JP3312893B2 - Optical wiring unit - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical wiring unit for accommodating a plurality of optical modules provided on the side of an optical connector which terminates an optical fiber so as to be connectable to another optical fiber. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an optical distribution board, (1) FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0, the optical connector adapters 2 mounted on the panel 1 mounted on the frame in a plurality of
The optical fiber 3 is connected from one side of the panel 1 so that a connector can be connected thereto, and another optical fiber 4 is connected to the optical connector adapter 2 from the outside (work surface side) of the panel 1 so that the optical fiber is connected. The fiber 3 and the fiber 4 are connected by a switchable connector via the optical connector adapter 2. (2) As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the work surface side of the frame 5 (the paper surface in FIG. 11). The optical connector adapter 7 is housed in a tray 6 housed in the frame 5 so that it can be pulled out to the front (left side in FIG. 12), and the optical fibers 8 and 9 are connected to each other via the optical connector adapter 7. Is provided. Note that the optical fibers 8 and 9 connected by the optical distribution boards of FIGS. 11 and 12 are so-called optical connectors 8a and 9a (optical connector plugs) whose ends are drawn to be connectable to the connectors by optical connectors 8a and 9a. An optical fiber 1 which is a terminated optical fiber and which is led out to a terminal by optical fiber cables 10 and 11 drawn into a frame 5.
0a and 11a are connected by the fusion unit 12.
Therefore, when the optical fibers 8 and 9 are connected to each other, the optical fibers 10 a and 11 a of the different optical fiber cables 10 and 11 are connected via the optical fibers 8 and 9. The optical fiber J is a jumper optical fiber (jumper cord).

[0003]

By the way, in the optical wiring board, it is required to increase the mounting density of optical connectors and the like and increase the number of corresponding cores. However, in the optical distribution board shown in FIG. 10, it is necessary to insert a hand or a tool for the operation of attaching and detaching the optical connector plug 4 a at the tip of the optical fiber 4 to and from each optical connector adapter 2. There is a limit to narrowing the arrangement pitch of the optical connector adapters. In the optical distribution board shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the optical connector adapter 7 is taken out of the holder of the tray 6 drawn out to the work surface side of the frame 5 and the target optical fibers 8 and 9 are connected. Since the connector adapter 7 is returned to the holder again and the tray 6 is housed in the frame 5, the optical fibers 8, 9
Connection, switching connection, removal, etc., take out the optical connector adapter 7 from the holder, re-store it,
It is necessary to store the optical fibers 8 and 9 in an excessively long length in the inside, and there is a dissatisfaction that the work is troublesome. In addition, since the tray 6 having a size capable of bending and storing the extra lengths of the two optical fibers 8 and 9 connected via the optical connector adapter 7 is employed, if the number of optical fibers 8 and 9 to be introduced is small, The waste of long storage space becomes very large,
As a result, there are also problems that it is difficult to increase the number of compatible cores and increase the mounting density of the optical connector adapter. further,
In this tray drawing type optical wiring board, even when each tray 6 is pulled out and stored, the light drawn into the tray 6 from the optical connector wiring sections 13 and 14 on both sides of the tray storage section 6a for storing the trays 6 in multiple stages. Since it is necessary to prevent the fibers 8, 9, and J from being damaged (installation of the optical fiber guide section, etc.), if the installation of the optical fiber guide section is performed at each storage position of the tray 6, the number of parts increases. For example, there is a problem that the cost is relatively high.

An optical distribution board having the structure shown in FIG. 10 comprises, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a panel 1 on which an optical connector adapter 2 is mounted, a duct 15a through which optical fibers 4 are wired, and the like. An optical fiber wiring section 16 is provided on the side of the end 15, and the optical fiber 4 is drawn from the optical fiber wiring section 16 through the duct 15 a to the work surface side of the panel 1 and connected to the target optical connector adapter 2. Configuration is often adopted. The optical fiber wiring section
It is sufficient that the optical fiber wiring section 16 is provided on only one side of the termination section 15 (the optical fiber wiring section 16 is on the left side of the termination section 15 in FIG. 13). In some cases, there are advantages and disadvantages of the wiring of the optical fiber 4 at the installation position of the optical fiber wiring part. Therefore, the optical fiber wiring parts 16 and 16 a may be provided on both sides of the termination 15. However, in such a configuration, one of the optical fiber wiring parts is not often used, and the optical wiring board is unnecessarily enlarged, and eventually, the number of cores of the optical wiring board is increased and the optical connector adapter is increased. This hinders the improvement of the mounting density and the like. For example, in FIG. 13, only the optical fiber wiring section 16 on the left side of the termination section 15 is sufficient, but the optical fiber wiring section 16 a is also provided on the right side via the termination section 15. Is wasted. In addition,
The above-mentioned problems such as the mounting density of optical connector adapters, the number of compatible cores, the work of connection and switching connection, etc. are not limited to optical distribution boards,
It is common to various optical wiring units such as an optical connection box and an optical closure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and can improve the mounting density of optical connector adapters, increase the number of compatible cores, and the like.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical wiring unit capable of improving workability such as switching connection and disconnection (removal).

[0006]

The present invention has the following features to attain the object mentioned above. The invention according to claim 1 is an optical wiring unit that houses a plurality of optical modules in which an optical connector that terminates an optical fiber so as to be connectable to another optical fiber is provided in a side part, wherein each of the optical modules is stacked. A module storage portion for storing the optical module so that the optical module can be pulled out in the same direction, and a connector connection to the optical connector provided on the front side in the pull-out direction of each optical module stored in the module storage portion from the module storage portion. The optical fiber wiring section on which the optical fiber is to be wired is arranged side by side, and the module storage section is located in the module storage section at a position shifted from a predetermined storage position in the module storage section toward the pull-out direction. An optical wiring unit, comprising: a module support portion that supports the optical module housed in the portion. It was. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the optical wiring unit according to the first aspect, the optical fiber wiring section is selectively attachable to both opposing sides of the module storage section. I do. The invention according to claim 3 is the optical wiring unit according to claim 1 or 2,
The optical module is characterized by comprising fixing means for fixing the optical module stored in a predetermined storage position in the module storage section, and the optical module can be pulled out by releasing the fixing by the fixing means. As the optical wiring unit, various configurations such as an optical wiring board, a unit mounted on the optical wiring board, an optical termination box, and an optical branching connection box can be adopted.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an example of application to an optical distribution board will be described. FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an optical distribution board 20, FIG. 2 is a view showing an optical distribution unit 21 mounted on the optical distribution board 20, (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a front view.

In FIG. 1, an optical wiring board 20 is a frame in which a plurality of optical wiring units 21 are housed vertically and in multiple stages. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (a) and 2 (b), optical fibers drawn out from terminals of optical fiber cables 23a and 23b drawn into and fixed to a cable fixing portion 22 provided in the optical distribution board 20. 24a and 24b are wired to an in-building wiring section 27 formed by connecting the in-building wiring sections 26 of the optical fiber wiring sections 25 of the optical wiring units 21 provided in the optical wiring board 20 in multiple stages; It is drawn into the target optical wiring unit 21. The optical fibers 24a, 24b
Is an optical fiber cord, an optical fiber cord coated with a reinforcing tube covered with a reinforcing tube, an optical fiber cord or the like.
However, the optical fiber to be drawn into the optical wiring unit 21 has a distal end terminated by an optical connector (optical connector plug) so as to be connectable to a connector, and is connected to the ends of the optical fiber cables 23a and 23b described in FIG. The extracted optical fibers 24a and 24b are optical fibers whose ends are preliminarily connected to an optical connector so as to be connectable to a connector. The optical fibers are drawn into the optical wiring unit 21 as they are. If the fiber is not terminated by the optical connector, the connection unit separately installed on the optical distribution board 20
It is preferable that an optical fiber led out from an optical fiber cable is connected to an optical fiber with an optical connector, and the optical fiber with the optical connector is drawn into the optical wiring unit 21. The connection unit is a cable fixing unit 22
It is preferable to install in the vicinity. Cable fixing part 22
1 is preferably installed at the uppermost or lowermost part of the optical distribution board 20, and is installed at the uppermost part in FIG.
7 and is drawn into the target optical wiring unit 21. When the cable fixing part 22 is installed at the lowermost part of the optical distribution board 20, the optical fibers 24a and 24b are passed through the in-building wiring part 27 and the desired optical distribution unit 21 is connected.
And pull it up.

2 (a) and 2 (b), the optical wiring unit 21 is provided with the optical fiber wiring section 25 and a module storage section 29 for storing the optical module 28. The optical fibers 24a and 24b drawn into the optical fiber 21 are drawn into the module storage part 29 via the optical fiber wiring part 25, and the optical connectors 30a and 30 mounted on the side of the optical module 28.
b (optical connector adapter). FIG.
As shown in the figure, the optical wiring unit 21 is, specifically, on both left and right sides (as viewed from the work space 32 side which is the front side of the optical wiring unit 21) via a partitioning column 21b at the center of a frame-shaped unit frame 21a. Work space 32 is shown in FIG.
(Refer to (a)).
d, a unit-shaped optical fiber wiring section 25 is attached using a fixture such as a screw, and the unit attaching section 21c,
A unit-shaped module storage unit 29 is attached to the other of the 21d using a fixture such as a screw.
An R guide 31 is attached to 1b. The unit mounting portions 21c and 21d have the same configuration, and the optical fiber wiring portion 25 and the module storage portion 29
It can be attached to any of these unit attaching portions 21c and 21d. 2A, 2B, 3 and the like, the optical fiber wiring portion 26 is attached to the unit attaching portion 21c on the left side when viewed from the working space 32 side of the unit frame 21a, and the module is attached to the unit attaching portion 21d on the right side. The storage section 29 is attached, but as shown in FIG. 4, conversely, the module storage section 29 is mounted on the left unit mounting section 21c, and the optical fiber wiring section 25 is mounted on the right unit mounting section 21d. You may do it. In the optical distribution board 20, the installation positions (left and right) of the optical fiber wiring section 25 and the module storage section 29 are basically unified in all the optical wiring units 21, but for example, cable fixing sections are provided at both upper and lower ends. In an optical distribution board or the like provided with, a block composed of a plurality of optical wiring units 21 provided continuously in multiple stages from the upper cable fixing portion, and provided in multiple stages continuously from the lower cable fixing portion. The installation positions (left and right) of the optical fiber wiring unit 25 and the module storage unit 29 are unified for each block with the block including the plurality of optical wiring units 21, and each of the optical wiring units 21 constituting this block is united for the block. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the in-frame wiring portions 26 of the optical fiber wiring portion 25 communicate with each other.

As described above, in the optical wiring unit 21 in which the mounting position of the optical fiber wiring section 25 to the module housing section 29 can be selected from either side of the module housing section 29, the optical fiber cables 23a,
3b, pull-in direction, optical fiber cables 23a, 23
b, the length can be flexibly adapted to various conditions of the installation location, and the optical fiber cable 23a,
23b and the optical fiber cable 23
Since it is not necessary to uselessly secure a space for wiring the optical fibers led out from the terminals a and 23b to meet various installation conditions, the space can be saved. Note that the fixing pieces 21e protruding in a fin shape outside the unit frame 21a attach the unit frame 21a to the unit frame 21a.
Frame-like frame 20a of the optical distribution board 20 (FIG. 1A)
(See FIG. 1) with a screw or the like. The fixing pieces 25a, 29a protruding from the frames of the optical fiber wiring section 25 and the module storage section 29 in a fin shape are fixing sections for fixing to the unit frame 21a with screws or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), in the module housing section 29, a plurality of module bodies 28e in the form of a thin plate-like appearance of the optical module 28 are placed horizontally and stacked one above the other. The optical fibers 24a and 24b connected to the target optical module 28 by being pulled up from above the bottom plate 25b of the optical fiber wiring section 25 are introduced into the module storage section 29 via the working space 32 side of the partitioning column 21b. The optical connectors 24c and 24d (optical connector plugs) at the ends are connected to target optical connectors 30a and 30b attached to the side of the module main body 28e of the optical module 28. The optical fibers 24a and 24b are wired by passing through R guides 31 attached in multiple stages to the partition column 21b,
A bending radius is secured. The R guide 31 is connected to the optical fiber 2 connected to the optical connectors 30a and 30b.
Unnecessary sagging of the optical connectors 4a and 24b near the optical connectors 30a and 30b is prevented, and the sagging length is maintained so as not to interfere with the storage and draw-out of another optical module 28 in the module housing part 29.

The R guide 31 shown in FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b), 3 and the like uses the curved plate 31a as the optical fiber wiring portion 25.
Since the optical fiber wiring section 25 and the module storage section 29 are installed in a state where the optical fiber wiring section 25 and the module storage section 29 are installed in the unit mounting sections 21c and 21d of the unit frame 21a in an opposite relationship (the state shown in FIG. 4). When this is done, the mounting direction of the R guide 31 is also reversed. However, various configurations of the R guide can be adopted. If a symmetrical R guide is adopted, the installation relationship of the optical fiber wiring section 25 and the module storage section 29 with respect to the two unit mounting sections 21c and 21d and the R guide Since there is no relationship with the installation direction of
There is no need to change the orientation of the guide, in this case,
It may be provided integrally with the partition column 21b of the unit frame 21a.

The wiring section 26 in the rack of the optical fiber wiring section 25
Is a space provided on the back side opposite to the working space 32.
5, the optical fibers 24a and 24b are bent and bent on the bottom plate 25b of the optical fiber wiring section 25 to have an extra length of 2.
4e is absorbed. Extra length 2 of optical fibers 24a and 24b
4e is removably clamped and held by a clamp 25c fixed to the bottom plate 25b. For example, the optical connector 30 of the optical module 28 is
connection of optical fibers 24a, 24b to a, 30b,
As long as the optical fibers 24a and 24b are held down by the clamp 25c even if the switching connection is performed, the optical fibers in the optical fiber wiring section 25 can be operated even if the optical fibers 24a and 24b to be worked are operated in the module storage section 29. 24a,
There is no fear that the vibration or movement of 24b is adversely affected. Further, if the holding piece 25d of the clamp 25c is removed and the clamp 25c is opened, the optical fibers 24a and 24b can be taken out from the clamp 25c.
The removal of the optical fibers 24a and 24b from the device 1 can be performed efficiently.

[0014] As shown in FIG.
Then, the opposite side walls 2 of the frame-shaped storage unit frame 29b
By the rail 29d (see FIG. 3) provided on 9c,
Guide members 28a provided on both opposing sides of the optical module 28 are movably guided, whereby the optical module 28 is housed so as to be drawn out to the working space 32 side. . Specifically, the guide members 28a are provided on opposite side portions of the module main body 28e. The optical module 28
The optical connectors 30a and 30b attached to the side of the module main body 28e are housed in the module housing 29 with the optical connectors 30a and 30b facing the work space 32 side. A stopper piece 28b protruding from both sides of the optical module 28 to the connector mounting surface 28f side
When the optical module 28 is pushed from the working space 32 side toward the inner part of the module storage unit 29, the optical module 28 comes into contact with a stopper wall 29e facing the working space 32 of the module storage unit 29, and further pressing is suppressed. (The position where the stopper piece 28b contacts the stopper wall 29e is the "storage position"). Further, if the fixing means 28c (latch) provided on the stopper piece 28b is engaged with a lock portion (not shown) of the stopper wall 29e so as to be able to be disengaged from the lock portion, the engagement state is maintained unless the lock member is forcibly pulled out from the lock portion. Will be maintained.
In FIG. 6 and the like, the stopper wall 29e is composed of a fixing piece 29a protruding from the storage section frame 29b of the module storage section 29 and a portion of the unit frame 21a to which the fixing piece 29a is fixed. There is
The invention is not limited thereto, and includes only the fixing piece 29a, only a part of the storage frame 29b, and the like.
Various configurations can be employed.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the optical module 28. FIG. 5A is a plan view, FIG. 5B is a front view, and FIG. 5C is a side view. The module body 28e of the optical module 28
One optical connector 30a is provided on the connector mounting surface 28f.
And a plurality of optical connectors 30b (8 in FIGS. 5A and 5C).
A connector row 34a comprising a plurality of optical connectors 30b);
34b are provided in two rows. In the optical module 28, the optical line on the optical connector 30a side is changed by the optical branching element 33 housed inside the module main body 28e to the same connector rows 34a, 34b as the optical connector 30a.
Of the optical connector 30b. For example, the optical fiber 2 exiting from one of the optical fiber cables 23a and 23b of the optical fiber cables 23a and 23b introduced from the cable fixing portion 22 to the optical distribution board 20.
4a is connected to the optical connector 30a of the optical module 28, and the plurality of optical fibers 24b led out from the other optical fiber cable 23b are connected to the optical connector 30.
A single optical fiber 24a on the side of the optical fiber cable 23a and a plurality of optical fibers 24b on the side of the optical fiber cable 23b are branched via the optical module 28 by connecting the connector to the optical connector 30b in the same connector row as the row a. Can connect. The optical connector 30b functions as an optical connector that terminates the optical fiber 24a connected to the optical connector 30a so as to be connectable to the optical fiber 24b.

FIG. 1, FIG. 2 (a), (b), FIG. 5 (a)-
In (c) and the like, one optical fiber 24a of the optical fiber cable 23a is
The two optical fibers 24 b are branched and connected via the optical module 28. That is, in the optical module 28, the branch connection between the optical fibers 24a and 24b can be performed in units of the connector rows 34a and 34b. One optical module 28 has two connector rows 34.
Since a and b are provided, two optical fibers 24a on the optical fiber cable 23a side can be branched and connected to a plurality of optical fibers 24b on the optical fiber cable 23b side by one optical module 28. Moreover, the optical fiber 24b is connected to the plurality of optical connectors 30b.
Is switchable. For example, when the optical fiber 24b of the optical fiber cable 23b on the line side is branched and connected via the optical module 28 to the optical fiber 24a of the optical fiber cable 23a on the transmission device side, By simply switching the connection of the optical fiber 24b to the optical connector 30b, the connection between the optical fibers 24a and 24b can be easily switched. Also, the connector row 34a,
Switching connection between 34b can also be easily performed. In the optical module 28, the feeder side optical connector 30a
To “0”, and “1” to “8” to the optical connector 30b on the branch side.
, And the optical connector 30a is attached at a position slightly distant from the optical connector 30b, so that it is easy to determine the types (feeder side, branch side) of the optical connectors 30a and 30b. .

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in the optical wiring unit 21, the optical module 28 stored in the module storage section 29 is stored in the storage position (the fixing means 28c is located at the stopper wall of the module storage section 29). Reference numeral 28e denotes a position where the optical module 2 is engaged with the lock portion 29e.
8), the module is provided with a module supporting portion that locks (supports) immovably in a state where the module is slightly pulled out to the working space 32 side (hereinafter, the position where the module is pulled out and locked is referred to as an “intermediate position”. ) The position of the solid line. Reference numeral 28B denotes the optical module 28 at the intermediate position, and only the optical module 28 to be worked is pulled out and locked immovably at the intermediate position, so that it is connected to another optical module 28. The optical fibers 24a, 24b to the optical connectors 30a, 30b do not interfere with the optical fibers 24a, 24b.
Work such as connection, switching connection, and disconnection (removal) can be performed efficiently. That is, the plurality of optical modules 28
Is stored in the storage position of the module storage section 29, the optical connectors 30a and 30b of each optical module 28 are densely arranged in a narrow area, so that the gap between the optical connectors 30a and 30b is narrow. It is difficult to efficiently perform operations such as connection, switching connection, and disconnection (removal) of the optical fibers 24a, 24b to the target optical connectors 30a, 30b. Moreover, the optical connectors 30a, 30
In a state where b is densely arranged in a narrow area, the optical fibers 24a and 24b connected to the optical connectors 30a and 30b are densely wired near the optical connectors 30a and 30b. Optical connector 30
Even when the optical fibers 24a and 24b are connected to the optical fibers 24a and 24b, the target optical connectors 30a and 30b are exposed by pushing the optical fibers 24a and 24b apart, thereby reducing workability and reducing the optical fibers 24a and 24b. It can also hurt. However, in the optical wiring unit according to the present invention, the optical module 28 is locked at the intermediate position so as not to move, so that the optical fibers 24a, 24b with respect to the optical connectors 30a, 30b of the optical module 28 are locked.
Work such as connector connection, switching connection, and disconnection of the optical connectors 30a and 30b of the other optical module 28 and the optical fiber 2 connected to these optical connectors 30a and 30b.
4a and 24b can be performed efficiently without interference. If the locked state (supported state) of the optical module 28 by the module supporting part is released after the work such as the connection is completed, the movement of the optical module 28 along the rail 29d becomes free. It can be carried out. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cover 36 is detachably attached to the unit frame 21a by the latch 36a, so that the optical module 28 can be inadvertently protruded from the module housing portion 29, or the optical wiring can be prevented. Unit 21
It is possible to prevent an obstacle from entering the vehicle.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a rail 29d on the module storage section 29 side and a guide member 28a on the optical module 28 side, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a module support section 35 for supporting the optical module 28 at an intermediate position. is there. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pair of rails 29d on the module storage section 29 side have a U-shaped cross section, and
The rails 29d are arranged so that the elongated guide members 28a on both sides are respectively arranged along the longitudinal direction of the rails 29d.
The optical module 28 is stored in the storage position (the reference numeral 28A in FIG. 9 is the storage position of the optical module 28) by inserting and pushing in the inside. Each guide member 28a of the optical module 28 protrudes below the rail 29d and slides on a fin-shaped guide portion 29f extending in the longitudinal direction of the rail 29d. At the center in the longitudinal direction of the pair of rails 29d, a notch 35a is formed in the guide portion 29f, and the guide portion 29 protrudes in a fin shape from the upper side of each rail 29d and extends in the longitudinal direction of the rail 29d.
g is also formed with a notch 35b.
The area where 5a and 35b are formed constitutes the module support portion 35, and the support position of the optical module 28 by the module support portions 35 of both rails 29d is the intermediate position (the reference numeral 28B in FIG. 9 indicates an intermediate position). Optical module 28 supported in position). At this intermediate position, the optical module 28 is not pulled out of the module storage portion 29 but is stored in the module storage portion 29 at a position where the optical module 28 is slightly pulled out to the work space 32 side. The stable support by 29d is the same as that of the optical module 28 in the other storage position.

The opening width L (opening length) of the cutout 35a in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the rail 29d is
It is smaller than the longitudinal dimension L1 of the guide member 28a on the eight side. The notch 35a is larger in the working space 3 than the notch 35b.
The dimension L2 from the end of the notch 35a on the working space 32 side to the end of the notch 35b on the storage position side is larger than the longitudinal dimension L1 of the guide member 28a of the optical module 28. It is slightly (about several mm) wider.
For example, by operating the stopper piece 28b from the work space 32 side, the end of the optical module 28 on the work space 32 side is pressed downward so that the end on the storage position side is lifted while the optical module 28 is in the module storage portion 29. Is moved, the end 281 of the guide member 28a on the side of the optical module 28 on the working space 32 side reaches the notch 35a and enters the notch 35a.
The end 282 of the storage position 8a on the storage position side (the end opposite to the end 281) rises and enters the notch 35b. Here, regardless of the movement direction of the optical module 28, either the movement to the work space 32 or the movement to the storage position, the end portion 281 of the guide member 28 a of the optical module 28 on the work space 32 side is operated by this operation. When the notch 35a is reached, the above-described intrusion occurs. In the module support portion 35, both ends 28 in the longitudinal direction of the guide member 28a of the optical module 28 are provided.
When the guide members 1 and 282 enter the notches 35a and 35b of the guide portions 29f and 29g, respectively, the inclined guide member 28a is moved to the guide portion 2 on the work space 32 side of the notch 35a.
9f and the guide portion 29g on the storage position side of the cutout portion 35b, the optical module 28 cannot move in any direction with respect to the storage position in this state. Therefore, even if operations such as connection, switching connection, and disconnection of the optical fibers 24a and 24b are performed on the optical connectors 30a and 30b of the optical module 28 supported at the intermediate position, the optical module 28 does not move. Work can be performed efficiently.

Optical module 28 supported at an intermediate position
By raising the end of (28B) on the side of the work space 32, the guide members 28a on both sides of the optical module 28 can be pulled out of the cutouts 35a and 35b (release of the support state), whereby the optical module is released. 28 can move freely along the rail 29d, that is, advance and retreat with respect to the storage position. The release of the supported state of the optical module 28 supported at the intermediate position can be easily performed by, for example, manual operation of the stopper piece 28b or the optical module main body 28d from the working space 32 side. In order to push and store the optical module 28 from the working space 32 side to the storage position without stopping at the intermediate position, the optical module 28 is lifted in the middle and the guide member 28a on the side of the optical module 28 is lifted. , Guide part 29f
May be passed through so as not to fall into the notch portion 35a existing in the hole. Also, in this module storage unit 29,
Even if the optical module 28 for the work purpose is pulled out of the storage position, the optical module 28 not to be worked is fixed by the fixing means 28c.
The module will not be pulled out of the storage position unless a force is applied to release the engagement between the module and the lock section provided on the stopper wall 29e of the module storage section 29. The optical line in the optical module 28 that can be pulled out and is not to be worked, and the optical fibers 24a and 24b connected to the optical module 28
In addition, there is an advantage that there is no fear of adversely affecting communication due to vibrations caused by pulling out the optical module 28.

The optical fibers 24a and 24b, which are laid out in a horizontal direction from the optical fiber wiring section 25 adjacent to the side of the module storage section 29, are stacked and stored in the module storage section 29 in multiple stages. In the configuration in which the optical modules 28 are arranged and wired by the R guide 31 in units and connected to the optical connectors 30a and 30b of the optical module 28, the optical fibers 24a and 24b connected to each optical module 28 are complicated. In addition, entanglement and the like can be prevented, and the optical module 28 housed so as to be able to be pulled out into the module housing part 29 can be efficiently stored and pulled out. As a result, there is an advantage that workability such as connection, switching connection, and disconnection of the optical fibers 24a and 24b to the optical connectors 30a and 30b of the optical module 28 can be improved. After all, in the optical wiring unit 21, the optical module 28
, The workability such as connection, switching connection, and disconnection of the optical fibers 24a and 24b to the optical connectors 30a and 30b can be secured. It can be housed at high density, and the entire unit 21 and the optical distribution board 20
As a whole, it is possible to improve the mounting density of the optical connector and increase the number of cores.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. The application of the present invention is not limited to the optical wiring unit of the optical wiring board, for example,
The present invention can be applied to various units (such as optical termination units and optical connection boxes) that house optical modules so that they can be pulled out (these units are collectively referred to as “optical wiring units”). Further, the module supporting portion is not limited to the above embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted. The point is that the module support section only needs to be a configuration that stably supports the optical module stored in the module storage section at an intermediate position which is a position shifted in the drawing direction side from the predetermined storage position, and various configurations are employed. It is possible. In this optical wiring unit, besides avoiding the interference with the optical connector of the optical module which is not the work target and the optical fiber connected to the optical connector, the optical wiring unit can prevent contact with various parts provided in the optical wiring unit itself. There is also an advantage that the connection, the switching connection, and the removal of the optical fiber with respect to the optical connector of the optical module for the work can be efficiently performed at a position that can be avoided and is advantageous for the work. In this regard, the optical wiring unit is not limited to the one that houses a plurality of optical modules, and a configuration that houses only one optical module can also be adopted. In addition, as the optical module, a module having a function of terminating an optical fiber that is not terminated with a connector so as to be connectable with a connector may be employed. From the viewpoint of the efficiency of assembling the optical wiring unit and the like, it is advantageous to adopt a configuration in which optical fibers that are all connected to connectors are connected.

[0023]

As described above, according to the optical wiring unit of the present invention, the optical module accommodated in the module accommodating portion at a position shifted from the predetermined accommodating position toward the drawing direction is supported by the module supporting portion. By stable support, work such as connection of optical fiber to the optical connector provided in this optical module, switching connection, disconnection, etc. can be performed efficiently in a place where interference with surrounding optical fibers and the like can be avoided, Workability can be improved. In particular, in the module housing section in which a plurality of optical modules are housed, the optical connectors of the target optical module to be worked were avoided in a region where the optical fibers connected to the optical connectors of the respective optical modules were densely wired. By moving the optical module to the position and supporting the optical module by the module supporting portion, an excellent effect such that work such as connection of an optical fiber to the optical connector can be performed efficiently can be achieved.

According to the optical wiring unit of the second aspect,
Since the installation position of the optical fiber wiring section with respect to the module storage section can be freely changed, the optical fiber can be efficiently used according to various installation conditions such as the drawing direction of the optical fiber into the optical wiring unit and the installation position of the optical wiring unit. It can be installed, and furthermore, there is no need to secure useless space for optical fiber wiring, so space can be saved,
As a result, it is possible to improve the mounting density of the optical connector that terminates the optical fiber so that the connector can be connected, and to increase the number of compatible optical fibers.
Also, since optical fibers wired in the horizontal direction are drawn into the module storage section from the optical fiber wiring section provided adjacent to the side of the module storage section, the optical modules are stacked and stored in the module storage section. This leads to an excellent effect that operations such as optical fiber connection, switching connection, and disconnection can be performed efficiently.

According to the optical wiring unit of the third aspect,
The fixing means for fixing the optical module stored in a predetermined storage position in the module storage section regulates the pulling out of the optical module not to be pulled out, so that only the intended optical module to be drawn out can be accurately drawn out. In addition, there is an excellent effect that work such as connection between the optical module supported by the module supporting portion and the optical fiber can be performed accurately.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an optical distribution board according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an optical wiring unit mounted on the optical wiring board of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 2A is a plan view and FIG.

3 is a front view showing a configuration example of the optical wiring unit of FIG. 2, showing a case where the optical fiber wiring unit is mounted on the left side when viewed from the front (when viewed from the working space side) and the module storage unit is mounted on the right side.

4 is a front view showing another example of the configuration of the optical wiring unit in FIG. 2, in which the optical fiber wiring unit is mounted on the right side when viewed from the front (when viewed from the working space side) and the module storage unit is mounted on the left side. Show.

5A and 5B are diagrams showing an optical module housed in a module housing part of the optical wiring unit of FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 5A is a plan view, FIG. 5B is a front view, and FIG.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an operation of storing an optical module in a module storage section of the optical wiring unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a view showing the storage state of the optical module in the module storage part of the optical wiring unit in FIG. 2 (the storage position and the intermediate position).
(A) is a plan view and (b) is a side view.

8 is a perspective view showing a rail on the module storage section side of the optical wiring unit in FIG. 2 and a guide member on the optical module side.

9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a module supporting portion that supports the optical module of the optical wiring unit of FIG. 2 at an intermediate position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a conventional optical distribution board, showing a configuration in which optical fibers are connected to each other by an optical connector adapter mounted on a panel.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing an optical wiring board of a conventional example, in which an optical connector adapter is detachably housed in a drawer-type tray.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing the operation of the optical distribution board of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a front view showing an optical distribution board provided with optical fiber wiring portions on both sides of a termination portion.

[Explanation of symbols]

21: optical wiring unit, 24a, 24b: optical fiber,
25 ... optical fiber wiring section, 28 ... optical module, 28c
... fixing means (latch), 29 ... module storage section, 30
b: optical connector, 35: module support.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-8-248235 (JP, A) JP-A-3-231704 (JP, A) JP-A-7-294749 (JP, A) 4606 (JP, U) (58) Fields studied (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B 6/00 H04Q 1/00-1/16

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An optical module (28) having an optical connector (30b) provided on a side thereof for terminating an optical fiber (24a) with another optical fiber (24b) so as to be connectable with a connector is housed in a plurality of stacked layers. An optical wiring unit, comprising: a module storage part (29) for storing each of the optical modules so as to be able to be pulled out in the same direction; and a front side in a drawing direction of each optical module stored in the module storage part from the module storage part. And an optical fiber wiring portion (25) for connecting an optical fiber connected to the optical connector to the optical connector provided side by side, and the module storage portion has a predetermined position in the module storage portion. A module support portion (35) for supporting the optical module stored in the module storage portion at a position shifted from the storage position toward the pull-out direction; Optical wiring unit, characterized in that (21). 2. The optical wiring unit according to claim 1, wherein said optical fiber wiring portion is selectively attachable to opposite side portions of said module storage portion. 3. A fixing means (28) for fixing an optical module stored in a predetermined storage position in the module storage section.
3. The optical wiring unit according to claim 1, further comprising c), wherein the optical module can be pulled out by releasing the fixing by the fixing means.