JP3768278B2 - Optical fiber connector and optical fiber connection method - Google Patents

Description

【００２０】
ここで、λ1＝Ｌ1／Ｒ、λ2＝Ｌ2／Ｒである。
また、前記薄板バネ２０の曲げ応力σは、数式（２）によって示される。
【００２１】
【数２】

【００２２】
薄板バネ２０を図７に示すＣ型バネ４に適用すると、Ｌ1＝０、Ｌ2＝０であり、Ｃ型バネ４のたわみδ、曲げ応力σは、それぞれ数式（３）、数式（４）によって示される。
【００２３】
【数３】

【００２４】
【数４】

【００２５】
ここで、Ｃ型バネ４の材質として、例えばＪＩＳ Ｃ１７２０Ｈ／２のバネ材を用いた場合、耐力（最大曲げ応力）σ≧９０ｋｇ／ｍｍ²、曲げ弾性係数Ｅ＝１２００ｋｇ／ｍｍ²である。また、Ｃ型バネ４の寸法を、内径ｄ＝４．５ｍｍ、板厚ｔ＝０．２３ｍｍ、軸方向長さｂ＝９ｍｍとした場合、Ｃ型バネ４の直径方向に作用する荷重がＰ＝３．０２ｋｇ（但し、最大値＠ｂ＝９ｍｍ）、たわみがδ＝０．５７３ｍｍ（最大値）となる。
【００２６】
前記工具１４としては、図４に示すように、一体化した工具挿入溝１５、１６に挿入が容易な楔状に形成され、工具挿入溝１５、１６の奥側に圧入することにより、ベース２と押さえ蓋３の相互の当接面５、６間を離間させるようになっている。また、工具１４としては、工具挿入溝１５、１６に挿入可能かつ当接面５、６を離間可能なものであれば、例えばドライバー等の既製の手工具等であってもよい。
【００２７】
以下、本実施の形態の作用および効果を説明する。
前記光ファイバ接続器１によって一対の光ファイバ７同士を突き合わせ接続するには、まず、Ｃ型バネ４と一体化状態のベース２および押さえ蓋３とを互いの軸回りに相対回動して工具挿入溝１５、１６が治具挿入穴１７を介して外面に露出するようにする（図１および図３、図４に示す状態）。この際、Ｃ型バネ４内面とベース２および押さえ蓋３の当接部分は、一体化したベース２と押さえ蓋３の断面視正方形の各頂点部分のみで摩擦が軽減されているので、ベース２および押さえ蓋３に対するＣ型バネ４の相対回動は手動で行うことができる。
次いで、工具挿入溝１５、１６に工具１４を挿入して工具挿入溝１５、１６の奥側に押し込むことにより、ベース２と押さえ蓋３とを変位させて当接面５、６間を離間させる。
【００２８】
次に、当接面５、６間の離間を維持したまま、軸方向両端のテーパ穴２ａ、３ａから光ファイバ７を突き合わせ端部１０から被覆支持溝１２に挿入する。そして、被覆支持溝１２に突き合わせ端部１０を挿入した光ファイバ７をさらに奥側に押し込むことにより、突き合わせ端部１０をＶ溝８を介して位置決め溝１１ａに至らしめ、位置決め溝１１ａにその両端から挿入した光ファイバ７の突き合わせ端部１０同士を当接させる。こうすることにより、突き合わせ端部１０の位置決め溝１１ａへの挿入および突き合わせがスムーズになされる。
この際、光ファイバ７は、被覆９を除去して裸ファイバを露出させた突き合わせ端部１０を予め形成しておく。突き合わせ端部１０は、突き合わせ時に、被覆９が被覆支持溝１２に配置される大きさに形成する。また、突き合わせ作業は、ベース２および押さえ蓋３を透明の材料で形成しているので、調整穴１７ａや目視用窓１８から光ファイバ７の、被覆支持溝１２、Ｖ溝８、位置決め溝１１ａへの挿入状態を観察しながら行うことができる。
【００２９】
光ファイバ７同士が突き合わせ状態となったら、工具１４を工具挿入溝１５、１６から引き抜く。こうすることにより、Ｃ型バネ４の弾性によって、ベース２と押さえ蓋３との間に光ファイバ７のクランプ力が付与され、一対の光ファイバ７が突き合わせ状態を保持したまま固定される。
この際、両光ファイバ７に突き合わせ力を付与しつつ工具１４の引き抜きを順次行うことにより、光ファイバ接続器１内部の光ファイバ７同士の突き合わせ力をクランプ完了後にも維持することができる。
【００３０】
光ファイバ７同士が正しく突き合わされていることを確認するには、突き合わせ接続する一方の光ファイバ７に可視光の試験光を入射しておき、目視用窓１８から位置決め溝１１ａ付近を観察して、互いに突き合わせた突き合わせ端部１０の間（接続点）から漏出する（放射される）試験光を目視して判断する。
【００３１】
具体的には、例えば、図８に示すように、架空光ケーブル２１に設置したクロージャ２２内で、該クロージャ２２から引き落とす引落線２３（光ファイバ７）と架空光ケーブル２１から導出した光ファイバ２４（７）とを光ファイバ接続器１で接続する場合には、引落線２３の接続端部２５に対する引落先端部２６に、光パルス試験光を引落線２３に入射するＯＴＤＲ２８を接続しておく。このＯＴＤＲ２８には、レーザダイオード光源以外に、可視光を発振する発振装置２７を併設する。発振装置２７が発振する試験光としては、通信光（レーザダイオードの波長１．３１μｍあるいは１．５５μｍ）と異なる波長の可視光が好ましく、例えばヘリウム−ネオンレーザ光（赤色光）等を適用する。
【００３２】
ＯＴＤＲ２８には、遠隔操作可能なコンピュータ２９を接続しておき、該コンピュータ２９が作業者が携帯するリモートコントローラー３０からの作動信号を受信した時に、ＯＴＤＲ２８が光パルス試験光を引落線２３に入射して架空ケーブル２１の導出光ファイバ２４と引落線２３との接続状態（接続損失の大小）を判別するとともに、判別結果に対応する信号（以下、「判別信号」）を引落線２３に入射するようにしておく。前記判別信号としては、例えば、ＯＴＤＲ２８で受光した散乱光に基づく接続部の接続損失が０．３ｄＢ以下の場合には、突き合わせ接続が適切に行われたものと判断して、光源を発振装置２７へ切り換えて試験光（可視光）を途切れることなく連続的に引落線２３に入射し、０．３ｄＢ以上の場合には接続状態が適切で無いと判断して試験光を一定間隔で断続的に点滅入射することを適用する。この場合、目視用窓１８から観察される両光ファイバ２３、２４の接続点から乱反射する漏出光は、接続が適切である場合には連続点灯し、接続が不適切である場合には点滅して見える。したがって、作業者は、導出光ファイバ２４と引落線２３との接続状態の判別時に、ＯＴＤＲ２８を直接確認するために加入者宅側へ移動したりＯＴＤＲ２８を操作する別の作業者と電話や無線等で連絡を取り合う等の作業が不要となって、作業現場に居ながらにして判別結果を簡単に知ることができる。
接続状態が不適切である場合には、工具挿入溝１５、１６に再度工具１４を挿入して、ベース２と押さえ蓋３との間の光ファイバ２３、２４のクランプ力を解除し、突き合わせ作業をやり直す。
【００３３】
なお、判別信号としての試験光は、例えば導出光ファイバ２４と接続する引落線２３の照合（心線対照）等に利用することができる。
判別信号は、試験光の入射間隔を利用する以外、光源を換えて試験光の色（波長）を変える等の手段を適用することも可能である。また、判別信号は、光ファイバ２３、２４同士の接続状態以外の情報の伝達にも利用することができる。
【００３４】
接続完了後には、光ファイバ接続器１をクロージャ２２内に収納することにより、通信光に太陽光等の影響を与えることを簡単に防止することができる。
なお、光ファイバ接続器１は、工具１４を工具挿入溝１５、１６に挿入して、予め光ファイバ２３、２４を位置決め溝１１ａに挿入可能な程度開口しておくようにしてもよい。この場合、光ファイバ２３、２４の突き合わせ完了後に工具１４を引き抜くだけで、両光ファイバ２３、２４を突き合わせ状態を保持したままクランプすることができる。
【００３５】
光ファイバ接続器１において、突き合わせ接続した一対の光ファイバ２３、２４を接続切り替えするには、工具挿入溝１５、１６に工具１４を挿入して、ベース２と押さえ蓋３との間における光ファイバ２３、２４のクランプ力を解除し、位置決め溝１１ａから光ファイバ２３、２４を引く抜く。引き抜いた光ファイバ２３、２４は、再度光ファイバ接続器１内に挿入することによって他の光ファイバ２３、２４と突き合わせ接続することが可能である。
【００３６】
また、光ファイバ接続器１において突き合わせ接続した一方の光ファイバ２３、２４のみを引き抜く場合には、引き抜く光ファイバ２３、２４をクランプする部分に在る工具挿入溝１５、１６にのみ工具１４を挿入してクランプ力を解除して、引き抜き作業を行う。この際、光ファイバ接続器１内に残した光ファイバ２３、２４は、クランプ力の作用によってベース２と押さえ蓋３との間に安定にクランプされているので、光ファイバ２３、２４が引き抜かれた位置決め溝１１ａに新たに光ファイバを挿入して突き合わせ状態とするだけで、再度突き合わせ接続することができる。
【００３７】
接続切替作業において、ＯＴＤＲ２８から接続切替作業に関与する引落線２３に試験光を入射すれば、引落線２３の端部や光ファイバ接続器１の目視用窓１８から試験光を確認するだけで、目的の引落線２３や光ファイバ接続器１を容易に見つけだすことができる。
【００３８】
したがって、本発明の光ファイバ接続器１および光ファイバの接続方法によれば、Ｃ型バネ４のクランプ力を調整するだけでベース２と押さえ蓋３との間に光ファイバ２３、２４を自由に挿抜することができるので、突き合わせ接続や接続切り替えの作業性が向上するとともに、作業者が目視用窓１８から光ファイバ２３、２４の接続点から漏出してくる可視光の試験光を目視して、該試験光が構成する判別信号を視認するだけで、ＯＴＤＲ２８による光ファイバ２３、２４同士の突き合わせ接続状態の判別結果を作業者が作業現場に居ながらにして知ることができるので、光ファイバ２３、２４の突き合わせ接続の作業能率が大幅に向上する。
【００３９】
なお、ベースと押さえ蓋は、目視用窓に対応する一部分のみが、可視光の試験光が透過可能な透光部である構成とすることも可能である。透光部は、試験光を透過可能であれば透明である必要性は無く、また、試験光の内、特定波長のもののみを透過させる構成であってもよい。
調心機構としては、透光性を有するマイクロキャピラリーが設置されたＶ溝またはＶ溝以外の位置決め溝や、精密ロッド、精密ボールを用いた調心構造の適用も可能である。
本発明が適用される光ファイバ接続器としては、各種タイプが存在し、必ずしも前記実施の形態で説明したような、全体が円筒状に成形されるタイプのものに限定されず、光ファイバの接続部が何らかの形態のハウジングで覆われている光ファイバ接続器を全て含むものとする。
【００４０】
【発明の効果】
本発明に係る光ファイバ接続器によれば、光ファイバ同士を突き合わせ接続するための光ファイバ接続器であって、当該光ファイバ接続器のハウジングの少なくとも一部分に光ファイバの突き合わせ接続部から放射された試験光を透過する透過部を形成したことにより、透光部を透過した試験光を外側から目視しながら光ファイバの接続作業を行うことができるので、光ファイバ同士の突き合わせ状態を確認しながら確実に接続作業を進めることができ、接続の作業能率が向上するといった優れた効果を奏する。
【００４１】
また、本発明の光ファイバ接続器によれば、一体化時に概略ロッド状となる二つ割り構造を構成するベースおよび押さえ蓋と、ベースと押さえ蓋とを内挿して互いに圧接させる圧接力を付与するＣ型バネと、ベースと押さえ蓋の間に配置した光ファイバを突き合わせ接続可能に位置決め調心する調心機構とを備え、ベースおよび押さえ蓋の少なくとも一方の調心機構に対応する位置に、光ファイバの一端部から入射されて調心機構に配置した光ファイバの突き合わせ端部から放射された試験光を外側に導く透光部を形成し、Ｃ型バネの前記透光部における放射された試験光の透過方向に対応する位置に、透光部を透過した試験光を外側から目視するための目視用窓を形成したことにより、試験光によって伝送される情報に基づいて接続作業を行うことができ、光ファイバの接続の作業能率を向上することができるといった優れた効果を奏する。
【００４２】
本発明の光ファイバの接続方法によれば、突き合わせ端部が光ファイバ接続器で突き合わせ接続される光ファイバの一端部に、光試験装置から可視光の試験光を入射し、調心機構に配置した光ファイバの突き合わせ端部から放射された試験光を光ファイバ接続器の目視用窓を介して目視しつつ接続作業を行うようにしたことにより、試験光によって伝送される情報に基づいて接続作業を行うことで、作業現場から光試験装置を操作するだけで光ファイバ同士の接続状態等を知ることが可能になり、光ファイバの接続の作業性を向上することができるといった優れた効果を奏する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 本発明の光ファイバ接続器の実施の形態を示す、全体斜視図である。
【図２】 本発明の光ファイバ接続器の実施の形態を示す図であって、図１におけるＡ―Ａ線断面矢視図である。
【図３】 本発明の光ファイバ接続器の実施の形態を示す正面図である。
【図４】 本発明の光ファイバ接続器の実施の形態を示す図であって、図１におけるＢ―Ｂ線断面矢視図である。
【図５】 本発明の光ファイバ接続器の実施の形態を示す図であって、Ｖ溝の被覆支持溝近傍を示す拡大断面図である。
【図６】 薄板バネにおける荷重に対するたわみおよび曲げ応力を示すモデル図である。
【図７】 本発明の光ファイバ接続器の実施の形態を示す図であって、Ｃ型バネにおける荷重に対するたわみおよび曲げ応力を示すモデル図である。
【図８】 本発明の光ファイバの接続方法の実施の形態を示す図であって、架空光ケーブルのクロージャにおける光ファイバの接続を示す全体図である。
【符号の説明】
１…光ファイバ接続器、２…ベース、３…押さえ蓋、４…Ｃ型バネ、７…光ファイバ、１１ａ…調心機構（位置決め溝）、１８…目視用窓、２３…光ファイバ（引落線）、２４…光ファイバ（導出光ファイバ）、２６…一端部（引落先端部）、２８…光試験装置（ＯＴＤＲ）。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical fiber connector used for butt connection of optical fibers such as a mechanical splice.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an optical fiber connector has a structure in which two butted optical fibers are fixed in the same housing.
As the positioning alignment structure of the optical fiber connector, (1) a structure in which an optical fiber is inserted and abutted from both ends into a precision capillary (hereinafter referred to as “microcapillary”), and (2) the optical fibers are positioned in the positioning groove. (3) a structure in which an optical fiber is supported and positioned at the center of three precision rods or three precision balls. The optical fiber connector is configured to align and abut a pair of optical fibers in the aligning mechanism, and to bond or mechanically sandwich and fix the optical fibers to the aligning mechanism.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the case of the optical fiber connector as described above, there is a problem that the connected optical fiber cannot be reused, so that the optical fiber cannot be attached or detached, and cannot be effectively used for connection switching.
That is, when the optical fiber is bonded to the aligning mechanism, it is difficult to remove the optical fiber from the aligning mechanism, and the butt end portion is contaminated with the adhesive and is difficult to reuse.
In addition, when the optical fiber is mechanically clamped, it is difficult to apply the clamping force evenly to the abutting end portion of the optical fiber. In this case, there arises a problem that the refractive index of the butt end portion varies and it becomes difficult to reuse.
[0004]
In addition, the optical fiber connector as described above has a structure in which the abutting state of the optical fibers in the housing cannot be visually observed from the outside, which causes a problem that the workability of the abutting connection is lowered. .
In addition, in order to confirm the connection state of the optical fiber that has been connected, an optical test is performed using an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Refrctometory) connected to the optical line. In this case, there is a limit to the detection accuracy of the disconnection position by OTDR, and an operator has to reciprocate between the OTDR and the optical fiber connector many times before the optical fibers are correctly connected. There was a problem that work efficiency was bad.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and can easily perform butt connection and connection switching of an optical fiber, and can easily check the butt connection state of the optical fiber. The purpose is to provide a vessel.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The optical fiber connector according to claim 1, which is an optical fiber connector for butting and connecting optical fibers to each other, and includes a base and a presser lid that form a split structure that is substantially rod-shaped when integrated, and a base and a presser A C-type spring that applies a pressure-contacting force that interposes the lid and presses the lid together, and an alignment mechanism that aligns and aligns the optical fibers disposed between the base and the pressing lid so that they can be connected to each other. The base and the presser lid can be separated from each other by a tool inserted into a tool insertion groove formed in both or one of the side surfaces. A transmission part that transmits the test light emitted from the butt connection part of the optical fiber is formed in at least a part of the housing that covers the connection part of the optical fiber by the spring. The C-shaped spring is a spring that is formed in a single cylindrical shape as viewed from the outside and includes three clamping regions that are divided by dividing grooves formed in the circumferential direction at two locations in the longitudinal direction. The three clamp areas are located at positions corresponding to positioning grooves as alignment mechanisms provided in the center of the contact surface of the base that is superimposed on the contact surface on the holding lid side, and the contact surface of the base. Formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction, the optical fiber is guided to the positioning groove, and provided at a position corresponding to the coating support groove for supporting the coating portion of the optical fiber. This is the means for solving the problems.
[0007]
3. The optical fiber connector according to claim 2, wherein a base and a presser cover that form a split structure that is substantially rod-shaped when integrated, and a C-type spring that applies a press-contact force that interposes the base and the presser cover and presses them together. And an alignment mechanism that aligns and aligns the optical fiber disposed between the base and the presser lid so that they can be butted and connected, and is inserted into a tool insertion groove formed in either or both sides of the base and the presser lid. The tool can be spaced apart from the base and the presser lid, and is incident from one end of the optical fiber at a position corresponding to the alignment mechanism of at least one of the base and the presser lid. And forming a translucent part that guides the test light emitted from the abutting end of the optical fiber disposed in the aligning mechanism to the outside, and is emitted from the translucent part of the C-type spring. A position corresponding to the transmission direction of test light to form a viewing window for viewing the test light transmitted through the light transmitting portion from the outside The C-shaped spring is a spring that is formed in a single cylindrical shape as viewed from the outside and includes three clamping regions that are divided by dividing grooves formed in the circumferential direction at two locations in the longitudinal direction. The three clamp areas are located at positions corresponding to positioning grooves as alignment mechanisms provided in the center of the contact surface of the base that is superimposed on the contact surface on the holding lid side, and the contact surface of the base. Formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction, the optical fiber is guided to the positioning groove, and provided at a position corresponding to the coating support groove for supporting the coating portion of the optical fiber. This is the means for solving the problems.
[0008]
Claim 3 The optical fiber connection method described in claim 1 or 2 The abutting end of the optical fiber connected by the optical fiber connector is butt-connected while maintaining the state where the abutting surfaces of the base and presser cover of the optical fiber connector described above are separated from each other by the tool. Visible test light from the optical test device is incident on one end, and the test light emitted from the butt end of the optical fiber placed in the alignment mechanism is visually observed through the transmission part of the optical fiber connector. Performing the work is a means for solving the above-mentioned problems.
Claim 4 In the optical fiber connecting method according to claim 2, the abutting end portion of the base of the optical fiber connector according to claim 2 is kept apart from the abutting surfaces of the base and the pressing lid that are overlapped with each other by the tool. Visible test light is incident on one end of the optical fiber butt-connected by the optical fiber connector, and the test light emitted from the butt end of the optical fiber placed in the alignment mechanism is optical fiber. Performing the connection work while viewing through the visual window of the connector is the means for solving the problems.
Claim 5 The invention according to the present invention includes a base and a presser cover that form a split structure that is roughly rod-shaped when integrated, a C-type spring that applies a pressure contact force that presses the base and the presser cover together, and the base and the presser cover An optical fiber connecting method using an optical fiber connector provided with an alignment mechanism that positions and aligns optical fibers arranged between each other so that they can be connected to each other, both of the base and the presser lid of the optical fiber connector Alternatively, a butt end portion of the optical fiber can be inserted into a tool insertion groove formed in one of the side surfaces while keeping the abutting surfaces of the base and the pressing lid overlapped with each other. Visible test light is incident on one end of the optical fiber that is butt-connected by the connector, and emitted from the butt end of the optical fiber placed in the alignment mechanism. The test light, and performs the connection work while observing from the outside of the optical fiber connector via a transmission portion formed in the optical fiber connector.
Claim 6 The invention according to claim 3-5 In the optical fiber connection method according to any one of the above, when the optical fibers are in a butt connection state, the tool is pulled out, and the optical fiber is fixed between the base and the pressing lid by the elasticity of the C-shaped spring. It is characterized by that.
Claim 7 The invention according to claim 3-6 In the optical fiber connection method according to any one of the above, the optical pulse test light is incident from one of the optical test devices to one of the optical fibers butt-connected by the optical fiber connector, and the connection state between the optical fibers is determined. Visible light forming a signal corresponding to the discrimination result is incident on the optical fiber.
Claim 8 The invention according to claim 7 In the optical fiber connection method described above, when the butt connection is appropriate, visible light is continuously incident on the one optical fiber without interruption, and when the butt connection is not appropriate, Visible test light is intermittently incident on the optical fiber.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the optical fiber connector of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
Reference numeral 1 in the figure denotes an optical fiber connector of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical fiber connector 1 includes a base 2 and a presser lid 3 that form a split structure that becomes a rod shape having a square cross section when integrated, and an integrated base 2 and presser lid 3. And a C-type spring 4 for applying a pressure contact force that presses each other.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 4, the base 2 and the presser lid 3 have substantially the same cross-sectional shape in which a rod having a square cross section is divided into half by a square diagonal, and the contact surfaces 5 and 6 are overlapped with each other. Are integrated. The base 2 and the presser lid 3 of the present embodiment are entirely formed of a transparent resin such as plastic. Therefore, the base 2 and the presser lid 3 as a whole constitute the translucent part described in claim 1.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 2, positioning as a centering mechanism is formed separately from the base 2 at the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the contact surface 5 of the base 2 and aligns the optical fiber 7 so that the optical fiber 7 can be abutted and connected. A connection base 11b having a groove 11a is provided. The positioning groove 11a has a V-groove shape that butt-connects a pair of butt end portions 10 formed by removing the coating 9 of the optical fiber 7 and exposing the bare fiber.
As the connection base 11b, one formed of aluminum or ceramics is applied.
[0012]
A V-groove 8 that is continuous with the positioning groove 11a is formed on the base contact surface 5 around the connection base 11b installation position. As shown in FIG. 4, the V groove 8 is formed at the center in the width direction of the contact surface 5. A coating support groove 12 that supports and aligns the coating 9 portion of the optical fiber 7 is formed at the end in the longitudinal direction of the contact surface 5 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). The coating support groove 12 supports the bare fiber in the coating 9 on the same straight line as the butted end portion 10 that aligns and supports the positioning fiber 11a. The covering support groove 12 is open at the longitudinal end of the contact surface 5, and the optical fiber 7 inserted from the longitudinal end of the optical fiber connector 1 is positioned through the V-groove 8 and the positioning groove 11 a. Is supposed to lead to.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 5, an optical fiber 7 is placed at a predetermined position in a region of the contact surface 6 of the presser cover 3 that faces the coating support groove 12 of the base 2 when the base 2 and the presser cover 3 are integrated. A fiber holding groove 13 that can be pushed into the depth direction of the covering support groove 12 is formed.
[0014]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, tool insertion grooves 15 and 16 for inserting a tool 14 for separating the integrated base 2 and the presser lid 3 are formed on the side surfaces of the base 2 and the presser cover 3. Is drilled. The tool insertion grooves 15 and 16 are formed in the base 2 and the pressing lid 3 so as to be recessed along the contact surfaces 5 and 6 from the side surfaces of the base 2 and the pressing lid 3. Moreover, the tool insertion grooves 15 and 16 are formed at four locations in the longitudinal direction in each of the base 2 and the presser lid 3, and are integrated by overlapping the contact surfaces 5 and 6 of the base 2 and the presser lid 3. A rectangular hole is formed.
The tool insertion grooves 15 and 16 may be formed only in one of the base 2 and the pressing lid 3.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, tapered holes 2 a and 3 a for inserting the optical fiber 7 into the V-groove 8 are formed on both end surfaces in the axial direction of the base 2 and the pressing lid 3. These tapered holes 2a and 3a are integrated when the base 2 and the pressing lid 3 are integrated.
[0015]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the C-type spring 4 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as viewed from the outside having a minute slit-like opening 4 a parallel to the central axis. As a material of the C-type spring 4, for example, beryllium copper is used. In the case of beryllium copper, it may be one that has been subjected to age hardening treatment after molding into a target shape, or one that has been coated with a fluororesin or the like after heat treatment.
At four positions in the longitudinal direction of the C-shaped spring 4, jig insertion holes 17 for inserting the tool 14 into the tool insertion grooves 15 and 16 are opened. These jig insertion holes 17 are continuously provided on the opening 4a at equal intervals so that all the tool insertion grooves 15 and 16 can be exposed simultaneously. Further, in the cross-sectional diameter direction of the C-shaped spring 4, the amount of elastic deformation of the C-shaped spring 4 in the vicinity of the jig insertion hole 17, the base 2 and the presser lid 3 are placed at positions corresponding to the jig insertion holes 17. An adjustment hole 17a for adjusting the pressure contact force for pressure contact is opened (see FIG. 4).
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, at the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the portion corresponding to the pressing lid 3 of the C-type spring 4, the pressing lid is radiated from the butted end portion 10 of the optical fiber 7 disposed in the positioning groove 11 a. A viewing window 18 for viewing the light transmitted through 3 is opened. The visual window 18 is opened at a position corresponding to the positioning groove 11a, and when there is a misalignment between the optical fibers 7 that are butted and connected in the positioning groove 11a, the visual window 18 is diffusely reflected from the connection point between the optical fibers 7 and the optical fiber 7. The light leaking in a direction substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis is visible from the outside of the C-type spring 4.
The visual window 18 may be formed in a shape other than the illustrated long hole shape. Also,
[0017]
The C-type spring 4 is divided into three clamp regions 4b by dividing grooves 18a formed in the circumferential direction at two locations in the longitudinal direction. Each clamp region 4b has the same maximum pressure contact force that can be applied, but can be opened and closed individually by inserting and removing the tool 14. Further, in each clamp region 4b, by adjusting the shape of the adjustment hole 17a, the amount of elastic deformation of the C-type spring 4 in the vicinity of the jig insertion hole 17 and the pressure contact force that presses the base 2 and the presser lid 3 are pressed. Can be adjusted individually. Therefore, for example, the clamp region 4b corresponding to the positioning groove 11a and the clamp region 4b corresponding to the covering support groove 12 can be adjusted so that the elastic deformation amount and the pressure contact force of the C-type spring 4 are different. .
[0018]
The pressing force that presses the base 2 and the presser lid 3 of the C-type spring 4 in a direction in which they are pressed against each other is set by the material and shape of the C-type spring 4.
That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, in the case of a substantially U-shaped thin plate spring 20, the load acting between both ends is P, the bending radius is R, the spring plate thickness is t, and the spring length is b. Then, the deflection δ between both ends is expressed by Equation (1).
[0019]
[Expression 1]

[0020]
Here, λ1 = L1 / R and λ2 = L2 / R.
Further, the bending stress σ of the thin leaf spring 20 is expressed by the mathematical formula (2).
[0021]
[Expression 2]

[0022]
When the thin plate spring 20 is applied to the C-type spring 4 shown in FIG. 7, L1 = 0 and L2 = 0, and the deflection δ and the bending stress σ of the C-type spring 4 are expressed by Equations (3) and (4), respectively. Indicated.
[0023]
[Equation 3]

[0024]
[Expression 4]

[0025]
Here, when, for example, a spring material of JIS C1720H / 2 is used as the material of the C-type spring 4, the proof stress (maximum bending stress) σ ≧ 90 kg / mm ² , Flexural modulus E = 1200 kg / mm ² It is. Further, when the dimensions of the C-type spring 4 are an inner diameter d = 4.5 mm, a plate thickness t = 0.23 mm, and an axial length b = 9 mm, the load acting in the diameter direction of the C-type spring 4 is P = 3.02 kg (however, the maximum value @ b = 9 mm), and the deflection is δ = 0.573 mm (maximum value).
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 4, the tool 14 is formed in a wedge shape that can be easily inserted into the integrated tool insertion grooves 15 and 16, and press-fitted into the back side of the tool insertion grooves 15 and 16, thereby The contact surfaces 5 and 6 of the presser lid 3 are separated from each other. The tool 14 may be an off-the-shelf hand tool such as a screwdriver as long as it can be inserted into the tool insertion grooves 15 and 16 and the contact surfaces 5 and 6 can be separated.
[0027]
Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described.
In order to butt-connect a pair of optical fibers 7 with the optical fiber connector 1, first, the C-type spring 4 and the base 2 and the presser lid 3 in an integrated state are relatively rotated around each other and the tool The insertion grooves 15 and 16 are exposed to the outer surface through the jig insertion hole 17 (state shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4). At this time, the contact between the inner surface of the C-type spring 4 and the base 2 and the presser lid 3 is reduced in friction only at each apex part of the square of the base 2 and the presser lid 3 in a sectional view. Further, the relative rotation of the C-shaped spring 4 with respect to the pressing lid 3 can be performed manually.
Next, the tool 14 is inserted into the tool insertion grooves 15 and 16 and pushed into the back side of the tool insertion grooves 15 and 16, thereby displacing the base 2 and the pressing lid 3 and separating the contact surfaces 5 and 6. .
[0028]
Next, the optical fiber 7 is inserted into the covering support groove 12 from the butted end portion 10 through the tapered holes 2 a and 3 a at both ends in the axial direction while maintaining the separation between the contact surfaces 5 and 6. Then, the optical fiber 7 in which the butt end 10 is inserted into the covering support groove 12 is pushed further into the back side, thereby bringing the butt end 10 into the positioning groove 11a via the V-groove 8 and the positioning groove 11a at both ends thereof. The butted end portions 10 of the optical fibers 7 inserted from above are brought into contact with each other. By doing so, insertion and butting of the butted end portion 10 into the positioning groove 11a can be performed smoothly.
At this time, the optical fiber 7 is previously formed with a butt end 10 from which the bare fiber is exposed by removing the coating 9. The abutting end portion 10 is formed in such a size that the covering 9 is disposed in the covering supporting groove 12 at the time of abutting. Further, in the abutting operation, since the base 2 and the presser lid 3 are formed of a transparent material, from the adjustment hole 17a and the visual window 18 to the coated support groove 12, the V groove 8, and the positioning groove 11a of the optical fiber 7. This can be done while observing the insertion state.
[0029]
When the optical fibers 7 are in a butted state, the tool 14 is pulled out from the tool insertion grooves 15 and 16. As a result, the clamping force of the optical fiber 7 is applied between the base 2 and the presser lid 3 by the elasticity of the C-shaped spring 4, and the pair of optical fibers 7 are fixed while being kept in the butted state.
At this time, the butt force between the optical fibers 7 in the optical fiber connector 1 can be maintained even after the clamping is completed by sequentially pulling out the tool 14 while applying a butt force to both optical fibers 7.
[0030]
In order to confirm that the optical fibers 7 are correctly abutted with each other, visible test light is incident on one optical fiber 7 to be abutted and connected, and the vicinity of the positioning groove 11a is observed from the viewing window 18. The test light leaking out (emitted) from between the butted ends 10 that are butted together (connection point) is judged by visual observation.
[0031]
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, in a closure 22 installed in the aerial optical cable 21, a drop line 23 (optical fiber 7) drawn from the closure 22 and an optical fiber 24 (7) derived from the aerial optical cable 21. ) Is connected to the drop end 26 of the drop line 23 with respect to the connection end 25 of the drop line 23 by connecting an OTDR 28 that makes the optical pulse test light incident on the drop line 23. In addition to the laser diode light source, the OTDR 28 is provided with an oscillation device 27 that oscillates visible light. The test light oscillated by the oscillation device 27 is preferably visible light having a wavelength different from that of the communication light (laser diode wavelength 1.31 μm or 1.55 μm). For example, helium-neon laser light (red light) or the like is applied.
[0032]
A remote-controllable computer 29 is connected to the OTDR 28. When the computer 29 receives an operation signal from the remote controller 30 carried by the operator, the OTDR 28 enters the optical pulse test light into the drop line 23. The connection state (the magnitude of connection loss) between the derived optical fiber 24 of the overhead cable 21 and the drop line 23 is determined, and a signal corresponding to the determination result (hereinafter referred to as “discrimination signal”) is incident on the drop line 23. Keep it. As the determination signal, for example, when the connection loss of the connection portion based on the scattered light received by the OTDR 28 is 0.3 dB or less, it is determined that the butt connection is appropriately performed, and the light source is set to the oscillation device 27. The test light (visible light) is continuously incident on the drop line 23 without interruption, and if it is 0.3 dB or more, it is determined that the connection state is not appropriate and the test light is intermittently transmitted at regular intervals. Apply blinking incidence. In this case, the leaked light that is diffusely reflected from the connection point of both optical fibers 23 and 24 observed from the visual window 18 is continuously lit when the connection is appropriate, and flashes when the connection is inappropriate. Looks. Therefore, when the worker determines the connection state between the derived optical fiber 24 and the drop line 23, the worker moves to the subscriber's home side to directly check the OTDR 28 or operates another telephone operator, OTDR 28, etc. Thus, it is not necessary to keep in touch with each other, and the discrimination result can be easily known while staying at the work site.
When the connection state is inappropriate, the tool 14 is reinserted into the tool insertion grooves 15 and 16 to release the clamping force of the optical fibers 23 and 24 between the base 2 and the presser lid 3, and the butting work Try again.
[0033]
Note that the test light as the discrimination signal can be used, for example, for collation of the drop line 23 connected to the derived optical fiber 24 (core wire contrast).
For the determination signal, means other than using the test light incident interval may be applied such as changing the light source to change the color (wavelength) of the test light. The discrimination signal can also be used to transmit information other than the connection state between the optical fibers 23 and 24.
[0034]
After the connection is completed, it is possible to easily prevent the communication light from being influenced by sunlight or the like by housing the optical fiber connector 1 in the closure 22.
In the optical fiber connector 1, the tool 14 may be inserted into the tool insertion grooves 15 and 16, and the optical fibers 23 and 24 may be opened in advance to the extent that they can be inserted into the positioning groove 11a. In this case, both optical fibers 23 and 24 can be clamped while maintaining the butted state by simply pulling out the tool 14 after the butting of the optical fibers 23 and 24 is completed.
[0035]
In the optical fiber connector 1, in order to switch the connection between the pair of optical fibers 23 and 24 butt-connected, the tool 14 is inserted into the tool insertion grooves 15 and 16, and the optical fiber between the base 2 and the presser lid 3 is inserted. The clamping force of 23 and 24 is released, and the optical fibers 23 and 24 are pulled out from the positioning groove 11a. The drawn optical fibers 23 and 24 can be butt-connected to the other optical fibers 23 and 24 by being inserted into the optical fiber connector 1 again.
[0036]
Further, when only one optical fiber 23, 24 butt-connected in the optical fiber connector 1 is pulled out, the tool 14 is inserted only into the tool insertion grooves 15, 16 in the portion for clamping the optical fibers 23, 24 to be pulled out. Then release the clamping force and perform the extraction work. At this time, since the optical fibers 23 and 24 remaining in the optical fiber connector 1 are stably clamped between the base 2 and the presser lid 3 by the action of the clamping force, the optical fibers 23 and 24 are pulled out. The butt connection can be made again simply by inserting a new optical fiber into the positioning groove 11a to bring it into a butt state.
[0037]
In the connection switching work, if the test light is incident from the OTDR 28 to the drop line 23 involved in the connection switching work, the test light is simply confirmed from the end of the drop line 23 or the visual window 18 of the optical fiber connector 1. The target drop line 23 and the optical fiber connector 1 can be easily found.
[0038]
Therefore, according to the optical fiber connector 1 and the optical fiber connection method of the present invention, the optical fibers 23 and 24 can be freely inserted between the base 2 and the presser lid 3 only by adjusting the clamping force of the C-type spring 4. Since it can be inserted and removed, the workability of butt connection and connection switching is improved, and the operator visually observes the test light of visible light leaking from the connection point of the optical fibers 23 and 24 from the viewing window 18. The operator can know the discrimination result of the butt connection state between the optical fibers 23 and 24 by the OTDR 28 only by visually recognizing the discrimination signal formed by the test light. , 24 butt connection work efficiency is greatly improved.
[0039]
Note that the base and the presser lid may be configured so that only a part corresponding to the viewing window is a light transmitting portion that can transmit visible test light. The translucent part is not necessarily transparent as long as it can transmit the test light, and may be configured to transmit only the test light having a specific wavelength.
As the aligning mechanism, it is also possible to apply a aligning structure using a positioning groove other than the V-groove or the V-groove provided with a translucent microcapillary, a precision rod, and a precision ball.
There are various types of optical fiber connectors to which the present invention is applied, and the optical fiber connector is not necessarily limited to the type that is entirely formed into a cylindrical shape as described in the above embodiment, but the connection of optical fibers. All optical fiber connectors whose parts are covered with some form of housing shall be included.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention According to the optical fiber connector, the optical fiber connector for butting and connecting the optical fibers, and transmitting the test light emitted from the optical fiber butting joint to at least a part of the housing of the optical fiber connector. By forming the transmitting part to be connected, the optical fiber can be connected while visually observing the test light transmitted through the transparent part from the outside. It is possible to proceed, and there is an excellent effect that the work efficiency of the connection is improved.
[0041]
In addition, the present invention According to the optical fiber connector of the present invention, a base and a presser lid that form a split structure that is roughly rod-shaped when integrated, a C-type spring that applies a press-contact force that interposes the base and the presser lid and presses them together, An aligning mechanism that positions and aligns the optical fiber disposed between the base and the presser lid so that the optical fiber can be abutted and connected, and is positioned from one end of the optical fiber at a position corresponding to at least one of the base and the presser cover. A translucent part is formed for guiding the test light emitted from the abutting end of the optical fiber that is incident and disposed in the alignment mechanism to the outside, and in the transmission direction of the emitted test light in the translucent part of the C-type spring By forming a viewing window for viewing the test light that has passed through the light transmitting portion from the outside at the corresponding position, the connection work can be performed based on the information transmitted by the test light. , It exhibits an excellent effect that it is possible to improve the working efficiency of the optical fiber connection.
[0042]
The present invention According to the optical fiber connection method, the butt end Is light Visible test light is incident on one end of the optical fiber that is butt-connected by the fiber connector, and the test light emitted from the butt end of the optical fiber placed in the alignment mechanism is connected to the optical fiber. By performing the connection work while viewing through the visual window of the vessel, the connection work is performed based on the information transmitted by the test light. It becomes possible to know the connection state of the fibers and the like, and there is an excellent effect that the workability of the optical fiber connection can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing an embodiment of an optical fiber connector of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the optical fiber connector of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing an embodiment of the optical fiber connector of the present invention.
4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the optical fiber connector of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a view showing an embodiment of the optical fiber connector of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a coating support groove of a V groove.
FIG. 6 is a model diagram showing deflection and bending stress with respect to load in a thin plate spring.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the optical fiber connector of the present invention, and is a model diagram showing deflection and bending stress with respect to a load in a C-type spring.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an optical fiber connecting method according to the present invention, and is an overall view showing optical fiber connection in an aerial optical cable closure.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical fiber connector, 2 ... Base, 3 ... Holding lid, 4 ... C-type spring, 7 ... Optical fiber, 11a ... Alignment mechanism (positioning groove), 18 ... Visual observation window, 23 ... Optical fiber (strip line) ), 24... Optical fiber (derived optical fiber), 26... One end (drawing tip), 28 .. optical test device (OTDR).

Claims (8)

An optical fiber connector for butt-connecting optical fibers,
A base (2) and a presser lid (3) that form a split structure that is roughly rod-shaped when integrated, and a C-type spring (4) that applies a press-contacting force to press the base and the presser lid into mutual contact with each other; An alignment mechanism (11a) for positioning and aligning the optical fiber disposed between the base and the holding lid so as to be able to butt and connect;
The base and the presser lid can be separated by the tool (14) inserted into the tool insertion groove (15, 16) drilled in both or one side of the base and the presser lid. And
Forming a transmission part that transmits the test light emitted from the butt connection part of the optical fiber in at least a part of the housing that covers the connection part of the optical fiber by the base, the pressing lid, and the C-shaped spring ;
The C-shaped spring is formed by dividing grooves (18a) formed in the circumferential direction at two locations in the longitudinal direction.
A spring formed in a generally cylindrical shape as viewed from the outside, including three clamping regions (4b) divided by
The three clamp areas include a position corresponding to a positioning groove (11a) as a centering mechanism provided at the center of the contact surface (5) of the base that is superimposed on the contact surface on the holding lid side, and the base Formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the contact surface of the optical fiber, and is provided at a position corresponding to the coating support groove (12) for guiding the optical fiber to the positioning groove and supporting the coating portion of the optical fiber. An optical fiber connector characterized by. An optical fiber connector (1) for butt-connecting optical fibers (7, 23, 24),
A base (2) and a presser lid (3) that form a split structure that is roughly rod-shaped when integrated, and a C-type spring (4) that applies a press-contacting force to press the base and the presser lid into mutual contact with each other; An alignment mechanism (11a) for positioning and aligning the optical fiber disposed between the base and the holding lid so as to be able to butt and connect;
The base and the presser lid can be separated by the tool (14) inserted into the tool insertion groove (15, 16) drilled in both or one side of the base and the presser lid. And
The test light emitted from one end (26) of the optical fiber and emitted from the butt end of the optical fiber disposed in the aligning mechanism at a position corresponding to the aligning mechanism of at least one of the base and the holding lid is outward. Visual inspection for viewing the test light transmitted through the translucent part from the outside at a position corresponding to the transmission direction of the emitted test light in the translucent part of the C-shaped spring, forming the translucent part (3) to be guided Forming a window (18) ,
The C-shaped spring is formed in a single cylindrical shape as viewed from the outside, including three clamping regions (4b) divided by a dividing groove (18a) formed in the circumferential direction at two locations in the longitudinal direction. Spring
The three clamp areas include a position corresponding to a positioning groove (11a) as a centering mechanism provided at the center of the contact surface (5) of the base that is superimposed on the contact surface on the holding lid side, and the base Formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the contact surface of the optical fiber, and is provided at a position corresponding to the coating support groove (12) for guiding the optical fiber to the positioning groove and supporting the coating portion of the optical fiber. An optical fiber connector characterized by. While maintaining the state where the abutting surfaces (5, 6) of the base of the optical fiber connector according to claim 1 and the pressing lid that are overlapped with each other are separated from each other by the tool,
A test light of visible light is incident from one end of the optical fiber whose butt end is butt-connected by the optical fiber connector from the optical test apparatus (28), and from the butt end of the optical fiber disposed in the alignment mechanism. An optical fiber connection method comprising performing connection work while visually observing the emitted test light through the transmission part of the optical fiber connector. The base of the optical fiber connector according to claim 2 and the contact surface of the presser lid, which are superposed on each other, are kept separated by the tool,
A test light of visible light is incident from one end of the optical fiber whose butt end is butt-connected by the optical fiber connector from the optical test apparatus (28), and from the butt end of the optical fiber disposed in the alignment mechanism. An optical fiber connection method comprising performing connection work while visually observing the emitted test light through a visual window of an optical fiber connector. A base (2) and a presser lid (3) that form a split structure that is roughly rod-shaped when integrated, and a C-type spring (4) that applies a press-contacting force to press the base and the presser lid into mutual contact with each other; An optical fiber connection method using an optical fiber connector comprising an alignment mechanism (11a) that positions and aligns an optical fiber disposed between a base and a presser lid so that they can be butted and connected,
A contact surface of the base and the presser lid that are overlapped with each other with a tool that is inserted into the tool insertion groove (15, 16) that is drilled in both or one side of the base and the presser lid of the optical fiber connector. 5 and 6) while keeping the separated state,
A test light of visible light is incident from one end of the optical fiber whose butt end is butt-connected by the optical fiber connector from the optical test apparatus (28), and from the butt end of the optical fiber disposed in the alignment mechanism. An optical fiber connection method comprising performing connection work while visually observing the emitted test light from the outside of the optical fiber connector via a transmission part formed in the optical fiber connector. Once connected state abutting the optical fibers, pull out the tool, by the elasticity of the C-shaped spring, one of claims 3-5, characterized in that to fix the optical fiber between the base and holding lid The connection method of the optical fiber as described in 2. The optical pulse test light is incident from one of the optical fibers butt-connected by the optical fiber connector to determine the connection state between the optical fibers, and the visible light that forms a signal corresponding to the determination result The optical fiber connection method according to claim 3 , wherein the optical fiber is incident on the optical fiber. When the butt connection is appropriate, visible test light is continuously incident on the one optical fiber without interruption. When the butt connection is not appropriate, visible test light is applied to the one optical fiber. The optical fiber connection method according to claim 7 , wherein the light is incident intermittently.

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