JP2005062514A - Wedge inserting and extracting component for optical connector, optical connector with wedge component - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the assembly of an optical connector to the tip of an optical fiber to be realized simply and at a low cost. <P>SOLUTION: An optical connector 3 is provided with a clamp part which holds an optical fiber between a pair of half-cut elements. Provided is an optical connector 1 with a wedge a component having a structure where a wedge inserting and extracting component 2 for the optical connector in which wedge 21 is wedged between elements of the clamp part beforehand and the elements are made open is attached to the optical connector plug 3. The wedge inserting and extracting component 2 for optical connector consists of a component 21 with the wedge in which the wedge 21 is projectingly provided and a separating component 23 which makes the component 21 with the wedge be separated from the optical connector 3 by being wedged between the component 21 with the wedge and the optical connector 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention halves an optical fiber on the ferrule side and another optical fiber butt-connected to the optical fiber on the rear end side facing the front end surface for butt connection of the ferrule with the optical fiber fixed internally. An optical connector having a mechanism for clamping by the elasticity of a spring between the elements of the optical connector and applied to an optical connector that can be easily assembled to the tip of the optical fiber by this mechanism, and opening the clamping mechanism of the optical connector The present invention relates to a wedge insertion / removal component, and an optical connector with a wedge component in which a clamp portion is kept open by the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component.

In recent years, as an optical connector that can be assembled to the tip of an optical fiber at a connection site other than a factory, a ferrule in which the optical fiber is fixed in advance and the tip surface is polished, and the rear portion of this ferrule (tip A clamp part disposed at a position facing the surface), and the optical fiber on the ferrule side in this clamp part and another optical fiber for connection abutting against this optical fiber are divided in half. It is known that an optical connector can be assembled in a short time by maintaining the butt connection state by clamping to the element. Here, since the size of the clamp part is small, a dedicated tool (optical connector assembly tool) for opening and closing the element has been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
JP 2002-23006 A JP 2002-55259 A

  The optical connector assembling tool described above has a holder portion that supports the optical connector and an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the elements of the clamp portion by inserting and removing the wedges between the elements of the clamp portion of the optical connector on the base. It is a mounted structure. The opening / closing mechanism has a structure for moving the wedge forward and backward with respect to the holder portion by operating a lever. In this optical connector assembling tool, the optical connector clamp portion can be easily positioned at a position where the wedge can be inserted and removed between the elements by the opening / closing mechanism only by detachably fitting the optical connector into the positioning groove of the holder portion. It is configured.

  However, in the optical connector assembly tool having the above-described structure, in order to realize the operation of the clamp portion of the optical connector, the precision processed wedge can be precisely inserted and removed between small-sized elements. There is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the cost. Also, due to the structure, there is a limit to miniaturization, so insertion and use may not be possible when the work space is narrow, such as being inserted into an optical termination box. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can assemble an optical connector at the tip of an optical fiber at a low cost. Further, since the size can be easily reduced, the operability can be achieved even in a narrow work space. It is an object of the present invention to provide a wedge insertion / removal component for an optical connector that can be easily secured, and an optical connector with a wedge component.

The present invention provides the following configuration in order to solve the above problems and achieve the object.
In the present invention, the optical fiber protruding from the rear end side of the ferrule and the optical fiber are butt-connected to the rear end side facing the front end surface for butt connection of the ferrule with the optical fiber fixed internally. An optical connector having a clamp portion for clamping another optical fiber between the half-split elements by the elasticity of a spring to maintain a connection state between the optical fibers, between the elements from the outside of the clamp portion And a wedged part projecting a wedge that pushes open between the elements and maintains the state in which the other optical fiber can be inserted and removed between the elements, and the wedge of the optical connector. For detachment inserted between the wedged part attached to the optical connector by being inserted between the elements of the clamp part and the optical connector to which the wedged part is attached Provided is a wedge insertion / removal component for an optical connector characterized in that it comprises a release component that pushes and opens between the wedged component and the optical connector by an insertion piece and separates the wedged component from the optical connector. .
As the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component, the wedge-attached component is configured such that the optical connector is inserted into a connector receiving region between projecting walls projecting from opposite sides of the base portion on which the wedge projects. The optical connector is configured to be able to be accommodated, and is attached to the wedged part by inserting the wedge for insertion into the protruding wall between the elements of the clamp portion and the insertion piece for removal of the separation part. An opening through which the detachable insertion piece inserted between the detachable insertion piece is inserted and the outer surface of the protruding wall from the connector housing region of the detachable insertion piece via the opening. By operating an operating portion provided on a portion protruding to the side, the detaching insertion piece is moved to push open between the wedged component and the optical connector, and the wedged component is Can be detached from the optical connector Configuration which is way can also be employed.
The detaching insertion piece of the detachable component includes an insertion arrangement portion disposed between the optical connector in which the wedge is interrupted between elements of the clamp portion and the wedged component, and the optical connector. And a wedged part is inserted between the optical connector and the wedged part to push open between the optical connector and the wedged part, and a tapered portion is formed to separate the wedged part from the optical connector, When the insertion arrangement part of the separation part is arranged between the optical connector and the wedged part, the state where the wedge is interrupted between the elements of the clamp part of the optical connector is maintained, and the separation part And the tapered portion is inserted between the optical connector and the wedged component so that the tapered portion pushes and opens the wedged component and the optical connector. Optical connector Configuration that is to be removed from the data can also be employed.
Further, in the present invention, the optical fiber protruding from the rear end side of the ferrule and the optical fiber are butt-connected to the rear end side facing the front end surface for the butt connection of the ferrule having the optical fiber fixed internally. The optical fiber connector according to the present invention is provided outside the optical connector having a clamp portion for maintaining the connection state between the optical fibers by clamping the separated optical fiber between the half-divided elements by the elasticity of the spring. The wedge insertion part is constructed by assembling the wedge part. The wedge part is attached to the optical connector by inserting the wedge between the elements of the clamp part. The removal part is the removal insertion piece. Is attached to the optical connector in a state of being inserted between the wedged component and the optical connector. That.

  The present invention relates to an insertion for detachment of an detachable part inserted so as to be inserted between an optical connector and a wedged part attached to the optical connector by inserting a wedge between elements of a clamp portion of the optical connector. The piece is used to push open between the optical connector and the wedged component so that the wedge is extracted from between the elements of the clamp portion, and the wedged component is detached from the optical connector. The detachment component is for realizing the extraction of the wedge from between the elements with a light force compared to the case where the wedge inserted between the elements is directly extracted from between the elements. Are inserted between the optical connector and the wedged component to push the gap between the optical connector and the wedged component (such as the aforementioned “taper portion”), It is possible to adopt a lever having a lever function that pushes between an optical connector and a wedged part by operating in a lever-like manner by rotation with the contact portion as a fulcrum. In addition, as a detachable part, it is inserted between the optical connector and the wedged part in addition to the structure that pushes between the optical connector and the wedged part by pushing between the optical connector and the wedged part. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which the optical connector and the wedged part are pushed open by the rotational displacement of the inserted insertion piece for removal.

  The optical connector with wedge parts according to the present invention can assemble an optical connector at the tip of an optical fiber without using a conventional dedicated tool. Further, the wedge insertion / removal component for an optical connector has a very simple structure and can be manufactured at a low cost. Therefore, the cost can be significantly reduced as compared with the case of using a dedicated tool. Further, the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component is attached to the optical connector (the optical connector with the wedge component is attached), the optical fiber is inserted into the clamp, and then the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component is detached from the optical connector. As a result, the assembly of the optical connector to the tip of the optical fiber can be realized, so the work of positioning and supporting the optical connector precisely by inserting the optical connector into the holder is unnecessary, which is necessary when using a conventional dedicated tool. Assembly work is also very easy. In addition, the optical connector with the wedge part and the wedge insertion / removal part for the optical connector can be easily downsized, and the optical connector can be easily assembled to the tip of the optical fiber even in various apparatuses such as an optical connection box. Further, the wedge insertion / removal component for the optical connector pushes and spreads between the optical connector and the wedged component by causing the separation insertion piece of the separation component to be interrupted between the optical connector and the wedged component. Since the wedge inserted in the clamp portion of the connector is extracted from the clamp portion, there is an advantage that the wedge can be easily pulled out from the clamp portion with a light force.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
1 to 4 are views showing an optical connector 1 with wedge parts and a wedge insertion / removal part 2 for optical connectors according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view. 2 to 4 are diagrams showing the assembled state of the optical connector 1 with wedge parts and the wedge insertion / removal part 2 for optical connectors, FIG. 2 is a perspective view, FIG. 3 is a front view, and FIG. Is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the base portion 212 of the wedged component 21 from the lower surface side.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the optical connector 1 with wedge parts has a configuration in which an optical connector wedge insertion / removal part 2 is assembled to the outside of an optical connector 3 (optical connector plug). The optical connector 3 in the illustrated example is a so-called SC2 type optical connector, from an SC type optical connector (SC: Single fiber Coupling optical fiber connector; F04 type optical connector (optical connector plug) established in JIS C 5973), The knob attached to the outside of the plug frame 33 (see FIG. 5) of the SC type optical connector is omitted.
The optical connector 3 is not limited to the above-described SC2 type optical connector, and various optical connector plugs can be employed.

First, the optical connector 3 will be described.
5 and 6 are views showing the structure of the optical connector 3, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view. 5 and 6, the optical connector 3 houses a ferrule 31, a clamp portion 32 disposed on the rear end side facing the joining end face (reference numeral 31 a. Front end face) of the ferrule 31, and the ferrule 31. The sleeve-like plug frame 33 that is mounted on the outer side of the ferrule 31 while restricting the rotation around the axis of the ferrule 31 and the rear end (right side in FIG. 6) of the plug frame 33 are engaged and attached. A stop ring 34 that accommodates 32 and a spring 35 provided in the stop ring 34 are provided.
Reference numerals 34a and 34b denote insertion ports for inserting the wedges 22 (see FIG. 4 and the like) of the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component 2 (opening member), and reference numeral 36 is attached to the rear end of the stop ring 34. Showing boots.

The clamp portion 32 has a configuration in which a plurality of members are attached to an extending portion 31c extending from the flange portion 31b of the ferrule 31 toward the rear end side of the optical connector 3, and is integrated with the ferrule 31, and hereinafter referred to as a clamp. The ferrule 31 in which the portion 32 is assembled may be referred to as a “ferrule 37 with a clamp portion” in some cases.
The clamp part 32 of the ferrule 37 with a clamp part is accommodated in the stop ring 34 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the sleeve-like stop ring 34. The spring 35 takes a reaction force at the rear end portion of the stop ring 34 and presses the clamp portion 32 toward the distal end side (left side in FIG. 6) of the optical connector 3, so that the entire ferrule 37 with a clamp portion is disposed at the distal end side of the optical connector 3. For example, when the optical connector 3 is inserted into an optical connector adapter or the like and connected to another optical connector, the ferrule 31 is given a butt force between the optical connector on the other end of the connection. Fulfills the function.
In addition, the ferrule 37 with a clamp part has the flange part 31b of the ferrule 31 contact | abuts to the stopper protrusion 33a protrudingly provided in the plug frame 33, and the further to the optical connector 3 front end side with respect to the stop ring 34 is carried out. Movement (relative movement with respect to the stop ring 34) is restricted.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a ferrule 37 with a clamp part, and FIG. 8 shows two lid side elements 321 and 322 and a base side element (extension part 31c) constituting the clamp part 32 of the ferrule 37 with a clamp part. It is a figure which shows the mating surface.
As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the clamp part 32 includes an extension part 31 c extending from the flange part 31 b of the ferrule 31, and lid-side elements 321 a and 321 a arranged on the mating surface 324 a of the extension part 31 c. Is housed inside a sleeve-shaped spring 322 (C-shaped spring) having a C-shaped cross section. The extension part 31a is one of the half elements constituting the clamp part 32 (hereinafter also referred to as the element 31a), and the two lid side elements 321a and 321b are half elements constituting the clamp part 32. The clamp part 32 has a structure for clamping the optical fiber between the pair of half-divided elements 31a and 321. The two lid-side elements 321a and 321b are arranged in the front-rear direction of the optical connector 3 (left and right in FIG. 6) so that one (element 321a) is closer to the ferrule 31 than the other (element 321b). The spring 322 causes the elasticity of the spring 322 to act on the two lid-side elements 321a and 321b separately by a slit 322a formed in the spring 322 near the boundary between the two lid-side elements 321a and 321b. It has become. However, the set of one lid-side element 321a and the extending portion 31a and the set of the other lid-side element 321b and the extending portion 31a can each function as an independent clamp portion.

In the optical connector 1 with a wedge part according to the present invention, a wedge 22 (see FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) that protrudes from a wedged part 21 of a wedge insertion / removal part 2 for an optical connector is included in the optical connector 3. Between the pair of elements 31c and 321 (that is, the mating surface of the extension part 31c with respect to the element 321 and the elements of the lid side elements 321 and 322 through the insertion port 34 (34a and 34b) of the stop ring 34 from the outside. Between the pair of elements 31c and 321 is slightly pushed open against the elasticity of the spring 322.
Further, the two insertion openings 34 (34a, 34b) of the stop ring 34 are opened at positions corresponding to the two clamp portions corresponding to the two lid-side elements 321, and the wedge insertion / removal component 2 for the optical connector. The two wedges 22 protruding into the receiving recess 211 from the bottom wall 22e connecting the pair of side walls 22b, 22c of the wedged component 21 are connected to the element 31c and the element via the two insertion ports 34, respectively. 321a and between the element 31c and the element 321b, respectively.
The spring 322 may have various shapes such as a U-shaped cross section.

Next, the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component 2 includes a wedged component 21 that is attached so as to be attached to the outside of the optical connector 3, and the wedged component 21 is attached to the optical connector 3. It is composed of two parts, a detachment part 23 for detachment.
Here, the wedged component 21 and the detachable component 23 of the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component 2 are respectively integrally molded products made of synthetic resin. However, in the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this, and is formed by a plurality of components. It may be a thing. The wedged part 21 including the wedge 22 is a single part molded with resin.

The wedged component 21 is formed in an elongated shape having a U-shaped cross section, and an inner side thereof is an accommodation recess 211 as a connector accommodation area in which the optical connector 3 is removably accommodated. The wedged component 21 has a base portion 212 that forms the bottom surface 211a of the housing recess 211, and a pair of protruding walls 213 that protrude from opposite sides of the base portion 212. The wedges 22 are protrusions protruding from the base portion 212, and are protruded at two locations at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the wedged component 21. The housing recess 211 is an inner space surrounded by the base portion 212 and the pair of protruding walls 213, and the optical connector 3 has the housing recess 211 in a direction in which the insertion ports 34 a and 34 b are on the base portion 212 side. Is housed in.
Here, both the projecting walls 213 protect the optical connector 3 housed in the housing recess 211 from a collision object, or a clamping portion against a force acting during a detachment operation using the detachment part 23 or a collision of the collision object. The insertion direction of the wedge 22 with respect to 32 is maintained stably, and the role of preventing the deformation | transformation and damage of the clamp part 32 is performed. An opening 214 formed in the protruding base end portion of each protruding wall 213 on the base portion 212 side is for passing the detaching insertion piece 231 of the detaching component 23.

The detachment component 23 has a structure having an operation portion 232 and an elongated plate-like detachment insertion piece 231 protruding from the operation portion 232. Three detaching insertion pieces 231 are formed (reference numerals 231a to 231c), and these detaching insertion pieces 231 are projecting pieces extending from the operation unit 232 in parallel to each other. In addition, a slit 233 is secured between the adjacent separating insertion pieces 231.
The detachable insertion piece 231 includes a plate-like insertion arrangement portion 234 (plate-like portion) having a sharp portion 234 a at the tip, and the detachment insertion piece 231 protrudes from the operation portion 232 more than the insertion arrangement portion 234. It has a base end portion 235 which is located on the base end portion side and is formed in a plate shape thicker than the insertion arrangement portion 234. Further, a tapered portion 236 having a tapered shape that gradually increases in thickness from the insertion placement portion 234 side toward the base end portion 235 side is formed between the base end portion 235 and the insertion placement portion 234. The tapered portion 236 performs a function of pushing between the wedged component 21 and the optical connector 3 by being inserted between the base portion 212 of the wedged component 21 and the optical connector 3. .

In the optical connector 1 with a wedge part, the detachable part 23 is inserted from the outside of the wedged part 21 by inserting the detachable insertion piece 231 inserted so as to pierce the openings 214 of the pair of protruding walls 213 of the wedged part 21. The arrangement portion 234 is sandwiched between the wedged component 21 (specifically, the base portion 212) and the optical connector 3 so as not to be detached from the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 21. The insertion arrangement portion 234 has a cross-sectional dimension (specifically, a thickness d here) that does not affect the state in which the wedge 22 is interrupted between the elements 31 c and 321 of the clamp portion 32 of the optical connector 3. It is a size.
The wedge 22 interrupted between the elements 31c and 321 of the clamp part 32 is clamped and held between the elements 31c and 321 by the elasticity of the spring 322 of the clamp part 32 so that it cannot be pulled out easily. For this reason, in this optical connector 1 with a wedge part, the inconvenience that the wedged part 21 and the detachable part 23 fall off from the optical connector 3 due to, for example, conveyance after shipment is less likely to occur. Needless to say, the tapered portion 236 is disposed at a position where it does not interrupt between the wedged component 21 (specifically, the base portion 212) and the optical connector 3. In addition, the operation unit 232 may be described with one protruding wall 213 (reference numeral 213a is attached for distinction. Note that the protruding wall facing the protruding wall 213a via the housing recess 211 is sometimes described. (Which may be described with reference numeral 213b), and functions as a handle for operating the detachable component 23 when detaching the wedged component 21 from the optical connector 3.

In the optical connector 1 with wedges, the wedge 22 of the wedged component 21 of the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component 2 is inserted between the extended portion 31c and the lid side elements 321, 322, and the extended portion 31c. And the lid side elements 321 and 322 are slightly pushed open against the elasticity of the spring 322. In this state, the optical fiber 4 can be inserted into and removed from the pair of elements 31c and 321 of the clamp portion 32 from the rear end side of the optical connector 3. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a single-core optical fiber is adopted as the optical fiber 4. Between the pair of elements 31c and 321 of the clamp part 32, an optical fiber 38 inserted and fixed to the ferrule 31 (hereinafter also referred to as a ferrule side optical fiber) is a protruding part that protrudes from the rear end of the ferrule 31. 38a is inserted, and when the optical fiber 4 is inserted between the pair of elements 31c and 321 from the rear end side of the clamp portion 32, the optical fiber 38 (specifically, the protruding portion 38a) is butt-connected. can do.
In addition, as an optical fiber, it is not limited to an optical fiber core wire, For example, an optical fiber strand, an optical fiber cord, etc. are employable.

  That is, in order to connect the optical fibers 4 and 38 in the clamp portion 32, the pair of elements 31 c and 321 of the clamp portion 32 are connected from the rear end side of the clamp portion 32 to the end where the bare optical fiber 4 a is exposed. Are inserted into grooves 325a and 325b formed on one or both mating surfaces (here, both the mating surface 324a of the element 31c and the mating surface 324b of the element 321b; see FIGS. 6 and 8). . The grooves 325a and 325b are formed at positions just facing each other between the pair of elements 31c and 321. When the covering portion of the optical fiber 4 is accommodated and the wedge 22 is detached from the clamp portion 32, The coated portion of the optical fiber 4 can be firmly clamped by the elasticity (clamping force) of the spring 322.

  The grooves 325 a and 325 b are formed so as to extend from the opening 325 c opened at the rear end of the clamp portion 32 toward the ferrule 31, and the end on the ferrule 31 side is a pair of the clamp portion 32. The alignment grooves 323 formed on one or both mating surfaces of the elements 31c and 321 (here, only the mating surface 324a of the element 31c) communicate with each other. In the aligning groove 323, the ferrule side optical fiber 38 (bare optical fiber in this case) is accommodated and precisely positioned and aligned. When the optical fiber 4 pushed into the grooves 325a and 325b is pushed further toward the ferrule 31, the bare optical fiber 4a at the tip of the optical fiber 4 can be inserted into the alignment groove 323 from the grooves 325a and 325b. In the aligning groove 323, the ferrule-side optical fiber 38 (specifically, the tip of the protruding portion 38a) can be butt-connected in a state where the alignment is precisely positioned by the aligning accuracy of the aligning groove 323. it can.

When the butt connection between the optical fibers 4 and 38 is completed, the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component 2 is detached from the optical connector 3. This detachment operation may be performed by pushing the detachment component 23 into the wedged component 21 to detach the wedged component 21 from the optical connector 3 (see FIGS. 9A and 9B).
That is, for example, when the user pushes the operating part 232 of the detaching part 23 with a finger, the user pushes the detaching part 23 against the wedged part 21. Increase the amount of insertion. That is, before the pushing of the detaching part 23 into the wedged part 21, the outer surface of the protruding wall 213 a on the side where the operation part 232 of the detaching part 23 is disposed is out of the pair of protruding walls 213 of the wedged part 21. An exposed length L (see FIG. 4A) of the detachable insertion piece 231 is secured between the operating portion 232, but the detachable component 23 is configured to press the operating portion 232 toward the protruding wall 213a. The exposure length is reduced or eliminated by pressing. As a result, the taper portion 236 of the insertion piece 231 for removal is inserted between the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 21 (specifically, the base portion 212) so as to be inserted, The wedged component 21 and the optical connector 3 are pushed open.

When the maximum dimension portion of the tapered portion 236, that is, the portion with the largest thickness of the tapered portion 236 is inserted between the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 21 (specifically, the base portion 212), the wedged component 21 is pulled out from between the pair of elements 31c and 321 and is clamped and fixed by the elasticity of the spring 322 so that the optical fibers 4 and 38 are sandwiched between the pair of elements 31c and 321. The connection state between 4, 38 is maintained stably. Thereby, the optical connector 3 is assembled at the tip of the optical fiber 4.
Even if the wedge 22 of the wedged component 21 comes out from between the pair of elements 31c and 321, the optical connector 3 is held between the pair of protruding walls 213, but between the pair of protruding walls 213. The optical connector 3 can be easily removed from the connector with a small force.

  According to the optical connector 1 with wedge parts and the wedge insertion / removal part 2 for optical connectors according to the present invention, the optical connector 3 can be assembled at the tip of the optical fiber 4 without using a conventional dedicated tool. Further, the wedge insertion / removal component 2 for the optical connector has a very simple structure and can be manufactured at a low cost, so that a significant reduction in size and cost can be realized as compared with the case of using a dedicated tool. Further, the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component 2 is attached to the optical connector 3, the optical fiber 4 is inserted into the clamp portion 32, and then the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component 2 is detached from the optical connector 3. Since assembly of the optical connector 3 to the tip of the fiber 4 can be realized, the work of positioning and supporting the optical connector precisely by inserting the optical connector into the holder portion, which is necessary when using a conventional dedicated tool, is not required. It will also be very easy.

  By the way, in this optical connector 1 with a wedge part, in a state where the wedge 22 is interrupted between the elements 31c and 321 of the clamp part 32 of the optical connector 3, the wedge 22 is elastic of the spring 322 of the clamp part 32. Is clamped between the elements 31c and 321 and is not easily pulled out. Therefore, the wedged component 21 is not easily dropped from the optical connector 3, but the wedged component 21 is directly pulled by fingers. Even if an attempt is made to leave the optical connector 3, the removal is not easy. However, in the wedged optical connector 1 and the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component 2 according to the present invention, the detachment member 23 is pushed in, so that the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 21 (specifically, the base portion 212) are connected. The taper portion 236 of the insertion piece 231 for removal is inserted between the optical connector 3 and the wedge portion 21 and the optical connector 3 are pushed open by the taper portion 236. Since the wedge 22 is extracted from between the elements 31c and 321 of the clamp portion 32, the force for pushing the detaching member 23 is compared with the case where the wedged component 21 is directly pulled by fingers. The wedged component 21 can be detached from the optical connector 3 with a light force.

  The optical connector 1 with a wedge part and the wedge insertion / removal part 2 for an optical connector can be formed in a small size. For example, the release member 23 is pushed in with a finger of a hand holding the wedged part 21 to be wedged. The part 21 can be detached from the optical connector 3 with one hand (for example, the wedged part 21 is held with a finger other than the thumb, and the operation part 232 of the separation part 23 is pushed in with the thumb). . Further, since the wedged component 21 can be detached from the optical connector 3 with a light force, the holding force for clamping and holding the wedge 22 between the elements 31c and 321 by the elasticity of the spring 322 of the clamp portion 32 of the optical connector 3 is achieved. There is also an advantage that it is possible to more reliably prevent the wedged component 21 from being accidentally dropped from the optical connector 3 before the detachment operation by operating the detachable component 23.

  In addition, since the clamp portion 32 of the optical connector 3 is composed of small-sized parts processed with high accuracy, the operation of opening the clamp portion 32 by press-fitting of the wedge or the extraction of the wedge from the clamp portion 32 is performed. In the operation, it is necessary not to cause inconveniences such as deformation of the elements 31c and 321 due to the inclination of the wedge with respect to the clamp portion 32, but the optical connector 1 with wedge parts and the optical connector wedge according to the present invention. The insertion / removal component 2 has an advantage that it is less likely to cause inconveniences such as deformation of the elements 31c and 321 while having a simple structure. For example, if the distortion of the elements 31c and 321 affects the alignment accuracy of the alignment groove 323, it may cause a slight misalignment between the optical fibers 4 and 38 that are aligned and aligned by the alignment groove 323. However, in the optical connector 1 with wedge parts and the wedge insertion / removal part 2 for optical connectors according to the present invention, such a disadvantage is hardly caused while the structure is simple. It is possible to ensure stable characteristics.

  For example, when the clamp portion 32 is opened, a wedge is obliquely inserted between the elements 31c and 321, or the wedge is forcibly pressed in while the wedge is misaligned with respect to the joint between the elements 31c and 321. If this is the case, there is a possibility that the elements 31c and 321 may be deformed, distorted, damaged or the like due to local concentration of the pressing force, but the optical connector 1 with wedge parts and the wedge insertion / removal part for optical connectors according to the present invention 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the optical connector 3 is pushed into the housing recess 211 between the pair of protruding walls 213 of the wedged component 21, whereby the wedge 22 of the wedged component 21 is clamped. The wedged component 21 can be assembled to the optical connector 3 by interposing between the 32 elements 31c and 321. At this time, the pair of protruding walls 213 sandwich the optical connector 3 from both sides. The order to fulfill its function as a guide member for positioning against the wedge 22 prevents the oblique feed of the wedge 22 relative between elements 31c, 321 of the clamping portion 32, there is no fear of damaging the element 31c, 321. Further, the fact that the wedge 22 is made of synthetic resin also contributes to preventing the elements 31c and 321 from being damaged. With this configuration, for example, even when the optical connector 1 with a wedge part is assembled by the optical connector 3 and the optical connector wedge insertion / removal part 2 at the site, the wedge 22 is interposed between the elements 31c and 321. The work of interrupting and releasing the clamp portion 32 can be performed without damaging the elements 31c and 321.

  Further, after the optical fiber 4 is inserted, the wedge 32 is pulled out from the clamp portion 32 to close the clamp portion 32, and the optical fibers 4 and 38 are clamped and held between the elements 31c and 321 while maintaining the butt connection state (wedge). (Pull-out operation), the twisting force or the like is applied from the wedge 22 to the elements 31c and 321 of the clamp part 32 so that the elements 31c and 321 are not deformed, distorted, or damaged. There is a need. In this respect, the optical connector 1 with wedge parts and the wedge insertion / removal part 2 for optical connectors according to the present invention operate the release part 23 while holding the optical connector 3 between the pair of protruding walls 213 of the part 21 with wedges. Accordingly, the wedge part 22 is extracted from the clamp part 32 of the optical connector 3 by causing the taper part 236 of the detachable part 23 to be inserted between the optical connector 3 and the wedged part 21 (specifically, the base part 212). Therefore, it is difficult to cause the wedge 22 to be pulled obliquely or to apply a twisting force to the clamp portion 32 of the optical connector 3 during the extraction operation of the wedge 22, and the element 31c during the extraction operation. 321 is unlikely to occur. Further, if the wedge 31 can be pulled out without applying unnecessary stress to the elements 31c and 321, the optical fibers 4 and 38 are displaced in the clamp portion 32, the element is misaligned, etc. It is possible to reliably prevent a clamping failure such that a clamping force is unevenly distributed in a part of the optical fibers 4 and 38.

The detachment component 23 accommodates two wedges 22 protruding from the wedged component 21 in a slit 233 secured between the three detachment insertion pieces 231a, 231b, and 231c adjacent to each other. As described above, the two wedges 22 and the inner surfaces of the opening portions 214 of the protruding walls 213 on both sides of the receiving recess 211 are used as guides while sliding on the bottom surface 211a of the receiving recess 211, to the wedged component 21. On the other hand, the sliding movement smoothly moves without causing a positional shift, and the tapered portion 236 pushes between the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 21 (specifically, the base portion 212). Therefore, it is difficult to cause the wedge 22 to be pulled out obliquely or to give a twisting force in the operation of extracting the wedge 22 from the clamp portion 32 of the optical connector 3, and the element 3 during the extraction operation. Disadvantage is less likely to occur, such as damage to the c, 321.
In addition, as a means for guiding the movement of the detachment part 23 with respect to the wedged part 21, at least one of a total of three of the wedge 22 and the pair of protruding walls 213 (specifically, the inner surface of the opening 214) is included. Two combinations may be used. In addition to the opening 214 of the pair of protruding walls 213 and the wedge 22, various configurations such as a guide groove formed in the base portion 2212 of the wedged component 21 and a guide protrusion formed outside the wedge 22 can be adopted. It is.

In the operation of pulling out the wedge, for example, in the clamp part 32, a clamp part (a cover-side element 321a and an extension part 31c formed of the lid-side element 321a on the ferrule 31 side of the two lid-side elements 321a and 321b Compared to the portion in which the optical fibers 4a and 38 are sandwiched therebetween), the clamp portion constituted by the lid-side element 321b and the extending portion 31c has completed the extraction of the wedge 22 in advance, and the lid-side element When the operation of clamping and holding the optical fibers 4a and 38 by the 321a and the extending portion 31c is after completion of the clamping and holding of the optical fiber 4 by the lid side element 321b and the extending portion 31c, the optical fibers 4a and 38 are used. Tends to be excessive, which may cause damage to the tips of the optical fibers 4a and 38.
However, in the optical connector 1 with wedge parts and the wedge insertion / removal part 2 for optical connectors according to the present invention, the three insertion pieces 231a, 231b, and 231c for detachment are caused by the sliding movement of the detachment insertion piece 231 with respect to the wedged part 21. Are formed between the base portion 212 of the wedged component 21 and the optical connector 3 at the same time, and the two wedges 22 have a pair of elements 31c and 321. Since the drawing from the gap is performed simultaneously, the operation of clamping and holding the optical fibers 4a and 38 by the lid-side element 321a and the extending portion 31c in the clamp portion 32 extends to the lid-side element 321b. It is difficult to cause a phenomenon such as after the completion of the clamp holding of the optical fiber 4 by the portion 31c.

  More specifically, the wedge 22 is a small protrusion-shaped insertion tip 22b that can be inserted between the pair of elements 31c and 321 of the clamp portion 32 at the projection tip of the wedge body 22a that protrudes from the wedged component 21. When the wedge 22 is inserted between the pair of elements 31c and 321 of the clamp portion 32 by pushing the optical connector 3 into the wedge 22, the wedge main body portion 22a of the wedge 22 and the insertion tip are inserted. When the elements 31c and 321 abut against the wedge main body 22a due to the step between the optical connector 3 and the portion 22b, further pushing of the optical connector 3 into the wedge 22 is restricted. That is, only the insertion tip portion 22 b is inserted between the pair of elements 31 c and 321 of the clamp portion 32 in the wedge 22, and the wedge main body portion 22 a is the limit of pushing the clamp portion 32 into the wedge 22. Functions as a stopper to set

For example, with respect to two wedges 22 protruding from the wedged component 21, if the protruding dimensions from the wedge main body portion 22a of the insertion tip 22b are different (in other words, the insertion depth with respect to the clamp portion 32 is different), Clamping of the optical fibers 4a and 38 by the lid-side element 321a and the extension part 31c when the detachable part 2 is operated and pushed between the wedged part 21 (specifically, the base part 212) and the optical connector 3 The holding can be completed prior to the clamp holding of the optical fiber 4 by the lid side element 321b and the extending portion 31c. For example, the wedge 22 inserted into the clamp portion related to the lid side element 321b on the rear end side of the insertion tip portion 22b is compared with the wedge 22 inserted into the clamp portion related to the lid side element 321a on the ferrule side. When the protruding dimension is increased (the amount of insertion into the clamp part 32 is increased), the clamp part related to the lid-side element 321a on the ferrule side is closed, and then the clamp part related to the lid-side element 321b on the rear end side is closed. Thus, the timing which closes about a some clamp part is controllable.
In this case, it is not necessary to change the formation position and shape of the tapered portion 236 of the three detaching insertion pieces 231a, 231b, and 231c of the detaching component 2, and the wedged component 21 (specifically, the base portion 212) The push-off between the optical connector 3 and the optical connector 3 may be such that the direction in which the wedge 22 is pulled out from the elements 31c and 321 is not inclined.

(Second Embodiment)
11 to 13 show a second embodiment of an optical connector with wedge parts and a wedge insertion / removal part for optical connectors according to the present invention.
The optical connector 5 with a wedge part shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 includes a wedged part 54 having a structure in which a wedge 53 projects from an upper surface 52 of a plate-like main body 51 (pedestal), and a plate formed in a substantially U-shape. In this structure, a detachable component 55 that is a shaped member is assembled to the optical connector 3. The optical connector wedge insertion / removal component 56 according to this embodiment includes a wedged component 54 and a removal component 55.

The wedged component 54 and the detachable component 55 are integrally molded products made of synthetic resin, but the material is not limited to synthetic resin, and may be a structure assembled by a plurality of members.
The two wedges 53 correspond to the two insertion openings 34 (34a, 34b) of the stop ring 34 (in other words, correspond to the two clamp portions corresponding to the two lid side elements of the clamp portion 32), Although protruding from a position where it can be inserted into the clamp portion 32, the number of wedges 53 and the protruding position on the main body 51 can be appropriately set according to the structure of the clamp portion 32 of the optical connector 3.
Further, when the lower surface 54 of the main body 51 facing the upper surface 52 is placed on the work table and the optical connector 3 is pushed into the wedge 53 protruding on the main body 51, the wedge 53 is easily attached to the clamp portion 32. Between the pair of elements 31c and 321. When the wedge 53 is inserted between the pair of elements 31c and 321, the state where the elements 31c and 321 are open is maintained (hereinafter, this state is also referred to as an open state for the clamp portion). In the state, the optical fiber 4 can be inserted between the elements 31c and 321. When the wedge 53 is interrupted between the pair of elements 31c and 321 of the clamp portion 32, the wedge 53 is held by the elasticity (clamping force) of the spring 322 of the clamp portion 32, whereby the wedged component 54 is directly pulled by fingers. Even if it is operated, it cannot be easily detached from the optical connector 3.

The detachable component 55 has a shape in which a pair of operation pieces 552a and 552b are extended from both sides of the elastic connecting portion 551, and the elastic connecting portion 551 forms a curved portion at the lower end of the “U” shape. The pair of operation pieces 552a and 552b correspond to two arm-shaped portions extending from the curved portion. The pair of operation pieces 552a and 552b are provided side by side with a space therebetween, and a space 553 having a size capable of accommodating the optical connector 3 is secured between the pair of operation pieces 552a and 552b.
In the optical connector 5 with a wedge part, the detaching part 55 is provided so as to stand on the upper surface 52 of the main body 51 of the wedged part 54 by accommodating the optical connector 3 in the space 553. A detachment insertion piece 554 that protrudes toward the opposing operation piece facing through the space 553 protrudes from the protruding end of each operation piece 552a, 552b of the detachment component 55 from the elastic coupling portion 551. The detaching part 55 is a wedged part attached to the optical connector 3 by inserting the detaching insertion piece 554 of the operation pieces 552a and 552b into the optical connector 3 and the wedge 53 into the clamp part 32, respectively. By attaching only the tip of the detachable insertion piece 554 between the upper surface 52 of the main body 51 of 54, the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 54 are attached. Here, the detachment insertion piece 554 maintains the state in which the tip thereof enters the gap 57 between the upper surface 52 of the main body 51 of the wedged component 54 and the optical connector 3, thereby enabling the detachment component. 55 is prevented from falling off the optical connector 5 with a wedge part, but a force that strongly pushes it into the gap 57 does not act, and a detachable part for assembling the optical connector 3 to the tip of the optical fiber 4 As long as the operation 55 is not performed, it does not serve to push open between the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 54.

In the optical connector 5 with wedge part, the optical fiber 4 is inserted into the clamp part 32 in the open state, and then the wedge 53 of the wedge part 54 is extracted from the clamp part 32 of the optical connector 3 by the operation of the detachment part 55 and clamped. The optical connector 3 to the tip of the optical fiber 4 is maintained by closing the portion 32 and maintaining the connection between the optical fibers 4 and 38 in the clamp portion 32 by holding the optical fibers 4 and 38 in the clamp portion 32. The assembly operation can be easily performed as in the optical connector 1 with wedge parts of the first embodiment described above.
Here, for the operation of the detachable component 55, for example, the user causes the pair of operation pieces 552a and 552b to approach each other with fingers. The detaching insertion piece 554 is formed in a taper shape that becomes thicker from the projecting proximal end to the projecting distal end from the operation pieces 552a and 552b. When pushed and interrupted between the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 54, the optical connector 3 is pushed open between the wedged component 54 and the wedge 53 of the wedged component 54 is clamped to the optical connector 3. Extract from part 32. When the wedge 53 is extracted from the clamp portion 32 of the optical connector 3, the wedged component 54 is detached from the optical connector 3, and the separation component 55 is also detached from the optical connector 3.
Note that the operation of bringing the pair of operation pieces 552a and 552b of the detachment component 55 closer to each other is performed against the elasticity of the elastic connection portion 551 of the detachment component 55. If this operation force is released, the elastic connection portion Needless to say, the operation pieces 552a and 552b return to their original positions (positions before operation) due to the elasticity of 551.

  In this optical connector 5 with a wedge part, the detaching insertion piece 554 protruding from the pair of operation pieces 552a and 552b of the detaching part 55 is replaced with the optical connector 3 and the wedged part 54 (specifically, the main body 51). The wedged component 54 is separated from the optical connector 3 so that the wedge 53 of the wedged component 54 has a relatively high clamping force at the clamp portion 32 of the optical connector 3. The wedged component 54 can be detached from the optical connector 3 with a light force. In particular, the detachable component 55 has a configuration in which the detachable insertion piece 554 at the tip of each of the operation pieces 552a and 552b on both sides is inserted between the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 54 via the elastic connecting portion 551. Yes, by making the pair of operation pieces 552a and 552b approach each other, the detaching insertion piece 554 is interrupted from both sides facing each other between the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 54 (specifically, the main body 51). Although the structure is very simple, the force for operating the pair of operation pieces 552a and 552b is applied to the gap 57 between the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 54 (specifically, the main body 51). As the pushing force of the detaching insertion piece 554, it can act efficiently, and it is necessary for the work of pushing between the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 54 (specifically, the main body 51). That force there is an advantage requires only a very lightly. Further, if the insertion piece 554 for detaching the pair of operation pieces 552a and 552b is inserted between the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 54 (specifically, the main body 51) from both sides facing each other, The connector 3 is practically subjected to a force in the direction of detaching from the wedged component 54 along the wedge 53, and has an advantage that an oblique force that damages the clamp portion 32 is difficult to act. is there.

  For example, the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component 56 can be assembled on the outside of the optical connector 3 at the site or the like and used to assemble the optical connector 5 with a wedge component.

Needless to say, the specific configurations of the wedged component 54 and the detachable component 55 are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the detachment component 55 is configured such that the detachment insertion pieces 554 formed one by one on the operation pieces 552a and 552b are positioned between the two wedges 53 of the wedged component 54 and the optical connector 3 and the wedged component. 54 (specifically, the main body 51) is pushed into the gap 57 to push open between the optical connector 3 and the wedged component 54 (specifically, the main body 51). Various configurations can be employed, such as one in which the detaching insertion piece is formed by a plurality of protruding pieces protruding from the tip of the operating piece, or one having an engagement portion for preventing the falling-off engagement with the wedged component 54. .
Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the optical connector with a wedge part configured to assemble the optical connector 3 for a single core at the tip of the single optical fiber, and the optical connector wedge insertion / removal part applied thereto are exemplified. The present invention is not limited to this, for example, with a wedge part configured to assemble a multi-fiber optical connector at the tip of a multi-fiber optical fiber (such as an optical fiber ribbon) or a plurality of single-core optical fibers. The present invention can also be applied to an optical connector and a wedge insertion / removal component for an optical connector applied thereto.

  Since it is possible to assemble the optical connector at the tip of the optical fiber even in a small working space, for example, an optical connector having a clamp portion in a device such as an extra length storage case for storing the extra length of the optical fiber, or The present invention can also be applied to products (equipment with optical connectors) in which an optical connector with wedge parts is incorporated in advance. If it is possible to open and close the optical connector clamp part using the optical connector wedge insertion / removal component while maintaining the state of being attached to the device, the optical connector can be connected to the tip of the optical fiber without removing the optical connector from the device. Since it can be assembled, workability can be improved.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the optical connector with a wedge component by 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the wedge insertion / removal component for optical connectors. It is a perspective view which shows the assembly state of the optical connector with a wedge component of FIG. It is a front view which shows the optical connector with a wedge component of FIG. It is a figure which shows the optical connector with a wedge component of FIG. 2, Comprising: (a) is sectional drawing, (b) is the figure seen from the lower surface side. It is a disassembled perspective view of the optical connector (optical connector plug) which comprises the optical connector with a wedge component of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the optical connector (optical connector plug) of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the ferrule with a clamp part incorporated in the optical connector of FIG. It is a figure which shows the mating surface of each element which comprises the clamp part of the ferrule with a clamp part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the effect | action of the optical connector with a wedge component of FIG. 1, and the wedge insertion / removal component for optical connectors, Comprising: (a) is a cross section which shows the state which extracted the wedge from the clamp part of the optical connector by pushing operation of a detachment | department component. FIG. 4B is a view of the state of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows before pushing the optical connector with respect to the accommodation recessed part of a wedged component in the process of attaching an optical connector with respect to the wedge insertion / removal component for optical connectors. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical connector with a wedge component by 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the wedge insertion / removal component for optical connectors. It is a front view which shows the optical connector with a wedge component of FIG. 11, and the wedge insertion / removal component for optical connectors. It is a top view which shows the optical connector with a wedge component of FIG. 11, and the wedge insertion / removal component for optical connectors.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical connector with wedge part, 2 ... Wedge insertion / removal part for optical connectors, 3 ... Optical connector, 4 ... Optical fiber, 4a ... Bare optical fiber, 21 ... Parts with wedge, 212 ... Base part, 213, 213a, 231b DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Projection wall, 214 ... Opening part, 22 ... Wedge, 23 ... Detachment part, 213 ... Detachment insertion piece, 232 ... Operation part, 234 ... Insertion arrangement part, 236 ... Taper part, 31 ... Ferrule, 31a ... Tip surface ( (Joint end face), 31c ... element (extension part), 32 ... clamp part, 321, 321a, 321b ... element (lid side element), 322 ... spring, 38 ... ferrule side optical fiber, 5 ... optical connector with wedge parts, 53 ... Wedge, 54 ... Wedge component, 55 ... Detachment component, 554 ... Detachment insert piece, 56 ... Wedge insertion / removal component for optical connector.

Claims (4)

The optical fiber projecting from the rear end side of the ferrule on the rear end side facing the front end surface (31a) for butt connection of the ferrule (31) having the optical fiber (38) fixed internally, and the optical fiber The other optical fibers (4, 4a) butt-connected to each other are clamped between the half-divided elements (31c, 321, 321a, 321b) by the elasticity of the spring (322), so that the connection state of the optical fibers is changed. An optical connector (3) having a clamp portion (32) for maintaining the other optical fiber between the elements by pushing between the elements by interrupting between the elements from the outside of the clamp section. A wedged part (21, 54) on which a wedge (22, 53) is projected to maintain a state in which it can be inserted and removed;
A detachable insertion piece inserted between the wedged component attached to the optical connector and the optical connector to which the wedged component is attached by inserting the wedge between the elements of the clamp portion of the optical connector. (231, 544) and an detachable part (23, 55) for pushing open between the wedged part and the optical connector and detaching the wedged part from the optical connector. Wedge insertion / removal parts (2, 56). The wedged component is inserted into the connector receiving area (211) between the projecting walls (213, 213a, 213b) projecting from opposite sides of the base (212) from which the wedge projects. It can accommodate the connector,
The protruding wall is inserted between the optical connector attached to the wedged component by inserting the wedge between the elements of the clamp portion, and the base part between the protruding insertion piece of the separating component. An opening (214) through which the insertion piece for removal to be inserted is inserted is formed,
The detachable insertion piece is moved by operating an operating portion (232) provided on a portion of the detachable insertion piece that protrudes from the connector housing region to the outer surface side of the protruding wall through the opening. 2. The wedge insertion for an optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the wedged component can be detached from the optical connector by pushing open between the wedged component and the optical connector. Departing parts. The detachable insertion piece of the detachable component includes an insertion arrangement portion (234) disposed between the optical connector in which the wedge is interrupted between elements of the clamp portion and the wedged component, and the light By inserting between the connector and the wedged component, a taper portion (236) is formed that pushes open between the optical connector and the wedged component to release the wedged component from the optical connector. And
When the insertion arrangement part of the separation part is disposed between the optical connector and the wedged part, the state where the wedge is interrupted between the elements of the clamp part of the optical connector is maintained, and the separation part is maintained. By moving the component and inserting the tapered portion between the optical connector and the wedged component, the tapered portion pushes and opens between the wedged component and the optical connector. 3. The optical connector wedge insertion / removal component according to claim 1, wherein the optical connector can be detached from the optical connector. 4. An optical fiber projecting from the rear end side of the ferrule and another optical fiber butt-connected to the optical fiber on the rear end side facing the front end surface for butt connection of the ferrule having an optical fiber fixed internally The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, on the outside of the optical connector having a clamp portion that maintains a connection state between the optical fibers by clamping between the halved elements by the elasticity of the spring. It is composed by assembling wedge insertion and removal parts for
The wedged component is attached to the optical connector by interposing the wedge between the elements of the clamp part,
The detachable component is attached to the optical connector with the detachable insertion piece inserted between the wedged component and the optical connector (1). 5).

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