JPS62189412A - Multicore/single core converting structure for optical fiber tape - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a multi-fiber/single-fiber conversion structure for branching an optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers are aligned into single optical fibers.

(Prior Art) In recent years, optical fiber cables with excellent information transmission capabilities have been rapidly put into practical use, and optical fiber cables are already becoming the main line cables connecting telephone offices. In the near future, plans are underway to connect telephone stations to each home, that is, each subscriber, using optical fiber cables.

Optical fiber cables for subscribers connecting the telephone office and each subscriber require as many optical fibers as the number of each subscriber, so the number of optical fibers is enormous, and high density and high packaging are essential. The optical fiber cable used has a multicore structure in which a plurality of optical fibers are aligned, called an optical fiber tape. However, even if cables become denser and more packaged, they must have one-to-one correspondence with telephone office equipment, so a structure that converts this optical fiber cable into a single-core optical fiber is required. , this is usually done within the central office.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic explanatory diagram of a conventional multi-core/single-core conversion structure. An optical fiber cable (32) containing an optical fiber tape (33) is led into the telephone office (31), and needs to be matched one-to-one with the equipment (40).

Currently, a multi-fiber connector (34) is attached to the termination part of the optical fiber tape (33), and a single-fiber cluster type multi-fiber connector (35) is attached to one end to connect with this multi-fiber connector (34), and the other The end is a single-core conversion hood (
41), multi-core/single-core conversion is performed.

In the above conversion structure, the single-core connector (3) at the end of the single-core conversion cord (4I) is not directly connected to the equipment (40), but is connected to the equipment via the stand (38) and the single-core cord (38). Although the connection to (40) is a measure taken in consideration of equipment and switching of each line, etc., the conversion structure shown in FIG. 2 has the following defects. That is, a multi-core connector (34) attached to the termination part of the optical fiber tape (33).
Since the multi-fiber optical fiber tape is converted into a single-fiber wire using a single-fiber conversion cord (4-wire) that has a single-fiber cluster type multi-fiber connector (35) at one end, the space of the conversion section is saved. Quite thick.

If you decide to raise a high-density cable such as 600-fiber or 1000-fiber cable to the stand (3B) using a single-fiber wire, multi-fiber/
The single-core converter will be placed on the ground, and even if the cable density is increased, there will not be enough space in the telephone office to accommodate the multi-core/single-core converter.

Therefore, a multi-fiber/single-fiber conversion structure of an optical fiber tape as shown in FIG. 3 was devised.

Its features include a multi-fiber connector attached to the termination part of an optical fiber tape in which multiple optical fibers are aligned, a single-fiber cluster type multi-fiber connector mated to the multi-fiber connector, and a single-fiber cluster type connector and a single-fiber connector that are mated to the multi-fiber connector. The device includes a plurality of single-core connectors connected via optical fibers and arranged in a row, and these connectors are housed in the same case.

Figure 3 shows an example of a multi-core/single-core conversion structure. Figure (A) is an external view with a partially exposed interior, and Figure (B) is an X-X arrow in Figure (A). A perspective view (c) is a side view showing the inside of the same figure (0).

As an example of a configuration, a multi-fiber connector (2) is attached to the termination part of a five-fiber optical fiber tape (1), and a single-fiber cluster type multi-fiber connector (3) that is mated and connected to this is connected to a spring. (
8). This small-core multi-core connector (3) has a single-core optical fiber (4), and each end thereof is provided with a single-core connector (5) having a single-core ferrule (6). These single-core connectors (5) are arranged in one row as shown in Figure 3 (b), and the single-core connectors (5)
At the tip of the is an adapter for mating with another connector (
7) is removably attached to the case (9).

The multi-fiber connector (2) described above, the single-fiber assembly type multi-fiber connector (3) which is matingly connected to the connector (2), and the single-fiber connector (3) which is connected to this by a single-fiber optical fiber (4).
5) is housed in a case (9).

By adopting the above configuration, the space of the multi-core/single-core conversion section becomes extremely small, and high-density and high-density packaging can be realized.

However, the multi-fiber/single-fiber conversion section of the optical fiber tape having the structure shown in FIG. 3 has the following drawbacks.

First of all, as shown in FIG. 3, the lengths of the single-core optical fibers housed in the case must be precisely measured to eliminate irregularities in their respective lengths. If the lengths of the single-filament wires in the case are uneven, buckling, tensile stress, etc. will be applied to the single-filament wires. In addition, both multi-fiber connectors and single-fiber connectors have springs, and since the single-fiber wires will sag when the respective connectors are mated, initial misalignment must be minimized as much as possible.

However, in the current structure, both the single-fiber connector side and the multi-fiber connector side are positioned and fixed, and there is no structure that can alleviate the irregularity of the single-fiber wire from a predetermined length. The multi-fiber/single-fiber conversion structure of this optical fiber tape is originally characterized by its compactness, and the length of the single fiber inside is at most several tens of seconds. On the other hand, the tolerance for irregularities is WaX
However, only up to 2■l is allowed. Furthermore, in FIG. 3, the lengths of the single optical fibers cannot all be equal, so it is quite difficult to accurately measure the lengths and attach the ferrules. FIG. 3 also shows how the single-filament wire is buckled.

A second drawback is that the single-fiber wire moves freely inside the case, and the force applied to the single-fiber wire with respect to vibrations and shocks is not absorbed anywhere. This shortens the life of the internal single-core wire.

(Means for Solving the Problems) The present invention provides a multi-fiber/single-fiber conversion structure for optical fibers that solves the above-mentioned problems. The uneven length of each wire can be alleviated individually, and the movement of the single-fiber wire inside the case is restricted by molding the inside of the case. This is effective for ultra-high-density packaging such as 600 fibers or 1000 fibers, as the thickness increases in the thickness direction, resulting in a larger space, but it is effective for systems with a slightly smaller number of fibers.

(Embodiment) Considering the connector ferrule mounting accuracy, the unevenness in length is about a few am, so only this need be alleviated.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1(a) shows a multi-fiber/optical fiber tape according to the present invention.
This is a perspective view of a single-core conversion structure, with a portion of the structure shown through. Figure (b) is a view from the top of the case side and a perspective view from the side, Figure (c) is the adapter part of the multi-core connector on the tape side, Figure (d) is the sharp part where the single core part is. be. This will be explained in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First, the single-fiber wire assembly type multi-fiber connector 2 and the single-fiber connector 4 are inserted into the case 5.

The single-core connector parts 4 and (b) are adapter parts having a split sleeve as shown in the detailed view in (d), and the neck can be removed by applying pressure and pulling force in one direction only by the claws of the adapter parts. or,
In consideration of ease of handling, the multi-core side is of a separate type.

For multi-core connectors inside the case, only the multi-core connector fixing base can be moved slightly by screws, and the single-core connector gripping part is drilled into an elongated hole, and the single-core ferrule is strictly aligned in a straight line. Although it should not be, it is almost aligned and fixed.

In the present invention, the length @H on the multi-core side is adjusted using screws, but it is of course possible to use other methods such as springs.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the single core wire portion inside the case is free, but it may of course be reinforced by molding with resin or the like.

Furthermore, by making the single-fiber connector mounting part of the case multi-tiered with two or more stages, the length of the single-fiber wire inside the case can be made even rougher (this is also shown in Fig. 1'). If the length of the single-fiber wire is within a certain range, the installation position of the single-fiber connector can be moved to the optimal location, which increases work efficiency and reduces the failure rate of multi-fiber/single-fiber. It is possible to manufacture a converter.With this method as well, there is no problem in terms of reliability because local buckling or excessive tension cannot occur on the single core wire inside.

In addition, the method of arranging single fibers in rows and slightly moving the length direction of the single fibers to alleviate irregularities leaves open space in the thickness direction, but by arranging the wires in multiple stages, the open space can be used effectively. .

Various tests were conducted using the multi-fiber/single-fiber conversion section of the optical fiber tape of the present invention.

First, regarding the ease of assembly, it was possible to assemble satisfactorily even a sample that was 2-1 shorter than the standard length, which was impossible to assemble in the past.

Regarding splice loss, the average is 0 for n=30 samples.
．． A very good result of 3 dB was obtained.

(Effects of the present invention) Finally, the effects of the present invention will be described.

Even if there are irregularities in the length of the converter, it can be absorbed internally, making it possible to assemble items that were previously impossible to assemble.

2. The single-fiber side connectors can be attached and detached with a single touch, making it easy to clean the ferrule end face.

3. Handling and transportability has been improved by separating the multi-core side.

4. By molding the inside, it can withstand considerable vibration and shock.・

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an embodiment of a multi-fiber/single-fiber converting section of an optical fiber tape according to the present invention, and FIG. Figure 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a conventional conversion structure, and Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the conventional conversion structure. (A) is a view taken in the direction of the X arrow, and (C) is a side view of the interior of Figure 0). 1... 7 multi-core optical fiber tape cord, 2... multi-core optical connector ferrule, 3... multi-core connector ferrule for case (single-core wire collection type), 4... single-core wire, 5...・
・Case river single-core connector plug, 6...Single-core optical connector ferrule, 7...Single-core adapter for case, 8...
・Plate spring, 9... Case, 10... Multi-core connector plug, II... Multi-core adapter, 3... Station building, 32...
...Optical fiber cable, 33...Optical fiber tape, 34...Multi-core connector, 35...Single-fiber wire assembly type multi-core connector, 3B...Using, 37...Single-fiber connector , 38... Frame, 39... Single core cord, 4
0... machine'? S, 41...Single core conversion code. Figure 1 (b) Math 1 figure. No. 21iJ Figure 3 + River Purification (no change in content) Proceeding Amendment (Method) 19861 (Monday 7) Director-General of the Japan-Kristian Office Uga Michibu Tonobu, Incident Display 19861 Patent Application No. 31623, Name of the invention: Multi-fiber/single-fiber conversion structure of optical fiber tape, Relationship to the amended case Patent applicant address: 5-chome, Kitahama, Higashi-ku, Osaka! 5th address name
Name (213) Representative President of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
Tetsube Kawakami, agent address: 9-2o Nishinakajima I-chome, Yodoyo-ku, Osaka City
Gekmei Q-Yo, April 220, 1961 (shipment date) 6. Column "Explanation of subject of amendment" and drawing 7, Contents of amendment (1) In the specification, page 11, line 6, Figure 1' J as “4th”
"Fig." (2) Line 4 to 1306 from the bottom of page 12 in the statement
Correct the line as follows. "Fig. 1 is an explanatory view of an embodiment of the multi-fiber/single-fiber conversion part of the optical fiber tape of the present invention, in which figure (a) is a perspective view and figure (b) is a perspective view.
) is a top view (a) and a side view, (c) is a detailed view of the multicore part, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a vertical side view, (c) is a vertical top view, and (d) is a In the detailed drawings of the single core part, (a) is an assembled vertical cross-sectional view, and (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of each part. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a conventional modified Ti structure. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the conventional conversion structure, in which (a) is an external view with a partially exposed interior, (b) is a view taken along the line X-X in figure (a), and (h) ) is a vertical side view of the figure. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment of the conversion structure of the present invention.
(A) is a top view with a partially exposed interior, (B) is a front view, and (C) is a side view with a partially exposed interior. (3) Amend Drawing Middle East 1 as shown in the attached sheet. (4) Figure 1' in the drawings has been corrected as Figure 4 as shown in the attached sheet. (b) (a)

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) A multi-fiber connector attached to the termination part of an optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers are aligned, a single-fiber cluster type multi-fiber connector and a single-fiber cluster type multi-fiber connector mated with the multi-fiber connector, and the same. In a multi-fiber/single-fiber conversion structure of an optical fiber tape, which is equipped with a plurality of single-fiber connectors connected via single-fiber optical fibers that are connected to the It has an adapter arranged in a row and for connecting another single-core connector, and this adapter is adapted to fit with the single-core ferrule, spring, spring pressure fixing part, and insertion guide part on the case side. Its structure has a split sleeve or precision sleeve for positioning and fixing the ferrule in the center, and a spring and a cylindrical member in the part that fits with the ferrule insertion guide attached to the case side. As a result, the single-core connector and adapter on the case side can be attached and detached only by the axial pressing force and tensile force of the cylindrical member of the adapter, and the single-core connector and adapter on the case side can be attached. A multi-fiber/single-fiber conversion structure for optical fiber tape, which is characterized by having elongated holes in the part and allowing the installation position of the single-fiber connector to be moved up and down. (2) The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the single-core connector and the multi-core connector inside the case can be slid in the longitudinal direction within the case to adjust the position. Multi-core/single-core conversion structure of tape. (3) In the above item 1, when the front part of the multi-core connector has a circular cross section and there is a protrusion on the side surface of the connector that is lowered several mm in the axial direction from the mating surface, and one-sided mating is performed. The inner shape of the adapter, which is the positioning member of The multi-fiber/single-fiber optical fiber tape according to claim 1, wherein the fiber connector is characterized in that both the rotational direction positioning of the connector and the axial distance positioning are achieved by the cut grooves. Conversion structure. (4) Multi-fiber/single-fiber conversion of the optical fiber tape according to claim 1, wherein the part of the case in which the single-fiber wire is housed is molded with resin. structure. (5) The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of single-core connectors attached to the case are arranged in a row in two or more stages with respect to each case. Multi-core/single-core conversion structure of tape.