JP3347683B2 - Optical module and optical distribution frame - 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 module and an optical distribution board in which an optical fiber is terminated by an optical connector adapter so as to be connectable to another optical fiber.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, an optical wiring board for connecting a large number of optical fibers in a switchable manner, such as an optical distribution board for branching and connecting an optical fiber on a transmission apparatus side to a large number of optical fibers of an external optical cable. In the case of a board, an optical board using an optical module is provided in view of work for processing excess length of an optical fiber, workability of switching connection, increase in the number of compatible cores, and the like. The optical module is usually in the form of a thin external case, and is housed side by side in a plurality. In each optical module, an optical fiber is terminated by an optical connector adapter attached to one side so that the optical fiber can be connected to a connector, and the extra length of the optical fiber is housed inside. The optical fibers are connected to each other by connecting another optical fiber to the optical connector adapter from the outside.

FIG. 14 shows an example of this type of optical module 1. In FIG. 14, an optical module 1 has a module main body 2 in the form of a thin external case, and this module main body 2.
And an optical connector adapter 3 attached to one end of the optical connector. The optical fiber 5 housed in the module body 2 is, for example, a multi-core optical fiber having four cores, eight cores, or the like.
One end is terminated by an optical connector 4 so as to be connectable to a connector, and the other end is branched into a single core and connected to the optical connector adapter 3 respectively. An optical fiber hole 6 is opened at the other end of the module main body 2 facing the optical connector adapter 3, and an optical fiber 7 introduced into the module main body 2 from the optical fiber hole 6 is formed in advance by an optical connector 7a. The terminated end is detachably connected to the optical fiber 5 with a connector. As a result, the optical fiber 7 is terminated via the optical fiber 5 by the optical connector adapter 3 so as to be connectable to the connector. When another optical fiber 8 is connected to the optical connector adapter 3 from the outside, the optical fibers 7 and 8 are optically connected to each other via the optical fiber 5.

[0004]

By the way, in the optical module 1 shown in FIG. 14, in order to test the optical fibers 7 and 8 for disconnection or the like, the optical module 1 is once taken out from a storage position in an optical distribution board or the like, and the lid 9 is removed. Open, incorporate an optical coupler, etc., and connect both optical fibers 7, 8 through this optical coupler.
It is connected to the optical line on the side of the optical line test apparatus with a built-in optical pulse tester (so-called OTDR). As a result, the test light output from the optical line test apparatus can be made incident on both optical fibers 7 and 8, and a test such as disconnection can be performed. However, as described above, the work of incorporating the optical coupler into the existing optical module 1 requires a lot of work, and it is difficult to improve the workability. Therefore, even in the existing optical module 1, an optical coupler or the like can be easily incorporated, and the connection between the optical fibers 7 and 8 and the optical line on the optical line test apparatus side can be easily performed. Technology development was required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an optical coupler can be easily incorporated simply by incorporating a coupler module into a module main body, and connection with an optical line on an optical pulse tester side is also possible. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical module and an optical distribution board which can be easily performed.

[0006]

The present invention has the following features to attain the object mentioned above. That is, the present invention includes a case-shaped module main body and an optical connector adapter attached to a side of the module main body,
An optical module in which another external optical fiber is connected to the optical fiber housed in the module main body so as to be connectable by the optical connector adapter, and the coupler module housing the optical coupler is housed in a removable manner. A coupler module storage part, wherein the coupler module stores an optical fiber in which the optical coupler is interposed, and a test light output from an optical pulse tester is incident on the optical fiber. an optical fiber is connected through the optical coupler, moreover, the said drawn outwardly coupler module both ends of the optical fibers is another optical fiber and connector connectable to termination, the
The optical fiber in the module body is
The other end to one end connected to the
(51a) allows the external optical fiber and the coupler
Switchable connection to Joule optical fiber.
It is characterized by being terminated . The invention according to claim 2 is the optical module according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the optical fiber housed in the module main body is:
The other end of the fused optical fiber whose one end is fusion-spliced to an external optical fiber can be connected to a connector. The invention according to claim 3 provides the invention according to claim 1 or 2.
In optical modules, partition walls are installed inside the module body.
(55a, 55b), the optical component storage section (53b,
A connecting portion storage space (53) having therein 53c);
Wiring to store extra length of optical fiber in module body
The space (54) and the coupler module storage section (70)
It is characterized by being defined. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical module according to any one of the first to third aspects ,
A plurality of terminations are accommodated, and a connection portion connected to the optical line on the optical pulse tester side is arranged near the terminations, and is pulled out from the coupler module accommodated in the optical module. An optical distribution board characterized in that a test optical fiber is connected to the connection section with a connector as the means for solving the above-mentioned problem.

In the optical module of the present invention, when the coupler module is not incorporated, an external optical fiber is connected to the optical fiber in the module main body by a connector, so that the external optical fiber is connected to the optical fiber on the module main body side. Connected to the optical connector adapter via fiber,
Be terminated. On the other hand, in this optical module, an optical coupler can be built in the module main body only by incorporating the coupler module into the coupler module storage section of the module main body.
Optical fiber drawn from the coupler module (hereinafter, referred to as
One end of the “coupler-side optical fiber” is connected to an optical fiber (optical fiber on the optical connector adapter side) in the module body, and the other end is connected to an external optical fiber. Thereby, the external optical fiber and the optical fiber on the module body side are connected via the optical fiber on the coupler side, and
In addition, one or both of the external optical fiber and the optical fiber on the module body side are connected to the test optical fiber via the optical coupler in the middle of the coupler-side optical fiber, and the test from the optical pulse tester is performed. A test such as disconnection can be performed by the incidence of light. The coupler side optical fiber and the external optical fiber or the module main body side optical fiber can be quickly connected by connector connection. According to the second aspect of the present invention, with respect to an optical fiber which has been terminated so as to be connectable with a connector (hereinafter referred to as "connector termination"), this optical fiber is connected to the terminated optical fiber by a connector, and It is connected to an optical connector adapter via a termination optical fiber. For unconnected optical fibers, a fusion splice between the fusion optical fiber and the target optical fiber to be terminated, and a connector connection between the termination optical fiber and the fusion optical fiber. Thus, the target optical fiber is connected to the termination optical fiber via the fusion optical fiber. As a result, the external optical fiber is connected to the terminal optical fiber with a connector regardless of the presence or absence of the terminal. Further, an optical fiber (an external optical fiber or a fused optical fiber connected to the external optical fiber) connected to the terminating optical fiber can be connected to an optical fiber drawn from the coupler module by a connector. It is possible to perform a test such as disconnection due to the incidence of test light. On the other hand, the termination optical fiber can also receive test light by being connected to the optical fiber drawn from the coupler module via a connector. According to the optical distribution board of the fourth aspect, the optical module housed in the termination portion may be appropriately housed in the module housing section of the target optical module according to the necessity of a test such as disconnection. ,
Connection with an optical pulse tester becomes possible. For the exam,
There is no need to switch to a dedicated optical module. At the termination end, an optical module containing a coupler module and an optical module not containing a coupler module may be mixed. When the coupler module is housed in the optical module, the test optical fiber pulled out from the coupler module is connected to the connection section with a connector, so that it can be easily connected to the optical line on the optical pulse tester side.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the optical wiring board of the present embodiment will be described. 1 (a), (b) and 2 are views showing an optical distribution board 20, wherein FIG. 1 (a) is a front view showing an apparatus side, and FIG. 1 (b) is a view of FIG. 1 (a). 2 is a rear view showing the cable side of the optical distribution board 20 (however, FIG. 2 is enlarged and displayed as compared to FIG. 1).
It is. In these figures, the optical distribution board 20 includes a termination frame 21, a device-side frame 22, and both frames 21, 2.
And a relay frame 23 disposed in the middle of the two. The cable introduction portion 25 on the cable side (rear side in FIG. 1A, front side in FIG. 2) of the relay frame 23 includes:
The optical cable 24 on the outside line side is pulled in and fixed. The cable-side optical fiber 26 pulled out from the terminal of the optical cable 24 hangs in the extra-length storage section 27 provided below the cable introduction section 25 on the same side of the relay frame 23 as the extra length. Are stored in a curved manner. The tip of the cable-side optical fiber 26 is drawn from the cable end of the termination body 21 into the intended one of the termination sections 28 provided in multiple stages in the termination frame 21 up and down. A plurality of optical modules 29 housed in the section 28 are connected to optical fibers built in. The extra length of the cable-side optical fiber 26 is determined by the extra length storage box 3 provided for each termination 28.
0, and the wiring length to the target optical module 29 is adjusted. Since the extra-length storage box 30 is opened upward, the extra-length storage box 30 is excellent in workability for storing and taking out the extra length.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the termination 28, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the optical module 29. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the optical module 29 is in the shape of a thin external plate case, and a large number of optical modules 29 are arranged side by side in the termination portion 28 (FIG. 1).
(A) and FIG. 2). At each termination section 28, the termination frame 21 device side (the front side in FIG. 1A, the right side in FIG. 3)
An optical connector adapter 29a attached to one end of each optical module 29 is arranged. Cable side optical fiber 2
The optical line according to 6 is connected to an optical fiber built in the optical module 29, is branched into a single core in the optical module 29, and is connected to each of the multiple optical connector adapters 29a ( For example, see FIG. 8). In addition,
The configuration of the optical module 29 will be described later in detail. In this embodiment, as the cable-side optical fiber 26, a multi-core optical fiber core or an optical cord is employed. In addition, a single optical fiber core wire, an optical cord, or the like can be adopted. In the case of a single core, there is no need to branch into a single core in the optical module 29. Also, the cable side optical fiber 26
It is usual that the wire is reinforced with a spiral tube or the like and then routed inside the relay frame 23 until it reaches the extra length storage box 30.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1A, in the device-side frame 22, a device-side optical cable 31, which is an intra-office optical cable connected to a transmission device, is provided above the device-side frame 22. The fixing jig 4
9c (see FIG. 1B). The device-side optical fiber 33 pulled out from the device-side optical cable 31 is generally a single-core optical cord. The device-side optical fiber 33 extends from the receiving shelf 32a of the device-side introduction section 32 to the inner surface of the side wall 22a of the device-side frame 22. The wire is pulled down to the curved storage portion 22b secured along the side, and from there, via the extra-length absorption shelves 34 provided in multiple stages vertically below the device-side frame 22, wiring on the relay frame 23 device side 3 is pulled into the target termination section 28 from the termination frame 21 device side, and the end of the connector terminated by the optical connector 35 is connected to the optical connector adapter 29a as shown in FIG. The connection is made switchable. As shown in FIG. 1 (a), in the relay frame wiring portion 23a, the connection terminating portion 28 is connected.
The excess length 33a secured in the device-side optical fiber 33 is bent and absorbed by being wired downward between the and the extra length absorption shelf 34. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 28a denotes an optical fiber storage gutter for storing an optical fiber such as the device-side optical fiber 33 connected to the optical module 29, and 28b denotes a code saddle. Reference numeral 28e denotes a gutter-shaped wiring portion for accommodating the cable-side optical fiber 26, and 28f denotes a guide component for retaining the cable-side optical fiber 26.

Since the device-side optical fiber 33 is an optical cord, the device-side optical fiber 33 can be freely bent and wired from the device-side introduction portion 32 to the termination portion 28, and can be switched to the optical connector adapter 29a. Do not worry about harm. Optical connector 35 at the end of device side optical fiber 33
And the optical connector adapter 29a are, for example, JIS
SC type optical connector (Single
fiber Coupling optical fiber connector) is adopted. In addition, as the optical connector 35 and the optical connector adapter 29a, it is preferable to adopt a push-on type that is easily detachable in many cores.
MPO type optical connector (Mult
ifiber Push On) is adopted. This makes it possible to employ a multi-core device-side optical fiber 33, which contributes to multi-core and higher density.

As shown in FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b) and 4, the extra-length absorbing shelf 34 is provided with a bottom plate 34a which is provided obliquely, and is provided on the bottom plate 34a. A pair of clamps 34b for removably clamping the optical fiber 33, and R guides disposed between the clamps 34b and arranged in multiple stages (three stages in FIG. 4) on the bottom plate 34a. 34c, and
The extra length can be absorbed by bending the device-side optical fiber 33 in a U-shape or S-shape on the bottom plate 34a by appropriately using the R guide 34c. Further, since the upper portion of the extra length absorption shelf 34 is open and the device-side optical fiber 33 can be easily taken out and re-stored, the wiring route is connected to the optical module 29 in accordance with the switching connection of the device-side optical fiber 33. Can be easily dealt with by rewiring the device-side optical fiber 33 to any of the extra length absorption shelves 34, even if there is a change in the size of the extra length or the amount of extra processing.

As shown in FIG. 1A, an unconnected processing unit 36 provided at a lower portion of the terminal frame 21 is provided with a tip of an unconnected device-side optical fiber 33 which is not connected anywhere. To store. In the vicinity of the unconnected processing unit 36, an optical line test device 37 (“FTU” in FIG. 1A) incorporating a pulse tester (so-called OTDR), and a core wire selecting device 38
(“Fs” in FIG. 2) is provided.

In FIGS. 1A and 1B, reference numeral 40 denotes a splitter module storage section, which stores a plurality of splitter modules 41 in the form of a thin-plated appearance. The device-side optical fiber 33 is connected to an optical connector adapter 42 of the splitter module 41 that faces the device-side frame 22 (toward the device in FIG. 1A). A plurality of optical fibers 45 (for example, a single-core optical cord; hereinafter, referred to as a “splitter cord”) pulled out from an opening 46 near the optical connector adapter 42 of the splitter module 41 pass through the relay frame 23. The connector is switchably connected to the optical connector adapter 29a of the target optical module 29. As a result, the device-side optical fiber 33 connected to the optical connector adapter 42 is connected to the plurality of cable-side optical fibers 26 via, for example, 1
A branch connection such as a pair 4 or a 1: 8 can be made. Each of the splitter cords 45 is drawn into the terminating part 28 by using the cord ducts 23b provided in multiple stages in the relay frame wiring part 23a.

In FIG. 1A, a jumper cord 48 connects between the optical modules 29. Thus, the cable-side optical fibers 26 are connected to each other via the jumper cord 48. Both ends of the jumper cord 48 are connected to the optical connector adapter 29a of each optical module 29 by an optical connector 35 of the device side optical fiber 33 and an optical connector (not shown) having the same configuration as the tip of the splitter cord 45, respectively. And are switchably connected. FIG. 1 (a)
Reference numerals 49a and 49b denote jumper cord storage shelves between frames. This rack jumper cord storage shelves 49a, 49b
Therefore, it is preferable that the jumper cord drawn into the optical distribution board 20 can be connected to the optical connector adapter 29a of the optical module 29 and the optical connector adapter 42 of the splitter module 41 in a switchable manner.

Next, the optical module 29 will be described. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the optical module 29 is composed of a module main body 29f having a thin external appearance case shape and this module main body 29f.
And an optical connector adapter 29a attached to one end (the back side of the paper in FIG. 5). At the other end of the module main body 29a (on the near side in FIG. 5), a connector housing cylinder 29e is provided in a protruding state. Further, on both sides in the thickness direction of the module main body 29f, a lid 29 that can be opened and closed freely is provided.
q, 29u are provided. Reference numeral 29o indicates the termination 2
A pull-out protrusion 29p for pulling out the optical module 29 from the end 8 to the termination frame 21 cable side is a latch that removably engages with an engagement piece 28d provided on the termination 28. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 29r denotes a guide piece inserted into a guide groove (not shown) of the termination portion 28.
9 is the guide piece 2 in the guide groove from the cable side.
While inserting and positioning 9r, the guide piece 29r is inserted into the termination portion 28, the insertion is stopped by the guide piece 29r hitting the innermost part of the guide groove, and the latch 29p is engaged with the engagement piece 28d, Removal is regulated. When the latch 29p is deformed (pressed and deformed downward in FIG. 5) and disengaged from the engagement piece 28d, the optical module 29 can be pulled out from the termination 28 to the cable side (back side). A module body 29f, a connector storage cylinder 29e, a lid 29q,
29u is formed of, for example, a resin such as plastic.

FIG. 6A is a side view showing the inside of the connection portion storage space 53 of the optical module 29, FIG. 6B is a front view of the optical module 29 viewed from the optical connector adapter 29a side, and FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 6B, and shows the inside of the wiring space 54. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, inside the module main body 29f of the optical module 29, partition walls 55a and 55b provided at two places separated from each other at the center in the thickness direction of the module main body 29f. A connection space 53, a wiring space 54, and a coupler module space 70 are defined. The connection part storage space 53 and the wiring space 54 are
It is adjacent to both sides in the thickness direction of 9f via the partition wall 55a. Further, the partition wall 55a avoids the vicinity of the communication hole 55c opened in the partition wall 55b, and the connection part storage space 53 and the coupler module storage part 70 are communicated through the communication hole 55c. .

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 (a), and 8, the terminated optical fiber 51 housed in the module body 29f.
Is connected to the connection part storage space 53 and the wiring space 54 via the optical fiber communication part 55d. One end of the termination optical fiber 51 is connected to a wiring space 54 (see FIG. 8).
The optical connector adapter 29
a. The optical fiber insertion portion 55
Since d has a function of retaining the penetrated termination optical fiber 51, for example, even if vibration or a pulling force acts on the termination optical fiber 51 in the connection portion storage space 53, These vibrations and tensile forces do not act on the terminated optical fiber 51, and a stable housed state is maintained.
In the wiring space 53, the extra length absorbing portion 54d
The surplus length of the terminated optical fiber 51 is curvedly absorbed. In order to perform the work such as the wiring of the termination optical fiber 51 in the wiring space 54, the partition wall 55a attached to the module main body 29f is removed by attaching / detaching means (not shown).

On the other hand, the other end of the terminated optical fiber 51 is introduced into the connection portion storage space 53 (see FIG. 6A), and the excess length is absorbed by the excess length absorbing portion 53a. An optical connector 51a that terminates the other end of the termination optical fiber 51 so that a connector can be connected to another optical fiber is provided in the connection portion storage space 5.
3 or in the connector storage cylinder 29e. The other end of the terminated optical fiber 51 is connected to the connector storage tube 2.
9e and the optical fiber hole 29g can be pulled out of the module body 29f.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing the inside of the coupler module storage section 70 (with the lid 29u and the like removed). As shown in FIG. 9, when the coupler module 71 is not stored in the coupler module storage section 70, that is, when the optical fibers 26 are connected to the optical connector adapter 29 a by the connector from the device side.
When a test such as disconnection is not performed for 48 and the like, the cable-side optical fiber 26 is optically connected to the termination optical fiber 51.

Since the cable-side optical fiber 26 includes a connector-terminated fiber and a connector-non-terminated fiber, depending on the presence or absence of the termination, a connector connection to the termination optical fiber 51 is made. Is different. FIG. 11A shows a case corresponding to the cable-side optical fiber 26 terminated with a connector, and FIG. 11B shows a case corresponding to the cable-side optical fiber 26 not terminated with a connector.

When the cable-side optical fiber 26 is terminated, the optical connector 2 of the cable-side optical fiber 26 is connected as shown in FIGS.
6a is connected to the optical connector 51 on the other end of the optical fiber 51 on the optical module 29 side.
Connect directly to a. Connected optical connectors 26a, 51
a is stored in the connector storage tube 29e. At this time, the termination optical fiber 51 draws out the extra connection length that is bent and absorbed by being wound around the extra length absorbing portion 53a, and
The end with 1a is penetrated through the connector housing cylinder 29e, pulled out to the outside of the module main body 29f, and after being connected to the cable-side optical fiber 26 by the connector, is pushed into the connector housing cylinder 29e. The extra connection length of the termination optical fiber 51 functions as an extra extension length. The optical connectors 51a and 26a are housed in the connector housing cylinder 29e so as to be able to be pulled out while maintaining the connected state. Cable side optical fiber 26
By pulling the connector, the optical connectors 51a and 26a can be easily pulled out from the connector housing cylinder 29e.
An exclusive lever or the like is provided in the connector housing cylinder 29e so that the optical connectors 51a,
A configuration in which the drawer 6a is pulled out can also be adopted. As the optical connectors 51a and 26a at the ends of the termination optical fiber 51 and the cable-side optical fiber 26, for example, an MT type optical connector (Mecanically Transferable) defined in JIS C5981 or the like is adopted and can be switched and connected. It has become. This MT type optical connector can also be used with a single core. Further, these optical connectors 51a, 26a
However, the present invention is not limited to the MT type optical connector, and various optical connectors can be adopted. The optical connectors 26a and 51a connecting the optical fibers 26 and 51 can be separately housed in a connector housing provided in the connection housing 53 if there is no plan to remove the optical connectors 26a and 51a from the optical module 29 later. .

When the cable-side optical fiber 26 is not terminated with a connector, one end of a fusion optical fiber 52 is spliced to the tip of the cable-side optical fiber 26 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11B. The other end of the fused optical fiber 52, which is terminated by the optical connector 52a, is connected to the terminated optical fiber 51 by a connector. The connected optical connectors 51a and 52a are removably housed in the optical component housing 53b in the connection housing space 53. Excess lengths of the terminated optical fibers 26, 51, and 52 are curvedly absorbed by the extra length absorbing portion 53a. The fusion spliced portion 58 between the optical fibers 52 and 26 is removably housed in the optical component housing 53c. In addition, the cable side optical fiber 26 is mounted on the module main body 29 in consideration of the storage operation of the fusion splicing section 58 and the like.
f, penetrate the connector storage tube 29e from the outside,
After the fusion splicing portion 58 is stored in the optical component storage portion 53c even after the fusion splicing portion 58 is stored in the optical component storage portion 53c by being fusion spliced with the fusion splicing optical fiber 52 after reaching the connection portion storage space 53, the state penetrates the connector storage tube 29e. Will be maintained. More preferably, a protection tube 59 is attached to a portion of the cable-side optical fiber 26 that is stored in the connector storage tube 29e, and the protection tube 59 is retained by the connector storage tube 29e. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the pulling force, vibration, and the like acting on the cable-side optical fiber 26 drawn out of the optical module 29 from affecting the inside of the optical module 29. In FIGS. 11A and 11B, the number of cores of each of the termination optical fibers 51 and the optical connectors 51a and the number of the optical fibers 29 accommodated in the optical module 29 are appropriately determined according to the number of cores of the cable-side optical fibers 26 and the like. Needless to say, it can be changed.

Thus, in this optical module 29,
For the cable-side optical fiber 26 with the connector terminated, the terminal optical fiber 51 is connected to the connector, and for the cable-side optical fiber 26 without the connector-termination,
Fusion optical fiber 52 fusion-spliced to fusion optical fiber 52
Is connected to the termination optical fiber 51 by a connector, so that the cable-side optical fiber 26 is connected to the termination optical fiber 51 regardless of the presence or absence of the connector termination.
The connector can be connected to the optical connector adapter 29a through the connector. For this reason, compared to a case where a dedicated optical module is selected and used in accordance with the presence or absence of the connector termination of the cable-side optical fiber 26, module waste is reduced,
Moreover, there is no need to replace optical modules, etc.
Excellent effects such as cost reduction and improved connection workability can be obtained. In this optical module 29, the termination optical fiber 5
Even if the presence / absence of the connector termination of the cable-side optical fiber 26 is switched with the change of the cable-side optical fiber 26 after connection to 1, the use or non-use of the fusion optical fiber 52 is easily switched. Can respond.

In the optical module 29, the device-side optical fiber 33, the splitter cord 45, and the jumper cord 48 are directly connected to the optical connector adapter 29a without using a jumper cord. The contrast to the optical fiber 26 is easy, and the connection workability can be improved. The improvement of the connection workability by the direct connection is similarly exerted when the optical fibers 33, 45, and 48 are switched and connected to the optical connector adapter 29a. As shown in FIG. 3, in the termination section 28, a line display card 60 is inserted into a gap between the optical modules 29 (29, 29) arranged side by side. Since the line number, line name, and cable name connected to the optical connector adapter 29a are displayed on the line display card 60, the optical fiber 3 for the optical connector adapter 29a is displayed.
Connections of 3, 45, and 48 can be performed efficiently without mistake.

As shown in FIG. 5, the work of attaching and detaching the fusion optical fiber 52 to and from the termination optical fiber 51 and the fusion splicing of the fusion optical fiber 52 and the cable-side optical fiber 26 are performed as shown in FIG. This is performed by opening the lid 29q and exposing the connection portion storage space 53. According to the optical module 29, since the connection space 53 and the wiring space 54 are separated by the partition wall 55a, the work in the connection space 53 can be performed by the light in the wiring space 54. This operation can be performed without touching the fiber 51 and the like, and there is no concern that the optical characteristics of the optical fiber or the like may be impaired by the contact during the operation, so that there is an advantage that the workability can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 5, a test such as disconnection can be performed on the optical fiber 26 on the cable side and the optical fibers 33, 45, 48 connected to the optical connector adapter 29a from the apparatus side. The coupler module 71 is removably stored in the coupler module storage section 70 (coupler module storage space) opened by opening the lid 29u. FIG. 12 shows the coupler module storage unit 70.
FIG. 13 is a side view showing a state in which the coupler module 71 is incorporated therein, and FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the coupler module 71 is in the form of a thin external case, and is fitted into the coupler module housing 70 so as to be fitted therein, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,
The coupler module 71 houses an optical fiber 73 with an optical coupler 72 interposed therebetween. The optical fiber 73 is connected via the optical coupler 72 to a test optical fiber 29 c into which test light output from an optical pulse tester built in the optical line test device 37 is incident. Moreover, both ends 73a and 73b of the optical fiber 73 which are drawn out of the coupler module 71 are connected to another optical fiber 2 by optical connectors 74a and 74b, respectively.
6, 51 and 52 are connected to connectable connectors.

As shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11 (c), and FIG. 13, an optical fiber 73 (an optical cord; hereinafter, referred to as a "coupler-side optical fiber") pulled out from a coupler module 71 incorporated in a coupler module storage section 70. Both ends 73a, 73
b is drawn into the connection part storage space 53 via the communication hole 55c. The coupler-side optical fiber end 73a terminated by the optical connector 74a is connected to the terminated optical fiber 51 by a connector, and the coupler-side optical fiber end 73b terminated by the connector by the optical connector 74b is a cable-side optical fiber. The connector 26 is connected to a fusion optical fiber 62 that is fusion-spliced to the cable-side optical fiber 26 (in FIG. 10, the connector is connected to the fusion-bonded optical fiber 52. Does not accommodate the fusion splicing portion 58 in the optical component storage portion 53c). Thereby, both optical fibers 51, 52
Are connected via a coupler-side optical fiber 73, and are also connected to a test optical fiber 29c via an optical coupler 72, respectively. In the example of FIG. 10, the optical connectors connecting the ends 73 a and 73 b of the coupler-side optical fiber 73 and the optical fibers 26, 51, and 52 remain in the connection portion storage space 53 while maintaining the connection state. The optical component storage sections 53b and 53c are provided so as to be removable. The extension length of the coupler-side optical fiber 73 from the coupler module 71 can be easily adjusted by the surplus absorption amount in the surplus absorption section 77 of the coupler module 71.

As shown in FIG. 12, the optical fiber insertion portion 7
5. The test optical fiber 29c and the coupler-side optical fiber 73 drawn out of the coupler module 71 through
Of both ends 73a, 73b of the coupler-side optical fiber 73
Is drawn into the connection portion storage space 53 through the communication hole 55c, while the test optical fiber 29c is inserted through the optical fiber hole 29g opened at the other end of the module main body 29f facing the optical connector adapter 29a. The module body 29f is pulled out. This test optical fiber 2
Reference numeral 9c denotes an optical cord or the like, which is terminated by an optical connector 29w, and connected to a core selection device 38 (see FIG. 1B) via an optical fiber (not shown) to terminate the end 28 (FIG. 3). (See FIG. 11 (c)). Thus, the test light output from the optical pulse tester built in the optical line test device 37 is transmitted from the connection section 39 to the test optical fiber 29c,
The cable-side optical fiber 26 and the optical connector adapter 29a via the optical coupler 72, the coupler-side optical fiber 73, etc.
Can be incident on the optical fibers 33, 45, 48, etc., and a test such as disconnection can be performed. In the connection part 39,
Since it is common to secure a corresponding number of cores to enable connection of the test optical fibers 29c of all the optical modules 29 in the corresponding termination section 28, a large number of test optical fibers 29c are connected to the connection section. 39, and the test light is input from the optical line test device 37 while switching the selection of the optical fiber in the core wire selecting device 38, so that a large number of optical cables 2 are connected.
With respect to a large number of optical lines on the four sides, disconnection can be sequentially tested.

An optical coupler 5 is connected to the optical fiber 73 on the coupler side.
The optical filter 76 provided closer to the transmission device than 2 cuts test light (for example, 1.55 μm) having a wavelength different from the communication light wavelength (for example, 1.31 μm). FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the coupler module 71, the optical coupler 72, the optical filter 76, etc.
78b so that it can be taken out. In FIG.
Reference numeral 9 denotes a fusion splicing portion that connects the test optical fiber 29c to the optical fiber drawn from the optical coupler 72. The fusion splicing portion 79 is also housed in the optical component housing portion 78a. The optical fiber insertion portion 75 has a function of retaining the inserted optical fibers 29 c and 73, and the tensile force or the like acting on these optical fibers 29 c and 73 causes the optical fiber or optical component in the coupler module 71 to be stored. There is no fear of affecting etc. In addition, work such as connection of optical fibers on the connection part storage space 53 side can be performed without touching the optical coupler 72 and the like housed in the coupler module 72, so that work efficiency can be improved.

As shown in FIG.
g is connected to both the connection part storage space 53 and the wiring space 54, and the optical fibers 26, 51, 52 and the like with connectors can be pulled out from the connection part storage space 53, and the test optical fiber 29 c can be drawn out. It is possible. More preferably, the optical connector that terminates the end of the test optical fiber 29c is connectable to the optical connectors of the ends of the optical fibers 26, 51, and 52. Optical fibers 26, 51, 5 drawn out from the optical module 29
2 may be directly connected to the connection section 39 with a connector so that a disconnection or the like can be tested. By performing this test method (completion test) before processing the extra connection length in the module body 29f, an abnormal portion of the optical line related to the cable-side optical fiber 26 can be found at an early stage. There is an advantage that measures such as repair of an abnormal part can be taken before assembling the entire 20. After the test, the optical module 29 can be completed by connecting the optical fibers 26 and 52 removed from the connection portion 39 to the termination optical fiber 51 with a connector.

In the optical distribution board 20, as the optical module 29 housed in the termination portion 28, a test such as disconnection (track monitoring).
The optical module 29 without the coupler module 71 and the optical module 29 with the coupler module 71 can be selectively used for each line. In the same termination section 28, the optical module 29 without the coupler module 71 and the optical module 2 containing the coupler module 71
9 can be mixed. For a line for which line monitoring is not performed, the coupler module 71
The optical module 29 without the cable is inserted, and the cable-side optical fiber 26 or the fusion optical fiber 52 connected to the cable-side optical fiber 26 is connected to the termination optical fiber 51 by a connector (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). ).

In order to change the existing optical module 29 without the coupler module 71 to the optical module 29 containing the coupler module 71, first, the coupler module 71 is stored in the coupler module storage section 70 and pulled out from the coupler module 71. The test optical fiber 29c is connected to the connection section 39 with a connector. Then, the optical fiber 26,
Disconnecting the connector of the optical fiber 51 from the connector 52;
The separated optical fibers 26, 51, 52 may be connected to both ends 73a, 73b of the coupler-side optical fiber 73, respectively. As a result, the optical fibers 26 and 52 and the termination optical fiber 51 are connected by the coupler-side optical fiber 73, and the optical fibers 2 on both sides are connected.
For 6, 51 and 52, line monitoring using test light can be performed.

Conversely, when removing the coupler module 71 from the optical module 29, the both ends 7
The connector connections of the optical fibers 26, 51, 52 to 3a, 73b are cut off, respectively, and the optical fibers 26, 52
And the termination optical fiber 51 are directly connected. Then, after pulling out the test optical fiber 29 c from the connection section 39, the coupler module 71 may be taken out from the module storage section 70. Coupler-side optical fiber 73 and optical fiber 26,
Since the connectors 51 and 52 are connected by a connector, the operation can be performed promptly regardless of whether the coupler module 71 is added or removed.

When the coupler module 71 is added to or removed from the optical module 29, the optical fiber 33, the optical connector adapter 29a of the optical module 29,
In some cases, it is necessary to remove and connect the 45 and 48, but the line display card 60 allows the optical fibers 33, 45 and 48 to be accurately connected to the optical connector adapter 29a without being mistaken. Also,
The optical fibers 33, 45 and 48 are connected to the optical connector adapter 2
The direct connection to the cable 9a and the easy comparison with the cable side optical fiber 26 to be connected also contributes to the improvement of the connection workability. Further, in particular, even when the wiring route needs to be changed, the device-side optical fiber 33 can be easily taken out from the extra length absorption shelf 34, so that the wiring route can be easily changed. To contribute.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made. For example, the application target of the optical module according to the present invention may be an optical distribution board having a configuration other than that described in the above-described embodiment, or may be an optical connection box or the like other than the optical distribution board. However, as shown in the above-described embodiment, the optical distribution board includes a configuration in which the device-side optical fiber 33 and the like are directly connected to the optical connector adapter of the optical module by a connector, and a surplus absorption shelf and the like. It is preferable that the configuration is such that the movement of the optical fiber (e.g., change of the wiring route) is easy. The number of optical fibers housed in this optical module and the number of optical fibers connected to the optical fiber on the module side are multi-core,
Any single heart may be used. In this case, it goes without saying that the number of optical connectors and the number of optical components accommodated in the module, the number of corresponding cores, and the like are also adapted to the number of optical fibers. The shape of the module main body and the like of the optical module is not limited to the shape of a thin plate, but can be changed as appropriate. For example, the mounting position of the optical connector adapter and the connector storage tube need not be on opposite sides of the module body,
It is also possible for the same side of the module body to be close to each other. Further, the configuration for communicating the optical fiber inside and outside the module body and the configuration for storing the connector connection portion are not limited to the connector storage tube,
Other configurations can be employed. The coupler module storage section is not limited to the coupler module storage space for storing the entire coupler module, and various configurations such as, for example, a coupler module mounting area in which the coupler module is detachably externally mounted can be adopted.

[0038]

As described above, according to the optical module of the present invention, the optical coupler can be built in the module main body only by incorporating the coupler module into the coupler module storage section of the module main body. The optical fiber connected to the optical connector adapter side of the optical module and the external optical fiber connected to this optical fiber are connected by the coupler module via the optical fiber with an optical coupler interposed in the connector. Further, since the optical fiber is also connected to the optical line on the optical pulse tester side via the test optical fiber connected to the optical coupler, a test such as disconnection can be performed by incidence of test light. The connection between the optical fiber connected to the optical connector adapter and the external optical fiber can be easily switched by the connector connection to the optical fiber on the coupler module side, so that the presence or absence of a test can be easily and quickly responded. The optical module, since it is also possible to utilize not include the coupler module, the presence or absence of incorporation of coupler modules, essential tests such as disconnection, can be selectively used unnecessarily easy, when preparing a plurality of modules An excellent effect that cost reduction can be achieved as compared with the above is achieved. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the external optical fiber can be connected to the terminated optical fiber by a connector regardless of the presence or absence of the connector termination. Terminating optical fibers and optical fibers connected to the terminating optical fiber by connectors (external optical fibers or fused optical fibers connected to them) must also be connected to optical fibers drawn from the coupler module. Accordingly, a test such as disconnection due to the incidence of test light can be performed. in this way,
There is an excellent effect that connection workability with the optical fiber on the coupler module side is always ensured regardless of the presence or absence of the connector termination of the external optical fiber. According to the optical wiring board of the fourth aspect, the optical module housed in the termination portion may appropriately house the coupler module according to the necessity of a test such as disconnection. There is no need to replace it. When the coupler module is housed in the optical module, by connecting the test optical fiber drawn from the coupler module to the connection portion, an excellent effect is obtained that the optical fiber can be easily connected to the optical line on the optical pulse tester side.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing an optical distribution board according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view showing an apparatus side, and (b) is (a).
2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a cable side of the optical distribution board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a termination portion of the optical wiring board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a surplus absorption shelf applied to the optical wiring board of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an optical module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

6A is a side view showing the inside of the connection portion storage space of the optical module in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6B is a front view as seen from the optical connector adapter side.

7A is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 6A,
FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 6 (b),
4 shows the inside of the wiring space of the optical module.

9 is a side view showing the inside of the coupler module housing section of the optical module of FIG. 5, showing a state where the coupler module is not housed.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing the inside of the connection portion accommodating space of the optical module of FIG. 5, showing a connection state using a fusion optical fiber.

11A and 11B are optical wiring diagrams of an optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 11A shows a connection state with an optical fiber having a connector terminated, and FIG. 11B shows a connector terminated state. (C) shows a connection state when an optical fiber is not provided, and (c) shows a connection state when a coupler module is incorporated.

12 is a side view showing the inside of the coupler module storage section of the optical module of FIG. 5, showing a state where the coupler module is stored.

FIG. 13 is a side view showing the inside of a coupler module applied to the optical module of FIG. 5;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a conventional optical module.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference numeral 20: optical distribution board, 26: external optical fiber (cable-side optical fiber), 26a: optical connector, 28: termination, 2
9 optical module, 29a optical connector adapter, 29
c: Test optical fiber, 29f: Module body, 37
... Optical line test apparatus incorporating an optical pulse tester, 39. Connection part, 51. Terminating optical fiber, 51a.
2: External optical fiber ( fused optical fiber ) , 53: Connection
Part storage space, 53b, 53c ... optical parts storage part, 54 ... arrangement
Line space, 55a, 55b: partition wall, 70: coupler module storage section, 71: coupler module, 72: optical coupler, 73: optical fiber (optical fiber on coupler side), 73
a, 73b... end of optical fiber (end of optical fiber on coupler side).

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Kunihiko Jimbo, 1440, Mutsuzaki, Sakura-shi, Chiba Prefecture, Fujikura Sakura Factory, Inc. 56) References JP-A-8-327830 (JP, A) JP-A-9-197138 (JP, A) JP-A-9-5532 (JP, A) JP-A-9-33733 (JP, A) Hei 10-332950 (JP, A) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 4-42203 (JP, A) Table of Hei 6-508700 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B 6 / 00 G02B 6/24-6/255 G02B 6/36-6/40

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A case-like module body (29f)
And an optical connector adapter (29a) attached to the side of the module main body, and another optical fiber (26 , 52 ) externally connected to the optical fiber (51) housed in the module main body. The optical module terminates the external optical fiber so that the external optical fiber can be connected to the optical connector adapter via the optical fiber on the module main body side. )
Module storage section (7
0), wherein the coupler module houses an optical fiber (73) in which the optical coupler is interposed, and a test light output from an optical pulse tester is incident on the optical fiber. Optical fiber (29c) is connected via the optical coupler, and both ends (73a, 73b) of the optical fiber drawn out of the coupler module are connected to another optical fiber (26, 51, 52). An optical fiber in the module body is terminated so as to be connectable to a connector.
The other end is connected to the optical connector
(51a), an external optical fiber and the coupler
Switchable connection to module optical fiber
An optical module, which is terminated . 2. The module is housed in the module body .
The other end of the optical fiber has one end outside of the optical fiber (2
The optical module according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the fusion optical fiber (52) fusion-spliced with (6) is connectable with a connector. 3. A partition wall (55) is provided inside the module body.
a, 55b), the optical component storage section (53b, 53b).
(c) inside the connection part storage space (53);
Wiring space to store extra length of optical fiber in joule body
(54) and a coupler module storage section (70) are defined.
3. The light according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
module. 4. The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is provided with terminations that are more accommodating (28), in the vicinity of the termination portion, the optical pulse tester side optical line A connection part (39) connected to the optical module is arranged, and a test optical fiber pulled out from the coupler module housed in the optical module is connected to the connection part by a connector. Optical distribution board (20).