JP2004077929A - Optical connector assembling tool and method for connecting optical fibers - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate an operation for inserting an optical fiber into an optical fiber hole of an optical connector and to perform butt joining of optical fibers with each other in the optical fiber hole of the optical connector with moderate striking pressure. <P>SOLUTION: The optical connector 10 including an optical fiber (built-in optical fiber 18) is held on a tool main body 2. The optical fiber 11 at an insertion side is fixed at a fixing part 7 on an optical fiber holding fixture 4, and a part on a tip side from the fixing part is inserted into a guide part 8 and held by a spacer (deflective holding means) 9 with the part in a deflected state. The optical fiber holding fixture 4 is made to slide on a slide part 3 to advance, and the optical fiber at the insertion side is inserted into the optical fiber hole 10a while the optical fiber 11 is deflected to be struck against the end face of the built-in optical fiber 18. The fiber 11 at the insertion side is brought into contact with the built-in optical fiber 18 and further deflected to be a cushion, which eases impact at collision. Finally, butt joining is carried out with moderate striking pressure while a flexible part of the optical fiber 11 at the insertion side strikes against a stopper 23. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, an optical fiber is inserted from the outside into the optical fiber hole of a so-called optical connector having a built-in optical fiber in the optical fiber hole in advance, and the built-in optical fiber and the insertion-side optical fiber are inserted into the optical fiber hole. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an optical connector assembling tool for butt-connecting by an optical fiber and an optical fiber connecting method at the time of assembling an optical fiber.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Various types of on-site optical connectors for assembling optical connectors at connection sites other than factories have been proposed. An on-site optical connector is a connector in which a short optical fiber is built partway into the optical connector, and the connection end face is usually polished in advance. In some cases, polishing is omitted by forming the surface into a smooth surface. In the latter case, the end face of the optical fiber remains a smooth cut surface, and connection using a matching agent is performed. At the site, the optical connector is assembled by abutting and fixing the built-in optical fiber and the insertion-side optical fiber inserted from outside the optical connector in the optical fiber hole of the optical connector.
[0003]
In this type of on-site optical connector, a pair of upper and lower elements forming an optical fiber hole is clamped with, for example, a U-shaped spring at the rear end of a ferrule having an optical fiber fixed and the end face polished. There is a mechanism in which a mechanism, that is, a mechanical splice is integrally provided (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-206688).
When assembling the on-site optical connector with a built-in connection mechanism, a pair of upper and lower elements of the connection mechanism are pushed open by an opening member to slightly widen the optical fiber hole formed by the upper and lower elements, and to expand the optical fiber hole. The insertion side optical fiber is inserted and butted against the built-in optical fiber, and then the opening member is removed and the upper and lower elements are clamped by a spring, whereby the built-in optical fiber and the inserted side optical fiber are butted and fixed in a connected state.
[0004]
Conventionally, when assembling the above-described optical connector, usually, the work of inserting the insertion-side optical fiber into the optical fiber hole of the connection mechanism has been manually performed. Therefore, the butting pressure when the end face of the insertion-side optical fiber is butted against the end face of the built-in optical fiber depends only on the sense of the hand.
In some cases, a simple optical connector assembly tool is used.In this case, the insertion side optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole of the optical connector using the assembly tool, and then the insertion side optical fiber is urged by a spring. Against the built-in optical fiber.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the method of manually inserting an optical fiber as described above, since the optical fiber hole is small and difficult to insert, the working efficiency is extremely poor.
In addition, in order to perform optical fiber connection with a small connection loss, it is necessary that the end face of the insertion-side optical fiber and the end face of the built-in optical fiber abut against each other with an appropriate pressure. It is difficult to obtain a desired and always constant abutting pressure if the abutting pressure of the optical fiber relies solely on the hand feeling.
In the case of assembling using an assembling tool, the abutment pressure is obtained by the force of a spring.However, the spring elasticity is apt to change over time, and the optical fiber is extremely thin. Because of the small size, it was difficult to maintain an appropriate contact pressure, and the contact pressure was too strong.
[0006]
In order to solve such a problem, the present inventors hold the insertion side optical fiber in a bent state on the optical fiber holding jig, and advance the optical fiber toward the optical connector held by the tool body. Invented a method of inserting the insertion-side optical fiber into the optical fiber hole and then releasing the bending, thereby butt-connecting the insertion-side optical fiber to the built-in optical fiber, and filed a patent application (see Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-197634). ).
According to this method, insertion of the insertion-side optical fiber is facilitated, and an appropriate abutment pressure due to the rigidity of the optical fiber itself can be obtained. However, when the insertion-side optical fiber strikes, a fiber end face is applied. There is a problem that there is a possibility and a mechanism or operation for releasing the bending becomes slightly complicated.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, to facilitate the operation of inserting an optical fiber into the optical fiber hole of the optical connector, and when performing butt connection of optical fibers in the optical fiber hole of the optical connector, It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical connector assembling tool and an optical fiber connecting method which enable optical fibers to be butt with each other at a desired and always constant butt pressure, and when the butt strikes, such that the end faces are not hung. .
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, an optical fiber is inserted into an optical fiber hole of an optical connector in which an optical fiber is previously embedded in an optical fiber hole, and an internal optical fiber and an insertion-side optical fiber are inserted into the optical fiber hole. An optical connector assembly tool for butt-connecting in the optical fiber hole,
A tool body for holding the optical connector, a slide table integral with the tool body, and an optical fiber holding jig slidably provided on the slide table back and forth in the optical fiber connection direction; The holding jig is a fiber fixing portion for fixing the insertion-side optical fiber, and a bending holding portion for holding a middle portion between the fixing portion position and the tip of the insertion-side optical fiber in a bent state and in a state allowing further bending. Means, and a flexure restricting means for restricting flexure beyond a certain flexure when the flexed insertion-side optical fiber is further flexed.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 2 is such that an optical fiber is inserted from the outside into the optical fiber hole of the optical connector in which the optical fiber is previously embedded in the optical fiber hole, and the built-in optical fiber and the insertion-side optical fiber are inserted into the optical fiber hole. An optical fiber connection method for butt connection,
While fixing the insertion-side optical fiber on the optical fiber holding jig, the intermediate portion between the fixed position and the tip of the insertion-side optical fiber is held in a bent state, and the optical fiber holding jig is held in the bent state. After the optical fiber is advanced toward the optical connector, the insertion-side optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole and hits the built-in optical fiber. It is characterized by doing.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 3 is a ferrule wherein an optical fiber is inserted and fixed in the optical fiber hole of the ferrule, and a part of the optical fiber is extended from the rear end of the ferrule. When assembling an optical connector having a connection mechanism for butt-connecting a built-in optical fiber extending from the optical fiber and an insertion-side optical fiber inserted from the outside, light for butt-connecting the built-in optical fiber and the insertion-side optical fiber is used. A fiber connection method,
The insertion-side optical fiber is fixed on an optical fiber holding jig, and an intermediate portion between the fixed position and the end of the insertion-side optical fiber is held in a bent state, and the optical fiber holding jig is kept in the bent state. Is advanced toward the connection mechanism of the optical connector, and after the insertion-side optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole of the connection mechanism and abuts against the built-in optical fiber, the insertion side optical fiber is further advanced and the bending is further increased. And the insertion side optical fiber is butt-connected to the built-in optical fiber.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pair of upper and lower elements forming an optical fiber hole having at least one aligning groove, a spring for elastically clamping the two elements, and a spring against the elastic gripping force of the spring. A light for butt-connecting a built-in optical fiber previously housed in an optical fiber hole of the connection mechanism and an insertion-side optical fiber inserted from the outside in a connection mechanism provided with an opening means for pushing and opening between the pair of elements. A fiber connection method,
The insertion-side optical fiber is fixed on an optical fiber holding jig, and an intermediate portion between the fixed position and the end of the insertion-side optical fiber is held in a bent state, and the optical fiber holding jig is kept in the bent state. Is advanced toward the connection mechanism, and after the insertion-side optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole of the connection mechanism and collides with the built-in optical fiber, the insertion side optical fiber is further advanced and the bending is further increased. The fiber is butt-connected to the built-in optical fiber.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a state in which an optical connector 10 and an optical fiber (hereinafter referred to as an insertion-side optical fiber) 11 to be inserted into and connected to the optical connector 10 are held in an optical connector assembling tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view, and FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. The bare fiber from which the coating of the insertion-side optical fiber 11 has been removed is denoted by 11a, and the coating is denoted by 11b. In the following description, the portion of the bare fiber 11a or the portion of the covering portion 11b is sometimes simply referred to as the insertion-side optical fiber 11 in some cases.
[0013]
The optical connector assembling tool 1 includes a tool main body 2 for holding an optical connector 10, a slide table 3 integrated with the tool main body 2, and an optical fiber connection direction along a guide 3a of the slide base 3 (see FIGS. (Figure 2 left and right directions) and an optical fiber holding jig 4 slidably provided. The optical fiber holding jig 4 includes a fixing portion 7 for fixing the insertion side optical fiber 11 toward the optical fiber hole 10 a of the optical connector 10 on the tool body 2, and a vicinity of the tip of the coating portion 11 b of the insertion side optical fiber 11. A guide portion 8 for housing the optical fiber 11 and projecting the distal end of the optical fiber 11 in an aligned manner, and further bending the intermediate portion between the position of the fixed portion 7 and the position of the guide portion 8 of the insertion-side optical fiber 11 in a bent state. A spacer (deflection holding means) 9 for holding in an allowable state, and a bending stopper (deflection limiting means) 23 for restricting the bending beyond a certain bending when the bent insertion-side optical fiber 11 is further bent. Have.
[0014]
The details of the optical connector 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. The optical connector 10 is a two-core connector, and has a generally square optical ferrule 12 and a rear end side of the optical ferrule 12. And a connection mechanism 13 provided.
The ferrule 12 has an optical fiber 18 inserted and fixed in each of two optical fiber holes 12a to be built therein, a part of which extends from a rear end of the ferrule, and an end face 12b is obliquely polished. The ferrule 12 has substantially the same configuration as a ferrule for an optical connector (F12 type multi-core optical fiber connector of JIS C5981) of a fitting pin alignment method generally called an MT connector. The ferrule 12 can be formed of a hard resin such as an epoxy resin, for example. The optical ferrule 12 and the connection mechanism 13 integrated therewith are accommodated in a housing 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
The connection mechanism 13 has a structure in which a pair of upper and lower elements, that is, a main body 14 and a lid 15 are clamped by a U-shaped leaf spring 16. The main body 14 includes a base portion 14a and a ferrule fitting portion 14b at a front end portion (left side in FIG. 4), and a rear end portion of the ferrule 12 (in a fitting hollow portion 14c provided in the ferrule fitting portion 14b). 4 (right side in FIG. 4) is fitted and fixed with an adhesive, and the ferrule 12 and the main body 14 are integrated.
In addition, an alignment groove 14d formed by, for example, a V-groove is formed on the front side of the upper surface of the main body 14, so that the optical fiber hole 10a is formed by the alignment groove 14d and the flat surface or the groove on the lid 15 side. ing. Further, optical fiber coating portion receiving grooves 14e and 15e are formed on the rear side of the main body 14 and the lid 15, so that an optical fiber coating portion receiving hole 19 having the same axis as the optical fiber hole 10a is formed. Further, a tapered optical fiber introduction port 19a for facilitating insertion of the optical fiber is formed at the rear end of the optical fiber coating portion accommodation hole 19.
Further, an insertion port 17 into which a wedge-shaped opening member 20 for pushing and opening between the main body 14 and the lid 15 against the elastic gripping force of the spring 16 is formed on a side surface of the connection mechanism 13. . The insertion port 17 is formed by recesses 14f, 15f (15f is not shown) provided on both edges of the main body 14 and the lid 15. The materials of the main body 14 and the lid 15 are not particularly limited, but may be formed of a hard resin or metal.
The main body 14 of the connection mechanism 13 may be formed integrally with the ferrule 12 by resin.
[0015]
When assembling the optical connector 10 using the optical connector assembling tool 1, the optical connector 10 is fixed on the tool main body 2, the opening member 20 is inserted into the insertion port 17, and the main body 14 of the connection mechanism 13 and the lid are connected. The body 15 is pushed open. Thereby, the optical fiber hole 10a formed between the main body 14 and the lid 15 of the connection mechanism 13 is in a state of being slightly widened. The portion of the built-in optical fiber 18 of the optical connector 10 that extends from the rear end of the ferrule extends to an intermediate position in the optical fiber hole 10a of the connection mechanism 13.
Next, at the position where the optical fiber holding jig 4 is retracted, the insertion side optical fiber 11 is inserted into the guide portion 8 through the fixing portion 7 of the optical fiber holding jig 4, and the insertion side optical fiber 11 is fixed by the fixing portion 7. I do. In this embodiment, when the insertion-side optical fiber 11 is fixed by the fixing portion 7, the length from the fixing portion 7 to the tip of the insertion-side optical fiber 11 is such that the insertion-side optical fiber 11 is The length is such that the bent portion of the insertion-side optical fiber 11 can be bent until it hits the bent stopper 23 (it can be in the state shown in FIG. 6B).
Then, the spacer 9 is interposed between the left and right insertion-side optical fibers 11 so that the left and right insertion-side optical fibers 11 are bent and their tips are aligned and held (state in FIG. 1). In this case, the two insertion-side optical fibers 11 are closed by the fixing portion 7 and the guide portion 8 and the middle portions are bent so as to expand outward. Note that this bending is necessary as an initial condition for bending the insertion-side optical fiber 11 further outward when the insertion-side optical fiber 11 collides with the built-in optical fiber 18, as described later. Since it affects the degree of stiffness when the fiber 18 hits the fiber 18, various experiments may be performed to set an appropriate initial deflection.
Next, when the optical fiber holding jig 4 is moved forward by sliding in the direction of arrow A on the slide portion 3, the insertion side optical fiber 11 is tapered into the optical fiber hole 10 a of the connection mechanism 13 of the optical connector 10. Inserted from 19a. As described above, the insertion side optical fiber 11 can be correctly inserted into the optical fiber hole 10a only by sliding the optical fiber holding jig 4, so that the insertion of the optical fiber is easy and the work efficiency is remarkably improved.
When the optical fiber holding jig 4 is further advanced, the insertion side optical fiber 11 abuts on the built-in optical fiber 18 in the optical fiber hole 10a as shown in FIG. .
The impact when the insertion-side optical fiber 11 strikes the built-in optical fiber 18 is mitigated by the cushioning effect due to the insertion-side optical fiber 11 being pushed by the striking force and further bent. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the end face of the optical fiber from being damaged due to the impact at the time of abutment.
When the optical fiber holding jig 4 is further advanced, the insertion-side optical fiber 11 further bends and hits the bending stopper 23 as shown in FIG. 6B, and is limited to a substantially constant bending amount. At this time, the abutting pressure of the insertion-side optical fiber 11 against the built-in optical fiber 18 is a certain amount of abutting pressure in accordance with the amount of bending of the insertion-side optical fiber 11 in a state where it is in contact with the bending stopper 23. In this case, the contact pressure is transmitted from the bending stopper 23 to the end face through the rigidity of the optical fiber 11 on the insertion side. Thus, the insertion-side optical fiber 11 and the built-in optical fiber 18 are straightened in the optical fiber hole 10a, and the end face of the insertion-side optical fiber 11 and the end face of the built-in optical fiber 18 are butt-connected with an appropriate abutting pressure. You. Next, when the release member 20 is removed from the insertion port 17, the optical fiber 11 is clamped and held in the connection mechanism 13 by the clamping force of the spring 16, and the connection state is maintained.
[0016]
According to the above-described optical fiber connection method, the abutting pressure is obtained by the flexibility (or its own rigidity) of the optical fiber when the optical fiber is bent to a certain amount of bending (a certain position). Compared with the work relying on the sense of the human hand, the abutment pressure can be easily made constant, stable assembly with little variation can be achieved, and reproducibility is extremely high. Further, compared to the conventional optical fiber in which optical fibers are butt-connected by the force of a spring, there is less possibility that the abutting pressure between the optical fibers becomes unnecessarily high, and it is possible to prevent the connection characteristics from being impaired.
The above embodiment is a case of a two-core optical connector, and is preferably applied to a two-core optical connector. However, the present embodiment can also be applied to a single-core optical connector.
The two optical fibers butt-connected in the connection mechanism 13 are usually the same type of optical fiber, but different types of optical fibers, for example, when connecting a single-mode optical fiber and a multi-mode optical fiber, or in a single-mode optical fiber. Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to a case where a multimode optical fiber is connected to an optical fiber of another transmission mode.
[0017]
In the above-described embodiment, the optical fiber holding jig 4 is advanced until the bending portion of the insertion-side optical fiber 11 hits the bending stopper 23. However, it is necessary to stop the advancing at a stage before hitting the bending stopper 23 and butt-connect. Is also possible. In this case, the cushioning effect when the insertion-side optical fiber 11 abuts against the built-in optical fiber 18 is the same, but the magnitude of the final abutment pressure is the insertion-side optical fiber bent by an appropriate amount. 11 only depends on its own rigidity.
[0018]
The above-described embodiment is directed to an optical connector 10 having a structure in which a ferrule 2 and a connection mechanism 13 for clamping a pair of upper and lower elements forming an optical fiber hole with, for example, a U-shaped spring are integrated. However, the present invention relates to a butt connection between optical fibers in an independent connection mechanism, that is, a connection mechanism independent of the ferrule 12 (so-called mechanical splice itself) having a structure similar to the connection mechanism 13 in the optical connector 10 of FIGS. Is also applicable. That is, when two optical fibers are connected by the independent connection mechanism, the optical connector assembling tool of the present invention or the optical fiber connecting method of the present invention can be adopted.
In this case, the tip of one fixed optical fiber is housed in an optical fiber hole of a mechanical splice (connection mechanism), and the other optical fiber is held in a bent state on an optical fiber holding jig, and the optical fiber is moved forward. Then, it is inserted into the optical fiber hole of the mechanical splice, and then the bending is released.
[0019]
The present invention is also applicable to an optical connector 28 that does not use a mechanical splice as shown in FIG. The optical connector 28 has a rear end of the built-in optical fiber 32 in an optical fiber hole 29 a of the ferrule 29, and connects the built-in optical fiber 32 and an optical fiber (insertion side optical fiber) 11 inserted from the outside to the ferrule 29. In this configuration, the butt connection is made in the optical fiber hole 29a. The ferrule 29 is substantially the same as a ferrule for an optical connector (F12 type multi-core optical fiber connector according to JIS C5981) called a MT connector, which has a polished tip surface 29b. Reference numeral 31 denotes a rubber boot for protecting the optical fiber.
[0020]
When the insertion-side optical fiber 11 is abutted and connected to the built-in optical fiber 32 of the optical connector 28, the connection can be made using an optical connector assembly tool similar to that shown in FIGS. That is, the insertion side optical fiber 11 is held in a deflected state on the optical fiber holding jig and then slid, and the insertion side optical fiber 11 (the bare fiber 11a) is turned into the light of the ferrule 29 as shown in FIG. The optical fiber 11 is inserted into the fiber hole 29a, and then the bending of the insertion-side optical fiber 11 is released. As a result, a butt connection with an appropriate abutting pressure can be performed as described above. After that, for example, an epoxy adhesive 32 is injected into the opening 30 to fix the insertion-side optical fiber 11.
[0021]
Although the present invention has been described only for the case where an optical fiber is inserted from the outside and connected to an article such as a ferrule in which an optical fiber is already built, the present invention hits an optical fiber which is bent to some extent. In this case, the optical fiber is butt-connected without applying excessive force to the optical fiber by utilizing the cushioning effect of further bending (ie, utilizing the rigidity of the optical fiber itself). Therefore, a device, a mechanism, an instrument, and an object on the other side into which the optical fiber is inserted using the present action are not limited to the built-in fiber of the ferrule. That is, a method in which the optical fiber which is bent to a certain degree and which is further bent when the optical fiber collides with it to generate a shock effect can be applied to various types of objects. For example, it is used as an optical connector to connect to a mating optical connector, to connect to a mating optical fiber but not to an optical connector type, to connect to an optical element, and to connect to an optical positioning member without the mating optical fiber. It can be suitably used for insertion and fixing of a fiber (for example, insertion and fixing of an optical fiber into an optical fiber array or an optical ferrule).
[0022]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the optical connector is held on the tool body, the insertion-side optical fiber is held in a bent state on the optical fiber holding jig, and the optical fiber holding jig is held on the slide portion in the bent state. The insertion side optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole of the optical connector and abutted against the built-in optical fiber. , The following effects can be obtained.
Since the insertion side optical fiber can be inserted into the optical fiber hole of the optical connector only by sliding the optical fiber holding jig on the slide portion, the insertion of the optical fiber is extremely easy and the work efficiency is remarkably improved.
Further, since a mechanism or operation for releasing the bending of the insertion-side optical fiber is not required, workability is good.
Also, the impact when the insertion-side optical fiber strikes the built-in optical fiber is mitigated by the cushioning effect of the insertion-side optical fiber being pushed by the striking force and further flexing. It is possible to prevent damage such as occurrence of scabs.
[0023]
According to claim 1 or claim 5, the final abutment pressure between the optical fibers is obtained in a state where the bending of the insertion-side optical fiber is limited to a fixed amount by the bending limiting means. Compared with the work relying on the hand sensation, the contact pressure can be easily made constant, stable assembly with little variation is possible, and reproducibility is extremely high. Further, compared to the conventional optical fiber in which optical fibers are butt-connected by the force of a spring, the abutting pressure between the optical fibers is less likely to be unnecessarily strong or fluctuated, so that the connection characteristics can be prevented from being impaired.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view of an optical connector assembling tool holding an optical connector and an insertion-side optical fiber.
FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing details of an optical connector in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a main body of the connection mechanism in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 illustrates an operation when the optical fiber holding jig is slid from the state shown in FIG. 1 to butt-connect the insertion-side optical fiber to the built-in optical fiber in the optical connector. (B) shows a point in time when the optical fiber hits the built-in optical fiber, and (b) shows a point in time when the insertion side optical fiber further advances and bends to hit the stopper.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view corresponding to the state of FIG.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another example of an optical connector that is an object of the optical fiber connection method of the present invention and that does not use a mechanical splice.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a state after the optical connector shown in FIG. 8 is assembled.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical connector assembly tool 2 Tool main body 3 Slide stand 4 Optical fiber holding jig 7 Fixed part 8 Guide part 9 Spacer (flexure holding mechanism)
10, 28 Optical connector 10a Optical fiber hole (of optical connector) 11 Insertion side optical fiber 12 Ferrule 12a Optical fiber hole 13 (of ferrule) Connection mechanism 14 Main body 14a Base portion 14b Ferrule fitting portion 14c Fitting hollow portion 14d Alignment Grooves 14e, 15e Optical fiber covering portion accommodating grooves 14f, 15f Recess 15 Cover 16 Plate spring 17 Insertion port 18, 32 Built-in optical fiber 19 Optical fiber covering portion accommodating hole 20 Opening member 23 Flexure stopper (flexure limiting means)

Claims (5)

An optical connector for externally inserting an optical fiber into the optical fiber hole of an optical connector in which an optical fiber is previously embedded in the optical fiber hole, and butt-connecting the built-in optical fiber and the insertion-side optical fiber in the optical fiber hole. An assembly tool,
A tool body for holding the optical connector, a slide table integral with the tool body, and an optical fiber holding jig slidably provided on the slide table back and forth in the optical fiber connection direction; The holding jig is a fiber fixing portion for fixing the insertion-side optical fiber, and a bending holding portion for holding a middle portion between the fixing portion position and the tip of the insertion-side optical fiber in a bent state and in a state allowing further bending. An optical connector assembling tool, comprising: means for bending the insertion-side optical fiber that has been bent, and bending restriction means for restricting the bending beyond a predetermined bending. An optical fiber connection method for inserting an optical fiber from the outside into the optical fiber hole of an optical connector in which an optical fiber is previously embedded in the optical fiber hole, and butt-connecting the built-in optical fiber and the insertion-side optical fiber in the optical fiber hole. And
While fixing the insertion-side optical fiber on the optical fiber holding jig, the intermediate portion between the fixed position and the tip of the insertion-side optical fiber is held in a bent state, and the optical fiber holding jig is held in the bent state. After the optical fiber is advanced toward the optical connector, the insertion-side optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole and hits the built-in optical fiber. An optical fiber connection method. A ferrule in which an optical fiber is inserted and fixed inside the optical fiber hole of the ferrule and a part of which is extended from the rear end of the ferrule, and a built-in optical fiber provided on the rear end side of the ferrule and extending from the ferrule When assembling an optical connector having a connection mechanism for butt-connecting an insertion-side optical fiber inserted from the outside, and an assembling method, an optical fiber connection method for butt-connecting the built-in optical fiber and the insertion-side optical fiber,
The insertion-side optical fiber is fixed on an optical fiber holding jig, and an intermediate portion between the fixed position and the end of the insertion-side optical fiber is held in a bent state, and the optical fiber holding jig is kept in the bent state. Is advanced toward the connection mechanism of the optical connector, and after the insertion-side optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole of the connection mechanism and abuts against the built-in optical fiber, the insertion side optical fiber is further advanced and the bending is further increased. And connecting the insertion-side optical fiber to the built-in optical fiber. A pair of upper and lower elements forming an optical fiber hole having at least one alignment groove, a spring that elastically clamps both elements, and a pair of elements that oppose the elastic gripping force of the spring. An optical fiber connection method for butt-connecting a built-in optical fiber previously housed in an optical fiber hole of the connection mechanism and an insertion-side optical fiber inserted from the outside in a connection mechanism having an opening means for pushing and opening,
The insertion-side optical fiber is fixed on an optical fiber holding jig, and an intermediate portion between the fixed position and the end of the insertion-side optical fiber is held in a bent state, and the optical fiber holding jig is kept in the bent state. Is advanced toward the connection mechanism, and after the insertion-side optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber hole of the connection mechanism and collides with the built-in optical fiber, the insertion side optical fiber is further advanced and the bending is further increased. An optical fiber connection method comprising butt-connecting a fiber to a built-in optical fiber. After the insertion-side optical fiber abuts against the built-in optical fiber and the bending increases further, the insertion-side optical fiber is butted against the built-in optical fiber in a state where the bending increase is further limited by bending limiting means for limiting the bending beyond a certain bending. 5. The optical fiber connecting method according to claim 2, wherein the optical fiber is connected.

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