JP2000249839A - Optical module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily build optical components in a module body from outside without opening the module body by forming an opening part for module storage for storing the optical component module inside at a module-body side part. SOLUTION: At the part on the side of the module body 11, an opening part 18 for operation and an optical fiber opening 20 for linking an optical fiber to the inside and outside of the module body 11 are formed at a distance from each other. In an optical component storage space 17, a module storage space 17b for storing the optical component module 29 having optical components such as an optical coupler 27 and an optical filter 28 inside is sectioned by guide walls 11d and 11e. Into this module storage space 17b, the optical component module 29 is slid and inserted from the opening part 30 for module storage linked to the opening part 18 for operation so that it can be taken out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical module for terminating an optical fiber with another optical fiber so as to be connectable to a connector.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in order to terminate a plurality of optical fibers drawn out to an optical cable terminal so that a connector can be connected to another optical fiber, a tip of the optical fiber on the side of the optical cable is incorporated into an optical module. 2. Description of the Related Art An optical connector on the side of a module terminates another optical fiber so as to be connectable to a connector. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of this type of optical module. In FIG. 10, the optical module 1 has a structure in which an optical connector 3 (optical connector adapter) is attached to one side of a case-like module main body 2. One end of the optical fiber 4 housed in the module main body 2 is connected to the optical connector 3 in the module main body 2, and the other end is connected by the optical connector 5 so as to be connectable to the connector. In FIG. 10, the tip of the optical fiber 7 exposed to the terminal of the optical cable 6 is terminated by an optical connector 8 so as to be connectable to a connector. When the optical fibers 4 and 7 are connected to each other by the optical connectors 5 and 8, the optical fiber 7 is connected to the optical connector 3 via the optical fiber 4 and connected to another optical fiber 9 via the optical connector 3. Terminated as possible. For example, a multi-core optical fiber 7 which is an optical fiber ribbon terminated by an MT type optical connector (Mechanically Transferable) defined in JIS C 5981 is an SC fiber defined in JIS C 5973.
Single fiber Coupling optical fiber
The optical module 9 cannot be directly connected to another single-core optical fiber 9 terminated by a connector so as to be connectable to a connector. S which is the first optical connector 3
By being connected to the C-type optical connector adapter, the optical fiber 9 can be connected to another optical fiber 9. The extra length of the optical fiber 7 connected to the optical fiber 4 is stored in the module main body 2 together with the optical connectors 5 and 8.

[0003]

By the way, in the case of the optical module 1 as described above, these optical components such as optical couplers are disposed in the middle of the optical lines of the optical fibers 4 and 7, for example. Is stored in the module body 2, for example, the optical fiber 4 is replaced with an optical fiber in which a target optical component is interposed, and the optical fiber 4 is connected to the optical fiber 7 with a connector. To perform this work, as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 10, the cover 2a of the module main body 2 is removed, and the connection work between the optical fiber with the optical component and the optical fiber 7 is performed. Is a connecting portion between the optical fiber having the optical component interposed and the optical fiber 7 (in this case,
The optical connector 7 and the extra length of the optical fiber 7 are stored in the module main body 2. However, at this time,
Optical fiber 7 bent and stored in module body 2
After being pulled out, after the connection work, it must be bent again and housed in the module main body 2, and the lid 2a must be closed while paying attention so as not to break this bent state, and the work is troublesome. was there. Optical module 1
When the optical fiber is housed in a frame or the like, in order to incorporate the optical component into the optical line, pull out from the storage place, lay it on a work table, remove the lid 2a, open it, Connection, optical fiber bending processing and storage are completed, and the lid 2a
, It is necessary to store it again from the workbench to a predetermined storage place. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a work table or secure an installation space for the work table near the frame.
Further, there is a problem that it takes time and effort to transport the optical module 1 between the frame and the work table.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide an optical module that can easily incorporate an optical component into the module main body from the outside without opening the module main body. I do.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a case-like module body capable of accommodating an optical fiber by bending.
An optical module to which an optical connector for terminating the optical fiber with another optical fiber so as to be connectable to a connector is mounted, and a case-shaped optical component module containing an optical component such as an optical coupler is housed therein. An optical module is characterized in that the module storage opening is opened on the side of the module body. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, an optical component can be easily integrated in a module main body only by accommodating an optical component module from the module accommodation opening part.

More specifically, for example, the optical fiber connected to the optical connector on the side of the module main body and housed inside the module main body communicates with the inside and outside of the module main body. Optical fiber, and the optical fiber drawn from the optical component module,
A configuration is adopted in which each is connected to each other by an optical connector. According to this configuration, the optical fiber connected to the optical connector on the side of the module main body (hereinafter, “optical fiber on the module main body side”) and the optical fiber communicated inside and outside of the module main body are respectively connected to the optical component. Simply by connecting a connector to the optical fiber on the module side, it can be easily connected to the optical component in the optical component module.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the optical module according to the second aspect, a working opening is opened in the side of the module body near the opening for accommodating the module. An optical fiber distal end holding portion is provided in the vicinity of the optical fiber distal end holding portion so as to removably hold an optical fiber distal end which is connected by the optical connector. According to the invention,
The optical fiber on the module main body side, the optical fiber connected to the inside and outside of the module main body, and the optical fiber on the optical component module side are pulled out to the working opening to be connected, switched connection,
Perform operations such as disconnection. Each of these optical fiber tips
By holding the optical fiber at the optical fiber tip holding portion so that it can be taken out, the module can be easily taken out without falling into the module body, and can be taken out efficiently when used. In addition, since the working opening is opened near the module housing opening, it is easy to route the optical fiber drawn out of the optical component module to the working opening, and unnecessary protrusion to the outside of the optical module can be prevented. Exposure can be minimized.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An optical module according to the present invention will now be described.
Embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG.
Is an overall perspective view showing the optical module 10 of the present embodiment,
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the optical module 10, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the module main body 11 with the module main body removed and opened. 1, 2, and 3, the optical module 10 is provided with an optical connector 13 (in FIG. 1, a single core Or a multi-core optical connector adapter). The optical connector 13 is a single-core or multi-core optical fiber 1 for bending an optical fiber housed in the module body 11.
The optical connector 13 is configured to be connectable to a connector 2. The single-core optical connector 13 is, for example, an SC type optical connector adapter.

The module main body 11 includes a detachable lid 14 which forms a part of an outer plate on one side in the thickness direction of the module main body 11, and a middle lid 15 housed inside the module main body 11. As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, spacer protrusions 11b and 11c, guide walls 11d,
11e are protruded at a plurality of locations. Optical connector 13
The neighboring spacer protrusion 11b has a larger protrusion size from the outer plate portion 11a than the spacer protrusion 11c, and its tip reaches the vicinity of the outer plate on the opposite side of the module body 11 in the thickness direction. The distal end of the spacer projection 11c is located at the center in the thickness direction of the module body 11.

The inner lid 15 includes a spacer projection 11c and a guide wall 11d, 11e having a small projection size from the outer plate portion 11a.
3 and, as shown in FIG.
A screw (not shown) inserted into a plurality of holes 15e formed at positions corresponding to the spacer projections 11c is screwed to the spacer projections 11c, so that the module body 1
1 is stably supported at the center in the thickness direction. Also, the inner lid 15
The bent portion 15f formed on one side of the module main body 11 has a spacer protrusion 11 near the optical connector 13 on the side of the module body 11.
b and is fixed by screws 11g (see FIG. 1) together with the lid 14 superposed from the outside. The outer plate portion 11f and the lid 14 project from a plurality of spacer protrusions 15a (see FIG. 3) protruding from the inner lid 15 and the inner surface of the side wall 11k raised around the outer plate portion 11a of the module body 11. Rib 11i etc. (bent part 1
5f and ribs not shown).
Screws screwed through holes 11h, 14a, etc. (not shown, but includes screws 11g, etc. corresponding to inner lid bent portion 15f)
Is detachably fixed by screwing it to a spacer projection 11c protruding from the module body outer plate portion 11a or to a spacer projection 15a of the inner lid 15.
5 is supported at a position separated by a predetermined distance. Lid 1
4 and the outer plate portion 11f are prevented from dropping into the module main body 11 toward the inside. Projection 11j projecting from the other side of module body 11 opposite optical connector 13
Has a function of positioning the optical module 10 with respect to a frame or the like that accommodates the optical module 10, and its protruding position and necessity of formation can be appropriately selected.

The configuration for setting the mounting position of the lid 14 in the thickness direction of the module body 11 and the storage position of the inner lid 15 are not limited to those described above, and various configurations can be adopted. For example, a configuration in which these lids and the inner lid are positioned only by spacer projections and the like protruding from both surfaces of the inner lid 15, and the inner lid by the spacer projections and the like protruding from the module main body outer plates 11a and 11f and the lid 14. A configuration for positioning or the like can be adopted. The configuration in which the inner lid 15, the lid 14, and the outer plate portion 11f are detachably attached to the module main body 11 is not limited to the above-described screwing, and may be, for example, engagement and disengagement of an elastic claw. good.

As shown in FIG. 5A, two spaces (an optical fiber housing portion 16 and an optical component housing space 17) are defined inside the module body 11 by the inner cover 15. When the lid 14 is removed from the state shown in FIG.
When the outer plate 11f is also removed, most of the optical fiber housing 16 is exposed and opened, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, a working opening 18 is provided on the side of the module main body 11, and an optical fiber such as a multi-core optical fiber is provided inside and outside the module main body 11. And an optical fiber port 20 for communicating
The openings are spaced apart from each other. The working opening 1
8 between the optical fiber port 20 and the module body 1
It is communicated by a slit 21 formed between the lid 14 attached to 1 and the outer plate portion 11f.

In FIG. 1, the working opening 18 has a shape in which the vicinity of the optical connector 13 of the module main body 11 is cut out, and the optical fiber housing 16 and the optical component housing space 1 are cut out.
7 is communicated. Further, the working opening 18
Has been reached to the vicinity of the optical connector 13 by the cutout 15b formed in the inner lid 15, so that the work inside the module body 11 can be performed by inserting a hand or a tool through the work opening 18. it can. Optical fiber port 20
Is a hole opened on the other side of the module body 11 facing the optical connector 13 and is connected to only the optical fiber housing 16 in FIG. Since both the working opening 18 and the optical fiber port 20 are formed so as to include the boundary between the outer plate 11f and the lid 14, when the lid 14 and the outer plate 11f are attached to the module body 11, A slit 21 is communicated with each of them, and the gap between the working opening 18 and the optical fiber port 20 is communicated by the slit 21.

The slit 21 allows the optical fiber 19 to pass therethrough. Therefore, the module body 11
The optical fiber 19 can be housed in the optical fiber housing 16 in the module main body 11 from the outside through the slit 21 even when the lid 14 and the outer plate 11 f are attached to the optical fiber. The slit 21 shown in FIG. 1 is curved in a substantially S-shape between the working opening 18 and the optical fiber port 20, so that the slit 21 for the optical fiber storage section 16 is formed more easily than the linear slit. It is suitable for storing the optical fiber 19 in a curved shape. The optical fiber 19 accommodated in the module main body 11 in a state where the optical fiber 19 is curved along the curvature of the slit 21.
Is trying to return to a linear shape due to its own rigidity in the module body 11, so that the curved shape when passing through the slit 21 is not maintained. Therefore, the optical fiber 19 after being housed in the module main body 11 from the slit 21 has a shape that cannot pass through the slit 21, thereby preventing the optical fiber 19 from projecting out of the module main body 11, and obtaining a good fit state. The storage workability is improved.

The optical connector 19a, which terminates the end of the optical fiber 19 so as to be connectable to the connector, is inserted through the working opening 18 into the module main body 11 (specifically, the optical fiber housing 16).
Accordingly, the optical fiber 19 can be stored in the module main body 11 including the optical connector 19a at the tip without opening the lid 14. The slit 21 includes the working opening 18 and the optical fiber port 2.
Needless to say, a configuration that extends linearly between 0 and 0 can also be adopted.

As shown in FIG. 4B, a multi-core optical fiber 22 (multi-core optical fiber core) connected to the optical connector 13 from the inside of the module body 11 is provided in the optical component storage space 17 as an optical component. And the like, and a branch portion 23 for branching the optical fiber 22 into a plurality of optical fibers 22a for the plurality of optical connectors 13 is housed. The extra length of the optical fiber 22a branched from the optical fiber 22 is stored in a curved state by being wound around a mandrel 17a in the optical component storage space 17, for example. Since the optical component storage space 17 is separated from the optical fiber storage section 16 by the inner cover 15,
The work of storing the optical fiber 19 into the optical fiber storage section 16 after passing through the slit 21 prevents the optical components 22 and 23 stored in the optical component storage space 17 from vibrating and affecting the optical characteristics. it can. Therefore, the operation of storing the optical fiber 19 in the optical fiber storage section 16 can be performed efficiently without having to worry about contact with the optical components 22 and 23 stored in the optical component storage space 17.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the optical component storage space 17, a module storage space 17b for storing an optical component module 29 containing optical components such as an optical coupler 27 and an optical filter 28 is provided with a guide wall 11d. , 11e. The optical component module 29 can be slidably inserted into the module storage space 17b so that the optical component module 29 can be removed from the module storage opening 30 communicated with the work opening 18. This storage space 1
The work of storing and taking out the optical component module 29 with respect to the optical fiber module 7b is also performed by the guide walls 11d and 11e.
Without worrying about contact with 2, 22a or the branch portion 23,
It can be performed efficiently.

As shown in FIG. 3, between the optical fiber storage section 16 and the optical component storage space 17, the inner lid 15 is provided.
Are communicated through a communication portion 15c formed in the first portion. 3 and FIGS. 5 (a), 5 (b), and 5 (c), the communication portion 15c is provided at the rear portion of the inner cover 15 which is spaced apart from the optical connector 13 of the module main body 11 (in FIG. Side, right side in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b))
d is a gap formed by being folded into one of the optical fiber storage section 16 and the optical component storage space 17 (in the present embodiment, folded toward the optical component storage space 17). The inner lid 15 has a plate shape integrally formed from a resin such as plastic, and the optical fibers 19 and
22 is not damaged. It is preferable that the tongue piece 15d can be easily bent and formed manually.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an end opposite to one end branched into a plurality of optical fibers 22a by a branch portion 23 of the optical fiber 22 has an optical connector 24 for multiple cores. The connector is terminated so as to be connectable to a connector, and is drawn into the optical fiber storage section 16 from the optical component storage space 17 via the communication section 15c. The extra length of the optical fiber 22 in the vicinity of the optical connector 24 is bent and stored in the optical fiber storage section 16, and the optical fiber 22 is pulled up to the working opening 18, and the tip of the optical fiber provided in the inner lid 15 is provided. The holder 25 (connector holder) is detachably held. As a result, the optical connector 24
Dropping into the module main body 11 is prevented, and the module can be easily taken out at any time.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, optical fiber tapes 19 and 22 are used as the multi-core optical fibers 19 and 22, and the multi-core optical connectors 19a and 24 at the tips of the optical fibers 19 and 22 are used. Is a so-called MT optical connector (Mecanically Transcribed by JIS C5981).
sferable). However, various configurations such as a multi-core optical cord can be adopted as the multi-core optical fiber. As a multi-fiber optical connector for connecting optical fibers, MT
Various optical connectors other than the optical connector can be adopted.

Further, as the optical fiber tip holding portion 25, one that is integrally formed with the inner lid 15 near the cutout portion 15b is employed. This optical fiber tip holding section 25
Is inserted into the slit 25a so that the optical fibers 19 and 22 can be pulled out, so that the optical connectors 19a and
It is a connector holder for accommodating the 24 in a removable manner. The optical fiber tip holding section is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, it is not a separate configuration for the inner lid 15 or a configuration in which the optical fibers 19 and 22 are sandwiched.
Various configurations, such as a configuration in which a and 24 are sandwiched so as to be directly taken out, can be adopted. The installation position of the optical fiber tip holding portion is not limited to the inner cover 15 as long as it is in or near the working opening 18, and may be the module body outer plate portion 11 a or the cover 14. However, in the case where the optical fiber is attached to the module body outer plate portion 11a or the portion facing the optical component storage space 17 of the inner lid 15, the optical fiber drawn from the optical fiber storage portion 16 through the working opening 18 has a sufficient curvature. Ensure that a radius can be secured.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the details of the optical component module 29. FIG. 6A is a side view, and FIG. 6B is a front view showing the inside. 6A and 6B, the optical component module 29 houses an optical coupler 27 and an optical filter 28 in a roughly rhombic case 29a. The front side of the optical component module 29 (FIG. 6A, the front of the paper, FIG. 6B).
A plurality of optical fibers 31, 32, and 33 (three in the present embodiment) are drawn out from the outlet 29b opened to the left. As shown in FIG. 9, when the optical component module 29 is stored in the module storage space 17a, the outlet 29b is located exactly at the module storage opening 30. The optical fibers 31, 32, and 33 are, for example, optical fibers having the number of cores suitable for the optical fibers 19 and 22, and an optical fiber tape or the like is adopted. The ends of the optical fibers 31, 32, and 33 can be connected to the optical connectors 19a and 24 at the ends of the optical fibers 19 and 22 by an optical connector (for example, an MT-type optical connector) that can be switched and connected. Be terminated.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an optical wiring according to the optical component module 29. As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, these optical fibers 31, 32, 33
The optical fibers 31 and 32 are connected to the optical coupler 27 (FIG. 7).
In the middle, “WINC”) is branched from another optical fiber 33. As shown in FIG.
Has an optical filter 28 interposed in the middle thereof, and is connected to the optical coupler 27 via a fusion splicing part 34.
The fusion splicing portion 34 also corresponds to an optical component housed in the optical component module 29. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B,
The extra lengths of the optical fibers 31, 32, and 33 are stored in a curved state by being wound around a curved portion 29c in a case 29a.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tip of the optical fiber 19 led out to the terminal of the optical cable 26 is connected to the optical module 10.
The optical fiber 19 is connected to the optical fiber 22 on the optical module 10 side by connecting the optical connectors 19a and 24 to each other so that the optical connector 19 can be connected to the optical module 13 by the optical connector 13. Thereby, the optical fiber 19 is optically connected to the plurality of optical connectors 13 via the optical fiber 22,
The optical fiber 13 is connected to another optical fiber 12 via the optical connector 13 so as to be connectable to the optical fiber 12. In the connection work between the optical connectors 19a and 24, the optical connector 24 at the distal end of the optical fiber 22 is taken out from the optical fiber distal end holding portion 25, and the extra length stored in the optical fiber storing portion 16 is used. The optical fiber 22 is pulled out to perform a connection operation. For example, an eight-core optical fiber 19 is connected to an optical connector 19.
a and 24 are connected to the same eight-core optical fiber 22 on the module side, and are branched into eight single-core optical fibers 22a via the optical fiber 22 to form a single-core SC-type optical connector 13. When the optical fiber 19 is connected to
The single optical fiber 12 terminated by the optical connector 12a to be connectable to a connector is terminated to be connectable to a connector.

As shown in FIG. 3, the optical connectors 19a and 19 in the connected state are held in the optical fiber tip holding portion 25 through the working opening 18. The extra length of the optical fiber 22 on the module side drawn out for the connection work with the optical fiber 19 together with the extra length of the optical fiber 19 and the working opening 18.
Then, it is pushed into the module main body 16 (specifically, the inside of the optical fiber storage section 16) to be bent and stored. Therefore, the work of connecting the optical fibers 19 and 22 and the work of storing the optical fibers 19 and 22 and the optical connectors 19a and 24 after the connection can be performed without opening the module body 11,
The opening and closing work of the module main body 11 can be omitted, and workability can be improved.

If the optical connectors 19a and 24 in the connected state are taken out from the optical fiber tip holding section 25, the optical fibers 19 and 22 and the optical connectors 19a and 24 are removed from the module body 11 (specifically, from the optical fiber storage section 16). Can be taken out. The optical connectors 19a and 24 in the connected state
By being held by the optical fiber tip holding portion 25, it is possible to prevent the module main body 11 from dropping into the module main body 11, so that it can be easily taken out. When the connection between the optical connectors 19 a and 24 is released, the optical fiber 19 can be pulled out from the optical fiber port 20 and pulled out from the optical module 10. The connection and disconnection operations are performed by the inner lid 15.
Thus, it can be performed efficiently without affecting the optical components 22 and 23 in the optical component storage space 17 partitioned from the optical fiber storage section 16. Further, in some cases, it is needless to say that the lid 14 and the outer plate portion 11f can be opened to correct the wiring state of the optical fibers 19 and 22 in the optical fiber housing portion 16 and the like. .

Next, on the optical lines of the optical fibers 19 and 22,
To incorporate the optical coupler 27, an optical component module 29 is incorporated in the optical module 10 as shown in FIG. The optical component module 29 is simply slid and inserted into the module storage space 17a from the module storage opening 30.
It can be easily incorporated into the optical module 10. Then, the optical fiber 22, which has been disconnected from the optical fiber 19 on the module body 11 side, is connected to the optical connectors 24, 3.
1a is connected to the optical fiber 31 drawn out from the outlet 29b of the optical component module 29, and the optical fiber 19 is connected to the optical connectors 19a, 3a.
The connection between the optical fibers 3a connects the optical fiber 33 on the optical component module 29 side. Thereby, the optical fiber 1
9 and 22 are connected via the optical line of the optical component module 29, and an optical coupler 27 is interposed between the two optical fibers 19 and 22. The optical connectors 24 and 31a and the optical connectors 19a and 33a are held in the optical fiber tip holding section 25 while maintaining the connection state. The excess lengths of the optical fibers 19, 22, 31, 33 are bent by pushing them into the optical fiber housing 16 through the working opening 18.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, after the connection of the optical fibers 19 and 22 is released, the optical connector 24 at the tip of the optical fiber 22 on the module body 11 side is used.
By connecting the optical fibers 22 and 31 to each other after reversing the holding direction in the optical fiber tip holding section 25,
The connection state shown in FIG. 9 is obtained. Thus, by wiring both the optical fibers 31 and 33 on the extension in the pulling-out direction from the outlet 29b of the optical component module 29, the optical connectors 19 and 22 held by the optical fiber tip holding portion 25 can be connected. Therefore, the connector can be connected in the shortest distance without bending in a circuitous way.
Even when the optical component module 29 cannot secure a sufficient extra length of the optical fiber 31, the connection with the optical fiber 22 can be performed efficiently. Also, as a result,
Since the optical fibers 31 and 33 are wired with as little curvature as possible and can prevent the optical module 10 from protruding outside and being exposed, it is possible to prevent inconvenience such as damage due to sudden bending or contact. However, when the extra length of the optical fiber 31 on the side of the optical component module 29 is sufficient, or when the optical fiber 31 is easily routed in the vicinity of the working opening 18, the tip of the optical fiber 22 whose connection to the optical fiber 19 is released is removed. The operation of inverting the direction of the optical connector 24 can be omitted. In FIG. 9, the optical fibers 31 and 33 are inserted from the outlet 29 b of the optical component module 29 through the cutout 15 b of the inner lid.
And the like, gently curved, and the extra length is stored in the optical fiber storage section 16 of the module body 11,
Further, the tip lifted up to the working opening 18 again,
Optical fiber 1 held by optical fiber tip holding section 25
Connectors 9 and 22 are connected. In the optical fiber housing 16, the optical fibers 31 and 33 are wired by substantially the same wiring route.
It is easy to discriminate between 9 and 22, and it is advantageous for taking out work later.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the optical fiber 32 of the optical component module 29 is drawn out of the optical module 10 and connected to another external optical line by an optical connector 32a. The connection target of the optical fiber 32 is, for example, an optical line tester with a built-in optical pulse tester, and when connected to this optical line tester, the test light output from the optical pulse tester is The light can enter the optical fiber 19 via the optical fiber 32, the optical coupler 27, and the optical fiber 33, and the disconnection of the optical line of the optical fiber 19 can be monitored.

For example, when the external optical fiber 19 is terminated by the optical connector 13 on the side of the optical module 10 and connected to the optical fiber 12 on the transmission device side, the optical fiber 19 , 22 are directly connected to each other, the state shown in FIG. 3 is established, and optical communication between the optical fibers 12 and 19 is possible. Optical fiber 1
The optical fibers 9 and 22 are connected via the optical line of the optical component module 29, and further connected to the optical line test apparatus via the optical coupler 27 in the optical line of the optical fibers 19 and 22. 32 is connected, the optical fiber 1
Optical communication between the optical fibers 19 and 12 is possible as well as the case where the optical fibers 9 and 22 are directly connected to each other. An optical line disconnection test and the like are possible.

More specifically, for example, the optical component module 2
In FIG. 9, an optical fiber 1 which is an 8-core optical fiber tape is used.
9, an eight-core optical fiber 33, an eight-core optical fiber 31, and an eight-core optical fiber 32
At this point, it is branched into 1: 2 (including 4: 4, 8: 8, etc.). The optical fiber 31 is branched into a single core via the optical fiber 22 on the module main body 11 side, and can be connected to the single core optical fiber 12 on the transmission device side by the optical connector 13. Optical connector 1
3, the optical fiber 12 on the transmission device side is switched to the target line of the optical fiber 19 on the external line side via the optical line of the optical component module 29 in a single-core unit. The connection is possible (the optical fiber 12 on the transmission device side can be switched and connected to the target line of the optical fiber 19 on the outside line in a single fiber unit.
The same applies to the case where the terminals 9 and 22 are directly connected to each other.) Also,
In the optical line test device to which the optical fiber 32 is connected, the test light from the optical pulse tester is incident on the optical line selected in units of single fibers by the built-in core selection device or the like. The disconnection of the optical line on the side can be monitored in single-core units.

In this embodiment, the optical component module 29
In the above, the configuration in which the optical line connected to the optical fiber 32 via the optical coupler 27 is only the optical fiber 19 side is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the light beam on the optical fiber 12 side (optical fiber 22 side) Or the optical fiber 32 is connected to the optical fiber 12, 1,
For example, a configuration connected to the optical lines on both sides of the optical path 9 may be adopted. However, in a configuration in which the optical fibers are connected to the optical lines on both sides of the optical fibers 12 and 19, the optical fibers are two to two (four to four, eight to eight).
And the like, and the use of an optical coupler for branch connection.

As described above, according to the optical module 10, not only the tip of the optical fiber 19 is incorporated, but also
The work of assembling the optical component module 29 can be easily performed without opening the module main body 11, and the workability can be improved. Optical fiber 3 on optical component module side
Connection between the optical fibers 1 and 33 and the optical fibers 19 and 22 and excess length processing can be performed efficiently without opening the module main body 11, and the workability is remarkably improved as compared with the case where the module main body 11 is opened. improves. In particular, in the optical module 10 housed in a termination frame or the like, the working opening 18
If it is pulled out from the storage space to the extent that the optical component module 29 is exposed, operations such as installation of the optical component module 29, connection of an optical fiber, and excess length processing can be performed. Therefore, the entire optical module 10 is completely extracted from the storage place and opened and closed on the work table, or the optical module 1 is moved between the storage place and the work table.
The work of transferring 0 is not required, and the workability can be greatly improved. There is no need to secure a workbench installation space or the like around the storage space for the frame or the like.

Optical fiber 3 on optical component module 29 side
If the connection between the optical fibers 1 and 33 and the optical fibers 19 and 22 is released, it is possible to return to the connection form in which the optical fibers 19 and 22 are directly connected to each other (the form in FIG. 3). If the connection of the optical fiber 32 to the optical line test device or the like is also released, the optical component module 29 can be extracted from the module storage space 17b.

In the above-described embodiment, the optical module 10 in which the multi-core optical fiber 19 is connected by the optical connector 13 so as to be connectable to the connector is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the optical fiber of the core is terminated by an optical connector on the side of the optical module so as to be connectable to another optical fiber. At this time, it is needless to say that the number of corresponding cores of the optical components housed in the optical component module is appropriately changed. Further, there is also a configuration in which the optical line on the optical component module side is directly connected to the optical connector on the module main body side without passing through the optical fiber connected to the optical connector on the module main body side inside the module main body. Can be adopted. At this time, the optical line on the optical component module side connects between the optical connector on the module main body side and the optical fiber communicated inside and outside the module main body. The module body is not limited to a configuration in which the inside is partitioned by an inner lid, and an optical fiber storage section and an optical component storage space are defined,
It is also possible to adopt a configuration that does not include an inner lid and the inside is not partitioned into a plurality of spaces. In the present invention, a configuration without a cover or the like that can be opened and closed can be adopted.

The connection object of the optical fiber branched by the optical coupler may be, for example, another transmission device side optical fiber other than the optical line test device. In addition, the optical fiber on the optical connector side of the module main body is branched via the optical coupler on the optical line on the optical component module side to another optical fiber (for example, an optical fiber communicated inside and outside the module main body). A configuration that increases the number of connections (number of branches) or the like can also be adopted.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the optical fiber on the optical component module side and the optical fiber in the module body are switchably connected by an optical connector is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. The connection between the optical fibers may be, for example, fusion splicing. However, in this case, in order to cancel the connection between the optical fibers, the fusion spliced portion is removed, so that it is suitable to be applied later when disconnection is not considered.

[0039]

As described above, according to the optical module of the present invention, the module housing opening for housing the case-shaped optical component module in which the optical component such as the optical coupler is housed is formed by the above-mentioned module. Opened on the side of the module main body, optical components can be easily incorporated into the module main body only by storing the optical component module through the module storage opening without opening the module main body once. It has excellent effects.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the optical fiber connected to the optical connector on the side of the module body,
An optical fiber communicated inside and outside the module body,
Each of them can be easily connected to the optical component in the optical component module simply by connecting the connector to the optical fiber on the optical component module side, and has an excellent effect that the workability of incorporating the optical component is further improved. .

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the tip of the optical fiber for performing operations such as connection, switching connection, and disconnection at the working opening is provided at or near the working opening. By holding the fiber in the fiber tip holding portion so as to be able to be taken out, it is possible to easily hold the module without dropping into the module main body, to take out efficiently at the time of use, and to improve the workability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing an optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the optical module of FIG.

3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover and an outer plate part constituting an outer plate on one side in a thickness direction of the optical module of FIG. 1 are removed and a module main body is opened.

4A and 4B are diagrams showing a module main body of the optical module of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 4A is a plan view, FIG. 4B is a front view, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the optical connector adapter as viewed from the other side facing the optical connector adapter.

5A and 5B are views showing an inner cover built in the module main body of the optical module of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 5A is a plan view and FIG.
FIG. 3C is a front view, and FIG. 3C is a side view as viewed from one side of the tongue disposed apart from the optical connector adapter of the module main body.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing details of an optical component module incorporated in the optical module of FIG. 1, wherein FIG.
(B) is a front view.

7 is a conceptual diagram showing an optical wiring according to the optical component module of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a step of incorporating the optical component module into the optical module of FIG. 1, and showing a step of changing the direction of the optical connector at the tip of the optical fiber inside the module main body.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a state where an optical component module is incorporated in the optical module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an overall perspective view showing a conventional optical module.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 optical module, 11 module body, 12 optical fiber (another optical fiber), 13 optical connector (optical connector adapter), 17b module storage space, 18
... Work opening, 19 ... Optical fiber (optical fiber communicated inside and outside the module body), 19a ... Optical connector, 2
2. Optical fiber connected to the optical connector on the side of the module body and housed in the module main body, 24 ... Optical connector (MT type optical connector), 25 ... Optical fiber tip holding section (connector holder), 27 ... Optical component (Optical coupler), 28
... Optical components (optical filters), 29 ... Optical component modules, 3
0: Module storage opening, 31, 32, 33: Optical fiber, 31a, 32a, 33a: Optical connector (MT type optical connector), 34: Optical component (fusion-bonded portion).

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Yoshikazu Nomura 1440, Mukurosaki, Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture Inside Fujikura Sakura Plant (72) Inventor Takuya Osaki 1440, Misaki, Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture Inside Fujikura Sakura Plant F Term (reference) 2H038 CA32 CA38 CA52

Claims (3)

[Claims] An optical fiber which is connected to another optical fiber (12) by a connector at a side of a case-shaped module body (11) capable of storing an optical fiber (19, 22) in a curved state. An optical module to which a connector (13) is attached, for accommodating a case-shaped optical component module (29) containing optical components (27, 28, 34) such as optical couplers therein. An optical module (10), characterized in that an opening (30) is opened on the side of the module body. 2. An optical fiber (22) connected to an optical connector on the side of the module main body and housed inside the module main body, an optical fiber (19) communicated inside and outside of the module main body, and the optical component The optical fibers (31, 32, 33) drawn from the module are respectively connected to the optical connectors (19a, 24, 31a, 32a, 33).
2. The optical module according to claim 1, wherein the optical module is connected to each other by a). 3. A working opening (18) is opened in the side of the module body near the opening for accommodating the module, and a connector can be connected to the working opening in or near the opening by an optical connector. 3. The optical module according to claim 2, further comprising: an optical fiber tip holding section (25) for removably holding the terminated optical fiber tip.