JP5537849B2 - Ferrule, multi-fiber optical connector manufacturing method and boot - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ferrule, a method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector, and a boot.

  An optical connector for connecting optical fibers to each other by PC (PC is an abbreviation for Physical Contact) is known. A multi-fiber optical connector that can connect a large number of optical fibers at once is also known. Such multi-fiber optical connectors include one in which optical fiber holes are two-dimensionally arranged on a ferrule (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-14255 A

According to Patent Document 1, the operator inserts the optical fiber inserted into the ferrule into the optical fiber hole while visually confirming from the adhesive filling window. However, since the diameter of the optical fiber is about 125 μm, the operator's skill is required to visually insert the optical fiber into the optical fiber hole.
In Patent Document 1, an optical fiber guiding groove is formed in the ferrule to facilitate insertion of the optical fiber into the optical fiber hole. However, the operator is skilled in inserting the optical fiber into the optical fiber guiding groove. is necessary.
An object of the present invention is to facilitate insertion of an optical fiber into an optical fiber hole.

The main invention for achieving the above object is (1) a ferrule including a core insertion slot into which a plurality of optical fiber ribbons are inserted, and a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged optical fiber holes, An optical fiber hole row is configured by arranging the plurality of optical fiber holes in a predetermined direction, and the plurality of optical fiber holes are two-dimensionally arranged by arranging the plurality of optical fiber hole rows at a predetermined interval. The optical fiber tape core wire overlaps the side surface of the core wire insertion port at the predetermined interval and can be inserted into the core wire insertion port while restricting the insertion position of the optical fiber tape core wire. A convex portion for guiding the fiber tape core wire in the insertion direction is formed . (2) The convex portion has a shape that enters between the side surfaces of the two optical fiber tape core wires in an overlapped state . , (3) The convex portion has a chevron shape in which a generatrix is formed by two concave curved surfaces parallel to the optical fiber hole, and (4) the core wire insertion port is a plurality of the optical fiber tape core wires stacked. (5) The length from the rear end of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction to the rear end of the convex portion in the insertion direction is longer than the length of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction. (6) A groove for guiding the optical fiber to the optical fiber hole is provided on the rear end side of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction, and the convex portion extends from the rear end of the groove in the insertion direction. the length to the insertion direction rear end, said optical fiber from an opening of the hole to the insertion direction rear end of the groove rather long than the length (7) adhesive filling a window for filling the adhesive And the groove is further away from the adhesive filling window. It is formed in a step shape so as to protrude to the rear end side in the insertion direction, and when the side provided with the adhesive filling window is the upper side and the opposite side is the lower side, the convex portion is above the groove Is a ferrule characterized in that is not formed .

  Other characteristics of the present invention will be made clear by the description and drawings described later.

  According to the present invention, it becomes easy to insert an optical fiber into an optical fiber hole.

1 is a perspective view of a ferrule 10. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a ferrule 10. FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a ferrule 10. FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the dotted-line part of FIG. 3 from another direction. It is the figure which looked at the ferrule 10 from the rear side. (However, in order to facilitate explanation of the shape of the core wire insertion opening 14, the inside of the ferrule that should be visible from the core wire insertion opening 14 is not shown.) It is a processing flow figure of the manufacturing method of a multi-fiber optical connector. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D are explanatory diagrams illustrating how the optical fiber ribbon 4 is inserted into the ferrule 10. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of a first modification of the core wire insertion port 14 of the first embodiment. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a second modification. FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram of a third modification. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a first modification of the configuration near the optical fiber hole. FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of a second modification. FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram of a third modification. It is a disassembled perspective view of the multi-fiber optical connector of 2nd Embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which a boot 5 is attached to a ferrule 10. FIG. It is the figure which looked at the boot 5 from the back side. FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view for explaining an example of use of the multi-fiber optical connector. FIG. 13B is a perspective view for explaining an example of use of the multi-fiber optical connector 1. It is a perspective view for demonstrating another example of use of a multi-fiber optical connector. It is explanatory drawing of the modification of a front side end surface. FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram of a first modification of the shape of the convex portion. FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram of a second modification of the shape of the convex portion.

  At least the following matters will be apparent from the description and drawings described below.

A ferrule having a core insertion port into which a plurality of optical fiber ribbons are inserted, and a plurality of optical fiber holes arranged two-dimensionally, wherein the plurality of optical fiber holes are arranged in a predetermined direction, An optical fiber hole array is configured, and the plurality of optical fiber hole arrays are arranged at a predetermined interval, whereby the plurality of optical fiber holes are two-dimensionally arranged, Protrusions that guide the optical fiber ribbon in the insertion direction while restricting the insertion position of the optical fiber ribbon are formed so that the optical fiber ribbons can be inserted into the optical fiber insertion port so that the optical fibers overlap at the predetermined intervals. The ferrule that is characterized by
With such a ferrule, it becomes easy to insert the optical fiber into the optical fiber hole.

  It is desirable that the convex portion has a shape that enters between the side surfaces of the two optical fiber ribbons in the overlapped state. In addition, it is desirable that the convex portion has a mountain shape in which a bus line is configured by two concave curved surfaces parallel to the optical fiber hole. Accordingly, the optical fiber ribbon can be guided in the insertion direction while the convex portion restricts the movement of the optical fiber ribbon.

  It is desirable that the core wire insertion port has a shape that fits into the plurality of stacked optical fiber ribbons. Thereby, it becomes difficult for an adhesive agent to leak from the clearance gap between a core wire insertion port and an optical fiber tape core wire at the time of adhesion | attachment.

  The length from the rear end of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction to the rear end of the convex portion in the insertion direction is preferably longer than the length of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction. Thereby, before the front-end | tip of an optical fiber reaches | attains an optical fiber hole, it becomes possible to insert the coating | coated part of an optical fiber tape core wire in a core wire insertion port.

  A groove for guiding the optical fiber to the optical fiber hole is provided on the rear end side of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction, and from the rear end of the groove in the insertion direction to the rear of the convex portion in the insertion direction. The length to the end is preferably longer than the length from the opening of the optical fiber hole to the rear end of the groove in the insertion direction. Thereby, before the front-end | tip of an optical fiber reaches | attains a groove | channel, it becomes possible to insert the coating | coated part of an optical fiber tape core wire in a core wire insertion port.

A ferrule having a core insertion slot into which a plurality of optical fiber ribbons are inserted and a plurality of optical fiber holes arranged two-dimensionally. A fiber hole array is configured, and the plurality of optical fiber hole arrays are two-dimensionally arranged by arranging the plurality of optical fiber hole arrays at a predetermined interval, and the optical fiber ribbons overlap at the predetermined interval. A convex portion for guiding the optical fiber ribbon in the insertion direction while restricting the insertion position of the optical fiber ribbon so as to be inserted into the core insertion slot is formed on the side surface of the core insertion slot. A step of preparing a ferrule, and inserting the optical fiber ribbon into the optical fiber while guiding the optical fiber to the convex portion. Multi-fiber optical connector manufacturing method, characterized by a step of inserting the respective said optical fiber holes Bas hole column reveals.
According to such a manufacturing method of a multi-fiber optical connector, it becomes easy to insert the optical fiber into the optical fiber hole.

  The length from the rear end of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction to the rear end of the protrusion in the insertion direction is longer than the length of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction, and the coating of the optical fiber ribbon is removed. The length of the optical fiber is longer than the length of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction and shorter than the length of the optical fiber hole from the rear end in the insertion direction to the rear end of the convex portion in the insertion direction. Is desirable. As a result, the tip of the optical fiber can protrude from the optical fiber hole, and before the tip of the optical fiber reaches the optical fiber hole, the covering portion of the optical fiber ribbon can be inserted into the core wire insertion port. It becomes possible.

A ferrule having a core insertion hole into which a plurality of optical fiber ribbons are inserted, and a plurality of optical fiber holes arranged in a predetermined direction to form an optical fiber hole array, wherein the plurality of optical fiber holes A boot inserted into a boot insertion port of a ferrule in which a plurality of optical fiber holes are two-dimensionally arranged by arranging the rows at predetermined intervals, and the optical fiber tape core wire is formed on a side surface of the core wire insertion hole. Protrusions that guide the optical fiber ribbon in the insertion direction while restricting the insertion position of the optical fiber ribbon are formed so that they can be inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole so as to overlap each other at the predetermined interval. The characteristic boots are revealed.
With such a boot, it becomes easy to insert the optical fiber into the optical fiber hole of the ferrule.

=== First Embodiment ===
<Basic configuration>
The ferrule and multi-fiber optical connector of this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the entire unit in which other members such as optical fibers are attached to the ferrule is referred to as a “multi-fiber optical connector”, and the ferrule alone or the multi-fiber optical connector before attaching other members such as an optical fiber. The part of the ferrule may be simply called “ferrule”.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ferrule 10. As shown in the figure, the side connected to the mating connector may be expressed as “front” and the opposite side as “rear”. The “forward direction” may be expressed as the “insertion direction” of the optical fiber or the optical fiber ribbon. Further, the direction in which the optical fiber holes 12 are arranged may be expressed as “left-right direction”. Further, the side of the surface on which the adhesive filling window 15 is provided may be expressed as “upper” and the opposite side as “lower”.
The multi-fiber optical connector of this embodiment is an MT connector corresponding to an F12 type multi-fiber optical connector of JIS C 5981 (or an F15 type optical fiber connector of JIS C 5984). The ferrule 10 in the figure is used for a 48-fiber optical connector for connecting four 12-core optical fiber ribbons. The ferrule 10 is formed of resin.

  On the front end surface 11A of the ferrule 10, two guide pin holes 13 for inserting guide pins are opened. The two guide pin holes 13 are parallel to the front-rear direction and are formed side by side.

  Further, 48 optical fiber holes 12 are opened between the two guide pin holes 13 on the front end face 11A. Here, 12 optical fiber hole 12 rows (hereinafter referred to as “optical fiber hole row”) arranged in the left-right direction are arranged in four rows (four steps) in the vertical direction. That is, the openings of 48 optical fiber holes 12 are two-dimensionally arranged on the front end face 11A.

  The twelve optical fiber holes 12 constituting the optical fiber hole array respectively correspond to the twelve optical fibers included in the twelve-core optical fiber ribbon. Here, since there are four optical fiber hole arrays, a total of 48 optical fiber holes 12 respectively correspond to a total of 48 optical fibers of four 12-fiber optical fiber ribbons.

  Each optical fiber hole 12 is formed parallel to the front-rear direction. Each optical fiber hole 12 is formed so that the position with respect to the guide pin hole 13 falls within a predetermined allowable error in order to keep the connection loss when the optical fiber is connected within the allowable range.

The diameter of each optical fiber hole 12 is slightly larger than the diameter (125 μm) of the optical fiber of the 12-core optical fiber ribbon inserted into the ferrule 10. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the optical fiber hole 12 is 126 μm.
The interval P between the optical fiber holes 12 arranged in the left-right direction is the same as the interval between the optical fibers of the optical fiber ribbon inserted into the ferrule 10. In this embodiment, this interval is 250 μm.
The distance D between the optical fiber hole arrays arranged in the vertical direction is substantially the same as the vertical distance between the optical fibers when the optical fiber ribbons are stacked one above the other. In the present embodiment, this interval is 300 μm.

  On the rear end face 11B of the ferrule 10 (not shown in FIG. 1, see FIGS. 2 and 5), a core wire insertion port 14 (not shown in FIG. 1, not shown in FIG. 1) for inserting four optical fiber ribbons. 2, see FIG. 5). The core wire insertion port 14 will be described in detail later.

  On the upper surface 11C of the ferrule 10, there is an opening of an adhesive filling window 15 for filling the adhesive. The lower surface 11D of the ferrule 10 has no opening and serves as a reference surface serving as a reference for the outer dimensions of the ferrule 10.

Next, the internal structure of the ferrule 10 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the ferrule 10. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dotted line portion of FIG. 3 viewed from another direction.

  A four-stage guide base 16 is formed inside the ferrule 10. Each guide table 16 guides in the front-rear direction while supporting the 12 optical fibers of the 12-fiber optical fiber ribbon from the lower side. The four-stage guide table 16 is formed in accordance with optical fiber hole rows arranged in four rows. For this reason, the height difference of each stage of the guide table 16 is the same as the distance D between the optical fiber hole arrays (that is, the vertical distance of the optical fibers when the optical fiber ribbons are stacked one above the other).

  The four-stage guide table 16 is formed so as to protrude to the rear side as the distance from the adhesive filling window 15 increases. For this reason, when viewed from the adhesive filling window 15, all the four-stage guide bases 16 are visible.

  Twelve guide grooves 16A are formed on the upper side of each guide base 16 so as to be aligned in the left-right direction. Each guide groove 16 </ b> A guides the optical fiber to the optical fiber hole 12. Each guide groove 16A is a circular groove having a semicircular cross section, and is formed along the front-rear direction. The diameter of the semicircular guide groove 16 </ b> A is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber hole 12 (126 μm). In the present embodiment, the guide groove 16A has a diameter of 250 μm. The interval between the guide grooves 16A is the same as the interval P between the optical fiber holes 12 aligned in the left-right direction (that is, the interval between the optical fibers of the 12-core optical fiber ribbon inserted into the ferrule 10).

  The direction (front-rear direction) in which the guide groove 16A guides the optical fiber is parallel to the optical fiber hole 12. Further, the central axis of the guide groove 16 </ b> A that is a semicircular round groove coincides with the central axis of the optical fiber hole 12.

  Note that the shape of the guide groove 16A is not limited to the round groove, and may be another shape (for example, a U shape, a V shape, or the like). The diameter of the guide groove 16A is not limited to 250 μm, and may be any other diameter as long as it is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber hole 12 (126 μm).

  Since the plurality of guide grooves 16A are formed on the upper side of the guide base 16 at predetermined intervals, a partition wall 16B protruding upward is formed between the guide grooves 16A and the guide grooves 16A. Each partition 16B is formed along the front-rear direction. The partition wall 16B separates adjacent optical fibers of the optical fiber ribbon, and guides the optical fiber in the front-rear direction while restricting the movement of each optical fiber in the left-right direction.

  The guide groove 16 </ b> A and the optical fiber hole 12 communicate with each other via a tapered portion 17. The taper portion 17 has a shape that gradually decreases toward the front side. The tapered portion 17 guides the tip of the optical fiber inserted from the back to the front along the guide groove 16A into the optical fiber hole 12. The taper portion 17 has a rear side connected to the guide groove 16 </ b> A and a front side connected to the optical fiber hole 12. For this reason, the diameter on the rear side of the tapered portion 17 is 250 μm, and the diameter on the front side is 126 μm.

In the present embodiment, the rear end of the tapered portion 17 is located on the rear side surface of the guide base 16. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the rear end of the taper portion 17 may be positioned in front of the rear side surface of the guide table 16 (in other words, the rear end of the taper portion 17 may be positioned inside the guide table 16). . In this case, the tapered portion 17 and the guide groove 16A are connected by a cylindrical hole having a constant diameter.

  Alternatively, the rear end of the tapered portion 17 may be located on the rear side of the rear side surface of the guide table 16. In this case, when the guide base 16 is viewed from the adhesive filling window 15, the shape in which the guide groove 16A gradually narrows can be visually observed. However, with such a shape, when the distal end of the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole 12, the distal end of the optical fiber is easily detached from the guide groove 16A or the tapered portion 17. For this reason, it is desirable that the rear end of the tapered portion 17 is located on the front side of the rear side surface or the rear side surface of the guide base 16.

  Further, the cross-sectional shape of the taper portion 17 is not limited to a circle, and may be another shape (for example, a polygon).

  The core wire insertion opening 14 is formed over approximately 2 to 4 mm between the rear end face 11B of the ferrule 10 and the rear end of the adhesive filling window 15. Hereinafter, the core wire insertion port 14 of the present embodiment will be described.

<Core insertion slot>
FIG. 5 is a view of the ferrule 10 as seen from the rear side. However, in order to facilitate the explanation of the shape of the core wire insertion port 14, the inside of the ferrule that should be visible from the core wire insertion port 14 is not shown.

  A boot is not inserted into the core wire insertion port 14 of the ferrule 10 of this embodiment, and a 12-fiber optical fiber ribbon is directly inserted. For this reason, the lateral width of the core wire insertion opening 14 corresponds to the lateral width of the 12-fiber optical fiber ribbon. Further, since the four optical fiber tape cores are inserted in the core wire insertion port 14 in an overlapping state, the height of the core wire insertion port 14 is four times the thickness of the optical fiber tape core wire. Equivalent to.

  On each of the left and right side surfaces of the core wire insertion opening 14, four concave portions 14 </ b> A having a shape (fitting shape) matching the side surface shape of the optical fiber ribbon are formed side by side. Each recess 14A has a semicircular cross section and is formed along the front-rear direction. In other words, each concave portion 14 </ b> A has a concave curved surface whose bus is parallel to the optical fiber hole 12. The distance between the recesses 14A is the same as the distance D between the optical fiber hole rows (that is, the vertical distance between the optical fibers when the optical fiber ribbons are stacked one above the other, or the height difference of each stage of the guide table 16). Yes.

  Since the four concave portions 14A are formed side by side in the vertical direction, three convex portions 14B that protrude toward the inner side of the core wire insertion port 14 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the core wire insertion port 14, respectively. Is done. In other words, the convex part 14B has a mountain shape formed by being sandwiched between two concave parts. This convex part 14B is formed along the front-back direction. The spacing between the convex portions 14B is the same as the spacing D between the optical fiber hole rows (that is, the vertical spacing of the optical fibers when the optical fiber ribbons are stacked one above the other, or the height difference of each stage of the guide table 16). ing. The insertion positions of the four optical fiber ribbons are determined by the convex portions 14B arranged at intervals D so as to overlap at intervals D.

  The convex portion 14B has a shape (a shape that fits) that matches the shape of the side surface of the optical fiber ribbon that overlaps vertically. Thereby, when the adhesive is filled from the adhesive filling window 15, the adhesive is less likely to leak from the gap between the core wire insertion opening 14 and the optical fiber ribbon.

  In addition, since the convex portion 14B has a mountain shape formed by being sandwiched between the two concave portions 14A, the convex portion 14B also has a shape that enters between the side surfaces of the optical fiber tape cores that overlap each other. It has become. Thereby, the convex portion 14B can guide the optical fiber ribbon in the front-rear direction while restricting the vertical movement of the optical fiber ribbon.

  The vertical position of each recess 14A corresponds to the vertical position of each optical fiber hole array. Further, the vertical position of each convex portion 14B corresponds to an intermediate position between the two optical fiber hole arrays (that is, an intermediate position between the optical fiber holes 12 aligned vertically).

  In the present embodiment, the core wire insertion opening 14 is shaped to fit into the four optical fiber tape core wires stacked. In other words, the core wire insertion port 14 has a shape that matches the external shape when four optical fiber ribbons are stacked. Thereby, the insertion positions of the four optical fiber ribbons are respectively determined. Further, when the adhesive is filled from the adhesive filling window 15, it is difficult for the adhesive to leak from the gap between the core wire insertion opening 14 and the optical fiber tape core wire.

  If the ferrule 10 of this embodiment is used, the operator can easily insert the optical fiber into the optical fiber hole 12 without looking at the optical fiber from the adhesive filling window 15. Moreover, if the ferrule 10 of this embodiment is used, it will become easy to implement | achieve automation of the operation | work which inserts an optical fiber in the optical fiber hole 12. FIG.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 2, the length from the rear end of the lowermost guide groove 16A to the front end face 11A of the ferrule 10 is L1. When exposing the optical fiber by removing the coating at the tip of the optical fiber ribbon, the coating is removed longer than the length L1 so that the tip of the optical fiber can protrude from the front end face 11A of the ferrule 10. Become.
As shown in FIG. 2, the length from the rear end of the lowermost guide groove 16A to the rear end surface 11B of the ferrule 10 (in other words, to the rear end of the convex portion 14B) is L2. This length L2 is longer than L1 (that is, L2> L1). Thereby, before the tip of the optical fiber reaches the guide groove 16 </ b> A, the covering portion (the portion where the covering is not removed) of the optical fiber tape can be inserted into the core insertion port 14. That is, by setting the dimension of the ferrule 10 to L2> L1, the tip of the optical fiber can reach the guide groove 16A in a state where the optical fiber ribbon is guided by the core insertion port 14, and the optical fiber can be easily transmitted through the optical fiber. It can be inserted into the fiber hole 12.
If L2 <L1, the tip of the optical fiber reaches the guide groove 16A before the coating portion of the optical fiber ribbon starts to be inserted into the core insertion port 14 (the tip of the optical fiber). Is projected from the front end surface 11A of the ferrule 10 and the length of the optical fiber from which the coating has been removed is longer than L1). As a result, it takes time to guide the tip of the optical fiber to the guide groove 16A.

  In this embodiment, since L2> L1, as shown in FIG. 2, it is inevitably from the rear end face of the optical fiber hole 12 to the rear end face 11B of the ferrule 10 (in other words, from the rear end of the convex portion 14B). ) Is longer than the length L1 ′ of the optical fiber hole 12 (that is, L2 ′> L1 ′). Thereby, before the tip of the optical fiber reaches the optical fiber hole 12, the covering portion of the optical fiber ribbon can be inserted into the core insertion slot 14. If L2 ′ <L1 ′, the tip of the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole 12 before the covering portion of the optical fiber ribbon starts to be inserted into the core wire insertion port 14. As a result, there is a possibility that the covering portion of the optical fiber ribbon starts to be inserted into the core insertion opening 14 after the tip of the optical fiber is inserted into the wrong optical fiber hole 12.

<Manufacturing method of multi-fiber optical connector>
Next, a method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector using the ferrule 10 will be described. Here, description will be made assuming that the process of inserting the optical fiber into the optical fiber hole 12 is automated.

FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector.
First, a ferrule 10 that is a component of a multi-fiber optical connector is molded (S101). The ferrule 10 is molded from a resin material by transfer molding or injection molding. Deburring is also performed if necessary.

  Next, a small amount of adhesive is filled from the adhesive filling window 15 of the ferrule 10 (S102). At this time, the adhesive enough to cover the guide groove 16A communicating with the optical fiber hole 12 is filled. Then, the optical fiber hole 12 is filled with an adhesive by sucking the optical fiber hole 12 from the front end surface 11A of the ferrule 10 with a pump. The adhesive remaining inside the ferrule 10 is accumulated in the lower part of the internal space.

  Next, the coating on the tip of the optical fiber ribbon is removed (S103). This process may be performed in parallel with the process of S102, or may be before or after the process of S102. At this time, after the coating of a sufficient length at the tip of the optical fiber ribbon is removed, the coating is removed so that the length of the optical fiber from which the coating is removed becomes a predetermined length L (see FIG. 7A). The tip of the optical fiber from which is removed is cut. The length L of the optical fiber from which the coating has been removed (in other words, the length L from the coating portion where the coating of the optical fiber ribbon is not removed to the tip of the optical fiber) is after the lowermost guide groove 16A. It is longer than the length L1 (see FIG. 2) from the end to the front end face 11A of the ferrule 10, and shorter than the length L2 from the rear end of the lowermost guide groove 16A to the rear end face 11B of the ferrule 10. That is, L1 <L <L2. The reason for making L longer than L1 is to allow the tip of the optical fiber to protrude from the front end face 11A of the ferrule 10. The reason why L is shorter than L2 is to allow the covering portion of the optical fiber ribbon to be inserted into the core insertion port 14 before the tip of the optical fiber reaches the guide groove 16A. .

  In this embodiment, since L> L1, the length L of the optical fiber from which the coating has been removed is inevitably longer than the length L1 ′ (see FIG. 2) of the optical fiber hole 12. Thereby, the front-end | tip of an optical fiber can protrude from 11 A of front side end surfaces of the ferrule 10. FIG. If the length L of the optical fiber from which the coating has been removed is shorter than the length L1 'of the optical fiber hole 12, the tip of the optical fiber cannot be protruded from the front end face 11A.

  In addition, since L <L2 in the present embodiment, the length L of the optical fiber from which the coating has been removed is inevitably from the rear end of the optical fiber hole 12 to the rear end surface 11B of the ferrule 10 (in other words, It becomes shorter than the length L2 ′ of the convex portion 14B). Thereby, before the tip of the optical fiber reaches the optical fiber hole 12, the covering portion of the optical fiber ribbon can be inserted into the core insertion slot 14.

  When the process of S103 is finished, the work arm holds the optical fiber ribbon at a predetermined position that is at least L2 away from the coating portion of the optical fiber ribbon. This is because if the working arm holds the optical fiber ribbon at a position closer to L2, the working arm hits the rear end face 11B of the ferrule 10 when the optical fiber ribbon is inserted into the ferrule 10.

Next, the optical fiber ribbon is inserted into the ferrule 10 (S104).
FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D are explanatory diagrams illustrating how the optical fiber ribbon 4 is inserted into the ferrule 10.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7A, the working arm inserts the first optical fiber ribbon 4 at the lowest position of the core insertion slot 14. In other words, the work arm inserts the optical fiber tape core wire 4 into the core wire insertion port 14 while aligning both side surfaces of the optical fiber tape core wire 4 with the left and right concave portions 14A at the bottom of the core wire insertion port 14. In other words, the working arm aligns the bottom surface of the optical fiber tape core 4 with the bottom surface of the optical fiber insertion port 14, and the optical fiber tape core below the left and right convex portions 14B at the bottom of the optical fiber insertion port 14. The optical fiber tape core wire 4 is inserted into the core wire insertion port 14 while aligning the upper portions of both side surfaces of the wire 4.

  In S103 described above, the length L of the optical fiber 4A from which the coating has been removed is shorter than the length L2 (see FIG. 2) from the rear end of the lowermost guide groove 16A to the rear end face 11B of the ferrule 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7A, before the tip of the optical fiber 4A reaches the guide groove 16A, the covering portion of the optical fiber ribbon 4 is inserted into the core insertion opening 14. If it will be in the state shown to FIG. 7A, the optical fiber tape core wire 4 will be guided to the front direction, the movement of the up-down direction of the optical fiber tape core wire 4 being restrict | limited. For this reason, the tip of the optical fiber can be reliably guided to the guide groove 16A.

  When the optical fiber ribbon 4 is further inserted forward, the tip of the optical fiber 4A reaches the guide groove 16A, and the optical fiber 4A is guided forward by the guide groove 16A. Four adjacent optical fibers 4A are separated by a partition wall 16B (see FIG. 4). Since the tip end of the optical fiber 4A reaches the guide groove 16A in a state where the optical fiber ribbon 4 has already been guided by the core insertion port 14, a plurality of optical fibers 4A do not enter the same guide groove 16A, and 12 The optical fibers 4A can reach the corresponding guide grooves 16A and are reliably separated by the partition walls 16B.

  7B, when the optical fiber ribbon 4 is further inserted forward, the tip of the optical fiber 4A reaches the tapered portion 17, and the tip of the optical fiber 4A is Guided to hole 12.

  FIG. 7C shows a state where the insertion of the lowermost optical fiber 4A is completed. When the work arm inserts the optical fiber ribbon 4 into the ferrule 10 to a predetermined position, such a state is obtained. At this time, the tip of the optical fiber 4A is in a state of protruding from the front end face 11A of the ferrule 10, and the covering portion of the optical fiber ribbon 4 is located behind the guide groove 16A. Note that the working arm may insert the optical fiber ribbon 4 into the ferrule 10 until the covering portion of the optical fiber ribbon 4 hits the guide groove 16A.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7D, the work arm inserts the second optical fiber ribbon 4 into the second position of the core insertion opening 14. At this time, since the first optical fiber ribbon 4 has already been inserted into the lowermost stage of the optical fiber insertion opening 14, the second optical fiber ribbon is placed on the upper surface of the inserted optical fiber ribbon 4. The second optical fiber ribbon 4 can be inserted into the second stage position of the core insertion opening 14 while aligning the lower surfaces of the wires 4. If the optical fiber ribbon 4 is not inserted sequentially from the bottom, the upper surface of the inserted optical fiber ribbon 4 may not be used.

  In the same manner as when the first optical fiber ribbon 4 is inserted, the second optical fiber core 4 is aligned with both side surfaces 14A of the second-stage left and right concave portions 14A of the optical fiber insertion slot 14. The optical fiber tape core wire 4 is inserted into the core wire insertion port 14. Further, the second left and right convex portions from the bottom of the core wire insertion port 14 while the lower portions of both side surfaces of the optical fiber ribbon 4 are aligned with the upper portions of the left and right convex portions 14B at the bottom of the core wire insertion port 14 The second optical fiber tape core wire 4 is inserted into the core wire insertion port 14 while the upper portions of both side surfaces of the optical fiber tape core wire 4 are aligned with the lower portion of 14B.

  In this way, the four optical fiber ribbons 4 are inserted into the ferrule 10 in order from the bottom, and the optical fiber 4A is inserted into each of the 48 optical fiber holes 12 of the ferrule 10. In addition, by inserting the optical fiber ribbon 4 in order from the bottom in a state where the adhesive is accumulated below the internal space of the ferrule 10 (S102), the interface of the adhesive every time the optical fiber ribbon 4 is inserted. Therefore, when the optical fiber 4A is inserted into the upper optical fiber hole 12 (the optical fiber hole 12 already filled with the adhesive in S102), bubbles are less likely to enter the optical fiber hole 12. can get.

  Thereafter, the adhesive is filled from the adhesive filling window 15 (S105). After the adhesive is filled, the optical fiber 4A is fixed to the optical fiber hole 12 by heating the ferrule 10 to cure the adhesive. In addition, according to the ferrule 10 of this embodiment, since the shape of the core wire insertion port 14 is a shape which fits the four optical fiber tape core wires which were piled up, the core wire insertion port 14 is heated. It is difficult for the adhesive to leak from the gap between the optical fiber tape and the optical fiber ribbon.

  Finally, finishing of the optical connector is performed (S106). For example, the front end surface 11A of the ferrule 10 is mirror-finished by polishing. Since the optical fiber 4A made of quartz glass has higher hardness than the resin ferrule 10, the optical fiber 4A is removed from the front end face 11A of the ferrule 10 after polishing the front end face 11A of the ferrule 10 into which the optical fiber 4A is inserted. Protruding state. Thereby, when connecting the optical connector, the optical fibers 4A protruding from the front end face 11A of the ferrule 10 come into contact with each other, and the PC connection (PC is an abbreviation of Physical Contact) of the optical fiber 4A becomes a stable connection state.

  According to the ferrule 10 of the present embodiment, the optical fiber 4A can be inserted into the optical fiber hole 12 while guiding the optical fiber tape core wire 4 through the core wire insertion port 14 in S104, so that automation is possible as described above. Become. Even if S104 is performed manually by the operator, according to the ferrule 10 of this embodiment, the optical fiber 4A is guided through the optical fiber hole 12 while guiding the optical fiber ribbon 4 through the optical fiber insertion port 14. Because it can be inserted into the, the work becomes easy.

<Modification 1 of the first embodiment (core insertion slot)>
In the first embodiment, the concave portion 14 </ b> A and the convex portion 14 </ b> B of the core wire insertion opening 14 are formed from the rear end surface 11 </ b> B of the ferrule 10 to the rear end of the adhesive filling window 15. However, the concave portion 14A and the convex portion 14B are not limited to this.

  FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of a first modification of the core wire insertion port 14 of the first embodiment. As described above, the concave portion 14 </ b> A and the convex portion 14 </ b> B may be formed from the front side of the rear end surface 11 </ b> B of the ferrule 10. In other words, the rear ends of the concave portion 14A and the convex portion 14B may be positioned on the front side of the rear end surface 11B of the ferrule 10. However, in this case, the length from the rear end of the lowermost guide groove 16A to the rear end of the concave portion 14A (or the convex portion 14B) is L2, and this length L2 is L1 (after the lowermost guide groove 16A). The length from the end to the front end face 11A of the ferrule 10 is preferably longer (L2> L1).

  FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a second modification. As described above, the front ends of the recesses 14 </ b> A and the protrusions 14 </ b> B may be located behind the rear end of the adhesive filling window 15.

  FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram of a third modification. As described above, the front ends of the concave portion 14 </ b> A and the convex portion 14 </ b> B may be located on the front side of the rear end of the adhesive filling window 15.

<Modification 2 of the first embodiment (near the optical fiber hole)>
FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a first modification of the configuration near the optical fiber hole. Thus, the guide groove 16A may not be provided. However, in this case, the length from the rear end of the taper portion 17 leading to the lowermost optical fiber hole 12 to the front end surface 11A of the ferrule 10 is L1, and the rear end of the ferrule 10 from the rear end of the lowermost taper portion 17 When the length to the end face 11B is L2, it is desirable that L2 is longer than L1.

  FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of a second modification. In this way, the stepped guide base 16 need not be provided. However, in this case, it is difficult to see through the adhesive filling window 15 that the optical fiber has been inserted into the optical fiber hole 12.

  FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram of a third modification. As described above, the tapered portion 17 may not be provided. However, in this case, the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole 12 when the positional relationship between the concave portion 14A or the convex portion 14B of the core wire insertion port 14 and the optical fiber hole 12 is shifted or the optical fiber is loosened. Work may be difficult.

  If the step-like guide base 16 is not provided as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the length before and after the ferrule 10 can be shortened. Thereby, size reduction of the ferrule 10 can be achieved.

=== Second Embodiment ===
In said 1st Embodiment, although the recessed part 14A and the convex part 14B were formed in the core wire insertion port 14 of the ferrule 10, the recessed part and the convex part are formed in the boot in 2nd Embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-fiber optical connector according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the ferrule 10 with the boot 5 attached thereto. FIG. 12 is a view of the boot 5 as seen from the rear side.

<Ferrule>
Since the shape of the ferrule 10 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above, only portions different from the first embodiment will be described here.
A boot insertion port 18 is formed on the rear side of the core wire insertion port 14 of the ferrule 10. The boot insertion opening 18 has a shape that matches the outer shape of the boot 5. The boot 5 is inserted into the boot insertion port 18.
The core wire insertion port 14 of the ferrule 10 is not formed with a concave portion 14A or a convex portion 14B (see FIG. 5). Instead, in the present embodiment, the boot 5 is formed with a concave portion 21A and a convex portion 21B. The core wire insertion port 14 of the ferrule 10 may be an opening larger than the core wire insertion hole 21 (described later) of the boot 5.

<Boots>
The boot 5 is formed with a core wire insertion hole 21 which is a through hole. Since four 12-core optical fiber ribbons are directly inserted into the core insertion hole 21, the lateral width of the core insertion hole 21 corresponds to the lateral width of the 12-fiber optical fiber ribbon. The height of the hole 21 corresponds to four times the thickness of the optical fiber ribbon. That is, the core wire insertion hole 21 of the boot 5 of the present embodiment has substantially the same size and shape as the core wire insertion port 14 of the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment.

  On each of the left and right side surfaces of the core wire insertion hole 21, four concave portions 21 </ b> A having a shape (fitting shape) conforming to the side surface shape of the optical fiber tape core wire are formed side by side. Each recess 21A has a semicircular cross section and is formed along the front-rear direction. In other words, each concave portion 21 </ b> A has a concave curved surface whose bus is parallel to the optical fiber hole 12. The distance between the recesses 21A is the same as the distance D between the optical fiber hole rows (that is, the vertical distance between the optical fibers when the optical fiber ribbons are stacked one above the other, or the height difference of each stage of the guide table 16). Yes.

  Since the four concave portions 21A are formed side by side in the vertical direction, three convex portions 21B that protrude toward the inside of the core wire insertion hole 21 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the core wire insertion hole 21. Is done. In other words, the convex portion 21B has a mountain shape formed by being sandwiched between the two concave portions 21A. This convex part 21B is formed along the front-back direction. The spacing between the convex portions 21B is the same as the spacing D between the optical fiber hole rows (that is, the vertical spacing of the optical fibers when the 12-core optical fiber ribbons are stacked one above the other, or the height difference of each stage of the guide base 16). It has become. The insertion positions of the optical fiber ribbons that overlap at the interval D are determined by the convex portions 21B arranged at the interval D.

  The convex portion 21 </ b> B has a shape (a shape that fits) that matches the shape of the side surface of the optical fiber core line that overlaps vertically. Thus, when the adhesive is filled from the adhesive filling window 15, the adhesive is less likely to leak from the gap between the core wire insertion hole 21 and the optical fiber ribbon.

  In addition, since the convex portion 21B has a mountain shape formed by being sandwiched between the two concave portions 14A, the convex portion 21B also has a shape that enters between the side surfaces of the optical fiber ribbons that overlap each other. It has become. Thereby, the convex portion 21B can guide the optical fiber ribbon in the front-rear direction while restricting the vertical movement of the optical fiber ribbon.

  The vertical position of each recess 21 </ b> A is such that when the boot 5 is attached to the ferrule 10, it becomes the vertical position of each optical fiber hole row. The vertical position of each convex portion 21 </ b> B is a position that becomes an intermediate position between the two optical fiber hole rows when the boot 5 is attached to the ferrule 10.

  The core wire insertion hole 21 of the boot 5 of the present embodiment has the same shape as the core wire insertion port 14 of the ferrule 10 of the first embodiment. For this reason, the insertion positions of the four optical fiber ribbons are respectively determined by the shape of the core insertion hole 21 of the boot 5 in the same manner as the core insertion opening 14 of the first embodiment. Further, when the adhesive is filled from the adhesive filling window 15, it is difficult for the adhesive to leak from the gap between the core wire insertion hole 21 and the optical fiber tape core wire.

  The boot 5 also has a function of protecting the optical fiber of the multi-fiber optical connector from sudden bending. For this reason, the boot 5 is comprised from elastic members, such as rubber | gum.

<Manufacturing method of multi-fiber optical connector>
In the second embodiment, after the boot 5 is attached to the boot insertion port 18 of the ferrule 10, the optical fiber ribbon is inserted from the rear side of the boot 5. The other procedures are almost the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

  Although the boot 5 is made of an elastic member, since the deformation of the boot 5 is restricted by the boot insertion opening 18 at the portion inserted into the boot insertion opening 18 of the ferrule 10, the elastic deformation of the boot 5 is slight. It is. For this reason, if the optical fiber tape core wire is inserted while being guided by the concave portion 21A or the convex portion 21B of the core wire insertion hole 21 of the boot 5 after the boot 5 is mounted in the boot insertion port 18 of the ferrule 10, the optical fiber tape The optical fiber ribbon is guided forward while the vertical movement of the core is restricted, and the tip of the optical fiber can be guided to the guide groove 16A and the optical fiber hole 12.

<Modification of Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the concave portion 21 </ b> A and the convex portion 21 </ b> B of the core wire insertion hole 21 are formed over the entire length of the boot 5. However, the concave portion 21A and the convex portion 21B are not limited to this.
For example, the concave portion 21 </ b> A and the convex portion 21 </ b> B may be formed from the front side of the rear end surface of the boot 5. In other words, the rear ends of the recesses 21 </ b> A and the protrusions 21 </ b> B may be positioned on the front side of the rear end surface of the boot 5.
In addition, the front ends of the recesses 21 </ b> A and the protrusions 21 </ b> B may be located on the rear side of the front end surface 11 </ b> A of the boot 5.

=== Example of using multi-fiber optical connectors ===
FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view for explaining an example of use of the multi-fiber optical connector. FIG. 13B is a perspective view for explaining an example of use of the multi-fiber optical connector 1.
The multi-fiber optical connector 1 in which the guide pins 2 are inserted into the guide pin holes 13 in advance becomes the male connector 1M, and the guide pins 2 of the male connector 1M are inserted into the guide pin holes 13 of the female connector 1F. Thereby, the male connector 1M and the female connector 1F are positioned, and the optical fibers exposed from the front end face 11A of the ferrule 10 are aligned. In this state, the male connector 1M and the female connector 1F are fastened with a predetermined pressure by the clamp spring 3. As a result, the optical fibers protruding from the front end face 11A of the ferrule 10 come into contact with each other, and the optical fiber PC connection (PC is an abbreviation for Physical Contact) is in a stable connection state.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view for explaining another example of use of the multi-fiber optical connector.
The ferrule 10 attached to the multi-fiber optical connector 1 is accommodated in the connector housing 7. A coil spring (not shown) is provided in the connector housing, and the ferrule 10 receives a pressing force in the forward direction by the coil spring. When the multi-fiber optical connector 1 is attached from both sides of the adapter 8, the guide pin 2 of the male connector is inserted into the guide pin hole of the female connector in the same manner as the multi-fiber optical connector 1 described above. The fiber and the optical fiber of the female connector are positioned. Then, the optical fibers protruding from the front end face 11A of the ferrule 10 come into contact with each other, and the PC connection of the optical fiber (PC is an abbreviation of Physical Contact) is realized.

=== Others ===
The above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

<About the front end face 11A>
In the above embodiment, the front end face 11 </ b> A is perpendicular to the guide pin hole 13 and the optical fiber hole 12. However, the front end face 11A is not limited to this.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a modification of the front end face. The front end surface 11A ′ of the ferrule 10 ′ is an inclined surface inclined at 8 degrees. The end face of the optical fiber is also polished so as to be inclined by 8 degrees with respect to the vertical plane of the optical fiber axis. This is to suppress an increase in connection loss due to Fresnel reflection.

<About buttock>
In said 1st Embodiment, the collar part larger than a main-body part was formed in the rear side of the ferrule 10. As shown in FIG. However, in the first embodiment, since the optical fiber ribbon 4 is directly inserted into the ferrule 10 without using the boot 5, it is not necessary to form the boot insertion port 18 in the ferrule 10. Also good. If the ferrule 10 is not provided with a flange, the vertical length (thickness) of the ferrule 10 can be reduced.

<Disposition of optical fiber holes>
In the above-described embodiment, the twelve optical fiber holes 12 arranged in the left-right direction are arranged in four rows in the up-down direction. However, the arrangement of the optical fiber holes 12 is not limited to such an arrangement.
For example, the number of optical fiber holes 12 arranged in the left-right direction may be changed. Further, the number of optical fiber hole rows arranged in the vertical direction may be different from two or more.
Moreover, the space | interval of the right and left of the optical fiber hole 12 may be changed, and the space | interval of the upper and lower sides may be changed. However, when the upper and lower intervals of the optical fiber holes 12 are changed, the intervals between the concave portions 14A and the convex portions 14B of the core wire insertion port 14 of the first embodiment are changed, or the core wires of the second embodiment are inserted. It is necessary to change the interval between the concave portion 21A and the convex portion 21B of the hole 21.

<About the shape of the convex part>
The convex portion 14B of the first embodiment and the convex portion 21B of the second embodiment have a shape (fitting shape) that matches the shape of the side surface of the optical fiber ribbon that overlaps vertically. However, the shape of the convex portion is not limited to this. Any other shape may be used as long as it is a shape that can be inserted between the side surfaces of the optical fiber ribbons that are vertically overlapped.
FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram of a first modification of the shape of the convex portion. FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram of a second modification of the shape of the convex portion. In the figure, the optical fiber ribbon is indicated by a dotted line.
As in these modified examples, the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion may be a triangle or a rectangle. Even in such a shape, since the convex portion enters between the side surfaces of the optical fiber ribbons that overlap vertically, the optical fiber while restricting the vertical movement of the optical fiber ribbon. It is possible to guide the tape core wire in the front-rear direction.
However, in the above modification, there is a gap between the concave portion and the optical fiber ribbon, so that the adhesive may leak when filled with the adhesive.

1 Multi-fiber optical connector, 1M male connector, 1F female connector,
2 guide pins, 3 clamp springs,
4 optical fiber ribbon, 4A optical fiber, 5 boots,
7 Connector housing, 8 Adapter,
10 Ferrule,
11A front side end face, 11B rear side end face, 11C top face, 11D bottom face,
12 optical fiber holes, 13 guide pin holes,
14 core wire insertion opening, 14A concave portion, 14B convex portion,
15 adhesive filling window, 16 guide base,
16A guide groove, 16B partition, 17 taper part, 18 boot insertion port,
21 core wire insertion hole, 21A recess, 21B protrusion

Claims (3)

(1) a core insertion slot into which a plurality of optical fiber ribbons are inserted;
A ferrule having a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged optical fiber holes,
An optical fiber hole row is configured by arranging a plurality of the optical fiber holes in a predetermined direction,
The plurality of optical fiber holes are two-dimensionally arranged by arranging a plurality of the optical fiber hole rows at a predetermined interval,
The optical fiber tape core is constrained in the insertion position of the optical fiber tape core so that the optical fiber tape core wire overlaps the side surface of the core wire insertion port at the predetermined interval and can be inserted into the core wire insertion port. A convex part is formed to guide the line in the insertion direction ,
(2) The convex portion has a shape that enters between the side surfaces of the two optical fiber ribbons in the overlapped state ,
(3) The convex portion has a mountain shape formed by two concave curved surfaces whose generatrix is parallel to the optical fiber hole ,
(4) The core wire insertion port has a shape that fits into the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires stacked ,
(5) the from the insertion direction rear end to the insertion direction rear end of the protrusion length of the optical fiber holes, than the length of the insertion direction of the optical fiber holes, rather long,
(6) A groove for guiding the optical fiber to the optical fiber hole is provided on the rear end side in the insertion direction of the optical fiber hole,
Length from the insertion direction rear end of the groove to the insertion direction rear end of the convex portion than the length from the opening of the optical fiber hole to the insertion direction rear end of the groove, rather long,
(7) An adhesive filling window for filling the adhesive is formed,
The groove is formed in a stepped shape so as to protrude toward the rear end side in the insertion direction as the distance from the adhesive filling window increases.
The ferrule, wherein the convex portion is not formed above the groove when the side on which the adhesive filling window is provided is up and the opposite side is down . (A) (1) A ferrule including a core insertion slot into which a plurality of optical fiber ribbons are inserted and a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged optical fiber holes, wherein the plurality of optical fiber holes are predetermined. An optical fiber hole array is configured by arranging in a direction, and the optical fiber hole cores are two-dimensionally arranged by arranging the plurality of optical fiber hole arrays at a predetermined interval. A convex portion that guides the optical fiber ribbon in the insertion direction while restricting the insertion position of the optical fiber ribbon so that the optical fiber ribbon can be inserted into the optical fiber insertion slot so as to overlap with each other at the predetermined interval. (2) The convex portion has a shape that enters between the side surfaces of the two optical fiber ribbons in the overlapped state, and (3) the convex portion has a bus bar. Flat with the optical fiber hole (4) the core wire insertion port has a shape that fits into the plurality of optical fiber ribbons stacked, and (5) the light The length of the fiber hole from the rear end in the insertion direction to the rear end of the convex portion in the insertion direction is longer than the length of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction. (6) The rear of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction A groove for guiding the optical fiber to the optical fiber hole is provided on the end side, and the length from the rear end in the insertion direction of the groove to the rear end in the insertion direction of the convex portion is the light (7) an adhesive filling window for filling the adhesive is formed longer than the length from the opening of the fiber hole to the rear end of the groove in the insertion direction, and the groove is formed by the adhesive filling window. Stepped so as to protrude toward the rear end side in the insertion direction as the distance from the Are formed, on the side where the adhesive filling the window is provided, when the reverse side is the lower, the steps of: providing a ferrule on the upper side is not the convex portion is formed than said groove,
(B) filling the adhesive so as to cover the groove from the adhesive filling window, and storing the adhesive below the inner space of the ferrule;
(C) By inserting the optical fiber ribbon while guiding the convex portion in order from the bottom in a state where the adhesive is stored below the internal space of the ferrule , each of the optical fiber ribbons And a step of raising the interface of the adhesive in the internal space while inserting the optical fiber into each of the optical fiber holes of the optical fiber hole array. It is a manufacturing method of the multi-fiber optical connector according to claim 2 ,
The length from the rear end of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction to the rear end of the protrusion in the insertion direction is longer than the length of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction.
The length of the optical fiber from which the coating of the optical fiber ribbon is removed is longer than the length of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction, and the insertion direction of the convex portion from the rear end of the optical fiber hole in the insertion direction. A method of manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector, characterized in that the length is shorter than the length to the rear end.

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