WO2019087585A1

WO2019087585A1 - Optical connector, holding member, and method for manufacturing optical connector

Info

Publication number: WO2019087585A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/034099
Authority: WO
Inventors: 勝則寺本; 山口　敬
Original assignee: 株式会社フジクラ
Priority date: 2017-11-02
Filing date: 2018-09-14
Publication date: 2019-05-09
Also published as: JP6823577B2; CN111247468A; JP2019086571A

Abstract

[Problem] To anchor a fibrous tensile strength body without being twisted. [Solution] This optical connector is provided with: a holding member that holds an optical cable having an optical fiber; a housing that has a fixing part for fixing the holding member. The holding member has a body part having a pair of side wall sections, and a cap attached to the body part. In the side wall sections, slits are formed for drawing a fibrous tensile strength body of the optical cable from the inside to the outside thereof. By sliding the cap with respect to the body part, the cap can be attached to the body part with the fibrous tensile strength body interposed between the internal surface of the cap and the external surfaces of the side wall sections.

Description

Optical connector, gripping member, and method of manufacturing optical connector

The present invention relates to an optical connector, a gripping member, and a method of manufacturing the optical connector.

For example, a field assembly type optical connector is known as a device for connecting optical fibers by abutting the end faces of the optical fibers. The field assembly type optical connector is an optical connector having a structure that can be easily assembled to an end of an optical cable (including a square optical cable and a round optical cord) at an optical fiber installation site. In the ferrule of the optical connector before assembly, a built-in fiber is attached in advance at the factory, and the end of the built-in fiber is disposed at the mechanical splice portion. At an assembly work site, while holding the optical cable by the holding member, the end of the insertion fiber extracted from the optical cable is inserted into the mechanical splice portion, and the optical fibers are butt-connected in the mechanical splice portion.

In Patent Document 1, a fixing cap is screwed to a fixing part having a screw formed on an outer peripheral surface, and a fibrous tensile member of an optical cable (including an optical cord) is sandwiched between the fixing part and the fixing cap. It is described to hold down the fiber tensile strength of the optical cable.

International Publication No. 2010/092657

According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, when holding the fibrous tensile member, the fixing cap is screwed, so the fibrous tensile member sandwiched by the fixing cap is twisted. As a result, there is a possibility that an unexpected load may be applied to the optical cable retained at the optical connector.

An object of the present invention is to provide a structure for retaining a fibrous tensile body without twisting.

The main invention for achieving the above object is an optical connector comprising a holding member for holding an optical cable having an optical fiber, and a housing having a fixing portion for fixing the holding member, wherein the holding member is The apparatus has a main body having a pair of side walls, and a cap attached to the main body, and the side walls are formed with a slit for taking out the fibrous tension member of the optical cable from the inside to the outside. By sliding the cap relative to the main body, the cap can be attached to the main body with the fibrous tensile member sandwiched between the outer surface of the side wall and the inner surface of the cap. An optical connector characterized by

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specification and the drawings described below.

According to the present invention, the fibrous tensile body can be retained without being twisted.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the optical connector 100. FIG. FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector 100. 2A is a perspective view of the gripping member 30, and FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the gripping member 30. FIG. FIGS. 3A to 3C are explanatory views of the gripping member 30. FIG. FIG. 3A is a top view of the gripping member 30, and the fixing portion 152 of the rear housing 15 and the cap 50 are shown in cross section. FIG. 3B is an explanatory view of a state in which the optical code 6 is gripped. FIG. 3C is an explanatory view of a state in which the optical cable 3 is gripped. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of an assembling method of the optical connector 100 in the case of using the round optical cable 6; FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of an assembling method of the optical connector 100 in the case of using the round optical cable 6; FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of an assembling method of the optical connector 100 in the case of using the round optical cable 6; FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of an assembling method of the optical connector 100 in the case of using the rectangular optical cable 3; FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of an assembling method of the optical connector 100 in the case of using the rectangular optical cable 3; It is an explanatory view of composition of cap 50 of a 2nd embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the holding member 30 of 3rd Embodiment.

At least the following matters will be clear from the description of the specification and drawings to be described later.

An optical connector comprising: a holding member for holding an optical cable having an optical fiber; and a housing having a fixing portion for fixing the holding member, wherein the holding member is a main body having a pair of side walls, A cap attached to the main body, and the side wall is provided with a slit for bringing out the fibrous tensile member of the optical cable from the inside to the outside, and the cap is slid relative to the main body Thus, the optical connector is characterized in that the cap can be attached to the main body in a state where the fibrous tensile body is sandwiched between the outer surface of the side wall and the inner surface of the cap. According to such an optical connector, it is possible to hold the fibrous tensile member without twisting.

The gripping member is fixed to the fixing portion in a state in which the fibrous tension member is sandwiched between the outer surface of the cap and the inner surface of the fixing portion by sliding the gripping member with respect to the fixing portion of the housing. It is desirable to be able to fix the Thereby, the gripping member can be pressed from the outside, and the gripping force of the fibrous tension member by the gripping member can be increased.

A stepped portion is formed in the main body portion, and the fibrous tensile strength body sandwiched between the outer surface of the side wall portion and the inner surface of the cap is folded back between the stepped portion and the end surface of the cap. Preferably, the fibrous tensile body is sandwiched between the outer surface of the cap and the inner surface of the fixing portion. This can further increase the gripping force of the fibrous tensile member.

It is desirable that the folded fiber tensile strength body be sandwiched between the stepped portion and the end face of the cap. This can further increase the holding force of the fibrous tensile body.

It is desirable that an anti-slip agent, which increases the frictional force, be applied to the portion where the fibrous tensile member is sandwiched. This makes it possible to prevent the slip of the fibrous tensile member and to increase the retaining force.

It is desirable that a cap fixing portion be provided on each of the main body portion and the cap. Thereby, the main body portion and the cap can be fixed in a state in which the fibrous tensile strength body is sandwiched between the outer surface of the side wall portion and the inner surface of the cap.

It is desirable that the housing and the main body have engaging portions respectively. Thereby, the housing and the main body can be fixed.

It is desirable that a projection that protrudes inward is formed on the inner surface of the pair of side walls. Thus, the protrusion can be bitten into the sheath of the optical cable to grip the optical cable. In particular, the gripping force of the rectangular optical cable can be increased.

It is desirable to have a plurality of caps according to the amount of the fibrous tensile member of the optical cable. This can improve the adaptability to the type of optical cable.

Preferably, the plurality of caps are formed by integral molding. This can reduce the cost.

It is desirable that the body portion and the cap be connected in advance. This makes it difficult to lose the cap.

A gripping member comprising a gripping portion for gripping an optical cable having an optical fiber, comprising: a main body having a pair of side wall portions; and a cap attached to the main body portion; A slit is formed for bringing out the fibrous tensile strength body from the inside to the outside, and by sliding the cap relative to the main body, the fiber is provided between the outer surface of the side wall and the inner surface of the cap The gripping member is characterized in that the cap can be attached to the main body in a state in which the tension tensile body is sandwiched.

In the optical connector manufacturing method, the optical connector is assembled by inserting a holding member holding an optical cable into a main body of the optical connector, the holding member includes a main body having a pair of side walls, and the main body A cap attached to the housing, the optical cable being accommodated between the pair of side walls of the main body, and the pair of fibrous tensile members of the optical cable being inserted through the slits formed in the side wall. And the step of pulling the cap against the main body, thereby sandwiching the fibrous tensile body between the outer surface of the side wall and the inner surface of the cap. And a step of attaching the cap to the main body, and a method of manufacturing an optical connector is clarified.

=== First Embodiment ===
<Basic configuration>
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the optical connector 100. FIG. FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector 100. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 1A, the optical axis direction of the optical cable or optical fiber is "front-back direction", the extension side of the optical cable is "rear", and the opposite side (end face side of the ferrule 11 of the optical connector 100) Let ") be" front ".

The optical connector 100 of the present embodiment is a field assembly type optical connector for connecting optical fibers by a mechanical splice method, and is an optical connector assembled at the end of an optical cable. Further, the optical connector 100 of the present embodiment is an LC type optical connector which is smaller than the SC type optical connector and capable of high density mounting.

The optical connector 100 includes an optical connector main body 10, a gripping member 30, and an optical cable (square optical cable 3 and round optical cable 6).

The optical connector main body 10 has a ferrule 11, a mechanical splice portion 12, a housing 13, a spring 16 and an insertion member 19.

The ferrule 11 is a cylindrical ferrule used here for a single-core optical connector.

The mechanical splice section 12 aligns (aligns) the built-in fiber (not shown) with the insertion fiber (the optical fiber 4 of the rectangular optical cable 3 or the optical fiber 7 of the round optical cable 6) by mechanical splicing. It is a member (optical fiber connecting device) which fixes a fiber and an insertion fiber. The front end of the built-in fiber is inserted into and fixed to the ferrule 11, and the end face is polished along with the ferrule 11. The back end of the built-in fiber is disposed at the mechanical splice portion 12.

The mechanical splice 12 also has an opening 12A at the rear end. The opening 12A is an insertion port of an insertion fiber.

The housing 13 includes a front housing 14 and a rear housing 15.

The front housing 14 is a portion that constitutes the front of the housing 13 and has a front accommodation portion 14A. The front accommodation portion 14A is a portion for accommodating the front portion of the mechanical splice portion 12.

The rear housing 15 is a portion that constitutes the rear side of the housing 13. The rear housing 15 has a rear housing portion (not shown) and a fixing portion 152.

The rear housing portion is a portion for housing the rear portion of the mechanical splice portion 12 and is provided on the front side of the rear housing 15.

The fixing portion 152 is a portion to which the gripping member 30 is fixed, and is disposed on the rear side of the rear housing 15. As shown in FIG. 1A, the fixing portion 152 has an inner wall surface 15A and a locking portion 15B.

The inner wall surface 15A is a surface on the inner side of the fixed portion 152, and is a surface that forms a storage space for storing the gripping member 30. For this reason, the inner wall surface 15A is formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the outer shape (cross-sectionally rectangular shape) of the gripping member 30. The above-mentioned accommodation space is opened at the rear end face of the fixed portion 152, and the holding member 30 is inserted from this opening. The inner wall surface 15A is a sliding surface on which the gripping member 30 is slid in the front-rear direction.

Further, when the gripping member 30 is inserted into the fixing portion 152, the inner wall surface 15A presses the gripping member 30 from the outside. Thereby, in the case of the round optical cable 6, the gripping force of the fibrous tension member 8 by the gripping member 30 is improved. In addition, the force of sandwiching the fibrous tensile body 8 between the main body 40 of the gripping member 30 and the cap 50 is improved. Further, in the case of the rectangular optical cable 3, the side wall 42 (described later) of the gripping member 30 is pressed inward to improve the force of sandwiching the jacket of the rectangular optical cable 3 between the side walls 42.

Further, the inner wall surface 15A of the fixing portion 152 also has a function of sandwiching the fibrous tensile body 8 between the round optical cable 6 and the gripping member 30 (specifically, the cap 50).

The locking portion 15B (corresponding to the engaging portion) is formed on the side wall of the fixing portion 152. The locking portion 15B locks a claw portion 441 (described later) formed on the side wall of the gripping member 30.

The spring 16 is a member for biasing the retractably accommodated ferrule 11 to the front side.

The insertion member 19 is a member that opens and closes the gap of the mechanical splice portion 12 of the optical connector main body 10. An insertion hole (not shown) is formed in the optical connector main body 10, and a wedge (not shown) extending from the insertion member 19 is inserted into the insertion hole.

The gripping member 30 is a member that grips the optical cable. The gripping member 30 is inserted into the fixing portion 152 of the optical connector main body 10 in a state in which the optical cable is gripped. The gripping member 30 of the present embodiment can grip the rectangular optical cable 3 and the round optical cable 6 as optical cables. The configuration of the gripping member 30 of the present embodiment will be described later.

The rectangular optical cable 3 is, for example, a cable such as a drop cable or an indoor cable. The square optical cable 3 is an angular cross section optical cable in which the optical fiber 4 and a pair of linear tensile strength members are collectively covered with an outer jacket. Since the outer sheath of the rectangular optical cable 3 is relatively hard, it is relatively easy to grip the optical cable 3 by causing the projections 421 (described later) of the gripping members 30 to bite into the outer sheath. In the following description, the rectangular optical cable 3 may be simply referred to as "optical cable 3".

The round optical cable 6 is a round optical cable in which a fibrous tensile member 8 is disposed around the optical fiber 7 and covered with an outer jacket. The fibrous tensile body 8 is, for example, Kevlar (registered trademark). In the following description, the round optical cable 6 may be referred to as "optical code 6". Such an optical cord 6 has a soft jacket, and therefore, like the optical cable 3, it is difficult to grip and hold the jacket. Therefore, the optical cord 6 is attracted to the optical connector 100 by holding the fibrous tensile member 8 by the holding member 30.

<Configuration of Grasping Member 30>
2A is a perspective view of the gripping member 30, and FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the gripping member 30. FIG. 3A to 3C are explanatory views of the gripping member 30. FIG. FIG. 3A is a top view of the gripping member 30, and the fixing portion 152 of the rear housing 15 and the cap 50 are shown in cross section. FIG. 3B is an explanatory view of a state in which the optical code 6 is gripped. FIG. 3C is an explanatory view of a state in which the optical cable 3 is gripped. In the following description, as shown in the drawings, the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are defined. That is, the ridge line direction of the protrusion 421 is "vertical direction", the side of the bottom wall 41 with respect to the protrusion 421 is "lower", and the opposite side (open side) is upper. In addition, a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the vertical direction is referred to as “left-right direction”, the right side when viewed from the rear side as “right”, and the left side as “left”.

The gripping member 30 of the present embodiment includes a main body 40 and a cap 50.

The main body portion 40 is a portion that constitutes the main body of the gripping member 30, and has a gripping portion 40A and an insertion portion 40B.

The gripping portion 40A is a portion for gripping the optical cable 3 and the optical cord 6, and is provided on the rear side of the main body portion 40. The grip portion 40A has a bottom wall portion 41 and a pair of side wall portions 42.

The bottom wall portion 41 is a portion that constitutes the lower portion (bottom portion) of the grip portion 40A.

The pair of side wall portions 42 is erected from the left and right ends of the bottom wall portion 41. Each of the pair of side wall portions 42 includes a protrusion 421, a cap claw 422, a slit 423, a grip outer surface 424, and a step 425.

The protruding portion 421 is a protruding portion (pronged eye) which protrudes inward from the facing surface (inner surface) of the side wall portion 42 and extends in the vertical direction. The protrusion 421 is formed in a substantially triangular cross section so that the protruding side (inner side) is sharp when viewed from above. The ridgeline of the protrusion 421 is parallel to the vertical direction. The protrusion 421 of one side wall 42 is disposed to face the protrusion 421 of the other side wall 42. When the optical cable (the optical cable 3 and the optical cord 6) is accommodated between the pair of side walls 42, the projection 421 bites into the sheath of the optical cable. However, in the case of the optical cord 6, as described above, since the outer shell is softer than the optical cable 3, it is difficult to obtain a sufficient gripping force.

The cap claw portion 422 (corresponding to a cap fixing portion) is a portion for fixing the cap 50. When the cap 50 is attached, the cap claw 422 engages with the engagement hole 53A of the cap 50.

The slit 423 is a groove-like portion for discharging the fibrous tensile member 8 from the inside to the outside of the pair of side wall portions 42.

The grip outer surface 424 is an outer surface of the pair of side walls 42. The grip outer surface 424 is a surface pressed from the inner surface of the cap 50 (cap inner surface 53B described later). By being pushed from the cap 50, the grip outer surface 424 deforms the pair of side wall portions 42 inward, and bites the left and right protrusions 421 into the sheath of the optical cable 3 and the optical cord 6. Thereby, the gripping force of each optical cable (in particular, the optical cable 3) is improved. Further, in the case of the optical cord 6, the grip portion outer surface 424 is a portion for sandwiching the fibrous tensile body 8 with the cap 50. The position of the portion is the outer surface of the side wall portion 42 on the front side of the slit 423 in the grip portion outer surface 424 (see FIG. 3B).

The stepped portion 425 is a portion for sandwiching the fibrous tensile body 8 with the front end surface 50 </ b> B of the cap 50 when gripping the optical cord 6. The stepped portion 425 is provided at the front end of the grip portion outer surface 424. Further, the stepped portion 425 is provided (boundary) between the grip portion 40A and the insertion portion 42B.

The insertion part 40B is a site | part which penetrates an optical fiber (The optical fiber 4 of the optical cable 3, the optical fiber 7 of the optical code 6), and is provided ahead rather than the holding part 40A. The insertion portion 40B has a bottom wall portion 43 and a pair of side wall portions 44.

The bottom wall portion 43 is a portion continuous with the bottom wall portion 41 of the grip portion 40A, and constitutes a lower portion (bottom portion) of the insertion portion 40B.

The pair of side wall portions 44 is provided upright on the left and right ends of the bottom wall portion 43. Further, claws 441 (corresponding to engaging portions) are provided on the pair of side wall portions 44.

The claws 441 are provided on the outer surfaces of the pair of side walls 44 respectively. When the gripping member 30 is inserted into the fixing portion 152 of the rear housing 15 of the optical connector main body 10, the gripping portion outer surface 424 is caught by the locking portion 15 B of the fixing portion 152. Thus, the gripping member 30 can be fixed to the optical connector main body 10.

The cap 50 is a member that fits with the grip portion 40A of the main body portion 40 and covers the grip portion 40A. The cap 50 has a cylindrical portion 50A, a front end surface 50B, and a rear plate portion 50C.

The cylindrical portion 50A is a cylindrical portion of the cap 50. The cylindrical portion 50A of the present embodiment is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape, and includes an upper plate portion 51, a bottom plate portion 52, and a pair of side plate portions 53.

The upper plate portion 51 is a plate-like portion that constitutes the upper portion of the cap 50.

The bottom plate portion 52 is a plate-like portion that constitutes the lower portion (bottom portion) of the cap 50.

The pair of side plate portions 53 is a plate-like portion that constitutes the left and right side portions of the cap 50. The pair of side plate portions 53 presses the pair of side wall portions 42 of the grip portion 40A from the outside. Further, the pair of side plate portions 53 receives a pressing force from the inner wall surface 15A of the fixing portion 152 of the optical connector main body 10 (rear housing 15).

Further, the pair of side plate portions 53 each have an engagement hole 53A (corresponding to a fixing portion for a cap) and a cap inner surface 53B.

The engagement hole 53A engages with the cap claw 422 of the grip 40A of the main body 40. Thus, the cap 50 is fixed to the main body 40.

The cap inner surface 53B is an opposing surface (inner surface) of the pair of side plate portions 53, and is a surface that presses the outer surface (gripping portion outer surface 424) of the pair of side wall portions 42 of the gripping portion 40A from the outside. Thus, the gripping force is improved by the cap inner surface 53B pressing the gripping portion outer surfaces 424 of the pair of side wall portions 42 of the gripping portion 40A. Further, since the pressing force from the fixing portion 152 of the housing 13 (rear side housing 15) of the optical connector main body 10 can be set small by improving the gripping force, the thickness of the housing 13 (rear side housing 15) The thickness can be reduced.

Further, in the case of the optical cable 3, the cap inner surface 53B (the inner surface of the side plate portion 53, particularly the inner surface facing the gripping portion outer surface 424) presses the pair of sidewall portions 42 of the gripping portion 40A from the outside, and the pair of sidewall portions 42 It is deformed inward, and the left and right protrusions 421 are bitten into the sheath of the optical cable 3. Thereby, the gripping force of the optical cable 3 is improved.

Further, in the case of the optical cord 6, a portion of the cap inner surface 53B facing the side wall portion 42 (grip portion outer surface 424) on the front side of the slit 423 has a fibrous tension between the grip portion outer surface 424 of the main body 40 It becomes a part which inserts the body 8 (see FIG. 3B).

The inner surface of the cylindrical portion 50A is formed in a shape that conforms to the outer shape of the grip portion 40A of the main body portion 40. Thus, the cap 50 can be slid (parallelly moved) with respect to the grip portion 40A of the main body portion 40. In the present embodiment, since the cylindrical portion 50A is formed in a square cylindrical shape, when the cap 50 is slid, the cap 50 does not rotate with respect to the gripping portion 40A. Thereby, the twist of the fibrous tension member 8 can be prevented.

The cap outer surface 53C is an outer surface (outer surface) of the pair of side plate portions 53 and is a surface that receives a pressing force from the inner wall surface 15A of the fixing portion 152 of the optical connector main body 10. In the case of the optical cord 6, the fiber tensile strength body 8 is sandwiched between the optical cord 6 and the optical connector main body 10 (the fixing portion 152 of the rear housing 15).

The front end surface 50B is an end surface on the front side of the cylindrical portion 50A. In the case of the optical cord 6, the front end face 50B is a portion where the fibrous tensile body 8 is sandwiched between the front end face 50B and the step 425 of the main body 40.

The rear plate portion 50C is a portion on the rear side of the cylindrical portion 50A, and an insertion hole 55 is provided to penetrate in the front-rear direction. The insertion hole 55 is a hole for inserting the optical cable 3 and the optical cord 6.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the first fitting portion 61, the second fitting portion 62, and the butt portion (the rear portion) are formed by the main body portion 40, the cap 50, and the housing 13 (rear housing 15). A folded back portion 63 is formed.

The first fitting portion 61 is configured of a grip portion outer surface 424 of the main body portion 40 and a cap inner surface 53 B of the cap 50. The first fitting portion 61 presses (compresses) the grip portion outer surface 424 from the outside with the cap inner surface 53B. Thus, in the case of the optical cable 3, the pair of side wall portions 42 is deformed inward, and the left and right protrusions 421 bite into the sheath of the optical cable 3. Thus, the gripping force of the optical cable 3 is improved. Further, in the case of the optical cord 6, the fibrous tensile body 8 is sandwiched between the grip portion outer surface 424 and the cap inner surface 53B.

The dimensions A and X (see FIG. 3A) of the first fitting portion 61 differ depending on the type (outer shape) of the optical cable (square optical cable 3 and round optical cable 6). Further, in the case of the optical cord 6, even if the outer shape is the same, the dimensions A and X (see FIG. 3A) of the first fitting portion 61 differ according to the amount of the fibrous tension member 8.

Dimension A is the length between the left and right cap inner surfaces 53 B of the cap 50.

The dimension X is a length between the outer surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 42 (the left and right grip portion outer surfaces 424).

In the case of the optical cable 3, nothing is pinched between the cap inner surface 53 </ b> B and the side wall portion 42. However, when the optical cable 3 is accommodated between the pair of side walls 42, the distance between the pair of side walls 42 (the grip 40A is substantially U-shaped in cross section by the bottom wall 41 and the pair of side walls 42) In particular, the upper end side may spread. In this case, since the dimension X is increased, even if the dimension X and the dimension A have the same design value, the pair of side wall portions 42 can be deformed inward by attaching the cap 50. On the other hand, when the distance between the pair of side walls 42 does not increase, the dimension A needs to be slightly smaller than the dimension X in order for the cap 50 to deform the pair of side walls 42 inward.

Further, in the case of the optical cord 6, since the fibrous tensile body 8 is sandwiched between the grip outer surface 424 and the cap inner surface 53B, the appropriate dimensions A and X differ depending on the amount of the fibrous tensile body 8. Become.

The second fitting portion 62 is configured of a cap outer surface 53C and an inner surface (inner wall surface 15A) of the fixing portion 152 of the housing 13 (rear housing 15). The second fitting portion 62 is a portion for pressing the gripping member 30 from the outside by the fixing portion 152 of the housing 13 (the rear housing 15).

In the case of the optical cord 6, the second fitting portion 62 improves the force of sandwiching the fibrous tensile body 8 of the second fitting portion 62. Further, the force for sandwiching the fibrous tensile member 8 of the first fitting portion 61 is improved. Further, the force for sandwiching the fibrous tensile member 8 of the second fitting portion 62 is improved.

Further, in the case of the optical cable 3, the second fitting portion 62 squeezes the side wall portion 42 of the gripping member 30 (main body portion 40) to the inside to improve the force of sandwiching the jacket between the side wall portions 42.

The dimensions C and Z (see FIG. 3A) of the second fitting portion 62 differ depending on the type (outer shape) of the optical cable (square optical cable 3 or round optical cable 6).

Dimension C is the length between the left and right cap outer surfaces 53 C of the cap 50. The half of the difference between the dimension C and the dimension A is the thickness of the side plate portion 53.

The dimension Z is a length between the left and right inner wall surfaces 15A of the fixed portion 152.

In the case of the optical cable 3, nothing is pinched between the cap outer surface 53 </ b> C and the inner wall surface 15 </ b> A of the fixing portion 152. However, when the optical cable 3 is gripped by the gripping member 30, the dimension C may be enlarged (expanded). In this case, even if the dimension C and the dimension Z are the same design value, the holding member 152 can be pressed from the outside by the fixing portion 152. On the other hand, when the dimension C does not change, when the gripping member 30 (cap 50) is inserted into the fixing portion 152, the dimension C is slightly smaller than the dimension Z in order to press the gripping member 30 from the outside by the fixing portion 152 It is necessary.

Further, in the case of the optical cord 6, in order to sandwich the fibrous tensile body 8 between the cap outer surface 53C and the inner wall surface 15A of the fixing portion 152, appropriate dimensions C and Z are determined according to the amount of the fibrous tensile body 8. It will be different.

The abutment portion 63 (folded back portion) is configured by the step portion 425 of the main body portion 40 and the front end surface 50 B of the cap 50. The butting portion 63 has a function of turning back the fibrous tensile body 8 between the step portion 425 of the main body portion 40 and the front end surface 50 B of the cap 50. As a result, the holding force of the fibrous tensile body 8 (the gripping force of the fibrous tensile body 8 by the first fitting portion 61 and the second fitting portion 62) is improved.

Alternatively, the fibrous tensile strength body 8 may be sandwiched (or pressed) by the step 425 of the main body 40 and the front end face 50B of the cap 50. In this case, the holding force of the fibrous tensile member 8 (gripping force of the fibrous tensile member 8 by the first fitting portion 61 and the second fitting portion 62) is further improved.

In addition, since the amount of the fibrous tensile member 8 differs according to the type of the optical code 6, the appropriate dimensions B and Y differ according to the type of the optical code 6.

Dimension B is the length between the front end surface 50B of the cap 50 and the engagement hole 53A.

The dimension Y is a length between the step 425 of the grip 40A and the cap claw 422.

In the case of the optical cable 3, the dimension Y may be slightly larger than the dimension B (the same amount may be sufficient). In the case of the optical cord 6, the fiber tensile strength body 8 is disposed (or sandwiched) between the step 425 of the main body 40 and the front end surface 50B of the cap 50. The dimensions B and Y will be different.

Therefore, by preparing the main body 40 and the cap 50 according to the type of the optical cable (square optical cable 3 and round optical cable 6) and selecting them appropriately, the adaptability to the type of optical cable is enhanced. .

In the present embodiment, in the case of the optical cord 6, the frictional force is increased or slippage occurs in the portion (the first fitting portion 61, the second fitting portion 62, the butting portion 63) for sandwiching the fibrous tensile body 8 Applying a stopper. As the anti-slip agent, for example, a mixture of a synthetic resin and an organic solvent can be used. After the anti-slip agent is applied by a spray or the like, the remaining resin acts as a non-slip by the exertion of the organic solvent. Thereby, the slip of the fibrous tensile member 8 can be prevented, and the holding force can be increased.

<Method 1 of assembling the optical connector>
FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C are explanatory drawings of the assembling method of the optical connector 100 at the time of using the round optical cable 6 (optical code 6). Note that only FIG. 4C (c) is shown upside down.

In the present embodiment, an assembly tool 70 is used when assembling the optical connector 100. First, the configuration of the assembly tool 70 will be briefly described.

The assembly tool 70 is a tool used when assembling the optical connector 100. The assembly tool 70 of the present embodiment corresponds to both the optical cable 3 and the optical code 6. The assembly tool 70 has a front side member 80 and a rear side member 90. The front side member 80 and the rear side member 90 are connected to be relatively rotatable around a rotation axis (not shown).

The front side member 80 has a function of holding the holding member 30 when processing an optical fiber (the optical fiber 4 extracted from the optical cable 3 and the optical fiber 7 extracted from the optical cord 6).

The rear side member 90 has a function of holding the optical cable when the gripping member 30 is inserted into the optical connector main body 10 (specifically, the fixing portion 152). Both the optical cable 3 and the optical code 6 can be held. The rear side member 90 has a cable holding portion 91 and a fibrous tensile strength member holding portion 92.

The cable holding portion 91 is a linear groove-shaped portion for inserting and holding an optical cable (the optical cable 3 and the optical cord 6).

In the case of the optical cord 6, the fibrous tensile member holding portion 92 is a groove-like portion that holds the fibrous tensile member 8 extending from the gripping member 30 (between the main body 40 and the cap 50). The fibrous tensile strength member holding portions 92 are respectively provided on the left and right sides sandwiching the cable holding portion 91.

Hereinafter, an assembling method of the optical connector 100 in the case of using the round optical cable 6 (optical cord 6) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C.

First, the worker inserts the optical cord 6 into the insertion hole 55 of the cap 50 (FIG. 4A (a)). Thus, the optical code 6 is inserted into the cap 50 (FIG. 4A (b)).

Next, the worker removes the jacket on the tip end side (front side) of the optical cord 6 and picks up the optical fiber 7 and the fibrous tension member 8 (FIG. 4A (c)).

Next, the worker sets the optical cord 6 in the main body 40 of the gripping member 30 (FIG. 4A (d)). The distal end portion of the jacket of the optical cord 6 is accommodated between the pair of side walls 42 of the grip 40A of the main body 40, and fibers are formed from the inside of the side wall 42 to the outside of the side wall 42 via the slits 423. The tensile strength body 8 is released (FIG. 4A (e)). The inserted optical fiber 7 is inserted into the insertion portion 40B of the main body 40.

Next, the worker attaches the cap 50 to the grip 40A of the main body 40 (FIG. 4A (f)).

By sliding the cap 50 forward, the engagement hole 53A of the cap 50 engages with the cap claw 422 of the grip 40A, and the cap 50 is fixed to the main body 40. By the attachment of the cap 50, the fibrous tensile body 8 is sandwiched between the grip outer surface 424 of the main body 40 and the cap inner surface 53B of the cap 50 (first fitting portion 61: see FIG. 3B). In addition, the fibrous tensile member 8 is sandwiched between the step 425 and the cap inner surface 53B (abutment portion 63: see FIG. 3B). In the present embodiment, the fibrous tensile strength body 8 is sandwiched between the grip outer surface 424 of the main body 40 and the cap inner surface 53 B of the cap 50 by sliding the cap 50 forward. Can be held to not twist.

Furthermore, the worker folds back the fibrous tensile member 8 coming out between the main body 40 and the cap 50 (toward the cap outer surface 53C).

Next, the worker attaches the light cord 6 to the rear member 90 of the assembly tool 70 (FIG. 4B (a)). The optical cord 6 is disposed in the cable holding portion 91 of the rear side member 90, and the fibrous tensile body 8 is arranged in the fibrous tensile body holding portion 92 of the rear side member 90 (FIG. 4B (b)). At this time, the front side member 80 of the assembly tool 70 is rotated with respect to the rear side member 90, and is inclined downward.

Next, the worker rotates the front side member 80 upward (FIG. 4B (c)) and causes the front side member 80 to hold the gripping member 30. At this time, the optical fiber 7 out of the optical cord 6 comes out before the front end of the front member 80. The operator removes the coating on the end of the optical fiber 7 and cuts the end of the optical fiber 7.

Next, the worker rotates the front side member 80 downward to remove the front side member 80 from the gripping member 30. Then, the gripping member 30 is inserted into the fixing portion 152 of the optical connector main body 10 (FIG. 4B (d)). As it is inserted, the claw portion 441 of the gripping member 30 is caught on the locking portion 15B of the rear housing 15, and the gripping member 30 is fixed to the optical connector main body 10 (FIG. 4B (e)). By the insertion of the holding member 30, the end of the optical fiber 7 is inserted into the opening 12A of the mechanical splice portion 12, and is butt-connected to the internal fiber of the ferrule 11.

Further, by this insertion, the second fitting portion 62 of the inner wall surface 15A of the fixing portion 152 of the housing 13 (the rear housing 15) and the cap outer surface 53C is formed, and the fibrous tension member 8 is the second fitting. It is sandwiched between the coupling portions 62 (between the inner wall surface 15A and the cap outer surface 53C) (see FIG. 3B).

Next, the worker removes the insertion member 19 from the optical connector main body 10 (FIG. 4B (f)). When the wedge (not shown) of the insertion member 19 is pulled out, the gap of the mechanical splice portion 12 is closed, and the optical fiber 7 of the optical cord 6 and the built-in fiber (not shown) are fixed in a state where they abut.

Next, the worker removes the assembly tool 70 (FIG. 4C (a)), and cuts the fibrous tensile body 8 extending from the optical connector body 10 (FIG. 4C (b)). Thus, the assembling operation of the optical connector 100 is completed (FIG. 4C (c)).

<Method 2 of assembling the optical connector>
FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are explanatory drawings of the assembling method of the optical connector 100 at the time of using the square-shaped optical cable 3 (optical cable 3). Note that only FIG. 5B (f) is shown upside down.
Also in this assembly method, an assembly tool 70 is used.

First, the worker removes the jacket of the tip of the optical cable 3 and opens the optical fiber 4 (FIG. 5A (a)). Then, the optical cable 3 is inserted into the insertion hole 55 of the cap 50 and inserted into the cap 50 (FIG. 5A (b)).

Next, the worker sets the optical cable 3 in the main body 40 (FIG. 5A (c)). The distal end portion of the jacket of the optical cable 3 is accommodated between the pair of side wall portions 42 of the grip portion 40A of the main body portion 40. Thereby, the protrusions 421 of the pair of side wall portions 42 bite into the sheath of the optical cable 3 and the optical cable 3 is gripped. At this time, as described above, the distance between the pair of side wall portions 42 may increase (the dimension X in FIG. 3A may increase). In addition, the inserted optical fiber 4 is inserted into the insertion portion 40B.

Next, the worker attaches the cap 50 to the grip portion 40A of the main body 40 (FIG. 5A (d)). By sliding the cap 50 forward, the engagement hole 53A of the cap 50 engages with the cap claw 422 of the grip 40A, and the cap 50 is fixed to the main body 40. At this time, the grip outer surface 424 of the main body 40 is pressed (pressed) from the outer side by the cap inner surface 53B of the cap 50, and the pair of side wall portions 42 is deformed inward. As a result, the projection 421 bites into the sheath of the optical cable 3 (the biting becomes large), and the gripping force is improved. In particular, when the distance between the pair of side wall portions 42 is increased when setting the optical cable 3 in the main body portion 40, when the cap 50 is slid, the protrusion 421 of the optical cable 3 in the outer cover growing. In addition, after attaching the cap 50, the cap outer surface 53C on either side may swell (the dimension C of FIG. 3A becomes large).

Next, the worker attaches the optical cable 3 to the rear member 90 of the assembly tool 70 (FIG. 5A (e)). The optical cable 3 is disposed in the cable holding portion 91 of the rear side member 90 (FIG. 5A (f)). At this time, the front side member 80 of the assembly tool 70 is rotated with respect to the rear side member 90, and is inclined downward.

Next, the operator rotates the front side member 80 of the assembly tool 70 upward to hold the gripping member 30 on the front side member 80 (FIG. 5B (a)). At this time, the optical fiber 4 out of the optical cable 3 comes out before the front end of the front side member 80. The operator removes the coating on the end of the optical fiber 4 and cuts the end of the optical fiber 4.

Next, the worker rotates the front side member 80 downward to remove the front side member 80 from the gripping member 30. Then, the gripping member 30 is inserted into the fixing portion 152 of the optical connector main body 10 (FIG. 5B (b)). As it is inserted, the claws 441 of the gripping member 30 are caught on the locking portions 15B of the rear housing 15, and the gripping member 30 is fixed to the optical connector main body 10 (FIG. 5B (c)). By the insertion of the holding member 30, the end of the optical fiber 4 is inserted into the opening 12A of the mechanical splice portion 12, and is butt-connected to the internal fiber of the ferrule 11.

Further, by this insertion, the second fitting portion 62 of the inner wall surface 15A of the fixed portion 152 of the housing 13 (rear housing 15) and the cap outer surface 53C is formed, and the inner wall surface 15A forms the side plate portion 53 of the cap 50. Is pressed inward. Thus, the pair of side wall portions 42 of the grip portion 40A is further pressed inward. Thus, the gripping force of the optical cable 3 can be further improved. In particular, even when the left and right cap outer surfaces 53C of the cap 50 are expanded, the left and right side plate portions 53 of the cap 50 and the pair of side wall portions 42 of the grip portion 40A are inward by the inner wall surface 15A of the fixed portion 152. It is pressed. In the present embodiment, even if the pressing force by the inner wall surface 15A of the fixing portion 152 to the inside is small, the cap inner surface 53B of the cap 50 presses the grip outer surface 424 of the main body 40 from the outside. The gripping force can be obtained. That is, even if the thickness of the fixing portion 152 of the rear housing 15 is thin and the pressing force of the gripping member 30 by the rear housing 15 is weak, the gripping force of the optical cable 3 by the gripping member 30 can be improved.

Next, the worker removes the insertion member 19 from the optical connector main body 10 (FIG. 5B (d)). When the wedge (not shown) of the insertion member 19 is pulled out, the gap of the mechanical splice portion 12 is closed, and the optical fiber 7 of the optical cord 6 and the built-in fiber (not shown) are fixed in a state where they abut.

Next, the worker removes the assembly tool 70 (FIG. 5B (e)). Thus, the assembly operation of the optical connector 100 is completed (FIG. 5B (f)).

<Summary>
According to the above-described embodiment, the optical connector 100 includes the holding member 30 for holding the optical cord 6 (corresponding to an optical cable) having the optical fiber 7 and the rear housing 15 having the fixing portion 152 for fixing the holding member 30. (Housing 13) is provided. The gripping member 30 also has a main body 40 having a pair of side walls 42 and a cap 50 attached to the main body 40. The pair of side wall portions 42 is formed with a slit 423 for drawing out the fibrous tensile strength body 8 of the optical cord 6 from the inside to the outside. Then, as shown in FIG. 4A (f), by sliding the cap 50 forward with respect to the main body 40, the grip outer surface 424 (corresponding to the outer surface) of the side wall 42 and the cap inner surface 53B (inner surface) of the cap 50 (See FIG. 3B) with the fibrous tensile member 8 interposed therebetween. Thereby, the fibrous tensile member 8 can be retained without being twisted.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B (d), the cap outer surface 53C (the outer surface of the cap 50 is slid by sliding the gripping member 30 forward with respect to the fixed portion 152 of the rear housing 15). And the inner surface 15A (corresponding to the inner surface) of the fixing portion 152, the gripping member 30 is fixed to the fixing portion 152 in a state in which the fibrous tensile member 8 is sandwiched (see FIG. 3B). Thereby, the retention force of the fibrous tension member 8 can be increased.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the stepped portion 425 is formed in the main body portion 40, and the grip outer surface 424 of the side wall portion 42 is formed between the stepped portion 425 and the front end surface 50B (corresponding to the end surface) of the cap 50. And the cap inner surface 53B of the cap 50 is folded back, and the fibrous tensile body 8 is sandwiched between the cap outer surface 53C of the cap 50 and the inner wall surface 15A of the fixing portion 152. ing. Thereby, the gripping force of the fibrous tensile member 8 can be further enhanced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the folded fiber-like tensile strength body 8 is sandwiched between the stepped portion 425 and the front end surface 50B of the cap 50. Thereby, the retention force of the fibrous tensile body 8 can be further enhanced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the anti-slip agent is applied to the portion (the first fitting portion 61, the second fitting portion 62, the abutment portion 63) for sandwiching the fibrous tensile member 8 to increase the frictional force. ing. Thereby, the slip of the fibrous tensile member 8 can be prevented, and the holding force can be increased.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the main body 40 of the gripping member 30 has the cap claw 422 (corresponding to the cap fixing part), and the cap 50 engages with the cap claw 422 in the engagement hole 53A. (Corresponding to a fixing portion for a cap). Thereby, the main body 40 and the cap 50 can be fixed in a state where the fibrous tensile strength body 8 is sandwiched between the grip outer surface 424 of the side wall 42 and the cap inner surface 53B of the cap 50.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the main body portion 40 has the claw portion 441 (corresponding to the engaging portion), and the rear housing 15 engages with the claw portion 441 (corresponding to the engaging portion) have. Thereby, the main body 40 and the rear housing 15 can be fixed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the protrusions 421 protruding inward are formed on the inner surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 42. Thereby, when the light cord 6 is accommodated between the pair of side wall portions 42, the projection 421 can be bitten into the jacket of the light cord 6 and can be generally fixed. In particular, in the case of the optical cable 3, the gripping force can be increased.

=== Second Embodiment ===
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the configuration of the cap 50 of the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, four caps 50 (501 to 504) are prepared for the gripping member 30 (main body 40). The four caps 50 (501 to 504) are formed, for example, by resin integral molding and can be used separately.

The shapes (dimensions A, B, and C described above) of the caps 50 (501 to 504) are determined according to the type (outer shape) of the optical cable 3 and the optical cord 6, the size of the insertion hole 55, and the like.

For example, in the case of the present embodiment, the cap 501 is adapted to the 3.1 × 2.0 mm square optical cable 3 and the cap 502 is adapted to the 2.0 × 1.6 mm square optical cable 3. Also, the cap 503 is adapted to the round optical cable 6 (optical code 6) of 2 mm in diameter, and the cap 504 is adapted to the round optical cable 6 of 3 mm in diameter.

The worker can select and use one corresponding to the optical cable (optical cable 3, optical cord 6) used for the optical connector 100.

As described above, by forming the plurality (four in this case) of caps 50 having different shapes by integral molding, the adaptability to the type of optical cable can be enhanced, and the cost can be reduced.

=== Third Embodiment ===
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the gripping member 30 of the third embodiment.

As described above, since the optical connector 100 of the present embodiment is a small LC type optical connector, the cap 50 used for the gripping member 30 is very small in size. Therefore, the cap 50 may be lost.

So, in 3rd Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the main-body part 40 of the holding member 30 and the cap 50 are connected by the connection part 32 previously. When assembling the optical connector 100, the connecting portion 32 is cut to separate the main body portion 40 and the cap 50 from each other.
Thereby, the cap 50 can be made difficult to lose.

=== Fourth Embodiment ===
In the above-described optical connector 100, the cap 50 is fixed to the main body 40 of the gripping member 30, and the main body 40 (gripping member 30) to which the cap 50 is fixed is fixed to the fixing portion 152 of the housing 13 (rear housing 15). However, the cap 50 may not be directly fixed to the main body 40 of the gripping member 30.

For example, a cap engaging hole (corresponding to a cap fixing portion) is formed in the fixing portion 152 of the housing 13 (rear housing 15), and a cap side claw portion (cap fixing portion) is formed on the outer surface of the side plate portion 53 of the cap 50. ) May be formed. Then, the gripping member 30 (the main body 40 and the cap 50) may be fixed to the fixing portion 152 of the housing 13 by engaging the cap side claws with the cap engagement holes.

=== Others ===
The above embodiments are for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not for the purpose of limiting the present invention. It goes without saying that the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

<About the gripping member 30>
The aforementioned gripping member 30 is configured to be able to grip both the rectangular optical cable 3 and the round optical cable 6 (optical cord 6). However, although the holding member 30 can hold the round optical cable 6, the holding member 30 may not hold the square optical cable 3.

Moreover, although the above-mentioned holding member 30 is comprised so that holding of multiple types of round optical cable 6 is possible, it may be a shape which respond | corresponds only to the specific type of round optical cable 6. FIG.

3 optical cables (square optical cables), 4 optical fibers,
6 optical cord (round optical cable), 7 optical fiber, 8 fiber tensile strength,
10 Optical connector body, 11 ferrules,
12 mechanical splices, 12A openings, 13 housings,
14 front housing, 14A front housing,
15 Rear housing, 15A inner wall surface, 15B locking part,
16 springs, 19 insertion members,
30 gripping members, 32 connecting parts,
40 body part, 40A grip part, 40B insertion part,
41 bottom wall, 42 side walls, 44 side walls,
50 cap, 50A tube, 50B front end face, 50C rear plate,
51 top plate, 52 bottom plate, 53 side plate,
53A engagement hole, 53B cap inner surface, 53C cap outer surface,
55 insertion holes,
61 first fitting portion, 62 second fitting portion, 63 butting portion (folded portion),
70 assembly tools, 80 front members, 90 rear members,
91 cable holder, 92 fibrous tension rod holder,
100 optical connector,
421 projection, claw for 422 cap, 423 slit,
424 grip surface, 425 step,
441 nails,
501, 502, 503, 504 cap

Claims

A gripping member for gripping an optical cable having an optical fiber;
A housing having a fixing portion for fixing the gripping member;
An optical connector provided with
The gripping member has a main body having a pair of side walls, and a cap attached to the main body,
The side wall portion is formed with a slit for bringing out the fibrous tensile member of the optical cable from the inside to the outside,
By sliding the cap relative to the main body, the cap can be attached to the main body in a state in which the fibrous tensile body is sandwiched between the outer surface of the side wall and the inner surface of the cap. ,
An optical connector characterized by
The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein
The gripping member is fixed to the fixing portion in a state in which the fibrous tension member is sandwiched between the outer surface of the cap and the inner surface of the fixing portion by sliding the gripping member with respect to the fixing portion of the housing. Can be fixed,
An optical connector characterized by
The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein
A stepped portion is formed in the main body portion, and the fibrous tensile strength body sandwiched between the outer surface of the side wall portion and the inner surface of the cap is folded back between the stepped portion and the end surface of the cap. And the fibrous tensile body is sandwiched between the outer surface of the cap and the inner surface of the fixed portion,
An optical connector characterized by
The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein
Between the step portion and the end face of the cap, the folded fiber tensile strength body is sandwiched;
An optical connector characterized by
The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
An optical connector characterized in that an anti-slip agent is applied to a portion for sandwiching the fibrous tensile member, which increases the frictional force.
The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
A cap fixing portion on each of the main body portion and the cap;
An optical connector characterized by
The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
Each of the housing and the main body has an engaging portion,
An optical connector characterized by
The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein
An inward projection is formed on the inner surface of the pair of side walls.
An optical connector characterized by
The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein
Having a plurality of the caps according to the amount of the fibrous tensile member of the optical cable,
An optical connector characterized by
The optical connector according to claim 9,
An optical connector characterized in that the plurality of caps are formed by integral molding.
The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein
An optical connector, wherein the main body portion and the cap are connected in advance.
A gripping member comprising a gripping portion for gripping an optical cable having an optical fiber, comprising:
A main body having a pair of side walls, and a cap attached to the main body;
The side wall portion is formed with a slit for bringing out the fibrous tensile member of the optical cable from the inside to the outside,
By sliding the cap relative to the main body, the cap can be attached to the main body in a state in which the fibrous tensile body is sandwiched between the outer surface of the side wall and the inner surface of the cap. ,
A gripping member characterized by;
An optical connector manufacturing method for assembling the optical connector by inserting a holding member holding an optical cable into a main body of the optical connector,
The holding member includes a main body having a pair of side walls, and a cap attached to the main body.
The optical cable is accommodated between the pair of side walls of the main body, and the fibrous tension member of the optical cable is drawn out from the inside to the outside of the pair of side walls through the slits formed in the side wall. Process,
Attaching the cap to the main body in a state in which the fibrous tensile body is held between the outer surface of the side wall and the inner surface of the cap by sliding the cap relative to the main body;
A method of manufacturing an optical connector, comprising: