JP2010211074A - Optical connector and assembling wedge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical connector and an assembling wedge, capable of improving the efficiency of working, in which the connection quality of an optical fiber can be determined immediately on the spot. <P>SOLUTION: A connecting base 2 and a lid 3 of the connector 1 are formed of light reflecting members, and the assembling wedge 5 is formed of a light transmitting member. Since test light leaked from connections of the optical fiber can be led to the outside by reflection, the test light can be reliably viewed from the outside. Accordingly, the determination of the connection quality of the optical fiber can be performed also during the connecting operation of the optical fiber, so that the connection quality of the optical fiber can be immediately determined on the spot, thereby the efficiency of operation can be remarkably improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mechanical connection type optical connector and an assembly wedge.

  In recent years, with the spread of FTTH (Fiber To The Home), etc., as optical communication networks are used in general homes, etc., mechanical connection type optical connectors that are assembled with no power supply and no polishing at the connection site and connect optical fibers. Has been used (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 7).

  7A is a side view showing an example of a conventional optical connector, FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along line b7-b7 in FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7C is a sectional view taken along line c7-c7 in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the conventional optical connector 50 includes a ferrule 51 containing a first optical fiber F1 extending from one side (left side in FIG. 7) to the other side (right side in FIG. 7). And a first optical fiber F1 extending from the other end of the ferrule 51 and a connection including an optical fiber mounting portion 52 for mounting a second optical fiber F2 connected to the other end of the first optical fiber F1. The base 53, a lid 54 that covers the optical fiber placement portion 52 of the connection base 53, and a clamp member 55 that applies stress in a direction in which the connection base 53 and the lid 54 approach each other.

  The other end of the ferrule 51 is fixedly coupled to a flange portion 53 a formed at one end of the connection base 53.

  The optical fiber placement section 52 of the connection base 53 has a large diameter groove 52a for placing the other side (optical fiber core wire) of the second optical fiber F2 to be connected, and the first optical fiber F1. A small-diameter groove 52b is formed on which the other side and one side of the second optical fiber F2 (the bare optical fiber from which the optical fiber core wire is exposed) are placed (see FIG. 7C).

  The optical connector 50 covers the cover 54 on the connection base 53 and completes the connector main body 56 in a state where the cover 54 and the connection base 53 are pressed with a predetermined force by the clamping force of the clamp member 55. The spring 57 is arranged on the small diameter portion on the rear end side of the connector main body 56, the plug frame (not shown) is put on the connector main body 56, and the stop ring (not shown) is fitted into the plug frame. Has been. In some cases, a slider (not shown) may be further covered from the plug frame side.

  8A and 8B are explanatory views for explaining an optical fiber assembling method.

  When connecting the second optical fiber F2 (optical fiber core wire, cord) at the connection site using the optical connector 50, first, the resin coating layer on one side of the second optical fiber F2 is peeled off. After exposing the bare optical fiber, a fixed length of bare optical fiber whose end face is mirror-polished is exposed by an optical fiber cutter. Note that the other end face of the first optical fiber F1 is also mirror-polished in advance.

  Next, the insertion portion 58a (see FIG. 8A) of the assembly wedge 58 is connected to the notch portion of the connection base 53 and the lid 54 through the opening portion of the stop ring and the opening portion of the clamp member 55 that are assembled in advance. It is inserted into the wedge insertion hole 59 formed by the notch.

  As a result, the distance between the connection base 53 and the lid 54 is increased by a certain length against the pressing force of the clamp member 55, and the space is expanded on the mating surface between the connection base 53 and the lid 54 (FIG. 8B). reference).

  Next, while maintaining this state, from the rear end side of the stop ring, the second optical fiber F2 whose one side is exposed for a certain length is inserted along the large-diameter groove 52a, and one side (bare optical fiber side) has a small diameter. In the groove 52b, the other side (resin coating layer side) is arranged on the large-diameter groove 52a, and on the small-diameter groove 52b, one end face of the second optical fiber F2 and the other side of the first optical fiber F1 are arranged. Make contact with the end face.

  Thereafter, the assembly wedge 58 is pulled out from the wedge insertion hole 59. Thereby, the optical connector 50 in which the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 are optically connected is completed.

JP-A-10-206688 JP-A-11-142686 JP-A-11-142687 JP-A-11-160563 JP 2000-347068 A JP 2006-323067 A JP 2007-121794 A

  When the connection state of the optical fiber is confirmed, a connection test is performed using an optical test apparatus connected to the optical line.

  However, the connection base 53 and the lid 54 in the conventional optical connector 50 are made of a crystalline resin such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) and contain carbon black. For this reason, test light such as a HeNe laser used at the time of the connection test is slightly leaked to the outside when the connection is poor, and it is difficult to immediately determine whether the connection is good or bad. Here, as the cause of the connection failure, for example, the connection part between the optical fibers is separated for some reason, the connection end surface is defective (debris), or dust is attached to the connection end surface. Is mentioned.

  Therefore, the worker has to check the optical test apparatus many times until the optical fiber is connected well, and there is a problem that the working efficiency is poor.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides an optical connector and an assembly wedge that can immediately determine whether or not an optical fiber is connected and improve working efficiency. Objective.

An optical connector according to the present invention includes a connection base including an optical fiber placement portion for placing a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber connected to the first optical fiber;
A lid that covers the optical fiber placement portion of the connection base;
A clamp member that applies stress in a direction in which the connection base and the lid approach each other;
The connection base and the lid are detachably inserted to widen the distance between the connection base and the lid and maintain the second optical fiber in a state where it can be connected to the first optical fiber. A wedge for assembly,
In an optical connector having
The test light leaking from the connection portion of the first and second optical fibers is configured to be led out to the outside by reflection.

  The inner surfaces of both or one of the connection base and the lid that are arranged to face each other may be formed of a light reflecting material that reflects most of the test light.

  Both or any one of the connection base and the lid arranged opposite to each other may be formed of a light reflecting material made of a crystalline resin.

  Both or any one of the connection base and the lid arranged to face each other may be formed of a light reflecting material made of a transmissive material containing a filler.

The light reflecting material may be an amorphous resin containing a filler of 30% by weight or more.
The light reflecting material may be blended by adding a filler and a silane coupling agent to the base resin.

  The connection base and / or the lid arranged opposite to each other is made of a permeable material, and the connection base and / or the outer face of the lid arranged opposite to each other, or the opposite arrangement. The inner surface of the clamp member that covers the outer surface of either or both of the connection base and the lid may be made of a light reflecting material.

  The insertion portion inserted between at least the connection base of the assembly wedge and the lid may be formed of a light transmitting material that transmits the test light.

  An exit portion of the test light that enters the assembling wedge may be subjected to a frosted glass surface treatment.

  A through hole that guides the test light may be formed in at least an insertion portion that is inserted between the connection base and the lid of the assembly wedge.

  The assembly wedge may include an insertion portion that is inserted between the connection base and the lid, and a light reflection portion that reflects the test light.

  A wedge insertion hole for inserting an assembly wedge may be formed between the connection base and the lid.

  A test light guide groove may be further formed between the wedge insertion hole and the connection portion.

  The test light is preferably reflected by 50% or more, more preferably 70% or more.

  The assembly wedge according to the present invention is used for the optical connector.

  According to the connector of the present invention, since the test light leaking from the connection portion of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber is led out to the outside by reflection, the test light can be reliably visually recognized from the outside. This makes it possible to simultaneously determine whether or not the optical fiber is connected during the optical fiber connection operation, so that it is possible to immediately determine whether or not the optical fiber is connected and to significantly improve the work efficiency.

  According to the assembling wedge of the present invention, it is possible to provide an assembling wedge exhibiting the above effects.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the optical connector which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention, (A) shows the state before inserting the wedge for assembly, (B) shows the state after inserting the wedge for assembly. Indicates. (A) is a plan view showing an example of an assembly wedge, (B) is a front view thereof, (C) is a side view, (D) is a schematic side view showing a use state, and (E) is a front view thereof. It is. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the optical connector which concerns on the 2nd Example of this invention. (A)-(E) are explanatory drawings which show the modification of the wedge for an assembly. (A) is a top view which shows the other modification of the wedge for an assembly, (B) is the b5-b5 sectional view taken on the line of (A). (A) is a side view showing a groove for deriving test light, and (B) is a plan view thereof. (A) is a side view showing an example of a conventional optical connector, (B) is a sectional view taken along line b7-b7 in (A), and (C) is a sectional view taken along line c7-c7 in (B). (A) And (B) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the assembly method of an optical fiber.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same members as those in the past are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  1A and 1B are longitudinal sectional views showing an optical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows a state before an assembly wedge is inserted, and FIG. 1B shows an assembly wedge inserted. The state after doing.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the optical connector 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first optical fiber F1 (see FIG. 7) held by a ferrule 51, and a first optical fiber F1. A connection base 2 having an optical fiber placement portion 2a for placing a second optical fiber F2 connected to one optical fiber F1, and a lid 3 covering the optical fiber placement portion 2a of the connection base 2 And a clamp member 4 that applies stress in a direction in which the connection base 2 and the lid 3 approach each other, and a space between the connection base 2 and the lid 3 that is detachably inserted between the connection base 2 and the lid 3. And an assembly wedge 5 for maintaining the second optical fiber F2 in a state connectable to the first optical fiber F1. Here, the connection base 2, the lid 3, and the clamp member 4 are collectively referred to as a connector body 6.

  In the optical connector 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, test light (for example, HeNe laser test light) leaking from the connection portion of the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 is led out to the outside by reflection. The test light is reflected more than 10%, preferably 50% or more, and more preferably 70% or more, and is led to the outside.

  Specifically, the connection base 2 and the lid 3 of the connector main body 6 are integrally formed of a light reflecting material that reflects most of the test light.

  As the light reflecting material, for example, a crystalline resin such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) which does not contain carbon black is used. Since PPS is a light beige color close to white, it reflects light. Note that PPS containing a filler (silica, calcium carbonate, etc.) may be used.

  Further, as the light reflecting material, an amorphous resin containing 30% by weight or more of filler (silica, calcium carbonate, etc.) may be used. As the non-crystalline resin, super engineering plastics such as PES (polyethersulfone) and PEI (polyetherimide) are used in consideration of characteristics (dimensional accuracy, stability, chemical resistance, heat resistance). Is preferred. Since the filler contains 30% by weight or more, more light can be scattered.

  Further, as the light reflecting material, a material in which a filler (silica, calcium carbonate, etc.) and a silane coupling agent are added to the resin of the base resin may be used. A filler having a particle diameter of 1 μm or more is used to scatter light. The silane coupling agent is used for improving the adhesion between the base resin and the filler.

  2A is a plan view showing an example of an assembly wedge, FIG. 2B is a front view thereof, FIG. 2C is a side view, FIG. 2D is a schematic side view showing a use state, and FIG. It is a front view.

  The assembly wedge 5 is integrally formed with a light transmitting material such as a transparent synthetic resin that transmits most of the test light. As shown in FIGS. 2 (A) to 2 (C), the insertion portion 5a is formed. A holding portion 5b, an operation portion 5c, and a pair of clamping portions 5d.

  The insertion portion 5a is formed in a blade shape, and is inserted into a wedge insertion hole 7 (see FIG. 1) formed between the cutout portion of the connection base 2 and the cutout portion of the lid 3, so that the connection base 2 And has a role of expanding the distance between the lid 3 and the lid 3.

  The holding portion 5b is formed in a plate shape, and two insertion portions 5a are integrally disposed on the back surface thereof with a distance in the longitudinal direction.

  The operation part 5c is connected to the base end side of the holding part 5b, and is formed in a depressed state so that its surface can be fitted to a finger. The other side (the right side in FIG. 2C) of the back surface of the operation unit 5c is formed to be inclined downward toward the back side.

  The pair of clamping portions 5d are integrally formed on both side surfaces of the operation portion 5c. The interval between the clamping portions 5d is formed to be slightly narrower than the width of the housing 8 (see FIG. 2D and FIG. 2E, such as a slider and a plug frame) that accommodates the connector main body 6.

  Next, an assembling method of the optical connector 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  When connecting the second optical fiber F2 (optical fiber core wire, cord) at the connection site using the optical connector 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, first, the second optical fiber F2 After stripping off the resin coating layer on one side to expose the bare optical fiber, an optical fiber cutter is used to expose the bare optical fiber having a fixed length whose end face is mirror-polished. Note that the other end face of the first optical fiber F1 is also mirror-polished in advance.

  Next, the insert portion 5a (see FIG. 1A) of the assembly wedge 5 is inserted into the wedge insert hole 7 formed by the cutout portion of the connection base 2 and the cutout portion of the lid 3 through the opening of the housing 8. Are inserted against the pressing force of the clamp member 4. At this time, the back surface of the holding portion 5b of the assembly wedge 5 and a part of the back surface of the operation portion 5c are in contact with the outer wall of the housing 8, and the pair of clamping portions 5d sandwich the outer wall of the housing 8 with a predetermined pressure. (See FIGS. 2D and 2E).

  Thereby, the space | interval of the connection base 2 and the lid | cover 3 is extended by fixed length, and space is expanded on the mating surface of the connection base 2 and the lid | cover 3 (refer FIG. 1 (B)).

  Next, in this state, from the rear end side of the stop ring, the second optical fiber F2 whose one side is exposed for a certain length is inserted along the large-diameter groove 52a (see FIG. 7), and one side (bare optical fiber side) is inserted. The other side (resin coating layer side) is arranged on the large-diameter groove 52a in the small-diameter groove 2b, and the end surface on one side of the second optical fiber F2 and the other side of the first optical fiber F1 on the small-diameter groove 2b. Make contact with the end face.

  When checking the connection state of the optical fiber, a connection test is performed using an optical test apparatus connected to the optical line. At that time, when the connection portion between the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 is defective, the test light leaking from the connection portion is almost reflected by the facing surfaces of the connection base 2 and the lid 3 and is used for assembly. The light passes through the insertion portion 5a of the wedge 5 and leaks from the outside and shines. For this reason, the test light can be reliably visually recognized from the outside, so that it is possible to simultaneously determine whether or not the optical fiber is connected during the optical fiber connection operation.

  When the connection test is completed, by pressing the operation portion 5c, the holding portion 5b is lifted in the direction of the arrow around the fulcrum S (see FIG. 2D) and inserted between the connection base 2 and the lid 3. The inserted portion 5 a in the state is pulled out from between the connection base 2 and the lid 3.

  Thereby, the optical connector 1 in which the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 are optically connected is completed.

  According to the connector 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since the test light leaking from the connection portion of the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 is led out to the outside by reflection, the test light is Visible from the outside reliably. This makes it possible to simultaneously determine whether or not the optical fiber is connected during the optical fiber connection operation, so that it is possible to immediately determine whether or not the optical fiber is connected and to significantly improve the work efficiency.

  In the first embodiment, both the connection base 2 and the lid 3 are made of a light reflecting material, but either one of the connection base 2 or the lid 3 is made of a light reflecting material. Also good.

  Further, the connection base 2 and the lid 3 are integrally formed of a light reflecting material, but at least the facing surfaces of both or one of the connection base 2 and the lid 3 are made of a light reflecting material. It may be formed.

  Furthermore, all of the insertion portion 5a, the holding portion 5b, the operation portion 5c, and the clamping portion 5d of the assembly wedge 5 are integrally formed of a light transmitting material. For example, only the insertion portion 5a may be formed of a light transmitting material. Good.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an optical connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the optical connector 9 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the connection base 2 and the lid 3 are formed of a light transmissive material that transmits most of the test light, and the clamp member 4 At least the inner surface is characterized in that it is formed to reflect most of the test light. The assembly wedge 5 is the same as in the first embodiment.

  According to the optical connector 9 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the connection base 2 and the lid 3 are formed of a light transmission member, and at least the inner surface of the clamp member 4 reflects most of the test light. Therefore, the test light leaking from the connection part due to poor connection of the optical fiber passes through the connection base 2 and the lid 3 and directly through the insertion part 5a of the wedge 5 for assembly, or Since the inner surface of the clamp member 4 is reflected, passes through the insertion portion 5a of the assembly wedge 5 and exits to the outside, the test light can be reliably viewed from the outside. This makes it possible to simultaneously determine whether or not the optical fiber is connected during the optical fiber connection operation, so that it is possible to immediately determine whether or not the optical fiber is connected and to significantly improve the work efficiency.

In addition, although both the connection base 2 and the lid | cover 3 are formed with the light transmissive material, either the connection base 2 or the lid | cover 3 may be formed with the light transmissive material.
In addition, both or any one of the outer surfaces of the connection base 2 and the lid 3 arranged to face each other may be formed of a light reflecting material.

  4A to 4E are explanatory views showing a modification of the assembly wedge 5. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, a lens 10 for guiding the light incident from the insertion portion 5a to the outside may be provided at the tip of the insertion portion 5a of the assembly wedge 5. As a result, the test light transmitted through the insertion portion 5a can be reliably and efficiently guided to the outside.

  Moreover, the surface of the holding part 5b holding the insertion part 5a may be formed to be curved in a convex shape and extend in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, since the test light is widely emitted, it becomes easier to visually recognize the test light from the outside.

  Further, a light reflecting portion 11 for confining light by performing aluminum vapor deposition or the like may be formed on the side surface of the insertion portion 5a of the assembly wedge 5. Thereby, the test light transmitted through the insertion portion 5a can be confined by the side surface 10 and reliably guided to the outside.

  Moreover, you may form so that the base part between the insertion part 5a and the holding | maintenance part 5b may spread toward a base end side. As a result, the luminous flux of the test light is expanded and the test light is widely emitted, so that the test light can be more easily visually recognized from the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the insertion portion 5a may be formed so as to become narrower toward the base end side when viewed from the side. This can prevent light from being guided to the operation unit 5c.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, a hemispherical lens 12 may be provided on the surface of the holding portion 5b. Accordingly, since the test light is widely emitted, it becomes easier to visually recognize the test light from the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 4D, the distal end of the insertion portion 5a may be further narrowed. Thereby, it can enter between the connection base 2 and the lid | cover 3, and can condense test light efficiently.

As shown in FIG. 4E, a protrusion 5e for taking out the optical connector may be formed outside the pair of sandwiching portions 5d.
Further, it is preferable that a surface treatment like a frosted glass is applied to the emission portion of the test light incident on the assembly wedge 5. Thereby, the viewing angle can be widened.

  FIG. 5A is a plan view showing another modified example of the assembly wedge, and FIG. 5B is a sectional view taken along line b5-b5 of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (B), a through-hole that guides test light to the outside in an insertion portion 5a inserted between at least the connection base 2 and the lid 3 of the wedge 5 for assembly. 13 may be formed. In this case, since the test light can be visually recognized from the outside through the through-hole 13, it is not necessary to form the assembly wedge 5 with a light transmitting material, and the material selectivity is widened.

FIG. 6A is a side view showing a test light derivation groove, and FIG. 6B is a plan view thereof.
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a test light derivation groove 14 may be formed between the wedge insertion hole 7 and the connection portion N of the optical fibers F1 and F2. Accordingly, the test light leaking from the connection portion N can be efficiently guided to the assembly wedge 5 side through the test light derivation groove 14.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of technical matters described in the claims.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is used for a mechanical connection type optical connector that is assembled at a connection site without power supply and without polishing and connects optical fibers.

F1: 1st optical fiber F2: 2nd optical fiber 1: Optical connector 2: Connection base 2a: Optical fiber mounting part 3: Lid 4: Clamp member 5: Assembly wedge 6: Connector main body 7: Wedge insertion Hole 8: Housing 9: Optical connector 10: Lens 11: Light reflecting portion 12: Lens 13: Through hole 14: Test light guide groove

Claims (16)

A connection base including an optical fiber mounting portion for mounting a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber connected to the first optical fiber;
A lid that covers the optical fiber placement portion of the connection base;
A clamp member that applies stress in a direction in which the connection base and the lid approach each other;
The connection base and the lid are detachably inserted to widen the distance between the connection base and the lid and maintain the second optical fiber in a state where it can be connected to the first optical fiber. A wedge for assembly,
In an optical connector having
An optical connector characterized in that the test light leaking from the connection portion of the first and second optical fibers is led out to the outside by reflection.   2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein an inner surface of both or one of the connection base and the lid arranged to face each other is formed of a light reflecting material that reflects most of the test light. .   2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein both or one of the connection base and the lid arranged to face each other is formed of a light reflecting material made of a crystalline resin.   2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein both or one of the connection base and the lid arranged to face each other is formed of a light reflecting material made of a transmissive material containing a filler.   The optical connector according to claim 4, wherein the light reflecting material is an amorphous resin containing 30% by weight or more of a filler.   The optical connector according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the light reflecting material is a material blended by adding a filler and a silane coupling agent to a base resin.   The connection base and / or the lid arranged opposite to each other is made of a permeable material, and the connection base and / or the outer face of the lid arranged opposite to each other, or the opposite arrangement. 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein an inner surface of a clamp member that covers an outer surface of either or both of the connection base and the lid is made of a light reflecting material.   The insertion portion to be inserted between at least the connection base of the assembly wedge and the lid is formed of a light transmissive material that transmits the test light. Or the optical connector according to one item.   The optical connector according to claim 8, wherein an exit portion of the test light incident on the assembling wedge is subjected to a frosted glass surface treatment.   10. A through hole for guiding the test light is formed in an insertion portion inserted between at least the connection base and the lid of the assembly wedge. Or the optical connector according to one item.   11. The assembly wedge includes an insertion portion that is inserted between the connection base and the lid, and a light reflection portion that reflects the test light. Optical connector as described in one item.   The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a wedge insertion hole for inserting an assembly wedge is formed between the connection base and the lid.   The optical connector according to claim 12, wherein a test light guide groove is further formed between the wedge insertion hole and the connection portion.   The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the test light is reflected by 50% or more.   The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the test light is reflected by 70% or more.   16. An assembly wedge for use in the optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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