JP5716007B2 - Termination treatment kit and optical fiber cable termination method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a branch structure, a termination treatment kit, and a method for terminating an optical fiber cable.

  In termination processing of multi-core optical fiber cables (for example, drop cables and indoor cables), when connecting an optical fiber with a connector to each of a plurality of optical fibers separated from the optical fiber cable, or connecting to an optical fiber cable In some cases, an attached optical fiber branch cord (FO (fan-out) cord) is connected. The connector of the optical fiber with the connector connected to the optical fiber cable is connected to the lead-out cord through the adapter.

  Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe an optical fiber branch cord with a connector at one end or both ends and a method for manufacturing the same.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-278431 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-118282 JP 2002-267881 A

When an optical fiber (pigtail) with a connector at one end is connected to an optical fiber cable, fusion splicing is generally employed. However, in this case, it is necessary to protect the fusion location using a protective case such as a fusion tray.
Further, when connecting optical fibers having connectors at both ends, connector connection is performed. However, in this case, the connection loss increases.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a novel branching structure and termination kit for use in terminating a multi-core optical fiber cable that solves the above-described problems. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for terminating a multi-core optical fiber cable that solves the above-described problems.

The main invention for achieving the above object is to hold a protective tube having an insertion hole into which an optical fiber is inserted into a cover integrally coated with a tension member, and an optical fiber cable including a plurality of optical fibers. and the cable gripping portion is a termination processing kit comprising a branched structure having a tube gripping portion for a plurality grasping only the envelope of the protective tube inserted the optical fiber insertion hole.

  Other characteristics of the present invention will be made clear by the description and drawings described later.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize termination processing that eliminates the fusion splicing and reduces the number of connector connection locations.

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a terminated optical fiber cable 1. FIG. 2A is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of the optical fiber cable 1. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber cable 1. FIG. 3A is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of the protective tube 2. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the protective tube 2. FIG. 4A is an overall perspective view of the branch structure 5. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the branch structure 5 in use. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the branch structure 5. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main body 50 constituting the branch structure 5. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the cover 60 as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the cover 60 as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of termination processing of the optical fiber cable 1. FIG. 9 is a schematic explanatory view of the termination process of the optical fiber cable 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the termination process of the optical fiber cable 1. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the main body 50 of the branch structure 5 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the main body 50 of the branch structure 5 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the branch structure 5 (main body 50) of the fourth embodiment.

  At least the following matters will be apparent from the description and drawings described below.

A branch structure having a cable gripping portion for gripping an optical fiber cable including a plurality of optical fibers and a tube gripping portion for gripping a plurality of protective tubes having the optical fibers inserted into insertion holes is clarified. .
According to such a branch structure, it is possible to realize termination processing that eliminates fusion splicing and reduces connector connection locations. At that time, the optical fiber branched between the lead portion of the optical fiber cable and the protective tube can be fixed.

  The protective tube preferably has a strength member. Thereby, even if a tube holding part hold | grips a protection tube, it can reduce that a load is applied to an optical fiber with the holding force.

  It is desirable to further have a guide part that guides an end part of the protective tube held by the tube holding part. Thereby, it can suppress that the curvature radius of an optical fiber becomes small.

  The guide portion preferably includes a cable side guide wall and a tube side guide wall, and a gap is preferably formed between the cable side guide wall and the tube side guide wall. Thereby, the optical fiber can be temporarily escaped from the gap to the outside during the termination process.

  The cable gripping portion has a cable ridge along a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical fiber cable, and when the fiber optic cable is gripped, the optical fiber cable is pulled from the direction along the cable ridge. It is desirable to be configured to be plugged in. As a result, it is easy to insert the optical fiber cable into the cable gripping portion, even though the gripped optical fiber cable has a structure that is difficult to come off.

  The tube gripping portion has a tube ridge along a direction perpendicular to the direction of the protection tube, and when the protection tube is gripped, the protection tube can be inserted from a direction along the tube ridge. It is desirable to be configured. Thereby, it is easy to insert the protective tube into the tube gripping portion, even though the gripped protective tube is difficult to come off.

  The tube gripping portion has a pair of outer walls and a plurality of partition walls formed between the pair of outer walls, between the outer wall and the partition walls, and between the partition walls and the partition walls, respectively. It is desirable that a plurality of the protective tubes can be held side by side. Thereby, the branch structure can be miniaturized.

  It is desirable to further include a cover for covering the optical fiber between the lead portion of the optical fiber cable and the protective tube. Thereby, the optical fiber is protected.

  The cover is preferably attached so as to cover the optical fiber from the side opposite to the attachment surface when the branch structure is attached to the attachment surface. This makes the termination process convenient.

  It is desirable that the optical fiber cable and the protective tube are sandwiched between the branch structure and the attachment surface when the branch structure is attached to the attachment surface. This protects the optical fiber even without a cover.

  It is desirable that a cable recess for pushing the optical fiber cable is formed in the cable gripping portion. Thereby, it becomes easy to insert the optical fiber cable into the cable gripping portion.

  It is desirable that a tube recess for pushing the protective tube is formed in the tube grip. Thereby, it becomes easy to insert the protective tube into the tube gripping portion.

  A branch structure comprising a protective tube having an insertion hole for inserting an optical fiber, a cable gripping part for gripping an optical fiber cable including a plurality of optical fibers, and a tube gripping part for gripping a plurality of the protective tubes A termination treatment kit with According to such a termination processing kit, it is possible to realize termination processing that eliminates fusion splicing and reduces the number of connector connection locations. At that time, the optical fiber branched between the lead portion of the optical fiber cable and the protective tube can be fixed.

  A step of extracting the optical fiber from an optical fiber cable including a plurality of optical fibers, a step of gripping the optical fiber cable by a cable gripping portion of a branch structure, and a step of inserting the optical fiber into an insertion hole of a protective tube And a step of causing the tube gripping portion of the branch structure to grip a plurality of the protection tubes into which the optical fibers have been inserted, and a step of attaching a connector to the end of the protection tube opposite to the tube gripping portion. A method of terminating an optical fiber cable characterized by having the optical fiber cable becomes clear. According to such a termination method, it is possible to eliminate the fusion splicing and reduce the number of connector connecting portions. At that time, the optical fiber branched between the lead portion of the optical fiber cable and the protective tube can be fixed.

=== First Embodiment ===
<Overview>
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a terminated optical fiber cable 1. FIG. 2A is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of the optical fiber cable 1. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber cable 1.

  The optical fiber cable 1 is an optical cable used for drawing in the optical fiber 11, and is, for example, a drop cable or an indoor cable. The optical fiber cable 1 includes a plurality of optical fibers 11, a tension member 12 (strength member), and a sheath 13 that covers these members. The optical fiber cable 1 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is an indoor cable that has no support wire and is mainly used for an indoor branch line system. Even in the case of an outdoor drop cable to which a support line is connected, if the support line is separated, the state is the same as in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

  The optical fiber cable 1 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B includes two four-core ribbons, and a total of eight optical fibers 11. However, in FIG. 1, only four optical fibers 11 are shown for simplification. Note that the number of the optical fibers 11 of the optical fiber cable 1 is not limited to four or eight. Moreover, the some optical fiber 11 may be arrange | positioned at the optical fiber cable 1 with the form of a single core wire instead of a tape core wire.

  The tension member 12 is a tensile body for suppressing distortion and bending of the optical fiber 11. A pair of tension members 12 are arranged in the optical fiber cable 1 so as to sandwich a plurality of optical fibers 11. However, the number of tension members 12 is not limited to two.

  The tension member 12 includes a metallic type and a non-metallic type. In the case of the metallic type tension member 12, grounding is required. Therefore, the nonmetallic type tension member 12 using non-conductive FRP is used here.

  The cross section of the optical fiber cable 1 is flat. Notches 13A are formed on both sides of the flat optical fiber cable 1. By forming the notch 13 </ b> A in the sheath 13, the sheath 13 can be easily torn and the optical fiber 11 can be easily led out.

  An optical fiber 11 (optical fiber strand) led out from the optical fiber cable 1 is inserted into the protection tube 2 and protected by the protection tube 2. Thereby, exposure of the optical fiber 11 can be prevented and damage to the optical fiber 11 can be suppressed.

  A connector 3 is attached to the tip of the protective tube 2 with respect to the optical fiber 11 extending from the protective tube 2. The connector 3 is, for example, a jacket-type SC connector, and is attached locally. The connector 3 is connected to the derived cord via an adapter.

  According to the termination process shown in FIG. 1, since there is no place where the optical fiber 11 is fused and connected, a fusion tray for protecting the fused position is unnecessary. Moreover, since the connector 3 is attached to the optical fiber 11 of the optical fiber cable 1, the number of locations where the connector is connected is reduced, and connection loss can be suppressed.

  In the termination process described above, the end of the optical fiber cable 1 is held by the branch structure 5, and one end of the protective tube 2 that protects the exposed optical fiber 11 is held by the branch structure 5. Thereby, the optical fiber 11 branched in the branch structure 5 is fixed. The branch structure 5 will be described later.

  FIG. 3A is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of the protective tube 2. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the protective tube 2.

  The protective tube 2 is a tube for protecting the optical fiber 11 led out from the optical fiber cable 1. The protective tube 2 includes an insertion hole 21, a tension member 22, and a jacket 23. The protective tube 2 has the same structure and material as a general single-core indoor cable with a tension member, except that there is no optical fiber. If there is an indoor cable manufacturing facility, the protective tube 2 can be easily manufactured. Can do.

  The insertion hole 21 is a hole for inserting the optical fiber 11. The insertion hole 21 has a larger diameter than the optical fiber 11 led out from the optical fiber cable 1. For example, the diameter of the optical fiber 11 is 0.25 mm, and the diameter of the insertion hole 21 is 0.5 mm. Since the insertion hole 21 has a diameter twice that of the optical fiber 11, the optical fiber 11 can be easily inserted at the work site.

  The tension member 22 is a tensile body for suppressing distortion and bending of the optical fiber 11 inserted into the insertion hole 21. A pair of tension members 22 are arranged in the protective tube 2 so as to sandwich the insertion hole 21. However, the number of tension members 22 is not limited to two. Here, a non-metallic type tension member 22 using non-conductive FRP is used.

  The cross section of the protective tube 2 is flat. Notches 23A are formed on both sides of the flat protective tube 2. By forming the notch 23 </ b> A in the outer sheath 23, the outer sheath 23 can be easily torn and the optical fiber 11 can be easily extracted from the protective tube 2.

<Branched structure 5>
FIG. 4A is an overall perspective view of the branch structure 5. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the branch structure 5 in use. In FIG. 4B, only two protective tubes 2 are drawn for simplification of the drawing, but actually there are eight protective tubes. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the branch structure 5.

  In the following description, each direction is defined as shown. That is, the direction perpendicular to the attachment surface to which the branch structure 5 is attached is “up and down direction”, the side of the branch structure 5 as viewed from the attachment surface is “up”, and the opposite side is “down”. That is, when viewed from the main body 50 of the branch structure 5, the cover 60 side is “upper” and the opposite side is “lower”. Further, the direction of the optical fiber cable 1 gripped by the branch structure 5 is defined as “front-rear direction”, the front side viewed from the optical fiber cable 1 is defined as “front”, and the opposite side is defined as “rear”. The vertical direction and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction are defined as “left-right direction”, and “right” and “left” are defined according to the direction when viewed from the front.

  The branch structure 5 includes a main body 50 and a cover 60. The branch structure 5 further includes a magnet unit 70 for attracting the branch structure 5 to a metal cabinet (termination box).

・ Main body 50
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main body 50 constituting the branch structure 5.

  The main body 50 is a member for holding the optical fiber cable 1 and the protective tube 2 into which the optical fiber 11 branched from the optical fiber cable 1 is inserted. The main body 50 includes a base 51, a cable gripping part 52, a tube gripping part 53, and a guide part 54. The main body 50 is molded from resin, and each part (the base 51, the cable gripping part 52, the tube gripping part 53, and the guide part 54) constituting the main body 50 is integrally formed.

  The base 51 is a plate-like base parallel to the mounting surface. A cable gripping part 52, a tube gripping part 53, and a guide part 54 are configured on the upper side of the base 51. It is possible to directly attach the base 51 to the mounting surface with screws (however, here, the magnet unit 70 is attached to the lower surface of the base 51 and the main body is attached to the mounting surface of the metal cabinet (termination box) with the magnet 71. 50 is adsorbed).

  The cable gripping part 52 is a part that grips the optical fiber cable 1. The cable gripping part 52 has a pair of outer walls 521. The outer wall 521 is a plate-like portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface on the rear side of the base 51. An interval corresponding to the thickness of the optical fiber cable 1 is left between the pair of outer walls 521. A gap between the pair of outer walls 521 serves as a passage for arranging the optical fiber cable 1. Further, the pair of outer walls 521 are arranged so as to face each other in the left-right direction. Since the pair of outer walls 521 are opposed in the left-right direction, the optical fiber cable 1 held by the pair of outer walls 521 is along the front-rear direction. On the outside of the outer wall 521, a rear hooking portion 521A for attaching the cover 60 is formed. A large number of cable ridges 523 are formed inside the outer wall 521.

  The cable ridge 523 is a line-like convex part, and is a part for suppressing the optical fiber cable 1 from being detached from the cable gripping part 52. Since the cable ridges 523 are formed along the vertical direction, the optical fiber cable 1 held by the cable holding portion 52 is difficult to be displaced in the front-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the cable ridges 523). On the other hand, since the cable ridges 523 are formed along the vertical direction, it is easy to insert the optical fiber cable 1 from above between the pair of outer walls 521 of the cable gripping portion 52. By attaching the cover 60, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber cable 1 gripped by the cable gripping portion 52 from being displaced upward.

  The cable ridges 523 of the respective outer walls 521 are formed so that the cable ridges 523 of the outer walls 521 face each other. That is, the position in the front-rear direction of the cable ridge 523 on one outer wall 521 and the position in the front-rear direction of the cable ridge 523 on the other outer wall 521 are the same. As a result, the optical fiber cable 1 is sandwiched between the cable ridges 523 from the left and right and is gripped by the cable gripping portion 52 in a straight state. Temporarily, the cable ridge 523 of one outer wall 521 and the cable ridge 523 of the other outer wall 521 do not face each other, and the position of the one outer wall 521 in the front-rear direction of the cable ridge 523 and the other outer wall 521 If the position of the cable ridge 523 in the front-rear direction is different, the optical fiber cable 1 is gripped by the cable gripping portion 52 in a state of being bent zigzag.

  The tube grip 53 is a part that grips the plurality of protective tubes 2 into which the optical fibers 11 are inserted. The tube grip 53 has a pair of outer walls 531 and three partition walls 532. The outer wall 531 and the partition wall 532 are plate-like portions protruding upward from the upper surface on the front side of the base 51. Between the outer wall 531 and the partition wall 532, and between the partition wall 532 and the partition wall 532, an interval corresponding to the thickness of the protective tube 2 is left. A gap between the outer wall 531 and the partition wall 532 and a gap between the partition wall 532 and the partition wall 532 serve as a passage for arranging the protective tube 2. Moreover, since the outer wall 531 and the partition 532 are disposed so as to face each other in the left-right direction, the protective tube 2 held by the outer wall 531 and the partition 532 is along the front-rear direction. Moreover, since the partition walls 532 are also arranged so as to face each other in the left-right direction, the protective tube 2 held by the partition walls 532 is also along the front-rear direction.

  Between the outer wall 531 and the partition wall 532 and between the partition wall 532 and the partition wall 532, it is possible to hold the two protective tubes 2 side by side in the vertical direction (see FIG. 4B). That is, the tube gripping portion 53 can grip the four protective tubes 2 in a two-dimensional arrangement in the left-right direction and two in the vertical direction. By holding the two protective tubes 2 side by side in the vertical direction, the horizontal dimension of the tube gripping portion 53 can be reduced. As a result, the bending of the optical fiber 11 between the optical fiber cable 1 held by the main body 50 and the protective tube 2 can be reduced, and the distance between the cable holding portion 52 and the tube holding portion 53 can be reduced. The size of 5 in the front-rear direction can also be reduced.

  If only one protective tube 2 can be gripped between the outer wall 531 and the partition wall 532 or between the partition wall 532 and the partition wall 532, the tube gripper 53 grips the eight protection tubes 2 side by side. As a result, the horizontal dimension of the tube grip 53 is increased. Furthermore, in this case, in order to ensure the allowable bending radius of the optical fiber 11 at the end, it is necessary to widen the distance between the cable gripping portion 52 and the tube gripping portion 53 in the front-rear direction. The dimension in the direction is also increased.

  A front hooking portion 531A for attaching the cover 60 is formed outside the outer wall 531. Numerous tube ridges 533 are formed on the inside of the outer wall 531 and on both surfaces of the partition wall 532.

  The tube ridges 533 are streak-like convex portions and are portions for suppressing the protective tube 2 from being detached from the tube gripping portion 53. Since the tube ridges 533 are formed in the vertical direction, the protective tube 2 held by the tube holding portion 53 is difficult to be displaced in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, since the tube ridges 533 are formed along the vertical direction, it is easy to insert the protective tube 2 from above between the outer wall 531 and the partition wall 532 of the tube gripping portion 53 or between the partition walls 532. is there. By attaching the cover 60, it is possible to prevent the protective tube 2 gripped by the tube gripping portion 53 from slipping upward and coming off.

  The front-rear direction position of the tube ridge 533 on the outer wall 531 is the same as the front-rear direction position of the tube ridge 533 of the partition wall 532. For this reason, the tube ridges 533 of the tube gripping portion 53 are arranged to face each other. Thereby, the protection tube 2 is pinched | interposed into the protruding item | line 533 for tubes from right and left, and is hold | gripped by the tube holding part 53 in a straight state.

  The guide part 54 is a part for guiding the protective tube 2 held by the tube holding part 53. When the guide portion 54 guides the end portion of the protective tube 2 inward, the optical fiber 11 is suppressed from being bent to an allowable bending radius or less. The guide part 54 has a pair of guide walls 541. In the first embodiment, the guide wall 541 includes a cable side guide wall 541A and a tube side guide wall 541B.

  The guide wall 541 (the cable-side guide wall 541A and the tube-side guide wall 541B) is a plate-like portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base 51. The rear end of the guide wall 541 (the rear end of the cable side guide wall 541A) is connected to the front end of the outer wall 521 of the cable gripping portion 52, and the front end of the guide wall 541 (the front end of the tube side guide wall 541B) is a tube. It is connected to the rear end of the outer wall 531 of the grip portion 53. Since the distance between the pair of outer walls 531 of the tube gripper 53 is wider than the distance between the pair of outer walls 521 of the cable gripper 52, the pair of guide walls 541 is configured such that the distance in the left-right direction increases toward the front side. .

  A gap 542 is formed at the center of the guide portion 54. In other words, a gap 542 is formed between the cable side guide wall 541A and the tube side guide wall 541B. The gap 542 serves as a passage for temporarily releasing the optical fiber 11 led out from the optical fiber cable 1 held by the cable holding portion 52 during the termination process to the outside of the main body 50. Termination processing is facilitated by temporarily escaping the optical fiber 11 to the outside of the main body 50. Moreover, the damage of the optical fiber 11 at the time of termination processing can be suppressed by taking out the optical fiber 11 from the gap 542. The termination processing procedure will be described later.

・ Cover 60
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the cover 60 as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the cover 60 as viewed obliquely from below.

  The cover 60 is a member that covers the optical fiber 11 between the optical fiber cable 1 held by the main body 50 and the protective tube 2 and protects the optical fiber 11.

  The cover 60 is attached to the main body 50 so as to cover the optical fiber 11 from the side opposite to the attachment surface when the branch structure is attached to the attachment surface. This is convenient because the operator can perform termination processing with the main body 50 attached to the attachment surface.

  The cover 60 has an upper plate portion 61 and side walls. The cover 60 is molded from resin, and each part (the upper plate portion 61 and the side wall) constituting the cover 60 is molded integrally.

  The upper plate portion 61 is a portion that covers the optical fiber 11 between the optical fiber cable 1 and the protective tube 2 held by the main body 50 from above. The upper plate portion 61 is a plate-like portion parallel to the base 51 of the main body 50. On the upper surface on the front side of the upper plate portion 61, a convex portion indicating the tracer mark 61C is formed. Here, the tracer mark 61 </ b> C is arranged on the upper surface of the upper plate portion 61 so as to be positioned above the protective tube 2 gripped on the rightmost side. A cable presser 61 </ b> A is formed on the lower surface of the rear side of the upper plate portion 61. The cable presser 61 </ b> A is a convex portion that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper plate portion 61. Here, the convex part which comprises 61 A of cable holders is extended in the front-back direction, and is comprised by the protruding item | line. The cable presser 61 </ b> A is disposed on the lower surface of the upper plate portion 61 so as to be positioned above the optical fiber cable 1 held by the main body 50. When the cover 60 is attached to the main body 50, the cable presser 61A presses the optical fiber cable 1 gripped by the cable gripping portion 52 from the upper side, and suppresses the optical fiber cable 1 from shifting upward. Four tube pressers 61 </ b> B are formed on the lower surface on the front side of the upper plate portion 61. The tube presser 61 </ b> B is a convex portion that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper plate portion 61. Here, the convex part which comprises the tube presser 61B is extended in the front-back direction, and is comprised by the protruding item | line. The four tube holders 61 </ b> B are arranged on the lower surface of the upper plate portion 61 so as to be positioned above the protective tube 2 held by the main body 50. When the cover 60 is attached to the main body 50, the tube presser 61B suppresses the protective tube 2 from being displaced upward by pressing the two protective tubes 2 that are gripped in the vertical direction by the tube gripping portion 53 from above. . The two protective tubes 2 are gripped side by side by the tube gripping portion 53, whereas one optical fiber cable 1 is gripped by the cable gripping portion 52. Therefore, the cable presser 61A is more than the tube presser 61B. It is long in the vertical direction.

  The side wall portion 62 is a portion that covers the optical fiber 11 between the optical fiber cable 1 and the protective tube 2 held by the main body 50 from the left-right direction. The side wall part 62 includes a rear side wall part 621, a front side wall part 622, and a central side wall part 623. The rear side wall part 621 is a part that covers the cable gripping part 52 from the left-right direction. A rear window 621A is formed in the rear side wall 621. The rear window 621A is an opening for hooking the rear hooking portion 521A of the main body 50 and attaching the cover 60 to the main body 50. By forming slits in front of and behind the rear window 621A, the rear side wall 621 is easily deformed when the rear hook 521A is hooked on the rear window 621A. The front side wall 622 is a part that covers the tube grip 53 from the left-right direction. A front window 622A is formed in the front side wall portion 622. The front window 622 </ b> A is an opening for hooking the front hook portion 531 </ b> A of the main body 50 to attach the cover 60 to the main body 50. By forming slits in front of and behind the front window 622A, the front side wall portion 622 is easily deformed when the front hook portion 531A is hooked on the front window 622A. The central side wall part 623 is a part that covers the guide wall 541 from the left-right direction. Note that the central side wall portion 623 also has a function of covering the gap 542 of the guide wall 541.

・ Magnet unit 70
As shown in FIG. 5, the branch structure 5 has a magnet unit 70. The magnet unit 70 is a part for attracting the branch structure 5 to a metal cabinet (termination box).

  The magnet unit 70 includes a magnet 71 and a magnet base 72. The magnet base 72 is a member for holding the magnet 71 between the base 51 of the main body 50. The magnet base 72 has a magnet housing portion 72A and a hook 72B. The magnet housing part 72 </ b> A is a part for housing the magnet 71. The hook 72 </ b> B is a part that holds the edge of the base 51 of the main body 50.

  The magnet base 72 is further formed with an urging portion 72C and a through hole 72D. When the magnet base 72 is attached to the base 51 of the main body 50, the urging portion 72C is a portion that urges the force in a direction in which both are separated. The urging portion 72 </ b> C urges the force in a direction in which the magnet base 72 and the main body 50 are separated from each other, so that the hook 72 </ b> B is not easily detached from the base 51 of the main body 50. The through hole 72 </ b> D is a hole for screwing the main body 50 to the mounting surface of the cabinet while the magnet base 72 is attached to the main body 50.

<Termination treatment>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of termination processing of the optical fiber cable 1. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are schematic explanatory views of the state of termination processing of the optical fiber cable 1. In the termination process, the operator prepares a termination process kit including the protective tube 2 and the branch structure 5 described above.

  First, the operator extracts the optical fiber 11 from the optical fiber cable 1 (see S101 in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9A). At this time, the operator tears the sheath 13 using the notch 13 </ b> A of the sheath 13 of the optical fiber cable 1 and takes out the optical fiber 11 from the optical fiber cable 1. The operator tears the sheath 13 so that the length of the optical fiber 11 to be led out is about 50 mm longer than the protective tube 2, and cuts off the torn sheath 13.

  Next, the operator causes the cable gripping portion 52 to grip the optical fiber cable 1 (see S102 in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9B). At this time, the operator places the optical fiber cable 1 between the pair of outer walls 521 of the cable gripping portion 52, pushes the optical fiber cable 1 with a finger from above, and places the optical fiber cable 1 between the outer walls 521. Plug in. Since the cable ridges 523 are formed along the vertical direction, it is easy to insert the optical fiber cable 1 from above between the pair of outer walls 521 of the cable gripping portion 52. 9B, the lead portion 13B of the optical fiber cable 1 is positioned in front of the cable gripping portion 52, but the lead portion 13B of the optical fiber cable 1 is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the outer walls 521 of the cable gripping portion 52. May be.

  Next, the operator allows the optical fiber 11 to escape to the outside through the gap 542 of the guide portion 54 (see S103 in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9B). By temporarily escaping the optical fiber 11 to the outside of the main body 50, the tube gripping portion 53 grips the process of inserting the protection tube 2 into each optical fiber 11 (S104) or the protection tube 2 into which the optical fiber 11 is inserted. Processing (S105) is facilitated.

  In addition, if the optical fiber 11 is extended outside the guide wall 541 (the cable side guide wall 541A or the tube side guide wall 541B), when the external force is applied to the optical fiber 11, the light is transmitted by the guide wall 541. The optical fiber 11 may be damaged due to the shearing force of the fiber 11. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the optical fiber 11 is extracted from the gap 542 so that the optical fiber 11 is prevented from receiving a shearing force from the guide wall 541 and damage to the optical fiber 11 is avoided.

  Next, the operator inserts the optical fiber 11 into the protective tube 2 (see S104 in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9C). The operator inserts the optical fiber 11 into the protective tube 2 until the optical fiber 11 comes out from the tip of the protective tube 2.

  Next, an operator makes the tube holding part 53 hold | grip the protection tube 2 which inserted the optical fiber 11 (refer S105 of FIG. 8, FIG. 9D). Since the insertion hole 21 has a diameter twice that of the optical fiber 11, the optical fiber 11 can freely move along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 11 during this process. The tube gripping portion 53 can be held without applying a load (for example, a load such as bending) to the tube 11. At this time, the operator places the protective tube 2 between the outer wall 531 and the partition wall 532 (or between the partition wall 532 and the partition wall 532) of the tube gripper 53, and pushes the protective tube 2 with a finger from above, The protective tube 2 is inserted between the partition walls 532 (or between the partition walls 532 and 532). Since the tube ridges 533 are formed along the vertical direction, it is easy to insert the protective tube 2 between the outer wall 531 and the partition 532 (or between the partition 532 and the partition 532). In FIG. 9D, the end portion of the protective tube 2 is positioned on the rear side of the tube gripping portion 53, but the end portion of the protective tube 2 may be positioned so as to be sandwiched between the tube gripping portions 53.

  When the end portion of the protective tube 2 is arranged closer to the rear side (the cable gripping portion 52 side) than shown in FIG. 9D, the end portion of the protective tube 2 is deformed inward by the guide portion 54. That is, the guide part 54 guides the end part of the protective tube 2 inward. Thereby, even if the distance in the front-rear direction between the lead portion 13B of the optical fiber cable 1 and the end portion of the protective tube 2 is shortened, the distance in the left-right direction is also shortened. Bending can be suppressed.

  Similarly, for the other optical fibers 11, the worker similarly inserts the protective tube 2 into the optical fiber 11 (S <b> 104), and causes the tube gripping portion 53 to grip the protective tube 2 into which the optical fiber 11 is inserted. The process (S105) is repeated (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). At this time, as shown in FIG. 10B, the worker holds the two protective tubes 2 side by side in the vertical direction between the outer wall 531 and the partition wall 532 and between the partition wall 532 and the partition wall 532. When the upper protection tube 2 is gripped by the tube gripping portion 53, the operator places the protection tube 2 between the outer wall 531 and the partition wall 532 (or between the partition wall 532 and the partition wall 532) already gripped by the protection tube 2. The upper protective tube 2 is pushed from above with a finger, and the two protective tubes 2 are inserted together.

  After the protective tubes 2 are inserted into all the optical fibers 11 and all the protective tubes 2 into which the optical fibers 11 have been inserted are gripped by the tube gripping portion 53, the operator attaches the cover 60 to the main body 50 (see FIG. 8). S106, see FIG. 10C). Thereby, the optical fiber 11 exposed between the lead-out part 13B of the optical fiber cable 1 and the protective tube 2 is covered, and the optical fiber 11 is protected.

  When the cover 60 is attached to the main body 50, the cable presser 61A (see FIG. 7B) of the cover 60 presses the optical fiber cable 1 gripped by the cable gripping portion 52 from above, so that the optical fiber cable 1 is directed upward. It becomes difficult to shift. Furthermore, when the cable holder 61A holds the optical fiber cable 1 from the upper side, the optical fiber cable 1 is deformed so as to spread in the left-right direction, so that the cable ridges 523 bite into the optical fiber cable 1, and the optical fiber cable 1 It becomes even more difficult for the gripping part 52 to come off. Since the cable holder 61A is formed longer than the tube holder 61B in the vertical direction, only one optical fiber cable 1 is held by the cable holding portion 52, but it is difficult to come off.

  When the cover 60 is attached to the main body 50, the tube presser 61B (see FIG. 7B) of the cover 60 presses the two protective tubes 2 gripped side by side by the tube gripping portion 53 from the upper side, and the protective tube 2 becomes difficult to shift upward. Further, when the tube presser 61B presses the protective tube 2 from the upper side, the protective tube 2 is deformed so as to spread in the left-right direction, so that the tube projection 533 bites into the protective tube 2 and Furthermore, it becomes difficult to come off.

  Next, the operator attaches the connector 3 at the end of the protective tube 2 (see S107 in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10D). Since the protective tube 2 into which the optical fiber 11 is inserted has the same structure and material as a general single-core indoor cable, a general-purpose jacket-type connector can be used at the end of the protective tube 2. The outer gripping type SC connector is attached to the end of the protective tube 2. Note that the connectors 3 do not necessarily have to be attached to the ends of all the protective tubes 2. When the attachment of the connector 3 is suspended, a protective cap may be attached with an adhesive tape in order to protect the optical fiber 11 coming out of the protective tube 2.

  The connector 3 attached to the end portion of the protective tube 2 is connected to the lead-out cord via the adapter.

<Summary>
The branch structure 5 (main body 50) includes a cable grip 52 for gripping the optical fiber cable 1 and a tube grip 53 for gripping the plurality of protective tubes 2 (see FIG. 6). . Thereby, the optical fiber 11 branched between the lead-out part 13B of the optical fiber cable 1 and the protective tube 2 can be fixed in the termination process shown in FIG.

  The protective tube 2 has a tension member 22 that is a strength member (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Thereby, even if the tube gripping part 53 grips the protective tube 2, it is possible to reduce the load on the optical fiber 11 in the protective tube 2 due to the gripping force.

  The branch structure 5 (main body 50) includes a guide portion 54 that guides the end of the protective tube 2 held by the tube holding portion 53 inward (see FIG. 6). Thereby, even if the end portion of the protective tube 2 is arranged closer to the rear side (the cable gripping portion 52 side) than shown in FIG. 9D, the end portion of the protective tube 2 is deformed inward by the guide portion 54. Therefore, it can suppress that the curvature radius of the optical fiber 11 becomes small.

  The guide portion 54 includes a cable side guide wall 541A and a tube side guide wall 541B, and a gap 542 is formed between the cable side guide wall 541A and the tube side guide wall 541B (FIG. 6). reference). Thereby, the optical fiber 11 led out from the optical fiber cable 1 during the termination process can be temporarily released to the outside (see FIG. 9B). As a result, termination processing is facilitated and loss of the optical fiber 11 during termination processing can be suppressed.

  The cable gripping portion 52 has a cable ridge 523 along the vertical direction (a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical fiber cable 1), and from above (from a direction along the cable ridge 523). Is configured to be plugged in. As a result, it is easy to insert the optical fiber cable 1 into the cable gripping portion 52 despite the structure in which the gripped optical fiber cable 1 is difficult to come off.

  In addition, the tube gripping portion 53 has the tube ridges 533 along the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the direction of the protection tube 2), and from above (from the direction along the tube ridges 533), the protection tube 2. Is configured to be plugged in. As a result, it is easy to insert the protective tube 2 into the tube gripping portion 53 despite the structure in which the gripped protective tube 2 is difficult to come off.

  The tube gripping part 53 can hold the two protective tubes 2 side by side between the outer wall 531 and the partition wall 532 and between the partition wall 532 and the partition wall 532. That is, the tube gripping portion 53 is configured to be able to grip the protective tube 2 side by side in a two-dimensional manner. Thereby, not only can the size in the left-right direction of the branch structure 5 be reduced, but also the size in the front-rear direction can be reduced, and the branch structure 5 can be downsized.

  The branch structure 5 includes a magnet 71 on the side opposite to the side where the cable gripping portion 52 and the tube gripping portion 53 are provided. Thereby, the branch structure 5 can be adsorbed to a metal cabinet (termination box).

  The branch structure 5 includes a cover 60 for covering the optical fiber 11 between the lead-out portion 13 </ b> B of the optical fiber cable 1 and the protective tube 2. Thereby, the optical fiber 11 is protected.

  Moreover, according to said termination process (termination method), the process of extracting the optical fiber 11 from the optical fiber cable 1 containing the some optical fiber 11 (S101), and the optical fiber cable 1 to the cable holding part 52 A step of holding (S102), a step of inserting the optical fiber 11 into the insertion hole 21 of the protective tube 2 having a tensile body (S104), and a tube holding portion 53 holding a plurality of protective tubes 2 into which the optical fiber 11 has been inserted. A step (S105), a step of attaching the connector 3 to the end of the protective tube 2 opposite to the tube gripping portion 53, and a step (S107). According to such termination processing, since there is no portion where the optical fiber 11 is fusion-spliced, a fusion tray becomes unnecessary, connection loss can be suppressed, and the branched optical fiber 11 is branched. Can be fixed with 5.

=== Second Embodiment ===
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the main body 50 of the branch structure 5 according to the second embodiment. The main body 50 of the second embodiment is different from the main body 50 (see FIG. 6) of the first embodiment in that a gap 542 is not formed in the guide portion 54.

  Similarly to the main body 50 of the first embodiment, the main body 50 of the second embodiment includes a cable gripping portion 52 for gripping the optical fiber cable 1 and a tube gripping portion 53 for gripping the plurality of protective tubes 2. I have. Thereby, the optical fiber 11 branched between the lead-out part 13B of the optical fiber cable 1 and the protective tube 2 can be fixed in the termination process shown in FIG.

  However, in the second embodiment, since there is no gap 542 in the guide portion 54, if the optical fiber 11 escapes to the outside so that the optical fiber 11 gets over the guide wall 541 so that termination processing is easy, an external force is applied to the optical fiber 11. When the optical fiber 11 is applied, the optical fiber 11 is easily subjected to a shearing force by the guide wall 541, and the optical fiber 11 is easily damaged. Instead, in the second embodiment, since it is not necessary to form the gap 542 in the guide portion 54, the processing is easier than in the first embodiment.

=== Third Embodiment ===
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the main body 50 of the branch structure 5 according to the third embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, a cable recess 525 for pushing the optical fiber cable 1 into the cable grip 52 is formed. The cable recess 525 is a concave curved surface formed on the upper portion of the outer wall 521 of the cable gripping portion 52. The concave curved surface is a smooth curved surface that matches the abdominal surface of the fingertip. By forming the cable recess 525 in the cable gripping portion 52, it becomes easy for an operator to insert the optical fiber cable 1 into the cable gripping portion 52.

  In the third embodiment, a tube recess 535 for pushing the protective tube 2 into the tube grip 53 is formed. The tube recess 535 is a concave curved surface formed on the outer wall 531 and the partition wall 532 of the tube grip 53. This concave curved surface is also a smooth curved surface that matches the abdominal surface of the fingertip. By forming the tube concave portion 535 in the tube gripping portion 53, it becomes easy for an operator to insert the protective tube 2 all the way into the tube gripping portion 53. In particular, when the two protective tubes 2 are lined up and down and are gripped by the tube gripping portion 53, the two protective tubes 2 can be easily inserted all the way.

  In addition, you may form a recessed part in either one instead of forming a recessed part in both the cable holding part 52 and the tube holding part 53. FIG.

=== Fourth Embodiment ===
In the first embodiment, the branch structure 5 has the cover 60. However, the branch structure 5 may be configured by only the main body 50 and may not have the cover 60.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the branch structure 5 (main body 50) of the fourth embodiment.

  In the case where the branch structure 5 is configured only by the main body 50, the optical fiber 11 is exposed to the outside in the structure in which the cover 60 of the first embodiment is simply removed. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the branch structure 5 (main body 50) is screwed to the mounting surface upside down. Thereby, the optical fiber cable 1 and the protective tube 2 are disposed between the branch structure 5 (main body 50) and the mounting surface of the cabinet, and the optical fiber 11 can be prevented from being exposed to the outside.

=== Others ===
The above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

<About the tube grip>
The above-described tube gripping portion 53 is configured to be able to grip two protective tubes 2 side by side in the vertical direction. However, the tube grip 53 is not limited to such a configuration. Three or more protective tubes 2 may be held side by side in the vertical direction. Further, a plurality of protective tubes may be arranged and gripped in the left-right direction without arranging the protective tubes in the vertical direction. In this case, by arranging and gripping a plurality of protective tubes only in the left-right direction, the length in the up-down direction (thickness direction) can be reduced even if the length in the front-rear, left-right direction is increased. A thin branch structure 5 can be realized.

<About the guide>
According to the above-described embodiment, the guide portion 54 is formed on the main body 50. However, the guide portion 54 may not be provided. When the guide portion 54 is not provided, the processing is easiest as compared with the embodiments described so far, and there is no fear that the optical fiber 11 is subjected to shearing force by the guide wall, but the optical fiber 11 is less than the allowable bending radius. Easy to bend.

<About ridges>
According to the above-described embodiment, the cable ridges 523 are provided in the cable gripping portion 52. However, the cable ridge 523 may not be provided in the cable gripping portion 52. Similarly, although the tube ridge 533 is provided in the tube grip 53, the tube ridge 533 may not be provided in the tube grip 53. Further, only one of the cable gripping portion 52 and the tube gripping portion 53 may be provided with a ridge.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the cable ridges 523 and the tube ridges 533 are formed along the vertical direction, but these ridges may be formed along other directions. Moreover, you may form a dot-shaped convex part instead of a streak-shaped protruding item | line.

<Protection tube>
According to the above-described embodiment, the protective tube 2 has the tension member 22. However, the tension member 12 may be omitted if there is no concern that the optical fiber 11 inserted into the protective tube 2 is loaded.

1 optical fiber cable, 11 optical fiber,
12 tension member (strength body), 13 sheath,
13A notch, 13B outlet,
2 protection tube, 21 insertion hole,
22 Tension member (strength member), 23 outer cover, 23A notch,
3 connectors, 5 branch structures,
50 body, 51 base,
52 cable gripping part, 521 outer wall, 521A rear side hooking part,
523 Cable ridge, 525 Cable recess,
53 Tube gripping part, 531 outer wall, 531A front side hooking part,
532 Bulkhead, 533 Tube protrusion, 535 Tube recess,
54 guide section, 541 guide wall,
541A Cable side guide wall, 541B Tube side guide wall,
542 gap,
60 cover, 61 upper plate,
61A cable holder, 61B tube holder, 61C tracer mark,
62 side wall part, 621 rear side wall part, 621A rear side window,
622 front side wall, 622A front side window, 623 central side wall,
70 magnet unit, 71 magnet,
72 magnet base, 72A magnet housing,
72B Hook, 72C Biasing part, 72D Through hole

Claims (13)

A protective tube in which an insertion hole for inserting an optical fiber is formed in a jacket integrated with a tensile body; and
A cable gripping portion for gripping the optical fiber cable including a plurality of optical fibers, the insertion hole in the tension member and the jacket only for multiple grip integral of the said protective tube the optical fibers were inserted A termination treatment kit comprising a branch structure having a tube gripping portion.   The termination treatment kit according to claim 1,
  A termination treatment kit, wherein the tensile body is provided on both sides of the insertion hole, and the outer cover is flat in the tensile body arrangement direction. The termination treatment kit according to claim 1 or 2,
The branching structure kit further includes a guide portion for guiding an end portion of the protective tube held by the tube holding portion to the inside . The termination treatment kit according to claim 3,
The guide part has a cable side guide wall and a tube side guide wall,
Between the cable side guide wall and the tube side guide wall, a passage for temporarily letting out the optical fiber led out from the optical fiber cable gripped by the cable gripping portion during termination processing termination processing kit, characterized in that a gap is formed comprising. The termination treatment kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The cable gripping part is
While having a cable ridge along the direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical fiber cable,
The termination processing kit is configured so that the optical fiber cable can be inserted from a direction along the cable ridge when the optical fiber cable is gripped. The termination treatment kit according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The tube gripping part is
While having a tube ridge along the direction perpendicular to the direction of the protective tube,
A termination treatment kit, wherein the protection tube is configured to be inserted from a direction along the tube ridge when the protection tube is gripped. The kit for termination treatment according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The tube gripping part is
Having a pair of outer walls and a plurality of partition walls formed between the pair of outer walls;
A termination treatment kit characterized in that a plurality of the protective tubes can be arranged and gripped between the outer wall and the partition wall and between the partition wall and the partition wall in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the outer wall. . It is a kit for termination processing in any one of Claims 1-7,
The termination structure kit further includes a cover for covering the optical fiber between the lead-out portion of the optical fiber cable and the protective tube. The termination treatment kit according to claim 8,
The termination treatment kit, wherein the cover is attached so as to cover the optical fiber from the side opposite to the attachment surface when the branch structure is attached to the attachment surface. It is a kit for termination processing in any one of Claims 1-7,
A termination treatment kit , wherein the optical fiber cable and the protective tube are sandwiched between the branch structure and the attachment surface when the branch structure is attached to the attachment surface. A kit for termination treatment according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
Wherein the upper of the pair of the outer wall of the cable gripper, termination, characterized in that the cable recess a curved surface of a smooth concave to match the ventral surface of the finger tip to push the optical fiber cable is formed Processing kit . A kit for termination treatment according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
For the tube which is a smooth concave curved surface matched with the abdominal surface of the fingertip in order to push the protective tube into the upper part of the pair of outer walls of the tube gripping part and the plurality of partition walls formed between the pair of outer walls A kit for termination treatment , wherein a recess is formed. Extracting the optical fiber from an optical fiber cable including a plurality of optical fibers;
A step of gripping the optical fiber cable in the cable gripping portion of the branch structure;
A step of inserting the optical fiber into the insertion hole of the protective tube forming an insertion hole in the jacket and integrally covering the tension member inserting an optical fiber,
A step of gripping only a plurality of the jackets integrated with the tensile body of the protective tube into which the optical fiber is inserted into the tube gripping portion of the branch structure;
And a step of attaching a connector to the end portion of the protective tube opposite to the tube gripping portion.

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