JP3734533B2 - Optical fiber connector - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector for optical fiber used in the case of detachable connecting optical fibers in an optical signal line.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, the signal line connection method for signal lines, etc., is a permanent connection method that maintains the connection state permanently once connected immediately after wiring, and a detachable type that can be disconnected and reconnected several times after connection. There is a connection method. For example, in the connection of a trunk line with an optical fiber, there is a permanent connection by a connector, but a fusion connection method in which optical fibers are melted and connected to each other is a typical permanent connection method. On the other hand, a detachable connection method capable of reconnection and switching connection is often employed around the terminal device. At present, the detachable connection method is as follows: (1) Both optical fiber ends are reinforced and fixed in advance with ferrules, and the end surfaces are polished in a mirror shape, and then both optical fiber ends are mechanically pressed and contacted together with both ferrules There are known a method and (2) a method in which the ends of both optical fibers are abutted in one guide component and the optical fiber part is held and fixed from the outside in that state.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the conventional method (1) described above, in both optical fibers to be connected, each terminal is inserted into a cylindrical reinforcing part usually called a ferrule and fixed with an adhesive or the like. Next, the fiber end face is polished together with the reinforcing parts with high accuracy. Both ferrules polished together with the optical fiber are inserted into a main body having a guide function from both sides so that the axes can be accurately aligned and abutted against each other. The butt portion is fixed via a spring so that a butt force is always applied.
[0004]
High-quality connection is possible, but equipment for high-precision polishing at the work site is required, the work itself is complicated, the number of parts that make up the connector is large, and high-precision machining is required, etc. There are disadvantages.
[0005]
The conventional method (2) is a structure in which the connection ends of both optical fibers are directly butted and held in one guide component. As the guide component, a narrow tube or a narrow groove (V-groove or the like) is used. This method has features such as a simple structure and configuration, no need for an expensive connection device, and economic efficiency.
[0006]
However, in conventional products, including products that have been put into practical use, (a) axial alignment between optical fibers is uncertain at the connection butt, making it difficult to obtain predetermined connection characteristics. -(Axis alignment, pressing, checking and holding mechanisms are incomplete)
(b) The tensile strength between the two optical fibers at the connection is insufficient. -(Holding power, structural deficiencies)
(c) Detachment is practically impossible or very difficult. -(Incompatible mechanism)
(d) Changes in connection characteristics over time occur. -(Insufficient stress relaxation measures)
There were disadvantages such as.
[0007]
The purpose of this invention, provides Jikuawase, pressing, confirmation, to complete the mechanism of holding the holding force, to improve the structure, and to complete the corresponding mechanism, a further connector for optical fibers develop a stress mitigation There is to do.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an optical fiber connector according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first part made of a transparent plastic or the like having a polygonal cross section sandwiching an optical fiber, and a hard material having a polygonal cross section. a second part for holding the optical fiber in the longitudinal direction in different shapes grooves are formed in the first part products and opposing the surface with consisting rod-shaped, formed in the longitudinal plane of the second component while inserting the optical fiber into different grooves, the first part products the superimposed, pressed constantly optical fibers protrude partially into the groove in the first part products, the terminal processed connection of the optical fiber A third part made of a C-shaped elastic body having a clamping force so as to maintain the contact state between the parts and to satisfy the predetermined tensile strength of the coated parts of both optical fibers. It is characterized by.
[0009]
In the above configuration, the first component and the second component are integrated and integrated in the third component, and the respective optical fibers are inserted into the grooves provided in the second component from both ends, and the tips are butted. Connected and held.
[0010]
An optical fiber connector according to a second aspect of the present invention is the optical fiber connector according to the first aspect, wherein a plurality of first parts are allowed to act independently as springs at appropriate intervals in the length direction of the third component. One cut portion is provided.
[0011]
In the above configuration, since the plurality of first cut portions are provided in the length direction of the third component, each portion of the third component with the first cut portion serving as a boundary acts independently as a spring, and is uniform. It is held with a sufficient holding force.
[0012]
The optical fiber connector according to a third aspect of the present invention is the optical fiber connector according to the first or second aspect, wherein the third component is provided with a viewing window that can be seen through the first component. It is what.
[0013]
In the above configuration, the third part is provided with a viewing window that can be visually recognized through the first part. Therefore, it is easily confirmed from the viewing window whether the end portions of the optical fiber are abutted and securely connected.
[0014]
An optical fiber connector according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the optical fiber connector according to the first, second, or third aspect , wherein a second notch is provided on the side surface of the third component for each segment in the length direction. It is characterized by having .
[0015]
In the above configuration, since the second part has the second cut portion for each partition in the length direction on the side surface in the length direction of the third component, a dedicated tool for attachment / detachment is attached to each second cut portion. Released.
[0016]
Connector for optical fiber of the invention of claim 5 includes a first component of the rod-shaped optical fiber to at clamping, the optical fiber in the longitudinal direction into different shapes groove of the first part products and opposing the surface An optical fiber connector comprising: a rod-shaped second part that sandwiches the first part; and a third part made of an elastic body that imparts a clamping force to the first and second parts. In the longitudinal direction of the second component, the central part in the longitudinal direction has a shape corresponding to sandwiching the optical fiber that has been subjected to the end treatment, and the left and right parts of the central part in the longitudinal direction are sandwiched from above the optical fiber coating. is formed in a shape corresponding to the central portion and left and right side, in a state in which matches are allowed protrude portion has an optical fiber, wherein the protruded portion of the optical fiber part 1 products Pressed against and maintained by the clamping force of the third part, In the central portion, the contact state of the connecting portion of the optical fiber is maintained, and the left and right side portions are clamped with a clamping force that satisfies a predetermined tensile strength between both optical fibers. It is.
[0017]
In the above configuration, the first component and the second component are integrated and integrated in the third component, and the respective optical fibers are inserted into the grooves provided in the second component from both ends, and the tips are butted. Connected and held.
[0018]
An optical fiber connector according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the optical fiber connector according to the fifth aspect, wherein a plurality of parts are made to act independently as springs at appropriate intervals in the length direction of the third component. The first cut portion is provided.
[0019]
In the above configuration, since the plurality of first cut portions are provided in the length direction of the third component, each portion of the third component with the first cut portion serving as a boundary acts independently as a spring, and is uniform. It is held with a sufficient holding force.
[0020]
An optical fiber connector according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the optical fiber connector according to the fifth or sixth aspect , wherein the third part has a second notch on each side surface in the length direction on the side surface of the third component. It is characterized by that.
[0021]
In the above configuration, since the second cut portion for each partition is provided on the side surface of the third component, a dedicated tool for attachment / detachment is attached to each second cut portion and released.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0023]
Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, an optical fiber connector 1 includes a transparent plastic plastic first part 3 having a polygonal cross section and a hard material having a large cross section. For example, a V-shaped groove 5V as a groove having a predetermined change in the length direction is formed on the surface that is in the shape of a square bar and is in contact with the first part 3, and the first part 3 and the first part 3 The section that is always pressed in the state where the two parts 5 are stacked is composed of a third part 7 made of a C spring as a C-shaped elastic body.
[0024]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the third component 7 is provided with a viewing window 9, and the inside of the viewing window 9 can be seen through. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, a plurality of first cut portions 11 from the joint edge of the third component 7 are provided on the third component 7. . Although the C spring as the third part 7 is a series of springs by the first notch 11, as shown in FIG. 2, the left P section, the central Q section, and the right R section Operate as independent springs.
[0025]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a plurality of second cut portions 13 are formed in the third part 7 from the C spring joint edge which is the third part. Each of the second cut portions 13 is a light which will be described in detail later when the first component 3 and the second component 5 are inserted into the C spring as the third component 7 or when the optical fiber is attached or detached. This is the part where the dedicated tool for attaching and detaching fibers is applied. FIG. 5 shows the first component 3, the second component 5, and the state in which the optical fiber F is sandwiched in the center.
[0026]
Next, each of the first component 3, the second component 5, and the third component 7 will be described in more detail. First, the first component 3 is shown in FIGS. 6 (A), (B), and (C). As shown in the figure, the cross section is made of, for example, a pentagonal and transparent plastic, the M surface is a smooth flat surface in contact with the second part 7, and the L surface has an arc cross section and is optical. The lens effect is the same (the same principle as a glass thermometer). In addition, since the first component 3 is made of plastic or the like, a minute change in the outer diameter of each part of the fiber and familiarity with the outer periphery of the fiber are improved when connecting an optical fiber, which will be described later.
[0027]
As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, the second part 5 is made of a hard member such as a metal, and the N surface in contact with the first part 5 has a length direction. V-grooves 5V having different shapes are formed. That is, the S section in the central part has a shape corresponding to sandwiching the optical fiber subjected to the terminal treatment, and the T sections in the left and right parts have a shape corresponding to sandwiching from above the coating of the optical fiber F. is doing. The left and right U portions are structured such that the optical fiber F can be easily inserted into the optical fiber connector 1 when the fiber is connected. In the V-groove 5V of the S section, the ends of both optical fibers F to be connected are in contact with each other so that they are partly protruded and are held by pressing the M surface of the first component 3. This pressing force is given by the spring force of the Q section of the third component 7. Similarly, in the V groove 5V in the T section, the optical fiber F is sandwiched from above the coating. The clamping force of the T section is given by the spring force of the P section or the R section of the third part 7.
[0028]
The C spring which is the third part 7 is already understood in FIGS. 1 to 5, but the details are shown in FIGS. 8 (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E). It is what. When the optical fiber F is connected, the C spring of the third component 7 maintains the contact state of the connecting portions of both optical fibers F itself in the Q section, and both lights in the connector connecting section in the P and R sections. It is designed and manufactured so as to generate a clamping force that satisfies a predetermined tensile strength between the fibers F. In FIGS. 8B and 8C, reference numeral 15 denotes a joint of the third component 7.
[0029]
As the attachment / detachment tool 17 used in the optical fiber connector 1 described above, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, one handle 19 and the other handle 21 are mutually connected with a pin 23 as a fulcrum. Approaching or moving away. A spring 25 is interposed between the handle 19 and the handle 21 in the vicinity of the pin 23, and the handle 19 and the handle 21 are always separated by the urging force of the spring 25.
[0030]
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, plates 27 and 29 extending in the vertical direction in FIG. 9 are integrated with the tips of the handles 19 and 21. FIG. In FIG. 2, a plurality of mounting portions 31, 33 are provided at appropriate intervals in the vertical direction. A pressing portion 35 such as a leaf spring for pressing the optical fiber connector 1 is attached to the plate 29.
[0031]
Further, guide portions 37 and 39 through which the optical fiber F is passed are provided in front and rear of the plates 27 and 29 in FIG. Plates 45 and 47 are attached to the guide portions 37 and 39 by pins 41 and 43, and guide portions 49 and 51 through which another optical fiber F is passed are integrated with the plates 45 and 47. .
[0032]
The connection process will be described with the above configuration. (I) As shown in FIG. 1, the initial state of the optical fiber connector 1 is the first component 3 in the third component 7 (C spring). The second component 5 is integrated and integrated.
[0033]
(II) When the mounting portions 31 and 33 of the dedicated tool 17 are applied to the second notches 13 of the third part 7 (C spring) and the handles 19 and 21 are held and pressed, the pin 23 serves as a fulcrum and the spring 25 The handles 19 and 21 approach each other against the biasing force, and the mounting portions 31 and 33 are separated from each other to open the third part 7 (C spring) by a predetermined amount. The optical fiber connector 1 is held by a holding portion 35.
[0034]
(III) In this state, the optical fiber F is inserted through the guide portions 49, 51; 37, 39, respectively, and the end of the optical fiber F subjected to terminal processing is inserted from the fiber introducing portions at both ends of the second component 5. (IV) After confirming that the tip portions of both optical fibers F are abutted at the center when viewed from the viewing window 9 on the third part 7 (C spring), the handle 19, When 21 is loosened, the handles 19 and 21 are restored to the original state by the urging force of the spring 25, and the mounting parts 31 and 33 are closed to return the third part 7 (C spring) to open, so that the optical fiber F is used for the fiber. The connection is terminated by being held by the connector 1.
[0035]
When the operation is interrupted in a state where one optical fiber F is connected to the optical fiber connector 1, (C) the C spring is opened by the dedicated attachment / detachment tool 17 as in (II) of the above operation. (VI) After that, as in (III), the optical fiber F to be connected is inserted from the optical fiber introducing portions at both ends of the second component 5, and the tip portion is on the center portion of the optical fiber connector 1 and on the C spring. Confirm that it has reached the bottom of the viewing window 9.
[0036]
(VII) In this state, when the attachment / detachment dedicated tool 17 is loosened and the opening of the C spring is returned, the optical fiber F is held by the optical fiber connector 1. When the optical fiber F on the other end side is connected later (or at a later date), the connected optical fiber F is first held together with the optical fiber connector 1 by the attaching / detaching tool 17 (II) to (IV) The operation will be completed.
[0037]
(VIII) When the connected optical fiber F is pulled out by changing the connection, etc., the C spring 7 is opened with the exclusive tool 17 for detachment, the holding force is released, and the optical fiber F is pulled out. In the case of reconnection, the same operation is performed as in the case of new connection.
[0038]
Therefore, a series of highly reliable V-grooves 5V can be formed on the hard (metal, ceramics, etc.) second component 5 in the centering mechanism, and these V-grooves 5V can be used for guiding and holding. . As a confirmation mechanism, it is composed of an M surface of the first part 3 and a V groove 5V of the second part 5 through the first part 3 from the viewing window 9 opened in the third part 7 (C spring). The state of the tip portions of both optical fibers F inserted into the space from both sides can be visually confirmed.
[0039]
The holding mechanism is pressed and held and fixed by a spring force through the first part 3 and the second part 5 in a state where the above-mentioned matching is confirmed. The holding force is kept constant for a long time by a spring. In addition, at the time of this pressure pressurization, the 1st components 3 made of plastic or the like are deformed corresponding to a slight difference in outer diameter of each optical fiber F, and become familiar. As a result, the optical fiber F is evenly pressed against the side wall of the V groove 5V of the second component 5, and the depth and lateral positioning are accurately realized.
[0040]
In the state where the connection is completed, the optical fiber F is sandwiched by the spring force of the C spring 7 in each section from the top in the P section and the R section. The clamping force (pressing force) by the C spring 7 is set so that a predetermined tensile strength is generated. Further, the C spring 7 can cope with deformation due to creep of the fiber coating, and a constant tensile strength can be maintained for a long time.
[0041]
A spring force is used to hold and fix the optical fiber F. By temporarily releasing the pressing force of the spring by the dedicated attachment / detachment tool 17, the optical fibers F on both sides can be easily attached / detached. Of course, the spring can be used repeatedly.
[0042]
In the optical fiber connector 1 that achieves connection with a mechanical structure, the contact pressure of the connection portion is lowered or the positional relationship is changed due to creep or deformation of the optical fiber connector 1 and each part of the optical fiber F over a long period of time. The characteristics may deteriorate. In particular, in the mechanism of holding and holding from the top of the coating, if the coating material flows out due to an external pressure or a displacement occurs between the coating material and the fiber main body, the connection characteristics are affected. Following up and giving a constant holding force over a long period of time, deterioration of the characteristics can be suppressed.
[0043]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the example of embodiment mentioned above, It can implement in another aspect by making an appropriate change. The field of application in this embodiment is mainly glass optical fiber connection, but it can also be applied to plastic fiber connection if the dimensions of each part are changed on the same principle. As a structural deformation, a coil spring can be used instead of the C spring. That is, it is conceivable to use a difference in inner diameter between the extended state and the compressed state of the coil spring. Instead of the C spring, the first and second parts 3 and 5 are compressed in a state in which the coil spring having an inner diameter and a structure capable of applying a predetermined pressure is compressed (the inner diameter is enlarged). Release after mounting on the second parts 3 and 5. The optical fiber F is attached and detached with the coil spring compressed. In the connected state, the coil spring is extended (released state) so that the tightening pressure is constantly applied to the first and second parts 3 and 5. Furthermore, although the transparent plastic was demonstrated to the example as the 1st product 3, it may be a glass material.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As can be understood from the example of the embodiment as described above, according to the inventions of claims 1 to 7, the following various effects can be obtained.
[0045]
(1) There are few component parts and the structure is simple, so there are no work errors.
[0046]
(2) Since a spring mechanism is included in the optical fiber clamping mechanism, it is possible to follow the long-term creep of the optical fiber coating or the like and suppress the deterioration of characteristics.
[0047]
(3) Since the number of components is small and the structure is simple, the economic effect of the product can be expected.
[0048]
(4) Workability and economy are good because there are no consumable parts even when the attachment / detachment operation is repeated.
[0049]
(5) Since the connection work can be performed with a small and simple dedicated tool, the work at a high place becomes easy.
[0050]
(6) Since the optical fiber tip butting state can be visually confirmed, it can be reliably connected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical fiber connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a plan view of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a front view in FIG. 1;
4 is a view taken along arrow IV in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a view taken in the direction of arrow V in FIG.
6A is a plan view of the first component, FIG. 6B is a front view of the first component, and FIG. 6C is a side view of the first component.
7A is a plan view of a second part, FIG. 7B is a front view of the second part, and FIG. 7C is a side view of the second part.
8A is a plan view of the third part, FIG. 8B is a front view of the third part, FIG. 8C is a side view of the third part, and FIG. 8D is a DD line in FIG. Sectional drawing along, (E) is sectional drawing along the EE line in (A).
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a dedicated tool for attachment / detachment.
10 is a front view in FIG. 9. FIG.
11 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Connector for optical fiber 3 First part 5 Second part 5V V groove (groove)
7 Third part 9 Viewing window 11 First cut 13 Second cut 17 Detachable tool
19, 21 handle
23 pin (fulcrum)
25 springs
27, 19 plates
31, 33 wearing part
35 holding part
37, 39 guide
41, 43 pins
45, 47 plates
49, 51 guide

Claims (7)

Part 1 article section of a transparent plastic or the like for clamping the optical fiber (F) is composed of rod-like polygon and (3), the first part article with cross-sectional of a hard material consists of a rod-shaped polygons (3) A second part (5) sandwiching an optical fiber (F) in which grooves (5V) having different shapes are formed in the longitudinal direction of the surface (N) opposite to the surface (N), and a surface (N of this second part (5) while inserted in the longitudinal direction which is formed in different grooves (5V) the optical fiber (F) of) overlapping the first part products (3), which protrude partially into said groove (5V) light pressed constantly by the fiber (F) the first part products (3), to maintain the contact state of terminal connections handled portion of the optical fiber (F), also the covering portion of the optical fibers (F) A third part (7) comprising a C-shaped elastic body having a clamping force to satisfy a predetermined tensile strength; Connector for optical fibers, characterized by being made.   The said 3rd component (7) is provided with the some 1st cut | notch part (11) which makes each part act independently as a spring in the length direction at appropriate intervals. Optical fiber connector.   The optical fiber connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a viewing window (9) that can be seen through the first component (3) is provided in the third component (7).   4. The optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein the third part has a second notch on each side in the longitudinal direction on the side surface of the third part. The first component of the rod-shaped optical fiber to at nip (3), the first part products (3) and opposite the face (N) in the longitudinal direction in the shape of different grooves (5V) is formed optical fiber ( F) A rod-shaped second part (5) for clamping, and a third part (7) made of an elastic body for applying a clamping force to the first and second parts (3, 5). An optical fiber connector (1), wherein the groove (5V) is an optical fiber (F) in which a central portion (S section) in the longitudinal direction is terminated in the longitudinal direction of the second component (5). The left and right sides (T section) of the central part (S section) in the longitudinal direction are formed in a shape corresponding to the time of sandwiching from the coating of the optical fiber (F). In a state where a part of the optical fiber (F) is protruded and stored in the central part (S section) and the left and right parts (T section). Maintaining pressed by clamping force of the optical fiber said protruded portion of (F) Part 1 article (3) is the third component (7), the said central portion (S section), an optical fiber (F) In order to maintain the contact state of the connecting portion, the left and right side portions (T section) are clamped with a clamping force that satisfies a predetermined tensile strength between both optical fibers (F). Optical fiber connector.   The said 3rd component (7) is provided with the some 1st cut | notch part (11) which makes each part act independently as a spring in the length direction at appropriate intervals. Optical fiber connector.   The optical fiber connector according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a second cut portion (13) is provided on a side surface of the third component (7) for each partition in the length direction.

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