JP2019028384A - Optical fiber core wire switching device and optical fiber core wire switching method - Google Patents

Abstract

To carry out the switching of optical fiber core wires, with the space of a portion reduced in which the switching of optical fiber core wires is performed, and without causing the degradation of connection performance.SOLUTION: An optical fiber core wire switching device in an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a fixing jig for fixing one ferrule; and drive means for applying a force to the other ferrule in the state of an optical fiber being fixed in place and their end faces being adhered to each other while a guide pin is partly inserted into a guide hole, in a direction perpendicular to the ferrule end faces and in which the ferrule end faces are separated from each other, applying a force to the other ferrule in a direction horizontal to the ferrule end faces and in which a guide pin insertion position in a non-circular guide hole moves from a position where the end faces of first and second optical fibers face each other to a position where the end faces of first and third optical fibers face each other, and applying a force in a direction perpendicular to the ferrule end faces and in which the ferrule end faces adhere to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an optical fiber core switching device and an optical fiber core switching method.

  In recent years, information communication using optical communication networks using optical fibers has become mainstream. In the wiring of an optical communication network, optical fibers are generally connected using a fusion technique or an optical connector technique.

  In the wiring of this optical communication network, the wiring route may be switched due to troubles such as failure and maintenance. Generally, when switching the wiring route, the existing optical fiber core is cut, and the cut optical fiber core and the new route optical fiber core are connected with the above-mentioned fusion technology and optical connector technology. Use to connect.

  In such wiring route switching, it is required to shorten the switching work time based on the benefit of the communication user. For this reason, in the optical fiber connector in which the first plug and the second plug, each having a centering circular hole, are connected to face each other so that the shaft alignment member passes through the centering circular hole, After pulling out the second plug and translating the first plug to a position opposite to the third plug juxtaposed to the side of the second plug, the alignment member is aligned with the third plug. There has been proposed a method of switching and connecting optical fiber core wires by inserting them into (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, one plug of the connected optical connector has a circular guide hole into which the optical fiber and the guide pin are inserted, and the other plug is connected to the optical fiber by the first and second light. The optical fibers are arranged, a pair of rectangular guide holes into which guide pins are inserted on both sides of the optical fibers, the optical fibers are butt-connected, and one plug of the optical connector is connected to the other plug. There has been proposed an optical fiber switch that performs optical fiber core wire switching by translating the surfaces of each other (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-63-253314 JP-A-63-085522

  However, in the optical fiber core wire switching method described in Patent Document 1, the second plug and the third plug are arranged in parallel, the axis alignment member is pulled out from the second plug, and the first plug is removed from the third plug. After the parallel movement to the facing position of the plug, the shaft alignment member is inserted into the aligning circular hole of the third plug. For this reason, there is a problem that the moving distance of the first plug is large and a large space is required for the portion to be switched.

On the other hand, in the optical fiber switch described in Patent Document 2, a switch is made by translating the plug with the ferrule end face in close contact with the guide pin inserted so as to straddle both guide holes of the plugs facing each other. I do. For this reason, there is a problem that the optical fiber end face formed on the ferrule end face is damaged by friction and deteriorates the connection performance.
In addition, when the force for moving the plug in parallel is small, the axial adjustment of the optical fiber cores on both sides becomes insufficient, which may cause a problem that a large connection loss occurs and the connection performance deteriorates.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to save an area where an optical fiber core is switched, and to perform an optical fiber core switching device and an optical fiber core capable of switching an optical fiber without deteriorating connection performance. It is to provide a line switching method.

  To achieve the above object, a first aspect of an optical fiber core switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first ferrule to which a first optical fiber core wire is attached, and a second optical fiber core. A first ferrule and a second ferrule to which a third optical fiber core is attached, and the first optical fiber core and the second optical fiber core are connected to each other. An apparatus for switching a connection state of an optical fiber core wire to a state in which an optical fiber core wire and the third optical fiber core wire are connected, wherein the first ferrule is opposite to the second ferrule. A first circular guide hole having a ferrule end face and a first circular guide hole into which the first guide pin is inserted; and a second circular guide hole into which the second guide pin is inserted. Shape on each ferrule end face A first optical fiber end face that is an end face of the first optical fiber core wire is formed on a straight line connecting the centers of the first and second guide holes on the first ferrule end face; The ferrule has a second ferrule end face facing the first ferrule, and a non-circular first guide hole into which the first guide pin is inserted and the second guide pin are inserted. Non-circular second guide holes are respectively formed on the end surfaces of the second ferrules, and the second optical fiber cores are arranged on a first straight line connecting the non-circular first and second guide holes. A second optical fiber end surface which is an end surface is formed on the second ferrule end surface, and an end surface of the third optical fiber core wire on a second straight line connecting the non-circular first and second guide holes. The third optical fiber end face is To provide a device which is formed in the second ferrule end. The apparatus is configured such that the fixture that fixes one ferrule of the first and second ferrules and the true and the first optical fiber end faces are in close contact with each other. At least part of the first guide pin is inserted into the circular first guide hole and the non-circular first guide hole, and the second circular guide hole and the non-circular first guide hole are not inserted. With at least a portion of the second guide pin inserted into the circular second guide hole, the second ferrule of the first and second ferrules is in a direction perpendicular to the second ferrule end face. And the first driving means for applying a force in the direction in which the first and second ferrule end faces are separated from each other, and the other ferrule in a direction parallel to the second ferrule end face, And, The insertion position of the first guide pin in the non-circular first guide hole and the insertion position of the second guide pin in the non-circular second guide hole are the first and second optical fibers. A second driving means for applying a force in a direction in which the first and third optical fiber end faces move from a position where the end faces face each other to a position where the first and third optical fiber end faces face each other; and a direction perpendicular to the second ferrule end face And third driving means for applying a force in a direction in which the end surfaces of the first and second ferrules are in close contact with each other.

  According to a second aspect of the optical fiber core line switching device configured as described above, in the first aspect, the length along the first or second straight line in the non-circular first and second guide holes is: An apparatus having the same length as the diameters of the first and second circular guide holes is provided.

  According to a third aspect of the optical fiber core wire switching device configured as described above, in the first aspect, the insertion position of the first guide pin in the non-circular first guide hole and the non-circular second guide. When the insertion position of the second guide pin in the hole is at a position where the end surfaces of the first and second optical fibers face each other, the longitudinal portions of the first and second guide pins are the non-circular shape. An insertion position of the first guide pin in the non-circular first guide hole and the second guide pin in the non-circular second guide hole, which is in contact with one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the guide hole When the insertion position of the first and third optical fiber end faces is in a position where the first and third optical fiber end faces face each other, the longitudinal portion of the first and second guide pins is the other end in the longitudinal direction of the non-circular guide hole. In contact with the part To provide a device is.

  The 4th aspect of the optical fiber core wire switching device of the said structure provides the apparatus whose force applied by the said 2nd drive means is 1.6 N or more in a 3rd aspect.

  A first aspect of an optical fiber core switching method according to an embodiment of the present invention is an optical fiber core switching method using the first aspect of the optical fiber core switching device configured as described above. The first step of fixing one ferrule of the second ferrule, and the first and second ends of the first and second optical fiber in a state of being fixed and in contact with each other. At least a part of the first guide pin is inserted into the guide hole and the non-circular first guide hole, and the perfect circular second guide hole and the non-circular second guide With at least a part of the second guide pin inserted into the hole, the other ferrule of the first and second ferrules is in a direction perpendicular to the end surface of the second ferrule, and First and second A second step of applying a force in a direction in which the ferrule end surfaces are separated from each other, and after the second step, the second ferrule is in a direction parallel to the second ferrule end surface and the non- The insertion position of the first guide pin in the circular first guide hole and the insertion position of the second guide pin in the non-circular second guide hole are the same between the end surfaces of the first and second optical fibers. A third step of applying a force in a direction in which the first and third optical fiber end faces move to a position where the first and third optical fiber end faces face each other; and after the third step, the second ferrule end face And a fourth step of applying a force in a direction perpendicular to the first and second ferrule end faces.

  According to a second aspect of the optical fiber core switching method, in the first aspect, the length of the non-circular first and second guide holes along the first or second straight line is A method is provided that is the same length as the diameter of the first and second guide holes that are circular.

  According to a third aspect of the above-described optical fiber core switching method, in the first aspect, the insertion position of the first guide pin and the non-circular second guide hole in the non-circular first guide hole. In the state where the insertion position of the second guide pin is in a position where the first and second optical fiber end faces face each other, the longitudinal portions of the first and second guide pins are the non-circular guides. The first guide pin is inserted into the non-circular first guide hole and the second guide pin is inserted into the non-circular second guide hole. The state where the insertion position is at a position where the first and third optical fiber end faces face each other is that the longitudinal portion of the first and second guide pins is the other end in the longitudinal direction of the non-circular guide hole. In contact with To provide that way.

  According to a fourth aspect of the above-described optical fiber core switching method, in the third aspect, the force applied by the second step is 1.6 N or more.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to save the space for switching the optical fiber core and to switch the optical fiber core without deteriorating the connection performance.

Schematic which shows an example of a structure of an optical connector. Schematic which shows the position where the optical fiber end surface of a ferrule end surface in which a perfect circular guide hole is formed, and a guide hole are formed. Schematic which shows the position where the optical fiber end surface of a ferrule end surface in which a non-circular guide hole is formed, and a guide hole are formed. The flowchart which shows an example of the process of the optical fiber core wire switching by the optical fiber core wire switching device in one Embodiment of this invention. Schematic explaining an example of the process of optical fiber core wire switching by the optical fiber core wire switching device in one embodiment of the present invention. Schematic explaining an example of the process of optical fiber core wire switching by the optical fiber core wire switching device in one embodiment of the present invention. Schematic explaining an example of the process of optical fiber core wire switching by the optical fiber core wire switching device in one embodiment of the present invention. Schematic explaining an example of the process of optical fiber core wire switching by the optical fiber core wire switching device in one embodiment of the present invention. Schematic explaining an example of the process of optical fiber core wire switching by the optical fiber core wire switching device in one embodiment of the present invention. Schematic explaining an example of the process of optical fiber core wire switching by the optical fiber core wire switching device in one embodiment of the present invention. Schematic explaining an example of the process of optical fiber core wire switching by the optical fiber core wire switching device in one embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows an example of the optical fiber end surface image after switching using the conventional optical fiber core wire switching method. The figure which shows an example of the optical fiber end surface image after performing optical fiber core wire switching using the optical fiber core wire switching device in one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the maximum connection loss of 4 cores with respect to the force applied to the B direction after performing optical fiber core wire switching using the optical fiber core wire switching device in one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the maximum connection loss of 4 cores with respect to the force applied to the D direction after performing optical fiber core wire switching using the optical fiber core wire switching device in one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical connector serving as a switching portion of the optical fiber core wire is a connector that adjusts the axis of the optical fiber core by the guide hole and the guide pin. Next, the ferrule structure of the optical connector will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an optical connector.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the optical fiber end face and the guide hole of the ferrule end face where a perfect circular guide hole (hereinafter simply referred to as a perfect circle) is formed.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the position of the end face of the ferrule where the noncircular guide hole is formed and the position where the guide hole is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical connector includes a pair of opposing ferrules 10a (first ferrule) and 10b (second ferrule) and two guide pins 11a (first guide pins) and 11b (first ferrule). 2 guide pins).

  Four optical fiber cores 12a (first optical fiber cores) are attached to the ferrule 10a. Four optical fiber cores 12b (second optical fiber cores) and four optical fiber cores 12c (third optical fiber cores) are attached to the ferrule 10b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ferrule end face (end face facing the ferrule 10b) 13a (first ferrule end face) of the ferrule 10a has an optical fiber end face 14a (first optical fiber end face) that is an end face of the optical fiber core wire 12a. ) And two perfect circular guide holes 15a and 15b sandwiching the optical fiber end surface 14a.
The guide hole 15a is a hole into which the guide pin 11a is inserted, and the guide hole 15b is a hole into which the guide pin 11b is inserted. The axial directions of these guide holes 15a and 15b are parallel to the axial direction of the optical fiber core wire 12a.
In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical fiber end surface 14a and the guide holes 15a and 15b are arranged in parallel to the longitudinal direction (upper surface or lower surface shown in FIG. 1) of the ferrule 10a when viewed from the ferrule end surface 13a.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, the ferrule end face (end face facing the ferrule 10a) 13b (second ferrule end face) of the ferrule 10b is an optical fiber end face 14b (second end face) of the optical fiber core wire 12b. An optical fiber end face) and an optical fiber end face 14c (second optical fiber end face), which are end faces of the optical fiber core wire 12c, are respectively disposed and formed.
In addition, two non-circular (for example, elliptical) guide holes 15c and 15d that sandwich the optical fiber end surfaces 14b and 14c are arranged and formed on the ferrule end surface 13b, respectively.

The guide hole 15c is a hole into which the guide pin 11a is inserted, and the guide hole 15d is a hole into which the guide pin 11b is inserted. The axial directions of these guide holes 15c and 15d are parallel to the axial directions of the optical fiber core wires 12b and 12c.
In the example shown in FIG. 3, the optical fiber end faces 14 b and 14 c and the guide holes 15 c and 15 b are arranged in parallel to the longitudinal direction (upper surface or lower surface shown in FIG. 3) of the ferrule 10 b when viewed from the ferrule end surface 13 b.

In the present embodiment, windows 16a and 16b are disposed on the upper surface of the ferrule 10a and the lower surface of the ferrule 10b, respectively.
In the present embodiment, the ferrules 10a and 10b are arranged in directions in which the window 16a of the ferrule 10a and the window 16b of the ferrule 10b are inverted upside down. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the guide pin 11a can be inserted into the guide holes 15a (on the ferrule 10a side) and 15c (on the ferrule 10b side) disposed in the ferrules 10a and 10b, respectively.
Further, in this example, the guide pin 11b can be inserted into the guide holes 15b (ferrule 10a side) and 15d (ferrule 10b side) arranged in the ferrules 10a and 10b, respectively.

  In this state, the ferrule end faces 13a (ferrule 10a side) and 13b (ferrule 10b side) are brought into close contact with each other (the optical fiber end face 14a of the ferrule 10a and the optical fiber end face 14b or 14c of the ferrule 10b are brought into close contact). The optical fiber core wires 12a and 12b or the optical fiber core wires 12a and 12c facing each other can be connected between 10a and 10b.

  The ferrule end face 13a of the ferrule 10a will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 2, on the ferrule end face 13a, straight lines connecting the centers of the circular guide holes 15a and 15b are along the upper surface of the ferrule 10a, and four optical fiber end faces 14a are arranged on this straight line. Are arranged at equal intervals.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical fiber core wire 12a is a four-fiber optical fiber core (corresponding to the optical fiber end surface 14a). If it is. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the ferrule end face 13a has a rectangular shape. However, this shape is not limited to a rectangle, and any shape can be used as long as the optical fiber end surface 14a can be disposed on the straight line connecting the two center guide holes 15a and 15b on the ferrule end surface 13a and the respective centers. Other shapes may be used.

Next, the ferrule end face 13b of the ferrule 10b will be described. The guide holes 15c and 15d of the ferrule end face 13b of the ferrule 10b are vertically long (lower ends at positions facing the guide holes 15a and 15b on the ferrule 10a side when the window 16b is disposed on the upper surface of the ferrule 10b. This is a non-circular guide hole that is a length perpendicular to the upper surface (see FIG. 3) of the ferrule 10b and longer than the length along the upper surface. The lateral widths of the guide holes 15c and 15d (the length along the upper surface of the ferrule 10b) are equal to the diameters of the guide holes 15b and 15a, respectively.
Further, in the ferrule end face 13b, the optical fiber end faces 14b and 14c are arranged so as to be vertically arranged in two stages as four-core optical fiber end faces along the face on which the window 16b is provided in the ferrule end face 13b.

  When the window 16b is arranged so as to be on the upper surface of the ferrule 10b as described above (see FIG. 3), the lower optical fiber end surface 14b is positioned opposite the optical fiber end surface 14a at the guide holes 15c and 15d. When a perfect circle having the same diameter as the guide holes 15a and 15b is formed on the lower end side in the longitudinal direction (the side farther from the window 16b side than the upper end side in the longitudinal direction of the guide holes 15c and 15d), It is formed on a straight line connecting the centers of the perfect circles.

  On the other hand, the upper end optical fiber end surface 14c has guide holes 15a, 15b on the upper end side in the longitudinal direction of the guide holes 15c, 15d (the side closer to the window 16b compared to the lower end side in the longitudinal direction of the guide holes 15c, 15d). Are arranged on straight lines that connect the centers of the perfect circles when the true circles having the same diameter as are respectively formed.

  In FIG. 3, the optical fiber cores in the ferrule 10b are four cores and two stages of optical fiber cores (corresponding to the optical fiber end faces 14b and 14c), but the number of optical fiber cores in each stage is four cores. The number is not limited as long as it is the number of the cores attached to the ferrule 10b and corresponds to the number of the cores of the optical fiber attached to the ferrule 10a.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the ferrule end surface 13 b has a rectangular shape. However, the shape is not limited to a rectangle, and two non-circular guide holes 15 c and 15 d on the ferrule end surface 13 b and the guide holes 15 c, Optical fiber end faces 14b and 14c are arranged in two stages on straight lines connecting the centers of the perfect circles having the same diameter as the perfect guide holes 15a and 15b on the ferrule end face 13a on the upper end side or the lower end side of the long portion 15d. Other shapes may be used as long as they can be arranged.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the two guide holes 15c and 15d have a non-circular shape. However, this shape is not limited to a non-circular shape, and the circular guide holes 15a and 15b on the ferrule end surface 13a In the shape of a vertically long (length perpendicular to the top surface (see FIG. 3) of the ferrule 10b is longer than the length along the top surface) having the same lateral width (length along the top surface (see FIG. 3) of the ferrule 10b). Yes, the position of the guide pins 11a, 11b can be changed from the upper end side or the lower end side of the longitudinal portions of the two guide holes 15c, 15d to the other side (the insertion position of the guide pin 11a in the non-circular guide hole 15c, The insertion position of the guide pin 11b in the non-circular guide hole 15d is between the position where the optical fiber end faces 14a and 14b face each other and the position where the optical fiber end faces 14a and 14c face each other. If the shape is rotatably) it may have another shape.

Next, a procedure method for switching an optical fiber core in one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of switching an optical fiber core by an optical fiber core switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 to 11 are views of the optical connector viewed from the side, that is, the ferrule and the optical fiber core viewed from the side, and the optical fiber core by the optical fiber core switching device according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic explaining an example of the process of line switching.

Specifically, FIGS. 5 to 8 show an example of a process of switching from a state in which the optical fiber cores 12a and 12b are connected to a state in which the optical fiber cores 12a and 12c are connected.
8 to 11 show an example of a process of switching from a state in which the optical fiber cores 12a and 12c are connected to a state in which the optical fiber cores 12a and 12b are connected.

(First step)
First, as shown in FIG. 5, the optical fiber core wires 12a (ferrule 10a side) and 12b (ferrule 10b side) are connected so that the window 16a of the ferrule 10a and the window 16b of the ferrule 10b are vertically inverted. And
Here, the ferrule 10a is fixed by a fixture 100 capable of supporting the ferrule 10a (S1), and the ferrule 10b is perpendicular to the ferrule end surface 13a by a driving device (not shown), and the ferrule end surface 13a (ferrule) 10a side) and 13b (ferrule 10b side) are in close contact with each other (optical fiber end face 14a (ferrule 10a side) and 14b (ferrule 10b side) are in close contact with each other, and this close contact is maintained) (A shown in FIG. 5) Direction).

  Further, the ferrule 10b is in a direction parallel to the ferrule end face 13b, and is guided to the lower ends of the longitudinal portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d with the window 16b facing up (that is, with the window 16a of the ferrule 10a facing down). The longitudinal directions of the guide holes 15c and 15d in the direction in which the longitudinal portions of the pins 11a and 11b are in close contact with each other, that is, with the window 16b down (that is, with the window 16a of the ferrule 10a up) as shown in FIG. The longitudinal direction portions of the guide pins 11a and 11b are in close contact with the upper ends of the portions (the optical fiber end surfaces 14a (ferrule 10a side) and 14b (ferrule 10b side) are kept in close contact with each other) (direction B shown in FIG. 5) Power is applied to.

(Second step)
Next, the ferrule 10a is fixed as in the first step, and the lower ends of the longitudinal portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d are in a direction parallel to the ferrule end surface 13b of the ferrule 10b and with the window 16b facing upward. In the direction in which the longitudinal portions of the guide pins 11a and 11b are in close contact with each other, that is, with the window 16b down as shown in FIG. 5, the longitudinal portions of the guide pins 11a and 11b are arranged at the upper ends of the longitudinal portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d. In a state where a force is applied in the direction in which the portions are in close contact with each other (direction B shown in FIG. 5) (the state described with reference to FIG. 5), in the second step, the drive device causes the perpendicular to the ferrule end face 13b of the ferrule 10b. Force is applied in the direction in which the ferrule end faces 13a and 13b are separated from each other (direction C shown in FIG. 6) (S2).

  In S2, at least a part of the guide pin 11a is inserted into the perfect circular guide hole 15a and the non-circular guide hole 15c, and the perfect circular guide hole 15b and the non-circular guide hole 15d are inserted. It is performed in a state where at least a part of the guide pin 11b is inserted, that is, the entire guide pin is not pulled out from the various guide holes.

(Third step)
Next, as in the second step, the ferrule 10a is fixed, and in a direction perpendicular to the ferrule end surface 13b of the ferrule 10b and the ferrule end surfaces 13a and 13b are separated from each other (direction C shown in FIG. 6). In the third step in a state where force is applied (the state described with reference to FIG. 6), the guide hole 15c is in a direction parallel to the ferrule end face 13b of the ferrule 10b and with the window 16b up by the driving device. 15d in the direction in which the longitudinal portions of the guide pins 11a and 11b are in close contact with the upper ends of the longitudinal portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d, that is, with the windows 16b down as shown in FIG. A force is applied in the direction (D direction shown in FIG. 7) in which the longitudinal portions of the guide pins 11a and 11b are in close contact with each other (S3).

  In this direction, the insertion position of the guide pin 11a in the non-circular guide hole 15c and the insertion position of the guide pin 11b in the non-circular guide hole 15d from the position where the optical fiber end faces 14a and 14b are opposed to each other. 14c is a direction which moves to the position which opposes.

(Fourth process)
Next, as in the third step described above, the ferrule 10a is fixed, the ferrule end surface 13b of the ferrule 10b is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide holes 15c and 15d with the window 16b facing upward. In the direction in which the longitudinal portions of the guide pins 11a and 11b are in close contact with the upper ends, that is, with the window 16b down as shown in FIG. 8, the guide pins 11a and 11b are disposed at the lower ends of the longitudinal portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d. In a state where the force is applied in the direction in which the longitudinal portions are in close contact with each other (direction D shown in FIG. 7) (the state described in FIG. 7), in the fourth step, the driving device causes the perpendicular to the ferrule end face 13b of the ferrule 10b. Force is applied in the direction in which the ferrule end faces 13a and 13b are in close contact with each other (direction A shown in FIG. 8).
As a result, the optical fiber end faces 14a (ferrule 10a side) and 14c (ferrule 10b side) facing each other come into close contact with each other, and the optical fiber cores 12a and 12c are connected by this contact, and the switching of the optical fiber cores is completed. (S4).

(Fifth step)
Subsequently, in the connection state of the optical fiber cores 12a and 12c shown in FIG. 8, that is, as in the above-described fourth step, the ferrule 10a is fixed, and in a direction horizontal to the ferrule end face 13b of the ferrule 10b. With the window 16b facing upward, the guide pins 11a and 11b are in contact with the upper ends of the longitudinal portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d, that is, as shown in FIG. In a state where the force is applied in the direction (D direction shown in FIG. 8) in which the longitudinal portions of the guide pins 11a and 11b are in close contact with the lower ends of the longitudinal portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d, respectively (the state described in FIG. 8). In the fifth step, the driving device drives the ferrule 10b in a direction perpendicular to the ferrule end face 13b and away from the ferrule end faces 13a and 13b (shown in FIG. 9). Applying a force in the direction C) (S5).

  In S5, at least a part of the guide pin 11a is inserted into the perfect circular guide hole 15a and the non-circular guide hole 15c, and the perfect circular guide hole 15b and the non-circular guide hole 15d are inserted. It is performed in a state where at least a part of the guide pin 11b is inserted, that is, the entire guide pin is not pulled out from the various guide holes.

(Sixth step)
Next, as in the fifth step, the ferrule 10a is fixed, and in a direction perpendicular to the ferrule end surface 13b of the ferrule 10b and the ferrule end surfaces 13a and 13b are separated from each other (direction C shown in FIG. 9). In the sixth step in a state where force is applied (the state described with reference to FIG. 9), the guide device 15c, 15d of the guide holes 15c, 15d is in a direction parallel to the ferrule end face 13b and with the window 16b up by the driving device. In the direction in which the longitudinal portions of the guide pins 11a and 11b are in close contact with the lower ends of the longitudinal portions, that is, with the window 16b down as shown in FIG. 10, the guide pins 11a are disposed at the upper ends of the longitudinal portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d. , 11b, a force is applied in the direction (B direction shown in FIG. 10) in which the longitudinal portions thereof are in close contact with each other (S6).

  This direction is such that the insertion position of the guide pin 11a in the non-circular guide hole 15c and the insertion position of the guide pin 11b in the non-circular guide hole 15d from the position where the optical fiber end faces 14a and 14c face each other. 14b is the direction of movement to the opposite position.

(Seventh step)
Next, as in the sixth step described above, the ferrule 10a is fixed and guided to the lower ends of the long portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d in a direction parallel to the ferrule end face 13b and with the window 16b facing upward. In the direction in which the longitudinal portions of the pins 11a and 11b are in close contact with each other, that is, with the window 16b down as shown in FIG. 11, the longitudinal portions of the guide pins 11a and 11b are at the upper ends of the longitudinal portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d. In a state where force is applied in the direction of close contact (direction B shown in FIG. 10) (the state described with reference to FIG. 10), in the seventh step, the driving device causes the direction perpendicular to the ferrule end surface 13b of the ferrule 10b. Then, force is applied in the direction in which the ferrule end faces 13a and 13b are in close contact with each other (direction A shown in FIG. 11).
As a result, the opposed optical fiber end faces 14a (ferrule 10a side) and 14b (ferrule 10b side) are brought into close contact with each other, and the optical fiber core wires 12a and 12b are connected again by this close contact. Switching is completed (S7).

  Here, in the example shown in FIGS. 4 to 11, the ferrule 10a is fixed, the ferrule 10b is moved, and force is applied to the ferrule 10b by the driving device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the ferrule 10b is fixed. The ferrule 10a may be moved to apply a force to the ferrule 10a by the driving device.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, when applying force in a direction perpendicular to the ferrule end surface 13b of the ferrule 10b and separating the ferrule end surfaces 13a and 13b (C direction), the ferrule end surfaces 13a and 13b are applied. 7 and 10, the ferrule end surfaces 13 a and 13 b are not rubbed when the ferrule 10 b is slid horizontally with the ferrule end surface 13 b (B direction or D direction) in FIGS. 7 and 10, and the guide inserted into the ferrule 10 b. It is sufficient that the distance is such that the pin cannot be removed.

  5 to 11, as a method of sliding the ferrule 10a or the ferrule 10b horizontally (B direction or D direction) with respect to the ferrule end surfaces 13a and 13b, for example, manual movement by hand, electric power such as a motor or solenoid, etc. Can be used.

  5 to 11, as a method of applying force to the ferrule 10a or the ferrule 10b in a direction in which the ferrule end faces 13a and 13b are separated from each other (C direction) or a direction in which the ferrule end faces 13a and 13b are in close contact with each other (A direction), For example, a driving device using a mechanical force such as a spring, or a driving device using electric power such as a motor or a solenoid can be used.

(Example)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an optical fiber end face image after switching using a conventional optical fiber core switching method. Here, FIG. 12 is an example of an image after switching the optical fiber core wire 10 times in a state where the end faces of the conventional optical fiber are in close contact.
As shown in FIG. 12, vertical streak-like scratches are observed on the end faces of the four optical fibers arranged in two stages vertically. As described above, when the end face of the optical fiber is scratched, fine undulations are generated on the end face of the optical fiber, the adhesion between the end faces of the optical fibers is impaired, and the connection performance may be deteriorated.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an optical fiber end face image after switching using the optical fiber core wire switching method of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 11.
Here, FIG. 13 is an example of an image after the optical fiber core line switching process shown in FIGS. 4 to 11 is performed ten times. As shown in FIG. 13, no flaws were observed on the end faces of the four optical fibers arranged vertically in two stages. In the procedure shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 11, since the force is applied in the direction in which the ferrule end faces are separated before the ferrule is slid horizontally with the ferrule end face, the optical fiber end face caused by the friction between the ferrule end faces is applied. Scratches were avoided and a good optical fiber end face was retained.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the maximum connection loss of four cores with respect to the force applied in the B direction after performing optical fiber core switching using the optical fiber core switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention. is there. Specifically, FIG. 14 shows a guide at the lower end of the longitudinal portion of the guide holes 15c and 15d with the window 16b facing upward, horizontally with the ferrule end face 13b shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 10 and 11. In the direction in which the long portions of the pins 11a and 11b are in close contact with each other, that is, in the B direction in which the long portions of the guide pins 11a and 11b are in close contact with the upper ends of the long portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d with the window 16b down. It is a figure which shows the maximum connection loss of 4 cores, when the optical fiber core wire 12a and the optical fiber core wire 12b connect with respect to the applied force.

  Here, a force of 9.8 N was applied in the direction A perpendicular to the ferrule end surface 13b of the ferrule 10b and in which the ferrule end surfaces 13a and 13b are in close contact with each other. As shown in FIG. 14, by increasing the force applied in the B direction, the maximum connection loss of the four cores is reduced, and when the force applied in the B direction is 1.6 N or more, The maximum connection loss is 1 dB or less.

  In general, the connection loss of an optical connector in which the axis of an optical fiber core is adjusted by a guide hole and a guide pin is 1 dB or less. For this reason, it is possible to realize good connection characteristics between the optical fiber core wires 12a and 12b by setting the force applied in the B direction to 1.6 N or more.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the maximum connection loss of four cores with respect to the force applied in the D direction after the optical fiber core switching is performed using the optical fiber core switching device according to the embodiment of the present invention. is there. Specifically, FIG. 15 shows the longitudinal portions of the guide pins 11a and 11b at the upper ends of the longitudinal portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d with the window 16b facing upward, horizontally with the ferrule end face 13b shown in FIGS. In the direction in which the guide pins 11a and 11b are in close contact with the lower ends of the longitudinal portions of the guide holes 15c and 15d in the direction in which the guide pins 15a and 15d are in contact with each other. It is a figure which shows the maximum connection loss of 4 cores when the wire | line 12a and the optical fiber core wire 12c are connected.

  Here, a force of 9.8 N was applied in the direction A perpendicular to the ferrule end surface 13b of the ferrule 10b and in which the ferrule end surfaces 13a and 13b are in close contact with each other. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, by increasing the force applied in the D direction, the maximum connection loss of the four cores is reduced, and when the force applied in the D direction is 1.6 N or more, The maximum connection loss is 1 dB or less.

  As described above, the connection loss of the optical connector in which the axis of the optical fiber core is adjusted by the guide hole and the guide pin is 1 dB or less. For this reason, it is possible to realize good connection characteristics between the optical fiber core wires 12a and 12c by setting the force applied in the D direction to 1.6 N or more.

  When switching the optical fiber core attached to the ferrule in the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, if the force applied in the B direction and the force applied in the D direction are small, a gap is generated between the guide pin and the guide hole. This gap causes a misalignment of the fiber core and causes a large connection loss.

  On the other hand, if the force applied in the B direction and the force applied in the D direction are increased, the gap between the guide pin and the guide hole is eliminated and the design position is approached, so that the connection loss is reduced. For this reason, in order to satisfy the connection loss equivalent to the connection loss of the optical connector in which the axis adjustment of the optical fiber core is performed by the conventional guide hole and guide pin, the force applied in the B direction and the force applied in the D direction are optimum. 14 and 15, this force is 1.6 N or more, respectively. This makes it possible to sufficiently adjust the axes of the optical fiber cores on both sides and avoid the occurrence of a large connection loss.

  According to the optical fiber core wire switching method and the optical fiber core wire switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ferrule end faces are separated from each other in the switching of the optical fiber core wire attached to the ferrule of the optical connector. Therefore, it is not necessary to pull out the shaft alignment member from the plug as in the prior art. Therefore, there is an effect that the moving distance of the connector for adjusting the axis of the optical fiber core is shortened, and the space for switching is reduced.

  Further, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when switching the optical fiber core wire, the position of the optical fiber end face is moved after separating the ferrule end faces, so that the scratches on the end face of the optical fiber caused by the friction between the ferrule end faces The optical fiber core wire can be switched while maintaining the good connection performance.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, In the implementation stage, it can change variously in the range which does not deviate from the summary. Further, the embodiments may be implemented in combination as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the present invention includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if several constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, if the problem can be solved and an effect can be obtained, the configuration from which the constituent requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The optical fiber core wire switching device and the optical fiber core wire switching method according to the present invention can be beneficially used for switching the wiring route of the optical communication network.

  10a, 10b ... Ferrule, 11a, 11b ... Guide pin, 12a, 12b, 12c ... Optical fiber core wire, 13a, 13b ... Ferrule end face, 14a, 14b, 14c ... Optical fiber end face, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d ... Guide Holes, 16a, 16b ... windows, 100 ... fixtures.

Claims (8)

Using the first ferrule to which the first optical fiber core wire is attached and the second ferrule to which the second optical fiber core wire and the third optical fiber core wire are respectively attached, the first optical fiber core is used. The connection state of the optical fiber core is changed from the state where the wire and the second optical fiber core wire are connected to the state where the first optical fiber core wire and the third optical fiber core wire are connected. A switching device,
The first ferrule is:
Having a first ferrule end face facing the second ferrule;
A first circular guide hole into which the first guide pin is inserted and a second circular guide hole into which the second guide pin is inserted are respectively formed in the end face of the first ferrule, A first optical fiber end surface that is an end surface of the first optical fiber core is formed on a straight line connecting the centers of the first and second guide holes on the first ferrule end surface;
The second ferrule is:
A second ferrule end face facing the first ferrule;
A non-circular first guide hole into which the first guide pin is inserted, and a non-circular second guide hole into which the second guide pin is inserted, respectively, are formed in the second ferrule end surface;
A second optical fiber end face, which is an end face of the second optical fiber core wire, is formed on the second ferrule end face on a first straight line connecting the non-circular first and second guide holes;
A third optical fiber end face that is an end face of the third optical fiber core wire is formed on the second ferrule end face on a second straight line connecting the non-circular first and second guide holes;
A fixture for fixing one of the first and second ferrules;
The first circular guide hole and the non-circular first guide hole are fixed to each other and the first and second optical fiber end faces are in close contact with each other. At least a part of the guide pin is inserted, and at least a part of the second guide pin is inserted into the perfect circular second guide hole and the non-circular second guide hole. , Applying a force to the other ferrule of the first and second ferrules in a direction perpendicular to the second ferrule end face and in a direction in which the first and second ferrule end faces are separated from each other. 1 driving means;
The insertion position of the first guide pin in the non-circular first guide hole and the non-circular second direction that is parallel to the second ferrule end face with respect to the other ferrule. The insertion position of the second guide pin in the guide hole moves from a position where the first and second optical fiber end faces face each other to a position where the first and third optical fiber end faces face each other. A second driving means for applying force;
And a third driving unit that applies a force in a direction perpendicular to the second ferrule end face and in which the first and second ferrule end faces are in close contact with each other.   The length of the non-circular first and second guide holes along the first or second straight line is the same as the diameter of the perfect circular first and second guide holes. Item 4. The optical fiber core switching device according to Item 1. The insertion position of the first guide pin in the non-circular first guide hole and the insertion position of the second guide pin in the non-circular second guide hole are the first and second optical fibers. The state in which the end faces are in positions facing each other is a state in which the longitudinal portions of the first and second guide pins are in contact with one end in the longitudinal direction of the non-circular guide hole,
The insertion position of the first guide pin in the non-circular first guide hole and the insertion position of the second guide pin in the non-circular second guide hole are the first and third optical fibers. 2. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the state in which the end faces are opposed to each other is a state in which the longitudinal portions of the first and second guide pins are in contact with the other end in the longitudinal direction of the non-circular guide hole. Core wire switching device.   The optical fiber core line switching device according to claim 3, wherein the force applied by the second driving means is 1.6 N or more. An optical fiber core switching method using the optical fiber core switching device according to claim 1,
A first step of fixing one of the first and second ferrules;
The first circular guide hole and the non-circular first guide hole are fixed to each other and the first and second optical fiber end faces are in close contact with each other. At least a part of the guide pin is inserted, and at least a part of the second guide pin is inserted into the perfect circular second guide hole and the non-circular second guide hole. , Applying a force to the other ferrule of the first and second ferrules in a direction perpendicular to the second ferrule end face and in a direction in which the first and second ferrule end faces are separated from each other. Two steps;
After the second step, insertion of the first guide pin into the non-circular first guide hole that is in a direction parallel to the end surface of the second ferrule with respect to the other ferrule. The insertion position of the second guide pin in the position and the non-circular second guide hole is such that the first and third optical fiber end faces are from the position where the first and second optical fiber end faces face each other. A third step of applying a force in the direction of movement to the opposite position;
After the third step, light having a fourth step of applying a force in a direction perpendicular to the second ferrule end surface and in a direction in which the first and second ferrule end surfaces are in close contact with each other Fiber core wire switching method. The length of the non-circular first and second guide holes along the first or second straight line is the same as the diameter of the perfect circular first and second guide holes. Item 6. The optical fiber core wire switching method according to Item 5. The insertion position of the first guide pin in the non-circular first guide hole and the insertion position of the second guide pin in the non-circular second guide hole are the first and second optical fibers. The state in which the end faces are in positions facing each other is a state in which the longitudinal portions of the first and second guide pins are in contact with one end in the longitudinal direction of the non-circular guide hole,
The insertion position of the first guide pin in the non-circular first guide hole and the insertion position of the second guide pin in the non-circular second guide hole are the first and third optical fibers. The optical fiber according to claim 5, wherein the state where the end faces are in a position facing each other is a state where the longitudinal portions of the first and second guide pins are in contact with the other end in the longitudinal direction of the non-circular guide hole. Core wire switching method.   The optical fiber core wire switching method according to claim 7, wherein the force applied in the second step is 1.6 N or more.