JP3964217B2 - Optical module - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical module having an optical connector at the side portion of a case-like module main body for housing an optical fiber so that the optical fiber can be connected to the connector.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in an optical distribution board or the like, an optical module that is a thin plate-like case is used, and an optical fiber is terminated so as to be connectable by an optical connector attached to the side of the optical module. Has been proposed in which the extra length is accommodated in the optical module.
[0003]
FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of an optical wiring board using an optical module, in which FIG. 13A is a front view and FIG. 13B is a side sectional view. In FIGS. 13A and 13B, reference numeral 1 denotes an optical wiring board, 2 denotes a termination unit, and 3 denotes an optical module.
13 (a) and 13 (b), the termination unit 2 provided in the optical wiring board 1 accommodates a plurality of optical modules 3 in the form of a thin outer case in a vertical arrangement. Each optical module 3 accommodates the extra length of the optical fiber 4 drawn into the termination unit 2 and allows the optical fiber 4 to be connected to the connector by an optical connector 5 (optical connector adapter) attached to the side of the optical module 3. It comes to be terminated. The optical connector 5 of each optical module 3 is directed to the work surface side (left side in FIG. 13B) that is one side of the termination unit 2 and is drawn into the work surface side of the termination unit 2. The optical fibers 4 and 6 are connected to each other by connecting the optical fiber 6 to the optical connector 5. The end of the optical fiber 6 is terminated by an optical connector 7 (optical connector plug) so that the connector can be connected, and the connection of the optical connector 7 to the optical connector 5 of each optical module 3 housed in the termination unit 2 is switched. Thus, the optical fiber 4 is switched and connected.
The optical module 3 can be pulled out from the termination unit 2 to the work surface side, and performs operations inside the optical module 3 such as drawing the optical fiber 4 into the interior and switching the connection of the optical fiber 4 to the optical connector 5. At that time, the optical module 3 is pulled out to the work surface side, taken out from the termination unit 2, and opened on the work table. The optical module 3 can be stored by being inserted into the termination unit 2 from the work surface side.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the optical module 3 housed in the termination unit 2 of the optical wiring board 1 as described above abuts against a stopper (not shown) at the innermost part in the insertion direction from the work surface side to the termination unit 2. The optical connector 5 of each optical module 3 housed in the termination unit 2 is fixedly positioned on the work surface side of the termination unit 2 (hereinafter referred to as “connector arrangement region 8”). ). However, in such a configuration, a large number of optical fibers 6 are densely wired in the vicinity of the connector array region 8, which reduces workability such as connector connection and switching connection of the optical fiber 6 from the work surface side. It was the cause. That is, when performing operations such as connection of the optical fiber 6 to the optical connector 5 of the optical module 3 and switching connection, the optical fibers 6 wired at high density in the vicinity of the connector array region 8 interfere with the operation, and There is a possibility that the optical fiber 6 in the state is touched to cause an instantaneous interruption of optical communication, or the optical fiber 6 may be bent and damaged in some cases. For this reason, the work must be carefully proceeded while avoiding contact with the optical fiber 6, and the workability has been inevitably lowered. In addition, there is a complaint that the optical fiber 6 near the connector array region 8 interferes with the confirmation of the line and causes erroneous connection.
[0005]
In recent years, there has been a demand for improvement in the mounting density of the optical module 3 in response to the demand for an increase in the number of cores of the optical wiring board. Since the wiring of the optical fiber 6 is further densified, the above-described problems of workability deterioration and erroneous connection become more prominent. For this reason, there is an urgent need to develop technology that can ensure workability such as optical fiber connection and switching connection from the work surface side, and can prevent erroneous connection.
Note that the above-described problem similarly occurs in other than the optical wiring board, such as an optical junction box, as long as the optical modules are accommodated in a side-by-side arrangement.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an optical module that can easily realize improvement in workability such as optical fiber connector connection to an optical connector provided in a module body, prevention of erroneous connection, and the like. Is intended to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention uses the following configuration as a solution.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a case-like module body (12) for housing an optical fiber (41, 43) and a module body (12) provided on one side of the module body so that the optical fiber can be connected to a connector. An optical connector (14), and the optical connector is oriented vertically on the module base (32) of the storage unit (31) in a direction facing the work surface that is one side of the storage unit. An optical module that is arranged in a plurality and can be pulled out to the work surface side and stored in the storage unit, and is detachable with respect to the storage unit on the side (12A) of the module body on the optical connector side The latch attachment portion (11) to which the latch (20) is detachably attached, and the latch (20) attached to the latch attachment portion, the latch attachment portion (11) includes The latches having different structures can be selectively attached according to the difference in the structure of the storage unit, and the latch is formed in an L shape and extends from an L-shaped bent portion (22). A portion (23) and an engaging portion (24) projecting from the bent portion (22) at a substantially right angle to the body portion (23), and provided at the tip of the body portion (23). The latch mounting portion (11) and the pivot shaft (21) are inserted into the latch mounting portion (11) formed in a C shape having an opening in the upper portion thereof, so that the latch mounting portion (11) and the pivot shaft (21) are fitted. Centering on the hinge portion (J) constituted by the optical module (10) and the side (12A) on the optical connector side being the front side and the opposite side. In the front-rear direction The storage unit is supported by a shaft that is rotatable in the vertical direction with an axis in a substantially perpendicular direction, and protrudes outward from the outer peripheral portion of the connector side end portion, which is the side portion of the module main body on the optical connector side. Are provided movably between an engagement position that enables engagement with the connector, and an outward protrusion from the outer peripheral portion of the connector side end portion or a retracted position (20A) that is less than the engagement position, The latch (20) disposed at the engagement position is configured so that the engagement portion (24) inserted into the lower surface (32a) side of the module base (32) of the storage unit (31) has the module body. The working surface side end portion of the module base (32) is sandwiched between the main body portion (23) and the main body portion (23) of the latch (20). In addition, When the hook (20) is engaged with the module base (32), the protrusion (23a) is inserted into the hole of the module base (32) to position the latch (20) in the vertical direction with respect to the module base (32). ) Is projected.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a case-like module main body (12) for storing an optical fiber (41, 43) is provided on one side of the module main body, and the optical fiber is terminated to allow connector connection. A plurality of optical connectors (14) arranged side by side vertically on the module base (32) of the storage unit with the optical connector facing the work surface side which is one side of the storage unit. The optical module is housed in the housing unit so that it can be pulled out to the work surface side, and is latched to the side of the optical connector side (12A) of the module body. 20a) includes a latch mounting portion (11) to which the latch mounting portion (11a) is detachably attached and a latch (20a) attached to the latch mounting portion. The latch having a different structure can be selectively attached according to the difference in the structure of the storage unit, and the latch (20a) is formed in a C shape having an opening at the top. The upper surface (32a) of the module base (32) is centered on the hinge portion (J) constituted by the latch mounting portion (11) and the pivot (21) by being pushed into and fitted into (11). A pivot (21) that is substantially parallel and rotatably supported with an axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction, with the side (12A) on the optical connector side of the optical module (10) as the front side and the opposite side as the rear side. And a U-shaped fitting portion which is extended from the pivot (21) and is detachably fitted between the upper and lower plates (32b, 32c) constituting the module base (32a) from the work surface side. (2 c), and an engagement position that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral portion of the connector side end portion, which is the side portion of the module main body on the optical connector side, and is engageable with the storage unit by rotation; The connector side end portion is provided so as to be free of protrusion from the outer peripheral portion of the connector side end portion or movably between a retracted position (20A) smaller than the engaging position.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a case-like module main body (12) for storing the optical fiber (41, 43) and a side of the module main body are provided so as to be connectable to the optical fiber. A plurality of optical connectors (14) arranged side by side vertically on the module base (32) of the storage unit with the optical connector facing the work surface side which is one side of the storage unit. The optical module is housed in the housing unit so that it can be pulled out to the work surface side, and is latched to the side of the optical connector side (12A) of the module body. 20a) includes a latch mounting portion (11) to which the latch mounting portion (11a) is detachably attached and a latch (20a) attached to the latch mounting portion. The latch having a different structure can be selectively attached according to the difference in the structure of the storage unit, and the latch (20a) is formed in a C shape having an opening at the top. The upper surface (32a) of the module base (32) is centered on the hinge portion (J) constituted by the latch mounting portion (11) and the pivot (21) by being pushed into and fitted into (11). A pivot (21) that is substantially parallel and rotatably supported with an axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction, with the side (12A) on the optical connector side of the optical module (10) as the front side and the opposite side as the rear side. And extending from the pivot (21) and projecting toward the work surface compared to the upper plate (32d) of the upper and lower plates (32d, 32e) constituting the module base (32a). And a U-shaped fitting portion (20d) fitted so as to accommodate the work surface side end portion of the lower plate (32e), and is rotated to the optical connector side of the module body. The engagement position that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral portion of the connector side end portion that is the side portion of the connector and can be engaged with the storage unit, and the outward protrusion from the outer peripheral portion of the connector side end portion are eliminated or the It is movably provided between a retracted position (20A) smaller than the engaged position.
Claim 4 The connector according to the present invention is characterized in that the connector side end portion is provided with a retaining engagement portion (19) for detachably engaging with the latch at the retracted position and retaining at the retracted position. Claims 1 to 3 An optical module according to any one of the above.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIGS. 1A to 1C are views showing a configuration of an optical module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical module 10 and a latch 20 attached to the optical module 10. 3 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the latch mounting portion 11 of the optical module 10, FIGS. 4A to 4C are views showing the vicinity of the latch mounting portion 11, and FIG. 5 shows the latch 20 attached to the latch mounting portion 11. 1 is a perspective view showing a manufactured optical module 10 (hereinafter “optical module 10A”). FIG.
[0009]
As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, FIG. 2, and the like, the optical module 10 includes a module main body 12 that is a thin plate-like case and one side portion (connector side end portion 12A) of the module main body 12. ) Optical connector 14 (here, an optical connector adapter) attached to the front wall 13 and a latch attachment portion 11 provided at the lower end of the front wall 13.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the optical module 10 is stored vertically in a storage unit 31 mounted on the optical wiring board 30. FIG. (A), (b), FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 (a), (b), FIG. 5, FIG. 6 (a), (b), FIG. The description will be made assuming that “upper” and the lower side of the drawing are “lower”.
[0010]
6A and 6B show a storage unit 31 in which the optical module 10 is stored.
The optical module 10 is provided in the storage unit 31 with the optical connector 14 facing the work surface side (FIG. 6 (a) front side of the paper surface, left side of FIG. 6 (b)) which is one side portion of the storage unit 31. It is stored vertically in the storage unit 31 on the module base 32. In the storage unit 31, a plurality of optical modules 10 are stored side by side. The work unit side of the storage unit 31 is open, and the optical module 10 stored in the storage unit 31 can be pulled out to the work surface side as shown in FIG.
The optical module 10 is formed of a plurality of members made of synthetic resin such as plastic. As shown in FIGS. 1B, 2, 3, and the like, a lid 10 a that can be opened and closed is provided on the side of the optical module 10, and the lid 10 a of the optical module 10 that is pulled out from the storage unit 31 and taken out. By opening, it is possible to perform operations such as bending and removal of the optical fiber inside the optical module 10.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 4A, the optical module 10 inserts the guide piece 16 projecting from the bottom wall portion 15 of the module body 12 into a guide groove 33 formed to open on the upper surface of the module base 32. Are installed on the module base 32. The guide groove 33 extends from the work surface side of the storage unit 31 to the back surface side facing the work surface side, and the guide piece 16 inserted into the guide groove 33 extends along the longitudinal direction of the guide groove 33. Can be slid freely. Insertion and withdrawal of the optical module 10 with respect to the storage unit 30 are smoothly performed while being guided by the guide groove 33. The guide groove 33 is opened at the end of the module base 32 on the work surface side. When the optical module 10 is stored in the storage unit 31, the guide piece 16 is inserted into the guide groove 33 from the work surface side. To. A plurality of guide grooves 33 are formed side by side on the module base 33, and in the storage unit 30, a plurality of optical modules 10 are stored side by side according to the arrangement pitch of the guide grooves 33.
The guide piece 16 is also illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C, FIGS. 4B and 4C, and the like. The guide piece 16 may be formed integrally with the module main body 12, but may be a separate body that can be attached to and detached from the module main body 12. In the case of a separate body, it is more preferable in that a guide piece that matches the shape of the guide groove can be selected and used.
[0012]
As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, etc., an optical fiber introduction port 18 for drawing an optical fiber 41 into the module main body 12 is opened in the upper wall 17 of the module main body 12. 6A and 6B, the optical fiber 41 wired so as to be pulled down from the wiring shelf 34 above the storage unit 31 is light-transmitted to the module main body 12 of the optical module 10 stored in the storage unit 31. It is drawn from the fiber inlet 18. The extra length of the optical fiber 41 is accommodated in the module body 12 after being bent.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the connector side end portion 12A side is described as the front side of the optical module 10, and the rear end portion 12B side facing the connector side end portion 12A is described as the rear side of the optical module 10. .
The optical fiber inlet 18 is an opening formed in the upper wall portion 17 along the longitudinal direction of the module body 12. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the optical fiber 41 drawn from the wiring shelf 34 to the module main body 12 is a predetermined storage position of the storage unit 31 (see FIG. 8; the latch 20 attached to the latch mounting portion 11). The optical module 10 stored at the position fixed to the storage unit 31 by the optical fiber 10 may be wired so that the portion inserted through the optical fiber inlet 18 is as close as possible to the connector side end 12A. More preferred. Thereby, when the optical module 10 is pulled out from the storage unit 31 and re-stored, the following movement of the optical fiber 41 wired between the wiring shelf 34 and the optical module 10 with respect to the optical module 10 is suppressed as much as possible. The optical characteristics of the optical fiber 41 can be stabilized.
[0014]
The optical connector 14 is terminated so that the optical fiber 41 drawn into the storage unit 31 can be connected to the optical fiber 42 connected to the optical connector 14 from the work surface side of the storage unit 31 (hereinafter referred to as “connector connection possible”). "Termination" may be abbreviated as "connector termination"). Here, the optical connector 14 is an optical connector adapter, and hereinafter, the optical connector 14 may be referred to as an optical connector adapter 14. As a configuration for terminating the optical fiber 41 with the optical connector adapter 14, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, an optical fiber 43 in which one end is terminated with an optical connector 44 (optical connector plug). The optical fiber 41 is connected to the other end of the optical fiber 41 by fusion splicing or the like, and the optical connector 44 side of the optical fiber 43 is connected to the optical connector 14 from the inside of the module main body 12. It is also possible to draw the tip of the optical fiber terminated with a connector plug into the module main body 12 and connect directly to the optical connector 14 without going through the optical fiber 43 built in the module main body 12.
Further, the optical connector 14 is not limited to the optical connector adapter, and various configurations such as an optical connector receptacle can be employed.
[0015]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A to 4C, the latch mounting portion 11 is provided at the lower end portion of the connector side end portion 12A. Specifically, the latch mounting portion 11 is integrally formed with the connector side end portion 12A by a synthetic resin forming the connector side end portion 12A, and the module main body 12 (specifically, the connector side end portion 12A) is formed. The protrusion protrudes toward the front surface 12a. The latch mounting portion 11 is formed in a C shape having an opening in the upper portion, and the pivot 21 provided in the latch 20 can be pushed in from the opening of “C”. The latch 20 is attached to the latch attachment portion 11 by fitting the pivot 21 into the latch attachment portion 11.
[0016]
The latch mounting portion 11 functions as a bracket that rotatably supports the fitted pivot shaft 21, and the latch 20 mounted on the latch mounting portion 11 is a hinge constituted by the latch mounting portion 11 and the pivot shaft 21. It is pivotally supported around the part J so as to be rotatable. The hinge portion J is substantially parallel to an installation surface (for example, the upper surface 32a of the module base 32 of the storage unit 31) on which the optical module 10 is installed vertically and is substantially orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the optical module 10. The latch 20 is pivotally supported with respect to the optical module 10 along the axis of the optical module 10, and in the optical module 10 housed in the housing unit 31, the latch 20 is shown in FIGS. The rotation is such that it swings up and down around the hinge J.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 8, when the optical module 10 (optical module 10A) to which the latch 20 is attached is stored in the storage unit 31, the latch 20 is rotated and engaged with the module base 32 below the optical module 10. The optical module 10 (10A) can be stably fixed to the module base 32.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4B, FIG. 8, and the like, the latch 20 is formed in an L shape, and a main body portion 23 extending from an L-shaped bent portion 22, and the main body from the bent portion 22. The optical module 10 includes an engaging portion 24 that protrudes at a substantially right angle with respect to the portion 23, and the pivot 21 attached to the tip of the main body portion 23 is fitted into the latch mounting portion 11 of the optical module 10. Attached to. The mounting direction of the latch 20 with respect to the optical module 10 is such that when the latch 20 is rotated from the front side of the optical module 10 toward the module base 32 to engage with the module base 32 below the optical module 10, The main body 23 is located on the front side in the rotational direction.
[0019]
The optical module 10 stored in the storage unit 31 is aligned on the module base 32 so that the connector side end 12A is on the work surface side end of the module base 32, and then the latch 20 is placed under the optical module 10. When it is pushed toward the module base 32, the engaging portion 24 enters the lower surface 32a side of the module base 32 and engages with the optical module 10 so as to sandwich the module base 32 (see FIG. 8). . Thereby, the optical module 10 is fixed to the module base 32. The rotation of the latch 20 to be pushed into the module base 32 stops when the main body 23 of the latch 20 comes into contact with the work surface side end of the module base 32 (hereinafter, this position is referred to as an “engagement position”). .
[0020]
The main body portion 23 and the engaging portion 24 of the latch 20 are an integrally molded product made of a synthetic resin such as plastic. The L-shaped bent portion 22 of the latch 20 is formed thinner than the main body portion 23 and the engaging portion 24 and is easily elastically deformed. The spring force generated by the elastic deformation of the bent portion 22 is applied to the latch portion 20. It is possible to function effectively as a clamping force for sandwiching the module base 32 between the joint portion 24 and the optical module 10 on the module base 32.
[0021]
When the latch 20 is engaged with the module base 32, the engaging claw 24a protruding from the engaging portion 24 is detachably engaged with an engagement recess (not shown) on the module base lower surface 32a side. Thus, inadvertent release or release of the latch 20 from the module base 32 is prevented.
In order to release the latch 20 from the module base 32 and release the latch 20 from the module base 32, the user may push the engaging portion 24 downward from the module base 32 by placing a hand on the module base lower surface 32 a side. Thus, the engagement of the engaging claws 24a with respect to the module base 32 is released.
[0022]
The protrusion 23 a protruding from the main body 23 is inserted into a hole (not shown) of the module base 32 when the latch 20 is engaged with the module base 32, so that the latch 20 moves up and down with respect to the module base 32. It is for positioning in the direction.
[0023]
When the latch 20 is engaged with the module base 32 and the optical module 10 (10A) is fixed to the storage unit 31, there is an advantage that the optical module 10 can be prevented from being unintentionally pulled out or dropped out from the storage unit 31. . In addition, since the optical module 10 is fixed to the storage unit 31 and is less susceptible to vibration such as rattling, there is an advantage that it is possible to reliably prevent an instantaneous interruption of optical communication caused by the vibration.
[0024]
3, 4 </ b> B, and 8, when the latch 20 is rotated clockwise, the front wall of the module main body 12 is located when the main body 23 is substantially perpendicular to the front wall 13 of the module main body 12. The main body 23 comes into contact with the protrusion-like holding engagement portion 19 formed at the lower end portion of 13 (see the solid line in FIG. 4B and FIG. 7), and further rotation is impossible. This position becomes the rotation limit of the latch 20, but at this time, a protrusion 25 (hereinafter referred to as “holding”) that protrudes on the opposite side of the contact surface 23 b that contacts the module base 32 of the main body 23. ”) Is engaged with the holding engagement portion 19 in a releasable manner (hereinafter, the latch position at this time is referred to as a“ retraction position ”and is denoted by reference numeral 20A). As a result, the latch 20 is in the retracted position so as not to rotate downward due to the engagement with the holding engagement portion 19 unless the engagement between the holding projection 25 and the holding engagement portion 19 is forcibly released. The position where the main body 23 is substantially perpendicular to the front wall 13 of the module main body 12 is maintained.
Note that, as described above, the posture of holding the latch by engaging with the holding engaging portion is not limited to being substantially perpendicular to the front wall 13 of the module main body 12 as described above. It may be tilted downward or upward.
[0025]
6 (a) and 6 (b), an optical fiber 42 is drawn from the work surface side into a storage unit 31 in which a plurality of optical modules 10A are arranged and stored side by side, and an optical connector 42a (optical connector plug) When the tip of the optical fiber 42 terminated with a connector is connected to the optical connector adapter 14 of the target optical module 10A, the latch 20 of the optical module 10A to be connected is operated as shown in FIG. The optical module 10A is pulled out to the work surface side. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the optical module 10A has been pulled out. Hereinafter, the position shown in FIG. 7 is referred to as a “drawing position D”. In the vicinity of the region where the optical connector adapters 14 of the optical modules 10A in the storage unit 31 are uniformly arranged, a large number of optical fibers 42 are wired at a high density, but by pulling out the optical module 10A to be worked on Interference with the optical fiber 42 can be avoided, and the optical fiber 42 can be efficiently connected to the optical connector adapter 14 of the optical module 10A.
[0026]
The optical module 10 </ b> A to be worked is pulled out from the other optical module 10 </ b> A in which the corresponding optical module 10 </ b> A is arranged in the storage unit 31 by the sliding movement of the optical module 10 </ b> A on the module base 32. The optical connector 14 of the optical module 10A is shifted to the working surface side from the region where the optical fibers 42 connected to the optical connectors 14 of the plurality of optical modules 10A in the storage unit 31 are densely wired. It is sufficient that the optical module 10A is stably held by a member such as the module base 32 in the storage unit 31, and it is preferable that the extraction amount is not increased unnecessarily. This is different from extracting the entire optical module 10 </ b> A from the storage unit 31.
When the connection work is completed, the optical module 10 </ b> A is returned to a predetermined position on the module base 32 and fixed to the module base 32 by the engagement of the latch 20.
For switching connection, removal of the optical fiber 42, and the like, workability can be improved by pulling out the optical module 10A to be worked as in the connection work.
[0027]
For the optical modules 10A other than the optical module 10A to be worked, the latch 20 is not disengaged from the module base 32. In particular, with respect to the optical module 10A stored in the storage unit 31 adjacent to the work target optical module 10A, the engagement of the latch 20 with the module base 32 is not released, so that the work target optical module 10A is not released. It is possible to reliably prevent follow-up drawers, shaking, and the like associated with the drawers, thereby reliably preventing inconveniences such as instantaneous interruption of optical communication related to the internal optical fiber.
[0028]
With respect to the optical module 10A to be worked on, the latch 20 that has been disengaged from the module base 32 is held at the retracted position 20A, and the optical module 10A is pulled out to the pull-out position D or from the pull-out position D to a predetermined position on the module base 32. Insert. Thereby, the optical module 10A can be prevented from being caught by an obstacle when the optical module 10A is pulled out to the pulling position D or inserted from the pulling position D to a predetermined position on the module base 32 by sliding movement on the module base 32. It can move smoothly. The latch 20 itself can also be used as a handle for performing operations such as moving the optical module 10 (10A).
It should be noted that a latch engaging portion capable of detachably engaging the latch 20 is installed near the pulling position D, and the latch 20 of the optical module 10A pulled out to the pulling position D is engaged with the latch engaging portion. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that restricts the pushing of the optical module 10. In this case, since the optical module 10A can be held at the pulling position D against the pushing force when the optical fiber 42 is connected to the optical connector adapter 14 (connection of the optical connector 42a), the connection workability is improved. Can be improved.
[0029]
By the way, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the pivot 21 of the latch 20 is detachable with respect to the latch mounting portion 11, and if the latch 20 is pulled strongly, the pivot 21 fitted into the latch mounting portion 11 is latched. The portion 11 can be detached from the latch mounting portion 11 while being elastically deformed. Accordingly, an appropriate latch suitable for engagement with the module base 32 can be selected and attached to the latch mounting portion 11 in accordance with the size, dimension, etc. of the module base 32.
[0030]
As a modified example of the latch shape, a latch 20a in FIG. 9A and a latch 20b in FIG. 9B are shown.
The latch 20a in FIG. 9A has a structure having a U-shaped fitting portion 20c that is detachably fitted between the upper and lower plates 32b and 32c constituting the module base 32a. The module base 32b to which the latch 20b shown in FIG. 9B is applied has a narrow gap between the upper and lower plates 32d and 32e, and the lower plate 32e is smaller than the end surface of the upper plate 32d on the working surface side. The latch 20b has a U-shaped fitting portion 20d that fits so as to house the working surface side end of the lower plate 32e.
[0031]
The engagement target of the latch is not limited to the module base 32 as long as the latch can be detachably engaged and the pulling of the optical module 10 from the storage unit 31 can be regulated by this engagement. Other members constituting the storage unit 31 may be used.
By selecting and using a latch suitable for engagement with the storage unit 31, versatility for the storage unit is improved.
[0032]
By the way, in the optical module in which the latch is formed as a single protrusion on the component of the module main body, it is natural that various shapes of the component (such as the module base described above) to be engaged with the latch in the storage unit are naturally obtained. In order to cope with the size and the like, it is necessary to prepare an optical module having a latch that is adapted to engage with a constituent member to be engaged, which causes an increase in cost. In addition, depending on the shape of the latch engagement portion in the storage unit, the shape of the latch becomes complicated, and it may be difficult to form such a latch on the component of the module body by integral molding with a synthetic resin. On the other hand, in the optical module according to the present invention, since the latch is a separate body, versatility with respect to the shape of the engagement portion of the latch in the storage unit can be secured, and the problem of forming the latch is also overcome. it can.
In an optical module in which latches are formed integrally with the constituent members of the module main body, for example, when the structure of a plurality of storage units mounted on a frame such as an optical distribution board is not uniform, the latch structure differs depending on the type of storage unit. There may be inconveniences such as preparing an optical module or being unable to transfer between storage units, etc., but in the optical module according to the present invention, it is possible to attach and detach and replace the latch with respect to the latch mounting part. It can cope with the difference in the structure of the storage unit without any problems.
[0033]
When the latch according to the present invention is engaged with the engaging portion of the latch in the storage unit, the constituent members of the storage unit constituting the engaging portion are connected to the module main body of the optical module by the elasticity of the latch itself. The optical module is fixed so as not to rattle with respect to the storage unit so that the optical module is sandwiched between the storage unit, or a portion fitted (engaged) with a constituent member of the storage unit is held by the elastic force of the latch. It is the structure (example of FIG. 9 (a), (b)) which is press-contacted to the structural member of this, and is fixed firmly, and also by elastically deforming the part engaged with the structural member of the storage unit. The configuration is such that the engagement is released. As described above, the latches having a structure that can be fixed by engagement with the storage unit and can be disengaged by elastic deformation tend to be very diverse and complicated in shape according to the design of the storage unit. is there. If such a latch is formed integrally with the constituent members of the module main body of the optical module, it is a reality that it can sufficiently cope with the structure of various storage units in view of the labor and cost of forming the module main body. Is difficult. With the configuration in which the latch of the optical module according to the present invention is provided separately, versatility for various structures of the storage unit is practically ensured for the first time.
[0034]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, Various changes are possible.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the latch mounting portion 11 is provided at the lower end portion of the connector-side end portion 12A of the optical module 10 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, as shown in FIG. A configuration in which the latch mounting portion 11 is provided at the upper end portion of the connector-side end portion 12A of the main body 12 can also be employed. In the case of FIG. 10, the latch 20 attached to the latch attachment portion 11 protrudes above the connector-side end portion 12 </ b> A by rotation and is detachably engaged with the constituent members of the storage unit 31 located above the optical module 10. Combined.
The optical module according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the latch mounting portion is provided only at one place of the module body, and latches at two places or more than three places on the module body (specifically, the connector side end). A configuration in which an attachment portion is provided can also be employed.
[0035]
FIGS. 11A and 11B are application examples of the optical module 52 that is placed horizontally in the storage unit 51 and stored in a plurality of stacked states. The latch mounting portion 53 and the latches 54 a and 54 b are stored in the storage unit 51. The optical module 52 housed in the unit 51 is provided on both the left and right sides. The latches 54a and 54b are rotatably supported by the latch mounting portion 53. The left latch 54a protrudes to the left from the optical module 52, and the right latch 54b protrudes to the right from the optical module 52 to be engaged with and disengaged from the storage unit 51. Freely engaged.
Each of the optical modules illustrated in FIG. 10, FIG. 11 (a) and FIG. 11 (b) is engaged with or disengaged from a latch positioned at a holding position where there is no protrusion of the latch from the outer peripheral portion of the connector side end portion or few protrusions. It is preferable to have a holding engagement portion that freely engages and holds the latch in the holding position.
[0036]
Book The latch mounting portion according to the invention is not limited to a configuration that supports the latch rotatably. For example, the latch mounting portion supports the plate-like latch so as to be slidable so that the latch from the outer peripheral portion of the connector side end portion of the optical module is supported. Various configurations such as a configuration in which the protruding dimension is variable can be employed. Various specific shapes of the latch can be adopted. For example, in the latch 60 shown in FIG. 12, the mounting portion 62 detachably attached to the latch mounting portion 61 does not rotate with respect to the latch mounting portion 61. An engaging portion 64 connected to the mounting portion 62 via a hinge portion 63 provided on the 60 itself can rotate around the hinge portion 63.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the optical module of the present invention, since the latch mounting portion to which the latch that is detachably engaged with the storage unit is attached is provided, the latch mounting portion can be detachably attached to the storage unit. By attaching the latch to be engaged, it becomes possible to easily engage with the storage unit, thereby preventing inadvertent pulling out. In addition, since the latch mounting portion is configured so that the latch is detachably attached, a latch suitable for engagement with the storage unit can be appropriately and selectively used. Versatility can be secured.
In the present invention, A structure in which the latch mounting part rotatably supports the latch By The latch can be easily detached from the storage unit. Further, the latch that has moved to the holding position where the protrusion of the latch does not protrude from the outer peripheral portion of the connector side end portion or the protruding dimension of the latch is set smaller than the engaging position with the storage unit is held. Can be held in the holding position by engaging with the latch, so that the latch is obstructed when the optical module is moved from the storage unit to be pulled out or inserted into the storage unit. It can be prevented from being caught by an object, can be moved smoothly, and workability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1A to 1C are diagrams showing an optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a front view, FIG. 1B is a side view, and FIG. 1C is a bottom view; is there.
2 is a perspective view showing the optical module of FIG. 1 and a latch attached to the optical module. FIG.
3 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a latch mounting portion of the optical module of FIG. 1. FIG.
4A to 4C are views showing the vicinity of a latch mounting portion in FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a side view, and FIG. 4C is a bottom view;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an optical module in which a latch is attached to the latch attachment portion.
6A and 6B are views showing a storage unit in which the optical module of FIG. 5 is stored, where FIG. 6A is a front view, and FIG. 6B is a side view.
7 is a diagram showing a state in which the optical module in the storage unit of FIG. 6 is pulled out to the pull-out position.
8 is a view showing a state in which the latch of the optical module in the storage unit of FIG. 6 is engaged with the module base.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing another embodiment of the latch. FIGS.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another aspect of the optical module according to the present invention, and shows an example in which a latch mounting portion is provided at the upper portion of the connector side end portion.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an optical module stored horizontally in a storage unit, where FIG. 11A is a plan view and FIG. 11B is a front view;
FIG. 12 is a view showing another aspect of the latch, and shows an example in which a hinge portion is provided on the latch itself.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a termination unit and an optical wiring board in which an optical module of a conventional example is housed, wherein FIG. 13A is a front view, and FIG. 13B is a side view.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,10A ... Optical module, 11 ... Latch attaching part, 12 ... Module main body, 12A ... Connector side edge part, 14 ... Optical connector (optical connector adapter), 19 point holding | maintenance engaging part, 20, 20a, 20b ... Latch , 20A ... Retraction position, 31 ... Storage unit, 41 ... Optical fiber, 43 ... Optical fiber, 51 ... Storage unit, 52 ... Optical module, 53 ... Latch mounting part, 54a, 54b ... Latch, 60 ... Latch, 61 ... Latch Mounting part.

Claims (4)

A case-shaped module main body (12) for housing the optical fibers (41, 43) and an optical connector (14) provided on one side of the module main body for terminating the optical fiber so as to be connectable to the connector. Then, a plurality of the optical connectors are arranged vertically and horizontally on the module base (32) of the storage unit (31) so that the optical connector is directed to the work surface side that is one side of the storage unit. An optical module housed in the housing unit so as to be capable of being pulled out,
A latch mounting portion (11) to which a latch (20) detachably attached to the storage unit is detachably attached to a side portion (12A) of the module main body on the optical connector side, and is attached to the latch mounting portion. The latch mounting portion (11) can be selectively attached to the latch mounting portion (11) according to the structure of the storage unit.
The latch is formed in an L shape, and extends from the bent portion (22) to the main body portion (23) at a substantially right angle from the bent portion (22). The latch mounting portion is formed in a C-shape having an opening on the pivot (21) provided at the tip of the main body portion (23). The upper surface (32a) of the module base (32) is centered on the hinge portion (J) constituted by the latch mounting portion (11) and the pivot (21) by being pushed into and fitted into (11). The optical module (10) is pivotally supported in an up-down direction with an axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction with the side (12A) on the optical connector side of the optical module (10) as the front side and the opposite side as the back side, By rotation, the light of the module body An engagement position that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral portion of the connector side end, which is the side portion of the connector, and can be engaged with the storage unit, and the outward protrusion of the connector side end portion from the outer peripheral portion is eliminated. Alternatively, it is movably provided between the retracted position (20A) smaller than the engaging position,
The latch (20) disposed at the engagement position is configured so that the engagement portion (24) inserted into the lower surface (32a) side of the module base (32) of the storage unit (31) has the module body. (12) is engaged with the storage unit so as to sandwich the work surface side end of the module base (32).
When the latch (20) is engaged with the module base (32), the latch (20) is inserted into the hole of the module base (32) when the latch (20) is engaged with the module base (32). The optical module (10A) is characterized in that a projection (23a) for positioning in the up-down direction is provided. A case-shaped module main body (12) for housing the optical fibers (41, 43) and an optical connector (14) provided on one side of the module main body for terminating the optical fiber so as to be connectable to the connector. The optical connector can be pulled out to the working surface side by arranging the optical connector vertically and horizontally on the module base (32) of the housing unit so that the optical connector is directed to the working surface side that is one side of the housing unit. As an optical module stored in the storage unit,
A latch mounting portion (11) to which a latch (20a) detachably attached to the storage unit is detachably attached to the side portion (12A) of the module main body on the optical connector side, and is attached to the latch mounting portion. The latches having different structures can be selectively attached to the latch attaching part (11) according to the difference in the structure of the storage unit,
The latch (20a) is pushed into and fitted into the latch mounting portion (11) formed in a C shape having an opening in the upper portion, so that the latch mounting portion (11) and the pivot (21) Centering on the constructed hinge portion (J), the side (12A) on the optical connector side of the optical module (10) is substantially parallel to the upper surface (32a) of the module base (32), and the opposite side is the rear. A pivot (21) that is rotatably supported by an axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and upper and lower plates (32b) extending from the pivot (21) and constituting the module base (32a) , 32c) and a U-shaped fitting portion (20c) that is detachably fitted from the work surface side, and the connector side that is the side portion on the optical connector side of the module body by rotation Outside edge An engagement position that protrudes outward from the portion to be engageable with the storage unit, and a retracted position (20A) in which the outward protrusion from the outer peripheral portion of the connector side end portion is eliminated or less than the engagement position An optical module characterized by being movably provided between the two. A case-shaped module main body (12) for housing the optical fibers (41, 43) and an optical connector (14) provided on one side of the module main body for terminating the optical fiber so as to be connectable to the connector. The optical connector can be pulled out to the working surface side by arranging the optical connector vertically and horizontally on the module base (32) of the housing unit so that the optical connector is directed to the working surface side that is one side of the housing unit. As an optical module stored in the storage unit,
A latch mounting portion (11) to which a latch (20a) detachably attached to the storage unit is detachably attached to the side portion (12A) of the module main body on the optical connector side, and is attached to the latch mounting portion. The latches having different structures can be selectively attached to the latch attaching part (11) according to the difference in the structure of the storage unit,
The latch (20a) is pushed into and fitted into the latch mounting portion (11) formed in a C shape having an opening in the upper portion, so that the latch mounting portion (11) and the pivot (21) Centering on the constructed hinge portion (J), the side (12A) on the optical connector side of the optical module (10) is substantially parallel to the upper surface (32a) of the module base (32), and the opposite side is the rear. A pivot (21) rotatably supported by an axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and upper and lower plates (32d) extending from the pivot (21) and constituting the module base (32a) 32e), a U-shaped fitting which is fitted so as to accommodate the work surface side end portion of the lower plate (32e) projecting to the work surface side compared to the upper plate (32d). Joint (20d) An engagement position that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral portion of the connector side end portion that is the side portion of the module main body on the optical connector side and is engageable with the storage unit by rotation, and the connector side An optical module characterized in that the protrusion of the end portion from the outer peripheral portion to the outside is eliminated, or the optical module is movably provided between the retracted position (20A) smaller than the engaging position. 2. A holding engagement portion (19) that is detachably engaged with a latch at the retracted position and is retained at the retracted position is provided at the connector side end portion. 4. The optical module according to any one of 3 .

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