WO2011088016A2 - Elément support de fibre optique recouverte, mécanisme de fixation de connecteur optique, connecteur optique et procédé de terminaison de fibre optique - Google Patents

Elément support de fibre optique recouverte, mécanisme de fixation de connecteur optique, connecteur optique et procédé de terminaison de fibre optique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011088016A2
WO2011088016A2 PCT/US2011/020769 US2011020769W WO2011088016A2 WO 2011088016 A2 WO2011088016 A2 WO 2011088016A2 US 2011020769 W US2011020769 W US 2011020769W WO 2011088016 A2 WO2011088016 A2 WO 2011088016A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
optical fiber
covered optical
section
covered
support member
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Application number
PCT/US2011/020769
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English (en)
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WO2011088016A3 (fr
Inventor
Dai Horibe
Original Assignee
3M Innovative Properties Company
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Publication date
Application filed by 3M Innovative Properties Company filed Critical 3M Innovative Properties Company
Publication of WO2011088016A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011088016A2/fr
Publication of WO2011088016A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011088016A3/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3887—Anchoring optical cables to connector housings, e.g. strain relief features
    • G02B6/3888—Protection from over-extension or over-compression
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3887—Anchoring optical cables to connector housings, e.g. strain relief features
    • G02B6/38875—Protection from bending or twisting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a covered optical fiber support member for supporting a covered optical fiber. Further, the present invention relates to an optical connector attaching mechanism for attaching an optical connector to a tip of the covered optical fiber. Still further, the present invention relates to the optical connector comprising the optical connector attaching mechanism. Still further, the present invention relates to an optical fiber terminating process for attaching the optical connector to the tip of the covered optical fiber.
  • an optical fiber terminating process for attaching an optical connector (or, in other words, an optical fiber connection device) to an end of an optical cable or an optical cord that is a covered optical fiber (an optical fiber comprised of a core and cladding and coated by a covering) accommodated in a sheath
  • a technique in which tip regions of a plurality of covered optical fibers of a predetermined length included in the optical cable and the like are exposed from the sheath and the optical connectors are attached to each tip of the individual covered optical fiber.
  • the sheath of the optical cable and the like is held by a body of the optical connector.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2008-89703
  • Patent Document 1 describes "an optical connector attachment method for attaching a covered optical fiber to an optical connector comprising a mechanical connection section whose rear portion is provided with an accommodation section for accommodating a sheath securing component for gripping a sheath of the optical fiber, characterized in that while the covered optical fiber at the optical connector attachment side is allowed to project from a protective tube, said covered optical fiber is inserted into the protective tube, the sheath securing component is attached to the outside of the end at the optical connector attachment side of said protective tube, the mechanical connection section of the optical connector is attached to said projecting covered optical fiber, and said sheath securing component is accommodated in said accommodation section for attaching the optical connector to the end of the covered optical fiber”; “an optical connector assembly comprising an optical fiber ferrule whose front portion is provided with a very small hole in which a built-in optical fiber is embedded and whose rear portion is provided with an optical fiber gripping section of
  • a covered optical fiber protective tube whose outer shape is comparable to that of a drop optical cable or an indoor optical cable and that is provided with a through hole formed therein having a function for accommodating and protecting the covered optical fiber
  • a covered optical fiber temporary fastening device characterized in that a compressive stress is applied to both sides opposed to each other of the covered optical fiber protective tube of a rectangular cross-section having a long side and a short side same as that of the optical cable and in which a through hole larger than the outer diameter of the covered optical fiber is formed in a longitudinal direction to compress said through hole so that movement in the longitudinal direction in the through hole of the covered optical fiber disposed in the through hole can be temporarily or permanently stopped.
  • Patent Document 1 further describes "FIG. 5(a) illustrates covered optical fibers 10 individually separated from optical fiber tape 10a described above.
  • protective tube 20 is put on covered optical fiber 10.
  • sheath securing component 42 is attached to the end of the protective tube at the connected side and covered optical fiber temporary fastening device 30 is attached to an intermediate part of protective tube 20 to temporarily fasten protective tube 20 and the covered optical fiber accommodated in the through hole inside protective tube 20.
  • FIG. 5(a) illustrates covered optical fibers 10 individually separated from optical fiber tape 10a described above.
  • FIG. 5(b) protective tube 20 is put on covered optical fiber 10.
  • sheath securing component 42 is attached to the end of the protective tube at the connected side and covered optical fiber temporary fastening device 30 is attached to an intermediate part of protective tube 20 to temporarily fasten protective tube 20 and the covered optical fiber accommodated in the through hole inside protective tube 20.
  • the covering layer of covered optical fiber 10 is removed so that a certain length of the covering layer remains to be exposed outside the sheath and, further, by using an unillustrated optical fiber cutter, the bare optical fiber 10' from which the covering is removed is cut to a predetermined length.
  • bare optical fiber 10' cut to the certain length and covered optical fiber 10 of a predetermined length projecting from protective tube 20 are attached to a mechanical splice section 43 of optical connector 40 to optically interconnect optical connector 40 and covered optical fiber 10.
  • sheath securing component 43 is accommodated in an unillustrated covering removal tool
  • the optical fiber terminating process for attaching the optical connector to the tip of the covered optical fiber typically, while a connector attachment member (the "sheath securing component” or the “sheath gripping member” in Patent Document 1) is attached to the covered optical fiber, the covering of the tip region of the covered optical fiber extending from the connector attachment member is removed for the predetermined length and an uncovered optical fiber exposed from the covering (the "bare optical fiber” in Patent Document 1) is cut to the predetermined length.
  • the length from the connector attachment member to the tip of the uncovered optical fiber after the cutting and the length of the exposed portion of the uncovered optical fiber after the cutting are determined in advance according to the structure of the optical connector to be attached. Consequently, in the above operation, it is necessary to surely prevent positional deviation of the covered optical fiber with respect to the connector attachment member due to a tension applied to the covered optical fiber when the covering is removed or the fiber is cut.
  • the protective tube and the covered optical fiber are interconnected with each other at the position far from the sheath securing component, due to the tension applied to the covered optical fiber when the covering is removed or the fiber is cut, the protective tube may bend or the bending of the covered optical fiber in the protective tube may be removed so that the positional deviation of the covered optical fiber with respect to the sheath securing component may arise.
  • a covered optical fiber support member for supporting a covered optical fiber, comprising: a fiber gripping section provided with an elastically deformable first wall defining a first cavity inside thereof, the fiber gripping section adapted to securely grip a covered optical fiber received in the first cavity when the first wall is elastically deformed by a pressing force applied to the first wall from an outside thereof; and an appendage section provided with a second wall defining a second cavity inside thereof, the second cavity communicating with the first cavity, the appendage section adapted to accommodate, in the second cavity, a trailing region following a gripped region of the covered optical fiber gripped by the fiber gripping section; the fiber gripping section and the appendage section being integral with each other to form a unitary member.
  • an optical connector attaching mechanism for attaching an optical connector to an end of a covered optical fiber, comprising: a covered optical fiber support member comprising a fiber gripping section provided with an elastically deformable first wall defining a first cavity inside thereof, the fiber gripping section adapted to securely grip a covered optical fiber received in the first cavity when the first wall is elastically deformed by a pressing force applied to the first wall from an outside thereof; and a holding member for holding the covered optical fiber support member by applying the pressing force to the first wall of the fiber gripping section from the outside thereof.
  • an optical connector comprising the optical connector attaching mechanism described above; and a connector body to which the holding member is fitted.
  • an optical fiber terminating process for attaching an optical connector to an end of a covered optical fiber comprising: providing the optical connector attaching mechanism described above; supporting a covered optical fiber by the covered optical fiber support member in a position where an end region of the covered optical fiber projects outward from the fiber gripping section; holding the fiber gripping section of the covered optical fiber support member by the holding member, with the covered optical fiber being supported by the covered optical fiber support member, so as to elastically deform the first wall by the pressing force, and to securely grip a gripped region of the covered optical fiber received in the first cavity by the fiber gripping section; and removing a covering of the end region of the covered optical fiber by a predetermined length, with the gripped region of the covered optical fiber being securely gripped by the fiber gripping section of the covered optical fiber support member, and cutting the end region by a predetermined length.
  • the covered optical fiber support member described above can securely support the covered optical fiber because the fiber gripping section can directly grip the covered optical fiber.
  • the covered optical fiber support member receives the required pressing force to the first wall of the fiber gripping section to secure the covered optical fiber because the fiber gripping section is attached to the connector attachment member.
  • the optical fiber terminating process while the covered optical fiber support member supporting the covered optical fiber is attached to the connector attachment member, covering of the tip region of the covered optical fiber extending from the connector attachment member is removed for a predetermined length and the uncovered optical fiber exposed from the covering is cut to a predetermined length.
  • the covered optical fiber support member can directly secure and support the covered optical fiber to the fiber gripping section, by attaching the fiber gripping section to the connector attachment member, the covered optical fiber support member can stably hold the covered optical fiber at a predetermined position with respect to the connector attachment member against the tension applied to the covered optical fiber during the operations for removing the covering at the tip region of the covered optical fiber and cutting the uncovered optical fiber.
  • an attaching and detaching process of such device becomes unnecessary and the optical fiber terminating process can be simplified.
  • the working procedure for attaching the optical connector to the tip of the covered optical fiber can be simplified so that the optical fiber terminating process can be quickly and accurately performed.
  • the holding member holds the fiber gripping section of the covered optical fiber support member supporting the covered optical fiber, against the tension applied to the covered optical fiber during the operations for removing the covering at the tip region of the covered optical fiber and cutting the uncovered optical fiber in the optical fiber terminating process, the covered optical fiber can be stably held at a predetermined position with respect to the covered optical fiber.
  • an attaching and detaching process of such device becomes unnecessary and the optical fiber terminating process can be simplified.
  • the holding member is configured so that it can be used as the connector attachment member for securely connecting the sheath of a drop optical cable for aerial access line to the connector body of the optical connector
  • the holding member has a function for holding the fiber gripping section of the covered optical fiber support member supporting the covered optical fiber and a function for holding the sheath of the drop optical cable. Consequently, in this case, in the optical fiber terminating process described above, the procedure after supporting the covered optical fiber in the covered optical fiber support member becomes substantially the same as that in the terminating process of the drop optical cable, so that the operator can work easily at the site.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a covered optical fiber support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 2(a) - 2(e) are diagrams illustrating the covered optical fiber support member of FIG. 1 : (a) a plan view; (b) a front view; (c) a bottom view; (d) a side view as seen from an arrow 2d; and (e) a side view as seen from an arrow 2e.
  • FIGS. 3(a) - 3(e) are diagrams illustrating the covered optical fiber support member of FIG. 2: (a) a cross-sectional view taken along a line 3a-3a; and (b) a cross- sectional view taken along a line 3b-3b.
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the covered optical fiber support member according to a modification corresponding to FIG. 2(d).
  • FIGS. 5(a) - 5(b) are diagrams illustrating a protective tube that can be used in combination with the covered optical fiber support member of FIG. 1 : (a) a front view; (b) a side view as seen from an arrow 5b.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the protective tube of FIG. 5 is assembled with the covered optical fiber support member of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the covered optical fiber support member with the protective tube of FIG. 6 is attached to a covered optical fiber.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a covered optical fiber support member according to a modification is assembled with the protective tube of FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the covered optical fiber support member with the protective tube of FIG. 8 is attached to a covered optical fiber.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a covered optical fiber support member according to another modification.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the covered optical fiber support member of FIG. 10 is attached to the covered optical fiber.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a holding member used in an optical fiber terminating process according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a plan view of the holding member of FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an optical connector attaching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the optical connector attaching mechanism holds the covered optical fiber.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the optical connector attaching mechanism of FIG. 14 in another state in which the optical connector attaching
  • FIGS. 16(a) - 16(c) are diagrams for describing operations for removing covering of the covered optical fiber and cutting the uncovered optical fiber: (a) a state before the covering is removed; (b) a state after the covering is removed; and (c) a state after the uncovered optical fiber is cut.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a state immediately before the optical connector attaching mechanism of FIG. 16(c) is attached to a connector body of the optical connector.
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a state immediately after the optical connector attaching mechanism of FIG. 16(c) is attached to the connector body of the optical connector.
  • FIGS. 19(a) - 19(b) are partially enlarged front views for describing a function of the holding member: (a) the holding member is engaged at a position where the covered optical fiber is bent; and (b) the holding member is disengaged.
  • FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating a state in which the holding member is secured.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an optical connector according to an embodiment that is attached to the covered optical fiber.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a covered optical fiber support member 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 2(a) to 2(e) are views illustrating covered optical fiber support member 10 as seen from five directions.
  • FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are two-directional cross-sections of covered optical fiber support member 10.
  • covered optical fiber support member 10 is used in an optical fiber terminating process for attaching an unillustrated optical connector (or, in other words, an optical fiber connection device) to an unillustrated covered optical fiber (that is to say, an optical fiber comprised of a core and cladding and coated by a covering).
  • an unillustrated optical connector or, in other words, an optical fiber connection device
  • Covered optical fiber support member 10 includes a fiber gripping section 16 provided with an elastically deformable first wall 14 defining a first cavity 12 inside thereof, and an appendage section 22 provided with a second wall 20 defining a second cavity 18 inside thereof, the second cavity communicating with first cavity 12. Because first wall 14 is elastically deformed inward by a pressing force applied to first wall 14 from the outside thereof, fiber gripping section 16 can securely grip a covered optical fiber (not illustrated) received in the first cavity 12. Appendage section 22 can accommodate, in second cavity 18, a trailing region following a gripped region of the covered optical fiber gripped by fiber gripping section 16. Fiber gripping section 16 and appendage section 22 are formed integrally with each other from a material having inherent flexibility, such as thermoplastic elastomer, synthetic rubber, etc.
  • First wall 14 of fiber gripping section 16 is provided with a pair of wall parts 24 that are disposed oppositely in parallel with each other.
  • Each wall part 24 has a substantially rectangular plate-like shape and it is integrally coupled to appendage section 22 at each one longitudinal end thereof and integrally coupled to the other wall part 24 locally at a site 26a far from appendage section 22 (the other longitudinal end in the figure) and a site 26b adjacent to appendage section 22 (FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)).
  • First cavity 12 is constituted by a slit 28 defined between mutually opposite surfaces 24a of the pair of wall parts 24 (FIGS. 2(a) to 2(e)).
  • slit 28 is partially opened at both longitudinal ends and one lateral end (a bottom end in the figures) of first wall 14 and totally opened at the other lateral end (a top end in the figures) of first wall 14 (FIGS. 2(a) to 2(e) and FIG. 3).
  • mutually coupled sites 26a and 26b of the pair of wall parts 24 forms a bottom surface of partially opened slit 28 and it can position the covered optical fiber received in slit 28 in a geometric center of first wall 14.
  • both wall parts 24 bend relatively easily and a width W of slit 28 (FIG. 2(d): a dimension as viewed in a thickness direction of first wall 14) is reduced, so that it is relatively easy to achieve a state in which mutual opposite surfaces 24a make contact with each other.
  • first cavity 12 of fiber gripping section 16 may have various configuration other than the slit 28 illustrated in the figures.
  • first cavity 12 may be configured as a through hall passing through first wall 14 in the longitudinal direction, or a groove that does not opened at the bottom end of first wall 14 in the figures. In either case, first cavity 12 may be configured to pass through the geometric center of first wall 14.
  • a dimension of first cavity 12 as viewed in the thickness direction of first wall 14 may be substantially equal to or slightly larger than an outer diameter of the covered optical fiber to be supported by covered optical fiber support member 10.
  • each of the pair of wall parts 24 constituting first wall 14 of fiber gripping section 16 may have various shape other than the substantially rectangular shape illustrated in the figures.
  • outer surface 24b of the pair of wall parts 24 at the bottom side of the pair of wall parts 24 in the figure may be formed as a cylindrical curved surface.
  • outer surface at the top end of the pair of wall parts 24 in the figure may be formed as a cylindrical curved surface.
  • fiber gripping section 16 having curved outer surface 24b at the bottom or top end of the pair of wall parts 24 exhibits particularly good effects when the optical fiber terminating process is performed by using covered optical fiber support member 10.
  • each of the pair of wall parts 24 may have an oval or elliptic outer shape as viewed in a direction corresponding to FIG. 4. In either case, each of the pair of wall parts 24 may have a shape identical to each other.
  • covered optical fiber support member 10 can be used in combination with protective tube 30 illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • Protective tube 30 is provided with a tubular body portion 32 and an annular engaging portion 34 projecting from an outer circumferential surface of body portion 32 at its one longitudinal end.
  • Protective tube 30 has a predetermined total length and a region of the covered optical fiber of a predetermined length can be accommodated in a passage 32a inside body portion 32. Due to a tubular wall of body portion 32, protective tube 30 acts to protect the region of the covered optical fiber of a predetermined length accommodated in passage 32a.
  • appendage section 22 of covered optical fiber support member 10 comprises a protective tube receiving section 36 adapted to receive protective tube 30 with the covered optical fiber being housed.
  • Protective tube receiving section 36 is provided with, as second wall 20 of appendage section 22, a front end wall part 38 adjacent to fiber gripping section 16, a rear end wall part 40 at an opposite side to fiber gripping section 16, and side wall part 42 formed between fiber gripping section 16 (or front end wall part 38) and rear end wall part 40 to define second cavity 18.
  • Second wall 20 of appendage section 22 constituting protective tube receiving section 36 has, as a whole, a substantially cylindrical outer shape swelling outward in a radial direction with respect to substantially rectangular first wall 14 of fiber gripping section 16.
  • slit 28 of fiber gripping section 16 is opened and, along an opening edge of slit 28, there is provided a tapered surface 44 gradually expanding toward second cavity 18.
  • Side wall part 42 is provided with a side opening 46 for accommodating engaging portion 34 of protective tube 30 in second cavity 18 as if side wall part 42 communicates with the opening of slit 28.
  • Rear end wall part 40 is provided with an end opening 48 for allowing body portion 32 of protective tube 30, with engaging portion 34 thereof being accommodated in second cavity 18, to penetrate end opening 48 (FIG. 3).
  • Second cavity 18 has an inner shape of a U-shaped cross-section opened at side opening 46 to stably accommodate engaging portion 34 of protective tube 30 (FIG. 3(b)).
  • Covered optical fiber support member 10 provided with protective tube receiving section 36 at appendage section 22 can support the covered optical fiber accommodated in protective tube 30. Consequently, in the optical fiber terminating process or optical connection/wiring operations, the covered optical fiber supported by covered optical fiber support member 10 can be prevented from being damaged.
  • Appendage section 22 of covered optical fiber support member 10 further comprises an elastically deformable tubular boot section 50 integrally and juncturally connected to protective tube receiving section 36 at a side opposite to fiber gripping section 16.
  • Boot section 50 is provided with an apertured tubular third wall 52 integrally connected to rear end wall part 40 of protective tube receiving section 36 at one end.
  • Third wall 52 defines therein a third cavity 54 communicating with second cavity 18 through end opening 48 of rear end wall part 40 of protective tube receiving section 36.
  • Third cavity 54 is opened at an end part 52a of third wall 52 at a side opposite to protective tube receiving section 36.
  • Third wall 52 of boot section 50 has, as a whole, a substantially cylindrical outer shape that is reduced inward in a radial direction with respect to substantially cylindrical second wall 20 of protective tube receiving section 36.
  • third wall 52 of boot section 50 may have a shape whose outer diameter is gradually reduced toward end part 52a.
  • third wall 52 may be provided with a plurality of cutouts that locally open third cavity 54 in a lateral direction as illustrated in the figures.
  • Third cavity 54 of boot section 50 can accommodate body portion 32 of protective tube 30 wherein engaging portion 34 is accommodated in second cavity 18 of protective tube receiving section 36.
  • Covered optical fiber support member 10 whose appendage section 22 is provided with boot section 50 communicating with protective tube receiving section 36 can support the covered optical fiber accommodated in protective tube 30. Further, when a bending force is applied to body portion 32 of protective tube 32 accommodating the covered optical fiber, boot section 50 is bent with an appropriate curvature according to bending force without causing local bending. Consequently, concentration of the bending force on the covered optical fiber accommodated in protective tube 30 and resultant signal degradation of optical transmission can be prevented.
  • protective tube 30 When protective tube 30 is assembled with covered optical fiber support member 10, first, from an end opposite to engaging portion 34, body portion 32 of protective tube 30 is inserted into second cavity 18 through side opening 46 of protective tube receiving section 36 of covered optical fiber support member 10 and, then, through end opening 48, inserted into third cavity 54 of boot section 50. Once protective tube 30 is inserted into protective tube receiving section 36 till body portion 32 extends by a predetermined length outward from end part 52a of third wall 52 through third cavity 54 of boot section 50, engaging portion 34 of protective tube 30 is accommodated in second cavity 18 through side opening 46 of protective tube receiving section 36.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates that protective tube 30 is appropriately assembled with covered optical fiber support member 10. In this state, because engaging portion 34 abuts against rear end wall part 40 of protective tube receiving section 36, protective tube 30 is prevented from falling out through third cavity 54.
  • protective tube 30 there are such a dimensional relationship between protective tube 30, second wall 20 of protective tube receiving section 36, and third wall 52 of boot section 50 have such a dimensional relationship that appropriate clearances are created therebetween.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates that covered optical fiber support member 10 assembled with protective tube 30 is attached to covered optical fiber 58.
  • a tip of covered optical fiber 58 is inserted into a distal end opening 32b (FIG. 5(a)) of body portion 32 of protective tube 30 extending outward from boot section 50 of covered optical fiber support member 10.
  • Covered optical fiber 58 penetrates through passage 32a (FIG. 5(a)) of protective tube 30 and passes through boot section 50 and protective tube receiving section 36 of covered optical fiber support member 10 without obstruction and, being guided by tapered surface 44 provided in front end wall part 38 of protective tube receiving section 36, enters slit 28 of fiber gripping section 16.
  • covered optical fiber support member 10 can be attached to a desired position in the neighborhood of the tip of covered optical fiber 58. At this attachment position, an appropriate pressing force can be applied to the pair of wall parts 24 of fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 in the direction to allow the pair of wall parts 24 to approach each other, so that covered optical fiber 58 can be securely gripped by fiber gripping section 16. In this gripped state, protective tube 30 accommodating covered optical fiber 58 can be properly prevented from falling out of covered optical fiber support member 10.
  • Fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 configured as described above directly grips covered optical fiber 58 so that covered optical fiber 58 can be securely supported.
  • fiber gripping section 16 is attached to a connector attachment member described below so that first wall 14 of fiber gripping section 16 receives a required pressing force to secure covered optical fiber 58.
  • fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 can directly and securely support covered optical fiber 58. Consequently, by attaching fiber gripping section 16 to the connector attachment member, covered optical fiber 58 can be stably held at a predetermined position with respect to the connector attachment member against a tension applied to covered optical fiber 58 during the operations for removing the covering of the tip region of covered optical fiber 58 and cutting the uncovered optical fiber. Moreover, because it is not necessary to use a separate device for preventing positional deviation of the covered optical fiber, such as "a covered optical fiber temporary fastening device" as set forth in Patent Document 1 cited above, an attaching and detaching process of such device becomes unnecessary and the optical fiber terminating process can be simplified. As described above, due to covered optical fiber support member 10, the working procedure for attaching the optical connector to the tip of covered optical fiber 58 can be simplified so that the optical fiber terminating process can be quickly and accurately performed.
  • covered optical fiber support member 10 entirely relies on the characteristic configuration of fiber gripping section 16.
  • appendage section 22 may be provided only with protective tube receiving section 36 and it may not be provided with boot section 50.
  • protective tube 30 is configured so that engaging portion 34 is accommodated in second cavity 18 of protective tube receiving section 36 and so that body portion 32 is substantially totally exposed to the outside of covered optical fiber support member 10' through end opening 48 provided on rear end wall 40 of protective tube receiving section 36.
  • the tip of covered optical fiber 58 is inserted into distal end opening 32b (FIG. 5(a)) of body portion 32 of protective tube 30 extending outward from protective tube receiving section 36 of covered optical fiber support member 10' and passes through passage 32a (FIG. 5(a)) of protective tube 30 to penetrate slit 28 of fiber gripping section 16.
  • covered optical fiber support member 10' can be attached to a desired position in the neighborhood of the tip of covered optical fiber 58.
  • covered optical fiber support member 10 may be used without combination with protective tube 30.
  • the appendage section 22 may be provided only with boot section 50 and it may not be provided with protective tube receiving section 36.
  • covered optical fiber support member 10" comprises, as appendage section 22, elastically deformable tubular boot section 50 having second wall 52 and second cavity 54 (corresponding to third wall 52 and third cavity 54 of covered optical fiber support member 10, respectively).
  • the tip of covered optical fiber 58 is inserted into an opening of end part 52a of boot section 50 of covered optical fiber support member 10" and passes second cavity 54 of boot section 50 to penetrate slit 28 of fiber gripping section 16.
  • covered optical fiber support member 10" can be attached to a desired position in the neighborhood of the tip of covered optical fiber 58.
  • covered optical fiber support member 10 may not be provided with appendage section 22 (protective tube receiving section 36 and boot section 50) and it may be provided only with fiber gripping section 16.
  • Covered optical fiber support member 10, 10' or 10" may be formed of various materials. For example, it may be formed integrally with fiber gripping section 16 and appendage section 22 of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) such as cross-linked elastomer (TPV), polyurethane elastomer (TPU) and polyester elastomer (TPEE: for example, "Hytrel®”) or synthetic rubbers such as silicone rubber.
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomers
  • TPV cross-linked elastomer
  • TPU polyurethane elastomer
  • TPEE polyester elastomer
  • fiber gripping section 16 is preferably formed of a material having a Shore A hardness of about
  • Covered optical fiber support member 10, 10' or 10" may have various dimensions.
  • this gripping force (a force acting in the direction substantially orthogonal to the axis line of covered optical fiber 58 received in slit 28) is a force necessary to stably hold covered optical fiber 58 at a predetermined position with respect to the connector attachment member against the tension applied to covered optical fiber 58 during the operations for removing the covering of the tip region of covered optical fiber 58 and cutting the uncovered optical fiber and it can be determined by experiment and the like.
  • an optical connector attaching mechanism 111 (FIG. 14) according to an embodiment of the present invention provided with covered optical fiber support member 10
  • an optical connector 100 (FIG. 21) according to an embodiment of the present invention provided with covered optical fiber support member 10
  • an optical fiber terminating process according to an embodiment of the present invention for attaching optical connector 100 to the tip of covered optical fiber 58 by using covered optical fiber support member 10
  • a holding member 104 illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 is used as the connector attachment member for attaching covered optical fiber support member 10 to a connector body 102 (FIG. 17).
  • Holding member 104 can hold covered optical fiber support member 10 (FIG. 1) while a pressing force is applied to first wall 14 of fiber gripping section 16 from the outside.
  • Holding member 104 integrally comprises a press-holding section 106 that receives first wall 14 of fiber gripping section 16 and applies a pressing force to the pair of wall parts 24 allow the pair of wall parts 24 to approach each other, and a lid section 110 that is coupled to press- holding section 106 via a repeatably bendable hinge section 108.
  • holding member 104 constitutes optical connector attachment mechanism 111 for attaching optical connector 100 to the tip of covered optical fiber 58.
  • Press-holding section 106 of holding member 104 comprises a bottom wall 112, and a pair of side walls 114 standing vertically from bottom wall 112.
  • the pair of side walls 114 are disposed on bottom wall 112 oppositely in parallel with each other and, between these side walls 114, there is formed a recess 116 for receiving fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10.
  • a distance between tips of projections 118 opposed to each other are designed somewhat smaller than a thickness T (FIG.
  • first wall 14 of fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 Due to this dimensional relationship, by only snapping first wall 14 of fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 into a recess 116 of press- holding section 106 of holding member 104, the pressing force is applied to first wall 14 (the pair of wall parts 24) from the plurality of projections 118. This pressing force is required for allowing fiber gripping section 16 to exhibit the holding force described above to covered optical fiber 58.
  • the height of side walls 114 on bottom wall 112 is designed to be substantially equal to the height H (FIG. 2(b)) of first wall 14 of fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10.
  • Hinge section 108 of holding member 104 is, for example, a thin- walled part formed of a material identical to that of press-holding section 106 and lid section 110. Hinge section 108 itself bends along a folding line 108a so that lid section 110 can rotatably open and close with respect to press-holding section 106.
  • Lid section 110 is a tabular element that can rotate about hinge section 108 between a closed position at which a top opening (an opening opposite to bottom wall 112) of recess 116 of press-holding section 106 is closed and an open position at which the above-mentioned opening is closed.
  • lid section 110 When lid section 110 is in the closed position, an inner surface 120 of lid section 110 cooperates with recess 116 of press-holding section 106 to hold fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 without a wobble. Further, press-holding section 106 and lid section 110 are provided with male-female engaging elements 122 and 124, respectively, for snap-fit with lid section 110 in the closed position.
  • holding member 104 configured as described above can be used as a connector attachment member for securely connecting a sheath of the drop optical cable to a connector body.
  • the drop optical cable is typically comprised of the covered optical fiber, and a pair of tensile strength members (for example, steel wires, FRP (tensile strength fibers) and the like) disposed at both sides of the covered optical fiber and filled in the sheath made of resin substantially without void space.
  • Press-holding section 106 of holding member 104 can have a shape and dimensions that can securely hold the sheath of the drop optical cable described above in recess 116.
  • holding member 104 has a function for holding fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 supporting covered optical fiber 58 in recess 116 of press- holding section 106 and a function for holding the sheath of the drop optical cable in recess 116 of press-holding section 106. Consequently, in this case, in the optical fiber terminating process, the procedure after supporting covered optical fiber 58 in covered optical fiber support member 10 becomes substantially the same as that in the terminating process of the drop optical cable, so that the operator can work easily at the site.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates that fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 supporting covered optical fiber 58 is held in recess 116 of press-holding section 106 of holding member 104 in optical connector attachment mechanism 111.
  • cover optical fiber 58 is supported by using protective tube 30 in fiber gripping section 16 and appendage section 22 of covered optical fiber support member 10 (protective tube receiving section 36 and boot section 50).
  • fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 supporting covered optical fiber 58 is inserted into recess 116 of press-holding section 106 of holding member 104 from the top opening of recess 116 toward bottom wall 112 so that fiber gripping section 16 is held in press- holding section 106 and fiber gripping section 16 is elastically deformed by the pressing force applied from the plurality of projections 118.
  • the gripped region of covered optical fiber 58 received in first cavity 12 (slit 28) is securely gripped in fiber gripping section 16.
  • covered optical fiber support member 10 is prevented from falling out of recess 116 of holding member 104 (FIG. 15).
  • fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 When fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 is inserted into recess 116 of press-holding section 106 of holding member 104, as illustrated in the figures, fiber gripping section 16 can be inserted into recess 116 while the full open side of slit 28 of fiber gripping section 16 is oriented to a direction opposite to bottom wall 112 (FIG. 12) of press-holding section 106.
  • bottom wall 112 FIG. 12
  • outer surface 24b of the bottom side in the figure of the pair of wall parts 24 of fiber gripping section 16 can be formed as a cylindrical curved surface, so that fiber gripping section 16 can be easily inserted into recess 116. Further, though not illustrated in the figures, when fiber gripping section 16 is inserted into recess 116, for the purpose of preventing positional deviation in a direction in which covered optical fiber 58 is pushed out of slit 28 by a pressing force gradually applied from press-holding section 106 to fiber gripping section 16, fiber gripping section 16 can be inserted into recess 116 while the full open side of slit 28 of fiber gripping section 16 is oriented to the side facing bottom wall 112 (FIG.
  • an outer surface of the top side in the figure of the pair of wall parts 24 of fiber gripping section 16 can be formed as a cylindrical curved surface, so that fiber gripping section 16 can be easily inserted into recess 116.
  • covered optical fiber (FIG. 16(a)) securely gripped by covered optical fiber support member 10 (fiber gripping section 16)
  • covered optical fiber support member 10 fiber gripping section 16
  • the covering 58a at the tip region of covered optical fiber 58 is removed and uncovered optical fiber 58b is exposed for a predetermined length (FIG. 16(b)).
  • uncovered optical fiber 58b exposed at the tip region of covered optical fiber 58 is cut to a predetermined length (FIG. 16(c)).
  • covered optical fiber support member 10 can directly and securely support covered optical fiber 58 in fiber gripping section 16. Consequently, against the tension applied to covered optical fiber 58, covered optical fiber 58 can be stably holed in a predetermined position with respect to holding member 104.
  • optical connector 100 comprises a ferrule 126 (only a tip thereof is illustrated) and a splice section 128 disposed at a tip side of connector body 102.
  • a built-in type, uncovered optical fiber of a predetermined length securely held in advance by ferrule 126 and uncovered optical fiber 58b (FIG.
  • optical connector 100 illustrated in the figures removably comprises an actuation member 130 for manually operating splice section 128 to interconnect the built- in uncovered optical fiber and the uncovered optical fiber 58b.
  • optical connector 100 comprises an attachment section 132 for attaching holding member 104.
  • Attachment section 132 is in advance provided with a securing member 134 for securing holding member 104.
  • holding member 104 holding covered optical fiber support member 10 is fitted to attachment section 132 (FIG. 17). Then, in splice section 128, when the optical fiber built-in ferrule 126 and uncovered optical fiber 58b exposed from covered optical fiber 58 (FIGS.
  • holding member 104 is further pushed into attachment section 132 to dispose holding member 104 in a position where covered optical fiber 58 slightly bends (FIG. 18).
  • a nail 136 provided in holding member 104 is engaged with attachment section 132 to maintain the abutment state of the tips of the built- in uncovered optical fiber and the uncovered optical fiber 58b.
  • actuation member 130 is manipulated and splice section 128 is operated to interconnect the built-in uncovered optical fiber and uncovered optical fiber 58b. After that, actuation member 130 becomes unnecessary and it can be removed from connector body 102.
  • nail 136 of holding member 104 is disengaged from attachment section 132 and the bending of covered optical fiber 58 is removed (FIG. 19(b)).
  • securing member 134 is moved on attachment section 132 to engage an arm of securing member 134 with holding member 104 so that holding member 104 is secured to attachment section 132 (FIG. 20).
  • optical connector 100 is completed and the optical fiber terminating process for attaching optical connector 100 to the tip of covered optical fiber 58 is also completed (FIG. 21).
  • securing holding member 104 to attachment section 132 in place of securing member 134, other configuration may be adopted.
  • holding member 104 may be secured by putting a cover- like member pivotally supported by connector body 102 on holding member 104.
  • holding member 104 holds fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 supporting covered optical fiber 58.
  • covered optical fiber 58 can be stably held at the predetermined position with respect to the holding member against the tension applied to covered optical fiber 58.
  • a separate device for preventing positional deviation of the covered optical fiber such as "a covered optical fiber temporary fastening device" as set forth in Patent Document 1 cited above, an attaching and detaching process of such device becomes unnecessary and the optical fiber terminating process can be simplified.
  • optical connector 100 due to optical connector 100, the working procedure for attaching optical connector 100 to the tip of covered optical fiber 58 can be simplified so that the optical fiber terminating process can be quickly and accurately performed.
  • holding member 104 has a function for holding fiber gripping section 16 of covered optical fiber support member 10 supporting covered optical fiber 58 in recess 116 of press-holding section 106 and a function for holding the sheath of the drop optical cable in recess 116 of press-holding section 106. Due to this configuration, for example, by using optical connector 100 of a single type, both an application for individually attaching optical connectors 100 to tips of a plurality of covered optical fibers included in an optical cable and the like and another application for attaching optical connector 100 to the drop optical cable for overhead service can be appropriately accommodated at the site.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un élément support de fibre optique recouverte qui comprend une section de préhension de fibre pourvue d'une première paroi élastiquement déformable qui définit une première cavité à l'intérieur de cette dernière, et une section de prolongement pourvue d'une seconde paroi qui définit une seconde cavité à l'intérieur de cette dernière, la seconde cavité communiquant avec la première cavité. La section de préhension de fibre peut saisir de façon sûre une fibre optique recouverte reçue dans la première cavité lorsque la première paroi est élastiquement déformée vers l'intérieur par une force de pression appliquée à la première paroi depuis l'extérieur de cette dernière. La section de prolongement peut recevoir, dans la seconde cavité, une région arrière qui suit une région saisie de la fibre optique recouverte saisie par la section de préhension de fibre. La section de préhension de fibre et la section de prolongement sont formées d'une seule pièce l'une avec l'autre à partir d'un matériau présentant une souplesse inhérente.
PCT/US2011/020769 2010-01-15 2011-01-11 Elément support de fibre optique recouverte, mécanisme de fixation de connecteur optique, connecteur optique et procédé de terminaison de fibre optique WO2011088016A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2010007119A JP5600009B2 (ja) 2010-01-15 2010-01-15 光ファイバ心線支持部材、光コネクタ装着機構、光コネクタ及び光ファイバ端末処理方法
JP2010-007119 2010-01-15

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WO2011088016A2 true WO2011088016A2 (fr) 2011-07-21
WO2011088016A3 WO2011088016A3 (fr) 2011-11-24

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JP5664924B2 (ja) * 2011-09-21 2015-02-04 住友電装株式会社 コネクタおよびコネクタの製造方法
CN104505659B (zh) * 2014-12-18 2018-01-16 中航光电科技股份有限公司 一种配线网络用连接器
JP6162743B2 (ja) * 2015-04-20 2017-07-12 株式会社フジクラ アタッチメント、光ファイバ接続器及び光コネクタ
US20220168008A1 (en) * 2019-04-01 2022-06-02 Fortimedix Assets Ii B.V. Steerable instrument comprising a hinge with a slotted structure

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JPH0651163A (ja) * 1992-08-03 1994-02-25 Emitsuto Seiko Kk 光ファイバコネクタ用案内スリーブ
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JP5313513B2 (ja) * 2008-02-04 2013-10-09 スリーエム イノベイティブ プロパティズ カンパニー 光ファイバコードの保持装置及び保持方法並びに光ファイバ接続装置

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US20080310798A1 (en) * 2007-06-18 2008-12-18 Joseph Todd Cody Fiber optic plug assembly with boot and crimp band

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112534325A (zh) * 2018-08-08 2021-03-19 扇港元器件股份有限公司 用于具有光纤组件的现场可安装的pof光纤的保持组件
CN112534325B (zh) * 2018-08-08 2022-10-11 扇港元器件股份有限公司 用于具有光纤组件的现场可安装的pof光纤的保持组件

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JP5600009B2 (ja) 2014-10-01
TW201137423A (en) 2011-11-01
JP2011145538A (ja) 2011-07-28

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