JPS63174004A - Connecting switching method for optical fiber and optical fiber connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent transmission from being disabled immediately even if coupling by a guide pin is released and to shorten an actual disconnection time by switching connections while accurately positioning an optical fiber connector by using the guide pin. CONSTITUTION:Guide pins 31, 32, and 33 of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd connectors 11, 12, and 13 are pressed and accurately positioned by a positioning means A. When the connectors 11 and 12 are released from being connected and the connections of the connectors 11 and 13 are switched, the pin 33 is inserted into the connector 12 and the pin 31 is pressed out to release the connectors 11 and 12 from being connected by the pins. Abutting accuracy, however, is good, so transmission ability is maintained. Then the connector 11 is slid to the position where it abuts on the connector 13 and the pin 31 is inserted into the connector 13, which is connected. Thus, the connections are switched while the connectors are accurately positioned to shorten the actual disconnection time.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention provides a connection switching method for switching optical fiber connections by changing the combination of butts between optical fiber connectors, and a method used to implement the method. Regarding optical fiber connectors.

[Prior Art] In this type of connection switching method, a first optical fiber connector and a second optical fiber connector are butted against each other, and the optical fibers of each optical fiber connector are connected to each other. The state in which the first and second optical fiber connectors are released, and the first optical fiber connector is butted against the third optical fiber connector to connect the optical fibers of the respective optical fiber connectors! r3 (This is being switched.

Conventionally, the first fiber optic connector is first separated from the second fiber optic connector, the first fiber optic connector is then slid into a position opposite the third fiber optic connector, and then the first fiber optic connector is moved away from the second fiber optic connector. Connections were switched by butting the fiber connector against a third optical fiber connector. Accordingly, the first fiber optic connector undergoes a first movement away from the second fiber optic connector, a second movement of sliding into a position opposite the third fiber optic connector, and a second movement of the first fiber optic connector away from the second fiber optic connector. Due to the third movement that collided with each other, they drew a circular trajectory. And the 11th and 2nd like this,
Only after the third series of movements is completed, the switched optical transmission path is formed and optical signals can be transmitted.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Incidentally, in the case of an optical transmission line that transmits highly important data, it is required to shorten the switching time of the transmission line as much as possible. The same applies when switching the connection from a broken optical fiber to a new recovery optical fiber.

However, in the conventional switching method, the optical signal cannot be transmitted until the first, second, and third movements of the first optical fiber connector are completed, and the time required for switching between them is long. Therefore, it has not been possible to fully meet the above demands.

This invention solves these problems.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The optical fiber connection switching method of the first invention includes butting a first optical fiber connector and a second optical fiber connector together, and connecting the optical fibers of each optical fiber connector to each other. 11. Release the butt state of the second optical fiber connector from the connected state, and then butt the first optical fiber connector with the third fiber connector to connect the optical fibers of each optical fiber connector. In the method for switching the connection of optical fibers to a state in which the optical fibers are connected to each other, the first guide pin is inserted into the other side from their negative strength in the butting state of the second optical fiber connector. Precisely position the optical fiber connectors with each other, and position the first optical fiber connector by pressing the circumference of the first guide pin located on the first optical fiber connector side at the latest by the time of connection switching. However, by the time of switching the connection at the latest, press the circumference of the first guide pin located on the side of the second optical fiber connector to position the second optical fiber connector, and at the latest until the time of switching the connection. Insert the second guide pin into the third optical fiber connector, press the circumference of the second guide pin, and insert the third optical fiber connector into the second
When switching connections, first insert a third guide pin into the second optical fiber connector, and use this third guide pin to connect the first guide pin to the first. At this time, the positioning of the first optical fiber connector is maintained by pushing the first guide pin toward the optical fiber connector side, and at this time, the positioning of the first optical fiber connector is maintained by pressing the circumference regardless of the movement of the first guide pin. The positioning of the second optical fiber connector is maintained by pressing the circumference of the guide pin No. 3, and then, while holding the circumference of the first and second guide pins,
The first optical fiber connector and the third optical fiber connector are slid relative to each other until they butt each other, and then, by inserting one of the first and second guide pins into the other side, the first optical fiber connector , the third optical fiber connectors are precisely positioned with respect to each other.

The optical fiber connector of the second invention has a pair of optical fiber connector bodies in which the respective optical fibers are connected to each other by being butted against each other, and a guide pin insertion hole that is continuous when the optical fibers are butted against each other. A part of the wall forming the insertion hole is cut out so that a part of the guide pin inside the insertion hole is exposed to the outside.

[Operation: The optical fiber connection switching method of the invention of Wooden Pen 1 adopts a method of connecting optical fiber connectors with high precision using guide pins, and the optical fibers and guide pins are in a precise positional relationship. By taking advantage of this fact, by holding the guide pin and switching the connection while accurately positioning the optical fiber connector, the connection can be changed without immediately becoming unable to transmit even if the connection by the guide pin is released. Reduce shutoff time.

The optical fiber connector of the invention of Woodbrush 2 is used to implement the invention of Woodbrush 1 by exposing a part of the guide pin to the outside through a notch provided in a part of the optical fiber connector.

[Example] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

First, the configuration of the optical fiber connector of the second invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The optical fiber connector is attached to the end of the optical fiber 2, as indicated by the reference numeral l, and exposes the connecting end of the optical fiber 2 at the local position on the abutting surface la. In the case of this example, five optical fibers 2 are connected, and their connection ends are lined up in a row on the abutting surface la. Insertion holes ib for guide pins 3 are provided on both sides of the optical fiber connector 1 . This insertion hole 1b
is formed in a straight line passing through from the abutting point 1a on the front side toward the rear side, so that the guide pin 3 can be inserted and removed. Further, the insertion holes 1b are designed to be continuous and communicate with each other when the optical fiber connectors 1 are butted together as shown in FIG. Push-in hole 1
The positional relationship between b and the end face of the optical fiber 2 on the abutting surface la is determined with high precision. therefore,
By inserting the guide pin 3 through the insertion hole 1b of the matched optical fiber connectors l, each optical fiber connector 1 is positioned with relative precision, and the end surfaces of the respective optical fibers are properly aligned with each other. It will be connected. In the connected state, force is often applied in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 in order to ensure that the abutting surfaces la of the optical fiber connectors l are in close contact with each other.

Furthermore, the optical fiber connector 1 is provided with a notch 1c. This notch 1c is formed by cutting out a part of the wall that forms the insertion hole 1b, and the insertion hole! A part of the guide pin 3 in b is exposed to the outside.

Next, an optical fiber connection switching method implemented using the above optical fiber connector 1, that is, the first invention, will be explained based on FIGS. 3 and 4.

In the figure, 11 is a first optical fiber connector, I2 is a second optical fiber connector, and I3 is a third optical fiber connector, and these structures are similar to the optical fiber connector 1 described above.

Now, number one! The optical fiber connector (hereinafter simply referred to as "first connector") 11 and the second optical fiber connector (hereinafter simply referred to as "second connector") have their abutting surfaces 11a and 11b pressed together, The respective optical fibers 21,22 are connected to each other. In this connection state, those first,
The first guide pin 3 is inserted into the insertion holes 11b, 12b of the second connector 11.12 so as to pass through them! is inserted, which maintains a highly accurate connection.

In the following, such an eleventh second connector l
1 and 12, and connect the first connector 11.
A switching method when connecting the optical fiber connector to the third optical fiber connector (hereinafter simply referred to as "third connector") will be described.

First, the first, second, and third connectors 11, 12, and 13 are individually positioned before the actual switching operation.

First connector! Regarding (2), positioning is performed by pressing the circumference of the first guide pin 31 exposed from the notch 11c (see FIG. 3(a)). Similarly,
The second connector 12 is positioned by pressing the circumference of the first guide pin 31 exposed from the notch 12c (see FIG. 3(a)). Regarding the third connector 13, positioning is performed by inserting the second guide pin 32 into the insertion hole 13b and pressing the circumference of the second guide pin 32 exposed from the notch 13c. (See Figure 3 (b)).

In this way, the respective connectors l 1 , l 2 , 13 are positioned by pressing the guide pins 31 , 32 . The positioning accuracy at this time is
Since the original positional accuracy of 1.32 is good, it is naturally high. In the end, the first. second and third connectors 11,
The positional relationship of the 12.13 champions will be determined accurately. As the positioning means A for holding down the guide pins 31, 32, for example, a positioning lever can be employed that extends from an external fixed position and temporarily holds the circumference of the guide pins 31, 32.

Next, from the right side of the figure, insert the insertion hole 1 of the second connector 12.
A third guide pin 33 is inserted into 2b, and the first guide pin 31 is pushed out toward the first connector 11 by this guide pin 33 (see FIG. 3(b)). This allows the first and second connectors 1 to be connected by the first guide pin 31.
1.12 bonds are solved. However, at this time, the positioning means A that positions the first connector 11
Regardless of the movement of the guide pin 3, the positioning of the first connector 11 is maintained by pressing the circumferential portion thereof. Further, the positioning means A that positions the second connector 12 maintains the positioning of the second connector 12 by pressing the circumference of the third guide pin 33 instead of the first guide pin 31. . For this reason, although the axis alignment action by the first guide pin 31 is released and the transmission power is reduced, the positioning means A still aligns them with high accuracy, so the transmission ability is maintained at a level that does not cause any practical problems. (See Figure 4).

Next, while holding the first connector 11 by pressing the first guide pin 31, slide the first connector 11 to the position where it meets the third connector 13 (
(See Figure 3(C)). At that time, the third connector It, 13 is precisely positioned by the guide pins 31, 32, and the relative positional relationship is determined with high precision. can be precisely slid to the proper butting position. Therefore, by this slide, the first and third connectors I
By matching I and 13, the transmission capacity immediately increases to a level that poses no problem in practical use (see FIG. 4). Note that instead of sliding the first connector 11, the third connector 13 may be slid.

After that, the first guide pin 31 is pushed into the third connector 13 side, and the axis of the first and third connectors 11.13 is accurately aligned by this guide pin 31 (Fig.
)reference). As a result, the transmission capability returns to its original state (see FIG. 4). Note that instead of pushing the first guide pin 31 into the third connector 13 side, the third guide pin 33
may be pushed into the first connector ll side.

After switching the connection in this manner, the positioning of the eleventh second and third connectors 11, 12, and 13 by the positioning means A is released.

Note that the above series of operations can be automated. In this case, for example, each positioning means A1 each guide pin insertion means, the first or third connector tl
, 13 relative to each other, and a control means for operating these in sequence, and can be operated hydraulically or electrically.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the optical fiber connection switching method of the invention of youngest brother 1 adopts a method of connecting optical fiber connectors with each other with high accuracy using guide pins, and the optical fiber and guide pin are Taking advantage of the precise positional relationship, the connection is switched while the optical fiber connector is accurately positioned by holding down the guide pin, so even if the connection by the guide pin is released, transmission is not immediately possible. The actual cut-off time can be shortened without causing

The optical fiber connector of the invention of the youngest brother 2 has a simple structure in which a part of the guide pin is exposed to the outside by a notch provided in a part thereof, so the optical fiber connector used for carrying out the invention of the youngest brother 1 It is suitable as

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical fiber connector according to the invention of youngest brother 2, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the same optical fiber connector when they are butted together. Figures 3 (a), (b), (c), and (d) are explanatory diagrams of the procedure of the connection switching method of the invention of youngest brother 1, and Figure 4 shows the change in transmission power when the same connection switching method is implemented. FIG. 1... Optical fiber connector, 1a... Matching surface, ! b・・・・・・
Insertion hole, 1c... Notch, 2... Optical fiber, '3... Guide pin, 11... First optical fiber connector, 12.・
...Second optical fiber connector, I3...
Third optical fiber connector, 21.22.23...
...Optical fiber, 31...First guide pin, 32...Second guide pin, 33...Third guide pin.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) From a state where the first optical fiber connector and the second optical fiber connector are butted together and the optical fibers of each optical fiber connector are connected to each other, to a state where the first and second optical fiber connectors are butted together. and, in the optical fiber connection switching method, the first optical fiber connector is butted against the third optical fiber connector, and the optical fibers of the respective optical fiber connectors are switched to be connected to each other. When the second optical fiber connectors are butted together, the first guide pin is inserted from one side to the other to precisely position each optical fiber connector, and at the latest by the time of connection switching, the first guide pin is inserted into the first guide pin from one side to the other side. Position the first optical fiber connector by pressing the circumferential portion of the first guide pin located on the side of the optical fiber connector, and position the first guide pin located on the side of the second optical fiber connector at the latest by the time of connection switching. Position the second optical fiber connector by pressing the circumference of the first guide pin, and insert the second guide pin into the third optical fiber connector by the time of connection switching at the latest, and then insert the second guide pin into the third optical fiber connector. Hold the circumference of the pin and insert the third optical fiber connector into the second
When switching connections, first insert a third guide pin into the second optical fiber connector, and use this third guide pin to connect the first guide pin to the first. At this time, the positioning of the first optical fiber connector is maintained by pressing the circumference of the first guide pin regardless of its movement, and the first guide pin is pushed out toward the optical fiber connector side. The positioning of the second optical fiber connector is maintained by pressing the circumference of the guide pin No. 3, and then, while holding the circumference of the first and second guide pins,
The first optical fiber connector and the third optical fiber connector are slid relative to each other until they butt each other, and then, by inserting one of the first and second guide pins into the other side, the first optical fiber connector , an optical fiber connection switching method characterized by precisely positioning third optical fiber connectors. (2) A pair of optical fiber connector bodies, in which the respective optical fibers are connected to each other by being butted against each other, are provided with insertion holes for guide pins that are continuous when they are butted against each other, and this insertion hole An optical fiber connector characterized in that a part of the wall forming the insertion hole is cut out so that a part of the guide pin in the insertion hole is exposed to the outside.