JPH09304654A - Optical fiber cable assembly, and its connecting method and relay adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to use a usual connector, reduce the size, and secure insulation between the metal coating of a metalcoated optical cable and equipment by stopping the metal coating of the metal-coated optical fiber cable by the relay adapter and using an insulating reinforcement tube from the relay adapter to the connector. SOLUTION: The optical fiber cable assembly 1 is equipped with the metal- coated optical cable 2, the relay adapter 3 which is provided nearby the tip of the metal-coated optical fiber cable 2, optical cords 4 formed by sheathing four coated optical fibers, led out of the relay adapter 3 respective, with insulating reinforcement tubes, and connectors 5 provided atop of those optical cords 4. Namely, the optical fiber cable assembly 1 has the metal coating of the metal-coated optical cable 2 stopped by the relay adapter 3 and the insulating reinforcement tube is provided from the relay adapter 3 to the connectors 5. Therefore, the metal coating of the metal-coated optical fiber 2 and the connectors 5 are insulated from each other.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical fiber cable assembly, a method of connecting the same, and a relay adapter, and more particularly, to an optical fiber cable assembly capable of ensuring insulation between a metal coating of a metal-coated optical cable and a device, The present invention relates to a connection method for connecting the optical fiber cable assembly to a device and a relay adapter suitable for use in the optical fiber cable assembly.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A metal-coated optical cable is excellent in strength, but since the metal coating is conductive, electrical insulation from a device becomes a problem. Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-11
No. 143 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-11145, a metal of a metal-coated optical cable is obtained by sandwiching an insulating substrate, an insulating nut, or an insulating cable adapter in a connector to insulate the optical fiber cable side of the connector from the device side. Fiber optic cable assemblies have been proposed that ensure electrical insulation between the coating and the device.

On the other hand, when a plurality of optical fibers are included in one optical fiber cable, it is necessary to branch each optical fiber near the equipment. For this reason, for example, JP-A-53-100839 and JP-A-63-180915.
No. 1, using a branch housing that has one opening (cable side opening) on the cable side and multiple openings (device side opening) on the device side, and insert the optical fiber cable into the cable side opening of the branch housing. Then, fix the end of the sheath of the optical fiber cable to the branch housing, draw out the optical fiber from each of the multiple device-side openings, install a connector at the tip of each optical fiber, and cover each optical fiber with a flexible tube. , A method of connecting both ends of the flexible tubes to the connector and the branch housing, respectively.

[0004]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention
No. 43 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-11145, in the prior art for securing the electrical insulation between the metal coating of the metal-coated optical cable and the equipment by insulating the optical fiber cable side of the connector from the equipment side, a special structure is used. The above-mentioned connector is required, and there is a problem that a connector that is widely used cannot be used. Further, because of the structure in which the metal coating is fixed to the connector, there is a problem that it cannot be applied when a plurality of optical fibers contained in one metal coated optical cable are branched near the equipment.

On the other hand, as in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 53-100839 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-180915, a branch housing having one cable side opening and a plurality of device side openings is used to provide a single optical fiber cable. In the technology of branching multiple optical fibers contained inside in the vicinity of the equipment, it is necessary to form multiple openings on the equipment side, which increases the size of the branch housing and limits handling and installation. There is a problem that becomes large. In addition, there is a problem that the electrical insulation between the metal coating and the device when the metal coated optical cable is used is not considered.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber capable of ensuring insulation between a metal coating of a metal-coated optical cable and a device without requiring a connector having a special structure and without increasing the size of parts. To provide a cable assembly. A second object of the present invention is to provide a connecting method for connecting the above optical fiber cable assembly to a device. A third object of the present invention is to provide a relay adapter suitable as a component of the above optical fiber cable assembly.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention is directed to removing a metal coating in the vicinity of the tip of a metal-coated optical cable, providing a relay adapter at the tip position of the metal coating, and from the relay adapter to the metal coating. Provided is an optical fiber cable assembly in which an optical fiber in an optical cable is led out, a connector is provided at the tip of the optical fiber, and an insulating reinforcing tube is covered from the relay adapter to the connector. In the optical fiber cable assembly according to the first aspect, the metal coating is stopped by the relay adapter, and the optical fiber and the insulating reinforcing tube are provided from the relay adapter to the connector. As a result, insulation is provided between the metal coating and the connector, so that insulation between the metal coating of the metal-coated optical cable and the device can be ensured. Further, a connector having a special structure is not required, and a connector that is widely used can be used. Furthermore, since the relay adapter has a simple structure, the size can be reduced, and restrictions on handling and mounting are reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the optical fiber cable assembly having the above structure, the metal-coated optical cable includes a plurality of optical fibers in one, and the plurality of optical fibers are included. Is provided from each of the relay adapters, and an insulating reinforcing tube is covered on each optical fiber to provide an optical fiber cable assembly. In the optical fiber cable assembly according to the second aspect, the metal coating is stopped by the relay adapter, the plurality of optical fibers are branched by the relay adapter, and the insulating adapter tube is covered from the relay adapter to each connector. As a result, the metal coating of the metal-coated optical cable is insulated from each connector, so that the insulation between the metal coating and the device can be secured. And without the need for a specially constructed connector,
It is possible to use a connector that is commonly used. Furthermore, since the relay adapter has a simple structure, the size can be reduced, and restrictions on handling and mounting are reduced.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a device and a connector by providing a through-hole in a panel of a device and inserting the optical fiber cable assembly according to the first aspect from the relay adapter to the connector through the through-hole. And a relay adapter are held on a panel via a holding member, and a method for connecting an optical fiber cable assembly is provided. In the method of connecting the optical fiber cable assembly according to the third aspect, since the optical fiber cable assembly according to the first aspect is used, a connector having a special structure is not required and the size of the component is not increased. In addition, the insulation between the metal coating of the metal-coated optical cable and the device can be secured. And
Since the metal coating of the metal-coated optical cable is fixed to the panel of the device via the relay adapter, the optical fiber can be protected from external force (it is possible to prevent excessive external force from being applied to the optical fiber). It is preferable that at least one of the relay adapter and the holding member is made of an insulating material to electrically insulate the metal coating of the metal-coated optical cable from the panel of the device.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention is a hollow cylindrical case having a first opening and a second opening at positions opposite to each other, and is inserted from the first opening of the hollow cylindrical case. A cable fixing means for fixing the coating of one optical cable to the hollow cylindrical case, and one optical fiber or a plurality of optical fibers led out from the second opening of the hollow cylindrical case. Provided is a relay adapter including a tube fixing means for fixing a reinforcing tube to a hollow cylindrical case. Since the relay adapter according to the fourth aspect has only two openings, the cable side opening and the device side opening,
A simple structure is enough. Therefore, the size can be reduced, and restrictions on handling and mounting are reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the relay adapter having the above structure, the hollow cylindrical case has a structure in which two gutter-shaped bodies having the same shape are combined, and the cable fixing means is an optical cable. Either a concave portion formed on the inner surface of the gutter-shaped body according to the unevenness of the coating or a nut screwed into the unevenness of the coating of the optical cable and a concave portion formed on the inner surface of the gutter-shaped body according to the shape of the nut. The tube fixing means is a concave portion or a convex portion formed on the inner surface of the gutter-shaped body according to the shapes of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve that hold all or part of the reinforcing tube, and the outer sleeve. A relay adapter is provided. The relay adapter according to the fifth aspect has a structure in which a hollow cylindrical case is formed by combining two gutters of the same shape,
Moreover, since the structure is such that the concave portion formed in the hollow cylindrical case fixes the coating of the optical cable to the hollow cylindrical case and the reinforcement tube covered with the optical fiber is fixed to the hollow cylindrical case, it is manufactured as a resin molded product. However, it is easy to assemble and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the relay adapter having the above construction, the tube fixing means is the second one.
The relay adapter is characterized in that a plurality of optical fibers are provided on the opening side of the tube, and three or four optical fibers are led out from each tube fixing means. In the relay adapter according to the sixth aspect, one tube fixing means receives three or four optical fibers, so that the reinforcing tube covered with these three or four optical fibers is used as the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. With, it is possible to branch 6 to 8 optical fibers while sandwiching them with ease.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the relay adapter having the above construction, the distance from the cable fixing position to the tube fixing position is L, and the optical fiber from the center of the optical fiber group at the tube fixing position to the outermost circumference. Distance to R
Then, the relay adapter is characterized in that the interval L is set so that arctan {R / L} is 6 ° or less. The relay adapter according to the seventh aspect has only two openings, a cable side opening and a device side opening,
A simple structure is enough. Therefore, the size can be reduced, and restrictions on handling and mounting are reduced. Furthermore, the distance L from the cable fixing position to the tube fixing position is set so that the arctan {R / L}, which represents the maximum value of the optical fiber bending from the cable fixing position to the tube fixing position, is 6 ° or less. Therefore, the optical transmission loss can be minimized.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an external view showing an optical fiber cable assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The optical fiber cable assembly 1 includes a metal-coated optical cable 2 and a relay adapter 3 provided near the tip of the metal-coated optical cable 2.
, An optical cord 4 in which four optical fiber strands (21 in FIG. 2) respectively led out from the relay adapter 3 are covered with an insulating reinforcing tube (40 in FIG. 2), and the tips of the optical cords 4 are respectively attached. And the connector 5 provided.

FIG. 2 is a structural explanatory view of the metal-coated optical cable 2, the relay adapter 3, and the optical cord 4.
There are four metal-coated optical cables 2 (however, in FIG.
Only the book is shown) Optical fiber (optical fiber strand)
21 and a metal coating (flexible metal tube) 22 that covers the four optical fibers 21. The optical cord 4 includes an optical fiber 21 and an insulating reinforcing tube 40 that covers the optical fiber 21. The insulation reinforcing tube 40 includes a nylon pipe 41, a Kepler 42,
The PVC tube 43 has a three-layer structure. The relay adapter 3 has a hollow cylindrical case 31 having a first opening 31a and a second opening 31b at positions opposite to each other.
And the first opening 31 in the hollow cylindrical case 31.
Metal coating 22 of the metal coated optical cable 2 inserted from a
Cable fixing part 32 for fixing the to the hollow cylindrical case 31
And the second opening 31 in the hollow cylindrical case 31.
and a tube fixing portion 33 for fixing the insulating reinforcing tube 40 inserted from b to the hollow cylindrical case 31.

The metal coating 22 of the metal coated optical cable 2 is
The tip is removed from the cable fixing portion 32. The insulating reinforcement tube 40 is covered from the tube fixing portion 33 to the connector (5 in FIG. 1).

In the cable fixing portion 32, the metal cover 22 is fastened by screwing a screw 322 into a screw hole 321 formed in the hollow cylindrical case 31 to fix the metal cover 22 to the hollow cylindrical case 31. .

In the tube fixing portion 33, each of the Keplers 42 of the four insulation reinforcing tubes 40 is pulled out and sandwiched between the stainless inner sleeve 331 and the aluminum outer sleeve 332, and the aluminum outer sleeve 332 is filled with the epoxy adhesive 333. The hollow cylindrical case 31
The aluminum outer sleeve 332 is deformed by screwing a screw 335 into the screw hole 334 provided in the hollow cylindrical case 31 to fix the insulating reinforcing tube 40. That is, the insulating reinforcing tube 40 is fixed to the hollow cylindrical case 31 by sandwiching the Kepler 42 between the stainless inner sleeve 331 and the aluminum outer sleeve 332 and adhering with the epoxy adhesive 333.

Here, the distance L from the cable fixing position (the position of the cable fixing portion 32) to the tube fixing position (the position of the tube fixing portion 33) is the outermost circumference from the center of the optical fiber group in the tube fixing portion 33. When the distance to the optical fiber 21 is R, R / L ≦ tan {6 °}. As a numerical example, when the inner diameter of the stainless steel inner sleeve 331 is 3.2 mm and the outer diameter of the nylon pipe 41 is 0.9 mm, R≈ (3.2 / 2−
Since 0.9 / 2) = 1.15 mm, L ≧ 11 mm
And

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the structure of the connector 5. The Kepler 42 of the optical cord 4 is sandwiched between the stopper S and the holder H via the bush B, and the PVC tube 43 of the optical cord 4 is adhered to the hood D by the adhesive A1 to fix the optical cord 4 to the connector 5. Has been done. Further, the ferrule F and the nylon pipe 41 of the optical cord 4 are bonded by the adhesive A2. M is a frame and N is a coupling nut.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a method of connecting the optical fiber cable assembly and equipment. A through hole Ph is provided in the panel P of the device K, and the relay adapter 3 to the connector 5 of the optical fiber cable assembly 1 are inserted through the through hole Ph. Then, the connector K5 of the device K and the connector 5 of the optical fiber cable assembly 1 are connected. Further, the relay adapter 3 is held on the panel P via the rubber bush 6.

According to the optical fiber cable assembly 1 of the first embodiment described above, the metal coating 22 of the metal coated optical cable 2 is stopped at the relay adapter 3 and the relay adapter 3
From the connector to the connector 5 is an insulating reinforcing tube 40. Therefore, the metal coating 22 of the metal-coated optical cable 2 is insulated from the connector 5, and the insulation between the metal coating 22 of the metal-coated optical cable 2 and the device K can be ensured. And
The connector 5 which is generally popular can be used without requiring a connector having a special structure. Further, since the relay adapter 3 has a simple structure, the size can be reduced, and restrictions on handling and mounting can be reduced.

Further, according to the relay adapter 3, the first
Since it has only two openings, the opening 31a and the second opening 31b, a simple structure is sufficient. Therefore, the size can be reduced, and restrictions on handling and mounting are reduced. Furthermore, since the distance L from the cable fixing position to the tube fixing position is set so that arctan {R / L} is 6 ° or less, the maximum value that the optical fiber 21 bends between the cable fixing position and the tube fixing position. Is 6 ° or less, and the optical transmission loss can be minimized.

Since the metal coating 22 of the metal coated optical cable 2 is fixed to the panel P of the device K via the relay adapter 3, the optical fiber 21 can be protected from external force. That is, it is possible to prevent an excessive external force from being applied to the optical fiber 21. Further, since the relay adapter 3 is held on the panel P of the device K through the rubber bush 6 made of an insulating material, the metal coating 22 of the metal-coated optical cable 2 and the panel P of the device K can be electrically insulated.

-Second Embodiment- FIG. 5 is an external view showing an optical fiber cable assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This optical fiber cable assembly 1A includes a metal-coated optical cable 2, a relay adapter 3A provided near the tip of the metal-coated optical cable 2, and four optical fiber strands respectively drawn from the relay adapter 3A (see FIG. 6) 21), an optical cord 4 in which an insulating reinforcing tube (40 in FIG. 6) is covered, and a connector 5 provided at each end of the optical cord 4.

FIG. 6 is a structural explanatory view of the metal-coated optical cable 2, the relay adapter 3A, and the optical cord 4. The metal-coated optical cable 2 includes four optical fibers (only two of which are shown in FIG. 6) 21 and a metal coating (flexibility) that covers the four optical fibers 21. And a metal tube) 22. The optical cord 4 includes an optical fiber 21 and an insulating reinforcing tube 40 that covers the optical fiber 21. The insulation reinforcement tube 40 includes a nylon pipe 41 and a Kepler 42.
The PVC tube 43 has a three-layer structure. The relay adapter 3A includes a first opening 31a and a second opening 3a.
1b and the metal coating 22 of the metal-coated optical cable 2 inserted into the hollow cylindrical case 31A from the first opening 31a into the hollow cylindrical case 31A. A cable fixing portion 32A for fixing and an insulating reinforcing tube 40 inserted into the hollow cylindrical case 31A from the second opening 31b.
3 for fixing the tube to the hollow cylindrical case 31A
It has 3A.

The metal coating 22 of the metal coated optical cable 2 is
The tip is removed from the cable fixing portion 32A. Also,
The insulating reinforcing tube 40 is covered from the tube fixing portion 33A to the connector (5 in FIG. 5).

The hollow cylindrical case 31A has a structure in which two gutters having the same shape are attached to each other (in FIG. 6, one gutter is removed). When fitting two gutters having the same shape, one fitting protrusion 51p fits into the other fitting recess 51r, one fitting protrusion 52p fits into the other fitting recess 52r, and one fitting protrusion 51p fits into the other fitting recess 52r. The fitting protrusion 53p fits into the other fitting recess 53r.

In the cable fixing portion 32A, a nut 32b is screwed onto the end of the metal coating 22, and the nut 32b is fitted into the recess 32a formed in the hollow cylindrical case 31A, whereby a hollow cylindrical case is formed. The metal coating 22 is fixed to 31A. The concave portion 32a is covered with the metal coating 22.
The nut 32b may be omitted by forming the nut 32b into a shape that conforms to the concavities and convexities.

In the tube fixing portion 33A, the Keplers 42 of the four insulation reinforcing tubes 40 are pulled out to make the stainless steel inner sleeve 331 and the aluminum outer sleeve 3
3a and crimp it, fill the inside of the aluminum outer sleeve 33a with epoxy adhesive 333, and fit the flange portion 33b of the aluminum outer sleeve 33a into the recess 33c formed in the hollow cylindrical case 31A. The insulation reinforcing tube 40 is fixed to the hollow cylindrical case 31A.

The first opening 31a and the second opening 31b may be filled with an epoxy adhesive.

The interval L from the cable fixing position (the position of the cable fixing portion 32A) to the tube fixing position (the position of the tube fixing portion 33A) is the tube fixing portion 33.
The outermost optical fiber 21 from the center of the optical fiber group in A
It is defined that R / L ≦ tan {6 °} for a distance R up to. As a numerical example, when the inner diameter of the stainless steel inner sleeve 33a is 3.2 mm and the outer diameter of the nylon pipe 41 is 0.9 mm, R≈ (3.2 / 2−
Since 0.9 / 2) = 1.15 mm, L ≧ 11 mm
And

FIG. 7 shows the aluminum outer sleeve 3
It is sectional drawing in the flange part 33b of 3a.

The structure of the connector 5 is as described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a method of connecting the optical fiber cable assembly and equipment. The panel P of the device K is provided with a through hole Ph, and the relay adapter 3A of the optical fiber cable assembly 1A to the connector 5 is inserted through the through hole Ph. Then, the connector K5 of the device K and the connector 5 of the optical fiber cable assembly 1A are connected. Further, the relay adapter 3A is held on the panel P via the rubber bush 6.

According to the optical fiber cable assembly 1A of the second embodiment described above, the metal coating 22 of the metal coated optical cable 2 is stopped at the relay adapter 3A, and the insulating reinforcing tube 40 is provided from the relay adapter 3A to the connector 5. It has become. Therefore, the metal coating 22 of the metal-coated optical cable 2 is insulated from the connector 5, and the insulation between the metal coating 22 of the metal-coated optical cable 2 and the device K can be ensured. Further, the connector 5 which is generally popular can be used without requiring a connector having a special structure. Furthermore, since the relay adapter 3A has a simple structure, the size can be reduced, and the restrictions on handling and mounting can be reduced.

Also, according to the relay adapter 3A, since it has only two openings, the first opening 31a and the second opening 31b, a simple structure is sufficient. Therefore, the size can be reduced, and restrictions on handling and mounting are reduced. Furthermore, since the distance L from the cable fixing position to the tube fixing position is set so that arctan {R / L} is 6 ° or less, the maximum value that the optical fiber 21 bends between the cable fixing position and the tube fixing position. Is 6 ° or less, and the optical transmission loss can be minimized.

Since the metal coating 22 of the metal coated optical cable 2 is fixed to the panel P of the device K via the relay adapter 3A, the optical fiber 21 can be protected from external force. That is, it is possible to prevent an excessive external force from being applied to the optical fiber 21. Further, since the relay adapter 3A is held on the panel P of the device K via the rubber bush 6 made of an insulating material, the metal cover 22 of the metal-coated optical cable 2 and the panel P of the device K can be electrically insulated.

Further, the relay adapter 3A has a structure in which the hollow cylindrical case 31A is formed by combining two gutters having the same shape, and the recess 3 formed in the hollow cylindrical case 31A.
The metal coating 22 of the metal-coated optical cable 2 is fixed to the hollow cylindrical case 31A by 2a, and the insulating reinforcing tube 40 covered by the optical fiber 21 is fixed to the hollow cylindrical case 31A by the recess 33c. It is easy to manufacture and assemble as a product, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

-Third Embodiment- FIG. 9 is an external view showing an optical fiber cable assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This optical fiber cable assembly 1B includes a metal-coated optical cable 2, a relay adapter 3B provided in the vicinity of the tip of the metal-coated optical cable 2, and eight optical fiber strands respectively drawn from the relay adapter 3B (see FIG. The optical cord 4 is formed by covering an insulating reinforcing tube (40 in FIG. 10) on 21) of 10 and a connector 5 provided at each end of the optical cord 4.

FIG. 10 is a structural explanatory view of the metal-coated optical cable 2, the relay adapter 3B, and the optical cord 4. There are eight metal-coated optical cables 2 (however, in FIG.
In the figure, only four optical fibers are shown), and a metal coating (flexible metal tube) 22 that covers the eight optical fibers 21 is provided. The optical cord 4 includes an optical fiber 21 and an insulating reinforcing tube 40 that covers the optical fiber 21. The insulation reinforcement tube 40 includes a nylon pipe 41 and a Kepler 42.
The PVC tube 43 has a three-layer structure. The relay adapter 3B includes a first opening 31a and a second opening 3a.
1b and the metal coating 22 of the metal-coated optical cable 2 inserted into the hollow cylindrical case 31B from the first opening 31a in the hollow cylindrical case 31B. A cable fixing portion 32A for fixing and an insulating reinforcing tube 40 inserted into the hollow cylindrical case 31B from the second opening 31b.
Tube fixing part 3 for fixing the tube to the hollow cylindrical case 31B
It has 3A.

The metal coating 22 of the metal coated optical cable 2 is
The tip is removed from the cable fixing portion 32A. Also,
The insulating reinforcement tube 40 covers from the tube fixing portion 33A to the connector (5 in FIG. 9).

The hollow cylindrical case 31B has a structure in which two gutters of the same shape (however, the size of the second opening 31b side is larger than that of the first opening 31a side) are attached. (Fig. 10 is shown with one trough removed). When fitting two gutters having the same shape, one fitting protrusion 51p fits into the other fitting recess 51r, one fitting protrusion 52p fits into the other fitting recess 52r, and one fitting protrusion 51p fits into the other fitting recess 52r. The fitting protrusion 53p is the other fitting recess 53r
To fit.

In the cable fixing portion 32A, a nut 32b is screwed onto the end of the metal coating 22, and the nut 32b is fitted in the recess 32a formed in the hollow cylindrical case 31B, whereby a hollow cylindrical case is formed. The metal coating 22 is fixed to 31B. The concave portion 32a is covered with the metal coating 22.
The nut 32b may be omitted by forming the nut 32b into a shape that conforms to the unevenness of the.

In the tube fixing portion 33A, eight optical fibers 2 (however, only four are shown in FIG. 10).
1 is divided into four (however, only two are shown in FIG. 10), and each of the four Keplers 42 of the insulating reinforcing tube 40 is pulled out and sandwiched between the stainless inner sleeve 331 and the aluminum outer sleeve 33a. Then, the aluminum outer sleeve 33a is filled with an epoxy adhesive 333, and the other four insulation reinforcing tubes 40
The same process is performed for the hollow cylindrical case 31B by fitting the flange portions 33b of the aluminum outer sleeves 33a into the two recesses 33c formed in the hollow cylindrical case 31B. Fix it.

The first opening 31a and the second opening 31b may be filled with an epoxy adhesive.

Here, the interval L from the cable fixing position (the position of the cable fixing portion 32A) to the tube fixing position (the position of the tube fixing portion 33A) is the tube fixing portion 33.
The outermost optical fiber 21 from the center of the optical fiber group in A
It is defined that R / L ≦ tan {6 °} for a distance R up to. As a numerical example, when the inner diameter of the stainless steel inner sleeve 33a is 3.2 mm, the outer diameter of the nylon pipe 41 is 0.9 mm, and the outer diameter of the flange portion 33b of the aluminum outer sleeve 33a is 6.0 mm, R≈ ( 3.2 / 2-0.9 / 2 + 6.0 / 2) =
Since it is 4.15 mm, L ≧ 40 mm.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the flange portion 33b of the aluminum outer sleeve 33a. Since it has the flat outer surface portion 31f, it is stable when placed on a flat surface such as a panel surface or a floor surface of the device. Further, it is stable even when it is stacked with another relay adapter 3B.

The structure of the connector 5 is as described with reference to FIG.

According to the optical fiber cable assembly 1B of the third embodiment described above, the metal coating 22 of the metal coated optical cable 2 is stopped at the relay adapter 3B, and the insulating reinforcing tube 40 is provided from the relay adapter 3B to the connector 5. It has become. Therefore, the metal coating 22 of the metal-coated optical cable 2 is insulated from the connector 5, and the insulation between the metal coating 22 of the metal-coated optical cable 2 and the device K can be ensured. Further, the connector 5 which is generally popular can be used without requiring a connector having a special structure. Furthermore, since the relay adapter 3B has a simple structure, the size can be reduced, and restrictions on handling and mounting can be reduced.

Further, according to the relay adapter 3B, since it has only two openings, the first opening 31a and the second opening 31b, a simple structure is sufficient. Therefore, the size can be reduced, and restrictions on handling and mounting are reduced. Furthermore, since the distance L from the cable fixing position to the tube fixing position is set so that arctan {R / L} is 6 ° or less, the maximum value that the optical fiber 21 bends between the cable fixing position and the tube fixing position. Is 6 ° or less, and the optical transmission loss can be minimized.

In addition, the relay adapter 3B has a structure in which the hollow cylindrical case 31B is formed by combining two gutters having the same shape, and the recess 3 formed in the hollow cylindrical case 31B.
Since the metal coating 22 of the metal-coated optical cable 2 is fixed to the hollow cylindrical case 31B by 2a, and the insulating reinforcement tube 40 covered by the recess 33c on the optical fiber 21 is fixed to the hollow cylindrical case 31B, resin molding is performed. It is easy to manufacture and assemble as a product, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, in the relay adapter 3B, the eight optical fibers 21 are divided into four and fixed to the hollow cylindrical case 31B, so that the reinforcing tube 40 covering each of the four optical fibers 21 is covered with the stainless steel inner sleeve. The eight optical fibers 21 can be branched while being reasonably sandwiched between 331 and the aluminum outer sleeve 33a.

[0055]

According to the optical fiber cable assembly of the present invention, the metal coating of the metal-coated optical cable is stopped by the relay adapter, and the relay adapter and the connector are insulated and reinforced tubes. The insulation between can be secured. Further, a connector having a special structure is not required, and a connector that is widely used can be used.
Further, since the relay adapter has a simple structure, its size can be reduced, and restrictions on handling and mounting can be reduced.

Further, according to the optical fiber cable assembly connecting method of the present invention, since the metal coating of the metal coated optical cable is fixed to the panel of the device through the relay adapter, the optical fiber can be protected from the external force. . That is,
It is possible to prevent an excessive external force from being applied to the optical fiber. Moreover, if an insulating material is used, the metal coating of the metal-coated optical cable and the panel of the device can be electrically insulated.

Further, according to the relay connector of the present invention, since the simple structure is sufficient, the size can be reduced and the restrictions on handling and mounting are reduced. Furthermore, arctan {R /
Since the distance L from the cable fixing position to the tube fixing position is determined so that L} is 6 ° or less, the maximum value that the optical fiber 21 bends from the cable fixing position to the tube fixing position is 6 ° or less, Optical transmission loss can be minimized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an optical fiber cable assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the relay adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view of a connector used in the optical fiber cable assembly of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for connecting the optical fiber cable assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an external view of an optical fiber cable assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a relay adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the relay adapter of FIG.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for connecting an optical fiber cable assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an external view of an optical fiber cable assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a relay adapter according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a cross-sectional view of the relay adapter of FIG.

[Explanation of Codes] 1, 1A, 1B Optical fiber cable assembly 2 Metal-coated optical cable 3, 3A, 3B Relay adapter 4 Optical cord 5 Connector 21 Optical fiber 22 Metal coating 32, 32A Cable fixing part 33, 33A Tube fixing part 40 Insulation Reinforcement Tube K Equipment P Panel Ph Through Port

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A metal coating near a tip of a metal-coated optical cable is removed, a relay adapter is provided at a tip position of the metal coating, an optical fiber in the metal-coated optical cable is led out from the relay adapter, and a tip of the optical fiber is provided. An optical fiber cable assembly characterized in that a connector is provided on the connector and an insulating reinforcing tube is covered from the relay adapter to the connector. 2. The optical fiber cable assembly according to claim 1, wherein the metal-coated optical cable includes a plurality of optical fibers in one thereof, and a plurality of the optical fibers are provided from the relay adapter. The optical fiber cable assembly is characterized in that an insulating reinforcing tube is covered for each optical fiber. 3. The panel of the device is provided with a through hole,
The optical fiber cable assembly according to claim 1, wherein the relay adapter to the connector are inserted from the through hole to couple the device and the connector, and the relay adapter is held on the panel via a holding member. Connecting method of fiber cable assembly. 4. A hollow cylindrical case having a first opening and a second opening at positions opposite to each other, and a coating of one optical cable inserted from the first opening of the hollow cylindrical case. A cable fixing means for fixing to the hollow cylindrical case, and one optical fiber led out from the second opening of the hollow cylindrical case or a reinforcing tube covered by each of a plurality of optical fibers are provided in the hollow cylindrical case. A relay adapter comprising a tube fixing means for fixing. 5. The relay adapter according to claim 4, wherein the hollow cylindrical case has a structure in which two gutter-shaped bodies having the same shape are combined, and the cable fixing means matches the unevenness of the coating of the optical cable. And a concave portion formed on the inner surface of the gutter-shaped body or a nut that is screwed into the unevenness of the coating of the optical cable and a concave portion formed on the inner surface of the gutter-shaped body according to the shape of the nut, and the tube The fixing means is a concave portion or a convex portion formed on the inner surface of the trough-shaped body in conformity with the shapes of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve that hold all or part of the reinforcing tube, and the outer sleeve. adapter. 6. The relay adapter according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the tube fixing means are provided on the second opening side, and three or four optical fibers are led out from each tube fixing means. A relay adapter characterized in that 7. The relay adapter according to claim 4, wherein the distance from the cable fixing position to the tube fixing position is L, and the distance from the center of the optical fiber group at the tube fixing position to the outermost circumference is set. A relay adapter characterized in that the distance L is set so that arctan {R / L} is 6 ° or less when the distance to the optical fiber is R.