JP2024035601A - Multicore optical fiber cord with optical component and method of manufacturing multicore optical fiber cord with optical component - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-fiber optical fiber cord with an optical component etc., capable of securely protecting optical fibers by a cladding.

SOLUTION: Optical fibers 5 can be exposed from a small-diameter cladding 11 and a large-diameter cladding 13 with the large-diameter cladding 13 arranged at an outer peripheral part of a small-diameter cladding 11. Consequently, the exposed optical fibers 5 can be rotated respectively, and an optical component 3b can be aligned with and connected to other-end sides of the respective optical fibers 5. Then the large-diameter cladding 13 is slid toward the optical component 3b to fix an end part of the large-diameter cladding 13 to the optical component 3b. Both end parts of the plurality of optical fibers 5 are rotated to be aligned with and connected to the optical components 3a, 3b respectively, so that a multi-fiber optical fiber cord 1 can be obtained which has the optical fibers 5 protected by at least the small-diameter cladding 11 and the large-diameter cladding 13.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components, in which optical components are connected to the ends of a plurality of optical fibers, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Conventionally, optical fiber cords with built-in optical fibers have been used. In an optical fiber cord, an optical fiber is inserted into a tube-shaped jacket along with a tensile strength member, and the end of the optical fiber cord has an optical connector that can be connected to other optical components, and optical components such as a light emitting element and a light receiving element. Connected and used.

Such an optical fiber cord includes, for example, a ferrule attached to the end of an optical fiber core wire, and a ferrule and an optical fiber that are attached to the end of the optical fiber, and a ferrule and an optical fiber that are attached to the end of the optical fiber, and a ferrule and an optical fiber that are attached to the front end of the ferrule and extend from the rear end. A fiber cord with a connector has been proposed, which includes a housing that accommodates the fiber cord, a protective tube attached to the exposed portion of the optical fiber, and a boot member attached to the rear end of the housing (for example, the patent Reference 1).

JP 2018-92024 Publication

In recent years, optical fiber cords are also becoming more multi-core. Such a multi-fiber optical fiber cord accommodates a plurality of optical fibers, and is used by connecting, for example, a multi-fiber optical connector, a light receiving/emitting element, etc. to the end portion. For example, as a multi-fiber optical connector, a so-called MT connector (Mechanically Transferable Splicing Connector) is used, which has a plurality of holes through which each optical fiber is inserted and guide pins are arranged at both ends. By using such a multi-core optical connector, the multi-core optical fiber cord can be easily connected to other optical components and used.

On the other hand, polarization-maintaining fibers are sometimes used in place of normal single-mode fibers. A typical single mode fiber has two orthogonal polarization modes, and ideally this polarization state is maintained. However, when lateral pressure or bending is applied to this optical fiber, the phase change causes the polarization to fluctuate, making the polarization state unstable. On the other hand, the polarization-maintaining performance of polarization-maintaining fibers can be improved by, for example, forming stress-applying parts at both ends of the core.

Furthermore, due to the rapid increase in traffic in optical communication in recent years, multi-core fibers in which a plurality of cores are formed in one fiber have been proposed in place of the single-core optical fibers currently used. By using multi-core fibers, it is possible to reduce the cost of installing optical fibers and expand transmission capacity.

However, polarization-maintaining fibers and multi-core fibers have directionality in the circumferential direction, and require not only alignment in the XY direction like normal single mode fibers, but also rotational alignment. Become. For this reason, when connecting, for example, to a multi-fiber connector as described above, it is necessary to perform rotational alignment for each optical fiber.

However, as described above, the optical fiber cord is used by being inserted through a tubular jacket. That is, the exposed optical fiber is protected by the outer jacket between the optical components connected at both ends. Therefore, the individual optical fibers cannot be rotated separately while they are inserted through the jacket. However, after optical components are connected to both ends, the optical fiber exposed between the optical components cannot be inserted through the jacket.

On the other hand, there are methods of creating vertical divisions in the outer cover and methods of forming the outer cover in a spiral shape. However, doing so may cause internal optical fibers to protrude when the optical cord is routed. For this reason, a method is desired that allows rotational alignment of the optical fiber even when using a completely tubular jacket without splits or cuts.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems. For example, even when a plurality of optical fibers such as polarization maintaining fibers or multi-core fibers that require rotational alignment are built-in, the outer jacket It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components that can reliably protect optical fibers.

In order to achieve the above object, a first invention provides a plurality of optical fibers, an optical component connected to the ends of the plurality of optical fibers, and an outer jacket through which the plurality of optical fibers are collectively inserted. , each of the optical fibers is rotationally aligned and connected to the optical component, and the outer sheath includes at least a thin outer sheath and a thick one through which the narrow outer sheath can be inserted. This is a multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components, characterized in that it has a diameter outer jacket.

The small-diameter outer sheath and the large-diameter outer sheath are each 10 cm or more shorter than the total length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical component, and the total lengths of the narrow-diameter outer sheath and the large-diameter outer sheath are The length may be longer than the total length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical component.

The narrow-diameter outer cover is divided into two parts at least on one end side, and the length from the other end side of the narrow-diameter outer cover to the base of the two-divided part is from the optical component. At least 10 cm shorter than the total length of the exposed optical fiber, and the total length of the undivided portion of the small-diameter jacket and the length of the large-diameter jacket is shorter than the total length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical component. It can be long.

The optical component may be connected to both ends of the plurality of optical fibers, and at least one of the optical components may be an optical connection member.

The optical component may be connected to both ends of the plurality of optical fibers, and at least one of the optical components may include a light emitting element or a light receiving element.

A tensile strength body is arranged along the optical fiber, both ends of the tensile strength body are connected to the optical component, and the length of the tensile strength body exposed from the optical component is equal to the length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical component. It is desirable that it be shorter than the length.

The tensile strength member may be an aramid fiber or may be a twisted aramid fiber.

The optical fiber may be a polarization maintaining fiber, and the optical fiber may be a multi-core fiber.

According to the first invention, the outer cover is separated into at least a small diameter outer cover and a large diameter outer cover, and the large diameter outer cover is placed over the small diameter outer cover and is placed in a retracted state. , the optical fiber can be exposed. Therefore, the optical fiber can be rotated and rotationally aligned using this portion. In addition, after connecting the optical components, by returning the evacuated outer sheath to its original position and fixing it, the optical components are connected to both ends, and the optical fiber between the optical components is exposed over its entire length. It can be protected by covering.

For example, by making the lengths of the thin-diameter jacket and the large-diameter jacket at least 10 cm shorter than the total length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical component, the optical fiber can be adjusted to the minimum required for rotational alignment. The exposure length can be ensured. In addition, by making the total length of the thin-diameter outer sheath and the large-diameter outer sheath longer than the total length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical component, the optical fiber between the optical components can be protected by the outer sheath over its entire length. .

Furthermore, when performing rotational alignment by dividing at least one end side of the narrow-diameter jacket into two, alignment work can also be performed by opening this divided portion to expose the optical fiber. On the other hand, by making the total length of the undivided part of the small-diameter jacket and the large-diameter jacket longer than the total length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical component, all the divided parts of the small-diameter jacket are connected to the large-diameter jacket after connection. Can be covered with a jacket. Therefore, the optical fiber between the optical components can be protected over its entire length by the outer sheath.

Such an optical component may be an optical connection member such as an optical connector that is connected to another optical component, or may be a light emitting element or a light receiving element. In any case, a plurality of optical fibers are each rotationally aligned and optically connected to the optical component.

In addition, a tensile strength body is placed along the optical fiber, and by making the length of the tensile strength body exposed from the optical component slightly shorter than the length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical component, the tension can be reliably reduced. It is possible to suppress the application of tensile force to the optical fiber.

At this time, as the tensile strength member, aramid fibers such as Kevlar (registered trademark) can be used, or twisted aramid fibers may be used.

A second invention is a method for manufacturing an optical fiber cord according to the first invention, wherein one end of the plurality of optical fibers is connected to a first optical component, and the plurality of optical fibers are connected to the first optical component. a step of exposing the other end side of the optical fiber from the outer sheath by covering the narrow outer sheath with the large diameter outer sheath from the state where the optical fiber is inserted through the narrow outer sheath and the large diameter outer sheath; , rotating each of the exposed optical fibers to align and connect a second optical component to the other end of the optical fiber; and sliding the narrow diameter jacket or the large diameter jacket. manufacturing a multi-core optical fiber cord with an optical component, comprising the steps of: fixing the other end side of the small-diameter jacket or the large-diameter jacket to the second optical component; It's a method.

According to the second invention, for example, from a state in which the end portions of the optical fiber and the small-diameter outer sheath are fixed to the first optical component, the narrow-diameter outer sheath is covered with the large-diameter outer sheath and retracted, so that the optical fiber can be retracted. The fiber can be exposed from the jacket and rotationally aligned. Furthermore, after the alignment connection between the optical fiber and the second optical component is completed, the large-diameter jacket can be slid and the other end side of the large-diameter jacket can be fixed to the second optical component. , the entire length of the optical fiber can be protected by a jacket.

A third invention is a method for manufacturing a multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components according to the first invention, in which one end of a plurality of optical fibers is connected to a first optical component, An optical fiber is inserted through the narrow-diameter jacket, and further, with the large-diameter jacket covering the narrow-diameter jacket, the divided portion of the narrow-diameter jacket is opened to connect the other end of the optical fiber. a step of exposing the optical fiber from the outer jacket, a step of rotating each of the exposed optical fibers and aligningly connecting a second optical component to the other end of the optical fiber; An optical component characterized by comprising the step of sliding the large diameter outer covering so as to cover the divided portion of the outer covering and fixing an end portion of the large diameter outer covering to the second optical component. This is a method for manufacturing a multi-core optical fiber cord.

According to the third invention, for example, from a state in which the end portions of the optical fiber and the small-diameter jacket are fixed to the first optical component, the narrow-diameter jacket is covered with the large-diameter jacket and retracted, and the narrow-diameter jacket is retracted. By opening the split portion of the sheath, the optical fiber is exposed from the sheath and rotational alignment can be performed. After the alignment connection between the optical fiber and the second optical component is completed, the large-diameter jacket is slid to cover the divided part of the small-diameter jacket, and the other end of the large-diameter jacket is connected to the second optical component. By fixing it to an optical component, the entire length of the optical fiber can be protected by the outer sheath.

According to the present invention, even when multiple optical fibers that require rotational alignment, such as polarization-maintaining fibers or multi-core fibers, are built-in, the optical fibers can be reliably protected by the outer sheath. It is possible to provide a multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a multi-core optical fiber cord 1 with optical components. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a multi-core optical fiber cord 1 with optical components. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a multi-core optical fiber cord 1 with optical components. The figure which shows an example of the optical component 3b. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the multi-core optical fiber cord 1 with optical components. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a multi-core optical fiber cord 1a with optical components.

Hereinafter, a multi-core optical fiber cord 1 with optical components according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing the manufacturing process of the multi-core optical fiber cord 1 with optical components, and the method for manufacturing the multi-core optical fiber cord 1 with optical components will be described below. In the following description, an example in which the optical fiber 5 is a polarization-maintaining fiber is shown, but any optical fiber having directionality in the circumferential direction, such as a multi-core fiber, can be used.

First, a plurality of optical fibers 5 and an optical component 3a for connecting to the ends of the plurality of optical fibers 5 are prepared. Next, as shown in FIG. 1(a), an optical component 3a, which is a first optical component, is connected to one end of the plurality of optical fibers 5. The optical component 3a may be, for example, an optical connection member such as a multi-core optical connector used for connection with another optical fiber, or a light-emitting member or a light-receiving member equipped with a light-emitting element, a light-receiving element, etc. There may be. For example, a light source may be connected to each optical fiber 5 as the optical component 3a.

As described above, the optical fiber 5 has directionality in the circumferential direction. Therefore, each optical fiber 5 needs to be rotationally aligned with respect to the optical component 3a. The connection between each optical fiber 5 and the optical component 3a can be performed by a conventional known method. For example, the connection end side of the optical fiber 5 is enlarged, the rotational position in the circumferential direction is adjusted, and each part on the end face is oriented in a predetermined direction, and then connected to the optical component 3a one by one or all at once. Just fix it. At this time, since the optical fibers 5 are exposed, rotational alignment of each optical fiber 5 can be easily performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1(b), one end of a tensile strength member 9 is connected to the optical component 3a. As the tensile strength member 9, for example, aramid fibers (eg, “Kevlar” (registered trademark)) can be used. Alternatively, twisted aramid fibers may be used. Note that a plurality of tensile strength members 9 may be used. Further, a boot 7 is fixed to the end of the optical component 3a as required. Note that the boot 7 is usually a molded product made of elastomer such as silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer. In the following description, the boot may also be referred to as an optical component.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1(c), the plurality of optical fibers 5 and the tensile strength member 9 are covered with the thin outer sheath 11, and one end of the thin outer sheath 11 (the end on the optical component 3a side) is attached to the optical component 3a. 3a (boot 7). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1(d), a plurality of optical fibers 5 and tensile strength members 9 are inserted through the large-diameter jacket 13. Here, the inner diameter of the large-diameter outer sheath 13 is larger than the outer diameter of the small-diameter outer sheath 11, and the small-diameter outer sheath 11 can be inserted into the large-diameter outer sheath 13. Therefore, the large-diameter outer sheath 13 can be moved to the outer periphery of the small-diameter outer sheath 11 and the large-diameter outer sheath 13 can be placed over the narrow-diameter outer sheath 11 (in the direction of arrow C in the figure).

In addition, in this embodiment, the small-diameter outer sheath 11 and the large-diameter outer sheath 13 may be collectively referred to simply as an outer sheath. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 1(d), the plurality of optical fibers 5 and tensile strength members 9 are inserted into the outer sheath (the narrow outer sheath 11 and the large diameter outer sheath 13) at once. Note that the outer cover is made of a soft resin such as PVC or PE, and can be manufactured by extrusion molding. Therefore, it is softer and can be made thinner than the boot 7.

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a state in which the large-diameter outer sheath 13 is moved toward the optical component 3a side and the large-diameter outer sheath 13 is arranged on the outer periphery of the small-diameter outer sheath 11. When the large-diameter outer sheath 13 is placed over the narrow-diameter outer sheath 11, the other end side of the optical fiber 5 (the side opposite to the optical component 3a) is exposed from the narrow-diameter outer sheath 11 and the large-diameter outer sheath 13. can be done.

Each component associated with the optical component 3b, which is the second optical component, is arranged on the exposed optical fiber 5. In the illustrated example, a spring 14, a spring push 16, a caulking ring 18, an outer caulking ring 20, etc. are used. An optical component 3b is connected to the other end of the optical fiber 5. At this time, the optical fiber 5 is exposed between the outer cover and the optical component 3b (section F in the figure). Therefore, each of the exposed optical fibers 5 can be rotated, and the optical component 3b can be aligned and connected to the other end of each optical fiber 5.

FIG. 4 shows, as an example, a case where the optical component 3b is an MT ferrule and an MPO connector is attached. A plurality of holes 17 are formed in the optical component 3b. The hole 17 is a portion through which the tip of the optical fiber 5 is inserted. Furthermore, guide holes 19 are formed on both sides of the plurality of holes 17 on the end surface of the optical component 3b. A guide pin 21 is inserted into the guide hole 19. Guide pins 21 are used to position the connector to be connected.

The rotational alignment of the optical fibers 5 can be performed, for example, by magnifying the end face of each optical fiber 5 with a microscope from the end face side of the optical component 3b and adjusting the direction of each optical fiber 5. For this reason, for example, as shown in the figure, rotation alignment can be performed so that the stress applying part 25 and the core 23 are aligned on a straight line (line H in the figure) in the parallel direction of the optical fibers 5. In this state, by injecting adhesive from above the optical component 3b and curing it, the optical fiber 5 can be aligned and fixed to the optical component 3b. Note that if the orientations of the optical fibers 5 are aligned, the stress applying portions 25 and cores 23 of each optical fiber 5 may not be aligned in a straight line as shown in the figure, but may be aligned in a direction perpendicular to this. can.

Here, the length of the small diameter outer sheath 11 (A in FIG. 1(c)) and the length of the large diameter outer sheath 13 (B in FIG. 1(d)) are the lengths of the parts exposed from the optical components 3a and 3b, respectively. It is desirable that the length be at least 10 cm shorter than the total length of the optical fiber (D in FIG. 2(a)). That is, in FIG. 2A, the length of the optical fiber 5 that can be exposed from the outer cover between the optical components 3a and 3b (E in FIG. 2A) is preferably 10 cm or more. By doing so, the rotational alignment of each optical fiber 5 can be performed using a conventional method.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c), the optical component 3b is housed in the housing 10 and fixed by the spring push 16. The housing 10 includes, for example, an inner housing, an outer housing, a spring, etc., and is assembled in advance. By fitting the claw of the spring pusher 16 into the latch inside the housing 10, both can be fixed. Further, since the spring 14 is sandwiched between the optical component 3b and the housing 10, when the optical component 3b is pushed from the front end surface, the spring 14 is compressed and applies a pressing force to the end surface of the optical component 3b. can do.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3(a), by sandwiching the tensile strength body 9 between the rear end of the spring push 16 and the caulking ring 18 and caulking it with the caulking ring 18, the tensile strength body 9 is attached to the optical component 3b. Fixed. That is, the tensile strength member 9 is arranged along the optical fiber 5. Here, in a state where both ends of the tensile strength body 9 are connected to the optical components 3a, 3b, the length of the tensile strength body 9 exposed from the optical components 3a, 3b is equal to the length of the optical fiber 5 exposed from the optical components 3a, 3b. It is desirable that it is slightly shorter than the length. That is, even when tension is applied to the tensile strength body 9, it is desirable that the optical fiber 5 be allowed to be slightly bent. By doing so, application of tension to the optical fiber 5 can be suppressed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3(b), slide the large diameter outer cover 13 toward the optical component 3b, and connect the end of the large diameter outer cover 13 to the rear end of the caulking ring 18 and the outer cover caulking ring 20. The large-diameter outer sheath 13 is fixed to the optical component 3b by sandwiching it between the two. Note that, for example, the end portion of the large diameter outer sheath 13 may be inserted into the inside of the caulking ring 18 and fixed without using the outer sheath crimping ring 20. Finally, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the boot 15 is slid and fitted into each member, thereby completing the assembly of the MPO connector.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the optical component 3b is an MT ferrule and the optical connector is an MPO connector, but the present invention is not limited to this. Moreover, even if it is an optical connector, it is not limited to an optical connector having an internal structure as shown in the drawings. Further, as described above, the optical component 3b may include not only an optical connection member but also a light receiving/emitting element or the like. Further, one of the optical components 3a, 3b may be an optical connection member, and the other may be an optical component having a built-in light receiving/emitting element, etc., or both of the optical components 3a, 3b may be an optical connector. Further, other known methods such as adhesion or caulking can be used to fix the outer cover or tensile strength member 9 to the optical component 3b (3a).

Here, the total length (A+B) of the small diameter outer sheath 11 and the large diameter outer sheath 13 is longer than the total length (E) of the optical fiber exposed from the optical components 3a and 3b. Therefore, in a state where the small-diameter outer sheath 11 and the large-diameter outer sheath 13 are fixed to the optical components 3a and 3b, respectively, an outer sheath overlap portion 12 is formed where the narrow-diameter outer sheath 11 and the large-diameter outer sheath 13 overlap. . That is, the optical fiber 5 is not exposed from the outer jacket.

As described above, both ends of the plurality of optical fibers 5 are connected to the optical components 3a and 3b in a rotationally aligned manner, and the optical fibers 5 are protected by at least the small-diameter jacket 11 and the large-diameter jacket 13. A multi-core optical fiber cord 1 with optical components can be obtained.

Incidentally, the outer sheath overlap portion 12 where the small-diameter outer sheath 11 and the large-diameter outer sheath 13 overlap may be further fixed with adhesive, a heat-shrinkable tube, or the like. By fixing the outer cover overlapping portion 12, it is possible to prevent water from entering the interior through gaps in the overlapping portion. On the other hand, the overlapping portions 12 of the jackets may not be fixed and may remain overlapped. By doing so, when the multi-core optical fiber cord 1 with optical components is bent, the relevant parts can slide relative to each other, and it is possible to suppress crushing of the outer jacket due to bending. In this case, the jacket overlapping portion 12 needs to be long enough to prevent the thin diameter jacket 11 and the large diameter jacket 13 from coming off when the multi-core optical fiber cord 1 with optical components is bent. It is.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the narrow diameter outer sheath 11 is first fixed to the optical component 3a, and finally the large diameter outer sheath 13 is fixed to the optical component 3b, but the large diameter outer sheath 13 is fixed to the optical component 3a. Then, the small-diameter outer sheath 11 may be connected to the optical component 3b. That is, in a state in which the thin outer sheath 11 and the large diameter outer sheath 13 are inserted into the optical fiber 5, one of the narrow outer sheath 11 and the large diameter outer sheath 13 is fixed to the optical component 3a, and the other is fixed to the optical component 3b. It should be fixed to . Further, the optical component 3a may be fixed to the small-diameter outer sheath 11 or the large-diameter outer sheath 13 last.

In addition, in the embodiment mentioned above, the example in which the small-diameter outer sheath 11 and the large-diameter outer sheath 13 are approximately the same length has been shown, but the length is not limited to this. For example, if the total length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical components 3a and 3b (D in FIG. 2(a)) is sufficiently long compared to the length required for rotational alignment (E in FIG. 2(a)) In this case, one length may be approximately the total length D−10 cm, and the other length may be approximately 10 cm+α. That is, the lengths of the small-diameter outer sheath 11 and the large-diameter outer sheath 13 do not have to be the same. Note that if the length of the large-diameter outer sheath 13 is longer than the length of the narrow-diameter outer sheath 11, the narrow-diameter outer sheath 11 may get inside the large-diameter outer sheath 13 and be difficult to take out. It is desirable that the narrow diameter outer sheath 11 be longer.

Further, in the embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the outer sheath is composed of two pieces, one small-diameter outer sheath 11 and one large-diameter outer sheath 13, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), it may be composed of a total of three small-diameter outer sheaths 11 and one large-diameter outer sheath 13, two small-diameter outer sheaths 11 and one large-diameter outer sheath 13. good. In this case, since both ends of the large-diameter outer sheath 13 become the outer sheath overlapping portions 12, the narrow-diameter outer sheath 11 and the large-diameter outer sheath 13 are bonded together by adhesive, heat shrink tube, etc. It needs to be fixed. In this way, a total of three or more small-diameter outer sheaths 11 and three or more large-diameter outer sheaths 13 may be configured and arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction.

Further, in the embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the outer sheath is composed of two types, one type of small diameter outer sheath 11 and one type of large diameter outer sheath 13, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), a large-diameter outer sheath 13 through which the narrow-diameter sheath 11 can be inserted, and a large-diameter outer sheath through which the large-diameter sheath 13 can further be inserted. It may be composed of a cover 13a. In this case, a total of three or more kinds of small-diameter outer sheaths 11, large-diameter outer sheaths 13, 13a, etc. are constructed in such a way that the outer diameters of different outer diameters are lined up in order in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in one line). The outer sheaths may be arranged so that the outer sheaths differ by a step in diameter.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to protect the optical fiber 5 to which the optical components 3a and 3b are connected at both ends with the outer sheath (the thin outer sheath 11 and the large diameter outer sheath 13) over the entire length. At the same time, the individual optical fibers 5 can be rotationally aligned and connected to the optical components 3a, 3b. Therefore, it is applicable even to a case where a plurality of polarization-maintaining fibers or multi-core fibers are used. Further, since no cuts or the like are required in the outer cover, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber 5 from popping out.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of a multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the same components as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 5, and redundant description will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, first, the optical component 3a is connected to one end of the plurality of optical fibers 5 together with the tensile strength member 9. From this state, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the optical fiber 5 and the tensile strength member 9 are covered with the thin outer sheath 11a (arrow I in the figure). That is, the optical fiber 5 and the tensile strength member 9 are inserted into the small-diameter outer sheath 11a all at once. Note that, unlike the small-diameter outer sheath 11, the narrow-diameter outer sheath 11a is divided into two at least on one end side to form a divided portion 27.

At this time, the small-diameter outer sheath 11a is arranged so that the dividing portion 27 faces in the opposite direction to the optical component 3a. Further, the other end (the side of the non-divided portion) of the small-diameter outer sheath 11a is fixed to the optical component 3a.

Here, the total length of the narrow outer sheath 11a may be sufficiently longer than the narrow outer cover 11 in the first embodiment. For example, compared to the total length of the optical fiber 5 exposed from the optical components 3a and 3b in the multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components after connection (corresponding to D in FIG. 2(a)), the length is almost the same. There may be.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the optical fiber 5 and the tensile strength member 9 are inserted into the large-diameter jacket 13. That is, the large-diameter outer sheath 13 is placed over the narrow-diameter outer sheath 11 (arrow J in the figure). At this time, the narrow diameter outer sheath 11a can be inserted into the large diameter outer sheath 13 by keeping the divided portion 27 of the narrow diameter outer sheath 11a closed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6(c), the large-diameter outer sheath 13 is moved toward the optical component 3a, and from this state, the divided portion 27 of the narrow-diameter outer sheath 11a is opened. By moving the large diameter outer sheath 13 to the non-divided portion side of the narrow diameter outer sheath 11a and opening the divided portion 27, a part of the optical fiber 5 on the side opposite to the optical component 3a is separated from the narrow diameter outer sheath 11 and the divided portion 27. It can be exposed from the large-diameter outer sheath 13.

The optical component 3b and each component associated with the optical connector are arranged on the exposed optical fiber 5, and the optical component 3b is connected to the other end of the optical fiber 5 (on the opposite side to the optical component 3a). . At this time, since the optical fibers 5 are exposed at the divided portion 27 of the narrow outer jacket 11a (section K in the figure), each of the exposed optical fibers 5 can be rotated, and the other end of each optical fiber 5 can be rotated. The optical component 3b can be connected in a centered manner.

After all the optical fibers 5 are fixed to the optical component 3b, as shown in FIG. 6(d), the housing 10 and the like are assembled in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the divided portion 27 of the narrow outer cover 11a is assembled. The large-diameter outer sheath 13 is slid toward the optical component 3b so as to cover the optical component 3b (arrow L in the figure), and the end of the large-diameter outer sheath 13 is fixed to the optical component 3b.

Furthermore, by putting the boot 15 over the connector end, the plurality of optical fibers 5 are connected at both ends to the optical components 3a and 3b in a rotationally aligned manner, and the small diameter outer sheath 11a and the large diameter outer sheath 13 are connected. Thus, a multi-core optical fiber cord 1a with optical components in which the optical fiber 5 is protected can be obtained.

Note that the length of the undivided portion of the small-diameter outer sheath 11 (the length from the end of the undivided portion of the narrow-diameter outer sheath 11 to the base of the divided portion 27 that is divided into two) (in FIG. 6(d) M)) is preferably at least 10 cm shorter than the total length of the optical fiber 5 exposed from the optical components 3a, 3b. By doing so, it is possible to ensure a sufficient exposed length for rotationally aligning each optical fiber 5 between the optical components 3a and 3b.

In addition, by making the total length of the undivided portion of the small diameter outer sheath 11 and the length of the large diameter outer sheath 13 longer than the total length of the optical fiber 5 exposed from the optical components 3a and 3b, the large diameter outer sheath 13, it is possible to reliably cover the divided portion 27 of the small-diameter outer sheath 11a. Therefore, in a state where the small diameter outer sheath 11a and the large diameter outer sheath 13 are fixed to the optical components 3a and 3b, respectively, the optical fiber 5 is not exposed from the outer sheath.

According to the second embodiment, effects similar to those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In this way, a predetermined length of the optical fiber 5 is exposed during rotational alignment, and then a part of the outer jacket is slid to cover the entire length of the optical fiber 5. The entire length can be protected by the outer sheath (the thin outer sheath 11a, the large diameter outer sheath 13), and the individual optical fibers 5 can be connected to the optical components 3a, 3b by rotation and alignment.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is clear that those skilled in the art can come up with various changes and modifications within the scope of the technical idea stated in the claims, and these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it belongs.

1, 1a...Multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components 3a, 3b...Optical components 5...Optical fibers 7, 15...Boots 9...Tensile strength member 10...Housing 11, 11a... ……Small diameter outer sheath 12……Overlapping portions 13, 13a……Large diameter outer sheath 14……Spring 16……Spring push 17……hole 18……Caulking ring 19…… Guide hole 20...Outer caulking ring 21...Guide pin 23...Core 25...Stress applying part 27...Divided part

Claims (11)

multiple optical fibers,
an optical component connected to the ends of the plurality of optical fibers;
an outer jacket through which a plurality of the optical fibers are inserted all at once;
Equipped with
Each of the optical fibers is rotationally aligned and connected to the optical component,
A multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components, wherein the outer sheath has at least a thin outer sheath and a large diameter outer sheath through which the thin outer sheath can be inserted. The small-diameter outer sheath and the large-diameter outer sheath are each 10 cm or more shorter than the total length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical component, and the total lengths of the narrow-diameter outer sheath and the large-diameter outer sheath are The multi-core optical fiber cord with an optical component according to claim 1, wherein the length is longer than the total length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical component. The narrow-diameter outer cover is divided into two parts at least on one end side, and the length from the other end side of the narrow-diameter outer cover to the base of the two-divided part is from the optical component. At least 10 cm shorter than the total length of the exposed optical fiber, and the total length of the undivided portion of the small-diameter jacket and the length of the large-diameter jacket is shorter than the total length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical component. The multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components according to claim 1, characterized in that the cord is long. The optical component is connected to both ends of the plurality of optical fibers,
The multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the optical components is an optical connection member. The optical component is connected to both ends of the plurality of optical fibers,
2. The multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the optical components includes a light emitting element or a light receiving element. A tensile strength member is arranged along the optical fiber, and both ends of the tensile strength member are connected to the optical component, respectively.
2. The multi-core optical fiber cord with optical component according to claim 1, wherein the length of the tensile strength body exposed from the optical component is shorter than the length of the optical fiber exposed from the optical component. 7. The multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components according to claim 6, wherein the tensile strength member is an aramid fiber or a twisted aramid fiber. 2. The multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber is a polarization maintaining fiber. The multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber is a multi-core fiber. A method for manufacturing a multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components according to claim 2, comprising:
One end of the plurality of optical fibers is connected to a first optical component, and the plurality of optical fibers are inserted through the narrow diameter outer sheath and the large diameter outer sheath,
covering the narrow-diameter jacket with the large-diameter jacket to expose the other end side of the optical fiber from the jacket;
rotating each of the exposed optical fibers to align and connect a second optical component to the other end of the optical fiber;
sliding the small-diameter outer sheath or the large-diameter outer sheath to fix the other end side of the narrow-diameter outer sheath or the large-diameter outer sheath to the second optical component;
A method for manufacturing a multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components, comprising: A method for manufacturing a multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components according to claim 3, comprising:
One end of the plurality of optical fibers is connected to a first optical component, the plurality of optical fibers are inserted through the narrow outer jacket, and the large diameter outer jacket is inserted into the narrow outer jacket. opening the divided portion of the narrow-diameter jacket from the covered state to expose the other end side of the optical fiber from the jacket;
rotating each of the exposed optical fibers to align and connect a second optical component to the other end of the optical fiber;
sliding the large diameter outer covering so as to cover the divided portion of the small diameter outer covering and fixing an end portion of the large diameter outer covering to the second optical component;
A method for manufacturing a multi-core optical fiber cord with optical components, comprising:

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