JP2001281468A - Device for processing extra length of optical fiber - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for processing extra length of an optical fiber, a device capable of increasing a mounting area for parts other than optical fibers in an optical unit. SOLUTION: The illustrated optical unit is equipped with a base board 4 on which electronic parts including optical parts are mounted and with a front panel 3 which holds the base board 4 vertically. A device of this invention is incorporated in the above optical unit and which processes extra length of an optical fiber 7 for connecting a connector 6 and an optical module 5; the device is kept away from the area mounted with the electronic parts and is designed to hold the optical fiber 7 along the ring-shaped part 1a of a wire 1. The ring-shaped part 1a, which is the wire 1 formed in a crossing ring shape, is arranged at a position higher than the mounting height H1 of the electronic parts by fixing the tip end of the wire to the front panel 3. The optical fiber 7 is joined to the ring-shaped part 1a and wound on the optical fiber retainers 2a which are structured with U-shaped wires inside the plane of the ring-shaped part 1a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical fiber extra length processing apparatus for processing an extra length of an optical fiber in an optical unit having a substrate on which electronic components including an optical component are mounted and a front panel holding the substrate in a vertical direction. About the tool.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional optical fiber extra length processing tool of this type will be described with reference to a perspective view of an optical unit shown in FIG.

An optical unit used in a communication device or the like generally has a plurality of optical units housed in a single storage rack in a plug-in manner. In the illustrated optical unit, an optical module 5 which is an optical component such as an O / E (optical / electrical conversion circuit) or an E / O (electrical / optical) or an electronic component constituting an electric circuit is provided on a substrate 4 such as a printed board. Is implemented. The front panel 3 made of sheet metal holds the substrate 4 such as a printed circuit board in a vertical direction by fixing it with screws or the like, and is disposed on the surface of the storage rack. FIG. 6 omits illustration of the electrical connector connected to the substrate 4 and the electrical circuit.

[0004] An optical fiber 7D having an outer skin or a peeled outer skin is introduced into an optical unit via an optical fiber connector 6 arranged on the front panel 3. In the example of FIG. 6, the optical fiber 7D is the optical module 5
Connected to. At this time, an extra length is generally generated in the optical fiber 7D, but an optical fiber extra length processing tool that appropriately organizes the extra length of the optical fiber 7D is required so that the extra length does not make the operation of the optical unit unstable. In the example of FIG.
The restraining members 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d constitute a surplus processing tool.

The holding members 16a to 16d are arranged on the substrate 4 at substantially equal intervals and are held by the holding members 16a and 16c.
6b and 16d are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other. The holding members 16a to 16d have a U-shape with an opening and a turn in the upper direction in FIG. 6, and the optical fiber 7D is wound and held in a circular shape in this U-shape. The optical fiber 7D is used for holding members 16a, 16b,
16c and 16d, the optical fiber 7
D is held by the restraining members 16a to 16d with less distortion,
The extra length processing is properly performed. FIG. 3 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-61639 shows an optical fiber extra length processing tool having substantially the same configuration as that shown in FIG.

[0006]

Since the optical fiber extra length processing device and the optical fiber 7D held by the extra length processing device according to the prior art described above are arranged on the substrate, a small amount of the optical fiber 7D is required for the extra length processing of the optical fiber. Since a large substrate area is required, there is a problem in that the mounting area of optical components and electrical components other than the optical fiber mounted on the substrate is reduced.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided an optical fiber extra-length processing tool which is built in an optical unit having a substrate on which electronic components including optical components are mounted and a front panel which holds the substrate in a vertical direction. An optical fiber extra length processing tool for processing the extra length of the optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber is held along a wire while avoiding a mounting portion of the electronic component.

[0008] One of the optical fiber extra length processing tools is to dispose a ring-shaped portion formed in a loop shape crossing the wire at a position higher than the mounting height of the electronic component, and to connect the optical fiber to the ring-shaped portion. A configuration can be adopted in which the fiber is wound around an optical fiber holding portion formed of a U-shaped wire having an opening facing outward inside the surface of the ring-shaped portion.

[0009] One of the optical fiber extra-length processing tools may be such that the wire is connected to the ring-shaped portion, and the wire is attached to the front panel on the substrate side such that the surface of the ring-shaped portion is substantially parallel to the substrate. A configuration including both ends to be fixed can be adopted.

[0010] Another one of the optical fiber extra length processing tools is:
The wire may be configured to include both ends connected to the loop portion and fixed to the substrate so as to maintain the surface of the loop portion substantially parallel to the substrate.

Another one of the optical fiber extra-length treatment tools is arranged such that a surface of a ring-shaped portion formed in a ring shape crossing the wire is maintained substantially perpendicular to the substrate, and the optical fiber is connected to the ring-shaped portion. And an optical fiber holding portion formed of a U-shaped wire having an opening facing outward inside the surface of the ring-shaped portion.

[0012] The wire of the optical fiber holding portion in one of the optical fiber extra-length processing tools may have a configuration changed to a plastic structure. The wire of the optical fiber holding portion may be changed to a plastic structure in which the optical fiber is wound in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the loop portion and on the side opposite to the substrate.

[0013] Still another one of the optical fiber extra-length treatment tools is such that the optical fiber is coupled to the bent wire and held by a plastic optical fiber holding portion disposed on the side opposite to the substrate. Configuration.

[0014]

Next, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an optical fiber extra length processing tool according to the present invention. (A) shows the state after the extra length processing of the optical fiber 7, and (b) shows the state before the extra length processing.

Referring to FIG. 1, the excess length of the optical fiber 7 having the wire 1 as a main component is processed (summarized).
As described with reference to FIG. 6, the optical fiber excess length processing tool is made of a board 4 such as a printed board on which electronic components including optical components such as the optical module 5 are mounted, and a sheet metal holding the board 4 in a vertical direction. And a front panel 3 of the optical unit. The optical unit is generally
There is a case (not shown) with the sides of the rectangular shape of the front panel 3 and the length of the substrate 4. Electronic components including optical components are mounted mainly in the vicinity of the substrate 4 in this case.
The number of components mounted near the upper part of FIG. 1 is generally reduced. That is, the upper part of FIG. 1 has a large space. The optical fiber 7 is introduced into the optical unit from the outside of another optical unit or the like via the optical fiber connector 6. Note that the optical fiber 7 may have an outer skin (coating) or may be in a state where the outer skin is peeled off.

First, referring to FIG. 1B, the state of the optical unit before the extra length processing of the optical fiber 7 is performed will be described. Both ends of the optical fiber 7 in the optical unit are connected to the connector 6 and the optical module 5, respectively. However, as shown in the figure, the length is excessive and an extra length is generated. . The optical fiber extra length processing tool has a ring-shaped portion 1a formed into a substantially circular crossed ring shape.
And the wire 1 including the ends (both ends) 1b fixed by welding or the like to the wire fixing portions 9a and 9b arranged on the substrate 4 side of the front panel 3 as main elements. Iron or the like, which is not very soft and has formability, is suitable for the wire 1. In order to firmly fix the end 1b to the front panel 3, a hole is formed in the front panel 3, and the end 1b is inserted into the hole, or the end 1b is bent into an L-shape to form the front panel 3. A technique for increasing the area of contact with the substrate may be performed.

The loop portion 1a is continuously connected to the end portion 1b, but crosses near the connection point. The end 1b is formed so that (the surface of) the annular portion 1a is arranged at a position higher than the mounting height of the electronic component. In the example of FIG. 1B, the height H1 of the wire fixing portions 9a and 9b from the substrate 4 is higher than the mounting height of the electronic component, and the surface of the ring portion 1a is maintained substantially parallel to the substrate 4. The end 1b is formed. The optical fiber holding part 2 is provided at substantially equal intervals and in the direction of the axis (inside or inside the circle) of the annular part 1a.
a, 2b, 2c and 2d are combined. Each of the optical fiber holding portions 2a to 2d is formed of a U-shaped wire that opens outward of the loop of the loop portion 1a. Each of the optical fiber holding portions 2a to 2d has a double configuration with a certain space between them to increase the strength, and the two ends are joined to the holding portion fixing portions 8a1 and 8a2 by welding or the like. I have.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the optical fiber 7
Of the optical fiber holding portion 2 (2c, 2d, 2)
a and 2b) are sequentially wound through the openings (or vice versa). The optical fiber holding unit 2
Is not limited to four and should be appropriately selected according to design conditions. The optical fiber 7 is a ring-shaped portion 1a of the wire 1.
Along the optical fiber holding portions 2a to 2d, the optical signal passing through the optical fiber 7 is hardly deteriorated. Since the ring-shaped portion 1a is easily deformed,
The extra length of the optical fiber 7 can be wound up to an appropriate length by changing the straightness or the like according to the extra length of the optical fiber 7. Further, each of the optical fiber holding parts 2a to 2d is
Since it has a double configuration with some intervals, it is possible to adjust the surplus length of the optical fiber 7 that can be processed by changing this interval.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the optical fiber extra length processing tool according to the present invention.

The optical unit shown in FIG. 2 also has the same front panel 3, substrate 4, optical module 5 and connector 6 as the optical unit shown in FIG. 1, and an optical fiber 7A whose length is slightly different from that of the optical fiber 7. Have. Wire 1
A also has an annular portion 1Aa and an end portion 1Ab which are formed into a circular intersecting annular shape substantially similar to the wire 1 shown in FIG. However, the tip of the end 1Ab is positioned on the substrate 4 such that the surface of the ring-shaped portion 1Aa is maintained substantially parallel to the substrate 4.
Respectively. End portion 1Ab is annular portion 1Aa
The height H2 of the surface from the substrate 4 is higher than the mounting height of the electronic component, as in the case of the embodiment of FIG. The optical fiber holding portions 2a to 2d connected to the ring portion 1Aa of the wire 1A also have the same configuration as the embodiment of FIG. Therefore, the optical fiber extra length processing tool shown in FIG. 2 also has an optical fiber 7A wound around the optical fiber holding portions 2a to 2d along the loop portion 1Aa of the wire 1A in a substantially circular shape, similarly to the optical fiber extra length processing device of FIG. Long processing can be performed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the optical fiber extra length treating tool according to the present invention.

In the optical unit shown in FIG. 3, two optical fibers 7B1 and 7B2 are introduced into the unit via connectors 6a and 6b. Therefore, two optical fiber extra length processing tools are required. The optical fiber extra-length processing tool shown in FIG. 3 is capable of processing extra optical fibers in a small space. In FIG. 3, since the two optical fiber extra length processing tools have exactly the same configuration, only the optical fiber extra length processing tool for the optical fiber 7B1 will be described.

The wires 1B1 (and 1B2) are also shown in FIGS.
In the same manner as in the first embodiment, a ring-shaped portion 1B1a formed so as to intersect in a substantially circular ring-like shape, and end portions 1B1b having leading ends fixed to wire fixing portions 14a and 14b of the substrate 4, respectively. I have. The ring-shaped portion 1B1a (and 1B2
b) Optical fiber holder 2a coupled at substantially equal intervals
1 to 2 have the same configuration as that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, and are formed of a wire that is opened in a U-shape in the (outside) direction of the annular portion 1B1a. However, end 1B1b
Is formed so that the surface of the annular portion 1B1a is maintained substantially perpendicular to the substrate 4. Therefore, the optical fiber 7B1 wound around the optical fiber holding parts 2a to 2d is
It will be wound in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 4.
In addition, the shortest distance H3 of the ring-shaped portion 1B1a to the substrate 4
Needs to be higher than the mounting height of the electronic component mounted on the substrate 4. However, when the electronic component is arranged at a portion where the electronic component is not mounted, there is no limitation on the shortest distance H3 of the ring-shaped portion 1B1a to the substrate 4.

Since the optical fiber extra-length processing tool shown in FIG. 3 can reduce the width in the vertical direction with respect to the substrate 4, it is easy to arrange a large number in the vertical direction with respect to the substrate 4, and the extra length of the optical fibers 7 B is easy. There is a feature that long processing becomes easy.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the optical fiber holder 2 according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.
It is a perspective view which shows the optical fiber holding | maintenance part which can be used instead of (2a-2d).

Referring to FIG. 4A, the optical fiber holding section 11 (11a, 11b, 11c and 11d) made of plastic is replaced with the optical fiber holding section 2 (2
a to 2d) instead of the ring-shaped portion 1a. Each of the optical fiber holding portions 11 is connected to a wire connecting portion perpendicularly to the surface of the loop portion 1a at two places, and is connected to the wire connecting portion and turned back in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the ring portion 11a. And an optical fiber winding portion that can be opened in a U-shape and can wind an optical fiber inside the U-shape. The wire coupling portion is provided with a slit through which the wire (1) of the annular portion 11a passes, and is fixed to the wire with an adhesive. In addition, the wire coupling portion and the optical fiber winding portion are also fixed with an adhesive. The bonding between the wire and the plastic is characterized in that the work is easier than welding the wires together.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the optical fiber holding portion 12 (12a, 12b and 12) is made of plastic.
c) is the optical fiber holder 2a to 2d in FIG.
Instead of the ring-shaped portion 1a. Each of the optical fiber holding portions 12 is formed of a U-shaped plastic which is opened outward of the loop of the loop portion 1a. Circular part 1
"a" is bonded to the slits provided at two places in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the ring-shaped portion 1a by an adhesive. Optical fiber holder 1
The configuration 2 is very similar to the optical fiber holding section 2 shown in FIG. 1, but is fixed with a wire (ring section 1a) and an adhesive similarly to the optical fiber holding section 11 in FIG. There is a feature that it gets better.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the optical fiber extra length treating tool according to the present invention.

In the optical unit shown in FIG.
The optical fiber 7C connecting the optical module 5 and the optical module 5 is held along the wire 1C and processed for extra length. Wire 1C
Is a bent portion 1 obtained by freely deforming and bending a portion where the electric component does not exist, for example, a portion having a height H4 or more from the substrate 4.
Ca and the bent portion 1Ca connected to the bent portion 1Ca
End 1Cb held at the above height. Bend 1C
On the side opposite to the substrate 4 in FIG. 4A, the same optical fiber holding portions 11 (11e, 11f, 11g, and 11h) as shown in FIG. Optical fiber holder 11
The optical fiber 7C between the connector 6 and the optical module 5 is inserted and held in the U-shaped optical fiber holding section 11, and the extra length of the optical fiber 7C is processed. The embodiment of FIG. 5 has a feature that the shape of the wire 1 can be appropriately selected according to the component mounting state of the optical unit, so that the space inside the unit can be used effectively.

[0031]

As described above, the present invention processes the remaining length of an optical fiber incorporated in an optical unit including a substrate on which electronic components including optical components are mounted and a front panel which holds the substrate in a vertical direction. An optical fiber extra length processing tool, which avoids a mounting portion of the electronic component,
Since the optical fiber is held along a looped or bent wire, when the extra length processing of the optical fiber is performed inside the optical unit, the portion of the optical fiber extra length processing tool that contacts the substrate is small, and the optical fiber extra length processing tool is mounted on the substrate. This has the effect that the mounting area of the components or circuits to be mounted can be increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an optical fiber extra length processing tool according to the present invention. (A) shows the state after the extra length processing of the optical fiber 7, and (b) shows the state before the extra length processing.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an optical fiber extra-length processing tool according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an optical fiber extra-length processing tool according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an optical fiber holding unit that can be used in place of the optical fiber holding unit 2 (2a to 2d) in the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an optical fiber extra-length processing tool according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an optical fiber extra length processing tool according to the related art.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1A, 1B1, 1B2, 1C Wire 1a, 1Aa, 1B1a, 1B2a Loop 1b, 1Ab, 1B1b, 1B2b, 1Cb End 1Ca Bend 2 (2a to 2d), 11 (11a to 11h), 12 (1)
2a to 12c) Optical fiber holding unit 3 Front panel 4 Substrate 5 Optical module 6, 6a, 6b Connector 7, 7A, 7B1, 7B2, 7C Optical fiber 8 (8a1, 8a2) Holding unit fixing unit 9 (9a, 9b), 10 ( 10a to 10b), 14 (1
4a to 14d), 15 (15a, 15b) Wire fixing part

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An optical fiber extra length processing tool for processing an extra length of an optical fiber contained in an optical unit including a substrate on which an electronic component including an optical component is mounted and a front panel holding the substrate in a vertical direction. An optical fiber extra-length processing tool, which avoids a mounting portion of the electronic component and holds the optical fiber along a wire. 2. An annular part formed into an annular shape where the wires intersect is arranged at a position higher than the mounting height of the electronic component, and the optical fiber is coupled to the annular part and opened inside the surface of the annular part. 2. An optical fiber extra-length processing tool according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber holding portion is wound around an optical fiber holding portion formed of a U-shaped wire whose portion faces outward. 3. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein the wire includes both ends connected to the loop portion and fixed to the front panel on the substrate side so as to maintain a surface of the loop portion substantially parallel to the substrate. 3. An optical fiber extra length processing tool according to claim 2, wherein 4. The wire according to claim 2, wherein the wire includes both ends connected to the loop and fixed to the substrate so as to maintain the surface of the loop substantially parallel to the substrate. An optical fiber extra length processing tool as described in the above. 5. A surface of an annular portion formed into an intersecting annular shape of the wire is disposed so as to maintain a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate, and the optical fiber is coupled to the annular portion and a surface of the annular portion is formed. 2. The optical fiber extra-length treatment tool according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber extra length treatment tool is wound around an optical fiber holding portion formed of a U-shaped wire having an opening facing outward. 6. The optical fiber extra-length treatment tool according to claim 2, wherein the wire of the optical fiber holding section is changed to a plastic structure. 7. The wire of the optical fiber holding portion is changed to a plastic structure in which the optical fiber is wound in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the loop portion and on the side opposite to the substrate. An optical fiber extra length processing tool as described in the above. 8. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber is connected to the bent wire and is held by a plastic optical fiber holding portion disposed on the side opposite to the substrate. Extra processing tool.