WO2009099196A1 - Mechanical splice - Google Patents

Abstract

The end (4e) of one optical fiber (4) is abutted onto the end (7e) of the other optical fiber (7) connected to the one optical fiber (4) by a sleeve (3). Both of the optical fibers (4, 6) and the sleeve (3) are stored in a housing. First and second optical fiber clamps (5, 7) are provided for fixing both of the optical fibers (4, 6) stored in the housing to the housing. The sleeve (3) is made to be movable between a predetermined position where the optical fibers (4, 6) can be inserted through the sleeve (3) and a displaced position to which the sleeve (3) is radially displaced from the predetermined position.

Description

Mechanical splice

The present invention relates to a mechanical splice. In particular, when the ends of two optical fibers are butted together, a portion near the sleeve of the two optical fibers is bent (also referred to as a “loop”) into the two optical fibers. The present invention relates to a mechanical splice that generates a contact preload and maintains a connection state of two optical fibers.

Some mechanical splices include a guide groove substrate, a holding substrate, and an optical fiber gripping member for sandwiching these substrates (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-264755).

The guide groove substrate has a guide groove having a V-shaped cross section for positioning and aligning the optical fibers facing each other so that they face each other.

Also, the holding substrate has a holding surface for holding the optical fiber inserted into the guide groove.

Furthermore, the optical fiber holding member is a leaf spring having a substantially U-shaped cross section.

By the way, in the conventional mechanical splice, when an external force is applied to at least one of the two optical fibers after the end portions of the two optical fibers are abutted by the mechanical splice, the end portions of the two optical fibers are used. There is a gap between them.

As a result, there is an inconvenience that a disconnection state of the two optical fibers occurs due to a gap generated between the end portions of the two optical fibers.

An object of the present invention is to realize a mechanical splice capable of maintaining a connection state between two optical fibers by generating a butt preload between the two optical fibers when the ends of the two optical fibers are butted together. There is.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a mechanical splice according to the present invention includes a sleeve that abuts an end portion of one optical fiber and an end portion of the other optical fiber connected thereto, both the optical fibers, and the sleeve. And an optical fiber fixing means for fixing both optical fibers accommodated in the housing to the housing, the housing comprising a base having a recess in which the sleeve is accommodated. And a cover that is slidably attached to the base in the radial direction of the sleeve and covers the recess. The cover can hold the sleeve and pass both optical fibers through the sleeve. It is possible to move between a predetermined position capable of moving and a displacement position displaced from the predetermined position.

Preferably, the cover is slidable in the height direction of the base.

Preferably, the optical fiber fixing means includes an optical fiber insertion position at which the end of the optical fiber can be inserted into the recess and an optical fiber fixing at which the optical fiber can be fixed to the base, respectively, at both ends of the base. It has a movable member connected so that movement between possible positions is possible.

Preferably, the optical fiber insertion position is a position where an end of the optical fiber can be visually observed.

Preferably, the movable member has a flat surface that presses the optical fiber against the base.

According to the present invention, the sleeve and the optical fiber fixing means can collaborate against each other to generate preload on both optical fibers, and as a result, maintain the connection state between the optical fibers. Can do.

FIG. 1 is a schematic assembly perspective view of a mechanical splice showing a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second fiber clamps. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the sleeve slide bracket. 4A and 4B show a sleeve, where FIG. 4A is a right side view of the sleeve, and FIG. 4B is a longitudinal longitudinal sectional view of the sleeve. FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view showing an initial delivery state of the mechanical splice. FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state in which one optical fiber is inserted into the mechanical splice. FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state in which one optical fiber is fixed by a first fiber clamp in the mechanical splice. FIG. 8 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state where the mechanical splice is inserted until the end of one optical fiber hits the end of the other optical fiber. FIG. 9 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state in which the sleeve slide bracket is pushed down in the mechanical splice. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory view showing a discharge in a mechanical splice that is inserted again until the end of the other optical fiber hits the end of one optical fiber. FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state in which the other optical fiber is fixed by the second fiber clamp in the mechanical splice. FIG. 12 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state in which the sleeve slide bracket is returned to the original position in the mechanical splice. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing an operating state of the first and second fiber clamps of the mechanical splice. FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing an operation state of the sleeve slide bracket of the mechanical splice. FIG. 15 is a front view showing a state in which the movable member of the mechanical splice according to the second embodiment of the present invention rotates the end of the optical fiber to a position where it can be seen. FIG. 16 is a front view showing a state where the movable member of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 15 is rotated to an optical fiber fixing position where the optical fiber can be fixed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mechanical splice 2 Base 3 Sleeve 4 1st optical fiber 5 1st fiber clamp 6 2nd optical fiber 7 2nd fiber clamp 8 Sleeve slide bracket 9 Step part 10 Recessed part 11 1st optical fiber accommodation groove 12 2nd optical fiber accommodation groove DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Sleeve accommodation groove 14 1st accommodation holding part 15 2nd accommodation holding part 16 1st latching part 17 2nd latching part 18 Bracket latching part 23 Bracket temporary fix | fixing part 24 Loop formation part 27 1st engagement arm Part 28 Cutout opening 29 First pressing part 30 Second engagement arm part 31 Notch opening part 32 Second pressing part 33 Third engagement arm part 34 Cutout opening part 35 Third pressing part 37, 38 For optical fiber insertion Aperture C Central axis S of first and second optical fibers S Gap

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 to 14 show a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mechanical splice 1 fixes a base 2, a sleeve 3 for abutting the ends of two optical fibers, and one optical fiber, for example, a first optical fiber 4, to the base 2. A first fiber clamp (movable member) 5, a second optical fiber (movable member) 7 for fixing the other optical fiber, for example, the second optical fiber 6 to the base 2, and first and second optical fibers, which are two optical fibers. A sleeve slide bracket (cover) 8 that accommodates the two optical fibers 4 and 6 and the sleeve 3 is provided.

The base 2 and the sleeve slide bracket 8 constitute a housing, and the first fiber clamp 5 and the second fiber clamp 7 constitute optical fiber fixing means.

The first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 are coated with a core material made of a thin glass fiber (a core and a clad covering the core) and the core material in order to transmit an optical signal without being attenuated. And a covering material.

In addition, regarding the structure of the first and second optical fibers 4 and 6, not only a combination of one core material and one coating material but also a case where a plurality of core materials and coating materials are used may be considered.

As shown in FIG. 1, the base 2 is formed in a substantially quadrangular prism shape, has a stepped portion 9 formed in a step shape at the center of the upper surface 2 a of the base 2, and the upper surface 2 a of the base 2 including the stepped portion 9. 1 is formed with a recess 10 extending from one end side, which is the left side of FIG. 1, to the other end side, which is the right side of FIG.

The recess 10 includes a first optical fiber housing groove 11 formed on one end side of the base 2, a second optical fiber housing groove 12 formed on the other end side of the base 2, and a sleeve formed on the step portion 9. It has an accommodation groove (concave portion) 13.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 12, the first and second optical fiber housing grooves 11 and 12 are formed with first and second housing holding portions 14 and 15 having a smaller groove size on the sleeve housing groove 13 side. .

As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface 2 b and the back surface 2 c of the base 2, a first locking portion 16 that locks the first fiber clamp 5 and a second locking portion 17 that locks the second fiber clamp 7. And the bracket latching | locking part 18 (refer FIG. 14) which latches the sleeve slide bracket 8 is formed, respectively.

As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.13, the 1st latching | locking part 16 which latches the 1st fiber clamp 5 is the 1st temporary fix | stop part 19 which cross-sectional shape is a triangle shape, and protrudes in an outward direction, The cross-sectional shape having the highest projecting portion below the temporary fixing portion 19 is a triangular shape and includes a first fixing portion 20 projecting outward. Two first fixing portions 20 on the front surface and the back surface of the base 2 are respectively adjacent to the first temporary fixing portion 19 and located between the two first temporary fixing portions 19.

As shown in FIG. 13, the first temporary fixing portion 19 of the first locking portion 16 includes a first inclined portion 19-1 that gradually protrudes outward from the upper side to the lower side, and an outer side from the lower side to the upper side. A second inclined portion 19-2 that gradually protrudes in the direction, and a first top portion 19-3 that intersects at the highest protruding portion of the first and second inclined portions 19-1 and 19-2 and has a planar shape parallel to the vertical direction; Have

As shown in FIG. 13, the first fixing portion 20 includes an inclined portion 20-1 that gradually protrudes outward from above, a flat portion 20-2 that protrudes horizontally, and an inclined portion 20-1. And a second top portion 20-3 intersecting at the highest projecting portion of the flat surface portion 20-2.

Similar to the first locking portion 16, the second locking portion 17 that locks the second fiber clamp 7 includes a second temporary fixing portion 21 and a second fixing portion 22, and the front and back surfaces of the base 2. Each of the two second fixing portions 22 is adjacent to the second temporary fixing portion 21 and located between the two first temporary fixing portions 21.

As shown in FIG. 13, like the first locking portion 16, the second temporary locking portion 21 of the second locking portion 17 is a first inclined portion 21- that gradually protrudes outward from above. 1 and the second inclined portion 21-2 that gradually protrudes outward from the lower side to the upper side, and the highest protruding portions of the first and second inclined portions 21-1 and 21-2, and is parallel to the vertical direction. A first top 21-3 having a planar shape.

As shown in FIG. 13, like the first fixing portion 20, the second fixing portion 22 includes an inclined portion 22-1 that gradually protrudes outward from above and a flat portion 22 that protrudes in the horizontal direction. -2 and the second apex portion 22-3 that intersects at the highest projecting portion of the inclined portion 22-2 and the flat surface portion 22-2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 14, the bracket locking portion 18 that locks the sleeve slide bracket 8 has a triangular cross-sectional shape and a bracket temporary fixing / fixing portion 23 that protrudes outward, and a bracket temporary fixing. The cross-sectional shape having the highest projecting portion below the fixed portion 23 is a triangular shape and has a pair of loop forming portions 24 projecting outward. The bracket temporary fixing / fixing portion 23 and the pair of loop forming portions 24 are respectively formed on the front surface and the back surface of the base 2, and the pair of loop forming portions 24 are arranged so as to sandwich the bracket temporary fixing / fixing portion 23.

As shown in FIG. 14, the bracket temporary fixing / fixing portion 23 includes a first inclined portion 23-1 that gradually protrudes outward from the top to the bottom, and a first slope that gradually protrudes outward from the bottom to the top. Two inclined portions 23-2, and the first and second inclined portions 23-1 and 23-2 intersect with each other at the highest projecting portion, and have a planar fixing and fixing top portion 23-3 that is parallel to the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 14, the loop forming portion 24 includes a first inclined portion 24-1 that gradually protrudes outward from above and a second inclined portion that gradually protrudes outward from below. 24-2 and a loop-forming top portion 24-3 intersecting at the highest projecting portions of the first and second inclined portions 24-1 and 24-2.

4 (a) and 4 (b), the sleeve 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape from a metal material, and a through hole 25 extending in the axial direction is formed inside.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the opening end portions at both ends of the through-hole portion 25 are formed in a conical shape so that the inner diameter of the through-hole portion 25 expands gradually toward the opening, for example, at an angle of about 90 degrees. ing.

The opening end shape of the through-hole portion 25 may be a shape that can smoothly insert the end portions 4e and 6e of the first and second optical fibers 4 and 6, and is limited to a conical shape. Instead, the shape may be a polygonal pyramid shape or an extended surface portion as a curved surface.

Further, a confirmation hole 26 cut out so as to reach the through hole portion 25 from the outer peripheral portion is formed in the central portion of the sleeve 3.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first fiber clamp 5 has an inverted U-shaped cross section and includes an upper plate 5-1, a first side plate-2, and a second side plate 5-3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second side plates 5-2 and 5-3 of the first fiber clamp 5 are temporarily fixed with respect to the first locking portion 16 of the base 2 as shown in FIG. A first engagement arm portion 27 for fixing is formed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first engaging arm portion 27 includes two pairs of cutout openings 28 formed by cutting the first and second side portions 5-2 and 5-3 into rectangular shapes. Located at the bottom of.

A first pressing portion 29 is formed on the lower surface of the upper plate 5-1 of the first fiber clamp 5 so as to protrude downward and press and fix the first optical fiber 4 to the first optical fiber groove 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first pressing portion 29 is formed in an inverted U-shaped cross section.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the second fiber clamp 7 is formed in an inverted U shape, like the first fiber clamp 5, and has an upper plate 7-1, a first side plate 7-2, and a second side plate. 7-3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second side plates 7-2 and 7-3 of the second fiber clamp 7 are also connected to the second locking portion 17 of the base 2 similarly to the first fiber clamp 5. A second engagement arm 30 for temporarily fixing and fixing the second fiber clamp 7 is formed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second engagement arm portion 30 is provided at the lower part of two pairs of cutout openings 31 formed by cutting out the first and second side plates 7-2 and 7-3 in a rectangular shape. Located in.

Similar to the first fiber clamp 5, the lower surface of the upper plate 7-1 of the second fiber clamp 5 protrudes downward and presses and fixes the second optical fiber 6 to the second optical fiber groove 12. A pressing portion 32 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second pressing portion 32 is formed in an inverted U-shaped cross section.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the sleeve slide bracket 8 is formed in an inverted U shape, and has an upper plate 8-1, a first side plate 8-2, and a second side plate 8-3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second side plates 8-2 and 8-3 of the sleeve slide bracket 8 are used for temporarily fixing and fixing the sleeve slide bracket 8 to the stepped portion 9 of the base 2. Third engagement arm portions 33 are respectively formed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the third engagement arm portion 33 is positioned below two pairs of cutout openings 34 formed by cutting the first and second side plates 8-2 and 8-3 into rectangles. .

A third pressing portion 35 is formed on the lower surface of the upper plate 8-1 of the sleeve slide bracket 8 so as to protrude downward and accommodate and hold the sleeve 3.

The third pressing portion 35 is formed in an inverted U-shaped cross section as shown in FIG.

The upper plate 8-1 of the sleeve slide bracket 8 is formed with an H-shaped confirmation window 36 facing the confirmation hole 26 of the sleeve 3 so as to look inside the through hole 25 of the sleeve 3.

The mechanical splice 1 is operated as follows to abut against the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 to generate preload.

First, the first fiber clamp 5 is temporarily fixed at the optical fiber insertion position in advance to form an optical fiber insertion opening 37 between the first fiber clamp 5 and the base 2, and the first optical fiber which is one of the optical fibers. 4 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion opening 37 and inserted into the sleeve 3 at a predetermined position in the height direction H by a predetermined amount. Next, the first optical fiber 4 is fixed by lowering the first fiber clamp 5 to the fixable position along the height direction H. Thereafter, the second fiber clamp 7 is temporarily fixed at the optical fiber insertion position in advance to form an optical fiber insertion opening 38 between the second fiber clamp 7 and the base 2, and the second optical fiber which is the other optical fiber. 6 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion opening 38 and inserted into the sleeve 3 at a predetermined position in the height direction H, and the end 6 e of the second optical fiber 6 is pushed into the end 4 e of the first optical fiber 4. Hit it.

Next, the sleeve slide bracket 8 movable along the height direction H is pushed down to lower the sleeve 3 at a predetermined position in the height direction H and moved to the displacement position in the height direction H. As a result, the central axes C of the end portions 4e and 6e of the first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 inserted into the sleeve 3 are lowered.

A second fiber clamp 7 against a gap S between the end portions 4e and 6 of the first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 caused by the movement of the end portions 4e and 6e of the first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 is provided. Is returned from the optical fiber fixing position to the optical fiber insertion position, and the second optical fiber 6 is pushed in again, and the end 6e of the second optical fiber 6 is moved to the end 4e of the first optical fiber 4 so as to eliminate the gap S. Strike. Thereafter, the second fiber clamp 7 is lowered again to the position where the optical fiber can be fixed, and the second optical fiber 6 is fixed to the base 2 with the second fiber clamp 7.

Next, in order to return the position of the sleeve 3 that has shifted the central axis C of the ends 4e and 6e of the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 downward to a predetermined position, the position of the sleeve slide bracket 8 is changed. Return to the original. When the sleeve 3 is returned to a predetermined position, the first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 are bent in an arc shape, and the end portions 4e and 4e of the first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 are added to the first and second optical fibers 4 and 6, respectively. A preload for abutting 6e occurs.

By moving the position of the sleeve 3 from the predetermined position to the displacement position, the central axes C of the end portions 4e and 6e of the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 inserted into the sleeve 3 are moved, and the second After the reinsertion and fixing of the optical fiber 6, the central axes C of the end portions 4e and 6e of the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 together with the sleeve 3 are returned to their original positions.

For this purpose, the sleeve 3 is held by a sleeve slide bracket 8 provided at the center of the base 2 so as to be movable in the height direction H and to return to a predetermined position.

The first and second fiber clamps 5 and 7 can be stopped at two positions, an optical fiber insertion position where the optical fibers 4 and 6 can be inserted and an optical fiber fixing position where the optical fibers 4 and 6 are fixed. It is configured.

More specifically, the first and second locking portions 16 and 17 and the bracket locking portion 18 formed on the front surface 2b and the back surface 2c of the base 2, respectively, and the first and second fiber clamps 5 and 7, respectively. The formed first and second engaging arm portions 27 and 30 enable the above-described movement of the sleeve slide bracket 8 and the first and second fiber clamps 5 and 7.

Next, the operation related to the connection work of the first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 using the mechanical splice 1 will be described.

First, the first fiber clamp 5 is attached to the base 2 of the mechanical splice 1. At this time, the first fiber clamp 5 is disposed at the optical fiber insertion position to form an optical fiber insertion opening 37 between the base 2 and the first fiber clamp 5.

The mounting of the first fiber clamp 5 is performed by hooking the first engagement arm portion 27 on the first locking portion 16 for locking the first fiber clamp 5 as shown in FIG.

That is, the first engaging arm portion 27 is moved from the upper side to the lower side of the first inclined portion 19-1 of the first temporary fixing portion 19 of the first locking portion 16, and as shown by a solid line in FIG. The first engagement arm portion 27 is placed between the first top portion 19-3 of the first temporary fixing portion 19 and the second top portion 20-3 of the first fixing portion 20, and the first fiber clamp 5 is placed at the optical fiber insertion position. To place. At the optical fiber insertion position, the first fiber clamp 5 is temporarily fixed.

Similarly to the case of mounting the first fiber clamp 5 described above, the second fiber clamp 7 is attached to the second locking portion 17 that locks the second fiber clamp 7 as shown in FIG. This is performed by hooking the two engaging arm portions 30.

That is, the second engaging arm portion 30 is moved from the upper side to the lower side of the first inclined portion 21-1 of the second temporary fixing portion 21 of the second locking portion 17, as shown by a solid line in FIG. The second engagement arm portion 30 is placed between the first top portion 21-3 of the second temporary fixing portion 21 and the second top portion 22-3 of the second fixing portion 22, and the second fiber clamp 7 is placed at the optical fiber insertion position. To place. At the optical fiber insertion position, the second fiber clamp 7 is temporarily fixed.

As shown in FIG. 14, the sleeve slide bracket 8 is mounted by hooking the third engagement arm portion 33 to the bracket locking portion 18 that locks the sleeve slide bracket 8.

That is, the third engagement arm 33 is moved from the upper direction to the lower direction on the first inclined portion 23-1 of the bracket bracket temporary fixing / fixing portion 23 of the bracket locking portion 18, as shown by a solid line in FIG. The third engagement arm portion 33 is placed between the temporary fastening / fixing top portion 23-3 of the bracket temporary fastening / fixing portion 23 and the loop formation top portion 24-3 of the loop forming portion 24. At this time, the third engagement arm portion 33 is movable between the temporarily fixing / fixing top portion 23-3 and the loop forming top portion 24-3 of the loop forming portion 24, and is moved to its original position (FIG. 14). The position returns to the position indicated by the solid line). For this reason, the sleeve 3 held by the sleeve slide bracket 8 can move between a predetermined position and a displacement position along the height direction H and return to the predetermined position.

The third pressing portion 35 of the sleeve slide bracket 8 holds the sleeve 3.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the mechanical splice 1 in which the first fiber clamp 5 is disposed at the optical fiber insertion position so that the first optical fiber 4 can be inserted, between the base 2 and the first fiber clamp 5. Through the optical fiber insertion opening 37, as shown in FIG. 6, only the core material after removing the covering material of the end portion 4e of the first optical fiber 4 by, for example, about 12 mm is placed in a predetermined position in the sleeve 3, that is, Insert until the first optical fiber 4 stops.

Note that the position where the first optical fiber 4 stops is determined by the base 2 and the first fiber clamp 5.

After the insertion of the first optical fiber 4, the first fiber clamp 5 is pushed downward as shown in FIG.

That is, the first engagement arm portion 27 positioned between the first top portion 19-3 of the first temporary fixing portion 19 and the second top portion 20-3 of the first fixing portion 20 is indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. As shown, by pushing the first fiber clamp 5 by a distance L1 (see FIG. 7), the first fiber clamp 5 is moved beyond the second apex 20-3 of the first fixing part 20 to the flat part 20-2 of the first fixing part 20. The first fiber clamp 5 is placed at a position where the optical fiber can be fixed so that the first optical fiber 4 is fixed to the base 2.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, in the mechanical splice 1 in which the second fiber clamp 7 is disposed at the optical fiber insertion position so that the second optical fiber 6 can be inserted, the base 2 and the second fiber clamp As shown in FIG. 8, only the core material after removing the covering material of the end portion 6 e of the second optical fiber 6 by, for example, about 12 mm is inserted into the sleeve 3 through the optical fiber insertion opening 38 between the sleeve 3 and the optical fiber insertion opening 38. Insert into.

At this time, the second optical fiber 6 is inserted until the tip 6e of the second optical fiber 6 abuts the tip 4e of the first optical fiber 4.

After the insertion of the second optical fiber 6, as shown in FIG. 9, the sleeve slide bracket 8 holding the sleeve 3 is pressed and moved along the height direction H of the base 2 by a distance L <b> 2. The center portions C of the end portions 4e and 6e of the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 inserted into the center are moved.

At this time, a gap S is generated between the end portions 4e and 6e of the first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 due to the movement of the sleeve slide bracket 8.

As shown in FIG. 14, the sleeve slide bracket 8 is moved between the temporary fixing / fixing top portion 23-3 of the bracket temporary fixing / fixing portion 23 and the loop forming top portion 24-3 of the loop forming portion 24. This is performed by pushing the third engagement arm portion 33 in the temporarily fixed state located in the vicinity of the loop formation top portion 24-3 of the loop formation portion 24, as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG.

Then, the second optical fiber 6 is pushed again so as to eliminate the gap S, and the end 6e of the second optical fiber 6 is abutted against the end 4e of the first optical fiber 4, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the second optical fiber 6 is fixed to the base 2 with the second fiber clamp 7.

That is, after the second optical fiber 6 is inserted, as shown in FIG. 13, the second optical fiber 6 is positioned between the first top portion 21-3 of the second temporary fixing portion 21 and the second top portion 22-3 of the second fixing portion 22. As shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 13, the second fiber clamp 7 is pushed in the second distance by the same distance as the second fiber clamp 5 as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. The second optical fiber 6 is fixed to the base 2 by being positioned on the flat portion 22-2 of the second fixing portion 22 beyond the top portion 22-3.

After that, as shown in FIG. 12, the sleeve slide bracket 8 is returned to the original position, and the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 (the first optical fibers 4 and 6 positioned in the vicinity of the sleeve 3). A part) is a curved (also called “loop”) shape LP.

Then, when the sleeve slide bracket 8 returns to the original position, the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 are abutted and preload is generated.

Therefore, when the end portions 4e and 6e of the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 are brought into contact with each other, the return operation of the sleeve slide bracket 8 causes the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 to move. A part of the first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 is abutted against the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 by forming a part (also referred to as a “loop”) shape LP to generate a preload. The connection state can be maintained firmly.

Also, since the connection work of the sleeve slide bracket 8 is simple and easy, the connection work can be improved.

Accordingly, after the second optical fiber 6 is re-inserted and fixed, the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 are returned to their original positions, whereby one of the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 is restored. A curved (also referred to as “loop”) shape LP can be reliably formed in the portion, and the abutting preload can be reliably generated.

Furthermore, the sleeve 3 is held by a sleeve slide bracket 8 provided at the central portion of the base 2 so as to be movable in the axial direction and at a right angle.

Therefore, when the sleeve 3 is held by the sleeve slide bracket 8, the holding position of the sleeve 3 can be set to an arbitrary position, that is, an optimum position.

That is, for example, if the fixing position of the sleeve 3 is changed in the axial direction, the sizes of the curved shapes of the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 formed on the left and right sides of the sleeve 3 are made non-uniform. Is possible.

Further, if the fixing position of the sleeve 3 is changed in a right angle direction, the size of the curved shape of the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 formed on the left and right sides of the sleeve 3 can be arbitrarily set. It is.

Furthermore, the first and second fiber clamps 5 and 7 are configured to stop in two stages, that is, an opening state in which the optical fiber is inserted and a fixed state in which the optical fiber is clamped.

Therefore, by setting the first and second fiber clamps 5 and 7 to the open state, the temporarily fixed state can be obtained, and the usability of the mechanical splice 1 can be improved.

Further, by fixing the first and second fiber clamps 5 and 7, the first and second fiber clamps 5 and 7 can firmly fix the two first and second optical fibers 4 and 6 to the base 2. Therefore, the reliability of the mechanical splice 1 can be improved.

FIG. 15 is a front view showing a state in which the movable member of the mechanical splice according to the second embodiment of the present invention rotates the end of the optical fiber to a position where it can be visually observed.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing a state where the movable member of the mechanical splice shown in FIG. 15 is rotated to an optical fiber fixing position where the optical fiber can be fixed.

Since the basic structure of the second embodiment is the same as the basic structure of the first embodiment, portions common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Only the main differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

In the first embodiment, the first and second fiber clamps (optical fiber fixing means) 5 and 7 of the mechanical splice 1 are disposed along the height direction of the base 2 (the radial direction of the sleeve 3) and the optical fiber. 15 and 16, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in the second embodiment, the movable members (optical fiber fixing means) 206 and 207 of the mechanical splice 202 insert optical fibers. It is possible to insert the optical fiber 4 and 6 into the both ends of the base 203 so as to be rotatable between the optical fiber insertion / viewable position and the optical fiber fixing position. Each is connected.

Pins 234, 235, 236, and 237 are provided on the front and back surfaces of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base 203, respectively.

A cover 205 is provided at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the base 203 so as to be movable along the height direction H of the base 203 and to return to the original position.

The holes 262a and 262b are formed in the movable member 206. A pin 234 is inserted into the hole 262a, and a pin 235 is inserted into the hole 262b.

The holes 272a and 272b are formed in the movable member 207. A pin 236 is inserted into the hole 272a, and a pin 237 is inserted into the hole 272b.

Next, the connection work of the optical fibers 4 and 6 using the mechanical splice of this embodiment will be described.

Prior to the connection work, the sleeve 3 is held in advance by the cover 205 and the cover 205 is attached to the base 203.

First, the pin 234 is removed from the hole 262a of the movable member 206, and the movable member 206 is rotated around the pin 235 to a position where an optical fiber can be inserted and viewed. Similarly, the movable member 207 is rotated to an optical fiber insertion / viewable position (see FIG. 16).

Next, the end of the optical fiber core of the optical fiber 4 is inserted into the through hole 25 of the sleeve 3, and the optical fiber 4 is accommodated in the first optical fiber accommodation groove 11.

Thereafter, the optical fiber 4 is positioned so that the position of the end face of the covering material (not shown) of the optical fiber 4 in the longitudinal direction L of the base 203 coincides with the position of the end face in the longitudinal direction of the cover 5. At this time, since the movable member 206 is rotated away from the base 203, the position of the end face of the coating of the optical fiber 4 can be directly seen with eyes, and the optical fiber 4 can be positioned accurately and easily. In this way, the end of the optical fiber 4 is accurately placed in the center of the confirmation hole 26 of the sleeve 3.

Next, the movable member 206 is rotated from the optical fiber insertion / viewable position to the optical fiber fixing position, and the pin 234 is inserted into the hole 262a of the movable member 206. As a result, the movable member 206 is locked to the base 203 and the optical fiber 4 is pressed against the base 203 by the movable member 206. In this way, the optical fiber 4 is fixed to the base 203 in an accurately positioned state.

Thereafter, the optical fiber 6 is accommodated in the second optical fiber accommodation groove 12, and the end portion of the optical fiber 6 is inserted into the through-hole portion 25 of the sleeve 3 and is abutted against the end portion of the optical fiber 4.

Next, the movable member 207 is rotated from the optical fiber insertion / viewing position to the position where the optical fiber can be fixed, and the pin 236 is inserted into the hole 272a of the movable member 207.

Since the end portion of the optical fiber 4 and the end portion of the optical fiber 6 are abutted at a portion where the confirmation hole 26 of the sleeve 3 is formed, air or the like existing between the end portions of the optical fibers 4 and 6 is confirmed. 26 is discharged.

According to this embodiment, the movable members 206 and 207 can move between the optical fiber insertion / viewable position and the optical fiber fixing position, and have only the function of fixing the optical fibers 4 and 6. High accuracy is not required for processing.

Also, if the movable members 206 and 207 are formed with flat surfaces that contact the optical fibers 4 and 6, respectively, the contact area increases, and the optical fibers 4 and 6 can be held more reliably. Although the movable members 206 and 207 can rotate between the optical fiber insertion / viewable position and the optical fiber fixing position, they are not levers that bite into the optical fiber as in the prior art. Although it does not occur, there is no possibility of damaging the optical fibers 4 and 6.

In the second embodiment described above, the movable members 206 and 207 are provided on the base 203 so as to be rotatable about the shafts 235 and 237. However, the moving direction of the movable members 206 and 207 is not limited to this, For example, the movable members 206 and 207 may be coupled to the base 203 so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the base 203, or the movable members 206 and 207 may be movable along the height direction H of the base 203. 207 may be connected to the base 203.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various application modifications can be made.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the sleeve is formed of a metal material. However, the material is not limited to a metal material, and the sleeve may be formed of a material other than metal as long as molding is possible. Good.

Claims (5)

A sleeve that abuts the end of one optical fiber and the end of the other optical fiber connected thereto,
A housing containing both the optical fibers and the sleeve;
An optical fiber fixing means for fixing both the optical fibers accommodated in the housing to the housing;
The housing has a base in which a recess for accommodating the sleeve is formed, and a cover that is slidably attached to the base in a radial direction of the sleeve and covers the recess,
The cover is capable of holding the sleeve, and is movable between a predetermined position where both the optical fibers can be passed through the sleeve and a displacement position displaced from the predetermined position. Mechanical splice to do. The mechanical splice according to claim 1, wherein the cover is slidable in a height direction of the base. The optical fiber fixing means is
Connected to both ends of the base so as to be movable between an optical fiber insertion position where the end of the optical fiber can be inserted into the recess and an optical fiber fixing position where the optical fiber can be fixed to the base. The mechanical splice according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical splice has a movable member. The mechanical splice according to claim 3, wherein the optical fiber insertion position is a position where an end of the optical fiber can be visually observed. The mechanical splice according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the movable member has a flat surface that presses the optical fiber against the base.

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