JP3794534B2

JP3794534B2 - Optical fiber connector

Info

Publication number: JP3794534B2
Application number: JP11322399A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 剛行中野; 淳山川; 教勝山本
Original assignee: THE FURUKAW ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
Current assignee: THE FURUKAW ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
Priority date: 1999-04-21
Filing date: 1999-04-21
Publication date: 2006-07-05
Anticipated expiration: 2019-04-21
Also published as: JP2000304959A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、ゴミ侵入防止手段を設けることにより良好な光接続が安定して得られるようにした光ファイバ接続器に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
光ファイバ同士を接続する方法にはコネクタ接続法、融着接続法などがある。
前記コネクタ接続法の１種であるメカニカルスプライス式接続法について図５（ａ）（ｂ）を参照して説明すると、一体化時に光ファイバを挟み込む基体２および蓋体３からなる２つ割り構造の素子１からなり、基体２の蓋体３と接触する面に光ファイバ７を突き合わせ接続可能に位置決め調心するＶ溝８が設けられ、素子１の基体２と蓋体３とはその一方の接合面側からコ字状のクランプバネ４が圧入され側圧が付与されて一体に保持されており、基体２と蓋体３の他方の接合面には、クランプバネ４により一体に保持された状態の基体２と蓋体３とを開放するための楔１２を挿入する楔挿入溝５が形成されたものである。
【０００３】
前記光ファイバ接続器に光ファイバ７を接続する方法は次の通りである。
即ち、▲１▼楔挿入溝５に楔１２を押込んで、コ字状クランプバネ４で一体に保持された基体２と蓋体３との間に隙間を開け、▲２▼この状態で接続しようとする光ファイバ７を素子１の前方および後方からそれぞれ基体２の蓋体３と接触する面に設けたＶ溝８に沿って挿入して素子１中央部で前記光ファイバ７の各々の先端面（カット面）同士を突き合わせ接続し、▲３▼次いで楔１２を外して光ファイバ７を基体２と蓋体３との間に挟み込み固定する。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、前記光ファイバ接続器では、楔挿入溝５に楔１２を押込んで基体２と蓋体３との間に隙間を開けるときに、基体２または蓋体３が楔１２により削られ、この削片が素子１内部の基体２と蓋体３の接触面やＶ溝８などに侵入し付着して光ファイバ７の把持力を弱める。その結果僅かな温度変化でも光ファイバ７が動いて接続損失や反射減衰量が増大し、良好な光接続が安定して得られなくなるという問題がある。
本発明は、ゴミ侵入防止手段を設けることにより良好な光接続が安定して得られるようにした光ファイバ接続器の提供を目的とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１記載の発明は、一体化時に光ファイバを挟み込む基体および蓋体からなる２つ割り構造の素子の前記基体の蓋体と接触する面上に光ファイバを突き合わせ接続可能に位置決め調心するためのＶ溝が設けられ、前記素子の基体と蓋体とはその一方の接合面側からコ字状のクランプバネが圧入され側圧が付与されて一体に保持されており、前記基体および蓋体の他方の接合面には、前記クランプバネにより一体に保持された状態の基体と蓋体とを開放するための楔を挿入する楔挿入溝が形成された光ファイバ接続器において、ゴミ侵入防止手段として、前記楔挿入溝に、滑剤が塗布または充填されていることを特徴とする光ファイバ接続器である。
【０００６】
請求項２記載の発明は、一体化時に光ファイバを挟み込む基体および蓋体からなる２つ割り構造の素子の前記基体の蓋体と接触する面上に光ファイバを突き合わせ接続可能に位置決め調心するためのＶ溝が設けられ、前記素子の基体と蓋体とはその一方の接合面側からコ字状のクランプバネが圧入され側圧が付与されて一体に保持されており、前記基体および蓋体の他方の接合面には、前記クランプバネにより一体に保持された状態の基体と蓋体とを開放するための楔を挿入する楔挿入溝が形成された光ファイバ接続器において、ゴミ侵入防止手段として、防御壁が、前記楔挿入溝の奥に、蓋体から基体の楔挿入溝に突出して形成されていることを特徴とする光ファイバ接続器である。
【０００７】
請求項３記載の発明は、一体化時に光ファイバを挟み込む基体および蓋体からなる２つ割り構造の素子の前記基体の蓋体と接触する面上に光ファイバを突き合わせ接続可能に位置決め調心するためのＶ溝が設けられ、前記素子の基体と蓋体とはその一方の接合面側からコ字状のクランプバネが圧入され側圧が付与されて一体に保持されており、前記基体および蓋体の他方の接合面には、前記クランプバネにより一体に保持された状態の基体と蓋体とを開放するための楔を挿入する楔挿入溝が形成された光ファイバ接続器において、ゴミ侵入防止手段として、ゴミ逃がし凹部が、前記基体または蓋体に、前記Ｖ溝に並行にかつ前記Ｖ溝を挟んで形成されていることを特徴とする光ファイバ接続器である。
【０００９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に本発明を図を参照して具体的に説明する。
図１は、本発明のゴミ侵入防止手段の第１の実施形態を示す横断面説明図である。
この光ファイバ接続器は、素子１を構成する基体２と蓋体３とが、双方の接合面の一方の側にコ字状クランプバネが圧入されて一体に保持され、コ字状クランプバネ４と反対側の双方の接合面に形成された楔挿入溝５に滑剤６が充填されたものである。図１で７は基体２上のＶ溝８に位置決め調心して配置された光ファイバである。
この光ファイバ接続器では、楔挿入溝５に滑剤６が充填されているので楔１２を押込んでも滑剤の潤滑作用により削片などの発生が抑制される。また楔１２を押込んだときに削片などのゴミが発生しても、前記ゴミは滑剤６に吸着されて素子１内部の基体２と蓋体３の接触面やＶ溝８などに侵入するようなことがない。滑剤６には光学用シリコングリース、パラフィン、ワセリン、グリース、高粘度液状油などが適用される。
滑剤６は楔挿入溝５内面に塗布してもその効果が十分に得られる。
【００１０】
図２は、本発明のゴミ侵入防止手段の第２の実施形態を示す横断面説明図である。図１と同一の部分は同一の符号を付してある。
この光ファイバ接続器は、楔挿入溝５の奥に防御壁９が蓋体３に一体に形成されたものである。
この光ファイバ接続器では、楔１２を押込んだときに発生する削片などのゴミは防御壁９により素子１内部の基体２と蓋体３の接触面やＶ溝８などに侵入するようなことがない。
防御壁９は、楔挿入溝５の長さ方向全体に設けるのが望ましい。
防御壁９は基体２に形成されていても同様の効果が得られる。
【００１１】
図３は、本発明のゴミ侵入防止手段の第３の実施形態を示す横断面説明図である。図１と同一の部分は同一の符号を付してある。
この光ファイバ接続器は、楔挿入溝５部分に位置する蓋体３の基体２と接触する面にゴミ逃がし凹部１０がＶ溝８を挟んで２本形成されたものである。
この光ファイバ接続器では、楔１２を押込んだときに発生する削片などのゴミはゴミ逃がし凹部１０にトラップされて、素子１内部の基体２と蓋体３の接触面やＶ溝８などへ侵入し難くなる。
なお、上記は、２本のゴミ逃がし凹部１０を設けた例であるが、楔挿入溝５側に形成したゴミ逃がし凹部１０のみでも効果がある。
【００１２】
図４は、本発明のゴミ侵入防止手段の第４の実施形態を示す横断面説明図である。図１と同一の部分は同一の符号を付してある。
この光ファイバ接続器は、楔挿入溝５部分に位置する基体２の蓋体３と接触する面にゴミ逃がし凹部１１がＶ溝８を挟んで２本形成されたものである。
この光ファイバ接続器では、図３に示したものと同様の効果が得られる。
図３、４では、ゴミ逃がし凹部１０、１１は楔挿入溝５部分のみに形成しても効果があるが、さらに長くしてＶ溝８全長に渡って形成するようにするとより効果的である。また図２〜４に示したゴミ侵入防止手段に、楔挿入溝５に滑剤６を塗布または充填する手段を併用するとより大きい効果が得られる。
【００１３】
【発明の効果】
以上に述べたように、本発明の光ファイバ接続器は、楔挿入溝、基体、または蓋体にゴミ侵入防止手段が設けられているので、楔挿入溝に楔を押込むとき発生する削片などのゴミは、素子内部の基体と蓋体の接触面やＶ溝などに侵入し付着するのが防止される。従って光ファイバは基体と蓋体の間に適正に挟み込まれ固定されて良好な光接続が安定して得られる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のゴミ侵入防止手段の第１の実施形態を示す横断面説明図である。
【図２】本発明のゴミ侵入防止手段の第２の実施形態を示す横断面説明図である。
【図３】本発明のゴミ侵入防止手段の第３の実施形態を示す横断面説明図である。
【図４】本発明のゴミ侵入防止手段の第４の実施形態を示す横断面説明図である。
【図５】（ａ）は光ファイバ接続器の斜視説明図、（ｂ）は（ａ）のＡ−Ａ矢視断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１素子
２基体
３蓋体
４コ字状クランプバネ
５楔挿入溝
６滑剤
７光ファイバ
８Ｖ溝
９防御壁
１０蓋体に設けたゴミ逃がし凹部
１１基体に設けたゴミ逃がし凹部
１２楔[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical fiber connector in which a good optical connection can be stably obtained by providing dust intrusion prevention means.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Methods for connecting optical fibers include a connector connection method and a fusion connection method.
A mechanical splice type connection method, which is one type of the connector connection method, will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). A two-split structure comprising a base 2 and a lid 3 that sandwich an optical fiber during integration is described. A V-groove 8 is provided on the surface of the element 2 that contacts the lid 3 of the base 2 and is positioned and aligned so that the optical fiber 7 can be abutted and connected. The base 2 and the lid 3 of the element 1 are joined to one of them. A U-shaped clamp spring 4 is press-fitted from the surface side, and a side pressure is applied and held integrally. The other joint surface of the base 2 and the lid 3 is held integrally by the clamp spring 4. A wedge insertion groove 5 for inserting a wedge 12 for opening the base 2 and the lid 3 is formed.
[0003]
The method of connecting the optical fiber 7 to the optical fiber connector is as follows.
That is, (1) The wedge 12 is pushed into the wedge insertion groove 5, and a gap is formed between the base body 2 and the cover body 3 held together by the U-shaped clamp spring 4, and (2) let's connect in this state. The optical fiber 7 is inserted along the V-groove 8 provided on the front surface and the rear surface of the element 1 on the surface in contact with the lid 3 of the base 2, and the front end surface of each of the optical fibers 7 at the center of the element 1. (Cut surfaces) are butt-connected to each other, and (3) the wedge 12 is removed and the optical fiber 7 is sandwiched and fixed between the base 2 and the lid 3.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the optical fiber connector, when the wedge 12 is pushed into the wedge insertion groove 5 and a gap is formed between the base 2 and the lid 3, the base 2 or the lid 3 is scraped by the wedge 12. The piece penetrates into and adheres to the contact surface between the base 2 and the lid 3 in the element 1 and the V-groove 8 to weaken the gripping force of the optical fiber 7. As a result, there is a problem that even if the temperature changes slightly, the optical fiber 7 moves and the connection loss and return loss increase, and a good optical connection cannot be obtained stably.
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber connector in which a good optical connection can be stably obtained by providing dust intrusion prevention means.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the optical fiber is positioned and aligned so that the optical fiber can be abutted and connected to the surface of the split structure element composed of a base body and a cover body that sandwich the optical fiber when integrated. A V-shaped groove is provided, and a U-shaped clamp spring is press-fitted from one of the joint surfaces of the element and the lid, and a lateral pressure is applied to hold the element and the lid together. In the optical fiber connector in which a wedge insertion groove for inserting a wedge for opening the base body and the lid body held together by the clamp spring is formed on the other joining surface of the optical fiber connector, dust entry preventing means In the optical fiber connector, the wedge insertion groove is coated or filled with a lubricant .
[0006]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, an optical fiber is positioned and aligned so that it can be connected to abutment on a surface of the split structure element composed of a base body and a cover body that sandwich the optical fiber when integrated, in contact with the base body cover body. A V-shaped groove is provided, and a U-shaped clamp spring is press-fitted from one of the joint surfaces of the element and the lid, and a lateral pressure is applied to hold the element and the lid together. In the optical fiber connector in which a wedge insertion groove for inserting a wedge for opening the base body and the lid body held together by the clamp spring is formed on the other joining surface of the optical fiber connector, dust entry preventing means In the optical fiber connector , the defense wall is formed in the depth of the wedge insertion groove so as to protrude from the lid to the wedge insertion groove of the base body .
[0007]
According to a third aspect of the present invention , an optical fiber is positioned and aligned so that it can be connected to abutment on a surface of the split structure element composed of a base body and a cover body that sandwich the optical fiber when integrated, and in contact with the cover body of the base body. A V-shaped groove is provided, and a U-shaped clamp spring is press-fitted from one of the joint surfaces of the element and the lid, and a lateral pressure is applied to hold the element and the lid together. In the optical fiber connector in which a wedge insertion groove for inserting a wedge for opening the base body and the lid body held together by the clamp spring is formed on the other joining surface of the optical fiber connector, dust entry preventing means In the optical fiber connector , a dust escape recess is formed in the base body or the lid in parallel with the V groove and sandwiching the V groove .
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a first embodiment of the dust intrusion preventing means of the present invention.
In this optical fiber connector, the base 2 and the lid 3 constituting the element 1 are held together by press-fitting a U-shaped clamp spring on one side of both joint surfaces. A wedge 6 is filled with a lubricant 6 in a wedge insertion groove 5 formed on both joint surfaces on the opposite side. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 7 denotes an optical fiber that is positioned and aligned with the V-groove 8 on the substrate 2.
In this optical fiber connector, since the wedge insertion groove 5 is filled with the lubricant 6, even if the wedge 12 is pushed in, the occurrence of scraps and the like is suppressed by the lubricating action of the lubricant. Even if dust such as scraps is generated when the wedge 12 is pushed in, the dust is adsorbed by the lubricant 6 and enters the contact surface between the base 2 and the lid 3 in the element 1 or the V groove 8. There is no such thing. As the lubricant 6, optical silicon grease, paraffin, petrolatum, grease, high-viscosity liquid oil, or the like is applied.
Even if the lubricant 6 is applied to the inner surface of the wedge insertion groove 5, the effect is sufficiently obtained.
[0010]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a second embodiment of the dust intrusion preventing means of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
In this optical fiber connector, a protective wall 9 is formed integrally with the lid 3 at the back of the wedge insertion groove 5.
In this optical fiber connector, dust such as chips generated when the wedge 12 is pushed into the contact surface between the base 2 and the lid 3 inside the element 1 and the V-groove 8 by the protective wall 9. There is nothing.
The protective wall 9 is desirably provided over the entire length of the wedge insertion groove 5.
Even if the protective wall 9 is formed on the substrate 2, the same effect can be obtained.
[0011]
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional explanatory view showing a third embodiment of the dust intrusion preventing means of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
In this optical fiber connector, two dust-rejecting recesses 10 are formed on the surface of the lid 3 that is located in the wedge insertion groove 5 portion and in contact with the base 2 with the V-groove 8 in between.
In this optical fiber connector, dust such as scraps generated when the wedge 12 is pushed in is trapped in the dust escape recess 10, and the contact surface between the base 2 and the lid 3 inside the element 1, the V groove 8, etc. It becomes difficult to invade.
Although the above is an example in which two dust relief recesses 10 are provided, only the dust relief recess 10 formed on the wedge insertion groove 5 side is effective.
[0012]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a fourth embodiment of the dust intrusion preventing means of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
In this optical fiber connector, two dust-rejecting recesses 11 are formed on the surface of the base 2 that contacts the lid 3 located in the wedge insertion groove 5 with the V-groove 8 interposed therebetween.
With this optical fiber connector, the same effect as that shown in FIG. 3 can be obtained.
In FIGS. 3 and 4, the dust escape recesses 10 and 11 are effective even if formed only in the wedge insertion groove 5 portion, but it is more effective if they are formed to extend over the entire length of the V groove 8. . Further, when the means for preventing dust intrusion shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 is used in combination with means for applying or filling the lubricant 6 to the wedge insertion groove 5, a greater effect can be obtained.
[0013]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the optical fiber connector of the present invention, since the dust insertion preventing means is provided in the wedge insertion groove, the base body, or the lid, the chips generated when the wedge is pushed into the wedge insertion groove. Such dust is prevented from entering and adhering to the contact surface between the substrate and the lid inside the element and the V-groove. Accordingly, the optical fiber is properly sandwiched and fixed between the base and the lid, and a good optical connection can be stably obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a first embodiment of dust entry preventing means of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional explanatory view showing a second embodiment of the dust intrusion preventing means of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a third embodiment of the dust intrusion preventing means of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional explanatory view showing a fourth embodiment of the dust intrusion preventing means of the present invention.
5A is an explanatory perspective view of an optical fiber connector, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 5A.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Element 2 Base | substrate 3 Cover body 4 U-shaped clamp spring 5 Wedge insertion groove 6 Lubricant 7 Optical fiber 8 V groove 9 Defense wall 10 Dust relief recessed part 11 provided in the lid 11 Dust relief recessed part 12 provided in the base body Wedge

Claims

A V-groove for positioning and aligning the optical fiber so that the optical fiber can be abutted and connected is provided on the surface of the split structure element composed of a base body and a cover body that sandwich the optical fiber when integrated, and in contact with the cover body of the base body. The base and lid of the element are held together by a U-shaped clamp spring press-fitted from one of the joint surfaces, and the other pressure of the base and lid is held together. In the optical fiber connector formed with a wedge insertion groove for inserting a wedge for opening the base body and the lid body integrally held by the clamp spring, the wedge insertion groove as a dust intrusion prevention means , An optical fiber connector characterized by being coated or filled with a lubricant .

A V-groove for positioning and aligning the optical fiber so that the optical fiber can be abutted and connected is provided on the surface of the split structure element composed of a base body and a cover body that sandwich the optical fiber when integrated, and in contact with the cover body of the base body. The base and lid of the element are held together by a U-shaped clamp spring press-fitted from one of the joint surfaces, and the other pressure of the base and lid is held together. In the optical fiber connector in which a wedge insertion groove for inserting a wedge for opening the base body and the lid body integrally held by the clamp spring is formed, a protective wall is used as a dust intrusion prevention means, An optical fiber connector characterized in that it is formed at the back of the insertion groove so as to protrude from the lid to the wedge insertion groove of the base .

A V-groove for positioning and aligning the optical fiber so that the optical fiber can be abutted and connected is provided on the surface of the split structure element composed of a base body and a cover body that sandwich the optical fiber when integrated, and in contact with the cover body of the base body. The base and lid of the element are held together by a U-shaped clamp spring press-fitted from one of the joint surfaces, and the other pressure of the base and lid is held together. In the optical fiber connector in which the wedge insertion groove for inserting the wedge for opening the base body and the lid body integrally held by the clamp spring is formed, the dust escape recess as the dust intrusion preventing means is An optical fiber connector, wherein the optical fiber connector is formed on a base body or a lid in parallel with the V groove and sandwiching the V groove .