JP3542939B2 - Optical module storage unit - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical module housing unit that houses an optical module provided on a side with an optical connector that terminates an optical fiber so as to be connectable to another optical fiber.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in the case of an optical distribution board or the like, an optical module in the form of a thin external case is used, and the optical fiber is terminated by an optical connector attached to the side of the optical module so that the optical fiber can be connected to the connector. A configuration has been proposed in which a length is stored in the optical module.
[0003]
FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams showing an example of an optical wiring board using an optical module, where FIG. 18A is a front view and FIG. 18B is a side sectional view.
In FIGS. 18A and 18B, reference numeral 1 denotes an optical wiring board, 2 denotes a module storage unit, and 3 denotes an optical module.
In FIGS. 18A and 18B, a plurality of optical modules 3 each having a thin external appearance case are vertically and horizontally stored in a module storage section 2 provided in an optical distribution board 1. Each optical module 3 accommodates the extra length of the optical fiber 4 drawn into the module accommodating section 2 and allows the optical fiber 4 to be connected to a connector by an optical connector 5 (optical connector adapter) attached to a side portion thereof. It is designed to be terminated. The optical connector 5 of each optical module 3 is directed to the work surface side (the left side in FIG. 18B) of the side of the module storage unit 2, and the optical fiber 6 drawn into this work surface side is the optical fiber 6. The optical fibers 4 and 6 are connected to each other by being connected to the connector 5. The end of the optical fiber 6 is terminated by an optical connector 7 (optical connector plug) so as to be connectable to a connector, and is detachable from the optical connector 5 of each optical module 3 housed in the module housing 2. In general, the connection of the optical connector 7 to the optical connector 5 is switched so that the connection to the optical fiber 4 is switched.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the optical distribution board 1 of FIG. 18, the connection work of the optical fiber 6 to the optical connector 5 of the optical module 3 is generally performed in a state where each optical module 3 is stored in a predetermined storage position of the module storage section 2. (Usually, the optical module 3 is stored by abutting the optical module 3 against the innermost part of the module storage unit 2). This is performed in a state where the optical connectors 5 of the module 3 are aligned. For this reason, the above-mentioned connection work is performed in a region where a large number of optical fibers 6 are densely wired near the connector array region 8. There has been a problem that inconvenience such as instantaneous interruption or bending and damaging the optical fiber 6 in some cases is likely to occur. Further, if the connecting operation is performed while avoiding the contact with the optical fiber 6, there is also a dissatisfaction that the operating efficiency is reduced.
Further, in the above connection work, it is necessary to correctly connect the optical fibers 4 and 6 to each other. However, as described above, if a large number of optical fibers 6 are wired near the connector It becomes difficult to connect, and it causes a connection error. In view of this, for example, it has been proposed to provide a display indicating a circuit number or the like on the connector mounting surface 3a of the optical module 3. However, in the high-density mounting type optical wiring board 1, the connection is made in the module storage section 2. The number of optical fibers 4 and 6 to be provided is large, and the number of optical fibers 6 wired near the connector array region 8 is further increased, so that the display becomes difficult to see and the optical fiber 6 is used to confirm the display. There is a possibility that the optical fiber 6 may be damaged at the time of pushing, and the above problem cannot be solved fundamentally.
In addition, the above-mentioned problem is not limited to the connection work of the optical fiber 6, but is also common to the work of switching the optical fiber and the work of removing the optical fiber. Further, if the configuration accommodates a plurality of optical modules, the above-described problem similarly occurs in an optical connection box or the like other than the optical distribution board.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and supports an optical module disposed at a position displaced in a pull-out direction from a predetermined storage position in a module storage section by a module support section, thereby forming a peripheral optical fiber. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical module housing unit capable of efficiently performing operations such as connection of optical fibers and switching connection while avoiding interference with the optical module.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has the following features to attain the object mentioned above.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical module in which an optical connector for terminating an optical fiber so as to be connectable to another optical fiber is provided on a side of a work space side so as to be drawn out to the work space side. A module storage unit,pluralThe optical module, So that the optical connectors of each optical module are arranged, and on the working space sideWithdrawableAs given storage positionToArrayThe module storage section to be stored, and the optical module stored in the module storage section at a position shifted from the predetermined storage position in the module storage section toward the pull-out direction, in whichever direction of pushing or pulling out the module storage section. And a module support for supporting it so that it does not move,The module supporting portion is prevented from moving in any direction of pushing and pulling out by restraining a flange portion protruding from the optical module or engaging a rotatable latch protruding from the optical module. The optical connector of the optical module to be connected, the optical connector of the optical module to be connected is stored in a predetermined storage position of the module storage section by supporting the optical module on the module support section. In a state in which the optical fiber is protruded toward the working space, a connector connecting operation of the optical fiber from the working space to the optical connector can be performed,Moreover,The module support is retracted to a retracted position to avoid contact with a flange protruded from the optical module, or the latch protruded from the optical module is engaged with the module support. To the standby position to avoidBy releasing the support of the optical module by the module support,From the support position of the optical module by the module support,The optical module storage unit, wherein the optical module can be moved in the insertion direction or the pull-out direction with respect to the module storage portion.
The invention described in claim 2 is the claim1 noteThe optical module storage unit further includes fixing means for fixing the optical module stored in a predetermined storage position in the module storage section, wherein the fixing means includes a latch protruding from the optical module, and a module storage module. The latch of the optical module housed in a predetermined storage position in the unit is releasably engaged with the module, and the module is provided with an engagement piece on the module base side that fixes the optical module and regulates the drawer. The optical module can be pulled out by releasing the engagement of the latch with the engagement piece.
Claim3The invention described in the claims1 or 2In the optical module storage unit according to the aspect, the optical module includes the optical connector at a leading end in the pull-out direction from the module storage portion, and has a side near one of the optical connectors on one or both sides perpendicular to the pull-out direction. A display indicating information such as a type of an optical fiber connected by the optical module, wherein the optical module is located at a storage position shifted from a predetermined storage position in the module storage portion toward the drawing direction by the module support portion. The display is visible from the outside of the module storage portion when the display device is disposed so as to be supported.
As the optical module storage unit, various configurations such as an optical distribution board, an optical termination box, and an optical branching connection box can be adopted.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, an example of application to an optical wiring board will be described.
FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an optical distribution board 10, FIG. 2 is a front view showing an optical module storage unit 10a mounted on the optical distribution board 10, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the optical module storage unit 10a of FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the optical module storage unit 10a of FIG.
[0008]
In FIG. 1, an optical distribution board 10 is a frame in which a plurality of optical module housing units 10a are housed in multiple stages, and an optical module 12 housed in each optical module housing unit 10a has an optical fiber 12 led out from an optical fiber cable 11. An optical connector 22 attached to the power supply 21 (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) terminates the connector so as to be connectable. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the optical module storage unit 10a includes a module storage section 20 that stores a plurality of optical modules 21 having a thin external appearance in a vertical and horizontal arrangement. In FIG. 3, the storage position of the optical module 21 is indicated by a virtual line). Specifically, the module storage unit 20 includes a module table 20a on which the optical module 21 is placed vertically, an upper plate 30 installed above the module table 20a, and an upper plate 30 installed on the upper plate 30. The optical module 21 is accommodated in a module accommodation space 20 s between the module base 20 a and the upper plate 30. The upper plate 30 is provided between the left and right side plates 24a, 24b of the module storage unit 20 in a front view, and is substantially parallel to the upper surface 20e of the module base 20a.
[0009]
The optical module 21 stored in the module storage section 20 can be pulled out to the work space 13 secured on the side of the module storage section 20 by sliding on the module table 20a. In the module storage section 20, a guide piece 21a projecting from the optical module 21 is inserted into a guide groove 20b formed in the module base 20a, and the optical module is inserted into a guide groove 31 formed in the upper plate 30. Since the flange portion 21b protruding from the component 21 is inserted, the optical module 21 inserted into the module storage portion 20 is maintained in a stable vertical position without shaking. The optical module 21 inserted into the module storage section 20 slides on the module base 20a while being guided by the guide grooves 20b, 31 of the module base 20a and the upper plate 30, so that the optical module 21 from the working space 13 side can be moved. The storage and the drawing to the work space 13 are performed. Needless to say, the module base 20a and the guide grooves 20b and 31 of the upper plate 30 are parallel to each other.
[0010]
The optical fiber 12 is led out of the optical fiber cable 11 at the side of the optical module storage unit 10a, and is wired to the optical fiber wiring shelf 14 above each optical module storage unit 10a. The optical module 21 is dropped. The optical fiber 12 drawn into the optical module 21 is connected to the optical connector 22 (optical connector adapter) attached to the side of the optical module 21 from the inside of the optical module 21, so that the optical connector 22 allows the optical fiber 12 to be connected. The connection is terminated so as to be connectable, and the excess length is bent and stored in the optical module 21.
[0011]
The optical connectors 22 of the respective optical modules 21 stored in the module storage section 20 are all directed to the working space 13 side. Each optical connector 22 can be switched between an optical fiber 16 led out from an optical fiber cable 15 (see FIG. 1) separately drawn into the optical distribution board 10 and a jumper optical fiber 17 connecting the optical connectors 22. To the connector. Each of the optical fibers 16 is terminated by optical connectors 16a and 17a so as to be connectable to a connector. By switching the connection of the optical connectors 16a and 17a to the optical connector 22 on the optical module 21, the optical fibers 16 and 17a are switched. Are switched to the optical fiber 12.
[0012]
The optical fiber connected to the optical connector 22 of the optical module 21 is not limited to the optical fibers 16 and 17, and may be, for example, an optical fiber for connection with a line monitoring device, a crossover wiring between optical distribution boards, or the like. It may be. Hereinafter, the optical fiber connected to the optical connector 22 of the optical module 21 is referred to as an “optical fiber 50”, and the optical connectors (optical connectors 16a, 17a, etc.) at the tip of the optical fiber 50 are collectively referred to as “optical connector 50a”. As the optical fiber 50, various configurations such as a single-core or multi-core optical fiber core, an optical fiber cord and the like can be adopted. As the optical connector 50a at the tip of the optical fiber 50, for example, an SC type optical connector (Single fiber Coupling optical fiber connector) specified in JIS C 5973, and an MU type optical connector (Miniature-Unit) specified in JIS C 5983 are used. An optical connector plug such as a coupling optical fiber connector is employed. In the case of multi-core, an MPO-type optical connector (Multifiber Push On) or the like defined in JIS C5982 is adopted. It goes without saying that, as the optical connector 22 on the optical module 21 side, a connector suitable for the optical connector 50a is appropriately adopted according to the type of the optical connector 50a.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber connected to the optical connector 22 is wired from the optical fiber storage section 18 secured on the side of the optical distribution board 10 to the target optical module storage unit 10a, and The extra length is absorbed by the curved wiring in the storage section 18.
In FIG. 1, reference numerals 19a and 19b denote clamps, which clamp and hold the optical fiber 50 drawn into the optical module storage unit 10a from the optical fiber storage unit 18.
[0014]
2 to 4, the optical fiber 50 drawn into the optical module storage unit 10a is stored in a duct 20c provided on the work space 13 side of the module base 20a, and is raised upward from the duct 20c. The connector is connected to the optical connector 22 of the target optical module 21. A plurality of optical fibers 50 can be connected to the optical connector 22 of the optical module 21 (eight in FIG. 4), and a plurality (two in FIG. 4) of the optical connectors 50 are installed for one optical module 21. In the example of FIG. 4, a maximum of 16 optical fibers 50 are connected to the same optical module 21. The optical fibers 50 connected to the same optical module 21 are collectively held by a clamp 20d protruding above the duct 20c from a support wall 43 erected between the module base 20a and the duct 20c. The clamp 20d holds the optical fiber 50 for each optical module 21.
Needless to say, the number of corresponding optical connectors of the optical module 21, the number of optical fibers 50 connectable to the optical connector, the number of optical connectors installed in the optical module 21, and the like can be changed as appropriate.
[0015]
In FIGS. 2 to 4, the module support portion 23 installed on the upper portion of the module storage portion 20 is provided with a stopper member 23a that is disposed so as to bridge between the left and right side plates 24a and 24b of the module storage portion 20 in front view. It is composed mainly of. Specifically, the stopper member 23a is in the shape of an elongated plate, and a plurality of slits 23b extending in the width direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) are continuously provided in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 3). The slit 23b has a shape capable of storing a flange 21b protruding from the upper end of the optical module 21, and the position of each slit 23b matches the storage position of the optical modules 21 arranged and stored on the module base 20a. Therefore, if the flange portion 21b of the optical module 21 stored in the module storage portion 20 is disposed immediately below the stop member 23a, the flange portion 21b is formed in the slit 23b by the rotation operation of the module support portion 23 described later. Can be stored.
[0016]
Attachment portions 23c provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the stopper member 23a are respectively supported by pins 26 with respect to brackets 25 fixed to the side plates 24a and 24b. The entire module support 23 rotates about a substantially horizontal rotation axis. The pin 26 is attached to a bracket 25, and the module support portion 23 has a pivotal end portion 23 d protruding from an attachment portion 23 c in a direction opposite to the working space 13 and is pivotally supported by the pin 26. Since the rotation axis of the module support portion 23 is located on the opposite side of the work space 13 via the stopper member 23a, the rotation of the module support portion 23 results in the vertical displacement of the stopper member 23a about the pin 26. .
[0017]
The mounting portion 23c has two holes (a long hole 28 and a guide hole 29) into which the two pins 26 and 27 mounted on the bracket 25 side are individually inserted. It can move with respect to the pins 26,27. One of the pins 26 is inserted into an elongated hole 28 extending substantially along the stopper member 23 a of the module support portion 23, and the other pin 27 is inserted into the working space 13 with respect to the elongated hole 28. It is inserted into a U-shaped guide hole 29 in the mounting portion 23c. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (c), the guide hole 29 has a long hole 29a substantially parallel to the long hole 28, and a long hole 29a from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the long hole 29a. And vertical holes 29b and 29c extending substantially vertically toward the stopper member 23a (substantially upward in FIGS. 5A to 5C).
[0018]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A to 5C, when the module support portion 23 is moved, the storage position of the guide hole 29 with respect to the pin 27 can be changed. When the module support section 23 is moved in the reciprocating direction (left and right in FIG. 4) with respect to the work space 13, the storage positions of the pins 26 and 27 move along the slots 28 and 29b. The module support portion 23 can rotate around the pin 26 by storing the pin 27 in one of the vertical holes 29b and 29c. However, the rotation range of the module support portion 23 is determined by the size of the vertical holes 29b and 29c in the extending direction from the elongated hole 29a. Since the vertical hole 29c has a larger dimension in the extending direction from the elongated hole 29a than the vertical hole 29b, the vertical hole 29c is inserted into the vertical hole 29c more than when the pin 27 is inserted into the vertical hole 29b. The movable range of the module support portion 23 is large, and the module support portion 23 is rotated further downward when inserted into the vertical hole 29c.
In FIGS. 2 to 5A, 5B, and 5C, the stopper 25a provided on the side of the bracket 25 is a contact portion protruding from the mounting portion 23c of the module support portion 23. The rotation limit position of the module support portion 23 below is set by contacting the upper portion 23e from above.
[0019]
In order to store the optical module 21 in the module storage section 20 (specifically, the module storage space 20s), the stopper member 23a of the module support section 23 is rotated upward by the procedure shown in FIGS. The optical module 21 is retracted to a position where the optical module 21 does not come into contact with the flange portion 21b, and the optical module 21 is inserted into the module storage space 20s of the module storage section 20 after the state shown in FIG.
The optical module 21 is configured such that the guide piece 21a is inserted into the guide groove 20b of the module base 20a, the flange 21b is inserted into the guide groove 31 of the upper plate 30, and the module storage section is slid on the module base 20a. 20 and stops when it hits an insertion direction stopper 20f provided in the module storage section 20. Thus, the optical module 21 is stored in a predetermined storage position in the module storage unit 20 (hereinafter, the position of the phantom line in FIG. 4 is referred to as “predetermined storage position”). Since the guide grooves 20b and 31 of the module base 20a and the upper plate 30 are open at the ends of the module base 20a and the upper plate 30 on the working space 13 side, the guide grooves 20b and 30 The guide piece 21a and the flange 21b can be easily inserted into the guide grooves 20b and 30 simply by positioning the guide piece 21a and the flange 21b and pushing the optical module 21 into the module storage space 20s.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the module support portion 23 first moves the pin 27 housed in the vertical hole 29c to the elongated hole 29a by rotating upward about the pin 26. 5 (a), and then forward in the direction opposite to the working space 13, that is, in the direction of insertion of the optical module 21 into the module storage section 20 (see FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (c)). The pin 27 is moved to the vertical hole 29b by sliding movement (to the right) (see FIG. 5 (b)), and then the pin 27 is housed at the upper end of the vertical hole 29b by being lowered, so that the mounting portion 23c Is engaged with the pin 27 (see FIGS. 5C and 6). In the state shown in FIG. 4, the pin 27 is housed at the upper end of the vertical hole 29c, and the contact portion 23e on the module support portion 23 contacts the stopper 25a on the bracket 25, thereby restricting the module support portion 23 from descending. The stopper member 23a is placed on the upper plate 30 or positioned so as to be close to the upper plate 30. In the state shown in FIGS. 5C and 6, the mounting portion 23c is attached to the pin 27 stored at the upper end of the vertical hole 29b. By the engagement, the lowering of the module support portion 23 is regulated, and the stopper member 23a is supported at a position (retreat position) separated upward from the upper plate 30. The flange portion 21b of the optical module 21 housed in the module housing portion 20 projects above the upper plate 30, but if the stopper member 23a is retracted to the retracted position, the flange portion 21b becomes a stopper member. It can move freely along the guide groove 31 of the upper plate 30 without coming into contact with 23a.
[0021]
The installation position of the stopper member 23a is located at the center in the depth direction of the module storage section 20 (left and right in FIG. 4; insertion direction or pull-out direction of the optical module 21 with respect to the module storage section 20, that is, the direction along the guide groove 20b). The operation of the flange portion 21b protruding from the rear end of the optical module 21 housed at a predetermined housing position in the module housing portion 20 (the side opposite to the mounting position of the optical connector 22). Since this is a position adjacent to the space 13 side, when inserting and storing the optical module 21 at a predetermined storage position, the stopper member 23a of the module support portion 23 is retracted to the retracted position (FIG. 5C). State), it is possible to reach the predetermined storage position by passing through the flange portion 21b without contacting the stopper 23a.
[0022]
When the insertion of the optical module 21 into the predetermined storage position is completed, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the module support section is reversed by the procedure reverse to that of FIGS. 5A to 5C. 23 is returned to the state of FIG. That is, first, as shown in FIG. 7A, the module supporting portion 23 is rotated upward to move the storage position of the pin 27 in the guide hole 29 from the vertical hole 29b to the elongated hole 29a, and then, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7B, the module supporting portion 23 is moved in the direction of the working space 13 to move the storage position of the pin 27 to the vertical hole 29c. Then, as shown in FIG. 23 is lowered to reach the state shown in FIG. In the state of FIG. 4, the lowered stopper member 23a is disposed adjacent to the work space 13 side of the flange portion 21b, so that the stopper member 23a functions as a stopper for restricting the movement of the work portion 13b to the work space 13 side. I do. Therefore, for example, even if a tensile force or the like is inadvertently applied to the optical fiber 50 connected to the optical connector 22, the inconvenience that the optical module 21 is pulled out from the module storage section 20 does not occur. Further, even if the optical wiring board 10 itself moves (changes in the installation position) or the optical wiring board 10 is tilted due to an earthquake or the like, there is no fear that the optical module 21 jumps out of the module storage unit 20.
[0023]
Next, the work of connecting the optical fiber 50 to the optical connector 22 of the optical module 21 is performed in a state where the optical module 21 stored in the module storage section 20 is slightly pulled out or at a predetermined storage position in the module storage section 20. The optical module 21 in the state of being inserted toward the optical module 21 is supported by the module support portion 23 so as not to be shaken. For this reason, the optical connector 22 of the target optical module 21 to be connected is moved to the working space 13 side from the connector arrangement region 32 in which the optical connectors 22 of the optical module 21 housed in the predetermined housing position are arranged. The connection work is performed in the protruding state, and the connection work can be efficiently performed by avoiding the interference with the optical fibers 50 that are wired in the vicinity of the connector arrangement region 32. Moreover, inconveniences such as damaging the optical fiber 50 connected to the optical connector 22 in the connector arrangement region 32 and adversely affecting optical communication of the optical fiber 50 in a live state can be prevented. This applies not only to the connection work but also to the switching connection and removal of the optical fiber 50 to and from the optical connector 22.
[0024]
When the drawing of the optical module 21 stored in the predetermined storage position into the work space 13 side is started from the state shown in FIG. 4, first, as shown in FIG. 8, the optical module 21 faces the work space 13 of the stopper member 23a. The flange portion 21b of the optical module 21 abuts against the push-up force receiving portion 23f, which is a portion formed by slanting the opposite edge portion obliquely upward, and the flange portion 21b presses the push-up force pressure-receiving portion 23f. 23a is gradually pushed upward, and the flange portion 21b gradually enters the lower surface side of the stopper member 23a. (In FIG. 8, the position of the optical module 21 is the position at which the flange portion 21b comes into contact with the push-up force pressure portion 23f. The module support 23 is shown in a slightly pushed up state). When the flange portion 21b that has entered the lower surface of the stopper member 23a reaches the slit 23b of the stopper member 23a, the entire flange portion 21b is accommodated in the area of the slit 23b, and at the same time, the module supporting portion 23 falls and is inserted into the slit 23b. The flange 21b is stored, and the state shown in FIG. 9 is obtained. At this time (the state of FIG. 9), as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, since the flange portion 21b is restrained in the slit 23b, the optical module 21 is pushed into the module housing portion 20, and the optical module 21 is pulled out. It is supported so as not to move in any direction. Further, since the guide piece 21 a of the optical module 21 is inserted into the guide groove 20 b of the module base 20 a and the flange 21 b is inserted into the guide groove 31 of the upper plate 30, the optical module 21 is inserted into the module storage section 20. There is no displacement or the like in the direction perpendicular to the direction of pushing or pulling. As a result, the optical module 21 positioned at the intermediate storage position between the predetermined storage position and the state where the optical module 21 is completely pulled out from the module storage unit 20 (the position in FIG. Since the optical module 50 is stably supported, the work of connecting the optical fiber 50 to the optical connector 22 of the optical module 21 can be performed efficiently.
The optical fiber 50 is taken out from the clamp 20d as necessary, depending on the drawing size of the optical module 21, so that the optical fiber 50 is not damaged by a sudden bending or the like accompanying the drawing of the optical module 21. Needless to say.
[0025]
When the optical module 21 is supported at the intermediate position by the module supporting portion 23, the optical connector 22 is located near both sides or one side of the optical module 21 perpendicular to the direction in which the optical module 21 is pulled out from the module housing portion 20, that is, the light The display 33 formed near the optical connector 22 on one or both side surfaces in the thickness direction of the module 21 is visibly exposed from the work space 13. 9 and the like, the display 33 formed only on one side in the thickness direction of the optical module 21 is shown. However, the display 33 can be formed on the side opposite to the thickness direction of the optical module 21. . The display 33 displays the line number of the optical fiber 50 terminated by the optical module 21, the type of the optical fiber such as single mode and multimode, and the like. The connection work of the optical fiber 50 to the optical fiber 22 can be performed accurately and efficiently. The display 33 exposed when the optical module 21 is supported at the intermediate position is not easily affected by a large number of optical fibers 50 wired in the vicinity of the connector arrangement region 32 and is hardly seen. In addition, since it is not necessary to perform the work of pushing the optical fiber 50 to confirm the display 33, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber 50 from being damaged, and to prevent adverse effects such as generating noise in optical communication of a live line. There are advantages.
[0026]
If the formation position of the display 33 is one or both side surfaces in the thickness direction of the optical module 21, if the optical fiber 50 connected to the optical connector 22 of the optical module 21 to be worked interferes with the confirmation of the display 33. In addition, unlike the narrow end face of the optical module 21 to which the optical connector 22 is attached, there is an advantage that much information can be displayed on the side face of the optical module 21 which can secure a sufficient area. The draw-out size of the optical module 21 (the distance from the predetermined storage position to the intermediate position) is such that the display 33 is exposed by avoiding the optical fiber 50 wired near the connector arrangement region 32 and from the outside of the module storage unit 20. The display 33 is large enough to be visually recognized, and at least from a region near the connector arrangement portion 32 where the optical fibers 50 are wired particularly densely (hereinafter, referred to as a “high-density wiring region 34”; see FIG. 9). The display 33 is exposed on the work space 13 side.
When the exposure of the display 33 is not taken into consideration, it is only necessary that the optical module 21 has such a degree that the optical connector 22 of the target optical module 21 to be worked projects from the high-density wiring area 34 toward the work space 13. In this case, the intermediate position may be set so that the optical connector 22 is positioned at a position at which the optical connector 22 does not overlap at least with the high-density wiring area 34 from the connector arrangement section 32 toward the work space 13 from the connector arrangement section 32. . This is not limited to the first embodiment, but is common to various configurations according to the present invention, and is also common to, for example, a second embodiment described later.
[0027]
The optical module 21 that has been connected to the optical fiber 50 and stored in the predetermined storage position engages the latch 45 protruding from the lower part of the optical module 21 with the engaging piece 20g on the module base 20a side. It is fixed by doing. The latch 45 is detachable from the engagement piece 20g, and when the engagement with the engagement piece 20g is released, the optical module 21 can be pulled out. The latch 45 and the engagement piece 20g constitute fixing means for fixing the optical module 21 at a predetermined storage position. For example, when the latch 45 of the optical module 21 to be pulled out to the intermediate position is released from engagement with the engagement piece 20g, only the optical module 21 can be pulled out, so that the optical modules 21 are arranged and stored at high density. It is also possible to prevent the optical module 21 to be pulled out from being mistaken even in the module storage section 20 that has been set. In the operation of pulling out the optical module 21, only the optical module 21 in which the engagement between the latch 45 and the engagement piece 20 g constituting the fixing means is released can be pulled out. The uncompleted optical module 21 is before being fixed by the fixing means and can be pulled out. On the other hand, the optical module 21 which has completed the connection of the optical fiber 50 is fixed by the fixing means to restrict the drawing, The optical module 21 for which connection of the optical fiber 50 has not been completed can be pulled out. Further, when the optical module 21 is pulled out to the intermediate position, the module supporting portion 23 is lifted and no longer serves as a stopper in the pulling-out direction. However, the pulling out of the optical module 21 not to be pulled out is restricted by the fixing means. By doing so, for example, it is possible to reliably prevent inconveniences such as the optical module 21 not to be pulled out being pulled out and the displacement occurring due to contact with the optical module 21 to be drawn out.
The configurations of the latch 45 and the engagement piece 20g will be described in detail in a second embodiment described later.
[0028]
When the connection of the optical fiber 50 to the optical connector 22 of the optical module 21 is completed, the module supporting portion 23 is rotated upward to release the support of the optical module 21 by the module supporting portion 23, and then the optical module 21 is inserted into the insertion direction stopper 20f. By pushing the optical module 50 into the module storage space 20 s until it hits the storage space and storing the module in a predetermined storage position, a series of steps relating to the connection operation is completed, and the optical module 21 with the optical fiber 50 connected to the target position is moved to the module storage section 20. Is stored in.
The switching operation of the optical fiber 50 with respect to the optical connector 22 and the operation such as removal are performed in exactly the same manner. After the optical module 21 pulled out to the intermediate position is supported by the module supporting portion 23, the optical module 21 is returned to the original predetermined storage position. It may be stored (in the case of removal, it may be pulled out to the work space 13 side).
[0029]
In the optical module storage unit 10a, the optical module 21 pulled out from the predetermined storage position is held at the intermediate position by the module support portion 23, and the operations such as connection, switching connection, and removal of the optical fiber 50 are performed. The optical module 21 that is being inserted into the predetermined storage position is supported at the intermediate position by the module support portion 23, and after the work such as the connection and the switching connection of the optical fiber 50 is performed, the optical module 21 may be stored in the predetermined storage position. It is possible. Even in this case, after the work of connecting the optical fiber 50 at the intermediate position, switching connection, and the like is completed, the procedure of storing the optical module 21 in the predetermined storage position is performed by pulling out the optical module 21 from the predetermined storage position to the intermediate position. The operation can be performed in exactly the same way as when the used optical module 21 is stored again in a predetermined storage position.
[0030]
In the case of switching connection of the optical fiber 50 between the optical connectors 22 of the plurality of optical modules 21, the corresponding optical module 21 to be worked is supported by the module supporting portion 23 at an intermediate position to perform the switching connection work. . Since the slits 23b are formed in the stopper member 23a of the module support portion 23 in correspondence with the respective optical modules 21 stored in the module storage portion 20, the flange portions 21b of the respective optical modules 21 are connected to the slits 23b. By storing, it is possible to simultaneously support the plurality of optical modules 21 at the intermediate position. Also in this case, in the vicinity of each optical module 21 supported at the intermediate position, contact with the optical fiber 50 wired near the connector arrangement region 32 is avoided, and the work of attaching and detaching the optical fiber 50 to and from the optical connector 22 is efficiently performed. It can be performed well, and the workability of the switching connection is improved. In addition, since the optical fiber 50 connected to the optical connector 22 of each optical module 21 supported at the intermediate position floats from the high-density wiring area 34 toward the work space 13, the light to be switched is connected. Since the position of the fiber 50 can be easily understood and, for example, it can be easily taken out of the duct 20c, the workability of the switching connection can be improved.
[0031]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the optical module housing unit of the optical wiring board 10 of the first embodiment is partially changed, and the configuration other than the optical module housing unit is that of the optical wiring board 10 of the first embodiment. Apply In FIGS. 11 to 16, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 10A and 10B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be simplified. 11 is a front view showing an optical module storage unit 40 applied to the optical distribution board of the present embodiment, FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the optical module storage unit 40 of FIG. 11, and FIG. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the optical module storage unit 40 has the same module base 20 a, both side plates 24 a and 24 b, the optical fiber wiring shelf 14, and the like as the optical wiring board 10 of the first embodiment. The absence of the module support portion 23 and the stopper 25a, and the provision of the module support portion 41 extending along the side surface of the module base 20a on the side of the work space 13 are the same as the optical module storage unit 10a of the first embodiment. different. The upper plate 30a of the optical module storage unit 40 includes a guide groove 31a for guiding the movement of the flange 21b of the optical module 21, similarly to the guide groove 31 of the upper plate 30 of the first embodiment. The termination of the optical fiber 12 on the optical fiber cable 11 side and the drawing of the optical fiber 50 into the work space 13 in the optical module housing unit 40 can be performed in exactly the same manner as the optical distribution board 10 of the first embodiment. Yes, it can be installed instead of the optical module storage unit 10a of the optical wiring board 10 of the first embodiment. Note that reference numeral 42 is assigned to the module storage unit.
[0032]
The module support portion 41 is a rib-shaped engagement piece protruding from an upper portion of a support wall 43 extending along the duct 20c. The support wall 43 also serves as a support for the clamp 20d, and a fixing piece 44 to which the clamp 20d is fixed is protruded from an upper portion thereof.
[0033]
FIG. 13 shows a state where the optical module 21 is stored in a predetermined storage position, and FIG. 14 shows a state where the optical module 21 is supported at an intermediate position. Note that the "predetermined storage position" is a position where the optical module 21 abuts the insertion direction stopper 20f as described in the first embodiment, and the "intermediate position" is a position higher than the predetermined storage position. It is shifted to the working space 13 side, and is a position where the latch 45 protruding from the optical module 21 stored in the module storage section 42 can be engaged with the engagement piece which is the module support section 41.
[0034]
13 and 14, the latch 45 is rotatably connected to the lower part of the optical module 21 in the vicinity of the optical connector 22 via a hinge 45a, and the module 45 is rotated by the hinge 45a. An engagement piece 20g provided at an end of the work space 13 on the side of the work space 20a and the module support portion 41 are detachable.
15 is an enlarged side view showing an engagement state of the latch 45 with the engagement piece 20g, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged side view showing an engagement state of the latch 45 with the module support portion 41 (an enlarged area B in FIG. 14). Figure).
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, specifically, the latch 45 is formed in an L-shape by integral molding with the optical module 21 made of synthetic resin such as plastic, and connects the optical module 21 with the optical module 21. By making the thin part to function as the hinge part 45a, the thin part is rotatable with respect to the optical module 21.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 15, the latch 45 has an L-shape including a stem 45b continuous with the hinge 45a and an engaging tip 45c extending vertically from the tip of the stem 45b separated from the hinge 45a. A small projection 45d protruding from the trunk 45b to the inner corner side of the L-shape is inserted and positioned in a hole (not shown) of the engaging piece 20g of the module base 20a. By engaging the claw 45e protruding from the inner corner of the L-shape with the engagement piece 20g, the engagement piece 20g can be stably engaged without any displacement. Thereby, the optical module 21 stored in the predetermined storage position of the module storage section 42 can be stably supported on the module base 20a via the latch 45, and a stable storage state without wobbling can be obtained. 21 can be prevented from adversely affecting the optical communication.
The optical module 21 which has completed the connection of the optical fiber 50 and is stored in the predetermined storage position, engages the latch 45 with the engagement piece 20g, and stores the optical module 21 in the predetermined storage state by the fixing means including the latch 45 and the engagement piece 20g. Since the optical module 21 is fixed at the position, the optical module 21 to be pulled out to the intermediate position can be pulled out accurately, as in the first embodiment. Further, even when the optical module 21 to be pulled out is pulled out, the optical module 21 fixed by the fixing means does not suffer from inconvenience such as displacement, as in the first embodiment.
[0036]
This latch 45 is rotatable by operating a lever 45f protruding from the outer corner of the L-shape. For example, in FIG. 15, the optical module 21 of the optical module 21 stored in a predetermined storage position of the module storage section 42 is shown. By manually operating the lever 45f from the work space 13 side to rotate the latch 45 downward from the standby position (the virtual line denoted by reference numeral 45), and pressing the latch 45 toward the end of the module table 20a on the work space 13 side, It can be engaged with the engagement piece 20g of the module base 20a. Conversely, the latch 45 engaged with the engagement piece 20g is lifted upward by manual operation of the lever 45f from the working space 13 side, whereby the engagement with the engagement piece 20g can be released. . When the latch 45 is moved to the standby position, the small protrusion 45g protruding from the outer corner of the L-shape is engaged with the holding protrusion 21c of the optical module 21 in a detachable manner, and the operation of the lever 45f is performed. In this state, even if the optical module 21 is moved in the insertion direction and the pull-out direction with respect to the module storage unit 20, the latch 45 will not be released from the standby position unless the removal operation is forcibly performed. Since no inconvenience such as careless contact with the module base 20a does not occur, the movement can be performed smoothly.
[0037]
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the optical module 21 is arranged so that the latch 45 is located immediately above the module support portion 41 (intermediate position). When the optical module 21 is detachably engaged with a certain engagement piece by the engagement of the claw 45e, the optical module 21 is stably supported by the module support portion 41 so as not to be shaken. The “intermediate position” is closer to the work space 13 than the predetermined storage position, and the optical connector 22 of the optical module 21 arranged at the intermediate position is shifted to the work space 13 side from the connector arrangement area 32. Operations such as connection, switching connection, and removal of the optical fiber 50 to and from the optical fiber 22 can be performed efficiently without interference with the optical fiber 50 wired near the connector arrangement region 32. At this time, the optical module 21 has the guide pieces 21 a and the flanges 21 b inserted into the module base 20 a and the guide grooves 20 b and 31 of the upper plate 30, and is stably supported by the module support 41 via the latch 45. Therefore, even if the connection, the switching connection, and the removal of the optical fiber 50 with respect to the optical connector 22 are performed, no displacement occurs, and the work can be performed efficiently. The optical module 21 disposed at the intermediate position is an optical module 21 that is being inserted from the working space 13 side to a predetermined storage position, or an optical module 21 that is temporarily stored in the predetermined storage position and then pulled out. Also, after engaging the latch 45 with the module supporting portion 41 and performing operations such as connection, switching connection, and removal of the optical fiber 50, the optical fiber 50 is stored in a predetermined storage position, so that it can be pulled out to the intermediate position again. .
The intermediate position is a position where the display 33 provided on one or both side surfaces in the thickness direction of the optical module 21 is exposed on the work space 13 side with respect to the high-density wiring region 34 (see FIG. 14). In this position, the display 33 of the optical module 21 arranged at the intermediate position can be easily visually recognized, and the connection, switching connection, removal, etc. of the optical fiber 50 can be performed while confirming the line number and the like by the display 33. Work can be done accurately.
[0038]
The display 49 shown in FIG. 17 is provided with a line number individually corresponding to each connection terminal of the multiple optical connectors 22. In FIG. 17, the numbers indicating the line numbers are vertically arranged. . Since the display 49 is formed in a region which is elongated in the direction perpendicular to the drawing direction of the optical module 21, even if the drawing size of the optical module 21 from the module storage section 20 is relatively small, the display 49 can be formed at a high density. Since it can be exposed on the work space 13 side than the wiring area 34 and the exposed area can be sufficiently secured at the exposed position, there is an advantage that a large amount of information can be efficiently displayed.
[0039]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. The application object of the present invention is not limited to the optical module storage unit of the optical distribution board. For example, various units that can draw out the optical module such as an optical termination box and an optical connection box (this is referred to as an “optical module storage unit”). "Collectively). Further, the module supporting portion is not limited to the above embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted. In short, the module support section only needs to be a configuration that stably supports the optical module stored in the module storage section at an intermediate position that is a position shifted in the drawing direction side from the predetermined storage position, and various configurations are employed. It is possible. In this optical module storage unit, other than avoiding interference with an optical connector of an optical module that is not a work target and an optical fiber connected to the optical connector from the working space side, various types provided in the optical module storage unit itself are provided. There is also an advantage that the connection, switching connection, removal, etc. of the optical fiber to the optical connector of the optical module for work can be performed efficiently by avoiding contact with unnecessary parts.You.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the optical module storage unit of the present invention, the optical module stored in the module storage unit at a position shifted to the drawing direction side from the predetermined storage position is used by the module support unit.Do not push in or out of the module storage section in either direction.By stably supporting the optical module, work such as connection of an optical fiber to an optical connector provided in the optical module can be efficiently performed while avoiding interference with surrounding optical fibers and the like, and workability can be improved. In particular, in the module storage section in which a plurality of optical modules are stored, the optical connectors of the target optical module to be worked were avoided in a region where the optical fibers connected to the optical connectors of the respective optical modules were densely wired. By moving the optical module to the position and supporting the optical module by the module supporting portion, there is an excellent effect that work such as connection of an optical fiber to the optical connector can be performed efficiently.
[0042]
Claim3According to the optical module storage unit described above, when the optical module stored in the module storage unit is supported by the module support unit at a position shifted to the drawing direction side from the predetermined storage position, the module storage of the optical module is performed. Since the display provided on both sides or on one side perpendicular to the drawing direction from the part becomes visible, information such as the type of optical fiber indicated by this display can be easily confirmed, and this display can be used. According to the above information, there is an excellent effect that operations such as connection, switching connection, and removal of an optical fiber to an optical connector of an optical module can be accurately performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an optical distribution board according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing an optical module storage unit mounted on the optical distribution board of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the optical module storage unit of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a side view showing the optical module storage unit of FIG. 2;
5A and 5B are diagrams showing a procedure for storing an optical module in a predetermined storage position of a module storage section of the optical module storage unit in FIG. 2, wherein FIG. Shows a state in which the module support having completed the ascending rotation is slid in the direction opposite to the working space, and (c) shows a state in which the module support is lowered after the completion of the slide in (b).
FIG. 6 is a side view showing the entire optical module storage unit in the state of FIG. 5 (c).
7A and 7B are diagrams showing a procedure for setting the module support section after the optical module is stored in a predetermined storage position of the module storage section of the optical module storage unit of FIG. 2; FIG. (B) is a state in which the module support is raised and rotated, (b) is a state in which the module support is slid to the working space side after completion of (a), and (c) is a state in which the slide movement of (b) is completed. And the state where the module supporting portion is lowered.
FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state where the module supporting portion is pushed up by an optical module pulled out from a predetermined storage position of the module storage portion toward the intermediate position.
FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which a flange portion of the optical module pulled out from a predetermined storage position of the module storage portion to an intermediate position is stored in a slit of a stopper member of the module support portion.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are views showing the vicinity of a flange portion and a slit in FIG. 9, wherein FIG. 10A is an enlarged side view and FIG. 10B is an enlarged plan view.
FIG. 11 is a front view showing an optical module storage unit applied to an optical distribution board according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the optical module storage unit of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a side view showing the optical module storage unit of FIG.
FIG. 14 is a side view showing a state in which a latch protruding from an optical module disposed at an intermediate position is engaged with an engagement piece serving as a module support.
15 is a side view showing a state in which a latch protruding from an optical module stored in a predetermined storage position of a module storage section of the optical module storage unit of FIG. 11 is engaged with an engagement piece of the module base. FIG.
FIG. 16 is an enlarged side view showing a region B in FIG. 14;
FIG. 17 is a side view showing another example of the display provided on the optical module.
FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams showing an optical wiring board to which a module storage unit of a conventional example is applied, wherein FIG. 18A is a front view showing the vicinity of the module storage unit, and FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10a: Optical module storage unit, 12: Optical fiber, 16, 17, 50: Optical fiber, 20: Module storage unit,20a ... Module stand,20g: fixing means (engaging piece), 21: optical module,21b ... collar,Reference numeral 22 denotes an optical connector, 23 denotes a module support, 33, 49 denotes a display, 40 denotes an optical module storage unit, 41 denotes a module support, 42 denotes a module storage, and 45 denotes fixing means (latch).

Claims (3)

An optical module (21) having an optical connector (22) provided on the side of the working space (13) side, in which an optical fiber (12) is connected to another optical fiber (16, 17, 50) in a connector-connectable manner. An optical module storage unit that is retractably stored in the work space side,
A module storage section (20, 42) for arranging and storing a plurality of the optical modules in a predetermined storage position so that the optical connectors of the respective optical modules are arrayed, and which can be pulled out to the work space side ;
The optical module housed in the module housing at a position shifted from the predetermined housing position in the module housing toward the pull-out direction in the module housing is supported so as not to be pushed into the module housing or moved in any of the drawer directions. Module support portions (23, 41) for performing
The module supporting portion is pushed or pulled out by restraining a flange portion (21b) protruding from the optical module or engaging a rotatable latch (45) protruding from the optical module. It is a configuration that can be supported so that it does not move,
By supporting the optical module on the module support portion, the optical connector of the optical module to be connected is located closer to the working space than the optical connector of the optical module housed in the module housing at the predetermined housing position. In the protruding state, a connector connection operation of the optical fiber from the working space side with respect to the optical connector can be performed,
In addition, the module supporting portion is retracted to a retracted position for avoiding contact with the flange portion (21b) protruding from the optical module, or the latch protruding from the optical module is supported by the module supporting portion. By positioning the optical module at the standby position to avoid engagement with the module and releasing the support of the optical module by the module support, from the support position of the optical module by the module support, the insertion direction into the module storage unit or An optical module storage unit (10a, 40), wherein the optical module can be moved in a drawing direction. Fixing means for fixing the optical module stored in a predetermined storage position in the module storage part, wherein the fixing means includes a latch (45) protruding from the optical module and a predetermined storage part in the module storage part. An engaging piece (20g) on a module base (20a) side for fixing the optical module and restricting the drawer by engaging and disengaging the latch of the optical module housed in the position; the optical module accommodating unit according to claim 1 Symbol placement features that allows the withdrawal of the optical module by releasing the engagement with the engagement piece of the latch. The optical module is provided with the optical connector at a leading end in the drawing direction from the module storage portion, and a light connected by the optical module to a side existing on both sides or one side perpendicular to the drawing direction near the optical connector. Display (33, 49) indicating information such as the type of fiber;
When the optical module is disposed in a storage position displaced from the predetermined storage position in the module storage portion toward the drawing direction in the module storage portion so as to be supported by the module support portion, the display is visible from outside the module storage portion. The optical module storage unit according to claim 1, wherein:

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