WO2024253191A1 - 光ケーブル部材 - Google Patents

光ケーブル部材 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024253191A1
WO2024253191A1 PCT/JP2024/020903 JP2024020903W WO2024253191A1 WO 2024253191 A1 WO2024253191 A1 WO 2024253191A1 JP 2024020903 W JP2024020903 W JP 2024020903W WO 2024253191 A1 WO2024253191 A1 WO 2024253191A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
optical cable
protective tube
fixing portion
hole
fixing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2024/020903
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
貴之 島津
潤治 福井
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd
Sumitomo Electric Optifrontier Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd
Sumitomo Electric Optifrontier Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd, Sumitomo Electric Optifrontier Co Ltd filed Critical Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd
Priority to JP2025526166A priority Critical patent/JPWO2024253191A1/ja
Publication of WO2024253191A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024253191A1/ja
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • 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
    • G02B6/46—Processes or apparatus adapted for installing or repairing optical fibres or optical cables
    • G02B6/50—Underground or underwater installation; Installation through tubing, conduits or ducts

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to optical cable components.
  • Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose optical cables equipped with a towing section. At the tip of the optical cable, the outer sheath is peeled off, and a connector is attached to the tip of the optical fiber core exposed from the outer sheath.
  • the towing section has a protective tube for protecting the optical fiber core to which the connector is attached.
  • the protective tube is attached to the optical cable with the optical fiber core to which the connector is attached housed inside the protective tube. After the optical cable is towed by the towing section and laid, the protective tube is removed from the optical cable, and the optical fiber core is connected to another optical fiber core using a connector.
  • the optical cable member of the present disclosure comprises: an optical cable including a plurality of optical fiber cores, at least one connector attached to the ends of the plurality of optical fiber cores, and an outer jacket covering the plurality of optical fiber cores; a protective tube that houses the optical fiber cores exposed from the jacket and the at least one connector; a connecting member that connects the optical cable and the protective tube; Equipped with the protective tube has a tubular shape with an inner surface having a concave-convex shape at an end portion to which the connecting member is attached,
  • the connecting member is a first member having a first insertion portion that is inserted into the protective tube and a first protruding portion that engages with a recess on the inner surface of the protective tube;
  • the second member has a second insertion portion that is inserted into the inside of the protective tube and a second protrusion that engages with a recess on the inner surface of the protective tube.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical cable member according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the optical cable member taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, as viewed from the direction of the arrows.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the connecting member of the optical cable member of FIG.
  • FIG. 4 is a view showing the first front connection portion or the second front connection portion of the connection member of FIG. 1 .
  • 5 is a view showing the first front connection portion or the second front connection portion of the connection member of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a method of connecting an optical cable and a protective tube using the connection member of FIG. FIG.
  • FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a method of connecting an optical cable and a protective tube using the connection member of FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a method of connecting an optical cable and a protective tube using the connection member of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6D is a diagram showing a method of connecting an optical cable and a protective tube using the connection member of FIG. 6E is a diagram showing a method of connecting an optical cable and a protective tube using the connection member of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical cable member according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 8 is a view showing a first front connecting portion of the connecting member of FIG. 9 is a view showing a first front connecting portion of the connecting member of FIG. 7 .
  • FIG. 10 is a view showing a second front connecting portion of the connecting member of FIG. 7 .
  • FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a method of connecting an optical cable and a protective tube using the connection member shown in FIG.
  • FIG. FIG. 11D is a diagram showing a method of connecting an optical cable and a protective tube using the connection member of FIG.
  • FIG. 14 is a view showing a first front connecting portion of the connecting member of FIG. 12 .
  • 15 is a view showing a second front connecting portion of the connecting member of FIG. 12 .
  • 16A is a diagram showing a method of connecting an optical cable and a protective tube using the connection member of FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a method of connecting an optical cable and a protective tube using the connection member of FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 16C is a diagram showing a method of connecting an optical cable and a protective tube using the connection member of FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 17 is an exploded view illustrating the configuration of the optical cable member according to the first modification. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the optical cable member of FIG. 17.
  • FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an optical cable member according to the second modification.
  • FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an optical cable member according to the third modification.
  • FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an optical cable member according to the fourth modification.
  • FIG. 22 is an exploded view illustrating the configuration of the cover of the protective tube.
  • FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the protective tube of FIG. 24A is a diagram showing a method of connecting the cover and main body of the protective tube in FIG. 22.
  • FIG. 24B is a diagram showing a method of connecting the cover and main body of the protective tube in FIG. 22.
  • FIG. 24C is a diagram showing a method of connecting the cover and main body of the protective tube in FIG. 22.
  • FIG. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an optical cable member used in the cable pulling method.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical cable member in which an optical cable can be easily laid and in which a protective tube can be easily removed from the optical cable after the optical cable is laid.
  • the present disclosure provides an optical cable member that allows easy installation of an optical cable and allows the protective tube to be easily removed from the optical cable after the optical cable is installed.
  • the optical cable member of the present disclosure comprises: (1) An optical cable including a plurality of optical fiber cores, at least one connector attached to the ends of the plurality of optical fiber cores, and an outer jacket covering the plurality of optical fiber cores; a protective tube that houses the optical fiber cores exposed from the jacket and the at least one connector; a connecting member that connects the optical cable and the protective tube; It is equipped with the protective tube has a tubular shape with an inner surface having a concave-convex shape at an end portion to which the connecting member is attached,
  • the connecting member is a first member having a first insertion portion that is inserted into the protective tube and a first protruding portion that engages with a recess on the inner surface of the protective tube;
  • the second member has a second insertion portion that is inserted into the inside of the protective tube and a second protrusion that engages with a recess on the inner surface
  • the first member and the second member can be easily attached to the protective tube by inserting the insertion portion into the protective tube and hooking and engaging the protruding portion with the recess on the inner surface of the protective tube. After laying the optical cable, the first member and the second member can be easily removed from the protective tube by removing the protruding portion from the recess on the inner surface of the protective tube to release the engagement with the recess. Furthermore, since the first member and the second member are each attached to the inside of the protective tube, the connecting member can be configured so as not to be larger than the protective tube. As a result, it is possible to provide an optical cable member in which the optical cable can be easily laid and in which the protective tube can be easily removed from the optical cable after the optical cable is laid.
  • connection member has a third member attached to the jacket of the optical cable,
  • the third member may be fixed relative to at least the first member.
  • the part of the connection member that is attached to the optical cable sheath and the part that is attached to the protective tube are made of different materials, which increases the degree of freedom in the design of each component.
  • the first member has a first fixing portion fixed to the third member, and a first hole penetrating the first fixing portion is formed in the first fixing portion;
  • the second member has a second fixing portion fixed to the third member, the second fixing portion having a second hole penetrating the second fixing portion;
  • the third member has a third fixing portion fixed to the first member and the second member, the third fixing portion has a third hole formed therein at a position corresponding to the first hole and penetrating the third fixing portion, and a fourth hole formed therein at a position corresponding to the second hole and penetrating the third fixing portion;
  • the connecting member may include a first screw member inserted into the first hole and the third hole, and a second screw member inserted into the second hole and the fourth hole.
  • the first member and the second member can each be removably fixed to the third member by the screw members.
  • the first member has a first fixing portion fixed to the third member
  • the third member has a third fixing portion fixed to the first member
  • the first fixing portion or the third fixing portion has an outer circumferential surface on which a male thread portion is formed
  • the first fixing portion or the third fixing portion which does not have a male threaded portion formed on its outer circumferential surface, may have an inner circumferential surface on which a female threaded portion that screws into the male threaded portion is formed.
  • the first member and the third member can be removably fixed to each other without the use of tools by screwing one of the first member and the third member into the other of the first member and the third member.
  • the first member has a first fixing portion fixed to the third member
  • the third member has a third fixing portion fixed to the first member
  • An L-shaped hole is formed in the first fixing portion or the third fixing portion
  • the first fixing portion or the third fixing portion in which an L-shaped hole is not formed may have a protrusion that engages with the L-shaped hole.
  • the first member and the third member can be removably fixed to each other without the use of tools by inserting one of the first member and the third member into the other of the first member and the third member and rotating them.
  • the first member and the second member may be fixed with an adhesive.
  • the above configuration allows the first member and the second member to be firmly fixed together.
  • the third member may be fixed to the outer sheath of the optical cable by adhesive.
  • the above configuration allows the third member to be firmly fixed to the outer sheath of the optical cable.
  • a fifth hole penetrating the third member is formed in the third member,
  • the optical cable member may include a screw member that is inserted into the fifth hole and abuts against the jacket of the optical cable.
  • the third member can be removably fixed to the outer sheath of the optical cable by the screw member.
  • the third member may have a first part and a second part that can be separated in the radial direction of the optical cable.
  • the above configuration allows the third member to be fixed to the optical cable even after the optical fiber core and connector have been inserted into the protective tube, increasing the flexibility of the third member installation work.
  • the protective tube has a cover portion and a main body portion that houses the plurality of optical fiber cores exposed from the jacket and the at least one connector, the main body portion has a first end portion to which the connecting member is attached and a second end portion to which the lid portion is fixed,
  • the body portion has a tubular shape with an uneven inner surface at the first end and the second end,
  • the lid portion is a first member having a first insertion portion inserted into the main body and a first protrusion engaging a recess on an inner surface of the main body;
  • the second member may include a second insertion portion that is inserted into the main body portion, and a second protrusion that engages with a recess on the inner surface of the main body portion.
  • the lid can be removably fixed to the main body by inserting the insertion portions of the first and second members into the main body and hooking the protrusions into the recesses on the inner surface of the main body to engage with the recesses.
  • arrow U indicates the upward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow D indicates the downward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow F indicates the forward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow B indicates the rearward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow R indicates the rightward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow L indicates the leftward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Fig. 1 shows a configuration example of an optical cable member 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the optical cable member 1 of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of a connection member 4 of the optical cable member 1 of Fig. 1.
  • Figs. 4 and 5 show configuration examples of a first front connection portion 41 or a second front connection portion 42 of the connection member 4 of Fig. 1.
  • the first front connection portion 41 and the second front connection portion 42 have the same shape, and therefore will be described using Figs. 4 and 5.
  • the optical cable member 1 includes an optical cable 2, a protective tube 3, and a connection member 4.
  • the optical cable member 1 is a member for laying the optical cable 2, for example, by an air pressure delivery method. Specifically, the optical cable member 1 is used to insert the optical cable 2 into an air pressure delivery microduct, push the optical cable 2 in while sending high-pressure compressed air into the duct, and lay the optical cable 2 to a predetermined position. After the optical cable 2 has been laid, the protective tube 3 is removed from the optical cable 2.
  • the optical cable 2 has a plurality of optical fiber cores 21, an outer jacket 22, and a plurality of connectors 23.
  • the optical fiber cores 21 are formed, for example, of a glass fiber composed of a core and a clad, and a coating layer that covers the outer circumference of the glass fiber.
  • the outer jacket 22 is provided so as to cover the plurality of optical fiber cores 21.
  • the plurality of optical fiber cores 21 are housed in the outer jacket 22, for example, in a single-core state or in the form of an optical fiber ribbon connected in a parallel arrangement.
  • the connectors 23 are attached to the tip of one or more optical fiber cores 21.
  • the number of optical fiber cores 21 and the number of connectors 23 are not limited to the numbers shown in FIG. 2.
  • the optical cable 2 may further include a tension member, a water-absorbing tape, etc.
  • the protective tube 3 is configured to house the multiple optical fiber cores 21 and multiple connectors 23 exposed from the outer sheath 22.
  • the protective tube 3 is made of, for example, metal or resin.
  • the protective tube 3 has a main body portion 31 and a lid portion 32.
  • the main body 31 extends along the longitudinal direction of the optical cable 2 and is configured to house the multiple optical fiber cores 21 and multiple connectors 23 exposed from the jacket 22.
  • a cover 32 is fixed to the front end 311 of the main body 31.
  • a connection member 4 is attached to the rear end 312 of the main body 31.
  • the main body 31 has a tubular shape with an uneven inner surface 31A at least at the rear end 312.
  • the main body 31 has a tubular shape with an uneven inner surface 31A and an uneven outer surface 31B over the entire longitudinal length.
  • the main body 31 has a bellows-like tubular shape over the entire longitudinal length.
  • the front end 311 is an example of a second end.
  • the rear end 312 is an example of a first end.
  • the lid portion 32 is attached to the front end portion 311 of the main body portion 31.
  • the lid portion 32 has a tip portion 321 and an attachment portion 322.
  • the tip portion 321 has a curved shape, such as a sphere, a half football, or a bell shape.
  • the tip portion 321 has an outer diameter, for example, equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the main body portion 31.
  • the attachment portion 322 is disposed inside the front end portion 311 of the main body portion 31 and is attached to the inner surface 31A of the front end portion 311 of the main body portion 31.
  • connection member 4 is configured to connect the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3.
  • the connection member 4 is formed of metal or resin.
  • the connection member 4 has a first front connection part 41, a second front connection part 42, and a rear connection part 43.
  • the first front connection part 41 and the second front connection part 42 are each attached to the rear end part 312 of the main body part 31 of the protective tube 3.
  • the rear connection part 43 is attached to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • the rear connection part 43 is fixed to the first front connection part 41 and the second front connection part 42.
  • the first front connection part 41 is an example of a first member.
  • the second front connection part 42 is an example of a second member.
  • the rear connection part 43 is an example of a third member.
  • the first forward connection portion 41 has a first insertion portion 411 and a first protrusion portion 412.
  • the first insertion portion 411 is configured to be inserted inside the rear end portion 312 of the protective tube 3.
  • the first insertion portion 411 has a semi-cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3 (the front-rear direction in this example).
  • the first protrusion portion 412 is configured to engage with the recess 31A1 of the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3.
  • the first protrusion portion 412 extends from the front end of the first insertion portion 411 along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the first front connection part 41 also has a first fixing part 413.
  • the first front connection part 41 is fixed to the rear connection part 43 by the first fixing part 413.
  • the first fixing part 413 has a semi-cylindrical shape with an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first insertion part 411, and extends from the rear end of the first insertion part 411 along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • a first through hole 4131 that penetrates the first fixing part 413 is formed in the first fixing part 413.
  • the first through hole 4131 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3 (in this example, the vertical direction).
  • the first through hole 4131 is an example of a first hole.
  • the first front connection portion 41 has a first protrusion 414 and a first positioning recess 415.
  • the first protrusion 414 extends in a direction facing the second front connection portion 42 (in the vertical direction in this example).
  • the first positioning recess 415 is recessed in a direction facing the second front connection portion 42.
  • the second front connection part 42 has a second insertion part 421 and a second protrusion part 422.
  • the second front connection part 42 has the same shape as the first front connection part 41.
  • the second insertion part 421 is configured to be inserted inside the protective tube 3.
  • the second insertion part 421 has a semi-cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the second protrusion part 422 is configured to engage with a recess in the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3.
  • the second protrusion part 422 extends from the front end of the second insertion part 421 along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the second front connection part 42 also has a second fixing part 423.
  • the second front connection part 42 is fixed to the rear connection part 43 by the second fixing part 423.
  • the second fixing part 423 has a semi-cylindrical shape with an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the second insertion part 421, and extends from the rear end of the second insertion part 421 along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • a second through hole 4231 is formed in the second fixing part 423, penetrating the second fixing part 423.
  • the second through hole 4231 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3 (in this example, the up-down direction).
  • the second through hole 4231 is an example of a second hole.
  • the second front connection part 42 has a second protrusion 424 and a second positioning recess 425.
  • the second protrusion 424 extends in a direction facing the first front connection part 41 (in the vertical direction in this example).
  • the second positioning recess 425 is recessed in a direction facing the first front connection part 41.
  • the second protrusion 424 is inserted into the first positioning recess 415 of the first front connection part 41.
  • the first protrusion 414 of the first front connection part 41 is inserted into the second positioning recess 425. This positions the second front connection part 42 with respect to the first front connection part 41.
  • the rear connection portion 43 has a cable fixing portion 431, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.
  • the cable fixing portion 431 is configured to be fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • the cable fixing portion 431 has a cylindrical shape, and the optical cable 2 including the outer sheath 22 is inserted inside.
  • the cable fixing portion 431 is fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2, for example, by adhesive.
  • the rear connection part 43 also has a connection part fixing part 432.
  • the rear connection part 43 is fixed to the first forward connection part 41 and the second forward connection part 42 by the connection part fixing part 432.
  • the connection part fixing part 432 has a cylindrical shape, and the optical fiber core 21 exposed from the outer jacket 22 is inserted inside.
  • the outer diameter of the connection part fixing part 432 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first fixing part 413 of the first forward connection part 41 and the outer diameter of the second fixing part 423 of the second forward connection part 42, and the first fixing part 413 and the second fixing part 423 are fixed to the outside of the connection part fixing part 432.
  • a through hole 4321 is formed in the connection part fixing part 432 at a position corresponding to the first through hole 4131 of the first forward connection part 41.
  • a through hole 4322 is formed in the connection part fixing part 432 at a position corresponding to the second through hole 4231 of the second forward connection part 42.
  • the through holes 4321 and 4322 each extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3 (in this example, the vertical direction).
  • the connection portion fixing portion 432 is an example of a third fixing portion.
  • the through hole 4321 is an example of a third hole.
  • the through hole 4322 is an example of a fourth hole.
  • the connection member 4 further has a first screw member 44 and a second screw member 45.
  • the first front connection portion 41 is removably fixed to the rear connection portion 43 by the first screw member 44.
  • the second front connection portion 42 is removably fixed to the rear connection portion 43 by the second screw member 45.
  • the first screw member 44 is inserted into the first through hole 4131 of the first front connection portion 41 and the through hole 4321 of the rear connection portion 43 with the first fixing portion 413 of the first front connection portion 41 positioned outside the connection portion fixing portion 432 of the rear connection portion 43.
  • the first fixing portion 413 of the first front connection portion 41 is fixed to the connection portion fixing portion 432 of the rear connection portion 43.
  • the second screw member 45 is inserted into the second through hole 4231 of the second front connection part 42 and the through hole 4322 of the rear connection part 43 with the second fixing part 423 of the second front connection part 42 positioned outside the connection part fixing part 432 of the rear connection part 43.
  • the second fixing part 423 of the second front connection part 42 is fixed to the connection part fixing part 432 of the rear connection part 43.
  • a terminated optical cable 2 is prepared, and the rear connection part 43 is attached to the jacket 22 of the terminated optical cable 2. Note that the termination process involves removing the jacket 22 from the front end of the optical cable 2, and attaching the connector 23 to the tip of the optical fiber core 21 exposed from the jacket 22.
  • the terminated optical cable 2 is passed inside the rear connection part 43. Then, with the optical fiber core 21 and connector 23 exposed from the outer jacket 22 extending from the front end of the rear connection part 43, the cable fixing part 431 of the rear connection part 43 is fixed to the outer jacket 22 of the optical cable 2 with adhesive 46, as shown in FIG. 6A.
  • the first forward connection part 41 is attached to the protective tube 3. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the first insertion part 411 and the first protruding part 412 of the first forward connection part 41 are inserted into the rear end part 312 of the protective tube 3, and the first protruding part 412 is hooked and engaged with the recessed part 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the rear end part 312 of the protective tube 3 (see FIG. 6B).
  • the second front connection part 42 is attached to the protective tube 3. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the second insertion part 421 and the second protruding part 422 of the second front connection part 42 are inserted into the rear end part 312 of the protective tube 3, and the second protruding part 422 is hooked and engaged with the recessed part 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the rear end part 312 of the protective tube 3 (see FIG. 6C).
  • first protrusion 414 of the first front connection part 41 is inserted into the second positioning recess 425 of the second front connection part 42, and the second protrusion 424 of the second front connection part 42 is inserted into the first positioning recess 415 of the first front connection part 41. This positions the second front connection part 42 relative to the first front connection part 41.
  • first forward connection part 41 and the second forward connection part 42 are fixed to the rear connection part 43.
  • the optical fiber core 21 and the connector 23 exposed from the outer jacket 22 are inserted into the protective tube 3 through the inside of the first forward connection part 41 and the second forward connection part 42.
  • the first forward connection part 41 and the second forward connection part 42 are moved in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6C, and the connection part fixing part 432 of the rear connection part 43 is inserted into the inside of the first fixing part 413 of the first forward connection part 41 and the second fixing part 423 of the second front connection part 42.
  • the first fixing portion 413 and the second fixing portion 423 and the connection portion fixing portion 432 are positioned so that the first through hole 4131 of the first front connection portion 41 corresponds to the through hole 4321 of the rear connection portion 43 and the second through hole 4231 of the second front connection portion 42 corresponds to the through hole 4322 of the rear connection portion 43 (see FIG. 6D).
  • the front surface of the cable fixing portion 431 of the rear connection portion 43 is abutted against the rear surface of the first fixing portion 413 of the first front connection portion 41 and the rear surface of the second fixing portion 423 of the second front connection portion 42.
  • the first screw member 44 is inserted into the first through hole 4131 of the first forward connection part 41 and the through hole 4321 of the rear connection part 43.
  • the second screw member 45 is inserted into the second through hole 4231 of the second forward connection part 42 and the through hole 4322 of the rear connection part 43.
  • the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3 are connected by the connection member 4, as illustrated in FIG. 6E.
  • the first screw member 44 and the second screw member 45 are removed, and the first front connection portion 41 and the second front connection portion 42 are removed from the rear connection portion 43.
  • the first protrusion 412 of the first front connection portion 41 is removed from the recess 31A1 of the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3, and the first front connection portion 41 is removed from the protective tube 3.
  • the second protrusion 422 is removed from the recess 31A1 of the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3, and the second front connection portion 42 is removed from the protective tube 3. This allows the protective tube 3 to be removed from the optical cable 2.
  • the first forward connection part 41 can be easily attached to the protective tube 3 by inserting the first insertion part 411 into the protective tube 3 and hooking the first protrusion part 412 into the recess 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3 to engage with the recess 31A1.
  • the first insertion part 411 and the first protrusion part 412 which are the parts that connect to the protective tube 3, are attached to the inside of the protective tube 3, the first forward connection part 41 can be configured so as not to be larger than the protective tube 3.
  • the second front connection part 42 can be easily attached to the protective tube 3 by inserting the second insertion part 421 into the protective tube 3 and hooking the second protrusion part 422 into the recess 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3 to engage with the recess 31A1.
  • the second insertion part 421 and the second protrusion part 422, which are the parts that connect to the protective tube 3 are attached to the inside of the protective tube 3, the second front connection part 42 can be configured so as not to be larger than the protective tube 3.
  • the first forward connection portion 41 can be easily removed from the protective tube 3 by removing the first protrusion 412 from the recess 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3 and disengaging it from the recess 31A1.
  • the second forward connection portion 42 can be easily removed from the protective tube 3 by removing the second protrusion 422 from the recess 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3 and disengaging it from the recess 31A1.
  • optical cable member 1 that allows easy installation of the optical cable 2 and allows the protective tube 3 to be easily removed from the optical cable 2 after the optical cable 2 has been installed.
  • connection member 4 is attached to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 by the rear connection portion 43.
  • the part that is attached to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 and the part that is attached to the protective tube 3 are made of different materials, which increases the degree of freedom in the design of each component.
  • first forward connection portion 41 and the second forward connection portion 42 are fixed to the rear connection portion 43 by the first screw member 44 and the second screw member 45, and therefore can be removably fixed to the rear connection portion 43.
  • the rear connection part 43 is fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 with adhesive 46, so that it can be firmly fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • first forward connection part 41 and the second forward connection part 42 are not glued to each other and can be easily disassembled, so they can be reused after being removed from the protective tube 3.
  • the first front connection portion 41 and the second front connection portion 42 may be further fixed to each other with an adhesive. By bonding with an adhesive, the first front connection portion 41 and the second front connection portion 42 can be firmly fixed.
  • the portion of the connection member 4 that is attached to the protective tube 3 is formed of two members (the first forward connection portion 41 and the second forward connection portion 42), but it may be formed of three or more members.
  • Second Embodiment 7 shows a configuration example of an optical cable member 10 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the description of members having the same reference numbers as those already described in the first embodiment will be omitted.
  • optical cable member 10 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the optical cable member 1 according to the first embodiment in the structure for fixing the first forward connection part 51 and the second forward connection part 52 to the rear connection part 53.
  • the optical cable member 10 has a connection member 5 that connects the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3.
  • the connection member 5 is formed of metal or resin.
  • the connection member 5 has a first front connection portion 51, a second front connection portion 52, and a rear connection portion 53.
  • the first front connection portion 51 and the second front connection portion 52 are each attached to the rear end portion 312 of the main body portion 31 of the protective tube 3.
  • the rear connection portion 53 is attached to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • the rear connection portion 53 is fixed to the first front connection portion 51.
  • the first front connection portion 51 is an example of a first member.
  • the second front connection portion 52 is an example of a second member.
  • the rear connection portion 53 is an example of a third member.
  • the first forward connection part 51 has a first insertion part 511 and a first protrusion part 512.
  • the first insertion part 511 is configured to be inserted inside the rear end part 312 of the protective tube 3.
  • the first insertion part 511 has a semi-cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the first protrusion part 512 is configured to engage with the recess 31A1 (see FIG. 2) of the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3.
  • the first protrusion part 512 extends from the front end of the first insertion part 511 along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the first forward connection portion 51 also has a first fixing portion 513.
  • the first forward connection portion 51 is fixed to the rear connection portion 53 by the first fixing portion 513.
  • the first fixing portion 513 has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first insertion portion 511, and extends from the rear end of the first insertion portion 511 along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • a female thread portion 5131 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first fixing portion 513.
  • the first front connection part 51 also has a first protrusion 514 and a first positioning recess 515.
  • the first protrusion 514 extends along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the first positioning recess 515 is recessed in a direction facing the second front connection part 52.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates the second front connection part 52.
  • the second front connection part 52 has a second insertion part 521 and a second protrusion part 522.
  • the second insertion part 521 is configured to be inserted inside the protective tube 3.
  • the second insertion part 521 has a semi-cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the second protrusion part 522 is configured to engage with the recess 31A1 (see FIG. 2) of the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3.
  • the second protrusion part 522 extends from the front end of the second insertion part 521 along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the second front connection part 52 also has a second fixing part 523.
  • the second front connection part 52 is fixed to the first front connection part 51 by the second fixing part 523.
  • the second fixing part 523 has a semi-cylindrical shape with an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the second insertion part 521, and extends from the rear end of the second insertion part 521 along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the second front connection part 52 also has a second protrusion 524 and a second positioning groove 525.
  • the second protrusion 524 extends in a direction facing the first front connection part 51.
  • the second positioning groove 525 extends along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the second protrusion 524 is inserted into the first positioning recess 515 of the first front connection part 51.
  • the first protrusion 514 of the first front connection part 51 is inserted into the second positioning groove 525. This positions the second front connection part 52 with respect to the first front connection part 51.
  • the rear connection portion 53 has a cable fixing portion 531.
  • the cable fixing portion 531 is configured to be fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • the cable fixing portion 531 has a cylindrical shape, and the optical cable 2 including the outer sheath 22 is inserted inside.
  • the cable fixing portion 531 is fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 by, for example, an adhesive.
  • the rear connection part 53 also has a connection part fixing part 532.
  • the rear connection part 53 is fixed to the first forward connection part 51 by the connection part fixing part 532.
  • the connection part fixing part 532 has a cylindrical shape, and the optical fiber core 21 exposed from the outer jacket 22 is inserted inside.
  • the outer diameter of the connection part fixing part 532 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first fixing part 513 of the first forward connection part 51, and the first fixing part 513 is fixed to the outside of the connection part fixing part 532.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the connection part fixing part 532 is formed with a male thread part 5321 that screws into the female thread part 5131 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first fixing part 513 of the first forward connection part 51.
  • the connection part fixing part 532 is an example of a third fixing part.
  • a terminated optical cable 2 is prepared, and the rear connection part 53 is attached to the outer jacket 22 of the terminated optical cable 2.
  • the terminated optical cable 2 is passed through the inside of the rear connection part 53.
  • the cable fixing part 531 of the rear connection part 53 is fixed to the outer jacket 22 of the optical cable 2, for example, with an adhesive (not shown), as illustrated in FIG. 11A.
  • the second front connection part 52 is attached to the protective tube 3. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, the second insertion part 521 and the second protruding part 522 of the second front connection part 52 are inserted into the rear end part 312 of the protective tube 3, and the second protruding part 522 is hooked and engaged with the recessed part 31A1 of the inner surface 31A of the rear end part 312 of the protective tube 3 (see FIG. 11B).
  • the first forward connection part 51 is attached to the protective tube 3. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, the first insertion part 511 and the first protruding part 512 of the first forward connection part 51 are inserted into the rear end part 312 of the protective tube 3, and the first protruding part 512 is hooked and engaged with the recessed part 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the rear end part 312 of the protective tube 3 (see FIG. 11C).
  • the second protrusion 524 of the second front connection part 52 is inserted into the first positioning recess 515 of the first front connection part 51, and the first protrusion 514 of the first front connection part 51 is inserted into the second positioning groove 525 of the second front connection part 52. This positions the second front connection part 52 relative to the first front connection part 51.
  • the first forward connection part 51 and the second forward connection part 52 are fixed to the rear connection part 53.
  • the optical fiber core 21 and the connector 23 exposed from the jacket 22 are inserted into the protective tube 3 through the inside of the first forward connection part 51 and the second forward connection part 52.
  • the first forward connection part 51 and the second forward connection part 52 are moved in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 11C, and the first forward connection part 51 and the second forward connection part 52 are rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 7 relative to the rear connection part 53, while the female thread part 5131 of the first fixing part 513 of the first forward connection part 51 is screwed into the male thread part 5321 of the connection part fixing part 532 of the rear connection part 53.
  • the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3 are connected by the connection member 5, as illustrated in FIG. 11D.
  • the first forward connection portion 51, the second forward connection portion 52, and the rear connection portion 53 can be removably fixed together without tools by rotating the first forward connection portion 51 and the second forward connection portion 52 relative to the rear connection portion 53.
  • the first front connection portion 51 on which the female thread portion 5131 is formed is located on the upper side, and the second front connection portion 52 is located on the lower side.
  • the first front connection portion 51 may be configured to be located on the lower side, and the second front connection portion 52 may be configured to be located on the upper side.
  • each of the first front connection portion 51 and the second front connection portion 52 may have a fixing portion with a female thread portion formed on the inner circumferential surface.
  • each of the first front connection portion 51 and the second front connection portion 52 may have a semi-cylindrical fixing portion with a groove formed on the inner circumferential surface, and the grooves of the two fixing portions may be configured to join together to form a female thread portion.
  • first forward connection portion 51 and the second forward connection portion 52 may be fixed to each other with an adhesive.
  • the portion of the connection member 5 that is attached to the protective tube 3 is formed of two members (the first forward connection portion 51 and the second forward connection portion 52), but it may be formed of three or more members.
  • Third Embodiment 12 illustrates a configuration example of an optical cable member 20 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the description of members having the same reference numbers as those already described in the first and second embodiments will be omitted.
  • the optical cable member 20 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the optical cable member 10 according to the second embodiment in the structure for fixing the first forward connection portion 61 and the second forward connection portion 62 to the rear connection portion 63.
  • the optical cable member 20 has a connection member 6 that connects the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3.
  • the connection member 6 is formed of metal or resin.
  • the connection member 6 has a first front connection portion 61, a second front connection portion 62, and a rear connection portion 63.
  • the first front connection portion 61 and the second front connection portion 62 are each attached to the rear end portion 312 of the main body portion 31 of the protective tube 3.
  • the rear connection portion 63 is attached to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • the rear connection portion 63 is fixed to the first front connection portion 61.
  • the first front connection portion 61 is an example of a first member.
  • the second front connection portion 62 is an example of a second member.
  • the rear connection portion 63 is an example of a third member.
  • the first forward connection part 61 has a first insertion part 611 and a first protrusion part 612.
  • the first insertion part 611 is configured to be inserted inside the rear end part 312 of the protective tube 3.
  • the first insertion part 611 has a semi-cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the first protrusion part 612 is configured to engage with the recess part 31A1 (see FIG. 2) of the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3.
  • the first protrusion part 612 extends from the front end of the first insertion part 611 along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the first forward connection part 61 also has a first fixing part 613.
  • the first forward connection part 61 is fixed to the rear connection part 63 by the first fixing part 613.
  • the first fixing part 613 has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first insertion part 611, and extends from the rear end of the first insertion part 611 along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the first fixing part 613 has an L-shaped hole 6131 formed therein. Specifically, the L-shaped hole 6131 penetrates the first fixing part 613 in the radial direction of the optical cable 2, and includes a first hole part 6131A and a second hole part 6131B.
  • the first hole part 6131A extends from the rear end of the first fixing part 613 in the longitudinal direction of the optical cable 2.
  • the second hole portion 6131B extends from the front end of the first hole portion 6131A in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first hole portion 6131A and the radial direction of the optical cable 2.
  • the first front connection part 61 also has a first protrusion 614 and a first positioning recess 615.
  • the first protrusion 614 extends along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the first positioning recess 615 is recessed in a direction facing the second front connection part 62.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates the second front connection part 62.
  • the second front connection part 62 has a second insertion part 621 and a second protrusion part 622.
  • the second insertion part 621 is configured to be inserted inside the protective tube 3.
  • the second insertion part 621 has a semi-cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the second protrusion part 622 is configured to engage with the recess 31A1 (see FIG. 2) of the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3.
  • the second protrusion part 622 extends from the front end of the second insertion part 621 along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the second front connection part 62 also has a second fixing part 623.
  • the second front connection part 62 is fixed to the first front connection part 61 by the second fixing part 623.
  • the second fixing part 623 has a semi-cylindrical shape with an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the second insertion part 621, and extends from the rear end of the second insertion part 621 along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the second front connection part 62 also has a second protrusion 624 and a second positioning groove 625.
  • the second protrusion 624 extends in a direction facing the first front connection part 61.
  • the second positioning groove 625 extends along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the second protrusion 624 is inserted into the first positioning recess 615 of the first front connection part 51.
  • the first protrusion 614 of the first front connection part 61 is inserted into the second positioning groove 625. This positions the second front connection part 62 with respect to the first front connection part 61.
  • the rear connection portion 63 has a cable fixing portion 631.
  • the cable fixing portion 631 is configured to be fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • the cable fixing portion 631 has a cylindrical shape, and the optical cable 2 including the outer sheath 22 is inserted inside.
  • the cable fixing portion 631 is fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 by, for example, an adhesive.
  • the rear connection part 63 also has a connection part fixing part 632.
  • the rear connection part 63 is fixed to the first front connection part 61 by the connection part fixing part 632.
  • the connection part fixing part 632 has a cylindrical shape, and the optical fiber core 21 exposed from the outer jacket 22 is inserted inside.
  • the outer diameter of the connection part fixing part 632 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first fixing part 613 of the first front connection part 61, and the first fixing part 613 is fixed to the outside of the connection part fixing part 632.
  • the connection part fixing part 632 has a protrusion 6321 that engages with the L-shaped hole 6131. The protrusion 6321 extends in the radial direction of the optical cable 2 on the outer circumferential surface of the connection part fixing part 632.
  • the rear connection part 63 is fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • the first front connection part 61 and the second front connection part 62 are attached to the protective tube 3. Note that the method of fixing the rear connection part 63 to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 and the method of attaching the first front connection part 61 and the second front connection part 62 to the protective tube 3 are the same as those in the second embodiment, and therefore their explanation and illustration will be omitted.
  • the first front connection part 61 and the second front connection part 62 are fixed to the rear connection part 63. Specifically, the first front connection part 61 and the second front connection part 62 are moved in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 16A, and the protrusion part 6321 of the connection part fixing part 632 of the second front connection part 62 is inserted into the first hole part 6131A of the L-shaped hole 6131 of the first fixing part 613 of the first front connection part 61. Then, while guiding the protrusion part 6321 within the first hole part 6131A of the L-shaped hole 6131, the first front connection part 61 and the second front connection part 62 are slid in the longitudinal direction relative to the rear connection part 63.
  • the first front connection part 61 and the second front connection part 62 are rotated in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rear connection part 63 (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 16B) to insert the protrusion 6321 into the second hole 6131B of the L-shaped hole 6131.
  • the first front connection part 61 and the second front connection part 62 are rotated while guiding the protrusion 6321 within the second hole 6131B of the L-shaped hole 6131 until the protrusion 6321 moves to the end of the second hole 6131B of the L-shaped hole 6131.
  • the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3 are connected by the connection member 6, as illustrated in FIG. 16C.
  • the first front connection portion 61 and the second front connection portion 62 of the connection member 6 are bayonet-fixed to the rear connection portion 63.
  • the first front connection portion 61, the second front connection portion 62, and the rear connection portion 63 can be removably fixed without the use of tools.
  • the first front connection part 61 in which the L-shaped hole 6131 is formed is located on the upper side, and the second front connection part 62 is located on the lower side.
  • the first front connection part 61 may be configured to be located on the lower side, and the second front connection part 62 may be configured to be located on the upper side.
  • each of the first forward connection portion 61 and the second forward connection portion 62 may be configured to have a fixing portion having a semi-cylindrical shape, for example.
  • first forward connection portion 61 and the second forward connection portion 62 may be fixed to each other with an adhesive.
  • connection member 6 that is attached to the protective tube 3 is formed of two members (the first forward connection portion 61 and the second forward connection portion 62), but it may be formed of three or more members.
  • (Variation 1) 17 and 18 show a first modified example of the optical cable member 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to members or parts having the same shapes as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted for convenience of explanation.
  • the optical cable member 1A of the first modification differs from the optical cable member 1 of the first embodiment in the structure of the rear connection portion 43A of the connection member 4A.
  • the rear connection portion 43A of the first modified example has a cable fixing portion 431A and a connection portion fixing portion 432.
  • the cable fixing portion 431A has a plurality of through holes 4311A that penetrate the cable fixing portion 431A.
  • each of the plurality of through holes 4311A extends in the radial direction of the optical cable 2.
  • the through holes 4311A are an example of a fifth hole.
  • connection member 4A has a number of screw members 47 corresponding to the number of through holes 4311A.
  • Each of the screw members 47 is inserted into the corresponding through hole 4311A and abutted against the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2, thereby fixing the cable fixing portion 431A of the rear connection portion 43A to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • the rear connection portion 43A can be removably fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 by the screw member 47.
  • the cable fixing portion 431A of the rear connection portion 43A may be further fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 with an adhesive.
  • This modified example can also be applied to the second and third embodiments.
  • the rear connection portion 53 of the optical cable member 10 according to the second embodiment and the rear connection portion 63 of the optical cable member 20 according to the third embodiment may also be attached to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 using a screw member.
  • (Variation 2) 19 shows a modified example 2 of the optical cable member 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to members or parts having the same shapes as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted for convenience of explanation.
  • the optical cable member 1B of the second modification example differs from the optical cable member 1 of the first embodiment in the structure of the rear connection portion 43B of the connection member 4B.
  • the rear connection portion 43B has a first portion 431B and a second portion 432B that can be separated in the radial direction of the optical cable 2.
  • the first portion 431B has a cable fixing portion 4311B and a connection portion fixing portion 4312B.
  • the cable fixing portion 4311B is fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • the cable fixing portion 4311B is formed with a through hole 43111B into which the screw member 47 is inserted.
  • the connection portion fixing portion 4312B is fixed to the first front connection portion 41.
  • the connection portion fixing portion 4312B is formed with a through hole 43121B into which the first screw member 44 is inserted.
  • the second part 432B has a cable fixing part 4321B and a connection part fixing part 4322B.
  • the cable fixing part 4321B is fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • the cable fixing part 4321B has a through hole 43211B into which the screw member 47 is inserted.
  • the connection part fixing part 4322B is fixed to the second front connection part 42.
  • the connection part fixing part 4322B has a through hole 43221B into which the second screw member 45 is inserted.
  • the first forward connection part 41 and the second forward connection part 42 are each attached to the protective tube 3.
  • the first part 431B and the second part 432B of the rear connection part 43B are attached to the optical cable 2.
  • the cable fixing part 4311B of the first part 431B is placed on the outside of the jacket 22 of the optical cable 2, the screw member 47 is inserted into the through hole 43111B, and the cable fixing part 4311B is fixed to the jacket 22 by the screw member 47.
  • the cable fixing part 4321B of the second part 432B is placed on the outside of the jacket 22 of the optical cable 2, the screw member 47 is inserted into the through hole 43211B, and the cable fixing part 4321B is fixed to the jacket 22 by the screw member 47.
  • first and second forward connection parts 41 and 42 and the first and second parts 431B and 432B of the rear connection part 43B are fixed with the first and second screw members 44 and 45. This connects the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3 with the connection member 4B.
  • the rear connection part 43 has a cylindrical shape like the rear connection part 43 in the first embodiment, it is necessary to fix the rear connection part 43 to the optical cable 2 after the optical cable 2 has been terminated and before the optical fiber core wire 21 and the connector 23 of the optical cable 2 are inserted into the protective tube 3.
  • the rear connection part 43B is divisible in the radial direction of the optical cable 2, so that the rear connection part 43B can be fixed to the optical cable 2 even after the optical fiber core wire 21 and the connector 23 of the optical cable 2 are inserted into the protective tube 3. This increases the degree of freedom in the installation workability of the rear connection part 43B.
  • the rear connection portion 43 is formed from two members (the first portion 431B and the second portion 432B), but it may be formed from three or more members.
  • the cable fixing portion 4311B and the cable fixing portion 4321B may be fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 with an adhesive.
  • the rear connection portion 53 of the optical cable member 10 according to the second embodiment and the rear connection portion 63 of the optical cable member 20 according to the third embodiment may also be configured to have a first portion and a second portion that can be separated in the radial direction of the optical cable 2.
  • (Variation 3) 20 shows a third modified example of the optical cable member 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to members or parts having the same shapes as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted for the sake of convenience.
  • the optical cable member 1C of the third modification example differs from the optical cable member 1 of the first embodiment in the structure of the connection member 4C.
  • the connection member 4C according to the third modification has a first member 41C and a second member 42C.
  • the first member 41C is configured to be attached to the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3.
  • the first member 41C has a first insertion portion 411C, a first protrusion 412C, a connection portion fixing portion 413C, and a cable fixing portion 414C.
  • the first insertion portion 411C is configured to be inserted into the inside of the protective tube 3.
  • the first protrusion 412C is configured to engage with the recess 31A1 of the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3.
  • the connection portion fixing portion 413C is fixed to the second member 42C.
  • the connection portion fixing portion 413C has a through hole 4131C formed therein, into which the second screw member 45 is inserted.
  • the cable fixing portion 414C is fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2, for example, by an adhesive.
  • the second member 42C is configured to be attached to the protective tube 3.
  • the second member 42C has a second insertion portion 421C, a second protruding portion 422C, and a connection portion fixing portion 423C.
  • the second insertion portion 421C is configured to be inserted into the inside of the protective tube 3.
  • the second protruding portion 422C is configured to engage with the recess 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3.
  • the connection portion fixing portion 423C is fixed to the first member 41C.
  • a through hole 4231C is formed in the connection portion fixing portion 423C, into which the second screw member 45 is inserted.
  • the first member 41C is fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3.
  • the cable fixing portion 414C of the first member 41C is fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2, for example, by adhesive.
  • the first insertion portion 411C and the first protruding portion 412C of the first member 41C are inserted into the rear end portion 312 of the protective tube 3, and the first protruding portion 412C is hooked and engaged with the recessed portion 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the rear end portion 312 of the protective tube 3.
  • the second member 42C is attached to the protective tube 3. Specifically, the second insertion portion 421C and the second protruding portion 422C of the second member 42C are inserted into the rear end portion 312 of the protective tube 3, and the second protruding portion 422C is hooked and engaged with the recessed portion 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the rear end portion 312 of the protective tube 3.
  • the first member 41C and the second member 42C are fixed together.
  • the second screw member 45 is inserted into the through hole 4231C of the second member 42C and the through hole 4131C of the first member 41C to fix the first member 41C and the second member 42C together. This connects the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3 with the connecting member 4C.
  • the first member 41C has a portion that is attached to the protective tube 3 and a portion that is attached to the optical cable 2, so the number of parts constituting the connection member 4C and the number of connection steps can be reduced.
  • the cable fixing portion 414C may be fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 by forming a through hole in the cable fixing portion 414C and inserting a screw member into the through hole.
  • (Variation 4) 21 shows Modification 4 of the optical cable member 1B according to Modification 2. Note that the same reference numerals are given to members or parts having the same shapes as those of Modification 2, and for convenience of explanation, the description thereof will be omitted.
  • the optical cable member 1D of the fourth modification is different from the optical cable member 1B of the second modification in the structure of the connection member 4D.
  • the connection member 4D according to the fourth modification has a first member 41D and a second member 42D that can be separated in the radial direction of the optical cable 2.
  • the first member 41D is configured to be attached to the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3.
  • the first member 41D has a first insertion portion 411D, a first protrusion 412D, and a cable fixing portion 413D.
  • the first insertion portion 411D is configured to be inserted into the inside of the protective tube 3.
  • the first protrusion 412D is configured to engage with the recess 31A1 of the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3.
  • the cable fixing portion 413D is fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • the cable fixing portion 413D has a through hole 4131D formed therein, into which a screw member 47 is inserted.
  • the second member 42D is configured to be attached to the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3.
  • the second member 42D has a second insertion portion 421D, a second protrusion portion 422D, and a cable fixing portion 423D.
  • the second insertion portion 421D is configured to be inserted inside the protective tube 3.
  • the second protrusion portion 422D is configured to engage with the recess 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3.
  • the cable fixing portion 423D is fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2.
  • a through hole 4231D is formed in the cable fixing portion 423D, into which the screw member 47 is inserted.
  • the first member 41D and the second member 42D are attached to the protective tube 3. Specifically, the first insertion portion 411D and the first protrusion 412D of the first member 41D are inserted into the rear end portion 312 of the protective tube 3, and the first protrusion 412D is hooked and engaged with the recess 31A1 of the inner surface 31A of the rear end portion 312 of the protective tube 3.
  • the second insertion portion 421D and the second protrusion 422D of the second member 42D are inserted into the rear end portion 312 of the protective tube 3, and the second protrusion 422D is hooked and engaged with the recess 31A1 of the inner surface 31A of the rear end portion 312 of the protective tube 3.
  • the first member 41D and the second member 42D are each attached to the optical cable 2.
  • the cable fixing portion 413D of the first member 41D is placed on the outside of the sheath 22 of the optical cable 2, the screw member 47 is inserted into the through hole 4131D, and the cable fixing portion 413D is fixed to the sheath 22 by the screw member 47.
  • the cable fixing portion 423D of the second member 42D is placed on the outside of the sheath 22 of the optical cable 2, the screw member 47 is inserted into the through hole 4231D, and the cable fixing portion 423D is fixed to the sheath 22 by the screw member 47.
  • the optical cable 2 and the protective tube 3 are connected by the connection member 4D.
  • the first member 41D and the second member 42D each have a portion that is attached to the protective tube 3 and a portion that is attached to the optical cable 2, so the number of parts constituting the connection member 4D and the number of connection steps can be reduced.
  • connection member 4D is formed from two members (the first member 41D and the second member 42D), but it may be formed from three or more members.
  • the cable fixing portion 413D and the cable fixing portion 423D may be fixed to the outer sheath 22 of the optical cable 2 with an adhesive.
  • Fig. 22 is an exploded view illustrating the configuration of the lid portion 32 of the protective tube 3.
  • Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the protective tube 3 of Fig. 22.
  • the protective tube 3 is configured such that the cover portion 32 is removable from the main body portion 31.
  • the cover portion 32 has a first member 341 and a second member 342.
  • the first member 341 has a first insertion portion 3411, a first protrusion portion 3412, a first fixing portion 3413, a tip portion 3414, and a first positioning portion 3415.
  • the first insertion portion 3411 is configured to be inserted into the inside of the protective tube 3.
  • the first insertion portion 3411 extends along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the first protrusion portion 3412 is configured to engage with the recess 31A1 of the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3.
  • the first protrusion portion 3412 extends from the rear end of the first insertion portion 3411 along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the first fixing portion 3413 is configured to be fixed to the second member 342.
  • the first fixing portion 3413 is formed with a first through hole 34131 that penetrates the first fixing portion 3413.
  • the first through hole 34131 extends in a direction facing the second member 342.
  • the tip portion 3414 has a curved shape, such as a sphere, a half football, or a bell shape, and has an outer diameter, for example, equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the main body portion 31.
  • the first positioning portion 3415 is used to position the first member 341 to the second member 342.
  • the first positioning portion 3415 is a protrusion.
  • the second member 342 has a second insertion portion 3421, a second protruding portion 3422, a second fixing portion 3423, and a second positioning portion 3424.
  • the second insertion portion 3421 is configured to be inserted into the inside of the protective tube 3.
  • the second insertion portion 3421 extends along the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the second protruding portion 3422 is configured to engage with the recess 31A1 of the inner surface 31A of the protective tube 3.
  • the second protruding portion 3422 extends from the rear end of the second insertion portion 3421 along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 3.
  • the second fixing portion 3423 is configured to be fixed to the first member 341.
  • the second fixing portion 3423 has a second through hole 34231 penetrating the second fixing portion 3423 formed at a position corresponding to the first through hole 34131.
  • the second through hole 34231 extends in a direction facing the first member 341.
  • the second positioning portion 3424 is used to position the second member 342 to the first member 341.
  • the second positioning portion 3424 is a recess.
  • first insertion portion 3411 and the first protruding portion 3412 of the first member 341 and the second insertion portion 3421 and the second protruding portion 3422 of the second member 342 form the attachment portion 322 in FIG. 2.
  • first fixing portion 3413 and the tip portion 3414 of the first member 341 and the second fixing portion 3423 of the second member 342 form the tip portion 321 in FIG. 2.
  • the cover portion 32 further has a screw member 343.
  • the screw member 343 is inserted into the first through hole 34131 and the second through hole 34231 with the first fixing portion 3413 of the first member 341 and the second fixing portion 3423 of the second member 342 overlapping each other. This fixes the first member 341 and the second member 342 together.
  • the second member 342 is attached to the main body 31. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 24A, the second insertion portion 3421 and the second protruding portion 3422 of the second member 342 are inserted into the front end portion 311 of the main body 31, and the second protruding portion 3422 is hooked and engaged with the recess 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the front end portion 311 of the main body 31 (see FIG. 24B).
  • the first member 341 is fixed to the main body 31. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 24B, the first insertion portion 3411 and the first protrusion 3412 of the first member 341 are inserted into the front end 311 of the main body 31, and the first protrusion 3412 is hooked and engaged with the recess 31A1 on the inner surface 31A of the front end 311 of the main body 31 (see FIG. 24C). The first member 341 and the second member 342 are then positioned by the first positioning portion 3415 of the first member 341 and the second positioning portion 3424 of the second member 342.
  • the first member 341 and the second member 342 are fixed together. Specifically, the screw member 343 is inserted into the first through hole 34131 of the first member 341 and the second through hole 34231 of the second member 342. This attaches the cover portion 32 to the main body portion 31, as illustrated in FIG. 23.
  • the lid portion 32 can be configured to be removable from the main body portion 31.
  • the first member 341 having the tip portion 3414 is located on the upper side, and the second member 342 is located on the lower side.
  • the first member 341 may be configured to be located on the lower side
  • the second member 342 may be configured to be located on the upper side.
  • each of the first member 341 and the second member 342 may have a tip portion.
  • each of the first member 341 and the second member 342 may be configured to have a hemispherical tip portion.
  • the lid portion 32 is formed from two members (the first member 341 and the second member 342), but it may be formed from three or more members.
  • the main body 31 of the protective tube 3 is formed in a bellows shape over the entire length in the longitudinal direction.
  • the main body 31 only needs to have an inner surface 31A of at least the rear end 312 to which the connecting member 4 is connected formed in an uneven shape.
  • the lid 32 of the main body 31 is composed of two members as shown in FIG. 22, it only needs to have an inner surface 31A of at least the front end 311 to which the lid 32 is connected formed in an uneven shape. That is, the outer surface 31B of the main body 31 may be formed in a flat shape rather than an uneven shape.
  • the inner surface 31A of the main body 31 other than both longitudinal ends (front end 311 and rear end 312) to which the connecting member 4 and the lid 32 are not connected may be formed in a flat shape rather than an uneven shape.
  • connection part fixing part of the rear connection part is disposed inside the first fixing part of the first front connection part and the second fixing part of the second front connection part.
  • connection part fixing part of the rear connection part may be configured to be disposed outside the first fixing part of the first front connection part and the second fixing part of the second front connection part.
  • a male thread part may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first fixing part 513 of the first front connection part 51, and a male thread part may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connection part fixing part 532 of the rear connection part 53.
  • a protrusion part may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first fixing part 613 of the first front connection part 61, and an L-shaped hole may be formed in the connection part fixing part 632 of the rear connection part 63.
  • the optical cable members 1, 10, 20, 1A-1D are members used to lay the optical cable 2 by the air pressure blowing method.
  • the optical cable members 1, 10, 20, 1A-1D may also be used to lay the optical cable 2 by the cable pulling method.
  • the protective tube 3 may be configured to have a connecting member 33 attached to the lid portion 32. A wire is connected to the connecting member 33, and the optical cable 2 inserted into the laying tube is pulled to a predetermined position by the wire connected to the connecting member 33.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
PCT/JP2024/020903 2023-06-09 2024-06-07 光ケーブル部材 Ceased WO2024253191A1 (ja)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2000081164A (ja) * 1998-09-03 2000-03-21 Osaka Gas Co Ltd フレキシブル管挿通用治具
JP2001004888A (ja) * 1999-06-21 2001-01-12 Fujikura Ltd 光ケーブル牽引具
US20120248392A1 (en) * 2011-03-29 2012-10-04 Tyco Electronics Corporation Fiber Optic Enclosure Assemblies and Methods for Forming and Using the Same
WO2021192725A1 (ja) * 2020-03-27 2021-09-30 株式会社フジクラ 牽引端末構造体、牽引端付き光ケーブル及び牽引端付き光ケーブルの製造方法
US20220283396A1 (en) * 2021-03-04 2022-09-08 Corning Research & Development Corporation Pulling grip assembly for cables and related methods

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2000081164A (ja) * 1998-09-03 2000-03-21 Osaka Gas Co Ltd フレキシブル管挿通用治具
JP2001004888A (ja) * 1999-06-21 2001-01-12 Fujikura Ltd 光ケーブル牽引具
US20120248392A1 (en) * 2011-03-29 2012-10-04 Tyco Electronics Corporation Fiber Optic Enclosure Assemblies and Methods for Forming and Using the Same
WO2021192725A1 (ja) * 2020-03-27 2021-09-30 株式会社フジクラ 牽引端末構造体、牽引端付き光ケーブル及び牽引端付き光ケーブルの製造方法
US20220283396A1 (en) * 2021-03-04 2022-09-08 Corning Research & Development Corporation Pulling grip assembly for cables and related methods

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