WO2010032732A1

WO2010032732A1 - Mechanical splice

Info

Publication number: WO2010032732A1
Application number: PCT/JP2009/066117
Authority: WO
Inventors: 耕三山野井
Original assignee: Yamanoi Kozo
Priority date: 2008-09-17
Filing date: 2009-09-16
Publication date: 2010-03-25
Also published as: TW201027864A; JP2010072227A

Abstract

A mechanical splice having reduced cost achieved without a reduction in performance of the mechanical splice. An end of one optical fiber (21a) and an end of the other optical fiber (21a) to be connected to the end of said optical fiber are butted against each other in a split sleeve (3). When a center cover (7) is mounted to a base (6), engaging sections (603) of the base (6) press the split sleeve (3) through clamping sections (73) of the center cover (7), causing the inner surface (3a) of the split sleeve (3) to make close contact with the outer surfaces of the optical fibers (21a).

Description

Mechanical splice

This invention relates to a mechanical splice that optically connects optical fiber cords.

Conventionally, a mechanical splice including a housing, a pair of levers, and a metal sleeve is known (Registered Utility Model No. 3121157).

A pair of optical fiber cord insertion holes is formed in the housing. The optical fiber cord insertion hole extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing.

Lever is provided at each end of the housing. The lever has a pressing part. The lever is rotatable between an optical fiber cord insertion position and an optical fiber cord fixing position.

The metal sleeve is disposed between the pair of optical fiber cord insertion holes. A window hole is formed in the central portion of the metal sleeve.

The connection work of the optical fiber cord using this mechanical splice is as follows.

First, the coating on one end of each of the two optical fiber cords is removed to expose the optical fiber (the portion composed of the core and the cladding covering the core).

Next, the lever is rotated from the position where the optical fiber cord can be inserted to the position where the optical fiber cord is fixed. At this time, the optical fiber cord is sent toward the metal sleeve by the pressing portion of the lever, and is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the optical fiber cord insertion hole and fixed to the housing.

Since the machining of the metal sleeve of the conventional mechanical splice requires high accuracy, this has been a factor in increasing the manufacturing cost of the mechanical splice.

If a metal sleeve with low processing accuracy is used, the manufacturing cost of the mechanical splice can be reduced, but the performance of the mechanical splice is reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to reduce the cost without degrading the performance of the mechanical splice.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the mechanical splice of the present invention has a space for accommodating the end of the optical fiber of one optical fiber cord and the end of the optical fiber of the other optical fiber cord connected thereto. A butting portion that abuts the end portions of the optical fibers of both of the optical fiber cords, a housing that accommodates the optical fibers of the both optical fiber cords and the butting portion, and the protrusion that is accommodated in the housing. And a butt maintaining unit that maintains a butt state between the ends of the optical fibers by bringing the inner surface of the mating unit and the outer surface of the optical fiber into close contact with each other.

Since the inner surface of the butt portion and the outer surface of the optical fiber are brought into close contact with each other by the butt maintaining portion, it is not necessary to use a highly accurate butt portion.

Preferably, the abutting portion is a split sleeve separable from the housing, and the housing has a base on which both the optical fiber cords are disposed, and a support portion that supports the split sleeve, A center cover mounted at the center of the base so as to be movable along a height direction of the base between a first locking position locked to the base and a first temporary fixing position temporarily fixed to the base. And mounted at both ends of the base so as to be movable between a second locking position locked to the base and a second temporary fixing position temporarily fixed to the base, and moved to the second locking position. It is composed of two side covers that cooperate with the base and respectively hold both the optical fiber cords, and the butt maintaining part is provided in the center cover, A clamping portion that clamps the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve and a center portion of the base that presses the outer peripheral surface of the split sleeve by engaging the clamping portion when the center cover is in the first lock position. And an engagement portion for reducing the inner diameter of the split sleeve.

Preferably, the housing is disposed between a base on which both the optical fiber cords are disposed, a first locking position locked to the base, and a first temporary fixing position temporarily fixed to the base. It moves between a center cover mounted at the center of the base so as to be movable along the height direction, a second locking position locked to the base, and a second temporary fixing position temporarily fixed to the base. The butt portion is configured to include two side covers that are attached to both ends of the base so as to be capable of cooperating with the base and hold both optical fiber cords when moved to the second lock position. Is fixed to the center cover, and the butt maintaining portion is formed in the butt portion, provided in the base, and a groove extending substantially parallel to the space. Bar characterized in that it is composed of a protruding portion to reduce the space of the abutting portion to expand the groove width of the groove by fitting into the groove when in the first locking position.

Preferably, the housing is disposed between a base on which both the optical fiber cords are disposed, a first locking position locked to the base, and a first temporary fixing position temporarily fixed to the base. It moves between a center cover mounted at the center of the base so as to be movable along the height direction, a second locking position locked to the base, and a second temporary fixing position temporarily fixed to the base. The butt portion is configured to include two side covers that are attached to both ends of the base so as to be capable of cooperating with the base and hold both optical fiber cords when moved to the second lock position. Is fixed to the center cover, the butt maintaining part is provided on the base, and the space of the butt part is removed when the center cover is in the first lock position. Characterized in that it is a Mel protrusion.

Preferably, the housing is disposed between a base on which both the optical fiber cords are disposed, a first locking position locked to the base, and a first temporary fixing position temporarily fixed to the base. A center cover mounted at the center of the base so as to be movable along the height direction, and a second lock position locked to the base and a second temporary fix position temporarily fixed to the base. Two side covers that are attached to both ends of the base so as to be movable along the height direction of the base and that hold both the optical fiber cords together with the base when moved to the second lock position. The butting portion is fixed to the center cover, the butting maintenance portion is provided on the base, and the center cover is in the first lock position. Characterized in that said optical fiber inserted and the abutment portion in the space of the butt portion is a pressing piece for pressing the inner surface of the abutting portion when.

Preferably, the base includes a guide portion that guides the side cover obliquely downward so as to approach the center cover when the side cover moves from the second temporary fixing position to the second lock position. It is characterized by.

Preferably, the butt portion is made of resin.

Preferably, the butt portion and the center cover are integrally formed of resin.

Preferably, the housing has an optical fiber accommodation space for bending a portion of the optical fiber that is not accommodated in the butt portion.

According to this invention, the cost can be reduced without degrading the performance of the mechanical splice.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical splice according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1 is turned over. FIG. 3 is a front view of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the side cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1 is removed. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a base and a center cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the base of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a side view of the base of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the center cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the split sleeve of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1 and the center cover turned upside down. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the center cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a side view of the center cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the center cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX in FIG. FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI in FIG. FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII in FIG. FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line XXIII-XXIII shown in FIG. FIG. 24 is a front view of the center cover. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a side cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a state in which the side cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1 is turned over. FIG. 27 is a plan view of the side cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. FIG. 28 is a side view of the side cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the side cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. FIG. 30 is a sectional view taken along line XXX-XXX in FIG. FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken along line XXXI-XXXI in FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXII-XXXII in FIG. FIG. 33 is a sectional view taken along line XXXIII-XXXIII shown in FIG. FIG. 34 is a front view of the side cover. FIG. 35 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross section in a state where the base of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1 and the center cover are separated. FIG. 36 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross section in a state where the base of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1 and the center cover are fitted. FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a state in which the center cover of the mechanical splice according to the second embodiment of the present invention is turned over. FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the center cover shown in FIG. FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the base of the mechanical splice according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVX-IVX in FIG. FIG. 41 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross section in a state where the base of the mechanical splice and the center cover according to the second embodiment of the present invention are separated. FIG. 42 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross section in a state where the base of the mechanical splice and the center cover according to the second embodiment of the present invention are fitted. FIG. 43 is a perspective view showing a state in which the center cover of the mechanical splice according to the third embodiment of the present invention is turned over. FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the base of the mechanical splice according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVXV-IVXV in FIG. FIG. 46 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross section in a state where the base of the mechanical splice and the center cover according to the third embodiment of the present invention are separated. FIG. 47 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross section in a state in which the base of the mechanical splice and the center cover according to the third embodiment of the present invention are fitted. FIG. 48 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross section in a state where the base of the mechanical splice and the center cover according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention are separated. FIG. 49 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross section in a state in which the base of the mechanical splice and the center cover according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention are fitted.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a mechanical splice according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1 is turned over, FIG. 3 is a front view of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the side cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1 is removed, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a base and a center cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG.

The mechanical splice 1 connects the optical fiber cords 21 and 21 (see FIG. 1) to each other. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the mechanical splice 1 includes a split sleeve 3 (see FIG. 16) that is a butting portion and a housing 5.

The split sleeve 3 is made of metal and has a space 3a and a slit 3b (see FIG. 35). The split sleeve 3 accommodates the ends of the two optical fibers 21a (see FIGS. 35 and 36) exposed by removing the coatings on the ends of the two optical fiber cords 21 and the ends of the two optical fibers 21a. Match each other. The slit 3b extends along the central axis. The slit 3b continues to the space 3a.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the housing 5 includes a base 6, a center cover 7, and two side covers 8.

6 is a plan view of the base of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is a side view of the base of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 6, FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 6, and FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 6, and FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, a wide portion 601 is formed at the center of the base 6. A recess 602 is formed at the center of the base 6. The recess 602 extends along the longitudinal direction L of the base 6 and has a substantially groove shape. The depth of the central portion of the recess 602 is deeper than the depth of both end portions in the longitudinal direction L of the recess 602. Both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the recess 602 become optical fiber accommodation spaces 602a (see FIGS. 6 and 8). The optical fiber accommodation space 602a is a space for bending a portion of the optical fiber 21a exposed at the end of the optical fiber cord 21 (a portion not accommodated in the split sleeve 3). A pair of engaging portions (a part of the butting maintaining portion) 603 is formed on the bottom surface of the central portion of the recess 602. The engaging portion 603 has an inclined surface 603a (see FIGS. 5 and 9).

Two first locking projections 604 are formed on both side surfaces of the central portion of the base 6. The two first locking projections 604 are arranged so as to sandwich the wide portion 601. The locking projection 604 has an inclined surface 604a and a lower surface 604b.

Two second locking projections 605 are formed on both side surfaces of the central portion of the base 6. The two locking projections 605 are formed on the wide portion side of the first locking projection 604, respectively. The second locking protrusion 605 is located below the first locking protrusion 604. The second locking projection 605 has an inclined surface 605a and a lower surface 605b.

Recesses 610 are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction L of the base 6. The recess 610 is formed along the longitudinal direction L of the base 6 and has a substantially groove shape. The recess 610 continues to the recess 602. A protruding piece 611 is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 610. The protruding piece 611 is substantially plate-shaped and extends along the longitudinal direction L of the base 6. The plate thickness direction of the protruding piece 611 is parallel to the width direction W of the base 6. The protruding piece 611 has a thick part 611a and a thin part 611b. A wide groove 611c is formed on the upper surface of the thick portion 611a, and a groove 611d is formed in the thin portion 611b (see FIG. 6). The groove 611d continues to the wide groove 611c.

Guide protrusions 612 are formed on both side surfaces of both ends of the base 6 in the longitudinal direction L, respectively. The shape of the guide protrusion 612 when viewed from the side is a substantially parallelogram, and the guide protrusion 612 has a guide surface 612a. The guide surface 612a is inclined with respect to the height direction H of the base 6 (see FIG. 7).

Further, two first locking projections 613 are formed on both side surfaces of both ends of the base 6. The two first locking projections 613 are arranged so as to sandwich the guide convex portion 612. The 1st latching protrusion 613 has the inclined surface 613a and the lower surface 613b (refer FIG. 11, FIG. 12).

Furthermore, two second locking projections 614 are formed on both side surfaces of both ends of the base 6. The two second locking protrusions 614 are arranged adjacent to the guide protrusion 612 side of the first locking protrusion 613, respectively. The second locking protrusion 614 is positioned below the first locking protrusion 613. The 2nd latching protrusion 614 has the inclined surface 614a and the lower surface 614b (refer FIG. 10, FIG. 13).

15 is a perspective view of the center cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the split sleeve of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1 and the center cover turned over, and FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 18 is a side view of the center cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the center cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 20 is taken along the line XX-XX in FIG. FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI in FIG. 17, FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII in FIG. 17, and FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 24 is a front view of the center cover.

The center cover 7 has an upper surface plate 71 and two side plates 72, and is formed of an elastic synthetic resin. The side plate 72 can be elastically deformed in the plate thickness direction.

A pair of sandwiching portions (which constitute a butt maintaining portion together with the engaging portion 603) 73 is formed at the center of the lower surface of the upper surface plate 71. The sandwiching portion 73 is substantially plate-shaped, and the plate thickness direction is parallel to the plate thickness direction of the side plate 72. Further, the pair of sandwiching portions 73 can be elastically deformed in the plate thickness direction. The distance between the pair of sandwiching portions 73 is smaller than the outer diameter of the split sleeve 3. A claw 73 a is formed at the tip of the sandwiching portion 73.

Projection pieces 74 are formed on both ends of the lower surface of the upper surface plate 71, respectively. The protruding piece 74 extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface plate 71. The protruding piece 74 has a thick portion 74a and a thin portion 74b. The thick part 74 a is located on the center side of the upper surface plate 71.

A concave portion (support portion) 74c is formed in the thick portion 74a. The concave portion 74 c supports the end portion of the split sleeve 3. The pair of sandwiching portions 73 sandwich the outer surface of the split sleeve 3 held in the recess 74c.

A groove portion 74d is formed in the thin portion 74b. The optical fiber 21a of the optical fiber cord 21 is disposed in the groove 74d.

Both window plates 72a are formed in both side plates 72, respectively. The window hole 72 a receives the first and second locking protrusions 604 and 605 of the base 6. An inclined surface 72 b is formed at the lower ends of both side plates 72.

25 is a perspective view of the side cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the side cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the side cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 28 is a side view of the side cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the side cover of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXX-XXX in FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken along line XXXI-XXXI in FIG. 27, FIG. 32 is a sectional view taken along line XXXII-XXXII in FIG. 27, FIG. 33 is a sectional view taken along line XXXIII-XXXIII shown in FIG. It is a front view of a cover.

The side cover 8 has a top plate 81 and two side plates 82, and is formed of an elastic synthetic resin. The side plate 82 can be elastically deformed in the plate thickness direction.

A protruding piece 84 is formed on the lower surface of the upper surface plate 81. The protruding piece 84 extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface plate 81. The protruding piece 84 is formed with a wide groove 84a and a groove 84b. The wide groove 84 a is located on one end side of the protruding piece 84. The groove 84b is located on the other end side of the projecting piece 84 and continues to the wide groove 84a. The optical fiber cord 21 is accommodated in the wide groove 84a. The groove 84b accommodates the optical fiber 21a exposed by cutting off the coating of the optical fiber cord 21. Further, the thin portion 611b of the protruding piece 611 (see FIG. 6) of the base 6 is inserted into the groove 84b, and the thick portion 611a of the protruding piece 611 of the base 6 is inserted into the wide groove 84b.

A recess 82a is formed on the inner surface of the central portion of both side plates 82. The recess 82a has an engagement surface 82b. The engaging surface 82 b is inclined with respect to the height direction of the side cover 8. The recess 82a receives the guide protrusion 612 (see FIG. 5) of the base 6. The engaging surface 82b engages with the guide surface 612a of the guide convex portion 612.

Moreover, two window holes 82e are formed in both side plates 82, respectively. The window hole 82e has a substantially parallelogram shape. The window hole 82e receives the first locking protrusion 613 and the second locking protrusion 614 of the base 6 (see FIG. 5). An inclined surface 82f is formed at the lower end of both side plates 82, respectively.

Next, the assembly of this mechanical splice 1 will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 16, the split sleeve 3 is inserted between the sandwiched portions 73 from above the inverted center cover 7, and both ends of the split sleeve 3 are fitted into the recesses 74 c of the center cover 7. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the split sleeve 3 is sandwiched by the sandwiching portion 73, and the claw 73 a of the sandwiching portion 73 is caught on the outer peripheral surface of the split sleeve 3, so that the split sleeve 3 is held by the center cover 7.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the center cover 7 is lowered from above the center portion of the base 6, and the portion adjacent to the lower edge of the window hole 72 a of the center cover 7 is the lower surface of the first locking projection 613 of the base 6. It arrange | positions between 613b and the inclined surface 614a of the 2nd latching protrusion 614. FIG. As a result, the center cover 7 is temporarily fixed while being lifted from the base 6, and does not fall off from the base 6.

Thereafter, the side cover 8 is lowered from above the end portion of the base 6, and a portion adjacent to the lower edge of the window hole 84 e of the side cover 8 is formed on the lower surface 613 b of the first locking protrusion 613 and the second locking protrusion 614. Between the inclined surface 614a. As a result, the side cover 8 is locked while being lifted from the base 6, and does not fall off from the base 6.

The assembly of mechanical splice 1 is completed by the above work.

Next, the operation of the center cover 7 will be described.

The center cover 7 can move along a height direction H of the base 6 between a first temporary fixing position (see FIG. 35) and a first lock position (see FIG. 36) which will be described later.

A portion of the center cover 7 adjacent to the lower edge of the window hole 72 a is sandwiched between the lower surface 613 b of the first locking projection 613 and the inclined surface 614 a of the second locking projection 614, and the center cover 7 is temporarily fixed to the base 6. The position of the center cover 7 at this time is the first temporary fixing position. The optical fiber 21a can be inserted into and removed from the split sleeve 3 at the first temporary fixing position.

When the center cover 7 in the first temporary fixing position is pushed down, the portion of the center cover 7 adjacent to the lower edge of the window hole 72a engages with the lower surface 614b of the second locking projection 614, and the center cover 7 is attached to the base 6. Locked. The position of the center cover 7 at this time is the first lock position. In the first lock position, the inner surface of the split sleeve 3 is in close contact with the outer surface of the optical fiber 21a, and the end face state of the end surfaces of the optical fiber 21a is maintained.

Next, the operation of the side cover 8 will be described.

The side cover 8 has a second temporary fixing position and a second locking position, which will be described later, along a direction parallel to the guide surface 612a of the guide convex portion 612 of the base 6 (an obliquely downward direction that brings the side cover 8 close to the center cover 7). You can move between.

A portion of the side cover 8 adjacent to the lower edge of the window hole 82e is sandwiched between the lower surface 613b of the first locking projection 613 and the inclined surface 614a of the second locking projection 614, and the side cover 8 is temporarily fixed to the base 6. The position of the side cover 8 at this time is the second temporary fixing position. At the second temporary fixing position, the wide groove 611c of the protruding piece 611 of the base 6 faces the wide groove 84a of the side cover 8, and the groove 611d of the protruding piece 611 faces the groove 84b of the side cover 8 with a space therebetween. At this time, the optical fiber cord 21 (the covered portion) can be inserted / removed between the

wide grooves

611c and 84a, and the optical fiber 21a (the portion from which the coating of the optical fiber cord 21 is removed) can be inserted / removed between the grooves 611d and 84b. is there.

When the side cover 8 at the second temporary fixing position is pushed down, the engaging surface 82b of the concave portion 82a of the side cover 8 is guided by the guide surface 612a of the guide convex portion 612 of the base 6, and the side cover 8 is along the guide surface 612a. The portion of the side cover 8 adjacent to the lower edge of the window hole 82e engages with the lower surface 614b of the second locking projection 614. The position of the side cover 8 at this time is the second lock position.

When the side cover 8 moves from the second temporary fixing position to the second locking position, the wide groove 84a and the groove 84b of the side cover 8 approach toward the split sleeve 3. At this time, the inner surface of the wide groove 84a sends the optical fiber cord 21 and the inner surface of the groove 84b sends the optical fiber 21a toward the split sleeve 3, respectively. At the same time, the inner surface of the wide groove 84 a presses the optical fiber cord 21 against the inner surface of the wide groove 611 c of the base 6, and the inner surface of the groove 84 b presses the optical fiber 21 a against the groove 611 d of the base 6. As a result, the end faces of the optical fibers 21a are abutted with each other with a strong force, the optical fiber 21a outside the split sleeve 3 is bent in the accommodating space 602a of the base 6, and the optical fiber cord 21 is separated by the side cover 8 and the base 6. It is pinched.

FIG. 35 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross section in a state where the base of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 1 and the center cover are separated, and FIG. 36 shows a cross section in a state where the base of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram.

Next, connection work of the optical fiber cord 21 by the mechanical splice 1 will be described.

First, the center cover 7 is placed in the first temporary fixing position, and the side cover 8 is placed in the second temporary fixing position.

In this state, the optical fibers 21a of the two optical fiber cords 21 are respectively inserted into the split sleeve 3, and the end faces of the optical fibers 21a are butted together.

Next, the optical fiber cord 21 is arranged in the wide groove 611c of the protruding piece 611 of the base 6, and the optical fiber 21a is arranged in the groove 61d of the protruding piece 611.

Thereafter, one side cover 8 is pressed downward to move to the second lock position.

Next, the other side cover 8 is pressed downward to move to the second lock position.

As a result, as described above, the end surfaces of the optical fibers 21 a are abutted with each other with a strong force, the optical fibers 21 a outside the split sleeve 3 are bent in the accommodation space 602 a of the base 6, and the optical fiber cord 21 is attached to the side cover 8. And the base 6.

Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the center cover 7 is pushed from the first temporary fixing position to the second locking position. As a result, the sandwiching portion 73 of the center cover 7 is engaged and pressed with the engaging portion 603 of the base 6, and the sandwiching portion 73 presses the outer peripheral surface of the split sleeve 3 to reduce the diameter of the split sleeve 3. When the diameter of the split sleeve 3 is reduced, the inner surface 3a of the split sleeve 3 and the optical fiber 21a
The gap between the outer surfaces of the optical fibers 21a is eliminated, the end faces of the optical fibers 21a are accurately abutted, and the state is maintained.

According to the first embodiment, since the split sleeve 3 that does not require high machining accuracy is employed as the butt portion, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Moreover, since the diameter of the split sleeve 3 can be reduced by the engaging portion 603 and the sandwiching portion 73, the end faces of the optical fibers can be abutted accurately as in the conventional mechanical splice, and the performance of the mechanical splice is reduced. Can be suppressed.

In addition, the butted portion of the two optical fibers 21a and the split sleeve 3 are in close contact with each other, and the optical fiber cord 21 is fixed to both ends of the housing 5, so that it is difficult to come out even if a strong force is applied to the optical fiber cord 21. Moreover, even if vibration is applied, the butted portions of the two optical fibers 21a are hardly loosened, and the connection reliability is high.

Furthermore, since the optical fiber 21a is bent in the accommodation space 602a of the base 6, it is possible to absorb the difference in thermal expansion between the housing 5 and the optical fiber 21a when the temperature changes.

As described above, the mechanical splice according to the first embodiment is difficult to come off even when a strong force is applied to the optical fiber cord 21, and the butted portions of the two optical fibers 21a are not loosened even when vibration is applied. Since the difference in thermal expansion between the housing 5 and the optical fiber 21a can be absorbed, it is suitable as a mechanical splice for automobiles.

37 is a perspective view showing a state in which the center cover of the mechanical splice according to the second embodiment of the present invention is turned over, FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the center cover shown in FIG. 37, and FIG. 39 is a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 40 is a sectional view taken along the line IVX-IVX in FIG. 39, and FIG. 41 is a sectional view in which the base of the mechanical splice and the center cover according to the second embodiment of the present invention are separated from each other. FIG. 42 shows a state in which the base of the mechanical splice according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the center cover are fitted.

The parts common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. Only the main differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

The butting portion of the mechanical splice of the first embodiment is a metal split sleeve 3 and is separate from the center cover 7, but as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the mechanical splice of the second embodiment The butting portion 203 is made of resin and is formed integrally with the upper surface plate 271 of the center cover 207.

The butting portion 203 has a butting portion main body 203h, a center hole 203a, a slit 203b, and a groove (a part of the butting maintenance portion) 203c.

The center hole 203a is formed at the center of the substantially prismatic butted portion main body 203h. The slit 203b extends along the longitudinal direction of the butted portion main body 203h and continues to the center hole 203a. The groove 203c is formed on the lower surface of the butting portion main body 203h in parallel with the slit 203b.

39 and 40, two wedges (projections) 2603 are formed integrally with the base 206 in the recess 602 of the wide portion 601 of the base 206 of the mechanical splice. The wedge (which constitutes the butt maintaining portion together with the groove 203 c) 2603 is inserted into the groove 203 c of the butt portion 203.

Next, the basic operation of the mechanical splice of the second embodiment will be described.

First, the center cover 207 is moved downward from the state shown in FIG. As a result, the wedge 2603 of the base 206 is inserted into the groove 203c of the center cover 207, as shown in FIG. When the wedge 2603 is inserted into the groove 203c of the abutting portion 203 and the groove width of the groove 203c is increased, the width of the slit 203b is reduced and the inner diameter of the center hole 203a is reduced, and the center hole of the abutting portion 203 is inserted into the optical fiber 21a. The inner surfaces of 203a are in close contact with each other, and the optical fibers 21a are held in the butting portion 203 in a state where they are accurately butted.

According to the second embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the butting portion 203 and the center cover 207 are integrally formed of resin, so that the manufacturing cost of the mechanical splice can be further reduced. .

43 is a perspective view showing a state in which the center cover of the mechanical splice according to the third embodiment of the present invention is turned upside down, FIG. 44 is a sectional view of the base of the mechanical splice according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 46 is a sectional view taken along the line IVXV-IVXV, FIG. 46 is a conceptual diagram showing a section of the state in which the base of the mechanical splice and the center cover according to the third embodiment of the present invention are separated, and FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the cross section of the state which the base and center cover of the mechanical splice which concern on embodiment fit.

43, the mechanical splice butting portion 303 of the third embodiment is made of resin and is formed integrally with the upper surface plate 371 of the center cover 307. As shown in FIG.

The butting portion 303 has a butting portion main body 303h, a center hole 303a, and a slit 303b. The cross-sectional shape of the butting portion 303 is substantially U-shaped.

The center hole 303a is formed in the center of the prismatic butting portion main body 303h. The center hole 303a extends along the longitudinal direction of the butting portion main body 303h and continues to the slit 303b. The slit 303b is formed on the lower surface of the butting portion main body 303h, extends along the longitudinal direction of the butting portion main body 303h, and continues to the center hole 303a.

44 and 45, a pressing piece 3603 is formed integrally with the base 306 in the recess 602 of the wide portion 601 of the base 306 of the mechanical splice. The pressing piece 3603 is inserted into the slit 303 b of the butting portion 303.

Next, the basic operation of the mechanical splice of the third embodiment will be described.

The center cover 307 is moved downward from the state shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 47, the pressing piece 3603 of the base 306 is inserted into the slit 303b of the center cover 307. When the pressing piece 3603 is inserted into the slit 303b of the butting portion 303, the optical fiber 21a in the center hole 303a is pressed against the inner surface of the center hole 303a by the pressing piece 3603. Therefore, the optical fibers 21a are abutted with each other accurately, and the optical fiber 21a is reliably held by the inner peripheral surface of the center hole 303a and the pressing piece 3603.

According to the third embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the second embodiment are obtained.

FIG. 48 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross section of the mechanical splice base and the center cover according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 49 is a mechanical splice base and center cover according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the cross section of the state which and fitted.

48 and 49, the mechanical splice butting portion 403 of the fourth embodiment is made of resin as in the second embodiment, and is formed integrally with the upper surface plate 471 of the center cover 407.

The butting portion 403 has a butting portion main body 403h, a center hole 403a, and a slit 403b.

The center hole 403a is formed at the center of the substantially prismatic butting portion main body 403h. The center hole 403a extends along the longitudinal direction of the butted portion main body 403h and continues to the slit 403b. The slit 403b is formed on the lower surface of the butting portion main body 403h, extends along the longitudinal direction of the butting portion main body 403h, and is continuous with the center hole 403a.

The base 406 of the mechanical splice is formed integrally with the base 406 with two wedges (protruding portions) 4603 that constitute a butt maintaining portion. The wedge 4603 engages with the side surface of the butting portion 403.

Next, the basic operation of the mechanical splice according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

The center cover 407 is moved downward from the state shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 49, the wedge 4603 of the base 406 presses the side surface of the butting portion 403. When the wedge 4603 presses the side surface of the abutting portion 403, the width of the slit 403b is reduced and the inner diameter of the center hole 403a is reduced. It is held by the butt section 403 in a butt-matched state.

According to the fourth embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the second embodiment are obtained.

Note that the butt maintenance unit is not limited to that of the first, second, and fourth embodiments. For example, a rotation lever having a cam surface is provided on the base as a butt maintenance unit, and the rotation lever is rotated. The butting portion may be directly or indirectly pressed so that the inner surface of the butting portion and the outer surface of the optical fiber are in close contact with each other by the cam surface.

In addition, a butt is used as a butt maintenance part separately from the housing, and a wedge that cannot be inserted into and removed from the housing is used. The butt part is directly attached so that the inner surface of the butt part and the outer surface of the optical fiber are in close contact with each other by the wedge inserted into the housing Or you may press indirectly.

In the above-described embodiment, the housing is configured by the base, the center cover, and the side cover. However, the configuration of the housing is not limited thereto, and for example, the housing is configured by the base and one cover that covers the upper surface of the base. May be.

Further, in the first embodiment, the center cover 7 is configured to be movable between the first temporary fixing position and the first locking position, and the side cover 8 is configured with the second temporary fixing position and the second locking position. However, it is not always necessary to adopt such a configuration.

In the first embodiment, when the side cover 8 moves from the second temporary fixing position to the second locking position, the side cover 8 is sent toward the split sleeve 3 by the guide convex portion 612 of the base 6. However, such a configuration is not necessarily employed, and the side cover 8 may be moved in parallel with the height direction H of the base 6. In this case, first, when the optical fiber cord is connected, one side cover is moved from the second temporarily fixed position to the second locked position, and then the other optical fiber cord is pushed toward the butted portion. Thus, after bending the optical fiber coming out of the abutting portion, the other side cover may be moved from the second temporary fixing position to the second locking position.

1 Mechanical splice 30% sleeve (butting part)
203,303,403

Butt part

203a, 303a, 403a Center hole 203c Groove 5 Housing 6,206,306,406 Base 603 Engagement part 612 Guide convex part (guide part)
2603, 3603 wedge (protrusion)
3603 Pressing piece 7,207,307,407 Center cover 73 Holding part 74c Recessed part (supporting part)
8 Side cover

Claims

A space for accommodating the end of the optical fiber of one optical fiber cord and the end of the optical fiber of the other optical fiber cord connected to the optical fiber cord; and the ends of the optical fibers of the both optical fiber cords A butting portion to be abutted,
A housing for accommodating the optical fibers of the both optical fiber cords and the butted portion;
A butt maintaining section that maintains an abutting state between the end portions of the optical fibers by closely contacting an inner surface of the butting portion housed in the housing and an outer surface of the optical fiber. Mechanical splice to do.
The butt portion is a split sleeve separable from the housing;
The housing includes a base on which both the optical fiber cords are disposed, a support portion that supports the split sleeve, a first lock position that is locked to the base, and a first temporary position that is temporarily fixed to the base. A center cover mounted on the center of the base so as to be movable along the height direction of the base between a stop position, a second lock position locked to the base, and a first cover temporarily fixed to the base. Two side covers that are mounted on both ends of the base so as to be movable between two temporary fixing positions and hold the both optical fiber cords together with the base when moved to the second locking position. And consists of
The abutment maintaining portion is provided in the center cover and sandwiches an outer peripheral surface of the split sleeve, and is provided in a central portion of the base, and the clamping is performed when the center cover is in the first lock position. The mechanical splice according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical splice includes an engaging portion that presses an outer peripheral surface of the split sleeve by engaging with a portion to reduce an inner diameter of the split sleeve.
A height direction of the base between the base on which the both optical fiber cords are disposed, a first lock position locked to the base, and a first temporary fix position temporarily fixed to the base. A center cover attached to the center of the base so as to be movable along the base, and a second cover position locked to the base and a second temporarily fixed position temporarily fixed to the base. Two side covers that are attached to both ends of the base and that hold both of the optical fiber cords together with the base when moved to the second locking position;
The butting portion is fixed to the center cover;
The abutment maintaining portion is formed in the abutment portion, and is provided in the base and a groove extending substantially parallel to the space, and is fitted in the groove when the center cover is in the first lock position. The mechanical splice according to claim 1, further comprising: a projecting portion that widens the groove width of the groove to reduce the space of the butting portion.
A height direction of the base between the base on which the both optical fiber cords are disposed, a first lock position locked to the base, and a first temporary fix position temporarily fixed to the base. A center cover attached to the center of the base so as to be movable along the base, and a second cover position locked to the base and a second temporarily fixed position temporarily fixed to the base. Two side covers that are attached to both ends of the base and that hold both of the optical fiber cords together with the base when moved to the second locking position;
The butting portion is fixed to the center cover;
2. The mechanical splice according to claim 1, wherein the butting maintaining portion is a projecting portion that is provided on the base and shrinks a space of the butting portion when the center cover is in the first lock position.
A height direction of the base between the base on which the both optical fiber cords are disposed, a first lock position locked to the base, and a first temporary fix position temporarily fixed to the base. A height of the base between a center cover mounted at the center of the base so as to be movable along a second locking position locked to the base and a second temporary fixing position temporarily fixed to the base. Two side covers that are attached to both ends of the base so as to be movable in the vertical direction and that hold both the optical fiber cords together with the base when moved to the second lock position. And
The butting portion is fixed to the center cover;
The butting maintaining portion is provided on the base, and when the center cover is in the first lock position, the butting maintaining portion is inserted into the space of the butting portion so that the optical fiber in the butting portion is connected to the inner surface of the butting portion. The mechanical splice according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical splice is a pressing piece that is pressed onto the mechanical splice.
The base has a guide portion that guides the side cover obliquely downward so as to approach the center cover when the side cover moves from the second temporary fixing position to the second lock position. The mechanical splice according to any one of claims 2 to 5.
The mechanical splice according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the butting portion is formed of a resin.
The mechanical splice according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the butting portion and the center cover are integrally formed of resin.
The mechanical splice according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing has an optical fiber accommodating space for bending a portion of the optical fiber that is not accommodated in the abutting portion.