JPS63189810A - Switching connection method for optical connector and optical fiber - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To form plural recessed grooves on one of front and rear faces of respective molded bodies in an axial direction, to mutually stick and fit the grooves and axis matching pins and to simplify switching connection by attaching optical fiber connectors to respective fiber connection end parts and arranging the molded bodies having optical fiber end faces on respective tip faces of these connection end parts. CONSTITUTION:The molded bodies 13 (13A-13D) are attached on the connection end parts of the optical fibers 12, the end faces of the fibers 12 are arranged on the tip parts and the axis matching pins 14, 15 are planted in the end faces of the molded bodies 13. Plural recessed grooves 16, 17 are formed on one of the front and rear faces of the molded bodies 13 along the axial direction of the fibers 12 and the width and depth of the grooves and the outer diameters of the pins 14, 15 are set up so that the grooves 16, 17 and the pins 14, 15 are stuck fast and fitted on/with each other. Respective molded bodies 13 are rectangularly formed and the grooves 16, 17 are arranged on both the sides of the united face of the molded bodies 13. Thus, coated optical fibers 11A, 11B are easily joined by means of the molded bodies 13.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application 1 The present invention relates to an optical connector suitable for switching connection of optical fibers and a switching method therefor.

rPrior Art J As is well known, optical connectors are used to reproducibly connect optical fibers to each other.

Such optical connectors are generally equipped with a molded body called a ferrule attached to the connecting end of an optical fiber and a jig for alignment, but there are connectors for single-core optical fibers, The mode and handling of the optical connector differs depending on whether it is for multi-core optical fiber or not, as described below.

(Single-core optical connector) The molded body is cylindrical, and the alignment jig is a split sleeve.

When connecting single optical fibers to each other, fit the molded bodies at the ends of each optical fiber connection into the split sleeve from both ends, and abut the tip surfaces of these molded bodies against each other. The above-mentioned optical fiber core wires are connected to each other.

Multi-fiber optical connector> The molded body has a flat prismatic shape, and the axis alignment jig consists of pins. Two holes are drilled.

When connecting multi-core optical fibers to each other, insert a pin into the hole in the molded body at the end of one optical fiber, and then
While inserting the pin in the hole of the molded body at the end of the other optical fiber, the tip surfaces of these molded bodies are abutted against each other to form 11 bundles of the optical fibers.

"Problems to be Solved by the Invention" Both the single-fiber and multi-fiber optical connectors described above have simple configurations and are not difficult to handle, but it is difficult to fit and remove the molded body and the alignment jig. Since it takes time and effort to switch and connect optical fibers, instantaneous switching and connection of optical fibers cannot be performed.

In addition, when trying to mechanize and automate the connection of optical fibers using optical connectors, there are many problems with ready-made optical connectors.
These mechanization and automation devices will become more complex.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical connector capable of instantaneously connecting optical fibers to each other and automating the connection, and an optical fiber switching method.

Means for Solving Problem 1 One invention for achieving the intended purpose is a molded body that is attached to a connecting end of an optical fiber and has an optical fiber end face disposed on its tip face; In the optical connector, a plurality of grooves extending along the axial direction of the optical fiber are formed on at least one of the front and back surfaces of the molded body, and each groove and the pin are mutually connected. has a groove width, groove depth, and pin outer diameter that allow for a close fit, and
It is characterized by the pin being longer than the groove.

Another invention for achieving the intended purpose is that a pair of optical fibers is provided with an optical connector at each of their connecting ends, and these optical fibers are connected to each other by the two optical connectors. After the connection, in the method of mutually switching and connecting at least one of the optical fibers in the connected state with a switching optical fiber having an optical connector at the connection end, the optical connector for each optical fiber is connected to the optical fiber. a molded body that is attached to the connection end of each optical fiber and has an optical fiber end face disposed on each of these end faces;
and an axial alignment pin on at least one of the front and back surfaces of each of the molded bodies.

A plurality of concave grooves are formed along the axial direction of the optical fiber, and the concave grooves and the pin have a groove width, a groove depth, and a pin outer diameter that allow a close fit to each other, and When connecting a pair of optical fibers to each other through a connector, each groove in the molded body at the connecting end of one optical fiber and each groove in the molded body at the connecting end of the other optical fiber are aligned in a straight line, the tip surfaces of these molded bodies are brought into contact with each other, and the above-mentioned axis alignment pins are fitted into each of the above-mentioned straight grooves, thereby assembling the above-mentioned pair. After that, both optical fibers in the connected state are used for removal and for leaving, respectively, and the optical fiber for removal is removed from the optical fiber for leaving, and the optical fiber for leaving is removed. , when connecting to a switching optical fiber equipped with an optical connector at the connection end, at the end of the above detachable optical fiber.
゛After overlapping both molded bodies with each other so that the grooves of the molded body and the grooves of the molded body at the end of the switching optical fiber match each other, While removing the molded body at the end from the pin, the concave grooves of the molded body at the end of the switching optical fiber are fitted with the pin, and the tip surfaces of these molded bodies are brought into surface contact with each other. By doing so, the remaining optical fiber and the switching optical fiber are connected to each other.

"Example" Hereinafter, an optical connector according to the present invention and an optical fiber switching connection method according to the present invention will be explained using illustrated examples.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a multi-core coated optical fiber (multi-core optical fiber core) having the same specifications and having a tape-like coated outer shape, and as is well known, the coated optical fiber 11 has a are each equipped with two or more optical fibers 12.

In FIG. 1, 13 is a molded body in the optical connector, and 14 and 15 are pins for axis alignment in the optical connector.

Each molded body 13 has linear grooves 1B and 17 parallel to each other formed on both sides of its surface (the same applies to the lj surface).

In this case, the number of grooves may be three or more.

In the relative relationship between each pin 14.15 and each groove 18.17, these pins 14.15. The concave grooves 16 and 17 have a groove width, a groove depth, and a pin outer diameter that allow a close fit to each other, and
Each pin 14.15 has a length more than twice that of each groove 16.17.

Each of the molded bodies 13 is attached to the connecting end of the coated optical fiber 11, and the end face of the optical fiber 12 is disposed on the tip surface of these molded bodies 13.
6.17 is along the axial direction of the optical fiber 12.

Each optical fiber 1 exposed from the tip end surface of the molded body 13
The end faces of 2 are aligned at equal intervals by positioning based on the grooves 1B and 17.

Each of the above-mentioned molded bodies 13 is mainly made of plastic, and may also be made of metal.

- As an example, when attaching the plastic molded body 13 to the connection end of the coated optical fiber 11, the following will occur.

First, the secondary coating layer and the like are removed from the ends of the coated optical fibers 11, the ends of each optical fiber 12 are pulled out, and the ends of these optical fibers 12 are trimmed.

Thereafter, the end of the coated optical fiber 11 and the end of the optical fiber 12 are set in a mold, resin is injected into the mold, and the molded body 13 having the grooves 1B and 17 is exposed to the coated light. It is formed at the end of the fiber 11.

When the molded body 13 is made of metal, holes, grooves 16, 17, etc. for fitting the optical fiber 12 into a predetermined metal material are formed, and the metal molded body 13 is formed at the end of the coated optical fiber 11. The coated optical fiber 11 is assembled and bonded over the end of the optical fiber 12 drawn out from the end of the coated optical fiber 11.

Next, an example of mutual connection of optical fibers via an optical connector will be explained with reference to FIG.

In addition, in FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, each component of the coated optical fiber 11 and the molded body 13 located on the left side is designated by the symbol A.
, and the coated optical fiber 11 and molded body 1 located on the right side.
The code B was added to each component of 3.

In Fig. 2, a molded body of coated optical fiber IIA +3A
and the molded body 13B of the coated optical fiber 11B are made to face each other and their end surfaces are butted against each other,
The molded bodies 13A and 13B are arranged relative to each other so that the grooves 1flA and 18B and the grooves 17A and 17B of the six molded bodies 13A and 13B are aligned in a straight line, respectively, and the grooves 1flA and 18B of the six molded bodies 13A and 13B are arranged in a straight line. The pins 14.15 are fitted into the grooves 17A and 17B of the pins 14.
Using the 15° concave grooves 18A, 18B, 17A, and 17B as guides, the tip surfaces of the image forming bodies 13A and 13B are precisely butted against each other.

In this way, each pair of optical fibers 12 on the tip surfaces of the image molded bodies 13A, 13B are optically connected.

In this case, the center of the cross section of each pin 14.15 on the abutting surface of the image forming bodies 13A, 13B is the center of the cross section of each optical fiber 12.
It is located on a line passing through the center of the end face.

In addition, each pin 14, 15 and each groove 18A, 18 mentioned above
B, 17A, relative to 17B, pin 14.
Small protrusions and grooves IEiA that partially enlarge the external shape of 15
, IEIB, small protrusions that partially narrow the groove width of 17A, 17B, or both may be provided as necessary.

In such a case, the frictional force generated when the pin and the groove are fitted into each other increases, and the abutted state of the patterned objects 13A and 13B can be maintained without any special holding means.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 2, both pins 14.15 may be installed between two connecting plates 18.18 with a predetermined parallel spacing between them.

In this case, both pins 14.15 and reconnection plate 18.19 are
They may be assembled using disassembly fitting means, or may be fixed to each other by screwing means, adhesive means, or the like.

￥tIlzAs shown in the diagram, pins 14 and 15 for both cars are connected to reconnection plate 1.
8. When installed between 19, the image molded bodies 13A, 1
3B includes a spring 20.21 for applying abutting force to these molded bodies 13A, 13B, and each pin 14.15 and each groove 18A, 18B, 17A, 17.
Spring 22.2 to increase the depth of fit with B
3 may be contacted.

The above-mentioned reconnection plates 18.19 are removably attached to a support frame (not shown) and are attached to each spring 20.
21.22.23 are also supported via their support frames.

The above-mentioned optical connector is provided on multi-core coated optical fibers, but when a molded body similar to the above is provided on multiple single-core coated optical fibers (single-core optical fiber cores) arranged in parallel with each other, Also, optical fibers can be connected to each other via the molded body and a predetermined pin, and in addition, when a molded body similar to the above is provided on a single coated optical fiber, the molded body and Optical fibers can be connected to each other via predetermined pins.

However, the molded body provided on one single-core coated optical fiber mainly has a cylindrical shape.

Next, an example of switching connection of optical fibers connected via an optical connector will be explained with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 3, each optical fiber 12 in the recoated optical fiber 11A, IIEI is connected to each recessed groove 18A, 17A, 18B.
, 17B and each pair are connected to each other via the molded body 13A and each pin 14.15.

In this connection state, the coated optical fiber IIA on the left side of FIG. 3 is used for remaining, the optical fiber IIB on the right side of FIG. 3 is used for removal, and these coated optical fibers IIA are used for switching purposes.
Like IA and tta, the above-mentioned molded body 13 is attached to the connecting end.
Prepare in advance a coated optical fiber IC having G,
The molded body 13G of the switching coated optical fiber 11G is stacked on the molded body 13B of the external coated optical fiber IIB.

In the above, when stacking the other molded body 13G on one molded body 13B with the grooves 1BB and 17B facing upward, the grooves 16C and 117G of the molded body 13G face downward, and these grooves 16B and IEtG, 17B, 17G
match each other.

After that, a molded body 13C of the switching coated optical fiber IIG is formed.
When pushed downward, the molded body 13B of the detachable coated optical fiber 11B is detached from each pin 14.15 under the pressing force from the molded body 13G, and the molded body 13C is pressed down to replace it. Concave grooves 17B and 17G correspond to each pin 14
．． 15, so the remaining coated optical fiber II
The tip surface of the molded body 13A of A and the coated optical fiber 11 for switching
The tip surfaces of the molded bodies 13C and G are butted against each other.

In this way, when the end surfaces of the image forming bodies 13A and 13G are butted against each other, each pair of the optical fibers 12, the remaining coated optical fiber 11A and the switching coated optical fiber 11C, are connected to each other in a predetermined switching VC system. is completed.

Coated optical fiber IIA for remaining and coated optical fiber I for removal
When reconnecting to IIB, the molded body 13B of the detachable coated optical fiber IIB can be pushed back upwards.

At the time of the switching connection shown in FIG. 3, each pin 14.15 is held in place via the support frame described above, and the molded body 13^ is held in place via the fixing clamp 24.
The remaining molded bodies 13B and 13G are moved vertically with a movable crank/
25B and 25G, these molded bodies 13B,
13G can be moved in a predetermined direction.

In the switching connection shown in FIG. 3, the coated optical fibers located on the left side may be formed into three sets, and the molded bodies of these coated optical fibers may be stacked in three tiers: upper, middle, and lower. In this case, the coated optical fibers located in the middle A plurality of grooves are formed on the front and back surfaces (both upper and lower surfaces) of the optical fiber molded body.

Next, the other side of the switching connection of the optical fibers connected via the optical connector will be explained with reference to FIG.

Also in FIG. 4, each optical fiber 12 in both coated optical fibers IIA and IIB has grooves 18A, 17A,
Molded body 13A having 18B and 17B and each pin 14.1
Each pair is connected to each other via 5.

In such a connected state, both coated optical fibers 11A and 11B on the lower left side and lower right side in FIG. 4 are selectively left,
The coated optical fibers 110, 110 on the upper left side and the upper right side in FIG. 4 are used for switching, respectively.

Note that the connecting ends of both coated optical fibers IIG, 110 are also provided with concave grooves 113C117G1.18D, 17, as described above.
0 is attached, and the six molded bodies 13C1130 are attached to the molded bodies 13A, 1 of both coated optical fibers IIA, 11B in the same manner as described above.
Layer it on top of 3B.

After that, when the end surface of the molded body 13A of the coated optical fiber IIA and the molded body 13G of the coated optical fiber 11C are butted against each other, it is sufficient to push one of the molded bodies 13G downward in the same manner as described above. Thus, the image molded body 13A,
When the tip surfaces of the coated optical fibers IIA and IIG are brought into contact with each other, each pair of coated optical fibers 12 is connected to each other, and one aspect of the switching connection is completed.

In FIG. The surfaces need only be butted against each other, thereby completing another aspect of the switched connection.

In FIG. 4, when connecting each pair of optical fibers 12 in both coated optical fibers 1IC1110 to each other, the image forming bodies 13G and 130 are pushed downward at the same time, and the tip surfaces of these forming bodies 13G and 130 are They only need to be matched against each other, and this completes the remaining aspect of the switching connection.

In FIG. 4, if each molded body that has been moved is returned to its original position, the original connection state can be obtained.

During the switching connection shown in FIG. 4, each pin 14, 15 is held in place via the support frame described above,
13B, 130, 130 can be moved up and down freely moving clamp 2
5A, 25B, 25C125D, these molded bodies 13A, 13B, 13G, 130 can be moved in a predetermined direction.

In the switching connection shown in Fig. 4, the coated optical fibers located on the left and right sides may be formed into three sets, and the molded bodies of these coated optical fibers may be stacked in three stages: upper, middle, and lower. A plurality of grooves are formed on the front and back surfaces (both upper and lower surfaces) of the coated optical fiber molded body located therein.

In each of the above-mentioned cases, the switching connection of multi-core coated optical fibers has been described, but when a predetermined molded body is provided on the plurality of single-core coated optical fibers mentioned above, and a predetermined pin is combined with this, Alternatively, if a predetermined molded body is provided on a single-core coated wooden optical fiber and a predetermined pin is combined with this, the same switching connection as described above can be performed.

r Effects of the Invention As explained above, the optical connector according to the present invention includes a molded body attached to a connecting end of an optical fiber and an axis alignment pin, and includes at least the front and back surfaces of the molded body. On one side, a recessed groove is formed that can be freely inserted into and removed from the pin, so not only can optical fibers be connected to each other with a simple operation, but also when multiple molded bodies are stacked on top of each other, optical fibers can be connected Mutual switching connections can be made, and molded bodies can be produced regardless of whether they are male or female, so the number of parts can be reduced, and mass production can be achieved.

In the method for switching and connecting optical fibers according to the present invention, each optical fiber to be switched and connected is provided with the above-mentioned optical connector, and the optical fibers are connected to each other in a predetermined order and then the switching connection is performed. Since the molded body of the switching optical connector is stacked on the molded body of the detachable optical connector and the switching is performed by moving in one direction, the switching connection can be performed instantly, and the mechanization and automation of the switching connection can be easily performed. It will be possible to realize this.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an embodiment of the optical connector according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing how optical fibers are connected to each other by the optical connector, and FIGS. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing one embodiment and another embodiment of the optical fiber switching and connection method according to the invention; FIG. 11・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Coated optical fiber 11
A~110...Coated optical fiber 12...
......Optical fibers 13A to 130...
...Molded bodies 14, 15...Pin 18.17...Concave groove 18A N170...Concave groove agent Patent attorney Yoshi Saito Male 1fE

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) An optical connector comprising a molded body that is attached to a connecting end of an optical fiber and has an optical fiber end face disposed on its distal end face, and an axis alignment pin, at least one of the front and back surfaces of the molded body. On one side, a plurality of grooves are formed along the axial direction of the optical fiber, and each of the grooves and the pin have a groove width, a groove depth, and a pin outer diameter that allow a close fit to each other. Features of optical connectors. (2) The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the molded body has a rectangular shape. (3) The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the groove formed on at least one of the front and back surfaces of the molded body is located on both sides of that surface. (4) The paired optical fibers are each equipped with an optical connector at their connection end, and after the paired optical fibers are connected to each other using both optical connectors, the optical fibers in the connected state are In the method of mutually switching and connecting at least one of the optical fibers to a switching optical fiber having an optical connector at the connecting end, an optical connector for each optical fiber is attached to the connecting end of each optical fiber. , a molded body having an optical fiber end face disposed on each tip surface thereof, and an axis alignment pin, and at least one of the front and back surfaces of each of the molded bodies has a plurality of molded bodies along the axial direction of the optical fiber. A concave groove is formed respectively,
a groove width that allows the concave groove and the pin to fit closely together;
It has a groove depth and a pin outer diameter, and when a pair of optical fibers are connected to each other through the optical connector, each concave groove of the molded body at one optical fiber connection end and the other While maintaining the state in which the grooves of the molded body at the optical fiber connection end of the molded body are aligned in a straight line, the tip surfaces of these molded bodies are butted against each other, and extend within each of the straight grooves, Insert the above-mentioned axis alignment pins to connect the pair of optical fibers, and then remove and leave both optical fibers in the connected state, respectively, and leave the optical fiber for removal. When removing the remaining optical fiber from the original optical fiber and connecting the remaining optical fiber to a switching optical fiber equipped with an optical connector at the connection end,
Each concave groove of the molded body at the end of the detachable optical fiber,
After overlapping both molded bodies with each other so that the grooves of the molded body at the end of the switching optical fiber match each other, the molded body at the end of the detachable optical fiber is attached to the pin. While separating the optical fiber from the switch, the grooves of the molded body at the end of the switching optical fiber are fitted with the pins, and the tip surfaces of the molded bodies are brought into surface contact with each other, thereby removing the remaining optical fiber. 1. A method for switching and connecting optical fibers, which comprises interconnecting a switching optical fiber and a switching optical fiber.