WO1983002333A1

WO1983002333A1 - Optical coupling unit

Info

Publication number: WO1983002333A1
Application number: PCT/JP1981/000429
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kazushi Miura
Original assignee: Tanaka, Toshiyasu; Ariga, Sadakazu
Priority date: 1981-12-28
Filing date: 1981-12-28
Publication date: 1983-07-07

Abstract

The invention can be used in the fields of communication, measurement, control and so on for coupling and separating optical paths when optical information signals or the like are optically transmitted and received through paths formed of optical fibers. The optical coupling unit includes a main fiber channel (11) formed of a single fiber or a bundle of fibers, a sub-fiber channel (12) formed of a bundle of many fine fibers. A collected end portion (10A) is formed by setting one end of the sub-fiber channel around the periphery of one end of the main fiber channel, and a separated end portion (10B) is formed by separately setting the other ends of the main and the sub-fiber channels. Thus, the light input from the collected end portion is distributed between the main and the sub- fiber channels and lights input form the separated end portions are collected at the collected end portion.

Description

Membrane optical coupler technical field

The present invention relates to an optical coupler used for separating and coupling optical paths when forming an optical path with an optical fiber and transmitting and receiving an optical signal in the fields of communication, measurement, control, and the like. In particular, the present invention relates to an optical coupler having a simplified structure.

Background art

In recent years, for communication, measurement, control, etc., an optical path is formed by an optical fiber, and information is transmitted by light.

It is being done. Such optical transmission requires an optical coupling means for coupling and separating optical paths when light enters and exits and branches.

Conventionally, there is an optical coupler shown in Fig. 1. In the figure, the input fiber 1 and the output fiber 2 and the output fiber 3 are arranged with their respective end faces orthogonal to each other. It is optically connected by an optical system consisting of a lens 4 and a lens 5.

However, this conventional method uses a half mirror and a lens, so that the number of parts is large and it is expensive, and it also requires adjustment of the optical axis and requires time for assembly. There are disadvantages. Also, the optical axis may be shifted due to vibration.

OMPI

Small WIPO Λ ^; It has a disadvantage that it is suitable for use in places with many vibrations.

On the other hand, in recent years, when short-distance transmission and loss are a serious problem, an inexpensive plastic fiber is used to reduce the price structure of the entire system. It is considered to be used for In such a case, an inexpensive optical coupler is required as a system component. Also, for measurement and control, there is a demand for a device that can be made compact and simple. However, at present, simple and inexpensive optical couplers, including the ones described above, are still being developed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, has a small number of parts, has a simple structure, requires optical axis adjustment, does not cause optical axis deviation, and is easy to assemble. It is enormous to provide an optical coupler that can be manufactured at low cost.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION.

That is, the present invention relates to a main fiber system composed of a single fiber or a fiber bundle, and a sub fiber composed of a bundle of a number of fine fibers. Iba system )], An end of the sub-fiber system is arranged around one end of the main fiber system to form an assembly end, and the main fiber system and the sub-fiber are formed. The other end of the system is separated to form a separation end, and the incident light from the collection end is separated into the main and sub-fiber systems, and the light incident from the separation end is collected at the collection end. It is designed to be confused.

ΟΜΡΓ According to such a configuration, light is separated (branched / distributed) and aggregated in an optical fiber system, so that the number of parts is small, the structure is small and the structure can be simplified, and It is easy to assemble.

Further, according to the present invention, since light is separated or collected at the collecting end of the main fiber system and the sub-fiber system, complicated and optical axis adjustment is required inside the optical coupler. Optical axis misalignment can occur. Therefore, there is an effect that not only the assembling is troublesome, but also the vibration can be used in many places.

Brief description of drawings

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an example of a conventional optical coupler, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a composite fiber system constituting the optical coupler of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an end view showing a separation end of a sub-fiber system in the composite fiber system, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the optical coupler according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a portion viewed in the direction of the arrow BB in FIG. 5, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a cutaway front view of a main part showing a state in which the plug is fitted, and FIG. 9 is an example of a connector plug for connecting the receptacle and the connector of the optical coupler of the above embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, FIG. 10 is a plan view showing another example of a fiber holder used when the composite fiber system is mounted on a container, and FIG. 11 is an optical fiber of the present invention. Sectional view showing a second embodiment of the engager, the first 2 FIG its A - A arrow city sectional view, the Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in the same manner, and Fig. 14 is a plan view of the spacer used in the above-mentioned embodiment, which is an example of a spacer.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a composite fiber system constituting the optical coupler of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an end view showing an assembly end thereof, and FIG. 4 is a composite fiber system described above. FIG. 4 is a runaway view showing the separated end of the sub-fiber system in FIG. The optical coupler of the present invention is composed of a composite fiber system 10 shown in these figures. The composite fiber system 10 is composed of a main fiber system 11 and a sub-fiber system. Corollary 1 2

The composite fiber system 10 is a sub-fiber consisting of a fiber bundle in which a large number of fine fibers 13 are bundled around a part of the main fiber system 11. The system 12 is externally packaged in a cylindrical shape, and the end faces of both fiber systems 11 and 12 are set to the collective end 1 OA, and the other end of the sub fiber system 12 is connected to the main It is separated from the fiber system 11 into a fiber bundle of one tree, and is configured as a separation end 10B together with the other end of the main fiber system 11, and a collection end 1 OA is formed. Then, the light is separated and collected by facing the end face of the optical fiber 15 constituting the optical path for transmitting the optical signal. That is, the incident light from the collecting end 10A is separated, and the incident light from the separating end 10B is collected.

OMPI The main fiber system 11 is composed of a single-core optical fiber, for example, a plastic fiber having a diameter of about 1 mm]), and an opposing optical fiber 15. Of the light emitted from the light, the light with a small emission angle is incident. On the other hand, the sub-fiber system 12 is formed by bundling several hundred glass fibers with a diameter of about 50 w, such as a fine fiber 13. Of the light emitted from fiber 15, those with a large emission angle are made to enter.

In order to form the composite fiber system 10, the one formed in advance in the form of a ribbon by means of welding, bonding, or the like, is formed into a cylindrical shape around the outer periphery of the main fiber system 11. To form a collecting end 1 OA, and then remove the other part from the main fiber system 11 and bundle it into a circular cross section! ) Go. In addition, a large number of fine fibers 13 are externally attached to the outer periphery of one end of the main fiber system 11 by means of bonding, welding, fastening or the like, and the other end is connected to the main fiber system 11. The composite fiber system 10 can be separated from the composite fiber 11 and bundled into a circular cross section by the same means as described above. The main fiber system 11 and the sub-fiber system 12 are not limited to those having the cross-sectional shapes and materials shown in the above examples. The distance between the optical fiber 10 and the optical fiber 15 depends on whether or not there is an optical system such as the light receiving angle of both fibers, the fiber diameter, the branching level ratio, and the lens. It will be determined appropriately according to the requirements. For example, if the main fiber 11 and the optical fiber 15 have the same diameter, It is necessary to provide an appropriate interval so that a part of the light emitted from the optical fiber 15 can enter the sub-fiber system 12]), and increase the interval. The larger the amount of branching, the larger the amount of branching. On the other hand, if the diameter of the collecting end 1 OA of the composite fiber system 10 is the same as or smaller than the diameter of the optical fiber 15, both may be brought into contact ^.

Next, FIGS. 5 to 8 show a first embodiment of the optical coupler of the present invention using the composite fiber system. FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the optical coupler of the above embodiment, FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a portion taken along the line BB in FIG. FIG. 8 is a fragmentary front view showing a state where a connector plug is fitted to the above embodiment. The optical couplers shown in these figures include a composite fiber system 10, a container 30, and a fiber holder 20 for mounting the composite fiber system 10 on the container. It is composed.

The composite fiber system 10 has the configuration described above! ) And cut into a length that can be stored in the container 30, and a coating 14 such as a synthetic resin tube is provided on each of the collecting end 10A and the separating end 10B. Then, the fiber holder 20 is attached to each terminal from above the covering 14. In this case, if the coatings 14 at each end are provided with the same outer diameter, the same fin folder 20 can be used, which is convenient.

The fiber holder 20 is composed of a metal tube] 3, and a flange 21 for locking is provided at a base end thereof. the above Each end of the composite fiber system 10 is fitted into each of the fiber holders 20 by means of crimping, bonding, etc.] and fixed to the holder 20. .

Note that the fiber holder is not limited to this example, but may use various other embodiments. For example, a fiber holder as shown in FIG. 10 can be used. Cut off the locking projections 22 protruding inward (combined fiber system contact surface side) shown in the figure! ) And a plate-like body provided with means such as a perlink 'and a locking piece 23 corresponding to the flange 21 on the base end side. At each end of the fiber system, the fiber is wound around the outer periphery of the coating in a cylindrical shape and is pressed against the fiber. According to this fiber holder, since the locking projections 22 bite into the coating, they are firmly fixed to the composite fiber system.

The container 30 storing the composite fiber system 10 is composed of a body 31 having projecting recesses at both ends and a lid 32 and a force. It is formed by a metal or the like. The end body 31 has an opening on the upper surface side, and the opening is covered by a lid 32. A female receptacle 33 is provided at one end (left side in FIG. 5), and male receptacles 34, 34 are provided at the other end. Have been.

The female recess 33 is formed with a receiving portion 35 comprising a hole into which the plug 53 of the male plug 51 of the connector plug 50 described later can be fitted. , Which connects the bottom surface with the inside of the main body 3 1

O PI

, 0 A through-hole 37 is provided, and a cutout 38 in the form of a cross-sectional groove is provided on the outer periphery of the base end of the through-hole 37. Then, the composite fiber assembly end 1 OA with the above fiber holder 20 attached thereto is fitted into the through hole 37 from the base end side, and the flange 21 is inserted through the through hole. 37, and the locking member 39 is fitted into the cutout 38 from the top side of the main body 31 to stop the movement of the holder 20 in the base end direction. To form a female recess. The tip of the fiber holder 20 protrudes into the hole of the receiving portion 35]), and is inserted into the male plug 51 as shown in FIG. Facing fiber 15

In this case, the facing distance is set as described above, but by changing the fitting depth to the through hole 37 of the composite fiber system assembly end {0}! ), This interval can be changed. For example, between the flange 21 of the fiber holder 20 and the opening on the base end side of the through hole 37, the distance setting of a cache, a color, and the like can be performed. In addition to interposing a material, the locking member 39 is formed of a stretchable material such as rubber. Therefore, if several types of interval setting materials having different thicknesses are prepared according to the branching ratio, the D branching ratio can be appropriately set by selecting the materials.

On the other hand, the male recessed reactors 34 and 34 have a rod-shaped insertion portion 36 that can be fitted into a receiving portion 54 of a female plug 52 described later, respectively, and a tip end thereof. A through hole 37 is provided in the main body 31 from the same, and the same as above is provided on the outer periphery of the base of the through hole 37. It is configured with a notch 38. On the other hand, the main fiber system 11 is fitted together with the fiber holder 20 on one side (upper side in FIG. 5) as a composite fiber system separation end, On the other hand, a male fiber socket is formed by fitting a sub-fiber system 12 together with a fiber holder 20.

The connection between the optical coupler and the input / output optical path described above is performed by connecting the black 'corresponding to each receptacle equipped with the composite fiber system 10 to the end face of the optical fiber constituting each optical path. This is done by mounting and configuring a connector.

The male plug 51 corresponding to the female receptacle is a cylindrical plug having a through hole 55 as shown in FIG. 8, for example.

5 3 is provided, and the end of the optical fiber 15 is fitted into the through-hole 55 together with the fiber holder 56 provided on the optical fiber 15. It is locked and fixed with. -On the other hand, the female plug 52 corresponding to the male female receptacle is provided with a receiving hole 54 composed of a hole having a through hole 55 on the bottom as shown in Fig. 9, for example. In addition, the end of the optical fiber 15 is fitted into the through-hole 55 together with the fiber holder 56 having the outer end thereof, and is locked by the locking member 57. They are fixed. At least, the connector plug is not limited to those shown in these figures, but may be any that can be fitted to each receptacle.

As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, when the connector is connected, the male receptacle 34 and the male boss are locked as shown in Figs.

OMPI

Nono Convex capitals 36a and 53a are provided on the outer circumference of each of the plug-in capitals 36 and 53 of the plug 51, and the female plugs 52 and the female receptacles 33 of the female receptacles 54 are provided. , 35 are provided with concave portions 54a, 35a at the corresponding positions, and these are engaged with each other so that the U-shape can be achieved.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the inventive optical coupler, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 11, and FIG. FIG. The optical coupler shown in FIG. 1 includes the composite fiber system 10, a spacer 60, a container 40, and the fiber holder 20.

0 ο

The optical coupler of this embodiment is configured by disposing a sensor consisting of a short optical fiber in front of the composite fiber system assembly]. Irrespective of any discrepancies in the structure of the optical connector plug connected to the plug, play at the time of mating, or the presence or absence of deviation of the end face of the optical fiber fitted into the plug, etc. This is to maintain a predetermined branching ratio. Also, in this embodiment, the assembling 'is facilitated by making the receptacle portion provided in the container a detachable structure.

As shown in FIG. 14, the spacer 60 includes a single-fiber short fiber 61 and a fiber holder 63 for attaching the fiber to the container 40. It receives the light emitted from the optical fiber 15 (see Fig. 1) in the optical path connected to the connector, and separates it from the other end by a predetermined distance. Fiber set

O PI End 1 Make OA incident. The single-core fiber 61 is provided with a coating 62 such as a synthetic resin, and is fitted into the fiber holder 63 in this state. The fiber holder 63 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. After passing through the single-core fiber 61, the fiber holder 63 is pressurized from the outside and crimped to the fiber 61. A flange 64 is provided at an appropriate position in the middle of the fiber holder 63. By engaging the flange 64 with a step in a receptacle bracket described later, Fix the position of the spacer 60.

In the above embodiment, a single fiber is used. However, a fiber bundle of a plurality of fibers may be used. Further, the holder 63 is not limited to a cylindrical one, but may be a plate-like body. The holder 63 is bent along the outer periphery of the single-core fiber 61 to form the holder 63. It may be configured to be attached to the core fiber 61.

The facing distance between the spacer 60 and the composite fiber system gathering end 1 OA is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and Determined in consideration of the number of openings of single-core fiber 61, fiber diameter, presence of lens, etc.

The container 40 of this embodiment has a main body 41 having projecting receptacle sections 43, 44 on both side ends, a lid 42, and a lid. Etc. are formed. The main body 41 has an opening on the upper surface side, and is configured such that the lid 42 covers the opening. On one side wall (left side in Fig. 11), a female recessed portion 43 is provided, and on the other side, male recessed portions 44, 44 are provided. It is provided. These reset tasks

O PI

Λ _> W1PO The main body 41 is provided with a U-shaped notch 41a on the side wall of the main body 41, and the main body 41 is provided in the notch 41a. Fitted from the top. However, these may be provided integrally with the main body 41.

In the present embodiment, the female receptacle section 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole, and is provided with a hole in which the male plug insertion section of the connector can be fitted. It has a portion 45, a through hole 47 communicating the bottom surface thereof with the inside of the main body 41 ", and has flanges 48, 49 provided in the middle and the outer periphery of the base end. From the base end side, insert the composite fiber system assembly end 10A with the above fiber holder 20 into the hole 47 from the base end side, and insert the flange 21 into the through hole 47 of the through hole 47. On the other hand, the above-mentioned spacer 60 is press-fitted into the through hole 47 from the leading edge side, and the flange 64 is engaged with the end of the opening of the through hole 47. The spacer 60 and the composite fiber system gathering end 1OA are made to face each other in the hole 47. Since both are press-fitted into the through holes 47, the facing distance is kept constant. thing Can Ru.

The male recessed sections 44, 44 are formed in a circular shape as a whole, similar to the female section described above, and are fitted into the female bladder receiving section of the connector. And a through hole 47 extending from the distal end into the main body 41, and flanges 48, 4 'are provided at the middle and the outer periphery of the base end. 9 is provided. From the base end side of this through hole 47, a composite fiber system separation end 10B is formed, while one (upper side in FIG. 11) is a main fiber end.

OMPI

Les WIPO The fiber system 11 is press-fitted together with the fiber holder 20, and the other fiber fiber system 12 is press-fitted together with the fiber holder 20 to the other side, and the flange 21 is press-fitted. Engage with the opening end of through hole 47.

The procedure for attaching female and male resettles 43 and 44 to the main body 41 after attaching the composite fiber system 10 and spacer 60 together is as follows. Assembling work is easy. Further, the structures of both the recesses are not limited to those described above, and can be appropriately changed. For example, the mounting of the fiber holder 20 into the through-hole 47 is not limited to press-fitting, but may be configured to be inserted and removed freely and locked by a suitable locking member. . In this case, it is of course possible to make the facing distance between the spacer 60 and the collecting end 1OA variable similarly to the case of the first embodiment described above.

For example, a plug (not shown) similar to the male plug 51 shown in FIG. 8 described above may be fitted to the female receptacle section 43]. Then, the optical fiber constituting the optical path is connected to the composite fiber system assembly end. In this case, since the spacer is interposed, the difference in the structure of the male plug causes the position of the end face of the optical fiber attached to the plug to change. Even if there is play in the mating, the branching ratio changes even if the optical fiber is displaced by D due to the locking member of the plug, the fiber holder, etc. This is.

The other male plug (44, 44) is fitted with a plug (not shown) similar to the female plug 52 shown in Fig. 9 described above. I'll do it.

ΟΜΡΙ In each of the above embodiments, the injection end has a single branch consisting of one main fiber system and one sub-fiber system, but the fine fiber constituting the sub-fiber system has been described. By dividing the bundle into two or more, an i-multi-branch optical coupler can be constructed.

The present invention also provides a composite fiber system, and a main fiber system comprising a fiber bundle formed by bundling a plurality of glass or plastic fibers. It can be configured for That is, a plurality of fibers are bundled in a single line to form a main fiber system, and the sub-fiber system is provided on the outer periphery to form a composite fiber system. can do. However, this main fiber system may be formed into a fine fiber used for forming a sub-fiber system.

Further, the optical coupler of the present invention may be configured such that a converging lens, for example, a spherical lens is attached to all or a part of the separating end 10B of the composite fiber system 10. Due to this, the incoming and outgoing light at the separation end can be focused, and the loss of light can be reduced.

Each of the above embodiments has been described with respect to a case where the optical coupler is mainly used as an optical branching (distributing) device. However, the optical coupler of the present invention can be used if the split end is used as the incident side. , Multiple optical signals

It can also be used as an optical concentrator that enters one optical fiber. Also, the optical coupler of the present invention allows illumination light to enter from the separation end of the sub-fiber system, exit from the collection end, irradiate the object to be detected, and direct the reflected light to the collection end. By detecting this reflected light at the separation end of the main fiber system, An optical head such as an optical sensor or a photoelectric switch can be configured.

Industrial applicability

As described above, in the optical coupler according to the present invention, the main fiber system and the sub-fiber system have independent optical paths, and the other optical fibers are provided at the collecting end and the separating end. By connecting to a cable]), an optical transmission system capable of coupling and separating optical signals can be configured. In the optical coupler of the present invention, the separated ends of the main and sub-fiber systems are respectively made to correspond to the light receiving element and the light emitting element, and the collecting end is made to correspond to the detection target or the control target. ]), Can be used as optical heads such as optical sensors and photoelectric switches, and can be used in fields such as measurement and control.

OMPI

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. Single fiber or main fiber system from fiber bundle

And a sub-fiber system from a fiber bundle that bundles many fine fibers! )], An end of the sub-fiber system is arranged around one end of the main fiber system to form an assembly end, and the main fiber system and the sub-fiber are combined. The other end of the fiber system is separated to form a separation 、, and the incident light from the collecting end is separated into the main and sub-fiber fiber systems, and the light incident from the separating end is collected at the collecting end. Hikaridai 5SF o which is characterized in that it is configured to close

2. Connect the above-mentioned end to the light that constitutes the optical path for transmitting the optical signal.

Claims are made so as to face an end face of a fiber, and to make the light emitted from the optical path incident on the main fiber system and the sub-fiber system to be branched (distributed). Range 1st description

光光 optical coupler.

3. The optical coupler according to claim 2, wherein a branching ratio is changed by changing a multidirectional distance between the collecting end and the optical fiber constituting the optical path.

4. Between the collecting end and the optical fiber constituting the optical path

A spacer composed of an optical fiber, and emitting light from the optical fiber into the collecting end via the spacer. Item described

OMPI ''

5. The optical thread opening according to claim 4, wherein the branching ratio is changed by changing the facing distance between the collecting end and the end face of the spacer.

6. The main fiber system is formed by a single core fiber made of plastic, and the sub-fiber system is formed by a glass fiber bundle made of glass. The optical coupler according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.

7. An optical coupler according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said spacer is formed by a single core fiber.

8. The optical coupler according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 5, wherein a focusing lens is mounted on all or one of the separated ends.