JPH11231150A - Surplus housing case - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To compactly house a surplus secured nearby an optical connector which terminates an optical fiber and to simplify surplus processing regarding a connection between optical fibers. SOLUTION: This case is provided with a thin plate type case main body 71 in which the surplus 23a secured nearby the optical connector 25 which terminates the tip of an optical fiber 23 so that an abutting connection can be made can be curved and housed and an engagement part 27a which secures the radius of curvature of the surplus 23a above a prescribed radius by engaging the surplus 23a in the case main body 71, and the surplus 23a housed in the case main body 71 functions as lead-out surplus to draw out the optical connector 25.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an extra length storage case.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 17 shows a rack 2 to which a conventional core selection device 1 is applied. In FIG. 17, the rack 2 connects an optical cable (not shown) on the transmission device side and the optical cable 3 on the line side, and furthermore, an optical line for monitoring the optical lines related to these optical cables by an optical test device such as an optical pulse tester. Configures a monitoring system. The core wire selecting device 1 is formed in a thin plate shape, and each stage 2a of a rack 2 divided into multiple stages.
Mounted on The optical fiber 4 drawn out from the terminal of the optical cable 3 drawn into the rack 2 is drawn into each stage 2a of the rack 2 via an extra-length processing box 5, and a large number of thin plates are arranged and stored side by side at each stage 2a. The optical case 6 is drawn into the optical case 6 and is connected to the optical fiber selection device 1 via an optical fiber 7 connected in the optical case 6. Further, in the optical case 6, the optical fiber 4 on the optical cable 3 side is switchably connected to an optical fiber on the transmission device side (not shown; an optical fiber of the optical cable on the transmission device side). An optical fiber on the transmission device side is connected to the optical connector adapter 6a of the optical case 6 by a connector. In FIG. 17, reference numeral 8 denotes a bridging terminal plate for connecting another optical fiber to an optical fiber drawn from an optical cable laid across the bridging space.

[0003] Optical fibers 7 respectively drawn from a large number of optical cases 6 housed in the same stage 2a are detachably connected to the core wire selecting device 1 via an optical connector 1a. Then, the target optical fiber 7 is selected from among the many optical fibers 7 connected by the core wire selecting device 1, and the test light oscillated from the optical test device is sent to the optical fiber 7. A test such as disconnection of a corresponding optical line of the optical fiber 7 can be performed. Optical fiber 4, 7
The optical fiber on the transmission device side is optically connected to the optical fiber by an optical coupler or the like (not shown) built in the optical case 6.
Into the optical fiber 4 on the transmission side and the optical fiber on the transmission device side.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an example of the core wire selecting device 1. In FIG. 18, the optical fiber selection device 1 switchesably connects the optical fiber 11 on the optical test device side to the connection portion 9 supporting the optical connector 1a and the optical fiber 10 pulled out from the connection portion 9. And a drive unit 12. The driving unit 12 supports and moves the positioning table 13 that positions the optical fiber 10 on the connection unit 9 side by an alignment mechanism such as a positioning groove and supports the optical fiber 11 on the optical test apparatus side by side. The optical fiber 1
And a movable head 14 for selectively connecting the optical fiber 1 to the optical fibers 10 arranged and supported on the positioning table 13. When the target optical fibers 10 and 11 are connected to each other by moving the movable head 14, the optical fibers 4 on the optical cable 3 side and the optical fibers of the optical cable on the transmission apparatus side are connected via the optical fiber 7 and the optical case 6. An optical test device is connected to the optical line, and a test such as disconnection of the optical line can be performed. Further, when the movable head 14 is driven to switch the connection of the optical fibers 10 and 11, the optical line to be tested by the optical test device can be switched. Can be tested continuously and efficiently.

[0005]

In the meantime, in the case of the above-mentioned core wire selecting device 1, as shown in FIG. 17, it is generally formed in a thin plate shape and mounted on each step 2a of the rack 2. In consideration of an increase in the mounting density of optical devices such as the optical case 6 on the rack 2 and an increase in the number of compatible cores, the thickness (see FIG.
There was a request to reduce the size (medium top and bottom dimensions). However, in the core selection device 1, the connecting part 9 and the driving part 12 are mounted in the same case and are integrated, and there is a limit to downsizing of the driving part 12. There is a problem that the thickness dimension (upper and lower dimensions in FIG. 17) cannot be sufficiently reduced. For this reason, there has been dissatisfaction that the mounting density of optical devices such as the optical case 6 on the rack 2 cannot be improved and the number of cores can not be sufficiently increased. Also,
For example, when the core wire selecting device 1 is collectively arranged at a specific location such as the lowest stage of the rack 2 to save space, each stage 2a
Since the wiring length of the optical fiber 7 from the optical case 6 to the optical fiber selecting device 1 becomes long, the optical fiber 7 becomes complicated and easily entangled, and the connection and connection switching of the optical fiber 7 at the connection portion 9 are performed. The problem that it becomes difficult arises.

In the optical fiber selection device 1 shown in FIG. 17, when the optical fibers 7 and 10 are connected to each other at the connecting portion 9, the optical connector 1 a is pulled out from the connecting portion 9. It is necessary to store the extra drawer length that has been secured, which also makes it difficult to reduce the thickness of the cord selection device 1. That is, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the extra drawer length 10a secured in the optical fiber 10 is used.
Utilizing the thickness of the core selection device 1, it is bent and housed in a state of being slackened up and down, so it is difficult to reduce the thickness of the core selection device 1. In addition, it is necessary to provide the core selection device 1 with a configuration such as a fiber retaining section 10b for retaining the optical fiber 10, which also requires
This makes it difficult to reduce the thickness of the cord selection device 1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has a simple configuration and a large size.
Provided is an extra-long storage case capable of realizing cost reduction and space saving of an installation space.

[0008]

The present invention has the following features to attain the object mentioned above. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a thin plate-shaped case main body capable of bending and storing an extra length secured in the vicinity of an optical connector that terminates an optical fiber so that the optical fiber ends can be butt-connected is protruded inside the case main body. An engagement portion that engages with the extra length stored in the case main body to secure a curvature radius of the extra length to a specified value or more, and the extra length stored in the case main body is used as a drawer extra length. The extra length storage case, which functions so that the optical connector can be pulled out, is a means for solving the problem. In the extra length storage case, the optical connector can be pulled out within a range of the extra length secured in the extra length stored in the case body. All or a part of the extra length stored in the extra length storage case functions as an extra drawer length. When the extra length is pulled out and the extra length engages with the engagement portion, the engagement portion maintains the radius of curvature within a range that does not affect the optical transmission characteristics. Here, it can be seen that the withdrawal of the extra withdrawal length has been completed due to a change such as an increase in the extra withdrawal resistance. By pushing the drawn extra length into the extra length storage case, the extra length can be stored again, and in the extra length storage case, the original extra length before drawing out can be stored. Various configurations can be adopted for the case body, the engagement portion, and the like, and they may be separate from each other or integrated with each other.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the extra length storage case according to the first aspect, the case body is formed by folding and forming a resin sheet. The case main body and the engaging portion may be separate bodies, but it is also easy to integrate both of them, thereby realizing a reduction in the number of parts and a reduction in cost. That is, as the engagement portion of the case body and the integral body, for example, a protrusion integrally formed with the case body made of resin, or a protrusion that can be formed into a protruded state by folding when the case body is folded can be adopted. It is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the extra length storage case according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a retaining portion for retaining one end of the extra length stored in the case body. In this extra length storage case, by retaining one end of the extra length stored by the retaining part,
Restrictions on withdrawals that are longer than the specified length are restricted. In other words, the other end of the stored extra length (the end on the optical connector side) is pulled out of the extra length storage case, and when the pulled out length reaches a specified length, one end of the extra length is restrained by the retaining portion. , Withdrawals longer than that are regulated. At this time, the extra length engages with the engagement portion in the case body,
An extra radius of curvature is ensured. Even if all of the extra length is pulled out, the extra length of curvature is maintained in the case body, so if the optical fiber is pushed into the extra length storage case after being pulled out, the extra length of the target length will be stored again. It can be easily bent and stored in the case.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the extra length storage case of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a frame formed by applying an optical connector storage case 20 to constitute an optical line monitoring system. In the figure, the same components as those in FIG. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be simplified.

In FIG. 1, an optical connector storage case 20 formed in a thin plate shape is pulled out of each stage 2a in a frame 2,
It is stored so that it can be stored again. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical connector storage case 20 (in FIG. 2, the position of the connection portion 26 provided on the side of the optical connector storage case 20 is shown).
Are connected to a plurality of core wire selecting devices 21 (driving units in FIG. 2) mounted on the lowermost stage of the rack 2 via connecting portions 22, respectively. The connecting portion 22 is connected to the optical connector storage case 20.
Is a flexible hose that houses an optical fiber (not shown) that connects between the optical fiber and the cord selection device 21. It can be maintained in a range that does not affect the transmission performance.
As described above, since the optical connector storage case 20 is connected to the core wire selecting device 21 via the connecting portion 22, the degree of freedom of the installation position in the rack 2 can be ensured. In addition, the conventional optical fiber cable selection device has a built-in drive unit, which makes it difficult to reduce the size.
In the case of 0, since it is separated from the core wire selecting device 21 (drive unit), miniaturization is easy.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the optical connector storage case 20. In FIG. 3, the optical connector storage case 2
0 is a case-shaped case body 20a and a core wire selecting device 21
An extra length storage portion 24 for curving and storing an extra length 23a of an optical fiber 23 (optical fiber ribbon) connecting the end portion of the optical fiber 23 with another optical fiber. And a connecting portion 26 for arranging and supporting a plurality of optical connectors 25 which can be connected by butt connection on the side of the case body 20a. The upper part of the case body 20a is provided with a case lid 20 indicated by a virtual line in FIG.
It can be opened and closed by d.

The extra length storage portion 24 has a curved storage portion 24b defined by a partition wall 20b, and the extra length 23a of the optical fiber 23 is provided in the curved storage portion 24b so as not to affect the optical transmission performance. The bending radius is secured and stored. A part of the plurality of optical fibers 23 drawn into the extra length storage portion 24 from the lead-in portion 20c is stored in a thin extra storage case 27A in which a plurality of the optical fibers 23 are stacked and taken out in the curved storage portion 24b. Then, the extra length 23a is arranged and stored in a curved line for each line. The extra-length storage case 27A is fitted between stopper pieces 24a and 24b protruding from the plurality of extra-length storage portions 24, so as to be in the vicinity of the outlet of the groove-shaped optical fiber passage 20h formed continuously from the lead-in portion 20c. It has come to be stably supported.

Since the extra-length storage case 27A is formed by bending a flexible resin sheet such as plastic, the optical fiber 23 accommodated therein can be stably provided without sudden bending or the like. Can be protected and stored. In the extra length storage case 27A, an engaging portion 27a provided so as to penetrate the inside (the engaging portion 27 in FIG. 3).
Shows a folded portion in which a part of the extra length storage case 27A is folded. Specifically, FIG. 14) is provided, and is stored while maintaining the bending radius of the extra length 23a by the engagement portion 27a. The retracting portion 20c is a retaining portion for retaining the flexible hose of the connecting portion 22, and the optical connector storage case 2
The optical fiber 23 communicated between the zero and the connecting portion 22 is prevented from being disconnected.

The connecting portion 26 extends to one side of the case main body 20a, and supports the optical connector 25 in a detachable manner by a plurality of clamp claws 26a arranged in a line. In the portion facing the connecting portion 26 of the extra length storage portion 24,
A passage portion 28 is defined by partitions 20b and 20e protruding into the case body 20a. In the passage portion 28, a plurality of light wires laid between the connection portion 26 and the extra length storage portion 24 are provided. Fibers 23 are drawn in parallel. Also in the drawing-in section 28, the excess length 23a is bent by using the extra-length storage case 27B having the same configuration as the extra-length storage case 27A applied to the curved storage section 24b. The extra length 23a stored in the extra length storage case 27B can be pulled out by pulling the optical connector 25. In addition, the optical fiber 23 includes the extra-length storage case 27B and the partition wall 2.
Since the optical fiber 23 is linearly drawn between the slit 20f and the slit 20f, it is possible to prevent the optical fibers 23 from being complicated with each other. The workability of taking out the target optical fiber 23 can be secured. The optical fiber 23 that has been passed through the passing section 28 is moved from the passing section 28 to the extra-length storage case 27B.
Can be easily taken out. In the passing portion 28, the extra length storage case 27 is provided between the stopper piece 28 a protruding from the passing portion 28 and the partition wall 20 b.
B is held so that it can be taken out, so that it can be easily attached and detached. A specific configuration example of the extra-length storage case 27B will be described later in detail.

In the connecting portion 26, a plurality of connector holders 29 are arranged in a line, and the optical connector 25 is clamped and supported by the plurality of clamp claws 26a projecting from the respective connector holders 29. Each connector holder 29
Is detachable from the connecting portion 26 by a screw 29a. Therefore, when the connector holder 29 is relocated, a plurality of optical connectors 2 clamped and supported by the connector holder 29 are provided.
5 can be moved in a lump.

FIG. 4 shows the connector holder 29. In FIG. 4, an optical connector 25 is a plastic multi-core optical connector (so-called MT) defined in JIS C5981.
Optical connector: Mechanically Transferable)
The clamp claw 26a also has a shape that detachably clamps the optical connector 25. The optical connector 25a for terminating the optical fiber 23 drawn from the line side optical cable 3 (see FIG. 1) can be switched to the optical connector 25a for terminating the optical fiber 23 on the optical test apparatus side. Connected. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical connector storage case 20 connects the connecting portion 26 to the line side of the rack 2 (FIG. 1).
Since the optical connector 2 is installed facing the front side (middle front side), the optical connector 2 between the switching device carried in on the track side of the rack 2 and the connection portion 26 is connected.
The transfer of the optical connectors 5 and 7a is easy, and workability such as connection between the optical connectors 25 and 7a and connection switching can be improved. FIG.
As shown in (2), a cap 30 is attached to the optical connector 25 that is not connected to the optical connector 7a to protect the joint end face from dust adhesion and the like.

FIG. 5A is a bottom view showing the case lid 20d, and FIG. 5B is a side view showing the case lid 20d.
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the case lid 20d has a rectangular plate shape, and a hook 20i is formed on one side.
A flange-shaped optical fiber retainer 20j protrudes from the other side opposite to the one side. This case lid 20
When the d is attached to the case body 20a, as shown in FIG. 6, the hook 20i is hooked on the outer wall 20k of the case body 20a on the side of the curved storage portion 24b, and then, as shown in FIG. The optical fiber retainer 20j is fixed to the partition wall 20e of 20a with the screw 20l. Screw 2
0l is designed to be detached from the connection portion 26 side, so that the optical connector storage case 20 is smaller than the case where the detachable operation is performed from the case lid 20d or the case body 20a lower side.
This is advantageous in reducing the size of the rack 2 because it is easy to reduce the vertical dimension of the frame 2 and there is no need to secure a space for attaching and detaching operations above and below the optical connector storage case 20.

As shown in FIG.
j is a holding wall 2 projecting into the slit 20f.
The optical fiber 23 positioned near 0 m and inserted through the slit 20f is sandwiched between the optical fiber 23 and the holding wall 20m. Since the optical fiber 23, which is the optical fiber ribbon, is flat (see FIG. 4), when the optical fiber 23 is sandwiched between the optical fiber retainer 20j and the retainer wall 20m, the rotation is restricted and twisting is prevented.

Returning to FIG. 3, the description will be continued. At the end of the connecting portion 26, the above-described retracting portion 20c is installed.
0c at the connecting portion 26 (region A in FIG. 3) closest to
When the optical connector 25 is clamped and supported by the clamp claws 26a, the extra length 23a of the optical fiber 23 related to the optical connector 25 is stored in the extra length storage case 27A, and the extra length storage case 27A is stored in the curved storage portion 24b. (See FIG. 9). In FIG. 9, the extra length 2 of the optical fiber 23 is used.
3a is wound and stored in the extra length storage case 27A and the inside of the curved storage portion 24b outside the extra length storage case 27A.
It is also possible to store a and omit the curved storage in the curved storage portion 24b other than the extra-length storage case 27A.

In FIG. 9, the optical fiber 23 passed through the passage section 28 is directly drawn into the connection section 26 from the slit 20f of the partition wall 20e through the slit 20g formed below the partition wall 20b. Actually, as shown in FIG.
Since the end of the extra length storage case 27B that accommodates the extra length 23a of the optical fiber 23 drawn into the region B adjacent to the optical fiber 23 is disposed near the optical fiber passage 20h, the optical fiber 23 that is drawn into the region A of the connection portion 26 Is held between two ends of the extra length storage cases 27B, 27B.

That is, in the present embodiment, two extra-length storage cases 27B installed adjacent to the side of the drawn-in portion 20c are stacked on one extra-length storage case 27B. Therefore, a large number of extra-length storage cases 27B can be stored at a high density in the pull-in section 28. In addition, since the superposed state is stabilized by friction and engagement between the extra length storage cases 27B and 27B, a large number of extra length storage cases 27B can be stably stored in the passing portion 28. In addition, the number of the extra length storage cases 27B stacked on one extra length storage case 27B is not limited to the above-described two, and may be three or more.

As shown in FIG. 10, the extra length 23 of the optical fiber 23 relating to the optical connector 25 supported by the clamp claw 26a at the center (region B in FIG. 10) in the extending direction of the connecting portion 26.
“a” is wound and stored in the curved storage section 24b without using the extra-length storage case 27A. The extra length 23a of the optical fiber 23 can also be stored using the extra length storage case stored in the curved storage portion 24b. However, the extra length storage case for storing the extra length 23a of the optical fiber 23 is stably stored in the center of the curved storage portion 24b by a stopper piece or the like separately protruding from the curved storage portion 24b.
It is preferable to distinguish the storage position from the extra length storage case 27A near the optical fiber passage 20h.

As shown in FIG. 11, the clamp claw 2 of the connecting portion 26 (region C in FIG. 11) which is separated from the retracting portion 20c.
Optical fiber 23 related to optical connector 25 supported by 6a
The extra length 23a of the extra length storage case 27B that is gently curved in the curved storage portion 24b and the drawing-in portion 28 and is separated from the drawing portion 20c and stored in the drawing portion 28.
It is wound and stored inside. The extra length 23a is a curved storage portion 24b.
Is pulled out from the central portion of the first through the slit 20g to the passing portion 28, the drawing portion 28 is routed so as to reach the stopper piece 28a near the drawing portion 20c, and further, the connecting portion 26 and the passing portion 28 are partitioned. Passing through the optical fiber passage 31 between the partition wall 20e and the stopper pieces 28a, 28a,... Provided in parallel with the partition wall 20e, it reaches the extra length storage case 27B stored in the drawing-in section 28. You. The optical fiber 23 routed between the partition wall 20b and the stopper pieces 28a, 28a,... Comprises a plurality of extra length storage cases 27B,
It is pressed down so as to be sandwiched between the overlapping portions of 7B.

According to the optical connector storage case 20,
The plurality of optical fibers 23 drawn from the drop-in section 20c
If the lengths are the same, the length of the surplus length 23a to be processed changes efficiently depending on the supporting position of the optical connector 25 terminating the tip of each optical fiber 23 at the connection portion 26, and the efficiency is improved. The extra length 23a can be processed and stored. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the connecting portion 2 close to the lead-in portion 20c.
When the optical connector 25 is supported in the area 6 (area A), the extra length 23a to be processed becomes longer, and the optical connector 2
The further the supporting position of 5 is from the retracting portion 20c, the shorter the length of the extra length 23a to be processed. Therefore, in the optical connector storage case 20 of the present embodiment, the extra-length storage case 27 is used.
A, the storage length of the extra length 23a to the 27B is changed, or the extra length storage case 27A,
By changing the processing amount of the extra length 23a for performing the bending process without using 27B, the extra length 23a can be appropriately curved.

The optical fiber 23 is linearly drawn between the extra length storage case 27B in the drawing part 28 and the connecting part 26. That is, the retaining flange 38 of the extra length storage case 27B accommodated in the penetration portion 28 and the slit 20f of the partition wall 20e are positioned on the same straight line, and furthermore, the optical fiber groove 29b of the connector holder 29 (see FIG. (Shown in detail) are also located on the same straight line, and the optical connector 25 supported by the connection portion 26 and the extra-length storage case 27B in the drawing-in portion 28
The optical fiber 23 drawn between them is connected to the retaining flange 38, the slit 20f, and the optical fiber groove 29b to be drawn straight. For this reason,
In order to take out the optical connector 25 from the connection portion 26, it is easy to pull out the optical fiber 23 related to the optical connector 25 from the extra-length storage portion 24, and the optical connector 7a of another optical fiber 7 is connected to the optical connector 25. The workability of connecting or switching connections can be improved. At this time, the extra length 23a curvedly stored in the extra length storage case 27B functions as an extra length of the drawer, and allows the optical connector 25 of 70 mm or more to be pulled out. When the optical connector 25 is returned to the connection portion 26 after the connection or other work, the extra length 23
By pushing a into the extra-length storage case 27B, the optical connector storage case 20 can be easily stored again without opening.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are plan views showing the extra length storage case 27B applied to the pull-in portion 28. FIG. A part of the extra length 23a stored in the extra length storage case 27B functions as a drawer extra length for pulling out the optical connector 25 from the connection portion 26 (see FIG. 12), and a drawer length of 70 mm or more is secured. The extra length storage case 27B is a thin plate having a thickness such that the optical fiber 23 moves while sliding inside. When the optical connector 25 is pulled out, the extra length 23a affects the optical transmission performance. It is moved inside the extra-length storage case 27B while being maintained at a curvature radius of a small extent and pulled out.

As shown in FIG. 13, the optical connector 25 is pulled out from the connection portion 26, the extra length 23a is pulled out from the extra length storage case 27B, and the optical connector 25 is inserted into the engagement portion 27a projecting into the extra length storage case 27B. When it gets caught, the extra length 2
The withdrawal of 3a is regulated. At this time, the end of the extra length 23a on the side opposite to the optical connector 25 is retained by the retaining portion 27d of the extra length storage case 27B.
The upper limit of the withdrawal amount of the extra length 23a from the extra length storage case 27B is constant. Also, the drawn-out optical connector 25 is returned to the connection portion 26, and the optical fiber 23 is stored in the extra-length storage case 2.
When it is pushed into 7B, it returns to the state of FIG. 12, and the extra length 23a of the original length can be stored in the extra length storage case 27B. The extra-length storage case 27B is
a and the partition wall 20b, and is not moved from a fixed position in any of the work of pulling out and re-storing the extra length 23a, so that the work can be performed efficiently. 12 and FIG.
Is a thin plate-shaped case main body 71 constituting the extra-length storage case 27B.

Next, an example of the configuration of the extra-length storage case 27B will be described in detail. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the extra length storage case 27B. In FIG. 14, the case main body 71 of the extra-length storage case 27B is formed by bending a sheet made of resin such as plastic.

FIG. 15 is a developed view showing a resin sheet 72 constituting the case main body 71. That is, the case main body 71 is bent such that the side wall portion 33 is raised (to the front of the paper surface in FIG. 15) about the folding line L1 on one side of the lower bottom portion 32 of the resin sheet 72 shown in FIG. Next, the fold line L on the side of the raised side wall portion 33
The upper bottom portion 34 is bent about the lower bottom portion 32
To face. Next, the side wall portion 36 is bent so as to rise around the fold line L3 on the other side of the lower bottom portion 32 so as to face the side wall portion 33, and further, a fold line L4 on the side portion of the side wall portion 36 is formed. Of the lower bottom portion 32 by first bending the retention flange 38 bent around
Is folded over the upper bottom part 34 disposed opposite to
Engage.

A plurality of engaging portions 27a are formed in the center of the lower bottom portion 32 of the case body 71. These engaging portions 27a are portions that can be folded inside the case body 71 by cutting out the central portion of the lower bottom portion 32.
As shown in (1), when the case main body 71 is folded and formed from the resin sheet 72, it is folded in advance. As shown in FIG. 14, the locking portion 27b at the tip of each engaging portion 27a is
Engagement with the upper bottom portion 34 via the locking hole 27c opened in the upper bottom portion 34 of the case main body 71 in which the folding molding is completed,
The upper bottom portion 34 is retained so as not to be opened. Thereby, the shape of the case main body 71 can be stably maintained. After the case body 71 is folded and formed, each of the locking portions 27b and the upper bottom 3 are located between the retaining flange 38 and the upper bottom 34.
4 is bonded and fixed by an adhesive or ultrasonic welding.

In FIG. 14, the extra length 23a secured to the optical fiber 23 near the optical connector 25 is the
It is inserted into and out of the case body 71 via the optical fiber port 40 opened on one side. That is, in the case body 71 containing the extra length 23a, the optical fiber 23 is drawn out from the optical fiber port 40 to the optical connector 25 side and the side opposite to the optical connector 25 (on the side of the core wire selecting device 21). It will be in a state where it was lost.

In the case body 71, the extra length 23a is curved and stored in the extra length storage area 41 on the back side (the side separated from the optical fiber port 40) from the engaging portion 27a. Optical connector 25
Is taken out from the connection portion 26 (see FIG. 13), the extra length 23a stored in the extra length storage area 41 is pulled out, and functions as an extra pull-out length. As shown in FIG.
7d is a two-piece rod shape. After the optical fiber 23 is inserted through a slit 44, which is a division of the retaining part 27d, into a through hole 45 that is continuous with the slit 44, the optical fiber 23 is inserted into the case body 71, and divided into two parts. The undivided base end portion 42 is fitted into a fitting hole 47 opened in the upper bottom portion 34 of the case main body 71, and a fitting projection 46 separable by the slit 44 is fitted in the fitting hole 47 opened in the lower bottom portion 32. 43
Fits. Thus, the optical fiber 23 can be easily retained at the target position near the optical fiber port 40.

The through hole 4 penetrated through the retaining portion 27d
Reference numeral 5 denotes an elongated cross-sectional shape adapted to the optical fiber 23 which is an optical fiber tape core. When the retaining portion 27d is fixed to the case main body 71, the longitudinal direction of the through-hole 45 becomes the thickness direction of the case main body 71 ( (Upper and lower in FIG. 14). The optical fiber 23, which is an optical fiber ribbon, is in the shape of a flat band and has a bending direction (it is easy to bend in the thickness direction and hard to bend in the width direction perpendicular to the thickness direction).
By inserting the optical fiber 23 into the through hole 45, the optical fiber 23 is held with the width direction of the optical fiber 23 aligned with the thickness direction of the case body 71.
For this reason, even if the extra length 23a moves in the case main body 71, the storage direction of the extra length 23a in the case main body 71 is always kept constant, and it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as twisting from occurring, and There is also an advantage that the optical transmission performance of H.23 can be stably maintained. The base end 42 and the fitting projection 46
After being fitted into the fitting hole 43 or the fitting hole 47, it is bonded and fixed to the case main body 71 by an adhesive or ultrasonic welding, so that the optical fiber 23 is stably retained at a fixed position. The retaining portion provided in the extra length storage case according to the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned retaining boots, and various configurations such as a structure in which an optical fiber is directly adhered and fixed to the extra length storage case can be adopted.

According to the extra length storage case 27B, since the configuration is simple and the size can be reduced, each step 2a of the rack 2 can be formed.
The installation space for installation in a small space is extremely small.
In particular, the thickness of the extra length storage case 27B can be reduced to such an extent that the stored extra length 23a moves while sliding on the inner surface,
That is, since the thickness can be substantially equal to the width direction of the optical fiber 23 (for example, 3.8 mm), the thickness of the core selection device 1 described in the conventional example is much larger than the thickness of several tens mm. Dimensions can be reduced. For this reason, the height dimension (up and down in FIG. 1) of the frame 2 can be significantly reduced, and the size of the frame 2 can be reduced, the mounting density of optical devices such as the light case 6 can be increased, and the number of cores can be increased. .

According to the extra-length storage case 27B, the case body 71 can be easily obtained by folding and forming one resin sheet 72, so that the cost can be reduced. In addition, since it can be formed to be extremely lightweight, supporting parts for mounting it in the frame 2 can be simplified, and further cost reduction and space saving can be achieved. Further, in this extra-length storage case 27B, the engagement portion 27a is also
Since it is obtained by the engaging portion 27a which is formed by folding in, the number of components is extremely small and the cost can be further reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,
In the extra length storage case 27B, the extra length 23a stored therein functions as an extra connection length, so that the extra connection length of the optical fiber 7 on the optical case 6 side can be shortened or omitted. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber 7 can be arranged and wired between the connection part 26 of the optical connector storage case 20 and the optical case 6, thereby preventing the optical fiber 23 from being complicated. It is possible to improve the workability of connection between the seven devices and connection switching. When a sufficient amount of pull-out can be ensured in the optical connector 25, for example, the optical fiber 7 itself can be omitted and the optical connector 7 can be directly connected to the connection port provided in the optical case 6. 2, further reducing the cost by reducing the number of parts.

When the extra length secured in the optical fiber 7 is shortened or omitted, the optical case 6 and the space for storing the extra length of the optical fiber 7 around the optical case 6 can be reduced or omitted. Thereby, the storage density of the optical case 6 in the rack 2 can be improved, and the number of corresponding cores of the rack 2 can be increased. Also, from the light case 6 to the connecting portion 26
Since the entanglement and intricacy of the optical fiber 7 can be eliminated,
There is also an advantage that the workability of connection of the optical fiber 7 to the optical connector 25 and connection switching can be improved.

The extra length storage case 27A applied to the curved storage portion 24b has the same configuration as the extra length storage case 27B applied to the pull-in portion 28. Area A of connection part 26
When taking out the optical connector 25 supported by the connector 26 from the connection portion 26, the extra length 23 stored in the extra length storage case 27A is used.
“a” functions as an extra drawer length, and a drawer of 70 mm or more is possible. Optical connector 2 in region A of connection portion 26
5 between the extra length storage case 27A and the optical fiber 23
Are almost linearly passed through, so that the extra length storage case 27
Withdrawal and re-storage of the extra length 23a at A can be performed efficiently.

The optical connector storage case 20 has a configuration in which the extra-length storage portion 24, the passing portion 28, and the connection portion 26 are defined in a flat case main body 20a, and is separated from the core wire selecting device 21. Therefore, it is possible to greatly reduce the thickness dimension (upper and lower dimensions in FIG. 3) as compared to a core wire selection device having a built-in drive unit. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, even if this optical connector storage case 20 is installed on each stage 2a of the rack 2, the optical connector storage case 2
0 can be extremely small,
It is possible to reduce the size, increase the number of compatible cores, and improve the mounting density of optical devices such as the optical case 6.

The extra-length storage case of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and for example, the following modifications are possible. It is not limited to the specific frame as described in the above embodiment, and it is needless to say that it can be applied to various types of optical equipment that requires a connector connection part, in addition to various types of frames and frames. Not even. The application of the extra-length storage case of the present invention is not limited to the optical line monitoring system, but can be applied to various optical systems. In the above-described embodiment, an application example of the multi-core optical fiber ribbon has been described. However, as the optical fiber, various multi-core optical fibers other than the optical fiber tape core and a single-core optical fiber can be applied. . The optical connector applied to the connecting portion is not limited to the MT type optical connector, and may be, for example, or JIS C5
The so-called SC type optical connector stipulated in 973 and various other plastic connectors (for example, MU)
Connector). Regardless of the number of optical connectors provided in the connection section, it is sufficient to provide the necessary number of connectors of the type required. In addition, the arrangement pitch of the optical connectors provided in the connection portion is
If the arrangement pitch is the same as the arrangement pitch of the optical cases 6, the correspondence between the optical connector of the connection portion and the optical case 6 can be easily grasped.
Further, the arrangement pitch of the optical connectors at the connection portion is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. If the extra-length storage cases are used in multiple layers, higher-density mounting becomes possible. Further, by marking the front or back surface of the extra-length storage case, the front and back sides can be easily distinguished. In the above embodiment, the extra-length storage case 27 is stored in the optical connector storage case 20 and mounted on the rack 2, but the supporting means for mounting on the rack 2 is not limited to this.
Various configurations can be adopted, such as supporting the extra-length storage case directly at a predetermined position using a support fitting. However, the supporting means needs to be able to stably support the extra-length storage case at a fixed position against the tensile force acting when the optical fiber is pulled out. In addition, it is needless to say that supporting means can be appropriately adopted for application to various optical equipment other than the frame. It is also possible to store the wound extra length in the extra length storage case. At this time, the extra-length wound storage portion and the portion functioning as the extra-drawer length are distinguished, and work such as pulling out the extra-extension portion and re-storing does not affect the wound storage portion. There is a need. When a plurality of extra-length storage cases are directly stored on a frame or the like without using the optical connector storage case 20 or the like, by stacking adjacent extra-length storage cases, high-density storage becomes possible, and Space can be saved. The number of extra-length storage cases to be superimposed on one extra-length storage case is not limited to one, but may be plural.

[0043]

As described above, according to the extra length storage case of the present invention, a thin plate-shaped case main body for accommodating the extra length of the optical fiber secured in the vicinity of the optical connector in a curved shape is provided inside the case main body. An engaging portion for maintaining the bending radius by engaging with the extra length stored in the case main body, and when the tensile force acts on the optical fiber according to the extra length, the optical fiber is stored in the case main body. The extra length is pulled out and functions as an extra length, and furthermore, if the optical fiber is pushed into the case main body after being pulled out, the extra length can be re-stored in the case main body. In this case, it is only necessary to secure a dimension that can accommodate the extra length, and it is possible to reduce the size and cost. Furthermore, since the extra length can be pulled out and re-stored, it is possible to reduce or omit the extra connection length in another optical fiber connected to the optical fiber having the extra length via the optical connector. In addition, even for various types of connection objects for which the extra connection length cannot be ensured, by making the extra length function as the extra connection length, there is an excellent effect that an optical fiber can be connected.

The extra length storage case according to the second aspect is characterized in that the case body is formed by folding and forming a resin sheet, so that the size and cost can be further reduced. It works.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the extra length storage case is provided with a retaining portion for retaining one end of the extra length stored in the case main body. The extra length is not pulled out of the extra length storage case, and if the optical fiber is pushed into the extra length storage case after being pulled out, the desired extra length can be easily returned to the original state in the extra length storage case again. It has an excellent effect that it can be stored in a curved shape.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a frame to which a surplus storage case according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a connection of an optical connector storage case, a connecting portion, and a core wire selecting device in the rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an optical connector storage case applied to the rack of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a connector holder applied to a connection portion of the optical connector storage case of FIG. 3;

5A and 5B are diagrams showing a case lid of the optical connector storage case of FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 5A is a bottom view and FIG. 5B is a side view.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the vicinity of a hook portion of the case lid of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a screw for fixing the case lid of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side view showing the vicinity of an optical fiber press of the case lid of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an extra length process of the optical fiber when the optical connector is supported at the connection portion (region A) near the lead-in portion in the optical connector storage case of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing extra length processing of the optical fiber when the optical connector is supported at the connection portion (region B) slightly separated from the lead-in portion in the optical connector storage case of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an extra length process of the optical fiber when supporting the optical connector in the connection portion (region C) separated from the lead-in portion in the optical connector storage case of FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a state where the extra length is stored, showing the extra length storage case of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a state where an extra length is drawn from the extra length storage case of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an overall perspective view showing the extra-length storage case of FIG.

15 is a development view showing a resin sheet forming a case body of the extra-length storage case of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a side view showing the resin sheet of FIG. 15, showing a state where the engaging portion is formed by folding.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a rack on which a conventional core wire selection device is mounted.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a configuration of the cord selection device of FIG. 17;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams illustrating the extra pull-out length secured in the optical fiber housed in the core wire selection device of FIG. 17, wherein FIG. 19A shows the housed state, and FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

23 ... optical fiber (optical fiber ribbon), 23a ...
Extra length, 25 Optical connector (MT type optical connector), 27
A, 27B ... extra length storage case, 27a ... engagement part, 27d
... Retaining portion (retaining boot), 71. Case body, 72. Resin sheet.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Ken Sasaki 1440, Mukurosaki, Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture Inside Fujikura Sakura Plant (72) Inventor Koichi Katayose 1440, Musaki, Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture Inside Fujikura Sakura Plant ( 72) Inventor Yoshikazu Nomura 1440 Mutsuzaki, Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture Inside Fujikura Sakura Plant

Claims (3)

[Claims] A thin case body (7) capable of curving and storing an extra length (23a) secured in the vicinity of an optical connector (25) which is connected to a tip end of an optical fiber (23) so that the optical fiber (23) can be butt-connected.
1) and an engagement portion (27a) protruding from the inside of the case main body and engaging with the extra length stored in the case main body to secure a curvature radius of the extra length to a specified value or more. The extra length storage case (27A, 27A), wherein the extra length accommodated in the case body functions as an extra length to allow the optical connector to be pulled out.
B). 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the case body is a resin sheet (7).
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step (2) is formed by folding.
Extra length storage case described. 3. The extra length storage case according to claim 1, further comprising a retaining portion (27d) for retaining one end of the extra length stored in the case main body.