
  11. 　前記余分な接着剤を前記窓接着部連通路に流動させることを、当該窓接着部連通路を予め毛細管状に形成しておいて当該窓接着部連通路の毛細管現象によって行うことを特徴とする請求項８から請求項１０のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法。 The excess adhesive is allowed to flow into the window adhesive portion communication path by forming the window adhesive portion communication path into a capillary tube in advance and performing capillary action in the window adhesive portion communication path. The manufacturing method of the optical fiber module as described in any one of Claims 8-10.
  12. 　前記余分な接着剤を前記窓接着部連通路に流動させることを、当該窓接着部連通路に外部から負圧を付与することによる吸引によって行うことを特徴とする請求項８から請求項１０のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法。 The flow of the excess adhesive into the window adhesive portion communication path is performed by suction by applying a negative pressure to the window adhesive portion communication path from the outside. The manufacturing method of the optical fiber module as described in any one of them.
  13. 　前記余分な接着剤を前記窓接着部連通路に流動させることを、当該窓接着部連通路に外部から負圧を付与することによる吸引によって行い、
    　前記窓接着部への接着剤の充填と、前記窓接着部からの接着剤の吸引とを、同時に又は交互に繰り返し行うことを特徴とする請求項１０に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法。     The excess adhesive is caused to flow into the window adhesive portion communication path by suction by applying a negative pressure from the outside to the window adhesive portion communication path,
    The method for manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 10, wherein filling of the adhesive into the window adhesive part and suction of the adhesive from the window adhesive part are repeated simultaneously or alternately.
  14. 　前記窓接着部内の前記光ファイバーの出入力光路範囲の観察を行いながら当該範囲の気泡や塵埃が減少するように、前記窓接着部から前記窓接着部連通路への接着剤の流動を制御することを特徴とする請求項８から請求項１３のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法。 Controlling the flow of the adhesive from the window adhesive portion to the window adhesive portion communication path while observing the input / output optical path range of the optical fiber in the window adhesive portion so as to reduce bubbles and dust in the range. The method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 8, wherein
  15. 　前記観察を拡大光学系又は電子カメラを用いて行うことを特徴とする請求項１４に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法。 15. The method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 14, wherein the observation is performed using a magnifying optical system or an electronic camera.
  16. 　前記観察のための照明光を、前記光ファイバーの前記窓部に臨む端面とは逆側の端面から入射させて前記観察を行うことを特徴とする請求項１４又は請求項１５に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法。 16. The optical fiber module according to claim 14, wherein the observation is performed by making illumination light for observation incident from an end surface opposite to an end surface facing the window portion of the optical fiber. Production method.
  17. 　前記接着剤として光硬化性接着剤又は熱硬化性接着剤を用いることを特徴とする請求項８から請求項１６のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法。 The method for manufacturing an optical fiber module according to any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein a photocurable adhesive or a thermosetting adhesive is used as the adhesive.
  18. 　前記接着剤の固化後に、前記窓部の外表面を研磨する研磨工程と実行することを特徴とする請求項８から請求項１７のうちいずれか一に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法。 The method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to any one of claims 8 to 17, wherein a polishing step of polishing an outer surface of the window portion is performed after the adhesive is solidified.
  19. 　前記研磨工程により研磨された前記窓部の外表面に保護コートを施すことを特徴とする請求項１８に記載の光ファイバーモジュールの製造方法。 The method of manufacturing an optical fiber module according to claim 18, wherein a protective coat is applied to an outer surface of the window portion polished by the polishing step.
PCT/JP2014/060333 2013-04-10 2014-04-09 Optical-fiber module and manufacturing method therefor WO2014168187A1 (en)

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