JP2008003193A - Optical splitter housing and optical splitter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical splitter housing that facilitates optical wiring without causing sharp bends in a coated optical fiber and that excels in handleability and working efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: The disclosed optical splitter housing 1 is designed to branch an optical signal made incident from a single coated optical fiber into a multiple coated optical fiber and to house an optical multiplexer/demultiplexer for coupling an optical signal made incident from the multiple coated optical fiber to the single coated optical fiber. This optical splitter housing 1 is equipped with: a single core-end reinforcing cord fixing part 13 that is integrally formed with a wall in which an insertion hole for inserting the single coated optical fiber is formed and that is provided with an opening communicating with the insertion hole; floors 15b, 16, 17 on which the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer is fixed; and a multiple core-end reinforcing cord fixing part 20 on which the multiple coated optical fiber is fixed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention branches an optical signal incident from a single-core optical fiber into a multi-core optical fiber, and combines an optical signal incident from a multi-core optical fiber into a single-core optical fiber. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an optical splitter housing that accommodates a portion and an optical splitter including the optical splitter housing.

  Some conventional optical splitter modules use a silica-based waveguide optical circuit for the optical coupling / branching unit. The silica-based waveguide optical circuit has a fiber block having a V-groove substrate on one end in the length direction and a fiber core having a V-groove substrate on the other end. A multi-fiber ribbon optical fiber is used. The multi-core tape type optical fiber core wire is formed in a tape shape by arranging a plurality of single-core optical fiber core wires in parallel and coating them together. The quartz waveguide optical circuit and the two fiber blocks are housed in a case and protected. Further, outside the case, the coating of the multi-fiber ribbon optical fiber is peeled off to expose the single-core optical fiber (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, this technique is referred to as a first conventional example.

  In addition to the structure described above, the conventional optical splitter module has a protective tube covered at the base portion of the single-core optical fiber, and the multi-core tape-type optical fiber located outside the case. In some cases, a protective tube is covered over the entire length of a plurality of single-core optical fibers exposed by peeling off the sheath of the core wire leaving a base portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, this technique is referred to as a second conventional example.

JP 2002-221638 ([0021] to [0023], [0029], [0038], [0039], FIGS. 1 and 7)

  In the first conventional example described above, the mechanical strength of the base portion of the single-core optical fiber core and the multi-core tape optical fiber core, which are likely to cause steep bending, is weak, and the optical splitter module is carefully installed during optical wiring. There is a problem that handling and workability are not good. On the other hand, in the second conventional example, the mechanical strength is partially improved, but the mechanical strength is still weak in the portion where the single-core optical fiber core wire is exposed. For this reason, the load is likely to concentrate on the boundary between the portion where the protective tube is covered and the portion where the single-core optical fiber is exposed, thereby causing damage or disconnection of the single-core optical fiber at this boundary. Could occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an optical splitter housing and an optical splitter that can solve the above-described problems.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an optical splitter housing according to the first aspect of the present invention branches an optical signal incident from a single-core optical fiber into a multi-core optical fiber, and the multi-fiber optical fiber. A wall portion having a through hole through which the single-core optical fiber is passed, the optical splitter housing accommodating an optical coupling / branching unit that couples an optical signal incident from the line to the single-core optical fiber; And a first fixing part having an opening communicating with the through hole, a second fixing part to which the optical coupling / branching part is fixed, and the multi-core optical fiber core is fixed. And a third fixing portion.

  An optical splitter housing according to a second aspect of the present invention branches an optical signal incident from a single-core optical fiber into a multi-core optical fiber, and an optical signal incident from the multi-core optical fiber. Is formed integrally with a wall portion in which a through-hole is formed through which the single-core optical fiber core wire is passed. A first fixed portion having an opening communicating with the through hole, a second fixed portion to which the optical coupling / branching portion is fixed, and a plurality of single cores obtained by separating the multi-core optical fiber core from a single core A plurality of tubes through which the optical fiber core wires are respectively connected are arranged in a predetermined number and fixed with a third fixing portion.

The invention according to claim 3 relates to the optical splitter housing according to claim 2, wherein the third fixing portion has a stepped shape, and the predetermined tubes are respectively inserted and fixed. A plurality of openings are formed in each step.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the optical splitter housing according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the second fixing portion is fixed to a case in which the optical coupling / branching portion is accommodated. It is characterized by being formed.

  An optical splitter according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is inserted into the optical splitter housing according to any one of the second to fourth aspects and the through hole, and the single-core optical fiber core wire is passed therethrough. The plurality of tubes through which the tube, the tensile strength fiber covering the tube, the single-core-side reinforcing cord including the cord sheath covering the tensile strength fiber, and the plurality of single-core optical fiber core wires separated from the single core are respectively connected. A multi-fiber side reinforcing cord including a tensile strength fiber covering the plurality of tubes, a cord sheath covering the tensile strength fiber, the single-core optical fiber core wire, and the multi-core optical fiber core wire are bonded. And a light combining / branching portion.

  According to the present invention, since the entire length of the optical splitter module is reinforced, there is no portion exposed by the optical fiber core wire, and the mechanical strength is improved. As a result, there is little risk of damage or disconnection of the optical fiber core wire. In addition, optical wiring can be easily performed without causing a sharp bend in the optical fiber core wire. Accordingly, handling and workability are improved.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an external configuration of an optical splitter housing 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an external configuration of the optical splitter module 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the optical splitter in which the optical splitter housing 1 shown in FIG. 1 is accommodated with the optical splitter module 2 shown in FIG. . FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion A shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the multi-core reinforcing cord fixing portion 20 constituting the optical splitter housing 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view including an AA cross section of the multi-core reinforcing cord fixing portion 20 shown in FIG.

  The optical splitter housing 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is generally configured by a lower case 11 and an upper case 12. The lower case 11 and the upper case 12 are formed by injection molding or extrusion molding using, for example, a synthetic resin such as ABS resin, polypropylene, or polystyrene as a raw material. Further, either one or both of the lower case 11 and the upper case 12 is made of a metal or an alloy such as aluminum (Al), stainless steel, brass, or the like, a shell mold by press working, die casting or powder metallurgy, or an appropriate block. It may be formed by cutting, forging, extrusion molding or the like.

  A single-core reinforcing cord fixing portion 13 is formed integrally with the lower case 11 at the approximate center of the outer surface 11aa of the wall portion 11a of the lower case 11. The single-core reinforcing cord fixing portion 13 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a plurality of grooves 13a are formed on the outer periphery thereof. The opening 13b of the single-core reinforcing cord fixing part 13 communicates with a through hole 11ba formed in the inner side surface 11ab of the wall part 11a of the lower case 11.

  A pair of wall portions 14 are formed on the floor portion 15 in contact with the inner side surface 11ab of the wall portion 11a of the lower case 11 so as to be symmetric with respect to a material axis passing through the through hole 11ba. Each wall portion 14 is configured by connecting a first wall portion 14a and a second wall portion 14b formed in parallel with the material axis via a third wall portion 14c formed orthogonal to the material axis. Has been. Each end portion 14ab of the first wall portion 14a of the pair of wall portions 14 is in contact with the inner side surface 11b of the lower case 11.

The floor portion 15a surrounded by each first wall portion 14a and each third wall portion 14c is (1) larger in area than the floor portion 15b surrounded by each second wall portion 14b. 2) It is formed slightly higher. First, the reason for the configuration (1) is that the single-core optical fiber core wire 21 constituting the optical splitter module 2 is connected to the tube 31 constituting the single-core reinforcing cord 3 exposed from the through hole 11ba ( This is because the workability at the time of insertion) is taken into consideration, and a space is filled with an adhesive for fixing the single-core optical fiber core wire 21 and the tube 31 on the floor portion 15a. The reason for the configuration (2) is that the center of the single-core optical fiber 21 and the center of the tube 31 are made to coincide with each other, so that the single-core optical fiber 21 is not bent in the tube 31. It is for letting it pass. An example of the adhesive is an epoxy adhesive. The same applies to the adhesive shown below.
The distance between the second wall portion 14b and the second wall portion 14b is formed to be slightly wider than the width of the case 22 constituting the optical splitter module 2, and the optical splitter module 2 is disposed in the lower case 11 of the optical splitter housing 1. It plays a role of positioning when housing.

  The floor portion 16 that is continuous with the floor portion 15 is configured such that the optical splitter module 2 is placed and is fixed by an adhesive or the like. A pair of wall portions 18 are formed at the approximate center of the floor portion 17 continuous with the floor portion 16 so as to be symmetric with respect to the material axis passing through the through hole 11ba. Each wall portion 18 includes a first wall portion 18a formed in parallel with the material axis and a connection portion between the corresponding first wall portion 18a and the inner side surface 11ac and wall portion 11d of the wall portion 11c of the lower case 11. The second wall portion 18b extends obliquely toward the side surface 11ad and contacts the inner side surfaces 11ac and 11ad.

  The interval between the first wall portion 18b and the first wall portion 18b is slightly smaller than the width of the case 22 constituting the optical splitter module 2 in the same manner as the interval between the second wall portion 14b and the second wall portion 14b. It is widely formed and plays a role of positioning when the optical splitter module 2 is accommodated in the lower case 11 of the optical splitter housing 1.

  Also, the reason why the distance between the second wall portion 18b and the second wall portion 18b is widened toward the end is that a plurality of optical fiber core wires 23 constituting the optical splitter module 2 are separated on the multi-fiber side. Considering workability when passing through (inserting) the plurality of tubes 41 constituting the cord 4, and securing a space for filling the adhesive for fixing the optical connector or the like on the floor portion 17. Because.

  A multi-core reinforcing cord fixing portion 20 is formed on the floor portion 19 continuous with the floor portion 17 at a predetermined distance from each end portion 18ba of each first wall portion 18b. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the multi-core reinforcing cord fixing portion 20 includes a lower step portion 20a, a first side surface portion 20b, an upper step portion 20c, and a second side surface portion 20d on the side facing the pair of wall portions 18. Each step is formed, and a step portion 20e and a side surface portion 20f are formed on the side of the lower case 11 facing the opening portion 11e.

  In the side surface portion 20f, four opening portions 20fa to 20fd having a rectangular shape are formed at predetermined intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions. The openings 20fa and 20fb communicate with the openings 20aa and 20ab respectively formed at the connection portion between the lower step portion 20a and the first side surface portion 20b. The openings 20fc and 20fd communicate with the openings 20ca and 20cb respectively formed at the connection portion between the upper step portion 20c and the second side surface portion 20d.

  In the multi-core reinforcing cord fixing portion 20, the widths of the openings 20 fa to 20 fd formed in the side surface portion 20 f are each slightly wider than four times the diameter of the tube 41 constituting the multi-core reinforcing cord 4. Has been. Therefore, a maximum of four tubes 41 can be juxtaposed in each of the openings 20fa to 20fd. That is, in the entire optical splitter housing 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a maximum of 16 tubes 41 can be arranged in parallel, so various optical splitters having different numbers of branches (for example, two-branch type, four-branch type). Optical splitter module having a type, an 8-branch type, a 16-branch type, etc. can be accommodated, and is highly versatile.

  In addition, the multi-fiber side reinforcing cord fixing portion 20 has a predetermined opening at each end 41a of the plurality of tubes 41 constituting the multi-fiber side reinforcing cord 4 when the multi-fiber side reinforcing cord 4 is accommodated. By inserting it into any one of 20fa to 20fd, it can be correctly aligned, and a plurality of tubes 41 can be temporarily fixed together.

  As a result, the operator can connect any one of the plurality of optical fiber cores 23 separated from each other to configure the optical splitter module 2 to any of the plurality of tubes 41 that configure the multi-core reinforcing cord 4 ( It is possible to recognize at a glance whether it should be inserted (through) and whether it is connected (through). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent erroneous insertion of the optical fiber core wire that should not be normally passed (inserted). Since the plurality of tubes 41 are temporarily fixed together, the plurality of optical fiber core wires 23 are not intertwined, and a line (insertion) operation can be performed, so that workability is improved.

  In that case, in the vicinity of each of the openings 20aa and 20ab of the first side face 20b, in the vicinity of each of the openings 20ca and 20cb of the second side face 20d, in the vicinity of each of the openings 20fa to 20fd of the side face 20f, A number, a symbol, a color, or the like assigned to identify the plurality of tubes 41 to be inserted into each opening may be written. If comprised in this way, while being able to prevent an erroneous connection line reliably, workability | operativity improves more. In addition, since the length of the upper step portion 20c in the material axis direction is shorter than the length of the lower step portion 20a in the material axis direction, this configuration can also reliably prevent the above-described erroneous insertion and improve workability. improves.

  A plurality of (four in the example of FIGS. 1 and 3) fitting holes 11fa and 11ga are formed at predetermined intervals along the material axis direction at the upper ends of the wall portions 11f and 11g of the lower case 11. Yes. On the other hand, the lower portions of the end portions 12a and 12b in the material axis direction of the upper case 12 are fitted into a plurality of fitting holes 11fa and 11ga formed at the upper ends of the wall portions 11f and 11g of the lower case 11, respectively. A plurality of fitting claws 12c are formed. In FIG. 1, only a plurality of fitting claws 12 c formed at the lower part of the end portion 12 a of the upper case 12 are shown. In addition, a hanging part 12 e to be inserted into the opening 11 e of the lower case 11 is formed at the lower part of the lower end 12 d of the upper case 12. The length of the hanging portion 12e is formed to be shorter than the height of the opening 11e of the lower case 11 by the thickness of the multi-core reinforcing cord 4.

  Next, the configuration of the optical splitter module 2 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The optical splitter module 2 is an eight-fiber branch type, and a single-core optical fiber core wire 21, a case 22 in which the optical coupling / branching portion 24 shown in FIG. And a plurality of optical fiber core wires 23. The single optical fiber core wire 21 and each optical fiber core wire 23 have a diameter of about 0.25 mm, for example, are made of plastic such as quartz glass or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), and transmit optical signals. Note that the number of propagation modes of the single-core optical fiber 21 and each optical fiber 23 may be either single mode or multimode.

  The case 22 is obtained by processing a plate metal such as aluminum (Al), and the size thereof is, for example, about 4 × 4 × 40 mm. The case 22 accommodates the optical coupling / branching unit 24 shown in FIG. The optical coupling / branching unit 24 is made of, for example, a silica-based waveguide optical circuit, and optical waveguides 24a to 24g, 24da, 24db, 24ea, 24eb, 24fa, 24fb, 24ga, and 24gb are formed.

  A single-core optical fiber 21 having a predetermined length is joined to one end of the optical waveguide 24a. One end of the optical waveguide 24b and one end of the optical waveguide 24c are connected to the other end of the optical waveguide 24a, respectively, and the optical waveguides 24a to 24c are substantially Y-shaped. One end of the optical waveguide 24d and one end of the optical waveguide 24e are connected to the other end of the optical waveguide 24b, respectively, and the optical waveguides 24b, 24d, and 24e are substantially Y-shaped.

  One end of the optical waveguide 24f and one end of the optical waveguide 24g are connected to the other end of the optical waveguide 24c, respectively, and the optical waveguides 24c, 24f, and 24g are substantially Y-shaped. One end of the optical waveguide 24da and one end of the optical waveguide 24db are connected to the other end of the optical waveguide 24d, and the optical waveguides 24d, 24da, and 24db have a substantially Y shape. One end of the optical waveguide 24ea and one end of the optical waveguide 24eb are connected to the other end of the optical waveguide 24e, respectively, and the optical waveguides 24e, 24ea, and 24eb are substantially Y-shaped.

  One end of the optical waveguide 24fa and one end of the optical waveguide 24fb are connected to the other end of the optical waveguide 24f, respectively, and the optical waveguides 24f, 24fa, and 24fb are substantially Y-shaped. One end of the optical waveguide 24ga and one end of the optical waveguide 24gb are connected to the other end of the optical waveguide 24g, respectively, and the optical waveguides 24g, 24ga, and 24gb are substantially Y-shaped. Optical fiber cores 23 having a predetermined length are joined to the other ends of the optical waveguides 24da, 24db, 24ea, 24eb, 24fa, 24fb, 24ga and 24gb, respectively. In the optical combining / branching unit 24, the optical signal incident from the single-core optical fiber core wire 21 is divided equally every time it passes through the branching point of each optical waveguide, and finally divided into eight equal parts and emitted. The light enters the optical fiber core 23 of the book.

  Next, a schematic configuration of the single-core reinforcing cord 3 will be described with reference to a cross-sectional view shown in FIG. The single-core-side reinforcing cord 3 includes a tube 31, a tensile strength fiber 32 that covers the tube 31, and a cord sheath 33 that covers the tensile strength fiber 32. The tube 31 has, for example, a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of about 0.9 mm, and is made of synthetic fiber such as nylon, synthetic resin, or the like. As a material of the tensile strength fiber 32, for example, a metal such as piano wire, glass, or a composite of fibers such as glass, carbon, and boron (FRP) can be used. Further, as a material of the tensile strength fiber 32, an organic fiber such as an aramid fiber or a PBO (polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole) fiber can be used. The organic fiber is suitable as a material for the tensile strength fiber 32 because it has excellent flexibility and sufficient strength. The tensile strength fiber 32 may be filled with a filler made of synthetic resin or the like. In this case, fiber dispersion can be prevented. The cord sheath 33 has, for example, a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of about 2 mm and is made of a synthetic resin such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). On the other hand, the multi-core reinforcing cord 4 is configured by arranging eight single-core reinforcing cords 3 having the above configuration in parallel.

  Next, an assembling method of the optical splitter having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. First, after attaching the rubber boot 5, the caulking part 61 (see FIG. 9) and the caulking ring 62 (see FIG. 10) to the single-strand reinforcing cord 3 having a predetermined length, the single-strand reinforcing cord 3 is connected to one end thereof. The cord sheath 33 is peeled off from the portion by a predetermined length to expose the tensile fiber 32 and the tube 31. Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the exposed tube 31 of the single core side reinforcing cord 3 is inserted into the opening 13b of the single core side reinforcing cord fixing portion 13 constituting the lower case 11 of the optical splitter housing 1, As shown in FIG. 3, it protrudes from the through-hole 11ba drilled in the inner surface 11b of the lower case 11. In FIG. 9, the lower case 11 is not shown.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, in the state where the caulking component 61 is loosely fitted to the outer periphery of the single-core reinforcing cord fixing portion 13, the outer periphery of the single-core reinforcing cord fixing portion 13 and the inner periphery of the caulking component 61 are After the exposed and loosened tensile strength fiber 32 of the single-core reinforcing cord 3 is sandwiched in the gap, the crimping component 61 is crimped to fix the tensile strength fiber 32 to the outer periphery of the single-core reinforcing cord fixing portion 13. .

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10, after the cord sheath 33 from which the single-core reinforcing cord 3 has been peeled is wound around the outer periphery of the base 61 b of the crimped crimping part 61 a, the crimping ring 62 is loosely fitted to the crimping ring 62. The cord sheath 33 is fixed to the outer periphery of the base 61aa of the crimped component 61a that has been crimped. Finally, the rubber boot 5 is put on the outer periphery of the crimped caulking part 61 a and the outer periphery of the crimped caulking ring 62.

  On the other hand, the multi-core reinforcing cord 4 having a predetermined length is peeled off the cord sheath 43 and the tensile fiber 42 by a predetermined length from one end thereof to expose the eight tubes 41. Next, the eight exposed tubes 41 of the multi-fiber reinforcement cord 4 are connected to the two openings 20fa and 20fb of the multi-fiber reinforcement cord fixing portion 20 that constitutes the lower case 11 of the optical splitter housing 1. One by one is inserted and protruded from the openings 20aa and 20ab, as shown in FIGS.

  Next, an optical splitter module is provided between the second wall portion 14b and the second wall portion 14b of the lower case 11 of the optical splitter housing 1 and between the floor portion 16 and the first wall portion 18b and the first wall portion 18b. 2, the end portion of the single-core optical fiber core wire 21 constituting the optical splitter module 2 is connected (inserted) to the tube 31 constituting the single-core reinforcing cord 3 exposed from the through-hole 11ba. Then, the end of the single-core optical fiber 21 is projected from the other end (not shown) of the single-core reinforcing cord 3. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the eight optical fiber core wires 23 separated from each other constituting the optical splitter module 2 are connected to the two openings 20 fa and the multi-fiber side reinforcing cord fixing portion 20. Each of the eight tubes 41 constituting the multi-core reinforcing cord 4 protruding from 20 fb is inserted (passed), and eight optical fiber core wires are connected from the other end (not shown) of the multi-fiber reinforcing cord 4. Each end of 23 is projected.

  Next, by filling the floor portion 15a surrounded by each first wall portion 14a and each third wall portion 14c with an adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive, the single-core optical fiber core wire 21 and the tube 31 are filled. Is fixed to the floor portion 15a. Similarly, the optical splitter module 2 is fixed to the floor 16 by filling the floor 16 with an adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive.

  By filling the floor portion 17 surrounded by the second wall portion 18b and the second wall portion 18b with an adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive, the eight optical fiber core wires 23 and 8 separated from each other as described above are separated. The tube 41 is fixed to the floor portion 17. Further, by filling the floor portion 19 from the multi-core reinforcing cord fixing portion 20 to the opening portion 11e with an adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive, the eight tubes 41 constituting the multi-core reinforcing cord 4; The tensile strength fiber 42 and the cord sheath 43 are respectively fixed to the floor portion 19.

  Next, a plurality of fitting claws 12c formed at the lower portions of the end portions 12a and 12b of the upper case 12 are replaced with a plurality of fittings formed at the upper ends of the wall portions 11f and 11g of the lower case 11, respectively. It fits in the joint holes 11fa and 11ga. Then, an optical connector (not shown) is attached to the end of the single-core optical fiber core 21 protruding from the other end (not shown) of the single-core reinforcing cord 3, and a single-core optical fiber cable is laid. Is fitted to an optical connector attached to one end (not shown). On the other hand, an optical connector (not shown) is attached to the ends of the eight optical fiber cores 23 projecting from the other end (not shown) of the multi-core reinforcing cord 4, and the eight cables are laid. It is made to fit in the optical connector with which each one end part (all are not shown) of the single core optical fiber cable is mounted | worn.

  Thus, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the optical splitter module 2 including the single optical fiber core 21 and the eight optical fiber core wires 23 separated from each other is reinforced over the entire length. Therefore, there are no exposed portions of the single-core optical fiber core 21 and the eight optical fiber core wires 23, and the mechanical strength is improved. As a result, there is little possibility that the single-core optical fiber core 21 and the eight optical fiber core wires 23 are damaged or disconnected. Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the rubber boot 5 is attached to one end of the single-core reinforcing cord 3, the single-core optical fiber core wire 21 can be easily lightened without causing sharp bending. Wiring can be done. Accordingly, handling and workability are improved.

  In addition, when reinforcing over the entire length of the optical splitter module including the single-core optical fiber core wire and the plurality of optical fiber core wires separated from each other, a tube is formed over the entire length of the optical splitter module when the optical splitter module is manufactured. Or coding. However, if an optical splitter module subjected to such special processing is manufactured, costs are increased. In addition, the optical splitter module is usually removed once for some reason even if it is once installed. In such a case, the mechanical strength against pulling, compression, impact, etc. is insufficient with the above configuration alone. Yes, handling and workability are not good.

  On the other hand, according to the embodiment of the present invention, even a general optical splitter module that is commercially available and has not been subjected to the above special processing, by performing post-processing according to the intended use, Since it can be reinforced over the entire length of the optical splitter module including a single optical fiber core and a plurality of optical fiber cores separated from each other, cost, versatility, and space saving It can be said that it is excellent. Further, there is an advantage that flexible optical wiring can be performed according to the situation of the site where the optical splitter module is installed.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessary to accommodate an extra optical fiber core wire (hereinafter referred to as “extra length portion”) inside the optical splitter housing 1, so that the optical splitter housing 1 can be reduced in size. Can be configured. Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the single-core optical fiber cable laid and the single-core optical fiber core 21 and the eight optical fiber cores 23 constituting the optical splitter module 2 are an optical connector. Because it is connected via, there is little loss.

  The reason will be described below. That is, normally, the single-core optical fiber and the plural optical fibers constituting the optical splitter module are fusion-bonded to the other end of the single-core optical fiber having an optical connector attached to one end. After that, the fusion splicing portion, the case constituting the optical splitter module, and the extra length portion of the single-core optical fiber generated at the time of the splicing are bundled and accommodated in a substantially rectangular housing box for protection. In this case, if the surplus portion is bundled to a diameter of 30 mm or a diameter of 60 mm or less, bending loss occurs, so the size of the storage box needs to be increased. On the other hand, according to the embodiment of the present invention, by having the above configuration, the optical splitter housing 1 can be configured in a small size for the reason described above.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within a scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are possible. Even if it exists, it is included in this invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the single-core optical fiber core is formed by filling the floor portion 15a surrounded by the first wall portions 14a and the third wall portions 14c with an adhesive such as an epoxy-based adhesive. Although the example which fixes the wire | line 21 and the said tube 31 to the said floor part 15a was shown, it is not limited to this. For example, after the optical splitter module 2 is accommodated in the lower case 11, the entire optical splitter module 2 is fixed to the lower case 11 by filling the floor portions 15 to 17 of the lower case 11 with an adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive. You may make it do.

  Moreover, in embodiment mentioned above, although the fitting nail | claw 12a formed in the upper case 12 showed the example joined by making it fit to the corresponding fitting holes 11fa and 11ga formed in the lower case 11, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The upper case 12 and the lower case 11 may be joined using a joining member such as a screw, an adhesive, or a so-called surface fastener, or may be joined by a fusion process.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the eight optical fiber core wires 23 in which the multi-core reinforcing cord 4 is separated from the single core is configured to be insertable has been described. By arranging in parallel or stacked according to the number of branches of the splitter module 2, it is possible to deal with various numbers of branches. Moreover, by changing the size of each of the multi-core reinforcing cord 4 and the tube 41 depending on the application, the tape-type optical fiber core wire is not separated into a single core, and is encoded and variously used. The form can be reinforced over the entire length of the optical splitter module 2.

  Specific examples of encoding include the following. First, the multi-core reinforcing cord is composed of a tube having a square shape into which an 8-fiber ribbon optical fiber can be inserted, a tensile fiber covering the tube, and a cord sheath covering the tensile fiber. Prepare. On the other hand, the multi-fiber side reinforcing cord fixing portion of the lower case 11 is also shaped to fix the multi-fiber side reinforcing cord. And after fixing the said multi-fiber side reinforcement cord to the multi-fiber side reinforcement cord fixing part of the lower case 11, the one end part of an 8-core tape type optical fiber core wire is passed as it is. In addition, the other end of the 8-fiber ribbon optical fiber is fusion-bonded to the 8-fiber fan-out cord, so that the 8-fiber ribbon is immediately before the device to which each fiber is connected. Can be separated.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the example using the single core side reinforcement cord 3 and the multi-fiber side reinforcement cord 4 was shown, it is not limited to this. For example, when the optical splitter is installed in a place where it is hardly removed once, it is replaced with one or both of the single-core reinforcing cord 3 and the multi-core reinforcing cord 4 and the second conventional art. Only a protective tube as in the example may be used.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the optical splitter module 2 in which the optical coupling / branching unit 24 in which the single-core optical fiber 21 and the plurality of optical fibers 23 are joined is accommodated in the case 22 is used as the optical splitter housing 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the optical coupling / branching unit 24 to which the single-core optical fiber core 21 and the plurality of optical fiber cores 23 are joined can be directly accommodated in the optical splitter housing 3. good.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the optical splitter housing which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the external appearance structure of an optical splitter module. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure in the state which removed the upper case of the optical splitter housing in the optical splitter which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged view of the part of A shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a multi-fiber reinforcing cord fixing portion that constitutes the optical splitter housing shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view containing the AA cross section of the multi-fiber side reinforcement cord fixing | fixed part shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a structure of an optical combining branch part. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of a single core side reinforcement cord. It is the schematic for demonstrating the method to fix a single core side reinforcement cord to the single core side reinforcement cord fixing part shown in FIG. It is the schematic for demonstrating the method to fix a single core side reinforcement cord to the single core side reinforcement cord fixing part shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion B shown in FIG. 3. It is the expansion perspective view seen from the angle different from FIG. 11 of the part of B shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical splitter housing 2 Optical splitter module 3 Single fiber side reinforcement cord 4 Multi fiber side reinforcement cord 5 Rubber boot 11 Lower case 11a, 11b, 11c Wall part 11aa Outer side surface 11ab, 11ac, 11ad Inner side surface 11ba Through-hole
11e, 13b, 20aa, 20ab, 20ca, 20cb, 20fa-20fd Opening 11f, 11g, 14, 18 Wall 11fa, 11ga Fitting hole 12 Upper case 12a, 12b End 12c Fitting claw 12d Lower end 12e Hanging part 13 Single-core reinforcing cord fixing part (first fixing part)
13a Groove 14a, 18a 1st wall part 14ab, 43a End part 14b, 18b 2nd wall part 14c 3rd wall part 15, 15a, 19 Floor part 15b, 16, 17 Floor part (2nd fixing | fixed part)
20 Multi-core reinforcing cord fixing part (third fixing part)
20a Lower step portion 20b First side surface portion 20c Upper step portion 20d Second side surface portion 20e Step portion 20f Side surface portion 21 Single-core optical fiber core 22 Case 23 Optical fiber core wire 24 Optical coupling portion 24a to 24g, 24da, 24db, 24ea, 24eb, 24fa, 24fb, 24ga, 24gb Optical waveguide 31, 41 Tube 32, 42 Tensile fiber 33 Cord sheath 51 Cylindrical part 61 Caulking part 61a Crimped caulking ring 62 Caulking ring

Claims (5)

An optical coupling / branching unit for branching an optical signal incident from a single-core optical fiber into a multi-core optical fiber and coupling an optical signal incident from the multi-core optical fiber to the single-core optical fiber. An optical splitter housing for receiving,
A first fixing portion formed integrally with a wall portion in which a through hole is formed through which the single-core optical fiber core wire is passed, and having an opening communicating with the through hole;
A second fixing part to which the optical coupling part is fixed;
And a third fixing portion to which the multi-core optical fiber is fixed. An optical coupling / branching unit for branching an optical signal incident from a single-core optical fiber into a multi-core optical fiber and coupling an optical signal incident from the multi-core optical fiber to the single-core optical fiber. An optical splitter housing for receiving,
A first fixing portion formed integrally with a wall portion in which a through hole is formed through which the single-core optical fiber core wire is passed, and having an opening communicating with the through hole;
A second fixing part to which the optical coupling part is fixed;
A plurality of tubes through which a plurality of single-core optical fiber cores obtained by separating the multi-core optical fiber cores from each other are arranged in predetermined numbers, and a third fixing portion to be fixed. An optical splitter housing characterized by. The said 3rd fixing | fixed part is exhibiting step shape, The several opening part in which the said predetermined tube is each inserted and fixed is formed in each step part. The optical splitter housing as described.   4. The optical splitter housing according to claim 1, wherein the second fixing portion is formed so that a case in which the optical coupling / branching portion is accommodated is fixed. 5. An optical splitter housing according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
A tube inserted into the through-hole and through which the single-core optical fiber is passed, a tensile strength fiber that covers the tube, and a single-core-side reinforcing cord that includes a cord sheath that covers the tensile strength fiber;
A plurality of tubes through which the plurality of single-fiber optical fibers separated from the single core are respectively connected; a tensile fiber covering the plurality of tubes; and a multi-fiber reinforcing cord including a cord sheath covering the tensile fiber; ,
An optical splitter comprising: the single optical fiber core wire joined; and an optical coupling / branching portion joined with the multi-core optical fiber core wire.

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